Ornamental Plant Production Research Articles

Evaluation of the Ornamental Potential of Basil Grown in Field in the Federal District

Basil is commonly known and cultivated as a spicy and aromatic plant. However, ornamental use is possible in landscape projects. The advancement of new technologies highlighted the production of ornamental plants in Brazil, and among these stands are basil, a species commonly known for its spicy and aromatic properties. Nonetheless, with the increase in the demand for plants with multiple functions in the ornamental plant market, more studies are needed to evaluate the potential of this species. This work evaluated phenotypic characteristics to promote studies and elaborate technical manuals on growing basil for ornamental use. Therefore, an experiment was carried out at the Agua Limpa Farm (FAL) of the University of Brasilia (UnB), located in the Federal District, Brazil. Two genotypes were cultivated, Folha Fina (thin-leaf) and Folha Larga (broad-leaf) from Topseed Garden®, and the following characteristics were evaluated: canopy shape, leaf texture, stem, inflorescence, flower and leaf color, and leaf gloss. The evaluated genotypes did not show significant differences in stem (green), inflorescence (green), and flower colors (white). However, they showed differences in leaf color, with dark green leaves and thin, light green leaves. Both basil genotypes (Ocimum basilicum L.) have ornamental potential due to their favorable phenotype characteristics.

The use of seaweed in the production of ornamental plants

Ornamental plants play a crucial role in urban green spaces by enhancing aesthetic value and providing ecological and economic benefits. They help improve air quality, support biodiversity, and contribute to environmental purification. The horticultural industry benefits from cultivating ornamental plants, it faces challenges such as soil health and environmental pollution due to high-yielding cultivars and chemical fertilizers. To address these challenges, integrating sustainable practices, such as using seaweed as an organic fertilizer, can provide solutions. Seaweed, rich in essential nutrients and growth hormones, improves soil fertility, plant growth, and resilience against environmental stresses. Studies have shown its effectiveness in enhancing growth parameters, mitigating salinity stress, and increasing yield and quality in various ornamental plants. However, the response to seaweed varies across species and conditions. To optimize its use, tailored application rates, combined sustainable practices, and continuous monitoring are recommended. Further research is also needed to develop comprehensive guidelines for its application in ornamental plant production.

Influence of Pesticide Application Method, Timing, and Rate on Contamination of Nectar with Systemic and Nonsystemic Pesticides.

Exposure to pesticides is one potential factor contributing to the recent loss of pollinators and pollinator diversity. Few studies have specifically focused on the relationship between pesticide management during ornamental plant production and contamination of nectar. We evaluated contamination of nectar in Salvia 'Indigo Spires' (Salvia longispicata M. Martens & Galeotti × S. farinacea Benth.) associated with applications of the systemic insecticide thiamethoxam, and the nonsystemic fungicides boscalid and pyraclostrobin. Applications were made at the labeled rates for the commercially available products, and we compared the influence of application method (drench vs. spray), timing (relative to flowering), and rate (low vs. high) for each pesticide. Nectar was sampled using 50-µL microcapillary tubes and analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The results indicate that concentrations from the spray application resulted in the least contamination of nectar with the systemic thiamethoxam, with lower concentrations occurring when thiamethoxam was applied before blooming at the lowest rate. Concentrations of thiamethoxam and its metabolite clothianidin were detected in nectar in all treatments (regardless of the method, timing, or rate of application), and ranged from 3.6 ± 0.5 ng/mL (spray-applied before blooming, low rate) to 1720.0 ± 80.9 ng/mL (drench-applied after blooming, high rate). Residues of clothianidin in nectar ranged from below quantification limits (spray-applied before blooming, low rate) to 81.2 ± 4.6 ng/mL (drench-applied after blooming, high rate). Drench applications resulted in the highest levels of nectar contamination with thiamethoxam, and exceeded published median lethal concentrations (LC50s/median lethal doses for native bees and/or honeybees in all cases). Spray treatments resulted in nectar concentrations exceeding published LC50s for some bee species. In comparison, all nonsystemic treatments resulted in concentrations much lower than the published no-observable-effect doses and sublethal toxicity values, indicating low risks of toxicity. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;001:1-12. © 2024 SETAC.

Ornamental plants as vectors of pesticide exposure and potential threat to biodiversity and human health

The production of conventional ornamental plants is pesticide-intensive. We investigated whether pesticide active ingredients (AIs) are still present in ornamentals at the time of purchase and assessed their potential ecotoxicity to non-target organisms. We purchased 1000 pot plants and 237 cut flowers of different species from garden centers in Austria and Germany between 2011 and 2021 and analyzed them for up to 646 AIs. Ecotoxicological risks of AIs were assessed by calculating toxic loads for honeybees (Apis mellifera), earthworms (Eisenia fetida), birds (Passer domesticus), and mammals (Rattus norvegicus) based on the LD50 values of the detected AIs. Human health risks of AIs were assessed on the basis of the hazard statements of the Globally Harmonized System. Over the years, a total of 202 AIs were detected in pot plants and 128 AIs in cut flowers. Pesticide residues were found in 94% of pot plants and 97% of cut flowers, with cut flowers containing about twice as many AIs (11.0 ± 6.2 AIs) as pot plants (5.8 ± 4.0 AIs). Fungicides and insecticides were found most frequently. The ecotoxicity assessment showed that 47% of the AIs in pot plants and 63% of the AIs in cut flowers were moderately toxic to the considered non-target organisms. AIs found were mainly toxic to honeybees; their toxicity to earthworms, birds, and mammals was about 105 times lower. Remarkably, 39% of the plants labeled as “bee-friendly” contained AIs that were toxic to bees. More than 40% of pot plants and 72% of cut flowers contained AIs classified as harmful to human health. These results suggest that ornamental plants are vectors for potential pesticide exposure of consumers and non-target organisms in home gardens.

Review of the Use of Biostimulant Microalgae to Influence the Growth and Development of Ornamental Plants

The concept of plant biostimulants refers to substances or microorganisms used to improve the efficiency of nutrient uptake of a plant, improve stress tolerance, and improve overall quality. Extracts of microalgae are gaining increasing attention among biostimulants due to their rich bioactive content. Microalgae offer new opportunities in agriculture, wastewater treatment, pharmaceuticals, etc. These tiny organisms are known for their role in carbon dioxide sequestration, bioremediation, and the production of valuable compounds. Biostimulants act on plants through various mechanisms, promoting growth, nutrient mobilisation, and resistance to stress. The abundant amino acids and protein hydrolyzesate in microalgae improve nutrient absorption and act as osmoprotectants against stressors such as heavy metals and salt. The visual appearance of the potted plants plays a crucial role in determining their quality. Although research suggests a consumer preference for organically grown plants, the economic viability of organic ornamental plant production requires careful consideration of production costs and market demand. With the increasing demand for sustainable agricultural practices, the application of plant biostimulants, particularly those derived from microalgae, presents a promising opportunity to enhance productivity, improve soil health, address environmental issues, and overcome challenges posed by new regulations in the European Union related to the use of plant protection products.

Impacto ambiental de las aplicaciones de fitosanitarios en producciones ornamentales intensivas en el partido de Moreno, provincia de Buenos Aires

Phytosanitary management in ornamental plant production is based on the use of synthetic products causing negative effects on the environment. The aim of this work was to analyze the environmental impact (EI) of pest management in intensive ornamental production in the district of Moreno, province of BuenosAires. The phytosanitary management of three establishments (E1, E2 and E3) representative of the area was described. The applications were analyzed and the EI was quantified through the calculation of the Field Environmental Impact Quotient (EIQf), which considers the effect on beneficial fauna, workers and consumers. The EIQf values were variable (1172.90, 752.90 and 54.70 for E1, E2 and E3, respectively), due to differences in the doses and number ofapplications. Producers used insecticides/acaricides (42 %) and fungicides/bactericides (58 %) homogeneously. Similarity was also observed in the proportion of phytosanitary products used according to the toxicological class, applying twice as many compounds from classes III and IV than those from classes I and II. This is the first contribution on EI of phytosanitary products in ornamental productions in Argentina in general, and in the Moreno district in particular.

Target and non-target effects of insecticide use during ornamental milkweed production.

There are widespread public efforts to conserve wildlife in urbanized landscapes via the installation of nursery-grown plants that support Lepidoptera taxa. Insecticides are commonly used during nursery production to suppress key plant pests, and many products have extended periods of toxicity and affect a wide range of herbivore taxa. While there are plentiful toxicological data on bee species, predominantly the Western honey bee (Apis mellifera L.), little is known about how insecticides affect nonpest lepidopterans. Lepidoptera has different modes of exposure (e.g., leaf-feeding) and differences in susceptibility to insecticide target sites compared to bees. Consequently, many products compatible with bee conservation pose an uncertain risk to nonpest lepidopterans and thus may represent an under-recognized conflict with conservation efforts. Using the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus, L.), tropical milkweed (Asclepias curassavica, L.), and oleander aphid (Aphis nerii, Fonscolombe, 1841) system, we conducted leaf and whole-plant feeding assays to evaluate effects of acute and chronic monarch exposure to industry standard and alternative reduced-risk insecticides used during nursery production. We also evaluated the efficacy of these insecticides against their target pest, the oleander aphid. Our results indicate that insecticides used to control pests on ornamental milkweed can cause monarch larval mortality up to 4 wk after treatment application. Furthermore, the duration of aphid suppression is often shorter than the duration of adverse effects on monarchs. This study demonstrates a conflict between insect pest management and Lepidoptera conservation during ornamental plant production and has implications for the conservation value of ornamentals after retail sale.

MEMBANGUN BISNIS TANAMAN HIAS INDOOR DI KOTA KUPANG MELALUI KEGIATAN KEWIRAUSAHAAN MAHASISWA PROGRAM STUDI AGRIBISNIS FAKULTAS PERTANIAN UNIVERSITAS NUSA CENDANA

The indoor ornamental plant business in Kupang City is quite a promising business. The survey results provide an indication that the demand for indoor ornamental plants continues to grow. This provides a promising business opportunity if pursued professionally and strategically so that it can generate profits. The target market for this business is the people of Kupang City who need indoor ornamental plants, such as offices, lecture halls, residential houses, shady places, etc. The choice of types of indoor ornamental plants in this business are leaf ornamental plants and flower ornamental plants, with good quality provisions, regular maintenance and fertile, quality soil. The objectives of this activity are (1) Building students' entrepreneurial interest in the field of indoor ornamental plants; (2) Channeling your interest or hobby in ornamental plants; (3) Increase and popularize interest in ornamental plants among the people of Kupang City. The method used in this activity is direct student participation in the production and marketing process of indoor ornamental plants. As a result of this activity, the students involved were motivated to produce and pursue indoor ornamental plant business.

Silica nanoparticles improve growth, chemical bioactive, and antioxidant enzyme activity of Dianthus caryophyllus L., plant

Background Nanotechnology has provided innovative use of various materials with unique properties. These substances may react positively in plants, and the induction of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity is particularly remarkable. Ornamental plant production is a positive economic activity of great interest, especially Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.). This plant is more attractive for its various colors, but the flower quality and its longevity can diminish very fast. Thus, examining methods capable of improving flower quality and vase life is crucial. Additionally, carnation can be used to treat coronary and nervous disorders. Carnation contains compounds that calm the nervous system and minimize swelling and inflammation. Objective This research aimed to evaluate the effect of silica nanoparticles (SiO2 NPs) on the growth, bioactive chemical analysis, enzyme activity, and antioxidant accumulation. Material and methods The different rates of SiO2 NPs (0, 150, and 300 ppm) were used in two ways: foliar spray and soil drench; it was applied 3 times. The first application was after 3 weeks of transplanting and repeated with 21-day intervals. Results and conclusion The results showed that foliar application of SiO2 NPs increased all morphological and flowering traits compared with drench and the control, higher levels of photosynthetic pigments and anthocyanin, greater total phenols, total sugars, and total free amino acids were obtained from plants treated with foliar spray 300 ppm followed than 150 ppm. In addition, the greatest levels of enzyme activity were recorded with plants treated with foliar spray of SiO2 NPs at a rate of 300 ppm, as well as improved anatomical structure of the stem and stomata properties compared with the drench method and control. Similarly, SiO2 NPs application method is more critical than their concentration. Therefore, it is recommended that foliar spraying of SiO2 NPs at 300 ppm can enhance plant growth, flowering, bioactive compounds, enzyme activity, and anatomical structure of the stem of carnation plants while adding SiO2 NPs drench at a rate of 150 ppm had rather acceptable findings.

Strengthening Production with Liquid Organic Nano Fertilizer Technology in Ornamental Plant Business in the Sekar Sempol Farmer Group

The ornamental plant business is increasing due to the high demand of this plant. This program solves production of ornamental plant problems. Sekar Sempol Farmer Group is one the who produce the ornamental plant. The production problems that were resolved were poor growth and performance of ornamental plants and damaged greenhouses because they were made of bamboo. Production problems were resolved by training and treatment in liquid nano organic fertilization technology to produce good ornamental plant performance. Increasing the production of ornamental plants is also carried out by changes the greenhouse. The output of this program is improving the skills of ornamental plant farmers in using liquid organic nano fertilizer to improve ornamental plant production. Experimental research for using nano organic fertilizer supporting to better ornamental plant performance. A modern and stronger greenhouse made of galvalume material to be standardizer greenhouse make more conducive microclimate to ornamental plant growth.

The use of stinging nettle tea (Urtica sp.) to control Aulacorthum solani and Macrosiphum euphorbiae on Ranunculus asiaticus

ABSTRACT Natural and environmental-friendly approaches to control pests and diseases in horticultural production systems are showing an increasing trend. Biological alternatives, such as botanical extracts and basic substances, show promise in the reduction of the necessity for conventional plant protectants. In ornamentals, less is known about the usage, behaviour and potential of botanicals and basic substances for plant protection. In two trials, we investigated the effect of a weekly foliar spray of an aqueous extract of nettle (Urtica sp.; dried material 15 g · L–1) on two aphids, Macrosiphum euphorbiae and Aulacorthum solani. Experiments were conducted in the greenhouse with Ranunculus asiaticus as hostplant. The Urtica tea and azadirachtin (NeemAzal-T/S) as a standard used in common horticultural production were compared with the water control. Both previously infested and noninfested plants were built up to examine the effect on aphid population growth and migration. As a result, we showed that both treatments, Urtica tea and azadirachtin, reduce the aphid density significantly in comparison with the water control, although the effect of the Urtica tea was not as substantial as that of azadirachtin. Contrarily, treatments could not prevent aphid migration on previously noninfested plants. The study demonstrates that the basic substance Urtica tea can be suitable for the reduction of aphid pests in ornamental plant production, and thus, reduce the amount of synthetic plant protectants in horticulture.

Kelayakan Bisnis Tanaman Hias Anggrek Vanda di Kota Batu

Based on the development of ornamental plant production of orchid plants. It continues to show vast numbers every year. This shows that orchid plants have the potential to be developed. The farmers' understanding of the prospect of farming and the economic value of Vanda orchid plants is minimal. It's often orchid business cannot be maximized. The purpose of this study is to analyze the financial feasibility of the vanda orchid ornamental plant business in Dd Orchid Nursery, Junrejo District, Batu City, using the R/C ratio, Break Event Point (BEP), Payback Period (PP), Net Present Value (NPV), and Internal Rate of Return (IRR). The population and sample of this study were all farmers in Dd Orchid Nursery, totalling 30 people. The research data was collected using questionnaires, interviews, and documentation techniques. Data analysis conducted includes R/C ratio, Break Event Point (BEP), Payback Period (PP), Net Present Value (NPV), and Internal Rate of Return (IRR). The data was analyzed using the Microsoft Excel program. The results showed an R/C ratio of 4.57. BEP business production is 645 bunches. BEP Price is Rp. 2.269. The payback period (PP) generated amounted to 1.19. Net present value (NPV) amounted to Rp. 27,909,153. And the IRR percentage value obtained is 84%. It can be concluded that the Vanda Orchid Business at DD' Orchid Nursery is a business that has excellent financial viability. Orchid farmers at DD' Orchid Nursery can continue to expand their target market and expand to other types of orchids with profitable profit values.

Potential of Biochar as a Peat Substitute in Growth Media for Lavandula angustifolia, Salvia rosmarinus and Fragaria × ananassa.

Peat has long been the primary substrate for the production of ornamental and horticultural plants in pots. Today, peat is no longer considered a renewable resource due to its very lengthy regeneration time. Biochar, a solid by-product of biomass pyrolysis, has been proposed as an agricultural soil amendment. We investigated the effects of two types of biochar, namely biochar from pruning wood waste and biochar activated with wood vinegar ("smoked biochar"), on two ornamental plants (Lavandula angustifolia and Salvia rosmarinus) and on strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa). For both types of biochar, we measured the following parameters: the pH, density, electrical conductivity, humidity, calcium carbonate, total carbon, nitrogen, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, and water retention. For peat, we measured the following parameters: the pH, electrical conductivity, total carbon, and total nitrogen. Our results showed an overall increase in plant growth, particularly in L. angustifolia when using 10% and 50% biochar concentrations and a 10% concentration of biochar activated with wood vinegar. In S. rosmarinus, we observed a slight increase in the total plant weight with the application of 10% smoked biochar (biochar activated with wood vinegar). Finally, in F. × ananassa, we observed an increase in the plant weight and fruit production when 10% biochar was applied. On the other hand, when high concentrations of biochar (50% and 100%) and especially smoked biochar were applied, we observed a significant reduction in the growth of all plants. We concluded that biochar and biochar activated with wood vinegar showed remarkable biological activity with marked phytotoxicity at high concentrations. They promoted plant growth when applied diluted and their use as partial peat substitutes could help support more sustainable horticultural practices.

Identification of Pests and Diseases in Red Chili Plants (Capsicum Annuum L.) in Nangsri, Manisrenggo, Klaten

Red chilies are one of the important types of vegetables cultivated commercially in tropical countries. Insect pests are one of the obstacles in efforts to increase the production of red chili ornamental plants. There are some farmers who do not understand the types of pests that exist in red chili plantations. This research aims to identify the types of pests that attack red chili plants in Nangsri Manisrenggo Village and observe the symptoms of pest and disease attacks. The methods used are observation and interviews. The data obtained was analyzed descriptively qualitatively. The results of the research show that there are 2 types of disease, namely fungi that cause leaf spots, Pestalotia sp and Cercospora sp, and 6 types of pests that attack red chilies, namely: Thrips spp., peach aphids (Myzus persicae), armyworms (Spodoptera litura), flies fruit (Bactrocera spp.), mites (Tetranychus sp.; Polyphagotarsonemus sp.) and whitefly (Bemisia tabaci).

Create and manage green cities using crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) ornamental plants production in a rooftop greenhouse

Create and manage green cities using crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) ornamental plants production in a rooftop greenhouse

Pharmaceutical-contaminated irrigation water: implications for ornamental plant production and phytoremediation using enrofloxacin-accumulating species.

Enrofloxacin (Enro) has been widely encountered in natural water sources, and that water is often used for irrigation in crop production systems. Due to its phytotoxicity and accumulation in plant tissues, the presence of Enro in water used for crop irrigation may represent economical and toxicological concerns. Here, we irrigated two ornamental plant species (Zantedeschia rehmannii Engl. and Spathiphyllum wallisii Regel.) with water artificially contaminated with the antimicrobial enrofloxacin (Enro; 0, 5, 10, 100, and 1000μg L-1) to evaluate its effects on ornamental plant production, as well as its accumulation and distribution among different plant organs (roots, leaves, bulbs, and flower stems), and examined the economic and environmental safety of commercializing plants produced under conditions of pharmaceutical contamination. The presence of Enro in irrigation water was not found to disrupt plant growth (biomass) or flower production. Both species accumulated Enro, with its internal concentrations distributed as the following: roots > leaves > bulbs > flower stems. In addition to plant tolerance, the content of Enro in plant organs indicated that both Z. rehmannii and S. wallisii could be safety produced under Enro-contaminated conditions and would not significantly contribute to contaminant transfer. The high capacity of those plants to accumulate Enro in their tissues, associated with their tolerance to it, indicates them for use in Enro-phytoremediation programs.

Temporal and spatial factors influencing Systena frontalis (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) behavior in Virginia nurseries.

Ornamental plant production in eastern Virginia nurseries have been greatly impacted by Systena frontalis (F.), also known as the red-headed flea beetle. With the advent of S. frontalis as a prevalent pest in the past 2 decades, baseline phenology and behavior are currently understudied within Virginia nurseries. This pest is costly to control due to insecticide expenses and loss of saleable plants. In 2021 and 2022, populations of this insect were monitored at 2 commercial nurseries in eastern Virginia in order to better understand their temporal and spatial population dynamics. Patterns that emerged indicated S. frontalis could have up to 3 generations in eastern Virginia, with peaks of adult abundance in June, late July, and late August to early September. Phenylethyl alcohol was tested as an adult attractant lure, but it was found to be ineffective under nursery conditions. Diel monitoring demonstrated these adults were most active from 1100 to 1500 h. Severity of defoliation at the leaf level increased linearly with increased density of adults, where 5 individuals defoliated up to 4% of any Hydrangea paniculata cv. 'Limelight' leaf in 1 wk under greenhouse conditions. Timing of scouting and insecticide sprays according to the adult activity peaks of the day and across the season may allow reduction in overall insecticide usage.

Seed Morpho-Anatomy and Germination Enhancement of the Australian Native Species Lomandra longifolia Labill. and L. hystrix (R.Br.) L.R. Fraser & Vickery

Lomandra species are an important understory component of many Australian native ecosystems, contributing to the floristic richness and stabilizing soils. However, a limited understanding of their germination biology currently hinders their efficient use in seed-based restoration and ornamental plant production. The present study investigated Lomandra longifolia and L. hystrix diaspore morpho-anatomy and evaluated different mechanical and/or chemical treatments (nicking, leaching, smoke water and gibberellic acid [GA3]) and under light or dark conditions to enhance germination. Embryos of both species were small and linear with a low embryo to seed ratio (<0.45). Germination rates of both species were significantly hastened by leaching seeds in running water for 36 h as compared to a non-leached seed. The results suggest that pre-treating both Lomandra species by leaching could maximize the effectiveness of seed used by resulting in faster, more uniform and, therefore, reliable germination of these species. Finally, seeds of L. longifolia had low final germination (<40%), with a high presence of viable but dormant seeds. The ecological cues that promote germination in nature for both species should be further examined.

Perkembangan Dan Potensi Perekonomian Usaha Tanaman Hias Di Kelurahan Lubuk Minturun Koto Tangah Kota Padang (1991-2020)

This article discusses the development and economic potential of the ornamental plant business in Lubuk Minturun Koto Tangah Village, Padang City (1991-2020). The ornamental plant agribusiness business is currently growing rapidly. The city of Padang is the center of ornamental plants in West Sumatra. The first center for ornamental plants is located in Lubuk Min Koto Tangah, Padang City. This article is a historical approach research that prioritizes documents or archives and interviews as the main sources. To write the sources needed through a field approach through archives of nagari profiles in Lubuk Minturun Village, and documents for ornamental plant business people. This article shows that ornamental plant production increased in early 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Because in 2020 people's desire to plant flowers and grow crops at home is getting higher so that sales increase. The production of ornamental plants also has an impact on the social and economic life of ornamental plant farmers. This can be seen in terms of people's increased income, education that is starting to pay attention, ownership of property such as many who have renovated houses and bought vehicles.

Cow dung putrefaction via vermicomposting using Eisenia fetida and its influence on seed sprouting and vegetative growth of Viola wittrockiana (pansy).

The current research was conducted at Vermi-tech Unit, Muzaffarabad in 2018 to evaluate the efficacy of cow dung and vermicompost on seed sprouting, seedlings, and vegetative developmental parameters of Viola x wittrokiana (pansy). In the current study, vermicompost was produced using Eisenia fetida. Physicochemical parameters of vermicompost and organic manure were recorded before each experimentation. The potting experiment was designed and comprised of eight germination mediums containing different combinations of soil, sand, cow dung, and various concentrations of vermicompost such as 10% VC, 15% VC, 20% VC, 25% VC, 30% VC, and 35% VC. Seed sprouting and seedling developmental parameters were observed for 28 days while vegetative plant growth parameters were recorded after 10 weeks of transplantation in various vermicompost amended germination media. Pre and post-physicochemical analysis of germination media were also recorded to check their quality and permanency. The current findings showed that 30% VC germination media was an effective dose for early seed germination initiation and all seed germination parameters. However, the significant vegetative plant growth and flowering parameters of pansy occurred at 35% VC. Findings revealed that vermicompost not only enhanced the seed germination and growth of pansy but also improved soil health. These results indicate that vermicompost can be exploited as a potent bio-fertilizer for ornamental plant production.