Flower Fresh Weight Research Articles

Effects of elevated temperature and CO2 concentration on floral development and sex differentiation in Morus alba L.

Elevated temperature, elevated CO2 concentration, and their combination significantly promoted the number and biomass of female mulberry (Morus alba L.) flowers, but the opposite is true for males. This paper demonstrates that male mulberry trees would suffer more negative effects on floral development and differentiation under global warming. With the ongoing intensification of global warming, flower formation has attracted widespread interest because it is particularly vulnerable to the effects of environmental factors. However, current knowledge of floral development regarding gender and sex differentiation under elevated temperature, CO2 concentration, and their combination remains limited. The aims of this study were to assess how sex-related differences in the morphology, biomass, and carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) contents of flowers respond to elevated temperature and CO2 concentration. Morus alba L. saplings (monoecious plants) were subjected to two temperature conditions (ambient vs. ambient + 2 °C) and two CO2 regimes (ambient vs. ambient + 380 ppm CO2) in growth chambers for 18 months growth, and differences in flowering phase, sex ratio, floral morphology and biomass, as well as total carbon and nitrogen of male and female inflorescences were investigated. Elevated temperature, elevated CO2 concentration, and their combination significantly increased the number and biomass of female inflorescences but decreased the number and biomass of male inflorescences. Furthermore, the combination of elevated temperature and CO2 concentration significantly decreased ovary length and C/N ratio of female flowers and the fresh weight of male flowers. Additionally, C/N ratio was negatively related to morphological traits of male inflorescences but positively related to tepal length of female flowers. These findings indicate that global warming may affect floral development and sex differentiation in mulberry and that the male inflorescences of M. alba may suffer more negative effects than female inflorescences with respect to flower number, biomass, and morphological development.

The distribution and nucleotide sequences of chrysanthemum stunt viroid in dahlia fields in Japan and the effect of its infection on the growth of dahlias

Chrysanthemum stunt viroid (CSVd) is known to infect a wide range of Dahlia spp; however, to the best of our knowledge, no detailed study has been conducted on the distribution of CSVd variants, the infection efficacy of sap inoculations, and the symptoms caused by infection of CSVd in dahlias. We have detected CSVd in 94 of 214 dahlia samples, from across eight different Japanese Prefectures, using RT-PCR. Six sequence variants of CSVd were detected from 32 CSVd-infected dahlia samples including 3 variants which have not been previously reported and three previously isolated variants from dahlias or chrysanthemums. Five CSVd variants infected and replicated in both dahlia and chrysanthemum plants by sap and RNA inoculation three months post inoculation. The sequence mutations among those variants did not significantly affect the infection efficacy. Infection of CSVd significantly reduced fresh plant weight, plant height, size of compound leaves, flower diameter, and fresh flower weight of dahlias in two cultivars, though it did not affect the number of nodes. In addition, it altered the color of ray florets and increased the rate at which flowers exposed their disks and that of disk florets. The altered color of ray florets in the ‘Magokoro’ cultivar were darker pink and those of the ‘Portlight pair beauty’ cultivar were darker orange than the uninfected samples. Our results show that CSVd infects a wide range of dahlias in the field and is an important pathogen to manage for their cultivation as it negatively affects their productivity.

Prolong the vase life of flower spike of Aster (Symphyotrichum novi-belgii L.) by diphenylamine

ABSTRACT The present study was carried out at Antoniades Research Branch, Horticulture Research Institute, A.R.C. Alexandria, Egypt during the two successive seasons of 2017 and 2018 to study the effects of different concentrations and application methods of Diphenylamine (DPA) on the flower longevity of Aster New York plants (Symphyotrichum novi-belgii). Four concentrations of DPA (0, 25 , 50 and 100 ppm) and three application methods ( pulsing , foliar spray and holding solution ) were used in this experiment . The results showed that the highest significant vase life was obtained after application 50 ppm DPA as pulsing treatment for one hour , this treatment caused the lowest significant loss of flower fresh weight percentage (LFFW %), highest significant flower fresh weight/flower dry weight ratio (FWR), the highest relative fresh weight (RFW ) value and the highest significant reducing sugar content . Moreover, foliar spray treatment of DPA caused the highest significant increase of chlorophyll a and b content along the experiment period.

Effect of Seaweed Extract and Micronutrients Mixture on some Growth Characters and Flowering of Dianthus chinensis L. and Gazania splender L. Plants

An experiment was conducted on Chinese carnation Dianthus chinesis L. and gazania Gazania splender L. to study the effect of spray seaweed extract (seaweed Fe) and micronutrients mixture at concentrations of 0, 1, and 2 ml. L−1 for each, in addition to their combination, on some growth characters of the two ornamental plants. Plants were sprayed three times. Treatments were layout in factorial experiment (3x3) in completely randomized design with three replicates. Results showed that the use of the two materials at both concentrations caused significant increase in Chinese carnation plant height. Leaf number increased significantly at 2ml.L−1 of micronutrients mixture on Chinese carnation. In gazania, there was a pronounced increase in leaf number with the increase of the concentration of seaweed extract. Sea weed extract had no effect on percent dry weight while the percent increased significantly at both concentrations on Chinese carnation. Chlorophyll content increased due to the use of the highest concentration of both materials on both plants. Number of flowers per plan also increased as a result of the spray of both materials. Length of flower stalk and flower diameter was affected significantly by all the treatments, while flower fresh and dry weight did not affect by the treatments. Nitrogen percent in leaves of Chinese carnation increased significantly due to the use of the two materials, but in gazania the percent increased due to the use of the two concentrations of seaweed extract while the micronutrients had no effect. For carbohydrate content, there was pronounced increase in leaves of both plants especially at the higher concentration of both materials. It was noted that all combination treatments had significant effect on all parameters measured.

Gibberellic Acid (GA3) and Potassium Nitrate (KNO3): The Influence and Interaction inThe Senescence Process in White Rosa Sp.


 The purpose of this study was to find out whether the combination of KNO3 and GA3 solutions were more effective than a single solution of KNO3 or GA3 in keeping the freshness of cut flowers. The research was conducted in Botanical Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences University of Lampung from November to December 2017. The experiment was conducted in 2 x 3 factorial experiment with factor A is GA3 solution with 3 concentration level: 0% w/v, 25% w/v, and 0.5% w/v. Factor B is KNO3 solution with 2 concentration levels: 0% w/v and 5% w/v. The parameters of this study were fresh weight, dry weight, relative water content, total chlorophyll content, total chlorophyll of leaves, and total carbohydrate content of rose cut flowers. Measurements were made 7 days after the immersion of cut flowers in KNO3 or GA3 solution, and mixed both. Homogeneity of variance and analysis of variance is determined at confidence level 5%. KNO3 simple effect at every level of GA3 concentration is determined by the F test at 5%. The results showed that there was no interaction between GA3 and KNO3 to fresh weight, dry weight, relative water content and chlorophyll content a, b and total white roses, but KNO3 reduced fresh weight of cut flowers by 48.15% and dry weight 58.60%. KNO3 increased the relative water content of white rose flowers by 6.85%. The results of the study concluded that the combination of GA3 and KNO3 is not effective to keep the freshness of white rose flowers cut.

Efficacy of vermicompost and/or plant growth promoting bacteria on the plant growth and development in gladiolus

The use of environmental and sustainable ornamental flower production practices with renewable resources has drawn worldwide interest. One of these renewable resources is vermicompost (earthworm castings). In recent years, increasing demand for improving environmental quality have focused on the importance of Plant Growth Promotion Bacteria (PGPBs) in agriculture. Vermicomposts also help microbial agents function effectively in soil. In this study, a total of six treatments [A: PGPB formulation, B: Not autoclaved vermicompost, C: Autoclaved vermicompost, D: Not autoclaved vermicompost+PGPBs, E: Autoclaved vermicompost+PGPBs, F: Control (untreated bacteria and vermicompost)] were tested for their effects on the plant growth and development parameters in gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus L. ‘Red Beauty’) in greenhouse condition. Vermicompost was added to the related pots by dissolving in water. After the addition of vermicompost, PGPB formulation was given immediately to related pots. All the treatments were applied to soil once in three leaf stage, close to the plant root zone. Parameters in terms of yield and quality attributes of plant and corm were determined and analyzed. The treatment A increased in plant height of gladiolus of 24.55% rate. The earliest times to flowering was determined in E application (100.48 day), which also increased in corm diameter with rate of 17.41% and number of corms and cormels with rate of 151.83% according to F application. Results indicated that the treatment E promoted overall better performance as compared to other treatments diameter of flowers for number of leaves per plant, number of florets per spike, stem diameter, spike length, fresh and dry weight of flowers, the number and diameter of corm. Autoclaved vermicompost can be good choice in gladiolus cultivation but it should be enriched with PGPB.

Effects of Rhizobacteria on Plant Development, Quality of Flowering and Bulb Mineral Contents in Hyacinthus orientalis L.

Size of bulbs is directly proportional to the quality of the flower, the commercial value of the bulb and getting more bulblet. The research was carried out to evaluate the effects of PGPR on plant growth parameters, flowering, bulb quality and bulb mineral contents in hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis L. cv. Aiolos) under greenhouse condition. In the study, there were 5 applications: (T1) Pseudomonas putida strain RCK-42A, (T2) Kluyvera cryocrescens strain RCK-113C, (T3) Paenibacillus polymyxa strain RCK-12E, (T4) Bacillus subtilis strain RCK-17C, and (T5) Control (uninoculated bacteria). The surface-sterilized bulbs were incubated separately by shaking at 80 rpm for two hours at 28 ºC to coat the bulbs with the bacteria. The chlorophyll content (50.02), leaf length (26.03 cm), leaf area (268.38cm2), flower fresh and dry weight (15.54 g and 0.88 g) in T2 (Kluyvera cryocrescens strain RCK-113C) was found as the maximum according to other applications. The highest leaf width (6.37 cm) and the highest floret number were observed in T4. It was shown that the maximum bulb diameter (42.57 mm), bulb length (40.01 mm) and bulb weight (12.01 g) were determined in T2. The maximum N (2.90%), P (1.98%) and Ca (1.74%) were found in T3. Maximum Fe (0.48 mg kg-1), Mn (151.20 mg kg-1) and Zn (35.28 mg kg-1) were found in T1. Use of especially Kluyvera cryocrescens strain RCK-113C and Pseudomonas putida strain RCK-42A bacterial isolates may be effective in maintaining the sustainability of the environment and growing medium in the cultivation of hyacinth and also the development of bio fertilizer.

PENGARUH ASAM GIBERELAT (GA3) DAN KALIUM NITRAT (KNO3) SERTA INTERAKSINYA TERHADAP SENESCENCE BUNGA POTONG GERBERA PUTIH (Gerbera jamesonii).

The purpose of this study was to decide whether the mixture of KNO3 and GA3 solutions was more effective than a single solution of KNO3 or GA3 in maintaining the freshness of cut flowers. The study was conducted at the Botanical Laboratory of the Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Lampung from November - December 2017. The research was carried out in a 2 x 3 factorial experiment with reason A was the GA3 solution with 3 concentration levels: 0%, 0.5%, and 1%. Factor B is KNO3 solution with 2 concentration levels: 0% and 5%. The limits in this study were fresh weight, dry weight, relative water content, and total dissolved carbohydrate content of gerbera cut flowers, qualitative limits were the level of reducing sugars. Measurements were made 7 days after soaking cut flowers in KNO3 or GA3 solutions, and a mixture of both. Homogeneity of variance and analysis of variance were determined at a significant level of 5%. Simple effect of KNO3 at each concentration level of GA3 decide by F test at 5% significance level. The results showed that GA3 with a concentration of 0.25% and 0.5% increased the fresh weight and dry weight of Gerbera cut flowers. KNO3 0.5% much reduced the relative water content of Gerbera cut flowers. The interaction between GA3 and KNO3 does not much effect all freshness of cut flowers. From the results of the study concluded that the single treatment of GA3 was more effective than the combination treatment of GA3 and KNO3 in maintaining the freshness of Gerbera cut flowers.

Effects of salt stress on the morphological characteristics, total phenol and total anthocyanin contents of Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.)

Salinity is an abiotic stress which affects the morphological and physiological characteristics of plants. In order to evaluate the effects of different concentrations (0, 40, 80, 120 and 160 mM) of NaCl on some morphological and physiological parameters in Roselle, an experiment was conducted using a simple randomized design with three replications. The results showed that salt stress decreased plant height, number of leaves and shoot fresh weight. In addition, there were no differences between treatments in the fresh and dry weight of flowers, significantly, but the number of flowers decreased in the treatments of 120 and 160 mM NaCl. The total phenolic content showed a significant reduction between the control and other concentrations except for 40 mM NaCl, but the total anthocyanin content showed a significant increase in 40 mM NaCl. The results of this study indicated the possible effect of the low saline concentration on the increase of anthocyanin content, with no change on flower yield.

Effect of shade level and mulch type on growth, yield and essential oil composition of damask rose (Rosa damascena Mill.) under mid hill conditions of Western Himalayas.

A field experiment was conducted at the experimental farm of CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, India for two consecutive years (2015–16 and 2016–17). The aim of the study was to test the hypothesis whether different shade level and mulch type would influence the growth, flower yield and essential oil profile of R. damascena. Yield attributes viz., numbers of flowers plant-1, fresh flower weight plant-1, flower yield, and essential oil yield were significantly higher under open sunny conditions as compared to 25% and 50% shade levels. However, plants grown under 50% shade level recorded significantly higher plant height (cm), plant spread (cm) and the lowest numbers of branches as compared to control. Among mulches, black polyethylene mulch recorded significantly higher growth, and yield attributes of damask rose as compared to other mulches. Black polyethylene mulch recorded 74.5 and 39.2% higher fresh flower yield as compared to without mulch, during 2015–16 and 2016–17, respectively. Correlation studies showed a positively significant correlation between quality and quantity traits. A total of twenty-six essential oil compounds were identified which accounted for a total of 88.8 to 95.3%. Plants grown under open sunny conditions along with the applications of black polyethylene mulch produced a higher concentration of citronellol and trans-geraniol. Damask rose planted in open sunny conditions and mulched with black polyethylene sheet recorded significantly higher flower yield.

Effect of Foliar Application of Seaweed Extract and Zincon Productivity of Dahlia hybrida cv. Albion

An experiment for the agricultural season 2017 was carried out in pots in the Autumn season to study the effect of application three levels of Sea Top foliar fertilizer (0, 50,and 100 gm.L-1) and Three levels of zinc (zinc sulfate) was ( 0, 30, and60 mg. L-1) with three times spraying intervals every20 days for some of the growth and yield parameters of the Dahlia cv. Albion. The spray concentration of zinc sulfate at level of 60 mg / L-1 and Seaweed at a level of 100 mg / L -1 had significant differences in plant height, number of branches ,number of flowers per plant, flower diameter, fresh weight of flower,fresh weight of the tuber , number of tubers per plant, fresh weight of the stalk,and dry weight of the vegetative parts ,compared with the control treatment. The increase was 115.16, 6.33, 12.0, 15.53, 25.66, 371.36, 6.66, 46.56, and 60.16 for the above qualities respectively.
 We conclude, that the application of Seaweed Extract and Zinc improved the yield contributing factors that resulted in a significant increase in Productivity of Dahlia hybridayield.

Inoculation with Mycorrhizal Fungi and Other Microbes to Improve the Morpho-Physiological and Floral Traits of Gazania rigens (L.) Gaertn

In the present analysis, we evaluated the effect of different microbial inoculants on growth and floral responses of Gazania rigens (L.) Gaertn. Two prevailing arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) i.e., Funelliformis mosseae and Acaulospora laevis, along with Trichoderma viride and Pseudomonas fluorescens, were examined in a pot experiment. Independent roles of these four microbes and their different combinations were used in sixteen treatments of G. rigens. The experiment was conducted in a polyhouse with five replicates per treatment in a randomized complete block design. The results of microbial inoculants were very effective for growth yield and flowering response over the control. Early flowering was noted in the combination of F. mosseae, A. laevis and P. fluorescens, which also showed the best results for flower head size, flower fresh and dry weight, total chlorophyll, carotene and phosphorus content. Arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) root colonization (%) and AM spore number were also the highest for the same treatment, whereas the number of leaves, number of buds and root length were maximum in the combined treatment (F. mosseae + A. laevis + T. viride + P. fluorescens). Overall, this study proposes that growers should consider microbial inoculants for the better yield and flower quality of G. rigens.

Improved Quality and Vase Life of Cut Flowers of the Standard Chrysanthemum Cultivar ‘Baekma’ Using Wet Shipping Solutions with NaOCl and ClO2

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of dry and wet conditions during harvest and shipping on the quality and vase life of cut flowers using the standard chrysanthemum cultivar ‘Baekma’. Wet harvest and wet shipping (Wet-Wet) treatments maintained a high fresh weight of cut flowers and extended their vase life by 2 days compared to dry harvest and shipping (Dry-Dry) treatments. However, no significant difference was observed in the quality or vase life of cut flowers between dry harvest and wet shipping (Dry-Wet) and Wet-Wet treatments. The Dry-Dry treatment also resulted in lower chlorophyll fluorescence ratios (Fv/Fm) than the Wet-Wet treatment, and it means Dry-Dry treatment had more stress than Wet-Wet treatment. We also tested the effects of treatment with a wet shipping solution containing sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and chlorine dioxide (ClO2). When cut flowers were placed in a holding solution with NaOCl after transport, both fresh weights and flower diameters were highest when treated with 50-200 mg‧L-1 NaOCl. Treatment with a 50 mg‧L-1 NaOCl wet shipping solution also extended the vase life of cut flowers by 2 days compared to other shipping solutions. When cut flowers were transported with a 0.5-2 mg‧L-1 ClO2 wet shipping solution, they maintained high quality with an extended vase life of 2.1 days. Treatment with either NaOCl or ClO2 shipping solution significantly inhibited bacterial growth after transport for 4 days. These results suggest that standard chrysanthemum ‘Baekma’ should be distributed in a wet shipping solution of 50 mg‧L-1 NaOCl or 0.5-1 mg‧L-1 ClO2 to maintain quality and vase life of cut flowers exported to Japan.

THE EFFECT OF WATERING REGIMES AND BIO AND CHEMICAL TREATMENTS ON FLOWERING OF EUPHORBIA MILII VAR. LONGIFOLIA PLANTS

This study was carried out in the nursery of Ornamental Plants and Landscape Gardening Research Department, Horticulture Research Institute, Agriculture Research Centre, Giza, Egypt in two successive seasons (2015/2016 and 2016/2017) to study the effect of soil drench with some bio- and chemical materials (moringa extract, potassium silicate, salicylic acid and ascorbic acid) combined with different water intervals (1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks) on vegetative growth, flowering and chemical composition of Euphorbia milii var. longifolia transplants grown in 25 cm plastic pots. Results could be briefed in the following: watering at 2 weeks seems to be more effective in increasing the values of most studied characters. On the other hand, both moringa extract and ascorbic acid resulted in the highest values of studied characters. Regarding combination between irrigation intervals and different bio- and chemical materials, all untreated control plants irrespective of their watering regime, in addition to plants watered at 4 weeks interval and treated with either moringa extract or potassium silicate, did not flower at all over the period of this study. Meantime, the same plants recorded the lowest values of many characters irrespective of the watering regime. Plants treated with moringa extract and watered at 1 week interval had the highest values of flower diameter, number of branches, root length and root fresh weight. Those watered at 2 weeks interval achieved the highest rank of number of leaves and flowers, flower diameter, fresh and dry weight of flowers, P%, K% and total chlorophyll content. Plants treated with ascorbic acid combined with irrigation at 2 weeks interval got the highest records of plant height, stem length, leaf length, fresh weight ofleaves, stem fresh and dry weights, total chlorophyll and carotenoids content. In conclusion it is recommended to irrigate Euphorbia milii var. longifolia grown in 25 cm plastic pots at 2 weeks interval, combined with treating plants with either moringa extract or ascorbic acid in order to get the best results.

Improving oxidative damage, photosynthesis traits, growth and flower dropping of pepper under high temperature stress by selenium.

Pepper is mostly produced in greenhouses and fields in spring up to the end of summer. The reproductive stage coincides with high temperature of summer, which causes flowers to drop, leading to reduction in the yield, Se as a beneficial element can improved some stress indices. Control randomized design experiment was conducted to investigate the effect(s) of Se on heat stresses of pepper in control environment. Se in three concentrations of SeCl2 (4 (Se1), 6 (Se2) and 8 (Se3) mg L-1) was used at 35 ± 2°C for 4h a day, matching the high afternoon temperature. Growth, photosynthesis traits (Photosynthesis rate, transpiration and stomatal conductance), flower dropping and antioxidant changes were all measured. Results showed that Se1 decreased deleterious effects of heat stresses on vegetative traits (fresh and dry weight of fruit). Including dry weight of shoot, fresh and dry weight of root, and reproductive growth, such as Fresh weight and dry weight of fruit, flowers and fruit number. Photosynthesis rate, fruit antioxidant and phenol improved with the application of Se to heat stresses. POD and SOD activity increased, and MDA content decreased with Se application at the high temperature. Se also improved the P and S uptake. Generally, using 4 and 6mgL-1 of Se could improve growth and physiological and phytochemical parameters of pepper and decrease the flower dropping at high temperature.

Effects of Leached Spent Mushroom Compost (LSMC) on the Yield, Essential Oil Composition and Antioxidant Compounds of German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.)

Leached spent mushroom compost (LSMC) in rates of 20, 40 and 60 % was used as a partial substrate for medicinal plant German chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.). A mixture of sandy loam soil and LSMC was conducted for a pot culture experiment in a green house, in a completely randomized design with six replicates for each treatment. At the end of the flowering, number, fresh and dry weight of flowers was measured. Essential oil of chamomile was isolated by Clevenger’s hydro-distillation apparatus and the components of the essential oil were identified by using gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatographymass spectrometry (GC-MS). Moreover, enzymes and antioxidant compounds as well as photosynthetic pigments were estimated by using spectrophotometer. Analysis of variance showed that using LSMC as an organic fertilizer, significantly increased flower yield. The results also displayed, the effect of 40 % LSMC on total chlorophyll content was significant. At the highest rate of LSMC, essential oil, antioxidant compounds (polyphenols and flavonoids) and antioxidant enzymes (peroxidase and superoxide dismutase) increased significantly compared to control. The results of GC and GC-MS analysis presented that the oil of German chamomile flowers in LSMC treatments had 15 16 components and accounted for 88.2796.84 % of total essential oil. Totally, it can be concluded that application of LSMC as an organic fertilizer leads to improve yield, essential oil and antioxidant traits in German chamomile. Accordingly, we can consider LSMC could be a suitable substitute for chemical fertilizers as environmentally friendly material in growing medicinal plants.

The Phytochemical Changes of Violet Flowers (Viola cornuta) Response to Exogenous Salicylic Acid Hormone

Violet is one of the ornamental plants with a good value in landscaping and herbal medicine. Salicylic acid is a signaling agent involving in secondary metabolite production. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physiological responses of violet flowers to exogenous salicylic acid. This experiment was conducted in the greenhouse, as a completely randomized design. Salicylic acid was sprayed on violet plants in four levels as , , , mM and three replications. Flower diameter, flower stem length, fresh weight and dry matter percentage of violet flower were measured as morphological parametes. In laboratory parameters like antioxidant activity and anthocyanin variation were recorded using spectrophotometery method. The quercetin and rutin values were determined by HPLC. Results showed that salicylic acid significantly affected on flower diameter, total antioxidant capacity, rutin and quercetin contents. Therefore data analysis provides that high levels of salicylic acid increased morphological parameters and improved chemical substance involving to secondary metabolism promotion. Furthermore, using different concentrations of the hormone is required, to achieve the best quality and quantity of plant biomass and it is also necessary to achieve the best traits of ornamental and medicinal value

Assessment of vase quality and transcriptional regulation of sucrose transporter and invertase genes in cut peony (Paeonia lactiflora ‘Yang Fei Chu Yu’) treated by exogenous sucrose

Cut peonies (Paeonia lactiflora Pall.) have become increasingly popular worldwide in recent years. However, the limited vase life and often poor vase quality have negatively affected the commercial development of this ornamental flower. In this study, 20 g L−1 sucrose was added to the vase solution of cut peony (‘Yang Fei Chu Yu’) to better understand the effect of sucrose on the vase quality. The results showed that sucrose treatment increased the number of days during which the flowers were fully opened by approximately 1.3 d, whereas treatment effects on the opening process were limited. Sucrose treatment delayed the decrease in flower fresh weight and sucrose concentration of the petals, while increasing glucose and fructose concentrations. Two sucrose transporter (SUT) genes, PlSUT1 and PlSUT2, and five invertase (INV) genes, PlCWIN1, PlVIN1, PlCIN1, PlCIN2 and PlCIN3, were isolated from a peony transcriptional database. Gene expression by RT-qPCR showed that both PlSUT2 and PlSUT4 were induced by sucrose treatment, indicating their putative role in transporting sucrose from the vase solution to the flowers. Among the five INVs, the expression of PlCWIN1 was greater in sucrose-treated flowers than in the controls from day 3 to the end of the vase period, indicating its possible role in increasing the number of days when the flowers were fully opened. The expression of PlVIN1 decreased in control flowers, but was delayed by sucrose treatment, especially on day 3. Since PlVIN1 was predicted to be located in the vacuole, it is highly possible that the expression of PlVIN1 helped to increase the vacuolar osmotic potential through the accumulation of glucose and fructose, thereby increasing water uptake for maintenance of flowers at the fully opened stage. Among the three PlCINs, the expression of PlCIN2 was much higher in sucrose-treated than in the control flowers throughout the vase period, indicating its major role in improving vase quality through sucrose treatment. Our study indicates that both SUTs and INVs are involved in maintaining the vase quality of cut peony flowers.

Effect of biofertilizers, biological control agents and soil amendments on the control of saffron corm rot (Crocus sativus L.)

Saffron corm rot caused by Fusarium monliforme var. intermedium, Fusarium oxysporum and F. gladioliis a serious threat to saffron cultivators of Jammu and Kashmir. About 46% of the soil in the saffron fields are infected with the said fungus and the infection is spreading steadily. Longer planting cycle (up to 15 years), primitive agronomic practices, monocropping of saffron, along with the use of non-graded corms and continual use of diseased material resulted in the frequent occurrence of corm rot diseases. Three biocontrol agents viz., Tricoderma viride, Tricodermaherzanium and Pseudomonas florescence having antagonistic activity against corm rot of saffron were used as seed treatment. Similarly three biofertilizers, viz., Azatobacter, Azospirillium and vermicompost were evaluated against corm rot of saffron. Mustard cake, Dal weed and Neem cake were used as soil amendments. Study carried over 39 on farm trials conducted over an area of about 1 ha. Confirmed efficacy of Tricoderma viride when used as a corm dresser in combination with vermicompost and Neem cake applied to the soil directly in control of saffron corm rot under two years planting cycle to the extent of 98%. The study has indicated that all the morphological, yield and yield attributing traits showed significant differences for all the treatments used in the experiment. Maximum corm yield (792.66 g m-2), number of daughter corms/mother corm (3.01), fresh flower weight (217.77 g plot-1) and saffron yield (7.96 kg ha-1) was obtained with the treatment combination of Tricoderma herzanium, Azospirillum spp. and Mustard cake.

Response of zinnia cultivars to boron levels

An experiment was conducted to study the ‘’Response of zinnia cultivars to boron levels’’ at ornamental Nursery, Department of Horticulture, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar during 2014. The experiment was Completely Randomized Design (CRD) having three replications. There were four boron levels (0 kg ha-1, 1 kg ha-1, 2 kg ha-1, 3 kg ha-1), and three zinnia cultivars (Coral dream, Yellow dream, Pink dream). The result showed that both boron and zinnia cultivars significantly effect in all parameters. Maximum number of flowers plant-1 (18.60), flower diameter (8.71cm), fresh flower weight (9.7g), plant height (40.04 cm), root length (16.3cm) and dry flower weight (1.90g) were observed in plots, supplied with boron at rate of 2kgha-1. Among cultivars Coral dream cultivar showed maximum plant height (35.7cm), flowers number plant-1 (15.04), fresh flower weight (8.5g), flower diameter (8.32cm), root length (13.28cm), and dry flower weight (1.60g). The interaction between boron levels and zinnia cultivars was significant for the observed parameters except plant height. Among different treatments zinnia cultivars, Coral dream and Yellow dream treated with boron 2kg ha-1 should be recommended for maximum growth and flowering attributes under the agro-climatic conditions of Peshawar. Keywords: Boron; Cultivars; Zinnia http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2018.70006