Two promising genotypes of Pistacia L. for ornamental horticulture and urban forestry

Eight genotypes of greengram were collected in the present investigation from AICRP on MULLaRP, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya (BCKV) and they were characterized with ten quantitative, nineteen qualitative and two biochemical parameters as per the NBPGR descriptor. Grouping based on DUS descriptors indicate the existence of genetic diversity within the genotypes. These eight genotypes were evaluated and characterized for 31 DUS descriptors. However, 21 characters out of 31 characters of DUS descriptors differed significantly indicating a large and exploitable amount of genetic variability for the individual elite improved line profile development for identification and protection. The elite lines are similar for the important plant traits like semi erect and determinate growth habit but the development of erect types is the need of hour and indicates the incorporation of new germplasm for the improvement of this trait in the present material. Genotypes could be easily identified through some unique characters: SML-1822 could be identified amongst genotypes studied here in through its semi-erect growth habit, green stem colour with purple shade, dark green leaf colour, light yellow flower colour and bearing pods below canopy; identification of IPM-512-1 and TMB-37 could be made through seeds with drum shape and dull seed luster respectively; and Pusa Vishal through its leaves with dark green colour along with intermediate pod position and larger seed size. Samrat is having highest amount of protein as well as carbohydrate content among these genotypes. Thus, the DUS descriptor data generated with unique profiles of the elite improved lines can be used for the registration with PPV & FRA and seed purity testing.

Atmospheric particulate matter (PM10) is one of the most important pollutants for human health, and road transport could be a major anthropogenic source of it. Several research studies have shown the impact of roads on the air quality in urban areas, but the relationship between road and rail networks and ambient PM10 concentrations has not been well studied, especially in suburban and rural landscapes. In this study, we examined the link between the spatial characteristics of each road type (motorway, primary road, secondary road, and railway) and the annual average PM10 concentration. We used the European 2931 air quality (AQ) station dataset, which is classified into urban, suburban, and rural landscapes. Our results show that in urban and rural landscapes, the spatial characteristics (the density of the road network and its distance from the AQ monitoring points) have a significant statistical relationship with PM10 concentrations. According to our findings from AQ monitoring sites within the urban landscape, there is a significant negative relationship between the annual average PM10 concentration and the density of the railway network. This result can be explained by the driving wind generated by railway trains (mainly electric trains). Among the road network types, all road types in the urban landscape, only motorways in the suburban landscape, and only residential roads in the rural landscape have a significant positive statistical relationship with the PM10 values at the AQ monitoring points. Our results show that in the suburban zones, which represent the rural–urban fringe, motorways have a strong influence on PM-related air pollution. In the suburban areas, the speed of vehicles changes frequently near motorways and intersections, so higher traffic-related PM10 emission levels can be expected in these areas. The findings of this study can be used to decrease transportation-related environmental conflicts related to the air quality in urban, urban–rural fringe, and rural (agricultural) landscapes.

BackgroundPM10, comprising particles with diameters of 10 µm or less, has been identified as a significant environmental pollutant associated with adverse health outcomes in European cities. Understanding the temporal variation of the relationship between PM10 and geographical parameters is crucial for sustainable land use planning and air quality management in European landscapes. This study utilizes Conditional Inference Forest modeling and partial correlation to examine the impact of geographical factors on monthly average concentrations of PM10 in European suburban and urban landscapes during heating and cooling periods. The investigation focuses on two buffer zones (1000 m and 3000 m circle radiuses) surrounding 1216 European air quality monitoring stations.ResultsResults reveal importance and significant correlations between various geographical variables (soil texture, land use, transportation network, and meteorological) and PM10 quality on a continental scale. In suburban landscapes, soil texture, temperature, roads, and rail density play pivotal roles, while meteorological variables, particularly monthly average temperature and wind speed, dominate in urban landscapes. Urban sites exhibit higher R-squared values during both cooling (0.41) and heating periods (0.61) compared to suburban sites (cooling period R-squared: 0.39; heating period: R-squared: 0.51), indicating better predictive performance likely attributed to the less heterogeneous land use patterns surrounding urban PM10 monitoring sites.ConclusionThe study underscores the importance of investigating spatial and temporal dynamics of geographical factors for accurate PM10 air quality prediction models in European urban and suburban landscapes. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, urban planners, and environmental scientists, guiding efforts toward sustainable and healthier urban environments.

Amphibian ecology and conservation in the urbanising world: A review

This document provides a comprehensive overview of the ‘Delta Blush’ crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica ‘Delta Blush’), highlighting its characteristics, planting requirements, and maintenance tips. It details the plant’s growth habits, including its height, spread, and seasonal features such as summer flowers and fall foliage. The document also discusses the plant’s adaptability to various soil types and its drought tolerance, making it suitable for urban and suburban landscapes. Additionally, it addresses common pests and diseases, offering guidance on selecting resistant cultivars and proper pruning techniques to maintain plant health and aesthetics. Original publication date October 1999.

The aim of the experiment is to screen twelve germplasm of Aglaonema for their suitability as pot plants and removal of particulate matter in air. The experiment was designed using Completely Randomized Design (CRD) at the greenhouse complex of the Department of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, ASPEE College of Horticulture, Navsari (Gujarat), during 2023-24. Morphological parameters were measured using various methods, including a measuring tape for plant height, a digital leaf area meter for leaf area, and manual counting for leaves and branches. Leaf color was evaluated on visual grading system and the RHS Colour Chart (2015), to assess visual appeal and characteristics and percent removal of particulate matter (PM) by the plant was measured using digital air quality index meter. Aglaonema ‘Emerald Bay’ exhibited maximum plant height (73.18 cm), leaf area (311.66 cm²), leaf length (39.28 cm), leaf width (15.26 cm), internodal length (3.43 cm) and visual leaf colour grade (4.88) and dark green leaf colour (137A) as per RHS colour chart followed by Aglaonema commutatum with the plant height (69.58 cm), leaf area (298.09cm²), leaf length (34.28 cm), leaf width (11.10 cm), internodal length (3.34 cm) and visual leaf colour grade (4.80) and dark green leaf colour (139 A) . Maximum number of leaves were recorded in Aglaonema 'Cutlass' (43.90), while maximum number of branches per plant were observed in Aglaonema brevispathum (13.56). Aglaonema ‘Emarald Bay’ showed the maximum removal rate of PM1 per 24 hours (92.16%) followed by Aglaonema commutatum (85.97%). Among all the germplasms, Aglaonema 'Emarald Bay' and Aglaonema commutatum have been highly suitable as pot plant owing to its good plant height, leaf area and their efficiency in removal of PM1.

Urban landscapes are often located in biologically diverse, productive regions. As such, urbanization may have dramatic consequences for this diversity, largely due to changes in the structure and function of urban communities. We examined the influence of landscape productivity (indexed by geology), housing density and vegetation clearing on the spatial distribution of nocturnal insect biomass and the foraging activity of insectivorous bats in the urban landscape of Sydney, Australia. Nocturnal insect biomass (g) and bat foraging activity were sampled from 113 sites representing backyard, open space, bushland and riparian landscape elements, across urban, suburban and vegetated landscapes within 60 km of Sydney's Central Business District. We found that insect biomass was at least an order of magnitude greater within suburban landscapes in bushland and backyard elements located on the most fertile shale influenced geologies (both p<0.001) compared to nutrient poor sandstone landscapes. Similarly, the feeding activity of bats was greatest in bushland, and riparian elements within suburbs on fertile geologies (p = 0.039). Regression tree analysis indicated that the same three variables explained the major proportion of the variation in insect biomass and bat foraging activity. These were ambient temperature (positive), housing density (negative) and the percent of fertile shale geologies (positive) in the landscape; however variation in insect biomass did not directly explain bat foraging activity. We suggest that prey may be unavailable to bats in highly urbanized areas if these areas are avoided by many species, suggesting that reduced feeding activity may reflect under-use of urban habitats by bats. Restoration activities to improve ecological function and maintain the activity of a diversity of bat species should focus on maintaining and restoring bushland and riparian habitat, particularly in areas with fertile geology as these were key bat foraging habitats.

The experiment was to study the morphological diversity of B. chinensis L. var. chinensis accessions, and evaluated their horticultural traits in order to know the potential use of the local accessions incorporated to breeding programs in the future. Thirty-five accessions were either local landraces or obtained from farmers in the western Taiwan. Genetic diversity based on morphological traits showed a high level of variation among accessions. Higher polymorphism was exhibited in growth vigor and leaf surface, while lower polymorphism in leaf margins and leaf hairiness. Cluster and principal component analyses based on horticultural traits were to obtain information on the usefulness of the traits and to determine relationships among them. Cluster analysis displayed a wide range of diversity for traits, and pooled accessions of similar characteristics in a same cluster. Principal component analysis showed that the first two principal components accounted for 63.9% of the variability among the 35 accessions and was associated with plant leaf, petiole and shoots fresh weight, leaf length, leaf area and petiole width, and leaf colors. The first two principal components were plotted to observe the relationships among the accessions. In subgroup A-1, TYC37 and TYC38 on the top of the plot could be utilized in hybridization program to develop high plant fresh weight and lighter leaf color. However, deeper green leaf, thinner leaf and stem need to be combined with some accessions for lighter green leaf color, thicker leaf, longer petiole, and larger petiole diameter, to develop elite cultivars.

Comparative transcriptome and metabolomic analysis reveal key genes and mechanisms responsible for the dark-green leaf color of a strawberry mutant

Comparative profiling of microRNAs and their effects on abiotic stress in wild-type and dark green leaf color mutant plants of Anthurium andraeanum ‘Sonate’

Background: Urban forestry is a crucial sector of the green industry and increasingly a tool used to address ecological and sociopolitical challenges in urban landscapes. Along with a number of public agencies and nonprofit organizations, various private industry types are directly involved in the development and management of urban trees and landscapes. The main purpose of this study is to evaluate the outlook of private green industry businesses on their urban forestry activities in the Northeast-Midwest region of the United States. Methods: Based on a survey of private businesses involved in the green industry in late 2020, we developed an empirical model by incorporating industry types, business metrics, and issues related to urban forestry perceived by private businesses. Results: Results from an ordered logistic regression model suggest that nursery and florist’s supplies merchant wholesaler businesses are less likely than other businesses to have a positive outlook on urban forestry activities. We found that survey respondents who reported a higher percentage of urban forestry employees had a higher likelihood of a positive outlook of their business. Conclusion: Many respondents referenced how COVID-19 has been an overall deterrent to economic growth, implying that the state of their business depends on the recovery of the economy. The findings provide useful policy and management insights on how private businesses perceive the future outlook of urban forestry. These study results benefit the private sector and public agencies involved in urban forestry for better planning and programming in the Northeast-Midwest region of the United States.

Twenty-six accessions of sweet basil obtained from different parts of India were evaluated for morphological and quantitative characters. These accessions were observed for distinguish characters like trichome type, peltate gland (PG) size, sepal and flower colour, stem girth, branching pattern, growth habits and leaf colour. Besides that, they were observed for yield contributing characters viz., maximum plant height, spread, stem girth, fresh leaf, dry leaf, herbage yield and essential oil yield, and DOB-8W was found superior as compared to checks. Maximum number of peltate glands (PG) on abaxial leaf surface as compare to adaxial were recorded at all the three stages (young, mature and old based on leaf position on axis). However, PGs formation takes place only in younger leaves, therefore, the numbers of PGs were reduced in mature and older leaves due to expansion of leaf area with progression of age. Number of PGs on abaxial surface of young leaf, green leaf colour and essential oil content had positive relationship with each other. The green and purple colour intensity in leaf is to be field notch for initial screening of accessions for essential oil content.

The Leaf Color Performance on Several Lines of Cassava and its Relation with Tuber Yield as Early Reference

Street trees first considered as an ornamentation of the city landscape while brings unique identity to the city. Sri Lanka being a bio diversity hotspot large variety of trees and shrubs were available and used as part of urban landscape ornamentation. Choice of street trees based on agroclimatic zone, cultural identities, characteristics and multipurpose nature of the species. Main focus of study was to explore the role of street trees in ornamentation of cities and identify uniqueness brought to the city landscape, find out ecosystem services provided by the street trees and find out socially, culturally, economically and environmentally suitable trees species for cities located in different agroclimatic zones of Sri Lanka. Case study approach was instrumental for this study. Main data collection tools were field observations, in-depth interviews with city dwellers (45), visitors (35), officers of municipal council and urban development authority (10) and scientists (3) and policy makers (3) and maps of the cities considered for the study. Present study based on the street tree profile of 5 main cities (Colombo, Galle, Matara, Anuradhapura and Kandy), town (Bandarawela, Kaluthara, Hambantota, Rathnapura, Peradeniya and Batticaloa) and small town (Suriyawewa, Ambalongoda, Bandaragama, Mawenella, Aluthgama and Mirissa). Street trees of the main cities were ornamented by culturally imported tree species while street of the town areas was appeared with diverse mixture of trees. In Contrast economically importuned trees were common in small towns. Typology of street trees were developed using seven dimensions; social benefits, functional properties, resistant to urban environment, environmental constraints, cultural constraints and limitation constraints. 6 species were identified as the most suitable for street posadas among 15 species found in street trees. Street trees played multifunctional role in urban landscape other than its themed ornamentation role. &#x0D; Keywords: Ecosystem services, Street, trees, Urban landscape

The experiment was conducted to determine the characteristics of ornamental chili plants from several genotypes in the F2 population by consumer desires. This research performed using a single plant method. The planted community consists of all the elders (P) and crossing results. This study uses survey techniques and questionnaires as research aids in obtaining ornamental chili character information that is the public likes. Consumer preference test results (I) against 14 genotypes show that the average consumer most wants TR 23 x TR 25U (1) in some of the characters tested: the leaf color, habitus, and fruit color characters. Genotype TR23 x TR 25U (1) has a dark green leaf color character with a scale of 5 based on the IRRI Leaf Color Chart, a compact habitus, and has two color changes in the fruit, green-red and purple-red. Based on the results of the consumer preference test (II) on four genotypes, it shows that there is no difference in the average value of consumer preferences in the genotypes TR 23B x Ayesha (3), TR 25U, and TR 25 x Ayesha (2) in the characters tested.