Initial Fresh Weight Research Articles

Influence of Organic Manure and Inorganic Fertilizers on Growth and Yield of Radish (Raphanus sativus L.) in Gird Region of Madhya Pradesh, India

A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of organic manure and inorganic fertilizers on growth and yield of Radish (Raphanus sativus L.) in Grid region of Madhya Pradesh as factorial based on the randomized block design(RBD) with three replication and Ten treatments viz., T1-(100% NPK through inorganic sources), T2-(100% NPK through Farm Yard manure (16t/ha)), T3-(100% NPK through Vermicompost (12t/ha)), T4-(100% NPK through Poultry Manure (9.48t/ha)), T5-(75% NPK+25%N through FYM), T6-(75% NPK+25% N through Vermicompost), T7-(75% NPK+25% N through Poultry manure), T8-(50% NPK+50% N through FYM), T9-(50% NPK+50% N through Vermicompost), T10-(50% NPK+50% N through Poultry manure) were made up of singlevariety Ivory white the experiment was planted in the CRC-II, School of agriculture, ITM University Gwalior. At all of the periodic crop growth phases except at 15 DAS, T6 showed significant plant height and leaf count increases across crop phases. T5, T6 had maximum heights; T3, T10 had minimum. T5, T6, T8 displayed the highest leaf counts; T1 the least. Leaf lengths followed a similar trend, with T8, T6 having the longest; T1 the shortest. Overall, T6 exhibited prominent growth in both height and leaf attributes, while T1 consistently showed the lowest values throughout all stages and measurements. The conventional practices T6 had significant positive influence on yield and yield attributing parameters, viz; root length (35.05cm), weight of whole plant (418.91g), initial fresh weight of roots (355.54g) but initial fresh weight of leaves (72.52g) in recorded in treatment T2, root diameter (50.61mm), girth of root (12.3cm), dry weight of leaves (13.49g) measured in T2, dry weight of root (102.19g), root yield per plot (21.33kg), root yield per hectare (319.98qha-1). Conclusion-: Economically the application of 75% NPK+25% N through vermicompost gave maximum net return (Rs. 262553.80) and BC ratio (3.94).

Combined Nano Silver, α-Aminoisobutyric Acid, and 1-Methylcyclopropene Treatment Delays the Senescence of Cut Roses with Different Ethylene Sensitivities

Flower senescence varies among cut roses (Rosa hybrida L.), and it is known that the postharvest life of ethylene-sensitive flowers is strongly related to the transcriptional accumulation of ethylene biosynthesis genes, whereas that of ethylene-insensitive flowers is shortened by water stress. These different responses of flowers to hormone and water stresses limit the action of preservatives in inhibiting the postharvest deterioration of cut rose flowers. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of the combined application of antibacterial agents and ethylene biosynthesis and binding inhibitors on the postharvest life and quality of the cut rose cultivars ‘Matador’ (ethylene-sensitive) and ‘Dolcetto’ (ethylene-insensitive). Cut flowers were treated with nano silver (NS), a combination of NS and α-aminoisobutyric acid (NS+A), or a combination of NS+A and 1-methylcyclopropene (NS+AM), and they were subsequently exposed to ethylene for 24 h. Treatment effectiveness was compared with that of control (CON) flowers, which were kept in distilled water and exposed only to ethylene. The results showed that all treatments significantly improved the postharvest quality and vase life of both rose cultivars. However, NS+AM most markedly delayed senescence and prolonged the vase life of cut flowers by 217% in ‘Matador’ and 168.4% in ‘Dolcetto’, compared with those of CON flowers. NS+AM also effectively increased the flower diameter and maintenance time of positive water balance and initial fresh weight by enhancing solution absorption as well as suppressing bacterial growth at the cut stem ends of the cut roses. Furthermore, NS+AM greatly suppressed the ethylene-inducible increase of ethylene biosynthesis genes and the reduction of ethylene receptor genes in petals, which resulted in a reduced flower response to exogenous ethylene in both rose cultivars. These findings show that NS+AM effectively delays flower senescence in both ethylene sensitive and insensitive cultivars by synergistically preventing ethylene response and water stress in cut flowers.

Explant, Medium, and Plant Growth Regulator (PGR) Affect Induction and Proliferation of Callus in Abies koreana

Korean fir (Abies koreana E.H. Wilson) is a unique Pinaceae tree species endemic in Korea. In recent years, it is believed that climate change has caused many of them to die. Therefore, it has become extremely important to protect and preserve this tree species. In this study, the possibility of callus induction using different explants, media, and plant growth regulators (PGRs) was studied. After the dormancy period in May 2020, needles and stem segments that grew from the leaf buds as the explants were collected from one-year-old shoots. The explants were disinfected and subsequently transferred to culture media supplemented with different combinations of auxins and cytokinins. These explants were cultured in the dark in a culture room with a 16 h photoperiod, day/night temperature of 24/18 °C, and 80% relative humidity. After 8 weeks, significant differences were observed in the callus induction and proliferation, as affected by the explant type, basic medium, and PGR. The stem segments were more suitable as the explants for callus induction than needles were. Furthermore, fluffy calli suitable for differentiating the regeneration buds were observed on the calli induced from stem segments. The Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium was the most effective of the three media used in this study, namely MS, Douglas fir cotyledon revised (DCR), and Quoirin and Lepoivre (LP) media, with the highest callus induction ratio of stem segments being 100.0%. The highest fresh callus weight was also observed on the MS medium (819.3 mg). Moreover, the PGR combinations of α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), and 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BA) consistently exerted a positive influence on callus induction throughout this study. In addition, the advantages of these two kinds of PGR were reflected in callus proliferation. The callus proliferation ratio reached 1147.6% as compared to the initial fresh weight, with a high concentration of 2,4-D (3.0 mg·L−1). In conclusion, the MS medium was optimal for callus induction on the stem segment explants, and 2,4-D promoted callus induction as well as an increased proliferation ratio of callus in A. koreana.

Direct somatic embryogenesis using leaf explants and short term storage of synseeds in Spathoglottis plicata Blume

Spathoglottis plicata Blume is a vulnerable orchid species in various parts of the world, and the conventional propagation provides limited success to its cultivation and conservation. Therefore, present study deals with the direct induction of somatic embryos (SEs) from the leaf explants of S. plicata. Murashige and Skoog’s (MS) medium fortified with various types and concentrations of plant growth regulators were used to induce somatic embryogenesis and plantlet production. The highest percentage of somatic embryo formation (93.7 ± 0.56%) was achieved on MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg L−1 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), whereas, maximum proliferation and increase in fresh weight (FW) of SEs (149.5 ± 0.24 mg/ 50 mg initial FW) was achieved on MS medium fortified with 2.0 mg L−1 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) within 5 weeks of incubation. The light microscopic observation revealed that SEs emerged directly from the leaf surface. The viable synthetic seeds (SS) from SEs were prepared by encapsulating with gel matrix of 3% (w/v) sodium alginate and 100 mM calcium chloride. The SS were successfully stored for 60 days at − 4 °C with 97.4% germination frequency and shoot proliferation using MS medium with 2.0 mg L−1 BAP and 0.25 mg L−1 indole-3-acetic acid. The synergistic rooting frequency was observed on half-strength MS medium with 1.0 mg L−1 indole-3-butyric acid. The rooted shoots were acclimatized in a greenhouse with a 90% survival rate using soilrite® and vermicompost. This is an efficient short-term storage and regeneration protocol for S. plicata, which could help in reducing pressure on its wild population and could also be extended to the cryopreservation of this orchid species. The somatic embryos were induced directly from the leaf explants of Spathoglottis plicata and an efficient short-term storage protocol was developed by encapsulating these somatic embryos. The light microscopic analysis confirmed the formation of somatic embryos. The protocol could be convenient for the commercial cultivation and conservation of S. plicata.

Pretreatment with Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi extract improves the postharvest quality of cut roses (Rosa hybrida L.)

Microbial growth in vase solutions and ethylene damage are often associated with premature senescence in cut flowers. We examined the efficacy of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi extract (SC) to improve postharvest longevity and quality of two cut roses (Rosa hybrida L.) ‘Jinny’ and ‘Wild Look’ to develop an inexpensive and innocuous preservative solution for the cut flower industry. Pretreatments with 100, 200, 300, and 500 μL L−1 SC effectively extended the vase life of the cut rose cultivars. Among the tested pretreatments, 300 μL L−1 of SC was the most effective concentration and significantly prolonged the postharvest longevity of cut flowers from 11.8 days (control) to 17.4 days in ‘Jinny’ and from 13.6 (control) to 20.9 days in ‘Wild Look’. The beneficial effects of 300 μL L−1 SC pretreatment inhibited bacterial accumulation at the base of the cut stems, enhanced water uptake, and maintained initial fresh weight, positive water balance, and chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm) in the leaves of cut roses. In addition, 300 μL L−1 SC pretreatment suppressed the transcript levels of ethylene biosynthesis genes (RhACO1, RhACS1, RhACS3, and RhACS4) in rose petals and delayed flower senescence. The efficacy of 300 μL L−1 SC pretreatment in extending the vase life of cut roses was equal to 0.1 mM silver thiosulfate (STS), and greater than hydrosol (H), H + SC, and H + sucrose (H + Suc). Therefore, the results from our study highlight the potential of SC as an alternative preservative in the cut rose industry.

Factors Affecting Cell Biomass and Flavonoid Production of Ficus deltoidea var. kunstleri in Cell Suspension Culture System

A study was conducted to establish in vitro culture conditions for maximum production of biomass and flavonoid content for Ficus deltoidea var. kunstleri, locally named as Mas Cotek, known to have a wide variety of potential beneficial attributes for human health. Size of initial inoculum, cell aggregate and initial pH value have been suggested to influent content of biomass and flavonoid for cell suspension culture in several plant species. In the present study, leaf explants were cultured by cell suspension culture procedures in MSB5 basal medium supplemented with predetermined supplements of 30 g/L sucrose, 2.75 g/L gelrite, 2 mg/L picloram and 1 mg/L kinetin with continuous agitation of 120 rpm in a standard laboratory environment. Establishment of cell suspension culture was accomplished by culturing resulting callus in different initial fresh weight of cells (0.10, 0.25, 0.50, 1.0, and 2.0 g/25 mL of media) using similar basal medium. The results showed that the highest production of biomass (0.65 g/25 mL of media) was recorded from an initial inoculum size of 2.0 g/25 mL media, whereas the highest flavonoid (3.3 mg RE/g DW) was found in 0.5 g/25 mL of media. Cell suspension fractions classified according to their sizes (500–750 µm, 250–500 µm, and <250 µm). Large cell aggregate size (500–750 µm) cultured at pH 5.75 produced the highest cell biomass (0.28 g/25 mL media) and flavonoid content (3.3 mg RE/g DW). The study had established the optimum conditions for the production of total antioxidant and flavonoid content using DPPH and FRAP assays in cell suspension culture of F. deltoidea var. kunstleri.

In vitro cloning via direct somatic embryogenesis and genetic stability assessment of Paphiopedilum niveum (Rchb.f.) Stein: the endangered Venus’s slipper orchid

Wild populations of Paphiopedilum niveum (Rchb.f.) Stein, an endangered orchid species, have been threatened with extinction due to climate change and overcollection. Conventional methods of propagation are unable to meet market demands. The current study reports the production of genetically stable, protocorm-derived protocorm-like bodies (PLBs) of P. niveum that can be used for commercial production. These PLBs are referred to hereafter as somatic embryos (SEs). Factors affecting SE induction and SE proliferation were examined. The highest percentage of SE formation (68.33 ± 11.77%) and the maximum number of SEs per explant (5.19 ± 0.67) were obtained on modified Vacin and Went (MVW) medium containing 0.1 mg L−1 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). The highest increase in fresh weight (FW) of proliferated SEs (183.33 ± 28.93 mg per 100 mg initial FW) was gained on hormone-free MVW. These SEs eventually developed into vigorous plantlets after culturing on MVW supplemented with 0.2% (w/v) activated charcoal and 50 g L−1 banana homogenate for 12 wk. A histological study revealed that SEs originated from both the epidermal and the sub-epidermal layers of the original protocorm via direct somatic embryogenesis. The genetic homogeneity between the mother generation (V1; the original protocorm) and subsequent generations (V2 and V3; the primary and secondary somatic embryos, respectively) was shown to be identical via random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD) assessment. All regenerated plants grew well under greenhouse conditions.

Effect of position and size of leaflets on rooting and rhizome formation of ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia (Lodd.) Engl.) leaflet cuttings

Rooting and rhizome formation was compared of ZZ plant leaflet cuttings taken from the apical, middle, and basal positions of the petiole. Leaflets from each position were propagated as a whole leaflet, an upper half leaflet segment and a lower-half leaflet segment. Whole leaflets from the basal position had greater size and fresh weight than those from the middle and the apical positions, respectively. The upper and the lower half leaflet segments were comparable in size but the lower ones had greater fresh weight. The three cutting types from different positions yielded 90–100% success in rooting and rhizome formation with one small rhizome per cutting on average. However, the root number, root quality score and rhizome size of the whole leaflet cuttings were significantly greater than those of the lower half leaflet segments and the upper ones, respectively. The initial size and fresh weight of cuttings positively correlated with the size of the rhizome produced. The first new shoot produced from the whole leaflet cuttings was larger than that of the lower half leaflet segments and the upper ones, respectively. These results suggested that leaflets taken from the apical, middle and basal positions of the petiole were equally capable of rooting and rhizome formation. An attempt to increase the number of propagules by using leaflet segments was feasible at the expense of a reduced root number per cutting, root quality, size of rhizome and size of a new shoot.

Micropropagation of carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) in liquid medium by temporary immersion bioreactor in comparison with solid culture.

Developing scale-up system and automation of micropropagation in a bioreactor has been a possible way of cost reduction and intensive manual handling. We report a comparison between the results of experiments aimed at improving carnation micropropagation using new bioreactor according to Temporary Immersion Bioreactor (TIB) and solid culture. By applying different levels of BAP, at the concentration of 3 mg L−1, we observed 14.3 new shoots in TIB, but the number of new shoots on solid medium reached to 5.7 at the same treatment. Our results also showed that with 3 mg L−1 BAP in TIB, the initial fresh weight of plant material increased from 10 g to 450 g after 15 days. It is concluded that TIB showed more than 10 times shoot production of carnation. Shoot elongation and rooting induction was successfully stimulated in TIB by applying 1 mg L−1 IBA. Rooting of proliferated plantlets from TIB and solid culture were successfully happened, and led to highest number of roots (4.6 cm) and highest length of roots (6.87 cm) in TIB. More than 90% of plantlet was acclimatized to ex vitro. Our results suggested that mass production of carnation shoots in our simple TIB, with effective result, can be considered as a critical first step toward large scale production of carnation.

Preemergence and Postemergence Control of Artilleryweed (Pilea microphylla) in Container Nurseries and Landscapes

Artilleryweed is an annual or short-lived perennial weed that is becoming increasingly problematic in nurseries and landscapes in tropical and subtropical environments. Currently, no herbicide recommendations exist for management of artilleryweed. Objectives of this trial were to evaluate PRE and POST herbicides for efficacy on artilleryweed. All studies were conducted in Apopka, FL in a shaded greenhouse. Herbicides evaluated for POST control included diquat, dimethenamid-P, flumioxazin, glufosinate, glyphosate, indaziflam, oxadiazon, pelargonic acid, sulfentrazone and sulfosulfuron applied at their highest labelled rates to mature (10 to 12 cm height) artilleryweed. For PRE experiments, pots were overseeded with artilleryweed seed and treated with dimethenamid-P, indaziflam, isoxaben, oxadiazon, oxyfluorfen+prodiamine, oxyfluorfen+pendimethalin, pendimethalin, pendimethalin+dimethenamid-P, prodiamine, prodiamine+isoxaben, S-metolachlor, or trifluralin+isoxaben. When assessing both initial fresh weight and regrowth, flumioxazin and glufosinate provided the most consistent POST control when applied at the highest labelled rate, although regrowth did occur following application with glufosinate. All PRE herbicides evaluated provided over 90% control of artilleryweed with the exception of isoxaben and trifluralin+isoxaben. Results indicate that several effective options exist for artilleryweed management, but more effective control will likely be achieved when herbicides are applied PRE.

Influence of type and concentration of sugars, supplemented with 8-hydroxyquinoline sulphate, on the vase life of waxflower

AbstractA study was conducted to test the effect of 58.5 mM maltose, glucose, fructose, galactose and sucrose, and sucrose concentrations of 14.6, 29.2, 58.5 and 117.0 mM supplemented with 200 mg L-18-hydroxyquinoline sulphate (HQS) on the vase life and stem fresh weight changes in waxflower (Chamelaucium Desf.). The effect of the interaction between sucrose and HQS concentrations on the vase life of the cultivar ‘Alba’ was also investigated. All the types of exogenous sugar significantly increased the vase life of flowers, but decreased the vase life of leaves of waxflower cultivars compared with the deionized water controls, except the leaves of ‘Lady Stephanie’, ‘Purple Pride’ and ‘Mullering Brook’. The flower vase life of almost all the cultivars treated with sucrose was not significantly different from the life of the cultivars kept in fructose and glucose, except ‘Laura Mae Pearl’, whose flower vase life in sucrose was significantly lower (9.7%) than in fructose. By contrast, the vase life of flowers of the cultivars treated with sucrose was longer than of those in maltose and galactose. At sucrose concentrations of up to 117.0 mM coupled with 200 mg L-1HQS, the flower vase life of six out of eight cultivars significantly increased, except in ‘Laura Mae Pearl’ and ‘Mullering Brook’, whose flower vase life was maximized at the concentrations of 29.2 and 58.5 mM respectively, while the vase life of their leaves decreased. Sucrose concentrations from 14.6 to 29.2 mM coupled with 50 mg L-1HQS maximized vase life for both the flowers and leaves of ‘Alba’. Cultivars with a longer vase life of flowers maintained stem fresh weight above the initial stem fresh weight longer.

Feeding finishing heavy pigs with corn silages: effects on backfat fatty acid composition and ham weight losses during seasoning

The effect of diets containing corn silages (whole ear or high cut whole plant corn silages, WECS and HCCS, respectively) on fatty acid composition of back fat and the weight loss of thighs during the seasoning process were examined in Italian heavy pigs (from 90 to 160 kg of live weight). Two trials were conducted in the same farm, following an identical experimental protocol. In both trials, a control diet, based on dry corn, barley, wheat, extracted soybean meal, wheat bran and supplement (47, 23, 10, 9, 8 and 3% dry matter (DM), respectively) was compared with a diet containing 30% DM of WECS (trial 1) or 20% DM of HCCS (trial 2) in substitution of bran and part of the corn. The initial fresh weight of thighs was very homogeneous between the two trials and only at the end of seasoning the hams from pigs fed the corn silage diets were slightly lighter (of about 0.5 kg, p < .05). The dietary inclusion of corn silages determined a significant increase of the saturated fraction of the back fat (from 40.6 to 41.9%, p < .05), mainly due to the increase of the C 18:0 fatty acid (from 14.3 to 15.2%, p < .05). Overall, the calculated iodine value was favourable for the fat of pigs fed silages (62.63 vs. 64.24, p = .05). In conclusion, feeding corn silages to heavy pigs has limited impact on seasoning ham losses and can slightly improve backfat quality, in terms of fatty acid composition.

Phenotypic and Genotypic Variation in Czech Forage, Ornamental and Wild Populations of Reed Canarygrass

Reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea L.) is native to Europe and North America, being invasive in the latter since the 20th century. No phenotypic differences have been found in plants from each continent; genetic analyses have been controversial—implicating or exonerating forage/ornamental cultivars for spread throughout North America. Within central Europe, particularly the Czech Republic, it is unknown whether wild genotypes and cultivars are genetically and phenotypically similar. The objectives of this study were to compare commercial forage and ornamental cultivars sold within the Czech Republic with wild genotypes from native populations along major Czech rivers and characterize the extent of phenotypic and genetic variation. Several phenotypic traits differentiated among genotypes and populations (initial tiller fresh weight, stem dry weight [DW], whole plant above‐ and belowground DW, total no. of tillers, percent cover, crown area, height, leaf and node number). Genetic markers (inter‐simple sequence repeats [ISSRs]) clearly differentiated ornamental cultivars from wild P. arundinacea. ‘Chrastava’, the Czech forage and biomass cultivar was genetically similar to wild genotypes, which have most of the genetic diversity within, rather than among, populations. Cluster analyses showed ornamental cultivar ramets to be heterogeneous, most likely due to clonal mix up or mutations.

Capacidade de reidratação de Lilium pumilum Redouté

Among the ornamental flowers marketed as flower vase or cut, there is Lilium pumilum belonging to the Liliaceae family, which is characterized by having several stems with inflorescences containing buds, easy propagation and varied coloring. The marketing of cut flowers is a promising activity; however the transport demands attention due to water stress, which can impair the absorption of water and rehydration, yielding a negative water balance, since the absorption rate is less than the rate transpiration. Based on this assumption, the use of appropriate techniques that allow extending the longevity of the flowers is required. This study aimed to analyze the effect of storage time on the recovery of dry turgor L. pumilum. For this flower stems were dry-stored for 0, 12, 24, 36 and 48 hours. At the end of each period, the inflorescences returned to the water, and analyzed every 6 hours for changes in relative water content of the tepals (flower), orange buds and leaves. Daily evaluations were changes of weight and longevity. The relative water content of flower there was a sharp drop during periods of dry storage, but with recovery after 6 hours in water with greater efficiency in the treatment of 48 hours, with recovery of 86.8% relative to the control. As the relative water content of the button, all treatments were recovered. Regarding the variation of fresh mass, there was variation with the period of dry storage, and only the stems that remained for 12 to 24 hours to dry obtained superior recovery for loss of initial fresh weight within the first six hours of hydration at 118.7 and 26.01%, respectively. The average longevity of the stems was unchanged (6.8 days) for no treatment. Therefore, regardless of the duration of dry storage, there was recovery of turgor, indicating that flower stems of L. pumilum can be transported dry for periods up to 48 hours.

Response of grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) cultivars to weed competition in semi-arid tropical India

The performance of eleven grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] cultivars on weed competition was evaluated in the semi-arid tropics of India during rainy seasons of 2009 and 2010 at Hyderabad. The experiment consisted of the three weeding levels (unweeded check, atrazine 0.50 kg/ha + hoeing once at 30 days after sowing- DAS, and atrazine + hoeing twice at 30 and 45 DAS) as the main plot treatments and eleven grain sorghum cultivars (CSH 16, CSH 23, CSH 14, SPH 1596, SPH 1606, SPH 1616, CSV 15, CSV 17, CSV 20, CSV 23, SPV 462) as the sub plots, was replicated thrice in a split-plot design. The cultivar competitiveness was associated with its ability to intercept solar radiation. Sorghum leaf area index (LAI) was negatively correlated (r = –0.82**) with a light transmission ratio (LTR) and weed dry weight at harvest (r = –0.81**). The yield reduction due to weed competition among cultivars varied from 21 to 53%. Grain yield was significantly and positively correlated with initial fresh shoot weight (r = 0.61*), LAI (r= 0.84**), panicle number (r = 0.68**), and significantly negatively correlated with weed biomass (r = –0.62*) and LTR (r = –0.77**). Sorghum hybrids CSH 16 resulted in better weed suppression, whereas CSH 14, SPH 1616 and SPH 1606 tolerated higher weed pressure. CSH 16 (unweeded and weeded once), and SPH 1596 (weeded twice) were the most profitable. Results showed that growing sorghum hybrid CSH 16 and controlling weeds with atrazine at 0.50 kg/ha as pre-emergence followed by 1 hoe weeding at 30 DAS would lead to higher yield and profits.

POSTHARVEST CONSERVATION OF ORNAMENTAL GINGER (ZINGIBER SPECTABILE)

Techniques to prolong the longevity of ornamental ginger (Zingiber spectabile) are essential because it is a species much appreciated as cut inflorescence in floral arrangements. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different commercial products and different vase solutions on postharvest longevity and quality of ornamental ginger inflorescences. Inflorescences were placed in a plastic vase containing 1 L of vase solution and kept at room temperature. Evaluated treatments were: T1 (tap water), T2 (Hidrosan(TM) - 0.8 g L-1 sodium dichloroisocyanurate), T3 (Aspirin(TM) - acetylsalicylic acid - 1 tablet L-1 of tap water), T4 (50 mg L-1 sodium hypochlorite), T5 (5% coconut water + Hidrosan(TM) - 0.8 g L-1 sodium dichloroisocyanurate), T6 (1 L of tap water + 10 ml of lemon juice + 6 g of sucrose + 50 mg L-1 sodium hypochlorite). The experimental design was completely randomized with four replications and three inflorescences per plot. The completely randomized design with split plot in time was used to evaluate the fresh weight behavior over time. The inflorescences kept in vase solution containing Hidrosan(TM) showed a small difference between initial and final fresh weight and the inflorescences kept in solution composed of coconut water plus Hidrosan(TM), showed a bigger difference. There was no significant difference between treatments for quality, longevity, water absorption, and anatomical structures. The average longevity of inflorescences was 9 days. Based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that tap water is sufficient to keep quality and longevity of ornamental ginger inflorescences.

Phytoremediation potential of Landoltia punctata on petroleum hydrocarbons

In this study, the potential of Landoltia punctata for petroleum phytoremediation was evaluated. L. punctata was treated with different concentrations of Batman crude oil (BCO). The plants were grown in nutrient solutions containing 0.5%, 1%, 2%, and 3% BCO by volume in a growth chamber for 7 days. The fresh weight of the plants in the presence of BCO at a concentration of 0.5% v/v increased by 60% relative to the initial fresh weight. Furthermore, in comparison to the control, plant growth was retarded by 72% and 91% at concentrations of 2% and 3%, respectively. When plants were grown in media containing 0.5% BCO, more than 90% of C_{15}-C_{25} n-alkane compounds were removed compared to the unplanted control (medium plus 0.5% BCO without plants). Pristane (Pr) and phytane (Ph) were both present in all samples, except in the experimental medium of 0.5% BCO application. On the other hand, Pr/Ph values obtained from all oil applications were not statistically different from those of the control samples. As a result, L. punctata could be used for the phytoremediation of fresh water resources contaminated with up to 1% crude oil.

Establishment of microcuttings of Hexastylis species

Micropropagation of Hexastylis species (Aristolochiaceae) requires the development of establishment protocols for in vitro -generated microcuttings. Hexastylis shuttleworthii (Britten & Baker f.) Small var. harperi Gaddy in vitro-rooted microcuttings survived in higher percentages (67%) and had more leaves after 7.5 mo than ex vitro-rooted microcuttings (8%); however, once rooted, both survived equally under greenhouse conditions. In vitro-rooted microcuttings of H. arifolia (Michx.) Small var. arifolia, H. minor (Ashe) Blomquist, and H. speciosa Harper ‘Buxom Beauty’ cultured for 4 wk with IBA (0, 2.5, 5, or 10 μM) survived transplanting equally well. A blended Metro-Mix 510:perlite mix (1:1, v:v) improved greenhouse survival of in vitro-rooted microcuttings of H. arifolia and H. speciosa ‘Buxom Beauty’ compared to Metro-Mix 510 alone. Higher percentages of H. shuttleworthii var. harperi multiple-crown microcuttings survived (96%) compared to single-crown microcuttings (29%), but after one year, neither initial crown number nor first-year overwintering environment (greenhouse versus raised-field bed) affected growth. For H. naniflora (Blomquist) Pfeifer ‘Eco Decor’, initial in vitro-rooted microcutting fresh weight and leaf number failed to relate to survival ( 90%); however, initial fresh weight and root number were directly correlated with final plant size and leaf number after 14 mo in a raised-field bed. In vitro-rooted microcuttings of H. shuttleworthii var. harperi and H. naniflora ‘Eco Decor’ were readily established ( 86% survival) when planted directly in a raised-field bed under shade. Commercial micropropagation of Hexastylis species appears to be practical due to the ease with which in vitro-rooted microcuttings could be established ex vitro .

Effect of nano-silver particles on postharvest life of Lilium orientalis cv. 'Shocking'

Prolongation of vase life of cut lilies (Lilium orientalis cv. ‘Shocking’) was studied in vase containing 5, 15, 25, 35 ppm of nano-silver solutions and deionised water as control under controlled conditions. All nano-silver treatments extended the longevity of cut flowers in comparison to control but the concentration of 35 ppm showed the highest vase solution uptake, initial fresh weight and lowest bacteria colony during first two days of vase life. Plant or bacteria extract did not affect nano-particles stability. The use of nano-silver particles at 35 ppm is recommended to improve postharvest life of Lilium orientalis cv. ‘Shocking’.

Postharvest performance of cut marigold, rose, and sunflower stems as influenced by homemade and commercial floral preservatives

Effects of homemade or commercial floral preservatives, applied as 48-h grower treatments or continuous retailer/consumer applications, were studied on cut Double Eagle marigold, Red Bentley rose, and Sunbright sunflower. Cut stems of marigold placed in preservative solutions, irrespective of the duration, had a longer vase life than stems in tap water. Continuous use of soda (7 Up) or citric-Kathon and short-term use of citric-Al resulted in the longest extension of vase life. Cut stems of rose had the longest vase life when pulsed with citric-Kathon for 48 h or continuously placed in citric-Al until termination. For sunflower, use of citric-Kathon or citric-Greenshield both as a pulse and as a vase solution extended the vase life similar to commercial preservatives such as Floralife or Chrysal; it was 1.8 days longer than the vase life of stems in tap water. Continuous use of lemon juice plus sugar or citric acid plus sugar reduced the vase life of rose and sunflower stems. The pH of tap water solutions became more acidic when used after 48 h of pulsing with preservative solutions, while greater changes in electrical conductivity were recorded when the preservative solutions containing soda, lemon juice plus sugar, or citric-Al were used until termination. Stems of all species tested kept continuously in soda had the highest dry weight, while citric-Kathon had higher fresh weight at termination, compared to initial fresh weight at harvest, and higher solution uptake. In summary, continuous vase application of citric-Kathon, soda, or citric-Greenshield resulted in the best postharvest performance of marigold and sunflower, and continuous treatment with citric-Al or pulsing with citric-Kathon resulted in the best postharvest performance of cut roses; all of the aforementioned treatments resulted in a vase life similar to those of commercial preservatives. However, mixtures containing lemon juice or citric acid plus sugar had detrimental effects and should not be used for longer periods to handle cut stems of rose or sunflower.