Number Of Flowers Research Articles

Qiang Costumes in Maoxian, Sichuan Province: The Revival of Chinese Minority Identity for Application in Design

The purpose of this investigation was to fulfill three objectives: (1) to study the characteristics, connotations and reflected history and social development of Qiang costumes; (2) to study and analyze the cultural identity of Qiang Costumes for development into local products and (3) to design products inspired by Qiang Costumes in Maoxian County, Sichuan. The focus community was the Qiang people in Maoxian County, Sichuan Province, with the research population including local government workers, product sellers, design experts, and target consumers. Using a mixed-methods approach that combined qualitative and quantitative methodologies, the researchers gathered data through surveys, interviews, observations, and questionnaires. Results show that Qiang fabrics in Maoxian County are characterized by a number of local patterns, including fire, clouds, and flowers. These are incorporated into a rich and distinctive ethnic clothing identity. The researchers designed five everyday items based on the symbolism of Qiang clothing: a keychain, tableware, a bookmark, a fridge magnet, and a phone case. A questionnaire distributed to the target group found that the general level of consumer satisfaction with the products was at a very good level (x = 4.83). This investigation provides invaluable insights into the interplay between cultural preservation and economic development, highlighting the crucial role of integrating traditional Qiang culture into modern product design strategies.

Biopriming of Momordica charantia Seeds with Enterobacter to Improve Nutritional and Biochemical Attributes

The increasing world population needs a standard balanced diet to address malnutrition problems. For this purpose, seed priming is one of the best techniques, which helps to increase the production of functional and nutritional food crops. Different techniques have been used for seed priming, but biological priming is the most frequently used because biocontrol agents offer a friendly environment for the growth of food crops. In this study, Momordica charantia L. seeds were subjected to a strain of Enterobacter sp. FD17 as a biocontrol agent at different time exposures (i.e., 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h). Leaf growth, flavonoids, chlorophyll content, amino acids, soluble sugars, protein, and total soluble phenolics were studied in the vegetative stage. The yield of nutritive components was evaluated from fruit, peel, and pulp of M. charantia. Biopriming was revealed to improve the final emergence rate, mean emergence time, seedling vigor, emergence index, and vigor indices I and II. Among the growth parameters, the root (0.45 ± 0.045 g) and shoot fresh weight (1.23 ± 0.05 g), leaf area (15.52 ± 1.5 cm), shoot length (30.33 ± 0.58 cm), number of flowers (6 ± 1.0), fruit weight (96.33 ± 1.15 g), and germination percentage (56.67 ± 11.55%) were also improved. Among biochemical analyses, biopriming improved chlorophyll a (6.33 ± 0.58 mg/g) and b (8.58 ± 2.5 mg/g), total soluble sugar (33.13 ± 2.24%), and total chlorophyll content (9.0 ± 1.5 mg/g). The nutritional analysis showed that free amino acids (1.43 ± 0.02 mg/g), total soluble sugar (42.53 ± 1.65%), ash (20.53 ± 2.57%), and catalase (347.47 ± 34.76 U/g) were increased in fruit, while crude fiber (3.62 ± 0.1%) and peroxidase (5.61 ± 0.34 U/g) in peel and protein and metabolizable energy in peel and fruit were increased. Among the water, acetone, and methanol extracts, the maximum antibacterial activity was shown by methanol extracts of leaves against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial species (i.e., Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively) with inhibitory diameters of 3 mm. Biopriming also improved the phenolic contents in the leaves and fruits of M. charantia. Biopriming treatment was also revealed to be directly correlated with antiglycation activity. Therefore, biopriming treatment on seeds could be used to manipulate plant cell metabolism with a substantial improvement in phenolic content, antibacterial activity, and growth of M. charantia.

Phenotypic and Estimated Genetic Variability in Endemic Diospyros celebica Bakh. and Widely-spread D. blancoi A.Dc. Cultivated at Purwodadi Botanic Garden, Indonesia

The endemic Diospyros celebica and widely spread D. blancoi are two valuable species of Diospyros (the genus of persimmons and ebonies) that have been conserved at botanic gardens in Indonesia. Understanding the biological contrasts between endemic and widely spread species is essential for plant conservation. This study aims to compare the phenotypic and estimated genetic variability between the endemic D. celebica and the widely spread D. blancoi to support their conservation. Fifty-three morphological characters from fifteen selected living plant specimens at Purwodadi Botanic Garden were measured directly or using variable encoding methods. Unpaired two-samples Wilcoxon test and hierarchical cluster analysis were used to compare morphological variations between both species. Further, genetic variabilities were estimated from encoded morphological characters using GenAlEx 6.503 software. The two Diospyros’ morphological characters were significantly different, except for the lamina length, pairs of leaf vein, number of flowers in each inflorescence, and the fruit sulci presence. The cluster analysis successfully distinguished D. celebica from D. blancoi according to thirteen comparable morphological characters. The endemic D. celebica has lower genetic variability (female/bisexual %P = 86.21%, He = 0.259, uHe = 0.277; male P = 54.29%, He = 0.195, uHe = 0.234) than the widely spread D. blancoi (female/bisexual %P = 86.76, He = 0.311, uHe = 0.355). Due to the importance of genetic diversity in plant conservation, both species’ population size needs to be maintained, if not increased, to preserve the existing phenotypic and genetic variabilities within the cultivated populations at the botanic garden.

Preliminary selection of wild male kiwifruit (Actinidia callosa var. strigillosa C. F. Liang) accessions in North Sikkim, India, for future breeding programmes

ABSTRACT The flower morphology and phenology of 10 healthy, profusely flowering wild male kiwifruit (Actinidia callosa var. strigillosa C. F. Liang) accessions growing in North Sikkim district in Sikkim state, Northeast India, were analysed in 2021–2022. There was distinct variation among the accessions in the number of flowers per inflorescence, number of sepals and petals, colour of the sepals, arrangement of the petals, and average number of stamens, as well as the timing and duration of flowering. Accessions SKNFF-04 and SKNLC-21 were superior in terms of pollinating traits, with the highest average numbers of flowers and stamens per vine and the longest duration of flowering. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that the first and second principal components (PC1 and PC2) had eigenvalues greater than 1 and together explained 95.13% of the variation. Hierarchical cluster analysis categorised the accessions into two major clusters: Cluster I with eight accessions and Cluster II with the two superior accessions. The presence of the pleiochasium inflorescence type among all the observed accessions is of particular significance, as it can increase the efficacy of male selection in kiwifruit breeding programmes. This research sets the stage for further investigations into the potential advantages and unique characteristics of wild kiwifruit germplasm.

Pengaruh Pupuk Organik Plus terhadap Pertumbuhan Tanaman Tomat di Kabupaten Merauke

Tomatoes are a horticultural commodity that is widely consumed by the public, so they need to be increased using organic fertilizer plus Trichoderma. This research aims to determine the effect of organic fertilizer plus on increasing the growth and production of tomato plants. This study used a randomized block design with treatments namely no organic fertilizer plus (A0), organic fertilizer plus 3 t.ha-1 (A1), 6 t.ha-1 (A2), 9 t.ha-1 (A3), 12 t.ha-1 (A4), and 15 t.ha-1 (A5). The variables observed were plant height, number of leaves, number of branches, number of flowers forming fruit, number of flowers, number of fruit, fruit weight, fruit diameter and productivity. The observational data is analyzed for variance and data that shows a real effect will be further tested using Duncan's Multiple Range Test. The results of the study showed that organic fertilizer plus treatment had an effect on the growth of tomato plants. The highest variables of plant height, number of leaves, stem diameter and number of branches were obtained in the organic fertilizer plus 15 t.ha-1 (P5) treatment which was not significantly different from the 12 t.ha-1 (P4), 9 t.ha-1 (P3), 6 t.ha-1 (P2), 3 t.ha-1 (P1), but significantly different from the treatment without organic fertilizer plus (P0).

Divergent reproductive responses of Caatinga dry forest plants to leaf-cutting ant herbivory

Herbivory is one of the key processes shaping life history traits linked to plant fitness and the leaf-cutting ants are amongst the most voracious and polyphagous herbivores of the Neotropics. They extensively harvest aboveground plant parts to grow their symbiotic fungus, including vegetative and reproductive tissues. Although leaf-cutting ant herbivory is expected to reduce plant reproductive success, the potentially different outputs of damage to vegetative and reproductive parts are still poorly known. This study investigates the influence of Atta opaciceps herbivory on the reproductive success of three plant species native to the Caatinga dry forest: Croton argyrophylloides (Euphorbiaceae), Cenostigma pyramidale, and Indigofera suffruticosa (Leguminosae). We selected 10 adult and active nests of A. opaciceps based on the presence of individuals of the three focal plant species in their vicinity. For each colony, we marked four individuals of each plant species (totaling 12 individuals per colony), which were then subjected to one of four herbivory treatments: (1) ant herbivory on both reproductive and vegetative parts, (2) manually simulated herbivory on the reproductive parts alone, (3) ant herbivory exclusively on vegetative parts, and (4) no herbivory. From January to April 2020, we monitored all 120 individuals, recording the number of inflorescences, flower buds, flowers, fruits, and the proportion of flowers maturing into fruits (fruit set, as a proxy of reproductive success). Results revealed variations in reproductive structure production and divergent responses to leaf-cutting ant herbivory among our focal species. In terms of inflorescence, flower bud production, and fruit set C. argyrophylloides showed reduced numbers when subjected to higher levels of total herbivory (reproductive and vegetative parts), but increased inflorescence and flower bud production when plants suffered only leaf damage. Cenostigma pyramidale individuals under partial herbivory displayed lower flower bud numbers than protected ones. In contrast, I. suffruticosa displayed conflicting results, with fully exposed plants producing more inflorescences than partially exposed counterparts and more flowers than leaf-damaged and protected individuals. Despite the varied effects on different plant parts across all three study species, the overall reproductive success (i.e. fruit set) of only one species (C. argyrophylloides) was significantly reduced by leaf-cutting ant herbivory. The resilience of the two other plant species to leaf-cutting ant pressure may be attributed to compensatory mechanisms, shedding light on the intricate interplay between herbivores and plants in the Caatinga dry forest. As leaf-cutting ants proliferate in response to anthropogenic disturbances, the patterns described in this study may become more pronounced, potentially affecting the organization of plant communities in the Caatinga dry forest.

What are the drivers of female success in food-deceptive orchids?

A large suite of floral signals, and environmental and biotic characteristics influence the behavior of pollinators, affecting the female success of food-deceptive orchids. In this study, we examined the many factors shaping the reproductive output of three orchid taxa: Dactylorhiza majalis, D. incarnata var. incarnata, and D. fuchsii. We applied a statistical model to correlate female success (number of fruit sets) with individual characteristics (plant and inflorescence height, number of flowers, and spur length), number of pollinaria removed, flowering time, and density of floral units of co-flowering rewarding plants. Our findings suggested that the broad spectrum of variations in Dactylorhiza's morphological traits, floral display, and flowering phenology within different environmental contexts has a significant impact on their reproductive success. The number of fruits increased with an increase in the number of pollinaria removed in the studied Dactylorhiza taxa. In contrast, a higher number of flowers per inflorescence and higher inflorescences in relation to individual height always decreased fruit set. We observed that low number of co-flowering rewarding plants in populations could affect the Dactylorhiza reproductive output as magnets and competitor plants. The synchronization of flowering, or lack thereof, between Dactylorhiza and rewarding plants can limit reproductive success. This demonstrates that the food deception strategy is multidirectional, and reproductive output can vary considerably both spatially and temporally within the context of this strategy.

Ef fect of a Marine Bacterium and Vermicompost on Antioxidant Properties and Fruit Quality of Solanum lycopersicum L.

The present study aimed to evaluate caporal hybrid tomatoes’ antioxidant capacity and fruit quality under greenhouse conditions when applying a combination of a marine bacteria (Stenotrophomonas rhizophila) and dif ferent doses of vermicompost. A random block design was used, with 12 treatments: Inorganic fertilized (IF, control treatment), S. rhizophila (Sr), 60, 150, and 300 g of vermicompost (V), and the combination of Sr+V (Sr+V60, Sr+V150, and Sr+V300), with 20 repetitions each. Plant height, stem diameter, number of flowers, number of fruits, colony-forming units (CFU), polar and equatorial diameter of the fruit, fruit firmness, titratable acidity, total soluble solids (TSS), lycopene, vitamin C, fruit weight and yield per plant were evaluated. These were analysed with the Statistical Package and the Tukey mean test with a significance level of 0.05%. The analysis showed significant dif ferences for all the variables evaluated with Sr+V300 as the best treatment. It is concluded that the use of bacterium isolated from marine environments in combination with vermicompost favors the antioxidant contents and fruit yield being an alternative use in this vegetable.

Cultivar-Specific Growth and Yield of Mukunuwenna (<em>Alternanthera sessilis</em>) in the Low Country Wet Zone, Sri Lanka

Joyweed/Mukunuwenna (Alternanthera sessile) is a globally significant leafy vegetable, yet its maximum yield potential remains largely unrealized due to the limited genetic diversity of existing varieties. Farmers frequently lack precise knowledge about the yield potential, growth characteristics, and quality of the produce. Few attempts of research attentions were given to assess its growth characteristics, susceptibility to diseases and pests, consumer acceptability, and yield potential. Therefore, this study aims to comprehensively evaluate growth and yield traits, sensory qualities and morphological features of eight carefully selected Mukunuwenna cultivars. Thus, identifying the most suitable Mukunuwenna cultivars for the Low Country Wet Zone, Sri Lanka. In this investigation, we assessed four Mukunuwenna selections, including one wild (red) variety, alongside three local Mukunuwenna cultivars, focusing on their growth, yield and morphological characteristics under upland field conditions at the Agriculture Research Station, Thelijjawila, Sri Lanka. The study followed a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. Data were meticulously collected for eight growth parameters and two yield parameters including average internodal distance, average leaf length, average leaf width, average number of shoots per unit area, average number of leaves per stem, average number of flowers per stem, average shoot height, average chlorophyll content, average leaf to stem ratio, and average yield per plot. The results, analyzed through ANOVA and mean separation demonstrated significant differences (P< 0.05) among Mukunuwenna cultivars across various attributes, To assess the diversity in growth and yield, a principle component analysis was conducted. A sensory evaluation was performed to assess the consumer preference. Notably, the Piliyandala selection exhibited the most promising growth and yield traits, particularly excelling leaf to stem ratio and gaining the highest consumer preference. Other notable performers were the Colombo selection, Weda Mukunuwenna and Cultivar M7 showing preferable growth and yield traits with strong consumer appeal. Considering these findings, we conclude that Piliyandala selection, Colombo selection, and Cultivar M7 exhibit preferable growth and yield traits for commercial cultivation, while Weda Mukunuwenna stands out as an ideal choice for home garden cultivation under upland conditions in the Low Country Wet Zone, following recommended agronomic practices. This study’s outcomes hold significant promise for further research endeavors, focusing on enhancing desirable growth and yield traits.

Сортоизучение пиона древовидного Paeonia x suffruticosa Andr. при выращивании в условиях Московской области

The work is devoted to the variety study of tree peonies when grown in open ground conditions in the Moscow region. During the research, varieties with different growing seasons were identified, the duration of the flowering period was established, varieties with maximum values in height, plant diameter, number of flowers and flower size were identified, the most decorative varieties of tree peony were identified. The varieties Green Beans, Snow Fortress and Shima Nishiki bloomed first – 08.06, the varieties Midday Heat, Anastasia Sosnovets and Helen Martin – 09.06, 10.06 and 11.06, respectively. The longest flowering time for the varieties Midday Heat, Snow Fortress and Shima Nishiki is 9 days. The long duration of the growing season was noted in the varieties Snow Fortress, Green Beans, Midday Heat and Shima Nishiki, 118 days. The decorative variety is Shima Nishiki, which scored 64 points due to its originality. Anastasia Sosnovets and Helen Martin varieties are recommended for use in single and group plantings. Early varieties of Snow Fortress and Green Beans can be planted in flower beds, mixborders and in single plantings. When creating rock gardens and English gardens, it is possible to use the Midday Heat. To create rocky gardens, stylized Chinese and Japanese gardens, it is recommended to plant the Shima Nishiki variety. Keywords: TREE PEONY, VARIETIES OF TREE PEONY, CULTIVATION OF TREE PEONY, DECORATIVE PEONY, ASSESSMENT OF DECORATIVE PEONY

The Influence of Combined Pruning and the Use of Root Application of Two Biostimulants and Foliar Nutrition on the Growth and Flowering of Panicle Hydrangea Plants

The aim of this experiment was to assess how the interaction of two treatments influenced the growth and flowering of two varieties of Panicle hydrangea shrubs. The first treatment was plant pruning. Simultaneously, the plants received one of the three following treatments: root application of Trichoderma atroviride, root application of BlackJak biostimulant, or foliar application of a multi-component fertilizer. Simultaneous pruning and inoculation of the plants with the Trichoderma atroviride mycelium improved the length of hydrangea shoots the most, as compared with the control plants (18%). These two treatments also increased the number of flowers (16–47%, depending on the variety) and the fresh weight of plants (10–28%) compared with the control plants. T. atroviride alone improved the number of flowers in both varieties (19–24%) and the diameter of inflorescences in the ‘Silver Dollar’ one (17%). The foliar nutrition increased the fresh weight of plants by 7–57%, depending on the cultivar and pruning. It also increased the diameter and number of inflorescences in one of the varieties. Together with pruning, it intensified the growth of shoots in both cultivars (5–10%). The BlackJak biostimulant treatment gave ambiguous results. In combination with pruning, it improved the length of shoots (15%) in one cultivar and the fresh weight in the other (18%). Without pruning, the treatment increased the number of flowers (16%) and the diameter of inflorescences (9%) in one cultivar. It increased the fresh weight of plants in both cultivars (19–21%). Regardless of the other treatments, pruning increased the length of the shoots and the fresh weight of the plants. On the other hand, it reduced the number of flowers and their diameter. In most cases, the biostimulant treatment and foliar fertilization improved the growth and flowering of the plants. In combination with pruning, they improved the growth of the hydrangea shrubs but reduced the number and diameter of flowers. The simultaneous Ta treatment and pruning were the most beneficial for the growth and flowering of the panicled hydrangea plants grown in containers in a nursery.

Effect of Mulching Materials and Spacing on Growth and Yield of Two Varieties of Chilli Pepper (Capsicum annum L.) Planted in Experimental Plot in Jericho area of Ibadan Northwest Local Government, Oyo State, Nigeria

Mulching is covering the soil surface around the plants with organic or synthetic material to create favorable conditions for plant growth and proficient crop production. Hence, the objective of this paper is to investigate the Effect of Mulching Materials and Spacing on Growth and Yield of Two Varieties of Chilli Pepper (Capsicum annum L.) Planted in Experimental Plot in Jericho area of Ibadan Northwest Local Government, Oyo State, Nigeria using appropriate standard techniques. The results obtained from the experiment showed no significant difference in the growth parameters of both varieties except in the fruit yield data of the local variety assessed. Treatments which recorded highest values for hybrid and local variety on plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, number of flowers and number of fruits were T2(27.7cm), T2(1.2mm), T2(64.0), T2(5.00) and T2(17.0) while treatments which recorded least were T4(20.3cm), T4(0.7mm),T5( 20), T4 ( 1.00) T3 (0.00) respectively. In conclusion, T1 (30x75cm+plantain leaves), hybrid variety recorded the best performance while for local variety, T2 (60cmx75cm+plantain leaves) recorded highest than other treatments assessed. It was therefore recommended that spacing of 30cmx75cm and plantain leaves should be adopted for the growth and yield of Capsicum annum hybrid varieties while 60x75cm and plantain leaves can be used for local varieties in the study area.

Effect of Plant Spacing and Fertilizer Application on Growth and Yield of Bell Pepper (Capsicum annum) in Experimental Farm at Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria

Optimum plant population, natural resources, such as nutrients, sunlight, soil moisture and efficient fertilization are some of the primary factors that ensure satisfactory growth and yield. Hence, the objective of this paper was to investigate the effect of plant spacing and fertilizer application on growth and yield of bell pepper (Capsicum annum) in experimental farm at Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria using appropriate standard techniques. Three levels of spacing (S1=30cm x 50cm, S2=40cm x 50cm and S3 =50cm x 50cm) and four different levels of fertilizer application (F0 = control, F1 = 20 t ha-1 poultry manure, F2 = 300 kg ha-1 NPK 15:15:15 and F3 = 150 kg ha-1 NPK 15:15:15 + 10 t ha-1 were adopted. The parameters measured were plant height, stem diameter, leaf area, number of leaves, number of branches, fresh fruit weight per plant, fresh fruit weight per plot, fruit diameter, fruit length, and number of flowers per plant, number of fruits per plant and fruit yield. The results showed that S3F1, (50cm x 50cm spacing + 20 t ha-1 poultry manure) had the highest plant height and stem diameter and S2F3, (40cm x 50cm spacing + 150 kg ha-1 NPK 15:15:15 and 10 t ha-1) had the highest fruit yield (1731.60 kg ha-1). The lowest yield (994.49 kg ha-1) was obtained at S1F0, (40cm x 50cm spacing + control). Therefore, farmers in this locality could grow bell pepper (Capsicum annum) at S2F3 for increased fruit yield.

The Effect of Natural Plant Growth Regulator Concentration of Indian Red Onions on the Growth of Euphorbia (Euphorbia geroldii) Flowers

The euphorbia flower (euphorbia geroldii), widely used by the public as an ornamental plant because of its visual beauty, has an aesthetic function and health benefits that still need to be researched. The euphorbia genus has antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antidiabetic activity, which comes from its abundant terpenoid compounds, flavonoids, and other phytochemical compounds. Due to these high benefits, optimization of cultivation is carried out by adding phytohormones, better known as Growth Regulatory Regulator (PGR), further to increase the quality and quantity of euphorbia flowers so that the economic value will also increase in the realm of the agricultural industry. This research aims to analyze the effect of the natural PGR concentration of red onions (Allium cepa L.) on the growth of euphorbia flowers, including the parameters of the number of flowers on one tree, the time the buds appear, and the duration of flower survival. The research method used was quantitative experimental using a one-factor Randomized Block Design (RBD), namely testing the effect of several variations in PGR concentration (0%, 1%, 3%, 5%, 7%, and 10%) and statistically analyzed using SPSS. The results of the research show that all variations in PGR concentration have a positive effect on all parameters, where the PGR concentration of 10% indicates the highest increase, including the average number of flowers on one tree, which is 13 flowers, the average time for buds to appear is 2.5 times in one week. The average duration of flower survival is 139.5 hours. It can be concluded that the natural PGR of red onions has a positive effect on all parameters, with the highest results shown at a concentration variation of 10%.

APPLICATION OF SPECIAL LIQUID FERTILIZER FROM ORGANIC WASTES TO PROMOTE GROWTH AND PRODUCTIVITY OF RED CHILLI PLANTS (CAPSICUM ANNUUM L.)NNUUM L.)

Zero waste management program (Masaro) offers a solution to process fruit, vegetable, and food waste. They were fermented at 32oC using two types of opaque plastic bioreactors with volumes of 60 L (first 14 days of fermentation) and 120 L (next 14 days of fermentation), respectively. The product of fermentation is a special liquid fertilizer. In this study, the fertilizer is applied to promote the growth and productivity of red chilli plants (Capsicum annuum L.) for 77 days. The macro and micronutrients in the fertilizer were analyzed using atomic absorption spectroscopy. The microorganisms and the amino acids therein were also characterized. The results inform that 5 mL/L of special liquid fertilizer signifies the average height increase and leaves area enlargement of the chilli plants. The presence of rhizobacteria in the fertilizer is responsible for promoting plant growth and enhancing plant productivity. In addition, this concentration of the fertilizer provides one week earlier of flowering and fruit production, with the highest number of chilli flowers and fruits reaching 28 and 19. Conclusively, the special liquid fertilizer has shown positive impacts on crop production and quality, with lower production costs. It is also effective, sustainable, eco-friendly, and can be applied in various agricultural sectors.

Influence of Organic and Inorganic Inputs on Vegetative, Flowering and Yield Attributes of Marigold cv. Pusa Narangi Gainda

The present investigation was carried out on “Influence of organic and inorganic inputs on vegetative, flowering and yield attributes of marigold cv. Pusa NarangiGainda” at instructional farm, Department of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, College of Horticulture and Forestry, Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh during the year 2021-22. A field experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 13 treatments in three replications. Findings revealed significant (p<0.05) influence of organic and inorganic inputs on vegetative, flowering and yield characters of the marigold. Maximum plant height (130.70 cm), number of primary branches (11.20), number of secondary branches (14.40), leaf area (56.57 cm2), East-Westplant spread (49.25 cm), and North-South plant spread (46.50 cm) were associated with treatments T12-FYM @ 25 t.ha-1 + Vermicompost @ 5 t.ha-1 + Mustard oil cake @ 5 t.ha-1 + Dolomite @ 222 kg.ha-1. Treatment T12 also had earlier bud initiation (44.10 days), maximum number of flowers per plant (20.23), and flower yield (159.73 q). However, the maximum flower diameter (62.19 mm) was recorded in the treatment T10 - FYM @ 25 t.ha-1 + Mustard oil cake @ 5 t.ha-1 + Dolomite @ 222 kg.ha-1. The study demonstrates that combination of organic inputs significantly enhances the vegetative, flowering and yield attributes in marigold that could be exploited for increased productivity of the crop.

Influence of growing condition, spacing and nutrition on flower quality and post harvest life of Heliconia genotypes

Heliconia, a high value flower crop can assure sizable income to farmers with minimum investment and care. Suitable agro techniques help in obtaining maximum number of high quality flowers. Therefore, field trial was undertaken at the Department of Horticulture, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad during 2021-22 to understand the influence of growing condition, spacing and nutrition to improve the flower quality and post harvest life of Heliconia genotypes. The experiment was laid out in strip plot design with three replications and sixteen treatment combinations comprised of two growing conditions as main plot (M1:Coconut garden and M2:Shade house) and combinations of genotypes, spacing and nutrition as eight sub plots [G1:Orange (H. latispatha), G2:Kenea Red (H. psittacorum), S1:40 × 40 cm, S2:40 × 60 cm, N1:100% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) and N2:75% RDF]. Result indicated significant difference with all flower quality parameters and post harvest life. Plants in shade house exhibited highest values for all the characters compared to plants in coconut garden. The interaction found significant for stem length (54.01 cm) which was higher under T13 (M2G2S1N1). Treatment combination T11 (M2G1S2N1) recorded maximum stem girth (2.37 cm), spike length (19.87 cm) and spike width (21.67 cm). The same treatment combination (T11:M2G1S2N1) recorded maximum fresh weight of flowers (117.68 g), lowest physiological loss in weight (23.26%) and highest vase life of 16.60 days. and the same treatment combination can be suggested to get good quality flowers with extended vase life in Heliconia.

Effect of Combined Application of Nano Urea and Custom Blended Thermochemical Organic Fertilizer for Growth and Yield of Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii Bolus)

A study was carried out to evaluate the impact of combined application of nano urea liquid fertilizer and custom blended thermochemical organic fertilizer on the growth and yield of the gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii Bolus) variety "Natasha" under naturally ventilated polyhouse conditions. The experiment was conducted in 2021-2022 inside a naturally ventilated polyhouse in the Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Agriculture, Vellayani using 3-month-old tissue culture plantlets of gerbera variety ‘Natasha’. The experiment was laid out in CRD with 10 treatments and 15 replications. The results of the study revealed fortnightly foliar application of nano urea and soil application of thermochemical organic fertilizer custom blended with rajphos and MOP @ 1.2 g N: 0.8 g P2O5: 2 g K2O per plant significantly improved the parameters like plant spread, number of leaves per plant, leaf length, leaf area and number of suckers per plant. Flower diameter, number of flowers produced per month, length of the flower stalk and bloom life were greatly improved by fortnightly soil application of thermochemical organic fertilizer custom blended with urea, rajphos and MOP @ 1.2 g N: 0.8 g P2O5: 2 g K2O per plant.

Olive Performance under the Soil Application of Humic Acid and the Spraying of Titanium and Zinc Nanoparticles under Soil Salinity Stress

Salinity is a major social, economic, and environmental menace in climates with low rainfall and high evapotranspiration, and it influences plant growth and causes restriction to crop production in the world. Additionally, under salinity stress, numerous physiological processes such as photosynthesis, biomass accumulation, and photosynthate transfer are also harshly lessened, and it also limits the absorption of adequate water by plants and leads to a dimension in plant water status. Therefore, the current study was conducted to investigate the soil application of humic acid (HA) at 0, 0.5, 1 and 2 kg/tree alone or in combination with the foliar spraying of 0 mg ZnO2 + 0 mg TiO2, 200 mg ZnO2 + 60 mg TiO2 and/or 300 mg ZnO2 + 80 mg TiO2 through the two successive seasons 2022 and 2023. The results demonstrated that the use of HA alone or in combination with the spraying of TiO2 and ZnO2 greatly improved the leaf chlorophyll, flower number, fruit set percentages, fruit yields in kg or in ton per hectare, fruit weight, fruit size, and fruit firmness. Additionally, the same used treatments greatly improved the fruit content from TSS and oil percentages and also the leaf mineral content from N, P and K, while they minimized the fruit drop percentage and fruit moisture content as compared to control. The most positive influence was observed with the soil implementation of 2 kg HA combined with 300 mg ZnO2 + 80 mg TiO2 in the two experimental seasons.

The Effect of Humic and Gibberellin on the Growth and Flowering of The Cat's Eye (Syzygium Zeylanicum) Plant

Cat’s eye (Syzygium zeylanicum) is one of the tropical plants that has a fairly high value. Cat’s eye plant is often used variously. This first-year research was conducted with the aim to study the effect of the interaction of Humic acid and gibberellin on the flowering of Cat's eye plant and to determine the best concentrations of Humic acid (LHA) and gibberellin (GA) to spur the flowering of cat eye plant. The research method used is an experimental method with a factorial RAL treatment pattern. The first factor is the concentration of gibberellins consisting of 4 levels, namely 0 ppm; 100 ppm; 200 ppm; 300 ppm. The second factor is the concentration of Humic acid, which consists of 4 levels consisting of 0 ppm; 100 ppm; 200 ppm and 300 ppm. Each combination of treatments was repeated 10 times so that 120 experimental units were obtained. The results showed that the interaction between Humic acid and GA did not show significantly different results on all parameters tested. The independent use of GA and Humic acid may affect the growth of Cat's eye plant. GA treatment of 200 ppm showed plant height and relative growth rates. The Lion Humic acid treatment concentration of 0 ppm and 200 ppm showed the highest average number of flowers, while for the highest average number of roots shown in the 0 ppm Humic acid treatment. The F test was used to analyses the data, and if they were significantly different.