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Heliconias belong to the group of tropical flowers, which generate economic benefits in the agricultural sector with their agronomic peculiarities. Besides providing the social actors involved with benefits aimed at sustainability in different tropical areas. Therefore, the objective of this study was to compare the physiological and agronomic characteristics of three commercial cultivars of Heliconias in three locations of a community in the municipality of Fortín, in the state of Veracruz, Mexico. Three sites were identified based on the type of agriculture: agroforestry system with Heliconias (site 1), agroforestry system - monoculture, with Heliconias (site 2) and monoculture (only Heliconias, site 3). A randomised complete block design with a split-plot arrangement (A x B) and six replications was used. Factors were: A) In situ cultivation sites, corresponding to three plots (sites) in the municipality of Coapichapan, Mexico, and B) Heliconias cultivars (Heliconia psittacorum, Heliconia wagneriana and H. bihai). The variables evaluated were tillers traits and inflorescence traits. The results show that in an agroforestry system with Heliconia, Heliconia bihai showed better performance in eight variables except for inflorescence number and bract number. In an agroforestry and monoculture system with Heliconia, Heliconia bihai shows better results in leaf length and inflorescence length. In an agroforestry system and monoculture with Heliconia, Heliconia wagneriana performed better in bract number, pseudostem width and leaf length. In monoculture, Heliconia bihai responded best to inflorescence length. Due to the tropical nature of this ornamental, the best growing conditions for Heliconia are in agroforestry systems. Due to its physiological characteristics, Heliconia bihai shows its agronomic potential in this type of agriculture even under monoculture conditions. Therefore, the conditions offered by an agroforestry system have a positive effect on the cultivation of Heliconia.

Traditionally, Torch Ginger is commercially propagated via rhizomes. Micropropagation (M) is a viable alternative that ensures the genetic and phytosanitary quality of plantlets. However, in vitro cultivation conditions can lead to morphophysiological disorders resulting in death or difficulties in the acclimatization process and establishment of seedlings/plantlets in field conditions. Thus, Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) has been used in some crops in order to mitigate the drastic effects during acclimatization and establishment of micropropagated plantlets in the field. In this sense, the objective of this study was to evaluate the implantation forms and efficacy of micropropagation and AMF inoculation on the establishment and production of Torch Ginger plants. The planting was carried in shading screens (50%) and different implantation forms were used; through rhizome (RIZ) and plantlets micropropagated with (M+AMF) and without (M-AMF) inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Evaluations of growth, phenology and mycorrhizal colonization were carried out for one year. Micropropagation, independently of AMF inoculation, favoured a better development in height and number of tillers when compared to RIZ plants It is concluded that micropropagated plants of E. elatior showed earlier tiller emission, better development and initial establishment in the field. Additionally, the forms of implantation of E. elatior via rhizome and via micropropagation with or without AMF inoculation produce inflorescences with the minimum characteristics required for commercialization.

ABSTRACT Flower stems of the Heliconiaceae family are gaining more and more space in the Brazilian market of ornamental plants and further knowledge about quality, productivity, and postharvest management is necessary. The objective of the present study was to evaluate heliconiaceae cultivated in full sun in the central-west region of Brazil in terms of agronomic traits and to determine the post-harvest durability of floral stems submitted to cold storage. Accessions of Heliconia bihai cultivar Caribea, H. bihai cultivar Iris Red, and H. rauliniana were evaluated. Quantitative and qualitative morphological characteristics and the total number of flower stems produced and number of marketable stems were obtained. Postharvest longevity was tested in a cold chamber at 16 ºC and 19 ºC and at ambient temperature of 26 ºC. Morphological characteristics such as the length, diameter and fresh mass of flower stems, inflorescence length, and postharvest durability of the inflorescences were the most affected. The most important variables were the quality of flower stems, productivity of marketable stems, and postharvest durability. The studied heliconias presented agronomic characters within the commercialization standards, highlighting H. bihai (Caribea) which presented the highest productivity. The best storage temperature for all accessions evaluated was 16 °C.

ABSTRACT The amount of solar irradiation available in the growing environment can cause significant changes in physiology and leaf anatomy that enable crops to acclimate to different light conditions. In this sense, the objective was to characterize the leaf anatomy and to elucidate the morpho-physiological mechanisms of acclimation to high solar irradiance of heliconia genotypes during the initial stage of development under semiarid conditions. The experiment was conducted in the municipality of Petrolina, Pernambuco state, Brazil (09° 19’ 14” S, 40° 32’ 40” W, and 387 m of altitude) and the behavior of three heliconia genotypes (Heliconia rauliniana; H. bihai cv. Lobster Claw Two, and H. rostrata) grown in full sun and shading (50%) environments were evaluated. At 30 days after the implementation of the experiment, leaf anatomy, chlorophyll index, plant height, number of leaves, and number of tillers were analyzed. Heliconia leaves are characterized as amphistomatous with tetracytic stomata. In its main vein there are aerenchyma structures and hypodermis on the abaxial and adaxial sides. The responses to different light conditions in plants of H. bihai, H. rauliniana, and H. rostrata are genotype-specific. Furthermore, the anatomical structures and physiological changes observed in H. bihai and H. rauliniana plants demonstrate that these genotypes present greater plasticity and consequently greater potential for acclimation to high solar irradiation conditions. Thus, the genotypes H. rauliniana and H. bihai emerge as a potential alternative for cultivation in gardens or in open areas and for exploration as cut flower in regions with high solar irradiation availability.

• Heliconia plants grown in shade show improved growth and development. • Heliconia photosynthesis does not always correlate with thicker leaves. • The genotypes H. bihai and H. rostrata show lower tolerance to high solar irradiation. • The cultivars Golden Torch, Red Opal, and H. rauliniana show more tolerance to high solar irradiation. Heliconias are, species of tropical flowers that have become increasingly attractive around the world due to their potential for commercial exploitation and ease of cultivation. However, their sensitivity to high levels of solar radiation makes their cultivation challenging in tropical and semiarid regions under full sun. Furthermore, there is a dearth of information on the morphophysiological mechanisms that enable heliconia genotypes to acclimate to high solar irradiation under field conditions. In this context, this research aimed to assess the impact of high solar irradiation on the anatomical and physiological traits of five heliconia genotypes (Heliconia psittacorum x H. spathocircinata cv. Golden Torch; H. psittacorum cv. Red Opal; H. bihai cv Lobster Claw Two; H. rauliniana and H. rostrata) grown under different levels of solar irradiation (direct exposure to the sun (FS) and 50 % shading (SH)). Cultivation in full sun (FS) led to significant changes such as reduced total leaf area, height, adaxial hypodermis, and decreased carboxylation efficiency. On the other hand, the shaded environment (SH) promoted an increase in leaf area, height, and carboxylation efficiency. Despite the general trend observed in FS or SH, the detailed results revealed considerable variations among genotypes. Thus, while some genotypes showed consistent reductions in growth in response to high levels of irradiation, others showed a less pronounced response. Our findings suggest that solar irradiation levels not only induce changes in the leaf expansion, density, and stomatal index of heliconia plants but also cause anatomical and functional adjustments in the structural elements of the leaves that are related to optical properties and carboxylation efficiency. Furthermore, genotypes with greater acclimatization ability and tolerance to high solar irradiance show more efficient stomatal regulation, which allows them to maximize photosynthesis and water use under these conditions. H. bihai and H. rostrata showed more sensitivity to cultivation in FS; therefore, the cultivation and commercial exploitation of these genotypes in regions with high incidence of solar irradiation require the use of shading. In contrast, the cultivars Golden Torch, Red Opal, and H. rauliniana exhibited notable tolerance to high levels of solar irradiation. Therefore, cultivating these genotypes in regions with high solar irradiation could eliminate the need for shading, making them ideal for use as cut flowers. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flower stems of the Heliconiaceae family are gaining more and more space in the Brazilian market of ornamental plants and further knowledge about quality, productivity, and postharvest management is necessary. The objective of the present study was to evaluate heliconiaceae cultivated in full sun in the central-west region of Brazil in terms of agronomic traits and to determine the postharvest durability of floral stems submitted to cold storage. Accessions of Heliconia bihai cultivar Caribea, H. bihai cultivar Iris Red, and H. rauliniana were evaluated. Quantitative and qualitative morphological characteristics, the total number of flower stems produced, and number of marketable stems were obtained. Postharvest longevity was tested in a cold chamber at 16 °C and 19 °C and at ambient temperature of 26 °C. Morphological characteristics such as the length, diameter and fresh mass of flower stems, inflorescence length, and postharvest durability of the inflorescences were the most affected. The most important variables were the quality of flower stems, productivity of marketable stems, and postharvest durability. The studied heliconias presented agronomic characters within the commercialization standards, highlighting H. bihai (Caribea) which presented the highest productivity. The best storage temperature for all accessions evaluated was 16 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

The Heliconia species with pendent inflorescences and colorful bracts are a good option as a cut flower for floriculture market, but only a few species of this type of Heliconia eg. H. rostrata, H. rauliniana and H. chartacea are commercially produced in Brazil. This study was carried out to characterize 36 Heliconia accessions, with pendent inflorescences, to be used as cut flower, intending to increase knowledge and use of these exceptional plants among tropical flower enthusiasts and consumers. The evaluations were performed on plants of the Germplasm Collection of the Instituto Agronômico (IAC) growing in shade, partial shade or full sun conditions. Qualitative and quantitative characteristics, related to clump growth and flower stem aspects were analyzed. A pointscoring system was used to determine the species most suitable for cut flower utilization. All evaluated genotypes reached enoughpoints to be considered suitable for use as cut flowers, even those with large inflorescences and bracts arranged in different planes, facts that affect and limit handling, packaging and transportation. H. mariae, H. fernandezii, H. platystachys, H. rauliniana, H. rostrata, H. standley, H. necrobracteata and H. laxa were considered outstanding. This characterization and scoring system wereimportant to facilitate the selection of heliconia genotypes for use as cut flowers.

It is relevant to systematize the global knowledge generated about heliconia due to its economic importance in tropical floriculture and the cut flower market. The objective was to explore the results generated in scientific research related to the cultivation of heliconias as cut flower in terms of its methodological approach, research axes, and spatial distribution in terms of the contributions by country. A bibliographic search was conducted in Scopus, Web of science and SciELO based on the keywords “heliconia” and “tropical flowers”. Thereafter, a content analysis of the documents was conducted with the Nvivo software using a priori categories in terms of methodological approach, research axes, year, countries, and cultivars or varieties. The results indicate that the scientific contributions are mostly under a quantitative approach (98.1%). The investigations mainly address productive aspects (74.5%), post-harvest aspects (16.1%), market (6.7%) while industry-used products (2.5%) are scarcely addressed. The countries that make the most contributions are: Brazil (54.5%), Colombia (15.4%) and Mexico (10.9%). The most important species are: H. psittacorum, H. bihai, H. spathocircinata, H. rostrata and H. wagneriana. These results suggest conducting research to identify problems from the physiological, environmental, productive, and economic processes, as well as considering the strategies of farmers as a priority. This must be approached from paradigms where social actors (farmers), their development and the impacts of their social tasks on the cultivation of heliconias are considered the main axis.

Heliconias have great commercial importance due to their durability of inflorescences, sizes, forms and bright colors. Regarding its production, the mineral nutrition of the crop is one of the most relevant aspects to obtain quality floral stems. The objective was to determine the influence of N-P-K on the growth and nutritional content of Heliconia stricta Dwarf Jamaican. A completely randomized block design was used with four treatments and five repetitions. The treatments consisted in fertilizing the soil with N-P-K. The levels of fertilization expressed in kg ha-1 of NPK were: control without application 00-00-00 (T100), 31-31-31 (T231), 62-62-62 (T362) and 93-93-93 (T493). The plants received the treatments for six months. Growth variables and nutrient contents of heliconia biomass were evaluated. The analysis of variance showed significant statistical differences (P ≤ 0.05) in the vigor and color of the plant, as well as the phosphorus, magnesium and copper contents. The significant increases in vigor and color were with doses 31- 31-31 and 62-62-62 of NPK. As for the contents of P, Mg and Cu were influenced by doses 31-31-31, 62-62-62 and 93-93-93 of NPK. This work shows important findings in relation to the nutritional diagnosis in the foliar content of nutrients.

• Applying plant stimulants can influence positively heliconia quality. • Enzymatic activity is influenced in postharvest. • Phosphite application influences the SOD activity. • Stimulants applied in pre-harvest influences postharvest quality. Many factors influence postharvest quality of tropical flowers, including preharvest management of the plants. Also, oxidative stress is a major factor for determining quality during vase life, as it reflects complex chemical and physiological changes in the plant. The present study aimed to assess the influence of phytostimulants applied to Heliconia psittacorum cv. Golden Torch in quality maintenance during the vase life of this species. Bion®, Agro-Mos®, Quartz®, Ca - Fosfitotal® (calcium phosphite) and K - Fosfitotal® (potassium phosphite) were applied in the field. The flower stems used during the experiment were harvested in the morning to assess the visual aspect, fresh matter loss, electrolyte leakage, lipid peroxidation and the soluble carbohydrates and peroxidase, polyphenoloxidase, and superoxide dismutase activities and total soluble phenolic compounds. Fosfitotal® maintained of stem quality of Heliconia during vase life. Fosfitotal®, especially K - Fosfitotal®, resulted in the best scores for the visual aspect, reduced electrolyte leakage and less lipid peroxidation. These results were confirmed with the quantifications of the enzymes peroxidase, polyphenoloxidase, superoxide dismutase and total soluble phenolic compounds. Field treatments, with phytostimulants can maintain the stem quality Heliconia during vase life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• High solar radiation stress affects the photosynthetic capacity of heliconias. • Kaolin and the minerals boron + zinc reduce the harmful effects of high solar radiation. • Kaolin reduces the effects of stomatal limitation and promotes better photosynthesis. • Kaolin and boron + zinc minerals guarantee better quality and durability of the floral stems. Tropical flowers species of high commercial importance such as heliconia, if grown in semi-arid regions, can have their photosynthesis compromised and, consequently, flower production, due to high irradiation. Foliar applications of kaolin and the mineral nutrients boron and zinc may be an alternative for reducing the harmful effects of light stress. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the application of these mitigating substances on physiological aspects in two species of heliconia grown under semi-arid conditions. The experimental design was randomized blocks in split-plot scheme, with four repetitions and four plants per replication. The plots consisted of two species of heliconias (H. psittacorum cv. Red Opal and H. bihai cv. Lobster Claw Two) and the subplots corresponded to three light stress mitigating substances (kaolin, boron + zinc, and control). The species H. psittacorum showed higher chlorophyll indexes, photosynthesis rate, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate than the species H. bihai. The applications of kaolin and the mineral nutrients boron + zinc caused increases in the chlorophyll a and total chlorophyll indices, photosynthesis rate, carboxylation efficiency, effective quantum yield of photosystem II, leaf temperature, and vapor pressure deficit in plants of H. bihai and H. psittacorum. It is concluded that the foliar application of kaolin and the minerals boron and zinc reduce the harmful effects caused by high luminosity, with emphasis on the kaolin particle film, which promoted better photosynthetic performance and reduced the effects of non-stomatic limitation of photosynthesis, being a promising strategy for the cultivation of heliconia in semi-arid conditions. In addition, both kaolin and the minerals boron and zinc promote the production of flowering stems of heliconia with better quality and post-harvest durability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Torch ginger, Etlingera elatior, is among the most cultivated tropical flower of its genus. Its great acceptability in the market led researchers to improve production characteristics and to adapt it for commercialization. This study aimed to characterize 10 genotypes of torch ginger in order to select and recommend them as cut flower. The experiment ran from Jan 2014 to Dec 2016 in Paulista, Brazil and nine agro-morphological characteristics were evaluated to build a grading system that determined their suitability for cut flower. The IAC 26 and IAC 34 genotypes were classified as poorly suitable, for they presented fresh mass exceeding 237 g. They also presented less than 19 flower stems per clump and only one month with ≥1 floral stem produced in 2015. The genotypes IAC 1, IAC 2, IAC 3, IAC 11, IAC 13 and the cultivar IAC Prumirim were classified as suitable, although they obtained intermediate scores for most of the evaluated criteria. The genotype IAC 41 and the cultivar IAC Camburi were classified as very suitable for cut flower, beginning of flowering period at 12 months, produce 33.25 and 41.20 flower stem per clump, respectively, and present seven months with production of more than one floral stem per clump in 2016, achieving maximum scores from most of the evaluated characteristics.

Many species of Zingiber have great ornamental potential, due to durability and exotic appearance of the inflorescences. Despite its large phenotypic variability, they are scarcely exploited or not yet exploited regarding the ornamental potential. To conserve potential ornamental genotypes, and subsidize breeding program, the Agronomic Institute (IAC) maintain a Germoplasm Collection of Ornamental Zingiberales with promising accessions, including Zingiber. The aim was the morphophenological characterization of ten Zingiber accessions and the indication for landscape purposes. A large variation was observed to the evaluated characters: Clump height (CH); Inflorescence visualization (IV); Clump area (CA); Clump density (CD); Leaf stem Firmness (LSF); Number of leaf stems per clump (NLSC); Number of leaves per stem (NLS); Leaf color (LCol); Evergreen tendency (ET); Flower stem growth (FSG); Flower stem length (FSLe); Flower stem diameter (FSD); Flower stem per clump (FSC); Color sensorial perception (CSP); Flower stem weight (FSW); Inflorescence length (IL); Inflorescence diameter (ID); Bracts aspects (BAs); and Flowering season (FSe). The accessions very suitable and with the best performance to use for landscape purpose were Z. spectabile, IAC Anchieta (Z. spectabile), Z. newmanii.

The Heliconias have a great potential as a cut flower and for this reason an adequate management of the crop is important. The objective of this research was the application of soil amendments (Biol and superabsorbent polymers - SAP) and the analysis on their effect in the growth of Heliconia psittacorum cv. Tropica. An experiment was established using a completely randomized design with four treatments and five repetitions: SAP (1 g plant-1), biol (20 mL plant-1) + SAP (1 g plant-1), biol (20 mL plant-1) and one control (without application). A 20 cm rhizome was planted per pot and were evaluated the height of the plant, the number of leaves, the leaf area and the number of shoots were measured. The analysis of variance did not show statistical differences (p ≤ 0.05) between treatments for the variables of the height of the plant, the leaf area and the number of shoots, but statistical differences were found for the variable number of leaves (p ≤ 0.05), and the best treatments were Biol, SAP, and Biol + SAP. With the application of the biol and SAP amendments, it was not possible to increase the plant height, the leaf area and the number of Heliconia shoots. Regarding the application of SAP to the not found significant results in Heliconia, it is expected that treatments with SAP show a better effect in the dry season.

ABSTRACT: Grasshoppers of the families Acrididae and Romaleidae (Orthoptera) are among the insects that defoliate heliconias and have been gaining status as pests of commercial crops of these plants in Brazil. The objectives of the present study were to identify the grasshopper defoliating heliconias in the municipality of Santo Antônio de Pádua, RJ (Brazil), to evaluate the effect of different levels of shade on the population of this grasshopper and the production parameters of heliconias, and to determine if this grasshopper has an oviposition preference among the heliconias evaluated. The experiment was in a completely randomized block design, in subdivided plots (four levels of shade in the plot, 0%, 30%, 50% and 80%, and four species of Heliconia: H. psittacorum, H. stricta, H. wagneriana and H. psittacorum x H. spathocircinata ‘Golden Torch’ in the subplot), with four replications. The grasshopper was identified as Cornops frenatum frenatum (Acrididae). An increase in shade resulted in a decrease in the number of oviposition holes from the grasshopper and the number of lateral buds. Shade did not influence the number of C. f. frenatum nymphs and adults and the number of flower stems. H. wagneriana was the most preferred species for oviposition by C. f. frenatum. Results suggested using screens to shade heliconia plants can help control C. f. frenatum populations, however, the light requirements of the heliconias should be considered to guarantee productivity.

Anthurium is one of the most frequently grown commercial tropical flowers. In December 2016, Anthurium flowers with circular necrotic spot symptoms were collected in Brazil. Based on morphological and molecular characterisation, the fungus isolates were identified as Colletotrichum theobromicola, which were detected for the first time causing anthracnose on Anthurium in the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grasshoppers of the families Acrididae and Romaleidae (Orthoptera) are among the insects that defoliate heliconias and have been gaining status as pests of commercial crops of these plants in Brazil. The objectives of the present study were to identify the grasshopper defoliating heliconias in the municipality of Santo Antônio de Pádua, RJ (Brazil), to evaluate the effect of different levels of shade on the population of this grasshopper and the production parameters of heliconias, and to determine if this grasshopper has an oviposition preference among the heliconias evaluated. The experiment was in a completely randomized block design, in subdivided plots (four levels of shade in the plot, 0%, 30%, 50% and 80%, and four species of Heliconia: H. psittacorum, H. stricta, H. wagneriana and H. psittacorum x H. spathocircinata 'Golden Torch' in the subplot), with four replications. The grasshopper was identified as Cornops frenatum frenatum (Acrididae). An increase in shade resulted in a decrease in the number of oviposition holes from the grasshopper and the number of lateral buds. Shade did not influence the number of C. f. frenatum nymphs and adults and the number of flower stems. H. wagneriana was the most preferred species for oviposition by C. f. frenatum. Results suggested using screens to shade heliconia plants can help control C. f. frenatum populations, however, the light requirements of the heliconias should be considered to guarantee productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The instability of heliconia flower stem production may be related to climatic variation. Therefore, that information is very important for planning the species production throughout Brazil, mainly in northeast region. The objective of this work was analyzed the previous effects of photoperiod, air temperature and precipitation in the flower stem production of Heliconia psittacorum cv. Red Opal, H. psittacorum x H. spathocircinata cv. Golden Torch, H. stricta cv. Fire Bird and H. rauliniana, and the monthly temporal stability. The flower stems with two to three open bracts were harvested twice a week between May, 2004 and March, 2012 from a field in Camaragibe – PE, Rain Forest Zone of Pernambuco, Brazil. Pearson’s linear correlation demonstrate flower stem production occur in response to the environment stimulus. H. rauliniana inflorescence initiation response mainly to the shortest photoperiod and cv. Fire Bird to highest photoperiod. Production of the cv. Golden Torch was more stable in April, with reduction in September (39.46%) and an increase in December (87.02%), compared with the annual average. The cv. Red Opal produced more in September (31.43%), with a reduction in February (44.8%) and stable in July. H. rauliniana production was stable in September and increase in November (274.8%). The cv. Fire Bird production was stable in April, with the lowest production in November and the highest in March (65%). With this information is possible to predict the cultivar production in the Rain Forest Zone of Pernambuco State, Brazil

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

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

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o cultivo de bastão-do-imperador sob diferentes espaçamentos de plantio em clima subtropical. Os espaçamentos utilizados entre plantas na linha e entre linhas foram: 2,0x2,0m; 2,5x2,0m e 3,0x2,0m. Após 16 meses do plantio, iniciaram-se as avaliações do comprimento e diâmetro da haste da inflorescência, diâmetro basal da inflorescência (com brácteas abertas), diâmetro do botão da inflorescência, comprimento da inflorescência, número de hastes vegetativas por touceira, área de ocupação da touceira, altura da maior haste vegetativa e produção média de inflorescências por touceira. Os diferentes espaçamentos influenciaram no diâmetro da haste da inflorescência e na área de ocupação da touceira. Durante o período da pesquisa, houve aumento no comprimento da haste da inflorescência e nos diâmetros basal e botão da inflorescência. Nas condições de clima subtropical, é possível obter inflorescências de bastão-do-imperador com características comerciais adequadas. A maior produção foi observada utilizando-se o espaçamento de 3,0x2,0m.The goal of this research was to evaluate the torch ginger growth in different planting spacing in subtropical climate. Spacing evaluated between plants and rows were: 2.0x2.0m; 2.5x2.0m and 3.0x2.0m. The following plant evaluations started sixteen months after planting: length and diameter of the inflorescence stem, basal diameter of the inflorescence (with opened bracts) and button diameter of the inflorescence, length of the inflorescence stem, number of vegetative stems per clump, area per clump, height of the higher vegetative stems and inflorescences production per clump. The different spacing influenced flower stem diameter and area per clump. Basal diameter of the inflorescence, button diameter of the inflorescence, and length of the inflorescence stem increased during the research period. Under the conditions of subtropical climate, it is possible to obtain inflorescences of torch ginger with suitable commercial characteristics. The highest production was obtained when using the spacing of 3.0x2.0m.

Postharvest aspects of tropical flowers are still relatively unknown, and there is no methodology for this stage of the production process. So, this study aimed at evaluating the effect of preservative solutions and sucrose on the postharvest preservation of Zingiber spectabile Griff. Floral stems of approximately 40.0 cm, with turgid bracts and characteristic color, were harvested and submitted to a cleaning process, in a laboratory of the Universidade Federal de Lavras, in Lavras, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, in 2010. Afterwards, they were transferred to plastic bottles containing 1.0 L of solutions which corresponded to different treatments: pure water (control), commercial Crystal Clear® preservative (7.5 mL L-1), calcium hypochlorite (5%), commercial Florissant® preservative (1 tablet L-1) and pulsing with Hydraflor-100® (16.0 mL L-1) and with a sucrose solution (10%). The experimental design was completely randomized, with six treatments and four replications, with three inflorescences per replication (plot). The treatments were randomly distributed in a room with temperature of 18ºC and relative humidity of 70%. The visual quality was evaluated according to a scale, with the absorbed volume and dry weight of floral stems being daily measured. Pulsing with Hydraflor-100® provided the highest weight for floral stems and the best commercialization time for Zingiber spectabile.

The Heliconia species with pendent inflorescences and colorful bracts is a good option for landscaping in tropical gardens and cut flowers market. In Brazil only a few species of Heliconia are commercially produced eg. H. rostrata, H. rauliniana and H. chartacea. Aiming to increase the use of outstanding native plants and the knowledge of these products for enthusiasts of tropical flowers, this work was carried out to characterize H. chartacea, H. collinsiana, H. magnifica, H. pendula, H. platystachys, H. pogonantha, H. rostrata, H. rauliniana and H. vellerigera for use in landscaping and as cut flower. The evaluations were performed on plants belonging to the Germplasm Collection of the Instituto Agronômico (IAC), in Ubatuba Unit of Research and Development, located in Ubatuba, São Paulo State, growing in partial shade conditions. Qualitative and quantitative characteristics related to clump and flower stem aspects were analyzed. A point scoring system was used to determine the species most suitable as landscape plant or as cut flower. The plant height range from 2.3 (H. rostrata) to 7.0 m (H. pogonantha), having inflorescence with vibrant and different colors, varying between yellow, orange, red, pink, green and two color combinations. The inflorescences from most of the species were visible in the clump and remain in good conditions for two (H. platystachys) to five months (H. magnifica, H. rostrata and H. pogonantha) and present six (H. platystachys and H. pendula) to 40 (H. pogonantha) open bracts. White wax in leaves or inflorescences were observed in H. collinsiana, H. chartacea, H. pendula and H. platystachys. On the other hand, H. magnifica, H. rostrata, H. pogonantha and H. vellerigera exhibit a hairy surface, pubescent to lanuginose. The postharvest durability longer than 10 days was observed only in H. platystachys, H. rostrata, H. chartacea, and H. rauliniana. This characterization and scoring system were important to indicate and diversify heliconia use for landscaping and cut flower.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar alguns aspectos da fisiologia pós-colheita de inflorescências de sorvetão cultivadas no Submédio São Francisco. Hastes florais recém-colhidas foram submetidas a diferentes tratamentos (água destilada; 75mg L-1 de nitrato de prata - AgNO3; 1000mg L-1 de cloreto de cobalto - CoCl2; 5mg L-1 de ácido giberélico - GA3 - Progibb® e 10mg L-1 de 6-Benzilaminopurina - BAP), em ambiente com temperatura e umidade controlada por 15 dias. A vida pós-colheita foi acompanhada a partir da escala de notas, da massa da matéria fresca e do consumo da solução conservante. O tratamento com AgNO3 em hastes de sorvetão, foi o mais eficiente na manutenção da vida de vaso de sorvetão, porém, devido a sua toxidez, recomenda-se o uso de GA3.The objective of this research was to study some physiological post-harvest aspect of beehive ginger inflorescences grown in the lower middle San Francisco river basin. Flower stems just harvested were submitted to different treatments (distilled water; 75mg L-1 of silver nitrate - AgNO3; 1000mg L-1 of cobalt chloride - CoCl2; 5mg L-1 de GA3 - Progibb® and 10mg L-1 of 6-benzylamino purine - BAP), in an environment with controlled temperature and humidity, for 15 days. The post-harvest life was monitored from grading scale, fresh weight, and consumption of the preservative solution. The treatment with silver nitrate was the most efficient to keep the vase life of beehive ginger, however due to its toxity, the use of GA3 is recommended.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar características pós-colheita da primeira haste floral de plantas de Heliconia psittacorum x H. spathocircinata Aristeguieta, cultivar Golden Torch, sob deficiência de macronutrientes. O experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação, mediante técnica do elemento faltante. As inflorescências produzidas do tratamento sob omissão de N apresentaram coloração laranja-pálido e deformação nas hastes florais. O comprimento e o diâmetro da haste floral e o comprimento da inflorescência foram reduzidos nos tratamentos com omissão de N, P ou K em até 31,23%, em relação ao tratamento completo. A massa de matéria seca e a durabilidade pós-colheita das hastes florais foram reduzidas em 67 e 38,46%, respectivamente, em ambos os tratamentos com omissão de N ou K. As deficiências desses macronutrientes reduziram, ainda, a produção de hastes florais, a partir do segundo perfilho emitido. Hastes florais com maior massa de matéria seca e diâmetro apresentaram maior durabilidade pós-colheita. O teor de carboidrato na parte subterrânea mostrou correlação positiva (0,90) com a massa de matéria seca das hastes florais. Hastes florais com maior teor de carboidratos solúveis nas folhas retardaram a emissão da inflorescência.The objective of this work was to evaluate Heliconia psittacorum x H. spathocircinata Aristeguieta 'Golden Torch' first flower stem morphological and physiological characteristics as well as postharvest longevity, under macronutrients omissions. A greenhouse experiment was conducted under the technique of the lacking element. Inflorescences produced under N omission treatment showed a pale orange color and floral stem deformation. Stem length and diameter as well as inflorescence length were reduced under omission of N, P or K, down to 31.23% when compared to the complete solution treatment. Floral stem dry matter and postharvest longevity were reduced on 67% and 38.46%, respectively, on either N or K omission treatments. These nutrients omission treatments reduced floral stem production from the second shoot emitted. Greater postharvest longevity is to be found at higher floral stem diameter and dry matter. Carbohydrate ratio in underground parts presents positive correlation (0.90) with floral stem dry matter. Floral stems showing greater carbohydrate ratio on the leaves withdraw inflorescence appearance.

Visando selecionar fungos micorrízicos arbusculares (FMA) e substratos para produção de mudas micropropagadas de alpinia (Alpinia purpurata) e sorvetão (Zingiber spectabile), conhecidas espécies ornamentais tropicais, foram inoculadas mudas com 1.500 propágulos infectivos de Gigaspora albida, Glomus etunicatum e Acaulospora longula, em recipientes contendo: (a) solo; (b) solo e vermicomposto (3:1) e (c) solo, areia e vermicomposto (2:2:1). O delineamento foi inteiramente casualizado em fatorial de: quatro tratamentos de inoculação (três com FMA e controle não inoculado), três substratos, oito repetições, para cada vegetal. Após 70 (Z. spectabile) e 100 (A. purpurata) dias da inoculação, parâmetros de crescimento da planta foram avaliados tais como altura, número de folhas e perfilhos, massa seca da parte aérea e subterrânea, área foliar, e ainda a colonização micorrízica e a esporulação dos FMA. Não houve interações significativas entre os FMA e os substratos testados. Em A. purpurata os dois substratos com vermicomposto promoveram maior desenvolvimento; em Z. spectabile, apenas o substrato com maior proporção do fertilizante orgânico induziu crescimento diferenciado. A aplicação de adubo reduziu a colonização micorrízica nos dois hospedeiros e a esporulação de A. longula. Na fase de aclimatação, o uso de substratos orgânicos favorece a formação de mudas vigorosas de alpinia e sorvetão, mas pode ser prejudicial para a comunidade de FMA.To select AMF and substrates that enhance production of micropropagated seedlings of Alpinia purpurata and Zingiber spectabile, tropical ornamental species, seedlings were inoculated with 1,500 infective propagules of Gigaspora albida, Glomus etunicatum and Acaulospora longula, in pots containing: (a) soil; (b) soil and vermicompost (3:1); (c) soil, sand and vermicompost (2:2:1). The experimental design was completely randomized in a factorial of: four inoculation treatments (three with AMF and uninoculated control), three substrates, with eight replicates for each plant species. After 70 (Z. spectabile) and 100 (A. purpurata) days of inoculation, plant growth parameters such as height, leaf and offshoots number, dry mass of shoots and roots, leaf area, as well as mycorrhizal colonization, AMF sporulation were evaluated. Significant interactions were not observed between AMF and substrates. In A. purpurata, the two substrates with vermicompost promoted growth, while in Z. spectabile only the substrate with higher proportion of this compound enhanced plant growth. Use of vermicompost reduced mycorrhizal colonization in both hosts and the sporulation of A. longula. During the acclimatization period, application of organic amendment is useful to induce formation of healthy seedlings of A. purpurata and Z. spectabile but it may be harmful to the AMF community.

The use of shading has been widely used for production of seedlings, flowers and ornamental plants, aiming to minimize the damage from the excess of luminosity. This research evaluated the effect of different shaded environments [0% (full sun); 35% and 50% of shading and overlapping screens of 35%+50%] on morphophysiological aspects and growth of Heliconia psittacorum cv. Golden Torch and Heliconia bihai cv. Humilis in Bom Jesus county, Piaui state, Brazil, from August, 2012 to July, 2013. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design with treatments arranged in a 2 x 4 (Species x Shading) factorial, with six repetitions. Plants of H. bihai cv. Humilis showed higher leaf area compared to H. psittacorum cv. Golden Torch when the corresponding overlapping screens of 35% + 50% was applied, indicating that the two species have different morphological mechanisms for adaptation in shaded environments. Plants grown in full sun (0% of shade) presented lower growth (height and leaf area) and lower chlorophyll content. The 50% of shading providedwas effective to achieve the desired establishment and growth of H. bihai cv. Humilis and H.Psittacorum cv. Golden Torch, grown in pots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Within the context of the management of weeds in tropical flowers, current analysis (1) verified the occurrence (%) of Coleoptera, underscoring Metamasius Horn (Curculionidae) in the planting of heliconias; (2) evaluated the food attractiveness and pheromone in the capture of adult insects; (3) observed and reported the occurrence of natural enemies. Sixteen PET traps were placed in a heliconia commercial area (14° 33'S; 39° 19'W; 142 m) in Uruçuca BA Brazil. The following treatments were employed as baits: sugarcane stalks (T1), sugarcane stalk + pheromone (RMD-1®) (T2), pseudo-stem of heliconias (T3) and pseudo-stem of heliconias + pheromone (RMD-1®) (T4). The insects were removed fortnightly from the traps and the food baits were replaced; change of pheromone occurred every sixty days. The highest number of insects was captured in traps with sugarcane stalks + pheromone and in sugarcane stalks. The species Metamasius hemipterus (L.), M. canalipes (Gyllenhal), M. distortus (Gemminger & Harold) and M. bisbisignatus (Gyllenhal) were identified. Metamasius adults were infected with entomopathogenic fungi and specimens of Histeridae (Hololepta Payk and Omalodes Erichson), which prey on larvae, were captured. Traps with only attractive baits consisting of sugarcane stalks are a low-cost alternative for the massive capture of insects in areas with heliconias. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Tropical Flowers: Romancing the North in Early Female Fiction and Poetry. [PowerPoint Presentation]

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

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

The goal of this research was to evaluate the torch ginger growth in different planting spacing in subtropical climate. Spacing evaluated between plants and rows were: 2.0×2.0m; 2.5×2.0m and 3.0×2.0m. The following plant evaluations started si×teen months after planting: length and diameter of the inflorescence stem, basal diameter of the inflorescence (with opened bracts) and button diameter of the inflorescence, length of the inflorescence stem, number of vegetative stems per clump, area per clump, height of the higher vegetative stems and inflorescences production per clump. The different spacing influenced flower stem diameter and area per clump. Basal diameter of the inflorescence, button diameter of the inflorescence, and length of the inflorescence stem increased during the research period. Under the conditions of subtropical climate, it is possible to obtain inflorescences of torch ginger with suitable commercial characteristics. The highest production was obtained when using the spacing of 3.0×2.0m. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Abstract: Inadequate temperatures during the shipping and commercialization of cut tropical flowers may accelerate the senescence process and cause chilling injury, leading to symptoms that have not yet been described for Heliconia bihai. The aim of the present study was to evaluate physiological responses in cut inflorescences of H. bihai cv. Lobster Claw (LC) and cv. Halloween (HW) as well as symptoms of senescence and chilling injury. For such, changes in fresh weight, bract color (L*, a* and b*), percentage of absolute integrity (PAI) of cell membranes and leakage of potassium ions (LPI) were determined. The flowering stems were evaluated at five different intervals after harvest (0, 2, 4, 6 and 8d). A refrigerated treatment (RT) with a temperature of 6.5°C and 85% relative humidity was compared to a control treatment (CT) at room temperature of 24°C and 66% relative humidity. Both cultivars stored at 6.5°C exhibited dryness of bract tissue (symptom of senescence) and dark stains that became brownish and evolved to necrosis (symptom of chilling injury). The visual quality of inflorescences decreased with time in both cultivars maintained without refrigeration. The severity of chilling injury increased with the length of storage time in both cultivars. There was a significant reduction in the fresh weight of inflorescences in both treatments (RT and CT) and both cultivars (LC and HW). Bract color changed in both cultivars at 6.5°C. There was no change in PAI throughout the evaluation period in the inflorescences stored at room temperature, whereas those stored at 6.5°C for 6 and 8d had lower PAI values. The inflorescences in the control treatment underwent no change in LPI values, whereas those stored under refrigeration had increased LPI values after the sixth day of storage. The physiological responses of cut Heliconia flowers were influenced by storage period and temperature, as demonstrated by visual symptoms of chilling injury and senescence. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A genetic study of seven cultivars of H. psittacorum and Heliconia interspecific hybrids was carried out. The heritability estimate and genetic variation coefficient were highest for stem diameter (SD) (99.32% and 56.90%, respectively) and for CVg/CVe (1.85), indicating a favorable situation for selection. The genetic correlations of SD with days to inflorescence emergence (DIE) (0.64), period from shoot emergence to stem cut (CYCLE) (0.63) and stem weight (SW) (0.96) showed that the time from inflorescence emergence to cut is longer and the stem weight is greater for genotypes with larger stem diameter. Inflorescence length (IL), SD and DIE were the most important traits, accounting for 99.55% of the total variation. For SD and IL, the repeatability values exceeded 0.60 and for SD, SW, DIE and IL the coefficients of determination exceeded 93%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this research was to study some physiological post-harvest aspect of beehive ginger inflorescences grown in the lower middle San Francisco river basin. Flower stems just harvested were submitted to different treatments (distilled water; 75mg L-1 of silver nitrate - AgNO3; 1000mg L-1 of cobalt chloride - CoCl2; 5mg L-1 de GA3 - Progibb® and 10mg L-1 of 6-benzylamino purine - BAP), in an environment with controlled temperature and humidity, for 15 days. The post-harvest life was monitored from grading scale, fresh weight, and consumption of the preservative solution. The treatment with silver nitrate was the most efficient to keep the vase life of beehive ginger, however due to its toxity, the use of GA3 is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]