Pennisetum rich. in the plant collection of the Amur branch of the Botanical Garden−institute

Abstract

The article presents the results of assessing the decorative qualities of plants of the genus Pennisetum Rich. in the collection of the AB BGI FEB RAS. The studied cultivars showed differences in plant height and ear length. The height and size of the inflorescences directly depend on the meteorological conditions prevailing during the years of growing plants. The highest quantitative indicators of plant height were noted in the varieties 'Majestic Purple' and 'Purple Candles'. 'Purple Majesty' plants grow taller in containers than outdoors. The color of the vegetative parts of plants and inflorescences declared by the manufacturer for six varieties of Pennisetum glaucum L. did not correspond to the variety description. Variety 'Jade Princess', in comparison with other varieties, has a bright yellowish-green color of the leaves and burgundy-brown color of the inflorescences. In cultivar P. glaucum «Majestic Violet», splitting of varietal traits was observed in terms of the color of the vegetative parts of plants and the ear. The total duration of vegetation for all varieties of P. glaucum ranged from 189 to 211 days. Plant height in Pennisetum orientale Rich. regardless of the method of cultivation (open/ closed ground) varied insignificantly. The earliest flowering phase in outdoor cultivation was Pennisetum villosum Fresen. Pennisetum alopecuroides (L.) Spreng. late entry into the heading and flowering phase was noted, regardless of the method of cultivation. The highest quantitative indicators (plant height/ear length) among the studied species were found in Pennisetum setauceum (Forssk.) Chiov. According to the research results, P. setauceum and P. villosum can be attributed to the number of promising species for growing in the conditions of the south of the Amur Region. These species go through all phases of development and form full-fledged seeds; when grown in a container culture, they do not lose their decorative effect throughout the season.