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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]

Aims: The main aim has been to quantify long-time variation in plant cover of Phalaris arundinacea, Carex rostrata and C. vesicaria, and number of Carex flowering shoots in plots situated along a littoral elevation gradient. Study area: The study area lies on the outer edge of a freshwater fluvial delta in the northern part of Myrkdalen Lake (229 m a.s.l.), W Norway (60°40' N, 6°28' E). The lake summer water level was in 1987 permanently lowered by 1.4 m exposing a stretch of ca. 40 m of the sediments. Methods: A transect was randomly selected on the exposed sediments perpendicular to the new shoreline, and continuous sample plots were permanently marked. Species percentage cover and number of Carex flowering shoots were counted in twenty-six 1 × 0.5 m plots and repeated 14 times from 1993 until 2020. The species data were related to variation in elevation, water level and temperature. Results: Plant percentage cover in the permanent study plots varied strongly during the investigation period. Relationships between species cover and the environmental variables were, however, not statistically significant. C. vesicaria and C. rostrata showed major variation in flower production both in relation to elevation and with time. C. vesicaria flower production increased significantly in years with elevated temperature and decreased in years with high water level. C. rostrata produced less flowers than C. vesicaria, except during the first study years. The variation in C. rostrata flower production was not significantly related to changes in water level or temperature, but the production increased with its cover and was reduced with increased P. arundinacea cover. Mean temperature and water level of the two last years explained the variation in mean number of flowering shoots best. Flower production of the two species varied in parallel with a significant correlation. Variation in species percentage cover was significantly related to C. rostrata flower production but not to C. vesicaria flower production. [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.

Plants inhabiting environments with stressful conditions often exhibit a low number of flowers, which can be attributed to the energetic cost associated with reproduction. One of the most stressful environments for plants is the Antarctic continent, characterized by limited soil water availability and low temperatures. Induction of dehydrins like those from the COR gene family and auxin transcriptional response repressor genes (IAAs), which are involved in floral repression, has been described in response to water stress. Here, we investigated the relationship between the water deficit‐induced stress response and the number of flowers in Colobanthus quitensis plants collected from populations along a latitudinal gradient. The expression levels of COR47 and IAA12 genes in response to water deficit were found to be associated with the number of flowers. The relationship was observed both in the field and growth chambers. Watering the plants in the growth chambers alleviated the stress and stimualted flowering, thereby eliminating the trade‐off observed in the field. Our study provides a mechanistic understanding of the ecological constraints on plant reproduction along a water availability gradient. However, further experiments are needed to elucidate the primary role of water availability in regulating resource allocation to reproduction in plants inhibiting extreme environments. [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. [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.

French lavender (Lavandula dentata L.) is an ornamental, aromatic and medicinal plant. Potassium (K) is an essential macronutrient for plants and its complementation is a routine practice in crops in weathered soils. The most used source of potassium in Brazil is potassium chloride (KCl), which is often questioned by the presence of the Cl- ion. This study tested the performance of L. dentata plants grown under five levels (0, 50, 100, 200 and 300 mg.dm−3) of K supplied from: KCl and potassium sulfate (K2SO4). Rooted stem cuttings were transplanted in pots, in a greenhouse, with a random arrangement of blocks in a double factorial scheme. At the full blooming, plants were collected and evaluated for morphological characteristics. After, analyzes of the shoot mineral nutrients contents were carried out. The material was also used for the essential oils extractions. The only plant morphological characteristic that showed influence of the treatments was the number of inflorescences, where the plants fertilized with KCl showed superior results, being possible to calculate the maximum flower spikes production when applied an estimated level of 230 mg.dm−3 of K, as KCl. Among the contents of 14 nutrients evaluated, plants grown under KCl fertilizer showed changes in 12 nutrients contents, while plants from K2SO4 treatments showed only six altered nutritional contents. The essential oil yield was higher when K2SO4 was applied, with the maximum calculated yield (1.44%) achieved when the estimated level of 206 mg.dm−3 of K is applied (as K2SO4). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fleshy fruits are used by various animals, including legitimate seed dispersers and fruit and seed predators. To clarify the overall effect of these plant-animal interactions on the annual fruit production and seed dispersal pattern of fleshy-fruited species, we investigated the demographic processes from flowering to fruit removal and their effect on seed dispersal of Photinia glabra, which shows variable seed dispersal and has a specialized insect seed predator, Argyresthia assimilis, tightly dependent on its fruit. We sorted all reproductive organs for ten trees from 2013 to 2021 on Takaragaike Hill in northern Kyoto City, western Japan (35° 3′N, 135° 46′E; 110–150 m above mean sea level). The amplitude of intra-individual variability ( CV i ¯ value of 0.97) and inter-individual synchrony ( r p ¯ value of 0.30) in flower production was relatively weak, which would not fully contribute to the reduction in fruits damaged by A. assimilis. Compared with flower production, we observed highly variable ( CV i ¯ value of 1.39) and synchronous ( r p ¯ value of 0.89) seed dispersal by legitimate seed dispersers within individuals. Reproductive loss due to generalist avian seed predators was the most prominent factor contributing to annual variability in total pre-dispersal losses, followed by losses due to A. assimilis. Annual variability in the visitation frequency of avian seed predators, especially migratory Fringilla montifringilla, may affect the amount of ripened fruit available to legitimate seed dispersers. We suggest that the effect of damage due to generalist seed predators directly determines the intermittent and highly synchronous seed dispersal of P. glabra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

In commercial production of potted ornamental plants, the substrate is one of the main inputs responsible for plant quality and good acceptance by the market. In this article, we present the potential of waste of coconut fiber (CF) and carbonized rice husks (CRH) as alternative and low-cost growing media for ornamental plant cultivation. Nine substrates were formulated to produce Catharanthus roseus and Zinnia elegans. The following substrate traits were analyzed: pH, electrical conductivity, water retention capacity, total porosity, dry density, and scanning electron microscopy. Biometric parameters of both species were also evaluated. The substrate containing 50% CF and 50% clayey soil showed 94% similarity to commercial pine bark substrate (CPS), which is a potential substitute. Substrates with water retention capacity between 39 and 59% v v-1 improved flower attributes of C. roseus, especially the substrate containing 50% CF and 50% CPS. Flower production of Z. elegans was improved on substrates that combined porosity from 74 to 85% v v-1 and dry density from 300 to 600 kg m-3, mainly substrates composed of 50% CRH and 50% clayey soil, 50% CRH and 50% CPS, and 100% CPS. It is, therefore, possible to replace CPS with CF and CRH completely or partially to produce ornamental plants, acknowledging that the ideal characteristics of the substrate may vary from species to species. [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]

Environmental heterogeneity can interact with ecosystem processes to alter individual plant reproduction. A better understanding of the factors that contribute to variation in plant reproduction between and within populations will increase our ability to predict larger-scale plant persistence. Longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) savannas are mostly open, heterogeneous landscapes characterized by occasional patches of trees that create partially closed canopies. This creates a mosaic of microsite conditions that can alter plant reproduction. Frequent, low-intensity fires that occur during different seasons are also considered fundamental drivers of plant reproduction in this system. The effects of varying fire season on plant reproduction have produced mixed results, likely because fire season interacts with microsite conditions, such as canopy cover. We investigated fire season and canopy cover effects on reproduction of wiregrass (Aristida beyrichiana), a species whose reproduction can be fire stimulated. We established plots under open and partially closed canopies in three pine savanna management units burned during different seasons (i.e., early dry, mid-dry, and early wet). We recorded reproductive state and number of inflorescences produced by individuals occurring within plots and germinated seeds from reproducing individuals. We found that wiregrass burned during the early dry season had the lowest reproduction with few individuals flowering. When burned during the mid-dry season, probability of reproduction was the highest, but seed germination was low. Plants burned during the early wet season produced seeds with the highest probability of germination, especially under partial canopy. Our results indicate that wiregrass reproduction is affected by both small-scale environmental variation and large-scale ecosystem processes, with fires during the early wet season most likely to promote the production of viable seeds. [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 study was aimed to determine the effects of foliar applications of thidiazuron and putrescine, two compounds that may cause iron (Fe) remobilization, in pot marigold (Calendula officinalis L.) grown in controlled conditions under a limited Fe supply. In a first experiment, plants were grown in a greenhouse in a mixture of sand and perlite with pre-growth/growth Fe concentrations ranging from 0 to 20 µM, and treated three consecutive times with foliar sprays of 0 or 45.4 µM thidiazuron. In a second experiment, plants were grown in a greenhouse in hydroponics with pre-growth/growth Fe concentrations in the nutrient solution ranging from 0 to 20 µM, and treated three consecutive times with foliar sprays of 0, 2.27, or 5.67 mM putrescine. Parameters measured included leaf photosynthetic pigments and Fe concentrations, root ferric chelate reductase activities, photosynthesis rates and peroxidase in leaf extracts in the first experiment, and leaf photosynthetic pigments, leaf and root micronutrient concentrations, root ferric chelate reductase activities, and superoxide dismutase and peroxidase activities in leaf extracts in the second experiment. Results indicate that foliar thidiazuron and putrescine treatments in the µM and mM ranges, respectively, improve Fe transport to the leaf under zero or low supply of Fe. This indicates that foliar treatments with thidiazuron and putrescine increase remobilization of pre-existing plant Fe pools. This could be an additional tool for the optimization of Fe nutrition in ornamental plants such as C. officinalis when grown in controlled conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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.

In agronomic design of experiments, researchers frequently assume linear associations between explanatory and response variables, also they assume a gaussian distribution or transform it. Inherent variability of the experiment units is not considered. Besides, it is frequent to analyze the time as a factor of a factorial design when repeated measures are taken through time, missing the opportunity to analyze the plant growth. New statistical models present the opportunity to analyze the raw data without transforming, they also can consider the variability of the experiment units as random components and they can identify the relationship between explanatory and response variables as linear or nonlinear. In cut roses production, one of the main quality factors is stem length, but is not clear how temperature, relative humidity and light affect it. The aim of this research was to analyze new statistical models to better understanding the impact of environmental variables on stem length of two rose cultivars (Samurai and Blush) during two peak production periods. The models used were: generalized linear models (GLM), generalized linear mixed models (GLMM), generalized additive models (GAM), generalized additive mixed models (GAMM), vector generalized lineal models (VGLM) and repeated measures model. The results showed that GAM model with a gamma distribution and identity link function was the best model with minimum BIC value and minimum error variance. It identified a nonlinear effect of relative humidity and linear effects of heat and light. The best conditions to produce plants between 50 and 70 cm, were 650 to 830 heat units and 82.5 to 85% of relative humidity. GAMM identified the period of April to May with cultivar Blush as the best conditions to produced roses. Repeated measures analysis confirmed that plants initiated high (low), remained so through time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herbicides have been shown to reduce flower production and to delay flowering, with results varying among herbicides and tested plant species. We investigated the effects of herbicides on flowering in an extensive greenhouse study conducted in Canada and Denmark. The effects of low doses of 5 different herbicides (bromoxynil, ioxynil + bromoxynil, metsulfuron‐methyl, clopyralid, and glyphosate), simulating realistic drift scenarios (1 and 5% recommended field rates), on plant flowering were examined using 9 wild plant species exposed at either the seedling (6‐ to 8‐leaf) or flower bud stage. Following herbicide exposure, initial flowering date as well as flower production over time were recorded over the growing period. The effect of herbicides on cumulative flower numbers and flowering time were modeled using Gompertz growth models. Significant delays to peak flowering and/or reductions in flower production were observed in at least one plant species for all tested herbicides, with glyphosate often exhibiting the greatest negative effects, that is, plant death. Except for ioxynil + bromoxynil, there was no clear evidence of either the seedling or the flower bud stage being more sensitive. Overall, 58% of all species × life stage × herbicide treatments resulted in either a statistically significant or a strong decline in flower production with herbicide application rates up to 5% of recommended field rates, whereas significant or strong delays in peak flowering were also detected but were slightly less common. Effects at 1% label rates were minimal. Simultaneous delays to peak flowering and reductions in total flower production occurred in approximately 25% of all cases, indicating that herbicide application rates simulating realistic drift scenarios would likely have negative effects on wild floral communities. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:1244–1256. © 2020 SETAC [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several Cerrado tree species have traits and structures that protect from fires. The effectiveness of a trait depends on the fire regime, especially the frequency. We used Vochysia elliptica, a common Cerrado tree, as a model to test whether different fire frequencies alter crown architecture and flower, fruit and seed production.We analysed the effect of fire on the production of inflorescences, fruits and seeds, as well as seed germination and tree architecture of 20 trees in each of three plots of a long‐term ecological experiment managed with different fire regimes: burned every 2 years (B), burned every 4 years (Q) in mid‐dry season and an area protected from fire (C).We found a large negative effect of fire frequency on crown architecture and on flower and fruit production. Trees in C and Q had significantly more main branches and a larger crown area than trees in B. At its peak, a tree in C was expected to produce 2.4 times more inflorescences than Q, and 15.5 times more than B, with similar magnitudes for fruits. Sixty per cent of trees in B and 10% in Q produced no fruits.The differences in architecture might explain the reduction in sexual reproduction due to a smaller physical space to produce flowers at the branch apices. Resource limitation due to plant investment to replace burned vegetative parts may also decrease sexual reproduction. Our results indicate potentially severe consequences of high fire frequencies for population dynamics and species persistence in Cerrado communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

The study was aimed to determine the iron (Fe) requirements at different growing stages of pot marigold (Calendula officinalis L.). Plants were grown in pots containing equal proportions of sand and perlite, and fertigated with nutrient solution including 4 or 35 µM of the Fe-chelate Fe(III)-EDDHA in each of three different growth stages. Stages were labeled I (from seed germination until 4th to 6th true leaf stage), II (from 4th to 6th true leaf stage until start of flowering) and III (from the start of flowering to flower fading time). Using consistently 4 µM Fe led to chlorotic plants and small and short-lived flowers, whereas using consistently 35 µM Fe led to good quality flowers, considering size, number and lifetime. Results suggest that using 4 µM Fe at growth stages I or III did not result in significant reductions in flower weight and number. Conversely, using 4 µM Fe at stage II led to decreases in flower weight and number. Using 4 µM Fe in two stages could be acceptable only when stages were I and III, although some decreases in number of flowers and number longevity occurred. Results show that it is feasible to reduce the concentration of Fe in the nutrient solution during a considerable part of the plant growth period. Using low Fe in only one growth stage would reduce total Fe inputs by 20–29%, whereas using low Fe in stages I and III would reduce total Fe inputs by 48%. The reduction proposed in the Fe-chelate concentrations would result in diminishing costs for growers and decreasing the environmental impact of Fe fertilization. [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.

Woody-plant encroachment threatens the biodiversity and ecosystem functioning of grasslands and meadows worldwide. An important but rarely described consequence of the transition to woody-plant dominance is the reduction in flowering of herbaceous species. We modeled community-wide relationships between flowering and light in two tree-invaded meadows (BG and M1) in the western Cascade Range, Oregon (USA). At BG, trees established over two centuries, forming a gradient of encroachment states (open meadow to old forest) and declining levels of light (91% to 8%), with most (85%) of the decline occurring within 2–4 decades of tree establishment. At M1, where trees formed distinct edges, we also tested whether distance from edge can serve as proxy for light in modeling flowering response. Flowering declined significantly with reductions in light at both sites: for a 10-percentage-point reduction in light, probability of flowering decreased by 35% (BG) and 21% (M1), median flowering density (flowers per m2) by 15% and 8%, and median flowering effort (density per unit cover) by 10% and 9%, respectively. At M1, distance to edge was a poorer predictor of flowering due to its nonlinear relationship with light: > 80% of the reduction in light occurred within 4.5 m of the edge. Our results reveal strong, nonlinear relationships of flowering in time (most rapid early in the invasion process) and space (steepest at the forest edge). In a landscape dominated by forests, conifer invasion of mountain meadows can reduce the local and larger-scale diversity of plants and their insect pollinators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of growing media compositions containing cocopeat, FYM and vermiculite in different ratios on potted Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat cultivar Kikiobiory (standard) for quality flower production. The results revealed that, vegetative growth with maximum plant height, number of leaves, root suckers per plant with delayed flowering were observed in media containing cocopeat + FYM (2:1)., whereas, the flower quality parameters like flower diameter and duration of flowering were highest in media containing vermiculite + FYM (2:1). However, plants showed the significant vegetative growth with better flowering time and quality in media composition cocopeat + vermiculite + FYM (1:1:1). Therefore, the findings suggest that for quality flower production of potted Chrysanthemum cv. Kikiobiory, light-weight growing media composition of cocopeat + vermiculite + FYM (1:1:1) was ideal with better plant morphological development and sustained flowering for display. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

Background: Fire has been reported to trigger the production of flowers and fruits in many fire-prone ecosystems around the world. However, for tropical savannas, little is known about the effects of fire on flower production at community and species scale, especially for the ground-layer. Aims: We assessed the role of fire as a trigger to short-term flowering in cerrado grassland, compared with unburned vegetation. Methods: We recorded the presence of flowers or fruits in 2,441 individuals from 47 plant species (grasses, forbs and subshrubs), during 6 months after fire, in burned and unburned areas of cerrado grasslands, in south-eastern Brazil. Results: In the burned areas, 63% of individuals sampled flowered, in contrast to 19% in unburned areas, demonstrating a strong and positive effect of fire on plant communities of cerrado grasslands. Fire significantly induced flowering in 79% of the studied species, of which 20 species flowered only after fire (nine grasses, seven subshrubs and four forbs). Conclusions: These results highlight the role of fire triggering important ecological processes in the cerrado grasslands, potentially benefiting seed production and genetic diversity of many species. Fire is a crucial factor to be maintained for conservation of these ecosystems and their biodiversity. [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]

To clarify the linkage between flowering phenology and pollination success in alpine plant communities, we quantified the seasonality of flower visitors, the temporal transition of floral resources, and the variation in pollination success of alpine plants in northern Japan. Bumble bees, syrphid flies, and non-syrphid flies were the predominant flower visitors. Foraging activity of bumble bees increased toward the late flowering period reflecting the life cycle of colony development. The activity of syrphid flies was sensitive to ambient temperature, while that of non-syrphid flies remained high throughout the season. Flower production of bee-pollinated plants fluctuated significantly between years with a bimodal pattern peaking in the early and late periods, while flower production of fly-pollinated plants was less variable between years. Fruit-set success of bee-pollinated plants increased considerably from the early to the late flowering period, while the trend for fly-pollinated plants was less marked. Three times more visits of dipteran insects are necessary for fly-pollinated plants to achieve fruiting success comparable to bee-pollinated plants. Bumble bees are potentially excellent pollinators, but the visitation frequency is low early in the season. Lower pollination ability of dipteran insects may be compensated for by abundant flower visits. The relationships between flowering phenology and fruit-set success of alpine plant communities highly depend on the type of pollinators. [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]

The response of tropical forests to anthropogenic climate change is critically important to future global carbon budgets, yet remains highly uncertain. Here, we investigate how precipitation, temperature, solar radiation and dry- and wet-season lengths are related to annual tree growth, flower production, and fruit production in three moist tropical forest tree species using long-term datasets from tree rings and litter traps in central Panama. We also evaluated how growth, flower, and fruit production were interrelated. We found that growth was positively correlated with wet-season precipitation in all three species: Jacaranda copaia ( r = 0.63), Tetragastris panamensis ( r = 0.39) and Trichilia tuberculata ( r = 0.39). Flowering and fruiting in Jacaranda were negatively related to current-year dry-season rainfall and positively related to prior-year dry-season rainfall. Flowering in Tetragastris was negatively related to current-year annual mean temperature while Trichilia showed no significant relationships of reproduction with climate. Growth was significantly related to reproduction only in Tetragastris, where it was positively related to previous year fruiting. Our results suggest that tree growth in moist tropical forest tree species is generally reduced by drought events such as those associated with strong El Niño events. In contrast, interannual variation in reproduction is not generally associated with growth and has distinct and species-specific climate responses, with positive effects of El Niño events in some species. Understanding these contrasting climate effects on tree growth and reproduction is critical to predicting changes in tropical forest dynamics and species composition under climate change. [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]