Flower Anthesis Research Articles

Heterotic Performance and Gene Action for Yield, Yield Components and Resistance to the Two –Spotted Spider Mite in Cucumber

Nine accessions of cucumber and Beta alpha cultivars from North Central Regional Plant Introduction Station (USDA) viz, PI 109483 (25), PI 169352 (24), PI 169395 (23), PI 211117 (32), PI211984 (26) , PI 169392 (20) ,Beta-alpha (B), PI 178885 (2), PI 218036 (3) and PI 390238 (4) as well as their twenty one F1 hybrids in a line × tester meeting design were used in the present study to estimate heterosis percentage (relative to both mid and better parents), potence ratio and combining ability (general and specific) data were recorded for some characters in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) beside estimating resistance to the two – spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch. The experiment was conducted at Kaha Research Farm, Kaliobia Governorate under unheated plastic house in three successive seasons, 2015, 2016 and 2017. The obtained results reflected that significant differences were observed between all the studied characters. In some crosses, high rate of parent heterosis and potence ratio values were observed for the traits supporting the over dominance hypothesis. Other degrees of dominance were observed in many crosses concerning some traits. These results revealed that the hybrid vigor is important for commercial production of cucumber hybrid. Estimates of GCA effects showed that the parent PI 109483 (P25) as well as a line showed that it's the best parent for early and total yield while, PI 169352 (24) was the best parent for early, total yield, average fruit weight and fruit length and PI 169392 (20) was the best parent for earliness characters. But PI211984 (26) and Beat alpha were the best parents for reducing number of movable stages of T. urticae. Estimates of SCA effects cleared that the F1 cross (P23×P2) was the best combination for early, total yield and the period to first female flower anthesis. Also, the F1 cross (B ×P3) was the best combination for total yield, early yield, main stem length and the average fruit of weight. The F1 cross (P26×P4) was the best cross for total yield, early yield and number of node carried first female flower. The F1 cross (P32×P2) was the best cross for reducing number of movable stages of T. urticae, as well as, decreasing the level infestation of the two spider mites on cucumber plants.

ANTHECOLOGY OF SOME SPECIES OF THE GENUS ALLIUM L. UNDER MOSCOW PROVINCE CONDITIONS

Different perennial species of Allium L. have been studied under Moscow Province conditions as new vegetables and melliferous plants. The results of long-term studies of anthecology of seven species of Allium L.: A. nutans L., A. flavescens Bess., A. odorum L., A. montanum F.W. Schmidt, A. fistulosum L., A. angulosum L., A. schoenoprasum L. are presented in the paper. It is shown that the objects of study differ in terms of the beginning of flowering and length of the growing season. The early-flowering (A. fistulosum, A. montanum, A. schoenoprasum), and late-flowering species (A. angulosum, A. nutans, A. odorum, A. flavescens) were identified. The species features in the daily dynamics of flowering, the timing of development of pistils and the duration of susceptibility of their stigmas are revealed. The significant influence of weather conditions on these processes is established. By nature of blooming flowers within a single inflorescence type are revealed apical (A. schoenoprasum, A. fistulosum) and basal (A. odorum, A. nutans, A. montanum, A. flavescens) types of inflorescence. Besides, groups of species differing with the dynamics of disclosure of flowers in inflorescences are noted. It was found that the daily course of opening flowers within the species, as a whole, is constant, but depends on weather conditions. It is shown that the maximum number of flowers opening per day in all species falls on the middle of the flowering period. The species composition of pollinators and entomophages for the studied species of Allium L. was determined. The taxonomic diversity of the composition of insects visiting the inflorescences of onions is shown. The role of separate insects in the pollination process is established. The main pollinators of early-flowering and late-flowering species of onions are determined. It is stated that the most important as pollinators are species related to the orders of Hymenoptera (bumblebees, bees) and Diptera (flower flies, tachina flies), the activity of which largely depends on weather conditions and time of day.

Embryo and endosperm development in Pitcairnia encholirioides (Pitcairnioideae – Bromeliaceae): An endangered species of the Atlantic Forest

Pitcairnia encholirioides is a threatened species endemic to the inselbergs of the Atlantic Forest. The study of the embryogenesis and endospermogenesis of Pitcairnia encholirioides aims to the establish guidelines for its in vitro propagation. Using anatomical analysis, samples of flowers in anthesis and fruits at different developmental stages were analysed. In the results was observed the first division of the sporophytic zygote occurs in the transverse plane and originates the apical and basal cells, forming a uninodal embryo through Asterad-type embryogenesis. Endosperm formation begins with the formation of free nuclei, which undergo centripetal cellularization, beginning in the chalazal domain, characterizing this endosperm as the coenocytic/multicellular type. The differentiation of the aleurone layer occurs at the end of this process. The relationship between fruit maturation and embryo/endosperm developmental stages was established, thus setting forth guidelines for the development of in vitro culture protocols aimed at the conservation of P. encholirioides, an endangered Bromeliad species of the Atlantic Forest.

Floral nectary and osmophore of Epipactis helleborine (L.) Crantz (Orchidaceae)

The analysis of flowers collected at different stages of anthesis provides strong evidence to conclude that the shell-shaped hypochile and the knobs of epichile form a nectary. The scent comes from the aromatic constituents of nectar and the epichile tissue and the apices of all tepals (osmophores). The comparison between pollinated and unpollinated flowers revealed that the anthesis of unpollinated flowers lasted up to the 16th day. The nectariferous secretory cells formed single-layered epidermis and several layers of underlying parenchyma built by small, isodiametric cells with thin walls and dense cytoplasm, relatively large nuclei, supplied by collateral vascular bundles. During the floral lifespan, the residues of secreted material were higher on the hypochile cells. The lipoid-carbohydrate material and lipid globules in the cell walls and in the cytoplasm were localised. The abundance of starch grains was observed at the beginning of anthesis and their gradual reduction during the flower lifespan. At the end of anthesis in unpollinated flowers, the lipoid-carbohydrate-phenolic materials have been demonstrated. The phenolic material was the same as in plastoglobuli. The features such as irregular plasmalemma, the secretory vesicles that fuse with it, fully developed dictyosomes, numerous profiles of ER indicate vesicle-mediated process of secretion. The substances could be transported by vesicles to the periplasmic space via granulocrine secretion and then to the external surface. Both micro-channels and slightly developed periplasmic space were visible in the hypochile epidermis. This is the first time for anatomical survey of secretory tissue in pollinated and unpollinated flowers of E. helleborine.

Biologi Reproduksi dan Polinasi Buatan Tumbuhan Senduduk (Melastoma malabathricum L.)

Abstract
 Melastoma malabthricum is the type with the widest area of spread compared with other species in the genus Melastoma. This research uses floral phenology observation method and pollination experiment by using bagging technique, emasculation and artificial pollination. Stigma receptivity was tested according to the Matson method. The results showed that M. malabathricum’s flowers take 14 until 21 days from bud to flower bloom. Stigma M. malabathricum is already present and receptive before anthesis flower. Fruit can be formed through self pollination (autogamy) and cross pollination (xenogamy). M. malabathricum pollination approaches the xenogamy facultative.

Headspace Solid Phase Microextraction Analysis of Volatile Compounds of the Aerial Parts and Flowers of Plectranthus neochilus Schltr. and Salvia farinacea Benth.

The composition of the volatile compounds of the aerial parts (leaves and stems) and flowers (inflorescences) of Plectranthus neochilus Schltr. and Salvia farinacea Benth. growing in Egypt was analyzed by headspace solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) coupled with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The analysis revealed that both the aerial parts and flowers of Plectranthus neochilus Schltr. were dominated by sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (79.9% and 63.79%), respectively. Concerning the aerial parts of Plectranthus neochilus Schltr., the major volatile components were allo-aromadendrene (19.35%) and aromadendrene (18.3%) followed by selin-3,7(11)-diene (10.2%), while γ-cadinene (18.56%) and aromadendrene (17.94%) followed by β-myrcene (10.5%) and E-β-ocimene (9.11%) were the major components in the oil of the flowers. On the other hand, the analysis revealed that 1-octen-3-ol (46.51%), 2-hexenal (18.02%), benzaldehyde (8.8%) and aromadendrene (7.24%) were the main components of the aerial parts of Salvia farinacea Benth. Ethyl benzene (24.29%) was identified as the major volatile component in the flowers followed by m-xylene (21.95%), o-xylene (7.9%), α-thujene (7.64%) and α-pinene (6.11%).

Helicônia cv. Golden Torch cultivada sob diferentes lâminas de irrigação em ambiente protegido

The genus Heliconia is commercially detached by the exotic appearance of the inflorescences but is susceptible to lack of moisture in the soil, being necessary the irrigation management. In this sense, the objective was to evaluate the effect of different irrigation levels on the plant growth and productive characters of Heliconia psittacorum cv. Golden Torch cultivated in vase. The experiment was conducted from March to October 2014, in a randomized blocks design. Five treatments corresponding to the different irrigation levels were used [50, 75, 100, 125 and 150% of the evaporation measured in Class A (ECA)] with four replicates and two plants per replicate. The following evaluations were carried out: number of days for the emergence of the first tiller, number of days for the emergence of the first inflorescence, number of days for the inflorescence harvest, crop cycle, diameter of the flower stem, length of the flower stem, inflorescence length, plant high, number of tillers and productivity of flower stems. Chlorophyll and leaf area measurements were performed. The irrigation levels tested significantly influenced the number of days for the first inflorescence harvest, length of the flower stem and inflorescence length. The irrigation level of 150% ECA provided better results for the length of the flower stem, inflorescence length and for leaf area but without differences from 75%, 100% and 125% ECA. Thus, for the cultivation of the heliconia cv. Golden Torch in pot can be recommended the level corresponding from 75% to 150% ECA.

Heat unit accumulation and inflorescence and fruit development in ‘Ubá’ mango trees grown in Visconde do Rio Branco-MG

Abstract There are little information in the scientific literature on flowering and fruiting of ‘Ubá’ mango trees. These information enables to know the proportion of hermaphrodite flowers in inflorescence, fruit set percentage and developmental stages of the fruit. In this study evaluations on inflorescence and fruit development of the ‘Ubá’ mango tree (Mangifera indica L.) were carried out, as well as the determination of the required number of heat units for full fruit development. Thirty branches whose terminal buds were swollen were selected from five mango trees. With the aid of a camera and a caliper, the panicle and fruit development were evaluated weekly until full fruit development. A digital thermometer was used to record ambient temperatures during fruit development in order to estimate the number of heat units required for complete development of the fruits. Male and hermaphrodite flowers of the panicles were also identified and counted. The developmental cycle of ‘Ubá’ mango from the beginning of apical bud swelling to commercial harvest of the fruit lasted 168 days in 2011 and 154 days in 2012. The number of hermaphrodite flowers and the percentage of fruit set in the inflorescence in 2011 were 32.3 and 0.066%, respectively; and 122.1 and 0.099% in 2012, respectively. There was accumulation of 3,173 heat units from flower bud swelling to full development of the ‘Ubá’ mangoes.

Do bees like olive? A preliminary analysis of honey bee behaviour on flowers of the wind-pollinated speciesOlea europaea

Olea europaea produces small, white flowers, and its pollination strategy is generally considered anemophilous. However, this assumption does not fit with frequent observations of bees, and other members of the Hymenoptera, visiting the flowers and actively collecting the pollen. Pollen is frequently recorded in honey and pollen samples of the honey bee, Apis mellifera, but is often omitted when lists of pollen/nectar sources are made. The honey bee has been already observed constantly visiting other anemophilous species to collect the abundant available pollen. Therefore, olive pollen could be a resource to be gathered. The present work examined bee frequency and behaviour on olive flowers in the north of Italy, in an area protected as a Regional Park, but where agriculture is also allowed. In the field, data on flower abundance and phenology (no. of flowers/inflorescence, no. of flowers in anthesis) were collected at the same time of data on bee behaviour (no. of flowers and inflorescences visited/time unit; resource collected; type of flower selected). The results indicate that the honey bee is actively using olive flowers as a source of pollen; moreover, bees pay constant visits and frequently change inflorescence, possibly increasing the pollination service paid to the plants.

Stigma receptivity and dehiscence of pollen in an F3 generation of ornamental pepper

The objective of this study was to evaluate stigma receptivity and dehiscence of pollen in three floral development stages in an F 3 generation of ornamental pepper (C apsicum annuum L.). A total of 162 plants were evaluated, divided into two classes according to the color of the corolla: purple and white. To study the stigma receptivity and anther dehiscence, three floral stages were analyzed: bud, pre-anthesis, and open flower. For each stage, 33 replicates of each phenotypic class were collected. The receptivity of the stigma was detected by dripping a hydrogen peroxide solution (3%) on it. For the evaluation of the level of receptivity, scores of 0 to 3 were assigned, varying according to the number of bubbles found on the stigmatic surface. As stigma receptivity was observed, anther dehiscence was also observed. Scores of 1 to 5 were assigned for the reference of the amount of pollen released by the stamens. The data were subjected to analysis of variance at 1% probability with later separation of means by Duncan’s test at this same probability level. For the analysis of divergence, the data were clustered according to Tocher’s method based on generalized Mahalanobis distance. After the analysis of the data, it was observed that the flower colors did not differ statistically for the presence of pollen grains. When open, both the white and purple flowers showed higher means for pollen dehiscence as compared with the other treatments, which did not differ statistically. The flowers from the ornamental peppers displayed stigma receptivity since the bud phase, but the highest level of receptivity was observed after anthesis. Anther dehiscence prevailed after anthesis of the flowers regardless of color, and the presence of pollen grains was superior after anthesis in all genotypes. For the manual crossing, the buds pre-anthesis are the most indicated irrespective of the color, as they show high stigma receptivity and greater ease at handling.

Study on Morphological Differentiation and Characteristics of Flower Bud in ‘Danhua’ Pear

The ‘Danhua’ pear (abbreviation DH) was a novel bud sport variety with single flower, which was found on branch of over 20 years old tree from ‘Daxiangshui’ pear (abbreviation DXS) (Pyrus ussriensis) in 1999. It was released in 2015. In this research, flower bud characteristics and flower bud differentiation process on ‘DH’ pear and ‘DXS’ pear were studied by field investigation and microscopic observation. The result shows the ‘DH’ pear has two types of flower bud, 56% “incomplete-mixed flower bud” and 44% “pure flower bud”, which is entirely different with ‘DXS’ pear and other pear varieties. The single flower of inflorescence of ‘DH’ pear occurs at the process of flower bud morphological differentiation. That means the ‘DH’ pear forms only one flower primordium in each inflorescence, which is completely different with the maternal ‘DXS’ pear.

DETERMINATION OF HETEROSIS, GENE ACTION AND THE NATURE OF RESISTANCE TO FUSARIUM WILT DISEASE (FUSARIUM OXYSPORUM F.SP CAPSICI ) IN SWEET PEPPER HYBRIDS

Four parental genotypes from a Center of Germplasm Netherland (CGN) i.e. 1 (PI 23235), 2 (PI 17171), 3 (PI 23096) and 4 (PI 17150) and their six F1 hybrids in a diallel cross system without reciprocals were used to estimate combining ability (general and specific) and heterosis percentage relative to both mid and better parents and potence ratios for some characters in pepper (Capsicum annuum L.).The experiment was conducted at Kaha Research Farm, Kaliobia Governorate under unheated plastic house during two successive seasons 2015-2016.Survey was conducted at Kaliobia Governorate during 2015 and 2016 and the pathological studies were carried out at the Plant Pathology Research Institute, Agricultural Research center, Giza Governorate. The studies showed that Fusarium oxysporum f.sp capsici (isolate 3) was the highest in frequency and the level of pathogenicity . The susceptibility of 10 genotypes to Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. capsici (isolate 3) indicated that two F1 crosses 2 × 4 and 3 × 4 were resistant to Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. capsici (isolate 3). The correlation analysis revealed that the disease severity on roots was significantly correlated with four traits; weight/plant (kg), number of fruits /plant, number of days to 50% flower anthesis and fruit length (cm). In contrast, vascular discoloration was significantly correlated with three traits; weight/plant (kg), number of fruits /plant, and fruit length (cm). The 10 genotypes (4 parents and 6 hybrids) were evaluated for yield ;yield components and fusarium wilt resistance to determine the combining ability and heterosis effects.The obtained results reflected that the mean squares for both general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) were significant for all studied traits except SCA in fruit shape index and fruit flesh thickness, suggesting the presence of both additive and non-additive gene effects in the inheritance of the various studied characters. Estimates of SCA effects showed that the F1 crosses 2 × 4 and 2 × 3 reflect the highest value in most studied traits; i.e. total yield as weight and number, fruit length and low disease severity of roots and shoots. Hybrid vigour was documented for total yield, as well as, most fruit characters and disease severity. In some crosses, high rate of parent heterosis and potence ratio values were attained for these traits supporting the over dominance hypothesis.

Determination of genetic divergence in pointed gourd by principal component and non-hierarchical euclidean cluster analysis

The present investigation was carried out at Vegetable Research Centre, Pantnagar to estimate the ge-netic divergence using Mahalanobis D2 statistics for twelve characters on 35 genotypes of pointed gourd. Cluster analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) were used to identify the most discerning trait responsible for greater variability in the lines and on the basis of mean performance, genotypes were classified into different groups. Five principal components (PC) have been extracted using the mean performance of the genotypes and 83.23 per cent variation is yielded by the first five principal components, among them high mean positive value or higher weight age was obtained was obtained for days to first female flower anthesis and days to first fruit harvest among all the vectors, indicates that these traits are important component of genetic divergence in pointed gourd. Non- hierarchical Euclidean cluster analysis grouped the genotypes into seven clusters and the highest number of genotypes were found in cluster number IV i.e. eleven whereas maximum inter-cluster distance was found between the cluster III and VI i.e. 74.250, it indicates that a wide range of genetic divergence is present between the genotypes present among these two clusters. And as per contribution toward total divergence, traits like fruit yield per hectare and number of fruit per plant contributed 92.64% toward total divergence. The high diversity found in the genotypes showed its great potential for improving qualitative as well as quantitative traits in pointed gourd.

Light induces petal color change in Quisqualis indica (Combretaceae)

Petal color change, a common phenomenon in angiosperms, is induced by various environmental and endogenous factors. Interestingly, this phenomenon is important for attracting pollinators and further reproductive success. Quisqualis indica L. (Combretaceae) is a tropical Asian climber that undergoes sequential petal color change from white to pink to red. This color changing process is thought to be a good strategy to attract more pollinators. However, the underlying physiological and biochemical mechanisms driving this petal color change phenomenon is still underexplored. In this context, we investigated whether changes in pH, pollination, light, temperature or ethylene mediate petal color change. We found that the detected changes in petal pH were not significant enough to induce color alterations. Additionally, pollination and temperatures of 20–30 °C did not alter the rate of petal color change; however, flowers did not open when exposed to constant temperatures at 15 °C or 35 °C. Moreover, the application of ethylene inhibitor, i.e., silver thiosulphate, did not prevent color change. It is worth mentioning here that in our study we found light as a strong factor influencing the whole process of petal color change, as petals remained white under dark conditions. Altogether, the present study suggests that petal color change in Q. indica is induced by light and not by changes in petal pH, pollination, ethylene, or temperature, while extremely low or high temperatures affect flower anthesis. In summary, our findings represent the probable mechanism underlying the phenomenon of petal color change, which is important for understanding flower color evolution.

Harvest season and seed physiological potential of ‘dedo-de-moça BRS Mari’ hot peppers

The cultivation of chili peppers (Capsicum spp.) plays a key role in the fresh vegetable, condiment, and preserve markets. The determination of the harvest season suitable for seed production is crucial to obtain high-quality seeds and ensure production success. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the harvest season of ‘dedo-de-moça BRS Mari’ hot peppers that provides the maximum seed physiological potential. The flowers in anthesis were labeled daily and the fruits were harvested 25, 40, 55, 70, 85, and 100 days after anthesis (DAA) and classified as green, yellowish green, orange, red, extreme red, and intense red, respectively. The seed physiological potential was determined by using the water content, dry matter, germination, first germination count, germination rate index, and accelerated aging tests. The seed dry matter increased steadily until 55 DAA (3.95 mg per seed), then increased slightly to 70 DAA (4.05 mg per seed), and stabilized from 85 to 100 DAA. The harvested seeds began to germinate at 55 DAA with approximately 40% germination, which peaked at 70 DAA with 87% germination; this value was maintained until 100 DAA. The highest values of the germination rate index were found at 70, 85, and 100 DAA. An increase in seed vigor was observed, based on the accelerated aging test, which peaked at 85 DAA and subsequently decreased. The peppers were harvested between 70 and 85 DAA and red to extreme red were found to be the most recommended colors to obtain ‘dedo-de-moça BRS Mari’ hot pepper seeds with high physiological potential.

Combined Effects of Irrigation Regime, Genotype, and Harvest Stage Determine Tomato Fruit Quality and Aptitude for Processing into Puree.

Industry tomatoes are produced under a range of climatic conditions and practices which significantly impact on main quality traits of harvested fruits. However, the quality of tomato intended for processing is currently addressed on delivery through color and Brix only, whereas other traits are overlooked. Very few works provided an integrated view of the management of tomato puree quality throughout the chain. To gain insights into pre- and post-harvest interactions, four genotypes, two water regimes, three maturity stages, and two processes were investigated. Field and glasshouse experiments were conducted near Avignon, France, from May to August 2016. Two irrigation regimes were applied: control plants were irrigated in order to match 100% of evapotranspiration (ETP); water deficit (WD) plants were irrigated as control plants until anthesis of the first flowers, then irrigation was reduced to 60 and 50% ETP in field, and glasshouse respectively. Fruits were collected at three stages during ripening. Their color, fresh weight, dry matter content, and metabolite contents were determined before processing. Pericarp cell size was evaluated in glasshouse only. Two laboratory-scaled processing methods were applied before structural and biochemical analyses of the purees. Results outlined interactive effects between crop and process management. WD hardly reduced yield, but increased dry matter content in the field, in contrast to the glasshouse. The puree viscosity strongly depended on the genotype and the maturity stage, but it was disconnected from fruit dry matter content or Brix. The process impact on puree viscosity strongly depended on water supply during fruit production. Moreover, the lycopene content of fresh fruit may influence puree viscosity. This work opens new perspectives for managing puree quality in the field showing that it was possible to reduce water supply without affecting yield and to improve puree quality.

Ionocidium ‘Cerrado 101’: intergeneric orchid hybrid with high quality of blooming

Orchids are considered one of the most important potted-flowering in the world. Oncidium genus, as well their hybrids group (OHGs) has used for the flower market as pot or cut flower. However, some horticultural characteristics require improvements, e.g. the production of precocious cultivars, independent-season blooming or easy flowering induction, high quality and durability of flowers and variations in color of flowers, to compete with Phalaenopsis and Dendrobium orchids, as other flower groups. Aiming this purpose there were used hand-crossing pollination between the Oncidium ‘Sweet Sugar’ and Ionopsis utricularioides, a Brazilian wild species, for evaluate the capacity of crossing and to select progenies with interest of use in floriculture as new cultivar. The seeds obtained from this cross were seeded on in vitro conditions, followed by acclimatization and cultivation on greenhouse conditions until de flowering time. One of the plants obtained presented interesting characteristics, as good and rapid vegetative development and high quality of blooming. This hybrid obtained from an intergeneric crossing resulted in a plant with vegetative and flower type characteristics and color similar of Oncidium female parent, but with larger number of ramifications in inflorescence and number of flowers (60% and 219,4%, respectively) than Oncidium parent (♀), and with more similarity with Ionopsis (♂). This hybrid cultivar, called Ionocidium ‘Cerrado 101’ is one more option of OHGs in this competitive market and can be used either for pot and also for cut orchid flowers production, main because it longer inflorescence (83 cm).

Reproductive ecology of the threatened "star cactus" Astrophytum ornatum (Cactaceae): a strategy of continuous reproduction with low success

Background. There are no previous studies on the reproductive biology of the endemic and endangered cactus species Astrophytum ornatum. 
 Questions. Is flowering continuous or episodic? What are the breeding and mating systems and what floral visitors are associated? and Does the reproductive success change over time?
 Study species. Astrophytum ornatum (Cactaceae).
 Study site and years of study. Observations from 2010 to 2011, in the highest density population of A. ornatum in Metztitlán Canyon (Hgo.).
 Methods. Monthly surveys and monitoring of reproductive structures. Tracking flowers in anthesis. Controlled pollinations to determine the mating system and determination of the Outcrossing Index (OCI), the pollen /ovule ratio and breeding system.
 Results. Astrophytum ornatum produced flower buds throughout the year, but 89.2% of them were aborted. Four events of ephemeral flowering population were presented per year. The species is self-incompatible and controlled pollinations indicated pollinator limitation of several bee species. The OCI indicates that the species is facultative xenogamy, and pollen/ovule ratio indicates obligate xenogamy. On average there were 54 seeds/fruit and individuals produced 4 fruits/year.
 Conclusions. The continuous production of buds had never been reported phenomenon for cacti. Intrapopulation bloom is one of the shortest recorded for the family and it produces high floral synchrony. The low number of seeds / fruit and flowers / individual, coupled with the narrow niche breadth of species and various anthropogenic factors place Astrophytum ornatum as a susceptible species to be extinct.

Association of characters and their direct and indirect contribution for yield in off- season bottle gourd [Lagenaria siceraria (Mol.) Standl

Correlation and path analysis were carried out in order to quantify the contribution of explanatory characters towards yield for off-season bottle gourd cultivation. The characters like number of fruits per plant, average number of seed per fruit, average fruit weight, vine length and days to first male flower anthesis, number of fruit per plant,average fruit weight and days to first male flower anthesis had the highest positive direct effect on fruit yield per plant.

Inflorescence characteristics as function‐valued traits: Analysis of heritability and selection on architectural effects

AbstractProduction of multiple flowers in inflorescences allows the reproductive phenotypes of individual plants to include systematic among‐flower variation, which could be adaptive. Systematic trait variation within inflorescences could arise from resource competition among flowers, or be a developmentally determined feature of flower position, regardless of resource dynamics. The latter, architectural effect typically manifests as continuous floral variation within inflorescences. For architectural effects to be adaptive, floral trait variation among individuals must covary with reproductive performance and be heritable. However, heritability and phenotypic selection on gradients of variation cannot be estimated readily with traditional statistical approaches. Instead, we advocate and illustrate the application of two functional data analysis techniques with observations of Delphinium glaucum (Ranunculaceae). To demonstrate the parameters‐as‐data approach we quantify heritability of variation in anthesis rate, as represented by the regression coefficient relating daily anthesis rate to inflorescence age. SNP‐based estimates detected significant heritability (h2 = 0.245) for declining anthesis rate within inflorescences. Functional regression was used to assess phenotypic selection on anthesis rate and a floral trait (lower sepal length). The approach used spline curves that characterize within‐inflorescence variation as functional predictors of a plant's fruit set. Selection on anthesis rate varied with inflorescence age and the duration of an individual's anthesis period. Lower sepal length experienced positive selection for basal and distal flowers, but negative selection for central flowers. These results illustrate the utility and power of functional‐data analyses for studying architectural effects and specifically demonstrate that these effects are subject to natural selection and hence adaptive.