Bud Opening Research Articles

Reproductive biology and pollination of the carnivorous Genlisea violacea (Lentibulariaceae).

Genlisea violacea is a Brazilian endemic carnivorous plant species distributed in the cerrado biome, mainly in humid environments, on sandy and oligotrophic soil or wet rocks. Studies on reproductive biology or pollination in the Lentibulariaceae are notably scarce; regarding the genus Genlisea, the current study is the first to show systematic and standardised research on reproductive biology from field studies to describe the foraging of visiting insects and determine the effective pollinators of Genlisea. We studied two populations of G.violacea through the observation of flower visitors for 4months of the rainy and dry seasons. Stigmatic receptivity, pollen viability, and breeding system were evaluated together with histochemistry and morphological analyses of flowers. The flowers showed stigmatic receptivity of 100% in open buds and mature flowers, reducing to 80% for senescent flowers. Nearly 80% of pollen grains are viable, decreasing to 40-45% after 48h. Nectar is produced by glandular trichomes inside the spur. Two bee species are effective pollinators: one of the genus Lasioglossum (subgenus Dialictus: Halictidae) and the other of the genus Ceratina (subgenus Ceratinula: family Apidae). Moreover, bee-like flies of the Syrphidae family may also be additional pollinators. Genlisea violacea is an allogamous and self-compatible species. The differences in flower-visiting fauna for both populations can be attributed to factors such as climate, anthropogenic effect, seasonal factors related to insects and plants, as well as the morphological variation of flowers in both populations.

Standardisation of growing media and its depth for rooftop gardening of chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora Tzvelev) cv. Prof. Harris

An experiment was conducted to study the standardisation of growing media and its depth for rooftop gardening of chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora Tzvelev) cv. Prof. Harris during 2016. The experiment was laid out in two-factor completely randomized block design comprising five growing media having different components by volume at three different depths viz., D1: 10 cm, D2: 20 cm and D3: 30 cm depths. The media compositions were G1: Soil+sand+coco peat+vermicompost (1: 1: 2: 2), G2: Sand+coco peat+vermicompost (1: 2: 2), G3: Sand+coco peat+vermicompost +vermiculite (1: 2: 2: 0.5), G4: Sand+coco peat+vermicompost+perlite (1: 2: 2: 0.5) and G5: Sand+coco peat+vermicompost+vermiculite+perlite (1: 2: 2: 0.25: 0.25). Among the depths of growing media, D3 i. e. 30 cm was found best for increasing the plant and flower characters. It induced early flowering (bud visibility at 46.53 days, bud opening at 61.89 days and full bloom at 75.84 days), greater flower number 47.13/plant and longer flowering duration 62.37 days. Among the media, G5 responded best in terms of flower earliness (bud visibility at 49.00 days, bud opening at 64.35 days and full bloom at 78.85 days), more number of sprays per plant i. e. 7.01 sprays per plant and longer duration of 54.52 days compared to other growing media. The treatment combination of media depth D3 i. e. 30 cm and growing media G5 was best for rooftop gardening of chrysanthemum.

Ảnh hưởng của việc xử lí đường sucrose, GA3 và một số hóa chất đến chất lượng và thời gian cắm bình hoa huệ trắng (Polianthes tuberosa L.) cắt cành

Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) cut spikes have short vase life after harvest. Two experiments were conducted to determine the effect of pulsing tuberous cut spikes with 10% sucrose for 24 hours alone or combined with spraying GA3 at 5 ppm before keeping the stalks on some different concentrations of chemicals on extending the vase life and post harvest quality of tuberose spikes. The results showed that, pre-treatment with 10% sucrose for 24 hours before keeping in aspirin 100 ppm solution increased the vase life up to 14 days, compared to 9 days in the control; it could remain the the florets quality and reduced the percentage of flower wilting and dropping. Pulsing with 10% sucrose for 24 hours and spraying with GA3 5 ppm along with two different holding solutions of GA3 5 ppm or aspirin 100 ppm recorded significantly higher stalks increase, lower percentage of wild and dropped folwers, maximum percentage of floret opening as well as lengthening the life of cut tuberose spikes (15,3 days and 14,8 days, respectively) over control (9,8 days). Sprayed florets with GA3 5 ppm induced percentage of bud opening when compared with non-spraying.

Radiocesium uptake through leaf surfaces of tea plants (Camellia sinensis L.)

To clarify the source of radiocesium detected in newly emerged tea leaves contaminated just before the time of bud opening by fallout of radionuclides from Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant, 137CsCl solution (0.185 M Bq mL−1) was applied to the front or the backside surfaces of mature leaves of tea plant (Camellia sinensis L. cv. Yabukita) at the time of bud opening. A 21 days after foliar application, the buds had grown and developed to the three- or four-leaf stage. In the front treatment, almost all (95%) of the applied 137Cs was present in the mature leaves (hot mother leaves). In the backside treatment, 68% of applied 137Cs also remained in hot mother leaves, but 22% and 10% was found in the new shoots attached to hot mother leaves and the other parts (non-applied mature leaves, stems and roots), respectively. The images of a hot leaf and its attached new shoots by imaging plate analysis revealed that the results coincided with those of the 137Cs distribution above. These suggested that radiocesium was primarily absorbed from the backside surface of tea leaves through the stoma, and then the greater part was transported to newly emerged tea organs during the new shoot growth period.

Relationship between cold hardiness and bud opening among peach cultivars during a constant experimental deacclimation

Relationship between cold hardiness and bud opening among peach cultivars during a constant experimental deacclimation

오리엔탈 나리 ‘시베리아’ 절화의 포장내 건식저장 기간별 수분함량과 품질 변화

In order to determine the relationship between water content and flower qualities of oriental hybrid lily cv. ‘Siberia’ cut flower, flowers were subjected to dry and cold storage at 5oC for 3, 6, and 12 days and subsequently exposed to ambient temperature (26oC) in bottles with water for up to 16 days. Flowers stored at 22oC in dry condition for 3 days were used as the control. Changes in fresh weight, moisture content, water balance, flowering stages, osmolality and vase life of cut flowers were observed. Flowers treated with cold and dry storage had higher moisture content compared to control sample. However, this trend was evident only for 3-day cold and dry stored sample during the whole storage period. The fresh weight of cut flowers increased gradually when the samples were transferred to ambient temperature in water bottles and then declined steadily before reaching the peak in between 6-8 days of vase life. However, the changes of fresh weight of control sample were substantially faster than samples pre-treated with cold and dry storage. This was also correlated with the water balance of cut flower as it reached the minus (-) value in 6-8 days of vase life at ambient temperature. Cut lily flowers showed high osmolality values corresponding with the duration of dry storage regardless of low or higher temperature. However, osmolality had no effect on vase life since flower stem absorbed water rapidly at the end of dry storage period. Our vase life results suggest that cold and dry storage of lily cut flowers for a certain period could ensure longer vase life at ambient temperature. It was observed that prolonging the storage period at cold and dry condition for more than a week significantly increased bud abortion, reduced longevity of flowers and reduced the vase life of cut flowers. On the other hand, the shorter cold and dry storage treatment delayed the bud opening and senescence of the flowers, thus, slowering the normal maturation and aging. Results indicated that dry and cold storage at 5oC for 3 days was effective in maintaining and preserving overall quality and vase life at ambient condition of oriental hybrid lily cut flowers.

Chronological Sequence of Leaf Phenology, Xylem and Phloem Formation and Sap Flow of Quercus pubescens from Abandoned Karst Grasslands.

Intra-annual variations in leaf development, radial growth, including the phloem part, and sap flow have rarely been studied in deciduous trees from drought-prone environments. In order to understand better the chronological order and temporal course of these processes, we monitored leaf phenology, xylem and phloem formation and sap flow in Quercus pubescens from abandoned karst grasslands in Slovenia during the growing season of 2014. We found that the initial earlywood vessel formation started before bud opening at the beginning of April. Buds started to open in the second half of April and full leaf unfolding occurred by the end of May. LAI values increased correspondingly with leaf development. About 28% of xylem and 22% of phloem annual increment were formed by the time of bud break. Initial earlywood vessels were fully lignified and ready for water transport, indicating that they are essential to provide hydraulic conductivity for axial water flow during leaf development. Sap flow became active and increasing contemporarily with leaf development and LAI values. Similar early spring patterns of xylem sap flow and LAI denoted that water transport in oaks broadly followed canopy leaf area development. In the initial 3 weeks of radial growth, phloem growth preceded that of xylem, indicating its priority over xylem at the beginning of the growing season. This may be related to the fact that after bud break, the developing foliage is a very large sink for carbohydrates but, at the same time, represents a small transpirational area. Whether the interdependence of the chronological sequence of the studied processes is fixed in Q. pubescens needs to be confirmed with more data and several years of analyses, although the ‘correct sequence’ of processes is essential for synchronized plant performance and response to environmental stress.

Changes in stem diameter of blueberries from dormant period to bud opening

Changes in stem diameter of blueberries from dormant period to bud opening

STUDIES ON FLOWERING, FRUITING AND RESIDUAL EFFECT OF SOME BREAKING DORMANCY AGENTS ON TWO PLUM CULTIVARS

this study was conducted during 2014 and 2015 seasons to compare the effect of spraying dormancy-breaking agents Dinitro-O-Cresol (DNOC) in the form of Universal oil at two concentrations (5% and at 6%); Duromix (which contains 50 % Hydrogen cyanamide) at 1% + Mineral oil at 1.5 %; Thiourea at 1.5% + Mineral oil at 1.5 %; Light mineral oil at 2% [CAPL2] and control treatment, at mid-January, in two seasons, on flowering; fruiting and detecting the residual effect of breaking agents on Hollywood and Beauty plum cultivars. Measurements included chilling requirements; dates of different stages of flower bud opening; flower bud opening percentages; fruit set percentages; heat requirements; dates of fruit maturity; yield; fruits physical and chemical properties and the residual of breaking agents in fruits. Results indicated that calculating chilling hours using temperature at 10.0 0C or below was more suitable than the temperature at or below 7.2 0C or 15.0 0C. Application of all dormancy breaking agents had advanced fruit set stage which ranged from 17 to 21 days for the two cultivars. Universal oil at 6% and Duromix at 1% + Mineral oil at 1.5 % treatments gave the highest fruit set percentages of the two cultivars. Meanwhile, Universal at 5% and Duromix at 1% + Mineral oil at 1.5 % treatments gave the highest percentages of fruit set of Beauty cultivar. Universal at 6% had the lowest accumulated growing degree days from time of flower bud break till fruit maturity in Hollywood cultivar. Universal at 6% had the highest yield weight per tree in Hollywood and Beauty cultivars. Universal at 5%; Universal at 6% and Duromix at 1% + Mineral oil at 1.5 % had the earliest fruit maturation of the two cultivars. Universal at 6% and Duromix at 1% + Mineral oil at 1.5 % treatments significantly increased fruit size; weight and diameter of the two cultivars. There were no agent residues found in fruits in the two cultivars 110 days from after application. It can be recommended that Dinitro-O-Cresol at 6 % and Duromix at 1% + Mineral oil at 1.5 % were the best dormancy-breaking agents application on Hollywood and Beauty cultivars. Moreover, it is safely compounds to use

The contribution of a beneficial insectary plant Scaevola aemula to survival and long-term establishment of flightless Harmonia axyridis in greenhouses

The fairy fan flower, Scaevola aemula R. Br., is a primary candidate insectary plant for maintaining populations of generalist predators. We conducted release experiments in greenhouses of cultivated eggplants to evaluate the effects of intercropping S. aemula on the establishment of flightless Harmonia axyridis Pallas. Compared with a monoculture of eggplant, all release experiments showed that flightless H. axyridis remained in greater numbers in plots with S. aemula planted alongside eggplant. In the release experiment of flightless H. axyridis larvae, the incidence of aphids in the plot with transplanted S. aemula was suppressed compared with that in the release plot without transplanted S. aemula. In a laboratory experiment, the longevity of flightless H. axyridis adults on blossom stems of S. aemula was greater than when open flowers and buds were removed, suggesting that the insects fed on floral resources such as the pollen of S. aemula. Our findings showed that the floral resources of S. aemula can enhance aphid suppression by improving the establishment of flightless H. axyridis.

Buzzing Wild Bee Visits Enhance Seed Set in Eggplant, Solanum melongena

Sixty percent of the angiosperms with poricidal anthers are buzz-pollinated by bees (Hymenoptera: Apoidea: Apiformes). Plant taxa with Solanum-type flowers have larger anthers and shorter filaments. Solanum melongena (Solanaceae) is more commonly and efficiently pollinated by buzz pollinators. The present study documented bees and their diurnal pattern of visitation to flowers, relationship between their handling time and flower age, and the effect of bee visits on fruit and seed set in S. melongena in two sites in Kandy District. Efficiency of buzz pollination over pollination in the absence of bees was determined using open buds and buds covered with pollinator exclusion bags. On average, 150 days were taken to complete the life cycle of Solanum melongena. Three buzzing bees and two nonbuzzing bees in site I and five buzzing bees and two nonbuzzing bees in site II were recorded. Handling time of Pachynomia sp. and Hoplonomia westwoodi indicates that bees spend more time at new flowers than at old flowers. Handling time is higher in the smaller bee, Pachynomia sp., than in the larger bee, H. westwoodi. Statistical data on pollinator exclusion experiment revealed that the fruit set and seed set of S. melongena are enhanced by buzz-pollinating bees.

English

The field performance of 24 exotic cultivars of snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus L.) at three planting dates (November 10, 2009; March 10 and October 10, 2010) was assessed. Data of vegetative traits i.e., number of leaves, nodes, secondary shoots, plant height, fresh weight per plant and reproductive traits, including days to bud opening, spike length, and number of buds/spike, were recorded. Six cultivars (‘Potomac Early Rose’, ‘Maryland Lavender’, ‘Potomac Royal’, ‘Potomac White’, ‘Potomac Early Orange’ and ‘Monaco Violet’) showed superior vegetative growth while five cultivars (‘Potomac Early Pink’, ‘Maryland Golden Brnz’, ‘Monaco Yellow’, ‘Potomac Orange Dark’ and ‘Monaco Baltimore Rose’) performed poorly. ‘Potomac Early Rose’ and ‘Maryland Lavender’ performed best reproductively, and produced better quality flower spikes than all other cultivars. When considering the reproductive performance of these 24 snapdragon cultivars, sowing on November 10, 2009 was most suitable compared to the two other sowing dates. © 2016 Friends Science Publishers

Effect of foliar application of zinc and iron on growth, flowering and post-harvest life in lilium cv. Navona

A research was conducted India to evaluate the necessity of micronutrients such as zinc and iron on growth, flowering and postharvest attributes in Asiatic lilium cv. Navona. The experiment comprised nine treatments, viz., ZnSO4 0.2%, ZnSO4 0.4%, FeSO4 0.2%, FeSO4 0.4%, ZnSO4 0.2% + FeSO4 0.2%, ZnSO4 0.2% + FeSO4 0.4%, ZnSO4 0.4% + FeSO4 0.2%, ZnSO4 0.4% + FeSO4 0.4% and control (distilled water) in a randomized block design with three replications. Significant effect was observed with the application of ZnSO4 0.4% + FeSO4 0.4%, which increased No. of leaves/plant, stem diameter, plant height, fresh and dry weight of leaves/plant, leaf area, chlorophyll content, No. of flower buds/plant, flower stalk length, pedicel length, diameter of 1st flower, longevity of 1st, 2nd and 3rd flower, No. of buds opened, No. of buds opened at a time in vase, stem weight on 1st, 3rd and 5th day, and weight of stem after withering. Early flower colour show and days to opening of 1st bud were exhibited with ZnSO4 0.2% + FeSO4 0.4%, which was statistically at par with ZnSO4 0.2% + FeSO4 0.4% treatment. In general both individual and combined doses of zinc sulphate and iron sulphate gave significant results over control.

Evaluation of perennial chrysanthemum cultivars under sub-humid southern plains and Aravali hills of Rajasthan

An investigation was carried out with eleven cultivars of Dendrenthema grandiflora L. at Udaipur, Rajasthan to evaluate the cultivars for floral and relative economic parameters. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications, eleven cultivars by planting 25 plants/replication and data were recorded on five plants. The data were analyzed by analysis of variance. The maximum plant height (44.21 cm), leaves plant−1 (185.87), plant spread from North-South (27.31 cm) and East-West direction (28.34 cm), sprays plant−1 (16.73), days to end of flowering (145.33 days), flower duration (63.47 days), freshness of flower on the plant under open field (17.53 days), flowers plant−1 (66.86), ten-flower weight (37.30 g), ray floret flower−1 (187.60), spray length (34.56 cm), disc floret flower−1 (209.27), flower weight plant−1 (249.52 g), gross, net returns and B: C ratio were recorded in ‘UHF CRY-77’. Minimum days to first bud initiation (71.07 days), first flower bud opening (84.42 days), complete flower opening (92.8 days) were recorded in ‘Autumn Joy’. The maximum flower diameter (9.68 cm) recorded in cultivar in cv. Garden Beauty, respectively. On the basis of two years pooled data for vegetative, floral and relative economics parameters cv. UHF CRY-77 for cut flowers followed by ‘Jaya ’were found best for cut spray purpose and recommended for sub-humid southern plain and Aravalli hills of Rajasthan.

Fragrance Profiling of Jasminum Sambac Ait. Flowers Using Electronic Nose

The extract of Jasmine called concrete is an important floricultural export commodity of India. The major quality attribute of both jasmine and concrete is fragrance. The fragrance profile of jasmine flower has been studied using a custom built handheld e-Nose (HEN). Three species of jasmine, J. Sambac , J. Grandiflorum , and J. Auriculatum were applied to e-Nose one by one. The principal component analysis of the responses showed that distinct clusters were formed for different species. Another study was made on the mostly cultivated J. Sambac species to find out a relationship between concrete quality with various flowering stages as well as with seasonal variation. Experiments were carried out over 200 samples collected from various gardens of South India. Multivariate sensor data were computed in a single dimensional intensity value termed as fragrance index (FI). Flowering stages were classified by Industry experts in terms of bud opening indicator (BOI). HEN was trained to formulate a scale of BOI in the range of 0–2 based on the FI. Best quality of concrete is found to be obtained from jasmine flower with BOI level of 1.5. Jasmine concrete, produced at laboratory from flowers harvested at different time-of-the-day, i.e., with different BOI levels were analysed using GC-MS to check the volatile emission patterns. Results showed that concrete produced with BOI level 1.5 emitted maximum aroma generating volatiles. These observations showed that e-Nose can be a potential gadget for fragrance profiling as well as selection of best quality flowers for concrete extraction.

Life history of Stenopsylla nigricornis (Hemiptera: Psylloidea: Triozidae) and phytohormones involved in its gall induction

Many phytophagous insects have an ability to manipulate plant tissue and induce galls, but the mechanism is not yet fully understood. Some insects have multivoltine life cycles, and each generation induces galls on different plant species or different organs in the same host. Such host-use patterns are interesting study subjects to clarify the gall-inducing mechanisms of insects. We focused on a multivoltine and gall-inducing psyllid Stenopsylla nigricornis Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Psylloidea: Triozidae), which is associated with Symplocos lucida Sieb. (Symplocaceae). Based on periodic field surveys in Kyushu, Japan, S. nigricornis is revealed to have a bivoltine life history. Then, we revealed that the spring generation induces galls on leaves, while the autumn generation does so on flower buds and overwintering leaf buds. We also analyzed phytohormones in normal plant tissue, S. nigricornis nymphs, and their galls. As a result, nymphs were discovered to contain much higher concentrations of isopentenyladenosine and its possible precursor, isopentenyladenosine riboside than plant tissues, strongly suggesting that the phytohormone is involved in gall induction by S. nigricornis. Because flower bud galls contained significantly lower concentrations of abscisic acid (ABA) than normal flower bud, the autumn generation nymphs are considered to regulate the ABA level and to promote the earlier opening of host flower buds.

Researches regarding the reduction of pesticide soil pollution in vineyards

Abstract Phytosanitary treatments with pesticides are widely used for pest and disease control in vineyards. When performing the treatment an important part of the dispersed pesticide falls on the ground, affecting the microorganism and fauna, producing quantitative and qualitative changes in both the structure of the edaphic population and in its physiological activities. In order to diminish soil pollution experimental field tests concerning pest and disease control in vineyard were performed, using a spraying machine provided with an equipment which aims to recycle the pesticide liquid that is not retained by the vine foliar system. The equipment was built up based on a commercial TARAL 200 PITON TURBO air-assisted sprayer, used for pest and disease control in vineyards and orchards and was equipped with two recycling panels, placed on each side of the vine row. CFD simulations were used in order to optimize the dimensions, geometry and position of the recycling panels. The experiments were performed for different vegetation stages, forward speeds and operating pressures; for the first vegetation phase (bud opening), the pesticide recycled volume reached 45% of the total applied volume; in phases VI and VII the recycling rate was lower than 25%. For the vegetation phase V and for the forward speeds and operating pressures taken into account the quality of the treatment was evaluated using the mean foliar deposit. The results obtained by the means of ImageJ processing software indicated an adequate operating process of the spraying equipment; the values of this index were ranged between 21.4% and 36.2% for the upper side of the leaves and between 18.6% and 29.7% for the lower side of the leaves. The best indices were attained for low forward speed and an operating pressure of 0.6 MPa.

Evaluation of Pioneer and Celebration plum cultivars under El-Khatatba region condition

Two plum cultivars (Pioneer and Celebration) grown in in a private commercial orchard at (El-Khatatba region) were evaluated under the Egyptian climatic conditions during two successive seasons of 2013 and 2014. Evaluation parameters included vegetative and flowering measurement, fruiting attributes, yield and fruit quality. The obtained data showed that,Pioneerwas superior toCelebration in total vegetative buds and opening percentage of flower buds. Pioneer was earlier in the date of vegetative bud opening, beginning of flowering period and full bloom date than Celebration in the two seasons of the study. Pioneer was superior in initial and final fruit set % compared to Celebration cultivar. Days from full bloom till maturity ranged from 70 to 86 days for studied cultivars. SincePioneer were also earlier in fruit maturity than Celebration. The yield in kilograms / tree was higher for Pioneer than Celebration cultivars. No significant differences in fruit, flesh and pit weights between Pioneer and Celebration cultivars were found. Fruit firmness was ranged between the two cultivars (3.56 - 4.31 Lb/inch2). Brix ° ranged from 12.95 to 14.25 % for the two tested cultivars since acidity ranged from 0.91 to 1.00 %. Celebration plum cultivar revealed the highest Brix °/acid ratios as compared with Pioneer plum cultivar.It could be concluded that pioneer plum cultivar are considered as promising cultivar under Egypt conditions due to their precocity, high initial fruit set, high yield and early fruit ripening and good fruit qualityproperties, with the exception of firmness.

The role of floral structure and biotic factors in determining the occurrence of florivorous thrips in a dystilous shrub

Elucidating the factors determining the occurrence of florivorous organisms is an essential step for comprehending arthropod–plant interactions, especially when considering florivores that use flowers/inflorescences as microhabitats. In this study, we characterize the interaction between florivorous thrips (Thysanoptera) and Palicourea rigida (Rubiaceae), a distylous hummingbird-pollinated shrub. We investigated the relative role of different factors in determining thrips occurrence in the flower and inflorescence microhabitats. Furthermore, we experimentally examined the protective role of corolla influencing thrips exploration of floral buds. Frankliniella musaeperda (Thripidae) was the only species recorded on P. rigida, feeding on floral tissue, pollen and nectar. Thrips occurrence was not related to distyly, but rather to floral stage. Open flowers presented the highest abundance of thrips, followed by senescent flowers and then buds. The experimental opening of buds translated in increased thrips occurrence, indicating that F. musaeperda manage to explore the microhabitat offered by the floral chamber, as long as there is an opening in the corolla. In inflorescences, thrips abundance was negatively related to the number of ants visiting extrafloral nectaries. We found that the marked difference between floral morphs of distylous plants is not necessarily reflected in the abundance of florivores. Thrips seek for floral cavities, preferentially those with fresh tissue, which may confer nutrient-rich food and protection. Buds also provide this; however, the enclosed petals are an effective barrier against F. musaeperda entrance. At inflorescence scale, presence of mutualistic ants in high numbers can drive away these flower-feeding insects. Despite the abundance of thrips in the flowers, there was no evidence of any functional relationship, either of pollination for flowers or of breeding for insects. We demonstrate here that in the flower/inflorescence microhabitat, structural and biotic factors play a key role in the exploitation and occupation by insect florivores.

Emergence, growth, and flowering of castor beans as a function of the cationic composition of irrigation water

The use of saline water in agriculture has contributed to the expansion of irrigated areas, especially in arid and semiarid regions, where water deficits occur during various months of the year. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate the emergence, growth, and flowering of the castor bean cultivar “BRS Energia” as a function of the cationic composition of irrigation water, including water containing single and multiple types of cations. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse in the municipality of Campina Grande-PB, Brazil using drainage lysimeters filled with a sandy loam Ultisol. The experiment was set in a randomized block design, with four replicates each of six water salinity treatments: Control; Na+; Ca2+; Na+ + Ca2+; K+; and Na+ + Ca2+ + Mg2, totaling 24 experimental plots, each consisting of five plants. Plants in the control treatment were subjected to irrigation using water having low electrical conductivity (ECw = 0.6 dS m-1), while the plants receiving other treatments were irrigated using 4.5 dS m-1 water containing different ions. Emergence and growth were more affected by the ECw than by the cationic composition of the irrigation water. The order of the cations in the irrigation water, in terms of negative effects, was Na+ > Na+ + Ca+ > Ca2+ > Na+ + Ca2+ + Mg2+ > K+. The cationic composition of the irrigation water influenced the time interval for inflorescence development and the opening of flower buds of the castor bean cultivar “BRS Energia”, and the most pronounced effects were observed in plants irrigated with calcic water.