Annual Flowering Research Articles

USING SYNTHESISED ORGANIC COMPOUNDS AS ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY RETARDANTS FOR ORNAMENTAL PLANTS

The pre-sowing treatment of scarlet sage (Salvia splendens Ker Gawl.) seeds with 4-methyl-2-piperidin1-yl-pyrimidine-5-carboxylic acid at concentrations of 0.01, 0.05, and 0.1% proved to have an obvious inhibiting effect. Prior to sowing, the seeds of Salvia splendens were soaked in a water suspension of 4-methyl-2-piperidin-1-yl-pyrimidine-5-carboxylic acid and 4-methyl-2-morpholin-4-pyrimidine-5-carboxylic acid with concentrations of 0.01%, 0.05%, and 0.1% for 18 hours. On the 42nd day of the experiment, the seedlings, having been preliminarily hardened for 12 days, were removed from the greenhouse and planted on the field. The pre-sowing treatment of Salvia splendens seeds with 4-methyl-2-morpholin-4-pyrimidine-5-carboxylic acid proved to have the inhibiting effect at concentrations of 0.01 and 0.05%. The height of the seedlings decreased by 13.3-43.7%. It was revealed that 4-methyl-2-piperidin-1-yl-pyrimidine-5-carboxylic acid at concentrations of 0.01, 0.05, and 0.1% decreased the growth of the seedlings by 30.4-43.7%, and 4-methyl-2-morpholin-4-pyrimidine-5-carboxylic acid at concentrations of 0.01 and 0.05% decreased the growth of the seedlings by 13.3-22.2%. By contrast, the effect of pyrimidinecarboxylic acids on seed germination and plant height of another annual flower – spreading marigold (Tagetes patula L.) was stimulating. It was investigated some different concentrations from 0.01 to 0.05 %. The same concentrations of identical compounds were tested, but effects from them were opposite for Tagetes patula, and Salvia splendens seedlings. Сonsequently, the species-specific effect of pyrimidinecarboxylic acids on seed germination and plant height for ornamental grasses takes place. Therefore,4-methyl-2-piperidin-1-yl-pyrimidine-5-carboxylic acid and 4-methyl-2-morpholin4-pyrimidine-5-carboxylic acid are recommended as growth retardants for Salvia splendens.

Using Synthesised Organic Compounds as Environmentally Friendly Retardants for Ornamental Plants

The pre-sowing treatment of scarlet sage (Salvia splendens Ker Gawl.) seeds with 4-methyl-2-piperidin1-yl-pyrimidine-5-carboxylic acid at concentrations of 0.01, 0.05, and 0.1% proved to have an obvious inhibiting effect. Prior to sowing, the seeds of Salvia splendens were soaked in a water suspension of 4-methyl-2- piperidin-1-yl-pyrimidine-5-carboxylic acid and 4-methyl-2-morpholin-4-pyrimidine-5-carboxylic acid with concentrations of 0.01%, 0.05%, and 0.1% for 18 hours. On the 42nd day of the experiment, the seedlings, having been preliminarily hardened for 12 days, were removed from the greenhouse and planted on the field. The pre-sowing treatment of Salvia splendens seeds with 4-methyl-2-morpholin-4-pyrimidine-5-carboxylic acid proved to have the inhibiting effect at concentrations of 0.01 and 0.05%. The height of the seedlings decreased by 13.3-43.7%. It was revealed that 4-methyl-2-piperidin-1-yl-pyrimidine-5-carboxylic acid at concentrations of 0.01, 0.05, and 0.1% decreased the growth of the seedlings by 30.4-43.7%, and 4-methyl-2-morpholin-4- pyrimidine-5-carboxylic acid at concentrations of 0.01 and 0.05% decreased the growth of the seedlings by 13.3-22.2%. By contrast, the effect of pyrimidinecarboxylic acids on seed germination and plant height of another annual flower – spreading marigold (Tagetes patula L.) was stimulating. It was investigated some different concentrations from 0.01 to 0.05 %. The same concentrations of identical compounds were tested, but effects from them were opposite for Tagetes patula, and Salvia splendens seedlings. Сonsequently, the species-specific effect of pyrimidinecarboxylic acids on seed germination and plant height for ornamental grasses takes place. Therefore,4-methyl-2-piperidin-1-yl-pyrimidine-5-carboxylic acid and 4-methyl-2-morpholin4-pyrimidine-5-carboxylic acid are recommended as growth retardants for Salvia splendens

Иммунологические особенности пыльцевой и клещевой сенсибилизации у жителей Бишкека

The article presents the results of a study of the prevalence of pollen allergy and allergies to house dust mites among Bishkek population in 2019. The examined patients, aged 4 to 60 years, were divided into groups according to the age periodization of a person. Identification of general and specific IgE antibodies was carried out using modern methods of laboratory diagnosis of the immunological profile. Linked Immunosorbent Assay options such as Chemiluminescence Immunoassay (CLIA) and Immunoblotting were used. The obtained results indicate a widespread sensitization of Bishkek population to pollen allergens, sensitization to house dust mite allergens is more pronounced in the form of a polyvalent allergy. There is also a tendency to increase the prevalence of allergic diseases among the country’s child population. Pollinosis occupy a leading place among allergic diseases in the country due to the fact that weeds prevail in the city’s natural vegetation, which are highly allergenic. Data on the incidence of allergic diseases in Kyrgyzstan, as well as abroad, do not reflect the true spread of allergies, because like most patients with mild forms of allergic diseases do not go to the doctor. Therefore, the early detection, prevention and treatment of allergic diseases is one of the most important issues of modern medicine and biology. It is necessary to create annual flowering calendars of allergenic plants. Round the clock biomonitoring of the air to monitor pollen and air disputes is necessary to inform patients with hay fever. Preventive measures for patients with sensitization to house dust mite allergens include the prevention of mass reproduction of mites, namely the reduction of dust and humidity in rooms.

Gene expression trajectories during male and female reproductive development in balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera L.)

Plant reproductive development from the first appearance of reproductively committed axes through to floral maturation requires massive and rapid remarshalling of gene expression. In dioecious species such as poplar this is further complicated by divergent male and female developmental programs. We used seven time points in male and female balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera L.) buds and catkins representing the full annual flowering cycle, to elucidate the effects of time and sex on gene expression during reproductive development. Time (developmental stage) is dominant in patterning gene expression with the effect of sex nested within this. Here, we find (1) evidence for five successive waves of alterations to the chromatin landscape which may be important in setting the overall reproductive trajectory, regardless of sex. (2) Each individual developmental stage is further characterized by marked sex-differential gene expression. (3) Consistent sexually differentiated gene expression regardless of developmental stage reveal candidates for high-level regulators of sex and include the female-specific poplar ARR17 homologue. There is also consistent male-biased expression of the MADS-box genes PISTILLATA and APETALA3. Our work provides insights into expression trajectories shaping reproductive development, its potential underlying mechanisms, and sex-specific translation of the genome information into reproductive structures in balsam poplar.

Species‐specific variation in germination rates contributes to spatial coexistence more than adult plant water use in four closely related annual flowering plants

Abstract Spatial partitioning is a classic hypothesis to explain plant species coexistence, but evidence linking local environmental variation to spatial sorting, demography and species' traits is sparse. If co‐occurring species' performance is optimized differently along environmental gradients because of trait variation, then spatial variation might facilitate coexistence. We used a system of four naturally co‐occurring species of Clarkia (Onagraceae) to ask whether distribution patchiness corresponds to variation in two environmental variables that contribute to hydrological variation. We then reciprocally sowed Clarkia into each patch type and measured demographic rates in the absence of congeneric competition. Species sorted in patches along one or both gradients, and in three of the four species, germination rate in the ‘home’ patch was higher than all other patches. Spatially variable germination resulted in the same three species exhibiting the highest population growth rates in their home patches. Species' trait values related to plant water use, as well as indicators of water stress in home patches, differed among species and corresponded to home patch attributes. However, post‐germination survival did not vary among species or between patch types, and fecundity did not vary spatially. Synthesis. Our research demonstrates the likelihood that within‐community spatial heterogeneity affects plant species coexistence, and presents novel evidence that differential performance in space is explained by what happens in the germination stage. Despite the seemingly obvious link between adult plant water‐use and variation in the environment, our results distinguish the germination stage as important for spatially variable population performance.

Spatiophylogenetic modelling of extinction risk reveals evolutionary distinctiveness and brief flowering period as threats in a hotspot plant genus

Comparative models used to predict species threat status can help identify the diagnostic features of species at risk. Such models often combine variables measured at the species level with spatial variables, causing multiple statistical challenges, including phylogenetic and spatial non-independence. We present a novel Bayesian approach for modelling threat status that simultaneously deals with both forms of non-independence and estimates their relative contribution, and we apply the approach to modelling threat status in the Australian plant genus Hakea. We find that after phylogenetic and spatial effects are accounted for, species with greater evolutionary distinctiveness and a shorter annual flowering period are more likely to be threatened. The model allows us to combine information on evolutionary history, species biology and spatial data, calculate latent extinction risk (potential for non-threatened species to become threatened), estimate the most important drivers of risk for individual species and map spatial patterns in the effects of different predictors on extinction risk. This could be of value for proactive conservation decision-making based on the early identification of species and regions of potential conservation concern.

Cannabidiol and Other Non-Psychoactive Cannabinoids for Prevention and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Disorders: Useful Nutraceuticals?

Cannabis sativa is an aromatic annual flowering plant with several botanical varieties, used for different purposes, like the production of fibers, the production of oil from the seeds, and especially for recreational or medical purposes. Phytocannabinoids (terpenophenolic compounds derived from the plant), include the well-known psychoactive cannabinoid Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, and many non-psychoactive cannabinoids, like cannabidiol. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) comprises of endocannabinoid ligands, enzymes for synthesis and degradation of such ligands, and receptors. This system is widely distributed in the gastrointestinal tract, where phytocannabinoids exert potent effects, particularly under pathological (i.e., inflammatory) conditions. Herein, we will first look at the hemp plant as a possible source of new functional food ingredients and nutraceuticals that might be eventually useful to treat or even prevent gastrointestinal conditions. Subsequently, we will briefly describe the ECS and the general pharmacology of phytocannabinoids. Finally, we will revise the available data showing that non-psychoactive phytocannabinoids, particularly cannabidiol, may be useful to treat different disorders and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. With the increasing interest in the development of functional foods for a healthy life, the non-psychoactive phytocannabinoids are hoped to find a place as nutraceuticals and food ingredients also for a healthy gastrointestinal tract function.

Normality of The Mice's Fetal Spine during Fennel Flower Extract (Nigella sativa) Feeding

Black cumin (Nigella sativa ) is an annual flowering herbal plant that is widely planted in India, Egypt, and the Middle East. Black cumin essential oil contains p-cymene, α-pinene, dithymoquine, thymohydroquinone, and thymoquinone (more than 50%). This study aims to determine the effect of black cumin extract on the structure of the spine, length, and fetal weight of the mouse. The study was conducted in December 2019 to February 2020 at the Zoology and Botany Laboratory of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Lampung. This study uses a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) consisting of 4 groups, each group with 5 repetitions (K1, P1, P2, P3). Black cumin extract is given orally as much as 0.3 ml/day on the 6th to 17th day of pregnancy. The control group K1 (Aquabides), P1 was given black cumin extract (2.1 mg/30 g), P2 (8.4 mg/30 g), and P3 (33.6 mg/30 g). Data on the structure of the spine were observed descriptively while the length and weight of the fetus of mice were analyzed using ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) with a significance level of α = 5%. The results obtained on the structure of the spine from each treatment did not cause abnormalities in the structure of the mice's fetal spine. Black cumin contains calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, and iron which are useful in the process of bone growth and development. Besides, the results of fetal length and weight data based on the ANOVA test one factor level α = 5% statistically did not show a decrease in the length and weight of the fetus of mice.

Ecological impacts of pesticide seed treatments on arthropod communities in a grain crop rotation

Abstract While many studies have investigated non‐target impacts of neonicotinoid seed treatments (NSTs), they usually take place within a single crop and focus on specific pest or beneficial arthropod taxa. We compared the impacts of three seed treatments to an untreated control: imidacloprid + fungicide products, thiamethoxam + fungicide products and fungicide products alone in a 3‐year crop rotation of full‐season soybean, winter wheat, double‐cropped soybean and maize. Specifically, we quantified neonicotinoid residues in the soil and in weedy winter annual flower buds and examined treatment impacts on soil and foliar arthropod communities as well as on plant growth and yield. Unquantifiably low amounts of insecticide were found in winter annual flowers of one species in one site year, which did not correspond with our treatments. Although low levels of insecticide residues were present in the soil, residues were not persistent. Residues were highest in the final year of the study, suggesting some accumulation. We observed variable impacts of NSTs on the arthropod community; principle response curve and redundancy analyses exhibited occasional treatment effects, with treatments impacting the abundance of various taxa, including predators and parasitoids. Overall, foliar taxa were more impacted than soil taxa, and the fungicides occasionally affected communities and individual taxa. Pest pressure was low throughout the study, and although pest numbers were reduced by the insecticides, corresponding increases in yield were not observed. Synthesis and applications. Pesticide seed treatments can impact arthropod taxa, including important natural enemies even when environmental persistence and active ingredient concentrations are low. The foliar community in winter wheat showed that in some cases, these impacts can last for several months after planting. Given the low pest pressure and lack of yield improvement in full‐season soybean, double‐cropped soybean, winter wheat and maize, we did not observe benefits that could justify the risks associated with neonicotinoid seed treatment (NST) use. Our results suggest that NSTs are not warranted in Maryland grain production, outside of specific instances of high pest pressure.

Екологічна пластичність Мaclura pomifera (Rafin.) Schneid в умовах України

Виявлено обмежену кількість садивного матеріалу Maclura pomifera (Rafіn.) Scheid на території нашої країни, що пов'язано з малою обізнаністю фахівців із ефективними способами розмноження Мaclura pomifera та недостатнім вивченням адаптивного потенціалу в умовах районів інтродукції. Досліджено біолого-екологічні особливості росту та розвитку цієї рослини, а саме: морозо- та зимостійкість, відношення до вологості ґрунту. На підставі літературних джерел і власних досліджень відзначено, що Maclura pomifera є цінною плодовою, лікарською та декоративною рослиною для використання в різних ґрунтово-кліматичних зонах України. Вивчено особливості насіннєвого розмноження Maclura pomifera в умовах Правобережного Лісостепу України. Враховуючи невеликий період проростання насіння, Мaclura pomifera віднесено до групи рослин, насіння яких не має глибокого періоду спокою. Визначено, що залежно від варіантів схожість насіння цієї рослини в лабораторних умовах становить від 42 до 73 %. Експериментально підтверджено, що перед весняним посівом замість стратифікації насіння потрібно промити проточною водою впродовж декількох годин та обробити його відповідним стимулятором росту. Доведено, що оптимальна схожість в умовах відкритого ґрунту (близько 86 %) наявна в разі висіву насіння Мaclura pomifera навесні завглибшки 1-2 см. Встановлено середній приріст сіянців цієї рослини впродовж вегетаційного періоду.

Estimation of technical efficiency of black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) farming in northwest Ethiopia: a stochastic frontier approach

Ethiopia is one of the east African countries which produce and exports various spices to other countries. Black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) is an important stiff annual flowering plant which mainly grows by producers for its seeds. An increasing demand of black cumin seed and oil in local, national and international market for medicinal, consumption and commercial purpose makes the best alternative crop for small holder farmers in Ethiopia. In spite of its importance, not much has been done to improve its production and productivity in Ethiopia. Therefore, this research was designed to examining efficiency variations and factors influencing technical inefficiency levels of producers on black cumin production in northwest Ethiopia. Primary data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire administered on 188 black cumin producers selected using systematic random sampling technique. Moreover, various data analysis methods such as descriptive statistics and stochastic frontier model were used for analyzing the data. The empirical result obtained by applying maximum likelihood estimate of stochastic frontier model revealed that seed (p < 0.01) labor (p < 0.05), chemical (p < 0.01) and land (p < 0.05) were significant input variables in determining black cumin production. The mean technical efficiency level of black cumin producer was generally low, about 53.1%. The mean value of actual yield, potential yield and yield gap was 3.131, 5.832 and 2.701 quintals, respectively. Moreover, the result of stochastic frontier model together with the inefficiency parameters revealed that market price of black cumin (p < 0.01) and access of extension service (p < 0.1) were significant variables and positively influenced the efficiency levels of black cumin producers. Whereas age of producers (p < 0.05) and distance to farm plot (p < 0.01) negatively influenced the technical efficiency levels of black cumin producers. Therefore, the study recommends that adoption of latest agricultural technologies; development of institutions, agricultural extension services and infrastructure are advisable to improve the efficiency and commercial value of black cumin production.

Effects of paclobutrazol on bud, plant height and antioxidant enzyme activities of Cymbidium hybridum

Cymbidium hybridum is a favourite flower of the annual flower. Its flower bud number, plant type and morphological characteristics affect its ornamental effect. This experiment explored the effects of 50mg/L, 100mg/L, 200mg/L, 300mg/L, 400mg/L paclobutrazol on the enzyme activity, flower bud number and plant height dwarfing of the antioxidant system of Cymbidium hybridum. The results showed that: 1. Each concentration treatment can promote flower bud differentiation, 300mg/L is the best. 2. Paclobutrazol has an inhibitory effect on plant height, and with the increase of concentration, the inhibition is more obvious, and the inhibition of 400mg/L is the strongest. 3. Paclobutrazol can increase the enzyme activity of the antioxidant system of Cymbidium hybridum. The activity of SOD and POD is promoted by low concentration and inhibited by high concentration. The contents of CAT and soluble protein in each concentration were higher than those in the control group.

The Role of Annual Flowering Plant Strips on a Melon Crop in Central Spain. Influence on Pollinators and Crop.

Planting flower strips adjacent to crops is among the habitat-management practices employed to offer alternative floral resources to pollinators. However, more information is needed to understand their potential spill-over of pollinators on nearby insect-pollinated crops. Over the course of two consecutive years, the suitability of a flower mixture of 10 herbaceous plants for pollinators was evaluated on a weekly basis, in a randomized block design of two melon plots (10 × 10 m2) with or without 1 m-wide flower strips. Floral coverage and pollinator visits to the plant species, as well as pollinator visits and the yield and quality of the crop, were assessed. Additionally, the selected mixture was tested for 1 year in a commercial field in order to ascertain how far the flower strip could influence visitors in the crop. The most suitable species for a flower strip in central Spain based on their attractiveness, floral coverage and staggered blossom were Coriandrum sativum L., Diplotaxis virgata L., Borago officinalis L. and Calendula officinalis L. The flower strip can act as either pollinator competitor or facilitator to the crop, depending on their floral coverage and/or the predominant species during the crop bloom period. The concurrence of blooming of the rewarding plant C. officinalis with the melon crop should be avoided in our area. In the commercial field, the bee visitation rate in the melon flowers decreased with the distance to the flower strip. No influence of the specific flower strip evaluated on crop productivity or quality was found.

The influence of ecological infrastructures adjacent to crops on their carabid assemblages in intensive agroecosystems.

BackgroundConserving biodiversity and enhancing ecosystem services of interest in intensive agroecosystems is a major challenge. Perennial ecological infrastructures (EIs), such as hedges and grassy strips, and annual EI under Agri-Environment Schemes appear to be good candidates to promote both. Our study focused on carabids, an indicator group responding both at the species and functional trait level to disturbances and supporting pest control and weed seed consumption services.MethodsWe compared carabid assemblages at the species and functional traits levels, sampled via pitfall trapping, in three types of EIs (hedges, grassy strips and annual flower strips) and crops. We also tested via GLMs the effect of (1) the type of EI at the crops’ border and (2) the distance from the crops’ border (two meters or 30 meters) on carabid assemblages of crops. Tested variables comprised: activity-density, species richness, functional dispersion metrics (FDis) and proportions of carabids by functional categories (Diet: generalist predators/specialist predators/seed-eaters; Size: small/medium/large/very large; Breeding period: spring/autumn).Results and DiscussionCarabid assemblages on the Principal Coordinate Analysis split in two groups: crops and EIs. Assemblages from all sampled EIs were dominated by mobile generalist predator species from open-land, reproducing in spring. Assemblages of hedges were poor in activity-density and species richness, contrarily to grassy and annual flower strips. Differences in carabid assemblages in crops were mainly driven by the presence of hedges. The presence of hedges diminished the Community Weighted Mean size of carabids in crops, due to an increased proportion of small (<5 mm) individuals, while distance from crops’ border favoured large (between 10–15 mm) carabids. Moreover, even if they were attracted by EIs, granivorous carabid species were rare in crops. Our results underlie the importance of local heterogeneity when adapting crops’ borders to enhance carabid diversity and question the relevance of hedge implantation in intensive agrolandscapes, disconnected from any coherent ecological network. Moreover, this study emphasizes the difficulty to modify functional assemblages of crops for purposes of ecosystem services development, especially for weed seed consumption, as well as the role of distance from the crops’ border in the shaping of crop carabid assemblages.

In vitro efficacy of bio-control agents and developing Integrated management strategies for Fusarial wilt disease of Marigold

Marigold is an annual flowering plant which is mainly affected by Fusarium wilt incited by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. callistephi. In this study, use of saprophtically competitive bioagents like Trichoderma, Pseudomonas and Bacillus isolated from the rhizosphere were explored as an alternative to chemical fungicides. The efficacy of oil cake extracts and the combined effect of various management measures were explored. Among the 10 isolates, the suppression was higher with Trichoderma viride (Tvj), Pseudomonas fluorescens (Pf3) and Bacillus subtilis (Bs10) which effectively inhibited the growth of causal organism to an extent of 78.3, 56.0, 50.3%, respectively over control. Neem cake at 10% concentration recorded 50.6% reductions in mycelial growth. Among the systemic fungicides tested, the combination product carbendazim 12% + mancozeb 64% inhibited the fungal growth completely above 1000 ppm concentrations.

The effect of weather conditions and application of mineral fertilizers on quality indicators of Callistephus chinensis (L) Nees

With the development of modern floral business, Callistephus chinensis (L.) Nees is among the top three of the most popular crops, yielding only chrysanthemum and calendula in commercial cultivation. This is one of the most widespread seasonal decorative annual flower crops, which is beautifully cultivated in open ground, pots and bouquet flowers. The researches presented in the article were conducted in order to determine the influence of weather conditions during the growing season of C. chinensis on the research sites of the educational scientific-production complex of the Sumy National Agrarian University (Northeast Forest-steppe of Ukraine) and the effectiveness of the application of various norms of complex mineral fertilizers, introduced at the planting of seedlings into open ground, on the processes of growth, flowering and other qualitative characteristics of the five varieties. During the growing season, the climatic conditions of the region of conducting research, variety characteristics, and also the variability of the parameters of height, number and diameter of C. chinensis inflorescences of the varieties 'Olenka', 'Leleka', 'Litnia Nich', 'Tsarivna' and 'Yabluneva' were influenced by variability mode of mineral nutrition. Weather conditions of vegetation have an impact on the number and size of inflorescences. According to research results, it has been established that there is a certain relationship between the weather conditions of the year and the number of inflorescences. So, the increase in the amount of precipitation during the growing season contributes to the development of the vegetative mass, but also negatively affects the formation of the number of inflorescences C. chinensis. For most varieties, the optimal conditions for the development of the generative sphere were the normal conditions for moisture of the year, and for the 'Litnia Nich' variety it was dry. The greatest increase in height when fertilizing compared to control was observed by the variety 'Tsarivna' (15.9 %), the smallest - by the variety 'Olenka' (2.0 %). The formation of inflorescences of greater diameter by the plants of the varieties 'Olenka', 'Litnia Nich' and 'Tsarivna' was observed in 2016, and by the 'Leleka' and 'Yabluneva' varieties in 2017. For most varieties in 2015, the diameter of inflorescences was the smallest. Studies have shown that weather conditions do not have a significant effect on the diameter of inflorescence, unlike mineral nutrition. The diameter of the inflorescences was the highest in comparison with the control by the variety 'Olenka' (18.3%), the smallest - by the variety 'Tsarivna' (1.1 %). The most valuable morphological and decorative features of C. chinensis plants of the five varieties under study were formed according to the norms of complex mineral fertilizers (nitroamofoska) 6.0 g/m2. The further increase of norm was not appropriate.

Effect of irrigation intervals on growth of annual flowers under climatic conditions of South Punjab, Pakistan

Effect of irrigation intervals on growth of annual flowers under climatic conditions of South Punjab, Pakistan

PROSPECTS FOR THE USE OF DECORATIVE PLANTS OF THE GENUS HEMEROCALLIS L. IN LANDSCAPING THE PARK AREA OF THE VINNYTSIA NATIONAL AGRARIAN UNIVERSITY

A promising task of landscaping is to replenish the quantitative species composition of ornamental plants in order to improve the botanical gardens and parks because they are of the key importance to modern urban greening. The current state of the directions of the use of ornamental and valuable plants of the genus Hemerocallis L. in the Podillia region has been studied to determine their prospects for the improvement of the park zone of the Vinnytsia National Agrarian University. Expanding the collection of annual flowering plants in green construction by preserving their gene pool will allow us to explore the selection of introduced species, varieties and hybrids adapted to the conditions of the growing zone with the development of modern principles of their use in landscaping according to the results of studies of existing and introduced plants of hybrid daylily (Hemerocallis hybrida hort.) It is proposed to use planting varieties and hybrids of these plants in Vinnytsia region, they are characterized by high criteria of morphological, economic and biological features. The most promising varieties of foreign selection have been studied to create a collection of daylilies on the basis of the architectural and exposition section of the Department of Forestry, Landscape and Gardening, Horticulture and Viticulture of the Faculty of Agronomy and Forestry. The recommendations on the use of promising cultivars of lilies of foreign selection in green construction are summarized, taking into account their biological, ecological and morphological features. It is researched that the study of varietal variety of lilies hybrid allows to significantly expand the knowledge about their adaptive properties and use in different directions of flowering of the Podillia area, as well as in selection work. It is determined that, from a scientific and practical point of view, the studied collection fund is promising for creating flower beds, ridges, lawn groups, mixborders and is a great material for creating garden compositions. It is proved that the expansion of variants of modern decorative compositions with their participation will give the Vinnytsia NAU park zone a more spectacularview.

Detection and Microscopy of Alnus glutinosa Pollen Fluorescence Peculiarities

Alnus glutinosa is an important woody plant in Lithuanian forest ecosystems. Knowledge of fluorescence properties of black alder pollen is necessary for scientific and practical purposes. By the results of the study, we aimed to evaluate possibilities of identifying Alnus glutinosa pollen fluorescence properties by modeling ozone effect and applying two different fluorescence-based devices. To implement the experiments, black alder pollen was collected in a typical habitat during the annual flowering period in 2018–2019. There were three groups of experimental variants, which differed in the duration of exposure to ozone, conditions of pollen storage before the start of the experiment, and the exposure time. Data for pollen fluorescence analysis were collected using two methods. The microscopy method was used in order to evaluate the possibility of employing image analysis systems for investigation of pollen fluorescence. The second data collection method is related to an automatic device identifying pollen in real time, which uses the fluorescence method in the pollen recognition process. Data were assessed employing image analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) methods. Digital images of ozone-exposed pollen observed under the fluorescence microscope showed the change of the dominant green colour toward the blue spectrum. Meanwhile, the automatic detector detects more pollen whose fluorescence is at the blue light spectrum. It must be noted that assessing pollen fluorescence several months after exposure to ozone, no effect of ozone on fluorescence remains.

Knowledge Change and Donation Intentions of Field Day Attendees

Participation in field days increases adoption of new techniques and fosters learning. Since 1977, the Iowa State University (ISU) Department of Horticulture has hosted several Home Demonstration Garden (HDG) field days at ISU research farms each year to educate consumers on best practices and cultivars for growing annual flowers and vegetables. Gardens are planted at the farms and feature a specific topic or theme. In 2016 and 2017, 12 HDG field days were hosted in July or August. The objective of these field days was to showcase cultivars of vegetables that are in demand at food pantries and that home gardeners could grow easily for donation to these pantries. In addition to showcasing crops, presentations were delivered that focused on food insecurity implications in Iowa and how community members could impact food security locally. Of more than 400 field-day attendees in 2016, 151 (38%) participated in an optional survey at the end of the day. Similarly, in 2017, 140 of 350 (40%) attendees participated in the survey. Participants reflected on their food security knowledge and intentions to donate fresh produce before and after participation in the field day. Slightly more than a third (39.53% and 37.12%, respectively) of attendees reported some increase in food-security knowledge after participation. In addition, 85% and 72.5% of respondents reported that they will or would consider donating fresh produce to a local pantry after participation in this field day in 2016 and 2017, respectively. This was a change of more than 40% from previous donation patterns in both years. Results from this study are being used to focus future programming of the HDG field days and content of the field day surveys.