Number Of Flowers Research Articles

Impacts of reduced water availability on vegetative and reproductive traits of a Solanum species

AbstractWhile drought is known to affect crop yields negatively, there is limited knowledge of the strategies used by animal‐pollinated plants to cope with such conditions. In this study, we simulated low and moderate drought conditions in a greenhouse experiment and examined the vegetative and reproductive traits of a buzz‐pollinated species (Solanum lycopersicum). Our findings indicate that individuals exposed to both drought conditions decreased in height and bore fewer leaves but increased in the ratio of root length to dry mass. The number of flowers produced per day and the overall flower production were higher in plants under control conditions. We found no differences in the onset of flowering between the treatments, but the plants exposed to low drought showed peak flowering earlier. Among the morphometric traits, flower height, floral diameter, petal length, and petal width were significantly lower in both drought conditions. Individuals in the moderate‐drought treatment displayed greater variation in reproductive traits than those in the low‐drought treatment. Overall, drought stress negatively impacted the aboveground vegetative growth and the reproductive efforts of plants.

Growth enhancement, metabolic profile improvement, and DXR and TPS2 gene expression changes in Thymus vulgaris L. by cyanobacterial inoculation.

In recent decades cyanobacterial species have attracted research attention as potential sources of new biostimulants. In this study, the biostimulant effects of five cyanobacterial suspensions on the growth and essential oil composition of Thymus vulgaris L. were evaluated. The expression of key genes involved in the biosynthesis of thymol and carvacrol, such as DXR and TPS2, were investigated. A pot culture experiment revealed that cyanobacterial application significantly improved T. vulgaris L. growth indices, including plant height, dry and fresh weight, leaf and flower number, leaf area, and photosynthetic pigment content. Total phenol and flavonoid content in inoculated plants also showed a significant increase compared with the control. Anabaena torulosa ISB213 inoculation significantly increased root and shoot biomass by about 65.38% and 92.98% compared with the control, respectively. Nostoc calcicola ISB215 inoculation resulted in the highest amount of essential oil accumulation (18.08 ± 0.62) in T. vulgaris leaves, by about 72.19% compared with the control (10.5 ± 0.50%). Interestingly, the amount of limonene in the Nostoc ellipsosporum ISB217 treatment (1.67%) increased significantly compared with the control and other treatments. The highest expression rates of DXR and TPS2 genes were observed in the treatment of N. ellipsosporum ISB217, with 5.92-fold and 5.22-fold increases over the control, respectively. This research revealed the potential of the cyanobacteria that were studied as promising biostimulants to increase the production of biomass and secondary metabolites of T. vulgaris L., which could be a suitable alternative to chemical fertilizers. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Pollination efficiency and foraging behavior of Bombus pauloensis (Hymenoptera: Apidae) on two highbush blueberry cultivars (Vaccinium corymbosum)

Bombus pauloensis Friese is a promising managed bumblebee that can pollinate crops in South America. Highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) is a recently introduced and economically promising crop cultivated in open fields or greenhouses in Colombia. Although this crop is known to be pollinator-dependent, the efficiency of local pollinators in this geographic area has yet to be established. This study aimed to establish the pollination effectiveness and foraging behavior of B. pauloensis in two of the most common cultivars of highbush blueberries planted in a high Andean region of Colombia. We hand-reared and located B. pauloensis colonies in two different plantations of Sharpblue (open field) and Biloxi (greenhouse) cultivars. The time spent per flower and the number of flowers visited per minute of 300 foragers were registered to characterize the foraging behavior in both cultivars. Pollen analysis was performed once from corbicular loads, larvae, larval cells, and colony feces to identify the pollen sources collected by colonies located in the Sharpblue crop. Analysis of fruit quality was performed to establish the effect of B. pauloensis pollination. Foragers visited blueberry flowers with a corolla aperture of more than 3mm in both cultivars but spent more time visiting Biloxi than Sharpblue flowers. B. pauloensis pollination reduced the ripening time and increased the fresh and dry weight and the number of true seeds in both cultivars. Our results provide evidence that B. pauloensis pollination can improve the fruit quality in the blueberry cultivars evaluated here in Colombia, making it an efficient native pollinator for a promising commercial species.

The effects of grazing on flowering and fruiting phenology in South Brazilian subtropical grasslands

In subtropical grasslands, characterized by the coexistence of species with different physiology, for example C3 and C4 grasses, studies on the reproductive patterns of plants at the community level are scarce. Most available studies are limited to plant-pollinator interactions, and do not include grasses, even though knowledge on phenology of this species group is highly relevant, e.g., for grazing management or ecological restoration. In this study, we monthly evaluated flowering and fruiting in Brazilian subtropical grasslands under different grazing intensities (high, moderate, low, very low, ungrazed) over one year. To estimate the effect of the seasonal variation on the phenology of functional groups (C3 grass, C4 grass, monocots, dicots, shrubs) we used circular statistics. The highest flowering activity occurred in October and November, while fruiting peaked in March and April. Shrubs had the highest number of flowers and fruits, and C4 grasses contributed the largest number of fruiting species. The flowering peak of most functional groups occurred in October, except for C4 grasses and shrubs that peaked in February and November, respectively. Fruiting of C3 grasses peaked in December, C4 grasses and shrubs were most abundant in April and dicots, and monocots peaked in October. Grazing treatments differed considerably in flowering and fruiting patterns for all species groups. Monocots and dicots herbs showed high flowering activity under intense grazing. C3 grasses presented highest peaks in moderate and low grazing intensities, while C4 grasses peaked in very low grazing, and shrubs showed the highest peaks in ungrazed plots. Flowering and fruiting occurred throughout the year in our study system, with clear variation among functional groups in response to climatic and management patterns. Our results can guide seed collection in the field or vegetation cutting for hay transfer, and thus should lead to improvements in the ecological restoration of subtropical grasslands.

Local and landscape factors differentially influence predatory arthropods in urban agroecosystems

AbstractLike other urban green spaces, urban community gardens can act as biodiversity refugees, especially for small organisms like arthropods. In turn, arthropods can provide important ecosystem pest control services to these agroecosystems. Thus, an often‐asked question among urban gardeners is how to improve gardens and surrounding areas for natural enemies and associated pest control services. We examine how local vegetation and garden characteristics, as well as the surrounding landscape composition, affect ground‐dwelling beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae and Staphylinidae), spiders (Araneae), opilionids (Opiliones), and ladybird beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), all of which are important predators. In the summer of 2019, we collected predators, vegetation, ground cover, and garden and landscape characteristic data from 10 community gardens in the city of Seattle, Washington. We found that different groups of natural enemies are associated with different environmental variables and at different scales; probably related to differences in their dispersal capabilities, habits, and diets. Floral variables (number of flowers and number of species in flower) had a negative effect on nonflying natural enemies (spiders, opilionids, and ground‐dwelling beetles), but not on flying ones (ladybird beetles). The only taxon that was significantly affected by a landscape‐scale variable was Opiliones, the only group examined that exclusively disperses by ground. Our results show contrasting results to similar studies in different regions and highlight the need to expand the taxa and regions of study.

Correlation and path-coefficient analysis in chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.)

A study was conducted to determine association between seventeen traits of twenty genotypes of chrysanthemum. The results revealed strong positive correlation of flower yield per plant with flower yield per plot, plant height at 60 days after transplanting and at full bloom, number of primary branches, plant spread (N-S and E-W direction), number of leaves per plant, stem girth and flowers yield per ha. The findings of path analysis revealed that flower yield per hectare, plant height at 60 days after transplanting, plant spread in E-W direction, stem girth, days to bud initiation, days to full bloom, fresh weight of flower and number of flowers per plant had positive direct effect on yield of flowers per plant. Hence, it is concluded from this study that flower yield can be increased by selecting these traits directly while formulating crop improvement program in chrysanthemum.

Effects of Addition of Humic and Fulvic Acids on Soil Properties and Germination Percentage of Cucurbit Plants (Zucchini and Cucumber)

This research was conducted to study the effect of adding humic and fulvic acids to the irrigation water on soil properties and germination percentage of two cucurbit plants: zucchini and cucumber. The study was conducted in an open field in Sokhna District in the governorate of Zarqa (Jordan). The field soil was transported to calcareous sandy soil. In the beginning, the weeds and stones were removed, and the land was smoothed and plowed. Effort was made to control weeds and insects at all stages of plant growth. Then, an irrigation network was installed. The fulvic acid-humic acid (FA-HA) biostimulant mixture was incorporated with the irrigation water, and irrigation was practiced three days per week for four weeks. During this period, every irrigation round lasted for two to three hours. A mixture of humic acid (8.0%) and fulvic acid (8.0%) was added to the irrigation water. Three treatments were considered, corresponding to three acid mixture concentrations: 0.50 mL.L-1, 1.00 mL.L-1, and 1.50 mL.L-1. The acid mixtures were added continuously at all stages of plant growth until plant maturity and harvest. Four replicates of the experiment were made. The plant growth variables of interest were germination percentage, number of leaves, date of fruition, size of fruit, and overall mass of fruits. Meanwhile, the soil parameters of interest were soil pH and soil salinity (electric conductivity (EC)) before and after adding the FA-HA mixture. The study found that the 0.5 mL.L-1 acid mixture treatment led to the early growth of the zucchini plant seeds and that fruition took place 12 days after planting. In addition, the results showed an increase in plant germination under the 0.5 mL.L-1 acid mixture treatment in light of the increase in the number of male and female plant flowers, with fruiting taking place on time. In conclusion, the relationship between zucchini growth and yield with FA-HA mixture concentration is non-linear. It is also concluded that the optimum acid mixture concentration and application rate are crop-specific. Hence, for each crop, the most appropriate acid mixture concentration should be determined first before the broad-scale application of amendments to the soil to ensure the contribution of this environmentally friendly practice to sustainable agriculture.

The effects of polyester microfibres on the development and seed yield of white mustard (Sinapis alba L.)

Microplastics are found in agricultural soils worldwide; however, little is known about the impacts of this ubiquitous pollutant on the growth and development of crops. Microfibres are one of the dominant microplastic types found in agricultural soils. Sources of microfibres in the agricultural environment are multiple, including soil amendment applications, wastewater irrigation and atmospheric deposition, with agricultural soils subsequently acting as an accumulating sink for plastics. A key consideration in an agricultural setting is yield; the seed yield is critical, as this is the part with economic value. This study investigates the influence of polyester microfibres, a prevalent type of microplastic in agricultural soils, on the growth and seed yield of Sinapis alba (white mustard). Polyester microfibres were added to soil samples at concentrations of 0.1% and 1% w/w, simulating environmental exposure levels. The study evaluated flower production, seed yield, pod-to-seed ratio, and chlorophyll fluorescence as indicators of plant health and reproductive success. Results revealed significant changes in chlorophyll fluorescence values (Fv/Fm), reduced flower production control (74 ± 37 flowers in the control, 31 ± 27 in the 0.1 treatment and 44 ± 31 in the 1 % treatment), and changes in pod-to-seed ratio (3.5 ± 0.65 seeds per pod in the control, 2.76 ± 0.5 seeds per pod in the 0.1% treatment and 2.83 ± 0.81 seeds per pod in the 1% treatment) in response to polyester microfibre exposure. Polyester microfibres were demonstrated to act as a stressor to S. alba, changing the chlorophyll fluorescence values, reducing the flower number, and in turn, reducing the pod-to-seed ratio. This study provides evidence that microfibres could reduce seed yield but that further research is required to elucidate the mechanisms by which these changes are occurring.

Influence of poultry manure on the performance of bell pepper (Capsicum annum L)

A pot experiment was conducted at the Botanical garden of University of Ilorin to evaluate the influence of different concentration of poultry manure on the growth and yield of bell pepper (Capsicum annuum). The experiment was a Randomized Block Design with six treatments and three replicates. The treatment details include T1 = Control T2 = 0.5 kg poultry dropping, T3 =1.0 kg poultry dropping, T4 =1.5 kg poultry droppings, T5 = 2.0 kg poultry droppings, T6 = 2.5 kg poultry droppings. Data were collected on Plant height, stem girth, Number of leaves, Leaf area, Number of flowers, chlorophyll contents as well as yield parameters was carried out at the end of the experiment. The result depicts a significant increase in the plant height, numbers of leaves per plant, leaf area, stem girth as well as yield parameter in the plant treated with 2.0 kg poultry manure when compared to the control plants. In conclusion, 2.0 kg poultry manure application should be adopted for soil nutrient amendment in bell pepper cultivation if optimum yield is to be achieved.

Evaluation of Hazelnut Husk as a Growing Medium in Primrose Cultivation

In this study, the effects of hazelnut husk on growth, quality parameters, and nutrient content of primrose were evaluated. For this purpose, thirteen different growing media were prepared by mixing fresh hazelnut husk (FHH) and mature husk wastes (MHH) with peat at different rates. Some physical and chemical properties of the media and nutrient analyses were made for the nutritional status of the plants. The study was carried out in greenhouse conditions with four replications according to the randomized plot design. The aeration capacity and easily available content of the growing media is within the limit values, the medias with 50% FHH and MHH were prominent in terms of air-water balance. The effect of the medium on the aesthetic appearance, total shoot, leaf, and flower number of the primrose was not significant, but it was effective on flower weight, plant height, and root fresh-dry weight. In terms of plant root-shoot development, 30% FHH and 50% MHH were prominent. The media have caused significant differences in nutrient concentrations in primrose except for nitrogen, phosphorus, and copper. The leaf phosphorus concentration was high, nitrogen and potassium concentrations were within the limit value range, iron was sufficient, and manganese and copper were insufficient, while zinc was mostly lower than limit values. When all the data are evaluated, 50% ratios of hazelnut husks can be recommended in primrose cultivation and hazelnut husk can be evaluate in ornamental plant cultivation as a growing media.

Resilience to summer bushfire in the threatened orchid, Caladenia tessellata, in terms of pollination success, herbivory, and mycorrhizal associations

Abstract In some biogeographic regions, many threatened plant species occur in habitats that periodically experience bushfire. However, we currently have relatively little information on how important plant–animal and plant–fungus interactions are affected by these fires. For the threatened sexually deceptive orchid Caladenia tessellata we test whether pollination rate, frequency of florivory, and the species of mycorrhizae the plant associates with differ between burnt and unburnt sites. Interestingly, pollination rates were unaffected by fire, demonstrating that populations of the thynnine wasp pollinator can persist post-fire. However, there was a significant negative relationship between number of flowers in a population and pollination success, which is likely a by-product of a deceptive pollination strategy. Despite the presence of vertebrate herbivores, florivory rates were low in both burnt and unburnt sites. Caladenia tessellata associated primarily with the mycorrhiza Serendiptia australiana, regardless of fire history. While our results suggest resilience to a one-off summer fire for the ecological interactions that we measured, it would be interesting to investigate the effects of fire frequency and time of year. High reproductive rates in small populations of C. tessellata suggest these populations may be viable and that retaining them is a high priority for conservation.

Trichoderma atroviride Enhances Impatiens walleriana Hook. f Growth and Flowering in Different Growing Media.

Trichoderma spp. are widely reported to regulate plant growth by improving nutrient uptake, photosynthesis, and abiotic stress tolerance. However, their possible application for bedding plants is little explored, especially when comparing different growing media. Considering that coconut coir dust is finding broader application in the ornamental plants sector as a peat substitute, this work was aimed to test the combination of Trichoderma atroviride AT10 and coconut coir dust on Impatiens walleriana plants. Four treatments were tested as a mix of: (i) two growing media (70:30), peat:perlite or coconut coir dust:perlite; and (ii) the absence or presence of a T. atroviride treatment. At the end of the production cycle, the biomass and ornamental parameters, leaf pigments, nutrient content of the plant tissues, and Trichoderma abundance were assessed. The results revealed that T. atroviride can readily colonize coir, and the same positive effects of inoculum were found in plants grown on both substrates. The biostimulant effect of T. atroviride was observed as an increase in the aboveground biomass, number and weight of flowers, pigments and nutrient concentration, thereby improving the commercial quality of I. walleriana. Thus, T. atroviride has shown its potential in making bedding plant cultivation more sustainable and improving the yield and aesthetic parameters of plants grown on peat and coconut coir dust substrates.

Campanula bergomensis (Campanulaceae), a new species from Bergamo Prealps (Northern Italy)

A new species of Campanula (Campanulaceae), C. bergomensis sp. nov., is described from the Bergamo Prealps (Orobic Prealps, Lombardy, Northern Italy), based on both morphological and molecular evidence. The new species was considered in the past as an isolated population of C. cespitosa, which presents an eastern Alpine distribution. C. bergomensis is morphologically well distinguishable from C. cespitosa on the number of flowers in the racemose inflorescence, the corolla shape, and the whitish-yellow pollen surface with many spinulae. Genetically, the presence of an insertion of 81-bp in the trnL-F sequences is very characteristic. Further studies are needed to better define the phylogenetic relationship among the three closely related species, C. bergomensis, C. cespitosa and C. cochleariifolia. C. bergomensis inhabits dolomitic debris cones at low elevations. The species is range-restricted and is severely threatened by human activities. Therefore, it is urgent to adopt protection and conservation measures for the new species.

Species diversity, behavior and visit rates to melon flowers (Cucumis melo l.) as a function of time and seasonality in a semi-arid climate region in Brazil

In this research we evaluated the phenology of melon flowering (Cucumis melo L.) and the diversity of floral visitors in geographical conditions of semi-arid climate in Northeast Brazil, during the wet and dry seasons. The floral phenology of the melon was evaluated by recording the number of flowers produced/plant/day from 30 plants, the insects that visited the flowers were recorded following three methods: visual counts, sweep collection and counting and identification, we observe and count the number of visits to flowers from 30 plants (n = 30) during the first 45 minutes of each hour. This study reports the diversity of melon pollinators in geographical conditions located in a semi-arid climate region, with specific seasonal fluctuations, which explains the behavior pattern found at work. The order Hymenoptera predominated among floral visitors, especially Apis melífera and Trigona spinipes. The flowering cycle was influenced by seasonality, with a longer duration in the dry season, the flowering and visiting peaks were higher during the hottest hours of the day, regardless of the season. There was a preference for visitation in the morning hours, with a peak at 10 a.m. and a gradual decrease in the presence of insects in the late afternoon.

Factors affecting fruit damage caused by Thrips hawaiiensis (Morgan) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) in citrus lemon groves in Turkey

The Hawaiian flower thrips, Thrips hawaiiensis (Morgan) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) is an economically important invasive species in citrus grown in the eastern Mediterranean region of Turkey. The diverse impacts of temperature on arthropods are well documented. This study was conducted with the aim of determining the influence of day-degree on insect population dynamics and crop damage levels in Mersin Province, Turkey during 2018–2019. In 2018, the first damage caused by T. hawaiiensis was observed at 300 degree-days (DD), while in 2019, it occurred at 800 DD. The damage percentage was recorded as 28% in the lemon grove, where the population of second instar larvae briefly reached a high level (approximately 2 individuals per fruit). During 2019, the average temperature remained relatively low, and the initial population density of thrips was below the 33-day development threshold (10.4 °C) from January to April. This pattern was observed even during the mild spring season. Additionally, in both sampling locations, the high adult densities, mainly adult females, led to the shedding of a limited number of flowers that had formed in June.

Investigating the Performance of Different Varieties of Cucumber under Prayagraj Agro-Climatic Condition

Nine cucumber varieties were evaluated at the vegetable research farm Department of Horticulture SHUATS, Prayagraj in randomized block design with three replications during rainy seson September -2022 for growth, yield and fruit qualities. The experimental design was Randomized Block Design consisting of nine treatment with three replications, with a view to evaluate different cultivars of cucumber viz. KH10 GREEN LONG(T1), F999(T2), C4F9(T3), SS95(T4), CUCUMBER GREEN WONDER(T5), BH05(T6), PRIYA BARSATI(T7), ANUPRIYA(T8), GREEN 4 BARSATI(T9). Cucumber Green Wonder gave maximum mean value for fruits per plant (5.20 kg) , fruit weight (174.33 g), fruit yield per plot (39.33 kg), number of node per vine (15.33) yield (42 q) , number of male flower per plant (65.00) , number at which first female flower (5.33) was observed in same varieties , maximum numbers of male flowers per plant in variety Cucumber Green Wonder (65.00) maximum length has been found in Cucumber Green Wonder (151.67) Minimum days were recorded for first Appearance of male flower in KH 10 Green Long (51.67). The variety Green 4 Barsati has taken minimum (48.00) days to first harvesting followed by F999 (53.00). cucumber green wonder was found superior based on overall performance in terms of growth, yield, quality & Economic returns. The highest cost benefit ratio was found for cucumber variety Cucumber Green Wonder under PrayagrajAgroclimate condition.

The Evaluation of Production, Chlorophyll Content and Number of Flower of Samosir Local Shallots through Application of Gibberellin and Boron in the Highlands

Shallot is a leading horticultural commodity with good seasoning and medicinal properties prospects. In increasing local Samosir shallot production, growth regulators and micronutrients are needed. Gibberellin (GA₃) is a plant growth-stimulating hormone that can simultaneously trigger the appearance of flowers and flowering when applied as an exogenous hormone. Applying boron on shallots could increase the quality of seeds and the number of flowers. The study's objective was to evaluate the production and quality of Samosir local shallots by applying gibberellin and boron in the highlands. The research was conducted at Humbang Hasundutan, North Sumatera Province, Indonesia, from August to October 2022. A factorial randomized block design was used with two-factor and three replications. The first factor is the application of Gibberellin (0, 100, 200, and 300 ppm), and the second is Boron (0, 3, and 6 kg/ha). The result showed that applying gibberellin until 200 ppm increased the content of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b total chlorophyll, bulb wet weight, and number of flowers of Samosir local shallots. The application of boron until 3 kg/ha increased plant length 2-8 weeks after planting (WAP), leaf number 4-8 WAP, number of tillers 4-8 WAP, the content of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll of Samosir local shallot. The combination treatment of 100 ppm gibberellin and boron 6 kg increased bulb wet weight and bulb dry weight of Samosir local shallots.

Effect of pre-flowering sprays of micronutrients on flowering, fruit set, fruit drop and yield of mango cv. Amrapali ​

Being the national fruit of India, mango possess a significant position in its history, tradition culture and economy. This delicious and nutritious fruit contains considerable amounts of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in abundance. The plant flowers in panicle at the end of winter and fruit drop is a common problem which is manifested due to several causes and micronutrient deficiency is one of major cause. The present study was conducted at the instructional farm of Institute of Agriculture, Visva Bharati, Sriniketan which comes under humid sub-tropical region of West Bengal, India during the year 2020 and 2021 to study the effect of pre-flowering sprays of zinc and boron on panicle emergence and panicle growth of mango cv. Amrapali. The experiment comprised of 9 treatment combinations of pre flowering sprays of zinc sulphate (ZnSO4, 7H2O) and borax (Na2B4O7, 10H2O) replicated 3 times as T1: Control (distilled water), T2: ZnSO4 @ 0.5%, T3: ZnSO4 @ 1.0%, T4: Borax @ 0.5%, T5: Borax @ 1.0%, T6: ZnSO4 @ 0.5% + Borax @ 0.5%, T7: ZnSO4 @ 0.5% + Borax @1.0%, T8: ZnSO4 @ 1.0% + Borax @ 0.5% and T9: ZnSO4 @ 1.0% + Borax @ 1.0%in Randomized Block Design (RBD). Highest number of total flowers and hermaphrodite flowers per panicle were recorded under ZnSO4 @ 1.0% + Borax @ 1.0% spray (T9). Apart from these, higher percentage of fruit set and lower fruit drop in all the stages have also been observed ZnSO4 @ 1.0% with Borax @ 1.0% treatment (T9). Same treatment also exhibited maximum yield in both the years. Thus, foliar application of ZnSO4 @ 1.0% and Borax @ 1.0% can be used at pre-flowering stage in mango (cv. Amrapali) for good flowering, high fruit set and less fruit drop.

Investigation on Efficacy of Azolla with Different Organic Fertilizers as Plant Growth Enhancer on Chili (Var.Super)

Chili is one of the widely used spices all around the world. Over usage of inorganic fertilizer to satisfy ever growing demand for food leads to detrimental impacts on human health and environment. Therefore, this study was intended to investigate the efficiency of azolla with different organic fertilizer on growth and yield of chili, variety Super. A field experiment was carried out with five different treatments, T1-Azolla+Compost, T2-Azolla+Vermicompost, T3- Azolla+Panchagowvya, T4-Azolla+Vermitea, and T5-Control with five replicates and laid in randomized complete block design. The prepared organic fertilizers were applied from two weeks of transplanting and continued for 12 weeks in one week interval. Then the growth parameter such as mean plant height, number of leaves per plant, leaf width, number of flowers, pod length, pod diameter, pod weight and total yield were measured in different time duration according to the type of measurement. According to the results, T2 showed better performance in terms of mean plant height (45 cm), number of leaves per plant (43 cm), leaf width (2.8 cm), pod length (4.34 cm), individual pod weight (6.94 g), and total yield (176.8 g) whereas comparatively lower performance was observed in control. Considering the significant differences recorded in the statistical analysis for all the parameters other than the mean number of flowers, it can be concluded that the application of Azolla solution with vermicompost improves the growth performance and yield of chili. Therefore, it is recommended to adapt this combination as an organic fertilizer among the farmers to reduce the usage of inorganic fertilizers.
 
 Keywords: Azolla solution, Demand, Growth parameters, Inorganic fertilizer

Two Growing-Season Warming Partly Promoted Growth but Decreased Reproduction and Ornamental Value of Impatiens oxyanthera.

Climate warming profoundly affects the vegetative growth, flowering phenology and sexual reproduction of plants; therefore, it affects the ornamental value of wild flowers. Despite this, the extent and mechanism of the impact remain unclear. Here, we conducted a warming experiment for two growing seasons (increases of 1.89 °C in 2017 and 2.37 °C in 2018) with infrared heaters to examine the effects of warming on the ornamental value of the wild flower Impatiens oxyanthera, endemic to China, in Mount Emei. We evaluated the comprehensive ornamental value based on plant morphology and flowering characteristics using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and disentangled the impact of the two traits on ornamental value using principal component analysis (PCA) and the partial least squares structural equation model (PLS-SEM) under ambient and warming treatments. We hypothesized that warming would reduce the ornamental value of I. oxyanthera in terms of plant morphology and flowering traits. Our results showed that warming significantly decreased plant height and crown width and increased branch number and single-leaf area. Warming also decreased vexillum length, corolla tube length, nectar spur length and pedicel length. In addition, warming shortened flowering duration per plant and reduced flower number, while there was no significant effect on flower longevity and flower color at full-bloom stage between the control and warming treatment. Therefore, the comprehensive ornamental value under warming was lower than that under the control. Pedicel length, flower color, flower longevity and flowering duration per plant were the main factors affecting the comprehensive ornamental value. The PLS-SEM showed that warming had an indirect negative effect on ornamental value via direct negative effects on flowering traits. Collectively, these results indicate that, although promoting vegetative growth, short-term warming significantly decreased the ornamental value of I. oxyanthera due to warming-caused smaller flowers and shorter flowering duration.