Ornamental Sunflower Research Articles

Сорт декоративного подсолнечника Гелия селекции ВНИИМК

In 2023, an ornamental sunflower variety Geliya was transferred to the State Commission of the Russian Federation on testing and protection of breeding achievements. It was developed by crossing lines LD 24 and LD 30, and consequent selfpollination under individual selection by traits of morphotype with transfer of a fertile line on CMS RIG. The originator of the ornamental sunflower variety Geliya is V.S. Pustovoit All-Russian Research Institute of Oil Crops.

Гибрид декоративного подсолнечника Смуглянка селекции ВНИИМК

In 2023, an ornamental sunflower hybrid Smuglyanka was transferred to the State Commission of the Russian Federation on testing and protection of breeding achievements. It was developed by crossing lines LD 4 and LD 8. The main decorative features of the new hybrid is intensive expression of anthocyanin coloration on all plant parts during a growing season. The hybrid Smuglyanka is aimed on cutting and landscape design. The originator of the ornamental sunflower hybrid Smuglyanka is V.S. Pustovoit All-Russian Research Institute of Oil Crops.

Phylogenetic Identification of the Predator Orius tristicolor1 Associated with Ornamental Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) in Mexico State, Mexico

Phylogenetic Identification of the Predator Orius tristicolor1 Associated with Ornamental Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) in Mexico State, Mexico

The effects of the combination of mycorrhizae, vermicompost and humic acid applications on ornamental sunflower growth parameters

This study aimed to investigate the effect of the combination of mycorrhizal fungi, vermicompost, and humic acid application on ornamental sunflower growth. The study employed ornamental sunflower (Helianthus annuus L. cv. ‘Sunsantion’) as the plant material. Seedlings, acquired from a local ornamental production company at the four-true-leaf stage, were planted in plastic pots (2 L) containing peat perlite medium (1:1 v/v). The research incorporated three distinct doses of humic acid (10, 20, and 30 ml/L) and vermicompost (10, 20, and 30 ml/L). Humic acid (HA) and vermicompost (VC) were applied by soil drenching with 200 ml solution per pot. After one week, the seedlings were transferred into the pots. In all Mycorrhizae applications, 2 g/pot mycorrhizae inoculated during seedling transferred into the pots. Additionally, 20 ml of humic acid (HA20/M2) and vermicompost (VC20/M2) were combined with mycorrhiza application and applied to the plants. No application was made to the control group. Relative growth rate (RGR) was calculated from harvested samples of individuals from the same application group at 15 and 30 days after plants were transferred into the pots. The highest RGR obtained from HA20/M2 and vermicompost VC20/M2 treatments was 3.55 and 3.48, respectively. Additionally, the highest values of flower diameter (11.71 cm), stem length (41.13 cm), stem diameter (8.46 cm), and flower longevity (10.4 days) were observed in VC20/M2 treatment.

QTL Mapping and Genetic Map for the Ornamental Sunflower in China

Quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping and genetic map are of great significance for ornamental sunflowers in China. In this study, a total of 956.50 Mbp data were obtained, the average Q30 was 93.76%, the average GC content was 42.43%, and the GC distribution of the parents and F2 population of the ornamental sunflowers was normal. At the same time, the double-end comparison efficiency of control data was 90.28%, and the enzyme digestion efficiency was 92.01%. The Specific-Locus Amplified Fragment (SLAF) library construction was normal. Furthermore, a total of 734,893 SLAF markers were obtained, among which 127,855 were polymorphic SLAF markers and 38,908 could be used for genetic map construction, and the effective polymorphism of the parents was 5.29%. Moreover, we constructed a total of 17 linkage groups, with 6181 markers in the QTL mapping, the total map distance was 2608.66 cM, the marker integrity in the figure above was 99%, the proportion of double exchange was 0.05, the sequencing depth of the parents was 42.455 × , and the progeny was 9.24 × . The relationship of traits (plant height, stem diameter, disk diameter, number of petals, leaf number, stigma color, petal color, petiole color) and QTL mapping was closely related to show the best of ornamental effect.

Bioprospecting for improved floral fragrance in wild sunflowers

Abstract Cultivated sunflower (Helianthus annuus) is not typically considered to have a pleasant floral fragrance. In field production, seed yield is often limited by pollination services, particularly in the production of hybrid seed. Improved floral fragrance, as determined by volatile organic compounds, may be a route to improving pollinator attraction for oilseed and confectionary production and could also add value to ornamental sunflowers. Wild relatives of H. annuus have a long history of being used to breed improved traits into cultivated varieties, yet it is unknown whether favorable scents are present in wild Helianthus species and thus an available resource for fragrance breeding. In order to assess the diversity of floral fragrance available in crop wild relatives, 30 diverse accessions of wild Helianthus as well as seven varieties of H. annuus spanning a domestication gradient were grown in greenhouse experiments and variation in floral volatiles was analyzed by solid phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. While alpha-pinene made up a significant portion of the volatiles emitted for most taxa, there was substantial diversity present across the genus as well as within H. annuus. Most volatiles emitted were monoterpenoids with a significant share of sesquiterpenoids. The diversity identified here will inform further targeted study of which compounds affect pollinator attraction and health. Several wild accessions such as Helianthus debilis subsp. tardiflorus and Helianthus praecox subsp. praecox as well as open-pollinated domesticated accessions of H. annuus show promise for breeding for improved floral fragrance due to high volatile abundance and likely favorable compound compositions.

Pinched sunflowers (Helianthus annuus ‘Teddy Bear’) produce high-quality flowers under high nitrogen fertilizer

This study was investigated the effect of removing the central bud (pinching) and different levels of nitrogen fertilizer urea on some morphological and physiological traits of ornamental sunflower. This study was conducted as a factorial experiment in a randomized complete block design with four replications on ornamental sunflower (Helianthus annuus ‘Teddy Bear’) at Horticulture Farm, Department of Horticulture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran, in 2020-2021. The first factor was pinching in two levels (pinching and non-pinching) and the second factor was using urea at four levels (0, 200, 300, and 400 kg ha-1) in the form of water-soluble fertilizer. Results showed that the highest flower dry mass (59.25 g) was observed in pinched plants fertilized by 400 kg ha-1 of urea. Besides, the application of a high level of urea fertilizer and pinching treatment increased the amount of total chlorophyll and chlorophyll b. By removing the central bud, the amount of N, P, K, Ca, Zn, and Fe elements in the leaf increased by 1.5, 1.6, 1.3, 1.9, 1.4, and 1.5 times, respectively. Therefore, pinching and the adding of urea fertilizer at 400 kg ha-1is recommended for the production of high-quality sunflower plant ‘Teddy Bear’.

Influence of biostimulants and contaminated water on the morphology of the ornamental sunflower Helianthus annuus L.

Bio-stimulants and water quality influence crop development. Therefore, the objective was to assess the influence of bio-stimulants and contaminated water on the morphology of ornamental sunflowers. Statistical tests revealed significant differences among variables, such as plant height, leaf number, internode distance, peduncle length, root mass, fresh plant mass, and stem diameter. The Algaser bio-stimulant (seaweed) exhibited the most significant differences (α = 0.05), followed by distilled water, Rady max (amino acids + inorganic fertilizer), and Flizz (amino acids). Canal water consistently resulted in the lowest means for all morphological variables. This study demonstrates that bio-stimulants and water quality play a significant role in the morphological development of ornamental sunflowers.

Impact of long-term application of paclobutrazol in communities of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and their efficiency in the development of Helianthus annuus L.

Paclobutrazol (PBZ) is a phytoregulator known for inhibiting plant vegetative growth and promoting flowering in mango crop (Mangifera indica L.). PBZ belongs to the triazole family, a group recognized by its fungicide capacity, and its application to the soil can directly influence microbial communities, however, little is known about its effects on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). The objectives of this work were to evaluate the impact of long-term application of PBZ on the AMF communities and to verify whether the management time affects the functionality of these communities in promoting the development of ornamental sunflower Helianthus annuus L. (var. Dwarf Double Sungold). Sampling was carried out in mango cultivation areas with a history of PBZ application that varied from no application to application for up to 15 years. For the analysis of the AMF community, the quantification of most probable number (MPN) of infective AMF propagules, abundance of glomerospores, richness, diversity, Simpson dominance, and Pielou's evenness were evaluated. The analysis of the functionality of the AMF community was based on the analysis of the variables of growth and mycorrhizal colonization. Soils with a prolonged history of PBZ application (>nine years) presented distinct AMF communities with lower abundance of glomerospores in relation to areas without PBZ application and with native Caatinga vegetation. However, the soil-inoculum of this AMF community has greater efficiency in promoting sunflower development and mycorrhizal colonization, suggesting greater functionality. It is concluded that the time of application and performance of PBZ in the soil influence the composition of the AMF community. Even with reduction of richness and diversity of AMF species in soils with a prolonged history of PBZ application, there are functional AMF communities in these soils that promoted sunflower plant growth, selecting more efficient and resistant species.

Гибрид декоративного подсолнечника Сириус селекции ВНИИМК

The hybrid of the ornamental sunflower Sirius was obtained as a result of crossing two parent lines LD10 (variety of the ornamental sunflower Zhemchuzhny) and LD20. The main ornamental features of the hybrid Sirius are the original inflorescence, the light-yellow color of the ray flowers, the purple color of the tubular flowers, and the compact habitus. The hybrid belongs to the middle maturing group. The originator of the ornamental sunflower hybrid Sirius is the V.S. Pustovoit All-Russian Research Institute of Oil Crops (VNIIMK).

Сорт декоративного подсолнечника Астория селекции ВНИИМК

In 2022, the ornamental variety Astoria was submitted into the State variety testing. The variety Astoria was obtained as a result of crossing the ornamental variety Plyushevy mishka and ornamental samples with lemon and apricot ray flowers, followed by the production of a synthetic, its multiple self-pollination and individual selection according to the characteristics of the morphotype, culminating in the transfer of the fertile line to CMS RIG. The main ornamental features of the variety Astoria are: the original inflorescence at the stage of budding and flowering, light yellow color of ray flowers, yellow-purple color of tubular flowers; involucre leaves with a very long tip; large, blistered, serrated leaves along the edges; predominantly apical branching, stiff long lateral shoots, compact habitus, long growing season. The variety Astoria belongs to the middle maturing group, intended for cutting and landscaping. The originator of the ornamental sunflower variety Astoria is the V.S. Pustovoit All-Russian Research Institute of Oil Crops (VNIIMK).

Leaf nutrient content of ornamental sunflowers subjected to different irrigation depths with magnetized water

Water demand has intensified the modernization of irrigation techniques, contributing to the optimization and/or development of technologies that aim to improve plant performance, such as nutrient uptake. Thus, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the macro- and micronutrient levels in leaves of ornamental sunflowers grown with different irrigation depths with magnetized water or ordinary water. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse following a 5x2 factorial scheme in a randomized block design. The treatments consisted of a combination of 5 irrigation depths based on crop evapotranspiration (ETc) (0.2, 0.7, 1.0, 1.3, and 1.6 ETc, corresponding to the irrigation depths of 56.47, 104.89, 133.94, 162.99, and 192.04 mm, respectively) and 2 types of irrigation water (magnetized water or ordinary water). The deepest irrigation depths generated the highest leaf concentrations of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), and zinc (Zn) and the lowest potassium (K), copper (Cu), and iron (Fe) concentrations. The leaf concentrations of magnesium (Mg), sulfur (S), boron (B), and manganese (Mn) were not significantly influenced by the irrigation depth. Ordinary water favored higher leaf concentrations of S, Cu, and Mn, while there were no significant differences between the water types regarding the levels of the other nutrients.

История, состояние и пути развития саратовской селекции подсолнечника (обзор)

The article presents information on the results of long-term effective work in the Federal Center of Agriculture Research of the South-East Region on sunflower breeding in the Saratov region. The main task facing breeders was to develop productive, precocious sunflower varieties resistant to local races of broomrape and sunflower moth. An invaluable contribution to the development of sunflower breeding was made by outstanding Russian breeders Plachek E.M., Zhdanov L.A., Morozov V.K., Pustovoit V.S., Pimakhin V.F., and others. They bred new highly productive sunflower varieties, being the main source for the production of edible oil that are widely distributed in the Volga region, Central Black Earth regions, Siberia and the Urals. For the first time, Saratov scientists conducted research in the field of heterosis breeding. They formed a large working collection of sunflowers, a genetic collection of marker traits, identified promising forms for subsequent stages of the breeding process, and developed a variety of initial material in the conditions of Saratov. The main focus is on developing almost isogenic lines, studying the genetic control of marker traits, determining the effects of the influence of genes on economically useful traits. Studies on the private genetics of sunflower have been carried out. Based on experimental data, ornamental sunflower varieties with flowers of various colors – Oreol, Raduga, and Solnechny salut were developed. For 2022, the State Register of Breeding Achievements of the Russian Federation includes the following varieties bred in the Federal Center of Agriculture Research of the South-East Region: Saratov 82, Saratov 85, Skoropely, Skoropely 87, Stepnoy 81, Lyubim-chik, Saratov 20, Slastena and hybrids: Agrotex, Continent, Yubileyny 75, Everest, YuVS 2, YuVS 3, YuVS 4, YuVS 5, YuVS 7.

The influence of the rate of seed sowing on the structural parameters and yield of phytoraw materials of ornamental sunflower in the conditions of the Southern Steppe

The influence of the rate of seed sowing on the structural parameters and yield of phytoraw materials of ornamental sunflower in the conditions of the Southern Steppe

Strigolactone (GR24) Application Positively Regulates Photosynthetic Attributes, Stress-Related Metabolites and Antioxidant Enzymatic Activities of Ornamental Sunflower (Helianthus annuus cv. Vincent’s Choice) under Salinity Stress

Strigolactones, a new group of phytohormones, are reported to improve plant tolerance to multiple abiotic stresses. A pot experiment was conducted to investigate the impact of synthetic strigolactone (GR24 at 0.001, 0.01 and 0.1 mg L−1) application on ornamental sunflowers (Helianthus annuus cv. Vincent’s Choice) grown under salt stress (150 mM NaCl). Salt stress was applied after 14 days, and SL was applied 25 days seed sowing. The results showed that amongst various GR24 concentrations, 0.01 mg L−1 proved to be superior, as it enhanced the photosynthetic rate (9.29%), transpiration rate (0.76%), stomatal conductance (77.5%), total soluble protein (0.55%) and K+ (14.63% in roots; 14.87% in shoots) and Ca2+ (12.63% in roots; 11.48% in shoots) contents under control conditions. Similarly, the leaf turgor potential (Ψp), osmotic potential (Ψs) and free proline, glycinebetaine (GB), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and peroxide (POD) contents increased by 58.17, 89.95, 159.04, 101.54, 74.42, 175.68 and 53.62%, respectively, under salt stress conditions. The leaf water potential (Ψw) decreased (−0.14%) and the malondialdehyde (MDA) content increased (16.65%) when treated with the 0.001 mg L−1 GR24 level. Meanwhile, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and Na+ concentrations in roots and shoots increased by 62.53%, 74.66% and 38.55% under saline conditions with a GR24 level of 0 mg L−1. Regarding the plant biomass, a GR24 level of 0.01 mg L−1 with salt stress greatly decreased the root (−47.27% and −50.45%) and shoot (−44.79% and −59.42%) fresh and dry weights, respectively, compared to control conditions. These results reveal that exogenously applied GR24 might be an effective way to mitigate the perilous impacts of salt stress in ornamental sunflower production. It is suggested that the use of molecular techniques to study different processes in which GR24 could play a vital part in various commercial floricultural crops is extremely imperative and can open novel horizons for future investigations in this exhilarating field of plant hormones.

Effects of Some Plant Growth Regulators on Quality of Potted Sunflower

This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of different plant growth regulators on the ornamental sunflower plant. The seedlings belonging to Helianthus annuus L. cv. Sunsantion F1 were planted in plastic pots (2 L) containing peat:perlite (1:1, v/v) medium at four true leaf stage. Spray treatments of aminoethoxyvinil glycine (AVG; 250 and 500 ppm), promalin (5 and 10 ppm), thidiazuron (TDZ; 5-10 µM), ethephon (100 ppm) were applied to seedlings 20 days after transfering to the pots, and treatments were repeated 10 days after the first application. Flower life (days), flower diameter (cm), stem diameter (cm) and plant height (cm) were determined. According to statistical analysis, AVG at 250 ppm significantly increased the flower life from 9.17 d in control plants to 11.08 d whereas there were no significant effects on flower diameter and plant height. Both concentrations of Promalin and TDZ increased stem diameter significantly. However, TDZ increased the flower life from 9.17 d (control plants) to 10.36 at 10 µM and 10.33 at 5 µM TDZ. Ethephon application prevented flower bud opening and caused the leaves to be yellowing. These results may suggest AVG and TDZ pre-treatments increase the quality and shelf-life of the potted sunflower plant.

Effect of Organic Amendments on Biodegradation of Diesel Oil in Pb and Cd Polluted Soil Enriched with Vermicompost Under Ornamental Sunflower Cultivation

Effect of Organic Amendments on Biodegradation of Diesel Oil in Pb and Cd Polluted Soil Enriched with Vermicompost Under Ornamental Sunflower Cultivation

Longevity and post-harvest quality of cut ornamental sunflower floral

The postharvest quality and longevity of cut flowers is influenced by several factors, with the development stage being one of the determining aspects. The determination of the harvest point is variable and must be carried out depending on the physiology of flower development and the proximity of the consumer market. In this sense, the objective was to determine the harvesting point and the ideal stem length for harvesting ‘Sol Vermelho’ ornamental sunflower. The experimental design adopted was completely randomized, arranged in a 2 × 4 factorial scheme (harvest point × stem length), where stems harvested at stages R4 and R5.5 and in four lengths of 50, 60, 70, and 80 cm were used. The results demonstrate that the early harvest (R4 stage) of the ornamental sunflower flower ‘Sol Vermelho’ stems is a viable alternative that allows greater post-harvest durability and, consequently, the commercialization of the stems for a longer period of time. In addition, stems harvested at stage R5.5 (open flowers) with lengths of 50 and 60 cm can be recommended for sale in regions close to the production sites.

Irrigation water salinity and silicon negatively interfere with the physiology and delay the flowering of ornamental sunflowers

Although silicon is considered a non-essential element for plants, its application can mitigate the harmful effects of salt stress. In this sense, the objective was to evaluate the physiological and flowering responses of ornamentalsunflower depending on the application of silicon and irrigation with saline water. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse in a completely randomized design with six replications, in a 4 x 5 factorial scheme, referring to four electrical conductivities of irrigation water (ECw): 0.5; 1.5; 2.5 and 3.5 dS m-1 and silicon doses: 0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 mg L-1, with potassium silicate as the source. The following were evaluated: internal carbon concentration, transpiration, rate of liquid photosynthesis, instant efficiency of carboxylation, leaf indexes of chlorophyll a, b, chlorophyll a/b ratio, total chlorophyll, external and internal diameter of the chapter, number of petals, appearance of floral bud, beginning of flowering and full opening of the floral bud. Salinity negatively affects photosynthetic activity and flowering of ornamental sunflower plants, so that plants irrigated with saline water (3.5 dS m-1) delayed the appearance of the flower bud, the flowering index and the total opening of the floral button. The application of silicon in ornamental sunflower plants is not effective to mitigate the deleterious effects of salinity on the plant’s physiology. In addition, the addition of silicon is also not able to repair the losses in terms of flowering caused by salt stress in the species.

Nutrient balance in a constructed wetland system using treated domestic wastewater on ornamental sunflower crops

This study aimed to assess the nutrient dynamics of raw and treated wastewater (RWW and WW) in constructed wetlands (CW) for the irrigation of ornamental sunflowers, compared to freshwater (Fw) in Red Yellow Latosol (RYL) with (OF) and without (WF) inorganic fertilization. The study was carried out from July 10th to October 2nd of 2019. Wastewater was applied in pots with 10 kg of RYL. The amount of salts in the RWW, influent and effluent of CW and UnS (Uncultivated System), were evaluated in eleven samples. The study also assessed the following: plant height (PH), stem diameter (SD), number of leaves (NL), leaf area index (LAI), the inner diameter of the capitulum (IDc), the outer diameter of the capitulum (ODc), number of petals in the bud (NP), days after harvest (DAH), fresh phytomass in the aerial part (FPAP), dry phytomass in the aerial part (DPAP), fresh phytomass of the capitulum (FPc), dry phytomass of the capitulum (DPc), nutrient content in the aerial sunflower, and chemical composition in the RYL. The average removal efficiency of K+, Ca2+, and Fe in the CW was 34.33, 37.88, 39.82, and 45.40%, respectively. The PH (86.54 cm), SD (11.75 mm), NL (21), and LAI 3646.73 cm2) were higher in the WWOF treatment at 70 days after sowing. Treated wastewater without fertilization (WWWF) presented higher P, K, S, B, and Mn absorption. Freshwater with fertilization accumulated greater amounts of N, and WWOF accumulated greater amounts of Zn. Wastewater increased the P content and decreased K+ and Ca2+ in RYL. Irrigation with domestic WW in CW provided salts to the soil and increased the growth and quality of sunflowers irrigated with Fw