Ornamental Plants Research Articles

Expression of Concern: Enhanced phytoremediation of metal(loid)s via spiked ZVI nanoparticles: An urban clean-up strategy with ornamental plants (Chemosphere, Volume 288, Part 2, February 2022 132588)

Expression of Concern: Enhanced phytoremediation of metal(loid)s via spiked ZVI nanoparticles: An urban clean-up strategy with ornamental plants (Chemosphere, Volume 288, Part 2, February 2022 132588)

Review on Phytoremediation: Toxic Heavy Metal Removal

Abstract: Among the environmental contaminants in water, heavy metals and other pollutants are becoming a common occurrence. To solve this issue, the process of phytoremediation was utilized to clear up polluted media. Heavy metal and other pollution contamination of water is becoming more common, which has prompted a conversation that goes beyond heavy metals. These "other pollutants" include a wide range of materials, such as nutrients, suspended particles, bacteria, and organic compounds like pesticides, medicines, and industrial chemicals. There are several removal approaches available to address this complex issue. The removal of specific compounds and suspended materials is the goal of physical techniques like coagulation and chemical treatments like filtering. Biological treatments use natural mechanisms to break down organic contaminants and nutrients, such as bacteria or plants. Reactive agents are used in advanced oxidation procedures like UV irradiation and ozonation to break down pollutants. Technologies, including reverse osmosis and distillation, as well as ion exchange and adsorption, are essential for eliminating contaminants from water sources. The review shows applying the phytoremediation technique with ornamental plants that have the ability to absorb and store such heavy metals in their roots and leaves. The methods were used to determine the intake and the location of accumulation in these plants discussed, respectively. To compare the levels of the heavy metals accumulated in the plant, samples were digested, dried, and subjected to several phytoremediation procedures. The use of biological remediation has drawn a lot of interest recently because of its inexpensive long-term application costs and environmental friendliness. The use of ornamental plants in phytoremediation has received little attention, and the effects of heavy metals on ornamental plants have not been extensively studied as well. Remediation of the heavy metals mediated by ornamental plants can simultaneously eliminate toxins and improve the site's appearance. The current purification techniques used to remove contaminants from wastewater are not only exceedingly expensive, but they also have a detrimental effect on the environment. The environmentally friendly process known as phytoremediation offers a cost-effective and ecologically sound alternative to the present, very expensive cleanup techniques. Some ornamental plants are suited to ingesting heavy metals and other pollutants where the maximal concentration can be determined. This method effectively removes, detoxifies, or immobilizes heavy metals using aquatic plants and ornamental plants. Review highlights include current understanding of heavy metal toxicity to ornamental plants, benefits of their application, ways to increase ornamental plants' tolerance with increased heavy metals absorption, field problems, and potential applications in the future. The assessment has been focused on the interdisciplinary aspects and understanding that this approach brings to the sustainable treatment of heavy metals. The goal of this analysis was to evaluate phytoremediation's status as an innovative technique and to discuss its potential and utility in the treatment of highly polluted water.

The potential of Monstera sp. phytoremediation in various lead-contaminated water samples

Ornamental plants have a variety of commodities which have high economic value, expected to improve the community’s economy. In parts of Southeast Asia today there is a booming of ornamental plants type Pokok (Malaysia) or Janda Bolong (Indonesia), However, data related to its ability to absorb heavy metals does not yet exist. Ornamental plants of the type Monstera sp. has potential in phytoremediation technology, based on this, this study was investigate the potential absorption of leads by monstera sp. This study used the RCBD method. The first factor used of water samples including mineral water (W1), distilled water (W2), and surface water (W3). The second factor used in the form of Monstera types includes Monstera obliqua (M1), Monstera tetrasperma (M2), Monstera sp. Peru (M3), then 9 treatment combinations were 3 replication, so that a total of 27 units were obtained. The results of this research indicate that various of Monstera sp. have different absorption capacities of lead. This is also influenced by several factors such as light intensity, leaf area, and the type of water used as a medium. The results of this study proving that the plant Monstera sp. can reduce heavy metals in fields

Light Quality Effect on Internal N Retranslocation in Podocarpus macrophyllus Precultured with Exponential Nutrient Loading.

Streetlamp light is inevitable in the night landscape of a city and may affect the phenology of newly planted ornamental plants, but it has rarely been fully examined. Newly transplanted ornamental plants probably suffer periodic shocks, which mainly result from the inefficient reuse of internal nutrients for new growth. Exponential nutrient loading (ENL) is well known for its ability to overcome transplant shocks by promoting retranslocation for the reuse of strengthened nutrients from internal reserves in precultured seedlings. Transplantation to urbanized lands is distinct from that of montane areas; this is mainly due to a high frequency of exposure to the artificial illumination of night lighting. It is suspected that this lighting modifies vegetative phenology and generates potential risks by increasing reliance on internal nutrient retranslocation. In this study, Podocarpus macrophyllus seedlings were cultured with ENL at low and high rates of nitrogen (N) deliveries (40 and 120 mg N seedling-1, respectively), and the high-rate treatment was identified as being able to trap seedlings within toxic states. A labeled 15N isotope was pulsed to transplanted seedlings exposed to simulated light qualities in red, green, and blue light spectra. The seedlings harvested at one month showed rare responses to the interactive spectra and preculture treatments, but most of them responded to the low-rate N preculture treatment with stronger abilities in terms of the reuse of internal N and the synthesizing of photosynthetic pigments. In conclusion, it was verified that night light enforces the effect on newly transplanted plants; the red light invoked internal N for reuse, and the blue light promoted the uptake of the current N. The internal N reserve established through preculture ENL rarely made a contribution to the night light effect, except for the enhancement of height growth in the red light. The red light spectrum was recommended for the exposure of newly transplanted seedlings due to its effect on the enhancement of the retranslocation of internal N and the induction of a steady state of uptake from the current N input.

How to illuminate indoor plants sustainably? Tips and tricks to bridge the gap between research and design.

The increasing popularity of biophilic design in architecture and interior design has led to a widespread integration of indoor ornamental plants and green walls. While numerous studies have demonstrated the benefits of such integration for people, only a few have focused on the well-being of the plants themselves. Our latest research project aims to address this gap by exploring suitable lighting conditions for indoor plants, seeking an optimal spectral composition that ensures their well-being, robust growth, and visual appeal, while also optimizing maintenance. Building upon previous applied research, we conducted experiments to analyze the lighting requirements of four species of ornamental plants commonly used indoors. Seven identical room boxes were employed, each illuminated with different light spectra falling within the CCT range of 2800K-5000K. The specific light spectra were meticulously tuned with a focus on the red/blue and red/green ratios, while keeping the photosynthetic photon flux (PPFD) and average illuminance consistent. As a result of this research project, practical guidelines were developed to help lighting designers navigating the intricate world of indoor ornamental plants effectively. By carefully considering the lighting spectrum in the suggested ranges, architects and interior designers can create spaces that not only benefit human occupants but also provide an optimal environment for the well-being and flourishing of indoor plants.

Pest categorisation of Lepidosaphes malicola.

The EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Lepidosaphes malicola (Hemiptera: Diaspididae), the Armenian mussel scale, for the territory of the European Union, following commodity risk assessments of Prunus persica and P. dulcis plants for planting from Türkiye, in which L. malicola was identified as a pest of possible concern. L. malicola is a polyphagous insect of temperate and arid areas, feeding on more than 60 plant species belonging to 26 families. Important crops significantly affected by L. malicola in parts of Asia include stone fruits (Prunus armeniaca, P. persica), pome fruits (Malus domestica, Pyrus communis), grapes (Vitis vinifera), pomegranate (Punica granatum), walnuts (Juglans regia) and ornamental plants (Berberis spp., Cornus spp., Jasminum spp., Ligustrum spp.). L. malicola has two generations annually. The overwintered eggs hatch from late May to early June. First-instar nymphs crawl on the host plant for a short period, then settle to feed. Nymphs reach maturity in late summer or early autumn. Plants for planting, fruits and cut flowers provide potential pathways for entry into the EU. Host availability and climate suitability suggest that southern, central and some parts of northern EU countries would be suitable for the establishment of L. malicola. Despite being a pest in Armenia, Iran and Tajikistan, there is no evidence of it being a pest in Türkiye. L. malicola was detected in Bulgaria and Greece over 30 years ago, but there have been no records since, and its status is uncertain. Its ability to cause an impact in the EU is also uncertain. It is not listed in Annex II of the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072. Phytosanitary measures are available to reduce the likelihood of entry. Except for the criterion of having an economic or environmental impact, for which there is great uncertainty, L. malicola satisfies all other criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess for it to be regarded as a potential Union quarantine pest.

First report of anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum kahawae on Hypericum chinensis in China.

Hypericum chinensis is growing in popularity amongst consumers in cut-flower and pop-flower market as an ornamental woody plant for its florid berry and colorful flower. In August 2019, anewleafspot diseasewas observed onH. chinensis in three commercial nurseries in Kunming (25°05'N, 102°72'E), Yunnian province, China. Disease symptoms were observed on approximately 40% of the plants one year after planting and 30% of the leaves were infected. Leaf symptoms began as small, water-soaked lesions on young leaves which later became larger, dark brown and necrotic. The lesion size ranged from 0.2 to 2.8 cm in diameter.For pathogen isolation, three samples of symptomatic leaves were collected from four different nurseries. The leaves were cut into 0.5 mm pieces, surface sterilized using 70% ethanol for 30 s, and 3% NaOCl for 5 min, rinsed three times in sterilized distilled water and plated on potato dextrose agar (PDA) (Zhou et al. 2023). The plates were incubated at 26°C in the dark for 3 days. Eight isolates with comparable morphological characteristics were obtained. Initially, colonies produced pale gray to white aerial mycelia, turning dark gray after 5 days. The isolates produced hyaline, single celled, straight and cylindrical conidia, with mean size 9.7 to 14.8 μm long × 3.7 to 5.6 μm wide (n = 100). Morphological characteristics were consistent with Colletotrichum sp. (Bailey and Jeger 1992). For molecular analysis, genomic DNA was extracted from three representative isolates (XSD1, XSD3 and XSD5), amplified using the primers ITS1/ITS4 (Yin et al. 2012) and T1/Bt2b (Glass and Donaldson 1995) and submitted to sequencing (Weir et al. 2012). DNA sequences of the isolates XSD2, XSD3 and XSD8 were identical. DNA sequences of a representative isolate XSD2 were deposited in GenBank (accession no. MW202334 for ITS, and OR347007 for TUB 2). MegaBLAST analysis of the ITS and TUB2 sequences showed 99.5% and 99.3% similarity withC. kahawae strain ICMP 18539 (accession no. NR_120138.1 for ITS) and strain IMI319418 (JX145227.1 for TUB 2). Pathogenicity tests were conducted by inoculating the pathogen on healthy mature leaves of H. chinensis in the field. Ten leaves (two leaves/plant) were inoculated byspraying conidial suspension (106spores/ml) of isolates XSD1, XSD3 and XSD5, and covered with plastic bags to maintain high humidity for 48 hours, respectively. Leaves treated with sterile distilled water served as a control. All inoculated leaves showed symptoms similar to those observed in the field at 23±5°C 10 days after inoculation. No symptoms developed on non-inoculated leaves. The pathogen was re-isolated from inoculated diseased leaves and identified as C. kahawae based on morphological and molecular characters. C. kahawae has been reported to cause leaf spot on cultivated rocket in Italy (Garibaldi et al. 2016), and anthracnose disease on tree tomato in Colombia (Rojas et al. 2018), to our knowledge, this is the first report of C. kahawae causing anthracnose on H. chinensis worldwide. Due to important ornamental and economic value of H. chinensis, thedistribution of C. kahawae needs to be investigated and monitored for effective disease management strategies to be developed.

Documentation of Honeybees Flora and Blooming Period in Major Horticultural and Agricultural Crops Growing in Dryland Regions of Northern Karnataka, India

The goal of the present study was to determine the variety of nectariferous and polleniferous bee flora in the Koppal district of Northern Karnataka in order to enhance the bees' blooming season. When the blooming plants were visited, the honeybees' presence and foraging activity were documented. In a ten-minute interval when at least three honeybees visited the flowers, the plants were identified as bee foraging species. The various plant groupings that worker bees visit, including as fruit crops, vegetable cops, field crops, plantations, flower and ornamental plants, etc., are included in the identified bee flora. The detected flora was further divided into plants that yielded nectar, pollen, and both. A total of sixty-four crops were identified as forage crops.  Of those, the Koppal district had plants that yielded nectar (14), pollen (13), and both (36), according to documentation. The major dearth times were discovered to be mid-April to mid-June, whereas the honey flow seasons were determined to be mid-December to mid-February and mid-July to mid-September. Based on the flora's availability, utility status, and duration of flowering, a floral calendar was established for the study area. The listed species (Syzygium, Cassia, Citrus, Pongamia, Azadirachta, Brassica, Areca, Cocos, Guizotia, Hilianthus, Albezia, Lagerstroemia, Polinathus, Sapindus, Tecoma) and others are some of the common and significant bee food plants.

Some Morphological Characteristics of Boxwoods (B. sempervirens) Distributed Naturally in Kastamonu Province and Evaluations as Ornamental Plants

Şimşirler (Buxus spp.) herdem yeşil bitkilerdir. Farklı kullanımları olmakla birlikte genel olarak süs bitkisi olarak kullanılırlar. Türkiye’de Karadeniz Bölgesi B. sempervirens’in en fazla yayılış gösterdiği bölgedir. Kastamonu ise bu bölge içerisinde en geniş yayılış alanına sahip illerin başında gelmektedir. Ancak ildeki şimşir popülasyonlarının önemli bir kısmı kurumuştur. Kalan son lokasyonlardan örnekler alınarak çoğaltılmış ve koruma altına alınmıştır. Bu araştırmada, Kastamonu ilinde doğal olarak yetişen şimşirlerin bitkisel özellikleri belirlenerek bölgenin şimşir popülasyonu tanımlanmıştır. Araştırmada ortalama bitki boyu 11.0-28.0 cm, bitki eni 8.7-25.7 cm, ana gövde uzunluğu 3.1-11.0 cm, ana gövde çapı 2.1-5.3 mm, ana gövde boğum arası uzunluk 8.5-18.4 mm, yandal uzunluğu 5.7-17.2 cm, yandal çapı 0.81-3.1 mm, yandal boğum arası uzunluğu 8.1-15.4 mm, yandal gövde açısı 41.7°-63.3°, yandal sayısı 2.3-7.7 adet, sürgün uzunluğu 4.1-11 cm, sürgün çapı 0.61-0.96 mm, sürgün boğum arası uzunluğu 7.3-22.6 mm, sürgün sayısı 2-12 adet, yaprak uzunluğu 1.5-2.9 cm, yaprak eni 0.94-1.62 cm, yaprak sapı uzunluğu 0.18- 0.72 mm ve yaprak sapı çapı 0.25-0.71 mm arasında ölçülmüştür. Bitki boyu ile bitki eni, sürgün boyu, ana gövde uzunluğu ve yandal boğum uzunluğu arasında pozitif ve anlamlı bir ilişkinin olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Yine bitki eni ile sürgün boyu ve ana gövde çapı arasında, ana gövde uzunluğu ile yandal boğum uzunluğu ve yaprak eni arasında da benzer bir ilişki vardır. Ana gövde boğum uzunluğu ile yaprak sap çapı arasında, sürgün boyu ile sürgün boğum uzunluğu ve yaprak sap uzunluğu ve sürgün çapı ile yaprak sap çapı arasında da pozitif bir ilişkinin olduğu bulunmuştur.

Molecular cloning and characterization of farnesyl diphosphate synthase from Rosa rugosa Thunb associated with salinity stress.

Rosa rugosa, a renowned ornamental plant, is cultivated for its essential oil containing valuable monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and other compounds widely used in the floriculture industry. Farnesyl diphosphate synthase (FPPS) is a key enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of sesquiterpenes and triterpenes for abiotic or biotic stress. In this study, we successfully cloned and characterized a full-length FPPS- encoding cDNA identified as RrFPPS1 using RT-PCR from R. rugosa. Phylogenetic analysis showed that RrFPPS1 belonged to the angiosperm-FPPS clade. Transcriptomic and RT-qPCR analyses revealed that the RrFPPS1 gene had tissue-specific expression patterns. Subcellular localization analysis using Nicotiana benthamiana leaves showed that RrFPPS1 was a cytoplasmic protein. In vitro enzymatic assays combined with GC-MS analysis showed that RrFPPS1 produced farnesyl diphosphate (FPP) using isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP) and dimethylallyl diphosphate (DMAPP) as substrates to provide a precursor for sesquiterpene and triterpene biosynthesis in the plant. Additionally, our research found that RrFPPS1 was upregulated under salt treatment. These substantial findings contribute to an improved understanding of terpene biosynthesis in R. rugosa and open new opportunities for advancements in horticultural practices and fragrance industries by overexpression of the RrFPPS1 gene in vivo increased FPP production and subsequently led to elevated sesquiterpene yields in the future. The knowledge gained from this study can potentially lead to the development of enhanced varieties of R. rugosa with improved aroma, medicinal properties, and resilience to environmental stressors.

First Report of Root and Collar Rot caused by Phytophthora nicotianae on ⨯Graptoveria 'Silver Star' in Korea.

⨯Graptoveria 'Silver Star' (a cross between Graptopetalum filiferum and Echeveria agavoides) from the Crassulaceae family, are an evergreen succulent with lotus constellation-shaped flowers, making it consumer favorite ornamental plant in Korea. In 2019, Korea's ornamental production was estimated at KRW 517.4 billion (EUR 382 million), from 4,244 ha of farming area according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs of Korea. In July 2023, ⨯Graptoveria 'Silver Star' plants with chlorotic leaves, root and collar rot were observed in a greenhouse in Yongin (37°14'27.9"N, 127°10'39.19"E), Korea. To isolate the causal agent, small pieces (1 mm2) of symptomatic tissues were surface-sterilized using 1% NaOCl for 1 min, then put onto a water agar (WA) plate and incubated in the dark at 25℃ for five days. Two isolates (FD00202, FD00203) were obtained from diseased leaves, stem and roots by isolating single sporangium. To investigate the morphological characteristics of the isolates, the mycelium from potato dextrose agar (PDA) were transferred to V8 agar (V8A) followed by incubation at 25°C in the dark for 7 days. The isolates produced dense cottony mycelium, with slightly petaloid and light rossette pattern, with coralloid edges measuring 70 to 83 mm diameter. Sporangium were spheroid (30.0-48.0 µm long, 25.0-35.0 µm wide) with globose chlamydospores (17.0-50.0 µm long, 18.0-38.0 µm wide). Oogonia were not observed. Morphological and cultural characteristics of these isolates were phenotypically similar to that of Phytophthora nicotianae (Faedda et al. 2013; Abad et al. 2023). For molecular identification, genomic DNA was extracted from 5 days old cultures using the Maxwell® RSC PureFood GMO and Authentication Kit (Promega). Two gene regions, the rDNA-ITS, COX I were amplified and sequenced using primers ITS1/ITS4 and FM83/FM84, respectively (White et al. 1990; Martin and Tooley 2003). The resulting sequences were deposited in GenBank with accession no. LC783858 to LC783861. A BLASTn search of the DNA sequences from ITS, COX I showed 99.81 and 98.94% identity to P. nicotianae isolate IMI 398853, respectively. Maximum likelihood phylogenetic analyses were performed for the combined data set with ITS, COX I using MEGA7 under the Tamura-Nei model (Kumar et al. 2016). The isolates formed a monophyletic group with P. nicotianae isolate IMI 398853, CPHST BL162, and CPHST BL 44. Based on morphological characteristics and molecular analysis, the isolates were identified as P. nicotianae. T confirm their pathogenicity, inoculum was prepared in accordance with Ann (2000). Artificially wounded healthy plant roots were dipped in zoospore suspension (3.0 × 106 zoospore/ml) for 24 hours, with mock-treated plants (control) dipped in sterile distilled water (Ann. 2000). Thereafter, the plants were transplanted into new medium and kept under high humidity. Symptoms were observed after 10 days of incubation. The plants inoculated with P. nicotianae showed similar symptoms of chlorotic leaves with root and collar rot, while control remained symptomless. The pathogen was re-isolated from all inoculated plants and confirmed as P. nicotianae by morphological and molecular analysis. but not from controls, fulfilling Koch's postulates. Phytophthora nicotianae was previously report on Echeveria derenbergii and Kalanchoe blossfeldiana causing brown spot on stems and roots in California and Korea, respectively (French 1989; Oh and Son 2008). To best of our knowledge, this is the first report of P. nicotianae causing root and collar rot on ⨯Graptoveria 'Silver Star' plants in the Korea.

First Report of Anthracnose Caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides on Cinnamomum camphora in Korea.

Cinnamomum camphora, known as the camphor tree, is an evergreen tree widely cultivated in Asia as an ornamental plant (Singh and Jawaid, 2012). In June 2023, several leaves on a total of 10 trees planted on a street in Suncheon, Jeonnam Province, Korea showed black spots. Disease incidence was observed in at least 15% of the 10 trees. The symptoms included circular spots with a light ash-colored center and dark brown borders. The size of lesions varied depending on the progress of the disease. The disease progressed by 30% on the tree leaves. To isolate the pathogen, we cut out the lesions on the leaf surface sterilized with 70% ethanol for one minute, washed three times with sterilized distilled water, dried, and placed on water agar. Then, it was incubated at 25°C for three days. Emerging hyphae from the samples were subcultured on potato dextrose agar (PDA), resulting in three independent isolates (SYP-F1226-1 to SYP-F1226-3) after single spore isolation from 3 independent trees. The isolates exhibited grayish fluffy mycelium in the center of the colony, while the edges were white on PDA. Conidia had rounded cylindrical shape and were 4.9 to 8.4 µm  1.4 to 3.1 µm (avg. 5.9  2.1 μm, n = 100) in size. Appressoria were round, dark gray, produced at the tip of the germ tube after a septum formed the conidium. The morphological characteristics matched those of Colletotrichum species complexes. (Damm et al., 2012; Weir et al., 2012). For molecular identification, ITS (OR647338 to 40), GAPDH (OR657042 to 44), CHS-1 (OR657045 to 47), ACT (OR657048 to 50), and CAL (OR657051 to 53) sequences from isolates SYP-F1226-1~3 showed a 99.65%, 98.56%, 99.00%, 99.28%, and 99.52% identity with that of type strain C. gloeosporioides ICMP 17821 (JX010152, JX010056, JX009818, JX009531, and JX010445, respectively). Using the MEGA X program (Kumar et al. 2018), maximum likelihood analysis based on the concatenated sequences placed the isolates within a clade comprising C. gloeosporioides. Pathogenicity of SYP-F1226-1 was tested using three leaves from a 1-year-old branch of three independent healthy C. camphora plants. The leaf surfaces were sterilized by rubbing a cotton pad soaked in 70% ethanol and then wiping them with a sterilized cotton pad. The leaves per plant were inoculated with 5 mL of a conidial suspension (1 × 105 conidia/mL), both with and without wounding. Another three control leaves were inoculated with sterile distilled water, both with and without wounding. The inoculated leaves were wrapped in a plastic bag for 48 hours under conditions of 100% relative humidity. Spot symptoms were observed on both wounded and non-wounded leaves 21 days after inoculation. No symptoms were observed in the control on either of the wounded leaves. Pathogenicity tests were performed three times. The pathogen was re-isolated from the lesion after treatment, and its identity was confirmed using the five genes and morphological characteristics. This confirms the fulfillment of Koch's postulates. C. fioriniae (Liu et al, 2022) and C. siamens (Liu et al, 2022; Khoo et al, 2023) have been reported as the causal pathogen of anthracnose in C. camphora, but C. gloeosporioides has not been reported as a pathogen in C. camphora. To our knowledge, this is the first report of anthracnose caused by C. gloeosporioides on C. camphora in Korea. This study will provide symptomatic, mycological, and molecular biological information for the early detection of anthracnose disease in C. camphora plants.

Medicinal flowering plants distributed in both Vietnam and Indonesia: The diversity and proposing some solutions for development

The list of medicinal plants distributed in both Vietnam and Indonesia has not been published systematically, leading to many difficulties in developing medicinal plants distributed in both Vietnam and Indonesia. The most important goal is to build a list of medicinal flowering plants with information about specific medicinal uses. The paper assessed the diversity of species, genera, families and classes of the medicinal flowering plants (Magnoliophyta) distributed in both Vietnam and Indonesia. The study has enumerated 922 species, 600 genera, 140 families, 2 classes of Magnoliophyta, distributed in both Vietnam and Indonesia. Plants for timber with 61 species (1 class, 30 families, 55 genera). Ornamental plants with 93 species (2 classes, 32 families, 77 genera). Edible plants (edible fruits, seeds) with 86 species (2 classes, 38 families, 70 genera). Plants for essential oil with 11 species (2 classes, 7 families, 10 genera). Vegetables with 99 species (2 classes, 43 families, 80 genera). Dyed plants with 28 species (1 class, 13 families, 23 genera). Plants for fibre with 4 species (2 classes, 4 families, 4 genera). Plants for food of animal with 48 species (2 classes, 10 families, 32 genera). A model built for research and development of those species based on comprehensive cooperations and supports from agriculture, construction, fashion, forestry, food, ornamental and pharmaceutical organizations. The results provide a lot of valuable information, contributing to the development of cooperation of Vietnam and Indonesia on medicinal plant diversity research and application orientation.

Evaluation of some lavender genotypes with high ornamental potential for essential oil properties and antimicrobial activities

ABSTRACT Lavender, a member of the Lamiaceae family, is an essential plant worldwide with high medicinal aromatic value and ornamental properties. In this study, 75 lavender genotypes belonging to Lavandula angustifolia Miller and Lavandula hybrida L. species, which were selected from several segregating populations and had high agronomic features as ornamental and medicinal aromatic plants, were evaluated in terms of essential oil properties. The essential oil ratios varied between 1.08% and 7.00%. The essential oil yield of lavender genotypes varied between 0.6 and 9.0 liter/decare. The highest components were determined as linalool and linalyl acetate. Lavender genotypes were also evaluated for their antimicrobial activities, and the inhibition zone diameter of Escherichia coli, a Gram (-) bacterium, varied between 10 and 44 mm. While the zone diameter for Staphylococcus aureus was in the range of 27–44 mm, the zone diameter value for Candida albicans was found to be in the range of 37–42 mm. This study indicated that segregating populations had great potential for improving lavender genotypes with higher oil ratios and antimicrobial activity. Genotypes that could be cultivar candidates were determined.

GIS-based Characterization of Land Use, Land Cover Patterns and Microclimate of Agricultural and Agroforestry Landscapes in a Rainforest Zone of Nigeria

There is increasing need for development of sustainable land use and landscape management practices to avert accelerating trends of land, water and ecosystem degradation and for climate mitigation.  This study characterized land use and land cover patterns and microclimate of permanent (forest, agroforestry, fallow, cocoa, oil palm, citrus and ornamental plant field) and annual crop land use systems in a rainforest zone of Nigeria using space-based remote sensing technology. The goal is to evaluate land use and land cover patterns and microclimate along agricultural and agroforestry landscapes in a rainforest zone of Nigeria. Land use types were: permanent (forest, agroforestry, fallow, cocoa, oil palm, citrus and ornamental plant field) and annual cropland. Vegetation indices (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index: NDVI, Normalized Difference Water Index: NDWI and Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index:  SAVI) were deployed for characterizing land use vegetation cover patterns in relation to vigour and health in addition to responses to weather variables (temperature and rainfall). The NDVI intensities of vegetation cover from the land use types showed differences in vigour and health of vegetation   during the rainy and dry seasons of 2017 to 2019. The NDWI of vegetation cover intensity indicates differences in moisture conditions of vegetation cover, the vegetation of the land use systems had more water content (received more rainfall) in 2017 compared to 2018 and 2019 during the rainy season while during the dry season of 2019, NDWI intensity was highest compare to 2018 and 2017. NDVI and NDWI also showed that vegetation cover of permanent land uses had better vigour and health compared to annual (maize) field. SAVI was applied to correct NDVI of vegetation cover patterns of land use types with reference to canopy gaps (soil brightness within canopy especially in spots where vegetation cover is sparse). High SAVI intensities were obtained during rainy compared to the low values during dry season (sparse vegetation cover). Decreasing order of SAVI intensities were agroforestry, oil palm, ornamental plant field, citrus, cocoa, fallow land and maize crop field. Result from the correlations among vegetation indices (NDVI, NDWI and DSAVI) were strong association (R2 = 1) among the years and seasons. The strong R2 values imply that less than 10% of changes in NDWI (the explanatory variables) can be explained by changes in NDVI and SAVI (the dependent variable). Temperature and rainfall differed within months and years of study. Temperatures were highest for March, April and May while rainfall was highest for September of 2017 and 2018 and in October, 2019. Significantly lower rainfall amounts were received for January, February, November and December. The vegetation indices (NDVI, NDWI and SAVI) indicated vigour and water contents of the land use types within seasons and years as well as responses to weather variables (rainfall and temperature in particular). The biophysical findings from this study may advance capacities to cope with climate change challenges and ecosystem conservation. Information generated will find use as strategies for ecologically sound and sustainable land use systems and policy for mainstreaming climate mitigation in in the study area.

Two key enzyme genes associated with ethylene bio-synthesis, LbACS and LbACO, are involved in the regulation of lily flower senescence

Ethylene plays an important role in regulating the growth and development of flowers and determines the flower life span of ornamental plants. In this study, the lily variety 'Manissa' was used to elucidate the mechanism associated with the regulation of lily senescence by the genes for 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid synthetase (ACS) and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid oxidase (ACO), which are key enzymes in the ethylene biosynthesis pathway. The results showed that ethylene release increased, the relative water content first increased and then decreased, and relative conductivity continuously increased as lily bud development progressed. LbACS1 transcription was highest at the blooming stage, LbACS7 transcription was highest at the green bud stage, and LbAC03 and LbAC04 levels both peaked at the yellow bud stage and the blooming stage. After treating cut lily flowers with ethephon and ethylene inhibitor 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), the results showed that ethephon promoted the senescence of cut flowers, ethylene release, and the transcription levels of the four Lb genes. 1-MCP treatment also delayed the aging of cut flowers, but reduced ethylene release and inhibited the transcription of LbAC03 and LbAC04 when the treatment was applied during the later stages of bud development. This study provided evidence for the role of ethylene and the functions of LbACS and LbAC0 in the aging process associated with cut lily flowers.

Analysis of flavonoid metabolism of compounds in succulent fruits and leaves of three different colors of Rosaceae

Red flesh apple (Malus pumila var. medzwetzkyana Dieck), purple leaf plum (Prunus cerasifera Ehrhar f), and purple leaf peach (Prunus persica ‘Atropurpurea’) are significant ornamental plants within the Rosaceae family. The coloration of their fruits and leaves is crucial in their appearance and nutritional quality. However, qualitative and quantitative studies on flavonoids in the succulent fruits and leaves of multicolored Rosaceae plants are lacking. To unveil the diversity and variety-specificity of flavonoids in these three varieties, we conducted a comparative analysis of flavonoid metabolic components using ultra-high-performance liquid phase mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). The results revealed the detection of 311 metabolites, including 47 flavonoids, 105 flavonols, 16 chalcones, 37 dihydroflavonoids, 8 dihydroflavonols, 30 anthocyanins, 14 flavonoid carbon glycosides, 23 flavanols, 8 isoflavones, 11 tannins, and 12 proanthocyanidins. Notably, although the purple plum and peach leaves exhibited distinct anthocyanin compounds, paeoniflorin and corythrin glycosides were common but displayed varying glycosylation levels. While the green purple leaf peach fruit (PEF) and red flesh apple leaf (AL) possessed the lowest anthocyanin content, they exhibited the highest total flavonoid content. Conversely, the red flesh apple fruit (AF) displayed the highest anthocyanin content and a diverse range of anthocyanin glycosylation modifications, indicating that anthocyanins predominantly influenced the fruit's color. Purple PLF, PLL, and PEL showcased varying concentrations of anthocyanins, suggesting that their colors result from the co-color interaction between specific types of anthocyanins and secondary metabolites, such as flavonols, flavonoids, and dihydroflavonoids. This study provides novel insights into the variations in tissue metabolites among Rosaceae plants with distinct fruit and leaf colors.

The Precious Potential of the Sacred Tree Chamaecyparis obtusa (Siebold & Zucc.) Endl. as a Source of Secondary Metabolites with Broad Biological Applications.

Chamaecyparis obtusa (Siebold & Zucc.) Endl., which belongs to the Cupressaceae family, occurs naturally in North America and Asia, especially in Korea, Taiwan and Japan, where it is an evergreen, coniferous, sacred, ethnic tree. It has many useful varieties that are widespread throughout the world and grown for decorative purposes. It is most commonly used as an ornamental plant in homes, gardens or parks. It is also widely used in many areas of the economy; for example, its wood is used in architecture as well as furniture production. In addition, oil extracted from Chamaecyparis obtusa is increasingly used in cosmetology for skin care. Due to its wide economic demand, mainly in Japan, it represents the largest area of plantation forest. Despite this, it is on the red list of endangered species. Its use in ethnopharmacology has led to more and more research in recent years in an attempt to elucidate the potential mechanisms of its various biological activities, such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic, antiasthmatic, anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, analgesic and central nervous system effects. It has also been shown that Chamaecyparis obtusa can be used as an insect repellent and an ingredient in plant disease treatment. This thesis provides a comprehensive review of the biological studies to date, looking at different areas of the economic fields of potential use of Chamaecyparis obtusa.

The hibiscus erineum mite, Aceria hibisci (Nalepa 1906)

Aceria hibisci, the hibiscus erineum mite, is a mite in the family Eriophyidae and can be a pest on ornamental Hibiscus rosa-sinensis plants. Eriophyid mites are small worm-like mites that feed on plants by sucking out the cellular contents from leaves and stems. During feeding, they release chemicals that cause the formation of abnormal plant growths like galls and erinea. This mite species is not currently present in the continental U.S., but is established in several Pacific islands including Fiji and Hawaii, as well as Caribbean regions including Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Jamaica. Therefore, it is a species of concern with potential to become introduced and established in the continental U.S. This publication describes biology, diagnosis, distribution, and management of this mite species. 

Can gardeners identify ‘future invaders’?

It is estimated that there are 30 million gardeners in Britain, who could play a crucial role in being the ‘first contact’ for reporting ornamental plants in gardens with invasive potential. Invasive species are one of the five drivers of the global nature crisis, many of which were originally introduced through ornamental horticulture. Ornamentals confined to gardens and those which have already naturalised, but are not yet shown to be invasive, represent a ‘pool’ of species with invasive potential – ‘future invaders’. An online survey asking gardeners to report ornamentals they had noticed invading or taking over their garden resulted in 251 different taxa being reported (including cultivars). The future invaders were prioritised with a simple yet structured scheme, looking at the domestic and global naturalised and invasive status of each taxon, including in the Global Register of Introduced and Invasive Species (GRIIS) and the Global Naturalized Alien Flora (GloNAF) databases. The structured scheme identified a shortlist of nine ornamentals of concern which should be prioritised for further analysis, such as a formal risk assessment. Identifying and preventing future invaders before they escape gardens is critical, to prevent future threats to nature. There is also a gap in the identification of potentially invasive ornamentals, which are not currently invasive, yet are beyond the scope of formal horizon scanning because they are naturalised. Here we explore whether surveying gardeners can be a suitable approach to prioritising future invaders while also being an opportunity to increase awareness of invasive species. This positive feedback loop between gardeners and invasion scientists could help reduce the risk of future invaders.