Fuchsia Hybrida Research Articles

Nutritional, Fatty Acids, (Poly)phenols and Technological Properties of Flower Powders from Fuchsia hybrida and Alcea rosea.

Fuchsia hybrida (pena pena) and Alcea rosea L. (malvagoma) are predominant flowers in the "Horchata" infusion, a traditional beverage in southern Ecuador, to which some medicinal properties are attributed. However, there is very little published information about these two flower species. The current study aimed to obtain two dehydrated powders of these flowers and to determine their chemical composition, physicochemical and technological properties, polyphenols, and fatty acids profile. In both powdered flowers, carbohydrates predominated, with a significant content of dietary fiber and fructose. The fat content was low, mainly comprising polyunsaturated fats (62% pena pena and 52% malvagoma), with a significant presence of omega-3 (C18:3n-3,6,9) and omega-6 (C18:2n-6,9) fatty acids, showing a better n-6/n-3 balance in the malvagoma flowers. Pena pena flowers are highlighted by high anthocyanin and ellagic acid amounts, whereas malvagoma contains a high content of flavanones. In conclusion, the studied powder flowers, could be used in the formulation of new foods or as source of anthocyanins as food colorants.

Targeted Metabolome and Transcriptome Analyses Reveal the Molecular Mechanism of Color Variation between Sepals and Petals in Fuchsia hybrida

The sepal color of Fuchsia hybrida is colorful instead of green and usually varies from the petal colors, which greatly increases its ornamental value and attract customers’ preference. However, the potential molecular mechanism underlying the color variation between sepals and petals remains unclear. The present study collected F. hybrida with red sepals and purple petals to explore the key pigments and genes involved in color development using a targeted metabolome and transcriptome. A total of 43 metabolites with diverse hydroxylation, glycosylation, methylation and acylation patterns were isolated and identified by UPLC-MS/MS. The quantification analysis showed that peonidin-3,5-O-diglucoside and malvidin-3,5-O-diglucoside were the most abundant anthocyanins accumulating in the sepals and petals, respectively. Then, six libraries from the sepals and petals were constructed for the transcriptome and 70,135 unigenes were generated. The transcript level of FhF3′H was significantly higher in the sepals, while Fh3′5′H showed more abundant expression in the petals, which can account for the abundant peonidin and malvidin accumulation in the sepals and petals, respectively. The subsequent multiomics analysis showed that both the differentially accumulated anthocyanins and expressed unigenes were enriched in the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway. Additionally, FhMYBs potentially regulating anthocyanin biosynthesis were screened out by correlation analysis and protein interaction prediction. These findings help to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the color variation between the sepals and petals in F. hybrida.

Ácido indolbutírico no enraizamento de estacas de Fuchsia spp.

ABSTRACT: The princess earring is an ornamental plant native to the southern region of Brazil, much appreciated due to the beauty of its outstanding and colorful flowers. This study evaluated the effect of different doses of synthetic auxin indolebutyric acid (IBA) on the rooting of herbaceous cuttings of Fuchsia regia (Vell.) Munz, native species, and Fuchsia hybrida Hort. Ex Siebert & Voss commercial variety ‘General Monk Red Blue’. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse following a randomized block design with a 2x5 factorial arrangement (two genotypes of Fuchsia x five IBA doses). The IBA doses consisted in the concentrations of 0, 200, 400, 600 and 800 mg.L-1. Evaluations were performed 20 days after staking. The parameters evaluated were length of the largest root, number of roots per cutting, fresh weight and dry weight of the aerial part and roots. The concentration of 800 mg.L-1 of indolebutyric acid resulted in greater rooting of the cuttings of both Fuchsia materials tested. Therefore, the use of IBA (800 mg.L-1) provided better quality rooted cuttings, with greater length and number of roots.

Plant regeneration from petiole segments of some species in tissue culture

The regeneration ability of 21 plant species belonging to 14 families was tested. The method of tissue culture in vitro was applied, on basic MS medium with an addition of growth regulators from the auxin and cytokinin groups. From among the investigated plant groups <i>Peperomia scandens</i> and <i>Caladium</i> × <i>hortulanum</i> were capable of plant regeneration, <i>Passiilora coerulea</i> regenerated shoots, <i>Hedera helix, Begonia glabra, Coleus blumei, Fuchsia hybrida, Passiflora suberosa </i>and <i>Peperomia eburnea</i> formed callus and roots, <i>Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, Pelargonium grandiflorum, P. peltatum, P. radula, Coleus shirensis</i> and <i>Magnolia soulangeana</i> produced callus, <i>Philodendron scandens, Rhododendron smirnovii, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, Coprosma baueri, Cestrum purpureum</i> and <i>Solanum rantonnetii</i> did not exhibit any regeneration reactions.

Response of Fuchsia hybrida cuttings to flurprimidol and naphthaleneacetic acid application

Auxins are the only compounds used in commercial plant propagation to stimulate rooting, although efforts have been made to find other efficient compounds. Another group of rooting promoters could be plant growth retardants (PGRs) which act as inhibitors of gibberellin synthesis. The aim of the experiment was to determine the effect of flurprimidol and naphthalene-1-acetic acid (NAA) applied by quick-dip method on rooting and development of <em>Fuchsia hybrida</em> 'Swingtime' cuttings and their subsequent growth. Anatomical analysis of the rooting process was also done. Flurprimidol and NAA did not influence the percentage of rooted fuchsia cuttings but increased the number of adventitious roots. Both compounds were involved in earlier formation of root primordia. Flurprimidol and NAA, used simultaneously or separately, increased the number and length of axillary shoots of fuchsia cuttings. The effect of flurprimidol on the number of roots and shoots was stronger than that of NAA, but diminished after transplanting the rooted cuttings. The influence of flurprimidol on axillary shoot length was weaker as its concentration increased.

The influence of adenine and benzyladenine on rooting and development of Fuchsia hybrida cuttings

Cytokinins are a group of plant hormones stimulating, among others, axillary bud formation and inhibiting rhizogenesis. Adenine, their common component, often expresses cytokinin-like activity in plant development. The aim of the experiment was to determine the effect of adenine on rooting and development of <em>Fuchsia hybrida </em>cuttings. The influence of adenine was also assessed in comparison to benzyladenine, including their cooperation with 1-naphthaleneacetic acid. Anatomical analysis of the rooting process was also undertaken. Application of BA, both alone or together with NAA, strongly inhibited rhizogenesis, but stimulated axillary shoot outgrowth. Adenine exhibited cytokinin-like activity on axillary shoot development in <em>Fuchsia hybrida </em>cuttings, but did not show the inhibitory effect on root development typical for cytokinins. This compound, particularly at higher concentrations, stimulated both axillary shoot development and rooting, which was expressed as an increase in root number and rooting percentage, even after direct application to the base of the cuttings. Anatomical analysis revealed adenine-derived acceleration during elongation of adventitious root primordia.

Assessing Tolerance to Sodium Chloride Salinity in Fourteen Floriculture Species

The use of saline irrigation water may be inevitable in the future since the freshwater supply is decreasing over time. In some regions of the United States, producers of both ornamental and agronomic crops are already facing a limited supply of high-quality water. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the salt tolerance of commonly used greenhouse bedding plants to minimize potential salt damage before use of nonpotable water sources is mandated. Research screening several bedding plants has not taken place for more than two decades. Therefore, we undertook experiments to screen popular bedding plants for salt tolerance during greenhouse production. Transplants were exposed to 0 (control), 20, 40, 60, or 80 mm sodium chloride (NaCl) in the irrigation water for 5 weeks resulting in average substrate pour-thru electrical conductivity (EC) values of 4.0 (control), 7.0, 9.8, 12.1, or 14.2 dS·m−1, respectively. Pansy (Viola tricolor) and zinnia (Zinnia angustifolia), the most sensitive species examined, exhibited 100% mortality when exposed to an EC of 14.2 dS·m−1. The least affected species for dry weight (DW) was snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus) with a 54% reduction as EC increased from 4.0 to 14.2 dS·m−1. Only fuchsia (Fuchsia hybrida) and snapdragon were unaffected by an EC of 7.0 dS·m−1, whereas at 9.8 dS·m−1 all of the species had a significantly reduced DW as compared with control plants. Verbena (Verbena ×hybrida), petunia (Petunia ×hybrida), coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides), and begonia (Begonia hiemalis) were the only species that did not undergo a significant height reduction in comparing 9.8 dS·m−1 to control. A classification of the 14 species is created here on the basis of plant DW to provide guidance as to which species could be irrigated with more saline water while not compromising plant growth and quality.

Delphastus catalinae and Coleomegilla maculata lengi (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) as biological control agents of the greenhouse whitefly, Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae)

Predation efficacy and compatibility of the predatory lady beetles Coleomegilla maculata lengi Timberlake and Delphastus catalinae (Horn) against the greenhouse whitefly, Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood) were studied in laboratory on glabrous fuchsia (Fuchsia hybrida Voss cv Lena Corolla) and pubescent poinsettia plants (Euphorbia pulcherrima Willd ex Klotzch cv Dark Red Annette Hegg). On glabrous plants (fuchsia), fourth-instar and adults of C maculata were the most efficient, both against whitefly eggs and pupae. On pubescent plants (poinsettia), the larger stages of C maculata were negatively affected and less efficient than adults of D catalinae. The presence of plant structure did not affect the voracity of either predator species. Finally, the simultaneous use of both predator species generated inter-specific competition. These results provide recommendations for biological control of whitefly in horticultural greenhouses.

Response of selected antioxidants and pigments in tissues of Rosa hybrida and Fuchsia hybrida to supplemental UV‐A exposure

The effect of supplemental UV‐A (320–400 nm) radiation on tissue absorption at 355 nm, levels of various antioxidants (ascorbate, glutathione, carotenoids and flavonoids) and of antioxidant scavenging capacity were investigated with leaves and petals of Rosa hybrida, cv. Honesty and with leaves, petals and sepals of Fuchsia hybrida, cv. Dollarprinzessin. Supplemental UV‐A did not result in visible changes in plant morphology of either species. In leaves it induced small increases in levels of chlorophylls a and b, the carotenoids antheraxanthin, lutein and β‐carotene, and high increases in the flavonols quercetin and kaempferol. Petals hardly responded, while the coloured sepals of fuchsia showed an increase in quercetin derivatives. HPLC of unhydrolysed flavonoids showed that individual quercetin derivatives in leaves of both species and kaempferol derivatives in rose leaves increased 2‐fold. Some kaempferol derivatives in fuchsia leaves were more than 2‐fold enhanced or were newly induced by supplemental UV‐A. Increases in l‐ascorbic acid levels in fuchsia leaves, and decreases in rose leaves as result of supplemental UV‐A were observed, but differences appeared statistically not significant, while l‐ascorbate levels remained unchanged in the other tissues investigated. Anthocyanins and reduced glutathione levels were unaffected in all tissues. The combined UV‐A induced increases in concentrations of these antioxidant species, did not lead to significant increases in antioxidant capacity of tissues, measured as Trolox equivalents in 50%‐ethanol extracts. Light absorption at 355 nm of leaf extracts was significantly increased upon UV‐A exposure. Our results indicate that the major protection towards UV‐A exposure, in particular in the leaves, will originate from absorption of irradiation, and not from scavenging reactive oxygen species.

A florigenic effect of sucrose in Fuchsia hybrida is blocked by gibberellin-induced assimilate competition.

The use of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-selected ion monitoring along with a (13)C internal standard has allowed sensitive measurements of the sucrose (Suc) content of individual shoot apices of Fuchsia hybrida. With intact plants, as the photosynthetic irradiance increased, so did shoot apex Suc content, reaching saturation at about 500 micromol m(-2) s(-1). These same plants flowered at the higher irradiances, remaining vegetative in 10-h short days at an irradiance of 230 micromol m(-2) s(-1). The strong correlation (r = 0.93) in these studies between flowering and shoot apex Suc content indicates a role for Suc as a stimulus to flowering in this species. However, Suc is not the long-day (LD) "florigen" of F. hybrida because 2 to 4 LD given as a 14-h low-irradiance photoperiod extension (10-15 micromol m(-2) s(-1)) induced flowering but without increase in shoot apex Suc content. Flowering induced by either pathway, the LD- or the Suc-mediated one, was inhibited by applying gibberellin (GA) to the shoot tip. Such inhibition of flowering by GA, at least for the LD pathway, was associated with a reduced apex Suc content, enhanced elongation of subapical stem tissue, and a reduced import into the shoot apex of leaf-sourced assimilate. Thus, our findings show how GA inhibits flowering of F. hybrida and confirm the importance of nutrient diversion in regulating flowering.

Ornamental plants and thrips populations associated with tomato spotted wilt virus in Greece

A survey was conducted in order to record the ornamental plants that are hosts of tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) and impatiens necrotic spot virus (INSV) in Greece. Polyclonal antibodies prepared against the N protein of a Greek isolate of TSWV fromGerbera jamesonii (GR-34) were used. Leaf samples were taken from plants showing typical symptoms of tospovirus infection such as chlorotic and necrotic rings on the leaves and malformation and necrosis of the flowers. The samples were tested by double antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (DAS-ELISA) using polyclonal antibodies to the N proteins of TSWV and INSV (NL-07). ELIS A-positive samples were mechanically transmitted to plants ofPetunia hybrida, Nicotiana rustica andN. benthamiana to confirm infection. Although none of the samples was found infected with INSV, TSWV presence was recorded in 42 botanical species that belong to 40 genera in 27 families. Among them the speciesBeloperone guttata, Coleus barbatus, Impatiens petersiana andLilium auratum are reported for the first time as hosts of TSWV, whereasBegonia sp.,Catharanthus roseus Celosia cristata, Dianthus chinensis, Fuchsia hybrida andStephanotis floribunda are found as new hosts of the virus in Greece. Thrips collected from TSWV-infected plants were in most cases identified asFrankliniella occidentalis, except from plants ofDendranthema sp. andDianthus caryophyllus whereThrips tabaci individuals were also identified. Different percentages of transmitters were noticed when the thrips populations collected from TSWV-infected ornamental hosts were tested for transmission of TSWV.

Tissue level localization of acid invertase in leaves: an hypothesis for the regulation of carbon export

SUMMARYPhotoassimilate produced by mature leaves is usually loaded into the phloem as sucrose. Transport of sucrose from the mesophyll cells to the phloem might involve an apoplastic step or be entirely symplastic, depending on species. Acid invertase occurs as both soluble and cell‐wall‐bound forms and has been detected in mature leaves. However, the ability of this enzyme to act as a regulator of carbon export and storage depends on whether it occurs either in the sucrose transport path (which could decrease export), or is located within the mesophyll cells (potentially resulting in intracellular futile cycling between sucrose synthesis in the cytoplasm and hydrolysis in the vacuole). Tissue‐level localization of acid invertase was investigated by tissue printing, which establishes protein distribution within a leaf. Antiserum was raised against a synthetic peptide corresponding to a region close to the active site of acid invertase. Tissue prints from Pisum sativum L. and Hordeum vulgare L. showed invertase to be located in the vascular regions, which was not observed in Fuchsia hybrida L. This corresponds to differences in the presence of oligosaccharides in leaf extracts and in the pattern of plasmodesmatal connections between mesophyll cells and the vasculature. We hypothesize that the location of acid invertase activity is implicated in species‐specific differences in sucrose and oligosaccharide metabolism.

An improved method for callus proliferation and regeneration of Fuchsia hybrida

Best callus initiation was obtained when single-node explants of Fuchsia hybrida were incubated in the light on Gamborg B5 medium containing 5×10-6 M indoleacetic acid and benzylaminopurine at 5×10-7 M or 10-6 M. Healthy callus proliferation was maintained in darkness on full-strength B5 medium supplemented with 5×10-6 M IAA and 5×10-7 M BAP. Regeneration from callus was obtained in 3 to 6 weeks, using half-strength hormone-free Campbell & Durzan medium.

In vivo‐Untersuchungen zur Entstehung und Funktion der Chlamydosporen von Botrytis cinerea Pers. am Wirt‐Parasit‐System Fuchsia hybrida – B. cinerea

Abstract In vivo‐investigations on the formation and function of chlamydospores of Botrytis cinerea Pers. in the host‐parasite‐system Fuchsia hybrida–B. cinerea On naturally with Botrytis cinerea Pers. infected and artificially inoculated outdoor‐ and greenhouse‐plants of Fuchsia hybrida the extra‐ and intramatrical formation of the B. cinerea‐ chlamydospores was investigated.The chlamydospores served 1. as structures of survival, which were tested with regard to their tolerance of drought, nutrient‐ and oxygen‐deficiency, attack by bacteria and pH‐requirements. 2. The chlamydospores represented dispersal units, which were capable of germination. 3. The chlamydospores could function as structures of infection, because after chlamydospore germination the outgrowing mycelium – either directly or after production of macroconidia – could serve as secondary inoculum and start new infections.

ROLE OF GROWTH SUBSTANCES IN THE FILAMENT GROWTH OF FUCHSIA HYBRIDA CV “BRILLIANT”

Filaments of Fuchsia hybrida cv “Brilliant” double in length within 24 hr after bud opening. Filament growth characterized by fresh wt increase and cell elongation was significantly inhibited in vitro by l‐aminocyclopropane‐l‐carboxylic acid (ACC) but was not promoted by any growth regulator tested. Ions of Co2+ blocked the inhibitive effects of ACC in vitro suggesting that ethylene produced from ACC is the growth inhibiting substance. Ethylene levels surrounding the filaments within the closed bud decreased during development, and premature opening of the sepals which released the ethylene into the atmosphere resulted in rapid filament growth. The ACC levels were found to be much higher in the anthers than the filaments. This suggests that ethylene produced from floral organs other than filaments regulates filament elongation in Fuchsia. This is the first report of filament growth which cannot be promoted by application of growth regulators but which is inhibited by ethylene.

Role of Growth Substances in the Filament Growth Fuchsia hybrida cv "Brilliant"

Role of Growth Substances in the Filament Growth Fuchsia hybrida cv "Brilliant"

In vitro vegetative multiplication of Fuchsia hybrida

Rapid development of axillary buds from shoot-tips and nodes of 18 cultivars of Fuchsia hybrida was obtained on solid Murashige and Skoog medium with BAP (1 mg l −1 and an auxin (0.1 mg l −1). NAA as the auxin appeared to be more active than IAA or IBA. Vegetative shoots were subsequently isolated and developed up to 15 supplementary axillary shoots on the same solid medium. Agitated and non-agitated liquid media of the same composition were less effective. One-cm long shoots could be rooted in 20 days in the presence of IBA before being transferred to soil.

TWO MACHINES FOR IN VITRO PROPAGATION OF PLANTS IN LIQUID MEDIA

Two machines are described, one to tilt 400 50-mL or 320 125-mL Erlenmeyer flasks, and the other to rock 120 455-mL or 70 910-mL square wide-mouth Mason jars, or combinations of the different container sizes. In grapes, explants transferred to liquid media on the machines after 28 days on agar produced seven times as many shoots in 90 days as explants maintained on agar media. Similar increases were obtained with Arctostaphylos uva ursi, Fuchsia hybrida ’Swingtime,’ Amelanchier alnifolia, and Nicotiana tabacum ’Xanthi-nc.’ The liquid culture method also reduces cost by using less media and agar.Key words: Machines, in vitro, propagation, liquid-media

Floral Induction Does not Alter the Growth Parameters of Fuchsia

Floral induction by night interruption of Fuchsia hybrida cv. Lord Byron, a quantitative long-day plant with decussate phyllotaxis and an indeterminate flowering habit, altered neither the rate of leaf initiation nor the rate of leaf expansion; nor did flower initiation and development change the vegetative growth of the plants. This was diagnosed using plastochron duration and plastochron ratio measurements before, during, and after a 10-day induction period. A comparison between indeterminate and determinate flowering is made using these two parameters.

FLORAL INDUCTION DOES NOT ALTER THE GROWTH PARAMETERS OF FUCHSIA

Floral induction by night interruption of Fuchsia hybrida cv. Lord Byron, a quantitative long‐day plant with decussate phyllotaxis and an indeterminate flowering habit, altered neither the rate of leaf initiation nor the rate of leaf expansion; nor did flower initiation and development change the vegetative growth of the plants. This was diagnosed using plastochron duration and plastochron ratio measurements before, during, and after a 10‐day induction period. A comparison between indeterminate and determinate flowering is made using these two parameters.