Botanical Garden Research Articles

A Mechanistic Action of Salicylic acid on Metabolic Profiling, Antioxidative Potential, and Growth Pattern of Amaranthus hybridus

This study has been conducted to investigate the effects of salicylic acid application on the growth and biomass of Amaranthus hybridus. The crop was grown in pots during July-August 2023, under natural weather conditions in the botanical garden of Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi. Different doses of SA (0.69 ppm – 13.8 ppm) was sprayed on the shoot of the plants. Compared to the control group, SA application at 0.69 ppm, 1.38 ppm, and 2.76 ppm showed increased growth and yield of the plants. SA applied at 1.38 ppm concentration, particularly, gave maximum increments in the length and biomass of the crop. SA application reduced the formation of oxidative stress markers (H2O2, SOR, MDA) by increasing the activities of antioxidants like SOD, POD, APX, total phenol, and proline. Salicylic acid treatment also increased the nutritive value of the crop by increasing the level of Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, and protein, while reduced the levels of oxalic acid. The photosynthetic efficiency of the PSII was strengthened better with 1.38 ppm SA application by increasing chlorophyll content, allocation of absorbed light energy to drive the photochemical process, and quenching of the heat energy. The metabolic profiling via UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS revealed increase in the number and proportion of secondary metabolites belonging to phenolic, alkaloids, terpenoid, flavonoids, betalains, and coumarins group by 240%, 127%, 37%, 182%, 83%, and 90% respectively.  Hence, 1.38 ppm of SA has been considered as the suitable dose for spraying on Amaranthus hybridus for increased growth and biomass.

MSAIL: Milligram-Scale Multi-modal Sensor Platform for Monarch Butterfly Migration Tracking

Each fall, millions of monarch butterflies across the northern US and Canada migrate up to 4000 km to overwinter in specific mountain peaks in central Mexico. To track monarchs precisely and study their navigation, a monarch tracker must obtain daily localization of the butterfly as it progresses on its 3-month journey. And, the tracker must perform this task while having a weight in the tens of milligrams (mg) and measuring a few millimeters (mm) in size to avoid interfering with the monarch's flight. This paper proposes mSAIL, 8 × 8 × 2.6 mm and 62 mg embedded system for monarch migration tracking, constructed using 8 prior custom-designed ICs providing solar energy harvesting, an ultra-low power processor, light/temperature sensors, power management, and a wireless transceiver, all integrated and 3D stacked on a micro PCB with an 8 × 8 mm printed antenna. The proposed system is designed to record and compress light and temperature data during the migration path while harvesting solar energy for energy autonomy, and wirelessly transmit the data at the overwintering site in Mexico, from which the daily location of the butterfly can be estimated using a deep learning-based localization algorithm. A 2-day trial experiment of mSAIL attached to a live butterfly in an outdoor botanical garden demonstrates the feasibility of individual butterfly localization and tracking.

BiodiverseCity St. Louis—An Initiative of the Missouri Botanical Garden

Botanical gardens are addressing urgent biodiversity issues through plant-based capacities including botanical research and data-sharing, conservation horticulture, ecological restoration, seed banking, and more. The Missouri Botanical Garden initiative BiodiverseCity St. Louis, led by the Garden’s sustainability division, adds broad community engagement to this mix. This work includes public and professional education, the demonstration and promotion of ecological landscaping and Green Infrastructure practices, citizen science programs, and coordinating communications for a regional network of partner organizations focused on biodiversity. Diverse activity engages businesses, local governments, elementary and secondary (K-12) schools, colleges, and community groups. Community biodiversity work at the Garden is informed by an institutional core of scientific rigor, provides opportunity for internal collaborations, and aligns with global strategies for plant conservation—to ground impactful local work. Missouri Botanical Garden’s experience offers a model for public gardens: leveraging modes of community engagement, in concert with diverse institutional strengths, to address biodiversity needs.

Phytochemical and Pharmaceutical Characterization of Seseli L. Species From Georgia

The Apiaceae family, formerly known as Umbelliferae, is one of the largest plant families, composed of 466 genera and nearly 3800 species worldwide. According to the Royal Kew Garden, it is also one of 12 plant families with a higher than-normal percentage of medicinal species, ranking 6th with 15% of its plants counted as medicinal. Seseli species, known for their high coumarin content as well as terpenoids, flavonoids, essential oils, and more, have been extensively investigated and found to possess various pharmacological properties such as antimicrobial, antitumor, antioxidant, cytotoxic, anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory, etc. Some Seseli species have also been used in treating central nervous system disorders such as anxiety. From 135 species 12 are distributed in Georgia (original name of the country is Sakhartvelo), from which 3 are endemics. Despite numerous studies on the chemical composition and pharmacological properties of various Seseli species, some remain unexplored, especially those found in Georgia, where data is limited and out of date. Therefore, further extensive research is necessary to improve understanding of the pharmacological activities, chemical constituents, and efficacy of plants from the Georgian Seseli species. The presented review draws attention to Seseli species distributed in Georgia, their phytochemistry, botanical characterisation and traditional use. However, as the information on biological activity of Georgian Seseli spp. is limited, we discussed potential pharmacological properties expected based on their chemical composition, also in relation with the same species from other countries or botanical gardens.

Conservation of Water Resources in a Botanic Garden

Water-resource challenges, encompassing both quality and quantity, pose significant threats to Florida’s ecosystems, especially in the face of climate change, rising sea levels, and rapid urbanization. This paper explores the innovative stormwater-management system implemented at Naples Botanical Garden as a model for addressing these challenges. The Garden’s approach, treating stormwater as a valuable resource, involves dry and wet retention areas, created lakes, and a unique River of Grass, mimicking natural ecosystems. This system not only mitigates flooding, but also effectively removes pollutants, recharges the aquifer, and provides a habitat for diverse wildlife. The paper emphasizes the economic, environmental, and social impacts of traditional stormwater-management practices in Florida. Naples Botanical Garden’s case serves as a guide for botanical gardens and zoos globally, showcasing the pivotal role these institutions can play in sustainable water-resource management. The collaborative design process involving landscape architects, engineers, and horticulturists ensures a holistic and aesthetically pleasing approach to stormwater management. The paper underscores the role of botanical gardens in promoting nature-based solutions, educating the public, and offering tangible steps for implementing similar systems worldwide. It can help guide regional adaptation strategies to manage stormwater as a resource.

Exogenous ascorbic acid as a potent regulator of antioxidants, osmo-protectants, and lipid peroxidation in pea under salt stress

Pea (Pisum sativum L.), a globally cultivated leguminous crop valued for its nutritional and economic significance, faces a critical challenge of soil salinity, which significantly hampers crop growth and production worldwide. A pot experiment was carried out in the Botanical Garden, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur to alleviate the negative impacts of sodium chloride (NaCl) on pea through foliar application of ascorbic acid (AsA). Two pea varieties Meteor (V1) and Sarsabz (V2) were tested against salinity, i.e. 0 mM NaCl (Control) and 100 mM NaCl. Three levels of ascorbic acid 0 (Control), 5 and 10 mM were applied through foliar spray. The experimental design was completely randomized (CRD) with three replicates. Salt stress resulted in the suppression of growth, photosynthetic activity, and yield attributes in pea plants. However, the application of AsA treatments effectively alleviated these inhibitory effects. Under stress conditions, the application of AsA treatment led to a substantial increase in chlorophyll a (41.1%), chl. b (56.1%), total chl. contents (44.6%) and carotenoids (58.4%). Under salt stress, there was an increase in Na+ accumulation, lipid peroxidation, and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, the application of AsA increased the contents of proline (26.9%), endogenous AsA (23.1%), total soluble sugars (17.1%), total phenolics (29.7%), and enzymatic antioxidants i.e. SOD (22.3%), POD (34.1%) and CAT (39%) in both varieties under stress. Salinity reduced the yield attributes while foliarly applied AsA increased the pod length (38.7%), number of pods per plant (40%) and 100 seed weight (45.2%). To sum up, the application of AsA alleviated salt-induced damage in pea plants by enhancing photosynthetic pigments, both enzymatic and non-enzymatic activities, maintaining ion homeostasis, and reducing excessive ROS accumulation through the limitation of lipid peroxidation. Overall, V2 (Sarsabz) performed better as compared to the V1 (Meteor).

Variation of Phenology of Flacourtia rukam in Two Different Habitats and Their Relation to Rainfall, Dry Days, and the Plant Water Status

Phenological shifts in the emergence of vegetative and generative parts, occur due to the response of plants to water received due to climate change. The rukam tree (Flacourtia rukam (Zoll & Moritzi)) is a local Indonesian plant with potential as an edible fruit and antioxidant agent, but its existence is increasingly rare. F. rukam can be found in Pasuruan, East Java, including Purwodadi Botanical Garden (PBG) as collected plants and Sekarmojo Village as cultivated plants. These populations show a shift in phenology, but this has never been studied. This study aimed to analyze the spatial variation of the phenology of two rukam populations and its relation to plant water status, rainfall quantity (RQ), and drought days (DD). This research was conducted on two individual trees at each location, was conducted from August 2020 to October 2022 using secondary data from BMKG, such as daily rainfall and the number of days without rain. Phenology was directly observed every week with an estimated abundance of numbers 1-4; plant water status was observed by calculating relative water content (RWC); soil physical analysis was carried out in mid-season. Data were analyzed by Mann-Whitney test and SEM WarpPLS. The results showed differences in phenology in the phases of leaf fall, flower buds, young fruit, and ripe fruit on the trees in the different locations. The decreased RQ in the past month significantly reduced the RWC value of F. rukam in both places, while the number of DD contributed to a decrease in the RWC value in PBG only, not in Sekarmojo. In both sites, decreasing the RWC of the rukam increased the abundance of fallen leaves and the chances of flowering. Rainfall and drought days affected plant phenology directly or indirectly through RWC mediation. In both places, RQ had a direct positive and significant effect on blooming flowers and new leaves but had negative effect on fallen leaves. While DD had a positive effect on leaf fall, flower formation, and fruit ripening, but had a negative effect on the appearance of young fruit (in PBG). Indirectly, RQ mainly affected several phenological parameters, while DD did not affect all phenological parameters.

Phenotypic and Estimated Genetic Variability in Endemic Diospyros celebica Bakh. and Widely-spread D. blancoi A.Dc. Cultivated at Purwodadi Botanic Garden, Indonesia

The endemic Diospyros celebica and widely spread D. blancoi are two valuable species of Diospyros (the genus of persimmons and ebonies) that have been conserved at botanic gardens in Indonesia. Understanding the biological contrasts between endemic and widely spread species is essential for plant conservation. This study aims to compare the phenotypic and estimated genetic variability between the endemic D. celebica and the widely spread D. blancoi to support their conservation. Fifty-three morphological characters from fifteen selected living plant specimens at Purwodadi Botanic Garden were measured directly or using variable encoding methods. Unpaired two-samples Wilcoxon test and hierarchical cluster analysis were used to compare morphological variations between both species. Further, genetic variabilities were estimated from encoded morphological characters using GenAlEx 6.503 software. The two Diospyros’ morphological characters were significantly different, except for the lamina length, pairs of leaf vein, number of flowers in each inflorescence, and the fruit sulci presence. The cluster analysis successfully distinguished D. celebica from D. blancoi according to thirteen comparable morphological characters. The endemic D. celebica has lower genetic variability (female/bisexual %P = 86.21%, He = 0.259, uHe = 0.277; male P = 54.29%, He = 0.195, uHe = 0.234) than the widely spread D. blancoi (female/bisexual %P = 86.76, He = 0.311, uHe = 0.355). Due to the importance of genetic diversity in plant conservation, both species’ population size needs to be maintained, if not increased, to preserve the existing phenotypic and genetic variabilities within the cultivated populations at the botanic garden.

Evidence for Reductions in Physical and Chemical Plant Defense Traits in Island Flora.

Reduced defense against large herbivores has been suggested to be part of the "island syndrome" in plants. However, empirical evidence for this pattern is mixed. In this paper, we present two studies that compare putative physical and chemical defense traits from plants on the California Channel Islands and nearby mainland based on sampling of both field and common garden plants. In the first study, we focus on five pairs of woody shrubs from three island and three mainland locations and find evidence for increased leaf area, decreased marginal leaf spines, and decreased concentrations of cyanogenic glycosides in island plants. We observed similar increases in leaf area and decreases in defense traits when comparing island and mainland genotypes grown together in botanic gardens, suggesting that trait differences are not solely driven by abiotic differences between island and mainland sites. In the second study, we conducted a common garden experiment with a perennial herb-Stachys bullata (Lamiaceae)-collected from two island and four mainland locations. Compared to their mainland relatives, island genotypes show highly reduced glandular trichomes and a nearly 100-fold reduction in mono- and sesquiterpene compounds from leaf surfaces. Island genotypes also had significantly higher specific leaf area, somewhat lower rates of gas exchange, and greater aboveground biomass than mainland genotypes across two years of study, potentially reflecting a broader shift in growth habit. Together, our results provide evidence for reduced expression of putative defense traits in island plants, though these results may reflect adaptation to both biotic (i.e., the historical absence of large herbivores) and climatic conditions on islands.

Micromorphological and phytochemical insights on Phlomis fruticosa L. cultivated at the G.E. Ghirardi Botanical Garden (Lombardy, Northern Italy)

A multi-level study was performed on the vegetative and reproductive organs of Phlomis fruticosa L. (Lamiaceae), cultivated at the G.E. Ghirardi Botanical Garden (Toscolano Maderno, Brescia, Northen Italy). This work is part of the project Ghirardi Botanical Garden, factory of molecules…work in progress, intended to preserve and enhance the plant heritage hosted at the study site. The multidisciplinary research combined four approaches: I) micromorphological, to describe the structures responsible for the productivity of secondary metabolites; II) histochemical, to define the chemical nature of the secretory products by Light Microscopy, Fluorescence Microscopy, and Scanning Electron Microscopy; III) phytochemical, to characterize the Essential Oil obtained from the blooming aerial parts by hydrodistillation with a Clevenger-type apparatus, consequently analysed by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; IV) biological, to assess the potential biological activity of the most abundant EO components based on literature data. Overall, P. fruticosa presented non-glandular and glandular trichomes. The former were multicellular stellate or simple uniseriate, the latter capitate belonging to three morphotypes: branched stalked with a one-celled head, simple short-stalked with a one(two)-celled head, simple medium-stalked with a four-celled head. For the first time, the histochemical survey reported digital images showing a predominant terpenes secretion by the branched-stalked and simple medium capitates, while the simple short hairs were responsible for the secretion of mucopolysaccharides and acid polysaccharides. The EO profile revealed 50 compounds and was dominated by sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (51.1 %) and oxygenated sesquiterpenes (33.6 %), with ar-curcumene (24.3 %), caryophyllene oxide (22.5 %) and α-cedrene (12.8 %) as most representative compounds. Finally, based on literature data, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties were hypothesized.In the context of Open Science, an original iconographic apparatus was drafted based on these results to make them accessible to the visitors of the G.E. Ghirardi BG, as an opportunity to discover the plant heritage from an unusual perspective.

Formation of Research Skills of Future Biology Teachers through Practical Classes in Biotechnology

This article discusses the work on improving the research skills of biology students in higher education through laboratory classes. In the Botanical Garden of Khoja Akhmet Yasawi International Kazakh-Turkish University for 3rd year biology students, developed a theoretical justification for determining the ecobiological characteristics of apple varieties using the selection method and found application in the educational process. As a result of the conducted research, it was recognized as the optimal method of vegetative propagation of apple varieties in laboratory conditions. In this direction, the students selected (allocated to toptoar) for research work were offered theoretical knowledge, after which a survey was conducted in order to refine it. If the assimilation of knowledge was 65%, then in the repeated survey at the end of the work it is clear that each of the two groups participating in the research work increased the varieties they selected by 20% and amounted to 85%. Each of the two groups involved in the research carried out their chosen practical tasks and conducted an analysis. The results of the study showed that the students found that vaccination has a positive effect on a good harvest of seedlings, and developed research skills. In the process of forming a research skill, in most cases, research in the process of practical work with activity research had a great influence. Research work in the course of laboratory work, the sequence of application to 3 practical works was considered, and information was also provided on the positive impact of laboratory work on the quality of teaching the discipline biotechnology. In accordance with the requirements of modern globalization, the possibility of preliminary preparation of students' practical abilities for a specific laboratory using STEM technology was considered.

Seasonal dynamics of photosynthetic pigments (chlorophylls a, b and carotenoids) in woody plants of the Altai Botanical Garden

This article reflects the results of studies of photosynthetic pigments (chlorophylls a, b and carotenoids) in 14 species of deciduous plants (trees and shrubs) and one coniferous Juniperus sabina L. in the Altai Botanical Garden during two growing seasons. The following species have a high accumulation of pigments: Acer tataricum L., Juglans cinerea L., Tilia cordata L., Corylus avellana L., Cotoneaster lucidus Schlecht., Lonicera tatarica L. For the coniferous species Juniperus sabina L. low levels of chlorophylls a, b and carotenoids are characteristic. Berberis thunbergii DC is also distinguished by a low accumulation of photosynthetic pigments. Minor differences between the species were noted in the content of carotenoids, twelve species were included in the group with low and medium content of this pigment. There is no definite pattern in the accumulation of carotenoids, and the data on the types and number of yellow pigments do not differ significantly. As a result of the conducted studies, a correlation was revealed between the content of carotenoids and the content of chlorophyll a in most species. The data obtained indicate the presence of species specificity in the content of chlorophylls a, b and carotenoids. Also, the photosynthetic apparatus of woody plants is sensitive to light and water conditions

The Arnold Arboretum’s Campaign for the Living Collections: A Case Study in Living Collection Development

In 2015, the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University began an ambitious plant acquisition program: The Campaign for the Living Collections. Prior to the initiative’s launch, the Arboretum underwent several years of strategic planning to assess the values, strengths, and gaps within its renowned living collection of temperate woody plants and then set goals that would profoundly shape the collection and its research and conservation potential for decades if not for centuries. Core genera, conservation value, phylogenetic breadth, biogeography, and climate change responses were among the priority themes used to generate a targeted list of 395 desiderata to acquire from wild populations. In only a few years, the Campaign’s 26 formal expeditions and other acquisition efforts have yielded 631 accessions of 263 highest-priority desiderata, representing 66.6% of the overall goal. This venture represents one of the most transformative and deliberate collection development activities at the Arnold Arboretum and among botanical gardens in the current era. These successes are due to a combination of factors that include visionary yet realistic strategic planning and goal setting, adherence to high standards of documentation and reporting, and authentic relationship building among collaborators.

Economic Evaluation of Ewanrigg Botanical Gardens in Zimbabwe Using an Individual Travel Cost Approach

Economists face an environmental goods and services valuation dilemma as natural resources are considered to be common pool resources with no markets. If markets exist they are mostly imperfect which results in undervaluation or overvaluation of natural resources. This study estimated the imputed recreational use value of Ewanrigg Botanical Gardens in Zimbabwe from 2015‑2017 using the Individual Travel Cost Method (ITC) which elicits the consumer surplus and deduces an optimum entry fee. It investigated key socioeconomic factors which influence visits to Ewanrigg Botanical Gardens. A questionnaire survey was conducted on 54 visitors to Ewanrigg Botanical Gardens during the period of the research to solicit for primary data. The primary data were analysed using the Ordinary Least Squares model to obtain a predictive model of visits to Ewanrigg Botanical Gardens. Using the ITC Method the total consumer surplus which equates to the recreational use value of Ewanrigg Botanical Gardens was USD19 142.16/peak period/year. Travel costs, income and employment status were the major factors driving visitation rates to Ewanrigg Botanical Gardens at an optimum entry fee of USD7.81. To maximise profits for self-sustenance of Ewanrigg Botanical Gardens, the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Authority should concentrate on marketing efforts to individuals of higher income and solid employment status and those proximal to the botanical gardens as these incur less travel costs and can afford entry fees. For posterity, the use of ITC Method to ascertain economic value allows for the true valuation of natural resources and is justifiable for the allocation of funds by central government for the management and maintenance of artificial heritage sites such as Ewanrigg Botanical Gardens in developing African countries.

Insights into the germplasm conservation and utilization: Implications for sustainable agriculture and future crop improvement

Plant genetic resources are critical for maintaining global biodiversity and ensuring food security. However, these resources face threats from factors such as habitat loss and climate change, with approximately 22% of plant species estimated to be at risk of extinction. To address this issue, both natural and biotechnological methods are being developed to preserve plant genetic resources, with germplasm being a key component. Germplasm contains the complete genetic information of a plant and can be stored for extended periods and replicated as required. The objective of this study is to emphasize the importance of preserving germplasm of endangered or near-extinct plant species through in situ and ex situ conservation methods. In situ conservation involves conserving species in their natural environment, while ex situ conservation includes using gene-seed banks and tissue culture to store genetic resources. These methods are crucial for maintaining genetic diversity and preventing the loss of valuable plant resources. The study highlights the various ex situ conservation methods, including cryopreservation, pollen and DNA banks, farmer's fields, botanic gardens, genetic reserves, and slow-growing cultures, which are essential for preserving germplasm. Gene banks worldwide currently hold over 7.4 million accessions of crop genetic resources, demonstrating the value of germplasm conservation efforts. Additionally, understanding the phenotypic and genetic characterization of related species is crucial for identifying endangered or vulnerable species that can diversify into new varieties or subspecies. In conclusion, prioritizing germplasm conservation efforts is crucial for meeting future demands while preserving endangered or vulnerable species. This will ensure that plant genetic resources remain available for future generations and that agricultural innovation can effectively address global food security challenges.

Development and validation of the perceived restorative soundscape scale for children.

Prolonged exposure to noise environments can induce stress and fatigue, even impacting individuals' physical and mental health. Conversely, positive soundscapes can have a beneficial impact on health by alleviating stress and fatigue, promoting psychological recovery. To assess the restorative potential of soundscapes, various scales have been developed to create environments conducive to recovery. However, current research on perceptual restorativeness soundscape scales primarily focuses on adults, lacking a dedicated scale for children to evaluate the restorative potential of their surrounding acoustic environments from their perspective. Therefore, this study introduces the development and validation process of the Perceived Restorativeness of Soundscapes Scale for Children (PRSS-C) using survey questionnaires and data statistical analysis. The study comprises two experiments. Experiment one aims to develop an effective PRSS-C, evaluating the restorative potential of soundscapes in different environments (urban center, urban suburb, and urban peripheral forest) among 185 children aged 10-12. Through a series of analyses, a dual-factor structure scale consisting of 15 items is developed, revealing that the restorative potential of soundscapes is lower in urban centers than in urban suburbs and lower in urban suburbs than in urban peripheral forests. Experiment two aims to further validate the effectiveness of PRSS-C. 244 children aged 10-12 assess the restorative potential of soundscapes in similar environments (two city parks) using the PRSS-C developed in experiment one. Factor analysis confirms the dual-factor structure, with assessment results indicating that the restorative potential of soundscapes in Temple of Heaven Park is lower than in the National Botanical Garden. This suggests that PRSS-C enables children to differentiate the restorative potential of soundscapes in similar environments within the same city, further confirming its effectiveness. This study successfully develops and validates the PRSS-C through two experiments. The use of this scale allows for the assessment of the restorative potential of acoustic environments surrounding children, providing an effective tool for evaluating and creating positive soundscapes for children.

PERUMUSAN STRATEGI PEMASARAN BERKELANJUTAN THE BLOOMS GARDEN UNTUK MENDUKUNG KOLABORASI DESTINASI PARIWISATA


 
 
 This research was carried out at the tourist destination The Blooms Garden Bedugul Bali. This study aims to analyze (1) the current marketing strategy of The Blooms Garden Bedugul Bali; and (2) formulation of a sustainable marketing strategy for The Blooms Garden to support collaborative tourism destinations in Bedugul. This research is categorized as research with a Concurrent Mixed Method approach. The data collected is in the form of qualitative data and quantitative data. Qualitative data were collected from interviews, observations and documentation. Meanwhile, quantitative data was collected by gathering information from The Blooms Garden management regarding strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats which were then converted into numerical data with weights and ratings. Analysis of data sourced from interviews, observation and documentation was analyzed using interactive data analysis techniques from Miles & Huberman. Determination of the marketing strategy implemented by the manager of the tourist attraction of The Blooms Garden is analyzed using SWOT analysis.
 The results of the study show that (1) the current marketing strategy undertaken by The Blooms Garden Bedugul Bali to attract and increase tourist visits includes the installation of banners and billboards scattered along the road from Denpasar to Bedugul; website opening; via social media; and cooperate with online travel agencies such as traveloka, tiket.com, and so on. However, the marketing strategy undertaken by The Blooms Garden has not succeeded in bringing in tourists as expected; and (2) The Blooms Garden's sustainable marketing strategy formulation to support collaborative tourism destinations in the Bedugul region is an integrated diversification strategy. This marketing strategy means that The Blooms Garden Bedugul Bali can integrate with other tourism destinations in the Bedugul area. The sustainable marketing strategy in collaboration with other destinations in the Bedugul area is intended as an effort to increase tourist visits, especially environmentally conscious tourists who often visit the well-known Botanical Gardens and Lake Beratan, directed to visit The Blooms Garden as well. If possible, pass tickets apply between the Botanical Gardens, Lake Beratan and The Blooms Garden.
 
 

Identification, seasonality, and body attachment location and nomenclature of parasitic water mites (Trombidiformes: Arrenuridae) on Anopheles crucians sensu lato, Anopheles quadrimaculatus sensu lato, and Culex erraticus (Diptera: Culicidae) from a North Florida botanical garden.

Water mites (Hydrachnidia) commonly parasitize mosquitoes; however, the nature of these parasitic interactions remains poorly understood. We sampled mites collected from mosquitoes taken from CDC light traps placed in a botanical garden in Northern Florida from April to November 2022. Mites were found almost exclusively parasitizing the mosquitoes, Anopheles crucians sensu lato (Wiedemann, 1828), Anopheles quadrimaculatus sensu lato (Say, 1824), and Culex erraticus (Dyar and Knab, 1906). All sampled mites were of the genus Arrenurus. Further identification proved to be impossible given the available resources. Seasonality of the mites corresponded with the seasonality of their hosts, with the highest numbers being recorded in May and September. Nomenclature for mite attachment sites on mosquitoes was developed and provided. Mites most commonly attached to the second abdominal segments of all sampled mosquitoes with varied positions around the segment depending on mosquito species. We found significance for the relationship between the abdominal segment mites attached to and what position on the segment mites would take for Cx. erraticus, which indicates a preference of attaching directly underneath the second and fourth abdominal segments. Such a relationship was not found for either Anopheles species.

Palynology of Huberia (Melastomataceae: Cambessedesieae): diversity and taxonomic implications

Huberia DC. is a genus belonging to the family Melastomataceae, which comprises 37 species distributed in vegetation formations of the Amazon Forest and Andes complex and the Atlantic Forest biome. Recent phylogenetic studies have modified the circumscription of the genus to include the genera Behuria Cham. and Dolichoura Brade. Furthermore, the genus was placed in the new tribe Cambessedesieae, together with the genera Cambessedesia DC. and Merianthera Kuhlm. In view of the relevant contribution of palynology to taxonomic and phylogenetic studies, this study aimed to expand the palynological knowledge of Huberia. Samples from 22 species were obtained from specimens deposited in the herbaria of the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden (RB), National Museum/UFRJ (R), Municipal Botanical Museum of Curitiba (MBM), and Federal University of Paraná (UPCB). Flower buds were acetolysed and used to prepare pollen sediment slides. Slides were mounted with glycerinated gelatin and analyzed and photographed under a light microscope. The results showed pollen grains in monads, small, varying in shape from prolate-spheroidal to subprolate; heteroaperturate (colporate and pseudocolpate), tricolporate, with a small, very small, or non-existent polar area in syncolporate pollen; colpi long or very long and narrow, endoaperture lalongate with median constriction in most species and lolongate in others; exine perforate, rugulate, or striate microreticulate and the sexine thicker than the nexine. Based on the findings of this study, it is concluded that palynological characters provide information for the taxonomy of the group.

Beyond just green: Explaining and predicting restorative potential of urban landscapes using panorama-based metrics

Amidst the growing concerns about mental health issues among urban dwellers, there has been increased attention to the restorative potential (RP) of urban landscapes. However, research into the relevant landscape features tends to lack the integration of quantifiable methodologies, which are essential for practical implementation in urban planning and management. To address this gap, our study employed panorama-based metrics relying on computer vision to quantify the features of urban landscapes. We established an explanatory (generalized linear mixed model, GLMM) and a predictive (Random Forest) model to comprehensively elucidate the relationship between these landscape features and RP. The RP outcome was derived from an online survey of respondents (n = 1500) with diverse socio-demographic characteristics, where each respondent was randomly assigned panoramic images from a pool of a hundred landscape scenes taken across the city of Singapore. The GLMM regression identified sky, tree, water, and depth as the primary influences of RP. Furthermore, the Random Forest model demonstrated commendable predictive performance and was used to visually showcase the scenes within the testing dataset with corresponding RP outcomes. To illustrate the potential application of this predictive tool, we also performed spatial mapping for RP prediction, taking the Singapore Botanic Gardens as an example. The subsequent discussion underscored the simultaneous effect of tree, sky, and depth on RP from a quantitative perspective using LOWESS curves. By employing metrics and models that explain and predict the RP, this study contributes evidence-based insights that underscore the pivotal role of trees and openness (sky and depth) in enhancing the psychological benefits of urban landscapes and provides an effective predictive tool that contributes to urban landscape planning and management.