Number Of Flowers Research Articles

THE IMPACT OF SOIL HEAVY METAL ACCUMULATION ON THE GROWTH OF SUNN HEMP (Crotalaria juncea L.)

Sunn Hemp plants, specifically Crotalaria juncea, are effective in absorbing and reducing the accumulation of heavy metals like cadmium, zinc, lead, and copper in soil. This plant species belongs to the Fabaceae family and is not only important for its phytoremediation capabilities but also for its agricultural value as a fiber and manure crop. Overall, Sunn hemp plants are crucial in mitigating the harmful effects of heavy metal contamination. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse using a Completed Randomized Design (CRD) with 5 treatments and 6 replications to assess the impact of varying concentrations of heavy metals on Sunn hemp growth. The heavy metals were created by combining Cadmium (Cd), Copper (Cu), Lead (Pb), and Nickel (Ni). Each treatment of heavy metal contamination using 200ml of solution: T0 is the negative control. T1 containing 0.9 (Cd) + 4.0 (Cu) + 0.18 (Pb) + 0.7 (Ni). T2 containing 11.90 (Cd) + 19.80 (Cu) + 36.00 (Pb) + 28.90 (Ni). T3 containing 23.80 (Cd) + 39.60 (Cu) + 72.00 (Pb) + 57.80 (Ni). T4 containing 35.70 (Cd) + 59.40 (Cu) + 108.0 (Pb) + 115.60 (Ni). The study analyzed the impact of heavy metal concentrations on the growth of sunn hemp. Data included soil pH, plant height, flower count, pod count, root and shoot length, fresh and dry weight. Results showed that T4 showed excellent growth performance in terms of height, number of flowers, and dry weight. Sunn hemp has the ability to store heavy metals to a greater extent in its roots and has a remarkable capacity for long-term survival.

Pengaruh Pupuk ‘Mutiara’ dan Giberelin Terhadap Pertumbuhan dan Produksi Tanaman Semangka Partenocarpi

Watermelon production is influential in supporting the increase of income of the farm. Watermelon production tends to decline at present, so that efforts need to be carried out to optimize the growth and yield of watermelon plants. One of the important nutrients source for watermelon plants is ‘Mutiara’ fertilizer and the plant growth regulator (PGR) gibberellin. This study aimed to determine the right combination of ‘Mutiara’ fertilizer dosage and gibberellin concentration on the growth and yield of parthenocarpic watermelon plants. This research was conducted from September to December 2023 at Pattimura Mutiara Farm of Pattimura University, in Rumahtiga Village, Teluk Ambon Subdistrict, Ambon City. This research was an experimental study that used a Factorial Randomized Group Design (RAK) consisting of two treatment factors, i.e.: ‘Mutiara’ fertilizer with 4 levels and the dose of gibberellin with 4 levels, with replications, so that there was a total of 48 treatment combinations. The observed variables included plant height, number of leaves, number of female flowers formed, fresh fruit weight, fruit diameter, and number of seeds. The results showed that the interaction between the dose of ‘Mutiara’ fertilizer 6 g/plant and the concentration of gibberellin 6 mL/L was the best treatment combination and could increase plant length and number of leaves. The combination of 2 g of ‘Mutiara’ fertilizer and 2 mL/L gibberellin concentration was the best combination for fresh fruit weight

Morphological and agronomical characterization of beef type tomato hybrids

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is one of the most important vegetable crops and agro-morphological characterization has a key role in the development of new varieties. In this study, 228 samples of the tomato hybrid type “Beef” (Solanum lycopersicum L.) were characterized by comparing with 11 standard varieties based on 24 quantitative traits and 2 qualitative traits to reveal the phenotypic diversity by using conventional descriptors proposed by IPGRI (1996) and UPOV (2011). A significant level of variability was found in most of the traits studied among the genotypes in two locations. A high level of broad-sense heritability (H2) was detected for many traits such as the number of fruits, firmness, immature fruit color, stem length up to the first inflorescence, total height, and number of days to the first flowering in both locations. There was a highly significant positive correlation among the color values (L*, a*, b*, c*, h*) but no positive correlation between a* and h*. Number of locule had a positive correlation with fruit width and fruit weight, and a positive correlation was determined between fruit length and pericarp thickness in both locations. While fruit weight had a highly significant negative correlation with the number of fruits and number of flowers, there was a highly significant negative correlation between the number of locules and the fruit length-to-width ratio in both locations. Results of PCA showed that PC1 and PC2 accounted for around 15.6% and 13.7% of total variation and 13.8% and 11.8% of total variation for Location 1 and Location 2, respectively. The first five principal components accounted for around 54.2% of the total variation for Location 1 and 48.2% of the total variation for Location 2. Cluster analysis grouped the 239 genotypes under six cluster groups for Location 1 and seven cluster groups for Location 2. Results of the cluster analysis revealed that Cluster 3 for Location 1 and Cluster 2 for Location 2 had prominent genotypes for some of the agronomically important traits like yield. The results showed that present phenotypic diversity could be useful in the selection of best-performing genotypes, which would be important candidates for the beef red tomato market in the spring season.

Assessment of gene action and combining ability for advancement of yield andits attributing traits in pansy (<i>Viola </i>× <i>wittrockiana </i>Gams.) through diallel mating design

Pansy is one of the most important bedding winter annual for sub-tropical climatic conditions. Twenty-eight F1 hybrids of pansy were evaluated in randomized block design with three replications, to study the combining ability for vegetative and floral characters. The analysis of variance indicated significant variability among all the genotypes for all the characters. The ratio of genetic component of variance indicated the equal importance of additive and non-additive gene action in governing the flower yield and its component traits of pansy. Estimates of general combining ability effects showed that parents Pa-64-1-5-14, Pa-62-4-12-18, Pa-63-1-7-25 and Pa-32-8-7-6 were good general combiners for most of the traits except stalk length and flower size. The specific combining ability effects showed that for yield traits the best cross combinations were Pa-64-1-5-14 × Pa-62-4-12-18, Pa-13-1-2-3 × Pa-47-1-3, Pa-11-1-3-7 × Pa- 62-4-12-18, Pa-64-1-5-14 × Pa-63-1-7-25 and Pa-11-1-3-7 × Pa-64-1-5-14. The study on gene effect of different characters indicated the predominance of non-additive gene effects for most of the characters. The gca variances was higher for branches number, flower size, days from bud initiation to flowering and flowers number than sca variances, indicating additive gene action, and progeny selection will be effective for the genetic improvement of these traits.

Evaluation of Bio-Stimulants for Active Growth, Yield and Shelf Life of Papaya cv. Red Lady

Bio-stimulants, which are natural substances aiding plant growth and resilience, are comprised of various organic and mineral compounds, serving as eco-friendly tools for sustainable farming. The research study was conducted at the Horticulture Farm of Agriculture at Lovely Professional University in Phagwara, Punjab, during the years 2023-24. The study employed a randomized block design with seven treatments replicated three times. Bio-stimulants were sprayed at 60, 90, 120 and 150 days after planting (DAP) on papaya plants cv. Red Lady to evaluate its effect on various growth, quality and shelf-life parameters. Various growth parameters including plant height, stem girth, canopy spread, petiole length of leaves, as well as floral characteristics such as days taken for flowering, height at initial flowering, number of flowers per node, fruit set percentage and yield-related parameters were evaluated. The study found significant effects of different bio-stimulant applications on papaya growth, flower and fruit production, fruit quality and shelf-life. Treatment T4 (RDF + Diatomaceous earth) showed notable improvements in growth parameters, while treatment T5 (RDF + Panchgavya) resulted in enhanced productivity, fruit quality and shelf-life. Overall, the study suggests that the application of Diatomaceous earth alongside fertilizers promotes vegetative growth, while Panchgavya application enhances flowering, fruiting and quality attributes, offering insights for optimizing papaya cultivation practices for improved yield and quality.

Varietal diversity and selection of potential varieties of Petunia hybrida L. for commercial cultivation in Bangladesh

A study was conducted to compare the morpho-reproductive traits of twenty two genotype of Petunia in order to select superior and sustainable genotypes for commercial cultivation in Bangladesh during winter 2021-22. Thirteen qualitative and quantitative characters viz. stigma type, leaf shape, plant height (cm), number of branches, number of effective branches, days to flower initiation, number of flowers, duration of flowers, flowering duration, plant longevity, number of stamens, stamen length (cm) and petiole length (cm) were observed during the study period. The findings found that all morpho-reproductive traits differed significantly amongst the genotypes investigated, with the exception of the stamens, which were five in number. Highest quantitative variation was observed in days to flower initiation and longevity of the plants. Glow picotee blue showed the superior plant height (29.33 cm). Deep salmon had the shortest time to bloom initiation (52 days). Maximum number of flowers was recorded from ultra purple star (50) followed by ultra crimson star (49.67) while the duration of the flowers was maximum (6.67 days) in opera supreme white, prism pink, ultra burgundy star and ultra purple star. Opera supreme white had the longest flowering time (69.67 days). Whereas ultra purple star, ultra crimson star and ultra rose star had the longest lifespan (111 days). The genotypes deep salmon, ultra purple star, ultra red star, ultra rose star, opera supreme white, dreams midnight, and prism pink are recommended for commercial cultivation based on their overall morpho-reproductive performance. Jahangirnagar University J. Biol. Sci. 12(1 & 2): 23-33, 2023 (June & December)

Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR): Impact on peanut flowering, seed physical quality, and yield determination (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Peanut seed yield is influenced by physiological and ecophysiological crop traits, with changes in reproductive parameters such as flowering time, flower number, and fertility index significantly affecting productivity. Management practices like Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) could enhance crop yield. PGPR can improve flowering and yield by modulating the balance of phytohormones and enhancing reproductive processes. This study assessed PGPR effects on peanut flowering dynamics, seed yield determination, and correlation with hormone levels. Two plant-level field experiments were conducted during 2019–2020 and 2020–2021, sowing two cultivars (ASEM 400 INTA and Granoleico) on four sowing dates (Oct-05, Oct-15, Nov-29, Dec-10). Three PGPR strains (Bacillus velezensis RI3 and SC6, Pseudomonas psychrophila P10), Bradyrhizobium japonicum, and control were arranged in a split-split-split-plot design, with sowing dates as main plots, cultivars as sub-plots, and PGPRs as sub-sub-plots. PGPR improved peanut flower number (FN) and flowering rate (FR) by 20 % and 50 % compared to B. japonicum and the control. B. velezensis SC6 showed the best performance (SC6 > P10 > RI3), advancing the flowering peak by 4–12 days. PGPR also increased the fertility index (FI) to 0.31 vs. 0.24 of B. japonicum and control and pod number (PN) by 53 % compared to the control. Flowering peak advancement led to larger seeds (SF≥8 mm) (∼+8 % vs. control) due to better environmental conditions (i.e., higher temperatures). Seed number (SN) increased by 94 %–113 % under PGPR treatments. Seed yield (SY) was increased (∼75 % on average) due to higher total biomass (TB) production and improved carbon allocation to seeds (harvest index; 0.33–0.36). Hormone analysis at the R5 stage under late sowing's restrictive conditions showed hormone level increases of 15 %–90 %. This study demonstrates that PGPR significantly improves peanut flowering dynamics, seed quality, and yield by affecting hormone levels and reproductive parameters, highlighting its potential as a sustainable management practice.

Do flower-colonizing microbes influence floral evolution? A test with fast-cycling Brassica.

Pollinators are thought to be the main drivers of floral evolution. Flowers are also colonized by abundant communities of microbes that can affect the interaction between plants and their pollinators. Very little is known, however, about how flower-colonizing microbes influence floral evolution. Here we performed a 6-generation experimental evolution study using fast-cycling Brassica rapa, in which we factorially manipulated the presence of pollinators and flower microbes to determine how pollinators and microbes interact in driving floral evolution. We measured the evolution of 6 morphological traits, as well as the plant mating system and flower attractiveness. Only one of the 6 traits (flower number) evolved in response to pollinators, while microbes did not drive the evolution of any trait, nor did they interact with pollinators in driving the evolution of morphological traits. Moreover, we did not find evidence that pollinators or microbes affected the evolution of flower attractiveness to pollinators. However, we found an interactive effect of pollinators and microbes on the evolution of autonomous selfing, a trait that is expected to evolve in response to pollinator limitations. Overall, we found only weak evidence that microbes mediate floral evolution. However, our ability to detect an interactive effect of pollinators and microbes might have been limited by weak pollinator-mediated selection in our experimental setting. Our results contrast with previous (similar) experimental evolution studies, highlighting the susceptibility of such experiments to drift and to experimental artefacts.

PaWOX3 and PaWOX3B Regulate Flower Number and the Lip Symmetry of Phalaenopsis.

The standout characteristic of the orchid perianth is the transformation of the upper median petal into a distinctively formed lip, which gives orchid flowers their typically zygomorphic symmetry and makes them the most popular ornamental plants worldwide. To study orchid flower development, two WUSCHEL-related homeobox (WOX) genes, PaWOX3 and PaWOX3B, were identified in Phalaenopsis. PaWOX3 and PaWOX3B mRNAs accumulate abundantly during early reproductive development and perianths of young buds, significantly decreasing in mature flowers and absent in vegetative leaves and roots. PaWOX3 and PaWOX3B virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) knockdown in Phalaenopsis significantly reduces floral bud numbers, suggesting that PaWOX3/PaWOX3B may be involved in flower initiation. Transgenic Arabidopsis ectopically expressing repressor forms of PaWOX3/PaWOX3B and their Oncidium ortholog, OnPRS, exhibit lateral organ development defects, implicating these genes likely have function in regulating growth and differentiation for lateral organs. Neither PaWOX3, PaWOX3B single nor PaWOX3/PaWOX3B double VIGS Phalaenopsis altered the flower morphology. Interestingly, double silencing of PaWOX3 or PaWOX3B with OAGL6-2, which controlled the identity/formation of lips, altered the symmetry of 'BigLip' produced in OAGL6-2 VIGS. This result indicated that the levels of PaWOX3/PaWOX3B are still sufficient to maintain the symmetry for the OAGL6-2 VIGS 'BigLip'. However, the symmetry of the OAGL6-2 VIGS 'BigLip' cannot be maintained once the expression of PaWOX3 or PaWOX3B is further reduced. Thus, in addition to controlling lip identity, this study further found that OAGL6-2 could cooperate with functionally redundant PaWOX3/PaWOX3B in maintaining the symmetric axis of lip.

Biotic interactions promote local adaptation to soil in plants

Although different ecological factors shape adaptative evolution in natural habitats, we know little about how their interactions impact local adaptation. Here we used eight generations of experimental evolution with outcrossing Brassica rapa plants as a model system, in eight treatment groups that varied in soil type, herbivory (with/without aphids), and pollination mode (hand- or bumblebee-pollination), to study how biotic interactions affect local adaptation to soil. First, we show that several plant traits evolved in response to biotic interactions in a soil-specific way. Second, using a reciprocal transplant experiment, we demonstrate that significant local adaptation to soil-type evolved in the “number of open flowers”, a trait used as a fitness proxy, but only in plants that evolved with herbivory and bee pollination. Whole genome re-sequencing of experimental lines revealed that biotic interactions caused a 10-fold increase in the number of SNPs across the genome with significant allele frequency change, and that alleles with opposite allele frequency change in different soil types (antagonistic pleiotropy) were most common in plants with an evolutionary history of herbivory and bee pollination. Our results demonstrate that the interaction with mutualists and antagonists can facilitate local adaptation to soil type through antagonistic pleiotropy.

Analysis of Growth and Yield of Echinacea Purpurea with the Addition of Biochar and Plant Growth Regulator

Echinacea purpurea is a North American herbal plant (Asteraceae) that is well-known worldwide as an alternative option to prevent the outbreak of COVID-19. E.purpurea contains antioxidants, is anti-inflammatory, and is immunomodulatory. The various potentials and benefits included in E.purpurea, can be developed by adding biochar and plant growth regulators. This study aimed to determine the optimal potential of secondary metabolite content in treating biochar type and growth regulator concentration. E.purpurea were prepared from the Experimental Field at Universitas Sebelas Maret, Jumantono, Karanganyar and were grown using the Split-plot research design treated with type biochar (control, husk charcoal, wood charcoal) and concentration growth regulator (0 ml/l, 2 ml/l, 4 ml/l, 6 ml/l). The data obtained were analyzed by variance analysis followed by Duncan’s test at a 5% level and described. The results showed that husk charcoal biochar gave the highest yield but was not significantly different from the wood charcoal biochar or control: plant height (38.8 cm) and the number of flowers (8.22). The growth regulator at a concentration of 6 ml/L gave the highest yield but was not significantly different from the concentration of 2-4 ml/L: plant height (39.8 cm), flowering time (11 WAP), number of flowers (9), and root length (21.9 cm). The highest C-organic plant tissue content yield was 35.44% (with husk charcoal) and 35.55% (with wood charcoal). It is shown that the provision of biochar and growth regulators can develop E. purpurea cultivation, especially on growth and yield components.

Effect of Foliar Feeding of Plant Growth Regulator and Nutrients on Phenological Attributes of Guava (Psidium guajava L.) cv Apple Colour

Guava, (Psidium guajava L.), small tropical tree or shrub of the family Myrtaceae, cultivated for its edible fruits. Guava trees are native to tropical America and are grown in tropical and subtropical areas worldwide. Nutrients and PGR play a crucial role in flowering and fruit production and their deficiency can significantly impact the yield, productivity, and quality of fruits. Therefore, keeping these points in view, the present investigation was carried out on a 10-year-old guava plant in a high-density plantation (3x3) at the Fruit Research Station Imaliya, Department of Horticulture, J.N.K.V.V., Jabalpur (M.P.) during the mrig-bahar season of 2022-23. The study employed a Factorial Randomised Block Design (FRBD) with 20 treatment combinations involving Plant Growth Regulators (PGR) like salicylic acid and various nutrients, replicated three times. Results indicated that the combination of salicylic acid (200 ppm) + borax (0.5%) significantly influenced several phenological parameters. This treatment resulted in the earliest flower bud initiation (18.33 days) after foliar application, the highest average number of flower buds per shoot (7.05), minimum days to 50% flowering (33.67 days), maximum average number of flowers per shoot (6.95), the highest fruit set percentage (92.18%), the highest fruit retention percentage (81.23%), and the lowest fruit drop percentage (18.77%). The application of salicylic acid at 200 ppm in conjunction with borax at 0.5% (S2 M4) followed by salicylic acid at 300 ppm with borax at 0.5% (S3 M4) demonstrated exceptional efficacy in significantly optimizing phenological parameters when compared to the control.

CsERECTA alternative splicing regulates the flowering numbers depending on temperature in Crocus sativus L.

Saffron, utilized for its medicinal properties in its pistils, can significantly boost yield by increasing the flowering numbers. Several strategies have been implemented to enhance saffron yield, but they may not guarantee the consistent inheritance of desirable traits. However, identifying and manipulating the genes responsible for flower production through molecular breeding offers considerable potential for innovating saffron germplasm resources. Here, a comparative transcriptomic analysis of single-flowered and multi-flowered apical buds was performed to mine the key genes. CsERECTA gene (Crocus sativus L. ERECTA, CsER), which has two spliceosomes in saffron: CsER long transcript (CsERlt) and CsER short transcript (CsERst), was identified as a putative regulator of flower production. To elucidate the effect of CsER alternative splicing on the flowering numbers, a series of molecular biology and genetics experiments were conducted. We found the expression of CsERlt decreased by 1.5-fold in multi-flowered apical buds compared to single-flowered apical buds at 22 ℃, while CsERst increased by 6.47-fold in the non-flowering apical buds at 9 ℃. Overexpression of CsERlt and CsERst in Arabidopsis thaliana revealed that CsERlt suppresses flowering numbers and the application of small-molecule inhibitors targeting CsERlt in flowering-competent corms led to a notable enhancement in the flowering numbers, increasing by up to 139.25 %. qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry assays revealed a widespread expression pattern of CsERlt in various plant structures. The subcellular localization demonstrated that CsERlt predominantly localized at the cell membrane, while CsERst exhibited both at the membrane and cytoplasm. The transcriptomic data and yeast two-hybrid library screening indicated CsER alternative splicing may regulate flowering numbers through the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. Taken together, our findings identify a CsER gene associated with flowering numbers in saffron, and its function in modulating flowering numbers is temperature-dependent, and the MAPK pathway may be involved in the regulation of flowering numbers in saffron.

Response of INM and training on flowering and yield of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) under greenhouse condition

The present investigation was carried out at Hi-tech Horticulture Park, college of Horticulture, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh during the year 2021-22 to 2022-23 to study the response of INM and training on flowering and yield of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) under greenhouse condition.The experiment was laid out Completely Randomized Design with factorial conceptwith three replications. The study included four nutrient levels, viz., 100 % RDF + 20 t/ha FYM, 100 % RDF + 5 t/ha FYM + 1 t/ha Neem cake + Bio-fertilizer (each 3 kg/ha) + Panchgavya 3 %, 75 % RDF + 10 t/ha FYM + 2 t/ha Neem cake + Bio-fertilizer (each 3 kg/ha) + Panchgavya 3 % and 50 % RDF + 15 t/ha FYM + 3 t/ha Neem cake + Bio-fertilizer (each 3 kg/ ha) + Panchgavya 3 % and four level of training system namely no training, single stem, two stem and three stem. The different level of INM indicated that the treatment 75 % RDF + 10 t/ha FYM + 2 t/ha Neem cake + bio-fertilizer (each 3 kg/ha) + Panchgavya 3 % recorded significant superior results on days to first flower appearance, number of flower per cluster, days to fruit set, fruit set per cent, flowering span, fruit yield per plant and fruit yield per 1000 m2. The training system indicated that the two stem training reported superior results on number of flower per cluster, fruit yield per plant, fruit yield per 1000 m2.

Morphological, Histological and Genetic Evaluation of Gamma Radiation-Induced Mutation and Its Potential Application in Rudbeckia hirta (L.)

Many cultivars of annual ornamental horticulture have great phenotypic qualities but are less tolerant to the effects of current climate change and urbanization. A good example of this in Hungarian ornamental breeding is the Rudbeckia hirta cultivar “Őszifény”. The objective of this study was to determine whether gamma mutation breeding (using 5 Gy, 10 Gy, 30 Gy doses) can be employed to enhance genetic variability and create mutants with novel trait values. Furthermore, it is important to ascertain whether the altered genetic traits are proportionate to the observed changes in phenotype. As an original and innovative aspect of the research, this will assist in establishing appropriate dose rates for the species. Changes induced by gamma radiation have been mapped using morphological, histological, and genetic methods. The radiation dose of 5 Gy resulted in plants with the most favorable characteristics, including significant increases in branching and flower number. Additionally, the phenomenon of hormesis was observed. Beyond these, the dose of 30 Gy also had a significant effect because it resulted in plants with many flowers and bushy habits, making them suitable for use as ornamental potted plants. The 10 Gy dose resulted in a heterogeneous stand but showed the greatest genetic variation. These results may contribute to future breeding work and may pave the way for further urban application of R. hirta in the light of urbanization.

Elevated atmospheric CO2 has small, species-specific effects on pollen chemistry and plant growth across flowering plant species

Elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide (eCO2) can affect plant growth and physiology, which can, in turn, impact herbivorous insects, including by altering pollen or plant tissue nutrition. Previous research suggests that eCO2 can reduce pollen nutrition in some species, but it is unknown whether this effect is consistent across flowering plant species. We experimentally quantified the effects of eCO2 across multiple flowering plant species on plant growth in 9 species and pollen chemistry (%N an estimate for protein content and nutrition in 12 species; secondary chemistry in 5 species) in greenhouses. For pollen nutrition, only buckwheat significantly responded to eCO2, with %N increasing in eCO2; CO2 treatment did not affect pollen amino acid composition but altered secondary metabolites in buckwheat and sunflower. Plant growth under eCO2 exhibited two trends across species: plant height was taller in 44% of species and flower number was affected for 63% of species (3 species with fewer and 2 species with more flowers). The remaining growth metrics (leaf number, above-ground biomass, flower size, and flowering initiation) showed divergent, species-specific responses, if any. Our results indicate that future eCO2 is unlikely to uniformly change pollen chemistry or plant growth across flowering species but may have the potential to alter ecological interactions, or have particularly important effects on specialized pollinators.

Bupleurum milamense sp. nov. (Apiaceae) from Milam Valley, Western Himalaya, India

A new species, Bupleurum milamense (Apiaceae) is described from the alpine forest region of the Milam Valley, Uttarakhand, India. The new species is similar to B. gracillimum Klotzsch in the nature of the plant, leaf shape, number of bracts, shorter umbel rays, number, shape and size of bracteoles, bracteoles shorter than the flowers, and number of flowers per umbellules, However, it significantly differs by having an erect stem position, in the number of umbel rays, fruit shape and size, and number of vallecular and commissural vittae. A detailed description, photographs, distribution map, and a comparison with allied species are provided.

Evaluation of Blackgram (Vigna mungo L.) Genotypes for Dry Matter Partitioning, Reproductive Efficiency and Yield under High Temperature Stress

Background: In the present climate change scenario, the rising temperatures are imposing severe threat to blackgram production leading to marked reduction in yield potential.The reduction in the yield potential is mainly due to reproductive failures caused by heat stress. Keeping this in view, the present study was carried out to find out the reasons behind reproductive failures and identify the genotypes that yield better under heat stress. Methods: Thirty blackgram genotypes selected from temperature induction response technique were evaluated for reproductive efficiency under natural high temperature conditions. Field experiment was conducted at Agricultural College Farm, Acharya N.G Ranga Agricultural University, Agricultural College, Bapatla. Dry matter partitioning, reproductive efficiency and yield traits were recorded at flowering and the data were analyzed statistically and pooled. Result: Genetic variability was observed among the blackgram genotypes with respect to dry matter partitioning, reproductive efficiency and yield traits under high temperature stress conditions. Among the 30 genotypes tested for thermotolerance, the genotypes TBG-129, PU-1804 and LBG-1015 were found to withstand high temperature stress at reproductive stage by possessing higher dry matter, number of flowers per plant, pollen viability, pollen germination percentage, pollen load on stigma, stigma receptivity, flower to pod setting percentage and higher yield. Correlation analysis revealed a strong positive association of total dry matter and all the reproductive efficiency characteristics with seed yield under heat stress conditions. The PCA results revealed considerable variability among the traits accounting for 86.6% of total variability. The genotypes TBG-129, PU-1804 and LBG-1015 can be potentially used as donors in the breeding programmes for the development of heat tolerant genotypes.

Potential Role of Bio-Stimulants in Administering Floral Characters of Asiatic Lily CV. Indian Summerset

An experiment was conducted at Horticulture Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj during 2021-22 and 2022-23. The experiment consisted of thirteen treatments viz T1- control, T2- 10 ppm triacontanol, T3-15 ppm triacontanol, T4-20 ppm triacontanol, T5- 25 ppm triacontanol, T6- 5 ppm brassinolide, T7-10 ppm brassinolide, T8-15 ppm brassinolide, T9-20 ppm brassinolide, T10-100 ppm nitrobenzene, T11- 200 ppm nitrobenzene, T12-300 ppm nitrobenzene, T13- 400 ppm nitrobenzene which were arranged in Randomized block design with three replications. Foliar application of bio-stimulants were sprayed twice at fifteen days interval. Analysis of the data indicated that T9 -brassinolide @ 20 ppm reported to be best for parameters namely days taken for opening of first flower from bud emergence (33.2 days), pedicel length (9.2 cm), number of flowers per stalk (3.8), flower length (15.0 cm), flower diameter (16.4 cm) and flower yield (9.0 flowers/plot and 33.3 flowers/m2).

Effect of Pruning Heights on Vegetative and Reproductive Response of Rosa Gruss-an-teplitz

Rosa Gruss-an-teplitz, belongs to Rosaceae family, commonly known as ‘Desi Rose’, is one of the beautiful red roses of the old garden rose section and produces flowers almost throughout the year. Roses are pruned regularly every year for regulating growth and flowering. This enhances the number, size, and quality of the flowers. Therefore, response of Gruss-an-teplitz to pruning heights at (Control, 01, 1.5, 02, 2.5, 03, 3.5 ft.), was evaluated in an experimental field. Pruning at 2.5 ft. had significant effects on studied parameters, including vegetative and reproductive plant growth, flower yield and gaseous exchange. This experiment was laid out under Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) using three replications per treatment. Pruning at (2.5 ft.) significantly improved growth, in terms of higher leaf area (129.55 cm2), plant height (77.01 cm), number of flowers (658.02), flower weight (4.51 g) and flower diameter (7.86 cm) with respect to other treatments. Chlorophyll a (1.57 mg/g), Chlorophyll b (2.73 mg/g), stomatal conductance (gs) (68.62) and photosynthetic rate (3.06) were also increased by pruning at (2.5 ft.). Pruning application at 2.5 ft. improved biomass, water preservation, pigments, enzymatic activity, leaf gaseous exchange, and flower yield of Gruss-an-teplitz.