Duration Of Flowering Research Articles

Standardization of Spacing and Fertilizer Levels for Growth, Yield and Flower Quality of French Marigold (Tagetes patula L.)

This study investigated the standardization of spacing and fertilizer requirements for optimizing the growth and flower quality of French Marigold (Tagetes patula L.). The primary objective was to identify the most effective treatment combination for maximizing farmer profitability and yield. The experiment utilized three fertilizer levels (F1: 225:60:60 NPK kg/ha, F2: 168.75:45:45 NPK kg/ha, F3: 112.5:30:30 NPK kg/ha) and three spacing levels (S1: 30 cm x 30 cm, S2: 45 cm x 30 cm, S3: 45 cm x 45 cm) in a factorial randomized block design with three replications. Results indicated that plant height increased with a decrease in spacing and an increase in fertilizer levels. The S1F1 treatment combination (30 x 30 cm spacing and 225:60:60 NPK kg/ha) exhibited higher plant height, plant spread, and the number of primary and secondary branches. Flower production was significantly influenced by a spacing of 30 x 30 cm and a fertilizer level of 225:60:60 NPK kg/ha. Higher levels of spacing and fertilizer, i.e., 45 x 45 cm spacing and a fertilizer level of 225:60:60 NPK kg/ha yielded superior results in terms of flowering duration, flower diameter, flower weight, and shelf life of the flowers on the plant.

Exploring the Floral Biology of Salix alba: Insights into Reproductive Dynamics, Pollen Production and Pollen Morphology in Kashmir Himalayas

This study investigates the floral phenology, pollen production and pollen characteristics of Salix alba (white willow) over the years 2022 and 2023, highlighting inter-annual and individual tree variations. In 2022, male catkins began flowering between March 8 and March 10, while female catkins initiated between March 14 and March 22. Flowering for male catkins lasted until mid-May and for female catkins until late May. In 2023, male catkins started flowering from March 10 to March 14 and female catkins from March 17 to March 24, with similar flowering durations. Inflorescence diameters varied among individual trees, ranging from 4.4 mm to 7.7 mm for male catkins and 6.1 mm to 8.1 mm for female catkins across the two years. Pollen production exhibited significant variability with the highest recorded at 4,600,995,000 grains per tree and the lowest at 498,312,500 grains per tree. On average, trees produced approximately 2,164,836,667 pollen grains. Pollen viability ranged from 75% to 80%, with sizes between 16 µm and 26 µm. The pollen-ovule ratio also showed substantial differences, with the highest ratio observed at 7600:2 and the lowest at 2345:7. These findings underscore the considerable year-to-year and tree-to-tree variation in the reproductive traits of Salix alba, which may have implications for its breeding and conservation strategies.

Varietal diversity and selection of potential varieties of Petunia hybrida L. for commercial cultivation in Bangladesh

A study was conducted to compare the morpho-reproductive traits of twenty two genotype of Petunia in order to select superior and sustainable genotypes for commercial cultivation in Bangladesh during winter 2021-22. Thirteen qualitative and quantitative characters viz. stigma type, leaf shape, plant height (cm), number of branches, number of effective branches, days to flower initiation, number of flowers, duration of flowers, flowering duration, plant longevity, number of stamens, stamen length (cm) and petiole length (cm) were observed during the study period. The findings found that all morpho-reproductive traits differed significantly amongst the genotypes investigated, with the exception of the stamens, which were five in number. Highest quantitative variation was observed in days to flower initiation and longevity of the plants. Glow picotee blue showed the superior plant height (29.33 cm). Deep salmon had the shortest time to bloom initiation (52 days). Maximum number of flowers was recorded from ultra purple star (50) followed by ultra crimson star (49.67) while the duration of the flowers was maximum (6.67 days) in opera supreme white, prism pink, ultra burgundy star and ultra purple star. Opera supreme white had the longest flowering time (69.67 days). Whereas ultra purple star, ultra crimson star and ultra rose star had the longest lifespan (111 days). The genotypes deep salmon, ultra purple star, ultra red star, ultra rose star, opera supreme white, dreams midnight, and prism pink are recommended for commercial cultivation based on their overall morpho-reproductive performance. Jahangirnagar University J. Biol. Sci. 12(1 & 2): 23-33, 2023 (June & December)

Effect of photoperiod and chemical retardants on growth and flowering of pot mums (<i>Dendranthema grandiflora</i> Ramat)

Potted plants of chrysanthemum varieties namely Arun Kumar and Sweta Singar, were exposed to 8 h light and 16 h darkness and natural photoperiod, and spayed with maleic hydrazide (1000 and 2000 ppm), cycocel (1500 and 3000 ppm) and control (distilled water) in factorial complete block design with three replications. The results revealed that controlled photoperiod of 8 h light and 16 h darkness was found significantly superior over natural photoperiod with regard to minimum internodal length (2.85 cm), days to floral bud initiation (98.88), maximum flowering duration (23.14 days), flowers plant-1 (189.50), flower diameter (2.72 cm), fresh weight of flower (1.16 g) and vase life (14.86 days). Among growth retardants, maleic hydrazide (2000 ppm) significantly recorded minimum plant height, maximum branches plant-1 (18.85), flowering duration (25.25 days), flower diameter (2.95 cm), flowers per plant-1 (194.90) and weight of flower (1.20 g), while, maleic hydrazide (1000 ppm) recorded minimum internodal length (2.65 cm) and maximum vase life (18.00 days). The cv. Arun Kumar under controlled photoperiod recorded minimum internodal length (2.38 cm) and early floral bud initiation (91.04 days), however, maleic hydrazide (2000 ppm) recorded maximum flower diameter (4.05 cm), fresh weight of flower (1.53 g) and vase life (18.50 days). cv. Arun Kumar under controlled photoperiod treated with CCC-3000 ppm showed the best performance in recording the maximum number of flowers plants-1 (138.00) during first fortnight of flowering.

Influence of Organic Inputs on the Performance of Strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) cv Festival

An experiment was conducted to find out the effect of organic inputs on yield attributing characters and quality of strawberry cv. Festival was carried out in Garo Hills region of Meghalaya, India during 2022-2023 at Department of Horticulture, North-Eastern Hill University, Tura Campus in West Garo Hills District of Meghalaya. The experiment was laid out in Completely Randomized Design with eight different treatments which were replicated thrice. Treatment T2 (vermicompost 250g/plant) was found to be superior over other treatments for parameters like number of shoots (6.67-11.00), number of leaves (9.33-26.00), leaf area (31.50 cm2-104.50 cm2), total numbers of runners (7.00) and yield parameters like number of fruit set (13.00), fruit set percentage (81.61%), fresh fruit weight (16.55g), fruit length × diameter (34.00 mm × 30.00 mm) and yield of the plant (495.26g). Whereas, T1(vermicompost 300g/plant) recorded the highest in number of flowers (2.66-4.00), duration of flowering (107.00 days) and minimum days taken for flowering (43.00 days). Meanwhile, it was also recorded that T2(vermicompost 250g/plant) was found to have maximum total soluble solids (TSS) (10.47°Brix), total sugar (4.38%), reducing sugar (2.33%), non-reducing sugar (2.05%), titratable acidity (1.80%), ascorbic acid (16.46 mg/100g) and anthocyanin content (23.92 mg/100g). The overall findings indicate the potential of vermicompost (250g/plant) in organic production of strawberry.

Effect of Different INM Packages on Vegetative, Flowering, Yield and Economics of China Aster cv Kamini under High Hill Condition of Uttarakhand

The present investigation was conducted to develop a sustainable INM package for economical production China aster crop under high hill condition of Uttarakhand. The experiment was conducted at Floriculture farm, COH, VCSG, UUHF, Bhrasar from March to September 2022. The treatments were 12, replicate thrice in Randomized Complete Block Design. The results showed that maximum plant spread (22.86 cm), number of leaves plant–1 (219.33), leaf area (38.56 cm2), earliness in days taken to 1st bud appearance and flower opening (68.630 and 82.707days, respectively) and maximum flowering duration (23.430 days) were recorded in T7 (50% RDF + 25% FYM + 25% Vermicompost + Azotobacter (5 mL L–1)). However, maximum number of flowers plant-1 and plot–1 (36.80 and 441.53, respectively), stalk length (38.40 cm), flower diameter (7.26 cm), individual flower weight (3.86 g), flower yield plant–1 and bed–1 (142.89 g and 1.71 kg), seed yield plant–1 (3.330 g) and test weight (2.477 g), shelf and vase life (4.50 and 12.300 days, respectively) and C:B from flowers (1: 2.19) were recorded from the plants grown in plots applied with T8 (50% RDF + 25% FYM + 25% Neem cake + Azotobacter (5 mL L–1)). So, from the present investigation it can be concluded that treatment T8 was found effective in economical production of China aster cv Kamini under high hill condition of Uttarakhand.

The functional diversity-productivity relationship of woody plants is climatically sensitive.

Plot-scale experiments indicate that functional diversity (FD) plays a pivotal role in sustaining ecosystem functions such as net primary productivity (NPP). However, the relationships between functional diversity and NPP across larger scale under varying climatic conditions are sparsely studied, despite its significance for understanding forest-atmosphere interactions and informing policy development. Hence, we examine the relationships of community-weighted mean (CWM) and functional dispersion (FDis) of woody plant traits on NPP across China and if such relationships are modulated by climatic conditions at the national scale. Using comprehensive datasets of distribution, functional traits, and productivity for 9120 Chinese woody plant species, we evaluated the distribution pattern of community-weighted mean and functional dispersion (including three orthogonal trait indicators: plant size, leaf morphology, and flower duration) and its relationships with NPP. Finally, we tested the effects of climatic conditions on community-weighted mean/functional dispersion-NPP relationships. We first found overall functional diversity-NPP relationships, but also that the magnitude of these relationships was sensitive to climate, with plant size community-weighted mean promoting NPP in warm regions and plant size functional dispersion promoting NPP in wet regions. Second, warm and wet conditions indirectly increased NPP by its positive effects on community-weighted mean or functional dispersion, particularly through mean plant size and leaf morphology. Our study provides comprehensive evidence for the relationships between functional diversity and NPP under varying climates at a large scale. Importantly, our results indicate a broadening significance of multidimensional plant functional traits for woody vegetation NPP in response to rising temperatures and wetter climates. Restoration, reforestation actions and natural capital accounting need to carefully consider not only community-weighted mean and functional dispersion but also their interactions with climate, to predict how functional diversity may promote ecosystem functioning under future climatic conditions.

Plant species phenology differs between climate and land-use scenarios and relates to plant functional traits.

Phenological shifts due to changing climate are often highly species and context specific. Land-use practices such as mowing or grazing directly affect the phenology of grassland species, but it is unclear if plants are similarly affected by climate change in differently managed grassland systems such as meadows and pastures. Functional traits have a high potential to explain phenological shifts and might help to understand species-specific and land-use-specific phenological responses to changes in climate. In the large-scale field experiment Global Change Experimental Facility (GCEF), we monitored the first flowering day, last flowering day, flowering duration, and day of peak flowering, of 17 herbaceous grassland species under ambient and future climate conditions, comparing meadows and pastures. Both climate and land use impacted the flowering phenology of plant species in species-specific ways. We did not find evidence for interacting effects of climate and land-use type on plant phenology. However, the data indicate that microclimatic and microsite conditions on meadows and pastures were differently affected by future climate, making differential effects on meadows and pastures likely. Functional traits, including the phenological niche and grassland utilization indicator values, explained species-specific phenological climate responses. Late flowering species and species with a low mowing tolerance advanced their flowering more strongly under future climate. Long flowering species and species following an acquisitive strategy (high specific leaf area, high mowing tolerance, and high forage value) advanced their flowering end more strongly and thus more strongly shortened their flowering under future climate. We associated these trait-response relationships primarily with a phenological drought escape during summer. Our results provide novel insights on how climate and land use impact the flowering phenology of grassland species and we highlight the role of functional traits in mediating phenological responses to climate.

Allelic variation and effects of earliness <i> per se (Eps) </i> genes in wheat cultivars of Pakistan

Optimization of the flowering time in wheat is an important breeding target for its adaptability in target environments. Flowering time is controlled by vernalization, photoperiod, and the relatively poorly characterized earliness per se (Eps) genes. When vernalization and photoperiod criteria are met, Eps genes account for the variance in flowering time. The objective of the study was to decipher the allelic variations for Eps genes in the wheat cultivars of Pakistan and draw their association with agronomic traits. The wheat cultivars released prior to 1965 had an average flowering duration of 82 days, whereas the cultivars released between 1965 and 2000 had an average flowering time of 79 days and 81 days, respectively. Kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) markers were used to genotype all these cultivars for TaElf3-B1, TaElf3-D1, and TaMOT1-D1 genes. For the gene TaElf3-B1, allele Cadenza-type had a frequency of 61.71%. For the gene TaElf3-D1, the proportion of its respective major alleles was recorded, i.e., deletion had a frequency of 72.94%, and Savannah-type was 86.04%. For the gene TaMOT1-D1, the allele Wild-type was found in 55.88% accessions. The gene Elf3-B1 had a significant allelic effect for grain yield (GY), TaElf3-D1 for grain length, and TaMOT1-D1 for GY. Among the wheat cultivars, high percentage (56.89%) of the Savanah-type allele was associated with early flowering. However, the Wild-type alleles (43.1%) were observed to have low allelic frequency, and they were associated with late flowering. This study may allow wheat breeders to make genetic selection of wheat cultivars that are most suited to target environment, ensuring better yield and adaptability.

Seasonal development rhythm of representatives of the genus <i>Spiraea</i> L. during introduction in the European North-East of Russia (Komi Republic)

Shrubs of the genus Spiraea L. are distinguished by a great variety of ornamental features, but are still underused in ornamental horticulture in the northern territories. The issues of passing the seasonal cycle of plants under new harsh climatic conditions remain fragmentarily studied. The research was aimed at examining the features and identifying patterns of the seasonal rhythm of introduced species of the genus Spiraea L. The research was carried out on the basis of the collection of the Botanical Garden of the Institute of Biology, located in the middle taiga subzone of Komi Republic. Plants to be observed included nine species of three taxonomic sections of the genus Spiraea L. The long-term averages of phenological phases and periods of seasonal rhythm of species, as well as variability of features based on the results of phenological observations for six years in the period 2013-2018 were determined. The vegetation period of plants under new conditions lasts up to 145 days and corresponds to the vegetation period of the introduction station. Shoot growth lasts from 65 to 80 days in different species. The sequence of flowering, differences in the dates of onset and duration of flowering in different Spiraea species of three sections were noted. The duration of the prefloral period ranges from 18 to 41 %, the flowering period – from 8 to 31 % of the total vegetation period of plants. The total duration of flowering of the studied species accounts for almost 100 days. The least variability is specific for the period of vegetation of species (variability index up to 5.9 %), the greatest variability – for the period of flowering of plants (variability – up to 26.7 %). The taxonomic factor (85-91 %) was revealed to influence the passage of the generative phases of the seasonal cycle. The correlation interaction was determined between the main phenophases and the early leaf fall phase. The seasonal type of growth and phenological development of Spiraea plants is characterized by an early beginning and end of vegetation, a relatively short period of growth of shoots, and the consistency of average phenological dates. This phenorhythm of the studied species of the genus Spiraea demonstrates their potential for ornamental gardening in the northern region.

Herbarium data accurately predict the timing and duration of population‐level flowering displays

Forecasting the impacts of changing climate on the phenology of plant populations is essential for anticipating and managing potential ecological disruptions to biotic communities. Herbarium specimens enable assessments of plant phenology across broad spatiotemporal scales. However, specimens are collected opportunistically, and it is unclear whether their collection dates – used as proxies of phenological stages – are closest to the onset, peak, or termination of a phenophase, or whether sampled individuals represent early, average, or late occurrences in their populations. Despite this, no studies have assessed whether these uncertainties limit the utility of herbarium specimens for estimating the onset and termination of a phenophase. Using simulated data mimicking such uncertainties, we evaluated the accuracy with which the onset and termination of population‐level phenological displays (in this case, of flowering) can be predicted from natural‐history collections data (controlling for biases in collector behavior), and how the duration, variability, and responsiveness to climate of the flowering period of a species and temporal collection biases influence model accuracy. Estimates of population‐level onset and termination were highly accurate for a wide range of simulated species' attributes, but accuracy declined among species with longer individual‐level flowering duration and when there were temporal biases in sample collection, as is common among the earliest and latest‐flowering species. The amount of data required to model population‐level phenological displays is not impractical to obtain; model accuracy declined by less than 1 day as sample sizes rose from 300 to 1000 specimens. Our analyses of simulated data indicate that, absent pervasive biases in collection and if the climate conditions that affect phenological timing are correctly identified, specimen data can predict the onset, termination, and duration of a population's flowering period with similar accuracy to estimates of median flowering time that are commonplace in the literature.

Preliminary selection of wild male kiwifruit (Actinidia callosa var. strigillosa C. F. Liang) accessions in North Sikkim, India, for future breeding programmes

ABSTRACT The flower morphology and phenology of 10 healthy, profusely flowering wild male kiwifruit (Actinidia callosa var. strigillosa C. F. Liang) accessions growing in North Sikkim district in Sikkim state, Northeast India, were analysed in 2021–2022. There was distinct variation among the accessions in the number of flowers per inflorescence, number of sepals and petals, colour of the sepals, arrangement of the petals, and average number of stamens, as well as the timing and duration of flowering. Accessions SKNFF-04 and SKNLC-21 were superior in terms of pollinating traits, with the highest average numbers of flowers and stamens per vine and the longest duration of flowering. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that the first and second principal components (PC1 and PC2) had eigenvalues greater than 1 and together explained 95.13% of the variation. Hierarchical cluster analysis categorised the accessions into two major clusters: Cluster I with eight accessions and Cluster II with the two superior accessions. The presence of the pleiochasium inflorescence type among all the observed accessions is of particular significance, as it can increase the efficacy of male selection in kiwifruit breeding programmes. This research sets the stage for further investigations into the potential advantages and unique characteristics of wild kiwifruit germplasm.

Fruit and Seed Phenological studies of Rauvolfia species distributed in the Southern Western Ghats

Fruiting pattern of five Rauvolfia species in the southern Western Ghats were observed to get an insight and limitations impacting their fruiting cycles. These species displayed parallel seasonal occurrences in their flowering and fruiting. Over two continuous years, from January to December in 2011 and 2012, monthly observations highlighted discrepancies in the duration of flowering and fruiting, despite the shared seasonal aspects. The peaks and patterns of fruiting varied among these species, demonstrating differences in key factors like fruiting duration, peak times, single/double fruit ratio, and seed purity. Moreover, it was observed that annual precipitation influences the flowering and fruiting behaviors of Rauvolfia.

Изучение сортов каллистефуса китайского (Callistephus chinensis L.) в условиях криолитозоны

Abstract. Purpose: to study promising varieties of Callistephus chinensis L.in the conditions of the cryolithozone. The article presents the results of the study of Callistephus chinensis L. of 12 different varieties in the sharply continental climate of Yakutia. Callistephus chinensis L. is an annual herbaceous, bright and beautifully flowering plant. But at the same time it has resistance, this is especially important in the conditions of the cryolithozone, where the choice of beautifully flowering plants is limited. Subject of research: seasonal development of Callistephus chinensis L. varieties in cryolithozone conditions. Callistephus is well suited for landscaping urban landscapes, due to their decorative nature, a variety of colors, resistance to many environmental factors and abundant flowering. The introduction of Callistephus chinensis L. species, as well as the breeding of cold-resistant varieties is one of the urgent problems of gardening in Central Yakutia. In the laboratory and in the greenhouses of the Arctic State Agrotechnological University, variety tests of Callistephus chinensis L. were conducted to identify the most adaptive varieties. Methods. Sowing was carried out with full-weight seeds with determination of germination energy and germination. The analyses were carried out in the State Administration “State Ministries Inspection” of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). Different varieties of Callistephus chinensis L. were grown in a seedling way. Results. Seedling cultivation led to an elongation of the growing season and the duration of flowering, which ultimately made it possible to achieve a longer decorative effect; the ability of some varieties of Callistephus chinensis L. to withstand drought, resistance to adverse conditions, such varieties as Bal’fe khudozhestvennaya, Yabluneva, Mtsenskiy rubin, Berezka, Rubinovye zvezdy were revealed to be the most adaptive to gardening in Central Yakutia. Scientific novelty. In order to identify the most adaptive varieties in the conditions of the cryolithozone, variety tests of Callistephus chinensis L. were carried out.

Effects of short- and long-term experimental warming on plant–pollinator interactions and floral rewards in the Low Arctic

Plant phenological and growth responses to experimental warming are widely documented, but less is known about warming effects on plant–pollinator interactions. We investigated the effects of short- and long-term passive warming on flowering phenology, insect visitation, fruit production, and floral rewards in the Low Arctic in northern Alaska. To better understand the role of insect visitors in plant reproductive success, we quantified pollen loads on floral visitors and tested for pollen limitation in four species. Long-term warming advanced flowering onset in evergreen shrubs and forbs. Warming, in general, increased the duration of flowering for forbs, evergreen shrubs, and deciduous shrubs. Considering all growth forms together, long-term warming increased floral density. This pattern was primarily driven by deciduous and evergreen shrubs. Dipterans accounted for more visits than Hymenopterans, although Hymenopterans had higher pollen loads. Insect exclusion and warming decreased fruit set in the forb, Bistorta officinalis Delarbre. Nectar volume in the deciduous shrub, Vaccinium uliginosum, was higher in the warmed plots than the control, but nectar quality did not differ. Advanced flowering onset, longer flowering duration, and increased flower density and nectar volume may have important implications for the pollinator community, warranting further research on long-term warming effects on tundra ecosystems.

Urban environment decreases pollinator availability, fertility, and prolongs anthesis in the field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis Linnaeus, 1753)

ABSTRACT Urbanization alters the natural environment, with broad negative impacts on living organisms. Urbanization can also disrupt plant-pollinator networks by reducing the abundance and diversity of invertebrates. Firstly, I investigated whether the field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) is an obligatory entomophilous plant because previous reports were ambiguous. Secondly, I investigated how the obligatory entomophilous plant, field bindweed, responds to urbanization by comparing the flowering duration (anthesis) and the reproductive success of field bindweeds in urban and rural populations. Unlike cross-pollinated flowers and controls, flowers experimentally prevented from pollination and self-pollinated flowers did not produce seeds, suggesting that the field bindweed is self-incompatible and obligatory entomophilous. The abundance of urban pollinators was 5–6 times lower than the abundance of rural pollinators, and flies (Diptera), beetles (Coleoptera) and moths (Lepidoptera) were significantly more negatively influenced by the urban environment than hymenopterans (Hymenoptera). Urban plants showed significantly longer anthesis duration and lower reproductive success than rural plants. Illuminance and low pollinator abundance were negatively associated with the duration of the anthesis, but relative humidity did not affect the anthesis. Prolonged duration of the anthesis may be an adaptation to pollinator scarcity because more prolonged flowering increases the likelihood of pollination. Future research should unravel whether the longer anthesis of urban flowers is determined by behavioral plasticity or by the evolutionary selection of plants with a genetically determined longer anthesis.

Genetic variability parameters and character association studies among phenological traits, yield traits and quality traits under different dates of planting in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

The study was conducted during rabi 2020-2021 at RARS, Nandyal, Andhra Pradesh to determine relationships among phenological traits, seed yield, yield attributes and quality traits in chickpea under different dates of planting. In the present study, in all three dates of planting, seed yield recorded highly significant and positive association with two phenological traits viz., duration of reproductive phase and duration of flowering. However, these traits were influencing seed yield via other contributing characters like days to first f lowering, duration of vegetative phase, leaf area index, days to maturity, plant height, number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant, 100 seed weight and harvest index. Strong correlations have been established between seed size and cooking time especially in kabuli and therefore, special emphasis may be given for improving the seed size with less cooking time in extra-large seeded kabuli chickpea. Further, there is sufficient genetic variability recorded for leaf area index, number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant, plant height, harvest index, seed yield, 100 seed weight, hydration capacity, swelling capacity, cooking time and iron content in the genotypes and the traits exhibited high heritability and high to moderate genetic advance in all three dates of planting.

Documentation of Honeybees Flora and Blooming Period in Major Horticultural and Agricultural Crops Growing in Dryland Regions of Northern Karnataka, India

The goal of the present study was to determine the variety of nectariferous and polleniferous bee flora in the Koppal district of Northern Karnataka in order to enhance the bees' blooming season. When the blooming plants were visited, the honeybees' presence and foraging activity were documented. In a ten-minute interval when at least three honeybees visited the flowers, the plants were identified as bee foraging species. The various plant groupings that worker bees visit, including as fruit crops, vegetable cops, field crops, plantations, flower and ornamental plants, etc., are included in the identified bee flora. The detected flora was further divided into plants that yielded nectar, pollen, and both. A total of sixty-four crops were identified as forage crops. Of those, the Koppal district had plants that yielded nectar (14), pollen (13), and both (36), according to documentation. The major dearth times were discovered to be mid-April to mid-June, whereas the honey flow seasons were determined to be mid-December to mid-February and mid-July to mid-September. Based on the flora's availability, utility status, and duration of flowering, a floral calendar was established for the study area. The listed species (Syzygium, Cassia, Citrus, Pongamia, Azadirachta, Brassica, Areca, Cocos, Guizotia, Hilianthus, Albezia, Lagerstroemia, Polinathus, Sapindus, Tecoma) and others are some of the common and significant bee food plants.

The Phenotypic Diversity of 232 Germplasm Accessions Identifies the Adverse Effects of Flowering Redundancy on Peanut Yield

Peanut is a leguminous crop with an indeterminate growth habit that will continuously flower during the entire reproductive development stage. Flowering redundancy adversely affects the yield and quality of peanut. In this study, eight flowering and five yield-related traits were collected and comprehensively evaluated from a diverse germplasm panel consisting of 232 peanut accessions, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for improving the flowering habit and yield for future peanut breeding efforts. As a result, large phenotypic diversity was observed in 13 traits. Most of the traits suggested high heritability, except high effective flowering duration (HEFD), days to 100% flower cessation (DTC100), and yield per plant (YPP). Days to 90% flower cessation (DTC90), days to DTC100, flowering duration (FD), and low effective flowering duration (LEFD) showed significant negative correlations with 100-seed weight, 100-pod weight, YPP, average weight per pod, and shelling percentage. Principal component analysis (PCA) suggested that flowering redundancy traits as well as yield-related traits contributed more to the first three PCs when compared to other traits. This study addresses the lack of peanut flowering phenotypic and genetic diversity and lays the foundation for in-depth research on redundancy-related genes in peanut flowering.

Two Growing-Season Warming Partly Promoted Growth but Decreased Reproduction and Ornamental Value of Impatiens oxyanthera.

Climate warming profoundly affects the vegetative growth, flowering phenology and sexual reproduction of plants; therefore, it affects the ornamental value of wild flowers. Despite this, the extent and mechanism of the impact remain unclear. Here, we conducted a warming experiment for two growing seasons (increases of 1.89 °C in 2017 and 2.37 °C in 2018) with infrared heaters to examine the effects of warming on the ornamental value of the wild flower Impatiens oxyanthera, endemic to China, in Mount Emei. We evaluated the comprehensive ornamental value based on plant morphology and flowering characteristics using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and disentangled the impact of the two traits on ornamental value using principal component analysis (PCA) and the partial least squares structural equation model (PLS-SEM) under ambient and warming treatments. We hypothesized that warming would reduce the ornamental value of I. oxyanthera in terms of plant morphology and flowering traits. Our results showed that warming significantly decreased plant height and crown width and increased branch number and single-leaf area. Warming also decreased vexillum length, corolla tube length, nectar spur length and pedicel length. In addition, warming shortened flowering duration per plant and reduced flower number, while there was no significant effect on flower longevity and flower color at full-bloom stage between the control and warming treatment. Therefore, the comprehensive ornamental value under warming was lower than that under the control. Pedicel length, flower color, flower longevity and flowering duration per plant were the main factors affecting the comprehensive ornamental value. The PLS-SEM showed that warming had an indirect negative effect on ornamental value via direct negative effects on flowering traits. Collectively, these results indicate that, although promoting vegetative growth, short-term warming significantly decreased the ornamental value of I. oxyanthera due to warming-caused smaller flowers and shorter flowering duration.