Disc Florets Research Articles

Autonomous apomixis in Praxelis clematidea (Asteraceae: Eupatorieae), an invasive alien plant.

Understanding the reproductive mechanisms of invasive alien species can lay the foundation for effective control measures. Praxelis clematidea is a triploid neotropical Asteraceae species that is invasive in China and other countries. However, few studies have focused on its reproductive biology. In this study, flow cytometric seed screening (FCSS) was used to identify and confirm the reproductive mode of the species. The development of ovules, anthers, and mega- and microgametophytes was observed using a clearing method and differential interference contrast microscopy. Pollen viability was measured using the Benzidine test and Alexander’s stain. Pollen morphology was observed via fluorescence microscopy after sectioning the disk florets and staining with water-soluble aniline blue or 4′6-diamidino-2-phenylindole nuclei dyes. Controlled pollination experiments were conducted on four populations in China to examine the breeding system and to confirm autonomous apomixis. The reproductive mode was found to be autonomous apomixis without pseudogamy, according to FCSS. Megaspore mother cells developed directly into eight-nucleate megagametophytes without meiosis, conforming to Antennaria-type diplospory. The unreduced egg cells developed into embryos through parthenogenesis, while the endosperm was formed by the fusion of two unreduced polar nuclei. Pollen viability was very low (0.82 ± 0.57 % and 0.36 ± 0.44 %) as measured by the Benzidine test and Alexander’s stain, respectively. The majority of the pollen grains were empty and had neither cytoplasm nor nuclei. The seed set was >90 % for all treatments of open pollination, bagging and emasculated capitula. Mature cypselae developed in capitula that were emasculated before flowering, which confirmed that the breeding system of P. clematidea was autonomous apomixis. The present study is the first report of autonomous apomixis in P. clematidea in China. Antennaria-type autonomous apomixis in P. clematidea greatly increases the probability of successful colonisation and dispersal of P. clematidea into new areas, which likely contributes to its high invasion potential. Effective control measures should be implemented to prevent autonomous (pollen-independent) seed production.

Effect of morphology on the hydrogen production of V2O5 nano/micro-particles synthesized by a biodegradable template

We report in this work the morphological, structural and hydrogen generation properties of V2O5 (VO) synthesized by a wet chemical method. We obtained morphologies of nanoplates and nanopillars by using sunflowers’ petals and the center of sunflower (disk florets) as biodegradable templates during the synthesis. A morphology of microbelt is obtained in absence of a biodegradable template in the synthesis. According to the X-ray patterns, the microbelts presented a pure orthorhombic phase, while the nanoplates and nanopillars had a mixture of monoclinic/orthorhombic phases. The monoclinic phase corresponded to VO2 and its content was below 3%. The performance of the three morphologies was evaluated for hydrogen generation under simulated solar light and obtained a maximum hydrogen generation rate of 65.5 μmol g−1 h−1 for the nanopillars. In general, the hydrogen generation decreased in the order: VO-nanopillars > VO-nanoplates > VO-microbelts. The morphology on nanopillars presented the highest hydrogen generation because it had the highest absorption of light as well as the highest content of defects (oxygen vacancies), which acted as electron trapping centers that delayed the electron-hole recombination. The presence of such defects in the VO with different morphologies was confirmed by photoluminescence measurements, since a red emission at 650 nm was observed. Hence, this study demonstrates that finding the optimum morphology for VO with the highest hydrogen production is relevant, since it can be employed to make nanocomposites with several heterojunctions, leading to higher hydrogen production rates.

<strong><em>Synotis jinshajiangensis</em> (Asteraceae: Senecioneae), a new species from northwestern Yunnan, China</strong>

Synotis jinshajiangensis (Asteraceae: Senecioneae), a new species from southwestern Sichuan and northwestern Yunnan, China, is illustrated and described. This species is most closely similar to S. cappa in habit and shape of leaves and inflorescences, but is distinct by its smaller involucres, absence of ray florets, and fewer phyllaries and disk florets. It is also related to S. glomerata in habit and number of phyllaries, but differs by its loose compound corymbs or thyrses. A distribution map and a key to S. jinshajiangensis and its related species are provided.

Discrimination of Floral Scents in <i>Chrysanthemum morifolium</i> Cultivars using Electronic Nose

The aim of the present study was to investigate the differences in volatile profiles among different Korean chrysanthemum cultivars grown as cut flowers. To optimize a method for sampling and comparing scents, the scents were evaluated by electronic nose (E-nose) at different flowering stages and in different organs and cultivars. The values of maximum resistance changes of metal oxide semiconductor sensors and relative aroma intensity were highest at flowering stage III (full flower stage of ray florets and initial opening disc florets) among different stages and in disc florets among different floral organs of cut chrysanthemums. Among the 12 chrysanthemum cultivars, the highest values for response change and relative aroma intensity were observed in the flowers of the ‘Ilweol’ cultivar. To compare scent patterns among the cultivars, E-nose sensor data was subjected to multivariate statistical analysis. Principal component analysis and discriminant function analysis of the volatile metabolic profile data indicated that chrysanthemum samples were clearly discriminated in a cultivar-dependent manner. These results show that different cultivars are characterized by distinct volatile profiles. Hierarchical cluster analysis showed that the 12 chrysanthemum cultivars were separated into 3 main groups according to the relationship of volatile profiles; however, chrysanthemum cultivars were not clustered according to the flower shape. We propose that these results could be used as the basis on which to improve the breeding of cut chrysanthemums based on volatile characteristics.

Genome-wide analysis of the MADS-Box gene family in Chrysanthemum

MADS-box family transcription factors play key roles in various developmental processes in plants. Here, we identified 108 MADS-box genes in the genome of chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum nankingense). We classified these genes based on their phylogenetic relationships with MADS-box genes in Arabidopsis thaliana and lettuce (Lactuca sativa). Type I genes were subdivided into classes Mα (19 genes), Mβ (12 genes), and Mγ (10 genes), and type II genes were subdivided into classes MIKCC (64 genes) and MIKC* (3 genes). The MIKCC class genes were further divided into 16 subclasses that included genes described in the ABCDE flower development model. Each group of MADS-box genes showed a specific pattern of conserved protein motifs and exon–intron structure. We analyzed the expression levels of each MADS-box gene in root, stem, leaf, flower bud, disc floret, and ray floret tissues. Subfamilies AGL18, FLC, and SVP contained more members in chrysanthemum. The asterid-specific TM8 subfamily and eleven Asteraceae Specific-MADS CnMADS genes were present in chrysanthemum. Chrysanthemum is the lacking members of the AGL15 subfamily. Among the genes responsible for the ABCDE model, B-class genes were expanded in chrysanthemum with three AP3 and four PI genes. One AP3 homolog functions in marginal ray floret development, whereas the two other AP3 homologs function in the development of the central disc floret. Two of the four PI genes are expressed in chrysanthemum, specifically in both types of florets. The results of this study lay the foundation for further studies of the roles of MADS-box genes in flower development in chrysanthemum and of the evolution of MADS-box genes in plants.

HaYABBY Gene Is Associated with the Floral Development of Ligulate-Like Tubular Petal Mutant Plants of Sunflower

As an ornamental organ, petal plays an important role in attracting insect pollination, it’s development attracts the attention of many researchers. In this study, a sunflower mutant line with ligulate-like tubular petal (lpm) was screened out, and its disc tubular florets were characterized with elongated ligulate-like petals, longer filaments size, fewer anthers and lower seed setting rate, compared with wide type (WT) plants. From the suppression subtractive hybridization library constructed using inflorescence of lpm and WT plants, the HaYABBY was identified with expressing differentially. The cDNA and structural sequences of HaYABBY gene were 997 and 4339 bp, respectively, encoding a peptide with 219 amino acids. The analysis of HaYABBY expression showed that it presented higher transcription level in flower than root, stem and leaf of sunflower. The expression level of YABBY in disc florets of lpm was significantly higher than those of WT, especially at early floral developmental stage. The results suggested that HaYABBY could impact the floral development at early stage, particularly on petal elongation and floral symmetry morphogenesis in sunflower. Furthermore, the results implied that HaYABBY would be involved in the regulation of reproductive system development and affect their fertility. Our findings will provide some insight to understand the regulating network of floral development in sunflower, and help to cultivate new sunflower varieties with high ornamental value.

Synotis panzhouensis (Asteraceae, Senecioneae), a distinct new species with red-purple pappus from southwestern Guizhou, China.

A new species of Asteraceae, Synotis panzhouensis, is described and illustrated from Guizhou Province in China. Compared with other species of the genus, it is distinguishable by having red-purple pappus; additionally, it differs from its closest ally S. nayongensis by the larger involucres and phyllaries, and higher number of phyllaries and disk florets. In addition, detailed discussion of morphological differences, the provisional IUCN status and a distribution map are provided.

Linkage Map Development by EST-SSR Markers and QTL Analysis for Inflorescence and Leaf Traits in Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.).

Chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.) are famous ornamental crops with high medicinal and industrial values. The inflorescence and leaf traits are key factors that affect the yield and quality of chrysanthemum. However, the genetic improvement of those traits is slow within chrysanthemum because of its hexaploidy, high heterozygosity and enormous genome. To study the genetic control of the important traits and facilitate marker-assisted selection (MAS) in chrysanthemum, it is desirable to populate the genetic maps with an abundance of transferrable markers such as microsatellites (SSRs). A genetic map was constructed with expressed sequence tag–simple sequence repeat (EST-SSR) markers in an F1 progeny of 192 offspring. A total of 1000 alleles were generated from 223 EST-SSR primer pairs. The preliminary maternal and paternal maps consisted of 265 marker alleles arranged into 49 and 53 linkage groups (LGs), respectively. The recombined parental maps covered 906.3 and 970.1 cM of the genome, respectively. Finally, 264 polymorphic loci were allocated to nine LGs. The integrated map spanned 954.5 cM in length with an average genetic distance of 3.6 cM between two neighbouring loci. Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) analysis was performed using the integrated map for inflorescence diameter (ID), central disc flower diameter (CDFD), number of whorls of ray florets (NWRF), number of ray florets (NRF), number of disc florets (NDF), number of florets (NF), ray floret length (RFL), ray floret width (RFW), ray floret length/width (RFL/W), leaf length (LL), leaf width (LW) and leaf length/width (LL/W). Overall, 36 (21 major) QTLs were identified. The successful mapping of inflorescence and leaf traits QTL demonstrated the utility of the new integrated linkage map. This study is the first report of a genetic map based on EST-SSR markers in chrysanthemum. The EST-SSR markers, genetic map and QTLs reported here could be valuable resources in implementing MAS for chrysanthemums in breeding programs.

Popularization of Marigold cv. Seracole for income generation through front line demonstration in Assam

The field experiment was carried out during the year 2016 and 2017under KVK’s in Sengamari Habigaon village of Dibrugarh district and Moumaikigaon of Golaghat district of Assam for Popularization of marigold cv. Seracole for income generation through front line demonstration. The data were recorded for flower yield, quality and economics of marigold cultivation for summer and winter season. The results showed that in October planting the average weight of flower 6.35g, flower diameter 7.35 cm, number of ray florets 162.95, disc florets 75.00, self life 19.20 days, loose flower life 4.55 days, number of flower per plant 139.0, yield per plant 0.85 kg, yield per plot 14.40 kg, yield per hectare 240.00 q with good compact flower which was closely followed by March planting with 6.10g, 7.10 cm, 156.60, 65.80, 17.92 days, 3.40 days, 128.75, 0.81 kg, 11.30kg and 234.00 q respectively. But the benefit cost ratio was showed highest in March planting of 4.85 compared to October planting 3.0 due high demand and price in the summer season.

Enzyme-assisted extraction of carotenoids and phenolic compounds from sunflower wastes using green solvents.

The aim of this work is to develop an optimized enzymatic assisted extraction methodology to extract carotenoids and phenolic compounds from sunflower wastes (petals and florets) using natural hydrophobic green solvents. Several natural green hydrophobic solvents were used as well as natural hydrophobic eutectic solvents composed of d,l-menthol and different acids, with different hydrophobicity. The multi-enzyme complex Viscozyme® was used to disrupt the cell wall of petals and disc florets. The extracted carotenoids content into the hydrophobic phase was quantified using UV-Vis spectrophotometry and the carotenoids profile was studied using high-performance liquid and thin layer chromatography. The amount of total sugars in the aqueous phase was also analyzed using the dinitrosalicylic acid (DNS) method to infer about the enzymatic action in cell wall. Phenolic compounds also in the aqueous phase were analyzed by Folin Denis method. The eutectic solvent d,l-menthol:d,l-lactic acid (M:HLac) (1:2) was the best solvent for extraction of carotenoids from sunflower wastes, with 147ppm of carotenoids extracted, in comparison to 115ppm obtained with the standard solvent, n-hexane. In what concerns phenolic compounds, M:HLac was again better than the standard solvent. The use of the multi-enzyme complex Viscozyme® had different responses, depending on the solvent tested. For the green solvent M:HLac, the enzyme improved the carotenoids extraction, achieving 335ppm of carotenoids in the extract. The role of enzyme, solvent, water and sunflower quantity in the carotenoid extraction was evaluated and optimized through a central composite rotatable design (CCRD), using the M:HLac as solvent. According to the analysis of CCRD, the most efficient extractions were carried out using more solvent and less raw material, whose best result reached 1449 mg carotenoids/100 g biomass ppm of carotenoids. This work emphasizes the possibility of developing more sustainable enzyme-assisted separation processes, through the substitution of toxic solvents with natural, environmentally friendly, solvents.

Methylation-sensitive amplification polymorphism analysis reveals the DNA methylation dynamics during capitulum development in Chrysanthemum lavandulifolium

Chrysanthemum lavandulifolium (Fischer ex Trautv.) Makino is a diploid plant belonging to the Asteraceae family, with typical capitula composed of female ray florets and bisexual disc florets. The differentiation and development of these two types of florets have long been important research focuses; however, the potential epigenetic mechanisms governing these processes have not been elucidated. In the present study, methylation-sensitive amplification polymorphism method was used to trace the dynamic changes of DNA methylation during capitulum development in C. lavandulifolium. DNA methylation patterns and levels were detected in the whole capitula during seven developmental stages, and the obtained results revealed that DNA demethylation was dominant during this process. In addition, DNA methylation patterns and levels showed significant differences between ray and disc florets. Moreover, the expression patterns of candidate genes potentially involved in the development processes of two types of florets were analyzed by real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and correlation analysis indicated that the expression levels of ClPI, ClAG2, ClSEP1, ClCYC2c, ClCYC2d, and ClCYC2e were highly correlated with DNA methylation levels. These results indicate that DNA methylation may be involved in the differentiation and development of ray and disc florets. This study provides epigenetic insights into the capitulum development in C. lavandulifolium.

The core regulatory networks and hub genes regulating flower development in Chrysanthemum morifolium.

The study has facilitated important insights into the regulatory networks involved in flower development in chrysanthemum (Asteraceae), and is informative with respect to the mechanism of flower shape determination. Chrysanthemum morifolium, valued as an ornamental species given the diversity of its inflorescence form, is viewed as a model for understanding flower development in the Asteraceae. Yet, the underlying regulatory networks remain largely unexplored. Here, a transcriptomic survey of the Chrysanthemum morifolium variety 'Jinba' was undertaken to uncover the global gene expression profiles and identify the modules of co-transcribed genes associated with flower development. The weighted gene coexpression network analysis revealed important networks and hub genes including ray floret petals-specific coexpression network, disc floret petals-specific network, B and E class genes involved network and CYC2 genes network. Three ray floret petal-specific hub genes were also strongly transcribed in the ray florets of a selection of six diverse varieties and especially so in those which form ligulate ray floret petals. CmCYC2c was strongly transcribed in the distal and lateral regions of the ray floret petals, and also, along with CmCYC2d, in the tubular ray florets. Furthermore, CmOFP, belonging to the family of ovate proteins, was identified in the CYC2 genes network. CmOFP can interact with CmCYC2d that physically interact with CmCYC2c. This work provides important insights into the regulatory networks involved in flower development in chrysanthemum, and is informative with respect to the mechanistic basis of the regulation of flower shape.

<p><strong><em>Pacifigeron indivisus</em> (Asteraceae: Astereae), a new species endemic to Rapa, Austral Islands, and a new delimitation of the <em>Celmisia</em> group</strong></p>

This study reports, based on molecular phylogenetic analyses and a morphological assessment, the second species of Pacifigeron, an endemic genus of Rapa Island in French Polynesia. Detailed morphological and ecological descriptions, illustrations, IUCN Red List assessment, and a distributional map are provided. Our results support the exclusion of Pacifigeron from the Celmisia group and also allow the re-circumscription of the Celmisia group. The new species Pacifigeron indivisus can be differentiated from P. rapensis, among other characters, by its larger leaves, larger number of capitula per capitulescence, corollas lacking long uniseriate multicellular trichomes, style of the disc florets undivided, and absence of twin trichomes on the cypsela epidermis. Molecular data indicates that Pacifigeron is related to South American Andean genera rather than to the Celmisia group as was previously proposed. The Celmisia group is here re-circumscribed to include ca. 159 species distributed in Australasia within the following genera: Celmisia, Damnamenia, Olearia pro parte, Pachystegia, and Pleurophyllum. Given the taxonomic complexity and polyphyletic nature of Olearia, its taxonomy is briefly reviewed based on history, morphology, and phylogenetic evidence, which in turn allows delineation of its species composition within the Celmisia group. None of the Olearia species in the Celmisia group can be retained in Olearia since the type species, O. tomentosa, does not belong to the Celmisia group.

Stigma receptivity with pollen in sunflower accompanies novel histochemical and biochemical changes in both male and female reproductive structures

Pollen–pistil interaction is one of the widely studied cell–cell communication events in angiosperms. Pollination of the receptive pistil with compatible pollen and the subsequent steps that determines the success of fertilization depend on the cooperative events between pollen and pistil. Before the onset of these interactive events between pollen and pistil, both the participants prepare themselves for the upcoming complex cellular events. Receptive surface of stigma is characterized by the accumulation of reactive oxygen species and expression of specific biomolecules and enzymes, such as non-specific esterases and peroxidases. Pollen grains produce nitric oxide that scavenge reactive oxygen species generated on stigma surface after pollination and just prior to pollen germination. Present work reports accumulation of glycoproteins, lipids and phospholipids at the base of stigmatic papillae in mature receptive stigma. A 31 kDa glycoprotein has been detected in stigma homogenate. Stigma exhibit enhanced expression of peroxidase isoforms relative to buffer soluble fractions of pollen, i.e. intact pollen, internal pollen and tryphine fractions. A 54 kDa protease is expressed in pollen grains as well as stigma. Biochemical analyses of these biomolecules in pollen and stigma relative to other vegetative (corolla of ray and disc floret, bracts, young leaves) and reproductive (anther wall and ovary) parts highlight the implications of these biomolecules in pollen–stigma interaction.

Ectopic expression of Chrysanthemum CDM19 in Arabidopsis reveals a novel function in carpel development

Abstract Background APETALA3 (AP3) has significant roles in petal and stamen development in accordance with the classical ABC model. Results The AP3 homolog, CDM19, from Chrysanthemum morifolium cv. Jinba was cloned and sequenced. Sequence and phylogenetic analyses revealed that CDM19 is of DEF/AP3 lineage possessing the characteristic MIKC-type II structure. Expression analysis showed that CDM19 was transcribed in petals and stamens of ray and disc florets with weak expression in the carpels. Ectopic expression of CDM19 in Arabidopsis wild-type background altered carpel development resulting in multi-carpel siliques. CDM19 could only partially rescue the Arabidopsis ap3‐–3 mutant. Conclusions Our results suggest that CDM19 may partially be involved in petal and stamen development in addition to having novel function in carpel development. How to cite: Githeng’u SK, Ding L, Zhao K, et al. Ectopic expression of Chrysanthemum CDM19 in Arabidopsis reveals a novel function in carpel development. Electron J Biotechnol 2020;45. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2020.03.001 .

Othonna cerarioides (Asteraceae: Othonnineae), a new species from Namaqualand, South Africa

Othonna cerarioides Magoswana and J.C. Manning is described as a new species from Namaqualand, Northern Cape Province of South Africa. It is an erect shrub with rod‐like stems and branches, bearing numerous spur‐shoots with obovate‐oblanceolate leaves clustered at the tips, and up to nine disciform capitula per spur‐shoot. Othonna cerarioides is anomalous in the genus in that the style of some of the disc florets is bifid. Othonna is diagnosed within subtribe Othonnineae by female‐sterile disc florets with simple (or very rarely minutely bifid) styles. The disc florets in the closely related genus Hertia are bisexual with well branched styles.

CmCYC2-like transcription factors may interact with each other or bind to the promoter to regulate floral symmetry development in Chrysanthemum morifolium.

The complex capitulum of Chrysanthemum morifolium is often comprised of bilaterally symmetrical ray florets and radially symmetrical disc florets. The TCP transcription factor clade CYCLOIDEA2 (CYC2) appears to play a vital role in determining floral symmetry and in regulating floral organ development in Asteraceae. Our previous study identified six CmCYC2 genes from chrysanthemum and showed that CmCYC2c participated in the regulation of ray floret identity. However, the functions of other CmCYC2 genes and the underlying molecular mechanism of CmCYC2-mediated floral development regulation in chrysanthemums have not been elucidated. In this study, we analysed the function of CmCYC2 genes by ectopic expression of CmCYC2 in Arabidopsis. Then, we examined the protein-protein interaction using yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assays. Finally, we analysed the protein-DNA interaction using yeast one-hybrid (Y1H) and dual-luciferase reporter assays. We found that ectopic expression of CmCYC2 genes in the Arabidopsis tcp1 mutant changed its floral symmetry and flowering time. Y2H and BiFC assays confirmed three pairs of interactions between CmCYC2 proteins, that is, CmCYC2b-CmCYC2d, CmCYC2b-CmCYC2e and CmCYC2c-CmCYC2d, suggesting that heterodimeric complexes may form between CmCYC2 proteins to increase their functional specificity. The results of Y1H and dual-luciferase reporter assays indicate that CmCYC2c can bind to the promoter of ClCYC2f. Our findings provided clues that CmCYC2-like transcription factors may interact with each other or bind to the promoter to regulate floral symmetry development in C. morifolium. KEY MESSAGE: CmCYC2-like transcription factors may interact with each other or bind to the promoter to regulate floral symmetry development in Chrysanthemum morifolium.

Phytochemical and comparative transcriptome analyses reveal different regulatory mechanisms in the terpenoid biosynthesis pathways between Matricaria recutita L. and Chamaemelum nobile L.

BackgroundMatricaria recutita (German chamomile) and Chamaemelum nobile (Roman chamomile) belong to the botanical family Asteraceae. These two herbs are not only morphologically distinguishable, but their secondary metabolites – especially the essential oils present in flowers are also different, especially the terpenoids. The aim of this project was to preliminarily identify regulatory mechanisms in the terpenoid biosynthetic pathways that differ between German and Roman chamomile by performing comparative transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses.ResultsWe determined the content of essential oils in disk florets and ray florets in these two chamomile species, and found that the terpenoid content in flowers of German chamomile is greater than that of Roman chamomile. In addition, a comparative RNA-seq analysis of German and Roman chamomile showed that 54% of genes shared > 75% sequence identity between the two species. In particular, more highly expressed DEGs (differentially expressed genes) and TF (transcription factor) genes, different regulation of CYPs (cytochrome P450 enzymes), and rapid evolution of downstream genes in the terpenoid biosynthetic pathway of German chamomile could be the main reasons to explain the differences in the types and levels of terpenoid compounds in these two species. In addition, a phylogenetic tree constructed from single copy genes showed that German chamomile and Roman chamomile are closely related to Chrysanthemum nankingense.ConclusionThis work provides the first insights into terpenoid biosynthesis in two species of chamomile. The candidate unigenes related to terpenoid biosynthesis will be important in molecular breeding approaches to modulate the essential oil composition of Matricaria recutita and Chamaemelum nobile.

<p><strong><em>Aster huangpingensis</em></strong><strong> (Asteraceae, Astereae), a new species from Guizhou, China</strong></p>

A new Asteraceae species, Aster huangpingensis W. P. Li & Z. Li from Guizhou, China, is described and illustrated based on morphological and molecular analyses. Detailed morphological comparisons indicated that A. huangpingensis is similar to A. dolichophyllus. However, it can be distinguished from A. dolichophyllus by its lower leaves (2.5) 3.3–5.8 (7.5) × 0.3–0.9 cm, narrowly oblanceolate or spatulate, bracts glandular, punctate, few or absent, involucres campanulate, 3.5–5.5 mm in diam., ray florets 11–22 and disk florets 16–28, middle phyllary margins with strigillose and eglandular hairs, stigmatic appendage equilaterally triangle-shaped, and different flowering period. Molecular analyses based on nuclear ITS and ETS sequence data supported A. huangpingensis as a distinct species, and its systematic position is determined in A. subgen. Aster sect. Aster. Cytological observations showed that the new species is diploid with its karyotype being 2n =2x =18 = 16 m + 2 sm. Its only population is located on riverbanks of a stream that will become a tourist hotspot and is in urgent need for conservation actions.

‘Red Velvet’ : A High-Yielding Standard Gerbera Cultivar With Red and Semi-Double Flowers

A new gerbera cultivar known as ‘Red Velvet’ was bred by the National Institute of Horticultural & Herbal Science in 2015. The scarlet-flowered cultivar ‘Rose’ with a semi-double flower type and green center and the red-flowered cultivar ‘Sabana’ with a semi-double flower type and dark center were crossed from October 2007 to February 2008. Among 187 offspring from this cross, ‘Red Velvet’ was selected, especially for cut flower production after investigating the phenotypic characteristics for eight years (2008–2015). ‘Red Velvet’ is a vigorous standard gerbera cultivar with brilliant red flowers (RHS R45B) and brown center disc florets; it is a semi-double flower type. Its average flower diameter is 12.6 ± 0.5 cm, and its inner ray floret and disc floret diameters are 5.7 ± 0.3 cm and 2.8 ± 0.2 cm, respectively. It has a thick peduncle width, with upper and lower parts being 5.4 ± 0.4 mm and 7.8 ± 0.7 mm, respectively; its long peduncle height is 60.0 ± 8.1 cm. The vase life of ‘Red Velvet’ is 9.8 ± 2.3 days, similar to the standard cultivar. It is a high-yielding cultivar, with an average yield of 48.3 ± 4.8 stems per plant.