Flower Dry Weight Research Articles

Performance of gerbera varieties under naturally ventilated polyhouse

An experiment was conducted to evaluate ten varieties of gerbera under polyhouse conditions in Hyderabad. Vegetative, flowering and flower characters varied significantly among the cultivars and variations in different growth parameters were prominent. Mean performance of the cultivars revealed that cv. Helix recorded maximum plant height, flower diameter, flower stalk diameter and ray florets. The same cultivar Helix also produced maximum number of suckers per plant, number of flowers per plant, Fresh weight of flower, dry weight of flower and possessed longest field life which was at par with cv. Goliath. The cv. Goliath found superior with respect to maximum chlorophyll content, minimum days required for commence of first-flower and days taken for 50% flowering.Maximum disc diameter and number of leaves were produced by cv. balance. While cv. Savannah had significantly maximum leaf area and length of the flower stalk. However, the cv. ‘Montenegro recorded least mean value in terms of plant height, number of leaves per plant, leaf length, leaf breadth, leaf area, number of suckers, chlorophyll content, flower diameter, flower stalk diameter, ray florets, disc diameter, number of flowers per plant and took maximum days for first flower opening, 50 % flowering and which was late in inducing flowering had lesser duration of flowering. Cultivar Helix exerted best performance on various growth and flower characters along with the cultivars Goliath, Danaellen, Balance and Savannah.

Plant growth regulators modulate the growth, physiology, and flower quality in rose (Rosa hybirda)

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of different plant growth regulators as a foliar spray on greenhouse rose cv. Rosa hybirda to increase the growth and vase life. Main objective of this research is exogenous application of plant growth regulators that significantly increase the flower quality of rose. A total of 5 treatments T1 = control, T2 = Thiourea @ 60 mg/L, T3 = Ascorbic acid @ 60 mg/L, T4 = Salicylic acid @ 60 mg/L and T5 = Humic acid @ 60 mg/L were tested in complete randomized design with three replications. All the treatments improved the yield, flowering quality and vase life as compared to control treatment. Although, various treatments, salicylic acid showed the maximum plant height (123.5 cm) and days to first flower harvest (87 days). Results declared that foliar spray of plants growth regulators increased the chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll contents. Additionally, flowering parameters like flower stalk length (16.533 cm), fresh weight of flower (15.95 g), dry weight of flower (2.20 g), flower diameter (10.133 cm), number of flowers per plant (10.133), flower quality (4.6) and vase life (2.86 days) were significantly increased in plants sprayed with salicylic acid and humic acid @ 60 mg/L.

Effect of Azotobactor and Pseudomonas along with various levels of NPK on growth and flowering of marigold cv. Pusa Narangi Gainda

The experiment was carried at Agriculture Farm, School of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, RIMT University, Mandi Gobindgarh, Punjab, India. This investigation was done to study the effect of different biofertilizers and NPK level on vegetative growth and flowering parameters of marigold cv. Pusa Narangi Gainda during 2019-20. Experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with three replications. Results revealed that, number of leaves/plant (303.98), fresh weight of leaf (4.34 g), dry weight of leaf (1,68 g), leaf biomass/plant (1103.03 g) and stem diameter (1.54 cm) were resulted when plants of marigold treated with treatment T10 (75% NPK + N2 fixer (Azotobactor) + PSB (Pseudomonas) + RDFYM). In concern with flowering parameters, the results revealed that the number of flowers/plant (36.07), fresh weight of flower (6.89 g) and longer flower longevity (34.61 days) were resulted by under T10 (75% NPK + N2 fixer (Azotobactor) + PSB (Pseudomonas) + RDFYM) not with standing, more dry weight of flower (1.91 g) and longer duration of flowering (49.51 days) were recorded under the treatment T9 i.e. 75% NPK + PSB (Pseudomonas).

Salinity affects the growth and quality of rose (Rosa damascena)

Soil salinity is an important abiotic factor that adversely affects plant growth. In present study, response of rose (Rosa damascena) was evaluated to various NaCl salinity levels developed by irrigating saline water. Plants were irrigated with different salinities, viz. 0 (control), 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 mM NaCl. After treatments application, plants were sampled, and relative growth rate (RGR) was calculated. Growth rates were significantly reduced as recorded for flower diameter, number of leaves per plant, number of shoots per plant, number of flowers per plant, number of petals per flower, fresh and dry weight of flower and petals. Results depicted that plant growth and yield significantly reduced with increase in salt concentration particularly when >150 mM NaCl was applied. Therefore, it is suggested that Rosa damascena may be best grown when salinity level of ≤150 mM and should not be grown in areas where salt concentrations are greater than 150 mM.

Hormonal Priming with BAP and GA3 Induces Improving Yield and Quality of Saffron Flower Through Promotion of Carbohydrate Accumulation in Corm

This work investigated the effects of the hormonal priming of saffron corms before planting with 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) as cytokinin, and gibberellic acid (GA3) on saffron quantity and quality by examining the number of flower, fresh and dry weight of flower, fresh and dry weight of stigma, length of stigma, crocin, picrocrocin and safranal compounds in stigma, anthocyanin content of petals as well as the changes in total soluble carbohydrate in corm and leaf during flowering. The results indicated that hormonal priming by using application of BAP improved yield of saffron flowers by increasing the number of flowers, fresh and dry weight of each flower, and stigma by. In addition, length of stigma improved by application of GA3 compared with BAP and untreated plants. The applied BAP and GA3 led to an increase of total soluble sugar in leaf and corm of saffron, and they had a significant difference with non-hormonal priming treatment. In addition, the total soluble sugar concentration in corm of saffron was more than that in leaves under hormonal priming. The anthocyanin content of petals of saffron had an increase under BAP application compared with GA3, whereas the application of GA3 had a significant difference with control and improved the anthocyanin of flower petals, but its effect was less than application of BAP. Interestingly, this study showed that BAP led to a much higher increase in the concentration of crocin, picrocrocin, and safranal compounds in stigma, as compared to the GA3 and control treatment. Furthermore, this experiment suggests that total soluble carbohydrates of the corm may play an important role during flowering on saffron quality because there were clearly higher concentrations of crocin, picrocrocin, and safranal compounds in stigma and anthocyanin content of petals under BAP and GA3 application. Finally, this work indicated that an increase in the saffron yield and quality of flowers is associated with an increase in the contents of carbohydrates in corm caused by the application of BAP.

Evaluating Agronomic and Essential Oil of African Marigold (<i>Tagetes erecta </i>L.) Varieties Intercropping with Tomato by Its Population Density at Wondo Genet, Southern Ethiopia

Intercropping of African marigolds between tomatoes protects the tomato plants from harmful root-knot nematodes in the soil and increase the marketable fruit yield of tomato by trapping different insects and pest attack and the like. Field experiment was conducted to assess effect of plant densities of intercropped African Marigold Varieties on yield related traits and yield of the associated crops and to evaluate the productivity and economic value of tomato and African marigold intercropping system, in southern parts of Ethiopia, at Wondo Genet Agricultural Research Center in 2017/18 cropping season. Three varieties of African marigold (AVT 001, AVT 540 and AVT 7063) at three population densities (PD) (25%, 50%, and 75%) were intercropped with tomato variety ‘Melk shola’. The three varieties of African marigold (AFM) and tomato were included as a sole for comparison. Randomized complete block design in factorial with three replications was used. The varieties of AFM significantly affected plant (PH), essential oil content (EOC) and essential oil yield (EOY). The tallest plant (55.36 cm) of AFM was due to AVT 001 than other varieties. Variety AVT 540 gave the highest EOC (0.21) and EOY (7.55 kg ha^-1) than other two varieties. Sole planted African marigold produced significantly higher (55.73) number of fresh flowers per plant than the intercropped (50.04). Cropping system was significantly affected number of branch (NBPP) and number of fresh flowers per plant (NFFPP). The highest NBPP (24.91) and NFFPP (55.73) were obtained from sole planting of AFM. The highest NBPP (23.15) and NFFPP (50.07) were recorded from 50% PD. of AFM. The highest fresh flower yield (45,860 kg ha^-1), dry flower weight per hectare (5,360 kg ha^-1), EOC (0.17) and EOY (9.36 kg ha^-1) were due to 75% PD. The highest (0.84) partial land equivalent ratio (LER) of tomato and total LER (1.43) were due to 50% PD. The highest value of monetary advantage index (37,225 ETB ha^-1) was due to 50% PD. Therefore, any of the three African marigold varieties at 50% PD could be recommended for intercropping with tomato.

Effect of ascorbic and salicylic acids on growth and flowering of Gazania cv. Frosty Kiss Mixed

Abstract An experiment was conducted during the season 2018-2019 in the lath house to study the effect of foliar spray with Ascorbic Acid (AsA) and Salicylic Acid (SA) on vegetative and flowering growth traits of Gazania (Gazania rigens L.) cv. Frosty Kiss Mixed. The experiment was designed as a factorial experiment (3×3) in Randomized Complete Blocks Design (RCBD) with three replicates. Plants were sprayed with concentrations of 0, 100, and 200 mg L-1 of AsA, and 0, 150 and 300 mg L-1 of SA. Foliar spray with 200 mg L-1 of AsA was superior on increasing number of leaves (40.00), number of suckers (9.22), leaf area (2174.09 cm2), leaves dry weight (6.36 g), number of flowers (5.64), early of flowering date (97.22 days), flower fresh and dry weight (4.78 g) (0.51 g) respectively, while spray with a concentration of 100 mg L-1 led to increase flower diameter (6.37 cm) and flowering duration (10.85 days). Foliar spray with SA improved all vegetative and flowering traits. Treatment of 300 mg L-1 was the most significant effect in increasing number of leaves (39.56), leaf area (2182.06 cm2), leaves fresh weight (43.93 g), number of flowers (5.83), flower diameter (6.31 cm), early of flowering date (98.07 days), and flower dry weight (0.50 g). The interaction effect between the studied factors was significant in all studied traits. Treatment of AsA200×SA150 was the most effective and gave the best results in terms of number of suckers (9.11), dry weight of leaves (6.49 g), number of flowers (5.87), flower diameter (6.44 cm), flowering date (96.98 days), flowering duration (10.89 days).

Effect of foliar application of some vitamins and irrigation intervals on vegetative growth, flowering, and some biochemical constituents of Helianthus annuus L. plants.

A pot experiment was conducted during the seasons of 2017 and 2018 at Antoniades Research Branch, Horticulture Research Institute, A.R.C. Alexandria, Egypt to study the effects of foliar spray of some vitamins (control, ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol or nicotinamide) at 100 ppm and irrigation intervals (2 or 3 days) on the vegetative growth, flowering, and some biochemical constituents of (Helianthus annuus L.) plants. The results cleared that, most parameters were significantly affected by application of the three vitamins which were used in this study. The magnitude of increase is more pronounced by applying α-tocopherol, where, using α-tocopherol by 100 ppm gave the highest number of leaves and stem diameter, and the lowest proline concentration. Also, using of α-tocopherol by 100 ppm combined with 3 days irrigation interval gave the highest significant increases in the plant height, leaf area, leaves dry weight, stem dry weight, flower duration, flower dry weight, and leaves content of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total carbohydrate. Kakar and Soomro (2001) Therefore, it is advised to use this treatment to provide the amount of water used in the production of the plant and obtaining the highest quality for it.

Study on effect of pinching and gibberellic acid on growth, flowering and yield of African marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) under Prayagraj agro-climatic condition

The present experiment was conducted to determine the response of Pinching and Gibberellic acid on growth, flowering and yield of African marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) in the Department of Horticulture, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Science, Prayagraj, (U.P.) during the monsoon season 2019. 19 treatments were included in the trial viz; T0 Without pinching +spraying, T1 Pinching 30 days, T2 Pinching 35 days, T3 Pinching 40 days, T4 Pinching 45 days, T5 Gibberellic acid 100PPM, T6 Gibberellic acid 200PPM, T7 Gibberellic acid 300PPM, T8 Pinching 30 days + 100 PPM Gibberellic acid, T9 Pinching 30 days + 200 PPM Gibberellic acid, T10 Pinching 30 days + 300 PPM Gibberellic acid, T11 Pinching 35 days + 100 PPM Gibberellic acid, T12 Pinching 35 days + 200 PPM Gibberellic acid, T13 Pinching 35 days + 300 PPM Gibberellic acid, T14 Pinching 40 days + 100 PPM Gibberellic acid, T15 Pinching 40 days + 200 PPM Gibberellic acid, T16 Pinching 40 days + 300 PPM Gibberellic acid, T17 Pinching 45 days + 100 PPM Gibberellic acid, T18 Pinching 45 days + 200 PPM Gibberellic acid, T19 Pinching 45 days + 300 PPM Gibberellic acid were tested in three replication. The experiment of design was randomized block design. The results reveal that Pinching and GA3 treatments had significant response on plant height, number of branches per plant, number of node per plant, stem diameter plant spread per plant, number of flowers per plant, flower diameter, number of bud per plant, fresh weight of flower, dry weight of flower, flower yield per plant, flower yield per plot, and flower yield per hectare. The maximum plant height (56.750cm), Number of branches per plant (86.833), Plant spread (73.990), Number of node per plant (461.383), Stem diameter plant spread per plant (4.090), Number of flowers per plant (101.387), Flower diameter per plant (9.337), Number of bud per plant (101.887), Fresh weight of flower (12.160), Dry weight of flower (1.960), Flower yield per plant (495.333), Flower yield per plot (1.321kg), and Flower yield per hectare (6.604 t/ha.) were produced by the treatment (T13) Pinching 35 days + 300 PPM Gibberellic acid. It was the best treatment for good vegetative as well as yields Production.

Efficacy of bio-control agent on growth and flowering in chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora Tzvelev) cv. Marigold

Present investigation was carried out to examine the efficacy of different bio-agents on vegetative and flowering parameters of chrysanthemum at Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Horticulture and Forestry, Jhalawar. For this formulations of different bio-agents like Pseudomonas fluorescens (125g and 175g and 250g/plot area), Trichoderma harzianum, Trichoderma viride, Trichoderma longibrachiatum, Bacillus subtilis used as root application. Pseudomonas fluorescens (250g) treatment was found effective and significantly affected growth and flowering parameters. Plant treated with 250g Pseudomonas fluorescens had maximum plant height (35.27 cm), number of leaves per plant (161.20), leaf length (9.80 cm), leaf width (7.44 cm), main stem diameter (1.22 cm), number of primary branches per plant (7.83) plant fresh weight (281.65 g), plant dry weight (87.67 g). While, flower diameter (7.34 cm), fresh weight of flower (31.56 g), dry weight of flower (4.06 g), In-situ life of flower (19.80 days) were recorded in Trichoderma viride 250g/plot area.

Efficacy of different primers on growth and yield of tulip (Tulipa gesneriana L.)

Tulip (Tulipa gesneriana L.) is an important and highly valuable flower of the cut flower industry. The most critical step in its cultivation is to break dormancy in order to initiate the growth, especially in tropical and sub-tropical areas of the world. Therefore, the current research was conducted to break bulb dormancy and foster the growth of tulip in Potohar region with the help of different primers. The objective of this study was the selection of best primer at appropriate concentration level to enhance growth, yield and vase life of the flower. Tulip bulbs were treated with different primers: T0 (distilled water), T1 (chitosan @ 5 g/L), T2 (gibberellic acid @ 0.15 g/L), T3 (humic acid 160 g/L), T4 (imidacloprid 19 g/L) and T5 (salicylic acid 0.1 g/L) for 24 hours, respectively. The experiment was laid out using Complete Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications. Statistical results revealed that characteristics including early germination, plant height, number of leaves, stalk length, fresh and dry weight of flower, weight of bulbs, diameter of bulbs and number of daughter bulbs were significantly increased in T2. Whereas, leaf area, diameter of stem and flower was maximum in T0. Plants under T3 showed an increase in chlorophyll content of leaves. While floral characteristics like early formation and opening of flower bud, more number of flowers and vase life were improved in T1. Thus, statistical results showed that priming can effectively help to improve morpho-physiological attributes of tulip.

Microwave hydrodiffusion and gravity versus conventional distillation for Acacia dealbata flowers. Recovery of bioactive extracts for cosmetic purposes

Natural extracts recovered from underutilized wild Acacia dealbata flowers using microwave hydrodiffusion and gravity (MHG) were compared with those obtained from conventional steam distillation. Several irradiation powers (50–125 W) were studied. MHG solid phases were treated by solid-liquid extraction (SLE) with ethanol solvent. Their total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, total carotenoid content, color characteristics, pH value and solar protection factor (SPF) were tested. Selected extracts were incorporated to an oil-in-water emulsion cosmetic model made with three thermal spring waters and preliminary sensory analysis was made. These creams were chemically and rheologically analyzed jointly with their bioactive capacity by an acceleration oxidation test. The optimum MHG extract was collected at 75 W for 180 min, since this flower liquor exhibited the highest total phenolic content (around 0.15 mg GAE/g flower dry weight) and antioxidant capacities (about 0.39 mg Trolox eq/g flower dry weight and 0.36 μg β-carotene/g flower dry weight) of microwave extracts. Distillation extracts presented higher concentrations (about 0.20 mg GAE/g flower dry weight and around 0.58 mg Trolox eq/g flower dry weight), but with larger (two times) estimated specific energy requirements. Selected extracts provided sunscreen creams with similar chemical (i.e., pH and SPF values) and bioactive properties (i.e., thiobarbituric acid reactive substance outcomes) that cosmetics prepared with BHT or (±)-α-tocopherol commercial antioxidants. The viscosity features of the different cosmetic samples were similar, except for those sun creams elaborated with one thermal spring water. This sample presented lower apparent viscosity profiles, which could be an important advantage from the skin application point of view.

KARAKTER MORFOLOGI DAN FISIOLOGI TAPAK DARA (Vinca rosea L.) PADA BEBERAPA CEKAMAN AIR

<p><strong>Morphological and physiological characteristics of Vinca at di fferent water stress levels</strong></p><p>Vinca (Vinca rosea L.) is one of the important medicinal crops as the sources of raw materials for traditional medicines. Its alkaloid is believed can reduce the risk of cancer, blood tension and diabetes diseases. Recently, vinca is only grown as ornamental plant in the garden, therefore, its cultivation methods is limited, especially its water stress tolerance, lite purpose of this experiment was to study the effect of water stess on the morphological and physiological characteristics of vinca. A pot experiment was conducted in the plastics house of the Research Institute for Spice and Medicinal Crops from November 1997 to March 1998. Factorial experiment consisted two factors and three replications was arranged in a randomized block design. Ihe irst factor consisted of two vinca varieties, those wee white flowers (WFV) and red flowers of vinca (RFV). While 4 different levels of water stress i.e., (I) 100% ield capacity (FC), (2) 80% FC, (3) 60% FC, and (4) 40% FC were used as the second factor. Parameters used for evaluating the effect of teatment consisted of morphological characteristics such as (I) plant height, (2) number of primary branches, (3) number of leaves, (4) leaf area (5) dry weight of stem, (6) dry weight of leaf, (7) dry weight of flowers and (8) dry weight of roots, and physiological characteristics observed including: (I) percentages of opened stomata and (2) free proline content of leaf. Results showed that interaction between varieties and water stress did not significantly affect the morphological nor physiological characteristics. Varieties significantly affected the morphological characteristics (except plant height), however they did not signiicantly affect physiological characteristics. Water stress significantly affected the morphological (except dry weight of roots) and free proline contents. Under 80% FC, vinca produced the highest growth and dry weight of plant however, the plant growth and dry weight wee inhibited under 60 and 40% FC. Under 40% FC, percentages of opened stomata deceased signiicantly. Moeover, proline content in the leaves signiicantly increased by water stess treatments.</p>

Antioxidant and selected chemical properties of the flowers of three different varieties of Butterfly Pea (<i>Clitoria ternatea</i> L.)

Butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea L.) is used for production of herbal teas, herbal juices and having a potential to use in culinary purposes. Even though, it is grown widely in Sri Lanka, comprehensive information and studies conducted on three popular varieties are still lacking. Hence, the aim of this study was to evaluate the elemental compositions, phytochemical properties of three C. ternatea L. flower varieties grown in Sri Lanka; white flower with normal keel petals (WSPF), blue flower with normal keel petals (BSPF), and blue flower with enlarged keel petals (BMPF). Total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and DPPH radical scavenging activity in aqueous extracts of C. ternatea flowers were determined using spectrophotometric methods. Kjeldahl method was used to determine the nitrogen content and crude protein % was calculated by multiplying the nitrogen content by a standard factor. Phosphorus content (UV spectrophotometer) and calcium and potassium contents (flame photometer) of the flower samples were measured by using a general mineralization procedure.The maximum TPC and highest level of TFC were reported in BMPF (31.88 mg GAE eq./g dry weight and 15.96 mg quercetin eq./g dry weight of flower) whereas FRAP of WSPF was significantly lower (10.66 mg trol eq./g dry weight of flower). FRAP of BSPF (14.56 mg trol eq./g dry weight of flower) and BMPF (18.50 mg trol eq./g dry weight of flower) were not significantly statistically different. BSPF showed significantly highest level of DPPH radical scavenging activity that was 11.97 mg trol. eq./g dry weight of flower. Meanwhile, the DPPH radical scavenging activity of BMPF and WSPF were not significantly different to each other. Mean P content was highest in WSPF and was lowest in BMPF (4.65 and 4.19 mg/g respectively). The N content was significantly higher (p<0.05) in both BSPF and WSPF (43.12 mg/g and 42.35 mg/g respectively). Significantly higher (p<0.05) mean protein contents were detected for BSPF and it was 26.95%. This is the first such detailed report on chemical composition and antioxidant properties of three main C. ternatea flower varieties grown in Sri Lanka.

European Borage (Borago officinalis L.) Yield and Profitability under Different Irrigation Systems

European borage (Borago officinalis L.) is a cultivated medicinal plant in Iran, but common agronomic practices about profitable cultivation are mostly unknown. A 2-yr field experiment (2013 and 2014) was conducted in Guilan Province of northern Iran to evaluate European borage yield and profitability under irrigation with surface and drip irrigation systems. Treatments included (i) rainfed production (I0, control), (ii) single irrigation (I1) applied with surface irrigation alone and drip irrigation alone, and (iii) two irrigations (I2) applied with surface irrigation alone and drip irrigation alone. In 2013, I1 increased flower dry weight by 41.0% and seed weight by 7.1% compared with rainfed European borage, while with I2, the increases in those traits were 23.4% and 0.6%, respectively. In 2014, I1 increased flower dry weight by 78.0% and seed weight by 21.3% compared with rainfed European borage, while the respective increases were 51.8% and 17.3% with I2. On average, drip irrigation provided higher flower dry weight and seed weight by 39.3% and 12.6%, respectively, compared with surface irrigation. Drip irrigation increased variable costs by 165.2% compared with surface irrigation but resulted in increased gross income by 23.2%. Partial budgeting showed that I1 with drip irrigation provided the maximum net profit in both years. Based on the final rate of return, investing in the treatment I1 with drip irrigation was better than investing in the other treatments. Moreover, I1 with drip irrigation showed the highest value of economic water productivity and could be considered for improving the net income of European borage farmers.

Influence of pinching on flower characters in different varieties of marigold (Tagetes spp)

The field trial was conducted during Rabi season of the year 2017-18 to study the influence of different levels of pinching (Control-No pinching, Pinching after 3 weeks of transplanting, Pinching after 5 weeks of transplanting and Double pinching -Pinching after 3 and 5 weeks of transplanting) on flower characters in different marigold varieties (Pusa Basanti Gainda, Pusa Arpita and Yellow 09). Among the varieties, the flower diameter (5.94 cm), fresh and dry weight of flower (6.91 g and 1.73 g, respectively) and vase life of flower (7.02 days) was found to be significantly superior in Hybrid Yellow 09. The maximum flower diameter (5.48 cm) fresh and dry weight of flower (6.02 g and 1.83 g, respectively) and vase life of flower (6.69 days) was significantly superior in pinching at 5 weeks after transplanting. In interaction, the fresh and dry weight of flower, vase life was improved in double pinching in Yellow 09.

Antioxidant capacity of the extracts from flowers of Erica australis L.: Comparison between microwave hydrodiffusion and gravity (MHG) and distillation extraction techniques - Formulation of sunscreen creams

Microwave hydrodiffusion and gravity (MHG) extraction of Erica australis flowers was optimized evaluating different microwave irradiation powers (25−200 W). Collected extracts were compared with the liquid phase obtained by conventional distillation. Their total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity and color features were evaluated. Microscopical properties of the flower tissues allowed assessing the distinct effects of the extraction processes. The cosmetic application of the collected bioactive extracts in the formulation of sunscreen creams with waters from three different thermal spring waters and the corresponding characterization (e.g. chemical, bioactive and rheological features) and sensory analysis were also made. For cosmetic comparative purposes, extracts from Ulex europaeus flowers obtained by MHG procedure was also analyzed. The stability of these oil-in-water model emulsions was tested during accelerated oxidation conditions. Results indicated that MHG at 50 W for 130 min was the most adequate work conditions for the extraction of antioxidant compounds from these wild flowers (around 0.27 mg Trolox eq/g flower dry weight and 0.01 mg ascorbic acid/g flower dry weight or 0.04 mg FeSO4 * 7H2O/g flower dry weight). This procedure also led a drop of energy consumption environmental impact (about 8 times less) in comparison with distillation method. Small total color differences were detected between the gathered extracts. The incorporation of flower extracts produced similar effects when compared with added commercial antioxidants except for viscous behavior. Sensorially, E. australis extract incorporated with thermal waters displayed a positive effect on the skin cream application of the formulated cosmetic, mainly with thermal water 3.

Aspect Physiology Plant of Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var botrytis L.) in the Interval of Nitrogen Fertilization, Dose and Type of Organic Fertilizer in Coastal Sandy Land

Cauliflower is one of the vegetables that have the ability to adapt to coastal sandy land. Cauliflower production can be increased by extensification efforts using coastal sandy land. The research aimed to determine the type of liquid organic fertilizer, the fertilization interval of liquid organic fertilizer, and the appropriate dose of nitrogen fertilizer for the growth and productivity of cauliflower plant on coastal sandy land. The research was conducted in Jetis sandy beach, Banjarsari Village, Nusawungu Sub-district, Cilacap Regency. The study was conducted from August 2017 to November 2017. The experiment was arranged in a Factorial Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Data were analyzed by F test followed by DMRT 5%. The results showed that (1) type of artificial liquid organic fertilizer gave best result on the dry root weight and chlorophyll b. (2) The 9-day-interval of liquid organic fertilizer application interval gave the best result on the fresh root weight and fresh plant weight, while the 4-day-interval of liquid organic fertilizer application gave the best result on dry flower weight. (3) The doses of N fertilizer significantly affected leaf area, root volume, fresh root weight, fresh leaf weight, dry leaf weight, fresh plant weight, dry plant weight, fresh stem weight, dry stick weight, fresh flower weight, flower weight dry, and flower diameter.

Effect of electric current severity and shock timing of corms on vegetative growth, flowering and corm yield characteristics of two cultivars of gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus) plant

The study was conducted in the Greenhouse of Horticulture Department, College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, Duhok University, Iraq during spring season of 2019 to investigate the effect of electric current severity and shock timing of corms on the vegetative, flowering and corm growth characters of Gladiolus grandiflorus. The treatments including three levels of electric current severity (AC 6, 8 and 10 amp.) and three timings of electric shock (1, 3 and 5 min) were tested on corms of two cultivars of gladiolus (Bimbo and Sapporo). A special electric apparatus was designed for this purpose. The corms were first soaked for 3 h in 1% NaCl solution, and then soaked in fresh water for the same period of 3 h before planting. The corms of cv. Bimbo which were exposed to low current for a short period treatment (T1) i. e. 4 A × 1 min significantly reduced sprouting time of vegetative growth to 12 days and flowering date to 68 days, increased the number of lateral branches (2.75 lateral branches/plant), largest leaf area (191.35 cm2), chlorophyll content (59.65 SPAD), longest spike flower (12.50 cm), highest number of florets in spike flower (27.85 flowers/spike) and highest dry weight of corms (19.81 g). However, the treatment T15 (6 A × 3 min) significantly increased the plant height (128.95 cm), dry weight of vegetative parts (12.09 g) and diameter of corm (6.13 cm).

Glycinebetaine alleviates the chromium toxicity in Brassica oleracea L. by suppressing oxidative stress and modulating the plant morphology and photosynthetic attributes.

Anthropogenic activities are a major source for contaminating the agricultural soil with heavy metals, which can affect physiological and metabolic processes in plants. Among the heavy metals, chromium (Cr) is the most toxic pollutant that negatively affects plants' metabolic activities, growth, and yield. Chromium reduces the plant growth and development by influencing the photosynthetic performance and antioxidant enzyme activities. This study was designed to examine the promotive role of exogenously applied glycinebetaine (GB) on plant morphophysiological and biochemical attributes in cauliflower (Brassica oleracea botrytis L.) under Cr toxicity. Four levels (0, 10, 100, and 200μM) of Cr were tested under the application of GB (1mM). The results delineated that Cr stress caused a considerable reduction in plant growth, photosynthetic pigment, gas exchange parameters, and biomass production. At high concentration (200μM), chromium stress decreased the plant height (57%), root length (32%), number of leaves (45%), and leaf area (29%) as compared with controls. Due to Cr stress, the electrolyte leakage and accumulation of malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide increased both in the roots and leaves of cauliflower, whereas antioxidative enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, and POD) decreased both in the roots and leaves of cauliflower due to Cr stress. At 200μM of chromium treatment, root dry weight, stem dry weight, leaf dry weight, and flower dry weight declined up to 43%, 40%, 53%, and 72%, respectively. With the application of GB, dry biomass of plant increased significantly as compared with no GB treatment under chromium stress. As Cr level increased in growth media, its concentration also increased in all plant parts including roots, stem, leaves, and flowers. However, GB application efficiently alleviated the Cr toxic effects on cauliflower and maintained higher plant growth, biomass production, photosynthetic attributes, and gas exchange traits as compared with their respective controls. Exogenously applied GB decreased oxidative stress and improved antioxidative enzyme activities as compared with treatments without GB application. Furthermore, Cr concentrations taken by plants were decreased due to GB application. These findings suggest that GB can play a positive role to maintain plant morphology and photosynthetic attributes under Cr toxic conditions in cauliflower.