Flowering Growth Research Articles

Effect of Vermiwash and Vermicompost on an Ornamental Flower, Zinnia sp.

Vermiwash and vermicompost were used in different doses to study their effect on the growth and flowering of an ornamental flower, Zinnia sp. The combination of vermicompost and vermiwash showed maximum positive effects on the growth and flowering of Zinnia sp. compared to either vermicompost alone or vermiwash alone. This study also indicated that vermiwash and vermicompost could be utilized effectively for sustainable plant production at low input-basis green farming.

Carboidratos foliares durante a floração e os estádios iniciais de crescimento de frutilhos em tangerineira 'Ponkan'

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os teores de carboidratos foliares em tangerineira 'Ponkan' (Citrus reticulata), durante o pleno florescimento e os estádios iniciais de crescimento dos frutilhos, e identificar a melhor época para realização do raleio químico. O experimento foi realizado durante dois anos de produção (2009/2010 e 2010/2011), com quatro épocas de amostragem de folhas: 0, 30, 60 e 90 dias após o pleno florescimento. Utilizou-se o delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com parcelas subdivididas no tempo, quatro repetições e quatro plantas por parcela. Para determinar a utilização dos carboidratos pelas plantas, foram avaliados os teores de açúcares solúveis, açúcares redutores e amido na matéria seca das folhas. Nas mesmas épocas de amostragem foliar, o tamanho dos frutilhos também foi determinado. Os teores foliares de carboidratos solúveis aumentam e os de amido diminuem entre 35 e 50 dias após o pleno florescimento. No final da fase de fixação dos frutilhos, a partir dos 50 dias após o pleno florescimento, os teores de açúcares solúveis nas folhas diminuem. A melhor época para a realização do raleio químico em tangerineira 'Ponkan' é logo após a fase de queda fisiológica, quando os frutilhos atingirem cerca de 18 mm de diâmetro, aos 50 dias após o pleno florescimento.

Effects of Supplemental UV-B Radiation on Flower and Pod Formation in Soybean (Glycine maxL.) Crop.

Global climate change components such as carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration, temperature and ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation are continuously increasing. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of season-long exposures of supplemental UV-B. Effect of supplemental UV-B radiation on the flower and fruit formation in soybean was assessed. Supplemental UV-B radiation was given by halogen lamps. The study reveals that the number of flower was increased when plants were exposed to longer (2 and 3 hour) supplemental UV-B radiation in comparison to control. Pod formation was promoted at all supplemental UV-B radiation but it was observed maximum at shorter exposure (1 hour) of supplemental UV-B. At the maturity of the crop, the pod formation was recorded highest at 1 hr than at 2 hr and 3 hr supplemental UV-B radiation when compared with control. Overall results indicated that supplemental UV-B radiation promoted the growth of flower and fruit in soybean (Glycine max L.) crop.

Influences of Traditional Mulches on Flower Production and Petal Coloration of Dianthus (<i>Dianthus Chinensis</i> Lin.)

An experiment was conducted to understand the effect of traditional mulches on plant growth, flower induction, petal coloration and yield of Dianthus chinensis at Horticultural Farm, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka. Four mulch treatments C, control; SM, straw mulch; WHM, water hyacinth mulch; BPM, black plastic mulch were examined under this study. Black plastic mulch showed better performance than other treatments. Highest plant and flower growth, early flowering and maximum number of flowers were observed from black plastic mulch treatment followed by water hyacinth mulch and straw mulch respectively whereas the lowest was observed from control. Deep colored flower was produced from black plastic mulch treated plants and light colored flower from control.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v18i2.17462 Progress. Agric. 18(2): 35 - 40, 2007

Efficacy of Foliar Application of Micro Nutrients on Growth and Flowering of Gerbera jamesonii L.

The study showed the significant effect of foliar application of micronutrients on all the parameters. The height of plants in T2 increases by 5ml/1000ml solution. The application of micronutrients solution increases the number of branches per plant in T3 (6.69) by 5ml/l 000ml solution of water as compare to control followed by T2 (7.77), T1 (6.21), and T0 (4.87) respectively. Foliar fertilization improves the growth and development by providing essential nutrients. The T2 (35.87 cm) showed the maximum length of branches per plant. Therefore plants that received no fertilization of micro nutrients, show less length of branches per plant. Data regarding number of leaves per plant depicted significant results for treatments. These results have similarity to results of number of branches per plant indicated that plant which fertilized with essential micro nutrients that represent more number of leaves per plant as compared to other treatments levels. Application of micro nutrients solution increases the number of leaves per plant in T2 (8.10). A significant superiority of T2 treatment over T1 was observed. Emergence days was shorter for plants fertilized with T3 of micro nutrients solution compared to those received no fertilization but was longer compared to plants receiving other fertilization treatments. Fertilization had greater effect on the flower emergence as compared to control. Therefore we can conclude that plant which received fertilization of micro nutrients solution show significant results as compared to those which received no fertilization.

Potassium Nutrition in Lilium: Critical Concentrations, Photosynthesis, Water Potential, Leaf Anatomy, and Nutrient Status

The present study was conducted to determine the critical optimum and toxic concentrations of potassium (K) using segmented analysis and its relationship with some physiological, anatomical, and nutritional responses to increasing K in hydroponically grown Lilium sp. L. cv. Arcachon. Plants were fertigated with nutrient solutions containing K (Kext) at 0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 12.5, 17.5, 22.5, and 30 mmol·L−1. Maximum flower diameter occurred when, on a dry mass basis, shoot K (Kint) ranged from 504 to 892 mmol·kg−1; however, a lower Kint was required to obtain maximum biomass accumulation and shoot length (384 and 303 mmol·kg−1, respectively). Potassium increased in all plant organs as K in the nutrient solution increased. Nitrogen increased in young leaves and magnesium (Mg) decreased as Kext increased. Concentrations of Kext from 5 to 17.5 mmol·L−1 increased the size of chlorenchyma and occlusive cells; however, metaxylem vessels were unaffected. Net photosynthetic rate was higher in young leaves, whereas water potential increased in both young and mature leaves when Kext was greater than 22.5 mmol·L−1. Critical concentrations varied according to the growth parameter. Optimum Kint ranged from 303 to 384 mmol·kg−1 for vegetative parts, whereas parameters related with flower growth ranged from 427 to 504 mmol·kg−1. Concentration of 504 mmol·kg−1 Kint was associated with optimum growth for all the parameters assessed, whereas a Kint greater than 864 mmol·kg−1 was associated with a decline in growth; thus, these concentrations were considered as the critical optimum and critical toxicity levels, respectively. The optimum and toxicity critical Kint were estimated when Kext in the nutrient solutions was 5.6 and 13.6 mmol·L−1, respectively.

Preliminary Study on the Chemical Components of the Slag and Its Feasibility for Soil Improvement

In this study,we measured and analyzed the chemical composition of the slag. Different seeds( corn, eggplant,rice and periwinkle) were planted in the heavy( mild) saline-alkali soil and slag with HPMA agent. The growth of plants was observed,the feasibility of using this waste for soil improvements is the aim of this study. Comparison between slag and different soils showed that both had the similar chemical composition. Some components including CaO,Fe 2 O 3,MgO,MnO 2 in slag was obviously higher than the soil,while some others including TiO 2,K 2 O,Na 2 O,P 2 O 5 in slag was not detectable. Together with HPMA agent,slag mixing with saline alkali soil( heavy and mild) could significantly improve germination and growth rate of corn,eggplant, rice and periwinkle. Compared with typical greenhouse soil conditioners of vermiculite and perlite,similar germination and growth rate in different plants were observed in the slag matrix. Furthermore,similar to the function of flower soil( peat),germination and growth rate of variable plants manifested that mixture of slag and bark soil( an abundant local resource) can be used as a compound soil conditioner,which can enrich soil fertility and improve soil physical structure. The preliminary study showed that the slag can be used for saline- alkali soil improvement and the soil structure improvement for facilities agriculture. It also has the potential for the formation of compound soil conditioner combined with the local bark soil resources.

Analysis of Differential Expression Proteins from Different Parts of Pistillate Flower in Mulberry (<i>Morus alba</i>)

Fruit mulberry cultivation has become a new field of modern sericulture, and quite a number of studies were focused on the growth and development of mulberry flowers and fruits. In order to explore the molecular mechanism of development and regulation of mulberry pistillate flower, the total protein were extracted from the flowering style (with the stigma) and ovary with fruit mulberry variety "Da 10" as materials, separated by two-dimensional electrophoresis and identified by mass spectrometry. The results showed that there were significant differential expressions in different tissues, and 20 proteins with specific expression were detected in the style of pistillate flower. By mass spectrometry analysis, database retrieval and bioinformatics software analysis, these protein components were given functional annotation, mainly related to the biosynthetic metabolism of protein and flavonoid, stress response and redox reaction. Additionally, glucan endo-1,3-beta-glucosidase involved in cell wall metabolism was detected to be up-regulated expression and lipoxygenase participating in membrane lipid oxidation reaction was detected to be down-regulated expression in the style compared with that in the ovary. It illustrated that the differential expression of these proteins in style were closely related to pollen germination, pollen tube growth or intrusion of other xenobiotics.

Effects of indole-3-acetic acid and auxin transport inhibitor on auxin distribution and development of peanut at pegging stage

This study was conducted to determine the effects of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and auxin polar transport inhibitor 2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid (TIBA) on the growth, photosynthetic characteristics of leaves and IAA contents in different parts of peanut cv. Zhonghua 4 at pegging stage. It was found that spraying IAA resulted in an increase in IAA contents of different parts, the photosynthetic rate, and the growth of stem, peg and flower at pegging stage. Treatment with TIBA increased the first branch length and branch number per plant by 6.83% and 15.34%, while the stem height, peg length, flower number and peg number per plant were significantly inhibited by 25.08%, 29.52%, 33.18% and 30.14%. The average weights of single pod and the yield per pot with auxin and TIBA treatments were distinctly higher than the control. Pegging rate and net photosynthesis rate were enhanced by 4.56% and 12.67%, respectively, but intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci) was decreased than the control by 8.06% under 10μM TIBA treatment. The IAA contents of stems and leaves treated with 10μM TIBA were also significantly increased. These results suggest that auxin, along with its transport and distribution, control the growth of peanut at pegging stage, which may contribute to higher yield through enhanced pod development.

Morphological and optical properties of hierarchical tubular VOPcPhO nanoflowers

In this study, the morphological and optical properties of hierarchical tubular vanadyl 2,9,16,23-tetraphenoxy-29H,31H-phthalocyanine (VOPcPhO) flower-like nanostructures were reported. VOPcPhO nanoflowers have been synthesised from the solution concentration of 5mg/ml via the template-assisted method. Dissolution of template has led to the growth of micrometer-sized flowers that have nanoscale features that are tubular shaped with protruding tips. The tubulars are self-assembled during the formation of flower-like nanostructures. UV–vis spectrum of VOPcPhO nanoflower shows a wider absorption at Q-band as compared to thin film. The changes in Raman shift were also observed which indicate the improvement of nanostructures exhibited by VOPcPhO nanoflowers.

Role of stigmatic fluid in ovary growth and senescence of pollinated Dendrobium flowers

Pollination induced an increase in ethylene production concomitantly with ovary growth, epinasty, drooping, changes in venation andfading of the colour of the flowers of Dendrobium ‘Pompadour’. Removal of stigmatic fluid prior to pollination significantly reduced ovarygrowth, while ethylene production, epinasty, drooping, venation and colour of pollinated flowers were not significantly affected. Removalof stigma fluid had no effect on ovary growth of non-pollinated flowers treated with 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC ), butsignificantly reduced the ovary growth of non-pollinated flowers induced by the application of napthaleneacetic acid (NAA). The effect ofstigmatic fluid on ovary growth of pollinated flowers is discussed.

Compatible and incompatible pollination and the senescence and ovary growth of Dendrobium flowers

The pollinia from five cultivars of Dendrobium (‘Miss Teen’, ‘Karen’, ‘Sakura’, ‘Willie’, and ‘Pompadour’) were placed on the stigma of openflowers of Dendrobium ‘Miss Teen’ (or ‘Kenny’). The ethylene production and post-pollination development of cross-pollinated flowerswere monitored. The pollinated flowers showed two different development patterns depending upon pollination compatibility. The firstgroup, which was pollinated with incompatible pollen from flowers of ‘Karen’ and ‘Miss Teen’, did not exhibit post-pollination symptomsand ovary growth. The second group, which was pollinated with compatible pollen from flowers of ‘Pompadour’, ‘Sakura’ and ‘Willie’,showed premature perianth senescence and induced ovary growth within a day. Compatible pollination of ‘Miss Teen’ flowers resulted inan immediate burst in the production of ethylene and a rapid ovary growth followed by an increase in pollen tube length. In contrast,when ‘Miss Teen’ flowers were self-pollinated or pollinated with ‘Karen’ pollinia, these changes did not occur. In the pollinia of ‘Pompadour’,‘Sakura’ and ‘Willie’ there were higher levels of auxin and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acicd (ACC ) than in those of ‘Miss Teen’and ‘Karen’. Compatible pollination also resulted in higher ACC synthase and ACC oxidase activities within 12 h after pollination than afterpollination with incompatible pollen. There was a low level of ACC oxidase activity in non-pollinated flowers and a higher ACC oxidaseactivity in the column plus pedicel than petal plus sepal and lip.

Influence of Water Regimes and Potassium Chlorate on Floral Induction, Leaf Photosynthesis and Leaf Water Potential in Longan

This study verifies the influence of water regimes and potassium chlorate (KC1O3) on photosynthetic rate, flower emergence and media moisture content of longan trees. The trees were grown in 150 liters lysimeter tanks filled with fine sand. The experimental design was a 2x2 factorial in completely randomized design (CRD) with 2 factors; 1) two levels of water regimes (well-watered and water deficit) and 2) two levels of KClO3 at 10 and 0 g. The results revealed that the well-watered treatment produced faster days of terminal bud break than that of the water deficit treatment. The 10 g KClO3 treatment induced 91 % flower emergence at 35 days after commencing the treatment, while the 0 g KClO3 treatment had 82 % leaf flushing and had no flower emergence. Water deficit or KClO3 treatments reduced the net carbondioxide (CO2) exchange, transpiration and stomatal conductance rates. Moreover, the combination of well-watered and 0 g KClO3 treatments gave the greatest values of the parameters. The well-watered treatment had higher volumetric water content in the growing medium and leaf water potential than the water deficit treatment, while for the 10 g and 0 g KClO3 treatments had similar the media moisture content.

Cut Flower Growth and White Rust Occurrence by Planting Density and Mulching Materials in Cut Chrysanthemum

Cut Flower Growth and White Rust Occurrence by Planting Density and Mulching Materials in Cut Chrysanthemum

Cut Flower Growth and White Rust Occurrence by Fertilization Level in Cut Chrysanthemum

Cut Flower Growth and White Rust Occurrence by Fertilization Level in Cut Chrysanthemum

Self-catalyst growth of novel GaN nanowire flowers on Si (111) using thermal evaporation technique

We investigated the effect of substrate temperature on nanowire (NW) flower GaN epitaxial layers grown on catalyst-free Si (111) through physical vapor deposition via the thermal evaporation of GaN powder at 1150 °C in the absence of NH3 gas. The NW flowers were grown at various substrate temperatures from 1000 °C to 1100 °C for 60 min in N2 ambient. The surface morphology as well as the structural and optical properties of GaN NW flowers were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and photoluminescence (PL). The results showed that the increase in substrate temperature resulted in a variation in crystal quality and surface morphology. SEM showed that the substrate temperature has a stronger effect on NW density and growth rate with respect to time. The average length of GaN flowers is estimated to be longer than 300 μm after 1 h at 1100 °C, which corresponds to a fast growth rate of more than 200 μm h−1 at all substrate temperatures. The PL measurements showed strong near-band-edge (NBE) emission with a weak deep level emission. The green-yellow emission (GYE) can be attributed to N vacancies or to the VGa–ON-complexes. The NBE peak exhibited a redshift with increasing substrate temperature, which results from the increase in strain level. The growth mechanism of the polycrystalline GaN NWs was also discussed.

Controlled synthesis of ZnO spheres using structure directing agents

Controlled liquid phase deposition has been developed for fabricating zinc oxide (ZnO) nano/microspheres using a mixture of precursor solution of zinc acetate dihydrate, ammonium hydroxide, and structure directing agents (SDAs) such as ethanol and urea. We found that ZnO spheres can be formed when the SDAs are optimized with the proper pH values. At pH values less than 12, an anisotropic growth of ZnO flowers and rod structures was produced with/without SDAs. On the contrary, at a pH value of 12 the directional growth of ZnO was absolutely controlled and an isotropic growth of ZnO spheres was developed with the presence of SDAs. We also found that the volume ratio of ethanol and urea in the solution was a key factor to modulate the uniform size distribution and diameter of the ZnO spheres from nanometer to micrometer range.

The Response of Flowering Phenology and Growth of <I>Viburnum</I> to Interannual Weather Fluctuation in an Introduction habitat

The Response of Flowering Phenology and Growth of <I>Viburnum</I> to Interannual Weather Fluctuation in an Introduction habitat

Acetyl salicylic acid induces stress tolerance in tomato plants grown at a low night-time temperature

SummaryAbiotic stresses are becoming more prevalent as the intensity of agriculture and the demand for farmable land increase. Night-time temperature is one of the major environmental factors that influence plant metabolic processes. The permeability of cell membranes, levels of osmoregulatory substances, reproductive flowering stage, growth rate, and total anti-oxidant capacities of leaves were investigated in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum, formerly Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. ‘Liaoyuanduoli’) plants exposed to a low night-time temperature (LNT) of 9ºC or to an ambient night-time temperature (ANT) of 15ºC, with or without exogenous foliar spray treatment with acetyl salicylic acid (acetyl-SA). Three applications of 1.0 ml of 0.4 mM acetyl-SA made to 4-week-old tomato seedlings at 5 d intervals reduced the decline in fruit yield in the first and second fruit clusters due to LNT treatment by decreasing malondialdehyde (MDA) and increasing proline concentrations and total anti-oxidant capacity in tomato leaves. Under LNT stress, lipid peroxidation, measured in terms of MDA content, and hence membrane permeability were reduced by 0.4 mM acetyl-SA treatment. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POX) activities were increased by 0.4 mM acetyl-SA treatment. The accumulation of superoxide free radicals (O2•–) was inhibited, but H2O2 concentrations were increased by 0.4 mM acetyl-SA treatment. These results suggest that acetyl-SA could be used as a growth regulator to improve fruit yields and the tolerance of tomato plants exposed to LNT stress.

完全人工光型植物工場における連続明期およびその開始時期が四季成り性イチゴ苗の開花までの日数および生育に及ぼす影響

完全人工光型植物工場における連続明期およびその開始時期が四季成り性イチゴ苗の開花までの日数および生育に及ぼす影響