Ornamental Varieties Research Articles

Tissue Culture-Independent Approaches to Revolutionizing Plant Transformation and Gene Editing

Abstract Despite the transformative power of gene editing for crop improvement, its widespread application across species and varieties is limited by the transformation bottleneck that exists for many crops. The genetic transformation of plants is hindered by a general reliance on in vitro regeneration through plant tissue culture. Tissue culture requires empirically-determined conditions and aseptic techniques, and cannot easily be translated to recalcitrant species and genotypes. Both Agrobacterium-mediated and alternative transformation protocols are limited by a dependency on in vitro regeneration, which also limits their use by non-experts and hinders research into non-model species such as those of possible novel biopharmaceutical or nutraceutical use, as well as novel ornamental varieties. Hence, there is significant interest in developing tissue culture-independent plant transformation and gene editing approaches which can circumvent the bottlenecks associated with in vitro plant regeneration recalcitrance. Compared to tissue culture-based transformations, tissue culture-independent approaches offer advantages such as avoidance of somaclonal variation effects, with more streamlined and expeditious methodological processes. The ease of use, dependability, and accessibility of tissue culture-independent procedures can make them attractive to non-experts, outperforming classic tissue culture-dependent systems. This review explores the diversity of tissue culture-independent transformation approaches and compares them to traditional tissue culture-dependent transformation strategies. We highlight their simplicity and provide examples of recent successful transformations accomplished using these systems. Our review also addresses current limitations and explores future perspectives, highlighting the significance of these techniques for advancing plant research and crop improvement.

Variety Of Bhenga And Manu Ornaments At The Sa'o Traditional House Of Gurusina Traditional Village

East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) has a rich culture and diverse traditions. Several ethnic sub-groups, including the Ngada-Lio ethnic sub-group, mark this diversity. This ethnic sub-group inhabits the Ngada Regency area, where traditional villages are scattered at several points. Traditional villages are places to preserve a culture that has been passed down from generation to generation, one of which is weti carvings. These carvings have a variety of figures, including Bhénga and Manu. The depiction of these two figures is like a buffalo horn and a chicken. In some traditional houses in Indonesia, there are also similar figures, namely in the Tongkonan Toraja traditional house and the Karo Batak traditional house. This research is a qualitative descriptive research. The researcher chose this method to describe the figures of Bhéngaand Manu in detail and depth. This research began with observation and interviews, after which the research continued by analyzing the data using morphological, stylistic, and comparative analysis. The results of this study show that various ornamental figures of buffalo and chicken are depicted on the walls of the Sao traditional house because the two animals have a special closeness to the community. Besides that, the ornamental variety is carved on the wall of the traditional house as an addition to the aesthetic value of the traditional house.

Morphological Diversity of F1 Ornamental Chili Generation from Single Cross Hybridization

Ornamental chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) belongs to the Solanaceae family and is highly popular for its aesthetic value. Ornamental chilli plants are edible, with attractive plant architecture and fruit shapes, as well as varying levels of spiciness. The most preferred traits in ornamental chilli plants include compact size (suitable for potted plants), diverse and unique fruit shapes and colors, and upright fruit orientation. This study aims to investigate the morphological diversity in the F1 generation resulting from a single cross-hybridization between two ornamental chilli varieties, namely the Medusa Pepper, known for its compact growth habit, and the Black Pearl Pepper, characterized by purple-coloured fruits and leaves. Analysis of the qualitative data shows that the F1 generation shares a high degree of morphological similarity with the female parent, Black Pearl Pepper, with a similarity value exceeding 75%, while it exhibits no significant resemblance to the male parent, Medusa Pepper, with a similarity value of 0%. The F1 generation from the single cross demonstrates limited morphological variation, with all observed traits being largely influenced by dominant characteristics, including fruit color, plant habit, and leaf color.

Refleksi Budaya Etnis Tionghoa dalam Kesenian Barongsai di Kota Singkawang

The lion dance is a form of ethnic Chinese culture with a beautiful variety of motion and visual ornaments. The purpose of this research is to serve as a reminder of cultural preservation and inheritance. The primary reflection resources paired with Feldman's art criticism method include a historical overview, performance dynamics, ritual/celebration procedures, and cultural heritage. This study also provides a glimpse into and description of ethnic Chinese's effort to express cultural arts following a time of prejudice. The dissection is carried out utilising descriptive qualitative methodologies, with data collected through participant observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation. Triangulation of sources with ethnomusicologists validates the data analysed using an inter-academic model. Cultural reflection produced by Barongsai arts for ethnic Chinese includes reminders and awareness of evaluative materials related to the struggle for discrimination in the historical context, entertainment and sports functions in the context of performance dynamics, meanings and symbols of happy and sad expressions in the context of ritual / celebration processes, and sorting out incoming outside cultures for the younger generation in the context of cultura. It is critical and beneficial that the findings of this study serve as a vehicle and platform for future attempts to maintain and enhance the Barongsai art form. In addition, there needs to be support between elements of the ethnic Chinese community and the government so that the art of Barongsai can be preserved and developed in the future.

Ornamental Pothos – A Taxonomic Dilemma

As an indoor plant and air purifier, ornamental Pothos are becoming increasingly popular. This group of evergreen plants is usually grown as a hanging houseplant and has thick, heart-shaped, green, waxy leaves with traces of yellow. There is disagreement on the taxonomic identity of ornamental Pothos varieties. Thus, a study was carried out using 21 ornamental Pothos gathered from various nurseries. One species of the genus Pothos, P. scandens, is used as a check. The ornamental Pothos varieties are classified into 11 species across 5 genera, which include 3 species of Monstera, 3 species of Philodendron, 2 species of Raphidophora, 2 species of Scindapsus, and 1 species of Epipremnum. None of them are members of the genus Pothos, a group of flowering plants in the monocotyledonous family Araceae, despite sharing the common name Pothos. Both true and ornamental Pothos have therapeutic benefits as well, including anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-carcinogenic properties. A brief, in-depth description and colour images are included for simple identification of the species.

Light Quality Influence on Growth Performance and Physiological Activity of Coleus Cultivars

This study investigates the influence of different light qualities, including red, green, blue, purple, and white lights, on the growth, physiological activity, and ornamental characteristics of two Coleus cultivars. Emphasizing the importance of leveraging phenotypic plasticity in plants within controlled environments, using light quality is a practice prevalent in the ornamental industry. The research explores the varied responses of two Coleus cultivars to distinct light spectra. The key findings reveal the efficacy of red light in enhancing shoot and leaf parameters in C. ‘Highway Ruby’, while red and green light exhibit comparable effects on shoot width and leaf dimensions in C. ‘Wizard Jade’. White light-emitting diodes (LEDs), particularly with color temperatures of 4100 K and 6500 K, promote root length growth in the respective cultivars. Moreover, chlorophyll content and remote sensing vegetation indices, including chlorophyll content (SPAD units), the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), the modified chlorophyll absorption ratio index (MCARI), and the photochemical reflectance index (PRI), along with the chlorophyll fluorescence, were significantly affected by light qualities, with distinct responses observed between the cultivars. In summary, this study highlights the transformative potential of LED technology in optimizing the growth and ornamental quality of foliage plants like Coleus, setting a benchmark for light quality conditions. By leveraging LED technology, producers and nursery growers access enhanced energy efficiency and unparalleled versatility, paving the way for significant advancements in plant growth, color intensity, and two-tone variations. This presents a distinct advantage over conventional production methods, offering a more sustainable and economically viable approach for increased plant reproduction and growth development. Likewise, the specific benefits derived from this study provide invaluable insights, enabling growers to strategically develop ornamental varieties that thrive under optimized light conditions and exhibit heightened visual appeal and market desirability.

Comparative Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Differential Cutaneous Gene Expression in the Color Variation of Two Ornamental Discus, Red Melon and Red Cover.

Red Melon (RM) and Red Cover (RC) discus (Symphysodon spp.) are ornamental fish varieties that were selectively bred from the wild parental lineages of the brown discus S. aquafaciatus over many generations, resulting in distinct cutaneous patterns from juveniles to adults. To better understand the underlying mechanisms, skin samples were collected from juveniles aged 60 days and adults aged 1 year from RM and RC for investigations. Microscopic observation detected xanthophores and erythrophores in all samples, except RC juveniles with no erythrophores. Melanophores were presented only in RC. The comparative analysis revealed that genes involved in pteridine synthesis (gch1 and zgc:153031), one-carbon metabolism (aldh1l2 and zgc153031), and lipid metabolism (apoda and klf1) were differentially expressed in RM juveniles, which may be associated with the development of erythrophores and xanthophores. The temporal inhibition of melanophore differentiation and development was observed in RM juveniles, coupled with elevated expression of notum2 and sost, two antagonist genes in Wnt-signaling, suggesting their roles in melanophore development. Distinct pigment pattern between RM and RC since the juvenile stage may be driven by the differential expression of multiple axial developmental genes, including GATA, ankyrin, and mitotic spindle orientation proteins. This is the first report to describe the differential growth of cutaneous pigments and the molecular processes involved in red discus. The results provided valuable insights into pigment pattern differences in an interesting ornamental fish model.

Home sweet home: Evaluation of native versus exotic plants as resources for insects in urban green spaces

Abstract Insect decline and loss of biodiversity not only affect large‐scale agricultural landscapes, but are increasingly recognized in urban environments. It is undisputed that a greater supply of flowers in urban green spaces can provide insects with more food and habitat. However, it is still controversial whether native wild plants or non‐native ornamental plants and varieties are the right choice. To answer this question we investigated the number of insects interacting with different types of plants: twelve ornamental and six related wild perennials. In this context, the number of flower visitors per plant species and plot was recorded at 10‐minute observation intervals, as well as the feeding damage caused by insect herbivores on the leaves and stems of the study plants. We established 18 plant species in ten independent study plots in the city of Darmstadt, Germany. The plants were six native wild plant species, six ornamental plant species related to the wild plants from the same genus or family and six exotic ornamental plant species from other genera and families than the wild plants. Native insects (wild bees, flies, beetles, wasps) that feed on pollen and nectar visited wild perennials significantly more often (67% of all visits) than related ornamental (24%) and unrelated exotic plants (9%). In contrast, honey bees (Apis mellifera) showed no preferences to any of the three target plant groups and interacted with other plant species than most of the native insects in our study according to analyses of interaction networks. The assessment of leaf damage caused by insect herbivores on the individual plants confirmed a similar and significant difference in the insects' choices. Leaves from wild plants showed the highest herbivory (mean 2.3% of the leaf area), followed by related ornamental plants (0.8%), whereas unrelated exotic plants were hardly consumed (0.1%) by herbivores. Practical implication. Our study shows that in urban green spaces, both flower‐visiting and leaf‐feeding insects are more likely to use native wild plants as a food source than closely related and exotic ornamental plants.

Variety Breeding Studies on Hesperis isatidea (Boİss.) D.A. German & Al-Shehbaz

Hesperis isatidea (Boiss.) D.A.German & Al-Shehbaz, a member of the Brassicaceae family, represents a distinctive natural species characterized by its fragrant, conspicuous inflorescences, unique flower coloration, and distinct feather-like foliage. The Turkish name of the species is known as “Allı Gelin”. This species is native, exhibiting resilience to drought conditions and requiring minimal care. Cultivation studies on this species were carried out at Erzincan Horticulture Research Institute (Turkey) with project number 106G022 within the scope of TÜBİTAK (Turkish Scientific and Technological Research Council). The research aimed to determine optimal production techniques through generative and vegetative propagation methods. The project, initiated in 2013 and concluded in 2022, focused on developing a cultivar of the Allı Gelin plant using texel selection breeding techniques. Thirteen populations of Allı Gelin from institute's gene pool were utilized. Employing the Texel Selection method, four distinct lines were identified: compact, tightly spread compact, pyramid1and pyramid-2 shaped. Subsequent baby plant tests revealed stability in the tightly spread compact and pyramid-1 lines, leading to their selection for further breeding. Although breeding efforts continued on the compact line, the pyramid-2 line was discontinued due to an inability to attain the desired stability. The successfully tested variants, namely the pyramid-1 and tightly spread compact forms, have been earmarked as candidates for outdoor ornamental plant varieties. Registration procedures for these candidates are underway. These new varieties promise to enrich diversity within the ornamental plants sector, potentially enhancing competitiveness in foreign markets.

AESTHETICS OF PLAK-PLIENG GRAVESTONE OF LAMURI KINGDOM ACEH: A STUDY ACCORDING TO SUSANNE KNAUTH LANGER'S AESTHETIC CONCEPT

The Lamuri Kingdom in Aceh has relics in the form of gravestones called "Plak-plieng" stones, which are concrete evidence and records of the history of the kings who were buried with these gravestones. This Plak-plieng gravestone is thought to be a gravestone made by local people during the reign of the Lamuri kingdom with a mixed population who emigrated from outside Aceh at that time. The Lamuri Kingdom was an Acehnese Hindu kingdom that existed in the 4th century, turned into Islam or a sultanate in the 9th century, and lasted until the 15th century. The Plak-plieng gravestone, which is characteristic of the Lamuri royal graves, was rediscovered in 1890. Based on the date written on the gravestone found, the Plak-plieng gravestone dates to the 12th century AD. Thus, the Plak-plieng gravestone was made during the Islamic era, or when Lamuri became an Islamic kingdom. The type of research in this study is research using a descriptive method. The descriptive method is a method used to look for elements, characteristics, and properties of a phenomenon. The method begins with collecting data, analysing the data, and interpreting it. This descriptive research tries to reveal and explain the problems that occur in society, especially the problem of searching for symbolic aesthetics on the Plak-plieng gravestones of the Lamuri kingdom of Aceh. The Plak-plieng gravestone contains various symbolic elements that we can find using Susane K. Langer's theory. The findings of the symbolic aesthetic meaning found are divided into several parts according to Langer's aesthetic theory. On the Plak-plieng gravestones of the Lamuri Kingdom of Aceh, symbolic aesthetics are found as a symbol of art. The implied value of this gravestone gives us an idea of the high artistic value that existed in past societies. In this way, we can see that the level of artistic taste of the people of Aceh in the past was very high. The discovery of the inscription on this gravestone also explains the glory days of a kingdom led by the owner of the gravestone. This day dates back nine hundred years. In this way, we can learn about the value of art in the past through the Acehnese civilisation and how they found materials for making sturdy gravestones and a variety of ornaments that were very complicated and beautiful.

Ornamental Variety of Tombs of Sigam Kings in 1855-1900 in the Wetland Area of Sigam Sea Island, Kotabaru Regency

History and culture have begun to be fulfilled by the younger generation, it takes effort to map history and concrete explanatory evidence of each heritage site from the past. Kotabaru Regency is one of the centers of study of this research because many historical relics were found in the form of tombs from the Sigam Kingdom that received less attention from related agencies. Therefore, deeper research is needed so that it can be an evaluation material for future policies and strategies. This study aims to find out how the shape of the tomb (typology) and the variety of ornamental tombs of the kings of Sigam in 1855-1900. The research method uses historical methods: (1) heuristics, (2) source criticism, (3) interpretation, (4) historiography. The results of this study are as follows: This cemetery is a complex of tombs of kings, Kingdoms, Sea Island and their relatives. The King of Pulau Laut who is buried in this complex there are three people, namely Prince Jaya Sumitra bin Pangeran Muhammad Nafis, Prince Abdul Kadir bin Pangeran Muhammad Nafis, and Pangeran Brangta Kesuma bin Pangeran Abdul Kadir. The tombstones of the kings are currently covered in yellow cloth by the surrounding community.

Selection and validation of reference genes for quantitative real-time PCR in different tissues of Clematis lanuginosa

BackgroundThe lack of reference genes makes it difficult to conduct molecular biology research on the plant genus, Clematis L. Clematis lanuginosa belongs to Sect. Viticella DC of Clematis L. It is also an important ornamental cultivated variety parent of the early and late large-flowered groups. Studying the reference genes of C. lanuginosa in different tissues will provide a theoretical basis for the reference selection of early and late large-flowered groups of Clematis, which could promote research progress on molecular biology of ornamental Clematis. ResultsThe roots, stems, leaves, sepals, stamens, and carpels of C. lanuginosa were used as research materials, and seven candidate reference genes were used for quantitative real-time PCR analysis. Comprehensive stability analysis using geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, and RefFinder software showed that suitable reference genes in C. lanuginosa root, stem, and leaf were PP2A-2 and UBC34; and in floral tissue were UBC34, PP2A-2, and ARP7. These reference genes can be used as internal reference either alone or in combination. The pairwise variation value evaluated with geNorm software showed that two internal reference genes were needed for gene expression correction in the tissues. In the floral organs, three reference genes were required for gene expression correction. ConclusionsOur results provide a foundation for future gene expression analysis of C. lanuginosa and guidance for the screening of reference genes in Clematis.How to cite: Li Q, Wang S, Lv F, et al. Selection and validation of reference genes for quantitative real-time PCR in different tissues of Clematis lanuginosa. Electron J Biotechnol 2024;70. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2024.04.005.

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.

Cytology of a seminoma in a koi (Cyprinus carpio): a rapid diagnostic tool

Koi(Cyprinus carpio) is an ornamental variety of common carp frequently kept as pets. Given their long lifespan, neoplasia, albeit uncommon, may occur in these animals, and only a few studies have faced their cytological diagnosis. In the present case, a koi carp was referred to the clinicians due to coelomic swelling. The carp underwent surgery, which revealed an enlargement of both testes. Testicular samples were cytologically and histologically examined. The lesion was diagnosed as a seminoma since it was composed of round, large, atypical, and often multinucleated cells with round central nuclei and moderate cytoplasm. These tumors had the same appearance as seminomas in mammals and should be considered among differential diagnoses when coelomic swelling occurs in koi carp. Seminomas in koi carp are diagnosed histologically, but cytology, a rapid and cheap exam executable in all veterinary clinical facilities, could be a relevant preliminary diagnostic tool that may influence the entire diagnostic process.

Development and validation of a functional molecular marker for a CaAPRR2-like gene that controls green fruit colour in pepper

Fruit colour is a crucial factor influencing both the marketability and quality of pepper (Capsicum annuum), particularly ornamental varieties. Fruit colour is a complex multigenic trait in plant species. Previously, the Arabidopsis pseudo-response regulator 2 (APRR2) gene, one of the regulators that control fruit chlorophyll content and chloroplast development, thereby influencing fruit colour at the green immature stage in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), cucumber (Cucumis sativus) and pepper, was reported. Functional molecular markers associated with this homologous gene in pepper could be employed to discern fruit colour at the seedling stage, thus improving the efficiency of green/white-fruited pepper breeding. In this study, a derived cleaved amplified polymorphic sequences (dCAPS) marker was developed based on the mutation site in the sequence of a CaAPRR2-like gene that was cloned from the inbred line B1-2, which exhibits milky white fruit at the green immature stage. The marker was subsequently validated in a CaAPRR2-like progeny segregation population. After digestion with the restriction endonuclease TaqI, the amplification product exhibited evident polymorphic bands, enabling it to distinguish between peppers with milky white and green fruit colours. The developed molecular marker displayed remarkable stability and repeatability, thus offering a straightforward and effective tool for enhancing fruit colour in pepper breeding programs.

Obtaining and Characterization of an Interspecific Hybrid between Lilium callosum and ‘Snow Queen’ and Evaluation of the Botrytis Stress Response

To cultivate excellent lily germplasms, an interspecific hybrid (LC×SQ-01) was successfully obtained by using a cut-style pollination method in which the rare wild lily Lilium callosum was used as the female parent and the cut flower L. longiflorum ‘Snow Queen’ was used as the male parent. The morphological features of LC×SQ-01 included height, leaf length, and width, which were observed to be between those of the parents in the tissue-cultured seedlings. The height and leaf length of LC×SQ-01 were more similar to those of the male parent, and the width was between the widths of the parents for field-generated plants. The epidermal cell length and the guard cell and stoma sizes were between those of both parents in tissue-cultured and field-generated plants. In addition, the shapes of the epidermal cells and anticlinal wall in LC×SQ-01 were more analogous to those in the male parent, while the stoma morphology was different from that of both parents. Fourteen pairs of polymorphic SSR primers were identified in both parents, and the validity of LC×SQ-01 was demonstrated by PCR amplification using five pairs of SSR primers. Flow cytometry and root tip squashing assays revealed that LC×SQ-01 was a diploid plant, similar to its parents. Furthermore, the LC×SQ-01 hybrid was more resistant to B. cinerea than its parents, and it also showed much greater peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) activity than the parents. These results lay a foundation for breeding a new high-resistance and ornamental lily variety.

Proteogenomic Gene Structure Validation in the Pineapple Genome.

MD2 pineapple (Ananas comosus) is the second most important tropical crop that preserves crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM), which has high water-use efficiency and is fast becoming the most consumed fresh fruit worldwide. Despite the significance of environmental efficiency and popularity, until very recently, its genome sequence has not been determined and a high-quality annotated proteome has not been available. Here, we have undertaken a pilot proteogenomic study, analyzing the proteome of MD2 pineapple leaves using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), which validates 1781 predicted proteins in the annotated F153 (V3) genome. In addition, a further 603 peptide identifications are found that map exclusively to an independent MD2 transcriptome-derived database but are not found in the standard F153 (V3) annotated proteome. Peptide identifications derived from these MD2 transcripts are also cross-referenced to a more recent and complete MD2 genome annotation, resulting in 402 nonoverlapping peptides, which in turn support 30 high-quality gene candidates novel to both pineapple genomes. Many of the validated F153 (V3) genes are also supported by an independent proteomics data set collected for an ornamental pineapple variety. The contigs and peptides have been mapped to the current F153 genome build and are available as bed files to display a custom gene track on the Ensembl Plants region viewer. These analyses add to the knowledge of experimentally validated pineapple genes and demonstrate the utility of transcript-derived proteomics to discover both novel genes and genetic structure in a plant genome, adding value to its annotation.

Widely targeted metabolomics reveals differences in metabolites of Paeonia lactiflora cultivars.

Paeonia lactiflora contains diverse active constituents and exhibits various pharmacological activities. However, only partial identification of biologically active substances from P. lactiflora has been achieved using low-throughput techniques. Here, the roots of P. lactiflora, namely, Fenyunu (CK), Dafugui (DFG), and Red Charm (HSML), were studied. The primary and secondary metabolites were investigated using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESIMS/MS). The chemical compounds and categories were detected using broadly targeted UPLC-MS/MS. Principal component analysis (PCA), orthogonal partial least-squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), and hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) were carried out for metabolites of different varieties of P. lactiflora. A total of 1237 compounds were detected and classified into 11 categories. HCA, PCA, and OPLS-DA of these metabolites indicated that each variety of P. lactiflora was clearly separated from the other groups. Differential accumulated metabolite analysis revealed that the three P. lactiflora varieties contained 116 differentially activated metabolites (DAMs) involved in flavonoid, flavone, and flavonol metabolism. KEGG pathway analysis revealed that, in 65 pathways, 336 differentially abundant metabolites (DMs) were enriched in the CK and DFG groups; moreover, the type and content of terpenoids were greater in the CK group than in the DFG group. The CK and HSML groups contained 457 DMs enriched in 61 pathways; the type and amount of flavonoids, terpenoids, and tannins were greater in the CK group than in the HSML group. The DFG and HSML groups contained 497 DMs enriched in 65 pathways; terpenoids and alkaloids were more abundant in the HSML variety than in the DFG variety. A total of 1237 compounds were detected, and the results revealed significant differences among the three P. lactiflora varieties. Among the three P. lactiflora varieties, phenolic acids and flavonoids composed the largest and most diverse category of metabolites, and their contents varied greatly. Therefore, CK is suitable for medicinal plant varieties, and DFG and HSML are suitable for ornamental plant varieties. Twelve proanthocyanidin metabolites likely determined the differences in color among the three varieties.

Cинтетические укрытия вегетационных сооружений с интегрированным фотолюминофором в укоренении черенков туи западной

We have explored the effectiveness of using light-correcting covering materials for greenhouse structures when rooting the cuttings of various ornamental forms and varieties of the northern white-cedar (Thuja occidentalis L.). Two types of shelters have been tested: the modified spunbond at a density of 30 g/m2 with a photoluminescent phosphor integrated into its structure at a concentration of 0.8 % and the unmodified spunbond at the same density. Europeum-doped yttrium oxysulfide (Y2O2SEu) has been chosen as a photoluminescent phosphor. We have analyzed 11 varieties and forms of Thuja occidentalis L.: Rheingold, Mr. Bowling Ball, Woodwardii, Tiny Tim, Golden Smaragd, Mirjam, Golden Globe, Danica, Sunkist, Smaragd and Brabant. The response of the indicators of callusogenesis and rhizogenesis to the influence of a transformed light flux has been tested. A positive effect of the use of photoluminescent phosphors in rooting the stem cuttings of the northern white-cedar has been established. An increase in the indicators of regenerative ability and post-regenerative development of the root systems and the aboveground parts of the cuttings has been recorded, such as: the activity of callusogenesis, the number of adventitious roots formed, the length of the leading root, the total length of the root system, the height of the aboveground part and the diameter of the root collar. Callusogenesis has increased from 67.59 ± 2.05 % in the check to 76.81 ± 1.61 % when having integrated the photoluminescent phosphor. The number of adventitious roots formed has increased from 9.64 ± 0.43 to 11.44 ± 0.34 pcs., correspondingly. The total length of the root systems has increased from 64.56 ± 3.70 to 75.52 ± 2.77 cm, correspondingly. One-way analysis of variance confirmed the significance of the differences between the tested forms and varieties in each of the shelter options for most of the tested indicators. Two-way analysis of variance has revealed a significant effect of the positive impact of photoluminescent phosphors on callusogenesis, adventitious root formation, post-regenerative development of the root systems and the aboveground parts of the cuttings.

First report of Gymnotelium blasdaleanum causing Saskatoon serviceberry rust in Canada.

Saskatoon serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia) is a tall shrub native to the western regions of North America. In British Columbia, serviceberries are a resource for Indigenous communities, used in cooking and for medicinal purposes (Turner et al. 1990). The Saskatoon serviceberry is popular for ornamental and food purposes, with increasing demand for commercial production in British Columbia. (FLNR, 2003). In June 2023 leaf and fruit samples displaying signs of a rust fungus were collected from three ornamental Saskatoon serviceberry shrubs on the University of British Columbia's campus in Vancouver, BC (49°15'35.0"N 123°15'05.6"W). Morphological characteristics were taken from six leaves and berries. Infected leaf tissue was misshapen due to the development of aecia on the abaxial side of the leaves. Approximately 80% of the berries were enveloped in aecia, while infected leaf tissue constituted only around 5% across all three shrubs. Aecia were aecidioid (aecidium type) 0.25 to 0.35mm in diameter, hypophylous and, fructicolous. Peridial cells had a rhomboid shape measuring 21-29 × 18-23 μm (average dimension 25 × 20 μm, n = 30). Aeciospores were globoid with yellowish walls, verrucose and the dimensions ranged from 16-24 × 12-15 μm, (average dimensions 19 ×15 μm, n = 30) (Fig. x). These morphological features fit well with description of Gymnotelium blasdaleanum (Dietel & Holw.) Arthur (= Gymnosporangium libocedri (Henn.) F. Kern) (Arthur 1934). Judging from U.S. National Fungal Databases (https://fungi.ars.usda.gov/) G. blasdaleanum has never been reported in Canada, thus this discovery represents the first report of G. blasdaleanum in the country, specifically in the province of British Columbia. G. blasdaleanum is a hetero-demicyclic rust fungus with a broad aecial host range which includes several Rosaceous genera such as Amelanchier, Crataegus, Cydonia, Malus, Pyrus, and Sorbus (Farr & Rossman 2019). The telial host range is limited to California incense cedar (Calocedrus decurrens) and was not observed on nearby trees, some located within one kilometer of the serviceberries. To confirm morphological identification, DNA was extracted from infected leaves and fruits from all three plants using a modified protocol (Russell et al., 2010). The D1/D2 region was amplified using primers LR6 and 2Rust1R (Beenken, et al., 2012). A BLASTn search of all three sequences revealed 99.52 to 99.62% identity to available sequence in GenBank from Gymnotelium blasdaleanum (AF522168). Newly generated sequences were submitted to the GenBank under accession numbers OR567878, OR568568, and OR654105. Specimens from three Saskatoon serviceberry plants were provided to the UBC herbarium (Beaty Biodiversity Museum) and deposited in their fungarium (F35820). Infected fruits undergo deformation and premature dropping, posing a significant threat to ornamental and fruit production varieties of serviceberries (EPPO, 2006). The spread and establishment of the G. blasdaleanum is highly dependent on the presence of C. decurrens because of its limited range. However, California incense cedar is planted outside its natural range in suitable environments for G. blasdaleanum to thrive such as southern BC allowing the rust pathogen to spread to Canada. To prevent potential spread into other agricultural industries, particularly the 256-acre pear cultivation, continued planting of C. decurrens in British Columbia should be closely monitored. (BC MFLNRO, 2003).