Annual Flowering Research Articles

Assessment of phytochemicals, nutritional compositions and metabolite profiling using GCMS– from annual edible flowers

In this work, the nutritional value and phytochemical content of the six annual flower petals such as Pansy (Viola wittorckiana), Dianthus (Dianthus chinensis), Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus), Calendula (Calendula officinalis), Petunia (Petunia hybrida), and Geranium (Pelargonium hortorum), were assessed. Gas Chromatography-Mass spectrometry (GC–MS) was utilized to characterize their metabolites in addition to assessing their antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Dianthus chinensis was found to have the highest concentrations among all six annuals' components, including total protein (19.5 gm/100 g), ascorbic acid (100 mg/100 g), anthocyanin (1.23 mg Cyn. H./g), total reducing capacity (9.47 mg GAE/g), and hydrolysable tannin (36.96 mg TAE/g). While TPC and TFC values in all of the studied flowers ranged from 13.94 to 107.9 mg catechol/g and 13.3 to 135.84 mg rutin /g, respectively. Maximum TPC was found in geranium flowers (107.9 mg catechol/g). The pansy was shown to have a minimum amount of total phenol (13.9 mg catechol/g). Calendula has the highest level of β-carotene (0.85 mg/g), whereas the cosmos has the highest amount of carotenoid (18.8 µg/g) and lycopene (0.55 µg/g) among the flowers. Petunia flowers showed the highest antioxidant activity (98.3 %), according to the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, followed by pansies (87.6 %), cosmos (65 %), geraniums (56.3 %), and calendula (46.4 %), with the exception of Dianthus. The concentration of micronutrients differed significantly among all six flowers which accumulated nutrients in descending order from (highest to lowest) Fe (1771 ppm) > Zn (143 ppm)>Cu (21.1 ppm) with maximum concentration obtained in Cosmos, Dianthus, and Calendula, respectively. It was found that Petunia extracts exhibited the highest antimicrobial properties, with a maximum growth inhibition zone against Salmonella typhi A (S. typhi A), S. typhi B, Enterobacter, and Pseudomonas with hexane extract, except for S. typhi. However, Dianthus extracts exhibited the highest growth inhibition zones against Enterobacter. Several bioactive metabolites were found in the petals during GC–MS analysis. Among others, notable metabolites include ß-Amyrin, Caryophyllene, 2,4-Di‑tert-butylphenol, ß-Sitosterol, and Stigmasterol, while brewing samples include significant amounts of phenylethyl alcohol, indole, 4-Vinylphenol,.tau.-Muurolol, and 2-Methoxy-4-Vinylphenol. The results are significant information that may be utilized to promote the consumption of annual edible flowers and to recognize their usage as flower infusions or as tea supplements.

Features of growing new cultivars of annual flowering plants in Kola Subarctic

Annual flower plants are widely used in landscaping of cities of Kola Subarctic. The selection of sustainable, promising species of annuals and the development of agricultural technology for their cultivation are priorities. For the first time in the conditions of the Murmansk region, 7 new cultivars of annuals were tested: Callistephus chinensis (L.) Nees cv. Fan var. Deep rose and White, Antirrhinum majus L. cv. Potomac Cherry Rose, Calendula officinalis L. cv. Costa Yellow and cv. Calypso Orange with Black Center, Tagetes erecta L. cv. Big Top Gold, Tagetes patula L. cv. Hot Pack Gold and cv. Alumia Cream Brulee. Flowering time ranged from 55 (Callistephus chinensis cv. Fan) to 120 days (Calendula officinalis cv. Calypso Orange with Black Center). The main biometric indicators (height, diameter of flowers and inflorescences) fully corresponded to plants grown in more southern regions for 4 cultivars (Callistephus chinensis cv. Fan, Calendula officinalis cv. Costa Yellow and cv. Calypso Orange with Black Center, Tagetes patula cv. Hot Pack Gold), 3 others were rated lower. According to most indicators, the cultivar Calypso Orange with Black Center had high decorativeness, due to compactness of bushes and duration of flowering (120 days). The features of agricultural technology of the tested cultivars at the seedling stage were the following: adjustment of timing of sowing seeds, obligatory 3-4-week hardening, regular application of fertilizers and growth stimulants. On the whole, the new cultivars have successfully adapted to the conditions of the region, retaining their decorative properties. therefore, they can be considered promising for flower decoration of populated areas of the Kola Subarctic.

ИНТРОДУКЦИОННОЕ ИЗУЧЕНИЕ MARRUBIUM INCANUM DESR. В ЮЖНО-УРАЛЬСКОМ БОТАНИЧЕСКОМ САДУ-ИНСТИТУТЕ

This work provides information on the introduction study of some biological features of M. incanum under the conditions of introduction in the botanical garden of Ufa. The tasks of the research included: detecting the onset of the main phenophases of growth and development, analyzing morphometric parameters and determining the success of the introduction of the species in new growing conditions. M. incanum is a long-lasting spring-summerautumn-green plant with a period of winter dormancy, spring awakening, with an average annual flowering period. The growing season is 6-6.5 months. Regrowth of shoots was noted in late April - early May. The appearance of buds on generative shoots on average begins at the end of June (27.06), the beginning of flowering - in the first decade of July (07.07). In terms of flowering duration, the species belongs to the group of long-flowering plants, this period is about 30 days. The beginning of seed maturation was noted in mid-August. Most morphometric parameters are characterized by a normal degree of variation (Cv-5.1-28.5%). Features such as the number of leaves on the generative shoot and leaf length are characterized by slight variation (Cv-1.2-4.3%). It has been established that the species goes through a full cycle of life development, including the formation of full-fledged seeds. Plants grow and develop perfectly, form a developed overground mass, but in winter time requires shelter, since plants are characterized by weak winter resistance and are able to freeze. Despite this, according to the assessment of the success of introduction, the studied species belongs to promising plants for cultivation and can be recommended for cultivation in the Southern Urals as medicinal raw materials and in cooking as seasoning.

Histology, physiology, and transcriptomic and metabolomic profiling reveal the developmental dynamics of annual shoots in tree peonies (Paeonia suffruticosa Andr.).

The development of tree peony annual shoots is characterized by "withering", which is related to whether there are bud points in the leaf axillaries of annual shoots. However, the mechanism of "withering" in tree peony is still unclear. In this study, Paeonia ostii 'Fengdan' and P. suffruticosa 'Luoyanghong' were used to investigate dynamic changes of annual shoots through anatomy, physiology, transcriptome, and metabolome. The results demonstrated that the developmental dynamics of annual shoots of the two cultivars were comparable. The withering degree of P. suffruticosa 'Luoyanghong' was higher than that of P. ostii 'Fengdan', and their upper internodes of annual flowering shoots had a lower degree of lignin deposition, cellulose, C/N ratio, showing no obvious sclerenchyma, than the bottom ones and the whole internodes of vegetative shoot, which resulted in the "withering" of upper internodes. A total of 36 phytohormone metabolites were detected, of which 33 and 31 were detected in P. ostii 'Fengdan' and P. suffruticosa 'Luoyanghong', respectively. In addition, 302 and 240 differentially expressed genes related to lignin biosynthesis, carbon and nitrogen metabolism, plant hormone signal transduction, and zeatin biosynthesis were screened from the two cultivars. Furtherly, 36 structural genes and 40 transcription factors associated with the development of annual shoots were highly co-expressed, and eight hub genes involved in this developmental process were identified. Consequently, this study explained the developmental dynamic on the varied annual shoots through multi-omics, providing a theoretical foundation for germplasm innovation and the mechanized harvesting of tree peony annual shoots.

Molecular Cues for Phenological Events in the Flowering Cycle in Avocado.

Reproductively mature horticultural trees undergo an annual flowering cycle that repeats each year of their reproductive life. This annual flowering cycle is critical for horticultural tree productivity. However, the molecular events underlying the regulation of flowering in tropical tree crops such as avocado are not fully understood or documented. In this study, we investigated the potential molecular cues regulating the yearly flowering cycle in avocado for two consecutive crop cycles. Homologues of flowering-related genes were identified and assessed for their expression profiles in various tissues throughout the year. Avocado homologues of known floral genes FT, AP1, LFY, FUL, SPL9, CO and SEP2/AGL4 were upregulated at the typical time of floral induction for avocado trees growing in Queensland, Australia. We suggest these are potential candidate markers for floral initiation in these crops. In addition, DAM and DRM1, which are associated with endodormancy, were downregulated at the time of floral bud break. In this study, a positive correlation between CO activation and FT in avocado leaves to regulate flowering was not seen. Furthermore, the SOC1-SPL4 model described in annual plants appears to be conserved in avocado. Lastly, no correlation of juvenility-related miRNAs miR156, miR172 with any phenological event was observed.

Variation in pollinator visitation among garden cultivars of marigold, portulaca, and bidens.

Due to declines in pollinator populations, many people are now interested in learning about which annual flowers they can plant in their garden to better support pollinators. However, reports of experimental evaluation of cultivars of annual flowers for attraction to pollinators are scarce. We sampled pollinators visiting six cultivars of marigold (Tagetes erecta and T. patula), ten cultivars of bidens (Bidens ferulifolia and B. aurea), and eight cultivars of portulaca (Portulaca oleracea and P. grandiflora) for two years to compare pollinator visitation rates among cultivars within each flower type. Pollinators collected on flowers in research plots were categorized into four groups, honey bees (Apis mellifera), common eastern bumble bees (Bombus impatiens), wild bees, and syrphids, to show the proportion of different pollinator visitors to each cultivar. Pollinator visitation rates varied significantly among cultivars of marigold, bidens, and portulaca, with some cultivars having as much as 10-fold the visitation rate of other cultivars of the same flower type. In the second year we also evaluated nectar production and nectar quality of the most and least visited cultivars of portulaca and bidens. Our results show that pollinators have a strong preference for cultivars that produce the most nectar or nectar with the highest sugar content. This research will better inform entomologists, growers, educators, and plant breeders, about which cultivars of marigold, portulaca, and bidens are visited the most by pollinators, and how to accurately determine this at the cultivar level.

Evaluation of China Aster (Callistephus chinensis L. Nees) Cultivars for Growth, Yield and Quality Parameters under Southern Telangana Zone

China aster (Callistephus chinensis L. Nees) is a half hardy annual flowering plant and is grown for cut as well as for loose flowers. The cut flowers are used in flower arrangements, vases, bouquets, for interior decorations, etc. The loose flowers are widely used for making garlands, for decorations, for worship and are also used in social functions.
 The present investigation was carried out during the year 2018-19 and 2019-20 at farm of Regional Agricultural Research Station, Palem, Telangana to evaluate the china aster varieties under Southern Telangana zone with respect to growth, flower yield and quality characters. Data in this study revealed that, all characteristics varied significantly among the varieties. Maximum plant height, plant spread, number of primary and secondary branches and number of leaves were observed in the variety Phule Ganesh White and the least was recorded in the variety Arka Archana.
 The variety Phule Ganesh White took less number of days for flower bud initiation (52.05), minimum number of days to 50% flower opening (61.63) while more number of days were recorded in the variety Kamini (56.32 and 68.53, respectively). Maximum stalk length was recorded in Phule Ganesh White (20.60 cm) and minimum was recorded in Arka Archana (9.80 cm). In addition, Flower diameter was more (7.00 cm) in both the varieties Phule Ganesh White and Local White, while minimum was detected in Phule Ganesh Pink (5.40cm). The variety Phule Ganesh White recorded more number of flowers per plant (48.7), more flower yield per plant (111.00 g plant-1) and maximum flower yield per hectare (4.64 tha-1). Whereas lowest number of flowers per plant (37.40), flower yield per plant (57.50 g plant-1), flower yield per hectare (2.08 t ha-1) was observed in Arka Archana. Maximum vase life for cut flower (6.00 days) were recorded in Arka Poornima and least was observed in Arka Aadya (3.70 days). Maximum shelf life for loose flowers was recorded in Phule Ganesh White (3.20 days) and minimum was recorded in Arka Archana (1.70 days).

Reference genes selection for qRT-PCR analysis in various flowering transition events of Magnolia ×soulangeana ‘Changchun’

The appropriate reference genes are the prerequisite for gene expression analysis by qPCR, and their stability can affect the delicate and reliable results directly. Magnolia ×soulangeana ‘Changchun’ is a representative ornamental Magnolia that possesses a complex annual flowering cycle, including floral transition, dormancy, and twice blooming, and it is of great value and significance in investigating the flowering regulation of magnolias. In order to screen the appropriate reference genes related to various flowering transition events in ‘Changchun’, nine candidate reference genes were selected for qPCR analysis based on transcriptome data. Here, the expression stability of these nine genes in 63 different ‘Changchun’ samples was evaluated by four statistical algorithms (geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper and RefFinder). The results showed that GBP, UBQ, UBC and GAPDH were identified as the most stable gene in the floral transition, summer flowering initiation, spring flowering initiation and dormancy, respectively. Notably, UBQ showed the highest expression stability in the integrative flowering events set while UBC was suitable for the all samples set. Particularly, GBP was the relatively stable one in all sets. Further gene expression verification indicated that qPCR results using UBC+GBP as the reference genes were the most highly correlated with high throughput sequencing data. In general, the present study suggests that reference genes selection is developmental stage-dependent, and UBC+GBP is recommended as the best reference gene combination applied in qPCR assays of the integrative flowering events in ‘Changchun’. These findings will provide technical support for further molecular regulation studies of flowering events or other biological processes in magnolias, and even can be extended to other species.

Patterns of frequency and density dependence are highly variable in diverse annual flowering plant communities.

Applications of ecological theory to natural communities often assume that competitive, negative density-dependent processes are the only type of interaction important for diversity maintenance. Recent advances suggest that positive interactions within trophic levels (e.g. plant-plant) may also affect plant coexistence. Though positive plant-plant interactions theoretically might result in positive or nonmonotonic frequency or density dependence (FD/DD), less is known about how commonly these patterns occur, or which ecological processes might result in such patterns in natural plant communities. In this study we test for signals of variable frequency and density dependence in annual flowering plant communities in Western Australia, and search for evidence that interactions among plants during flowering might induce positive or nonmonotonic FD/DD in flowering plants. Using four common annual wildflower species, we ask if plant fecundity exhibits positive or nonmonotonic FD/DD, and if pollinator-mediated plant-plant interactions during flowering change patterns of FD/DD relative to pollinator-independent plant interactions. Three species exhibited nonmonotonic (hump-shaped) density dependence, and only one species experienced strictly negative density dependence. Each species exhibited a different pattern of frequency dependence (positive, negative, weakly nonmonotonic, and no detectable frequency dependence). Pollinator-mediated plant-plant interactions during flowering induced both nonmonotonic density dependence and negative frequency dependence in one species. Importantly, the extent of variation in FD/DD observed in our study brings into question the dominance of negative density and frequency dependence in theory, suggesting instead that demographic responses of plants to their communities fall along a continuum of possible density- and frequency-dependent patterns.

Characterization of China aster (Callistephus chinensis) genotypes by using DUS guidelines

China aster [Callistephus chinensis (L.) Nees] is commercially grown as annual flower crop for cut flower and loose flower. It is used for flower decoration, preparation of bouquets and garlands. It belongs to the family Asteraceae and is native of China. Morphological characterization of China aster genotypes was carried out in the division of Floriculture and Medicinal Crops, ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru during 2015-16 and 2016-17 by adopting DUS guidelines developed by Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers Rights Authority, New Delhi. A total of 42 genotypes were characterized for 21 traits belonging to vegetative and floral traits. Among these 21 traits, two were monomorphic, four dimorphic and 15 were polymorphic indicating their potential for varietal characterization. This characterization clearly established distinctness among the different genotypes for various traits. This study will be useful for breeders/farmers to identify and differentiate China aster genotypes and to pursue protection under PPV and FR Authority, New Delhi. The characterizations of genotypes will also results trait specific information which can be used in the development of superior genotypes in China aster.

Влияние состава субстратов и регуляторов роста на прорастание семян и динамику изменения высоты однолетних цветочных культур

Obtaining high-quality seedlings of annual flower crops is one of the tasks of modern floriculture. This article discusses the issues of the influence of growth regulators and the substrates used on the growth and development of plants. It has been established that both marigold varieties have 100% seed germination in all variants of the experiment. When vermiculite and coconut fiber are added to peat, it also helps to increase the germination of seeds of the studied crops, in the range of 90-95%. Phenological observations showed that the emergence of seedlings in both variants of the experiment corresponded to the standard indicators characteristic of each crop. The timing of the beginning of flowering of marigolds came 40-45 days after sowing the seeds. The dynamics of changes in plant height is most noticeable in the variant of the experiment with the use of growth regulators. Keywords: ANNUAL FLOWER CROPS, MARIGOLDS, CALENDULA, SNAPDRAGONS, ESCHOLZIA, GROWTH REGULATORS, SUBSTRATE

A Field Survey of Syrphid Species and Adult Densities on Annual Flowering Plants in the Northeastern United States.

With the long-term goal of exploring the viability of conservation biological control of cabbage aphid Brevicoryne brassicae (L.) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in the northeastern United States, adult syrphid flies (Diptera: Syrphidae) were observed on several species of annual insectary plants at farm sites in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. Insectary plant species included alyssum, Lobularia maritima (L.) (Brassicales: Brassicaceae), buckwheat, Fagopyrum esculentum (Moench) (Caryophyllales: Polygonaceae), phacelia, Phacelia tanacetifolia (Bentham) (Boraginales: Hydrophyllaceae), calendula, Calendula officinalis (L.) (Asterales: Asteraceae) and ammi, Ammi majus (L.) (Apiales: Apiaceae). Among these insectary plants, alyssum had the longest bloom period and attracted the most syrphids. We identified 21 species of syrphid flies from insectary plants. The three most prevalent species collected were the aphidophagous Toxomerus marginatus (Say) (Diptera: Syrphidae) (70.1% of samples) and T. geminatus (Say) (Diptera: Syrphidae) (8.8% of samples), as well as the non-aphidophagous Syritta pipiens (L.) (Diptera: Syrphidae) (13.1% of samples). The benefits of including these insectary plant species as a companion to Brassica (L.) (Brassicales: Brassicaceae) cropping systems are discussed.

Oak masting drivers vary between populations depending on their climatic environments

Large interannual variation in seed production, called masting, is very common in wind-pollinated tree populations and has profound implications for the dynamics of forest ecosystems and the epidemiology of certain human diseases.1,2,3,4,5 Comparing the reproductive characteristics of populations established in climatically contrasting environments would provide powerful insight into masting mechanisms, but the required data are extremely scarce. We built a database from an unprecedented fine-scale 8-year survey of 150 sessile oak trees (Quercus petraea) from 15 populations distributed over a broad climatic gradient, including individual recordings of annual flowering effort, fruiting rate, and fruit production. Although oak masting was previously considered to depend mainly on fruiting rate variations,6,7 we show that the female flowering effort is highly variable from year to year and explains most of the fruiting dynamics in two-thirds of the populations. What drives masting was found to differ among populations living under various climates. In soft-climate populations, the fruiting rate increases initially strongly with the flowering effort, and the intensity of masting results mainly from the flowering synchrony level between individuals. By contrast, the fruiting rate of harsh-climate populations depends mainly on spring weather, which ensures intense masting regardless of the flowering synchronization level. Our work highlights the need for jointly measuring flowering effort and fruit production to decipher the diversity of masting mechanisms among populations. Accounting for such diversity will be decisive in proposing accurate, and possibly contrasted, scenarios about future reproductive patterns of perennial plants with ongoing climate change and their numerous cascading effects.

Inter-annual facilitation via pollinator support arises with species-specific germination rates in a model of plant-pollinator communities.

Facilitation is likely important for understanding community diversity dynamics, but its myriad potential mechanisms are under-investigated. Studies of pollinator-mediated facilitation in plants, for example, are typically focused on how co-flowering species facilitate each other's pollination within a season. However, pollinator-mediated facilitation could also arise in the form of inter-annual pollination support, where co-occurring plant populations mutually facilitate each other by providing dynamic stability to support a pollinator population through time. In this work, I test this hypothesis with simulation models of annual flowering plant and bee pollinator populations to determine if and how inter-annual pollination support affects the persistence and/or stability of simulated communities. Two-species plant communities persisted at higher rates than single-species communities, and facilitation was strongest in communities with low mean germination rates and highly species-specific responses to environmental variation. Single-species communities were often more stable than their counterparts, likely because of survivorship-persistent single-species communities were necessarily more stable through time to support pollinators. This work shows that competition and facilitation can simultaneously affect plant population dynamics. It also importantly identifies key features of annual plant communities that might exhibit inter-annual pollination support- those with low germination rates and species-specific responses to variation.

ОПЫТ СОЗДАНИЯ ИСКУССТВЕННОЙ ПОПУЛЯЦИИ GLOBULARIA PUNCTATA LAPEYR. (GLOBULARIACEAE) В РЕСПУБЛИКЕ БАШКОРТОСТАН

The article considers the possibility of creating a long-term and self-sustaining artificial population of Globularia punctata Lapeyr. outside the natural area. The species was introduced into the Natural Botanical Garden (NBG) in the Republic of Bashkortostan (the natural monument "Mount Gurovskaya" in the Kushnarenkovsky district) by sowing seeds in 2012. The introduced experiments in the NBG showed the possibility of creating a long-term artificial population of G. punctata. In the experiment, annual flowering of plants with the formation of viable seeds is observed. The artificial coenopopulation of G. punctata is self-sustaining by self-seeding and increases in number and area. The comparison of the ontogenetic structure and the biometric indicators of plants of natural and artificial cenopopulations showed that they do not have significant differences. In the future, the seed material obtained in NBG can be used for reintroduction work in critical natural populations of G. punctata.

Reproductive biology of Piper species (Piperaceae): a review to link the past to the future

Abstract Piper species are important components of the understory in tropical and subtropical forests, and some species are of economic and medicinal importance. This genus has been studied in different areas of science. However, some questions remain unanswered after the new circumscription as proposed by phylogenetic studies. Here, I review different aspects related to the reproductive biology of Piper species (phenology, sexual expression, floral biology, pollination and mating systems), comparing the results between Neotropical (representing most of the studies carried out so far) and Paleotropical regions. Seventy-five species were analyzed. Some patterns can be observed, mainly in Neotropical species, such as the predominance of annual flowering and fruiting, dichogamy (generally incomplete protogyny) with gradual and sequential exposure of stigmas, asynchronous pollen release, and pollination by insects. Some aspects have been poorly studied, such as variations in sexual expression, the efficiency of different pollinators, and the chemical composition of floral volatiles associated with their role in pollination. In addition, I discuss remaining gaps and further studies that are required, mainly on Paleotropical Piper species, to obtain basic information on the reproductive biology of these plants. From this, comparisons with Neotropical species can be made, allowing the verification of patterns in this genus.

Observing Pollinator Attraction to Winter Annual Flowering Plants in an Urban Ecosystem

Observing Pollinator Attraction to Winter Annual Flowering Plants in an Urban Ecosystem

TAXONOMIC COMPOSITION, BIO-ECOLOGICAL PROPERTIES, ORNAMENTAL QUALITIES AND PROSPECTS OF ECONOMIC USE OF THE COLLECTION OF ANNUALS OF THE BOTANICAL GARDEN OF BILA TSERKVA NATIONAL AGRARIAN UNIVERSITY

The article highlighted the results of the analysis of collection of annual flowering-and-ornamental plants in the Botanical Garden of Bila Tserkva National Agrarian University. It was found that the collection of annuals included 76 species and 267 varieties belonging to 61 genera and 27 families. The largest number of species was represented by the families Asteraceae – 25 and Amaranthaceae – 6 species. Callistephus chinensis (L.) Ness. species containing 171 varieties belonging to three classes, 10 types and 44 varietal types and Tagetes L. genus including three species and 42 varieties were distinguished by varietal diversity. The taxonomic composition of the collection of annual flowering-and-ornamental plants was analyzed and it was established that 53% belonged to beautiful flowering plants, 21% to leafy ornamental plants, 10% to fragrant plants, 7% to dried flowers, 5% to climbing plants, 4% to ground cover species. It was established that all species and varieties of the collection differed in origin, height of shoots, nature of branching. According to the methods of cultivation, 78,3% of the species and varieties of the collection were suitable for sowing in open ground, and only 21,7% required a seedling method of cultivation. Analysis of flowering dates showed that 22,5% of the species and varieties of the collection began flowering 8-9 weeks after sowing, 52,3% – after 10-12 weeks and 25,2% – after 13-14 weeks after sowing seeds. Ornamental qualities of annuals, in particular, growth forms and height of plants, color palette of flowers and inflorescences, terry forms of flowers, their aromatic properties, variety of shapes and sizes of leaves, long and abundant flowering and resistance to the conditions of urboecosystems allowed to widely introduce annual flower plants into urban landscaping, in particular, in geometric flower beds, mixed borders, rabatka, borders, solitaires, groups, Moorish lawns, parterre flower beds and to create monoculture gardens.

Generative production and evaluation of ornamental plant potential of an endemic flax species for ecological landscape applications

AbstractThe flax genus consists of several natural species, which have the potential as ornamental plants for ecological landscape applications. Linum pamphylicum subsp. olympicum is an endemic, naturally occurring flax species that can only be found in Bursa, Turkey. The aim of the study is to examine the morphological and biological characteristics of L. pamphylicum subsp. olympicum in relation to its cultivation and ornamental plant potential, and to reveal the best germination practices, as well as to establish an ex situ conservation garden. According to the results, in natural conditions, L. pamphylicum subsp. olympicum taxon forms a spreading habitus that is resistant to infertile and arid soil conditions. It covers the soil surface with an average width of 40.50 cm and average height of 16.63 cm foliage. It grows an average of 50.80 annual flowering branches. It is a natural taxon that draws attention with its bright yellow and long‐lasting flowers. Germination of L. pamphylicum subsp. olympicum seeds suffers due to physical and physiological dormancy. By this study, the germination of L. pamphylicum subsp. olympicum seeds was improved up to 92.33% by using 4000 ppm gibberellic acid (GA3) treatments. Both cold–wet stratifications with soaking in 4000 or 2000 ppm GA3 provided the fastest germination speed of T50 = 14 days. With the current study germination of L. pamphylicum subsp. olympicum seeds was improved significantly, the phenological and morphological characteristics were determined and a seed resource garden was established for ornamental plant studies.

The effect of annual flower strips on pollinator visitation and fruit set of avocado (Persea americana Mill.) in Kenya

The effect of annual flower strips on pollinator visitation and fruit set of avocado (Persea americana Mill.) in Kenya