Flowers Bloom Research Articles

Molecular mechanisms underlying floral fragrance in Camellia japonica 'High Fragrance': a time-course assessment.

Camellia japonica 'High Fragrance' is a camellia hybrid known for its unique and intense floral scent. The current understanding of the dynamic changes in its fragrance and the underlying mechanisms are still limited. This study employed a combination of metabolomic and transcriptomic approaches to reveal the characteristics of the metabolites involved in the remarkable fragrance of this camellia and their biosynthetic mechanisms along three flower developmental stages (flower bud, initial bloom, and full bloom). Among the 349 detected volatile organic compounds (VOCs), the majority were terpenes (57, 16.33%) and esters (53, 15.19%). Of these, 136 VOCs exhibited differential accumulation over time. Transcriptomic data from floral organs at different flowering stages identified 56,303 genes, with 13,793 showing significant differential expression. KEGG enrichment analysis revealed 57, 91, and 33 candidate differential genes related to the biosynthesis of terpenes, phenylpropanoids, and fatty acid derivatives, respectively. This indicates that terpenes, esters, and their related synthetic genes might play a crucial role in the formation of 'High Fragrance' characteristics. During the entire flowering process, the majority of genes exhibited an elevated expression pattern, which correlated with the progressive accumulation of VOCs. Interestingly, the expression patterns of the differentially expressed genes in the mevalonate (MVA) and 2-C-methyl-D-erythritol 4-phosphate (MEP) pathways, associated with terpene synthesis, showed opposite trends. A transcriptional-metabolic regulatory network linking terpenoid compounds, related synthetic enzymes, and potential transcription factors could be outlined for 'High Fragrance' camellia, thus providing a theoretical basis for further exploring these events and breeding more fragrant camellias.

The complete chloroplast genome of Tabebuia rosea (Bignoniaceae)

Tabebuia rosea is a world-renowned woody plant with colorful flowers in full bloom. In addition to its high ornamental value, it also has ecological and medicinal value. In this study, the complete circular chloroplast genome of T. rosea was reconstructed and annotated using Illumina sequencing. The chloroplast genome was 158,919 bp in size with GC content of 38.21%, including a large single-copy region of 85,823 bp, a small single-copy region of 12,816 bp, and a pair of inverted repeats of 30,140 bp. It encoded 132 genes, including 87 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. Based on current available chloroplast genome sequences, the phylogenetic analysis indicated that T. rosea was clustered with T. nodosa and H. chrysanthus. This study provided insights into the evolutionary relationships among different species of Bignoniaceae.

Natural and anthropogenic factors influence flowering synchrony and reproduction of a dominant plant in an inter-Andean scrub.

Agriculture expansion, livestock, and global change have transformed biological communities and altered, through aerosols and direct deposition, N:P balance in soils of inter-Andean valleys, potentially affecting flowering phenology of many species and thereby flowering synchrony and plant reproduction. We evaluated the influence of variation in temperature and moisture along the local elevational gradient and treatments with the addition of N and P and grazing on flowering synchrony and reproduction of Croton, a dominant shrub of the inter-Andean dry scrub. Along the elevational gradient (300 m difference between the lowest and highest site), we set up plots with and without grazing nested with four nutrient treatments: control and addition of N or P alone or combined N + P. We recorded the number of female and male flowers in bloom monthly from September 2017 to August 2019 to calculate flowering synchrony. We assessed fruiting, seed mass, and pre-dispersal seed predation. Higher growing-season soil temperatures, which were negatively associated with local elevation and higher nitrogen availability promoted flowering synchrony of Croton, particularly among larger plants. Greater flowering synchrony, high soil temperatures, and addition of N + P resulted in production of more fruits of Croton, but also intensified pre-dispersal seed predation. Temperature, availability of moisture throughout the elevational gradient, and nutrient manipulation affected flowering synchrony, which subsequently affected production of fruits in Croton. These results emphasize the critical role of current anthropogenic changes in climate and nutrient availability on flowering synchrony and reproduction of Croton, a dominant plant of the inter-Andean scrub.

Chlorophyllase (PsCLH1) and light-harvesting chlorophyll a/b binding protein 1 (PsLhcb1) and PsLhcb5 maintain petal greenness in Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Lv Mu Yin Yu’

IntroductionGreen flowers are not an adaptive trait in natural plants due to the challenge for pollinators to discriminate from leaves, but they are valuable in horticulture. The molecular mechanisms of green petals remain unclear. Tree peony (Paeonia suffruticosa) is a globally cultivated ornamental plant and considered the ‘King of Flowers’ in China. The P. suffruticosa ‘Lv Mu Yin Yu (LMYY)’ cultivar with green petals could be utilized as a representative model for understanding petal-specific chlorophyll (Chl) accumulation and color formation. ObjectivesIdentify the key genes related to Chl metabolism and understand the molecular mechanism of petal color changes. MethodsThe petal color parameter was analyzed at five developmental stages using a Chroma Spectrophotometer, and Chl and anthocyanin accumulation patterns were examined. Based on comparative transcriptomes, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, among which three were functionally characterized through overexpression in tobacco plants or silencing in ‘LMYY’ petals. ResultsDuring flower development and blooming, flower color changed from green to pale pink, consistent with the Chl and anthocyanin levels. The level of Chl demonstrated a similar pattern with petal epidermal cell striation density. The DEGs responsible for Chl and anthocyanin metabolism were characterized through a comparative transcriptome analysis of flower petals over three critical developmental stages. The key chlorophyllase (PsCLH1) and light-harvesting chlorophyll a/b binding protein 1 (PsLhcb1) and PsLhcb5 influenced the Chl accumulation and the greenness of ‘LMYY’ petals. ConclusionPsCLH1, PsLhcb1, and PsLhcb5 were critical in accumulating the Chl and maintaining the petal greenness. Flower color changes from green to pale pink were regulated by the homeostasis of Chl degradation and anthocyanin biosynthesis. This study offers insights into underlying molecular mechanisms in the green petal and a strategy for germplasm innovation.

O‘ZBEK MUMTOZ SHOIRALARI IJODIDA ISHQ MAVZUSI TALQINLARI

Based on life experience, it can be noted that when people fall in love with each other and enter into a sincere relationship, passionate love prevails, gradually it turns into friendly love, and then love grows into respect. No matter how fresh and beautiful the spring is, the blooming of flowers, the twittering of nightingales, the purity of the sky and the transparency of the water cannot last forever. All the beauty of love in nature is not just beauty, but a means of restoring life.

Activation mechanisms of dimeric mechanosensitive OSCA/TMEM63 channels

OSCA/TMEM63 channels, which have transporter-like architectures, are bona fide mechanosensitive (MS) ion channels that sense high-threshold mechanical forces in eukaryotic cells. The activation mechanism of these transporter-like channels is not fully understood. Here we report cryo-EM structures of a dimeric OSCA/TMEM63 pore mutant OSCA1.1-F516A with a sequentially extracellular dilated pore in a detergent environment. These structures suggest that the extracellular pore sequential dilation resembles a flower blooming and couples to a sequential contraction of each monomer subunit towards the dimer interface and subsequent extrusion of the dimer interface lipids. Interestingly, while OSCA1.1-F516A remains non-conducting in the native lipid environment, it can be directly activated by lyso-phosphatidylcholine (Lyso-PC) with reduced single-channel conductance. Structural analysis of OSCA1.1-F516A in lyso-PC-free and lyso-PC-containing lipid nanodiscs indicates that lyso-PC induces intracellular pore dilation by attracting the M6b to upward movement away from the intracellular side thus extending the intracellular pore. Further functional studies indicate that full activation of MS OSCA/TMEM63 dimeric channels by high-threshold mechanical force also involves the opening of both intercellular and extracellular pores. Our results provide the fundamental activation paradigm of the unique transporter-like MS OSCA/TMEM63 channels, which is likely applicable to functional branches of the TMEM63/TMEM16/TMC superfamilies.

Response of Four O’clock Flowers (Mirabilis jalapa L.) to the Short Length of Illumination (Photoperiodism)

Long photoperiods can delay flower initiation and slow down the formation of flower primordia, so they can delay flowering. This study aims todetermine the photoperiodism response of four o'clock flowers (Mirabilis jalapa L.) to the short length of irradiation. The research was carried out for 3months (April-June 2024) and specifically data collection was carried out on 8 June 2024 in Bulurejo village, RT.03 RW. 04, Karangmojo, Weru District,Sukoharjo Regency, Central Java. From 05.53 WIB to 17.30 WIB. Samples of 15 plants growing in Bulurejo village, observed when the flowers bloom. Datawere analysed descriptively qualitative and combined with literature studies. The results of research on 15 plants of four o'clock flower (Mirabilis jalapa L.),the same species and location of four o'clock flower blooming turned out to be different times even though the difference was only slight. The average time ittakes to bloom is 10 hours 42 minutes. Further research needs to be done with a variety of different flowers, not only red flowers, but plus white, red andmixed colours with varied village locations, especially at differentaltitudes.Four o'clock flower (Mirabilis jalapa L) is a member of the family Nyctaginaceae, order Centrospermae, and is easy to grow in the yard withoutmuch care.

Fully autonomous water monitoring by plant-inspired robots

Developing countries struggle with water quality management owing to poor infrastructure, limited expertise, and financial constraints. Traditional water testing, relying on periodic site visits and manual sampling, is impractical for continuous wide-area monitoring and fails to detect sudden heavy metal contamination. To address this, plant-inspired robots capable of fully autonomous water quality monitoring are proposed. Constructed from paper, the robot absorbs surrounding water through its roots. This paper robot is controlled by paper-based microfluidic logic that sends absorbed water to petal-shaped actuators only when the water is polluted by heavy metals. This triggers the actuators to swell and bend like a blooming flower, visually signaling contamination to local residents. In tests with copper-contaminated water, the robotic flower’s diameter increased from 4.69 cm to 14.89 cm, a more than threefold expansion (217.25 %). This significant blooming movement serves as a highly visible and easily recognizable indicator of water pollution, even for the public. Furthermore, the paper robot can be mass-produced at a low cost (∼$0.2 per unit) and deployed over large areas. Once installed, the paper robot operates autonomously using surrounding water as a power source, eliminating the need for external electrical infrastructure and expert intervention. Therefore, this autonomous robot offers a new approach to water quality monitoring suitable for resource-limited environments, such as Sub-Saharan Africa.

Assessing critical plant sulfur concentration and nitrogen to sulfur ratio in spring canola production

AbstractAimsPlant S concentration (Sc) and nitrogen (N) to S ratio (N:S) in canola are important indicators for diagnosing S deficiency. A field study was conducted on sandy and clay loam soils at two sites in eastern Canada for three growing seasons to determine plant critical Sc and N:S ratios across various growth stages (GSs).MethodsFor each site year, factorial experiments consisting of combinations of four N levels (0, 80, 160, and 240 kg N ha–1) as urea (46–0–0) and four S levels (0, 20, 30, and 40 kg S ha–1) as potassium sulfate (0–0–50–18) were classified orthogonally to form 16 combinations. Muriate of potash (0–0–60) was also applied as needed to ensure all plots receiving the equal amount of potassium (K).ResultsOur study found that S fertilization increased plant Sc at each GS but reduced the whole‐plant N:S ratio, and the effect was stronger during the flowering stage. Both whole‐plant Sc and N:S ratios varied with GS, environment, and soil type and declined with plant aging. Our results showed that whole‐plant S analysis combined with visual signs of plant S deficiency (purple‐edged and cup‐shaped leaves with less green; stunted growth, slow blooming, and fewer flowers) appeared to be the best way to identify S problems in the field, and whole‐plant Sc and N:S ratios could confirm S deficiencies.ConclusionOur findings indicated that if the whole‐plant Sc in the rosette stage is <0.35% and the N:S ratio is >9.6, the plant may be S‐deficient, and timely supplementary S fertilization measures may be beneficial to canola crop yield.

What's that smell? The putrid scent of Rafflesia consueloae, its origin and developmental regulation

We report the floral scent composition of the endophytic holoparasite Rafflesia consueloae for the first time. Using a non-destructive in situ method that we developed, we identified 13 volatile compounds present in the scent of R. consuelaoe. Among the compounds detected were several benzenoids, organosilicons, an oligosulfide, a monoterpenoid, and a fatty acid-derived compound. Comparing the scent profiles of different reproductive stages, we found that all stages produced a similar set of volatiles, except for the flowers in bloom. The sulfur-containing dimethyl disulfide (DMDS), which is mainly responsible for the rotten smell of the flower, was only detected in the scent of full-bloom flowers indicating that its synthesis only takes place when the aperture is fully open and the flies are able to access the sex organs. Moreover, an analysis of the scent components of different floral parts from full-bloom flowers revealed that the different floral structures had varying scent profiles. The diaphragm and chamber floor produced the most volatiles. Notably, DMDS was only detected from the diaphragm and the central disk. Emission of putrid-smelling volatiles in these tissues may lure the flies into entering the floral chamber where the reproductive structures are located, thus increasing pollination success. Overall, this pioneering study of the R. consueloae floral scent composition provides valuable insights into the pollination mechanisms of the enigmatic Rafflesia genus and parasitic floral ecology in general.

FhMYB108 Regulates the Expression of Linalool Synthase Gene in Freesia hybrida and Arabidopsis.

Acting as the most abundant and widely distributed volatile secondary metabolites in plants, terpenoids play crucial roles in diverse physiological regulations and metabolic processes. Terpene synthases play a decisive role in determining the composition and diversity of terpenoids. Though the regulation of terpene synthases has been extensively investigated across various plant species, limited studies have focused on the upstream transcriptional regulation of terpene synthases. In this study, we have identified linalool as the predominant volatile compound that is released gradually from Freesia hybrida flowers throughout flower blooming. In the context of the transcriptome, a typical MYB transcription factor, FhMYB108, was screened based on homologous gene comparison. FhMYB108 is capable of regulating the expression of FhTPS1, and both their expression levels showed gradual increase during flower opening. Moreover, FhMYB108 exerts a stimulatory effect on the transcription of Arabidopsis thaliana AtTPS14, while no significant increase in AtTPS14 expression is observed upon the stabilization of FhMYB108 in A. thaliana. The highly expressed AtMYC2 in A. thaliana could interact with FhMYB108 to suppress the activation of AtTPS14 by FhMYB108. The present study not only elucidates the regulatory mechanism underlying linalool synthesis but also discovers the synergistic effect of MYB and bHLH transcription factors in governing the biosynthesis of volatile terpenoids.

First report of Colletotrichum scovillei causing anthracnose fruit rot of pepper in Ohio.

In August 2019, the Ohio State University Vegetable Pathology laboratory received multiple bell and banana pepper fruits (Capsicum annuum, cvs. unknown) from Columbiana County, Ohio. The grower reported a disease incidence of 100% and severity of 70% in fruits across their pepper fields. Fruit lesions were brown, sunken, and covered with orange-colored sporulation. On banana peppers, the lesions mainly affected the blossom end of the fruits, while the lesions were distributed randomly on bell pepper fruits. Pieces of diseased tissue were cut from the fruit and surface sterilized in 0.5-0.6 % sodium hypochlorite, rinsed in sterile water, blotted dry, and placed on potato dextrose agar. All of the fungal cultures recovered were cottony, pale gray-green with shades of orange on the underside of the mycelial mat. Two representative isolates, SM209-19 (bell pepper) and SM210-19 (banana pepper), were grown on oatmeal agar to induce sporulation. Pink-orange concentric rings containing acervuli and conidia were present on the oatmeal agar plates after one week of growth at 22◦C (12-h dark/light). Conidia (n=29) were hyaline, aseptate, cylindrical in shape, and had an average length of 10.5 µm (std. dev. = 1.3 µm) and width of 4.1 µm (std. dev. = 0.6 µm) (Fig.1). DNA was extracted from both isolates using a DNeasy Plant Kit (Qiagen Inc, Germantown, MD), and partial sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, -tubulin 2 gene (TUB2), and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase gene (GDPH) were amplified by PCR with the following primers: ITS4/ITS5 (White et al. 1990), Bt1a/Bt1b (Glass et al. 1995), and GDF1/GDR1 (Guerber et al. 2003), and squenced. The ITS region of both isolates SM209-19 and SM210-19 (PP280815 and PP280816, respectively) showed 100% identity with C. scovillei (Cs) isolate LJTJ35 (KP748226). The partial sequences of GDPH, (PP320348, PP320349, respectively) showed 99% sequence identity with the Cs CBS 126528 (JQ948597) and 100% identity with Cs HP1 (MT826948) The partial sequences of TUB2 (PP472464 and PP472465, respectively) had 100% sequence similarity with the Cs HP1 and Cs CBS 126528 (MT826951, JQ949918 respectively). Pathogenicity was tested in a greenhouse experiment on blossoming bell pepper plants (cv. Carmen) by spraying 10 ml of 1 X 105 conidia/ml suspension onto flower blooms (nine plants per isolate). Control pepper plants were mock inoculated by spraying 10 mL of sterile deionized water. The plants were re-inoculated one week later. Brown, sunken lesions with orange sporulation developed on the fruits of inoculated plants 21 days after the initial inoculation (Fig. 2), while the mock-inoculated plants did not produce any symptoms. Culturing from symptomatic fruits on PDA, following the same method described above, produced fungal colonies with the same morphological traits previously described. C. scovillei causing anthracnose on pepper has been described in the US (Toporek et al. 2021), Brazil (Caires et al. 2014), China (Zhao et al. 2016), and different South Asia Countries (Khalimi et al. 2019). Open-field peppers are produced in Ohio on more than 5,400 acres, with a value of more than $53 million, with anthracnose being one of the most severe fungal diseases reducing yield. This newly reported Colletotichum species could represent a further threat for this crop. Further studies evaluating fungicide sensitivity and efficacy against this pathogen will be of crucial importance for disease management.

Correlation Studies on Floral Behavior of Chironji Populations (Buchanania lanzan Spreng) from Natural Forest Northern India

The present investigation was conducted during 2022-23 and 2023-24. Survey was carried out across various districts in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Gujarat, recording latitude and longitude for data collection and identification. Data were collected using minimal descriptors for characterization and evaluation of agri-horticultural crops, following PPV & FRA guidelines. Floral characteristics were recorded in 74 chironji accessions. The colour of fully bloom flower was recorded, 59 accessions noted creamy white with pink tinge, while 15 had creamy white flowers. The average number of flowers per inflorescence ranged from 1,954 to 3,650, with mean of 2,732. The average inflorescence length varied from 14.23 cm to 28.50 cm with mean of 20.23 cm and the average inflorescence width ranged from 15 cm to 34.55 cm with mean of inflorescence with 26.47 cm. The average number of peduncles per inflorescence ranged from 5.50 to 13.50, with mean of 10.00. Significant positive correlations were found among the floral characteristics. The average number of flowers per inflorescence strongly correlated with average inflorescence width (r = 0.809, p < 0.01) and moderately with the average number of peduncles per inflorescence (r = 0.543, p < 0.01) and average inflorescence length (r = 0.476, p < 0.01). The average inflorescence length showed a moderate correlation with average inflorescence width (r = 0.540, p < 0.01) and a weak correlation with the average number of peduncles (r = 0.233, p < 0.05). The average inflorescence width had a strong correlation with the average number of flowers per inflorescence and a moderate correlation with the average number of peduncles (r = 0.453, p < 0.01).

Development of lignin-based 3D-printable light responsive shape memory materials: Design of optically controlled devices

This study employs simple approaches involving melt blending and Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printing to fabricate a light-responsive shape memory composite. And, this composite material is used for the design of optically controlled devices that mimics the blooming of flowers in the natural environment. The composite material utilizes poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) as the matrix, with lignin (L) serving as a functional filler. The analysis indicates that, due to the excellent photothermal conversion efficiency of lignin, under constant illumination the shape memory materials heat up to 50 °C within 40 s, the shape recovery rate exceeds 95.06 %. Lignin ameliorated the rheological deficiencies of TPU, with the composite material viscosity decreasing from 103 to 101 at an angular frequency of 100 rad/s, enhancing its compatibility with FDM processes. This research offers greater economic efficiency compared to conventional light-responsive materials and a simpler production method.

Programmable, Self-Healable, and Photochromic Liquid Crystal Elastomers Based on Dynamic Hindered Urea Bonds for Biomimetic Flowers.

Recently, researchers have been exploring the use of dynamic covalent bonds (DCBs) in the construction of exchangeable liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) for biomimetic actuators and devices. However, a significant challenge remains in achieving LCEs with both excellent dynamic properties and superior mechanical strength and stability. In this study, a diacrylate-functionalized monomer containing dynamic hindered urea bonds (DA-HUB) is employed to prepare exchangeable LCEs through a self-catalytic Michael addition reaction. By incorporating DA-HUB, the LCE system benefits from DCBs and hydrogen bonding, leading to materials with high mechanical strength and a range of dynamic properties such as programmability, self-healing, and recyclability. Leveraging these characteristics, bilayer LCE actuators with controlled reversible thermal deformation and outstanding dimensional stability are successfully fabricated using a simple welding method. Moreover, a biomimetic triangular plum, inspired by the blooming of flowers, is created to showcase reversible color and shape changes triggered by light and heat. This innovative approach opens new possibilities for the development of biomimetic and smart actuators and devices with multiple functionalities.

Effect of removing the spring flush and nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization on the late ripening of cactus pear Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill

The present work aims to study the effect of removing the spring flush (scozzolatura practice) and nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization on fruit yield and quality of the late fruiting of cactus pear Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. To meet this objective, an experiment was carried out on an adult plantation of ‘Aissa’ cv in the Agadir area. Treatments of fertilization used are: T0 (not fertilized plot: contains only the soil reserve in NP: 40-20 kg N-P ha-1), T1: 226 kg N ha-1, T2: 114 kg P2O5 ha-1 and T3: 226-114 kg N-P2O5 ha-1. The whole spring flush was removed during the full flowering stage (50% flowers in bloom); it was practiced on April 20, 2019. Obtained results showed that removing the spring flush led to a second flush of flowering (reflowering) 46 days after the spring flowering and an off-season late fruiting 68 days after the seasonal fruiting. The scozzolatura practice also has improved the fruit size and taste and its content in sugars, and reduced the number of seeds per fruit. Nitrogenous and phosphor-nitrogenous fertilizations improved the emission of shoots and flowers, fruit yield and size of scozzolatured and not scozzolaturated plants and their effect is more important on scozzolatured plants than on not scoscozzolatured ones. However, phosphorous fertilization alone does not affect these phenological and yield parameters and nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizations have no effect on the organoleptic parameters of the fruits (the rate of juice and sugars and the pH and acidity titratable of the juice).

Penundaan Kematangan Buah Mangga Arumanis Pada Berbagai Umur Petik Menggunakan Etilen Adsorber

Arumanis mango is a tropical fruit with high economic value for export. One of the technologies that can be used is ethylene adsorber which is applied according to the picking date of mango and the duration of the delay in ripeness (green life phase) required for export. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of using ethylene adsorber and mango green life phase on the physical quality and eating quality of Arumanis mangoes at different picking dates, thats 100 (P1) and 110 (P2) HSBM (Days After Flowers Bloom). Ethylene adsorber bag (EAB) was applied to mangoes packaged using LDPE plastic weighing 1,000±50g. The green life phase studied was 32 and 48 days since the EAB was applied. During the green life phase, mangoes were stored at 13±2℃. EAB was removed from the packaging according to the green life phase. The results showed that the EAB application could maintain the green life of mangoes with a shelf-life scenario of 32 days. Mangoes were ready to be consumed from the first day EAB was released. The time from ripe until the panelists did not accept the mangoes was four days, thus the length of time was 36 days from storage until they were not accepted for consumption. Eating quality expressed in oBrix, showed that mangoes delayed with EAB yielded a value of 12,3oBrix for P1 and 17.3oBrix for P1, while the control yielded values of 13,7oBrix for P1 and 16.8oBrix for P2.

Effect of Combined Application of Nano Urea and Custom Blended Thermochemical Organic Fertilizer for Growth and Yield of Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii Bolus)

A study was carried out to evaluate the impact of combined application of nano urea liquid fertilizer and custom blended thermochemical organic fertilizer on the growth and yield of the gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii Bolus) variety "Natasha" under naturally ventilated polyhouse conditions. The experiment was conducted in 2021-2022 inside a naturally ventilated polyhouse in the Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Agriculture, Vellayani using 3-month-old tissue culture plantlets of gerbera variety ‘Natasha’. The experiment was laid out in CRD with 10 treatments and 15 replications. The results of the study revealed fortnightly foliar application of nano urea and soil application of thermochemical organic fertilizer custom blended with rajphos and MOP @ 1.2 g N: 0.8 g P2O5: 2 g K2O per plant significantly improved the parameters like plant spread, number of leaves per plant, leaf length, leaf area and number of suckers per plant. Flower diameter, number of flowers produced per month, length of the flower stalk and bloom life were greatly improved by fortnightly soil application of thermochemical organic fertilizer custom blended with urea, rajphos and MOP @ 1.2 g N: 0.8 g P2O5: 2 g K2O per plant.

Assessment of Bee Honey in some Districts in South-Western Nigeria for Agricultural Pesticide Residues and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)

Purpose: Honey are produced by honeybees which are expected to be free from contaminants or pollutants in the environment. But different degrees of anthropogenic activities in regions where apiaries domiciles have raised issues of primary health importance because of the increasing contents of pesticide residues, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and other related hydrocarbon compounds in honey. Osun State is an agrarian state where agricultural herbicides and insecticides are used. The study focused on organophosphate and organochlorine compounds and PAHs. Research Method: Honey samples sourced from selected zones in Osun State, were screened for organophosphate, organochlorine compounds, PAHs as well as other related hydrocarbon compounds using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Finding: There were no traces of highlighted pesticide residues except for PAHs and other related compounds. Ninety-two PAHs and other related hydrocarbon compounds were identified. The number of PAHs and related compounds per sample ranged from 9 to 35. While Cyclohexane, Decodane and Naphthalene were the most common with higher concentrations in all the samples. The Mn±S.D values of Cyclohexane, Naphthalene and Decodane obtained were 0.2976±0.1253µgkg-1, 0.471±0.119µgkg-1, and 12.516±3.120µgkg-1 respectively. Other PAHs and other related hydrocarbon compounds identified had insignificant concentrations. Originality/value: The study recommends that bee farmers should locate their apiaries 3km to 5km away from regions where there are serious hazardous anthropogenic activities including industrial areas. Also, there is need for strong understanding between the bee farmers and crop farmers on tolerable uses of agricultural pesticides, and herbicides on field crops during the flower bloom period where there are no options. Lastly, harvested honey should undergo quality assurance and control for safety reasons. All packaged honey for retail should bear labels including the compositions after quality analysis.

Особенности цветения и формирования плодов Juglans regia L. с латеральным типом плодоношения в условиях Нечерноземной зоны средней полосы России

The research was carried out at the Department of Fruit Crops of the Educational, Scientific and Production Center of Horticulture and Vegetable Crops named after V.I. Edelstein of the Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy in Moscow in 2021–2023. Flowering and fruiting of Juglans regia L. were evaluated during three years. It was found that J. regia plants with the lateral type of fruiting, which is characterized by the formation of female flowers in most axillary buds of the current year’s growth, have a high adaptive potential. The identification of the features of J. regia flowering phenology taking into account the peculiarities of the natural and climatic character allows to establish the best forms and determine the most optimal temperature conditions. The evaluation of the phenological phases showed significant differences between the J. regia cultivars in terms of the onset and duration of the phenological phases. A significant factor in reducing fruit set is systematic damage to male and female flowers and shoots by recurrent frost. The highest resistance to recurrent frost was observed in a number of forms with late leaf shooting: 1.26KSK. Unequal blooming of male and female flowers was revealed, the phenomenon of protogyny was observed in 70% of the studied forms, while the difference in blooming of male and female flowers ranged from 1 to 10 days. Fruits have a high amplitude of variability. The study showed that the shape and size of the fruit are constant on one plant.