Number Of Flowers Research Articles

Effect of preharvest conditions on cut-flower quality.

The cut flower industry has a global reach as flowers are often produced in countries around the equator and transported by plane or ship (reefer) mostly to the global north. Vase-life issues are often regarded as linked to only postharvest conditions while cultivation factors are just as important. Here, we review the main causes for quality reduction in cut flowers with the emphasis on the importance of preharvest conditions. Cut flower quality is characterised by a wide range of features, such as flower number, size, shape, colour (patterns), fragrance, uniformity of blooming, leaf and stem colour, plant shape and developmental stage, and absence of pests and diseases. Postharvest performance involves improving and preserving most of these characteristics for as long as possible. The main causes for cut flower quality loss are reduced water balance or carbohydrate availability, senescence and pest and diseases. Although there is a clear role for genotype, cultivation conditions are just as important to improve vase life. The role of growth conditions has been shown to be essential; irrigation, air humidity, and light quantity and quality can be used to increase quality. For example, xylem architecture is affected by the irrigation scheme, and the relative humidity in the greenhouse affects stomatal function. Both features determine the water balance of the flowering stem. Light quality and period drives photosynthesis, which is directly responsible for accumulation of carbohydrates. The carbohydrate status is important for respiration, and many senescence related processes. High carbohydrates can lead to sugar loss into the vase water, leading to bacterial growth and potential xylem blockage. Finally, inferior hygiene during cultivation and temperature and humidity control during postharvest can lead to pathogen contamination. At the end of the review, we will discuss the future outlook focussing on new phenotyping tools necessary to quantify the complex interactions between cultivation factors and postharvest performance of cut flowers.

Effect of Two Biostimulants, Based on Ascophyllum nodosum Extracts, on Strawberry Performance under Mild Drought Stress

The world’s population continues to grow while available natural resources, such as arable land, water, and quality soil, are decreasing. Therefore, it is essential to implement environmentally friendly crop management strategies, which include the use of biostimulants. This study analysed the effects on strawberry plants of ActyseiTM and Phylgreen®, two commercial biostimulants based on extracts of the seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum. The study was conducted under field capacity (regular irrigation) and at 50% field capacity (mild water stress conditions) for 12 weeks. Different growth parameters of the aerial parts of the plants were measured weekly, such as the number of leaves, length of the longest leaf, leaf area, and the number of flowers and fruits produced, as well as the chlorophyll content, determined with a single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) detector. At the end of the experiment, the plant material was collected, and the roots and aerial parts were weighed separately to obtain the fresh and dry weight of the samples. Fruit quality was assessed by analysing morphological parameters (weight and size) and some biochemical variables (proline, total soluble sugars, and antioxidant compounds contents). ActyseiTM application generally enhanced plant growth in control plants and under mild water stress conditions, even though root weight was reduced. In contrast, no significant effect of Phylgreen® on vegetative growth was observed, except for stimulating the root growth of plants watered at field capacity. Both biostimulants, Phylgreen® to a greater extent, showed an impact on the plants already seven weeks after their initial application, stimulating flower and fruit production, especially at field capacity.

DIVERSIDAD MORFOLÓGICA DE Ardisia compressa Kunth, DEL NORESTE DE CHIAPAS, MÉXICO

<p><strong>Background</strong>. <em>Ardisia compressa </em>Kunth, is a wild species native from tropical evergreen forests of Mexico, it produces fruits with phytochemical, ecological and dietary potencial. Its fruits are appreciated by people from local communities. However, in Mexico there are no studies that allow knowing the state of its phenotypic diversity. <strong>Objective.</strong> Characterize the morphological diversity of <em>A. compressa</em> populations from Chiapas state, Mexico. <strong>Methodology</strong>. Ninety individuals of nine wild populations of <em>A. compressa </em>were evaluated using 45 morphological traits (16 qualitative and 29 quantitative). The qualitative data were subjected to descriptive analysis and quantitative data were used in an analysis of variance (ANOVA) and finally the qualitative and quantitative data were analyzed simultaneously by means of a multivariate analysis with the Ward-MLM Method. <strong>Results. </strong>The qualitative traits showed phenotypic variability in the characteristics of leaf and fruit color. The quantitative data showed significant differences (<em>P</em>≤ 0.05) in all traits evaluated. The results of the principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis (UPGMA) grouped the populations into three morphological groups differentiated by the similarity of the morphological traits of the populations and not by their geographical origin. <strong>Implications.</strong> The results in this study should be considered to implementing strategies of plant production and conservation of <em>A. compressa</em>. <strong>Conclusion. </strong>A wide phenotypic variability was found organized into three morphological groups defined base on characteristics of tree height, number of fruits, number of flowers and ratio of length to thickness leaf. The quantitative traits allowed us to observe the greatest morphological variability in the populations of <em>A. compressa</em>. </p>

RESPONSE OF COTTON CULTIVARS TO SOIL AND FOLIAR APPLIED FERTILIZER IN KABBA, KOGI STATE, NIGERIA

The experiment was carried out at Kabba College of Agriculture experimental field in 2020 and 2021 cropping seasons to evaluate response of cotton cultivars to soil and foliar applied fertilizer. The experiment was performed in a randomized complete block design with two factors arranged in split plot arrangement in three replications. The first experimental factor was a cultivar, include two cotton varieties Hybrid and Lokoja local (abbreviated as C1 and C2) were used. The second experimental factor was the different nitrogen sources applied at five levels, NS1 = No Nitrogen source (control), NS2 = NPK (20:10:10 plus boron) fertilizer applied into soil alone = 80kg NPK & B, NS3 = NPK & B at 50% (40kg N) + Agric Zyme 50% (40 kg N), NS4 = NPK & B at 75% (60kg N) + Agric Zyme at 25% (20kg N) and NS5 = NPK & B at 25% (20kg N) + Agric Zyme at (60kg N). Data were collected on growth characters such as plant height, stem girth, number of leaves and leaf area fresh and dry weight of cotton. Yield characters observed were number of flowers per plant, cotton ball per plant, cotton yield per plant and cotton lint yield. All plots with NPK&B and Agric Zyme produce better growth and yield characters than the control. All plots with NPK&B alone or in combination with Agric Zyme at reduced level produced similar growth characters. Cotton with fertilizer application either singly or combined produced higher number of flowers and cotton balls compared to the control. Cotton grows through hybrid seeds gave more flowers and cotton balls more than Lokoja local seeds used. Cotton with fertilizer application were susceptible to pest attacked compared to cotton grow in the control plots. Cotton grows with the use of hybrid seed gave higher number of aborted flowers than the Lokoja local seed used. Though, cotton plant grows with NPK&B at 80 kg /ha gave the highest yield of cotton. All other plots with combined application of NPK&B and Agric Zyme produced yield comparable to plots with NPK&B at 80 kg /ha. Among cotton with combined application of NPK&B and Agric Zyme, plots treated with NPK & B at 25% (20kg N) + Agric Zyme at 75% (60kg N) gave the greatest yield. Cotton with hybrid seed produced cotton yield higher than the Lokoja local seed. The increment in hybrid cotton yield over Lokoja local seed is 58.52%. Cotton farmers in the study area should grow hybrid cotton using any of the treatment combinations especially NPK & B at 25% (20kg N) + Agric Zyme at 75% (60kg N).

Leopoldia buseana (Asparagaceae, Scilloideae), a new species from southwestern Anatolia

Leopoldia buseana Yıldırım (Asparagaceae) is described as a new species to science. It is endemic to the western Anatolia region of Türkiye. Leopoldia buseana is only known from Muğla Province. The new species is morphologically similar to L. muglaensis, L. elmasii, and L. weissii. Diagnostic morphological characters are discussed and compared with those related taxa. Leopoldia buseana is easily distinguished from related species by its distinctly longer inflorescence, the number of fertile and sterile flowers, mauve to bluish-mauve buds and early stage of fertile flowers, flat or sometimes slightly channeled and broader leaves, and the seed surface ornamentation. Diagnostic characters, a comprehensive description, photographs, and a distribution map are provided.

Suppression of a hexokinase gene SlHXK1 in tomato affects fruit setting and seed quality

Hexokinase is considered to be the key molecule in sugar signaling and metabolism. Here, we reported that silencing SlHXK1 resulted in a decrease in flower number, increased rate of flower dropping, abnormal thickening of the anther wall, and reduced pollen and seed viability. An anatomical analysis revealed the loss of small cells and abnormal thickening of anther walls in SlHXK1-RNAi lines. Treatment with auxin and 1-methylcyclopropene inhibited flower dropping from the pedicel abscission zone. qRT-PCR analysis revealed that the effect of SlHXK1 on abscission was associated with the expression levels of genes related to key meristem, auxin, ethylene, cell wall metabolism and programmed cell death. Pollen germination and pollen staining experiments showed that pollen viability was significantly reduced in the SlHXK1-RNAi lines. Physiological and biochemical analyses showed that hexokinase activity and starch content were markedly decreased in the transgenic lines. The expression of genes related to tomato pollen development was also suppressed in the transgenic lines. Although the RNAi lines eventually produced some viable seeds, the yield and quality of the seeds was lower than that of wild-type plants. Yeast two-hybrid and bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays showed that SlHXK1 interacted with SlKINγ. Furthermore, SlPIF4 inhibited the transcriptional expression of SlHXK1. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that SlHXK1 may play important roles in pollen, anther, seed and the pedicel abscission zone by affecting starch accumulation or cell wall synthesis, as well as by regulating the number of the transcripts of genes that are involved in auxin, ethylene and cell wall degradation.

Watermoss Mulching Stimulates the Productivity and Physiochemical Properties of Strawberry in the Tropical Ecosystem of Southern Bangladesh

Strawberry is one of the most lucrative antioxidants and phytochemicals enriched temperate fruits. Nevertheless, good-quality fruit production requires special soil management practices like mulching and other strategies in tropical and sub-tropical regimes with short and dry winters. In the present research, strawberry var. BARI Strawberry-3 was cultivated using Asian watermoss (AW), water hyacinth (WH), paddy straw (PS), black polythene (BP), and silver polythene (SP) mulching along with control at the tropical weather-inclined southern part of Bangladesh from October 2018 to April 2019. The aim was to evaluate the comparative influences of those organic and synthetic mulches on root and shoot growth phenology along with subsequent reproductive behaviors, fruit yield, and fruit biochemical properties of strawberries under such an ecosystem. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Mulching exhibited statistical superiority over control for strawberry growth, yield, and fruit quality indicators, where organic mulches performed better than others. Among the mulches, AW mulching produced the healthiest plant, having maximum plant height (20.40 cm), leaf number (23.33 per plant), canopy diameter (34.30 cm), single leaf area (100.06 cm2), and root length (19.05 cm) resulting in the highest root and shoot biomass. Though the plants received AW mulch required maximum duration from transplanting to flowering (47.88 days) and flowering to harvest (29.60 days), those plants produced the highest number of flowers (21.20 per plant) as well as fruits (19.63 per plant), and ultimately the utmost fruit yield (370.02 g/plant and 15.42 kg/ha) being significantly dissonant from all other treatments. Thus, a 57.57% yield increase over control was recorded from AW mulching. Furthermore, statistically, the maximum total soluble solids (TSS) (9.93%), TSS/acidity ratio (17.37), and vitamin C (58.30 mg/100 g), but the minimum titratable acidity (0.57%) content of strawberry was noticed in AW treatment. WH and BP mulches had statistical consistency with the best treatment for a few attributes. Therefore, crop residues, aquatic plants, or their by-products can be used as mulch for quality strawberry production in dry winter, especially in tropical and subtropical regions.

Latitudinal trends in mating system traits in the highly self-fertilizing Lobelia inflata revealed by community science.

Mating systems in angiosperms range from obligate outcrossing to highly self-fertilizing. The belief that obligate selfing does not exist is contradicted by genetic evidence in several populations of L. inflata, in which selfing is enforced by the anthers enclosing the style. However, whether the mating systems of these populations are typical, or an extreme across the species range is unknown. Such trends are hypothesized to result from selection for reproductive assurance under mate limitation at range margins. Here, we use ~7500 iNaturalist community science images, in which stylar exsertion can be observed, to test this hypothesis in L. inflata and, for comparison, in four typical congeneric Lobelias that express a staminate, then a pistillate phase (protandry). Specifically, we analyzed the effects of latitude and range marginality on the frequency of stylar exsertion and number of exserted flowers. Outcrossing capacity in L. inflata increased at low latitudes and near the overall range center, supporting our hypothesis, with exsertion frequencies significantly lower than in congenerics. Interestingly, in outcrossing capable individuals, the number of style-exserted flowers was consistent across the species range and among species, indicating outcrossing capable L. inflata individuals resemble congenerics. These findings suggest that variation in stylar exsertion is expressed among individuals rather than by all individuals within populations. However, whether this is a result of differences in exsertion allele frequencies or of differentiation in the induction of a threshold trait requires further study. Moreover, the trends in outcrossing capability revealed here imply the potential for geographic variation in L. inflata mating system.

Effect of the Ergostim and Amino Acids on some Chemical Properties and Yield of Hot Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) under Protected Cultivation

To investigate the impact of spraying with Ergostim and amino acids on certain chemical traits and yield of Capsicum annuum under protected cultivation and the cultivation of the hybrid cultivar Barbarian, an experiment was conducted in one of the unheated greenhouses at the research station of the College of Agriculture and Marshes / University of Thi Qar, Al-Mustafawiya in the academic year 2021–2022. (1, 2, and 3) ml L-1 and three concentrations of amino acids (0, 2, and 4) ml L-1 by using complete randomized block design with three replicates. The averages of the coefficients of erogostim were compared according to the Least Significant Differences (LSD) test at the probability level of 0.05. The results of the study showed that Spraying the nutrient solution ergostim at a concentration of (3 ml L-1), had a significant effect by increasing the number of flowers, the percentage of fruit set, the average yield of one plant, vitamin C and the cayenne substance Capsaicin where rates were recorded (517.5 flowers plant -1, 98.93%, 4395 gm plant-1, 105.91 mg 100 gm-1, and 2.80 mg kg-1), respectively. As for the amino acids, the concentration (4 ml liter-1) achieved the highest levels, reaching (411.5 flower plant-1, 94.40%, 4089 gm plant-1, 103.60 mg 100 gm-1 and 2.73 mg kg-1) respectively.

Bio-synthesized calcium carbonate (CaCO3) nanoparticles: Their anti-fungal properties and application as nanofertilizer on Lycopersicon esculentum growth and gas exchange measurements

Bio-synthesized calcium carbonate nanoparticles (CaCO3 NPs) have gained attention because of their cost-effectiveness, minimal toxicity, biological compatibility, cytological compatibility, pH sensitivity, gradual biological degradability and ecological friendliness. As the global population is expected to rise to billions, innovative strategies to enhance crop production are necessary to address poverty challenges. This study assesses the effect of the bioinspired CaCO3 NPs as nanofertilizers on the development, gas exchange and yield parameters of tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum) and their antifungal activity. The trial was conducted in a 2×4 completely randomised design (CRD) with four replicates. The treatments consisted of different CaCO3 NPs concentrations (Control = 0 mg/L, 50 mg/L, 150 mg/L and 250 mg/L) on two tomato cultivars (Money-maker and Heinz-1370), and the antifungal activity of the CaCO3 NPs was tested against pathogens that cause diseases in tomato plants. The results demonstrate that CaCO3 NPs exhibit moderate antifungal activity against Cladosporium cladosporioides, Fusarium oxysporum and Penicillium halotolerans at minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 125, 250 and 500 µg/mL. Results further show that 250 mg/L exhibits the highest number of leaves on Money-maker, while 150 mg/L gave the highest number of leaves at week 8 for Heinz-1370. The application of 150 mg/L yielded the highest number of flowers in both cultivars compared to other treatments. Remarkably, different CaCO3 NP concentrations varied the gas exchange parameters and revealed that at concentrations higher than 150 mg/L, the efficiency of water use during the vegetative and fruiting stages was lowered. The highest fruit weight of the Money-maker was observed at 50 mg/L, whereas Heinz-1370’s fruit weight was higher at 250 mg/L, indicating that the two cultivars are affected differently by the foliar application of CaCO3 NPs. Therefore, the findings of this study suggest that the inclusion of a green synthesis of CaCO3 NPs as a nanofertilizer has the potential to promote tomato growth and yield.

Pollinator Diversity and Foraging Behaviour of Insect Pollinators in Aonla

This study is on the diversity, abundance of floral visitors, foraging rate and speed of major pollinators in aonla orchard. Aonla flowers were observed with 22 floral visitors belonging to the Hymenoptera, Diptera, Lepidoptera and Coleoptera. Tetragonula iridipennis was the most abundant floral visitor followed by Apis cerana indica and A. dorsata. Number of flowers visited by A. cerana indica (13.46 flowers/ min) and T. iridipennis (8.26) was maximum during 1100-1200 hr. The time spent by A. cerana indica (6.24 sec/flower) and T. iridipennis (6.20) was also maximum during 1100-1200 hr.

Effect of Foliar Spraying with Boron and Brassinolide on the Growth and Flowering of Gladiolus

Experiments were run in a greenhouse at the University of Baghdad’s College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences to examine the impact of foliar spraying with boron and brassinolide on gladiolus development and blooming. Using a two-factor randomized complete block design (RCBD), a factorial experiment was conducted. The treatment with B4bl3 showed the greatest improvement in terms of plant height (90.75 cm), number of leaves (10.67 leaves), leaf area (125.83)dm2, chlorophyll content in leaves (54.33) mg.g-1, dry weight (58.17 g), number of corms (7.33 corms), corm diameter (4.800 cm), and corm weight (58.17 g). The number of flowers produced (9.67) and the length of time they last in a vase (14.67) were also improved upon. The flowering period was shortened from 75.00 days to 14.67 days.

Global warming and the phenology of Yard-long Beans (Vigna unguiculata subsp. cylindrica (L.) Verdc.)

A phenomenon in which a temperature difference between the present and the past exists is called Global Warming. Today's temperature is relatively higher than before. This temperature change causes climate change. Climate change due to global warming has caused changes in various areas of life, including plants. One of the plants' most influential physiological processes is the phenology of flower patterns. Studies on the effects of climate change caused by global warming on organisms can be represented by altitude gradients. This study aimed to determine the effect of altitude on the phenology of flower development in Yard long beans (Vigna unguiculata subsp. Cylindrica (L.) Verdc.). The parameters observed were the vegetative and phenology of plant development, namely the flowering age (Scale N days after planting), the number of flowers per plant, and flower size. The research was conducted in six places with different altitudes, ± 50 masl, ± 200 masl, ± 400 masl, ±600 masl, ± 800 masl, and ±1,000 masl. The research period lasted for three months. The research was conducted using the survey method. The independent variable used was the difference in elevation gradient, while the dependent variable was the cultivation pattern of yard-long beans. The sampling technique is purposive sampling. The data obtained were analyzed using One-Way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and regression correlation analysis. The analysis showed that altitude affected flowering time, number of flowers, and flower size. Yard-long beans grow and develop optimally at 50-400 meters above sea level.

Evaluation of Different Soilless Substrate on Growth and Yield of Capsicum (Capsicum annuum var. grossum)

The greenhouse experiment was carried out at the Department of Horticulture, ITM University, Gwalior (M.P) to assess the impact of different growing media, and varieties of capsicum in the soilless culture. The experiment was performed in a factorial completely randomized design consisting of three growing media viz. cocopeat (M1), vermicompost (M2), 1:1 mixture of cocopeat and vermicompost (M3) and three varieties Indrani, Mahabharath, and california wonder and replicated thrice. The results revealed that the all growth parameters expect numbers of branches were significantly (p<0.05) higher in M3. Among different varieties Indrani recorded the tallest plant height and numbers of leaves while, California wonder had greater number of branches on main stem, and leaf area than the remaining variety. However, the yield parameters viz. numbers of flowers/ plant, number of fruits/plant, locule number was higher in California wonder grown in substrate M3. In contrast the fruit length, fruit diameter, pericarp thickness, fruit weight, fruit weight/ plant were higher in mahabharath grown in substrate M3. Therefore, our Finding suggested that M3 and M1 should be used for soilless culture of capsicum in order to achieve greater growth and production characteristics respectively.

Effects of plant biostimulants and plant growth regulator applications on plant growth in lilium 'Adelante'

This experiment was designed, it was determined the effects of mycorrhiza, vermicompost, promalin applications on development of plant properties in a bulbous plant, Lilyum 'Adelante. Flower branch length (cm), flower branch diameter (mm), internode number, flower bud number, flower bud length (cm), flower stem length (cm), flower width (cm), flower length (cm), number of leaves and leaf length (cm) were measured. The results showed that no treatment increased plant height more than control plants, but each application had different effects on other plant characteristics. As a matter of fact, mycorrhiza increased internode number, flower bud number, flower bud length, flower stem length, flower length, number of leaves and leaf length by 6.3%, 15.6%, 14.2%, 6%, 40%, 10.3%, 2.9% and 6%, respectively. Vermicompost increased flower bud length, flower length and leaf length by 6.6, 12, 15.3% and 16.1%, respectively. Promalin, on the other hand, increased the flower stem length, flower length and leaf length by 56.3% and 15.4%, respectively. The application of mycorrhiza together with Promalin did not have a different effect than the application of Promalin alone, and even showed a lower effect than the application of Promalin alone. Mycorrhiza, on the other hand, was the application that showed the best effect compared to other applications. Therefore, it can be recommended for plant growth in lilies. However, due to the effect of application time and dose on flowering time, it is possible to obtain different results in plant development in lilies.

Bloom Performances during Rainy Season of Off-season Longan (Dimocarpus longan Lour. ‘Phuang Thong’) Grown at Samut Sakhon Province, Thailand

Rainy season is an obstruction for efficient off-season longan production in Thailand. In this experiment, the bloom performances of off-season 'Phuang Thong' longan as affected by microclimate in a private longan orchard at Ban Phaeo district, Samut Sakhon province was evaluated during the rainy season of 2020. This study focused on the reproductive development at four different times (plots) of potassium chlorate application: May, June, July, and August. Air temperature, relative humidity and light intensity at the canopy level were recorded. Rainfall data was obtained from the Meteorological Department of Thailand. The results showed that inflorescence length, female flower number, and sex ratio of female to male of the May plot were the highest compared to other plots, and it was associated with early rainfall occurrence during flower development and blooming time. The August plot had a low growing degree day and a short flowering period, which coincided with frequent rainfall during the flower development period. However, the pollen viability and female flower characters were unaffected by environment. In conclusion, flower induction in the early rainy season, especially in May, was an effective time for the production of off-season ‘Phuang Thong’ longan in Ban Phaeo district, Samut Sakhon province, Thailand. Keywords: Floral biology, Flower, Pollen, Microclimate, Heat unit

Pengaruh Kombinasi Pupuk Kandang Sapi dan Konsentrasi Pupuk Organik Briket terhadap Pertumbuhan dan Hasil Tanaman Marigold (Tagetes patula L.) Varietas Prancis Petite Orange .

Marigold (Tagetes patula L.) is an ornamental plant that has benefits in various sectors. The quantity of marigold flower production is related to the cultivation technique used. Soil conditions also affect the level of plant fertility. This can be overcome by means of fertilization. The aim of this study was to obtain a combination of doses of cow manure and bricket organic fertilizer concentration which gave the highest growth and yield of marigold plants (Tagetes patula L.) var French Petite Orange. The research was conducted at the Soursop Gardens of Casamora, City Parks and Forest Service, Ciganjur, Jagakarsa, DKI Jakarta in March - June 2023. The research method used was an experimental method with a Single Factor Randomized Block Design (RBD) consisting of 5 treatments repeated 5 time. The treatment consisted of A (0 ton/ha Cow Manure + 0 ml Organic Fertilizer Briquette) (control), B (15 ton/ha Cow Manure + 1.5 ml/liter of water Briquette Organic Fertilizer), C (20 ton/ha Manure Cattle + 1.5 ml/liter of water Organic Fertilizer Briquettes), D (15 tons/ha Cow Manure + 3 ml/liter of water Organic Fertilizer Briquettes), E (20 tons/ha Cow Manure + 3 ml/liter of Briquette Organic Fertilizer water ). The results showed that there was a significant effect of giving a combination of doses of cow manure and briquette organic fertilizer concentration in treatment E (20 tons/ha of cow manure + 3 ml/liter of water of briquette organic fertilizer) on flower diameter (32.49 mm), number of flowers (7.47), the number of branches (6.07) the yield of fresh weight of flowers (10.19 g), the yield of dry weight of flowers (3.74 grams), the yield of total fresh weight of plants (192.69 g), and the yield of dry weight total plant (54.55 g).

INFLUENCE OF DIFFERENT COMPOSTED PLANT MATERIALS ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF BELL PEPPER (Capsicum annum L.) IN LAPAI, NIGER STATE, NIGERIA

A field experiment was conducted at the Botanical Garden of Biological Science Department, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University during the 2023 cropping season to investigate the influence of different composted plant materials on growth and yield of bell pepper. The three plant materials used were Moringa oleifera fruits, neem fruits and locust beans fruits which were collected and composted. The composted materials were applied each at the rate of 0, 10, 20 and 30kg corresponding to 0, 10, 20 and 30t/ha respectively. These treatments were arranged in a completely randomized block design (RCBD) in three replications. Bell pepper growth and yield attributes measured included plant height, stem girth, number of leaves per plant, leaf area, length of branches, number of flowers per plant (NOFL/PLT), number of fruits per plant (NOF/PLT), fruit diameter (FDM) and fruit weight per plot (FW/PLOT). Data collected on all the mentioned parameters were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using Minitab statistical software version 2017. Means that showed significant differences were separated using Tukey Pairwise Comparison at 5% probability level. Results from the ANOVA indicated that composted plant material (CPM) produced a significant effect on plant height, stem girth, leaf area, number of leaves per plant and length of branches with composted locust beans fruits showing superiority in growth attributes of pepper compared to Moringa oleifera and neem fruits. Composted neem fruits consistently recorded the least effect on all the growth and yield parameters of bell pepper evaluated. It was also observed to produce...

Germination performance of alien and native species could shape community assembly of temperate grasslands under different temperature scenarios

Rising temperatures due to climate change are expected to interplay with biological invasions, and may enhance the spread and growth of some alien species upon arrival in new areas. To successfully invade, a plant species needs to overcome multiple biological barriers. Among the crucial life stages, seed germination greatly contributes to the final species assembly of a plant community. Several studies have suggested that alien plant success is related to their high seed germination and longevity in the soil. Hence, our aim is to test if the germination potential of alien seeds present in the seed bank will be further enhanced by future warming in temperate dry grasslands, an ecosystem that is among those most prone to biological invasions. We designed a laboratory germination experiment at two temperatures (20 and 28 °C), to simulate an early or late heat wave in the growing season, using seeds from nine common grassland Asteraceae species, including native, archaeophyte and neophyte species. The test was performed on both single and mixed pools of these categories of species, using a full-factorial orthogonal design. The warmer germination temperature promoted neophyte success by increasing germination probability and germination speed, while negatively impacting these parameters in seeds of native species. The co-occurrence of native and archaeophyte seeds at the lower temperature limited the invasiveness of neophytes. These results provide important information on future management actions aimed at containing alien plant invasions, by improving our knowledge on the possible seed-bank response and interaction mechanisms of common species occurring in disturbed natural areas or restored sites.Graphical abstractSummary of the experimental results. The colour of the flowers represent the status, divided as native (blue), neophyte (red) and archaeophyte (green). Each flower symbol represents the species pool for each plant category (i.e. NA = Buphthalmum salicifolium, Carlina vulgaris, Centaurea scabiosa; NE = Artemisia annua, Symphyotrichum novi-belgii, Senecio inaequidens; AR = Centaurea cyanus, Cichorium intybus, Tripleurospermum inodorum). The number of flowers represent the germination percentage of the various category assembly. In the columns are divided the various combination. From up to bottom the trend of germination percentage at 20 and 28 °C are shown.

Sexually concordant selection on floral traits despite greater opportunity for selection through male fitness.

Pollinators are important drivers of floral trait evolution, yet plant populations are not always perfectly adapted to their pollinators. Such apparent maladaptation may result from conflicting selection through male and female sexual functions in hermaphrodites. We studied sex-specific mating patterns and phenotypic selection on floral traits in Aconitum gymnandrum. After genotyping 1786 offspring, we partitioned individual fitness into sex-specific selfed and outcrossed components and estimated phenotypic selection acting through each. Relative fitness increased with increasing mate number, and more so for male function. This led to greater opportunity for selection through outcrossed male fitness, though patterns of phenotypic selection on floral traits tended to be similar, and with better support for selection through female rather than male fitness components. We detected directional selection through one or more fitness component for larger flower number, larger flowers, and more negative nectar gradients within inflorescences. Our results are consistent with Bateman's principles for sex-specific mating patterns and illustrate that, despite the expected difference in opportunity for selection, patterns of variation in selection across traits can be rather similar for the male and female sexual functions. These results shed new light on the effect of sexual selection on the evolution of floral traits.