Increased Stem Length Research Articles

Long, titanium, cemented stems decreased late periprosthetic fractures and revisions in patients with severe bone loss and previous revision.

Long, cementless, femoral stem revisions are being used with increasing frequency. There is a relative lack of studies of late fractures after cementless implants, particularly in those patients who had a previous stem revision and are at higher risk for periprosthetic fracture after revision. In this paper, we review risk factors for periprosthetic fracture and revisions of long, cementless, locked stems and report implant survival compared with conventional, cemented, long-stem hip revision arthroplasties in such a group of patients. We used data recorded in our institution. Between 1996 and 2002, 85 cementless femoral stem Aura™ (distal locked stem) prostheses were implanted in 85 patients. Of the 85 revisions with long, cementless stems, 32 were performed after one stem revision, 20 after two stem revisions and 12 after three stem revisions. Between 2003 and 2010, 124 femoral revision stems were performed in 124 patients using an extensively long, titanium femoral stem (Ceraver Osteal™). Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to determine implant survival. The Cox regression model was used to study risk factors for reoperation and revision. The increase in stem length corresponded to a mean of 4.5 ± 2.1 femoral canal diameters and was not significantly different (p = 0.02) between the two groups. Cardiopulmonary distress, intraoperative or postoperative complications were not significantly different between the two groups. There was an overall increased risk of pain, periprosthetic fractures and revision for the cementless prostheses compared with the cemented stems. With regard to thigh pain at the last follow-up, most patients (95 %) reported no pain in the cemented group, while 15 % of the cementless group experienced thigh pain under stress and 6 % had incapacitating pain. In the cemented group, stem re-revision was not required in any hip; there was no periprosthetic fracture; five stems had radiological loosening but in the absence of pain were not revised. Among patients of the cementless group, 21 % sustained failure or revision of their interlocked stem with periprosthetic fractures observed in 15 cases; factors which contributed significantly to a higher risk of fracture included the number of previous revisions; the average time between surgery and failure was 3.2 years after one revision, 2.8 years after two revisions, and 1.6 years after three revisions. The long, cementless, locked stem showed more early complications compared with recementing of long-stem prosthesis. We therefore recommend the use of cemented long stems in patients with severe bone loss and previous revision.

EFFECT OF STARTER SOLUTIONS IN SOIL AND FOLIAR SPRAY WITH SOME STIMULANTS ON GROWTH AND PRODUCTIVITY OF CHINESE CABBAGE

Two field experiments were carried out at a Farm in El-Shahyna Village Kafrelsheikh Governorate (North Delta), Egypt, during the two successive winter seasons of 2012 and 2013 to study the effect of starter solutions of NPK fertilizers in soil and foliar application of some stimulants (amino acids and seaweed extract) as well as their interactions on growth and yield of Chinese cabbage plants (Brassica rapa L. subsp. pekinensis) cv. (Manoko). Four starter fertilizers treatments included three sources of N, i.e., ammonium sulfate (20.5 % N), ammonium nitrate (33.5 %) and urea (46%) as well as without starter solution and two sources of stimulants. The experiments were carried out in a split-plot with three replications.The results indicated that, starter solutions treatments resulted in highly significant increases in stem length, stem diameter, whole stem weight, number of total leaves/ plant and fresh weights of outer leaves (inedible), inner leaves (edible) , total leaves / plant and weights of total yield (whole head) and marketable yield (edible head) compared with the control treatment (without starter solution) in both seasons. The increase (%) in weights of total and marketable yield resulted from using starter solution No. 1 (containing Ammonium Sulfate), No. 2 (containing ammonium nitrate) and No. 3 (containing urea) over the control( without starter solution) were (51.8 and 67.6(%) , 59.1 and 75.6(%) , 55.7 and 75.6(%) (as av. two seasons), respectively.Amino acid and seaweed extract treatments caused highly significant increases in stem diameter, whole stem weight, number of total leaves/ plant, weights of outer leaves (inedible), inner leaves (edible) and total leaves/ plant , fresh weights of total yield (whole head) and marketable yield (edible head) compared to the control (unsprayed) treatment in both seasons. Such increases were highly significant in the first season for leaf area / plant and leaf area index (LAI) . Moreover, they had a significant increase in stem length in both seasons such increase were significant in the second one for leaf area /plant and leaf area index(LAI). The increase (%) in weights of total and marketable yield resulted from foliar spray with amino acid and seaweed extract over no spray were 43.3 and 43.0(%), 14.8 and 14.3(%) (as av. two seasons), respectively. The highest values of previous characteristics were recorded when Chinese cabbage plants sprayed with amino acid followed by seaweed extract compared with unsprayed plants which had the lowest values in both seasons.The combined interaction between starter solutions and foliar spray with some stimulants had no significant effect on stem characteristics, leaves characteristics and weights of total and marketable yield in both seasons.

Mutational Analyses of a Fork Head Associated Domain Protein, DAWDLE, in <i>Arabidopsis thaliana</i>

DAWDLE (DDL) gene encodes a protein that contains an N-terminal arginine-rich domain and a C-terminal Fork Head Associated (FHA) domain in Arabidopsis thaliana. DDL protein is believed to function in microRNA biogenesis by mediating the recruitment of pri-microRNA to DICER-LIKE 1 and also stabilizing the microRNA. The aim of this study was to conduct a structure-function analysis to identify the regions in DDL that are of functional significance. Targeted Induced Local Lesions in Genome screen was performed in the Columbia erecta-105 background of Arabidopsis resulting in the identification of eight point mutations spanning DDL. The mutants were characterized by phenotypic and molecular analyses based on the prior knowledge on ddl knockout mutants. Height of the plant, hypocotyl and root length, and fertility were measured for phenotypic characterization, and microRNA172 levels were measured to assess the mutation effect at the molecular level. Phenotypic and molecular analyses of the mutants revealed effects resulting in ddl phenotypes of varying degrees in different organs and each mutant displayed at least one phenotype studied. Reduction in fertility and increase in stem length were two phenotypes that most of the mutants consistently displayed. Identification and characterization of several key residues in the arginine rich region and FHA domain will serve as an important tool for elucidation of DDL signaling pathway.

Effect of Integrated Use of Soil Conditioner with Fertilizers on Growth, Chlorophyll Content and Yield of Groundnut (<i>Arachis hypogea</i> L.)

A field experiment was conducted to investigate the interaction effect of soil conditioner with organic and inorganic fertilizers on groundnut ( Arachis hypogaea L.) production. Treatments include: T 0 (no soil amendment), T 1 (100% inorganic NPK fertilizer), T 2 (100% organic NPK fertilizer), T 3 (100% organic soil conditioner), T 4 (50% inorganic NPK + 50% organic soil conditioner) and T 5 (50% organic NPK + 50% organic soil conditioner). T 1 -T 5 did not affect stem girth, leaf area and root length. T 1 and T 2 significantly increased stem length, number of leaves and branches. T 4 and T 5 had the best growth, which differed significantly from T 0 -T 3 . Root number and nodules increased significantly in amended soils. T 1 and T 2 increased relative growth rate and root/shoot ratio non-significantly, but T 4 and T 5 increased them significantly. Leaf total chlorophyll and root mass was not affected by T 1 -T 5 , while leaf mass increased significantly. Stem mass and total biomass increased significantly under T 1 and T 2 , while T 4 and T 5 further increased them remarkably above T 0 -T 3 . T 1 and T 2 significantly improved pods/plant, pod yield, number of seeds/plant and seed yield, while T 4 and T 5 further enhanced yield. T 1 -T 5 significantly increased 100-seed mass while shelling percentage increase was significant only in T 4 and T 5 . Growth and yield generally increased in T 3 but non-significant level. Sole application of soil conditioner, organic or inorganic fertilizers though increased yield, none could provide soil conditions and nutrients for groundnut production. Combination of soil conditioner with organic or inorganic fertilizer can greatly increase yield of groundnut for sustainable production.

Tree species from different functional groups respond differently to environmental changes during establishment

Savanna plant communities change considerably across time and space. The processes driving savanna plant species diversity, coexistence and turnover along environmental gradients are still unclear. Understanding how species respond differently to varying environmental conditions during the seedling stage, a critical stage for plant population dynamics, is needed to explain the current composition of plant communities and to enable us to predict their responses to future environmental changes. Here we investigate whether seedling response to changes in resource availability, and to competition with grass, varied between two functional groups of African savanna trees: species with small leaves, spines and N-fixing associations (fine-leaved species), and species with broad leaves, no spines, and lacking N-fixing associations (broad-leaved species). We show that while tree species were strongly suppressed by grass, the effect of resource availability on seedling performance varied considerably between the two functional groups. Nutrient inputs increased stem length only of broad-leaved species and only under an even watering treatment. Low light conditions benefited mostly broad-leaved species' growth. Savannas are susceptible to ongoing global environment changes. Our results suggest that an increase in woody cover is only likely to occur in savannas if grass cover is strongly suppressed (e.g. by fire or overgrazing). However, if woody cover does increase, broad-leaved species will benefit most from the resulting shaded environments, potentially leading to an expansion of the distribution of these species. Eutrophication and changes in rainfall patterns may also affect the balance between fine- and broad-leaved species.

Warnstorfia exannulata, an aquatic moss in the Arctic: seasonal growth responses

The moss, Warnstorfia exannulata (Schimp.) Loeske, was first reported forming a carpet beside a water pool in Ny-Alesund (78°56′N), Svalbard in 1959. Fifty years later, in 2008, it was found growing as an aquatic in a pool. The moss is sensitive to seasonal changes and exhibits a pattern of seasonal growth: summer stems with densely arranged leaves and lateral branches, and winter growth with short-leaved stems and no lateral branch. The mean daily increase in stem length is 0.68 mm in summer and 0.07 mm in winter. The longest specimens were up to 8 years old. The growth of the moss reflects closely seasonal temperature and growth conditions. World distribution is discussed and global distribution mapped.

Growth and morphology in relation to temperature and light availability during the establishment of three invasive aquatic plant species

Invasive freshwater plants are currently spreading rapidly and this is likely to continue with further changes in global climate resulting in changes in physical and chemical conditions in freshwaters. We studied the effect of summer temperature (20°C, 25°C and 30°C) and light availability (25% and 50% of incident light availability) on shoot establishment in terms of growth rate, photosynthesis, and morphology of three invasive aquatic plants (Elodea canadensis, Egeria densa and Lagarosiphon major) in order to assess their interspecific competition. Light availability had an overall stronger effect on growth rate and plant morphology than temperature in the three species. Growth rate increased three-fold from low to high light, and low light reduced belowground biomass, increased stem length, and reduced branching and lateral spread. Photosynthetic rates were the only parameter for which temperature had an equal or stronger effect than light availability. The results show that E. canadensis has the most competitive establishment of the three species in both high and low temperature and light availability. E. densa is most competitive in warm water compared to colder water, whereas the opposite pattern is present for L. major which is most competitive in colder water. In conclusion, we suggest that that E. densa will dominate warmer, shallower waters, whereas L. major will dominate in colder, clear-water lakes, while E. canadensis continues its established role as a pioneer species that is quickly replaced by the two taller species after their arrival.

Trampling, defoliation and physiological integration affect growth, morphological and mechanical properties of a root-suckering clonal tree.

Grazing is a complex process involving the simultaneous occurrence of both trampling and defoliation. Clonal plants are a common feature of heavily grazed ecosystems where large herbivores inflict the simultaneous pressures of trampling and defoliation on the vegetation. We test the hypothesis that physiological integration (resource sharing between interconnected ramets) may help plants to deal with the interactive effects of trampling and defoliation. In a field study, small and large ramets of the root-suckering clonal tree Populus simonii were subjected to two levels of trampling and defoliation, while connected or disconnected to other ramets. Plant responses were quantified via survival, growth, morphological and stem mechanical traits. Disconnection and trampling increased mortality, especially in small ramets. Trampling increased stem length, basal diameter, fibrous root mass, stem stiffness and resistance to deflection in connected ramets, but decreased them in disconnected ones. Trampling decreased vertical height more in disconnected than in connected ramets, and reduced stem mass in disconnected ramets but not in connected ramets. Defoliation reduced basal diameter, leaf mass, stem mass and leaf area ratio, but did not interact with trampling or disconnection. Although clonal integration did not influence defoliation response, it did alleviate the effects of trampling. We suggest that by facilitating resource transport between ramets, clonal integration compensates for trampling-induced damage to fine roots.

Evaluation of the effects of five QTL regions on <i>Fusarium</i> head blight resistance and agronomic traits in spring wheat (<i>Triticum aestivum</i> L.)

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is an important disease of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The aim of this study was to determine the effects of quantitative trait locus (QTL) regions for resistance to FHB and estimate their effects on reducing FHB damage to wheat in Hokkaido, northern Japan. We examined 233 F1-derived doubled-haploid (DH) lines from a cross between ‘Kukeiharu 14’ and ‘Sumai 3’ to determine their reaction to FHB during two seasons under field conditions. The DH lines were genotyped at five known FHB-resistance QTL regions (on chromosomes 3BS, 5AS, 6BS, 2DL and 4BS) by using SSR markers. ‘Sumai 3’ alleles at the QTLs at 3BS and 5AS effectively reduced FHB damage in the environment of Hokkaido, indicating that these QTLs will be useful for breeding spring wheat cultivars suitable for Hokkaido. Some of the QTL regions influenced agronomic traits: ‘Sumai 3’ alleles at the 4BS and 5AS QTLs significantly increased stem length and spike length, that at the 2DL QTL significantly decreased grain weight, and that at the 6BS QTL significantly delayed heading, indicating pleiotropic or linkage effects between these agronomic traits and FHB resistance.

Overexpression of xyloglucanase (AaXEG2) accelerates heteroblastic development in mangium leaves

Transgenic mangium trees (Acacia mangium) overexpressing xyloglucanase (AaXEG2) were generated by spraying flower buds with Agrobacterium solution and allowing seeds to develop. The overexpression of xyloglucanase decreased xyloglucan content in the cell walls and increased stem length and diameter. The leaves of the transgenic seedlings exhibited accelerated heteroblastic development, proceeding from the stage of three bipinnate leaves to that of enlarging petiole 2 weeks earlier than wild type seedlings did.

A Study on Management of Vegetation and Restoration in Abandoned Coal-Mine Waste Areas by Phytoremediation

In Okdong coal mine abandoned area, every year large amount of mine wastes have been swept away due to heavy rains in summer. Because pH of coal-mine waste is in the early 4, plant naturally does not grow there due to unfavorable condition for growing plant. This study had an experiment to grow plant for 6 months using Mycorrhizae which can be adapted well in acid soil. As a result of Experiment, In the infected experiment pot, 90% of the plants survived but in case of uninfected experiment pot, only 25% were alive. From Growth Experiment, it appeared that average stem length increase (cm/month), average fresh weight increase (g fw /month), average dry weight increase (g dw /month) were increased by 60%, 21%, 31% respectively. Especially, Mycorrhizae plays an important role in providing nutrients and water when seeding are established. Mycorrhizae prevents death caused by lack of nutrients and water and helps growth and development of plant when seeding are established in the early stage. This study proved that Mycorrhizae is comparatively effective in plant growth and prevention of erosion in coal-mine abandoned area.

A volatile organic compound analysis from Arthrobacter agilis identifies dimethylhexadecylamine, an amino-containing lipid modulating bacterial growth and Medicago sativa morphogenesis in vitro

Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) stimulate plant growth and development by different mechanisms, including the production of different classes of signaling molecules, which may directly affect plant morphogenesis. Here, we report the effects of inoculation of Arthrobacter agilis UMCV2, a PGPR isolated from the rhizosphere of maize plants on growth and development of Medicago sativa seedlings. A. agilis UMCV2 inoculation promoted growth in M. sativa plants as revealed by increased stem length, root length and plant biomass. Inoculation of A. agilis using divided Petri plates decreased taproot growth and increased lateral root formation in plants grown in separate compartments suggesting a role of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by this bacterium in root development. The analysis of VOCs produced by A. agilis UMCV2 identified N,N-dimethyl-hexadecanamine (dimethylhexadecylamine), an amino lipid structurally related to bacterial quorum-sensing signals, which modulated A. agilis UMCV2 growth and plant development in a dose-dependent way. Taken together, our results indicate that bacterial VOCs can be perceived by legume plants to modulate growth and morphogenetic processes and identify a novel signaling molecule potentially involved in plant-rhizobacterial interactions.

Improving micropropagation: effect of Azospirillum brasilense Sp245 on acclimatization of rootstocks of fruit tree

The effect of Azospirillum brasilense Sp245 on the micropropagation of three fruit rootstocks: Mr.S 2/5 plum (Prunus cerasifera×P. spinosa), GF 677 hybrid (Prunus persica×P. amigdalus), and MM 106 apple (Northen Spy×M1) was assessed. Rooted shoots were treated with 3×107 of Sp245 cells during transplantation from in vitro cultures to the acclimatization phase. After 60 days, growth parameters were positively affected by Sp245 inoculum. In the case of Mr.S 2/5, an increase in rootstock stem length and node number by 37% and 42%, respectively, compared to the control was noted. In the case of GF 677, the bacterial inoculum increased stem length and node number by up to the 75% and 65%, respectively, compared to the control. The inoculum did not exert on MM 106 for both parameters suggesting that the effects of Sp245 could depend on a specific clone-microbe association. In all cases, however, a higher vigor, consistent with a wider leaf area, was present in the inoculated plantlets demonstrating that the use of Azospirillum can significantly contribute to optimize plant performance during the phase of adaptation of plants to post-vitrum conditions.

PEMANFAATAN NAUNGAN DAN PUPUK KOTORAN SAPI TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN DAN KANDUNGAN TRITERPENOID PEGAGAN (Centella asiatica L.)

Gotu kola (Centella asiatica L.) is one of the medicinal plants widespread in the tropics and subtropics. Gotu kola plant has long been used as traditional medicine to cure various diseases. One of the chemical constituent beneficial to this plant Centella asiatica is triterpenoids. The Objective of this research is to observe the effect of shade and cow manure on growth and triterpenoid content of gotu kola. The research was arranged using Split Plot Design with 2 replications. Main plot is shading level consists ie without shade (0%) and shade of 30%. The subplot was the dosages of cow manure that is, without fertilizer, 20 tons/ha and 30 tons/ha. Components of growth and production observed at 4 plant selected of each plot treatment. Observations of growth include the number of leaves, number of stolon, petiole length per plant was observed at 14, 28, 42, 56, 70, 84, 98, 112 and 124 days after transplanting (DAT) and production components include leaf area, fresh weight, dry weight and content of triterpenoids were observed the end of the study (124 HST). The results showed there is interaction of shading level and cow manure with different doses on the number of leaves at the age of 84 HST observations (the highest value N0P0 = 609 leaves), stolon number of observations at age 14, 42, 56, 70, and 84 HST ( The highest value N 1 P 0 = 49 stems), petiole length at the age of 70 HST observations (the highest value N 0 P 0 = 14.8 cm), leaf area at the age of 124 HST observations (N 1 P 2 = 3.92 cm2), the content of triterpenoids at the age of 124 HST observations (the highest value N 0 P 2 = 18.00 mg / kg), but have no effect on the wet weight and dry weight. Treatment combinations reduced number of stolon and leaves, but increased stem length and leaf area compared with control. Dosages of 30 tons / ha cow manure fertilizer gave a higher fresh weight than the other treatments.

The effects of flooding and Phytophthora alni infection on black alder

The influences of long-term flooding and <I>Phytophthora alni</I> subsp. <I>alni</I> infection on the growth and development of 4-year-old <I>Alnus glutinosa</I> (black alder) saplings were investigated. The black alder saplings were divided into four groups and then subjected to combinations of both factors – flooded and inoculated with pathogen, flooded non-inoculated, non-flooded inoculated, and control. The biomass of the living roots and actinorrhizae, increase in stem length, length of leaves, rate of chlorotic foliage, amount of foliage biomass and length of stem necrosis were assessed after seven weeks. Both factors, flooding and <I>P. alni</I> infection significantly affected the black alder. In addition, a significant effect of interaction was observed. The inoculated flooded group had a substantially lower biomass weight of living roots, actinorrhiza and leaves than the other groups. The necroses caused by the pathogen in the flooded group were more extensive than those in the non-flooded one. These findings demonstrate that the simultaneous incidence of stress caused by flooding and <I>P. alni</I> infection is highly dangerous for black alder.

Prevention of floret abscission for Agapanthus praecox requires an adequate supply of carbohydrate to the developing florets

Vase solutions of 2.5 or 5% (w/v) sucrose markedly reduced the abscission of all open florets and buds on cut Agapanthus praecox stems. Pulsing cut stems with these solutions was not as effective as continuous treatments. Pulse treatments with 10% sucrose for 4–24 h were relatively ineffective at reducing floret and bud abscission but longer pulses of 48 h reduced abscission. The relative ineffectiveness of sucrose pulse treatments appeared to be due to the low water uptake of the stems (1–3 ml/day). Reducing the number of florets and buds on an inflorescence reduced abscission of florets and buds, and increasing stem length from 25 cm to 50 cm decreased bud abscission. This reduction in abscission is possibly due to the increased availability of assimilates for the remaining buds and florets or reduced competition for assimilates. Exogenous ethylene treatments (9 µl/L for up to 24 h) had no effect on abscission, although STS treatment (4 mM, 4 h) significantly reduced floret abscission when stems were held in vase solutions of sucrose. We conclude that postharvest floret abscission in A. praecox is influenced primarily by the availability of assimilates to the developing florets.

EFFECT OF SOME TREATMENTS ON ANNONA SEED GERMINATION AND GROWTH OF PRODUCING SEEDLINGS.

This investigation was carried out at Horticulture Research Institute Orchard. AgricultureResearchCenter during the two successive seasons of 2005/2006 and 2006/2007 to study the effect of different treatments on germination and seedling growth of Annona sequamosa L. (Balady spp.) The treatments used were soaking in water, GA3, fungicide and EM. The obtained results showed that, EM treatments increased germination percentage close to GA3 treatments and fasted rate of germination as compared with untreated treatment (control). Moreover, EM treatments increased stem length and diameter, number of leaves/plant, leaf area and root length, as well as stem, leaf and root fresh and dry weight. Leaf chlorophyll content insignificantly differed between EM and GA3 treatments. Diluted EM treatment was more effective than concentrated one in this concern. Anatomical study of Annona sequamosa seed showed that, embryo of fresh extracted seed was not yet complete differentiated and it fully developed when seed stored for long time, so germination of fresh seeds were uneven and irregular. In addition, morphological structure of seed show that water can be enters to seed through hillum.

Annual growth ofCassiope tetragonaas a proxy for Arctic climate: developing correlative and experimental transfer functions to reconstruct past summer temperature on a millennial time scale

Annual growth of the polar evergreen shrub Cassiope tetragona on Svalbard was evaluated as a proxy for Arctic summer temperatures. Transfer functions were derived from temperature-growth correlations of shoots and from a temperature-growth response, obtained from experimental warming using open top chambers (OTC) in high Arctic tundra vegetation at Isdammen approximately 1.5km southeast of Longyearbyen, Svalbard (781N, 15E) and in Longyeardalen, 3km west of Isdammen from 2004 to 2006. Air temperatures, monitored throughout the summer months, were 1.31C higher inside the OTCs than in the control plots. Annual stem growth was measured by tagging stems and leaves, and in the lab with shoots harvested from OTCs and control plots. Annual growth parameters assessed were leaf production, sum of length and weight of individual leaves, and stem length increment derived from leaf scar distances and the distances between wintermarksepta in the stem. Wintermarksepta are formed at the end of the summer growth period when the pith is narrowing and consist of dense and dark tissue (Fig. 1b). The variation of annual growth in a 34-year site chronology (based on Cassiope shoots from the surroundings of the OTCs and control plots) correlated strongly with the mean summer temperature on Svalbard. The number of leaf pairs, leaf length and stem length also increased in the OTC warmed plots in the second and third year of warming. Transfer functions were derived from the temperature-annual growth correlations from a single shoot from Longyeardalen, from the cross-dated Isdammen site chronology and from the growth response to experimental warming. Based on leaf scar distances and distances between wintermarksepta of well-preserved subfossil shoots in arctic tundra soil, annual stem length increase was assessed for the layers of a soil core collected at the Isdammen site. Based on the derived transfer functions summer temperature of the period relating to the 15cm deep tundra soil core layer, radiocarbon dated at 4230 � 40 BP, may have been 3.01C lower than the present-day 6.21C value. These results indicate that the transfer functions can be used to reconstruct past temperatures, beyond the time range of instrumental temperature and ice core records of Svalbard.

Effects of Cutting Time and Low-temperature Treatment of Rooted Cuttings on Stem Elongation and Leaf Number in Cultivars of Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.

The effects of cutting time and low-temperature treatment of rooted cuttings on stem length and leaf number after planting were investigated in ten Chrysanthemum cultivars. Rooted cuttings propagated from mother plants on three different dates (September 30, November 10, and December 14) were planted two weeks after cutting and grown at constant temperatures of 20°C (7:00–19:00) and 12.5°C (19:00–7:00) under long days. In addition, rooted cuttings treated at 2.5°C for six weeks were planted on October 14 and November 24. The ten cultivars could be divided into three groups based on the increased stem length (ISL) of the rooted cuttings five weeks after planting. In five of ten cultivars, the ISL of rooted cuttings decreased from the first cutting date to the second cutting date, and increased from the second cutting date to the third cutting date. In three of the ten cultivars, the ISL of rooted cuttings increased progressively from the first cutting date to the third cutting date. The ISL and increase in leaf number of the rooted cuttings receiving low-temperature treatment were higher than those of untreated cuttings in all cultivars. The capability for stem elongation is apparently reduced by either of two types of temperature-related factors; high temperature followed by low temperature, and the other is high temperature only or high temperature followed by a short period of low temperature.

Influence of Additional Micronutrient Supply on Growth, Nutritional Status and Flower Quality of Three Rose Cultivars in a Soilless Culture

ABSTRACT The effect of additional supply of iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and copper (Cu) on three rose cultivars was investigated. Five fertilizer treatments were utilized: 0 (control), 150 μ mol Fe L− 1, 150 μ mol Fe + 10 μ mol Mn L− 1, 150 μ mol Fe + 10 μ mol Mn + 12 μ mol Zn L− 1, 150 μ mol Fe + 10 μ mol Mn + 12 μ mol Zn + 5 μ mol Cu L− 1. The results demonstrated significant variation among rose cultivars in developing Zn, Fe, and Mn deficiency symptoms and response to micronutrient supplies. For ‘Modern Girl’ and ‘Orange Juice’, all micronutrient treatments resulted in higher stem length and thickness as compared to the control. No significant increase in stem length was observed in ‘Aqua Fresh’. All cultivars had the greatest flower vase life in the added Zn treatments. All fertilizer treatments significantly increased Fe concentration in the leaves of ‘Modern Girl’ and ‘Aqua Fresh’ as compared to the control. The Fe-Mn-Zn-Cu treatment significantly increased leaf concentration of Mn, Zn, and Cu in all cultivars. Leaf sodium (Na) concentration was lower in the micronutrient treatments that included Zn addition as compared to the treatments that did not include added Zn. No visible mildew symptom was observed in the treatments with Zn addition. The results showed that genotypic variation and sufficient micronutrient supply are two key factors in success production of rose in the soilless culture. Furthermore, the results indicated the importance of Zn in enhancing the quality of the rose flower.