Search

Summary: The globally changing climatic condition is increasing the incidences of drought in several parts of the world. This is predicted and already shown to not only impact plant growth and flower development, but also plant–pollinator interactions and the pollination success of entomophilous plants. However, there is a large gap in our understanding of how drought affects the different flowers and pollen transfer among flowers in sexually polymorphic species.Here, we evaluated in monoecious Styrian oil pumpkin, and separately for female and male flowers, the responses of drought stress on flower production, petal size, nectar, floral scent and visitation by bumblebee pollinators.Drought stress adversely affected all floral traits studied, except floral scent. Although both flower sexes were adversely affected by drought stress, the effects were more severe on female flowers, with most of the female flowers even aborted before opening. The drought had negative effects on floral visitation by the pollinators, which generally preferred female flowers.Overall, our study highlights that the two flower sexes of a monoecious plant species are differently affected by drought stress and calls for further investigations to better understand the cues used by the pollinators to discriminate against male flowers and against flowers of drought‐stressed plants. See also the Commentary on this article by Buchmann & Papaj, 244: 746–748. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Climate models predict that everwet western Amazonian forests will face warmer and wetter atmospheric conditions, and increased cloud cover. It remains unclear how these changes will impact plant reproductive performance, such as flowering, which plays a central role in sustaining food webs and forest regeneration. Warmer and wetter nights may cause reduced flower production, via increased dark respiration rates or alteration in the reliability of flowering cue‐based processes. Additionally, more persistent cloud cover should reduce the amounts of solar irradiance, which could limit flower production.We tested whether interannual variation in flower production has changed in response to fluctuations in irradiance, rainfall, temperature, and relative humidity over 18 yrs in an everwet forest in Ecuador.Analyses of 184 plant species showed that flower production declined as nighttime temperature and relative humidity increased, suggesting that warmer nights and greater atmospheric water saturation negatively impacted reproduction. Species varied in their flowering responses to climatic variables but this variation was not explained by life form or phylogeny.Our results shed light on how plant communities will respond to climatic changes in this everwet region, in which the impacts of these changes have been poorly studied compared with more seasonal Neotropical areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cut flower sector is an area of horticulture that generates great economic and academic interest worldwide, the production of flowers represents a market segment that has aesthetic and sentimental purposes in many regions of the world. In recent years, a large amount of research has been generated that has promoted this sector, therefore, in this work we have proposed to develop a systematic review in this field of knowledge, with the objective of consolidating knowledge, guiding future research, and supporting informed decisions, thus contributing to the efficient use of resources and the continuous advancement of the cut flower industry. The systematic review process was divided into six stages, starting with the definition of the search equation and the collection of information from the prestigious Scopus database. Subsequently, a detailed quality and technical analysis of the 532 documents collected was conducted. These documents were grouped into 13 topics that are related to the production system, ranging from propagation techniques, genome study, genetic improvement to topics of current interest such as sustainability. Each of these topics was examined and the results of this analysis led to the preparation of this technical document, which includes relevant aspects that have contributed to the improvement of productivity and productive diversity in species and under different climatic conditions.

Given the current urbanization context and rising interest in green roof systems, growing a high-value crop such as saffron crocus in green roof medium could be an opportunity to use the benefits of both the crop and the green roof system; the drainage, aeration, and sand-like texture of green roof media make it suited for saffron production, and the saffron market price could make green roof production commercially viable. Various factors, including plant diseases and planting depth, could affect saffron production. Therefore, this research was conducted to evaluate the effects of planting depth and biofungicide treatments using Bacillus subtilis on saffron production in a green roof system. A completely randomized factorial block design was used with planting depth (10 cm and 15 cm) and B. subtilis strain QST 713 biofungicide treatments (an untreated control, 15.6 × 109 cfu/L, and 31.2 × 109 cfu/L) as independent variables. In 2019, fresh flower yield, fresh stigma yield, and dry stigma yield were calculated during harvesting, and additional data on flower number, tepal length and width, stigma length, and harvest time were collected in 2020. All variables were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) with planting depth and biofungicide treatments as fixed effects using R. Fresh stigma yield and dry stigma yield were higher in the 10-cm planting depth in 2019. Results were opposite in 2020: flower number, fresh flower yield, fresh stigma yield, dry stigma yield, and harvest time were higher in the 15-cm planting depth than the 10-cm planting depth. B. subtilis treatments did not affect any studied variable in 2020, but in 2019, the higher level of fungicide treatment resulted in lower fresh flower yield and dry stigma yield. There was no effect of biofungicide treatment and planting depth on tepal length, tepal width, and stigma length in both years. This study showed that growing saffron crocus on green roofs is feasible and even resulted in higher yield than field production in many saffron-producing regions and countries. In addition, results indicated that shallow planting might be suitable for annual production, whereas deeper planting could be ideal for perennial production based on the objective. Our findings demonstrated the feasibility of saffron production in the green roof system and suggest further research to develop best management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alternative polymer-based filter media and ornamental plants in constructed wetlands (CWs) are a relatively unexplored field. These approaches have the potential to reduce construction costs and enhance the aesthetic appearance of CWs. This study evaluated for the first time the use of ornamental plants as monoculture and polyculture, as well as the incorporation of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) as a filter medium in a large-scale community HC (divided into 12 cells) for the treatment of municipal wastewater. Duplicate cells were planted with monocultures of Canna hybrids, Spathiphyllum blandum, Anturium spp., and Thypa spp., while two units had mixed cultures of these plants and two control units remained without vegetation. Systems with vegetation achieved average removal efficiencies of 86.95, 81.3, 64.6, 85.2, and 52% for COD, BOD5, TSS, TP, and TN, respectively. Meanwhile, in systems without vegetation, the removal efficiencies for these pollutants were 81.33, 72.86, 43.68, 3.93, and 30.70%, respectively, indicating significant differences between vegetated and non-vegetated systems (p < 0.05). The PET-based filter medium showed effective pollutant removal, with values comparable to or surpassing those reported in existing literature. All ornamental species exhibited good development with new offspring and flower production both in monoculture and in polyculture. The use of such a filter medium and ornamental vegetation could make CWs more attractive to rural communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the current urbanization context and rising interest in green roof systems, growing a high-value crop such as saffron crocus in green roof medium could be an opportunity to use the benefits of both the crop and the green roof system; the drainage, aeration, and sand-like texture of green roof media make it suited for saffron production, and the saffron market price could make green roof production commercially viable. Various factors, including plant diseases and planting depth, could affect saffron production. Therefore, this research was conducted to evaluate the effects of planting depth and biofungicide treatments using Bacillus subtilis on saffron production in a green roof system. A completely randomized factorial block design was used with planting depth (10 cm and 15 cm) and B. subtilis strain QST 713 biofungicide treatments (an untreated control, 15.6 × 109 cfu/L, and 31.2 × 109 cfu/L) as independent variables. In 2019, fresh flower yield, fresh stigma yield, and dry stigma yield were calculated during harvesting, and additional data on flower number, tepal length and width, stigma length, and harvest time were collected in 2020. All variables were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) with planting depth and biofungicide treatments as fixed effects using R. Fresh stigma yield and dry stigma yield were higher in the 10-cm planting depth in 2019. Results were opposite in 2020: flower number, fresh flower yield, fresh stigma yield, dry stigma yield, and harvest time were higher in the 15-cm planting depth than the 10-cm planting depth. B. subtilis treatments did not affect any studied variable in 2020, but in 2019, the higher level of fungicide treatment resulted in lower fresh flower yield and dry stigma yield. There was no effect of biofungicide treatment and planting depth on tepal length, tepal width, and stigma length in both years. This study showed that growing saffron crocus on green roofs is feasible and even resulted in higher yield than field production in many saffron-producing regions and countries. In addition, results indicated that shallow planting might be suitable for annual production, whereas deeper planting could be ideal for perennial production based on the objective. Our findings demonstrated the feasibility of saffron production in the green roof system and suggest further research to develop best management practices.

Yield and yield attributes are important components in genotypic evaluation. The butterfly pea is a native plant of Indonesia, and it is considered an underutilized crop. The goals of this study were to evaluate genotypes using environment (year) interactions (GEIs) with yield and yield attributes, and evaluate butterfly pea genotypes based on stability measurements and sustainability index (SI). The study was conducted at the Ciparanje Experimental Field, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Padjadjaran using 35 butterfly pea genotypes in a randomized complete block design with two replications. The field trial was conducted over three years (2018–2020). The results showed that the yield and yield attributes were influenced by GEIs. Additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) selected 11 stable genotypes (31.43%); genotype plus genotype by environment interaction (GGE) biplot, AMMI stability value (ASV), and genotype stability index (GSI), each selected six genotypes (17.14%) that were stable and high-yielding, and SI selected 18 genotypes (51.43%) that were stable and high-yielding. There were three genotypes identified by all measurements, namely G2, G14, and G16. These three genotypes can be selected as the superior genotypes of the butterfly pea for flower production, and can be used as material for crosses in plant-breeding prog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main pathogen that deteriorates the quality of rose flowers during the postharvest stage belongs to the fungal genus Botrytis. The chemical products used to control the disease caused by this pathogen have been losing effectiveness due to the appearance of resistance. The present study describes the in vitro and in vivo fungicidal activity of Pelargonium graveolens essential oil and its chemical composition. The essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation, and the in vitro fungicidal activity was determined by agar diffusion assays, showing 100% of fungal growth inhibition at 250 ppm. In vivo assays were performed on Rosa grandiflora flowers treated with 250 ppm of P. graveolens essential oil, using distillate water as a positive control and the commercial fungicide carbendazim as a negative one. No significant differences were obtained between the treatment with the essential oil and the treatment with the commercial fungicide. The chemical profile of the essential oil was determined by GC-MS. The main compounds detected were geraniol (24.89%), citronellol (19.50%), linalool (10.92%) and γ-eudesmol (8.93%). These results encourage the possible use of P. graveolens essential oil for the control of B. cinerea in rose flowers.

An experiment was conducted in the horticultural farm at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka to evaluate the Mulch practices on Growth and yield of four Lisianthus germplasm. The experiment consisted of four treatments (Mo: Control, Ms: Straw mulch, Mc: Cocodust mulch, Mbp: Black polythene mulch) and four Lisianthus germplasms (V1: Arena Type Pure White, V2: Double Pure White, V3: Arena Type Light Pink, V4: Super Magic Type Blue), laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The results showed significant variations among the four varieties and different mulches. The tallest plant (71.6 cm), thickest stem (5.7 mm) and the largest flower size (70.6 mm) were found in V4 (Super magic type Blue) than others. Plants grown in Black polythene mulch (Mbp) recorded the tallest plant (65.1 cm), highest stem dia. (5.7 mm), maximum stem number (6.4), maximum number of flowers/plant (44.7) and the largest flower size (64.9 mm) than control. Based on the above parameters, the mulches are put in order as follows Mbp ≥ Mc ≥ Ms ≥ Mo. These findings may provide useful data for the improvement of sustainable flower production of Lisianthus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nectar production may be a point of sensitivity that can help link primary and secondary trophic responses to climate shifts, and is therefore important to our understanding of ecosystem responses. We evaluated the nectar response of two widespread native forbs, Balsamorhiza sagittata and Eriogonum umbellatum, to experimental warming in a high‐elevation sagebrush meadow in the Teton Range, WY, USA, over two years, 2015 and 2016. Warming treatments reduced the occurrence of nighttime freezing and nectar volume but increased sugar concentration in nectar in both species in both years. Warming effects were also evident in a consistent increase in the number of flowers produced by B. sagittata. Our research suggests that warming associated with climate change has the potential to induce shifts in the nectar‐feeding community by changing nectar characteristics such as volume and sugar concentration to which nectar feeders are adapted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Nectar production may be a point of sensitivity that can help link primary and secondary trophic responses to climate shifts, and is therefore important to our understanding of ecosystem responses. We evaluated the nectar response of two widespread native forbs, Balsamorhiza sagittata and Eriogonum umbellatum, to experimental warming in a high‐elevation sagebrush meadow in the Teton Range, WY, USA, over two years, 2015 and 2016. Warming treatments reduced the occurrence of nighttime freezing and nectar volume but increased sugar concentration in nectar in both species in both years. Warming effects were also evident in a consistent increase in the number of flowers produced by B. sagittata. Our research suggests that warming associated with climate change has the potential to induce shifts in the nectar‐feeding community by changing nectar characteristics such as volume and sugar concentration to which nectar feeders are adapted.

Flower production provides the foundation for crop yield and increased profits. Capsicum annuum is a pepper species with a sympodial shoot structure with solitary flowers. By contrast, C. chinense produces multiple flowers per node. C. annuum accounts for 80% of pepper production worldwide. The identification of C. chinense genes that control multiple flowers and their transfer into C. annuum may open the way to increasing fruit yield. In this study, we dissected the genetic factors were dissected controlling the multiple-flower-per-node trait in Capsicum. 85 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) between the contrasting C. annuum 'TF68' and C. chinense 'Habanero' accessions were phenotyped and genotyped. Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) analysis identified four novel QTLs on chromosomes 1, 2, 7, and 11 that accounted for 65% of the total phenotypic variation. Genome-wide association study was also performed on a panel of 276 genotyped and phenotyped C. annuum accessions, which revealed 28 regions significantly associated with the multiple-flower trait, of which three overlapped the identified QTLs. Five candidate genes involved in the development of the shoot and flower meristems were identified and these genes could cause multiple flowers per node in pepper. These results contribute to our understanding of multiple flower formation in Capsicum and will be useful to develop high-yielding cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main pathogen that deteriorates the quality of rose flowers during the postharvest stage belongs to the fungal genus Botrytis. The chemical products used to control the disease caused by this pathogen have been losing effectiveness due to the appearance of resistance. The present study describes the in vitro and in vivo fungicidal activity of Pelargonium graveolens essential oil and its chemical composition. The essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation, and the in vitro fungicidal activity was determined by agar diffusion assays, showing 100% of fungal growth inhibition at 250 ppm. In vivo assays were performed on Rosa grandiflora flowers treated with 250 ppm of P. graveolens essential oil, using distillate water as a positive control and the commercial fungicide carbendazim as a negative one. No significant differences were obtained between the treatment with the essential oil and the treatment with the commercial fungicide. The chemical profile of the essential oil was determined by GC-MS. The main compounds detected were geraniol (24.89%), citronellol (19.50%), linalool (10.92%) and γ-eudesmol (8.93%). These results encourage the possible use of P. graveolens essential oil for the control of B. cinerea in rose flowers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flower production provides the foundation for crop yield and increased profits. Capsicum annuum is a pepper species with a sympodial shoot structure with solitary flowers. By contrast, C. chinense produces multiple flowers per node. C. annuum accounts for 80% of pepper production worldwide. The identification of C. chinense genes that control multiple flowers and their transfer into C. annuum may open the way to increasing fruit yield. In this study, we dissected the genetic factors were dissected controlling the multiple-flower-per-node trait in Capsicum. 85 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) between the contrasting C. annuum ‘TF68’ and C. chinense ‘Habanero’ accessions were phenotyped and genotyped. Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) analysis identified four novel QTLs on chromosomes 1, 2, 7, and 11 that accounted for 65% of the total phenotypic variation. Genome-wide association study was also performed on a panel of 276 genotyped and phenotyped C. annuum accessions, which revealed 28 regions significantly associated with the multiple-flower trait, of which three overlapped the identified QTLs. Five candidate genes involved in the development of the shoot and flower meristems were identified and these genes could cause multiple flowers per node in pepper. These results contribute to our understanding of multiple flower formation in Capsicum and will be useful to develop high-yielding cultivars.

A study was conducted to evaluate the influence of various sowing times on flowering, pollen viability and seed yield of zinnia (Zinnia elegans) cultivars 'Lilliput' and 'Super Yoga' under Faisalabad, Pakistan conditions. Seeds of both Zinnia cultivars were sown in 128-cell plug trays at 20 days interval from March 14 to August 20, during 2019. Seedlings were transplanted in thoroughly prepared field beds after 15 days of each sowing, according to factorial arranged randomized complete block design, with three replications. Data were recorded for various growths, flowering traits, pollen viability and seed related parameters. Super Yoga excelled over Lilliput for most the studied traits except number of lateral shoots, flowers per plant, unopened flower buds, pollen viability and seed yield per plant; values of these traits were higher for Lilliput than Super Yoga. Significant variation among various sowing times was recorded in both cultivars. Seeds sown on March 14, 2019 performed best compared to later sowing times for plant height, number of lateral shoots per plant, length of the lateral shoots, leaf area, number of flowers per plant, flower diameter, pollen viability, seed yield per plant and seed viability. However, total number of un-opened flower buds, seed weight per flower and 100-seed weight were more in April 03 sowing, although statistically similar to March 14 sowing. Seed yield declined gradually with delay in sowing; 66% less seed yield in June 20 sowing. Further delay in sowing did not produce seed. It was concluded that Zinnia should be sown by mid-March for getting high seed yield of good quality; later sowing, even during first week of April, resulted in 17.5% decrease in seed yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Selecting bulbs based on their quality as planting materials is a critical point in obtaining high qualified growth and development of lilies, however published reports in re-using bulbs on cultivation of lilies were still limited. Objective of the research was to reveal effect of re-using vernalization bulbs on growth and development of lily. The research was conducted in plastic house of Segunung Experimental Gerden, Indonesian Ornamental Crops Research Institute. Research Method: Materials used in the study were lily bulbs harvested from the third cultivation period of Asiatic lily, Lilium ‘Delina’, L. ‘Liana’, L. longiflorum and L. ‘Renata’; two bulb sizes of them were grade A and B. The experiment was arranged in split plot design with three replications. Main plot was two bulb sizes of the grade A and B; while sub-plot was five lily varieties of Asiatic, Delina, Liana, Longiflorum and Renata. Findings: Results of the study revealed that re-utilizing lily bulbs harvested from third cultivation period still had high potential in obtaining better growth and development of lily both vegetatively and generatively. The such bulbs kept resulting in optimal growth performances in all lilies tested. Higher bulb sizes produced better lily performances vegetatively and generatively; grade A > grade B in the most varieables observed, while lily varieties indicated varied responses in all variables observed. The best variety of lily growth and preformances vegetatively was showed by Longiflorum, however better generative growth and performances was noted on Liana. While in interaction effect, grade A of Delina gave better results in initial influorescent formation after 71.3 days after culture with 102.3 days initial flower buds opened, 100% plants flowered, 3 flower buds per plant, 18.7 cm flower bud diameter and 45mm bulb diameter. The results of the study gave evidents that re-utilizing lily bulbs derived from third cultivation period still could be applied to produce better quality and quantity of lily flowers. Limitations: The limitations of the research are apparent to the fact that the research was only focused on re-utilization of lily bulbs harvested from third cultivation period. Originality/ Value: Results of the research can be used as important considerations for growers and farmers on producing maximal lily flower on fulfilling market and customer demand under re-utilization of lily bulbs.

The use of treated domestic effluent in agriculture is important not only as a source of water but also as a source of nutrients for crops. In this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate its use for the production of ornamental sunflower cv. ‘Anão de Jardim’ in a bench-type low cost hydroponic system, inferring on its technical feasibility and observing the possible impacts on the crop. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse adopting a completely randomized design with four treatments (T1 - nutrient solution of Furlani 100%, prepared in municipal supply water - control), T2, T3 and T4 - nutrient solution of Furlani, respectively, with 100, 75 and 50% strength, prepared in treated domestic effluent and six replicates, totalizing 24 experimental units, each consisting of 15 plants. All treatments met the nutritional requirements of the plants and presented adequate contents of N, P, K, Ca and Mg in leaf and stem at harvest leading to satisfactory plant growth and produced acceptable commercial grade chapters and stems. The plants under treatment T4 although produced chapters of commercial quality but exhibited great variability in comparison to the other treatments, therefore except this treatment any other treatment can be used for hydroponic production of ornamental sunflower utilizing treated domestic effluents.

The use of treated domestic effluent in agriculture is important not only as a source of water but also as a source of nutrients for crops. In this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate its use for the production of ornamental sunflower cv. Anão de Jardim in a benchtype low-cost hydroponic system, inferring on its technical feasibility and observing the possible impacts on the crop. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse, adopting a completely randomized design with four treatments (T1 - nutrient solution of Furlani 100%, prepared in municipal supply water - control), T2, T3 and T4 - nutrient solution of Furlani, respectively, with 100, 75 and 50% strength, prepared in treated domestic effluent and six replicates, totalizing 24 experimental units, each consisting of 15 plants. All treatments met the nutritional requirements of the plants and had adequate contents of N, P, K, Ca and Mg in leaf and stem at harvest, leading to satisfactory plant growth, and produced acceptable commercial grade capitula and stems. The plants under treatment T4, despite producing capitula of commercial quality, exhibited great variability in comparison to the other treatments, therefore except this treatment any other treatment can be used for hydroponic production of ornamental sunflower utilizing treated domestic effluents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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.

Water availability may affect plant productivity because it limits a plant's ability to reproduce and defend itself. In this field study, we studied the effect of water increment in relation to: a) flower production, b) fruit production and c) herbivory, focusing on Fuchsia boliviana (Onagraceae) in the Yungas forest of Northwestern Argentina. We selected 10 pairs of plants of similar size separated at least 5 m from each other. We watered one plant of the pair with 20 L twice a week between September and December, 2016. The number of flowers and fruits of all plants were counted twice a week. Herbivory was quantified once from photographs of five leaves per plant using ImageJ version 1.5i. Based on Wilcoxon tests, we found no difference in the number of flowers, or fruits, nor in herbivory in plants of both treatments. We observed a trend for watered plants starting to flower later and with more intensity than unwatered plants. We discuss different options that may explain why water increase did not affect reproduction nor the level of herbivore damage in Fuchsia boliviana. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The soil conditions and the yield and quality of Rosa sp. var. Freedom were determined following the incorporation into the soil of rose waste composts, with or without fertigation; the effects of these treatments were compared with those of non-stabilised chopped rose wastes + fertigation (FWF). The growing conditions were those of a commercial greenhouse. The use of the composts, alone or combined with fertigation, increased the available P and K contents of the soil with respect to FWF. However, only the compost + fertigation treatments improved, in general, the soil fertility regarding the organic matter (OM), nitrogen and available micronutrient concentrations, in comparison to FWF. When the composts were added alone, irrigation with alkaline water increased the soil pH and, in consequence, reduced the availability of micronutrients. Overall, the combined use of compost and fertigation increased the cut rose yield and quality relative to the application of compost alone and FWF. Principal component analysis indicated that the OM, available Cu, Mn and Zn and total N contents and the pH of the soil were the principal soil parameters determining the yield and quality of the roses. This analysis classified the treatments in three groups: the compost + fertigation treatments; the treatments with compost alone; and the FWF treatment. The compost + fertigation treatments gave the highest net income (average for these treatments = 80388.92 US dollars ha−1). Therefore, the compost + fertigation treatments were highly beneficial with regard to increasing soil fertility and cut rose yield, quality and profitability. Highlights • The use of rose waste composts combined with fertigation improved soil fertility. • Compost + fertigation treatments were the most suitable for cut rose production. • The highest net incomes were achieved with the compost + fertigation treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Selecting bulbs based on their quality as planting materials is a critical point in obtaining high qualified growth and development of lilies, however published reports in re-using bulbs on cultivation of lilies were still limited. Objective of the research was to reveal effect of re-using vernalization bulbs on growth and development of lily. The research was conducted in plastic house of Segunung Experimental Gerden, Indonesian Ornamental Crops Research Institute. Research Method: Materials used in the study were lily bulbs harvested from the third cultivation period of Asiatic lily, Lilium 'Delina', L. 'Liana', L. longiflorum and L. 'Renata'; two bulb sizes of them were grade A and B. The experiment was arranged in split plot design with three replications. Main plot was two bulb sizes of the grade A and B; while sub-plot was five lily varieties of Asiatic, Delina, Liana, Longiflorum and Renata. Findings: Results of the study revealed that re-utilizing lily bulbs harvested from third cultivation period still had high potential in obtaining better growth and development of lily both vegetatively and generatively. The such bulbs kept resulting in optimal growth performances in all lilies tested. Higher bulb sizes produced better lily performances grade A > grade B in the most varieables observed, while lily varieties indicated varied growth responses in all variables observed. The best variety of lily growth and preformances vegetatively was showed by Longiflorum, however better aspects was noted on Liana. While in interaction effect, grade A of Delina gave better results in initial influorescent formation after 71.3 days after culture with 102.3 days initial flower buds opened, 100% plants flowered, 3 flower buds per plant, 18.7 cm flower bud diameter and 45 mm bulb diameter. The results of the study gave evidents that re-utilizing lily bulbs derived from third cultivation period still could be applied to produce better quality and quantity of lily flowers. Limitations: The limitations of the research are apparent to the fact that the research was only focused on re-utilization of lily bulbs harvested from third cultivation period. Originality/Value: Results of the research can be used as important considerations for growers and farmers on producing maximal lily flower on fulfilling market and customer demand under re-utilization of lily bulbs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flowering plants exhibit striking interspecific and intraspecific variation in flower number, which strongly influences the reproductive success of animal-pollinated plants. However, the reproductive consequences of producing a single flower are poorly understood., Here, we test if plants producing a single flower have a reproductive disadvantage compared with plants producing multiple flowers by combining field investigation of five deceptive orchids and a survey of published literature. Pollen limitation was estimated by comparing fruit production between hand pollination and open pollination. Flowering frequency was monitored over years to assess the potential advantage of producing a single flower., Both single- and multiple-flowered species suffered strong pollen limitation. However, single-flowered species had significantly lower fruit set and produced fewer seeds per individual, although they had a significantly higher pollen removal than species with multiple flowers. A phylogenetically independent contrast of 28 species representing four of the five subfamilies of Orchidaceae revealed that fruit set was significantly positively associated with flower number. Both pollen removal and fruit set had a positive relationship with flower number within the multiple-flowered species., Synthesis. Current data and phylogenetically independent contrast support the hypothesis that producing a single flower has reproductive disadvantages. Single-flowered species may compensate for low female success through high flowering frequency over years. This study provides insight into costs and benefits of producing a single flower in deceptive orchids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Habitat degradation can reduce or even prevent the reproduction of previously abundant plant species. To develop appropriate management strategies, we need to understand the reasons for reduced recruitment in degraded ecosystems. The dioecious coco de mer palm ( Lodoicea maldivica) produces by far the largest seeds of any plant. It is a keystone species in an ancient palm forest that occurs only on two small islands in the Seychelles, yet contemporary rates of seed production are low, especially in fragmented populations. We developed a method to infer the recent reproductive history of female trees from morphological evidence present on their inflorescences. We then applied this method to investigate the effects of habitat disturbance and soil nutrient conditions on flower and fruit production. The 57 female trees in our sample showed a 19.5-fold variation in flower production among individuals over a seven-year period. Only 77.2% of trees bore developing fruits (or had recently shed fruits), with the number per tree ranging from zero to 43. Flower production was positively correlated with concentrations of available soil nitrogen and potassium and did not differ significantly between closed and degraded habitat. Fruiting success was positively correlated with pollen availability, as measured by numbers and distance of neighboring male trees. Fruit set was lower in degraded habitat than in closed forest, while the proportion of abnormal fruits that failed to develop was higher in degraded habitat. Seed size recorded for a large sample of seeds collected by forest wardens varied widely, with fresh weights ranging from 1 to 18 kg. Synthesis: Shortages of both nutrients and pollen appear to limit seed production of Lodoicea in its natural habitat, with these factors affecting different stages of the reproductive process. Flower production varies widely amongst trees, while seed production is especially low in degraded habitat. The size of seeds is also very variable. We discuss the implications of these findings for managing this ecologically and economically important species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was carried out in Entisol soil at Horticulture Research Station, BCKV, Nadia to study the response of integrated plant nutrient supply system on gerbera under poly house condition. Different combinations of chemical fertilizer (100, 75 and 50% RDF), organic manure (FYM and vermicompost) and bio-fertilizer (Azoztobacter and PSB) were evaluated in Randomized Block Design. Healthy disease free tissue culture gerbera plants with uniform growth were planted in the bed of a size 10 x 1 m with a spacing of 50 x 50 cm. The growth attributes, flowering characteristics, flower quality (stalk length and flower size) was improved under the treatment receiving 75% RDF along with FYM, vermicompost and Azotobacter + PSB. The maximum numbers of flower with longest shelf life in field condition and vase life in room condition could be harvested with combined application of 75% RDF, FYM, vermicompost along with or without Azotobacter + PSB. The bio-fertilizer had significant role in flower quality improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the flowering probability and flower production in relation to plant size in a terrestrial orchid, Dactylorhiza majalis at 10 meadow sites in central and southwestern Poland. These sites differed in altitude (low, high) and management (presence or absence of mowing). At all sites, concentrations of nutrients in the soil were also measured. The probability of flowering increased significantly with the size of the plant in all populations, indicating that individuals do not flower until they reach a threshold size. Populations at high altitudes and the unmown sites had significantly lower threshold sizes for reproduction and showed sharp increase in flowering probability with plant size, compared to other populations. The threshold sizes for reproduction tended to decrease at sites rich in N and Mg and poor in P and S. Flower production was also size-dependent in all populations. Considerable between-site differences were found in the slope and the intercept of the regression between plant size and flower production. Flower production at some sites, at high altitudes, increased more steeply with plant size than at other sites. However, no pattern in size-dependent flower production was found relative to the measured environmental variables. Most of the size-dependent components of flowering probability were related to each other but not with the size-dependent flower production.

Cupuassu (Theobroma grandiflorum), a specie native to Amazonia, has been planted commercially in Brazil to satisfy the demand for the flavorful juice obtained from the pulp around its seeds. The trees are notorious for low and irregular fruit production. Data gathered over two seasons from trees in a germplasm collection in Pará, Brazil, showed that some of them fruited more regularly than others. Differences in fruit production correlated to differences in flower production. Tree-to-tree variation in flower production, fruit production, and consistency of both over time suggest considerable scope for improving yields by selection. Hand pollinations resulted in a much higher frequency of fruit set than open pollinations, indicating that lack of effective pollination is also a reason for low yield. However, attempts to increase the level of effective pollination are handicapped by low knowledge about the pollinators of cupuassu and their behavior.Cupuaçu (Theobroma grandiflorum) é uma espécie nativa da Amazônia que vem sendo plantada comercialmente no Brasil para satisfazer a demanda pelo seu suco, de sabor marcante, obtido da polpa que envolve as suas sementes. As árvores não notórias pela sua baixa e irregular produtividade. Dados obtidos de dois períodos produtivos, de árvores de uma coleção de germoplasma no estado do Pará, Brasil, mostraram que algumas delas frutificam mais irregularmente que outras. Diferenças na produção de frutos foram correlacionadas à diferenças na produção de flores. Variações entre plantas nas produções de flores e de frutos, e a repetibilidade de ambos ao longo do tempo sugerem melhoria das colheitas por seleção. Polinizações manuais resultaram em aumento no pegamento dos frutos, indicando que a falta de polinizador efetivo é também um causa da produtividade baixa. Entretanto, tentativas para aumentar o nível de polinização efetiva são dificultadas pelo pouco conhecimento sobre os agentes polinizadores do cupuaçu e seu comportamento.

As flores de corte são importantes produtos da floricultura brasileira, as características da produção mineira são, no entanto, desconhecidas. Objetivou-se realizar um estudo da produção de flores de corte no estado de Minas Gerais, aplicou-se um questionário aos produtores do Estado , no período de 2003 a 2005. As visitas foram feitas in loco e os produtores foram identificados por meio de visitas nas áreas produtivas e os questionários foram respondidos por eles próprios. Analisando-se as respostas contidas nos questionários, identificou-se que a produção de flores de corte no estado de Minas Gerais é uma atividade realizada por 188 produtores, numa área plantada de aproximadamente 290,6836 ha As principais espécies cultivadas no Estado são: rosa (151,5710), sempre-vivas (57,26 ha), copo-de-leite (16,0255 ha), cravo (12,6290 ha) e helicônia (11,7600 ha). A produção é vendida para o todo o Brasil e também exportada para países da Europa, Ásia e América do Norte. Os principais produtos exportados são: rosas de corte, orquídeas de corte e sempre-vivas.Cut flowers are important products of Brazilian floriculture. The characteristics of Minas Gerais production are, nevertheless, unknown. So, with the purpose of performing a study of the cut flower production in the state of Minas Gerais, a questionnaire was applied to flower growers of Minas Gerais state, in the period of 2003 to 2005. The visits were paid in loco and the growers were identified by means of visits to the flower-growing areas and the questionnaires were answered by them. By analyzing the answers contained in the questionnaires, it was identified that the cut flower production in the state of Minas Gerais is a business accomplished by 188 growers in a planted area of about 290.6836 ha. The main species grown in the state are: rose (151.5710 ha), sempre-vivas (57.26 ha), cala lilly flowers (16.0255 ha), carnation (12.6290 ha) and heliconia (11.7600 ha). The production is sold all over Brazil and it is also exported to countries of Europe, Asia and North America. The main exported produces are: cut roses, cut orchids and sempre-vivas.

There is a current interest in understanding the physiological aspects involved in gaining high crop yields, and their relationship with biomass production and substrate nutrient availability. This knowledge will allow the recommendation of accurate nutrient doses, avoiding problems associated to imbalances in both the soil and the environment. This study evaluated some physiological responses of Gerbera jamesonii (cultivar Cirilo®) under the effect of four nitrogen fertilization treatments (75, 56, 94 and 112.5 mgN plant-1 day-1). We also sought to relate these possible responses with growth characteristics. Plants were arranged in a completely randomized design with 3 replications to which gas exchange (CO2 assimilation, transpiration, and stomatal conductance), leaf water potential and quantum yield of photosystem II were measured. These variables were related to vegetative growth (total leaf area) and quality and flower production variables (floral stem length and diameter, flower head diameter and number of monthly flowers). The results show that increasing substrate N doses resulted in an increase in CO2 assimilation for this cultivar (from 9.2 to 12.1 µmol m-2s-1). However, it is possible to reduce N fertilization by 25% (56 mg N plant-1 day-1) without affecting monthly flower production and quality variables (no significant differences were found between treatments (P>0.05)). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies were conducted on the effect of photoperiodic treatments on regulation of flower production in two standard varieties of chrysanthemum viz. Thai Ching Queen and Purnima. The plants raised through rooting of terminal cuttings were maintained under long day (LD) condition from 15 August to 15 February by interrupting the night period daily for two hours from 10 pm to 12 am by placing the pots under CFL lamps (23 Watt). These plants were periodically shifted to natural day length (ND) condition from September to February. Time of flower production in both the varieties was significantly affected by photoperiod treatments. Transferring plants from ND to natural short day length (SD) condition in September and October decreased number of days to produce flowers as compared to those maintained continuously under ND condition w.e.f. August. The plants transferred from LD to ND condition in the month of November and December took longer to reach commercial flower harvesting stage where as those transferred to ND condition in the months of January and February produced flowers in minimum number of days, respectively. Flower production in two varieties under study could be extended to end of April but the post harvest quality of flowers produced decreased due to rise in temperature in March and April. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of lianas through time and their effect on tree reproduction are evaluated for the first time in a Southeast Asian Dipterocarp forest. We quantified flower and seed production by lianas and trees for 13 years, assessed liana loads in the crowns of all trees larger than 30 cm in diameter at breast height (1.3 m) in 2002 and 2014, and assessed levels of reproduction for the same trees during a strong general flowering event in 2014 for the 50-ha forest dynamics plot at the Pasoh Forest Reserve, Malaysia. General flowering refers to synchronous reproduction by hundreds of plant species at irregular, multiyear intervals and only occurs in Southeast Asian Dipterocarp forests. Overall, lianas were present in 50% of tree crowns and comprised 31% of flower production and 46% of seed production. Lianas reduced growth, survival, and reproduction by their host trees. Lianas were less frequent in canopyemergent trees, Dipterocarps comprised a disproportionately large proportion of canopy emergents, and, as a consequence, lianas were less frequent in Dipterocarps than in trees from other plant families. Lianas infested the crowns of significantly fewer trees in 2014 (47.9%) than in 2002 (52.3%); however, the decrease was restricted to trees with the lightest liana loads and sample sizes and statistical power were enormous. Lianas comprised a stable proportion of flower production and a highly variable proportion of seed production from 2002 through 2013. We conclude lianas have a huge impact on trees in this forest and were a stable component of the forest between 2002 and 2014. The emergent habit and associated ability to avoid lianas might contribute to the success of the Dipterocarpaceae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding how phenotype trait expression varies at different levels of biological organization is crucial to understanding the fundamental ecological, evolutionary, and developmental issues that contribute to adaptive plasticity. This is particularly important in plants because of their modular organization. Here, we study plasticity in flower production in response to light intensity at 3 levels of biological organization (between populations, among individuals, and within individuals) in Emex spinosa (L.) Compd., a Mediterranean amphicarpic annual. Plants exposed to high light intensity grew faster and produced more flowers than plants at low light intensity. Female flower production was the most labile trait. Within individuals, the production of female and male flowers, and the floral sex ratio strongly varied along the stems. Light intensity only significantly affected flower production at central and terminal positions in the inflorescence, while sex ratio was invariable to light intensity in each position, reflecting a sexual specialization independently of light, from initial femaleness towards maleness at the end of flowering. In Emex spinosa, the production of selfing fruits seems not only to concern ground fruits, but also early aerial fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anagyris foetida L. has a Mediterranean distribution, but its populations are highly fragmented. This, together with its mixed mating system, puts it at clear risk of being strongly affected by inbreeding depression. To determine the effect of inbreeding depression in this species, hand pollinations were performed during the 2003/04 season in 2 populations from SW Spain to generate selfed and outcrossed seeds. These seeds were divided in 2 sample lots and seedlings were obtained in different years. During the first year of life the first lot showed no differences in vegetative parameters between the 2 populations, so that no differentiation was made between populations in analyzing the results. Reproductive parameters were determined during the first 2 flowering periods in the second sample lot. The results showed inbreeding depression to be manifest in the populations studied throughout the life cycle, adversely affecting the reproductive parameters more than the vegetative parameters, with the male capacity being strongly affected. This shows the need to study the entire life cycle to understand how it is affected by inbreeding depression, and to analyze more than one flowering period in long-lived species. The findings may have important implications for the long-term conservation management of these populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]