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The article presents a study on the effect of neem coated area (NCU) on growth, flowering and yield of China aster, also known as Callistephus chinensis, a semi hardy annual and commercial flower crop belonging to the family Asteraceae. Topics discussed include increase in consumption of primary nutrient nitrogen from 1965-1966 to 2014-2015, treatment details, and plant height at different growth stages of China aster variety.

The present investigation was conducted to develop a sustainable INM package for economical production China aster crop under high hill condition of Uttarakhand. The experiment was conducted at Floriculture farm, COH, VCSG, UUHF, Bhrasar from March to September 2022. The treatments were 12, replicate thrice in Randomized Complete Block Design. The results showed that maximum plant spread (22.86 cm), number of leaves plant-1 (219.33), leaf area (38.56 cm²), earliness in days taken to 1st bud appearance and flower opening (68.630 and 82.707days, respectively) and maximum flowering duration (23.430 days) were recorded in T7 (50% RDF + 25% FYM + 25% Vermicompost + Azotobacter (5 mL L-1)). However, maximum number of flowers plant-1 and plot-1 (36.80 and 441.53, respectively), stalk length (38.40 cm), flower diameter (7.26 cm), individual flower weight (3.86 g), flower yield plant-1 and bed-1 (142.89 g and 1.71 kg), seed yield plant-1 (3.330 g) and test weight (2.477 g), shelf and vase life (4.50 and 12.300 days, respectively) and C:B from flowers (1: 2.19) were recorded from the plants grown in plots applied with T8 (50% RDF + 25% FYM + 25% Neem cake + Azotobacter (5 mL L-1)). So, from the present investigation it can be concluded that treatment T8 was found effective in economical production of China aster cv Kamini under high hill condition of Uttarakhand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was laid out in Randomized Completely Block Design with three replications. Sixteen genotypes namely, Arka Poornima, Arka Archana, Arka Aadya, Arka Kamini, Arka Shashank, Phule Ganesh White, Phule Ganesh Pink, Phule Ganesh Purple, Phule Ganesh Light pink, Pink Cushion, Arabhavi Aster Collection-1 (AAC-1), Namadhari Pink, Selected line (L-76), Selected line (L-179), Selected line (L-179/1) and Selected line (L-56) have been collected from IIHR, Hessaraghata Lake, Bengaluru, Karnataka for the trial.The different morphological, phenological as well as floral traits have been collected during the crop period which showed significant variation among the evaluated China aster genotypes. The maximum number of flowers per plant was recorded in 'Arka Aadya' (71.40) and 'Arka Shashank' (66.27) statistically at par with 'Arka Aadya' and the highest vase life as cut flower was noticed in Arka Shashank (11.67 days). Flower diameter was maximum in Phule Ganesh White (8.29 cm) which was at par with Arka Poornima (6.92 cm) and Phule Ganesh Purple (6.53 cm). Among the all genotypes, the maximum weight of ten fresh flowers were observed in Arka Poornima (54.17 g) which was statistically at par with Phule Ganesh White (53.61 g). These characters are considered to be very important with respect to commercial value of the variety for fulfil the consumers demand. The genotypes Arka Poornima, Phule Ganesh White, Arka Shashank, Arka Kamini and Arka Aadya may be recommended for commercial cultivation as loose flowers as well as cut flowers in the Terai region of West Bengal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was laid out in Randomized Completely Block Design with three replications. Sixteen genotypes namely, Arka Poornima, Arka Archana, Arka Aadya, Arka Kamini, Arka Shashank, Phule Ganesh White, Phule Ganesh Pink, Phule Ganesh Purple, Phule Ganesh Light pink, Pink Cushion, Arabhavi Aster Collection-1 (AAC-1), Namadhari Pink, Selected line (L-76), Selected line (L-179), Selected line (L-179/1) and Selected line (L-56) have been collected from IIHR, Hessaraghata Lake, Bengaluru, Karnataka for the trial.The different morphological, phenological as well as floral traits have been collected during the crop period which showed significant variation among the evaluated China aster genotypes. The maximum number of flowers per plant was recorded in ‘Arka Aadya’ (71.40) and ‘Arka Shashank’ (66.27) statistically at par with ‘Arka Aadya’ and the highest vase life as cut flower was noticed in Arka Shashank (11.67 days). Flower diameter was maximum in Phule Ganesh White (8.29 cm) which was at par with Arka Poornima (6.92 cm) and Phule Ganesh Purple (6.53 cm). Among the all genotypes, the maximum weight of ten fresh flowers were observed in Arka Poornima (54.17 g) which was statistically at par with Phule Ganesh White (53.61 g). These characters are considered to be very important with respect to commercial value of the variety for fulfil the consumers demand. The genotypes Arka Poornima, Phule Ganesh White, Arka Shashank, Arka Kamini and Arka Aadya may be recommended for commercial cultivation as loose flowers as well as cut flowers in the Terai region of West Bengal.

China aster [Callistephus chinensis (L.) Nees] is a flowering annual mainly cultivated for loose flower and cut flower, bedding and pot culture. To assess the genetic diversity, 42 genotypes were evaluated for fourteen quantitative traits. The genotypes were found to be highly variable for the traits such as plant height, plant spread, flower stalk length, 100 flower weight, number of flowers per plant, weight of flowers per plant and flower yield per hectare. However, low variability was recorded for vase life and shelf life. The genotypes were broadly grouped into two clusters, which were further divided into cluster 1a, 1b and cluster 2a, 2b, respectively. All the genotypes in cluster 1a were vigorous and medium flowering, whereas, genotypes in cluster 1b were tall, erect, vigorous and late flowering. The cluster 2a comprises of the genotypes with short stature, small flower and early flowering, however, cluster 2b contains only two genotypes. In principal component analysis (PCA) PC1 was highly correlated to flower yield, weight of flowers/plant, flower stalk length and plant height and PC2 was highly positively correlated to shelf life and vase life and negatively correlated to 100 flower weight. The results suggested that the existing variation in China aster genotypes could be used for the development of trait-specific novel genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China aster [Callistephus chinensis (L.) Nees] is a flowering annual mainly cultivated for loose flower and cut flower, bedding and pot culture. To assess the genetic diversity, 42 genotypes were evaluated for fourteen quantitative traits. The genotypes were found to be highly variable for the traits such as plant height, plant spread, flower stalk length, 100 flower weight, number of flowers per plant, weight of flowers per plant and flower yield per hectare. However, low variability was recorded for vase life and shelf life. The genotypes were broadly grouped into two clusters, which were further divided into cluster 1a, 1b and cluster 2a, 2b, respectively. All the genotypes in cluster 1a were vigorous and medium flowering, whereas, genotypes in cluster 1b were tall, erect, vigorous and late flowering. The cluster 2a comprises of the genotypes with short stature, small flower and early flowering, however, cluster 2b contains only two genotypes. In principal component analysis (PCA) PC1 was highly correlated to flower yield, weight of flowers/plant, flower stalk length and plant height and PC2 was highly positively correlated to shelf life and vase life and negatively correlated to 100 flower weight. The results suggested that the existing variation in China aster genotypes could be used for the development of trait-specific novel genotypes.

China aster [Callistephus chinensis (L.) Nees] is commercially grown as annual flower crop for cut flower and loose flower. It is used for flower decoration, preparation of bouquets and garlands. It belongs to the family Asteraceae and is native of China. Morphological characterization of China aster genotypes was carried out in the division of Floriculture and Medicinal Crops, ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru during 2015-16 and 2016-17 by adopting DUS guidelines developed by Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers Rights Authority, New Delhi. A total of 42 genotypes were characterized for 21 traits belonging to vegetative and floral traits. Among these 21 traits, two were monomorphic, four dimorphic and 15 were polymorphic indicating their potential for varietal characterization. This characterization clearly established distinctness among the different genotypes for various traits. This study will be useful for breeders/farmers to identify and differentiate China aster genotypes and to pursue protection under PPV and FR Authority, New Delhi. The characterizations of genotypes will also results trait specific information which can be used in the development of superior genotypes in China aster.

A line × tester set of 8 parents involving five females (Arka Kamini, Arka Poornima, Arka Aadya, Arka Archana, Arka Violet Cushion) and three pollen parents (Arka Shashank, Local Violet, Local Pink) were analyzed for heterosis with respect to growth, flower quality and yield traits in China aster [Callistephus chinensis (L.) Nees]. The experiments were conducted at Division of Floriculture and Medicinal Crops, ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru during 2015-17. Results revealed that the cross L2 × T1 exhibited highest positive significant heterosis for plant height over mid parent, better parent as well as commercial check cv. Arka Kamini. For days to first flowering, cross L3 × T1 exhibited maximum negative heterosis over commercial check. The cross L2 × T1 exhibited highest positive significant heterosis for duration of flowering over mid parent, better parent as well as commercial check. For flower stalk length, the highest positive significant heterosis over mid parent, better parent as well as commercial check was observed in cross L4 × T3. The cross L3 × T2 recorded highest heterosis for flower yield over better, mid and commercial check.

• Anthocyanins in China aster of different colours were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively for the first time. • 2. Genotype 'Arka violet Cushion' was the richest source of anthocyanins (469.36 mg/100 g FW), with delphinidin and cyanidin as major compounds. • Anthocyanin content of Arka violet cushion was 2–3 times that of Clitorea ternatea, Centaurea cyanus and hibiscus rosa-sinensis, which can be exploited commercially for bio-color synthesis. Anthocyanins are biocolorants which have gained momentum owing to their extensive range of colors and antioxidant activity which has great potential in food, pharmaceutical, textile and cosmetic industries. China aster became popular among the consumers due to its myriad colors. To find out the pigment composition responsible for flower color, fifteen genotypes of China aster were studied using liquid chromatography- mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The flower color analysis indicated that the 15 genotypes of China aster grouped into seven groups viz., red purple, red, purple, purple violet, violet, white and yellow. Flower petals were evaluated for color through Royal Horticultural Society Color Chart (RHSCC) and calorimeter that resulted in most of the genotypes were categorized under red purple group. The flower color in China aster is due to the presence of three primary anthocyanidins namely cyanidin, pelargonidin and delphinidin. A total of 4 anthocyanins namely cyanidin, pelargonidin, delphinidin and malvidin were identified and quantified. The genotype Arka Violet Cushion was the richest source of anthocyanins (469.36 mg/100 g FW) and IIHRJ22, the poorest (1.17 mg/100 g FW). Genotype Arka Violet Cushion recorded highest for both the cyanidin and delphinidin, however, pelargonidin was recorded highest in Matsumoto Red. The genotype Arka Violet Cushion has been identified with highest anthocyanin can be exploited commercially for bio-color synthesis. The trend of decreased L* value of Color Reader with increased total anthocyanin content was observed in red purple and purple group. The correlation between L* value and total anthocyanin content was not observed in white and violet group. The results revealed that the white and yellow group has very low anthocyanin content which indicates the presence of co-pigmentation in China aster. Arka Violet Cushion recorded 2–3 times higher anthocyanin content than the commercial sources viz., Clitorea ternatea, Centaurea cyanus and Hibiscus rosa-sinensis , which can be exploited commercially for bio color synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted at the ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Hesaraghatta, Bengaluru for three consecutive seasons during 2019-20, to standardize the container type, substrate combination and nutrition for potted plant production of China aster var. Arka Archana. The treatments comprised of two type of containers (plastic and coir), three substrates {Red soil + FYM + Sand (1:1:1 v/v), Arka Fermented cocopeat (AFC), AFC + Vermicompost (1:1 v/v)} and four nutrition concentration (160:30:180 ppm N:P: K, 128:24:144 ppm N:P: K, 96:18:108 ppm N:P: K and Jeevamrutha @ 3%) laid out in factorial completely randomized design with three replications. Plant height at flowering (33.12 cm), number of primary branches (12.4), plant spread (536.64 cm2), number of flowers/plant (26.47), flower size (5.26 cm) and uptake of major, secondary and minor nutrients were maximum in the plants grown in 6" plastic pots using the substrate combination of soil +sand +FYM (1:1:1 v/v/v) along with the weekly application of nutrient solution of 96:18:108 ppm NPK/plant. This production protocol resulted in a dense canopy and highly floriferous potted plants. The benefit cost ratio of potted China aster production was 1.70. This technology can be adopted by the nurserymen for large-scale commercial potted plant production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted at the ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Hesaraghatta, Bengaluru for three consecutive seasons during 2019-20, to standardize the container type, substrate combination and nutrition for potted plant production of China aster var. Arka Archana. The treatments comprised of two type of containers (plastic and coir), three substrates {Red soil + FYM + Sand (1:1:1 v/v), Arka Fermented cocopeat (AFC), AFC + Vermicompost (1:1 v/v)} and four nutrition concentration (160:30:180 ppm N:P: K, 128:24:144 ppm N:P: K, 96:18:108 ppm N:P: K and Jeevamrutha @ 3%) laid out in factorial completely randomized design with three replications. Plant height at flowering (33.12 cm), number of primary branches (12.4), plant spread (536.64 cm2), number of flowers/plant (26.47), flower size (5.26 cm) and uptake of major, secondary and minor nutrients were maximum in the plants grown in 6" plastic pots using the substrate combination of soil +sand +FYM (1:1:1 v/v/v) along with the weekly application of nutrient solution of 96:18:108 ppm NPK/plant. This production protocol resulted in a dense canopy and highly floriferous potted plants. The benefit cost ratio of potted China aster production was 1.70. This technology can be adopted by the nurserymen for large-scale commercial potted plant production.

A field experiment was carried out to estimate genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance for 19 traits among 30 genotypes of China aster. The randomized complete block design with two replications was employed at the College of Horticulture, Mudigere, during the year 2017-18. Analysis of variance revealed that significant differences were observed for all the traits. The phenotypic co-efficient of variation (PCV) was a higher magnitude than the genotypic co-efficient of variation (GCV) for all the traits. Narrow differences between GCV and PCV were recorded in all the characters except flowering duration, vase-life and shelf-life, indicating little environmental influence on the expression of these characters. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent mean was recorded for the number of florets per flower head, the weight of flower per plant, plant height, flower head diameter, individual flower weight, disc diameter, the number of flowers per plant, days to 50 per cent flowering, the number of primary branches per plant, the number of flowers per branches, plant spread (North-South), 1000 seed weight, plant spread (East-West), flower stalk length, seed yield per plant, vase life and shelf life proves more useful for efficient improvement of a character through simple selection.

Understanding genetic diversity in target populations is of great importance in breeding and a prerequisite for association mapping of traits. In this study, 57 cross species simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were screened for amplification in China aster. Twenty six polymorphic markers were used to estimate the genetic diversity in forty two China aster genotypes. The observed and expected heterozygosities within the genotypes were ranged from 0.00 to 0.80 and 0.17 to 0.50, respectively. Weighted Neighbor Joining method, grouped China aster genotypes into five major clusters which coincided for morphological traits mostly flower color and form, but not correlated for their geographical locations. The results suggested that, population may be useful for the genome-wide marker–trait association mapping. These set of cross species transferable SSR markers would enable the application of the SSR technique in China aster crop improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global climate models predict changed precipitation patterns with frequent episodes of drought. Scarcity of water is a severe environmental constraint to plant productivity. Plants display a variety of physiological and biochemical responses at cellular and whole-organism levels towards prevailing drought stress. This study included container experiments with three flower crops aster (Callistephus chinensis), helichrysum (Helichrysum bracteatum) and echinacea (Echinaceae purpurea). Drought was simulated by reducing the number of watering’s to field capacity from 25–30 to 85–90 %. Three levels of watering were studied - three times, twice and once a week. The results showed that the cultivation of ornamental plants in containers under reduced watering conditions (twice or once a week) for a period of 3 months led to considerable inhibition of growth and even to plants death. The relative water content and the level of electrolyte leakage vary depending on the weekly number of waterings. The highest values of electrolyte leakage were reported in a single watering for aster -5107.1μS / g, for helichrysum -8314.9 μS / g and for echinacea -3722.8 μS / g. The high rates of conductivity, especially with one-time weekly watering, are evidence of the damage caused by the simulated water stress. This corresponds to the reported low percentages of RWC % and the low values for the height and diameter of the plants. The relative water content in plant tissues decreases depending on the irrigation regime. The lowest values for aster, helichrysum and echinacea were again observed in the variant with a single weekly watering, respectively 15%, 11.5% and 15.8%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A line x tester analysis was carried out involving 11 divergent genotypes (6 lines and 5 testers) and 30 F1 hybrids of China aster for assessing the combining ability for 13 economic traits, during 2017. The genotypes Matsumoto White and Phule Ganesh Violet among lines and testers, showed good general combining ability for most of the economical traits. The cross combinations Matsumoto Scarlet x Phule Ganesh Violet, Matsumoto White x Phule Ganesh Violet and Matsumoto Red x IIHRJ3-2 showed best specific combining ability for various traits. The variance of sca was the highest for all the traits except for plant spread and days to first flowering which indicated the dominance of additive gene effects. Hence, it was inferred that specific combining ability can be exploited for the creation of novel flower colours and phenotypes.

An investigation was conducted at the Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara to evaluate the performance of China aster genotypes in tropical plains of Kerala. Ten genotypes of China aster viz., Arka Kamini, Arka Shashank, Arka Archana, Phule Ganesh White, Phule Ganesh Violet, Phule Ganesh Pink, Phule Ganesh Purple, AAC-1, Local Pink and Mat White were evaluated for vegetative, floral and post harvest characters. The greatest plant height (68.86 cm), number of primary branches (14.25), number of leaves (56.48), stem girth (11.09 cm) and plant spread (50.08 cm) were recorded in the variety Phule Ganesh Pink. Leaf area was highest in variety Phule Ganesh White (34.31 cm² ). Number of flowers per plant was the highest in variety Arka Shashank (20.20), while Arka Archana (18.47), Local Pink (18.47), Phule Ganesh Pink (17.73), Phule Ganesh White (16.93) and Arka Kamini (16.27) were on par. Flower stalk length was highest in variety Phule Ganesh Pink (21.39 cm), which was on par with Phule Ganesh Purple (20.61 cm), Phule Ganesh Violet (19.73 cm), AAC-1 (18.27 cm) and Phule Ganesh White (17.73 cm). Flower yield was highest in variety Phule Ganesh Pink (55.99 g). Duration of flowering was the longest in variety Local Pink (62.40 DAP) and was on par with variety Phule Ganesh Pink (60.60 DAP). Shelf life (3.67 days) and vase life (13.93 days) were the highest in variety Phule Ganesh Pink. The study revealed that Phule Ganesh Pink was best suited for cultivation in Kerala, both as cut flower and loose flower. The varieties Local Pink and Phule Ganesh White were also found promising for the tropical plains of Kerala. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In order to improve physical and mental human healthy, development of the urban area landscape is necessary. Water deficit is one of the most important problems in arid and semi- arid regions. Water deficit causes to reduce growth of different plants parts, including roots, aerial parts, leaf area, height, dry weight, proteins, amino acids and chlorophyll. Using drought tolerance plantsisone solution. Moreover, one physiological method to decrease the hazardous effects of environmental stresses on plants is to applyplant growth regulators such as salicylic acid (SA). SA is one of the plant phenolic compounds in low amounts (mg/g wet weight or lower). This hormone can perform an important role in resistance to stresses. Asteraceae is one of the biggest plant families with over 20,000 species which is distributed worldwide in moderate and tropical regions. A lot of border flowers of this family are widely used in landscaping. Toselect drought tolerance flowers and application of materials that reducing stress effects, this experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of salicylic acid on some morphological and physiological characteristics of five border flowers of this family. Materials and Methods: The field experiment was conducted as split plot on randomized complete blocks design with four replications in which factors included two levels of water deficit (50, 100% FC) as main plot and two levels of SA (0, 1mmol/L-1) as sub plot in the horticulturedepartment of faculty of Agriculture atFerdowsi University of Mashhad. In this investigation five border flowers (Ageratum houstonianum‘Blue Danube’, Tagetserecta ‘Discovery Yellow’, Tagetspatula‘Hero Harmony’, Zinnia elegans ‘Lilliput rose’andCallistephuschinensis ‘Milady Mix’ ) of Asteraceae family were chosen for study. The soil mixture was analyzed before starting the test. According to the result of physicochemical analysis of the soil, it had loamy texture (52% sand, 30% silt and 18% clay) with 7.04 pH and 3.6 ds/m electrical conductivity (EC) and total N (0.175mg/kg), P (142.7 mg/kg) and K (142.3mg/kg) were reported, too. Investigated characteristics were height of the plants, leaf area,flower number,root dry weight, flower dry weight, aerial parts dry weight,chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, ,total chlorophyll,carotenoide,stomata conductance,relative water content (RWC) and electrolyte leakage. Tomeasureleaf area and stomata conductance, leaf area meter and prometer were used, respectively. In addition, electrolyte leakage, RWC, chlorophyll and carotenoide were evaluated by Sairamet al., Smart and Bingham, Arnon and Rangan methods, respectively. Minitab 16 software was used for data analysis and LSD test (p≤ 5%) for mean comparison was applied. Results and Discussion: The results of this study showed that all characteristics of examined flowers decreased underwater deficit treatment (50% FC). SA had different effect on flowers properties. Although SA had not significant effect on flower number, it improved the percentage of characteristicssuch asflower dry weight, chlorophyll a, stomata conductance and RWC of Ageratum houstonianum; root dry weight, carotenoid andstomata conductance of Zinnia elegans; carotenoid of Tagetserecta; flower number, flower dry weight, carotenoid and stomata conductance of Tagetspatula; root dry weight, flower dry weight, aerial parts dry weight andstomata conductance of Callistephuschinensis. Moreover, SA had significant effect on the considered characteristics of the other studied flowers. Interaction effect of these two factors had different effects on all of the examined characteristics of five flowers. The highest amounts of the investigated characteristics mostly obtained from water deficit with SA application treatment. Under water deficit, SA could influence leaf area and electrolyte leakage of all examined flowers and aerial parts dry weight of all flowers except Callistephuschinensis. Among the studied flowersTagetserectaand Zinnia elegans showed the highest and Callistephuschinensisdisplayed the lowest response to SA application under water deficit. Underwater deficit conditions SA probably cause to improve nutritious elements that can increase plant growth. Different effects of SA on morphological and physiological properties may be due to the plant species and environmental conditions that can influence on morphophysiologic process variously. Conclusions: The results of this studyindicated that SA resulted in the improvement of themost of morphological and physiological properties. However different results obtained,due to the variation in morphological and physiological characteristics of flowers.

Forty-two genotypes of China aster [Callistephus chinensis (L.) Nees] were evaluated in RBD with two replications for growth, flowering, yield and postharvest traits to determine the variability, heritability, genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation, correlation and path coefficient among 13 quantitative traits, based on which selection may be made. The study was carried out at the Division of Floriculture and Medicinal Crops, ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Hesaraghatta, Bengaluru during 2015–16 and 2016–17. Results revealed that magnitude of the phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was higher than genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all the traits. High (>20%) PCV and GCV was recorded for plant height, number of leaves per plant, plant spread, flower stalk length, 100 flower weight, number of flowers per plant and weight of flowers per plant. Heritability estimates ranged from 92.32% (number of leaves per plant) to 99.84% (100 flower weight). High heritability coupled with high genetic gain as per cent of mean was recorded for all the traits studied. The weight of flowers per plant was significant and positively correlated with all the economic traits, except for shelf life. Path coefficient analysis using correlation coefficients revealed that number of flowers per plant contributed highest positive direct effect on weight of flowers per plant, followed by weight of 100 flowers. Therefore, the selection on the basis of traits, viz. plant height, number of leaves per plant, plant spread, flower stalk length, 100 flower weight, number and weight of flowers per plant will be more effective for improvement of traits in breeding of China aster.

Heterosis over better parents was estimated in thirty crosses of China aster involving six lines viz., Matsumoto Pink, Matsumoto Red, Matsumoto Rose, Matsumoto Yellow, Matsumoto Scarlet and Matsumoto White and five testers viz., Phule Ganesh Violet, Phule Ganesh Purple, IIHRJ3-2, IIHRG13 and Local White during 2016-17 at ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru during 2016-17. Results revealed that the cross L6 × T5 exhibited highest positive significant heterobeltiosis at 5% level of significance for plant height (33.85), flower stalk length (73.76), number of flowers per plant (101.18), weight of flowers per plant (47.90) and flower yield per hectare (47.91). The cross L1 x T3 exhibited maximum negative heterobeltiosis for days to first flowering (-47.41). L5 x T4 recorded the maximum positive heterobeltiosis (at 5%) for flower head diameter (26.44) and 100 flower weight (3.41). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Рurpose. Determining the influence of the varietal features on seed productivity of China Aster when growing under conditions of Forest-Steppe zone of Ukraine. Methods. Field study during 2011–2013 on experimental field of Institute of Horticulture of the National Academy of Agriculture Sciences. Results. It was experimentally determined the influence of varietal features on seed productivity for various sort-types of China Aster. Based on morphological description, the growth and development of this plant was shown as well as dependence of generative organs on quantitative parameters of ve­getative ones, and their impact on the productivity of various variety types either of the Institute of Horticulture or other scientific institutions breeding. Structure of flowers for various sort-types was illustrated. The most productive varieties were identified among those that are included in the State Register of plant varieties suitable for dissemination in Ukraine which have formed the average of 3 g of seeds or more per plant during the years of study. Conclusions. Edaphoclimatic conditions of the Forest-Steppe zone of Ukraine are favorable for seed-producing industry of China Aster. Its productivity considerabl­y depends on a variety and sort-type to which it belongs.

The present investigation was carried out during the year 2017-18 at College of Horticulture, Dr. Y.S.R Horticultural University, Anantharajupeta, Y.S.R. Kadapa Dist. of Andhra Pradesh. The experiment consisted of 7 China aster genotypes, laid out in randomized block design with four replications under 50 per cent shade net condition. Significant variations were observed among different genotypes with respect to physiological and biochemical traits. Among the genotypes, Arka Archana recorded highest leaf area plant-1 (204.58 cm², 1297.89 cm² and 2689.49 cm²), biomass (3.50 g plant-1, 16.00 g plant-1 and 33.00 g plant-1) and LAI (0.228, 1.443 and 2.990) at 30, 60 and 90 DAT. Arka Archana also recorded maximum AGR (0.425 g day-1) and SPAD value (44.26) at 30-60 DAT interval, LAD (25.04, 66.46 days) at 30-60 and 60-90 DAT interval. While highest LAR (100.37cm² g-1, 138.13cm² g-1 at 60, 90 DAT) and protein content (40.50 µg g-1, 133.00 µg g-1 in leaves and flowers) was observed in Arka Kamini. However, maximum anthocyanin content of 207.40 mg 100 g-1 was recorded in Local violet and highest AGR at 60-90 DAT interval (0.790 g day-1), protein content in seeds (652.00 µg g-1) was registered in genotype Arka Aadya. The genotype Arka Shashank recorded the highest leaf area ratio at 30 DAT (65.05 cm² g-1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flavonoids in fifteen genotypes of China aster, grouped by their flower color, namely red, deep pink, light pink, white, light purple, deep purple and yellow, were analysed using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Flower petals were a particularly rich source and contained eleven flavonoid compounds: apigenin, catechin, epicatechin, epigallocatechin, hesperetin, leutolin, myricetin, naringenin, quercetin, rutin, and umbelliferone. The genotype Matsumoto Pink was the richest source (26.74 × 10 3 μg/100 g) and Matsumoto Yellow, the poorest (1.17 × 10 3 μg/100 g). Apigenin was the major compound irrespective of flower color. Based on hierarchical clusters of the flavonoid compounds, the genotypes were grouped into two. Results of principal component analysis were also in conformity with the results of cluster analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China aster (Callistephus chinensis L.) is one of the most popular annual flowering plant grown throughout the world. Phyllody disease of China aster is a phytoplasma associated disease that induces severe economic losses. Phytoplasmal disease in China aster was assessed for phytoplasma by direct polymerase chain reaction primed by using phytoplasma universal primer pairs PI/P7. A 1.8 Kb DNA fragments encoding the portion of phytoplasma 16SrDNA amplified by PCR was cloned and sequenced. Sequencing of the PCR product and BLAST analysis indicated that China aster phyllody phytoplasma strain shared maximum sequence identity (99%) with strains of Peanut Witches' broom (16SrII) phytoplasma group. Phylogenetic relationship of 16SrDNA sequence of China aster phyllody phytoplasma strain in the present study confirmed association of Peanut Witches' broom (16SrII) group of phytoplasmas with China aster phyllody disease in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A radiomutant of China aster with a new type of head and new type of ray florets was described. All florets in the head were bisexual and tubular although dimorphic - they varied in size and colour. The place of ray florets in the head was taken by bisexual open tubular florets which were often crowned with irregular teeth. Disc florets were short and parchment-like. In both types of florets the following were compared: number and size of stamens, vitality of pollen and floret fertility. A number of teeth (lobes) in the corolIas of disc florets was also determined. Attention was also paid to the frequently observed anomalies and in particular to stamen displation. The problem is discussed of whether the obtained form resulted from mutation of disc florets with the simultaneous mutation of factors determining the so far unknown in China aster the head type without the whorl ofray florets or whether it was a mutation of ray flowers (corolla type and androecium formation). The author presents the opinion that the form resulted from the mutation ligulate of ray florets to the type of florets described above.

The improper description and classification of two Polish cultivars of China aster ('Roma' and 'Srebrzysta Gwiazdka') were corrected. A new type of ray florets with tubular-ligulated (RJ type) and closed tubular (RC type) corollas was described. The type of heredity of the above mentioned types of florets and florets with ligulated corollas was determined. The work is based on our own material: radiomutant MG and its offspring as well as the F1

The article highlights the state of breeding and variety studying for Callistephus chinensis in Ukraine and, in particular, in the Horticulture Institute of NAA, and offers the summary of studying the growth and development aspects for Callistephus, various varieties productivity level, their response to specific set of weather and climatic conditions. The research objectives and methods for their achieving are disclosed, as well the requirements a variety shall comply with, namely: reaching homozygote state, distinctness and ornamentality, fusariose and weather conditions resistance. 11 descriptions for new varieties of annual aster (Anastasia, Angelina, Litnia Nich, Lybid, Oksamyt, Samanta, Sofia, Snizhana, Flamingo , Shokoladka, Tsarivna) as bred by the Horticulture Institute of NAAS were provided, namely by identification and economic and biologic characteristics, these varieties are listed in the State Register of Plant Varieties Suitable for Dissemination in Ukraine.