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There is a need to summarise information using phenological models to develop a sustainable saffron production technology with further regulation of flowering at a certain phenological stage and determination of the appropriate flowering period to improve yield and quality under different environmental conditions. The purpose of the study is to establish the course of phenological phases of saffron growth and development in the conditions of the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. Phenological observations and biometric measurements were performed in the study. According to field observations, there are a total of 6 phenological stages of saffron development. The rest period lasts from the third ten days of May to October and is divided into primary and secondary dormancy. During the primary dormant period, corms do not show external morphological changes and growth, but internal physiological and morphogenetic changes occur. In the secondary dormant period, the initial emergence of leaves and flowers and their differentiation take place. During the dormant period, saffron plants were left without aboveground organs. The flowering period falls in October. The passage of this phenological stage may be affected by changes in environmental conditions or agricultural technology. The growth of the root system began with the appearance of flowers and leaves. During the growing season, the growth of the leaf apparatus and the development of the root system continue. During this period, daughter corms are also formed from the buds of the mother corm. During the winter, the replacement corms continue to grow using the nutrient reserves of the mother corm. In early March, the development of the root system slows down and the daughter corms reach almost the final size. At the end of the growing season, the root system of the mother corm stops growing. The leaves begin to age from the top to the base. By the end of May, the daughter corms are fully developed and are preparing for the transition to a dormant state. The number of corms produced per unit area depends on the age of the plot, nutrient supply, and the level of agricultural technology. Older fields produce more corms. Due to the higher density, a larger yield of stamens is formed. Therefore, understanding the phenological reactions and influence of climatic factors on the stages of saffron growth and development in certain soil and climatic conditions is useful for future forecasting of harvest time

There is a need to summarise information using phenological models to develop a sustainable saffron production technology with further regulation of flowering at a certain phenological stage and determination of the appropriate flowering period to improve yield and quality under different environmental conditions. The purpose of the study is to establish the course of phenological phases of saffron growth and development in the conditions of the Right- Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. Phenological observations and biometric measurements were performed in the study. According to field observations, there are a total of 6 phenological stages of saffron development. The rest period lasts from the third ten days of May to October and is divided into primary and secondary dormancy. During the primary dormant period, corms do not show external morphological changes and growth, but internal physiological and morphogenetic changes occur. In the secondary dormant period, the initial emergence of leaves and flowers and their differentiation take place. During the dormant period, saffron plants were left without aboveground organs. The flowering period falls in October. The passage of this phenological stage may be affected by changes in environmental conditions or agricultural technology. The growth of the root system began with the appearance of flowers and leaves. During the growing season, the growth of the leaf apparatus and the development of the root system continue. During this period, daughter corms are also formed from the buds of the mother corm. During the winter, the replacement corms continue to grow using the nutrient reserves of the mother corm. In early March, the development of the root system slows down and the daughter corms reach almost the final size. At the end of the growing season, the root system of the mother corm stops growing. The leaves begin to age from the top to the base. By the end of May, the daughter corms are fully developed and are preparing for the transition to a dormant state. The number of corms produced per unit area depends on the age of the plot, nutrient supply, and the level of agricultural technology. Older fields produce more corms. Due to the higher density, a larger yield of stamens is formed. Therefore, understanding the phenological reactions and influence of climatic factors on the stages of saffron growth and development in certain soil and climatic conditions is useful for future forecasting of harvest time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Saffron corm is produced annually in large quantities in Iran. It contains some bioactive components like phenolic and antioxidative compounds. We extracted saffron corm by ultrasound-assisted solvent extraction method. The extraction yield and antioxidant properties, free radical scavenging ability, FRAP, and total phenolic compounds (TPC), were determined. To evaluate acute and subchronic toxicity, the extract was administered at three different doses of 1, 10, and 100 mg/kg to BALB/c male mice. Then, the rate of mortality and biochemical parameters such as LDH, ALT, AST, ALP, TG, cholesterol and creatinine were measured after 24 hours and 60 days respectively. Effect of extract on healthy (HFF) and cancerous cells (MCF-7 & HT-29) was evaluated using MTT assay. Results showed that the 40 min ultrasound-assisted extraction method with the highest extraction yield (0.98%), free radical scavenging inhibition (64.37%), and highest FRAP (643.51 µmol/feII.l) and TPC (82.23 mg/ml) could be selected as the most active saffron corm extract. According to our animal study after acute and subchronic administration of extract, no significant alteration of the levels of TG, cholesterol, ALP, ALT, AST and creatinine was observed, in mice. Cytotoxicity tests showed that saffron corm extract had no toxic effect on HFF cells, although it had toxic effects on MCF-7 & HT-29 cells. Conclusively, to our data, saffron corm extract had no significant acute and subchronic toxicity on BALB/c mice, and although it had toxic effects on cancer cells no cytotoxicity was seen on normal fibroblast cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work tried to evaluate whether arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) affected physiological aspects of saffron corms by triggering flowering and dormancy together with improving growth parameter. Endomycorrhizal fungi inoculum was inoculated into potted saffron corms (Crocus sativus L.) exposed to stress conditions (water and salinity) and followed for two growing seasons. Results highlighted a variation among saffron responses to endomycorrhizal fungi inoculum under water and salinity stress. The mycorrhizal corms showed a regular flowering period that occurred earlier than that of non-inoculated with AMF. The superior values of morphological traits, such as leaf and root length, leaves number and daughter corm number were between 3 and 12 cm, 11 to 25 cm; 13.4-4.5; 7 and 3 at respective concentrations of 1 g/l and 5 g/l of NaCl. Similarly, in AMF inoculated saffron, no statistical difference was observed in the dry weight average of aerial part in plants facing water level 60% (0.38 g) and 40% (0.27 g) compared respectively to 0.36 g and 0.22 g in control plants. The fresh weight of aerial saffron parts were 2 g (1 g/L), 0.6 g/L and 0.33 g at 5 g/L of NaCl compared to 1.6 g, 0.4 g and 0.2 g in control plants. At water level of 60% and 40%, this weight decreased from 1.46 g to 0.85 g. Almost equal values of dry weight of root parts were noted at 3 g/L (0.33 g) and 5 g/L of NaCl (0.22 g) in saffron plants from bulbs grown in soil incorporated with AMF inoculum compared to 0.25 g (3 g/L) and 0.18 g at 5 g/L of NaCl in control plants.

A pot experiment was performed in the open field of Ornamental Plants and Landscape Gardening Research Department Nursery, Horticulture Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Giza, Egypt, during 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 seasons to improve the quality of Gladiolus grandiflorus ‘Peters Pears’ growth and flowering. To achieve this goal different planting dates (July, October and February) and various soil drench additions (yeast and garlic extracts) were employed, while different parameters i.e. plant height (cm), leaf number/plant, spike stem length (cm), spike fresh and dry weights (g), corms fresh and dry weights (g), and pigments content of the fresh leaves (chlorophyll a, b and carotenoids; mg/g f.w.) were measured. The obtained results showed that planting on 15th October in addition to soil drenching with yeast extract produced the highest values in most studied characters except for corms' fresh and dry weights (g) which were increased by planting on 15th February in addition to soil drenching with yeast extract. So, to obtain the best results it is recommended to plant Gladiolus grandiflorus ‘Peters Pears’ corms on 15th October in addition to soil drenching with yeast extract (2 g/l three times at 15-day intervals)

This article, published in the journal Environment & Ecology, presents findings on the amylase activity and bio-chemical estimation of different genotypes of post-harvest banana corms. The study found variations in amylase activity, soluble sugar level, starch level, soluble protein level, and crude protein content among the different genotypes. The study concludes that post-harvest banana corms have sufficient organic content that can be used for promoting propagules or making organic compost. Further research is needed to explore the potential uses of banana corms. [Extracted from the article]

The high affinity of hemoglobin makes difficult to use carbon monoxide (CO) as a therapeutic agent. One of the safe ways for exogenous CO application is utilization of CO-releasing molecules. Besides, the chemical properties of CO-releasing molecules must be predictable in order to transportation of CO to the cell with controllable manner. The journey of CO through the body fluids is important for analyzing its effectiveness in target cell. Zetasizer measurements such as particle size, mobility and zeta potential of manganese complexes containing benzimidazole derivative ligands that are proven to show anticancer activity in vitro by CO-releasing; [Mn(CO)3(bpy)(N-benzimidazole)]PF6 and [Mn(CO)3(bpy)(2,4,6-trimethylbenzylbenzimidazole)]PF6 were performed at different pHs and as a function of time in artificial body fluid environments such as PBS, dextrose and isotonic NaCl. The effect of time on the activity and stability of the complexes at different pHs and in different body fluid environments was examined by UV-Vis spectroscopy. In this way, a method was developed that could shed light on the in vivo studies of these complexes that can be used as alternative therapeutic agents in cancer treatment. In addition, the theoretical analysis of the molecules using DFT/TDDFT, and molecular docking methods were made, and structure-activity connections were investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is a geophytic plant which is one of the most commonly known medicinal and aromatic plant species in the world. The stigma of saffron is used for dye, food, or beverages additive and in the pharmacology industries. The saffron crocus has been cultivated in our country quite recently, but the areas with this crop are rapidly increasing. Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is the most expensive spice in the world. This plant species is propagated vegetatively through the formation of daughter corms from the mother one. The field experiment was conducted to determine the most suitable bulb size for saffron cultivation. In the present article, we summarize scientific observations on the influence of air factors on the development of saffron and the size of the bulbs, their mass and also the number of daughter bulbs. One of the most important organs for plant development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work tried to evaluate whether arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) affected physiological aspects of saffron corms by triggering flowering and dormancy together with improving growth parameter. Endomycorrhizal fungi inoculum was inoculated into potted saffron corms (Crocus sativus L.) exposed to stress conditions (water and salinity) and followed for two growing seasons. Results highlighted a variation among saffron responses to endomycorrhizal fungi inoculum under water and salinity stress. The mycorrhizal corms showed a regular flowering period that occurred earlier than that of non-inoculated with AMF. The superior values of morphological traits, such as leaf and root length, leaves number and daughter corm number were between 3 and 12 cm, 11 to 25 cm; 13.4–4.5; 7 and 3 at respective concentrations of 1 g/l and 5 g/l of NaCl. Similarly, in AMF inoculated saffron, no statistical difference was observed in the dry weight average of aerial part in plants facing water level 60% (0.38 g) and 40% (0.27 g) compared respectively to 0.36 g and 0.22 g in control plants. The fresh weight of aerial saffron parts were 2 g (1 g/L), 0.6 g/L and 0.33 g at 5 g/L of NaCl compared to 1.6 g, 0.4 g and 0.2 g in control plants. At water level of 60% and 40%, this weight decreased from 1.46 g to 0.85 g. Almost equal values of dry weight of root parts were noted at 3 g/L (0.33 g) and 5 g/L of NaCl (0.22 g) in saffron plants from bulbs grown in soil incorporated with AMF inoculum compared to 0.25 g (3 g/L) and 0.18 g at 5 g/L of NaCl in control plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted at Abi – Jarash farm, Damascus, Syria, during 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 growing seasons. The aim of this study was comparing the effect of three different cultivation techniques of saffron (Crocus sativus L.), which were soilless cultivation, within the nutrient film technique (NFT), and the technique of cultivation in substrates (mixture of peat moss- perlite), in addition to cultivation in soil. An increasing in the vegetative growth measurements was recorded with cultivation saffron in the soil, compared to the cultivation without soil, within the nutrient film technology (hydroponics),and the technology of cultivation in the substrates (peat moss and perlite mixture)، Flowering was poor in the hydroponics technique, while non significant differences were observed among the cultivation technique in the peat moss–perlite mixture, and the cultivation in the soil in first and second seasons . Cultivation in the soil achieved a significant increase in the rate of corms multiplication (corm plant-1), and the weight of daughter corms produced from one plant, whereas, a qualitative superiority appeared within the nutrient film technique, in which the percentage of commercial corms (˃ 8 g) reached 100%, and the average weight of the produced corms was 13.65,16.07 g in first and second seasons, respectively . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The present research was carried out at Experimental Farm, Department of Agriculture, Mata Gujri College, Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab during winter season of 2020-21. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with seven treatments (Control, 20gy, 40gy, 60gy, 80gy, 100gy and 120gy) and the treatments were replicated thrice. From the experiment it can be concluded that the lower dose (20gy) of gamma irradiation show positive result on growth i.e. maximum plant height (90.03 cm), size of leave (28.44 cm) and take less number of days to sprout (12.65 days) and flowering of Gladiolus cultivar White Prosperity. As the dose of gamma irradiation increases (60gy-120gy), it affect the vegetative characteristic like days taken to sprouting, plant height, number of leaves, size and length of longest leaf, it reduces with the dose increase, but it has no effect on number of sprouts/corm and on size of corm.

This experiment was carried out in the shade of the green network of the Department of Horticulture and Landscape, College of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Mosul, for the period from Apr. 11, 2019 to Sept. 30, 2019, with the aim of producing corm and cormlets in the summer of three varieties of Gladiolus X hortulanus L. They are: "Break of dawn" White flowers, "Espresso" with red flowers, and "Blue frost" with purple flowers after being treated with salicylic acid (SA) at 0 and 250 mg.l-1, as well as treatment with calcium chloride in three concentrations: 0, 500 and 1000 mg.l-1 by spraying them on the foliage twice. The Factorial Experiment conducted by RCBD. The results show that the red cultivar recorded the largest weight of the corm was 28.98 g, its volume was 34.01 cm³, its diameter was 4.94 cm, and the number of cormlets was 12.33. per plant, the size of the cormlets is 13.52 cm³. Spraying with salicylic acid at 250 mg.l-1 had a significant effect in recording the largest values for the corm diameter and their volume. Treatment with calcium chloride at both concentrations 500 and 1000 mg.l-1 resulted in a significant increase in the corm weight, its diameter and the volume of cormlets. The treatment with calcium chloride at 1000 mg.l-1 caused to record the largest values for the number of cormlets are 9.53 cormlet. pl-1, while the treatment with calcium chloride at 500 mg.l-1 increased of the corm volume is 27.68 cm3. The red cultivar plants treated with or without salicylic acid interact with calcium chloride at 500 mg.l-1 was gave the best grade of corms ranked 7.00 (Jumbo). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A set of well defined signaling molecules responsible for normal functioning of human physiology including nitric oxide along with carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulphide are referred as "gasotransmitters". Due to their involvement in almost every system of a human body, the care of highly sensitive organs using these molecules as drugs represents highly fascinating area of research. In connection with these interesting aspects, the applied aspects of these gaseous molecules in maintaining healthy eye and vision have been targeted in this review. Several examples of eye-droppers including NORMs like latanoprost and nipradiol, CORMs like CORM-3 and CORM-A1, and Hydrogen sulfide releasing system like GYY4137 have been discussed in this context. Therefore the relation of these trio-gasotransmitters with the ophthalmic homeostasis on one hand, and de-infecting role on the other hand has been mainly highlighted. Some molecular systems capable of mimicking gasotransmitter action have also been introduced in connection with the titled theme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research aims toobserve the influence of harvestingtime onthe change of calcium oxalate (CaOx) content and crystal density in Porangcorms. The corms were harvested at different times, i.e.,(1) two weeks before the plants shed (R0-1), (2) when the plants shed (R0),and (3) two weeks after the plants shed (R0+1). CaOx was obtained using the modified extracting method. Microscopic observa-tions were obtained from the slices of the edge and centerpart of porangcorms. Parameter observed includingCaOx content, corm weight,shape,and density of CaOx crystal. CaOx content and crystal density in corms were analyzed using One way ANOVA. If the results are significant,it will be followed by Tukey Test α 0.05. In the meantime, the relation between CaOx content and corm weight was analyzed using Correlation Test Bivariate. The results showed that CaOx content was relatively higher in porangcorms, i.e.,15.98 ± 0.60g/100g.On the other hand, the increasing of CaOx content might improve corm weight. The total densi-ty of druse, styloid,and prism crystal was pretty high in corms obtained when the plants shed compared toanother harvest time, i.e.,1,494 ± 286; 31,280 ± 17,406 and 6,256 ± 1,533 crystals/cm2. Raphide crystal density, by contrast,increased in corms obtained after the plants shed, i.e.,1,656 ± 368 crystals/cm2. Total CaOx crystal density in the edge parts of corms harvested when the plants shed was pro-portionately higher than in the other harvest times, i.e.,12,292 ± 4,687.89 crys-tals/cm2.In contrast, CaOx crystal densities in the centerparts of corms werenot much different at three harvesting times. The density of druse and prism crystals was somewhat higher in the centerpart of corms thanin the edge parts. In opposi-tion to, the density of raphide and styloid crystals was fairly higher in the edge part of corms than it was in the centerparts. However, only raphide crystal density found in the edge and centerpart of corms was significantly affected by harvest time from all these results.

Gladiolus (Gladiolus ×hybridus) is an asexually propagated, herbaceous perennial and an economically important cut flower crop. In commercial production, gladioli have tall flower stalks, which limit their use to cut flowers and annual garden plants. The gladiolus breeding program at the University of Minnesota has bred and selected rapid generation cycling (RGC) cycle 1 gladiolus, which can flower in

Along with the impressive achievements in understanding the endogenous signaling roles and mechanism(s) of action of carbon monoxide (CO), much research has demonstrated the potential of using CO as a therapeutic agent for treating various diseases. Because of CO's toxicity at high concentrations and the observed difference in toxicity profiles of CO depending on the route of administration, this review analyzes and presents the benefits of developing orally active CO donors. Such compounds have the potential for improved safety profiles, enhancing the chance for developing CO-based therapeutics. In this review, the difference between inhalation and oral administration in terms of toxicity, CO delivery efficiency, and the potential mechanism(s) of action is analyzed. The evolution from CO gas inhalation to oral administration is also extensively analyzed by summarizing published studies up to date. The concept of "CO in a pill" can be achieved by oral administration of novel formulations of CO gas or appropriate CO donors. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gladiolus is one of the cut flowers in much demand throughout the world due to its spectacular colorful bloom and long shelf life. Corm and cormels are the major propagative units for this plant. However, lower multiplication rate is a great hindrance for commercial production. This experiment was conducted at research plots of the Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh during the period of October 2017 to May 2018. The two-factor experiment included plant spacing (S 1=25 cm x 20 cm, S2 = 20 cm x 30 cm, S3 = 25 cm x 30 cm) as factor A and corm size (C1 = Small corm, 30±2 g, C2 = Medium corm, 35±2 g, C3 = Large corm 40 g to 65 g) as factor B. Hence, nine combinations were set up as treatments with three replicates in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) to explore improvement of corm and cormel production of gladiolus. Positive responses were found in experimental parameters such as corm diameter, weight of corm and cormels per plant, weight of corm and cormels per plot and yield of corms and cormels with increasing plant density and corm size. Results of the experiment revealed that yield of corms (23.08 t/ha) and yield of cormels (16.12 t/ha) were the highest with the treatment combination S3C3. This investigation concluded with the g reatest corm and cormel production of gladiolus through the combination of wider plant spacing and large corm size under experimental conditions in Bangladesh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fusarium oxysporum causes gladiolus corm rot and production damage could reach up to 100%. Fusarium isolates were selected from infected corms, one of them was morphologically and molecularly identified, and was selected from pathogenicity testing. One strain from 22 streptomycetes isolates that showed 40% antagonist activity against Fusarium was selected. Bioactive extract (BE) was obtained by Solid Phase Fermentation and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum lethal concentration (MLC) were determined by the microdilution method. A MIC of 0.19 mg mL-1 and an MLC of 0.38 mg mL-1 were obtained, which was confirmed with a conidia germination test at 8 h, which showed inhibition percentage of 17 and 98% for ¼ and ½ of the MIC. The effect of BE was evaluated at 1 and 2 MIC's concentration against corm rot in infected gladiolus corm, obtaining a protective effect of gladiolus corms and maintaining their hardness after 15 days, in comparison with the fungicide Carbendazim. These results indicate Streptomyces sp., as a potential biological control agent against F. oxysporum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon monoxide (CO) exerts various protective effects on the body. Drugs known as CORMs (CO-releasing molecules) can continuously release small doses of CO into diseased tissues and cells. Transition metals interact strongly with the carbonyl group, and coordination compounds bearing carbonyl groups are a promising class of CORMs. This study investigates the octahedral coordination of Fe2+ and Fe3+ compounds with carbonyl groups (to give Fen+[CO]6) and subsequent substitutions with Cl−, Br−, NH3, and H2O, to understand how these ligands interfere in the M-CO bond. The geometry optimization calculations were performed with the methods BP86 and B3LYP and the atomic basis set def2-TZVP. The molecular orbitals and the properties derived from the electronic density based on QTAIM were analyzed. Coordination with ligands increased the influence of the metal atomic basin on the Fe-C bond, especially for the Fe2+ compounds, and the Cl− and Br− ligands led to lower local ionization energies at the Fe-C bonds. Trans effects were also observed in the QTAIM real functions: Fe-C bond distances were shorter when C was in trans position to a ligand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon monoxide (CO) exerts various protective effects on the body. Drugs known as CORMs (CO-releasing molecules) can continuously release small doses of CO into diseased tissues and cells. Transition metals interact strongly with the carbonyl group, and coordination compounds bearing carbonyl groups are a promising class of CORMs. This study investigates the octahedral coordination of Fe2+ and Fe3+ compounds with carbonyl groups (to give Fen+[CO]6) and subsequent substitutions with Cl−, Br−, NH3, and H2O, to understand how these ligands interfere in the M-CO bond. The geometry optimization calculations were performed with the methods BP86 and B3LYP and the atomic basis set def2-TZVP. The molecular orbitals and the properties derived from the electronic density based on QTAIM were analyzed. Coordination with ligands increased the influence of the metal atomic basin on the Fe-C bond, especially for the Fe2+ compounds, and the Cl− and Br− ligands led to lower local ionization energies at the Fe-C bonds. Trans effects were also observed in the QTAIM real functions: Fe-C bond distances were shorter when C was in trans position to a ligand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gladiolus (Gladiolus 3hybridus) is an asexually propagated, herbaceous perennial and an economically important cut flower crop. In commercial production, gladioli have tall flower stalks, which limit their use to cut flowers and annual garden plants. The gladiolus breeding program at the University of Minnesota has bred and selected rapid generation cycling (RGC) cycle 1 gladiolus, which can flower in <1 year from seed instead of the norm of 3 to 5 years (which are vegetatively propagated as corms). Gibberellin inhibitors, such as ancymidol, are used as plant growth retardants to control height in potted plants. Higher concentrations can inhibit flowering along with other negative side effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the growth, flowering, and corm/cormel production response of cycle 1 gladiolus to the gibberellin inhibitor, ancymidol (0, 100, and 400 mg·L-1 soak) in comparison with noncycle 1 genotypes and commercial cultivars for potted gladiolus production. Cycle 1 genotypes flowered with all ancymidol concentrations while noncycle 1 genotypes had significantly fewer flowers or were completely nonflowering under higher concentrations. All tested genotypes had increased leaf width as ancymidol concentration increased. Conversely, flower stalk heights were shorter as the ancymidol concentration increased while the number of stalks was nonsignificant. Corms, cormel number, and fresh weights decreased in all genotypes except for one cycle 1 genotype, which had an increase in both corm number and fresh weight when treated with 100 mg·L-1 ancymidol. Cycle 1 gladiolus are more resilient to this gibberellin inhibitor even at high concentrations and can potentially be used for gladiolus potted plant production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research aims to observe the influence of harvesting time on the change of calcium oxalate (CaOx) content and crystal density in Porang corms. The corms were harvested at different times, i.e., (1) two weeks before the plants shed (R0-1), (2) when the plants shed (R0), and (3) two weeks after the plants shed (R0+1). CaOx was obtained using the modified extracting method. Microscopic observations were obtained from the slices of the edge and center part of porang corms. Parameter observed including CaOx content, corm weight, shape, and density of CaOx crystal. CaOx content and crystal density in corms were analyzed using One way ANOVA. If the results are significant, it will be followed by Tukey Test α 0.05. In the meantime, the relation between CaOx content and corm weight was analyzed using Correlation Test Bivariate. The results showed that CaOx content was relatively higher in porang corms, i.e., 15.98 ± 0.60g/100g. On the other hand, the increasing of CaOx content might improve corm weight. The total density of druse, styloid, and prism crystal was pretty high in corms obtained when the plants shed compared to another harvest time, i.e., 1,494 ± 286; 31,280 ± 17,406 and 6,256 ± 1,533 crystals/cm2 . Raphide crystal density, by contrast, increased in corms obtained after the plants shed, i.e.,1,656 ± 368 crystals/cm2 . Total CaOx crystal density in the edge parts of corms harvested when the plants shed was proportionately higher than in the other harvest times, i.e., 12,292 ± 4,687.89 crystals/cm2 . In contrast, CaOx crystal densities in the center parts of corms were not much different at three harvesting times. The density of druse and prism crystals was somewhat higher in the center part of corms than in the edge parts. In opposition to, the density of raphide and styloid crystals was fairly higher in the edge part of corms than it was in the center parts. However, only raphide crystal density found in the edge and center part of corms was significantly affected by harvest time from all these results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Beyond toxicity – CO as a gaseous signaling molecule? • CO is endogenously produced in electrophilic stress response. • Heme proteins are target molecules for CO signaling. • CO modulates mitochondrial function and dynamics. • CORMs are novel CO-delivering compounds as research tools. Carbon monoxide (CO) intoxication is one of the most frequent causes of accidental poisoning, mechanistically related to the inhibition of oxygen transport following blockage of the oxygen binding site of hemoglobin. However, it has become evident that CO is also a gaseous signaling molecule like nitric oxide and capable to trigger cellular stress responses in complex organisms. Endogenously, CO is synthesized upon degradation of heme by heme oxygenases (HOs) of which two enzymatically active isoenzymes are known in mammals; the stress-inducible HO-1 and the constitutively expressed HO-2. Among other pathways, HO-1 expression is stimulated by the Nrf2/Keap1 system which senses electrophilic compounds including alkylating agents and reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as superoxide or hydrogen peroxide. In context with ROS, HO-1 expression has been associated with antioxidant defense related to the heme-metabolite redox pair biliverdin/bilirubin. Studies on CO signaling were facilitated by the introduction of so called "CO releasing molecules" (CORMs), which allow for the controlled release of the compound in biological systems. Obviously, major biological targets of CO comprise intracellular heme-proteins such as cytochrome c oxidase of the respiratory chain, cytochrome P450-dependent monooxygenases (CYPs), or NADPH oxidases. From toxicological studies it is known that exposure to high amounts of CO provokes an inhibition of mitochondrial respiration and increased generation of ROS. In contrast, biological response to low amounts of CO comprises moderate mitochondrial uncoupling (proton leakage) due to the activation of channels including phosphate carrier (P i C), adenine nucleotide translocase (ANT) or large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels (BK Ca). Uncoupling of mitochondrial respiration from ATP production is accompanied by a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential – a key sensor and regulator of mitochondrial quality control and mitophagy. Inhibitory effects of CO on mitochondrial respiration are compensated by an increased glycolysis. However, on a short term, utilization of glucose is shifted to the pentose phosphate pathway, to provide NADPH for detoxification. It is notable that endogenous CO production is associated with the physiological response against exogenous electrophilic insult like Nrf2-dependent expression of phase II enzymes or glutathione synthesis. In contrast phase I enzymes such as CYPs which usually generate more electrophiles are inhibited by CO. Together with direct and indirect transient effects on energy metabolism and mitochondrial quality control CO may be an important regulator in cellular stress response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of adding Wheat Organic Residues (WOR) to the soil of the pot and spraying Salicylic acid (SA) on growth parameters of freesia plants and production of its corms. The experiment was adopted as two factors. The first include three levels of organic i.e., 0, 5 and 10% while second include three concentration of Salicylic acid i.e., 0, 50 and 150 mg L-1. The results showed that adding 10% of WOR or spraying SA significantly increased the No. of total leaves, shoot dry weight, total chlorophyll content in the leaf, total soluble carbohydrate in the leaf, No. of corms per plant, diameter of corms, No. of the inflorescence per plant, length of inflorescence stem and No. of florets per inflorescence, compared to the control treatment which gave the lowest vales. Also, the results of the interaction between two factors showed that adding WOR at level 10% and spraying SA significantly increased all the growth parameters of fressia plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of biofertilizers on floral attributes and corm yield of gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflora L.) var. Arka Amar at Floriculture and Landscaping Block, College of Horticulture, VCSG, Uttarakhand University of Horticulture and Forestry, during 2016. The experiment consists of eight treatments, viz. control, PSB @ 2ml/l, Azotobacter @ 25g/l, VAM @ 20g/l and their combinations. Recommended doses of fertilizer were applied as a common basal dose in all treatments. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design and replicated thrice. The results revealed that minimum number of days were taken to first floret opening (111.76) and maximum number of spike per plant and per plot (2.00 and 32.00, respectively), floret diameter (12.46 cm) and number of corms per plot (31.00) were recorded from the corms inoculated with PSB @ 2ml/l + Azotobacter @ 25 g/l + VAM @ 20 g/l. There was maximum corm weight (60.60 g), corm diameter (6.20 cm), numbers of cormels per plant and per plot (37.33 and 600.76, respectively) from the corms inoculated with Azotobacter @25 g/l +VAM @20 g/l, followed by PSB @ 2ml/l + Azotobacter @ 25 g/l + VAM @ 20 g/l. Thus, it can be concluded that application of PSB @ 2ml/l + Azotobacter @ 25 g/l + VAM @ 20 g/l can be used for getting superior quality and yield in gladiolus var. Arka Amar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main goal of the present study was to establish the most appropriate gladiolus variety for growing under Bulgarian conditions. The experiment carried out in the Experimental fields of Agricultural University - Plovdiv with five gladiolus varieties: Purple flora, Priscilla, Plum tart, Oscar and Green star. The corms were planted in March. The phenological phases of sprouting, the appearance of the inflorescence stalk, beginning and end of flowering were observed. During the vegetation, the most important vegetative behaviours of the plant as high of plant, the diameter of the stem, number of leaves, length of inflorescence stalk and numbers of fully developed flowers and undeveloped flowers per plant were established. The coluor of the flowers was also registered. A Green star and Purple flora varieties have the strongest vegetative development, resulting in the formation of the highest plants, with the largest diameter and number of leaves. The highest decorative value of all tested genotypes, under the conditions of Bulgaria, indicated the Purple flora variety. Positive correlations are established between the height of the plant and the number of leaves and also for the length of inflorescences stalk and the number of developed flowers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Applying pistachio compost resulted in a higher crocin and safranal. • DRIN foliar spraying caused a decrease in the number of small-sized daughter corms. • Sucrose and arginine increased following application of organic sources. Correct use of organic waste in the form of composting can play a constructive role in reducing environmental pollution and increasing saffron sustainable production. Recently, pistachio waste compost has been considered as a soil conditioner, especially in arid and semi-arid areas. Along with improving the organic structure, foliar application of amino acids through the recommendation of reputable companies is another sustainable solution that can further strengthen the relationship between trade and agriculture. The current study was conducted in Anbari Agricultural Seeds Company, Mashhad, Iran during 2019–2021. The experiment was performed with three replicates based on a randomized complete block design arranged in factorial-split including 12 main plots [Organic fertilizer (control, pistachio compost (P), wheat straw (W), cow manure (M), P + W , and P + M) × Foliar spraying (control and 2 L. ha−1 DRIN: a commercial organic compound)] and 2 sub-plots (first and second sampling). The minimum number of saffron flowers and stigma weight were observed under no-organic fertilizer; while all organic sources led to increase these traits. The values increased by 27% and 31%, respectively, resulting pistachio compost compared to control treatment. Applying organic sources resulted in a higher crocin and safranal. At the same time, foliar spraying had a significant effect in increasing crocin and safranal concentrations. Organic fertilizers and foliar spraying caused a significant effect in terms of N, P, and K concentration in daughter corms. when control treatment was considered, foliar spraying increased sucrose by 24% compared to non-spraying. Furthermore, sucrose content was recorded to be improved following all organic amendments. Similar responses were observed regarding arginine, glutamic acid, alanine, and aspartic acid. Overall, applying pistachio compost concurrent with spraying of DRIN is recommended for saffron sustainable production, especially under nutrient-restricted conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Gladiolus (Gladiolus x grandiflorus Hort.), also called as Palma-de-Santa-Rita, is culturally known in Brazil as the All Soul's’ Day flower. In recent years, it has also become popular in other special dates due to its robustness, liveliness, and magnificence. However, there are challenges regarding the cut flower production, since the largest producer investment is the corm acquisition. Due to the insufficiency of technical information, there are no fully established corm production protocols for gladiolus. Therefore, this technical article has the objective of bringing information related to the gladiolus corms production technique, in view of the sustainability of the production.

Hydrogen sulfide and carbon monoxide share the ability to be beneficial or harmful molecules depending on the concentrations to which organisms are exposed. Interestingly, humans and some bacteria produce small amounts of these compounds. Since several publications have summarized the recent knowledge of its effects in humans, here we have chosen to focus on the role of H2S and CO on microbial physiology. We briefly review the current knowledge on how bacteria produce and use H2S and CO. We address their potential antimicrobial properties when used at higher concentrations, and describe how microbial systems detect and survive toxic levels of H2S and CO. Finally, we highlight their antimicrobial properties against human pathogens when endogenously produced by the host and when released by external chemical donors.

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Iva is a new Bulgarian gladiolus variety created at the Institute of Ornamental and medicinal Plants - Sofia by the method of intraspecific hybridization, i.e. by crossing Oasis and Blues varieties. Variety Iva is of high ornamental quality with purple color, medium high, very strong and light green stem, that makes it competitive on the market. The new variety is characterized by earlier flowering period in comparison with standard cultivar Blues, respectively 13 days. The number of blossoms per one plant, yield of cut flower and corms, and weight of cormels /100 m2, from the new variety are higher in comparison with the standard variety Blues, respectively 16.30 %, 9.61% аnd 45.6%. The cut flowers of variety Iva show longer vase life in water, than the standard variety, respectively 4 days. The new variety is suitable for greenhouse and field production, urban landscaping purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Xanthosoma sagittifolium, belonging to the araceas family, represents an attractive alternative as a starch source. Nevertheless, as a rhizome plant two differentiated parts could be distinguished named corms and cormels." by "However, the rhizome of Xanthosoma sagittifolium has two differentiate parts named corms and cormels of Xanthosoma. Granules morphology, composition, hydration properties, pasting/thermal behaviour, as well as gelling performance were assessed. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed different morphology, granules were organised as aggregates in starch isolated from corms. Corms starch displayed lower hydration properties, lower apparent viscosity during heating and cooling and higher gelatinisation temperatures than cormels starch. Gels from corms starch showed less syneresis than cormels starch, but no significant differences were observed regarding their hardness. Therefore, the part of the araceas plant from which the starch is extracted must be always defined, because significant differences in their functionality are ascribed to their morphological origin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The corms of different Hypoxis species (Hypoxidaceae) are used for the treatment and management of a variety of human ailments and disorders in African traditional medicine. However, the used corms are morphologically similar and it is not known whether this has resulted in different species being harvested, prescribed and sold as the same species. Ethnomedicinal information regarding its use in Tanzania is scanty and the available ethnobotanical information about the plants is mostly from various studies done outside Tanzania. The objective of the study was to document the diverse uses of Hypoxis in Tanzania and study what species are used and whether preferences exist for specific species. Focus group discussions and in depth interviews with informants were done in 15 regions of Tanzania to document local uses of Hypoxis species and collect vouchers for identification. Traditional practitioners use Hypoxis to manage a variety of human illness in Tanzania, and appear to use different species indiscriminately for medicine, socio-cultural applications and for food. Medicinal uses include treatment of benign prostate hypertrophy, cancer, diabetes, gout, headache, HIV/AIDS, infertility, ringworms, stomachache, and urinary tract infections. In Tanzania, different Hypoxis species are used indiscriminately for a range of socio-cultural and medicinal purposes. The reported medicinal uses could aid testing and evaluation of traditional herbal medicine and more research is needed to test their pharmacological effects. • Hypoxis species are used to treat a wide variety of ailments in Tanzania. • Corms of different Hypoxis species are used as the same ethnospecies. • Bioactivity and toxicity study of the species is required in Tanzania. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]