Plant Flowering Research Articles

Diverse Flowering Response to Blue Light Manipulation: Application of Electric Lighting in Controlled-Environment Plant Production

Blue light is an important light wavelength in regulating plant flowering. In a controlled environment (CE) plant production systems, blue light can be manipulated easily and even precisely through electric lighting, especially with the advancement of light-emitted diode (LED) technologies. However, the results of previous studies in the literature about blue-light-mediated flowering are inconsistent, which would limit its practical application in CE plant production while implying that an in-depth study of the relevant physiological mechanism is necessary in the future. This review consolidates and analyzes the diverse findings from previous studies on blue light-mediated plant flowering in varying high-value crops from ornamental plants to fruits, vegetables, and specialty crops. By synthesizing the contrasting results, we proposed the possible explanations and even the underlying mechanisms related to blue light intensity and exposure duration, its co-action with other light wavelengths, background environment conditions, and the involved photoreceptors. We have also identified the knowledge gaps based on these studies and outlined future directions for research and potential application in this promising field. This review provides valuable insights into the important and diverse role of blue light in plant flowering and offers a foundation for further investigations to optimize plant flowering through lighting technologies.

Efficacy and Optimal Timing of Warm-white or Red + Far-red LED Lamps in Regulation of Flowering in Long-day Ornamentals

When natural days are short, photoperiodic lighting at the end or beginning of the day (day extension) or in the middle of the night (night break) promotes flowering of long-day plants. The objective of this study was to compare broad-spectrum warm-white light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and red (R) + far-red (FR) LEDs at flowering regulation when delivered at different timings in the night period. We performed a greenhouse experiment on four long-day ornamentals [coreopsis (Coreopsis grandiflora) ‘Early Sunrise’, snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus) ‘Liberty Classic Yellow’, petunia (Petunia ×hybrida) ‘Easy Wave Burgundy Star’, and petunia ‘Wave Purple Improved’]. We grew plants under a truncated 8-hour photoperiod with or without low-intensity (∼2 μmol·m−2·s−1) nighttime lighting from warm-white or R+FR LEDs. For each light quality, we delivered four timings: 1) 8 hours after dusk; 2) 8 hours before dawn; 3) 4 hours after dusk + 4 hours before dawn; and 4) 4-hour night break. The effectiveness of floral promotion was determined by time from the treatment onset to the first open flower. Coreopsis flowered similarly under all lighting treatments, irrespective of light quality and timing, but did not flower under the short-day treatment by the end of the experiment. At flowering, coreopsis was 18% to 19% shorter under white than R+FR LEDs. In contrast, snapdragon flowered 9 to 20 days later under white than R+FR LEDs, when delivered for 8 hours at night, but flowered similarly under these two lamp types as a 4-hour night break. Compared with the short-day treatment, white and R+FR LEDs promoted flowering of both petunia cultivars, although flowering generally occurred later under white than R+FR LEDs. Snapdragon and petunia ‘Easy Wave Burgundy Star’ developed 30% to 122% more lateral branches under white than R+FR LEDs, when delivered for 8 hours at night. The effectiveness of warm-white LEDs was generally unaffected by timing, although it was most promotive of flowering in snapdragon when delivered for 8 hours before dawn. For R+FR LEDs, 8-hour day-extension lighting was generally more effective than 4-hour night-break lighting, irrespective of timing. We conclude when delivered for 8 hours at night, warm-white LEDs are generally less effective than R+FR LEDs at promoting flowering of long-day ornamentals but similarly effective as 4-hour night-break lighting. The effectiveness of day-extension lighting is generally independent of timing, although for R+FR LEDs, 8 hours after-dusk and/or before-dawn lighting was generally more effective than 4-hour night-break lighting.

Genome-wide analysis of the NF–Y gene family in non-heading Chinese cabbage and the involvement of BcNF-YA8 in ABA-mediated flowering regulation

The nuclear factor Y (NF–Y) is a class of heterotrimeric transcription factors comprising three subunits: NF-YA, NF-YB, and NF-YC. These transcription factors participate in many plant bioprocesses, including the regulation of flowering time. Although the NF–Y gene family has been systematically studied in many species, little is known about its role in the non-heading Chinese cabbage (NHCC) [Brassica campestris (syn. Brassica rapa) ssp. chinensis]. In this study, we identified 57 NF–Y members in the genome of NHCC using BLASTP, including 20 BcNF-YAs, 24 BcNF-YBs, and 13 BcNF-YCs. These genes are randomly distributed on the 10 chromosomes of NHCC. The results of yeast two hybrid experiments indicated that among some members of the three subunits of BcNF-Ys, the members of the NF-YA and NF-YC subunits interact with each other, a third of the members of the NF-YB and NF-YC subunits interact with each other, while no interaction was observed between the members of the NF-YA and NF-YB subunits. Subcellular localization experiments in tobacco showed that BcNF-YA2 and BcNF-YA8 were expressed in the nucleus; BcNF-YB18 and BcNF-YB23 were located in the cell membrane and cytoplasm; and BcNF-YC6 and BcNF-YC7 were expressed in the nucleus, cytoplasm, and cell membrane. We analyzed the cis-acting elements in the promoter of BcNF-Y genes and found that the ABA response element is the most distributed hormone response element, which is regulated by ABA signals triggered by environmental stimuli. Accordingly, we treated three-week-old NHCC leaves with 100 μmol L−1 ABA and analyzed the expression profile of BcNF-Ys through RNA-seq. The results showed that except for six undetected BcNF-Ys, the remaining 51 BcNF-Ys showed varying degrees of response to ABA signals. Among these, BcNF-YA8 was positively regulated by ABA signals, with the highest upregulation amplitude. Subsequently, the function of BcNF-YA8 was extensively studied, which demonstrated that its expression promotes plant flowering. This result enriches our understanding of the potential molecular mechanism by which ABA positively regulates NHCC flowering.

Csn-miR156d-CsSPL1 regulates flowering and anthocyanin metabolism.

MiR156 play important roles in regulation of plant growth and development, secondary metabolite synthesis, and other biological processes by targeting the SQUAMOSA promoter binding protein-like (SPL) family. Our previous sequencing data analysis suggested that Csn-miR156d may regulate flowering and anthocyanin accumulation by cleavage and degradation of the expression of the SPL in tea plant, but it remains to be elucidated. In this study, 5'RLM-RACE experiment, tobacco transient transformation, qRT-PCR, and antisense oligonucleotide (asODN) were used to verify that CsSPL1 is the target gene of Csn-miR156d. Stable transformation of Arabidopsis revealed that Csn-miR156d could delay flowering by negatively regulating the transcript levels of FT, AP1, FUL, and SOC1, while overexpression of CsSPL1 showed an opposite effect. Additionally, overexpression of Csn-miR156d in Arabidopsis could enhance the transcription of the anthocyanin biosynthesis-related structural genes DFR, ANS, F3H, UGT78D2, and LDOX, as well as regulatory genes PAP1, MYB113, GL3, MYB11, and MYB12, leading to anthocyanin accumulation. Moreover, asODN experiment revealed that Csn-miR156d could increase the anthocyanin content in tea plant. These results suggest that Csn-miR156d regulates flowering and anthocyanin accumulation in tea plant by suppressing the expression of CsSPL1. Our study provides new insights into the development and anthocyanin accumulation in tea plant and lays a theoretical foundation for further research on the molecular mechanism of miRNAs in regulating tea plant growth and secondary metabolism.

First Report of White Mold Caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum on Echeveria gigantea in Mexico.

Echeveria gigantea, native of Mexico (Reyes et al. 2011), holds economic importance as it is marketed as a potted plant and cut flower due to its drought-tolerant capabilities and aesthetic appeal. In September 2023, a field sampling was conducted at the Research Center in Horticulture and Native Plants (18°55'56.6" N, 98°24'01.5" W) of UPAEP University. Echeveria gigantea cv. Quilpalli plants with white mold symptoms were found in an area of 0.5 ha, with an incidence of 40% and severity of 50% on severely affected stems. The symptoms included chlorosis of older foliage, necrosis at the base of the stem, and soft rot with abundant white to gray mycelium and abundant production of irregular sclerotia resulting in wilted plants. The fungus was isolated from 30 symptomatic plants. Sclerotia were collected, sterilized in 3% NaOCl, rinsed with sterile distilled water (SDW), and plated on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) with sterile forceps. Subsequently, a dissecting needle was used to place fragments of mycelium directly on PDA. Plates were incubated at 23 °C in darkness. A total of 30 isolates were obtained using the hyphal-tip method, one from each diseased plant (15 isolates from sclerotia and 15 from mycelium). After 6 days, colonies had fast-growing, dense, cottony-white aerial mycelium forming irregular sclerotia of 3.67 ± 1.13 mm (n=100). Each Petri dish produced 32.47 ± 7.5 sclerotia (n=30), after 12 days. The sclerotia were initially white and gradually turned black. The isolates were tentatively identified as Sclerotinia sclerotiorum based on morphological characteristics (Saharan and Mehta 2008). Two isolates were selected for molecular identification. Genomic DNA was extracted using the CTAB protocol. The ITS region and the glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (G3PDH) gene were sequenced for two randomly selected isolates (White et al. 1990; Staats et al. 2005). The ITS and G3PDH sequences of the SsEg9 isolate were deposited in GenBank (ITS-OR816006; G3PDH-OR879212). BLAST analysis of the partial ITS (510 bp) and G3PDH (915 bp) sequences showed 100% and 99.78% similarity to S. sclerotiorum isolates (GenBank: MT101751 and MW082601). Pathogenicity was confirmed by inoculating 30 120-day-old E. gigantea cv. Quilpalli plants grown in pots with sterile soil. Ten sclerotia were deposited at the base of the stem, 10 mm below the soil surface. As control treatment, SDW was applied to 10 plants. The plants were placed in a greenhouse at 23 °C and 90% relative humidity. After 16 days, all inoculated plants displayed symptoms similar to those observed in the field. Control plants did not display any symptoms. The fungus was reisolated from the inoculated stems, fulfilling Koch's postulates. The pathogenicity tests were repeated three times. Recently S. sclerotiorum has been reported causing white mold on cabbage in the state of Puebla, Mexico (Terrones-Salgado et al. 2023). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of S. sclerotiorum causing white mold on E. gigantea in Mexico. Information about diseases affecting this plant is very limited, so this research is crucial for designing integrated management strategies and preventing spread to other production areas.

Traffic intensity and vegetation management affect flower‐visiting insects and their response to resources in road verges

Abstract Road verges can support high densities of flowers and could therefore provide new opportunities for the conservation of flower‐visiting insects. One way of optimizing road verges for vascular plant diversity is to adjust mowing regimes, but to date it is unclear how this affects flower‐visiting insects. Furthermore, for mobile organisms like wild bees and butterflies, there is a risk that the benefit of increased habitat quality in road verges is limited by the proximity to traffic, but this is poorly studied. In a crossed study design, we separated mowing time and frequency (early summer and autumn, or only late summer) from road verge habitat classification (valuable for biodiversity according to transport authority, or regular). We did so along a gradient of traffic intensity, to investigate if a mowing regime designed to enhance plant diversity can also benefit wild bees and butterflies, and if traffic limits the conservation potential of road verges. Road verges that were mown only in late summer had higher flower densities, and there was a positive relationship between flower density and wild bee abundance and species richness. Butterfly abundance and species richness only benefitted from a late summer mowing in valuable but not in regular road verges. Traffic intensity had a substantial negative impact on abundance and species richness of wild bees and butterflies. Higher traffic intensities limited the positive relationship between plant and butterfly species richness that we observed at lower traffic intensities. Increasing width of the road verges buffered negative effects of the traffic on wild bee as well as butterfly abundances, and on wild bee species richness. Synthesis and applications. Road verges can play a valuable role for the conservation of wild bees and butterflies, but there is a need to consider both traffic intensity and resource availability when implementing management strategies. To support wild bee and butterfly diversity, we recommend actions to enhance plant species richness and flower resource availability, and to focus these conservation efforts on roads with low traffic intensity, or on wide road verges.

Genome-Wide Analysis of MADS-Box Gene Family Reveals CjSTK as a Key Regulator of Seed Abortion in Camellia japonica.

The plant MADS-box transcription factor family is a major regulator of plant flower development and reproduction, and the AGAMOUS-LIKE11/SEEDSTICK (AGL11/STK) subfamily plays conserved functions in the seed development of flowering plants. Camellia japonica is a world-famous ornamental flower, and its seed kernels are rich in highly valuable fatty acids. Seed abortion has been found to be common in C. japonica, but little is known about how it is regulated during seed development. In this study, we performed a genome-wide analysis of the MADS-box gene the in C. japonica genome and identified 126 MADS-box genes. Through gene expression profiling in various tissue types, we revealed the C/D-class MADS-box genes were preferentially expressed in seed-related tissues. We identified the AGL11/STK-like gene, CjSTK, and showed that it contained a typical STK motif and exclusively expressed during seed development. We found a significant increase in the CjSTK expression level in aborted seeds compared with normally developing seeds. Furthermore, overexpression of CjSTK in Arabidopsis thaliana caused shorter pods and smaller seeds. Taken together, we concluded that the fine regulation of the CjSTK expression at different stages of seed development is critical for ovule formation and seed abortion in C. japonica. The present study provides evidence revealing the regulation of seed development in Camellia.

Beyond floral initiation: the role of flower bud dormancy in flowering time control of annual plants.

The phenology of temperate perennials, including the timing of vegetative growth and flowering, is well known to be controlled by seasonal dormancy cycles. Dormant structures are known as buds and have specialized covering structures, symplastic isolation from the plant, and often autonomous stores of carbon and nitrogen reserves. In contrast, in annual plants, our current understanding of the control of the timing of flowering focuses on the mechanisms affecting floral initiation, the transition from a vegetative apical meristem to a inflorescence meristem producing flower primordia in place of leaves. Recently we revealed that annual crops in Brassicaceae exhibit chilling-responsive growth control in a manner closely resembling bud dormancy breakage in perennial species. Here I discuss evidence that vernalization in autumn is widespread and further discuss its role in inducing flower bud set prior to winter. I also review evidence that flower bud dormancy has a more widespread role in annual plant flowering time control than previously appreciated.

Exploring the Role of Debaryomyces hansenii as Biofertilizer in Iron-Deficient Environments to Enhance Plant Nutrition and Crop Production Sustainability.

The European "Green Deal" policies are shifting toward more sustainable and environmentally conscious agricultural practices, reducing the use of chemical fertilizer and pesticides. This implies exploring alternative strategies. One promising alternative to improve plant nutrition and reinforce plant defenses is the use of beneficial microorganisms in the rhizosphere, such as "Plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria and fungi". Despite the great abundance of iron (Fe) in the Earth's crust, its poor solubility in calcareous soil makes Fe deficiency a major agricultural issue worldwide. Among plant promoting microorganisms, the yeast Debaryomyces hansenii has been very recently incorporated, for its ability to induce morphological and physiological key responses to Fe deficiency in plants, under hydroponic culture conditions. The present work takes it a step further and explores the potential of D. hansenii to improve plant nutrition and stimulate growth in cucumber plants grown in calcareous soil, where ferric chlorosis is common. Additionally, the study examines D. hansenii's ability to induce systemic resistance (ISR) through a comparative relative expression study by qRT-PCR of ethylene (ET) biosynthesis (ACO1), or ET signaling (EIN2 and EIN3), and salicylic acid (SA) biosynthesis (PAL)-related genes. The results mark a significant milestone since D. hansenii not only enhances nutrient uptake and stimulates plant growth and flower development but could also amplify induced systemic resistance (ISR). Although there is still much work ahead, these findings make D. hansenii a promising candidate to be used for sustainable and environmentally friendly integrated crop management.

Effect of Potting Mixture and Polybag Size on Growth and Flowering of Asiatic Lily (Lilium asiaticum var. Nashville) under Protected Condition

An experiment on recognizing the significance of cultivating lilies under polyhouse conditions, this study contributes the valuable insights to the cultivation practices of Asiatic lilies, focusing on the pivotal roles of potting mixture composition and polybag size. Healthy bulbs of each cultivar were freshly planted in various media compositions in different polybag size within a protected environment. From the present investigation, it is concluded that the treatment 12 x 12 polybag size combined with Garden soil + Vermicompost + Cocopeat (1:1:2) was found in superior among other treatments in terms of plant height (69.30cm), leaf length (8.60 cm), leaf width (3.03 cm), number of flower buds/plant (4.60), days to appearance of first flower bud (40.10), flower bud length (8.43 cm), stalk length (68.15 cm), weight of bulb per plant (64.75g), self life of flower spike (15.22 days), number of flowers per 250 m2 (10032.75). The study concluded that, the lilies readily respond to various medium for cultivation and 12 x 12 Polybag combined with potting mixture Garden soil + Vermicompost + Cocopeat (1:1:2) observed to be the best for plant growth and flowering of Asiatic lily under protected condition.

Genome-wide identification of YABBY gene family and its expression pattern analysis in Astragalus mongholicus

ABSTRACT During plant growth and development, the YABBY gene plays a crucial role in the morphological structure, hormone signaling, stress resistance, crop breeding, and agricultural production of plant lateral organs, leaves, flowers, and fruits. Astragalus mongholicus is a perennial herbaceous plant in the legume family, widely used worldwide due to its high medicinal and edible value. However, there have been no reports of the YABBY gene family in A. mongholicus. This study used bioinformatics methods, combined with databases and analysis websites, to systematically analyze the AmYABBY gene family in the entire genome of A. mongholicus and verified its expression patterns in different tissues of A. mongholicus through transcriptome data and qRT-PCR experiments. A total of seven AmYABBY genes were identified, which can be divided into five subfamilies and distributed on three chromosomes. Two pairs of AmYABBY genes may be involved in fragment duplication on three chromosomes. All AmYABBY proteins have a zinc finger YABBY domain, and members of the same group have similar motif composition and intron – exon structure. In the promoter region of the genes, light-responsive and MeJa-response cis-elements are dominant. AmYABBY is highly expressed in stems and leaves, especially AmYABBY1, AmYABBY2, and AmYABBY3, which play important roles in the growth and development of stems and leaves. The AmYABBY gene family regulates the growth and development of A. mongholicus. In summary, this study provides a theoretical basis for in-depth research on the function of the AmYABBY gene and new insights into the molecular response mechanism of the growth and development of the traditional Chinese medicine A. mongholicus.

Moringa oleifera (Moringaceae) an in-depth review of its nutritional classification and therapeutic application

The nutritional and various medical benefits of Moringa oleifera have been recognized for ages in a variety of habitats and introduced areas. A common tree in many tropical and subtropical nations is the M. oleifera. It belongs to the family Moringaceae. Various plant parts, including the leaves, roots, seeds, fruit, bark, flowers, and immature pods, it is used as analgesic, antioxidant, antibacterial, anticancer, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antiulcer, antispasmodic, diuretic, and antihypertensive properties both humans and animals can benefit from eating Moringa leaves. M. oleifera is a plant whose many components are used to make traditional human meals. Protein, vitamins A, B, and C, as well as minerals, are all abundant in Moringa leaves. Up to 25% of M. oleifera leaf is made up of crude protein. Various M. oleifera plant components, including leaves, fruits, immature pods, and flowers, are grown in many tropical and subtropical nations.

Application of Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria on Vegetative Growth in Chili Plants (Capsicum frutescens L.)

Cayenne pepper is a significant plant in tropical regions, utilized not only as a culinary spice but also in the pharmaceutical industry. An effective strategy for enhancing the physical, chemical, and biological quality of soil is the employment of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). PGPR, a soil microorganism that colonizes plant roots, can accelerate growth and protect against certain pathogens. The use of PGPR, particularly in biocontrol of plant pathogens and biofertilization, is prevalent across various global regions. This study evaluates the effectiveness of PGPR in boosting the growth of cayenne pepper and was conducted in Peresak Village, Narmada District, West Lombok Regency, NTB Province. The methodology implemented was a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) experiment with five treatments and five replications, totaling 25 plant units. The treatments included a control (P0 ml/L) and four PGPR concentrations: P1 (10 ml/L), P2 (20 ml/L), P3 (30 ml/L), and P4 (40 ml/L). Each PGPR dose was dissolved in 1 liter of water and administered at 200 ml per polybag. The findings indicated that PGPR application significantly impacted the growth of cayenne pepper plants, notably increasing plant height, leaf count, branch count, and flower count. The 30 ml/L PGPR concentration (P3) proved most effective in enhancing these growth parameters. The results underscore the substantial benefits of incorporating PGPR as a biofertilizer agent in agricultural practices to optimize crop yields.

SEPALLATA-driven MADS transcription factor tetramerization is required for inner whorl floral organ development.

MADS transcription factors are master regulators of plant reproduction and flower development. The SEPALLATA (SEP) subfamily of MADS transcription factors is required for the development of floral organs and plays roles in inflorescence architecture and development of the floral meristem. SEPALLATAs act as organizers of MADS complexes, forming both heterodimers and heterotetramers in vitro. To date, the MADS complexes characterized in angiosperm floral organ development contain at least 1 SEPALLATA protein. Whether DNA binding by SEPALLATA-containing dimeric MADS complexes is sufficient for launching floral organ identity programs, however, is not clear as only defects in floral meristem determinacy were observed in tetramerization-impaired SEPALLATA mutant proteins. Here, we used a combination of genome-wide-binding studies, high-resolution structural studies of the SEP3/AGAMOUS (AG) tetramerization domain, structure-based mutagenesis and complementation experiments in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) sep1 sep2 sep3 and sep1 sep2 sep3 ag-4 plants transformed with versions of SEP3 encoding tetramerization mutants. We demonstrate that while SEP3 heterodimers can bind DNA both in vitro and in vivo and recognize the majority of SEP3 wild-type-binding sites genome-wide, tetramerization is required not only for floral meristem determinacy but also for floral organ identity in the second, third, and fourth whorls.

Mutations in the dwarf3 gene confer height stability in sorghum.

Dwarfism is a useful trait in many crop plants because it contributes to improved lodging resistance and harvest index. The mutant allele dw3-ref (dwarf3-reference) of sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] is characterized by an 882bp tandem duplication in the fifth exon of the gene that is unstable and reverts to wild-type at a frequency greater than 0.001 in many genetic backgrounds. The goal of this research was to identify stable alleles of dw3 (dwarf3) that could be backcrossed into elite parent lines to improve height stability of the crop. To discover new alleles of dw3, a panel consisting mostly of sorghum conversion lines (SC-lines) was screened by polymerase chain reaction for the 882bp tandem duplication in the fifth exon of dw3-ref. Sanger sequencing was used to characterize the DNA sequence of this fragment in genotypes that did not contain the 882bp tandem duplication. Sequence analysis identified three indel mutations, including an 82bp deletion, a 6bp duplication, and a 15bp deletion in this region of the gene. Field trials of the donor genotypes with these new alleles indicated no wild-type revertants of dw3-sd3 (dwarf3-stable dwarf), dw3-sd4, and dw3-sd5. These alleles were backcrossed into Tx430. Field trials of backcross progeny (BC2F4) with the dw3-sd3, dw3-sd4, and dw3-sd5 alleles indicated no revertants. The plant height and flowering time characteristics of the backcross progeny were similar or slightly shorter and earlier than the recurrent parent. These findings demonstrate that dw3-sd3, dw3-sd4, and dw3-sd5 alleles will be useful in breeding for the stable dwarf trait.

Population dynamics of wheat and predatory thrips in winter wheat agrocenosis in the forest-steppe of the Samara region

The current paper has presented the three-year study results (2021–2023) on recording the population dynamics of wheat and predatory thrips during the spring-summer vegetation period of winter common wheat in the forest-steppe of the Samara region. The purpose of the study was to determine the dynamics of the seasonal development of wheat and predatory thrips according to the phenophases of the development of winter common wheat in the forest-steppe of the Samara region. For this purpose, there were carried out the calculations using the mowing method with an entomological net on winter wheat crops in different phenophases of development, and the population of species and thrips were determined in the laboratory under a binocular. According to weather conditions, 2021 and 2023 were characterized as dry and hot, 2022 was characterized as cool with plenty of precipitation in the first half of the winter wheat vegetation period. The population dynamics of wheat and predatory thrips varied depending on the weather conditions of the spring-summer period of the year. In the hot years of 2021 and 2023 there were 2 periods of increase in population. In 2021, the period of maximum population of wheat thrips was observed from a heading stage to a flowering stage (1016 and 1048 specimen per 100 sweeps of the net) and in the phase of milky-wax ripeness (426 specimen per 100 sweeps of the net). In 2022, the population of wheat thrips on plants increased gradually, the peak was noted once during the flowering stage, amounting to 1084 specimen per 100 sweeps of the net. In 2023, a population increase was observed in the heading stage (1782 specimen per 100 sweeps of the net) and the phase of milky-wax ripeness (421 specimen per 100 sweeps of the net). In the hot years of 2021 and 2023 there were 2 periods of increase in predatory thrips’ population; the maximum number of entomophages was observed during the heading stage and amounted to 87 and 61 specimens per 100 sweeps of the net, respectively. In the cool year of 2022, there was one population increase during the flowering stage and amounted to 14 specimens per 100 sweeps of the net. In the phases of heading and flowering of plants, there were predominantly adult insects (imago), and in the phases of milky and milky-wax ripeness, there were predominantly found larvae of different ages. The weather conditions in 2021 and 2023 turned out to be more favorable for the development of wheat and predatory thrips than in 2022.

Thrips species occurring in red raspberry, Rubus idaeus L., in South Norway

Aim of study: Thrips in raspberry crops are receiving attention in Scandinavian raspberry production because of the increasing sighting of their presence in the flowers. Specific information on thrips species occurring in raspberry and their damage potential is scarce, making thrips management challenging. Therefore, this study aimed to identify thrips in the flowers of cultivated raspberry, Rubus idaeus L., in South Norway. Area of study: Sogndal, Luster and Frogn, Southern Norway Material and methods: Adult thrips were sampled from eight commercial raspberry orchards in the counties Vestland and Viken in June-July 2022. Thrips were mounted using Hoyer’s medium and a total of 213 specimens were morphologically identified. Main results: Five species of thrips were found, Thrips fuscipennis Haliday, Thrips major Uzel, Thrips flavus Schrank, Thrips vulgatissimus Haliday and Thrips brevicornis Priesner. Most specimens were T. flavus, followed by T. fuscipennis and T. vulgatissimus. Research highlights: Among the five species found, only T. fuscipennis has previously been reported in cultivated raspberry, but all five species are associated with flowers of many plants. The findings imply a larger and more geographically varied thrips fauna on raspberry than currently documented. This should be taken into account in future studies on thrips management in raspberry.

Environmental impact assessment of hemp cultivation and its seed-based food products

Introduction: Hemp is a crop cultivated in Europe since ancient times, with a variety of purposes and products. Despite being known for its positive environmental effects on ecosystems, the impacts of hemp-based food products have not been sufficiently investigated yet. This paper contributed to deepen the knowledge of the hemp industry by focusing on the potential environmental impact of the cultivation phase (under three different agronomic practices in Italy: organic outdoor and conventional outdoor, and indoor) and the production of selected hemp-based goods (seed oil and flour for food purposes and flowers for therapeutic uses).Methods: The impact was quantified utilizing the life cycle assessment within different impact categories, such as carbon footprint (CF), eutrophication (EP), acidification (AP), and water footprint (WF). For a carbon offset assessment, the carbon storage capability (i.e., the carbon fixed in crop residues left in the field) of hemp was also investigated through the guidelines provided by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).Results and Discussion: The cultivation phase contributed to a CF that ranged from 1.2 (organic outdoor) to 374 (indoor) kg per kg of grains (conventional outdoor). These results were in line with the literature. Sensitivity scenarios based on hotspot analysis were also presented for CF mitigation for each kind of cultivation. On the other hand, the ability of hemp to sequester carbon in the soil due to crop residues left in the field (i.e., carbon storage) was evaluated (−2.7 kg CO2 (ha year)−1), showing that the CF was fully compensated (−0.27 kg CO2 (ha year)−1 for conventional outdoor and −1.07 kg CO2 (ha year)−1 for organic outdoor). Regarding hemp-based products, only dried flowers showed a negative balance (−0.99 kg CO2 per kg dry flower), while hemp oil and flour reported 31.79 kg CO2 per kg flour) when carbon storage was accounted. The results support the idea that the production chain can be sustainable and carbon-neutral only when all the different parts of the plant (flowers, seeds, fibers, leaves, and all residues) were used to manufacture durable goods according to the framework of the circular economy.

Anti-Oxidant and Anti-Cancerous properties of Phanera Vahli against PC-3- In Vitro

Background: Prostate cancer is the fastest-growing cancer in men, leading to mortality. Many medicinal practices are recommended for various cancers. Ayurveda and homeopathy are also contributing a lot. Plants with antioxidant properties are now being harvested by different solvents to withdraw different chemical compounds to cure prostate cancer. Objective: The purpose of the current study was to examine the anti-cancer and antioxidant properties of aqueous extract of Phanera vahli (PV) flowers against PC-3 cancer cell lines. Materials and Methods: The total phenolic content of the extract was determined by using a folin-ciocalteu reagent. The DPPH, ABTS, and H2O2 assay were used to measure the free radical scavenging activity of the PV flower extract. The MTT assay was used to evaluate the cytotoxic efficacy of the aqueous extract of the plant flowers against PC-3 at various concentrations. Results: Based on the result, the total phenolic content was present in the aqueous extract of PV flowers. Conclusion: According to the current study, PV flower extract significantly possesses antioxidant and anti-cancer properties against prostate cancer cell lines. This effect may be used in the future to the extract's ability for scavenging free radicals.

Significant Effect Of Amended Soil On Microbial Flora Of Soil And Plant Growth In Comparison With Natural Low Nutritive Soil

Soil chemical properties, such as Carbon and Nitrogen levels, are crucial for fulfilling the basic needs of plants. The presence of secondary and tertiary nutrients plays a vital role in constructing soil structure, influencing the survival of normal microbial flora, seeds, and later plant growth. The use of chemical fertilizers addresses nutritional deficiencies, but reports indicate that only 40% is utilized by plants, leading to soil issues like salinity and drought logging. When soil lacks essential nutrients, external amendments are necessary, impacting plant growth and crop yield by enhancing normal microbial flora i.e. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs). Recognizing the significance of both chemical nutrients and physical properties for healthy plant growth, a soil amendment called "Fertisol soil" was developed. This involved adding basic and secondary nutrients to the soil. The amended soil underwent analytical characterization and was compared with natural soil through chemical analysis and microbial growth assessments. Comparative studies using the amended soil showed improved plant growth and flowering capacity compared to control plants in terms of height and flowering. This highlights the positive impact of balanced nutrient amendments on soil health and overall plant performance.