 Subjects -> GARDENING AND HORTICULTURE (Total: 37 journals)
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- Establishing native wildflower habitats in urban settings on a low budget
Abstract: ABSTRACTThis study aimed to compare the costs of two methods in establishing a native wildflower habitat using transplants while controlling weeds. The first method involved no-tillage and glyphosate herbicide and the second method used dazomet herbicide with tillage. Direct expenses included the initial establishment of the transplants under two differing soil treatments and were calculated separately. Expense differences between the two methods result from the prices of the two herbicides, type of equipment used in soil preparation and the type of tasks requiring labour. Results show a high rate (85%–90%) of the transplants becoming established regardless of the method used, suggesting that both may be considered suitable. With conservation and sustainability in mind, the cost estimates provide benchmarks for different methods of planting wildflower habitats in urban settings.
PubDate: Mon, 05 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMT
- Morphological and physiochemical changes of jojoba under water pollution
stress condition
Abstract: ABSTRACTWater security is a major challenge for agricultural sustainability in Egypt. To tackle water scarcity, the reuse of wastewater such as raw agricultural drainage water (RADW) and treated sewage drainage water (TSDW) can be a potential solution. An investigation was conducted over two seasons (2022 and 2023) for 5 months (January–May) on roughly 8-month-old jojoba plants to study their tolerance for irrigation with different concentrations of wastewater (RADW, TSDW) at 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% compared to the control (tap water). The study examined the effect of wastewater irrigation on growth parameters such as plant height, stem diameter, shoot numbers, leaf physical measurements, visual quality (VQ) and leaf chemical components including heavy metals (HMs), antioxidant capacity (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl [DPPH]), ion leakage (IL%), superoxide anion (O2•−), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), malondialdehyde (MDA), leaf minerals, pigments, soluble carbohydrate content (SCC), total phenolic content (TPC) and proline performance in jojoba plants. The findings indicated that jojoba plants can tolerate irrigation with RADW up to a concentration of 100% and TSDW up to a concentration of 75%.
PubDate: Thu, 01 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMT
- Phenotypic characteristics of black apricot × cultivar
‘Shlor-Tsiran’ in Armenia
Abstract: ABSTRACT‘Shlor-Tsiran’ (literally called ‘Plum-Apricot’) is an old black apricot cultivar, which is traditionally cultivated in Armenia. Taxonomically, it belongs to Prunus × dasycarpa Ehrh., which is a spontaneous hybrid of apricot and cherry plum (P. armeniaca L. × P. cerasifera Ehrh.). Currently, ‘Shlor-Tsiran’ is considered to be very rare in Armenia and it occurs as single trees in old home orchards of the Ararat Valley. It is characterised by high frost and disease resistance, late flowering and fruiting compared with other cultivated apricots, and is of interest for the development of apricot cultivars displaying delayed fruit ripening and enhanced frost resistance. This study aims to phenotype the cv. ‘Shlor-Tsiran’ taking into consideration 67 quantitative and qualitative characteristics of vegetative and generative organs, growth and development. Morphological description of the cv. ‘Shlor-Tsiran’, comparing with its parent species, P. armeniaca and P. cerasifera, was performed. Data on fertility and viability of pollen grains, biochemical and nutritional properties of fruits and tree productivity are provided. The data obtained should contribute to a wider use and conservation of the black apricot cv. ‘Shlor-Tsiran’ gene pool, which can be used for breeding purposes as well. The article is illustrated with tables and original photographs.
PubDate: Thu, 25 Jul 2024 00:00:00 GMT
- The influence of different methods of under-vine management on the
structure of vegetation and the qualitative parameters of the grapes in
the Moravian wine region
Abstract: ABSTRACTThe present article explores the importance of vineyard soil management. Studies on under-vine management have yielded a wide range of results, with some indicating potential benefits for vine growth and productivity. However, the methods of under-vine management and their specific effects on vineyard parameters require further research. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationships existing between the different types of management of under-vine areas and the vegetation grown in this zone and to determine the effects of under-vine management on the yield and quality of Traminer grapevines. By examining various approaches, the research aims to provide insights into the optimising of vineyard management methods to achieve enhanced biodiversity and grape quality in this specific geographical context. The findings indicated that management of the under-vine area can impact the composition of plants, grape yield and quality. Under-row management had an effect on the number of plant species and their composition. The highest weight of bunches was found in MIX (a species from the Fabaceae family), while the lowest was found in the MECH treatment (bare soil). MULCH, MONO and MIX consistently had higher yeast assimilable nitrogen (YAN) in grapes than other treatments. In many of the evaluated parameters, the influence of the seasons was evident.
PubDate: Mon, 22 Jul 2024 00:00:00 GMT
- Connecting college students with nature: An evaluation indicator system
for the implementation of horticultural therapy programmes on university
campuses
Abstract: ABSTRACTThe introduction of horticultural therapy to university campuses has gradually become an effective way to promote college students’ interaction with nature, improve their health and increase the quality of their study environment. However, many current studies have focused on measuring and evaluating the physical and mental health benefits of horticultural therapy programmes for college students, while less attention has been paid to exploring how to implement such programmes in a planned and sustainable manner. The main purpose of this study is to construct an evaluation system for the implementation of horticultural therapy programmes on university campuses, so as to better guide the sustainable development of campus horticultural therapy. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and the Delphi method were combined in this study. Delphi method was used to carry out two rounds of consultation for 10 experts, to select and revise indicators at all levels and establish an evaluation system. Expert and college student opinions were combined to determine the weight of indicators at each level using AHP. The evaluation system constructed by Delphi method included 4 indicators in the criteria layer and 12 indicators in the indicator layer. The weight analysis of AHP showed that horticultural therapy plan (0.341) was most important in the criteria layer, followed by the natural healing environment (0.289), the horticultural therapy team (0.190) and post-maintenance management (0.180). In conclusion, the evaluation system constructed systematically sorts out the elements of conducting horticultural therapy programmes on Chinese university campuses, which has good application and promotion value.
PubDate: Thu, 18 Jul 2024 00:00:00 GMT
- Molecular characterisation of cornelian cherry ( L.) genotypes
Abstract: ABSTRACTThe application of microsatellite simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers has proven to be highly effective in genetically characterising the origins of various fruit species. Bosnia and Herzegovina boast abundant cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) germplasm within its natural habitats. This study focuses on three geographically distant regions in Bosnia and Herzegovina–Drvar, Mostar and Zenica–comprising a sample of 60 cornelian cherry genotypes. The genetic analysis of cornelian cherry utilised eight microsatellite primers to characterise the genetic makeup of the 60 genotypes. Notably, all observed loci in the three populations demonstrated 100% polymorphism. The total genetic differentiation is 0.042, which is also confirmed by the analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA), which indicates that 3% of the total genetic variation is between groups, 8% between individuals and 89% within individuals. The results of pairwise Fst analysis (pFst) indicate that the greatest differentiation is between the populations of Mostar and Zenica (0.037), between Drvar and Zenica (0.026) and between Drvar and Mostar (0.025). The results of the genetic distance according to Nei confirm these results. Also, the largest difference was observed between the populations of Mostar and Zenica (0.316), then between Drvar and Zenica (0.285), and the smallest between Drvar and Mostar (0.251). This research contributes valuable insights into the genetic diversity and characterisation of cornelian cherry populations in different regions of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
PubDate: Thu, 04 Jul 2024 00:00:00 GMT
- Analysis of the effects of various light spectra on microgreen species
Abstract: ABSTRACTLight conditions, such as spectral composition, intensity and photoperiod, can affect the photosynthetic apparatus and content of beneficial bioactive compounds. The experiments realised under randomised experimental design tested seedlings of 21 genotypes, including 12 genotypes of the Brassicaceae family, lettuce, amaranth, onion, spinach, fenugreek and two beet and two basil genotypes, which were cultivated in three light environments under narrow-band red and blue light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and broad-band white LEDs. Responsiveness to light spectra was assessed based on fresh and dry weight, total chlorophyll and carotenoid contents and non-invasive assessment of specific compounds using fluorescence excitation ratios. In white light, we observed a higher fresh weight compared to that in monochromatic environments, especially compared to blue light. In most of the species, blue and white light had a positive effect on the concentration of chlorophyll and carotene in plants compared to red light. Blue light was associated with the highest values of chlorophyll excitation ratios, indicating a significant increase in flavonoids and anthocyanin contents. Individual microgreens responded differently in all assessed traits, especially in fluorescence ratios. We also observed the clustering of microgreens with similar responses to LED light spectra. In conclusion, in most plant species, multispectral white LEDs positively influenced quantitative and qualitative traits compared to the most frequently used red LEDs. Blue light slightly improved quality, but suppressed growth. Nevertheless, some species responded differently, emphasising the need to optimise the light to improve the microgreens’ production and nutritional value.
PubDate: Tue, 04 Jun 2024 00:00:00 GMT
- Changes in various secondary metabolites by crossing modern rose cultivars
Abstract: ABSTRACTThe aim of the study was to determine the content and composition of phenolic compounds in autochthonous rose hips (R. pendulina, R. spinosissima and R. gallica) and to compare them with the content of phenolic compounds in their cultivars (‘Harstad’, ‘Bourgogne’, ‘Mount Everest’, ‘Poppius’, ‘Frühlingsduft’, ‘Single Cherry’, ‘Frühlingsmorgen’, ‘ Violacea’ and ‘Splendens’) collected in Arboretum Volčji Potok in Slovenia. The total content of phenolic compounds in the flesh with skin was lowest in ‘Mount Everest’ (3603.57 mg · kg−1 f.w.), which is derived from R. pendulina, and highest in ‘Splendens’ (68789.39 mg · g−1 f.w.), which is derived from R. gallica. In seeds, the phenolic compound content was lower, as expected, ranging from 757.02 mg · kg−1 f.w. (‘Mount Everest’) to 6823.21 mg · kg−1 f.w. (‘Single Cherry’). It can be concluded that the cultivars differ significantly from each other due to the content of different bioactive compounds. Based on the obtained results, we cannot determine to which basic rose plant the cultivar belongs based only on the content of one analysed compound. The contents were very different because only one parent plant is known for a given cultivar and breeding programmes in roses were very narrowly focussed on specific targets.
PubDate: Tue, 04 Jun 2024 00:00:00 GMT
- Chitosan–putrescine nanoparticle coating attenuates postharvest decay
and maintains ROS scavenging system activity of strawberry cv.
‘Camarosa’ during cold storage
Abstract: ABSTRACTThe application of some natural compounds and cold storage can reduce postharvest loss and improve fruit quality and storability, which increase the fruit marketing period and exportation to distant markets. This study investigated the effectiveness of using coatings based on natural polymers to prolong the shelf life of fruits and protect their tissues from damage. Specifically, the researchers examined the impact of putrescine (PUT), chitosan (CTS) and chitosan–putrescine nano-composites (CTS-PUT NPs) on preserving the quality and reducing decay in strawberry. Strawberries were treated with either 1 mM or 2 mM of PUT, 0.1% CTS, 0.1% CTS-PUT NPs or distilled water at a temperature of 20°C for 5 min and then stored at 4°C for 12 days. At the end of the storage period, the lowest decay percentage was related to the treatments of CTS-PUT NPs and CTS, and the highest was observed in the control. The results showed that all coating treatments effectively prevented the excessive loss of ascorbic acid, fruit firmness, total soluble solids (TSS), and acidity (TA) compared to control at the end of the storage period. Additionally, strawberries treated with CTS-PUT NPs and CTS demonstrated the highest levels of total anthocyanin and total flavonoid. Antioxidant enzyme activities containing CAT and SOD were preserved at higher levels in treated strawberries than in the control during cold storage. These results confirm that the application of CTS and CTS-PUT NPs can effectively preserve fruit quality and prolong the longevity of strawberries during cold storage by enhancing their antioxidant capacity and scavenging free radicals.
PubDate: Tue, 04 Jun 2024 00:00:00 GMT
- Frost hardiness of flower buds of 16 apricot cultivars during dormancy
Abstract: ABSTRACTThe effectiveness of apricot cultivation is greatly threatened by frost damage to flower buds during the dormancy period. One of the most important aspects of the evaluation of cultivars is therefore the determination of their frost tolerance. In this paper, the frost hardiness of flower buds of 16 apricot cultivars was investigated in three dormancy periods, applying a standardised artificial freezing test protocol and determining LT50 values. The results showed that both the genotypes and the yearly climatic conditions had a significant effect on frost tolerance. A genotype generally determines the potential maximum of its frost tolerance (‘Sweet Red’ and ‘Primaya’ were very sensitive to frost every year, while ‘Harlayne’ and ‘Rózskajszi C.1406’ could be considered as frost hardy). Flower buds can reach different levels of frost resistance each year depending on the temperature conditions during the hardening and dehardening periods. From the point of view of yield security, it is essential when planning an orchard, to take into account and harmonise the frost hardiness of the cultivars selected and the growing site conditions. Therefore, it is very important to have adequate information about the frost hardiness of different apricot cultivars, which should be included in cultivar descriptions. This paper is intended to contribute to this goal.
PubDate: Sun, 28 Apr 2024 00:00:00 GMT
- Zinc oxide and silver effects on the growth, pigment content and genetic
stability of chrysanthemums propagated by the node culture method
Abstract: ABSTRACTThis article describes benefits of the application of zinc oxide submicron particles (ZnO SMPs), zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and ZnO NPs combined with silver NPs (ZnO + Ag NPs) in chrysanthemum micropropagation. Single node explants of Chrysanthemum × morifolium (Ramat.) Hemsl. ‘UTP Burgundy Gold (UBG)’ and ‘UTP Pinky Gold (UPG)’ were inoculated on the Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium and treated with 100 mg · L−1, 200 mg · L−1, or 400 mg · L−1 ZnO SMPs, ZnO NPs (1.5% H2O), ZnO NPs (6% H2O), ZnO + 0.1% Ag NPs (1.5% H2O), ZnO + 0.1% Ag NPs (6% H2O), ZnO + 1% Ag NPs (1.5% H2O) and ZnO + 1% Ag NPs (6% H2O). Generally, the tested materials stimulated the growth and development of plantlets. In ‘UBG’, the most prominent treatments affecting increases in the number of leaves, micropropagation coefficient, shoot length and shoot FW/DW weight included 400 mg · L−1 ZnO SMPs and 100 mg · L−1 ZnO NPs (6% H2O). In ‘UPG’, the treatments with 200 mg · L−1 ZnO + 0.1% Ag NPs (6% H2O) and 200 mg · L−1 ZnO + 1% Ag NPs (6% H2O) were the most successful. The latter treatment stimulated an intensive development of root systems in the two studied cultivars. High values of leaf area, perimeter and width were reported in both cultivars for 400 mg · L−1 ZnO + 1% Ag NPs (6% H2O). As compared to the control, the treated plants were characterised by a similar or, most often, lower content of chlorophylls and carotenoids. The randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and start codon targeted polymorphism (SCoT) marker system analyses of the 400 mg · L−1 ZnO SMPs/ZnO NPs/ZnO + Ag NPs-treated chrysanthemums confirmed their genetic fidelity with the control plants. The obtained results can be implemented in the commercial large-scale production of chrysanthemums.
PubDate: Sun, 28 Apr 2024 00:00:00 GMT
- Effect of heat acclimation on thermotolerance of strawberry plantlets
Abstract: ABSTRACTStrawberry production is facing a serious decline with the increase in global temperature as a result of climate change. Improving the heat tolerance is imperative for the strawberry plants to remain productive under high temperature conditions. The present work aimed to study the effect of heat acclimation on the thermotolerance of strawberry plants subjected to severe heat stress. Tissue cultured Fragaria ‘Taoyuan No. 1’ plantlets were subjected to four heat-acclimation treatments with gradual increase of temperatures from 30°C to 42°C for 1.25 hr to 10 hr before exposing them to the lethal temperature of 48°C for 4 hr. Survival, new leaf emergence and root growth, electrolyte leakage, chlorophyll and proline contents, as well as antioxidant enzyme activities were compared between the control, acclimated and non-acclimated plantlets. Results indicated that heat acclimation was required for the strawberry plantlets to survive under lethal temperature conditions. The acclimated plantlets registered a lower degree of electrolyte leakage and chlorophyll degradation, and a higher proline content compared to the non-acclimated plantlets. The activities of the antioxidant enzymes increased with the elevation of acclimation temperature and peaked at 42°C except for ascorbate peroxidase (APX) whose activity peaked at 39°C. Higher activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), APX, glutathione reductase (GR), catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) were observed in the acclimated plantlets compared to the non-acclimated plantlets. This study demonstrates that heat acclimation improved the thermotolerance of in vitro strawberry plantlets by reducing electrolyte leakage and chlorophyll degradation, as well as by enhancing proline content and antioxidant enzyme activities under severe heat stress.
PubDate: Wed, 24 Apr 2024 00:00:00 GMT
- Effect of saline water on the vase life of L. flowers
Abstract: ABSTRACTThe vase life of Narcissus poeticus flowers collected at the white bud stage was investigated in 13 different concentrations of NaCl (0–5–10–15–20–30–40–…–100 mM). Every 12 hr, the opening stage of the flowers was recorded, divided into 4 main categories (bud, opening flower, full open (FO) flower and wilting flower) and 14 subcategories. The salinity did not affect the flower opening speed, diameter or weight. The duration of the full flowering stage decreased from 92 hr to 44 hr, the sum of the daily ornamental value score (OVS) decreased from 120 by 3 scores per each 10 mM concentration increase. The scape chlorophyll content increased at low salinity (10–15 mM) and then decreased significantly. The carotenoid content in the scapes of wilted flowers increased in 30–100 mM solutions compared to the values in the flowering stage and flowers grown at lower salt concentrations. The Na and Cl contents in the plant parts increased significantly with the increase in salinity (at the end of the experiment, 100 mM NaCl: scapes: 44.1 g · kg-1 and 67.2 g · kg-1 Na and Cl; flowers: 16.8 g · kg-1 and 24.8 g · kg-1 Na and Cl, respectively). There was an inverse correlation between the Na and K contents in the scapes. The EC value of the vase solutions decreased during the experiment.
PubDate: Wed, 24 Apr 2024 00:00:00 GMT
- Analysis of the contents of Turcz fruits across the ripening stages
Abstract: ABSTRACTRecently, a growing interest in fruits having a high content of health-promoting compounds has become a trend among consumers around the world. Wild berries have received special attention based on the high levels of healthy compounds present in them. In this work, we elaborate on the qualities of the murta (Ugni molinae Turcz) fruit such as the colour, the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present, its antioxidant capacity and the phenolic compound content (including those of flavonols and anthocyanins) with respect to the different ripening stages. Four stages were established based on the skin colour parameters, which were consistent with the changes in the weight and size of the murta fruits. In addition, the total phenolic and flavonols content showed a decrease during fruit ripening, in contrast with the total anthocyanins content that increased at the final stages of ripening. Additionally, the antioxidant capacity was evaluated via two approaches: ferric reducing antioxidant power and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl discolouration assay; higher levels of antioxidants at the final stages were consistently observed. Furthermore, the VOCs profile showed terpenoids to be the main compounds, with the highest relative abundances in fully ripe fruits. These results allow us to propose a classification of the different ripening stages of the murta fruits. This would enable us to have better knowledge of this interesting fruit, which possesses highly healthy nutraceutical compounds.
PubDate: Thu, 18 Apr 2024 00:00:00 GMT
- Magnetic field treatment on horticultural and agricultural crops: its
benefits and challenges
Abstract: ABSTRACTMagnetic field (MF) treatment, as an efficient and pollution-free treatment method, has received extensive attention from researchers and found broad prospects in horticultural and agricultural development. According to relevant studies, mainstream research direction is aimed at utilizing MF treatment to improve the economic traits of horticultural and agricultural crops. MF has positive effects, for example, on seed germination, seedling growth, crop yield and quality and plant tolerance to stress. In recent years, more and more researchers have focused their work on using seed MF or magnetised water (MW) irrigation treatment to improve plant tolerance to salt or heavy metal stresses, to achieve the purpose of soil restoration by plant heavy metal accumulation. In this review, the most commonly utilised MF or MW treatment methods have been described in detail, and the effects of MF treatment on horticultural and agricultural crops have been presented. Furthermore, new prospects for MF treatment and the associated molecular basis have been presented. Since different species or cultivars have different optimal dose requirements for MF treatment, it is still a challenge presently to promote MF treatment use in commercial applications. For successful implementation of MF treatments, it is essential to conduct a large number of screening experiments and more in-depth research on the effects of MF on cultivated plants.
PubDate: Sat, 02 Mar 2024 00:00:00 GMT
- The role of exogenous glutamine on germination, plant development and
transcriptional expression of some stress-related genes in onion under
salt stress
Abstract: ABSTRACTThe purpose of this research was to explore the role of glutamine (Gln) on plant germination and growth under salinity [0, 50, 100, 150, 200 mM sodium chloride (NaCl)], and on the activation of some stress-related genes [CuZn-Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Mn-SOD, Alternative Oxidase (AOX), Procollagen Lysyl Hydroxylase (PLOD)-1, Chaperonin (CHAPE) and Heat Shock Protein (HSP)-21], genetic template stability and photosynthetic pigment activation. Under salt stress, 2 mM Gln application reduced the mean germination time (MGT) (4.51 days), increased the coefficient of velocity of germination (CVG) (75.85), germination index (GI) (1.46) and germination percentage (GP) (82%), indicating that it was the best application for germination under stress. Gln promoted the development of aboveground plant organs. 3 mM Gln increased the number of leaves from 5.3 to 13.7 and 4.3 to 6.6 under unstress and stress conditions, respectively. Under salt stress, Gln increased photosynthetic pigments and genomic template stability (GTS) (80%). At 2 mM Gln, total chlorophyll and carotenoid content increased from 1.59 mg · g-1 TA to 2.23 mg · g-1 TA and from 0.28 mg · g-1 TA to 0.37 mg · g-1 TA, respectively. The effect on gene expression levels varied with the concentration. The application of 2 mM Gln, which enhanced germination and vegetative parameters under stress, caused a raise in CuZn-SOD gene expression and a 43% decrease in the transcriptional expression of the HSP-21 gene as an indicator of the functionality of the repair mechanism. The improved growth of Gln-treated plants under stress suggests that Gln is involved in bridging the energy deficit of the plant by acting as an alternative fuel for metabolic activities under stress.
PubDate: Thu, 22 Feb 2024 00:00:00 GMT
- Effects of melatonin on lettuce plant growth, antioxidant enzymes and
photosynthetic pigments under salinity stress conditions
Abstract: ABSTRACTSalinity is one of the most important abiotic stresses that significantly decreases the productivity of agricultural crops. Melatonin (MT) acts as an antioxidant and plays a vital role in overcoming oxidative damage. However, previous literature has not provided a clear understanding of the impact of MT on lettuce plants under salinity stress. So, we investigated the effect of exogenous MT at 0 μM, 50 μM, 100 μM and 150 μM on lettuce plants grown under salinity stress (0 mM NaCl, 50 mM NaCl and 100 mM NaCl) with respect to vegetative growth, photosynthetic pigments, relative water content (RWC), electrolyte leakage (EL), malondialdehyde (MDA), H2O2, O2•- and antioxidants enzymes. Results showed that NaCl stress significantly decreased vegetative growth, RWC and photosynthetic pigments and in contrast enhanced dry matter, EL, MDA, H2O2, O2•-, Na+, Cl-, peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione reductase (GR) of lettuce plants compared to non-salinized control. The results demonstrated that under salinity conditions, foliar applications of MT significantly alleviated the harmful effects of salinity and increased number of leaves, leaf area, fresh weight, chlorophyll (a), chlorophyll (b), total chlorophyll, carotenoids and RWC in comparison to untreated plants (control). Meanwhile, dry matter, MDA, H2O2, O2•-, Na+, Cl-, POD, SOD and GR were significantly decreased compared to untreated lettuce plants. In this respect, spraying MT at 150 μM ranked the first, then 100 μM, compared to the lower concentration (50 μM). In conclusion, MT application can be used to alleviate harmful effects of salinity stress.
PubDate: Mon, 05 Feb 2024 00:00:00 GMT
- Phenological growth and development stages of common fig ( L.) under arid
climate of India
Abstract: ABSTRACTArid region is characterised by extreme climatic condition, poor soil health and over-exploitation of natural resources. Under prevailing conditions of arid India, Ficus carica is an emerging fruit crop with high commercial value and nutritional significance. Phenological study plays an important role in ensuring efficient crop management practices, but such studies in fig have not yet been conducted in India. The present study was conducted with an aim to define and describe phenological stages of common fig cultivar ‘Diana’ in arid regions according to the Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt und Chemische Industrie (BBCH)-scale using two-digit numerical system. The BBCH scale markedly explains various developmental stages of crops. Seven principal growth stages, viz. bud development (0), leaf development (1), shoot development (3), inflorescence development (5), flower development (6), syconium (fig receptacle) development (7) and fruit maturation (8), and 25 secondary growth stages of fig have been described. The sequential progression of principal growth stages of fig indicated temporal variation in growth pattern as well as overlapping of secondary growth stages. Phenological description will act as a pragmatic approach to define growth stages in order to facilitate timely agronomic practices such as canopy management, nutrient management and irrigation scheduling, pest and disease management. Since fig is considered one of the important minor fruits of India, a detailed phenological description will be instrumental in enhancing its potential in arid and semi-arid regions.
PubDate: Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 GMT
- Exploring intraspecific pollen morphology variation in Apocynaceae: A
roadmap for horticultural innovation
Abstract: ABSTRACTThis study aimed to examine the pollen and pollinia morpho-structure of 18 horticultural Apocynaceous species. Advanced light and scanning electron microscopy (LM and SEM) were used to elaborate on and examine the systematic importance of pollen and pollinia micromorphology. Pollen grains were first acetolysed, which was followed by visualisation of their sculpturing features. The quantified data were subjected to statistical tools to elucidate dendrogram clustering and principal component analysis to reveal pollen/pollinia morphotypes. The size of pollen is variable, ranging from 113.45 μm in Cascabela thevetia to 23.4 μm in Alstonia scholaris. The study revealed tetrad, tetraporate, and tricolporate grains. Sculpturing (exine ornamentation) varies from reticulate perforate to reticulate. Pollinum shape was observed to be narrow oblong, obovate, orbicular, and reniform. Reticulate-psilate sculptural features were prominent among pollinia surfaces. Based on examination, it was ascertained that the minimum exine thickness in Periploca aphylla was 4.9 μm, whereas the corresponding number in Cryptolepis dubia was 1.35 μm. Taxonomic identification keys were constructed separately based on pollen/pollinia characters to identify the Apocynaceous taxa. In the presented study, seven pollen shapes were observed: from oblate to per prolate. The findings confirm that morphopollinic traits differ amongst genera of Apocynaceous species. However, these features can be used to distinguish the Apocynaceous taxa. The results show that structural characteristics of pollen and pollinia can help accurately identify Apocynaceous species.
PubDate: Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 GMT
- Selection of ideal genotypes in peppers with ornamental potential
Abstract: ABSTRACTOrnamental peppers have a significant economic importance in the national and international markets; however, few cultivars intended for this purpose are grown in Brazil. The objective of this study was to select partially inbred lines (PIL) of peppers with ornamental potential, based on quantitative and qualitative variables with high heritability. The study was conducted over six generations for 4 consecutive years, using the single seed descent method. The last phase (VI) consisted of growing plants of the F5 generation for selection. Qualitative (LD) and quantitative (QD) descriptors were considered and the ideal genotypes were defined. The statistical analyses consisted of estimating variance components and genetic parameters and predicting genetic values, using REML/BLUP for QD, except for cycle to flowering (CF) and cycle to maturation (CM), which were analysed qualitatively. Therefore, CF and CM were analysed through frequency distribution of continuous variables within class intervals. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate LD. The results showed that residual values exceeded genetic values, resulting in low heritability for QD, and therefore, they were not considered for PIL selection. Regarding LD, genetic variability was found among the population genotypes for all evaluated descriptors. The selection based on ideal genotypes enabled the selection of 82 PIL with LD of high ornamental value, which differ from the materials already available on the market. The selected genotypes will be used for developing future generations until allele fixation, focussed on subsequent selection of candidate lines for new ornamental pepper cultivars.
PubDate: Sat, 23 Dec 2023 00:00:00 GMT
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