Maximum Flowering Research Articles

Diversity and foraging behavior assessment of watermelon pollinators in Tizi-Ouzou area (Algeria)

Foraging insects of watermelon, Citrullus lanatus (Cucurbitaceae), were studied during flowering periods in 2016 and 2017 in Tizi-Ouzou area (Algeria). Our observations showed that a majority of watermelon visitors were apoid Hymenoptera belonging to three families. Eleven species were identified including six Apidae, four Halictidae and one Megachilidae. Apis mellifera was the most abundant species on watermelon flowers followed by Lasioglossum pauxillum and Ceratina saundersi. The daily activity study of these species demonstrated varying patterns of daily distribution. During two flowering periods, the greatest bee activity occurred in the morning recording peak visits between 8 am and 9 am and was synchronized with the maximum flowers opening. The behavioral study of these species did not reveal the pollen collection but all the visits were devoted to nectar collection. Regarding pollinating efficiency of these three species, results showed that honey bee was the fastest recording a foraging speed of 9.9 ± 1.25 flowers/min and the three species spent significantly more time on female flowers than male flowers. This work highlighted the mutual relationship between watermelons and bees. Firstly, this plant provides the nutritional needs of these insects during the drought period and secondly, the bees guarantee Cucurbitaceae pollination.

Response of Biostimulants on Growth, Flowering, Seed Yield and Quality of China Aster (Callistephus chinensis (L.) Nees)

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of Jeevamrit applied both as drench and foliar spray and Trichoderma spp @ 1 kg q-1 FYM+Foliar application of Neem seed kernel extract and Garlic extract @ 5% each at 15 days interval on growth and flowering parameters in China aster cv. ‘Kamini’. Findings revealed that maximum plant height (47.38 cm), plant spread (28.47 cm), number of flowers plant-1 (23.87), number of flowers plot-1 (286.44), number of seeds flower-1 (160.27), seed yield plant-1 (8.03 g), seed yield plot-1 (96.40 g), were recorded with treatment application of Jeevamrit @ 5% (Drench)+foliar application of Jeevamrit @ 10%. Maximum flower diameter (5.81 cm), individual flower weight (3.91 g), 100 flower weight (393.31 g), 1000 seed weight (2.20 g), were recorded with Jeevamrit @ 7.5% (Drench)+Foliar application of Jeevamrit @ 10% application. Soil treatment with Trichoderma spp @ 1 kg q-1 FYM+Foliar application of Neem seed kernel extract and Garlic extract @ 5% each at 15 days interval, alternatively proved best for seed quality parameters viz., EC (60.25 ds m-1), germination percentage (84.75%), seedling length (6.22 cm), seedling dry weight (4.18 mg), seed vigour index-I (527.15), seed vigour index-II (354.26).

The Influence of Various Growing Media on Flowering Parameters of Zinnia

Zinnia is a loose flower used for religious purposes and for social functions in India. The present experiment entitled “The effect of various growing media on quality of Zinnia” was carried out at Horticultural nursery, College of Agriculture, IGKV, Raipur, (C.G) during the year 2022 and the experiment was conducted in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 10 treatments and 3 replications. All the media treatments studied recorded superior over control. Among the media treatments studied T10 (Garden soil 50% + FYM 25% + VC 25% + Azotobacter showed significant effect with different parameters viz. minimum days taken to first flower bud initiation (34.73 days), maximum blooming period (12.03 days), maximum flower weight (1.95 g), maximum flower yield (42.4 g), maximum number of flowers per plant (37.96). The findings revealed that all the characters linked flowering parameters were greatly affected by all the growing media treatments and quality as well.

Effect of integrated nutrient management on growth, flowering and yield of African marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) Cv. Pusa Basanti Gainda

According to the result of the current study, plant height, canopy, stem girth, number of primary branches and total dry matter of the plant at 30 DAT, 60 DAT, 90 DAT were recorded maximum with the application of 100% RDF. The maximum yield parameters, such as a number of flowers per plant, yield/plant, yield/plot and yield/ha., flowering parameters, such as minimum days to first flower bud appearance, 50% flowering, first harvest and maximum flowering duration, i.e., the highest gross return/ha and the net return/ha were recorded highest by the application of 75% RDF + Vermicompost (1.25t/ha).

INDUCTION OF VEGETATIVE GROWTH AFTER HARVESTING OF FRUITS IN MANGO CV. SAMMAR BAHISHT CHAUNSA BY USING DIFFERENT CHEMICALS

Mango, the king of fruits, is one of the most important fruit crops of Pakistan. In the country, Sammar Bahisht Chaunsa is a major cultivar grown for domestic consumption as well as exporting to international markets; however, the cultivar has a strong disorder of biennial bearing. The main cause of the disorder is lack of immediate, sufficient and vigorous postharvest vegetative growth, which is essential for next year flowering/fruiting. The current study was designed to overcome this fruiting pattern by inducing postharvest vegetative growth immediately after fruit harvesting as this growth is must required for flowering. The trial was conducted in the experimental orchard of Mango Research Station, Shujabad on 25 years old trees of cultivar Sammar Bahisht Chaunsa, planted at 12m apart rows and plants. The experiment was performed during 2015-2020. One level of urea (2%) and two levels of KNO3 (1 % and 2%) alone and in various combinations were applied to mango trees immediately after the fruit harvesting to study their effects on the induction of vegetative growth. It was found that KNO3 at 1% ensured the maximum postharvest growth (67.11%) with maximum flowering (39.49%), and fruit yield (241 kg/plant). However nonsignificant difference (25 to 26 OBRIX) in total soluble solids (TSS) and titratable acidity (TA) was noted(0.7 to 0.9%) in all the treatments. It was concluded that application of KNO3 twice at 10 days interval alone or in combination with urea 2% after the harvesting of fruits was found beneficial for getting proper postharvest growth in mango trees to support subsequent fruit crop.

Consequences of Mulch Practice on Growth, Flowering and Yield of Different Varieties of China Aster (Callistephus chinensis)

The investigation entitled with ‘Consequences of mulch practice on growth, flowering and yield of different varieties of China aster (Callistephus chinensis)’ were carried out at floriculture unit, Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Dharwad, Karnataka during the year 2019-20. The experiment was laid out in Factorial Randomized Block Design consisting of 20 treatment combinations. Ten china aster varieties, Namdhari Pink (V1), Namdhari White (V2), Arka Kamini (V3), Arka Poornima (V4), Arka Shashank (V5), Phule Ganesh pink (V6), Phule Ganesh Puple (V7), AAC-1(V8), Miraj Local (V9) and Pink Cushion (V10) were planted under black plastic mulch (M2) and without mulch condition (M1). The variety Phule Ganseh Purple under mulched condition (V6M2) registered maximum plant height of 54.03 cm, plant spread of 38.53 cm and number of primary braches 25.46. However, minimum number of days 34.58 and 48.63 days, were recorded in treatment V5M2 (Arka Shashank under mulched condition) for days taken for flower bud initiation, 50 per cent flowering respectively, compared to other treatment combinations. The treatment V8M2 (AAC-1 under mulched condition) was observed with maximum flowering duration (34.26 days). Phule Ganseh Purple under mulch condition (V7M2) and Phule Ganseh Pink under mulch condition (V7M2) recorded maximum flower diameter of 7.47 cm and flower stalk length of 42.77 cm respectively. V7M2 treatment combination recorded highest flower yield (158.76 g) as compared to remaining treatment combinations. The overall experiment resulted that Phule Ganseh Series under black plastic mulch found superior under northern transitional zone of Karnataka.

Evaluation of China Aster (Callistephus chinensis L. Nees) Cultivars for Growth, Yield and Quality Parameters under Southern Telangana Zone

China aster (Callistephus chinensis L. Nees) is a half hardy annual flowering plant and is grown for cut as well as for loose flowers. The cut flowers are used in flower arrangements, vases, bouquets, for interior decorations, etc. The loose flowers are widely used for making garlands, for decorations, for worship and are also used in social functions.
 The present investigation was carried out during the year 2018-19 and 2019-20 at farm of Regional Agricultural Research Station, Palem, Telangana to evaluate the china aster varieties under Southern Telangana zone with respect to growth, flower yield and quality characters. Data in this study revealed that, all characteristics varied significantly among the varieties. Maximum plant height, plant spread, number of primary and secondary branches and number of leaves were observed in the variety Phule Ganesh White and the least was recorded in the variety Arka Archana.
 The variety Phule Ganesh White took less number of days for flower bud initiation (52.05), minimum number of days to 50% flower opening (61.63) while more number of days were recorded in the variety Kamini (56.32 and 68.53, respectively). Maximum stalk length was recorded in Phule Ganesh White (20.60 cm) and minimum was recorded in Arka Archana (9.80 cm). In addition, Flower diameter was more (7.00 cm) in both the varieties Phule Ganesh White and Local White, while minimum was detected in Phule Ganesh Pink (5.40cm). The variety Phule Ganesh White recorded more number of flowers per plant (48.7), more flower yield per plant (111.00 g plant-1) and maximum flower yield per hectare (4.64 tha-1). Whereas lowest number of flowers per plant (37.40), flower yield per plant (57.50 g plant-1), flower yield per hectare (2.08 t ha-1) was observed in Arka Archana. Maximum vase life for cut flower (6.00 days) were recorded in Arka Poornima and least was observed in Arka Aadya (3.70 days). Maximum shelf life for loose flowers was recorded in Phule Ganesh White (3.20 days) and minimum was recorded in Arka Archana (1.70 days).

Neoagaro-oligosaccharides Improve the Postharvest Flower Quality and Vase Life of Cut Rose ‘Gaoyuanhong’

Rose is among the most important cut flower crops worldwide. The vase life is an important indicator of cut rose quality. The composition of the vase solution directly affects vase life. Neoagaro-oligosaccharides (NAOS) are degraded seaweed-derived polysaccharides that constitute a group of compounds with small molecular weight and good water solubility. Oligosaccharide treatment can extend the postharvest longevity of certain types of cut flowers; however, little information is available on the utility of NAOS for preservation of cut rose flowers. To explore the effects of NAOS on the longevity and quality of cut flowers of rose ‘Gaoyuanhong’, 100 mg·L−1 NAOS alone and in combination with 10 g·L−1 sucrose were incorporated in the vase solution. Distilled water was used as the control. Physiological indicators, comprising maximum flower diameter, fresh weight, water balance, vase life, bacteria number in the vase solution, and hormone contents of the outer petals, were determined in fresh cut flowers and analyzed. Compared with the control, 100 mg·L−1 NAOS treatment increased the maximum flower diameter (mean 8.21 cm), induced the maximum rates of change in flower diameter and cut flower fresh weight, maintained the best water balance, significantly extended the vase life to 16 days, and reduced the number of bacteria in the vase solution. The abscisic acid content of the outer petals in the control and 100 mg·L−1 NAOS treatments were significantly lower than that of the other treatments on day 9. The results showed that NAOS is useful to improve the postharvest quality and extend the vase life of cut rose flowers, and might contribute to the development of novel alternative preservatives for the cut rose industry.

Sustainable Use of Sewage Sludge for Marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) Cultivation: Experimental and Predictive Modeling Studies on Heavy Metal Accumulation

The present study aimed to investigate the impact of sewage sludge (SS) amendment on the growth, yield, and biochemical attributes of the marigold (Tagetes erecta L. var. Pusa Basanti Gainda) crop. For this purpose, marigold flowers were cultivated using three different treatments of SS, i.e., 0% (control with no SS), 5%, and 10%. Multiple linear regression (MLR) modeling was performed to develop prediction models for the impact of soil properties on heavy metals uptake by marigold plants. The results showed that the growth, yield, and biochemical attributes of marigold plants significantly (p < 0.05) increased with an increase in SS dose from 0 to 10%. The most feasible SS treatment was found to be 10%, which achieved a maximum flower yield of 318.42 g/plant. On the other hand, the bioaccumulation factor (BAF) values (>1) showed that the marigold plant was capable of uptaking significant contents of six heavy metals in the order of Cd < Cr < Cu < Zn < Mn < Fe. The MLR-based predictive models were capable of precisely predicting the contents of most heavy metal uptake by marigold plants as indicated by the coefficient of determination (R2 > 0.73), model efficiency (ME > 0.49), root mean square error (RMSE < 3.25), and analysis of variance (ANOVA; p < 0.05) results. Overall, this study presented a novel approach to floriculture by sustainable management of SS while reducing public health and environmental impacts.

Induction chlorophyll fluorescence indicators in lentil depending on seed pre-treatment and extraroot nutrients

The article contains the results of many years of research on the formation of basic and calculated indicators of chlorophyll fluorescence induction depending on the options for inoculation, treatment of seeds with microelements and use of various options for foliar fertilization for growing lentils. There was applied the generally accepted methodological protocol to determine and calculate the main and derivative parameters of chlorophyll flowering induction during dark adaptation of the assimilation apparatus of plants. The indicator reaction of changes in the basic parameters – initial flowering (F0), flowering of the plateau zone (Fpl), maximum flowering (Fm) and stationary flowering (Fst) to the optimization of the lentil nutrition system both at the stage of pre-sowing seed preparation and at the stage of carrying out single and binary foliar fertilizing with microfertilizers. The significance of the reaction was noted due to the corresponding increase in F0, Fpl, Fm, Fst indicators by 52.6%, 69.1%, 91.4% and 36.2%, respectively, for the combination of seed inoculation, pre-sowing treatment with trace elements and the use of two-time foliar fertilization in comparison with the control variant. The use of derived calculation indices based on the basic indicators of the induction of chlorophyll flowering proved the possibility and expediency of using such an indicator method in the assessment of the abiotic-adaptive state of plants and the optimality of applied agrotechnological measures in the cultivation of lentils.

DIFFERENT PRUNING INTENSITIES INFLUENCES YIELD AND QUALITY OF GUAVA CV. GOLA

The current experiment was carried out at Horticultural Research Institute, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad, Pakistan during the year 2017-18 to evaluate impact of various pruning intensities on quality and yield of guava fruit (Psidium guajava L.). Various pruning intensities viz. control (no pruning), 25% pruning, 50% pruning and 75% pruning were carried out after harvesting of winter crop (in the month of April). Results showed that maximum flower count/shoot (18 number), fruit number/plant (2237), yield/plant (172.6 kg/tree), average fruit weight (102 g) and SSC (8.11%) were found with 25% pruning intensity; whereas, minimum fruit number/plant (720) and yield (70.11 kg/plant) was found in trees treated with 75% pruning intensity. Maximum fruit length (57.49 mm) and fruit width (64.75 mm) was observed in 25% pruned trees. It can be concluded that among various pruning intensities 25% pruning level is best to increase quality and yield guava fruit.

Performance of chrysanthemum varieties under the agro-climatic subzone of Bundelkhand

An experiment was conducted to evaluate twelve varieties of chrysanthemum for vegetative and flowering attributes at the Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University, Jhansi under the Agro-climatic subzone of Bundelkhand during the years 2019–20 and 2020-21 in Randomized block design with three replications. A wide range of variation was observed in the performance of the twelve varieties evaluated for vegetative growth and flowering parameters. The variety Flirt recorded maximum plant height (49.90 cm) whereas maximum plant spread (40.27 cm) was recorded in variety Pusa Shwet. Minimum days (46.33 days) taken to 50% flowering were recorded in variety Sadbhawana. Maximum average flower weight (3.86 g) was recorded in variety Flirt whereas, the highest number of flowers per plant ((38.78) was observed in Pusa Sona. However, the maximum flowering duration (52 days) was recorded in variety Kundan.

Effect of integrated nutrient management on flowering and yield attributing traits of marigold (<em>Tagetes erecta</em> L.) under agro-climatic conditions of Ajmer zone

The current study was steered at Bhagwant University Ajmer, Rajasthan during the Rabi season of years 2019-20 and 2020-21 to find out the combined application of different organic and inorganic sources of nutrients on flowering behaviour and yield attributing traits of Marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) under Agro-climatic conditions of Ajmer Zone. Total ten treatments were used in Randomized Block Design (RBD) and replicated three times. The treatments namely T1- Control, T2- 100% RDF (N:P: K @ 120:80:60 kg/ha), T3-100% RDF + 25% VC, T4- 100% RDF + 25% FYM, T5- 75% RDF + FYM + Biofertilizers, T6- 75% RDF + VC + Biofertilizers, T7- 75% RDF + FYM + VC + Biofertilizers, T8- 50% RDF + FYM + VC + Biofertilizers, T9- 50% RDF + FYM + Biofertilizers and T10- 50% RDF + VC + Biofertilizers. Total 30 treatment combinations were formulated in present experiment. During the experimentation, observations were recorded on various flowering and yield attributing parameters like days taken to first bud initiation, days taken for opening of flower bud, days taken to first flowering, days taken to 50% flowering, flower stalk length, diameter of flower, number of flowers per plant, fresh weight of flower, flower yield per plant, flower yield per plot, flower yield (q/ha) and B:C ratio of applied treatments. However, the maximum flowering and yield were found in T7- 75% RDF + FYM + VC + Biofertilizers as compared to T8- 50% RDF + FYM + VC + Biofertilizers.

Vegetational parameters and timing of capsule ripening of a high altitude Rhododendron (R. campanulatum) in Central Himalaya

R.campanulatum forms krummholz close to the tree line in alpine areas. In the present study it is considered as a tree species and we concentrated our attention on capsule maturation timing and documentation of phenological events of this species which is expanding and regenerating at high altitudes. This species is relatively less studied in relation to its phenology, seed physical parameters and germination. The study was concentrated in a 5 ha area located between 3200 and 3450 m elevation in two consecutive years (2016- 2017). The overhead forest canopy was dominated by Quercus semecarpifolia towards the upper side and by Aesculus indica on the lower side. In R. campanulatum flowering started from 2nd and 3rd week of April and maximum flowering was observed between 1st and 4th week of June. Capsule formation started from 3rd and 4th week of June to 4th week of July and maturity of capsule was in the month of December to January. The colour of capsules was initially green and finally turned brown. The capsules of R. campanulatum were collected at ten days interval from the month of December up to the availability of capsules from selected sites. The number of seeds per capsule varied between 1012 and 1136. Germination was counted when visible radical had developed. The germination was maximum 42.5 ± 4.2 % at 26.3 ± 2 % moisture content. Fresh weight of capsule correlated positively with date of collection (r = 0.827; P<0.01).

Influence of Corm Weight and Planting Distance on Production of Saffron in Agro-climatic Condition of Kabul

The effect of phosphorus and plant density on floral yield and corm production of Crocus sativus was studied at horticulture department, faculty of agricultural Kabul University during 2019-2020. Four different phosphorus (P) doses i.e. 0, 20, 40 and 60 kg ha-1 were applied to five different densities viz. 242, 107, 54, 30 and 20 plants m-2. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with split plot arrangements. P effect was largely non-significant, whereas planting densities had considerable effects. Maximum days to sprouting (29.8), and in the second year maximum saffron yield ha-1 (10.4 kg) were produced by 242 plants m-2, while minimum in these were recorded at 20 plants m-2 density. Maximum stigma weight (5.33 mg), Maximum flowers size (3.8 cm) was produced by 30 plants m-2 density at 20 kg ha-1 P, and maximum flowers per plant (1.5) were produced by 20 plants /m-2 densities at 20 kg ha-1 P. Minimum flowers per plant (1.0) were produced by corms at 107 plants m-2 density supplied with 60 kg ha-1 P, and minimum flower size (2.8 cm) was observed in plants grown at 54 m-2 density fed with 40 kg ha-1 P.

Evaluating Sustainable and Environment Friendly Growing Media Composition for Pot Mum (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.)

The use of different growing media offers a valuable alternative to the conventional use of soil for quality flower production due to their good water holding capacity, aeration and nutrient status. The experiment was conducted in a Completely Randomised Design with three replications in the years 2021–2022 to study the influence of different compositions of growing media [Soil, Sand, Vermicompost, Cocopeat, Vermiculite, Perlite and Leaf mould] in different ratios on the growth and development of pot mum (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.).The growing media compositions of cocopeat, vermicompost and leaf moulds improve the water retention and aeration of media. The results revealed vegetative growth with maximum plant height at first bud appearance, plant height at harvesting stage, number of primary branches per plant, number of secondary branches per plant, number of leaves per plant, leaf biomass, average fresh weight of leaf, dry weight of root and flowering parameters with maximum flower longevity, flower diameter, number of flowers per plant, number of ray florets, average fresh weight of flower, flower yield per plant and vase life of flower in case of media composition of Cocopeat + Vermicompost + Leaf mould (2:1:1) among all the growing media compositions. The combination of cocopeat with vermicompost and leaf mould (2:1:1 v/v/v) was found best for lighter media weight, better plant morphological development and sustained quality flower production of pot mum.

Standardization of Drying Techniques of Rose, Carnation, Gerbera and Value-Added Products

The present experiment was carried out to standardize drying methods for Rose (Rosa L.), Carnations (Dianthus caryophyllus L.), and Gerbera (Gerbera L.), and to assess the influence of the drying quality of the dried flowers to make various value-added products. Flowers of Rose, Carnation, and Gerbera Aster were subjected to five different drying methods viz., shade drying method without embedding medium (T1), with sand embedding (T2) and with silica gel embedding (T3), microwave oven drying with sand (T4) and silica gel embedding (T5). Data were statistically analyzed in Completely Randomized Design. The results indicated that in physiological parameters significantly maximum reduction of weight was observed in Rose (1.14g), Carnation (3.44g), and Gerbera (3.44g). Whereas significantly maximum flower perimeter reduction in Rose (11.14cm), Carnation (11.64cm), and Gerbera (18.17cm) was observed in the shade drying method. Maximum quality score regarding color, appearance, texture, and no shattering of dried flowers of Carnation (15.7) was recorded in microwave oven drying with silica gel as embedding medium, in Rose’s highest score (15.7) was observed in microwave oven with sand as embedding medium and in Gerbera (15.51) was given to microwave oven drying within silica gel embedding treatment while shade dried without embedded flowers showed minimum quality score in Rose, Carnation, and Gerbera (3.6, 1.5, 2.52) respectively. Best results were obtained with overall acceptability, quality of flowers, and flower preservation in Rose –treatment T3 (shade drying with silica gel as embedding medium), Carnation- treatment T5 (microwave oven drying with silica gel as embedding medium), Gerbera T4 (microwave oven drying with river sand as embedding medium).

Effect of Biological Pollution on Human Health in North East Algeria ”Case of Seraidi-Annaba Region”

The purpose of this study is twofold first, to identify the pollen that most likely can induce allergic symptomssecond, a review of epidemiological records was undertaken from 2013 to 2017 with the aim of determiningthe prevalence of allergy in the Seraidi region “bouzizi-djnen el bey” in the Annaba Algeria region. Thelinking between the flowering schedule of the characteristic species of the region (Seraidi) and the results ofthe analysis has made it possible to identify the species likely to be at the origin of the recorded manifestationsof allergy. These are the pollens of certain trees (the oak which occupies the first position, Erica, Pine, Olivetree), the pollens of certain spontaneous herbaceous plants (of the family Compositae, Urticaceae (Parietal)),and pollen from certain grasses (of the family Poaceae (Fecal)). The results of the epidemiological surveyscarried out showed that the average allergy due to pollen was 198 in May for conjunctivitis and 100 in Aprilfor rhinitis and asthma. Overall, the maximum symptom frequency values recorded in March-April, Mayand August-November correspond to the maximum flowering of characteristic species. Seasonal variationsin symptoms reveal the probable role of pollens in their induction.

Effects of Plant Growth Regulators on Quality, Quantity and Vase-life of Rose flower (Rosa hybrida cv. Avalanche)

An experiment was conducted to find the appropriate material for increasing the quantitative and qualitative traits in the pre, and postharvest vase-life of the cut rose flower cv. “Avalanche” in a hydroponic greenhouse based on a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 16 treatments and 3 replications. Treatments included gibberellic acid at four levels (0, 100, 200, and 300 ppm) and salicylic acid at four levels (0, 100, 150, and 200 ppm). The foliar application was carried out before harvest in tree time at intervals of 10 days. The results showed that the treatments had a significant effect on qualitative, quantitative, and vase life. The highest stem diameter (6.08 mm), flower length (55.90 mm), and the number of branches per plant (6.53 branches per plant) was obtained from T4 (300 ppm gibberellic acid). The highest vase life (7 days) was recorded in T5 (150 ppm salicylic acid), with more water absorption and a higher relative fresh weight. T3 (200 ppm gibberellic acid) had a maximum flower diameter (36.33 mm), and T16 (200 ppm salicylic acid + 300 ppm gibberellic acid) had the longest stem length (74.37 cm). The desired growth regulators in different concentrations were able to increase the quantitative, qualitative, and vase life of the rose flower.

Transcriptome analysis reveals dual action of salicylic acid application in the induction of flowering in Malus domestica

In the apple tree, insufficient flower bud production is an intractable challenge, and very little information is available in this field due to the fact that research done in this sector is very rare owing to its extended life cycles and low rate of genetic transformation. Here we display novel changes and events in spur buds of Malus × domestica trees after they were exposed to salicylic acid (SA) treatment during the flower induction period. We found a significant increase in morphological indexes, followed by a wider and well-defined shoot apical meristem in SA-treated spur buds. Additionally, we observed increased oxidative stress markers and enzymatic antioxidants in control-treated buds during the flower induction period, while non-enzymatic antioxidants were recorded higher in SA-treated buds. Maximum flowering was observed in SA-treated trees in the next year. Furthermore, ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (u-HPLC) analysis displays that SA treatment enhances SA and indole acetic acid (IAA), while having an antagonistic effect on gibberellin (GA). At different time points, transcriptome analysis was conducted to analyze the transcriptional response of CK and SA treated buds. Pathway enrichment was detected in differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Agamous (AGL) and SQUAMOSA-promoter binding protein-like (SPL) family related flowering genes display a positive signal for the increased flowering in SA-treated trees, which confirms our findings. As far as we know, there is no report available on the response of spur buds to SA treatment during the flower induction period. This data provides a new theoretical reference for the management of apple tree flowering and also provides an essential basis for future analysis of the regulation and control of flowering in M. domestica.