Flower Diameter Research Articles

Plant Spacing Combined with Nitrogen Nutrition Affects Loose Flower Production in Rosa gruss-an-teplitz Under Open Conditions

The present investigation to study the effect of nitrogen and planting density for open grown roses for loose flower production was carried out at Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana during 2020-21. Two years old plants were used for this study which were planted at three different spacings 70 x 100 cm, 70 x 90 cm and 70 x 80 cm. The plants were fertilized with four levels of nitrogen 0 g, 1.5 g, 2.0 g and 2.5 g per plant at monthly interval starting from pruning. The experiment was laid out in FRBD Design with twelve treatments each having three replications. The treatment combination comprising of 2.0 g nitrogen per plant per month with plant spacing 70 x 100 cm resulted in maximum plant height (109.83 cm), plant spread (95.67 cm), flower diameter (6.83 cm), flower weight (3.45 g), number of flowers per plant (389.66), flower yield (0.85 kg) per plant and hence, flower yield (3348.47 kg) per acre. The flowering was recorded earlier in 2.0 g nitrogen under spacing 70 x 100 cm as it exhibited flowering in 64.00 days. The shelf life of flowers was recorded maximum (10.87 hrs) with 1.5 g nitrogen under 70 x 100 cm spacing which was statistically at par with 2.0 g nitrogen under 70 x 100 cm spacing.

Exogenous Application of Growth Regulators Improves the Growth and Quality of Dahlia variabilis L.

Dahlia (Dahlia variabilis L.), a bulb crop sold as cut flower, garden ornamental/potted plant, becomes a popular cut flower in the world. This experiment was designed to study the effects of foliar applied gibberellic acid, zinc, ascorbic acid, and thiamine on the growth and flower attributes of dahlia. The study was conducted under greenhouse conditions at the Floriculture Research Area, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan. There were thirteen treatment with three levels each; gibberellic acid, zinc sulphate, ascorbic acid, and thiamine. First, foliar application was done at vegetative stage (after 45 d of transplantation) and second, at the flowering stage. Application of gibberellic acid at 100 ppm significantly improved plant height (92.67 cm). Application of zinc at 0.50% produced the maximum number of flowers (28.47), diameter of flower (100.19 mm), and fresh weight of flower (11.16 g). Foliar application of thiamine increased nutrient accumulation in leaves of dahlia. The nitrogen contents (4.43 %) increased to maximum in response to treatment comprising ascorbic acid, whereas phosphorus content (1.41 mg g-1) and potassium contents (19.45 mg g-1) were at maximum in response to thiamine. The highest chlorophyll a (4.37 mg g-1) and b (2.04 mg g-1) contents were recorded in treatment comprising thiamine at 150 ppm. The highest carbohydrate contents (35.14%) were recorded in zinc application response. Application of thiamine significantly reduced the days of flowering and flower diameter. Overall, it can be recommended that application of thiamine at 150 ppm is more responsive to improve the growth and quality of dahlia flower as compared to gibberellic acid, zinc, and ascorbic acid.

Analysis of genetic divergence, principal component, correlation and path coefficient for quantitative traits of Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii) in the north eastern region, India

AbstractGerbera is an important commercial flower crop in the world. Augmenting the genetic diversity is desirable for further improvement in Gerbera breeding programme. Thirty-seven (37) Gerbera accessions were evaluated and analysed for genetic variability, heritability, correlation and path coefficient analysis using yield and quality traits. Results showed that phenotypic coefficients were higher than genotypic coefficients of variation for all the characters. All the traits, except stalk and flower diameter, had high heritability (>60%) and genetic advance (>20%). Based on cluster analysis, the 37 accessions were grouped into seven clusters. Cluster I consists of the maximum number of genotypes (22), while clusters IV–VII are monogenotypic with unique traits. Cluster analysis (D2) showed wider genetic diversity within and between the clusters. The first four principal components (Eigenvalue >1) contributed 72.3% of the total variation. The number of leaves, number of flowers and flower stalk length contributed the most to genetic divergence. Flower yield showed a significant positive genotypic correlation with the number of leaves and suckers. The path analysis (genotypic) revealed that number of suckers, flower stalk diameter and flower stalk length contribute major positive direct effects on number of flowers. Therefore, the wide genetic variability existing in the germplasm may facilitate improvement in gerbera crops. Superior lines (RCGH-12, -22, -114, -117) with higher yield (>23 flowers/plant) and vase life (>5 days) could be promoted for commercial production under open field conditions. While RCGH 28 has a dwarf flower stalk that can be promoted for pots and decoration purposes.

Blooming characteristics and breeding system of an invasive plant Gaura parviflora.

The invasiveness and dissemination of exotic species are strongly influenced by its sexual reproduction characteristics, including blooming characteristics and breeding system. Exploring the association of these sexual reproductive traits with invasiveness would be helpful for revealing the mechanism of its successful invasion. We examined the blooming characteristics and breeding system of Gaura parviflora based on field observations, out-crossing index (OCI) estimation, and hand-pollination experiments. The results showed flowering duration of the G. parviflora population (flowering period) was short (more than 3 months). The life span of single flower (floral longevity) was 40.46 h. Its flower diameter was 3.99 mm. Over seven flowers in bloom per inflorescence and most individuals often bloomed synchronously, which showed a 'mass-flowering pattern'. The changing trend of pollen and stigma vitality was relatively similar, but the duration of stigma vitality was 2 h longer than that of pollen. The stigma and the anthers were close to each other at the initial flowering stage, but the stigma removed from the anthers at the full-blooming stage with the style curving downwards. Many pollinators visited flowers in late full-blooming stage, which were mainly Apis mellifera and Syrphidae spp. Their average visiting frequency was 9.8 times·m-2·h-1. The fruit set in natural pollination after emasculation treatment (insect or wind pollination) was signi-ficantly higher than that in bagged and emasculation treatment, and the treatment of emasculated and bagged with nylon net (excluding insect pollination) could also bear fruits, indicating possible existence of ambophily in G. parviflora. The results of pollen ovule ratio (P/O) mensuration, OCI estimation and hand-pollination experiments showed that its mating system type belonged to additive mixed mating system. So, its characteristics, such as smaller flower size, shorter floral longevity and flowering period, were conducive to allocating more resources to plant growth and seed development, which would help improve its total fitness. The changes of spatial position of male and female organs not only avoided interference between male and female functions, but also created opportunities for stigmas to receive outcross pollen. In addition, the 'mass-flowering pattern' was conducive to attracting pollinators. The pollination mechanism of ambophily was helpful to ensure cross-pollination. The additive mixed mating system could provide double reproductive assurance for this species. These reproductive characteristics were significant for the successful invasion and expansion of G. parviflora.

Phenotypic Diversity Analysis in Elaeagnus angustifolia Populations in Gansu Province, China

As a highly resistant urban ornamental plant, Elaeagnus angustifolia L. is often used in dry land, saline-alkali land shelter forest, and landscape horticulture. It is the main windbreak and sand-fixing tree species in Gansu Province, China. The special geographical and climatic environment makes the distribution and growth of E. angustifolia in Gansu Province show different degrees of difference. In order to evaluate the phenotypic diversity of E. angustifolia in different populations and its variation patterns under different geographical and climatic conditions, 35 phenotypic traits (trunk, branch, leaf, and flower related traits) of 90 plants from 10 populations in Gansu Province were measured and analyzed. The results showed the following: (1) E. angustifolia has rich phenotypic variation. The variation is greater among populations. The traits with the largest and smallest coefficients of variation were “under-branch height” and “flower diameter”, respectively. The variation in the Qilihe population was the largest, and the variation in the Ganzhou population was the smallest. The diversity of flowers and leaves is relatively higher. (2) Correlation analysis showed that most of traits were closely related. Leaf traits showed a gradient variation law dominated by altitude and precipitation. Flower traits were affected by the synergistic effects of various geographical and climatic factors. (3) The results of the principal component analysis (PCA) showed that the primary traits affecting the phenotypic diversity of E. angustifolia were leaf size and branch length among the related traits of trunk, branch, leaf, and flower. (4) Cluster analysis showed that 90 E. angustifolia plants were clustered into four clusters that were not completely clustered according to geographical distance and may be randomly affected by genotypic or environmental factors. These results will lay a foundation for further analysis of the genetic mechanism of phenotypic traits of E. angustifolia and also provide a reference for the collection, preservation, and variety improvement of E. angustifolia germplasm resources.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Eucommia ulmoides leaf extract for inhibiting stem end bacteria in cut tree peony flowers.

Tree peony ( Paeonia suffruticosa Andr.) is a popular cut flower among ornamental plants. However, its short vase life severely hinders the production and application of cut tree peony flowers. To extend the postharvest longevity and improve the horticultural value, silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) was applied for reducing bacterial proliferation and xylem blockage in cut tree peony flowers in vitro and in vivo. Ag-NPs was synthesized with the leaf extract of Eucommia ulmoides and characterized. The Ag-NPs aqueous solution showed inhibitory activity against bacterial populations isolated from stem ends of cut tree peony 'Luoyang Hong' in vitro. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was 10 mg L-1. Compared with the control, pretreatments with Ag-NPs aqueous solution at 5 and 10 mg L-1 for 24h increased flower diameter, relative fresh weight (RFW), and water balance of tree peony 'Luoyang Hong' flowers. Additionally, malondialdehyde (MDA) and H2O2 content in pretreated petals were lower than the control during the vase life. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in pretreated petals were lower than that of the control at the early vase stage and higher at the late vase life. Furthermore, pretreatments with Ag-NPs aqueous solution at 10 mg L-1 for 24h could reduce bacterial proliferation in the xylem vessels on the stem ends by confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Overall, pretreatments with green synthesized Ag-NPs aqueous solution effectively reduced bacteria-induced xylem blockage of cut tree peony, resulting in improved water uptake, extended vase life, and enhanced postharvest quality. Therefore, this technique can be used as a promising postharvest technology in the cut flower industry.

Effects of Low-Temperature Accumulation on Flowering of Prunus mume

Low-temperature accumulation is one of the essential stages in the growth process of woody ornamental plants. In this study, two different low-temperature treatments, 6 °C and 10 °C, were used to analyze the effects of different low-temperature treatments on dormancy release and flowering of the ‘Gulihong’ plant using artificial low temperatures. Based on the experimental results, four typical early-blooming Prunus mume cultivars widely planted in Yangling area of Henan Province, China, including ‘Zaoyudie’, ‘Zaohualve’, ‘Nanjing gongfen’, and ‘Gulihong’, were selected as the experimental materials. The effects of low-temperature accumulation on the flowering characteristics of different cultivars were analyzed using a 6 °C artificial low-temperature treatment. The suitable cultivation temperature for early-blooming cultivars was screened to provide a theoretical basis for further exploration of P. mume bonsai cultivation techniques. The results showed that the flowering rate, flower diameter, flowering quantity, flowering uniformity, and bud development in the 6 °C treatment were significantly better than those in the 10 °C treatment. Furthermore, under 6 °C low-temperature treatment, the flowering rate and quality of different cultivars showed an increasing trend with the accumulation of low temperature, with ‘Gulihong’ exhibiting the highest flowering rate. Therefore, chill accumulation plays a significant role in promoting flowering quality.

Consequences of Mulch Practice on Growth, Flowering and Yield of Different Varieties of China Aster (Callistephus chinensis)

The investigation entitled with ‘Consequences of mulch practice on growth, flowering and yield of different varieties of China aster (Callistephus chinensis)’ were carried out at floriculture unit, Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Dharwad, Karnataka during the year 2019-20. The experiment was laid out in Factorial Randomized Block Design consisting of 20 treatment combinations. Ten china aster varieties, Namdhari Pink (V1), Namdhari White (V2), Arka Kamini (V3), Arka Poornima (V4), Arka Shashank (V5), Phule Ganesh pink (V6), Phule Ganesh Puple (V7), AAC-1(V8), Miraj Local (V9) and Pink Cushion (V10) were planted under black plastic mulch (M2) and without mulch condition (M1). The variety Phule Ganseh Purple under mulched condition (V6M2) registered maximum plant height of 54.03 cm, plant spread of 38.53 cm and number of primary braches 25.46. However, minimum number of days 34.58 and 48.63 days, were recorded in treatment V5M2 (Arka Shashank under mulched condition) for days taken for flower bud initiation, 50 per cent flowering respectively, compared to other treatment combinations. The treatment V8M2 (AAC-1 under mulched condition) was observed with maximum flowering duration (34.26 days). Phule Ganseh Purple under mulch condition (V7M2) and Phule Ganseh Pink under mulch condition (V7M2) recorded maximum flower diameter of 7.47 cm and flower stalk length of 42.77 cm respectively. V7M2 treatment combination recorded highest flower yield (158.76 g) as compared to remaining treatment combinations. The overall experiment resulted that Phule Ganseh Series under black plastic mulch found superior under northern transitional zone of Karnataka.

Spermine mitigates the adverse effects of water deficit by strengthening antioxidant enzymes and anthocyanin pathway-related gene expressions

Water deficit is regarded as one of the worst causes of low agricultural productivity. It disrupts morphophysiological and biochemical processes in plants. In the current research, spermine effectively induced defense responses to abiotic stresses. The foliar spray with spermine ameliorated the adverse impacts of water deficit on zinnia plants (Zinnia elegans L.). The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of foliar spraying of spermine on growth characteristics, enzyme antioxidants activity, gas exchange and genes expression related to the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway (ABP) of zinnia plants grown under water-deficit treatments. The evaluations involved measuring growth characteristics (i.e. height, flower biomass, total plant biomass, fresh and dry plant weight, flower diameter, and vase life), photosynthesis and gas exchange (stomata conductivity, intracellular CO2, transpiration), water use efficiency (WUE), lipid peroxidation (MDA), enzymatic activity (POD and APX) and genes expression related to ABP (CHS, CHI, F3H, F3'H, ANS, 3GT, DFR and AT2). Spermine mitigated the adverse impacts of severe water-deficit on the growth characteristics, flower longevity, and WUE. Our results showed that spermine boosted antioxidant enzymes activity and reduced lipid peroxidation of zinnia under severe and moderate water-deficit. Real-time PCR analysis of genes related to ABP revealed that the early (CHI, CHS and F3H) and late (ANS and 3GT) biosynthetic genes were promptly induced by both water deficit and spermine treatments. We showed that DFR and AT2 genes were induced by different levels of drought stress, while the F3'H gene was expressed only by the exogenous application of spermine. Spermine decreased the MDA content and enhanced the water-deficit tolerance of zinnia plants by maintaining morphological integrity, gaseous exchange, chlorophyll index, WUE, APX, and POD enzyme activities, as well as gene expressions related to ABP. Spermine (3 mM) can be applied as a foliar treatment to alleviate the adverse impacts of water-deficit in zinnia plants.

The Effect of Application of Goat Stage And TSP Fertilizer on The Growth and Production of (Chrysantemum morifolium R.)

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of goat fertilizer and TSP fertilizer on the growth and yield of chrysanthemum (Chrysantenum morifolium R.), conducted at the green house of Pudak Lestari Agrotourism, Pancasari Village, Sukasada District, Buleleng Regency, Bali, from May to in August 2022. This study used a Randomized Block Design (RBD) consisting of 2 factors arranged factorially. The first factor tested was goat manure (K), which consisted of 4 dose levels, namely: K0 = 0 tons/ha, K1 = 15 tons/ha, K2 = 30 tons/ha, K3 = 45 tons/ha while the second factor was TSP (T) fertilizer consisting of 4 dose levels, namely: T0 = 0 kg/ha, T1 = 175 kg/ha, T2 = 350 kg/ha, T3 = 525 kg/ha, each of which was repeated 3 times so that there are 48 trial plots. The research results showed that the interaction between goat manure and TSP fertilizer had no significant effect on all observed variables. Treatment of goat manure had a significant effect only on leaf area, flower diameter, long weight of flower stalks, fresh weight of economic flowers and other variables had no significant effect. The highest economic fresh weight of flowers was obtained from goat manure at a dose of 45 tons ha-1, namely 48.25 g, an increase of 23.97% when compared to no goat manure, namely 38.92 g. The TSP fertilizer treatment obtained the highest plant height and flower diameter in the TSP fertilizer treatment at a dose of 525 kg ha-1, namely 12.67 cm and 10.18 cm compared to that without TSP fertilizer application, namely 10.71 cm and 9.40 cm.

Effects of substrates and cultivars on growth, yield and flower quality of potted lisianthus [Eustoma grandiflorum (Raf.) Shinners] in Ho Chi Minh City

Lisianthus cultivars are known for their variety of color, size and shape, especially the development of heat tolerant lisianthus for potted ornamentals. The objective of this study was to determine the suitable substrate for good growth and development of some lisianthus cultivars under conditions in Ho Chi Minh City. The two - factor experiment was arranged in a split-plot design with four replications. Factor A (main plot) included three cultivars (Rosita Pink Picotee, Rosita Jade and Rosita Pure White) and factor B (sub-plot) included three substrates (40% coco peat + 60% carbonized rice husk, 40% coco peat + 40% carbonized rice husk + 20% vermicompost và 40% coco peat + 40% carbonized rice husk + 20% cow manure). The results showed that different cultivars of lisianthus significantly affected growth, yield and flower quality. Rosita Jade lisianthus grown on the substrate 40% coco peat + 40% carbonized rice husk + 20% cow manure showed the highest plant height (43.6 cm) and the most number of leaves (43.5 pairs of leaves/plant). Additionally, the application of the substrate 40% coco peat + 40% carbonized rice husk + 20% vermicompost or 40% coco peat + 40% carbonized rice husk + 20% cow manure showed better growth, yield and flower quality of lisianthus compared to 40% coco peat + 60% carbonized rice husk. However, the interaction between cultivar and substrate did not significantly affect lisianthus in terms of number of branches, stem diameter, number of buds, number of flowers, flower diameter and flower longevity.

Abundant rather than rare fungi perform a vital role in maintaining the growth of continuous cropped cut chrysanthemum

Soil fungi play key roles in agricultural ecosystem. Yet, little is currently known about the dynamic pattern and driving factors of the rare and abundant fungal subcommunities in response to the short- and long-term continuous cropping. Here, we comparatively investigated the diversity and structure of rare and abundant fungal subcommunities with varying histories of continuous chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.) cropping, that is, cropping for 1 year (CP1), 6 years (CP6) and 12 years (CP12). The alpha diversity (estimated as Shannon index) of abundant and especially rare fungal subcommunities increased with continuous cropping years. The structure of both rare and abundant subcommunities varied notably with the increasing of continuous cropping years, but the value of dissimilarity for rare taxa (average of 0.988) was significantly higher than for abundant taxa (average of 0.243). The abundant taxon Mortierellomycota and rare taxa Nitrospirae and Elusimicrobia were significantly enriched in the CP12 treatment. Soil rare fungal taxa were mainly affected by the available nutrients (i.e., carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus) and pH, while the abundant fungal taxa were majorly influenced by soil total nutrients. The growth indicators (e.g., plant biomass, plant height, and flower diameter) of cut chrysanthemum significantly decreased under 12-year continuous cropping system. Random forest models showed that abundant rather than rare fungi played key roles in the chrysanthemum growth even though the rare fungi were more significantly affected during continuous cropping.

Evaluation of China Aster (Callistephus chinensis L. Nees) Cultivars for Growth, Yield and Quality Parameters under Southern Telangana Zone

China aster (Callistephus chinensis L. Nees) is a half hardy annual flowering plant and is grown for cut as well as for loose flowers. The cut flowers are used in flower arrangements, vases, bouquets, for interior decorations, etc. The loose flowers are widely used for making garlands, for decorations, for worship and are also used in social functions.
 The present investigation was carried out during the year 2018-19 and 2019-20 at farm of Regional Agricultural Research Station, Palem, Telangana to evaluate the china aster varieties under Southern Telangana zone with respect to growth, flower yield and quality characters. Data in this study revealed that, all characteristics varied significantly among the varieties. Maximum plant height, plant spread, number of primary and secondary branches and number of leaves were observed in the variety Phule Ganesh White and the least was recorded in the variety Arka Archana.
 The variety Phule Ganesh White took less number of days for flower bud initiation (52.05), minimum number of days to 50% flower opening (61.63) while more number of days were recorded in the variety Kamini (56.32 and 68.53, respectively). Maximum stalk length was recorded in Phule Ganesh White (20.60 cm) and minimum was recorded in Arka Archana (9.80 cm). In addition, Flower diameter was more (7.00 cm) in both the varieties Phule Ganesh White and Local White, while minimum was detected in Phule Ganesh Pink (5.40cm). The variety Phule Ganesh White recorded more number of flowers per plant (48.7), more flower yield per plant (111.00 g plant-1) and maximum flower yield per hectare (4.64 tha-1). Whereas lowest number of flowers per plant (37.40), flower yield per plant (57.50 g plant-1), flower yield per hectare (2.08 t ha-1) was observed in Arka Archana. Maximum vase life for cut flower (6.00 days) were recorded in Arka Poornima and least was observed in Arka Aadya (3.70 days). Maximum shelf life for loose flowers was recorded in Phule Ganesh White (3.20 days) and minimum was recorded in Arka Archana (1.70 days).

Novel hybrids with floral scent between Lagerstroemia caudata and three L. indica cultivars

L. caudata, native to China, is valued for its floral fragrance while flower size and color still negatively affects their economic value. In this study, three L. indica cultivars ‘Bai Yun Ying Xia’, ‘Qiao Jia Ren’ and ‘Fen Hu Die’ with diverse flower traits were chosen to make cross with L. caudata. Finally, a total of 2832 crosses were obtained, including interspecific, backcross and self-pollination combinations between L. caudata and L. indica. Nearly 260 hybrid seedlings were survived. Hybridity was confirmed by both morphological comparison and simple sequence repeat markers (SSR) technique. All obtained interspecific seedlings were generally intermediate in morphological traits of their parents, but variable in leaf blade length, leaf blade width, leaf blade length/width ratio, flower diameter, flower claw length, petal length, flower color and floral fragrance. Our results suggested that it is possible to optimize floral fragrance of Lagerstroemia cultivars by using L. caudata and the hybrids obtained in this study. These findings could be served as the basis for the development of superior plants with unique combinations of ornamental traits.

The response of growth and production in cauliflower with different doses of Paitan liquid organic fertilizer

Organic fertilizers can be used in cauliflower cultivation as liquid organic fertilizer from Paitan. Paitan is a weed with organic matter and nutrients that can increase soil and plant fertility. The response of growth and production of cauliflower was examined with different doses of paitan liquid organic fertilizer. The randomized block design in this research is five groups with five treatments and then tested applying the Duncan New Multiple Range Test at a significance level of 5 % and 1 % utilizing SAS. Paitan liquid organic fertilizer doses given include treatment 20 ml, 40 ml, 60 ml, and 80 ml paitan/plants. Parameters observed on cauliflower were plant height, amount of leaf, leaf width, flower diameter, flower production weight, and flower weight. The findings of the research indicated no significant effect of liquid organic fertilizer on cauliflower plant height, the amount of leaf, leaf width, and flower diameter. The best impact of this research on cauliflower is the weight of flower production and flower weight treatment doses of 80 ml paitan liquid organic fertilizer.

In Vitro Growth of Dendrobium stratiotes on Various Medium and Growth Regulator

Dendrobium stratiotes is one of orchids that is in demand because its flower diameter is larger than others. But now it is rarely found in nature and least available compared to other orchids. This exacerbated by climate change that supports the scarcity. Therefore, in vitro propagation is one of solution This study aims to evaluate the effect of several types of medium, PGR, and their interaction to in vitro growth. This research was designed in completed randomized design (CRD) with two factors. The first factor is medium type there are VW, ½ MS, Growmore, and AB-MIX. The second factor is the type of PGR there are 0 (without PGR), BAP, IAA, combination of BAP+IAA, BA, NAA, combination of BA+NAA, all with a concentration of 1 ppm. The growth monitoring was conducted for 2 months. The results showed that the use of ABMIX without PGR produce significants effect to plant height, Growmore with NAA produce significants effect to number of roots, ABMIX with BAP+IAA produce significants effect to number of leaves. Medium, PGR, and interaction between the both did not give significant effect on plant weight. The ABMIX without PGR was able to resulted most notable treatment than others.

Effect of Soaking with Gibberellin and Treatment with Fungal and Bacterial Biofertilizers on the Growth and Flowering of Lilium spp.

This experiment was conducted in a greenhouse at Janat AlNakheel located in khazmiah/Baghdad from 1/9/2020 to 1/6/2021 and aimed to study the effect of gibberellin (GA3) soaking and inoculation with fungous and bacterial biofertilizers on growth and flowering of lilium bulbs (Lilium spp.). The experiment was executed as factorial experiment utilizing the randomly complete block design (RCBD) with two factors. The results showed that soaking with gibberellin prior to planting along with inoculation with biofertilizers and their interaction enhanced vegetative growth traits in which a significant increase in plant height (48.85)cm, stem diameter (9.7)mm, number of leaves (110.56) leaves, leaf area (811.0)mm2, chlorophyll content in leaves (54.24) unit spad, dry weight percentage (12.68)%, and NPK percentage (2.61,0.40,3.07)% was noticed. In addition, flowering traits were also enhanced flowering duration (27.89) days, flower diameter (16.53)cm, dry weight percentage (11.26)%, number of flower buds (8.33)buds, flower content of total dissolved saccharides (11.84) and carotene pigments (2.724), and vase life (20.89) days.

Effect of Biochar Application and Foliar Application of Gibberellin and Cytokinin on Growth and Flowering of Chinese Carnations Dianthus chinensis

The experiment was carried out in the Horticulture Department and Landscaping, College of Agriculture, Tikrit University, during the Agricultural season 2021-2022 to study the response of Chinese carnation to biochar and growth regular carried out with two factors Add biochar at two levels without adding and adding 10 g under the seedlings, the second factor was spraying with gibberellin and cytokinin growth regulators at four levels (no spray, spraying-1 with gibberellin at a concentration of 100 mg L-1 Cytokine spray at a concentration of 100 mg. Liter-1 and spraying with a mixture of gibberellin and cytokine). The experiment was in a randomized complete block design RCBD, and three replicates, results show that superiority of the treatment of adding charcoal and it gave the highest plant height of 77.26 cm and the highest branches numbers and dry weight 25.24 branches plant-1 and 76.15 g, Spraying with a mixture of gibberellins and cytokinin superior in the rest studied traits which were dry weight 16.02 g and NPK 1.60%, 0.26% and 1.75%, and flowers numbers 49.38 plant flowers-1, and flower diameter 3.36 cm.

Neoagaro-oligosaccharides Improve the Postharvest Flower Quality and Vase Life of Cut Rose ‘Gaoyuanhong’

Rose is among the most important cut flower crops worldwide. The vase life is an important indicator of cut rose quality. The composition of the vase solution directly affects vase life. Neoagaro-oligosaccharides (NAOS) are degraded seaweed-derived polysaccharides that constitute a group of compounds with small molecular weight and good water solubility. Oligosaccharide treatment can extend the postharvest longevity of certain types of cut flowers; however, little information is available on the utility of NAOS for preservation of cut rose flowers. To explore the effects of NAOS on the longevity and quality of cut flowers of rose ‘Gaoyuanhong’, 100 mg·L−1 NAOS alone and in combination with 10 g·L−1 sucrose were incorporated in the vase solution. Distilled water was used as the control. Physiological indicators, comprising maximum flower diameter, fresh weight, water balance, vase life, bacteria number in the vase solution, and hormone contents of the outer petals, were determined in fresh cut flowers and analyzed. Compared with the control, 100 mg·L−1 NAOS treatment increased the maximum flower diameter (mean 8.21 cm), induced the maximum rates of change in flower diameter and cut flower fresh weight, maintained the best water balance, significantly extended the vase life to 16 days, and reduced the number of bacteria in the vase solution. The abscisic acid content of the outer petals in the control and 100 mg·L−1 NAOS treatments were significantly lower than that of the other treatments on day 9. The results showed that NAOS is useful to improve the postharvest quality and extend the vase life of cut rose flowers, and might contribute to the development of novel alternative preservatives for the cut rose industry.

The growth and yield of five genotypes of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) in the lowland of West Sumatra, Indonesia

Sunflower plants have many benefits as food, especially for vegetable oil. The development of sunflower cultivation in Indonesia has not been optimal, especially in sunflower production. Increasing production requires superior seeds. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct field tests to know the growth and yield of sunflower plants in the lowlands before plant assembly. The objective of this study was to determine the growth and yield of five adaptive sunflower genotypes. The research was conducted in July - September 2022 in Pauh Sub-district, Padang City, West Sumatra Province The plant genotypes were Ha1, Ha15, HU1, HU2, and HU3. The observed variables were plant height, stem diameter, flowering age, main flower diameter, the weight of 100 seeds, and the percentage of empty seeds. The research used a Completely Randomized Block Design and data analysis was by analysis of variance and if the F test on the analysis of variance shows a significant effect, then it is continued with Duncan’s Multiple Range Test at 5%The results showed that the genotypes had a significant effect on the variables of plant height, stem diameter, main flower diameter, and weight of 100 seeds. According to the observed variable, HU3, Ha1, and HU1 were more adaptive in lowlands than others.