Larger Flowers Research Articles

FLOWERING ANNUALS PRODUCTION BEHAVIOR AGAINST DIVERSE NUTRITIONAL MANAGEMENT

The marigold and zinnia are prominent in the horticulture industry and are widely growing flowering annuals in Pakistan. The well-timed study sought to investigate the effect of different fertilizer combinations on flowering annuals marigold and zinnia. The experiment comprised a completely randomized design with four replications during 2019 and 2020 at the Plant Genetic Resource Institute, National Agricultural Research Center, Islamabad, Pakistan. The data included recording days to bud formation (DBF), days to flower persistence (DFP), flowers per plant (NFP), and days to flower senescence (DFS). Significant differences were recordable among the genotypes and treatments. Average DBF under applications of NPK fertilizers and Grow More + HB101 + Vitafeed (foliar application) revealed higher during the first year of study compared with the second year. The most effective foliar application treatment for DBF of marigold and zinnia resulted in 0.18 g Grow More + 0.18 g HB101 + 0.18 g Vitafeed. A higher number of DBF marigolds occurred for treatment 20% N + 16% P + 14% K, and the same emerged for NFP. Average days for flower persistence in marigold and zinnia were higher under manures application compared with NPK and foliar application. The higher number of DFP of both plants existed for treatment 75% leaf compost (LC) + 25% soil. The organic and inorganic fertilizers may help develop plant health, resistance to early flower senescence, and large flower size of both marigold and zinnia.

Development of Cutting Propagation Technique for Ornamental Plant <em>Allamanda cathartica</em> (Rukkathana)

Allamanda cathartica is an indigenous, widely distributed plant in Sri Lanka and is identified as Rukkathana. It is cultivated for large yellow flowers which have numerous medicinal and ornamental values. The propagation of Allamanda cathartica through conventional cuttings has limitations since the sprouting process is very slow and the success rate is remarkably low. Therefore, with the objective of developing a suitable cutting propagation technique for Allamanda cathartica plants an experiment was carried out in a two factor factorial manner at the University of Colombo Institute for Agro-Technology and Rural Sciences, Hambantota, Sri Lanka. Different types of stem cuttings: hardwood, semi-hardwood, softwood and shoot tips were tested in different potting media of pure sand, pure coir dust and sand and coir dust at the ratio of parts by volume 1:1 under controlled environmental conditions. There were twelve treatment combinations and four replications each containing three units and those were arranged in a Complete Randomized Design manner. Survival, rooting, shoot length, number of roots and root weight were recorded and statistical analysis was done by SAS 9.1.3 package. The study revealed that shoot tips exhibited better survival in a mixture of sand:coir dust and sand only media, as well as in coir dust and a mixture of sand:coir dust for hardwood cuttings. However, the lowest survival was in semi hardwood planted in sand only compared to all other treatments. Shoot tips showed superior rooting and shoot length in pure coir dust and a mixture of sand:coir dust media, while other cuttings showed the lowest rooting when planted in sand only media. The highest root weight was observed in shoot tips planted in sand:coir dust media, followed by shoot tips in pure coir dust, while the lowest root weight was recorded in softwood, semi hardwood, and hardwood planted in sand only, as well as in softwood cuttings planted in sand:coir dust media. The results suggest that the choice of growth media should be based on the type of cutting to improve rooting and growth performance. Higher aeration in growth media was found to be crucial for improving root initiation and stimulating metabolic processes. It can be concluded that, shoot tips planted in sand with coir dust can be recommended for mass multiplication of Allamanda cathartica.

Lagerstroemiastenophylla (Lythraceae), a new species from China.

Lagerstroemiastenophylla, a new species from southeastern Shaanxi Province and northwestern Hubei Province of China is described. Morphologically, L.stenophylla resembles L.subcostata, but it differs in having 4-angular, subalate branchlets, elliptic-lanceolate, or narrowly elliptic leaves, and relatively larger flowers.

Population genetics of Camellia granthamiana, an endangered plant species with extremely small populations in China.

Introduction: Camellia, the largest genus of Theaceae, is well-known for having high economic values. Camellia granthamiana demonstrates large beautiful flowers with some primitive characters, such as multiple large and persistent bracteoles and sepals, was listed as Vulnerable species on the IUCN Red List. Methods: In this study, we investigated all possible records of the species, and sampled four natural populations and five cultivated individuals. By applying shallow-genome sequencing for nine individuals and RAD-seq sequencing for all the sampled 77 individuals, we investigated population genetic diversity and population structure of the species. Results and discussion: The results showed that the population sampled from Fengkai, previously identified as C. albogigias, possessed different plastid genome from other species possibly due to plastid capture; the species possesses strong population structure possibly due to the effect of isolation by distance, habitat fragmentation, and self-crossing tendency of the species, whose effective population size declined quickly in the past 4,000 years. Nevertheless, C. granthamiana maintains a medium level of genetic diversity within population, and significant differentiation was observed among the four investigated populations, it is anticipated that more populations are expected to be found and all these extant populations should be taken into instant protection.

Pertumbuhan Tanaman Anggrek Cattleya (Cattleya eximia) secara In-Vitro pada Media MS dengan Subtitusi NAA dan BAP

Orchid plants are one of good prospects commodities for the floriculture business because they have high aesthetic value. Cattleya orchid has distinctive characteristics with large, beautiful, brightly colored and fragrant flowers. In vitro propagation is one way to meet the increasing demand for orchids. In vitro culture techniques require a lot of culture media to multiply plants in large quantities, so an alternative is needed to increase the effectiveness of using media such as the addition of plant growth regulators. Therefore, research was carried out on the growth of in vitro cattleya orchids on MS media with NAA and BAP substitutions. This study aimed to determine the effect of adding NAA and BAP to MS media on the growth of in vitro cattleya orchid explants. This research was conducted from June to September 2022 at the Jember State Polytechnic Tissue Culture Laboratory. This study used completely randomized design factorial. The first factor was the NAA concentration consisted of 3 levels, namely 0, 1 and 2 ppm. The second factor was the BAP concentration consisted of 3 levels, namely 0, 2 and 4 ppm. Observational variables included plant height, the number of shoots, leaves and roots. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at 5% level. Giving NAA 2 ppm + BAP 2 ppm was the best treatment for the number of leaves while giving NAA 2 ppm resulted in the best root growth.

Most of the world's largest flowers (genus Rafflesia) are now on the brink of extinction

Societal Impact StatementRafflesia is the genus that contains the world's largest flowers. Despite their global appeal, most of the 42 known species are now at risk of extinction. Urgent action is needed to protect these remarkable flowers. A combined approach to conservation is recommended, including a greater level of habitat protection and support for local community action groups. Rafflesia is a suitable new icon for conservation in the Asian tropics.SummaryThe genus Rafflesia, which includes the world's largest flowers, has aroused curiosity among scientists for centuries and features prominently in local culture across Southeast Asia. The plant has long been used in ethnobotanical medicine and, more recently, as a source of revenue from ecotourism. But despite its acclaim, Rafflesia remains poorly understood in many respects. Taxonomy is disputed, new species are described each year, and the plant has proven recalcitrant to cultivation. This has hindered conservation, and most of the 42 known species are now severely threatened, yet only one is listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). We estimate that 60% of Rafflesia species face a severe risk of extinction (equivalent to Critically Endangered [CR]). Moreover, we predict that at least 67% of known habitats fall outside protected areas, exacerbating their vulnerability. Alarmingly, recent observations suggest taxa are still being eradicated before they are even known to science. We present recent scientific discoveries and probable extinctions and highlight case studies of conservation success, with a focus on the role of local people. We propose a multi‐pronged conservation approach combining strengthened taxonomy, ex situ propagation, ecotourism, and an extension of protected areas. We suggest action devolved to local communities and awareness campaigns linked to social media networks will be crucial outside of protected jurisdictions. Finally, we propose to establish Rafflesia as a new icon for plant conservation in the Asian tropics. A combined approach might just save some of the world's most remarkable flowers, most of which are now on the brink of being lost.

The reinstatement of Rafflesia banaoana (Rafflesiaceae), and implications for assessing species diversity and conservation requirements of the world's largest flowers

The Southeast Asian genus Rafflesia (Rafflesiaceae) is famous for possessing the world's largest flowers. All species are rare or threatened, so understanding taxonomic diversity in the genus is crucial for informing effective conservation practice. Here we examine R. banaoana, a poorly known taxon from the remote montane rainforests of the Kalinga Province in the Philippines. This species has been treated as conspecific with R. leonardi, and overlooked in systematic studies. Using stable yet hitherto neglected features such as the stigmatic fascia surface, disk shape, process structure, annulus interior and exterior distinction, and ovary shape, we demonstrate that R. banaoana is morphologically as well as ecologically distinct from R. leonardi, and requires reinstatement at the specific rank. We present our findings in the broader context of complexity in the genus Rafflesia in the Philippines, now considered the center of diversity, with 15 species described to date. We highlight the taxonomically confused R. banaoana as a case for careful observation of previously unexamined morphological characters, as well as ecology, to avoid overlooking cryptic taxa or species complexes and to inform representative sampling in systematic treatments. Such an approach will be essential for enhancing our understanding of the diversity of this enigmatic yet poorly understood genus at a time of unprecedented anthropogenic change and species extinction. In light of our findings, we recommend a holistic approach to the conservation of Rafflesia in the Philippines.

Intraspecific size shifts in generalist bumblebees and flowers lead to low functional consequences

AbstractBody size is a trait that can affect plant–pollinator interaction efficiency and plant reproductive success. We explored the impact of intraspecific size shifts on the interactions between pollinators and flowering plants under controlled conditions. We considered two development conditions leading to the production of large and small individual flowers of Borago officinalis and Echium plantagineum. We also used the natural variability of worker size within bumblebee colonies to isolate small and large workers. We performed a fully crossed experiment with the two flower sizes of each plant species and the two sizes of bumblebee workers. Our results show that the size of both partners did not affect bee foraging behavior in most of the evaluated parameters and both bee sizes were equally efficient in depositing pollen. Significant differences were found only in pollen deposition across the life of a flower in small flowers of B. officinalis, with the greatest quantity of pollen deposited by small bees. We did not find a relationship between pollinator size and plant fitness. Our results suggest that generalist plant–pollinator interactions may be resilient to future potential mismatches in the size of the partners but remain to be tested if they are still resilient under the new environmental conditions resulting from global changes.

Genetic Dissection of Morphological Variation Between Cauliflower and a Rapid Cycling Brassica oleracea line.

To improve resolution to small genomic regions and sensitivity to small-effect loci in the identification of genetic factors conferring the enlarged inflorescence and other traits of cauliflower while also expediting further genetic dissection, 104 near-isogenic introgression lines (NIILs) covering 78.56% of the cauliflower genome, were selected from an advanced backcross population using cauliflower [B. oleracea var. botrytis L., mutant for Orange gene (ORG)] as the donor parent and a rapid cycling line (TO1434) as recurrent parent. Subsets of the advanced backcross population and NIILs were planted in the field for eight seasons, finding 141 marker-trait associations for 15 leaf-, stem- and flower-traits. Exemplifying the usefulness of these lines, we delineated the previously-known flower color gene to a 4.5 MB interval on C3; a gene for small plant size to a 3.4 MB region on C8; and a gene for large plant size and flowering time to a 6.1 MB region on C9. This approach unmasked closely linked QTL alleles with opposing effects (on chr. 8), and revealed both alleles with expected phenotypic effects and effects opposite the parental phenotypes. Selected B. oleracea NIILs with short generation time add new value to widely used research and teaching materials.

Flower Size as an Honest Signal in Royal Irises (Iris Section Oncocyclus, Iridaceae).

Flower traits, such as flower size or color changes, can act as honest signals indicating greater rewards such as nectar; however, nothing is known about shelter-rewarding systems. Large flowers of Royal irises offer overnight shelter as a reward to Eucera bees. A black patch might signal the entrance to the tunnel (shelter) and, together with the flower size, these might act as honest signals. We hypothesize that larger flowers and black patches indicate larger tunnels, and larger tunnels will increase pollinator visits, enhancing the plants' reproductive success. We measured seven species in a controlled environment and two species from three natural populations varying in flower size. Fruit and seed sets were assessed in these natural populations. We found a positive correlation between the flower, patch size, and tunnel volume, suggesting that the flowers and patch size act as honest signals, both under controlled conditions and in the wild. However, in natural populations, this positive relationship and its effect on fitness was population-specific. Flower size increased the fitness in YER I. petrana, and interactions between flower/patch size and tunnel size increased the fitness in YER and I. atropurpurea NET populations. This suggests that the honesty of the signal is positively selected in these two populations. This study supports the hypothesis that pollinator-mediated selection leads to the honest signaling of flower advertisement.

Multiply exo-Methylated Corannulenes.

Invited for the cover of this issue are Shinobu Aoyagi (Nagoya City University), Takahiro Sasamori (University of Tsukuba), and Hideki Yorimitsu (Kyoto University). The image depicts multiply exo-methylated corannulenes (flowers) synthesized from corannulene (central large flower) by the reduction with sodium (soil) to form anionic corannulenes and the subsequent methylation with reduction-resistant dimethyl sulfate (butterflies). Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.202301557.

Development and Characterisation of a New Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. Cultivar (‘Krishna's Radiance’) from India

A new significant cultivar Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. cv. ‘Krishna's Radiance’ has been developed from the cross pollination of H. rosa-sinensis L. cv. ‘Houdini’ (Female pod parent) and Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. cv. ‘HVH Rain Drop’ (Male pollen parent). The new cultivar characterised by upright, fast growing shrubs with bluish-purple flowers. It can be recognised from parents by its large, creamy-white eye zone and allied to male parent (HVH Rain Drop) by its bluish colour flower but it can be separated by large single regular flower, clockwise arrangement of petals and creamy-white large eye zone whereas male parent has small single cartwheel flower, anticlockwise arrangement of petals and small whitish-pink eye zone.

Specific alien plant species predominantly deliver nectar sugar and pollen but are not preferentially visited by wild pollinating insects in suburban riparian ecosystems.

The invasion of alien plants has been rapidly proceeding worldwide due to urbanisation. This might be beneficial to wild pollinating insects, since some alien plant species have large flowers and/or long flowering periods, which can increase nectar sugar and pollen availability. To determine the relative contribution of alien plants to floral resource supply and whether resource-rich alien plants, if any, serve as an important food source of pollinating insects, we performed year-round field observations in suburban riverbanks. We quantified the per-unit-area availability of nectar sugar and pollen delivered by alien and native flowering species and counted wild flower visitors (bees and wasps, hoverflies and butterflies) per plant species. The available nectar sugar and pollen per area were predominantly delivered by a few specific alien species, and the relative contribution of other species to floral resource provision was low throughout the period that wild flower visitors were observed. Nonetheless, the resource-rich alien plants were not visited by as many insects as expected based on their contribution to resource provision. Rather, on a yearly basis, these plants received equal or even fewer visits than other flowering species, including resource-poor natives. We show that despite their great contribution to the gross floral resource supply, resource-rich alien plants do not serve as a principal food source for wild pollinating insects, and other plants, especially natives, are still needed to satisfy insect demand. For the conservation of pollinating insects in suburban ecosystems, maintaining floral resource diversity would be more beneficial than having an increase in gross floral resources by allowing the dominance of specific alien plants.

First Report of Xanthomonas hydrangeae Causing Leaf Spot on Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) in Tuscany (Italy).

Hydrangeas (Hydrangea L.) are popular ornamental plants used in urban landscapes and gardens worldwide for the beauty of their large flowers. In June 2022, dark brown/purple and irregular water-soaked spots coalescing into large areas of necrosis were observed on the leaves of potted Hydrangea quercifolia Bartr. plants growing in two ornamentals nurseries in Pistoia, Tuscany, Italy. Isolations, using two symptomatic plants/nursery, were performed by excising small portions of leaf tissue from the margin of the lesions, and macerating them in 100 μl of sterile distilled water (SDW). After 15 min of incubation, a loopful of the resulting suspension was streaked on yeast extract-dextrose-CaCO3 agar (YDCA) amended with 60 mg L-1 cycloheximide. Mucoid, convex and yellow colonies appeared on YDCA after incubation at 28°C for 48h. After colony purification on yeast extract-nutrient-agar (YNA), two isolates from each nursery were subject to amplification and sequence analysis of the 16S rRNA using universal primers FD1/RD1, for genus identification (Vauterin et al. 2000; Weisburg et al. 1991). All 16S rRNA sequences (OP441051) were identical and BLASTn searches indicated that the isolates belong to the genus Xanthomonas [99.9% nucleotide identity with X. hydrangeae strain LMG 31885 (LR990741.1) and 99.8% with strain LMG 31884T (NR_181958.1)]. For classification at species level, fragments of the housekeeping genes gyrB, rpoD, dnaK, and fyuA, were amplified according to Young et al. (2008). Both strands were sequenced and the consensus sequences aligned using MUSCLE as implemented in MEGA X (Kumar et al. 2018). Homologous sequences were once again identical between the isolates. A neighbor joining phylogenetic analysis of the concatenated fragments, was carried out, using the Tuscan isolate HyQ-Tu1, the type/pathotype strains of the seven pathovars of X.hortorum, proposed by Morinière et al. (2020), the four X.hydrangeae strains characterized by Dia et al. (2021) and the type strain of X.populi as the outgroup. The analysis indicated that HyQ-Tu1 isolate clusters within the X. hydrangeae branch of the recently described X. hortorum - X. hydrangeae species complex (Morinière et al. 2020; Dia et al. 2021; 2022). In agreement with this result, isolates tested positive to the LAMP assay specific for members of the complex's clade C (X. hydrangeae) (Dia et al. 2022). Based on molecular evidence, the isolates were identified as X. hydrangeae (Dia et al. 2021; Oren and Garrity, 2022). Three healthy H. quercifolia potted plants were inoculated by rubbing a 10 µl droplet of a bacterial suspension of X. hydrangeae HyQ-Tu1 adjusted to an OD600 of 0.3 (approx. 108 CFU/ml) in SDW on the adaxial surface of two leaves per plant. Two control leaves/plant were inoculated with SDW. Each inoculated leaf was enclosed for 24h in a polyethylene bag and all plants were maintained in a greenhouse at 28°C. Nine days post inoculation (DPI), leaf spots similar to those observed on naturally infected plants started to become evident on the bacteria-inoculated leaves while control leaves remained asymptomatic throughout the trial (21 DPI). Koch's postulates were fulfilled by re-isolating the bacterium from the symptomatic tissues, obtaining a positive amplification with the clade C-specific LAMP assay (Dia et al. 2022), and confirming that the gyrB sequence was 100% identical to that of X. hydrangeae HyQ-Tu1. Housekeeping gene sequences were submitted to GenBank (OP456006-9). Members of the X. hortorum - X. hydrangeae species complex have been reported to affect H. quercifolia in the USA (Uddin et al. 1996) and H. quercifolia and H. arborescens L. in Belgium (Cottyn et al. 2021). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first documentation of X. hydrangeae causing disease on H. quercifolia in Italy. Further work is required to verify the presence of the bacterium in other European countries and to assess the economic impact that it causes within and outside nurseries.

A new species and endemism of Tigridia (Tigridieae, Iridaceae) in the Transmexican Volcanic Belt, Mexico

The Transmexican Volcanic Belt (TVB) extends across Mexico from east to west between 18°30’ and 21°30’ latitudes. It is part of the Mexican Transition Zone consisting of several plateaus at different elevations and hundreds of volcanic structures. These have promoted diversification and endemism in several plant lineages. Here, Tigridia azufresensis is described as a new endemic species of the TVB. Morphologically, this taxon belongs to the Violacea complex and is similar to T. durangensis. Tigridia azufresensis differs from other species in its robust habit, and larger flowers. It has a cauline leaf subtending the rhipidium, so it appears to have three spathe valves. The flowers have elliptic to elliptic-lanceolate outer tepals and clawed inner tepals, which have a geniculate blade and a triangular apiculate limb. The TVB is rich in endemic species of Tigridieae: Tigridia azufresensis, T. flammea, T. gracielae, T. matudae, and T. venusta are exclusive to this biogeographical province.

Increasing the Growth of Coelogyne rochussenii Orchid Plantlets by administering various concentrations of KH2PO4 and Pyridoxine

Coelogyne is a native Indonesian orchid with relatively large flower sizes and attractive colors. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of giving concentrations of Potassium Dihydrogen Phosphate (KH2PO4) and Pyridoxine in Murashige And Skoog media on the growth of the Coelogyne Rochussenii De Vriese orchid subculture. The research was conducted at the UPT Tissue Culture Laboratory of Seeds of Food Crops, Horticulture, and Plantation, Riau Province, Jalan Kaharudin Nasution, Kelurahan Simpang Tiga, Kecamatan Bukit Raya, Kota Pekanbaru. The research was conducted for four months, from September to December 2022. The design used in this study was a factorial complete randomized design (CRD) consisting of 2 treatment levels, KH2PO4 and Pyridoxine, with three replications, KH2PO4:160 mgl, 170 mg/l), 180 mg/l), 190 mg/l, and Pyridoxine: 0 ppm 0.0 5 ppm, 0.10 ppm, 0.15 ppm. The results of the study by administering various concentrations of Potassium Dihydrogen Phosphate (KH2PO4) and Pyridoxine did not significantly affect all parameters observed in Murashige and Skoog media on the growth of the Coelogyne Rochussenii De Vriese orchid subculture.

Study on the Phenotypic Diversity of 33 Ornamental Xanthoceras sorbifolium Cultivars

Xanthoceras sorbifolium, belonging to the family Sapindaceae, has a beautiful tree shape, elegant leaves, large and many brightly colored flowers, and a long flowering duration. This plant is widely applied in gardens. In this study, 33 cultivars of Xanthoceras sorbifolium were selected from the perspective of ornamental properties, and their phenotypic traits, such as leaves, flowers, and branches, were measured and analyzed, and their phenotypic diversity was comprehensively evaluated using principal component analysis, in order to investigate the phenotypic diversity characteristics of Xanthoceras sorbifolium. The results showed that the genetic diversity index of the qualitative traits varied from 0.14 to 1.50, and that of quantitative traits varied from 1.76 to 2.05. The quantitative traits were more diverse than the qualitative traits. The coefficient of variation of the qualitative traits ranged from 16.90% to 57.96%, and that of quantitative traits ranged from 12.92% to 32.87%. The phenotypic traits of the tested cultivars had relatively rich variation. Furthermore, the level of the phenotypic diversity index of Xanthoceras sorbifolium was not consistent with the level of coefficient of variation, indicating large variation and uneven distribution of variation. Through principal component analysis, 17 quantitative characters were extracted into five principal components, with a cumulative contribution rate of 79.82%, representing the primary information on the quantitative characters of ornamental Xanthoceras sorbifolium cultivars. The F value of the 33 samples ranged from –2.79 to 1.93, and the comprehensive scores of seven cultivars were greater than 1, indicating that these cultivars had rich phenotypic diversity. Therefore, the screening, development, and utilization of fine germplasm resources of Xanthoceras sorbifolium should focus on these cultivars. The 33 cultivars were subsequently clustered into five categories through systematic clustering. The cluster analysis provided references for breeding ornamental Xanthoceras sorbifolium cultivars with different utilization values, such as large white flowers, small red flowers, large red flowers, large orange flowers, and double-petaled flowers.

Influential factors and barriers change along the invasion continuum of an alien plant

Upon arrival to a new area, alien species have to overcome a series of biotic and abiotic barriers to survive, reproduce, and spread and thus, succeed along the invasion continuum. Failing to understand the role of the different sets of barriers and factors operating across the stages of the invasion continuum limit our ability to predict invasion dynamics, leading to misinformed management. Here, we explore how the European plant Cytisus scoparius overcomes the survival and reproductive barriers to establish along the roadsides of Nahuel Huapi National Park (Argentina). We evaluate the direct and indirect influence of climatic and landscape factors, species traits and their interaction with patch cover, plant height, and pollinator visitation rates as proxies of population persistence, plant growth, and reproduction, respectively. Cytisus scoparius cover was positively associated with the length of water shores and urban cover, factors that may relate to the arrival of propagules, new introduction events, and high levels of disturbance. Plant height was positively associated with annual precipitation and mean temperature. Visitation rates positively related to shrubland cover and to a lesser extent to slope, two factors that may influence pollinator availability and long-distance detectability, respectively. However, factors positively affecting survival had no effect (in the case of height) or negative effect (in the case of cover) on visitation rates, probably due to the saturation of the pollinator pool within large flowering patches. Despite the strong environmental gradients, climatic variables did not seem to influence the cover nor the visitation rates of C. scoparius. The microhabitat provided by roadsides seemed to buffer the climatic variability acting at larger spatial scales. This study shows how the relevance of different barriers across the invasion process can vary due to the characteristics of the species and of the spatial context. Actions directed towards the most limiting barriers and limiting factors could be an efficient way to manage invasions and reduce their impacts. In our system, actions aimed at reducing propagule arrival, soil disturbance and availability of pollinators could limit the survival and reproductive success of C. scoparius.

An aphid transmitted banana bunchy top disease of banana and its detection: A Review

One of the most significant horticultural crops in the world, the banana is an edible fruit (technically a berry) produced by a variety of large herbaceous flowering plants in the genus Musa. It is grown in about 120 different countries around the world. Particularly, virus intensification between subsequent plantings via contaminated planting material limits the banana crop yield. Banana bunchy top virus (BBTV) control is challenging because it spreads vegetatively (through suckers or in vitro plantlets) and by an aphid Pentalonia nigronervosa Coquerel, thus increasing the virus potential for dispersal within the fields. To propagate plants, exchange germplasm, breed better genotypes, and distribute them are challenging to use planting material that has been virus affected. Diagnosis of the BBTV, relies essentially only upon the symptom’s recognition of infection and, seldom, with additional affirmation by aphid transmission. At present, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based and non-PCR techniques are available for BBTV detection. Implementation of these diagnostic tools and procedure facilitates the identification of healthy ones of the germplasm that can be used in propagation systems.

Primulajiaozishanensis (Primulaceae), a new species in Primula sect. Petiolares subsect. Davidii from Yunnan, China.

Primulajiaozishanensis Z.K.Wu, W.H.Yang & Yuan Wu, a new species of Primulaceae is described and illustrated from Jiaozi Snow Mountain of Dongchuan District, Yunnan, China. Morphological evidence supports P.jiaozishanensis as a member of P.sect.Petiolaressubsect.Davidii, which is characterized by firmly papery or leathery leaves, with veins impressed adaxially, often prominently raised and alveolate abaxially. The new species is characterized by having long and stout rhizomes, smaller leaves with short petioles, short or almost obsolete scape, and larger flowers. The distribution, phenology and conservation status of the new species are also provided.