Cut Flower Production Research Articles

Molecular identification of two phytoplasma strains associated with the gladiolus virescence disease in Iran

Severe symptoms of virescence in gladiolus flowers were observed in the Chaharmahal-Bakhtiari province of Iran in 2023. In the areas surveyed the disease incidence ranged from 5% to 40% and has a substantial economic impact, posing a serious threat to gladiolus cut flower production. Given that these disease symptoms have been reported to be associated with the presence of phytoplasmas, verifying the presence and identity of these bacteria is essential for focused disease management. Sequence analyses of the 16S rRNA, ribosomal protein (rp), and tuf genes confirmed the presence of `Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris' and `Ca. P. tritici' strains in the symptomatic plants. Restriction fragment length polymorphism indicated that the phytoplasmas in the 30 symptomatic gladiolus plant samples examined belong to subgroups 16SrI-F and 16SrI-R. These results were also confirmed through phylogenetic analysis on the three studied genes in which the two strains resulted closely related to phytoplasmas in the 16SrI-R and 16SrI-F subgroups, respectively. This is the first report of 16SrI-R and 16SrI-F phytoplasmas associated with the virescence disease in gladiolus plants.

First report of Sclerotinia minor causing soft rot of Scabiosa atropurpurea in California.

In May of 2019, Scabiosa atropurpurea samples with brown discoloration, soft rot of the crown and lower stem, with presence of white mycelium and black sclerotia (Supp. Fig. 1A, B) were collected from a 0.10 ha open field diversified cut flower production in San Luis Obispo County, CA. Approximately 30 to 40% of the scabiosa crop planted in a quarter of the field, exhibited symptoms. Symptomatic crowns and lower stems from five plants were surface disinfested by rinsing in 0.1% Tween 20, soaking in 70% ethanol for 30 s, 1% sodium hypochlorite for 2 min and sterile water. Disinfested tissue was placed in 1/10 potato dextrose agar (PDA) and incubated at 20°C (12 h photoperiod). Resulting colonies (n = 5) formed abundant white mycelia, with black sclerotia formed on the outer edge of the plates after two weeks (Suppl. Fig. 1C). Sclerotia (n = 50) had an average size of 1.6 (± 0.19) mm in diameter. Morphological identification resulted in Sclerotinia sp. (Hao et al., 2003). The pathogen was further identified by DNA extraction of two hyphal tipped isolates, followed by amplification and sequencing of the rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, ITS1/ITS4 (White et al. 1990), calmodulin (CaM), CAL-228F/CAL-737R (Carbone and Kohn, 1999), and DNA replication licensing factor Mcm7 Mcm7-709for/Mcm7-1348rev (Schmitt et al., 2009). NCBI BLAST searches with consensus sequences for each maker revealed 99 to 100% identity with S. minor ex-types for all loci (Supp. Table 1). A maximum parsimony multilocus phylogenetic analysis clustered Californian isolates with reference strains of S. minor (Supp. Fig. 1F). Sequences were deposited in GenBank (Supp. Table 1). Pathogenicity tests were conducted with isolate CS435, which was transferred onto PDA plates and incubated at 20°C for one week. Inoculum consisted of CS435 infested PDA plugs (1 cm3). In the greenhouse, the experiment was set as a complete randomized design and observed for six weeks. Fourteen-week-old scabiosa 'Merlot Red' grown in 3.78 L pots (n = 6), were inoculated by wounding plants at 0.5 cm above the crowns with a 1 mm probe. Inoculum was placed directly on top of the wound and was secured with parafilm. Negative control plants (n = 6) were wounded as above and inoculated with PDA plugs. In experiment 1(19.4 (± 3) °C, RH 46.9), 83% of plants exhibited yellowing of the lower leaves and wilting at one week post inoculation (wpi). Symptoms progressed over time until wilting, major leaf and stem necrosis, was observed in all inoculated plants (Supp. Fig 1E, D). Plant mortality incidence at five wpi was 83%. Pathogen signs including white mycelia and black sclerotia were also observed. In experiment 2 (20.0 (± 10) °C, RH 39.6), 66% of the total plants were symptomatic at five wpi: 33% exhibited yellowing of the lower leaves and wilting, and 33% of plants died. Disease did not develop in non-inoculated plants in either experiment. S. minor was successfully reisolated from surface disinfested tissue of at least 50% (Exp. 1) and 100% (Exp. 2) of inoculated plants, yielding identical sequences to those of the inoculated isolate. S. minor is a soil-borne pathogen that infects tomato, lettuce, brassica, and sunflower crops in California. This study stablishes S. minor as a new soil-borne pathogen of Scabiosa in California. Soil-borne pathogens are a recurrent issue in the cut flower industry, characterizing new pathogens in these crops can inform crop advisors and disease diagnostician to improve disease management in the ornamental industry.

Growth and Quality of Four Zinnia Cultivars Grown in Eastern South Dakota

Over the past two decades, interest in local specialty cut flower production in eastern South Dakota has grown, with several new flower farms being established across the region. However, there is currently no local, research-based information available to support growers in this new wave of interest. The purpose of this study was to assess the production and quality of four zinnia cultivars grown in eastern South Dakota to support local specialty cut flower growers in their operations. A randomized complete block design was used to evaluate four zinnia cultivars (Zinderella Peach, Oklahoma Ivory, Queen Red Lime, and Benary’s Giant Purple) grown in 2022 and 2023. Zinnias were started by seed in the greenhouse and transplanted into the field in early summer each season. Harvest began each year when flowers reached maturity (July), with one harvest event taking place each week until the first frost. Harvested flowers were rated as marketable or nonmarketable based on categories of stem length (≥18-inch-long, 13- to 17.99-inch-long, 8- to 12.99-inch-long, and <8-inch-long stems), as well as nonmarketable due to defects (curved stems, insect damage, and other damage). ‘Benary’s Giant Purple’ produced high numbers of marketable long stems and had the largest bloom size, whereas ‘Queen Red Lime’ and ‘Oklahoma Ivory’ produced high numbers of marketable medium-length stems and had lower amounts of insect damage. ‘Zinderella Peach’ produced the shortest and most insect-damaged stems and also produced lower numbers of curved stems compared with the other three cultivars. All four cultivars produced high numbers of marketable flowers and would be suitable choices for specialty cut flower growers in eastern South Dakota.

The effect of some vegetable origin oils used in different clove varieties against Meloidogyne incognita

Alternative control methods are needed against plant parasitic nematodes in Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii L.) and Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) plants and one of these methods is the use of plant-based extracts against nematodes. Plant parasitic nematodes cause economic damage in cut flower production areas, so in order to reduce this damage, it is aimed to use different non-synthetic plant-based extracts as an alternative to chemical control methods within the scope of cultural control of nematodes. For this purpose, garlic, thyme, and terminator (70% thyme + 30% different plant mixture formation) were used to determine the resistance against M. incognita in two different clove cultivars, Turbo with standard flower type and Harnet with spray flower type. While the egg pack index was 1.40 ± 0.70 in the Harnet cultivar with garlic application, this rate was 16.00 ± 9.66 in the positive control. While the egg pack index was 1.20 ± 0.42 in the Turbo variety, in which garlic was applied, this value was 3.70 ± 0.48 in the control. When evaluated based on varieties, the egg package index was lower in the Turbo variety with garlic application compared to the Harnet variety.

Melatonin induces proline, secondary metabolites, sugars and antioxidants activity to regulate oxidative stress and ROS scavenging in salt stressed sword lily

Sword lily is regarded as a useful and commercially demanding cut flower crop; hence, assessing its responses to abiotic stress, particularly salt stress, is vital. Melatonin (MT) exhibits stress tolerance in crop plants and is an emerging stress relieving alternative to chemicals. Nevertheless, the possible process underlying the effects of MT under salt stress has yet to be fully elucidated in plants. Herein, the salt stress (SS) mitigation potential of MT was assessed in a commercially important cut flower, sword lily. Melatonin, expressed as MT1, MT2, MT3, and MT4, was administered at concentrations of 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8 mM. The results revealed that SS (5 dS m−1) restricted the growth and physiological aspects of sword lily. Furthermore, malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), membrane permeability, endogenous proline, and soluble protein contents were enhanced in SS. MT application improved morphological traits, photosynthetic pigments, and corm traits. The application of MT mitigated the effects of SS stress in Gladiolus grandiflorus plants by improving growth and photosynthetic pigments. MT application under SS improved the reducing and non-reducing sugar and NPK contents of the sword lily. Furthermore, MT improved the levels of secondary metabolites, such as anthocyanins, flavonoids, and ascorbic acid, in sword lily. Moreover, MT supplementation ameliorated salt-induced oxidative stress in the gladiolus, as depicted by a decrease in stress markers (EL, MDA, and H2O2) and an increase in defense-related enzymes (POD, CAT, and SOD) with highest increase in the MT3 treatment under salinity stress. The SOD and CAT enzyme activities were 3–3.6-fold higher in the MT3 under stress than the control. In conclusion, MT applications on cut flowers can be an effective strategy to reduce salt stress and can be used to regulate salinity stress in cut flower production. MT can be used as a safe alternative to other agrochemicals to maintain the growth and flower quality of sword lilies, with beneficial effects during vase life.

Evaluation of Different Hybrid Tea Roses (Rosa x hybrida) under Prayagraj Agro-climatic Conditions

An experiment was carried out in the Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, from November, 2022 to March, 2023. The experiment was conducted in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with fifteen hybrids, replicated thrice. It was reported that hybrid H4 (Fatura) performed better in parameters like plant height (71.2 cm), number of branches (5), stalk length (35.10 cm), stalk girth (5.4 mm), bud diameter (2.7 cm), number of cut flowers per plant (5), vase life of the cut flowers (11 days), number of cut flowers per hectare (1,02,040), gross return (Rs 5,10,200 per ha), net return (Rs -2,36,354 per ha) and benefit cost ratio (0.7:1). However, days taken to first bud initiation (36 days) and days taken to first bud initiation to tight bud stage (13 days) were better in hybrid H5 (Brazil). Hence for quality cut flower production, vase life, yield, and economics, hybrid Fatura performed better under Prayagraj agro-climatic conditions.

Evaluation of Alstroemeria varieties for cut flower production

Evaluation of Alstroemeria varieties for cut flower production

Haplotype-resolved genome assembly of the diploid Rosa chinensis provides insight into the mechanisms underlying key ornamental traits

Roses are consistently ranked at the forefront in cut flower production. Increasing demands of market and changing climate conditions have resulted in the need to further improve the diversity and quality of traits. However, frequent hybridization leads to highly heterozygous nature, including the allelic variants. Therefore, the absence of comprehensive genomic information leads to them making it challenging to molecular breeding. Here, two haplotype-resolved chromosome genomes for Rosa chinensis ‘Chilong Hanzhu’ (2n = 14) which is high heterozygous diploid old Chinese rose are generated. An amount of genetic variation (1,605,616 SNPs, 209,575 indels) is identified. 13,971 allelic genes show differential expression patterns between two haplotypes. Importantly, these differences hold valuable insights into regulatory mechanisms of traits. RcMYB114b can influence cyanidin-3-glucoside accumulation and the allelic variation in its promoter leads to differences in promoter activity, which as a factor control petal color. Moreover, gene family expansion may contribute to the abundance of terpenes in floral scents. Additionally, RcANT1, RcDA1, RcAG1 and RcSVP1 genes are involved in regulation of petal number and size under heat stress treatment. This study provides a foundation for molecular breeding to improve important characteristics of roses.

Manufacturing of NPK nano fertilizer and its effect on growth and of cut flowers production in two types of Rosa spp

NPK was made from the compound fertilizer ProSol (20: 20: 20) using an urgent mortar with 5 gm crushing for two hours until the conversion to nano size. nanoparticles size of the powder produced was measured by an X-ray diffraction meter XRD and the size of the produced was 54.13 nm. A field experiment was carried out using RCBD to study two factors, first type of fertilizer used with three levels of spraying with nutritious fertilizer ProSol at a concentration of 1.5 g. L-1 and spraying with NPK nano fertilizer at a concentration of 0.5 g. L-1 in addition to control treatment, second factor two types of rose damascene and Legend belongs to the Hybrid Tea Rose. results showed that the treatment of spraying with nanoparticles was superior in all the studied characters, and it gave the highest number of flowering plants at 14.24. It also gave the highest concentration of nutrients in the leaves of 2.6 % nitrogen and 1.97 % for potassium. Legend superior to R. Damascena in number of flowers and carbohydrate content, while Damascena was superior in weight and flower diameter. The highest vase life recorded at 13.82 days for the treatment of interaction between spraying with nano fertilizer and Legend cultivar.

Preharvest calcium application boosts the biostimulatory effect of protein hydrolysate by improving the postharvest life of gerbera cut flower

Among the various categories of plant biostimulants currently available on the market, protein hydrolysates, primarily composed of a heterogeneous mixture of peptides and amino acids, have gradually gained prominence. Nevertheless, the positive effects of these products on the production and longevity of cut flowers are still not well-explored. The purpose of this research was thus to fill this gap by assessing the impacts of a plant-derived protein hydrolysate, with and without the addition of calcium (PH and PH+Ca), on the growth, quality, and vaselife of two cultivars of gerbera with different pigmentation (Brunello and Tommy, red and yellow, respectively). Regardless of cultivar, foliar application of PH improved growth, flower production, absorption of key nutrients, and photosynthetic performance, compared to the control. On the other hand, the PH+Ca treatment exhibited the best results during vaselife. For both cultivars, the application of PH+Ca increased the durability of gerbera flowers, reducing the weight loss by an average of 19 % on day 10 compared to untreated flowers. Although cultivar-dependent, the positive effects of the PH+Ca biostimulant were also observed on petal pigmentation during vase life. For the Tommy cultivar, for instance, the Chroma values of treated flowers remained unchanged during the post-harvest period, unlike what was observed for untreated flowers. Therefore, considering the positive effects resulting from the use of PH and PH+Ca on gerbera, it would be interesting to further investigate the use of biostimulants in floriculture to increase the sustainability of the sector and especially with regard to cut flower production, without reducing or even improving the performance that is conventionally achieved.

Evaluation of Anaerobic Soil Disinfestation to Reduce Soilborne Diseases in Soilless and Soil-Based Substrates for Specialty Cut Flower Production.

Anaerobic soil disinfestation (ASD) is a nonchemical soil treatment where an easily decomposable carbon source is incorporated into soil, which is then irrigated to saturation and tarped to create anaerobic conditions, which prompts shifts in the soil microbiota from aerobes to anaerobes. ASD has been tested successfully for soilborne disease management in a variety of cropping systems but has not been sufficiently investigated in ornamentals. In this study, ASD was evaluated in soil-based and soilless substrates commonly used in specialty cut flower production using two model pathosystems: Rhizoctonia solani-Zinnia elegans and Phytophthora drechsleri-Gerbera jamesonii. Each substrate was mixed with pathogen-infested vermiculite and amended with either wheat bran, tomato pomace, or soybean meal as the carbon source. Amended substrates were incubated at 25°C for 4 weeks and used as growing substrates for the two crops mentioned above, which were monitored weekly for disease development for up to 5 weeks posttransplant. Additional experiments tested the effect of plant age and inoculum concentration in the substrate on ASD efficacy. Results showed that ASD has the potential to be deployed successfully for the control of Rhizoctonia stem rot in both substrates. Conversely, ASD was not effective at controlling Phytophthora crown rot on gerbera daisy in any of the experiments conducted in this study. More research is needed to understand the influence of carbon amendments, inoculum thresholds, and environmental conditions on ASD efficacy.

Evaluation of some garden flowers as specialty cut flowers in Eskisehir province-Türkiye.

Specialty cut flowers are in demand, especially in the domestic market as they can be grown with low production costs without the need for specially equipped greenhouses and offer diversity in terms of form, texture, and colour. These products, which are widely cultivated in the USA, are not well known in Türkiye. One of the main problems of the Turkish cut flower sector is its dependence on foreign inputs and the lack of product diversity. Therefore, specialty cut flower production can be an alternative crop for Türkiye, which has climatic advantages. The cut flower potential of plants such as Zinnia elegans, Tagates erecta, Helianthus annuus, Gomphrena globosa, Centaurea cyanus, and Cleome spinosa that are commonly grown in gardens has been evaluated. After harvesting these flowers grown in an open field in June-October 2020, the stem length (cm), stem thickness (mm), flower length (cm), flower diameter (cm), flower weight (g), and vase life (days) were measured. As a result of the evaluations, considering the phenological findings such as flowering and harvesting period, Zinnia elegans, Tagates erecta, Helianthus annuus, Gomphrena globosa, and Centaurea cyanus were found to be suitable for Eskişehir climatic conditions due to their long flowering periods. On the other hand, if the stem length value, which is one of the most important parameters for cut flowers, is taken as a reference, the minimum stem length value of 30 cm and above is met by Zinnia elegans, Tagates erecta, Helianthus annuus, and Cleome spinosa while the vase life value of 6 days and above is met by Zinnia elegans, Tagates erecta, Helianthus annuus, Gomphrena globosa, and Cleome spinosa. However, Cleome spinosa was not found to be suitable for the region due to its low yield value and short flowering period, while Zinnia elegans, Helianthus annuus, Tagates erecta, and Gomphrena globosa were found to be plants that could be evaluated for the region. In addition, it is believed that the cultivation of specialty cut flowers, with the selection of suitable species, will be an alternative production in regions without climatic advantages.

Carbohydrates Are Associated with the Flowering Ability of Oncidesa Gower Ramsey ‘Honey Angel’

Oncidesa Gower Ramsey ‘Honey Angel’ is a cut flower crop of high economic value worldwide. The regulation of flowering is important for cut flower production scheduling. However, its flowering transition mechanism is still unclear. Oncidesa usually flowers at the end of the growth cycle for each pseudobulb; this timing is probably related to carbohydrate accumulation. During this study, we investigated the carbohydrates in the pseudobulbs from juvenile plants to adult plants and compared the carbohydrates in flowering and nonflowering adult plants. The current pseudobulb and back pseudobulbs of the plants at 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 years after having been moved out of the tissue culture flask were collected. The first pseudobulb formed at 0.5 years, and plants had fulfilled four growth cycles and flowered at 2.0 years. Each successive current shoot grew larger and the back shoot number progressively increased after each new growth cycle. The concentration of total soluble sugars in the current shoot increased from 5.5% of dry weight at 0.5 years to 20.2% of dry weight at 1.5 years. Conversely, the starch concentration decreased in the current pseudobulb as the plants matured. The starch concentration in the back pseudobulbs did not change when the plant grew a new shoot. The starch concentrations in the back pseudobulbs ranged from 33.2% to 57.5% of dry weight, but the combined content of starch in all of the back pseudobulbs increased significantly from 168 mg at 0.5 years to 4608 mg at 2.0 years because of the increasing number of back shoots. The starch in the first back pseudobulb of the nonflowering adult plants accounted for 18.0% of dry weight, which was lower than that of the flowering plants (48.3%). There was no significant difference in total soluble sugars in the current pseudobulb of the nonflowering and flowering plants. Overall, we revealed that the increase in the back shoot number increased the total amount of reserve carbohydrates as the plant reached reproductive maturity. A low starch level was observed in nonflowering adult plants. In both cases, flowering plants had higher starch storage in the back pseudobulbs, suggesting that carbohydrates might regulate the flowering of Oncidesa Gower Ramsey ‘Honey Angel’.

Profitability analysis of cut flower cultivation in Bangladesh: Constraints and opportunities

Bangladesh has immense potential for cut flower production and export to the world market. Although the export earnings from cut flower cultivation are gradually increasing in our country, production and profitability are hindered by some constraints. The present study was undertaken in Jashore (Jhikargachha) and Dhaka (Savar) districts to examine the financial profitability, constraints, and opportunities of cut-flower cultivation in Bangladesh. A total of 120 cut flower cultivating farmers were selected for interview in 2019, taking 60 sample farmers from each location. Multi-stage random sampling method was followed to collect primary data. For profitability analysis, two cut flowers, namely gladiolus and rose, were selected for the study. The result indicates that per hectare total cost, net return, and benefit-cost ratio (BCR) were Tk. 687439, Tk. 261509 and 1.38, respectively, for gladiolus cultivation. On the other hand, net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR), and BCR of rose cultivation were Tk. 2325762, 146%, and 1.46, respectively, indicating that rose production is highly profitable to the farmers of the study areas. Despite such potentialities, cut flower cultivation was constrained by the requirement of high initial investment, lack of modern varieties, lack of credit facility, lack of storage facility, attack by pests & diseases, and uncertain market price. However, there is a huge scope to increase cut flower production by removing constraints in Bangladesh that can boost up livelihoods, incomes, and living conditions of rural people. Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 13(2): 41-48, Dec 2023

Induksi Akar Anggrek Dendrobium lasianthera dengan Pemberian Beberapa Konsentrasi Naphthalene Acetic Acid (NAA) Secara In Vitro

Dendrobium lasinthera is an orchid that has considerable potential as a raw material for anti-cancer drugs and for the production of cut flowers. Therefore, this orchid is a plant with high economic value. This orchid has beautiful and long-lasting flowers. The demand for this orchid is increasing along with its diverse uses, so the propagation of this orchid needs to be increased. In vitro propagation is the most appropriate step to reproduce this orchid. One of the stages that determines the success of orchid propagation through tissue culture is the root induction stage before acclimatization. Using the right type and concentration of Growth Regulatory Substances (ZPT) is very important. This research aims to determine the effect of several NAA Growth Regulatory Substance (ZPT) concentrations and determine the best NAA concentration for Dendrobium lasianthera root induction. This study used a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with several NAA concentrations (Control (A); 0.5 mg/L (B), 1 mg/L (C), and 1.5 mg/L (D)), on Murashige & Skoog (MS) media. The results of this study show that NAA has a significant influence on the percentage of root formation, root emergence time, and root length in the Dendrobium lasianthera orchid. NAA 1.5 mg/L is the best concentration for induction of Dendrobium lasianthera orchid roots.

The effect of some Levels of Shading and Fertilization in the Growth and Production of Commercial Cut Flowers of Two Cultivars of Shrubby Roses

An experiment was carried out in one of the plastic houses of the Department of Horticulture and Date Palms in Baghdad Governorate during the year 2021 of the autumn season. The effect of some levels of shading and fertilization on the growth and production of commercial cut flowers of two cultivars of shrubby roses on some characteristics of vegetative and flowering growth. The results showed a significant superiority among the cultivars, as cultivar V1 was superior to cultivar V2 in average plant height and flower diameter, while cultivar V2 had a significant superiority over cultivar V1 in average number of leaves, number of petals and flower stem length. While the characteristics of vegetative growth represented by the rate of plant height, the number of leaves, and the characteristics of floral growth represented by the flower diameter, the number of petals, and the length of the flowering stem were significantly superior when using shading levels 50% (S2) and the levels of fertilization consisting of mycorrhiza, licorice extract and chelated iron (F3) in all growth characteristics.

Effect of Shading, Licorice Extract and Mycorrhizal on the Growth and Production of Commercial Cut Flowers of Two Cultivars of Shrubby Roses

An experiment was conducted using the RCBD design, namely the Factorial Experiment within the Split-Split Plot. Complementary Storyline Shading, licorice extract, and mycorrhizal were tested on two cultivars of shrubby roses in a plastic greenhouse at the Department of Horticulture and Palms in the Baghdad Governorate during the spring of 2022 for their impact on the growth and production of commercial cut flowers. The use of two varieties of shrub roses, Angelina, red in color and Maroussia, white, using three levels of shading without shading and 25% and 50%. 1 + Maiko Raisa). And (chelated iron + mycorrhizal (1 g / liter-1 + mycorrhizae) and licorice extract + chelated iron + mycorrhizae). The flowers are of anthocyanin pigment, while the V2 variety was significantly superior to the V1 variety in flower stem diameter. While the characteristics of vegetative growth represented by the average leaf area and the content of leaves of chlorophyll and the characteristics of flowering growth represented by the diameter of the flower stem, the duration of the flower remaining on the plant and the content of flowers of the anthocyanin pigment were significantly superior when using shading levels 50% (S2) and the levels of fertilization consisting of mycorrhiza and licorice extract And chelated iron (F3) in all characteristics of vegetative and flowering growth.

Growth, development and yield of safflower genotypes in response to environmental variations

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) is a crop that is drought tolerant and grown in arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) for its commercial utility as vegetable oil, animal feed, cut flower, leafy vegetable, pharmaceuticals, foods colorant, textile dye, cosmetics, and biofuel production. These important attributes make safflower an ideal crop to diversify the economy and improve the socioeconomic status of many smallholder farmers in ASALs. This study evaluated the growth, development, and yield of five safflower genotypes in three different locations in the southern part of Botswana under farmers’ fields during winter and summer. The results showed that there was a significant (P ≤ 0.05) genotypic variability for all phenological development (days to emergence, stem elongation, and flowering), plant growth (plant height and shoot biomass), the yield and yield components (number of branches/plant, number of capitula/plant and 1000-seed weight), oil content and oil yield. However, genotypes did not vary significantly (P ≥ 0.05) in number of primary branches/plant. The results showed that winter planting significantly (P ≤ 0.05) promoted safflower growth and yield than planting in summer. The growth, development, yield, and yield components of safflower genotypes varied across locations with Ramonaka being the most favorable. The GGE biplot revealed that genotype Kenya-9819 was found to be the most stable and adaptable with above-average yields. Sebele winter planting was the best representative environment and most suitable for discriminating genotype performance. The genotype by yield*trait combination (GYT) biplot revealed that genotypes ranked as Kenya9819 > Turkey > Sina > PI537636 > Gila. The results suggested that safflower was best planted in winter and that Kenya9819 was the best genotype to be planted in the greater Gaborone region.

Warm Bulb Storage Optimises Flowering Attributes and Foliage Characteristics in Amaryllis belladonna L.

Amaryllis belladonna is an autumn-flowering bulbous geophyte endemic to the Western Cape, South Africa. The species’ erratic flowering disposition and brief flowering period upon maturity limit its economic productivity and competitiveness within the traditional genera of cut flowers and potted plants. However, it can be an attractive, eco-friendly, seasonal addition to the specialty floriculture market. A 10-month study evaluated the effects of a warm storage period on A. belladonna bulbs’ flowering yield, flowering time, quality characteristics, and foliage growth. The experiment comprised dormant flower-sized bulbs randomly assigned to one of six storage regimes of either a 0- (no storage control), 4-, 6-, 8-, 10-, or 12-week interval periods at a continuous warm temperature of 23 ± 1 °C before planting into pots between mid-November 2021 and mid-February 2022 in the greenhouse. The results showed that flowering production (64.3% flowering after the 12-week storage), flowering time (anthesis occurring 9 days after the 10- and 12-week storage), and quality attributes (number of florets in the inflorescence, scape diameter, inflorescence fullness ratio, and pot longevity) of A. belladonna scapes were significantly impacted by warm bulb storage, but not foliage growth. Irrespective of bulb storage, inflorescence abortion occurred. An extended bulb storage did not advance the flowering time despite a greater harvest and shorter cultivation periods after planting. This study established that a cumulative temperature range during bulb dormancy is crucial for supporting the A. belladonna inflorescence maturity’s energetic demands and the opening of floret buds. Bulbs should be stored at elevated temperatures for at least 8–10 weeks to attain the best floret-quality attributes and longevity. However, for an economical and sustainable greenhouse and specialty cut flower production, 12-week warm bulb storage is recommended to achieve the optimal anthesis in the shortest interval for this seasonal single-harvest species after planting.

Enhancing Cut Flower Production through Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhiza (VAM) Symbiosis

Cut flower production is a significant segment of the horticultural industry, valued for its aesthetic appeal and economic importance. As growers seek sustainable and eco-friendly practices to improve flower quality and yield, the role of Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhiza (VAM) in enhancing cut flower production has gained considerable attention. VAM fungi form mutualistic associations with the roots of many flowering plants, facilitating nutrient uptake and promoting overall plant health. This communication highlights recent research demonstrating the potential of VAM symbiosis to revolutionize cut flower cultivation.