Ornamental Sunflower Research Articles

Heavy Metals Uptake of Salty Soils by Ornamental Sunflower, Using Cow Manure and Biosolids: A Case Study in Alborz city, Iran

Heavy metals are among the most critical environmental pollutants close to industrial areas. One example is the cultivated fields in the south of Alborz industrial city in Iran, which is irrigated by treated industrial wastewater. It is contaminated by heavy metals and irrigation with wastewater treatment plants effluent, which made it salty. In this study, the application of 2 amendments, biosolids and cow manure, in improving the heavy metal accumulation in the ornamental sunflower from these types of soils was investigated. A greenhouse experiment using a completely randomized design with 4 replications and applying cow manure and biosolids in 3 weight ratios (6%, 12%, 25%) was conducted to evaluate the efficiency of sunflower in removing Pb, Ni, and Zn from the soil. Adding the amendments increased the rate of germination by 50% to 176%. Although the simultaneous utilization of cow manure in high ratios with biosolids and cow manure with low biosolids decreased the sunflower survival, nonetheless, the simultaneous addition of these organic amendments could increase the survival rate in other treatments. Moreover, the plants’ biomass was increased by adding modifiers such as cow manure and biosolids. The results showed that in treatments with 2 modifiers, the remediation factor of Pb, Zn, and Ni has increased 83.7 to 95.5, 78.4 to 87.5, and 74.9 to 94.9, respectively, in comparison to the control one. Therefore, we conclude that adding biosolids and cow manure simultaneously could improve the ornamental sunflower ability to accumulate heavy metals.

Organic amendment can decrease plant abiotic stress in a soil co-contaminated with lead and cadmium under ornamental sunflower cultivation

Organic amendment can decrease plant abiotic stress in a soil co-contaminated with lead and cadmium under ornamental sunflower cultivation

Treated domestic effluent as a source of water and nutrients in the hydroponic cultivation of ornamental sunflower

The use of treated domestic effluent in agriculture is important not only as a source of water but also as a source of nutrients for crops. In this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate its use for the production of ornamental sunflower cv. ‘Anão de Jardim’ in a bench-type low cost hydroponic system, inferring on its technical feasibility and observing the possible impacts on the crop. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse adopting a completely randomized design with four treatments (T1 - nutrient solution of Furlani 100%, prepared in municipal supply water - control), T2, T3 and T4 - nutrient solution of Furlani, respectively, with 100, 75 and 50% strength, prepared in treated domestic effluent and six replicates, totalizing 24 experimental units, each consisting of 15 plants. All treatments met the nutritional requirements of the plants and presented adequate contents of N, P, K, Ca and Mg in leaf and stem at harvest leading to satisfactory plant growth and produced acceptable commercial grade chapters and stems. The plants under treatment T4 although produced chapters of commercial quality but exhibited great variability in comparison to the other treatments, therefore except this treatment any other treatment can be used for hydroponic production of ornamental sunflower utilizing treated domestic effluents.

Сорт декоративного подсолнечника Агат селекции ВНИИМК

Сорт декоративного подсолнечника Агат селекции ВНИИМК

Сорт декоративного подсолнечника Мажор селекции ВНИИМК

Сорт декоративного подсолнечника Мажор селекции ВНИИМК

Use of seaweed-based biostimulant (Ascophyllum nodosum) on ornamental sunflower seed germination and seedling growth

Abstract Seaweed extracts are employed as biostimulants due to their beneficial effects on crop growth and yield. Ascophyllum nodosum seaweed extract aid to improve seedling growth and development, and decrease seedlings production costs; however, the correct concentration must be used in order to maximize the biostimulant effects. Consequently, this study aimed to analyze the effects of different concentrations of a seaweed-based (Ascophyllum nodosum) biostimulant on ornamental sunflower seed germination and seedling growth. Seeds of ornamental sunflower cv. “Sol Pleno” were sown in polyethylene trays containing commercial substrate. The treatments consisted of dairy spraying 60 mL of the solutions 0 (control), 5, 10 or 15 mL L-1 biostimulant on substrate. The experimental design was completely randomized with 4 treatments (concentrations of biostimulant) and 4 replicates (10 seeds replicate-1). The evaluated variables were percentage, index and time averages of germination, seedling height, fresh and dry mass of shoot and roots, and root system morphology (WinRhizo). The increase of the biostimulant concentration enhances seed germination and seedlings development. The concentration 15 mL L-1 biostimulant showed the best results for percentage and index of germination and the lowest mean germination time and increase plant height and fresh and dry mass of shoots in relation to the control treatment. Accordingly, 15 mL L-1 biostimulant (Ascophyllum nodosum) is recommended for ornamental sunflower “Sol Pleno” seed germination and seedlings growth.

Assessment of Two Sheep Wool Residues from Textile Industry as Organic Fertilizer in Sunflower and Maize Cultivation

Sustainable agricultural practices that enhance soil fertility and increase its capacity for carbon sequestration are increasingly needed. This study evaluates two types of sheep wool residues (SWRs)—carbonized (black wool, BW) and non-carbonized (white wool, WW) to enhance soil fertility and act as a N-source. The two SWRs were tested on two plant species, in two pot experiments: ornamental sunflower on soil mixtures with each of SWR types at different concentrations (0, 0.5, 1, and 2% w/w), and maize on BW- or WW-soil mixture (1% w/w) and supplementary N fertilization (0, 50, and 100% of recommended N rates). In sunflower, with the exception of WW at 2%, all SWRs-soil mixtures increased plant growth and biomass production. Lower SWRs concentrations enhanced the growth rate at an initial stage, and in general, BW provided optimal biomass, and flower yield. In maize, the SWRs (1%), especially BW, even without N-fertilization, were beneficial for plant physiological behavior and biomass production. High mineral N-fertilization (100% N with BW1%- or WW1%-soil mixture) resulted in lower biomass than the other BW-treatments. The results highlighted the efficacy of BW on biomass production for both species growing in a sandy-loam soil, and for maize, no need for further mineral N-fertilization.

Efeito do pulsing em hastes cortadas de girassol ornamental ‘Sunbright Supreme’ em diferentes estádios de desenvolvimento

The use of ornamental sunflower as a cut flower has been increasing due to the advent of new cultivars and the demand of the flowergrowing market for new products. However, there are few studies related to postharvest of this species. The objective of this research was to evaluate the water balance and durability of ‘Sunbright Supreme’ sunflower collected at three different harvest stages and submitted or not to a pulsing with sucrose. The flower stalks were collected fully open, at an intermediate opening stage and also closed; they were then standardized at 50 cm and stored in water or 4% sucrose solution during 24 hours. After this period, stalks were maintained in sealed bottles containing 500 mL of water. Fresh matter, water consumption, flower opening, complete durability and visual quality of stems were evaluated every three days, considering a rating scale of color, turgescence and stalk bending. Rates of absorption and transpiration were calculated considering the fresh matter and variation in water volume. There was an increase in fresh matter and high water consumption in inflorescences until the seventh day; after this period, there was a reduction in weight and increased transpiration rates. Stems collected closed, closed with pulsing and at an intermediate stage treated with pulsing were maintained in commercial quality about four days longer than the open harvested (with and without pulsing) and intermediate without pulsing. Sucrose pulsing leads to flower opening of stalks collected at all harvest stages. The positive water balance was observed until the seventh day and contributes to the maintenance of commercial quality in ornamental sunflower. The early harvest of ornamental sunflower ‘Sunbright Supreme’ is recommended, besides the application of 4% sucrose pulsing.

DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCTION OF ORNAMENTAL SUNFLOWER PHYTOMASS IN FUNCTION OF ORGANIC FERTILIZATION WITH CATTLE MANURE

The flower market is on the rise in Brazil. Among the most requested species stands out the ornamental sunflower.However, there are few studies related to the use of organic waste in its production.The objective evaluate the development and biomass production of ornamental sunflower Dwarf Garden under use ofcattle manure. The study was conducted from June to August 2014 in the greenhouse environment. The experimental design was completely randomized with five doses of cattle manure (0; 2.5; 5.0; 7.5 and 10.0 %) of the substrate volume, with five replications and five plants per plot. At 70 days after sowing, period in which the flower was at the R9 stage (physiological maturity), the harvest has begun. It was evaluated the root length, number of petals, green and dry phytomass of root, green and driesphytomass of petals, green and dry phytomasschapter with and without petals, days from the sowing to the appearance of the first floral bud and for initial opening and full of the floral bud. The cattle manure stimulates the production of petals, green and dry phytomass production and increases the precocity of the Sunflower Dwarf Garden. The organic fertilization with cattle manure is an efficient alternative for the production of ornamental sunflower.
 
 
 DESENVOLVIMENTO E PRODUÇÃO DE GIRASSOL ORNAMENTAL EM FUNÇÃO DO USO DE ESTERCO BOVINO
 
 O mercado de flores está em plena ascensão no Brasil.Dentre as espécies mais requeridas, destaca-se o girassol ornamental. Porém, são poucos os estudos relacionados ao uso de resíduo orgânico na em sua produção.Assim, objetivou-se avaliar o desenvolvimento e produção de fitomassa do Girassol ornamental Anão de Jardim sob uso deesterco bovino. O trabalho foi desenvolvido de junho a agosto de 2014 em casa de vegetação. Avaliaram-se cinco doses de esterco bovino (0, 2,5, 5,0, 7,5 e 10,0 %) do volume do substrato, utilizando-se o delineamento experimental utilizado foi inteiramente casualizado, com cinco repetições e cinco plantas por parcela. Aos 70 dias após a semeadura, período em que a flor estava no estágio R9 (maturação fisiológica), iniciou-se a colheita. Avaliaram-seas características de crescimento e produção da planta e pétalas. O esterco bovino estimula a produção de pétalas, a produção de massa verde e seca e aumenta a precocidade do Girassol Anão de Jardim. 
 
 PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Helianthusannuus L.; Flores ornamentais; Resíduo orgânico.

Behavior of Sunflower Irrigated With Salt Water and Nitrogen Fertigation

The sunflower (Helianthus annus L.) crop has been gaining prominence in wastewater research due to its relevance to the production of edible oil, biodiesel and ornamental and decorative material. In the field of floriculture, the crop has been emerging as an alternative offer of a short-cycle product, with contrasting colors and easy identification by the consumer. The objective of this work was to evaluate the different electrical conductivities of water associated with nitrogen fertigation rates on the vegetative, physiological and productive behavior of ornamental sunflower. The experimental design was completely randomized, in a factorial scheme 6x4, referring to six levels of electrical conductivity of water (ECa of 0.5, 1.5, 2.5, 3.5, 4.5 and 5.5 dS m-1) and four nitrogen fertigation rates, with one control and the other three applications performed every 10, 20 and 30 days after emergence (DAE), with five replications, totaling 120 experimental units. The variables analyzed were: stem diameter, root length, chlorophyll a, b and total chlorophyll content, fresh and dry phytomass of shoots, roots and total phytomass, seed mass and capitulum mass. The salinity negatively affected the physiological variables, growth and productivity evaluated, decreasing with increasing electrical conductivity of irrigation water (dS m-1). Nitrogen fertigation at 10 days after emergence resulted in an increase in the stem diameter of sunflower plants.

Saturation Levels by Bases and Time of Incubation in the Development and Growth of Ornamental Sunflower

Floriculture is a promising segment of Brazilian agriculture. The ornamental sunflower (Helianthus annuus L. cv. Folded Sungold), also known as dwarf sunflower, in addition to being used in gardens can be marketed as cut flower or vase. The sunflower represents a great alternative for small producers because it requires little space, has easy handling and short cycle, besides providing greater economic return. In this context, we aimed to evaluate the development of this culture submitted to different levels of saturation per base, combined with the incubation time of the limestone. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse at the Federal University of Mato Grosso-University Campus of Rondonópolis. A randomized block design with factorial scheme 6 × 2 was used, with six levels of saturation per base: 0, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, 100%; and two incubation times: 0 and 30 days, resulting in 12 treatments with four replicates, totaling 48 experimental units. Each plot consisted of a plastic polyethylene vessel with a capacity of 1.2 dm−3. The following variables were analyzed: Height of the floral stem; number of leaves, diameter of chapters; root volume; fresh mass of leaves; fresh mass of floral stems; fresh mass of chapters; fresh root mass and chlorophyll index (SPAD). Data were submitted to analysis of variance by the test F at 5% probability of error. The qualitative factors were submitted to the Tukey test and quantitative factors to the regression test, both with a 5% probability of error. Basal saturation levels of 80% and 100%, in the treatment with incubated soil, provided higher quality of inflorescence for commercialization purposes.

Production of Flowers of Ornamental Sunflower Irrigated With Wastewater From Fish Culture

The unregulated use and increased demand in face of the demographic and economic growth of society caused reduction in the availability of water resources in quantity and quality. In this context, this work was carried out to verify the possibility of producing ornamental sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) fertirrigated with wastewater from fish culture and its mixtures with tap water. Two experiments were conducted in 2017 in a greenhouse at Federal Rural do University of the Semiarid, in Mossoró, RN, Brazil, according to a completely randomized design with 12 replicates. The treatments consisted of dilutions of the fish's wastewater in tap water (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100%). Determinations of plant biomass and flower characteristics were performed. The statistical analysis of the data consisted of analysis of variance by the F test and regression analysis. The biomass of ornamental sunflower showed significant effect of the fish’s effluent dilutions, but, in general, characteristics of flowers were not influenced. The higher values of the variables of the ornamental sunflower evaluated in the first experiment, which received fertilization, indicate that the effluent did not supply the nutritional needs of the plants. The irrigation of the ornamental sunflower can be carried out with effluent from fish farming when there is another source of nutrients for the crop to produce flowers with satisfactory characteristics.

Germinação e desenvolvimento de plântulas de girassol ornamental em substratos

The ornamental sunflower is a growing crop in recent years due to its rapid return on investment and expressive representation in the flower market, and research on the ideal substrate for seedling production is essential to maximize information for the crop. Thus, the objective was to evaluate the germination and development of ornamental sunflower seedlings in different substrates compositions. The experiment was installed in a greenhouse, where they were put to germinate, seeds of sunflower type “Vincent’s Choice” in poliestileno trays on substrates with or without addition Slow Release Fertilizer (SRF) at the dose 2 g L-1. The experimental design was completely randomized with 4 treatments [T1- Charcoal + pine bark + peat + expanded vermiculite (1:1:1:1), T2- Coconut fiber + carbonized rice hull + peat + expanded vermiculite (1:1:1:1), T3- Charcoal + pine bark + peat + expanded vermiculite (1:1:1:1) + SRF, T4- Coconut fiber + Carbonized rice hull + peat + expanded vermiculite (1:1:1:1) + SRF] with 8 replicates of 8 seeds, totaling 64 seeds per substrate. It was evaluated: the percentage, index and average germination time, chlorophyll content, length, fresh and dry mass of shoot and root. It was observed that there was no difference in the percentage of germination, but T2 and T4 promoted emergency in the lowest mean time (3.19 and 3.46 days, respectively) with a higher rate of velocity (2.43 and 2.25 respectively), still, T4 presented increments with more than 50% of fresh and dry mass. Thus, it is concluded that the T4 substrate is recommended for germination and development of ornamental sunflower type “Vicent’s Choice”.

Growth and Production of Cultivars Ornamental Sunflower Irrigated With Water of Different Salinities

The sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) appears as an income alternative to the producers of the northeastern region of Brazil, however limited by the salinity present in the waters of the region, which makes it necessary to select cultivars that are more adaptable to this situation. On this, the objective was assessing the development of two cultivars of cutting ornamental sunflower with waters of different salinities. The experiment was performed in conditions of protected environment at UFCG, CCTA-Pombal-PB. It was performed in outline of blocks in factorial scheme 5 × 2, being five saline levels (N1 = 0.3, supply water; N2 = 1.5; N3 = 2.7; N4 = 3.9; and N5 = 5.1 dS m-1) and two cutting ornamental sunflower cultivars (Red Sun and Vincents II), with four repetitions and two plants by portion, with a total of 80 experimental units. The irrigation water salinity affected all the analyzed variables, up to estimate level of 2.7 dS m-1 acceptable reductions happen of 10% in the inflorescence and stem of cultivars of ornamental sunflower. The Red Sun cultivar when compared with cultivar Vincents II demonstrated better results in the studied variables.

Treated Domestic Effluents: An Option for Cultivation of Ornamental Sunflower in a Hydroponic System

Treated Domestic Effluents: An Option for Cultivation of Ornamental Sunflower in a Hydroponic System

Evaluation of ornamental sunflower for value addition

An experiment was conducted at College of Horticulture, GKVK, campus, Bengaluru, UHS, Bagalkot during 2012-13 to study the suitability of ornamental sunflower for dry flower production. Highest flower weight loss was with corn meal and silica gel (90.75 and 88.45 per cent). Silica gel followed by borax powder took least number of days for drying of flower heads (9.40 and 12.60 days respectively). Colour retention in dried ornamental sunflower was highest with control treatment and silica gel with a score of 4.63 and 4.44. Flower appearance was best with silica gel (4.44) which was at par with control with a score of 3.81. Best texture score of (4.31) was highest with silica gel followed by control (shade), corn meal and alum powder which recorded 3.63, 3.31 and 3.25 respectively. Best flower shape after drying period as with silica gel (4.38).The results reveal silica gel and corn meal as best drying agents in ornamental sunflower.

Evaluation of ornamental sunflower for value addition

An experiment was conducted at College of Horticulture, GKVK, campus, Bengaluru, UHS, Bagalkot during 2012-13 to study the suitability of ornamental sunflower for dry flower production. Highest flower weight loss was with corn meal and silica gel (90.75 and 88.45 per cent). Silica gel followed by borax powder took least number of days for drying of flower heads (9.40 and 12.60 days respectively). Colour retention in dried ornamental sunflower was highest with control treatment and silica gel with a score of 4.63 and 4.44. Flower appearance was best with silica gel (4.44) which was at par with control with a score of 3.81. Best texture score of (4.31) was highest with silica gel followed by control (shade), corn meal and alum powder which recorded 3.63, 3.31 and 3.25 respectively. Best flower shape after drying period as with silica gel (4.38).The results reveal silica gel and corn meal as best drying agents in ornamental sunflower.

Effect of pre harvest foliar spray of growth regulators on pre and post harvest parameters in ornamental sunflower genotype M-17R

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of pre harvest foliar application of growth regulators on the pre and post harvest flower quality in ornamental sunflower during the year 2012-13, at College of Horticulture, GKVK campus, UHS, Bagalkot. At 60 DAS highest plant height was with GA3 @ 150 ppm (154.73 cm) followed by GA3 @ 200 ppm (146.20 cm) and GA3 @ 250 ppm (145.53 cm). Sodium silicate @ 250 ppm (4508.77 cm2) registered maximum plant spread at 60 DAS. Foliar application of GA3 @ 150 ppm (25.00) produced highest number of leaves which was at par with Sodium silicate @ 250 ppm, GA3 @ 200 ppm and GA3 @ 250 ppm recording 24.87, 24.80 and 24.67 leaves respectively. Calcium sulphate @ 200 ppm registered highest leaf area of (4930.30 cm2) which was at par with Sodium silicate @ 250 ppm, Calcium sulphate @ 300 ppm, Chlormequat chloride @ 500 ppm, Sodium silicate @ 350 ppm, and Chlormequat chloride @ 1000 ppm with 4792.64, 4735.04, 4721.75, 4503.05 and 4430.02 cm2 respectively.

Effect of pre harvest foliar spray of growth regulators on pre and post harvest parameters in ornamental sunflower genotype M-17R

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of pre harvest foliar application of growth regulators on the pre and post harvest flower quality in ornamental sunflower during the year 2012-13, at College of Horticulture, GKVK campus, UHS, Bagalkot. At 60 DAS highest plant height was with GA3 @ 150 ppm (154.73 cm) followed by GA3 @ 200 ppm (146.20 cm) and GA3 @ 250 ppm (145.53 cm). Sodium silicate @ 250 ppm (4508.77 cm2) registered maximum plant spread at 60 DAS. Foliar application of GA3 @ 150 ppm (25.00) produced highest number of leaves which was at par with Sodium silicate @ 250 ppm, GA3 @ 200 ppm and GA3 @ 250 ppm recording 24.87, 24.80 and 24.67 leaves respectively. Calcium sulphate @ 200 ppm registered highest leaf area of (4930.30 cm2) which was at par with Sodium silicate @ 250 ppm, Calcium sulphate @ 300 ppm, Chlormequat chloride @ 500 ppm, Sodium silicate @ 350 ppm, and Chlormequat chloride @ 1000 ppm with 4792.64, 4735.04, 4721.75, 4503.05 and 4430.02 cm2 respectively.

Growth of ornamental sunflowers in two growing seasons under semiarid conditions

Sunflower is considered a temperate zone crop but it can perform well under varying climate conditions. In this context, the aim of this study was to evaluate the growth of ornamental sunflower cultivars for cutting in two growing seasons in semiarid conditions. Sunflowers cultivars were sown in a randomized complete design in a split plot system, with four blocks. Six cultivars were evaluated (‘Bonito de outono sortido’, ‘Sol noturno’, ‘Sol vermelho’, ‘Jardim amarelo alto’, ‘Sunflower F1 sunbright supreme’ and ‘Sunflower F1 vincents choice’) in the main plots and two growing seasons in the subplots (GS1 – hot weather and GS2 – mild weather). Plant emergence percentage, plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves and internal inflorescence diameter were significant affected both by sunflowers cultivars and growing seasons. Emergence speed index and external inflorescence diameter were significantly affected by the interaction of cultivars and growing seasons. The obtained results indicated ‘Sol vermelho’ for cultivation in growing seasons with mild temperatures (GS2) and 'Sunflower F1 vincents choice' recommended for both growing seasons with mild climatic (GS2) and in warmer conditions (GS1). Although all other cultivars studied have not been indicated immediately, they may be considered for cultivation, but more studies are necessary for better acclimatization.