Flowering Patterns Research Articles

A novel 3D-printed clamping interface for the tensile testing of biological specimens

A novel 3D-printed clamping interface was designed to address challenges associated with the tensile testing of soft biological tissues, particularly specimen slippage and failure at the grips. To improve specimen adherence, four contact patterns, based on retrograde teeth, serrated, atraumatic wavy teeth, and flower patterns, were added to the interface surface. A smooth transition was considered to diminish the likelihood of transverse cutting of specimens. The 3D-printed clamping interface was produced using additive manufacturing. We performed tensile tests on porcine skin specimens considering the original serrated jaw faces (reference condition), the jaw faces with sandpaper, and the 3D-printed clamping interface with and without contact patterns. The maximum force supported by the specimens (before slippage or failure), for each test condition, was compared using statistical analysis (statistical level of p < 0.05). Compared to the reference condition (148.50 ± 31.71 N), we observed significant improvements for the 3D-printed clamping interface with the retrograde teeth (247.41 ± 31.17 N, p ≤ 0.001) and flower (220.40 ± 19.86 N, p = 0.004) contact patterns. In the reference condition, failure mostly occurred at the grips. The use of the 3D-printed clamping interface reduced the spreading of the fibers, promoting failure within the gauge section. Additionally, we observed a reduction in tissue damage at the grips for the flower and atraumatic wavy teeth conditions. In conclusion, the proposed 3D-printed clamping interface significantly improved the adherence of the porcine skin specimens while promoting failure within the gauge section. This approach can be easily customized to the available grips, has a low-cost and fast production, and uses easily accessible technology.

Intra and inter specific variation of propagule settings of the family Rhizophoraceae in the Sundarbans mangrove forest

The Sundarbans mangrove forest in Bangladesh is home to the Rhizophoraceae family, which includes at least 7 species. Understanding the factors influencing mangrove species regeneration in specific areas, such as propagule dispersal, predation, and soil conditions, is crucial for comprehending how these populations establish and grow successfully in changing environments. However, there is limited research on the reproductive phenology of Rhizophoraceae in the Sundarbans. Our research was primarily focused on analyzing and comparing the reproductive phenology of three specific species, Bruguiera sexangula (Lour.) Poir., Rhizophora mucronata Lam., and Kandelia candel (L.) Druce within this diverse ecosystem. We studied the flowering pattern, conversion rate, and growth stages of the reproductive organs of these three species. Both inter- and intra-specific variations in propagule mass and size were also investigated. Our findings revealed that the flowers of these species were present for almost half of the year, with a monthly flowering peak occurring primarily in April and May. The propagule of R. mucronata (60.3 cm) was the longest in size which significantly varied from those of K. candel and B. sexangula. While the diameter and weight of the propagules of B. sexangula and K. candel were similar, they were significantly different from those of R. mucronata. In terms of length and surface area, there were significant variations among the propagules of the studied species. The mean surface area of the propagule was 359.7 cm2 in R. mucronata, 232.8 cm2 in K. candel, and 62.2 cm2 in B. sexangula. Regarding litterfall contribution, reproductive organ production in B. sexangula accounted for 29.1 %, in K.candel it was 37.7 %, and in R.mucronata it was 34.6 %. Our findings suggest that the production of reproductive organs in this mangrove forest is influenced by climatic factors as well as the specific adaptive characteristics of each species rather than solely dependent on the size of the reproductive organs.

The Impact of Climate Change on Flowering Patterns and Productivity in Floriculture: A Comprehensive Review

The floriculture industry, a vital component of global horticulture, is increasingly threatened by climate change, which disrupts flowering patterns, reduces productivity, and alters the market value of ornamental crops. This review synthesizes current research on how climatic factors-such as temperature fluctuations, altered precipitation, elevated atmospheric CO₂, and extreme weather events-affect key aspects of floricultural crop growth and phenology. Rising temperatures accelerate flowering in many species but can also lead to heat stress, floral bud abortion, and reduced flower quality in sensitive crops like roses (Rosa hybrida) and snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus). Similarly, changes in precipitation patterns, including drought and waterlogging, further complicate floral development by impairing water and nutrient uptake. Elevated CO₂ generally promotes biomass accumulation and water-use efficiency but may not necessarily translate into improved floral yield or quality. To address these challenges, the adoption of adaptive strategies such as breeding climate-resilient varieties, implementing optimized agronomic practices, and utilizing controlled environment agriculture is critical. Future research must focus on species-specific and long-term studies to identify the differential impacts of climate change on diverse floricultural species. Moreover, multi-stressor impact assessments and exploration of phenotypic plasticity and genetic adaptation are needed to develop cultivars capable of maintaining high performance under complex environmental conditions. Integrating climate models and decision support systems will further enable precise forecasting and strategic planning, supporting growers in mitigating climate-related risks. By advancing understanding in these areas, the floriculture industry can better adapt to changing climates and maintain economic sustainability, ensuring the continued success of this important sector amidst global environmental shifts.

Enhancing Sensing Performance of Capacitive Sensors Using Kirigami Structures.

Capacitive sensors have widespread applications in human-machine interaction, Internet of Things, and smart home systems due to their low cost, high sensitivity, and ease of integration. However, improving the sensitivity and sensing distance of capacitive sensors remains a challenging issue. This study proposes a novel capacitive sensor design method based on Kirigami structures, which enhances sensor performance by introducing specific cutting patterns into the conductive layer to leverage edge effects. Through experimental testing and statistical analysis, we systematically investigated the influence of Kirigami geometric parameters on sensor sensitivity and sensing distance. We designed and fabricated 12 different Kirigami structures, including circular flower patterns, array patterns, layered pointed flower patterns, and circular strip structures, and compared them with traditional non-cut structures. The results show that Kirigami structures significantly improved sensor performance. Compared to traditional sensors without Kirigami structures, optimally designed Kirigami capacitive sensors demonstrated approximately a 3-fold increase in sensitivity and up to 170 percent extension in sensing distance. Multivariate regression analysis and nonlinear models revealed complex relationships between Kirigami structural parameters and sensor performance. Notably, the circular strip (three-layer) structure exhibited the best performance, possibly due to its maximization of edge effects and optimization of electric field distribution. This study provides new design insights for developing high-performance capacitive sensors, with potential applications in improving smart home systems and indoor activity monitoring for solitary elderly individuals.

Three-dimensional visualization of uterine nerve fiber distribution using fluorescence micro-optical sectioning tomography (fMOST): A pilot study.

This study aimed to observe and quantitatively analyze the morphology and distribution of uterine nerve fibers using fluorescence micro-optical sectioning tomography (fMOST). The goal was to provide an accurate morphological reference for pathological evaluations of uterine nerves. Using fMOST technique, we observed and analyzed the distribution of nerve fibers within the uterus. Our findings revealed a radial dispersion of nerve fibers radiating from myometrium to endometrium. The cervix uteri region exhibited a high density of nerve fibers, displaying terminations in a flower spray pattern. In contrast, nerve fibers in corpus uteri were comparatively sparse. However, we identified a unique "vine-like" pattern of a single nerve fiber extending from myometrium to endometrial layer in areas with concentrated nerves. The fMOST technique is able to effectively elucidate the morphology and distribution of uterine nerve fibers. This method enables three-dimensional visualization of nerves in myometrium and offers a novel approach to observe the pathological changes in uterine nerves.

Difference in reproductive traits of two sympatric species of Stigmaphyllon (Malpighiaceae) throughout their distribution range: Are they context-dependent?

Populations of widely distributed plants may experience varying climatic or ecological conditions, leading to uneven evolution of reproductive traits. However, studies on reproductive biology usually focus on just one, or rarely two, sampling areas. In this study, we performed a geographical comparative analysis of the flowering pattern, pollination biology and breeding system of Stigmaphyllon bonariense and S. jatrophifolium (Malpighiaceae) throughout their natural distribution in Argentina, classifying them as ‘northern’ or ‘southern’ according to their geographic location. For this, we selected 4 populations for S. bonariense and 3 for S. jatrophifolium to characterized the flowering peak at both the individual (IFP) and population (PFP) levels, the floral display per inflorescence, the richness of Malpighiaceae species and their pollinators, and the stigmatic and body pollen loads of the pollinators. In addition, we performed manipulative experiments to determine the breeding system. Our results showed that the duration of flowering phenology and the floral display vary between northern and southern populations of both species. These traits include flowering duration and the number of flowers at anthesis per inflorescence (floral display). In addition, the pollination context exhibited latitudinal differences in species richness, phenology, body size of oil-collecting bees, and visitation frequency. Besides, the number of co-flowering Malpighiaceae species varied among populations. However, no considerable differences were observed among populations in terms of stigmatic and body pollen load in pollinators of both species. The breeding system was invariable and consistent in both species with self-incompatibility (SI). These findings suggest that certain reproductive traits of both Stigmaphyllon species are context-dependent and would allow the species maximise reproductive success in each population. Therefore, our results demonstrate that large-scale geographical studies (i.e., several populations with different climatic conditions) and the analysis of various phenological traits are necessary to better understand the reproductive biology of plant species.

Comparison of energy absorption characteristics of novel lattice structures inspired by Helleborus petticoat flower and fish scale pattern for different loading orientations

In the present work, arc-shaped, thin-strut-based structures were developed by taking inspiration from the cup shaped Helleborus petticoat flower and fish scale pattern. The designed structures have been additively manufactured with a fused deposition modeling process. In this work, one fish scale pattern inspired structure was developed and named FS structure, whereas two flower-inspired structures were developed and named FL4 and FL8 structures. The static compression tests were conducted to study stress-strain behavior of the proposed structures in two different orientations, viz. orientation:1 (along z-axis) and orientation:2 (along x-axis). Furthermore, the mechanical responses and energy absorption characteristics are comprehensively examined for the proposed structures in both orientations. The structures exhibited higher specific energy absorption (SEA) in orientation:1 compared to orientation:2. The increment in SEA is ∼29 % for FS, ∼298% for FL4, and ∼115% for FL8 structures in orientation:1 compared to orientation:2. Meanwhile, the proposed bio-inspired structures are capable of absorbing energies in the range of 0.06-0.47 MJ/m3, up to densification. Finally, SEA of proposed structures is compared with the SEA of other structures in the available literature.

The Influence of Planting Density on the Flowering Pattern and Seed Yield in Peanut (Arachis hypogea L.) Grown in the Northern Region of Japan

In peanut cultivation in the Tokachi region of Hokkaido, Japan, it is essential to complete the harvest by early October to prevent frost damage. Therefore, cultivation methods that can accelerate the flowering period are necessary. It is understood that planting density can influence the timing of flowering, with crops often flowering earlier at higher densities. This study aimed to investigate whether growing peanuts at higher densities could advance the flowering period and, consequently, enhance yield. The Japanese peanut variety, Tachimasari, was cultivated in 2022 and 2023 at a conventional planting density of 5.8 plant m−2 (D5.8) and at density conditions of 8.7 plant m−2 (D8.7) and 11.6 plant m−2 (D11.6). The D8.7 and D11.6 plants reached the peak of flowering 2.8 and 5.1 days earlier, respectively, and the end of flowering 3.7 and 8.0 days earlier than the D5.8 plants. Although the total number of flowers was higher in D5.8, pod fertility was greater in D8.7 and D11.6, where plants were able to reduce the occurrence of ineffective flowers and immature pods. Consequently, higher seed yields were observed in D8.7 (2709 kg ha−1) and D11.6 (2754 kg ha−1), where lower individual productivity was offset by higher planting densities, compared to the conventional density condition of D5.8 (2169 kg ha−1).

Relationships between flowering behavior and seed yield in mungbean mutants

Flower is the prime sink that produces pods and yield depends on numbers and size of pods in legume crops. Flowering behavior affects the synchrony of pod maturity, which is crucial for efficient harvesing that regulates the yield. Thus, it is essential to study the relationship between flowering behavior and pod yield in mungbean mutants. This experiment was conducted using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications at the BINA headquarters physiology pot yard. The aim was to assess the relationship between flowering patterns, flowering duration, and seed yield in ten mungbean mutants/varieties. Results indicated that high-yielding mutant (MM-1) produced more opened flowers (38.0 flowers per plant) and had a longer flowering duration (12 days) compared to low-yielding varieties/mutants (13.1-18.0 flowers per plant and 7-9 days). Additionally, high-yielding varieties exhibited higher flower production rates over time, with peak flower production occurring within 5-8 days, while low-yielding varieties peaked within 3-4 days. High-yielding mungbean mutants/varieties exhibit lower pod set and reproductive efficiency (48.7-55.0%) compared to low-yielding ones (63.2-70.9%), indicating potential for yield improvement in high-yielding genotypes through enhanced pod set. Pod number, a key yield parameter, has a significant positive correlation with flower number (r = 0.56**), while pod number is also dependent on flowers per plant (r = 0.68**). Additionally, seed yield shows a strong positive relationship with the harvest index (r = 0.62**). These findings suggest that future breeding efforts should focus on synchronizing flower production to increase mungbean yield. Bangladesh J. Nuclear Agric, 38(1): 111-117, 2024

The diversity of fungal associates of Dendrobium ovatum (L.) Kraenzl., an endemic orchid of the Western Ghats of India

Dendrobium ovatum is a tropical epiphytic orchid endemic to the Western Ghats of India and has been listed as a threatened species in recent research due to its declining populations and changes in flowering and fruit set patterns. This study aims to investigate the mycoflora associated with the roots, stems and leaves of D. ovatum. Both surface‐associated and endophytic fungal associates were isolated and identified using morphological and molecular methods. The study resulted in the isolation of 139 cultures, which were divided into 24 morphotypes, 99% of which belonged to Ascomycota. The most dominant members, Trichoderma harzianum and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, were consistently observed across all the study sites. Tissue‐specific fungal diversity analysis revealed that each organ was dominated by a distinct fungal group, forming characteristic communities specific to each tissue. The roots of D. ovatum exhibited the highest species richness and diversity, compared to the stem and leaves. This research also represents the first documentation of fungal associates of the threatened orchid D. ovatum.

A Study of Cislunar-Based Small Satellite Constellations with Sustainable Autonomy

The Cislunar economy is thriving with innovative space systems and operation techniques to enhance and uplift the traditional approaches significantly. This paper brings about an approach for sustainable small satellite constellations to retain autonomy for long-term missions in the Cislunar space. The methodology presented is to align the hybrid model of the constellation for Earth and Moon as an integral portion of the Cislunar operations. These hybrid constellations can provide a breakthrough in optimally utilizing the Cislunar space to efficiently deploy prominent missions to be operated and avoid conjunction or collisions forming additional debris. Flower and walker constellation patterns have been combined to form a well-defined orientation for these small satellites to operate and deliver the tasks satisfying the mission objectives. The autonomous multi-parametric analysis for each constellation based in Earth and Moon’s environment has been attained with due consideration to local environments. Specifically, the Solar Radiation Pressure (SRP) is a critical constraint in Cislunar operations and is observed during simulations. These are supported by conjunction analysis using the Monte Carlo technique and also the effect of the SRP on the operating small satellites in real-time scenarios. This is followed by the observed conclusions and the way forward in this fiercely competent Cislunar operation.

Pattern of flower and fruit abscision and fruit growth of hass avocado under tropical conditions

Research elucidating abscission processes in fruits of Hass avocados has been conducted in production areas in the subtropics, but there are few studies under tropical climate conditions that can serve as a starting point to guide suitable management practices. In a seven-year-old commercial orchard of Hass avocados, grafted onto native rootstocks (Antillean rootstocks), 20 trees were evaluated. A weather station installed on-site monitored the climate of the location. The pattern of fruit growth and development, flower and fruit abscission, and yield variables were characterized. More than 145,000 and 270,000 flowers abscised per tree were recorded, with final fruit sets of 0.1 ± 0.009% and 0.19 ± 0.04% in the first and second crop years, respectively. Fruit growth followed a sigmoid curve with no differences in growing degree-days until the time of harvest. Additionally, the alternate bearing behavior of Hass avocado was confirmed with an average yield of 24.3 ± 4.5 kg/tree and 93.3 ± 9.5 kg/tree for the first and second crop years, respectively, finding an average alternate bearing index of 0.74 ± 0.06.

Hibiscus bullseyes reveal mechanisms controlling petal pattern proportions that influence plant-pollinator interactions.

Colorful flower patterns are key signals to attract pollinators. To produce such motifs, plants specify boundaries dividing petals into subdomains where cells develop distinctive pigmentations, shapes, and textures. While some transcription factors and biosynthetic pathways behind these characteristics are well studied, the upstream processes restricting their activities to specific petal regions remain enigmatic. Here, we unveil that the petal surface of Hibiscus trionum, an emerging model featuring a bullseye on its corolla, is prepatterned as the bullseye boundary position is specified long before it becomes visible. Using a computational model, we explore how pattern proportions are maintained while petals experience a 100-fold size increase. Exploiting transgenic lines and natural variants, we show that plants can regulate boundary position during the prepatterning phase or modulate growth on either side of this boundary later in development to vary bullseye proportions. Such modifications are functionally relevant, as buff-tailed bumblebees can reliably identify food sources based on bullseye size and prefer certain pattern proportions.

Impact of PGRs, polyamines and potassium to improve pomegranate flowering behaviour, fruit set and fruit quality

Ever changing climate is affecting the flowering pattern in pomegranate worldwide. It is the need of the hour to find out some chemicals that can not only enhance hermaphrodite flowers and fruit set but also enhance fruit quality. The present investigation aimed to evaluate the effect of plant growth regulators (three), polyamines (two) and other chemicals (five) on photosynthesis, flowering ratio, fruit set and quality of pomegranate fruits. Pomegranate trees were treated at full leaf expansion stage. Potassium dihydrogen phosphate (5000 ppm), spermidine (1.5 ppm) and naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) (20 ppm) were the best treatments to significantly enhance hermaphrodite flowers, as the hermaphrodite to male flower ratio was 0.39, 0.37, and 0.35, respectively, compared to 0.22 in the control treatment. Except spermidine, NAA and paclobutrazol, all treatments increased the fruit setting significantly, with potassium dihydrogen phosphate (5000 ppm) being the most effective treatment with 66% fruit set compared to 43% in control trees. In mature fruits, compared to control, NAA enhanced total phenols, ascorbic acid and total antioxidants (3%, 15%, 7%, respectively) followed by ascorbic acid treatment (250 ppm); potassium dihydrogen phosphate (5000 ppm) and putrescine (44 ppm) enhanced the anthocyanin content and hence aril color significantly (11% and 10% respectively). Though the use of NAA in pomegranate production is commercial practice, two sprays of ascorbic acid can also be included to enhance the nutritional quality of fruits. Foliar application of potassium dihydrogen phosphate twice at flowering stage could be highly useful for quality pomegranate production due to the enhanced number of hermaphrodite flowers, fruit setting and fruit color. Overall, use of these chemicals can be beneficial to pomegranate farmers to get more remuneration from harvest.

Characterization of Flower’s Color based on CHS Gene Structure in &lt;i&gt;Phalaenopsis&lt;/i&gt; ‘OX Queen’ and &lt;i&gt;Dendrobium&lt;/i&gt; ‘Cheddi Jagan’ Orchids

Orchids (Orchidaceae) are ornamental plants known for their high aesthetic value attributed to the shapes, colours, and fragrances of their flowers. Two types of hybrid orchids with attractive flowers, namely the Phalaenopsis 'OX Queen' orchid and the Dendrobium 'Cheddi Jagan' boast attractive flowers were used in this research, because of the beauty of its flower colour. The objective of this research is to characterise the morphology of flower colour and CHS (Chalcone Synthase) gene content that induces flower colour. The method used in this research analyzing the flower’s colour by using the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) colour chart and molecular analysis by DNA genomic isolation and PCR amplification of gDNA for CHS gene specific primers. The results showed that purple colour is observed through the RHS, with P. 'OX Queen' coded as Deep Purple Pink (N73A) and D. 'Cheddi Jagan' coded as Strong Reddish Purple (N72C). The CHS gene can be amplified in P. ’OX Queen’ 1,287 bp and D. ’Cheddi jagan’ 3,731 bp. In both orchids, the results of amplification showed CHS motifs with conserved domains PLN03172 and PLN03170. The research results show that there is a significant difference in the morphology of the flowers of orchids. Purple colour is observed through the RHS, with P. 'OX Queen' coded as N73A and D. 'Cheddi Jagan' coded as N73C. The results showed that gDNA can be isolated by using CTAB method according to Murray and Thomson, and the CHS gene can be amplified by using CHS primers, resulting 1200 bp of P. 'OX Queen' and 2500 bp for D. 'Cheddi Jagan'. Through this study, preliminary data is expected to be obtained for future research, which is the formation of variegated flowers through editing the CRISPR/Cas9 genome in the CHS gene. This research is intended to support further studies on the formation of variegated flower patterns in P. 'OX Queen' and D. 'Cheddi Jagan’, focusing on the CHS gene using CRISPR/Cas9 technique.

Simulation analyses of the evolution of intra-inflorescence flowering patterns assuming selection on anthesis interval among individual flowers

What conditions select flowering patterns within inflorescences, or variation in the anthesis interval within inflorescences among plants? Under what conditions are gradual blooming and simultaneous blooming, both traits related to floral display size, advantageous? We constructed a simulation model in which the opening times and longevities of individual flowers within inflorescences, the sizes of attractive structures of individual flowers, and the numbers of ovules and pollen grains produced by individual flowers evolve. Individual plants in the population compete for pollinators, and plants are selected by pollinators according to their floral display sizes and amounts of resources allocated to attractive structures. We found that, if the proportion of pollen on a pollinator deposited on a stigma was low, gradual blooming did not evolve even if inbreeding depression was greater than 0.5. This is because the amount of outcross-pollen on pollinators decreased at a low rate during flower visits within a single inflorescence, and the selfing rate was suppressed to a low level even if the floral display size was large. On the other hand, if the proportion of pollen deposition was high, gradual blooming evolved even if inbreeding depression was smaller than 0.5. This may be because gradual blooming can enhance pollen delivery to other plants by reducing the loss of self-pollen by geitonogamy. On the other hand, allocation ratios among floral organs (female and male organs and attractive structures) were independent of the degree of simultaneous and gradual blooming within inflorescences. We concluded that the evolution of gradual blooming is more strongly affected by the proportion of pollen on a pollinator deposited on a stigma than by inbreeding depression.

Transgenerational effects of stress on reproduction strategy in the mixed mating plant Lamium amplexicaule

BackgroundThe theory of Condition Dependent Sex predicts that – everything else being equal – less fit individuals would outcross at higher rates compared with fitter ones. Here we used the mixed mating plant Lamium amplexicaule, capable of producing both self-pollinating closed flowers (CL), alongside open flowers (CH) that allow cross pollination to test it. We investigated the effects of abiotic stress – salt solution irrigation – on the flowering patterns of plants and their offspring. We monitored several flowering and vegetative parameters, including the number and distribution of flowers, CH fraction, and plant size.ResultsWe found that stressed plants show an increased tendency for self-pollination and a deficit in floral and vegetative development. However, when parentally primed, stressed plants show a milder response. Un-stressed offspring of stressed parents show reversed responses and exhibit an increased tendency to outcross, and improve floral and vegetative development.ConclusionsIn summary, we found that stress affects the reproduction strategy in the plants that experienced the stress and in subsequent offspring through F2 generation. Our results provide experimental evidence supporting a transgenerational extension to the theories of fitness associate sex and dispersal, where an individual’s tendency for sex and dispersal may depend on the stress experienced by its parents.

Biological characteristics of flowers and examination of pollen viability at different developmental stages of Epimedium sagittatum (Sieb. et Zucc.) Maxim

To gain a deeper understanding of the flowering pattern and reproductive characteristics of Epimedium sagittatum, to enrich the research on the flower development of E. sagittatum and its reproductive regulation, and to screen the methods suitable for the rapid detection of pollen viability of E. sagittatum and to promote its cross-breeding. The characteristics of its flower parts were observed, recorded and measured, and the pollen viability of E. sagittatumwas determined by five methods, including TTC staining, I2-KI staining, red ink staining, peroxidase method and in vitro germination method. The flowering process of E. sagittatum can be divided into five stages: calyx dehiscence, bract spathe, petal outgrowth, pollen dispersal, and pollination and withering. The results of I2-KI staining and peroxidase method were significantly higher than those of other methods; the in vitro germination method was intuitive and accurate, but the operation was complicated and time-consuming; the red ink staining method was easy to operate and had obvious staining effect, and the results were the closest to those of the in vitro germination method; and it was found that the pollen of E. sagittatum was not as effective as the in vitro germination method at the bud stamen stage, the flower stigma and the flower bud. It was also found that the pollen viability and germination rate of E. sagittatum pollen were higher in the three periods of bud spitting, petal adductor and pollen dispersal. Comparing the five methods, the red ink staining method was found to be a better method for the rapid detection of pollen viability; the best pollination periods of E. sagittatum were the bud stamen stage, petal adductor stage, and pollen dispersal stage of flowers at the peak of bloom. This study on the flowering and fruiting pattern of E. sagittatum, and the related mechanism of sexual reproduction, can be used as a reference for the next step of research on the breeding of E. sagittatum.

Does seasonal flowering and fruiting patterns of cacao only depend on climatic factors? The case study of mixed genotype populations in Côte d'Ivoire

Theobroma cacao, a tropical cauliflorous fruit tree, typically produces flowers and fruits twice a year and exhibits alternate harvesting patterns over consecutive six-monthly seasons in regions with bi-modal rainfall distribution, such as Côte d'Ivoire. This study investigated seasonal variations in flowering and fruiting among trees in populations of mixed cacao genotypes. The intensities of crown and trunk flowering and pod production were monitored for eight consecutive six-monthly seasons on 114 adult cacao trees grown from seedlings. We investigated distributions of seasonal flowering and fruiting values, relationships between flowering and pod production, and the effects of seasonal cumulative rainfall. The patterns of seasonal flowering and fruiting series were analyzed using two descriptors: the first distinguishing between regular and variable patterns, and the second analyzing the structure of such variability, classifying it as either irregular or alternating. Despite being subjected to similar climate and agronomic management, individual trees exhibited highly variable flowering and fruiting behaviors within each season, as well as variable patterns of flowering and fruiting across seasons. Seasonal alternate fruiting on a population scale masked highly variable patterns among trees, and only 19 % of the trees exhibited marked alternate fruiting patterns. Variations in pod production on a tree scale were mainly related to variations in trunk flowering. Endogenous factors seemed to control seasonal variations in flowering and fruiting, even though exogenous factors, both climatic and agronomic, could structure flowering and fruiting patterns at the orchard scale.

Application and Exploration of Baoxiang Flower in Ceramic Incense Burner Design

Traditional Chinese decorative patterns are often based on animal and geometric elements. However, since the introduction of Buddhism during the Wei, Jin, and Northern and Southern Dynasties, plant and floral motifs have gradually emerged. During the flourishing period of Buddhist culture in the Tang Dynasty, plant-based decorative patterns were widely integrated into ceramics, metalware, and decorative arts. During this period, the Baoxiang flower pattern, influenced by foreign cultures, evolved into one of the distinctive traditional Chinese motifs. This study focuses on the artistic exploration of combining traditional floral patterns with the design and creativity of ceramic incense burners. By systematically analyzing the application of Baoxiang flower in ceramic incense burner design, through in-depth analysis of its historical evolution, cultural connotation, and artistic characteristics, and integrating modern design concepts and aesthetic trends, the innovative application of Baoxiang flower in ceramic incense burner design is explored. The research shows that the Baoxiang flower, with its unique artistic charm and profound cultural connotation, injects new inspiration and insights into ceramic incense burner design, enhancing its practicality, aesthetic appeal, cultural connotation, and artistic value.