Autumn Joy Research Articles

Comprehensive evaluation of morphological and physiological responses of seventeen Crassulaceae species to waterlogging and drainage under temperate monsoon climate

Unpredictable rainfall frequently results in excess moisture, which is detrimental to the landscape because it interferes with the genetic, morphological, and physiological processes of plants, even though the majority of urban landscapes frequently experience moisture shortages. A study was conducted to analyze the effects of a 36-day waterlogging phase and a subsequent 12-day recovery period on the morpho-physiological responses of 17 Crassulaceae species with the goal of identifying those which were more tolerant of the conditions. Results revealed that waterlogging stress has an impact on all morpho-physiological parameters. Sensitive materials (S7, Hylotelephium telephium ‘Purple Emperor’ and S15, S. sexangulare) showed severe ornamental quality damage, mortality, decreases in total dry biomass, root-shoot ratio, and chlorophyll content, as well as higher MDA concentrations. Lower reductions in these parameters, along with improved antioxidant enzyme activities and greater recovery capabilities after drainage, were observed in the most tolerant materials S2 (H. spectabile ‘Brilliant’), S3 (H. spectabile ‘Carl’), and S5 (H. telephium ‘Autumn Joy’). Furthermore, with the exception of early death materials (S7 and S15), all materials showed varying intensities of adventitious root formation in response to waterlogging. The 17 species were divided into 4 clusters based on the comprehensive evaluation value. The first group included S1-S3, S5-S6, S8-S12, which were waterlogged tolerant with the highest values (0.63–0.82). S14 belongs to the intermediate waterlogging tolerant. S4, S13, S16, and S17 were clustered into the low waterlogging-tolerant group. S7 and S15 were the most susceptible to waterlogging. The survival and success of Crassulaceae species (especially, the first and second cluster), throughout this prolonged period of waterlogging (36 days) and recovery were attributed to a combination of physiological and morphological responses, indicating that they are an appealing species for the creation of rain gardens or obstructed drainage locations.

Relative Salt Tolerance of Four Herbaceous Perennial Ornamentals

Salt tolerant ornamental plants can be irrigated with alternative water sources that are typically saline as a sustainable practice for urban landscaping, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. However, the salt tolerance of many ornamentals is not known. An eight-week greenhouse experiment was conducted to assess the relative salt tolerance of four perennial ornamentals, ‘Angelina’ (Sedum rupestre), ‘Autumn Joy’ (S. telephium), ‘Blue Spruce’ (S. reflexum), and ‘Blue Daze’ (Evolvulus glomeratus). The plants were grown in pots with potting mix substrate and irrigated with control or saline solutions. The electrical conductivities (EC) of the saline solutions were 5.0 and 10.0 mS/cm. Data collected included relative shoot, root, and total dry weight (DW), visual score, shoot tissue concentrations of Na+, Cl−, K+, and Ca2+, and the K+/Na+ ratio. There were significant differences in treatment and varieties for all response variables, and some interactions were also significant, indicating different responses to salinity for the four varieties. Shoot, root, and total DW decreased with increasing salinity for all varieties. Visual score was highest in Autumn Joy and Blue Spruce when treated with EC5 and EC10 and lowest in Angelina and Blue Daze, the latter of which showed symptoms of moderate foliar damage including leaf necrosis, or “burn”, due to salt stress. The concentrations of Na+ and Cl− in the shoot tissue increased with increasing salinity while K+ and Ca2+ and the K+/Na+ ratio tended to decrease. Of the four varieties of herbaceous perennial ornamentals evaluated in this study, Autumn Joy and Blue Spruce were considered the most relatively salt tolerant while Angelina and Blue Daze were least tolerant.

Evaluation of perennial chrysanthemum cultivars under sub-humid southern plains and Aravali hills of Rajasthan

An investigation was carried out with eleven cultivars of Dendrenthema grandiflora L. at Udaipur, Rajasthan to evaluate the cultivars for floral and relative economic parameters. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications, eleven cultivars by planting 25 plants/replication and data were recorded on five plants. The data were analyzed by analysis of variance. The maximum plant height (44.21 cm), leaves plant−1 (185.87), plant spread from North-South (27.31 cm) and East-West direction (28.34 cm), sprays plant−1 (16.73), days to end of flowering (145.33 days), flower duration (63.47 days), freshness of flower on the plant under open field (17.53 days), flowers plant−1 (66.86), ten-flower weight (37.30 g), ray floret flower−1 (187.60), spray length (34.56 cm), disc floret flower−1 (209.27), flower weight plant−1 (249.52 g), gross, net returns and B: C ratio were recorded in ‘UHF CRY-77’. Minimum days to first bud initiation (71.07 days), first flower bud opening (84.42 days), complete flower opening (92.8 days) were recorded in ‘Autumn Joy’. The maximum flower diameter (9.68 cm) recorded in cultivar in cv. Garden Beauty, respectively. On the basis of two years pooled data for vegetative, floral and relative economics parameters cv. UHF CRY-77 for cut flowers followed by ‘Jaya ’were found best for cut spray purpose and recommended for sub-humid southern plain and Aravalli hills of Rajasthan.

Succulent species differ substantially in their tolerance and phytoextraction potential when grown in the presence of Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn.

Plants for the phytoextraction of heavy metals should have the ability to accumulate high concentrations of such metals and exhibit multiple tolerance traits to cope with adverse conditions such as coexistence of multiple heavy metals, high salinity, and drought which are the characteristics of many contaminated soils. This study compared 14 succulent species for their phytoextraction potential of Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn. There were species variations in metal tolerance and accumulation. Among the 14 succulent species, an Australian native halophyte Carpobrotus rossii exhibited the highest relative growth rate (20.6-26.6 mg plant(-1) day(-1)) and highest tolerance index (78-93%), whilst Sedum "Autumn Joy" had the lowest relative growth rate (8.3-13.6 mg plant(-1) day(-1)), and Crassula multicava showed the lowest tolerance indices (<50%). Carpobrotus rossii and Crassula helmsii showed higher potential for phytoextraction of these heavy metals than other species. These findings suggest that Carpobrotus rossii is a promising candidate for phytoextraction of multiple heavy metals, and the aquatic or semiterrestrial Crassula helmsii is suitable for phytoextraction of Cd and Zn from polluted waters or wetlands.

Timing of Benzyladenine and Dikegulac Sodium Application Affects Branching of Liners and Finished Herbaceous Perennial Plants

Foliar spray applications of plant growth regulators (PGRs) benzyladenine (BA) and dikegulac sodium (DS) on herbaceous perennial liners and transplants were evaluated to determine effects on branching and quality. PGRs were applied three times (main plot): liner (24 h after removal from mist), post-transplant (5 to 7 days after transplant), or both (applications at liner and post-transplant). PGRs (subplots) were applied at concentrations of 400, 800, or 1600 mg·L−1 DS; 600 mg·L−1 BA; or a combination of 400 mg·L−1 DS and 600 mg·L−1 BA (DS/BA). All studies included an untreated control. Sedum spectabile ‘Autumn Joy’ treated with PGRs at both application times had a 100% increase in branching compared with either single application time. Applied post-transplant, 800 mg·L−1 DS, BA, or DS/BA increased branching. Applied at both times, all DS concentrations or BA tripled the number of lateral branches per plant, whereas DS/BA resulted in a 4-fold increase in number of branches. Sedum treated with 1600 mg·L−1 DS at liner, post-transplant, or both application times was shorter than controls; plants sprayed with 1600 mg·L−1 DS at both application times were stunted. Phytotoxicity (yellow, narrow leaves) was present in finished plants treated with 800 or 1600 mg·L−1 DS or DS/BA post-transplant or with 1600 mg·L−1 DS applied both times. Gaillardia aristata ‘Gallo Red’ treated with PGRs at both application times had increased branching compared with plants subjected to a single application. Number of branches was increased by liner application of 400 mg·L−1 DS, post-transplant applications of DS/BA, or applications both times of BA or DS/BA, whereas applications both times of 1600 mg·L−1 DS decreased branching and caused stunting and chlorotic foliage. In application as liners or at both times, all PGRs except 400 mg·L−1 DS caused 16- to 33-day delays in flowering. Branching of Phlox paniculata ‘Bright Eyes’ was unaffected by application time. Only Phlox treated with BA or 1600 mg·L−1 DS at both application times had increased branches, although plants treated with 1600 mg·L−1 DS were shorter than controls and had phytotoxicity in the form of narrow, yellow leaves. Nepeta racemosa ‘Walker’s Low’ treated with PGRs post-transplant or both application times had more branches than plants treated with PGRs once as liners. Number of branches was increased with BA or 800 mg·L−1 DS applied post-transplant or 1600 mg·L−1 DS, BA, or DS/BA applied both times, but the plants treated with 1600 mg·L−1 DS were stunted and had yellow leaves. Neither BA nor DS affected branching in Delosperma ‘Table Mountain’. Application time did not affect branching in Achillea ‘Moonshine’; only both applications of BA increased the number of branches in Achillea, whereas either single application of 1600 mg·L−1 DS or both applications of 800 or 1600 mg·L−1 DS caused phytotoxicity and stunting. Chemical names used: N-(phenylmethyl)-1H-purine-6-amine [benzyladenine (BA)], sodium 2,3:4,6-bis-O-(1-methylethylidene)-α-L-xylo-2-hexulofuranosonate (DS)

Sedum x 'Autumn Joy' 'Autumn Joy' Sedum

The publication on Sedum x 'Autumn Joy' highlights it as a drought-tolerant, herbaceous perennial. It grows 1.5–3 feet tall, features fleshy, gray-green leaves, and produces clusters of pink flowers that turn coppery and rust-colored in fall. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, attracting bees and butterflies. The plant is ideal for mass plantings, borders, and rock gardens, and has minimal pest or disease issues. It can be propagated through cuttings or division. Original publication date October 1999.

Night-Interrupted Lighting Accelerates Flowering of Herbaceous Perennials Under Nursery Conditions in the Southern United States

Abstract Night-interrupted lighting (NIL) outdoors in a southern nursery setting was evaluated as a system for accelerated production of herbaceous perennials requiring long days to flower. Treatments were NIL beginning February 1, February 15, March 1, or March 15, and a natural photoperiod control. Compared to plants under the natural photoperiod and depending upon initiation of NIL treatment and year, NIL accelerated and increased flowering of ‘Moonbeam’ coreopsis (Coreopsis verticillata L. ‘Moonbeam’) 7 to 36 days and 20 to 244%, ‘Early Sunrise’ coreopsis (Coreopsis grandiflora Hogg ex Sweet. ‘Early Sunrise’) 3 to 20 days and 26 to 64%, ‘Sunray’ coreopsis (Coreopsis grandiflora Hogg ex Sweet. ‘Sunray’) 6 to 13 days and 21 to 44%, ‘Autumn Joy’ stonecrop (Sedum x ‘Autumn Joy’) 26 to 57 days and 200 to 300%, and ‘Blue Queen’ salvia (Salvia x superba Stapf ‘Blue Queen’) 7 to 12 days and 56 to 83%. Flowering of ‘Red Beauty’ obedient plant (Physostegia virginiana (L.) Benth. ‘Red Beauty) was accelerated 20 to 54 days; however, inflorescence counts decreased 38 to 46% in one year and was not affected by treatments in the second year. Plants of all cultivars, except ‘Autumn Joy’ sedum and ‘Red Beauty’ obedient plant, were taller when exposed to NIL than when grown under the natural photoperiod, however plant quality rating of all cultivars was as high or higher under NIL.

First Report of Erysiphe sedi on Sedum spectabile in North America.

Since 1997, powdery mildew infections have been repeatedly observed on Sedum spectabile plants, cv. Autumn Joy, grown as ornamentals in commercial greenhouses in New York. Circular patches of gray mycelia appeared and spread on upper and occasionally on lower leaf surfaces followed by necrosis of the leaf tissues and defoliation. The new disease reduced the market value of the infected ornamentals and required chemical control. The pathogen produced conidia singly on 2- to 3-celled conidiophores occurring on the ectophytic hyphae. Conidia were subcylindrical, measured 27 to 36 μm × 13 to 17 μm, and contained no fibrosin bodies. Germinating conidia produced a short germ tube, 5 to 30 μm, terminating in a lobed appressorium. Hyphal appressoria were lobed to multi-lobed, opposite or spread along the hyphae. Cleistothecia were not found. Based on conidial characteristics, the pathogen was identified as Erysiphe sedi Braun. To confirm pathogenicity, potted healthy S. spectabile plants were placed near infected plants in the greenhouse. In addition, detached S. spectabile leaves were inoculated with the pathogen by touching them to powdery mildew colonies and then placed in plates filled with one layer of polystyrene balls floated in water. Plates were covered and kept in the laboratory. Uninfected potted plants kept in another greenhouse and noninoculated detached leaves served as controls. After 1 week, powdery mildew appeared on all infected plants and leaves exposed to or inoculated with the pathogen. The pathogen was morphologically identical to the original fungus. No symptoms were observed on the controls. E. sedi is a common Asiatic powdery mildew species infecting many crassulaceous plants (1,2) and was introduced to Eastern Europe from Asia (2). To our knowledge, this is the first report of E. sedi in North America.

018 Preemergent Weed Control in Container-grown Herbaceous Perennials

During the 1998 season, preemergent herbicides were applied to container-grown herbaceous perennials and evaluated on the basis of weed control, phytotoxicity, and effect on plant growth. The herbicides and rates were: Napropamide (Devrinol 10G), 0.72 and 1.44 kg a.i./ha; Oryzalin (Surflan 40AS), 0.36 and 0.72 kg a.i./ha; Oxadiazon (Ronstar 2G), 0.72 and 1.44 kg a.i./ha; Oxyfluorfen + Oryzalin (Rout 3G), 0.54 and 2.16 kg a.i./ha; Oxyfluorfen + Pendimethalin (Scott's OH II), 0.54 and 1.09 kg a.i./ha; and Trifluralin (Treflan 5G), 0.72 and 1.44 kg a.i./ha. Herbicides were applied to Phalaris arundinacea `Picta', Scabiosa caucasica, Sedum × `Autumn Joy', Pennisetum setaceum `Rubrum', Salvia argentea, Penstemon × mexicali `Red Rocks', Osteospermum barberiae v. compactum `Purple Mountain', and Gazania linearis `Colorado Gold'. Phytotoxicity symptoms (visual defects) were apparent with Napropamide on Phalaris (at both rates) but recovered by the end of season. All herbicides provided good weed control.

Preemergent Weed Control in Container-grown Herbaceous Perennials

During the 1997 season, preemergent herbicides were applied to container-grown herbaceous perennials and evaluated on the basis of weed control, phytotoxicity, and effect on plant growth. The herbicides and rates were: Napropamide (Devrinol 10G), 0.72 and 1.44 kg a.i./ha; Oryzalin (Surflan 40AS), 0.36 and 0.72 kg a.i./ha; Oxadiazon (Ronstar 2G), 0.72 and 1.44 kg a.i./ha; Oxyfluorfen + Oryzalin (Rout 3G), 0.54 and 2.16 kg a.i./ha; Oxyfluorfen + Pendimethalin (Scott's OH II), 0.54 and 1.09 kg a.i./ha; and Trifluralin (Treflan 5G), 0.72 and 1.44 kg a.i./ha. Herbicides were applied to Phalaris arundinacea `Picta', Scabiosa caucasica, Sedum spectabile `Autumn Joy', Pennisetum setaceum `Rubrum', and Salvia argentea. Phytotoxicity symptoms (visual defects and lower dry weights) were apparent with Napropamide on Phalaris (at both rates). All herbicides provided good weed control.

Screening Perennial Bedding Plants for Response to Plant Growth Regulators

Perennial bedding plant species were tested for response to single treatments of Sumagic (0, 15, 30, 45, or 60 ppm), Bonzi (0, 40, 80, 120, or 160 ppm), Cycocel (0, 750, 1500, 2250, or 3000 ppm) or B-Nine (5000 ppm, applied twice) applied during greenhouse production in Spring 1997. Plant height of both Chrysanthemum parthenium and Malva alcea had a quadratic response to Sumagic and Bonzi rates, with excessive height reductions at the lowest application rates at 4 weeks after treatment. All rates of Cycocel reduced plant height of C. parthenium and M. alcea by 33% and 40%, respectively. These species did not establish in the landscape. Verbena bonariensis was moderately responsive to Sumagic and Bonzi, but not Cycocel. Application rates of 15 and 30 ppm Sumagic or 160 ppm Bonzi provided moderate height control without landscape persistence beyond 4 weeks after planting. Leucanthemum × superbum `Alaska' was responsive to Sumagic and Bonzi, but not Cycocel or B-Nine. Rates of 15 ppm Sumagic or 40 ppm Bonzi provided moderate control without landscape persistence. Plant height of Monarda didyma `Blue Stocking' had a linear response to Sumagic and Bonzi rates. Plant height of Rudbeckia fulgida var. Sullivantii `Goldstrum' was reduced by Bonzi and Sumagic but not B-Nine or Cycocel, with recommended rates of 30 to 40 ppm Sumagic or 160 ppm Bonzi. Treatment of Sedum × `Autumn Joy' with Sumagic resulted in excessive landscape persistence of growth retardation at all rates, but Sedum was not responsive to Cycocel. Veronica alpina `Sunny Border Blue' was responsive to all rates of Cycocel, but growth retardation persisted through 12 weeks after planting.

Effect of Stock Plant Photoperiod and Temperature on Cutting Production and Rooting of Herbaceous Perennials

Previous research has shown that the photoperiod under which stock plants are grown has a significant effect on cutting production and rooting of several species of herbaceous perennials. Long-day (LD) treatment of stock plants promoted cutting production of certain LD perennials but reduced rooting. Cuttings from plants grown under short days rooted readily but few were produced. Stock plants were exposed to alternating photoperiods to determine if this treatment would yield many cuttings with high rooting potential. Coreopsis verticillata `Moonbeam' and Phlox paniculata `Eva Cullum' stock plants were given 4 weeks of 4-h night interruption (NI), while Sedum `Autumn Joy' stock plants were grown under 14-h days. After 4 weeks plants were given 0, 2, or 4 weeks of 10-h days. Cuttings were harvested and propagated under mist and three different photoperiods (10-h, 14-h, NI) for 4 weeks, after which rooting percentage and the number and length of roots produced by each cutting were measured. The results will be presented.

Influence of Stock Plant Photoperiod on Cutting Production and Rooting

Five vegetatively propagated perennial species that received 0 or 15 weeks of cold treatment were placed under seven photoperiods (10-, 12-, 13-, 14-, 16-, 24-, and 4-hour night interruption). Cuttings were harvested every 3 weeks, and their number and total fresh weight were recorded. Cutting bases were dipped in a 1200 ppm IBA solution for 5 seconds, stuck in perlite, and placed under mist for 3 weeks. Results varied by species. Stock plants of Achillea `Moonshine' produced the most cuttings under a 12-hour photoperiod. Noncold treated Coreopsis verticillata `Moonbeam' only produced cuttings under photoperiods longer than or equal to 14 hours. Cold treated `Moonbeam' produced cuttings under all photoperiods in the first flush. Eighty percent of cuttings from the first flush of Phlox paniculata `Eva Cullum' rooted when taken from plants growing under the 10-hour photoperiod, but only 1.2 cuttings per plant were harvested; 2.5 cuttings per plant were taken from Phlox grown under the 24-h photoperiod, but only 20% rooted. Only stock plants of Sedum `Autumn Joy' receiving a 14-hour photoperiod produced significant numbers of vegetative shoots. Cutting production and rooting of Veronica `Sunny Border Blue' was not affected by photoperiod.

Seasonal Cold-acclimation Patterns of Sedum spectabile × telephium L. `Autumn Joy' and Sedum spectabile Boreau. `Brilliant'

Electrolyte leakage and regrowth were measured from September through January to determine cold hardiness of Sedum spectabile × telephium L. `Autumn Joy' and Sedum spectabile Boreau. `Brilliant' plants grown outdoors in central Iowa. Crowns were subjected to 0, –3, –6, –9, –12, –15, –18, –21, –24, or –27C. Regrowth tests were performed on whole crowns and electrolyte leakage was determined on excised tuberous root and crown tissue. Both cultivars were killed at –3C in September, but they acclimated gradually through January. Maximum hardiness was achieved in January, with killing temperatures of –27C for `Autumn Joy' and –21C for `Brilliant'. Regrowth quality ratings were significantly correlated with crown and tuberous root electrolyte leakage measurements, although the relationship was stronger for `Autumn Joy'.

SEASONAL COLD-ACCLIMATION PATTERNS OF `AUTUMN JOY' AND `BRILLIANT' SEDUM

Electrolyte leakage and regrowth tests were performed in successive months from September to January to determine cold hardiness of container-grown Sedum spectabile Xtelephium L. `Autumn Joy' and Sedum spectabile Boreau. `Brilliant' plants exposed to natural temperature and photoperiod. Plant crowns were subjected to 0, -3, -6, -9, -12, -15, -18, -21, -24, or -27C in a programmable freezer. Regrowth tests were performed on whole crowns and electrolyte leakage determinations were made on excised tuberous root and crown tissues. Regrowth data indicate both cultivars had killing temperatures of -3C at the September test date, prior to the onset of cold-acclimation. By October, the killing temperature for `Autumn Joy' had dramatically decreased to -12C, with more gradual acclimation occurring thereafter. The killing temperature for `Brilliant' decreased from -3C in October to -18C in November. In this study, maximum hardiness was achieved on the January test date with killing temperatures of -24 and -21C for `Autumn Joy' and `Brilliant', respectively. Correlation coefficients suggest the electrolyte leakage procedure was able to reliably estimate `Autumn Joy' cold hardiness at each test date, but was less accurate for `Brilliant'. Regrowth tests are tedious and qualitative, but remain reliable predictors of plant viability. Electrolyte leakage tests were successful in estimating survival potential of plants exposed to freezing temperatures using either excised crown or tuberous root tissue.

Growth of Perennials and Leaching of Heavy Metals in Media Amended with a Municipal Leaf, Sewage Sludge and Street Sand Compost

Abstract Municipal leaves, sewage sludge, and street sand were composted by a modified Beltsville aerated pile technique. Rooted cuttings of Aster novi-belgii L. ‘Peter Harrison,’ Gaura Lindheimeri Engelm. &amp; A. Gray and Sedum purpurem (L.) Link ‘Autumn Joy’ were grown for 4 months in 2 1 (2 qt) containers filled with media containing 0, 10, 30, 60, 80 and 100 (percent by vol) compost. The medium with 0% compost contained loamy sand topsoil, peat, sand and Styrofoam pellets (1:5:2:2 by vol). The pH of all media was between 6.0 and 7.0. Half the containers in each treatment received liquid fertilization in mid-season and half did not. Leachate from the containers was collected at monthly intervals and analyzed for the heavy metals Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn to determine their potential for leaching. Growth of perennials was equal or greater in all media containing compost, compared to the medium containing no compost. Liquid fertilizer further improved growth. Adding compost increased media aeration, available plant nutrients and heavy metals and decreased moisture retention and bulk density. Heavy metal concentrations in leachate were low, probably due to the near neutral media pH, and not likely to pose an environmental risk.