Flower Fresh Weight Research Articles

Antimicrobial activities of Asafoetida and Shirazi thyme essential oils improve the vase life of gerbera cut flowers

This study was conducted to evaluate the chemical composition of asafoetida (Ferula assa-foetida) essential oil (FAEO) and Shirazi thyme (Zataria multiflora) EO (ZMEO) and their impact on vase life of gerbera cut flowers (Gerbera jamesonii cv. Rosalyn). Five concentrations of both, ZMEO and FAEO including 0, 100, 200, 300 and 400mgL−1 used as continuous vase solution for gerbera cut flowers. EOs used in this study were extracted by hydrodistillation method using Clevenger apparatus. They were analyzed by GC and GC–MS for determination of the active compounds. Thirty five compounds were identified in ZMEO, mainly including thymol (40.1%), p-cymene (15.5%) and carvacrol (6.5%). Also, thirty compounds were identified in FAEO. The main components were trans propenyl sec-butyl disulfide (21.7%), eudesmol (10-epu-γ) (19.2%) and cis propenyl sec-butyl disulfide (10.2%). The results showed that both ZMEO and FAEO at all concentrations could act as an effective antibacterial compounds and this property increased by increasing their concentration. The results of this research showed that ZMEO increased the vase life at all concentrations but high concentrations of FAEO increased mortality percentage and reduced the vase life of cut flowers. The relative fresh weight and vase solution uptake of gerbera cut flowers increased by the applied EOs treatments. ZMEO at 400mgL−1 and FAEO at 300 and 400mgL−1 resulted the least stem color change. Overall, 200mgL−1 ZMEO and 100mgL−1 FAEO were the best treatments for maintenance of gerbera cut flowers quality during vase life.

Nano-silver modifies the vase life of cut herbaceous peony (Paeonia lactiflora Pall.) flowers.

Herbaceous peony (Paeonia lactiflora Pall.) is a popular high-grade cut flower because of higher ornamental value. However, its short flowering time severely restricts the production and application of cut P. lactiflora flowers. In this study, nano-silver (NS) was applied to prolong the vase life of cut P. lactiflora flowers. Under the NS treatment, related physiological indices including relative electrical conductivity (REC), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide anion free radical (O2·-), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and free proline contents, and protective enzyme activities including superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and ascorbic acid peroxidase (APX) all increased in cut P. lactiflora flowers except soluble protein. Meanwhile, NS treatment increased relative water uptake (RWU) and Ag+ distribution. Moreover, the observation of microstructures indicated that the stem-ends without NS treatment were blocked by microbes which were identified as Alternaria sp. and Phoma sp., and NS effectively inhibited their growth by antibacterial efficacy observation. Additionally, three aquaporin genes (AQPs) including two plasma membrane intrinsic protein genes (PlPIP1;2, PlPIP2;1) and one NOD26-like intrinsic protein gene (PlNIP) were isolated, PlPIP1;2, and PlPIP2;1 that were induced by NS treatment took common effects on maintaining the water balance of cut P. lactiflora flowers. Consequently, the vase life of cut P. lactiflora flowers was prolonged and flower fresh weight together with flower diameter was well kept because of these above factors. These results would provide a theoretical basis for prolonging the vase life and improving the ornamental quality of cut P. lactiflora flowers with NS application.

Pulsing Preservatives to Prolong Vase Life of Cut Rose Flowers in Bahir Dar, Northwestern Ethiopia

The longevity of cut flowers including cut roses can be however prolonged using different pulsing preservatives where researches in this regard are lacking in the country. Keeping these bottlenecks of the sector in mind, this study was therefore initiated with objective to evaluate the effectiveness of different pulsing preservatives in prolonging vase life of cut rose varieties. The experiment was conducted at Tana Flora PLC in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia. As pulsing preservatives Al2(SO4)3)(250 mg-1), Ca(ClO)2 (66.7 mg-1), STS [Ag (S2O3)2] (0.5 ml-1), Sugar (20 g-1) and distilled water were used. The three rose varieties namely: Upper class, Athena and Moon walk were used. Healthy flower buds having uniform length and harvested early in the morning were put immediately in containers filled with the respective concentration of pulsing preservatives. Flasks with six rose flowers each were placed in pre-cooling room (8-10 OC) for about 2 hours. Finally, treated cuttings were transferred into experimental room with temperature of 22-250C and 75% relative humidity and arranged in Complete Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications. At this time, pulsing preservatives were replaced by distilled water. The analysis of variance revealed that most of parameters were highly significantly influenced by the main as well as interaction effects of pulsing preservative and varieties (P<0.0). Maximum water uptake (7.73 g/flower/day), transpiration loss (7.08 g/flower/day), flower fresh weight (21.77 g/flowers), flower head diameter (7.6 cm), and maximum flower vase life (23 days) were recorded in Athena variety pulsed with STS.

Standardization of drying techniques for hybrid tea rose variety, Valencia

The present experiment was carried out to standardize suitable drying techniques for hybrid tea rose variety ‘Valencia”. Two types of desiccants viz., silica gel and boric acid were used as embedding materials for drying, and the flowers were dried in hot air oven with different temperature and time combinations such as 40°C for 24 hours and 48 hours, 45°C for 24 hours and 48 hours, 50°C for 24 hours and 48 hours, 55°C for 24 hours and 48 hours, 60°C for 24 hours and 48 hours. Different observations were taken such as fresh and dry weight of flowers and hence moisture loss percentage calculated, petal diameter before and after drying were taken and hence petal shrinkage was determined. Sensory evaluations such as flower colour, shape, texture and overall acceptability was also determined. Results show that maximum moisture loss percentage (86.44%) was obtained in flowers embedded with silica gel and dried at 60°C for 48 hours; largest difference between petal diameter of fresh and dry flowers, and also maximum petal shrinkage of 14.27% occurred in those embedded with silica gel and dried at 60°C for 48 hours, whereas best score in sensory evaluations in terms of flower colour, flower shape, flower texture and overall acceptability were obtained with rose flowers embedded in silica gel and drying at 50°C for 48 hours.

Effect of pinching and spacing on growth, flowering and yield of African marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) under semi-arid conditions of Haryana

The present study was conducted at experimental orchard of Department of Horticulture, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar (Haryana), India with a view to optimize pinching time and spacing in African marigold for achieving better growth, flowering and yield. Design of the experiment was factorial Randomized Block Design with three replications. Experiment comprises of two levels of pinching (no pinching & pinching at 28 DAT i.e. Days After Transplanting) and three levels of spacing (40 x 40 cm, 40 x 30 cm & 30 x 30 cm) in all possible combinations. Maximum number of branches/plant (12.11), plant spread (63.59 cm), fresh weight of plant (358.79 g), number of buds/plant, duration of flowering (53.95 days), number of flowers/plant (54.54), stalk length and flower yield/plant (403.68 g) and flower yield/hectare (33.33 t) were significantly recorded in plants pinched at 28 DAT at 5% level of significance, whereas, maximum plant height (73.52 cm), flower diameter (6.38 cm), fresh weight of flower (8.93 g) was obtained in un-pinched plants. In case of spacing, maximum plant spread (64.01 cm), primary branches/plant (11.42), fresh weight of plant (370.20 g), number of buds/plant, number of flowers/plant (51.43), duration of flowering (53.98 days), flower diameter (6.42 cm), fresh weight of flower (9.03 g), flower yield/plant (460.42 g) was recorded at 40 x 40 cm, whereas, maximum plant height (71.76 cm), stalk length, flower yield/hectare (36.34 t) was observed with 30 x 30 cm. Results revealed that plants pinched at 28 DAT with widest spacing (40 x 40 cm) were found best for better growth, flowering and yield of African marigold.

Effect of Municipal Solid Waste Compost on the Performance of Chilli, Dahlia and Marigold

An experiment was conducted at the Moinar Mor Sabuj Nursery, Mymensingh to evaluate the effects of compost prepared from solid wastes of Mymensingh municipality area on the yield and yield attributes of three crops viz. Chilli, Dahlia and Marigold grown in pots. Each crop was grown under six different treatments viz. 100% compost (T0), 75% compost + 25% soil (T1), 50% compost + 50% soil (T2), 25% compost + 75% soil (T3), 100% soil (T4) and farmers practice- (T5) (75% of recommended rate of NPK plus soil). A single factor experiment was laid out in a with three replications. The results revealed that in Chilli, application of 75% compost plus 25% soil (T1) produced significantly the tallest plant (45.50 cm), maximum number of flowers (25.00) and fruits (21.00) plant-1, longest leaf (11.67 cm), longest root (5.43 cm) and greater yield of fruits plant-1 (168.30 g). This treatment also produced the tallest plant (45.33 cm), maximum flowers plant-1 (2.33), longest leaf (11.55 cm) and higher fresh weight of single flower (7.34 g) of Dahlia. Compost treatment also significantly influenced various plant characters of Marigold where 75% compost + 25% soil (T1) gave the tallest plant (16.33 cm), higher weight of fresh flower (10.52 g), longest leaf (10.10 cm) and maximum flowers plant-1 (16.33). Plants grown in 100% compost showed the longest duration in case of Dahlia (19 days) and Marigold (23 days) flowering. From the findings, it can be inferred that use of 75% compost prepared from solid wastes of Mymensingh municipality area plus 25% soil appeared to be the best practice for obtaining the maximum yield of Chilli, Dahlia and Marigold.J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 10(1): 149-155 2017

오리엔탈 나리 ‘시베리아’ 절화의 포장내 건식저장 기간별 수분함량과 품질 변화

In order to determine the relationship between water content and flower qualities of oriental hybrid lily cv. ‘Siberia’ cut flower, flowers were subjected to dry and cold storage at 5oC for 3, 6, and 12 days and subsequently exposed to ambient temperature (26oC) in bottles with water for up to 16 days. Flowers stored at 22oC in dry condition for 3 days were used as the control. Changes in fresh weight, moisture content, water balance, flowering stages, osmolality and vase life of cut flowers were observed. Flowers treated with cold and dry storage had higher moisture content compared to control sample. However, this trend was evident only for 3-day cold and dry stored sample during the whole storage period. The fresh weight of cut flowers increased gradually when the samples were transferred to ambient temperature in water bottles and then declined steadily before reaching the peak in between 6-8 days of vase life. However, the changes of fresh weight of control sample were substantially faster than samples pre-treated with cold and dry storage. This was also correlated with the water balance of cut flower as it reached the minus (-) value in 6-8 days of vase life at ambient temperature. Cut lily flowers showed high osmolality values corresponding with the duration of dry storage regardless of low or higher temperature. However, osmolality had no effect on vase life since flower stem absorbed water rapidly at the end of dry storage period. Our vase life results suggest that cold and dry storage of lily cut flowers for a certain period could ensure longer vase life at ambient temperature. It was observed that prolonging the storage period at cold and dry condition for more than a week significantly increased bud abortion, reduced longevity of flowers and reduced the vase life of cut flowers. On the other hand, the shorter cold and dry storage treatment delayed the bud opening and senescence of the flowers, thus, slowering the normal maturation and aging. Results indicated that dry and cold storage at 5oC for 3 days was effective in maintaining and preserving overall quality and vase life at ambient condition of oriental hybrid lily cut flowers.

Macronutrient application affects morphological, physiological, and seed yield attributes of Calendula officinalis L.

Effects of N, P, and K applications alone or in various combinations and ratios were studied on the morphological, physiological, and seed yield attributes and on seed production of calendula. Trea...

Response of cut rose cv. cardinal to sucrose and NaOCl concentration

To find the response of cut rose cv. Cardinal to sucrose and NaOCl concentration, an experiment was conducted with normal day light under room condition and natural ventilation. Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was used for the experiment by replicating 3 times. Solutions of different combination of Sucrose levels of 0, 4, 8 and 12% and sodium hypochlorite with 0 (control), 5, 10 and 15 mgL-1 concentrations were applied to the cut rose cv. Cardinal. By analyzing of data collected, illustrated that cut rose cv. Cardinal significantly responded to sucrose and NaOCl levels. Combination of 15 mgl-l NaOCl with 12% sucrose was found more favorable for the whole studied parameters. Early flower opening (4 days), maximum flower fresh weight (12.30g), flower size (6.01 cm), maximum flower longevity (16 days) and and dry weight (3.78) were observed for cut rose retained in solution mixture of 12% sucrose and 15 mgL-1 NaOCl. The solution containing 12% Sucrose and 15 mgL-1 NaOCl significantly increased (12.30 g) flower fresh weight. Less percent petal drop (10%) was observed by solution containing combination of 12% sucrose and 15 mgL-1 NaOCl as compared to control (33.80 %). As for sugar application individually on cut rose, early flower opening took place (4 days), maximum flower size (6.14 cm), flower fresh weight (11.57g), minimum flower wilting (15.58%), maximum flower dry weight (3.78 g), minimum petal drop (23.96 %) and longer vase life (3.39 days) were observed for 12 % sugar solution. For NaOCl application individualy, the cut rose showed early flower opening took place (4 days), maximum flower size (6.16 cm), maximum flower fresh weight (11.27g), minimum flower wilting (15%), maximum dry weight (4.13 g), minimum petal drop (18.75 %) and longer vase life (14.77) were observed for 15 mg.l-1 of NaOCl solution In general, 15 mg.l-1NaOCl and 12 % sucrose is considered a best solution combination to be used for cut rose flowers cv. cardinal longer and quality vase life. Key words: Cut Rose; Sucrose; NaOCl http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2017.60011

Response of China aster (Callistephus chinensis (L.) Nees) cv. Kamini to different combinations of NPK and biofertilizers

An investigation was carried out to find a suitable combination of NPK and biofertilizers for maximizing flower yield in China aster cv. Kamini. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design (RBD) with 12 treatment combinations replicated thrice. The observations on various growth and flowering parameters were recorded. Results revealed that maximum plant height (56.67 cm), number of leaves per plant (103.93), flowering branches per plant (8.23), plant spread (32.32 cm), number of flowers per plant (28.58), number of flowers per plot (428.67), duration of flowering (27.20 days), flower yield per plant (73.21 g), flower yield per plot (1098.20 g), shelf-life of flowers (6.43 days) at ambient conditions were recorded in plants receiving 75% NPK (22.5: 11.25: 7.5 g NPK/m2) + Azotobacter + PSB. Plants supplied with 100% NPK (30: 15: 10 g NPK/m2) + Azotobacter + PSB were noticed with maximum leaf area (15.76 cm2), whereas, largest flower diameter (5.41 cm) and fresh weight of individual flower head (2.70 g) were found in plants receiving 50% NPK (15: 7.5: 5 g NPK/m2) + Azotobacter + PSB.

Performance of gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii Bolus ex Hooker F) cultivars for growth, flowering and yield characters under naturally ventilated polyhouse

An experiment was conducted during the year 2013–14 to asses the performance of gerbera varieties namely, Lanceolot, Rich, Shania, Stanza, Kento, Intezz, Daphne and Cherany. Gerbera suckers were planted on raised bed comprised with recommended nutrient mixtures and adequate watering was supplied to the plants as per need during entire investigation. Significant response in vegetative and flowering characters was observed among the cultivars. Cultivar Daphne showed maximum number of leaves (38.73), plant height (40.20 cm) and minimum number of days taken to flower bud emergence (64.27). Whereas, increased plant spread (38.57 cm) and stalk length (56.97 cm) was associated with cultivar Kento. However, highest flower diameter (11.83 cm), fresh weight (42.33 g) and vase life (14.33 days) was recorded in cultivar Stanza, while, maximum flower per plant (7.67) was obtained with cultivar Shania.

Changes in postharvest physio-biochemical characterustics and antioxidant enzymes activity of cut alsteroemeria aurantiaca flower as affected by cycloheximide, coconut water and 6-benzyladenine

Early leaf yellowing in cut alstroemeria ( Alstroemeria aurantiaca ) flowers before flower development and petal abscission is an important limiting postharvest quality and vase life factors. Early leaf senescence reduces postharvest longevity of cut flowers and promotes petal's wilting. A study was made to evaluate the response of cut alstroemeria flowers at varying concentrations of cycloheximide (CHI) (50, 100 and 200 mg l -1 ), coconut water (5, 10 and 20%) and 6-benzyladenine (BA) (50, 100 and 200 mg l -1 ). CHI, coconut water and BA extended the vase life at all concentrations compared to the control, but coconut water at 5% concentration (with 17.39 days) was the most effective treatment. Control cut flowers showed the least vase life (10.76 days). Ethylene production in cut flowers promoted flower senescence. All concentrations of CHI, coconut water and BA delayed ethylene production compared to the control. Treatment of cut flowers with coconut water at concentration of 5% maintained the highest fresh weight of flowers and increased the content of water uptake. The chlorophyll degradation was significantly reduced by the application of CHI, coconut water and BA. The maximum content of membrane's lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes activity (super oxide dismutase and peroxidase) was obtained in control cut flowers. Thus, 5% fresh coconut water has the potential to be applied as vase solution (preservative medium) due to prolongs of cut alstroemeria flowers.

Influence of Plant Population Density on Growth and Yield of Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) at Wondo Genet, South Ethiopia

An experiment was conducted at Wondo Genet Agricultural Research Center in the production season of 2016 and 2017 with the objective of identifying the best combination of intra and inter-row spacing for optimum plant population density of chamomile. The experiment was conducted using four intra-row spacing (40 cm, 50 cm, 60 cm and 70 cm) and three inter-row spacing (40 cm, 60 cm and 80 cm) with a total treatment combination of twelve that were laid out in factorial RCBD design with three replications. The main effect of intra-row and inter-row spacing had a significant influence on a number of flowers per plant, the weight of fresh flower per plant in both cropping seasons. In 2016 cropping season significantly higher number of flowers per plant was obtained from the interaction spacing of 60 cm × 60 cm and In 2017 cropping season weight of fresh flower per plant was affected by the interaction spacing of 60 cm × 80 cm. Significantly maximum fresh flower weight per hectare and dry flower weight per hectare was obtained from the main effect of 40 cm intra-row and 40 cm inter-row spacing in both cropping seasons and in 2017 cropping season their interaction was significantly influenced by the weight of fresh flower per hectare. The pooled mean analysis showed that the maximum fresh flower weight per hectare (3779 kg ha-1), dry flower weight per hectare (517.2 kg ha-1) and (586.7 kg ha-1) were obtained from the treatment combination of 40 cm intrarow with 40 cm inter-row spacing. In 2016 cropping season maximum oil yield (5.6 kg ha-1) was obtained from the treatments combination of 40 cm intra-row with 40 cm inter-row spacing. Therefore we suggest that the bestcombined intra-row and inter-row spacing for chamomile is 40 cm × 40 cm to attain maximum yield under appropriate management conditions at Wondo genet and similar agroecology zones.

Post-harvest quality and physiology of gerbera flowers as influenced by bio-fertilizers, chemicals and organic growth regulators

A study was conducted to derive the output from individual and interaction effect of bio-fertilizers and foliar spray of chemicals and organic growth substances on flower quality and post-harvest physiology of gerbera grown under naturally ventilated polyhouse conditions. Bio-fertilizers and foliar spray as individual treatments as well as their interaction were highly significant in influencing the growth, flower quality and post-harvest physiology and vase life of gerbera flowers. Among all the treatment combinations, inoculation with bio-fertilizers along with foliar spray of spermine @ 25 ppm recorded maximum number of leaves per plant (24.53), leaf area index (4.81), yield per m2 (343.20) and significantly improved flower quality parameters viz., length of ray floret (4.81 cm), width of ray floret (1.83), girth of neck (6.60 mm) and anthocyanin content in the petal tissue (19.20 mg/g). Further, the same treatment combination significantly influenced post-harvest physiology of gerbera flowers with higher retained flower fresh weight (30.61 and 23.55 g), water uptake (33.47 and 30.53 ml) by the flower and minimum free amino acids (2.33 and 3.90 mg/g) in the petal tissue on 4th and 6th day of vase life as well as extended the post-harvest life of gerbera flowers to 10.25 days which was followed by or at par with the treatment combination of bio-fertilizers along with vermiwash @ 4%. Thus, these treatment combinations of bio-fertilizers along with foliar spray of spermine @ 25 ppm or vermiwash @ 4% improved the post-harvest quality, influenced the post-harvest physiology and thereby enhanced post-harvest life of gerbera flowers.

Effect of Bio-Organic and Inorganic Nutrient Sources on Growth and Flower Production of African Marigold

African marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) is one of the most important flower crops grown commercially throughout India as a loose flower for worshipping, garland making, and garden display. The productivity and quality of flowers is greatly influenced by the quantity and source of nutrients. At present, these nutrients are primarily supplied through chemical fertilizers. The indiscriminate use and complete reliance on the use of chemical fertilizers has also led to deterioration of soil health, thereby affecting sustainable flower production. Keeping these points in view, a field experiment was conducted on African marigold cv. “Orange Culcuttia” at the Horticultural Research Farm, Indira Gandhi Agricultural University, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with three replications and twelve treatment combinations comprised of bio-organics (Cow Urine and Vermicompost), bio-fertilizers (Azospirillum and Phosphate-Solubilizing Bacteria) and NPK fertilizers. Application of Azospirillum + Phosphate-Solubilizing Bacteria + 5% Cow Urine + 50% recommended dose of “N” through Vermicompost + 50% recommended dose of NPK fertilizer was most effective in increasing vegetative growth parameters, such as plant height, number of branches, plant spread, as well as flower yield parameters like number of flowers, flower diameter, fresh and dry weight of flowers, flower yield, flowering duration, shelf life, and it also had the maximum benefit:cost ratio. Thus, use of inorganic fertilizers conjointly with bio-fertilizers and organic manures resulted in excellent vegetative growth and flower yield attributes in African marigold.

Effect of GA3 and Azotobacter on growth and flowering in African marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) cv. PUSA NARANGI GAINDA

The field experiment was conducted at Horticulture Research Farm of Choudhary Charan Singh University campus, Meerut U.P. during 2011-12. The nine treatments A 1 ( Azotobacter by root treatment 0.20g/15 plants), A 2 ( Azotobacter by soil treatment 0.40g/plot), G 1 (Gibberellic acid 100 ppm spray at 30 DAT), G 2 (Gibberellic acid 150 ppm spray at 30 DAT), A 1 G 1 ( Azotobacter by root treatment 0.20g/15 plants and gibberellic acid 100 ppm spray at 30 DAT), A 1 G 2 ( Azotobacter by root treatment 0.20g/15 plants and gibberellic acid 150 ppm spray at 30 DAT), A 2 G 1 ( Azotobacter by soil treatment 0.40g/plot and gibberellic acid 100 ppm spray at 30 DAT ), A 2 G 2 ( Azotobacter by soil treatment 0.40g/plot and gibberellic acid 150 ppm spray at 30 DAT) and A 0 G 0 (No Azotobacter and no gibbrellic acid) were evaluated in Randomized Block Design with three replications. The experimental finding revealed that the treatment A 2 G 2 (Soil treatment with Azotobacter + spray of GA 3 @ 150 ppm) gave the maximum plant height, maximum number of primary branches per plant, maximum number of secondary branches per plant, maximum plant spread, minimum number of days taken for flower bud appearance, maximum number of flowers per plant, maximum flower diameter, maximum fresh weight of flowers per plant and maximum yield of flower in comparison to individual application of GA 3 and Azotobacter .

Effect of zinc as a foliar spray on growth and flower production of Marigold (Tagetes erecta L.)

An experiment was conducted to checked, the response of Marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) to foliar spray of zinc on growth and flower production at the Ornamental Horticulture Nursery, Department of Horticulture, The University of Agriculture Peshawar during 2014. The experiment was laid out at Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with one factor repeated three times. In this study Marigold plants were sprayed with five level of zinc sulphate (0, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 and 0.9 %). Result revealed that most of the traits were significantly affected by zinc while leaf area showed non-significant differences. Maximum plant height (25.84 cm), stem diameter (0.75 cm), number of flower plant -1 (14.66), fresh flower weight (4.67 gm), number of branches plant -1 (23.22) and number of leaves branches -1 (40.36) were recorded at 0.5% Zinc sulphate application. So, it is concluded that 0.5% Zinc should be spray good for quality flower production of Marigold flowers, hence recommended for the farmers of the agro-climatic condition of Peshawar.

Growth and flower quality production of marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) response to phosphorous fertilization

A Pot experiment to investigate “growth and flower quality production of marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) response to phosphorous fertilization” was conducted at the Ornamental Horticulture nursery Department of Horticulture, The University Agriculture Peshawar during 2014. The experiment was laid out Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with one factor repeated three times. In the experiment Marigold plants were fertilized with five level of phosphorous (0, 20, 40, 60, 80 kg ha -1 ). Result revealed that application of phosphorous significantly affected the various growth parameters except leaf area. Maximum plant height (38.30cm), number of branches plant -1 (32.00) and fresh flower weight (11.11gm) was recorded at phosphorous 60 kg ha -1 , while highest stem diameter (0.69cm), more number of leaves plant -1 (335.67) and number of flower plant -1 (9.06) was recorded at phosphorous 80 kg ha -1 . Phosphorus dose of 60 kg ha -1 and 80 kg ha -1 significantly affected study parameters of the tested crop of marigold. The experiment revealed that (60 and 80 kg ha -1 ) may for good quality flower production of Marigold

Promoted growth and improved quality of Gerbera jamesonni L. flowers using exogenous application of amino acids

Commercially available amino acids mixtures have several advantages such as enhancing assimilation of fertilizer, facilitating uptake of water and nutrients and improving photosynthesis of plants. To investigate the response of gerbera (Gerbera jamesonni L.) flowers ‘Saltino’ to foliar application of a mixture of 19 essential amino acids (0.25, 0.50 and 0.75 mg L-1) and ammonium nitrate (200 mg L-1) as nitrogen source, a pot experiment was carried out in the research greenhouse of Eram Botanical Garden of Shiraz University. Number of flowers, flower diameter, stems length, chlorophyll, proline, protein and nitrogen contents, photosynthesis rate, stomatal conductance, and vase life of flowers were significantly improved by amino acids treatments. No significant difference was observed between ammonium nitrate and amino acids mixture for flower fresh and dry weights. Results suggested that application of amino acids mixture can induce acetyl CoA, which plays an improvingrole in physiological processes in plants. Application of amino acids mixture as a promising and sustainable approach can be recommended to promote quality and quantity of gerbera flowers.

Synthetic nanozeolite/nanohydroxyapatite as a phosphorus fertilizer for German chamomile (Matricariachamomilla L.)

Some regular P fertilizers are less effective in supplying the nutrient P. Thus, a greenhouse experiment was carried out to assess the fertilizing effect of synthetic nanozeolite (nCp)/nanohydroxyapatite (nHA) on agro-morphological characteristics, Chamanzulene and phosphorus up take of chamomile (Matricariachamomilla L.). Treatments consisted of (A) control, (B) saturated nano zeolite with ammonium sulfate (nCp-NH4+), (C) rock phosphate (RP), (D) saturated nano zeolite with ammonium sulfate plus rock phosphate (nCp-NH4++RP), (E) nanohydroxyapatite(nHA), (F) saturated nano zeolite with ammonium sulfate plus nanohydroxyapatite(nCp-NH4++nHA) (G) triple superphosphate (TSP) (H) saturated nano zeolite with ammonium sulfate plus triple superphosphate (nCp- NH4++TSP) were applied in this study. The nanohydroxyapatite (nHA) particles, with diameters of 25–50nm, were produced by wet chemical process, in order to compare its ability in P solubility with that of a natural fertilizers (as Triple Superphosphate (TSP) and rock phosphate (PR). The results revealed that application of both nCp/nHA particles and conventional P fertilizer (TSP) could enhance the growth of chamomile. Both Cp-NH4++nHA and Cp-NH4++TSP showed the highest mean values for most of the measured traits including plant height, branch number, sub-branch number, Chamanzulene, flower number, soil, root and shoot phosphorous content, flower fresh and dry weight, and also shoot fresh weight and dry weight. On the contrary, no significant differences were observed among applied treatments regarding total nitrogen content and sulfate. The overall results point out that using nCp/nHA as a new class of P fertilizer can potentially enhance agronomical yield and reduce risks of water eutrophication.