Blanket Flower Research Articles

Effect of Land Configuration and Vermicompost on Hardening Status of Gaillardia pulchella under Micro-climate Conditions

Gaillardia (Gaillardia pulchella Foug), commonly known as the blanket flower, is a herbaceous perennial renowned for its vibrant, daisy-like flowers. This paper provides a thorough examination of G. pulchella, encompassing its botanical characteristics, hardening configuration, and ecological significance. The present study investigates the impact of land configuration and vermicompost application on the growth metrics of Gaillardia pulchella, and discuss how different configurations affect microclimate conditions and plant acclimatization. By evaluating different land configurations and vermicompost treatments, this research aims to optimize cultivation practices for enhancing the plant’s growth performance, floral quality, and overall yield. The findings provide insights into sustainable agricultural practices for improving the productivity and aesthetic value of G. pulchella. The present results suggest that the flat, ridge and furrow and raised bed configuration, particularly with 75% vermicompost with (33.53, 34.44 and 42.70) is optimal for cultivating Gaillardia flowers. However, minimum plant height was observed under the control plot (24.56, 17.77 and 31.72) cm for all three bed types. The maximum number of leaves count treatment were maximum (83.40, 81.46 and 99.26) with 50% vermicompost under flat, ridge and furrow and raised bed configuration. Number of new shoots per plant at hardening was found maximum (8.66, 9.33 and 9.23) under 50% vermicompost. Moreover, the survival percentage (%) were also found maximum (83.40, 81.46 and 99.26) under 50% vermicompost. It may be concluded that by assessing different land configurations and vermicompost treatments which influences the hardening process characterized by plant acclimatization to environmental stress which ultimate the research aims to enhance the resilience and establishment of G. pulchella in controlled environments.

The allelochemical potential of an invasive ornamental plant, the Indian blanket flower (Gaillardia pulchella Foug.)

AbstractGlobal spread of invasive plant species threatens biodiversity significantly, with a particularly high presence of invasives in the Asteraceae family. This is partly due to their wide use as ornamental plants and their rapid reproduction and allelopathy. The Indian blanket flower (Gaillardia pulchella) is a native North American species widely used as an ornamental plant and has become invasive in other countries. Although it contains bioactive compounds, its allelopathic impact on other plants has been largely unexplored. We conducted in vitro tests on oilseed rape (Brassica napus) germination and early growth to assess blanket flower's allelopathy. Seeds were exposed to aqueous extracts at three different concentrations (10%, 20%, and 40%). The 40% extract significantly inhibited germination during the treatment. All three concentrations inhibited root growth, with the 40% treatment showing this effect from the second day. In contrast, the extracts promoted significantly shoot elongation. Fresh weight of seedlings was not affected by the extract, but the 10% treatment resulted in higher mass. These findings provide evidence of blanket flower's allelopathic effects, shedding light on its invasive potential.

Drone-Based Identification and Monitoring of Two Invasive Alien Plant Species in Open Sand Grasslands by Six RGB Vegetation Indices

Today, invasive alien species cause serious trouble for biodiversity and ecosystem services, which are essential for human survival. In order to effectively manage invasive species, it is important to know their current distribution and the dynamics of their spread. Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) monitoring is one of the best tools for gathering this information from large areas. Vegetation indices for multispectral camera images are often used for this, but RGB colour-based vegetation indices can provide a simpler and less expensive solution. The goal was to examine whether six RGB indices are suitable for identifying invasive plant species in the QGIS environment on UAV images. To examine this, we determined the shoot area and number of common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) and the inflorescence area and number of blanket flowers (Gaillardia pulchella) as two typical invasive species in open sandy grasslands. According to the results, the cover area of common milkweed was best identified with the TGI and SSI indices. The producers’ accuracy was 76.38% (TGI) and 67.02% (SSI), while the user’s accuracy was 75.42% (TGI) and 75.12% (SSI), respectively. For the cover area of blanket flower, the IF index proved to be the most suitable index. In spite of this, it gave a low producer’s accuracy of 43.74% and user’s accuracy of 51.4%. The used methods were not suitable for the determination of milkweed shoot and the blanket flower inflorescence number, due to significant overestimation. With the methods presented here, the data of large populations of invasive species can be processed in a simple, fast, and cost-effective manner, which can ensure the precise planning of treatments for nature conservation practitioners.

Evaluation of Native and Nonnative Ornamentals as Pollinator Plants in Florida: II. Floral Resource Value

Consumer demand for novel, visually attractive ornamentals has often overshadowed the functional value plants may provide for flower-visiting insects. As native and nonnative species are hybridized for form, color, flowering, and disease resistance, it is important to assess whether some of these alterations influence plant nutrient quality for foraging insect pollinators. A study was conducted to ascertain the resource value of ornamental cultivars compared with their native congeners. The nectar volume and pollen quantity, viability, and protein content of 10 species of popular herbaceous flowering plants, commonly advertised as pollinator-friendly, were evaluated in northcentral Florida. Each genus encompassed a native and nonnative species, apart from pentas. Native species included blanket flower (Gaillardia pulchella), lanceleaf coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata), pineland lantana (Lantana depressa), and scarlet sage (Salvia coccinea). Nonnative species included Barbican™ yellow-red ring blanket flower (Gaillardia aristata ‘Gaiz005’), Bloomify™ rose lantana (Lantana camara ‘UF-1011-2’), mysty salvia (Salvia longispicata × farinacea ‘Balsalmysty’), Lucky Star® dark red pentas (Pentas lanceolata ‘PAS1231189’), ruby glow pentas (Pentas lanceolata ‘Ruby glow’) and UpTick™ Gold & Bronze coreopsis (Coreopsis × ‘Baluptgonz’). Floral rewards differed significantly across species. The native scarlet sage exhibited the largest nectar volume per flower in the summer (2.13 ± 0.17 µL), followed by the nonnative mysty salvia (1.26 ± 0.17 µL). In the fall, ruby glow pentas exhibited the largest nectar volume per flower (1.09 ± 0.17 µL) compared with all other ornamentals. The composite flowers of the native and nonnative blanket flower and coreopsis species had the lowest nectar volume per flower regardless of sampling date. Likewise, ruby glow pentas displayed the highest quantity of pollen grains (96.29 ± 0.12) per sample, followed by Lucky star pentas (52.33 ± 0.12), and Barbican blanket flower (50.98 ± 0.12). Pollen viability was similarly high (92% to 98%) among all species, apart from Bloomify rose lantana (20%) and pineland lantana (48%). Pollen protein content was highest in Uptick coreopsis (11.378 ± 1.860 μg/mg dry weight) and Lucky star pentas (10.656 ± 3.726 μg/mg dry weight), followed by lanceleaf coreopsis (7.918 ± 1.793 μg/mg dry weight). These results largely showed that the nonnative ornamentals selected provided resource-rich floral rewards, comparable to native congeners. Still, care should be taken in making similar assessments of other modern floral types.

Evaluation of Native and Nonnative Ornamentals as Pollinator Plants in Florida: I. Floral Abundance and Insect Visitation

Diverse floral resources impart immense value for pollinating insects of all types. With increasing popularity and demand for modern ornamental hybrids, cultivation by breeders has led to selection for a suite of traits such as extended bloom periods and novel colors and forms deemed attractive to the human eye. Largely understudied is pollinator preference for these new cultivars, as compared with their native congeners. To address this gap in understanding, 10 species of popular herbaceous flowering plants, commonly labeled as pollinator-friendly, were evaluated at two sites in Florida [U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) cold hardiness zones 8b and 9a] and across three seasons for their floral abundance and overall attractiveness to different groups of pollinating insects. Each genus, apart from pentas, encompassed a native and nonnative species. Native species included blanket flower (Gaillardia pulchella), lanceleaf coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata), pineland lantana (Lantana depressa), and scarlet sage (Salvia coccinea). Nonnative species included Barbican™ yellow-red ring blanket flower (G. aristata ‘Gaiz005’), Bloomify™ rose lantana (L. camara ‘UF-1011-2’), mysty salvia (S. longispicata ×farinacea ‘Balsalmysty’), Lucky Star® dark red pentas (Pentas lanceolata ‘PAS1231189’), ruby glow pentas (P. lanceolata ‘Ruby glow’) and Uptick™ Gold & Bronze coreopsis (Coreopsis × ‘Baluptgonz’). Flower-visiting insects were recorded during five-minute intervals in the morning and categorized into the following morpho-groups: honey bees, large-bodied bees (bumble and carpenter bees), other bees (small to medium-bodied native bees), butterflies/moths, and wasps. Floral abundance and pollinator visitation varied widely by season, location, and species. Of the plant species evaluated, nonnative plants produced nearly twice as many flowers as native plants. About 22,000 floral visitations were observed. The majority of visits were by native, small to medium-bodied bees (55.28%), followed by butterflies and moths (15.4%), large-bodied native bees (11.8%), wasps (10.0%), and honey bees (7.6%). Among plant genera, both native and nonnative coreopsis and blanket flower were most attractive to native, small to medium-bodied bees (e.g., sweat bees, leafcutter bees) with the greatest number of visitations occurring during the early and midmonths of the study (May–August). Across the study, butterflies and moths visited lantana more frequently than all other ornamentals evaluated, whereas pentas were most attractive to wasps. Large-bodied bees visited plants most frequently in May and June, primarily foraging from both native and nonnative salvia. While results from this study showed nominal differences between native and nonnative species in their ability to attract the studied pollinator groups, care should be taken to making similar assessments of other modern plant types.

Pulchelloid A, a sesquiterpene lactone from the Canadian prairie plant Gaillardia aristata inhibits mitosis in human cells.

The Canadian prairie ecosystem presents a rich source of natural products from plants that are subjected to herbivory by grazing mammals. This type of ecological competition may contribute to the production of natural products of interest in cell biology and medical research. We provide the first biological description of the sesquiterpene lactone, pulchelloid A, which we isolated from the prairie plant, Gaillardia aristata (Asteraceae) and report that it inhibits mitosis in human cells. We found that G. aristata (Blanket flower) extracts were cytotoxic to human cell lines and used phenotypic assays to characterize the bioactivity of extracts. Before dying, cells were characterized by a rounded morphology, phospho-histone H3 signals, mitotic spindles, and active Cdk1. By biology-guided fractionation of Gaillardia extracts, we isolated a sesquiterpene lactone named pulchelloid A. We used immunofluorescence microscopy and observed that cells treated with pulchelloid A have phospho-histone H3 positive chromosomes and a mitotic spindle, confirming that they were in mitosis. Treated cells arrest with an unusual phenotype; they enter a prolonged mitotic arrest in which the spindles become multipolar and the chromosomes acquire histone γH2AX foci, a hallmark of damaged DNA. We propose that pulchelloid A, a natural product present in the prairie plant Gaillardia aristata, delays cells in mitosis. There is a growing body of evidence that a small number of members of the sesquiterpene lactone chemical family may target proteins that regulate mitosis.

The effect of organic and inorganic mulches on growth and morphophysiological characteristics of Gaillardia sp.

Considering a large number of cities located in arid and semi-arid climatic regions of the world with limited water resources, reducing water consumption and maintenance costs is an important research and implementation priority in urban landscaping. In other words, reducing the high costs of irrigation, increasing water use efficiency and reducing weed competition are important factors in achieving sustainable green spaces in arid and semiarid regions. Application of mulches is one of the suggested strategies for maintaining bed moisture and weed control. In this research, the effects of organic and inorganic mulches on the performance of the flowering plant of Blanket flower (Gaillardia sp.) were investigated in the arid climate city of Mashhad located in the northeast of Iran. The experiment was conducted as a randomized complete block design with three replications. The four mulch treatments included wood chips, scoria, pine leaves, polyethylene as a layer mulch, and no mulch as the control. The polyethylene mulch inhibited the weed growth up to 100%, and other mulch types also significantly reduced the percentage of the weed coverage (p≤0.01). Application of pine leaves delayed the flowering for seven days while polyethylene caused an early flowering to six days compared to the control. Using different mulch types in water shortage conditions of urban landscapes in arid and semi-arid regions is recommended.

Annuals and Herbaceous Perennials Tolerant or Resistant to Phytophthora Species in the Landscape1

Abstract Plants of one or two cultivars of 16 annuals and 14 herbaceous perennials were evaluated based on desirability and anecdotal evidence of resistance to Phytophthora root or crown rot. Six plant cultivars served as susceptible controls. Three landscape beds were established in North Carolina and each was infested with three species of Phytophthora: P. nicotianae, P. drechsleri, and P. tropicalis. Plants were regularly rated for disease incidence and symptomatic plants were assayed to determine the presence of Phytophthora species. Ten cultivars of annuals and seven cultivars of herbaceous perennials did not exhibit symptoms of Phytophthora root or crown rot or other disease throughout the season (June 4 to October 15, 2018). Phytophthora spp. were recovered from seven and six cultivars of the evaluated annuals and herbaceous perennials, respectively. Phytophthora nicotianae, P. drechsleri, or P. cryptogea were recovered from a susceptible host in each landscape bed. P. tropicalis was recovered from one plant cultivar evaluated. Phytophthora cryptogea was recovered from three plant cultivars, although this species was not intentionally introduced in the landscape beds. We identified 22 plant cultivars within 13 herbaceous plant species that grew vigorously in landscape beds infested with species of Phytophthora. Index words: bedding plants, disease resistance, herbaceous perennials, landscape plants, Phytophthora nicotianae, Phytophthora drechsleri, Phytophthora tropicalis. Species used in this study: yarrow (Achillea millefolium L. ‘Desert Eve Red'), fernleaf yarrow (Achillea filipendulina Lam. ‘Moonshine Yellow'), angelonia (Angelonia angustifolia Benth. ‘ArchAngel Pink', ‘Serenita White'), annual vinca (Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don ‘Cora Apricot', ‘Cora Strawberry', ‘Pacifica Raspberry'), celosia (Celosia argentea L. ‘New Look'), tickseed (Coreopsis auriculata L. ‘Nana', ‘Yellow Jethro Tull'), purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench ‘Cheyenne Spirit', ‘PowWow Wild Berry'), blanket flower (Gaillardia x grandiflora Hort. ‘Goblin', ‘Mesa Bi-color'), Barberton daisy (Gerbera jamesonii Bolus ex Hooker f. ‘Crazy Daisy'), verbena (Glandularia canadensis ‘Homestead Purple'), >dusty miller (Jacobaea maritima (L.) Pelser & Meijden ‘Silver Dust'), New Guinea impatiens (Impatienshawkeri W.Bull ‘Hamony', ‘Sunpatiens Compact Orchid', ‘Sunpatiens Lilac'), sweet potato vine (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam. ‘Ace of Spades', ‘Bright Idea Tri-color'), West Indian lantana (Lantana camara L. ‘Miss Huff'), lantana (Lantana x hybrida ‘New Gold'), shasta daisy (Leucanthemum x superbum (Bergmans ex J.W. Ingram) Bergmans ex Kent. ‘Becky', ‘Snow Lady'), bee balm (Monarda didyma L. ‘Petite Delight', ‘Jacob Cline'), ornamental grass (Panicum virgatum L. ‘Rotstrahlbusch', ‘Shenandoah'), geranium (Pelargonium x hortorum L.H. Bailey (pro. sp.) ‘Bullseye Cherry', Calliope Dark Red'), calibrachoa (Petunia x calibrachoa ‘Super Cal'), petunia (Petunia x hybrida (Hooker) Vilmorin ‘Easy Wave Red', ‘Easy Wave White', ‘Wave Purple', ‘Yellow Madness', Violet Picotee'), annual phlox (Phlox drummondii Hook. ‘Intensia Red Hot', ‘Phlox Star'), garden phlox (Phlox paniculata L. ‘Amethyst True Gal'), black-eyed susan (Rudbeckia hirta L. ‘Indian Summer', ‘Prairie Sun'), mealy blue sage (Salvia farinacea Benth. ‘Victoria Blue'), African marigold (Tagetes erecta L. ‘Inca Yellow', ‘Proud Yellow'), French marigold (Tagetes patula L. ‘Disco Mix', ‘Disco Yellow'), narrowleaf zinnia (Zinnia angustifolia Kunth. ‘Star Orange', ‘Star White'), Phytophthora nicotianae Breda de Haan, Phytophthora cryptogea Pethybr. and Laff, Phytophthora drechsleri Tucker, Phytophthora tropicalis Aragaki and J.Y. Uchida, zinnia (Zinnia elegans Jacq. ‘Magellan Orange').

Rapid high throughput template preparation (rHTTP) method: a novel cost effective method of direct PCR for a wide range of plants

BackgroundConventional plant DNA isolation methods are complex, time consuming and require technical expertise. These limitations were overcome using the DNA isolation kits which, however significantly add to the research costs. Hence the present study was aimed to develop a high throughput, rapid and inexpensive method of PCR ready DNA template preparation from plant materials.MethodsConcentration of SDS in lysis buffer, amount of starting material, period and temperature for lysis were optimized for obtaining PCR ready templates from plant materials. The method was tested using RAPD and ITS specific primers for different plant species like rice, wheat, mustard, pea, soybean, pigeonpea, tomato, maize, march lilly, bougainvillea, Indian blanket flower, nerium, petunia, purple pirouette petunia, moses-in-the-cradle, golden cane palm, duranta, periwinkle, chrysanthemum and two xerophytes viz. Dipterygium glaucum and Crotaleria burhia. SSR markers RM18398 and RM26108 showed successful amplification in rice varieties Improved Pusa Basmati 1 and KS Dev 12. The effectiveness of the method was tested using fresh as well as 1 year old tissues. The storability of the lysate was also tested.ResultsIn this report, we developed a novel method called rapid high throughput template preparation (rHTTP) method to prepare PCR ready DNA templates. Most striking feature of this technique is that it can be done anywhere where water can be boiled by any means. Using rHTTP method, PCR ready templates can be prepared in just 10 min. Robust and reproducible amplification for all the test plants were recorded with RAPD, plant ITS primers and SSR markers following this method. rHTTP methods works well for both fresh as well as old plant tissues. The lysates had a shelf life of 1 month when stored at 4 °C and 3 days when stored at room temperature.ConclusionsrHTTP method has several advantages over the other protocols like ease of execution, no requirement of tissue grinding/liquid nitrogen/hazardous chemicals and above all, equally effective for both fresh and old samples. Using this method, costs per prep comes down ~ 10–50 times as compared to most commercial kits. This method can be used for on-field experiments like molecular diagnostics, varietal identification etc.

Herbaceous Perennial Producers Can Grow High-quality Blanket Flower in Bioplastic-based Plant Containers

We quantified the growth and quality of ‘Arizona Sun’ blanket flower (Gaillardia ×grandiflora) grown in different bioplastic containers and characterized the interest of commercial perennial producers in using bioplastic-based biocontainers in their herbaceous perennial production schemes. Plants were grown in three types of #1 trade gallon (0.75 gal) containers at five commercial perennial producers in the upper-midwestern United States. Containers included one made of polylactic acid (PLA) and a proprietary bio-based filler derived from a coproduct of corn ethanol production, a commercially available recycled paper fiber container twice dip-coated with castor oil–based biopolyurethane and a petroleum-based plastic (control) container. Plant growth data were collected when most plants had open flowers, and plant shoots, roots, and containers were rated by commercial grower participants. Questionnaires were administered at the beginning and at the end of the experiment to characterize the perceptions and interest of growers in using these containers, their interest in different bioplastic-based container attributes, and their satisfaction from using the containers. Container type and grower interacted to affect growth index (GI), shoot dry weight (SDW), and container rating. Root rating was affected by container type or grower and shoot rating was unaffected by either. Our results indicate that commercial producers can adapt these bioplastic-based biocontainers to blanket flower production with few or no changes to their crop cultural practices.

A high throughput screen of a natural product library for the discovery of novel antibiotics with efficiacy against Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Klebsiella pneumoniae is a gram negative bacterium in the enterobacteriaceae family. This organism is an opportunistic pathogen that has been associated with antibiotic resistance in recent years. The discovery of new antibiotics is critical to combat this rising trend in resistance. The National Center for Natural Products Research (NCNPR) has assembled a library of over 2500 extracts derived from plants, fungi, marine, and algae species with potential antibacterial properties. In partnership with NCNPR, we have developed a rapid and effective method for screening large quantities of organic compounds for antibacterial sensitivity against K. pneumoniae. Bacteria were inoculated into a microtiter plate containing liquid growth medium. A small volume of each compound was added to a corresponding well in the microtiter dish.After incubation at 37°C, bacteria growth was measured using a plate reader. Wells lacking treatment or containing antibiotics known to be effective at inhibiting K. pneumoniae were used to identify normal or inhibited growth levels respectively. At least four extracts exhibited potential for inhibiting K. pneumoniae: blanket flower, smallflower globemallow, Arizona walnut, and tree fern. Future investigations will involve the characterization and a detailed analysis of the antimicrobial efficacy of these compounds.

Occurrence of Pelargonium leaf curl virus and Moroccan pepper virus on natural hosts

During a survey, in Shiraz area (Southern Iran), leaf samples from sweet william (Dianthus barbatus), blanket flower (Gaillardia grandiflora), oat (Avena sativa) and clover (Trifolium repens) showing characteristic symptoms of viral infection were investigated by Indirect-ELISA and RT-PCR and sequencing. Direct sequencing of coat protein (CP) gene confirmed the presence of Pelargonium leaf curl virus (PLCV) and Moroccan pepper virus (MPV) in samples. To our knowledge this is the first report of PLCV and MPV in these plants.

Effect of Soil Type and Nitrogen Rate on Growth of Annual and Perennial Landscape Plants in Florida

Previous research indicated that acceptable quality annual and perennial plant species can be grown in the landscape with low nitrogen (N) inputs. However, information on the impact of soil conditions and N use by ornamental plants grown in central Florida is lacking in the literature. Our objective was to evaluate plant growth and quality response of eight warm-season annuals, seven cool-season annuals, and four herbaceous perennial species to a range of N fertilizer rates when plants were grown in landscape beds containing native field soil or subsoil fill. A slow-release N source (42N–0P–0K) was applied every 12 weeks at annual N rates of 3, 5, or 7 lb/1000 ft2 for a period of 18 weeks (annual species) or 1, 3, or 5 lb/1000 ft2 for a period of 54 weeks (perennial species). Plants were evaluated for aesthetic quality every 6 weeks and shoot dry weight was measured at completion of the experiment. Dry weight production and aesthetic quality of most species evaluated was unaffected by N rate. For several species, shoot dry weight was higher when planted in the field plots containing native soil [alyssum (Lobularia maritima) ‘Bada Bing White’ wax begonia (Begonia ×semperflorens-cultorum), dahlberg daisy (Thymophylla tenuiloba), ‘Survivor Hot Pink’ geranium (Pelargonium ×hortorum), gomphrena (Gomphrena globosa), ‘Blue Puffs Improved’ (‘Blue Danube’) ageratum (Ageratum houstonianum), blanket flower (Gaillardia pulchella), goldenrod (Solidago chapmanii), ‘Mystic Spires’ salvia (Salvia longispicata ×farinacea)]. Quality response to soil condition was mixed over the course of the study. Several species performed as well (or better) in the field as when planted in the subsoil fill soils. These results illustrate that some landscape plant species are able to survive and thrive under various soil and fertility conditions. These “tougher” species may be good choices for installation in landscapes with marginal native soils or disturbed urban landscape soils.

Nursery Crop Growth Response to Municipal Biosolids: Species Salt and Xeric Adaptation a Key Factor?

ABSTRACTGrowth responses of potted ornamental crops to municipal biosolids in the semiarid southwestern USA are not adequately known. In 10- to 11-wk greenhouse pot studies, we evaluated the effects of dried biosolids-amended growing media on four ornamental crop species: Garden chrysanthemum (Dendranthema Xgrandiflorum ‘Megan’), butterfly bush (Buddleia davidii ‘Nanho Blue’), Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica ‘Purpurea’), and blanket flower (Gaillardia Xgrandiflora ‘Goblin’). The biosolids were composted without bulking agents (100% sewage sludge) and incorporated into growing media at rates ranging from 0 to 593 kg m−3, or 0 to 72% by volume. Biosolids increased substrate pH from 5.8 to 7.2 and electrical conductivity (EC) from 2.6 to 47.3 dS m−1. Any addition of biosolids (≥30 kg m−3) reduced total plant dry matter (DM) of chrysanthemum. Conversely, shoot DM of blanket flower and butterfly bush increased by four- to five-fold at biosolids rates of 59 to 148 kg m−3 (7 to 18% by volume) with corresponding increases in shoot N and P concentrations. Biosolids rates higher than 148 kg m−3 reduced top growth of the latter two species and of Japanese honeysuckle. For all species, growth reductions with excessive biosolids rates likely resulted from osmotic stress and specific NH4 toxicity. However, based on the substantial growth stimulations at moderate biosolids rates, xeric and salt-adapted species, such as blanket flower and butterfly bush, may be ideally suited for expanding the use of highly saline biosolids at semiarid nursery production sites.

Production and Landscape Establishment of Nursery Crops in Eastern Redcedar-Amended Substrates

Substrate material used for the purpose of growing ornamental plants in the Great Plains is generally shipped a significant distance, primarily from the Southeastern United States. Eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana; ERC) chips have been identified as a possible alternative to pine bark (PB) for nursery substrates. Landscape establishment of Ulmus parvifolia ‘Emer II’ (elm), Rosa ‘Radtkopink’ (rose), Ilex glabra ‘Compacta’ (holly), Miscanthus sinensis ‘Little Kitten’ (maiden grass), Gaillardia ×grandiflora (blanket flower), Sedum ‘Autumn Fire’ (sedum), Hosta ‘Sum and Substance’ (hosta), and Hemerocallis ‘Charles Johnston’ (daylily) plants were grown in three substrate mixes. Substrate mixes were composed of 80:20 PB:sand (PBS), 40:40:20 PB:ERC:sand (PBERCS) or 80:20 ERC:sand (ERCS) (by vol). The study was split into production and landscape phases. During the production phase, pH and EC were among the parameters measured. For both phases of the study, growth index (GI), SPAD, caliper and shoot- and root dry weight were measured. At the end of the production phase, differences in growth were observed in elm, holly, and maiden grass where substrates containing PB or a mixture of PB:ERC resulted in greater growth over a primarily ERC-based substrate. Sedum also exhibited growth differences, with plants growing larger in ERCS as a production substrate. At the conclusion of the landscape establishment phase, there were no observed differences in growth for tested species with the exception of holly and hosta which grew best if produced in PBS and/or PBERCS prior to transplanting based on shoot- and root dry weights as well as GI on most evaluation dates. The majority of species in this study overcame any growth shortages present at the end of production within the first growing season in the landscape. Therefore, ERC is a viable substrate option for producing and planting many nursery crops, though it is advisable for each nursery to evaluate their particular crops for production in alternative substrates.

First report of a variant of Tomato leaf curl Bangladesh virus infecting Gaillardia

In October 2009 leaf yellowing symptoms of Gaillardia, popularly known as blanket flower ( Gaillardia pulchella ) were observed in more than 50% of plants growing in fields of Fatehnagar village in the Udaipur district of Rajasthan, India.…

First Report of Powdery Mildew of Gaillardia × grandiflora (Blanket Flower) Caused by Leveillula taurica in North America

During recent surveys of fieldgrown Gaillardia × grandiflora (Blanket flower) in Yakima Co., WA, a powdery mildew disease was observed on the cv. ‘Baby Cole.’ This report documents the occurrence of the powdery mildew fungus in question (Leveillula taurica (Lév.) G. Arnaud) on Gaillardia × grandiflora and provides information on disease symptomatology as well as features distinguishing this fungus from other powdery mildew pathogens of Gaillardia in North America. Accepted for publication 8 December 2005. Published 12 January 2006.

The effect of combined Azospirillum inoculation and nitrogen fertilizer on plant growth promotion and yield response of the blanket flower Gaillardia pulchella

The investigation was carried out to examine the performance of Azospirillum isolates on growth and N uptake of Gaillardia pulchella with two nitrogen levels. Azospirillum strain OAD-2 inoculation significantly increased plant height, number of leaves per plant, branches per plant and total dry mass accumulation in G. pulchella than other inoculations and/or uninoculated control. The application of 150 kg N ha −1 further enhanced the above plant growth parameters significantly over application of 112 kg N ha −1. The N uptake of G. pulchella was enhanced due to Azospirillum strain OAD-2 inoculation, which was further augmented in the presence of nitrogen. The combination of Azospirillum strain OAD-2 and 150 kg N ha −1 showed the highest N uptake at 120 DAT. Plant growth and yield parameters also increased when inoculated with the non-diazotrophic, but efficient IAA producing, Azospirillum strain OAD-57. From this investigation, it can be concluded that Azospirillum strains OAD-2 and OAD-11 can play an important role in the N nutrition of G. pulchella.

Sensitization and cross-reaction patterns in Danish Compositae-allergic patients.

Results of aimed patch testing with constituents of sesquiterpene lactone (SL) mix, Compositae mix (CM) and other Compositae extracts and allergens in 190 Compositae-allergic patients detected in an 8-year period are presented. Feverfew of CM elicited positive reactions most frequently, followed by tansy, wild chamomile, yarrow and arnica, whereas dehydrocostus lactone of SL was the most frequent elicitor of positive reactions, followed by alantolactone and costunolide. Chrysanthemum (Dendranthema) and marguerite (Argyranthemum frutescens) were the most important suspected sensitizers in both occupationally and nonoccupationally exposed, and cross-reactions between chrysanthemum and feverfew/tansy/chamomile may partly explain the high prevalence of positive reactions to the 3 last mentioned. In the nonoccupationally sensitized group, garden plants such as feverfew, blanket flower (Gaillardia), elecampane (Inula helenium), large yellow ox-eye (Telekia speciosa) and cosmea (Cosmos) were additional important allergenic plants. The 3 last mentioned were picked up by SL mix. Most of the lettuce-sensitized persons were CM-positive. 19% of the occupationally sensitized group were negative to both SL and CM, making very aimed patch testing necessary, notably when suspecting rare sensitizers such as Gerbera and star of the veldt (Osteospermum). The significance of the weeds dandelion, dog fennel and ox-eye daisy as sensitizers is not clarified, but they are probably less important than cultivated plants.

Native Wildflower Establishment with Imidazolinone Herbicides

Native wildflowers are important components of grassland communities and low-maintenance wildflower seed mixtures. Weed interference limits successful establishment of native wildflowers from seed. Experiments were conducted to determine the influence of the imidazolinone herbicides imazethapyr, imazapic, and imazaquin on the establishment of blackeyed susan (Rudbeckia hirta L.), upright prairieconeflower [Ratibida columnifera (Nutt) Woot. and Standl.], spiked liatris [Liatris spicata (L.) Willd.], blanket flower (Gaillardia aristata Pursh.), purple coneflower [Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench.], and spotted beebalm (Monarda punctata L.). Wildflower response to the herbicide treatments was variable and appeared to be influenced by the level of weed interference. Establishment of the native wildflowers after application of imazethapyr or imazapic at 70 g·ha-1 a.i. was generally improved at sites with greater weed interference. Emergence and density of wildflowers was often reduced by imazapic in sites with low weed interference. Flower density during the second growing season was usually either improved or not reduced by either imazethapyr or imazapic. Based on these findings, imazethapyr and imazapic can reduce weed interference and improve the establishment of some native wildflowers in areas with high weed infestations. Chemical names used: (±) -2-[4,5-dihydro-4-methyl-4-(1-methylethyl)-5-oxo-1H-imidazol-2-yl]-5-methyl-3-pyridinecarboxylic acid (imazapic); 2-[4,5-dihydro-4-methyl-4-(1-methylethyl)-5-oxo-1H-imidazol-2-yl]-3-quinolinecarboxylic acid (imazaquin); 2-[4,5-dihydro-4-methyl-4-(1-methylethyl)-5-oxo-1H-imidazol-2-yl]-5-ethyl-3-pyridinecarboxylic acid (imazethapyr).