Red Beauty Research Articles

Studies on Effect of Genotypes and Planting Time on Growth and Corm Characters of Gladiolus

Gladiolus is an important cut flower crop, grown commercially in many parts of the globe. This flower has gained popularity owing to its incomparable beauty, attractive colours, various sizes and shapes of florets, variable spike length and long vase life. Gladiolus produces beautiful spikes from December to March in the plains and from June to September in the hills of India.Gladiolus is very rich in its varietal wealth therefore, varietal evaluation in a particular growing condition becomes necessity of time to find out suitable variety for a particular region. Improvement of any crop is a continuous process and long process as well and, in this crop, tremendous scope is available to improve the existing cultivars, besides, other economical plants, the growth and development of gladiolus is governed by its genetic makeup and environmental factors of the growing region and various management practices. Among the various agro-techniques, the optimum planting time is of outmost importance. The Present investigation efforts aim to standard time of planting and suitability of varieties for local climate and edaphic conditions of the Nalanda (Bihar). A field investigation was conducted during winter season of 2018-19 at Research Farm of Nalanda College of Horticulture, Noorsarai, Nalanda, Bihar. Corms of gladiolus cultivars viz., Red Beauty, Candyman, White Prosperity and Intrepid were planted at different planting dates. The soils of experimental site are newly formed alluvial soils with pH 7.40. The experiment consisted of 16 treatment combinations with four (04) varieties and four planting dates (D1- 25th Sept., D2- 10th October and D3- 25th Oct. and D4-10th Nov.) were laid out in split-plot-design with three replications. Minimum days to sprouting of corm (16.33 days), number of leaves per plant (11.27), length of leaves (86.87cm.) were with D2V2. However, maximum plant height (146.07 cm.) was in D2V1. Minimum days to initiation of spike (80.47 days), days taken to open first floret (95.07 days) and maximum length of spike (126.07cm.) were observed in D2V1. On the other hand, maximum numbers of florets per spike (21.20), fresh weight of flower spike (170.25 gm.), floret diameter (11.17cm.) and vase life (14.80 days) were in D2V3. Highest values for no. of corms per plant (1.40) and no. of cormels per plant (111.53) were noticed in D2V3. Besides, corm diameter (7.53 cm) and average weight of corm per plant (123.08 gm.) were found maximum in D2V1.

Effects of steel slag mixed substrate on rooting of Hydrangea macrophylla cuttings.

To investigate the effect of steel slag used as substrate on the rooting of Hydrangea macrophylla cuttings, and to develop a new mixed substrate that can partially replace conventional cutting substrates and realize the high-efficient utilization of solid waste, we examined the physical and chemical properties of different mixed substrates containing 10% (T1), 20% (T2), 30% (T3), and 40% (T4) volume fractions of steel slag, and investigated the rooting of H. macrophylla 'Red Beauty' cuttings growing on these substrates, with conventional cutting substrates (peat and perlite) as the control (CK). The results showed that pH value, electrical conductivity, and bulk density of the mixed substrates were significantly higher than those of CK. The aeration porosity of T2 was higher than other treatments, while the total porosity and water holding porosity differed little from others. Both fresh weight and dry weight of all the four treatments were higher than those of CK, with stem diameter being higher than that of CK (except T4), plant height showing no significant difference compared to CK (except T4), and leaf chlorophyll content being significantly lower than CK. Root length ranked as T2>CK>T1>T3>T4, the root surface area and root volume both ranked as T2>T1>CK>T4>T3, the root tip ranked as T2>CK>T1>T4>T3. Both average root diameter and root activity were significantly higher than that of CK, with the highest value being observed in T2. Soluble sugar content in the leaves of T2 was the highest, followed by T4, T3, CK, and T1. The weight ranking of root growth indices was root activity > average root diameter > root volume > root surface area > root tip number > root length. Redundancy analysis indicated that pH value, electrical conductivity, aeration porosity, and water holding porosity of substrates were key factors influencing root growth and development of cuttings. Our results suggested that substrates mixed with 10% to 40% steel slag could be used for H. macrophylla cutting propagation, and 20% (T2) being the best one because it could significantly improve the survival rate, growth status, and root development of cuttings. Steel slag would be a novel substrate to partially replace conventional unrenewable substrates such as peat and perlite for flower seedling propagation, which could reduce agricultural production cost and provide a high-value utilization way of industry solid waste.

Effect of Gibberellic Acid (GA3) and Benzyl Adenine (BA) on Vegetative Growth and Flower Induction in Gladiolus (Gladiolus grandifloras)

The present study was carried out during 2021 -2022 at the experimental farm of Division of Floriculture and Landscaping, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu, Chatha, Jammu and Kashmir. The trial was laid out in factorial randomized block design with three replications and twenty-one treatment combinations. The treatment comprised of three gladiolus varieties viz., American Beauty, White Prosperity and Red Beauty and two growth regulators with their three levels of each viz., BA (50, 75 and 100 ppm) and GA3 (100, 150 and 200 ppm), and compared with control. The influence of foliar application of plant growth regulator on vegetative growth and flower induction of three gladiolus varieties namely American Beauty, White Prosperity and Red Beauty. Growth regulators, viz., gibberellic acid (100, 150 and 200 ppm) and benzyl adenine (50, 75 and 100 ppm) were sprayed at 3 leaves and 6 leaves stage after planting of corms. The results revealed that foliar application of GA3 @ 200ppm on cv. ‘White Prosperity’ recorded maximum plant height (134.27 cm), number of leaves per plant (8.53), leaf area (74.41 cm2), minimum days to 50% spike emergence (95.00) and 50% basal floret showing colour (107.00 days). It can be concluded from the present investigation that gladiolus variety ‘White Prosperity’ performed better than other varieties in respect of all the vegetative and flowering parameters. Among interactions, foliar application of GA3 @200 ppm concentration significantly increased vegetative parameters and induced early flowering in variety White Prosperity.

Simulação da colheita de gladíolos com o modelo phenoglad para diferentes períodos de comercialização

ABSTRACT Gladiolus is a species that presents cultivars with flowers of different colors, and these floral stems can be produced using simple and low-cost management practices. Its growth is not widespread in the São Francisco Valley, in Brazil, thus requiring research to guide growers regarding its production and commercialization. The PhenoGlad program was developed to simulate gladiolus production based on temperature data from the previous year. Therefore, the objective of this work was to produce gladioli at different times, assess stem quality, and validate the PhenoGlad model for the region. The experiment was conducted between 2020 and 2021 at the Federal University of Vale do São Francisco, using a complete randomized block design, in a 4×3 factorial arrangement. The treatments consisted of four cultivars (Red Beauty, Jester, T704, and White Friendship) and three harvest peaks (H1: Feast of the Petrolina Patron Saint's Day, August 15, 2020; H2: All Souls' Day, November 2, 2020; and H3: International Women's Day, March 8, 2021). The parameters evaluated were total stem length, rachis length, stem diameter, and postharvest longevity at the R2-R5 stage. The interaction between cultivars and harvest peaks was significant for total stem length and stem diameter. All cultivars grown for H1 performed well and showed a low simulated error compared to field observations, validating the PhenoGlad model. Growing gladiolus in the region is feasible, as the stems meet quality standards and have a suitable shelf life for commercialization.

Changes in Growth, Ionic Status, Metabolites Content and Antioxidant Activity of Two Ferns Exposed to Shade, Full Sunlight, and Salinity

The interactions between ferns and the environment have been frequently researched. However, detailed data on how ferns respond to specific stresses and a combination of stress factors during cultivation are lacking. This study assessed the effects of salinity and full sunlight and the combination of both stresses on the growth and selected metabolic parameters of two hardy ferns (Athyrium nipponicum cv. Red Beauty and Dryopteris erythrosora) under production conditions. Hardy ferns are highly interesting ornamental plants that can serve as a potential source of antioxidants for the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries. The results showed that in both ferns, salinity and salinity combined with full sunlight lowered the dry weight of the aerial part and potassium/sodium and calcium/potassium ratio compared with control plants. Salinity, full sunlight, and multi-stress did not affect the total polyphenol content in both ferns but increased the total free amino acids and flavonoids in D. erythrosora. In A. nipponicum cv. Red Beauty, all stressors decreased the total free amino acids content and the antioxidant activities determined by ABTS, DPPH, FRAP, and reducing power assays. By contrast, plants of D. erythrosora grown under full sunlight are characterized by higher antioxidant activities determined by DPPH, FRAP, and reducing power assays. Overall, a greater adaptive potential to abiotic stresses was found in D. erythrosora than in A. nipponicum cv. Red Beauty. Our findings shed some light on the physiological mechanisms responsible for sensitivity/tolerance to salinity, full sunlight, and combined stresses in hardy ferns.

Quality of floral stems of different gladiolus cultivars grown in a subtropical environment

Currently, floriculture has drawn the attention of farmers as an option for income on their properties. The gladiolus is a culture destined to produce cut flowers, widely used by florists and decorators. Despite its wide use, there is still not much information about the behavior of different cultivars in some places of cultivation in the country and the possibility of producing quality stems. In this sense, the objective of this work was to evaluate the quality of stems from different cultivars of gladiolus in a subtropical environment. The work was performed in the city of Chopinzinho/PR. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with five repetitions. The factor studied is represented by cultivars of different cycles of the gladiolus culture, as follows: Red Beauty (intermediate II), White Friendship (early), and Jester (intermediate II). Planting was performed using bulbs, inserted in the soil at an average depth of 10 cm with a spacing of 30 cm between plants and 40 cm between rows. The quality of stems was evaluated by measuring the length of stems, length of the stem, the diameter of the stem, and the number of florets per spike. Also, based on one of the quantitative standards of quality of floral stems established for gladiolus, the plants were classified according to the length and diameter of the stems in the classes: 75, 90, and 110. The data were submitted to variance analysis, and after significant results were found, the data were submitted to mean comparison using the LSD test at a 5% error probability. For the data in relation to commercial classification, descriptive statistics were used. The results show that factors related to climate directly interfere in the development and flowering of gladiolus plants, and the cultivars White Friendship, Red Beauty and Jester express different responses to these factors. In general, the White Friendship and Jester cultivars obtained the best results for stem quality, considering the variables stem length and total length of the stem, length of the stem and diameter of the stem. Even though the cultivar Red Beauty showed lower quality indices, they are still within the commercialization standard for gladiolus. Thus, it is possible to produce gladiolus stems with quality in this environment.

Exploring blockchain-supported authentication based on online and offline business in organic agricultural supply chain

The rise of blockchain technology has disrupted the traditional traceability method of organic agricultural products supply chain (OASC) by emerging authentication or certification. For an offline business scenario, a blockchain certification traceability model (BTM) is popular, in which consumers check the product information before purchasing by convenience scanning bar-code. Similarly, for an online business scenario, a blockchain-based e-commerce model (BEM) is popular, in which consumers verify and book the product while surfing the web. However, few studies have an insight into the potential OASCs business model and employ quantitative methods to confirm the benefits of the adoption of blockchain. According to a current real-world online and offline business, we first conceptualize two models in this paper. We employ the Stackelberg game to compare the supply chain profit and consumer surplus. Furthermore, we extend the analysis by using the case of Red Beauty orange, which proves that the blockchain e-commerce model is a good supply chain model under the condition of high shopping convenience and low operating cost of the blockchain platform. Our findings are probably generalizable to apply to other industrial products that require such services.

Identification of Host Resistance to Bacterial Canker Disease on Apricot, Plum and Peach Grown in Punjab and KPK, Pakistan

Bacterial canker disease caused by the pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. syrinagae (Pss) has been spread widely in Pakistan, in Punjab and KPK provinces specially in strone fruits like apricot, Peach and Plum. During the 2014–2015 growing period, diseased samples were obtained from peach, plum and apricot trees showing bacterial canker symptoms in Punjab and KPK provinces and 48 Pseudomonas syringae isolates were obtained. The main aim of this research study was to find out host resistance in the cultivars of Apricot, Peach and Plum against bacterial canker caused by Pss in Peach, Plum and Apricot cultivars grown in Punjab and KPK province of Pakistan. In a pathogenicity test, three Pss isolates (PS3, PS9 and PS17) were found to be highly virulent in peach, plum and apricot and were tested for cultivar resistance to Pss. Leaves and shoots of five varieties of Peach Early grand, Florida king, 4 ½, 5 ½, 6 ½, Four varieties of Plum Red beauty, Fazal-e- manani, Stanley, Producer and Two varieties of Apricot Chinese apricot and golden amber were foliar sprayed with a mixed culture of Pss having concentration of 10-8 cfu ml−1 . Sprayed cultivars were covered with plastic bags for 3 days for retaining moisture and kept in glass house and were keenly observed for appearance of symptoms. 5 ½ of peach, Fazal-e-manani of plum and Chinese apricot of apricot were found resistant while 6 ½ of peach, Stanley of plum were found susceptible and Golden amber of apricot was found moderately susceptible to Pss. This is the first report of host resistance response of apricot, peach and plum cultivars grown in Pakistan to Pss.

Effects Of Different Planting Times and Corm Sizes on Plant Growth, Development, and Flower Production Of Gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus) under Sanliurfa Conditions

The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of different planting times and corm sizes on plant growth, development, and flower yield in Gladiolus. The Red Beauty variety was used as the study material. In the study, two corm sizes (10–12 and 12–14 cm) and five different planting times (April 1, April 15, May 1, May 15, and June 1) were used. The sprouting time (day), flowering time (day), plant height (cm), number of leaves (number/plant), length of the flower stem (cm), length of the spike (cm), number of florets (number/spike), thickness of the flower stem (mm), diameter of the new corm (cm), circumference of the new corm (cm), number of new corms (number/plant), weight of new corm (g/plant), number of cormels (number/plant) and weight (g/plant) and corm yield (g/plot) were determined. We determined that the planting times indicated were suitable for cultivation under Sanliurfa conditions in terms of yield and quality. The best Gladiolus cultivation times in Sanliurfa varied, but the best results were obtained from large corms (12–14 cm). As the temperature increased, corm growth times increased, and plant height, number of leaves, new corm weight, and cormel number and weight decreased. The maximum flowering time and parcel yield were obtained from the fifth planting (June 1), the longest spikes, maximum number of florets, maximum number of cormels and greatest cormel weight, and greatest plant height were determined from the first and second planting times. There was no significant difference between planting times for the other investigated parameters. The large corms (12–14 cm) were observed to be better than small corms (10–12 cm) for increases in most of the parameters investigated.

Repellency Potential of Tomato Herbivore-Induced Volatiles Against the Greenhouse Whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporariorum) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae).

The greenhouse whitefly, Trialeurode vaporariorum, is among the key pests of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) in sub-Saharan Africa with Tuta absoluta, spider mite, thrips, and fruitworms. To understand the interaction between the pest and the plant's herbivory-induced plant volatile (HIPVs), we investigated the repellency of four tomato cultivars (Kilele F1, Assila F1, Red Beauty F1, and Nemonneta F1) upon infestation by Trialeurode vaporariorum. We analyzed the behavioral response of T. vaporariorum to infested and uninfested tomato plants of these cultivars using olfactory bioassays followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses of emitted volatiles. Trialeurode vaporariorum was attracted to uninfested plants of all four tomato cultivars. However, two cultivars Kilele F1 and Red Beauty F1 were no longer attractive to the whitefly when they were already infested by the pest. GC-MS analyses identified 25 compounds, 18 monoterpenes, 3 sesquiterpenes, 2 xylenes, 1 aldehyde, and 1 carboxylic compound in the 4 uninfested and infested cultivars. Based on the insects' behavioral response, 1,8-cineole, p-cymene, and limonene did not attract T. vaporariorum at varying concentrations when combined with Red Beauty F1, the most attractive tomato cultivar. This repellence behavioral response can be used as a basis for improvement of other vegetable crops for the management of arthropod pests as for odor masking technique.

Irrigation and soil mulching can improve the quality of flower stems of gladiolus

AbstractGladiolus is one of the most important bulbous flowers produced worldwide. The objective of this study was to evaluate the combined effect of irrigation and soil mulching on soil water conservation and its effect on gladiolus floral stem quality. Two field experiments were conducted with gladiolus at the Federal University of Santa Maria, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, during 2019 and 2020. The experimental design was a completely randomized three‐factor design, with two cultivars (Red Beauty and T704 in experiment 1 ‐ E1 and Red Beauty and Jester in experiment 2 ‐ E2), two cultivation systems (soil mulched with straw and bare soil) and two water regimes (irrigated and non‐irrigated) as treatments. When gladiolus plants reached the R2 stage (harvest point), total stem length, spike length, stem diameter and final number of florets were evaluated. Variables were subjected to analysis of variance and Tukey's test at 5% of error probability. Irrigation improved the quality of floral stems, with greater stem and spike length, greater diameter and number of florets per spike, thus resulting in stems with greater decorative value. The soil covered with straw did not influence the quality parameters of the floral stem of the gladiolus, the only observed difference between cultivars being the variable length of the spike.

PHOSPHORUS INCREASES GROWTH AND FLOWER PRODUCTION OF GLADIOLUS (GLADIOLUS GRANDIFLORA L.)

Phosphorus (P) is a key mineral for growth and flower production of gladiolus. An experiment was conducted at the Field Laboratory of Khulna University with four P levels (0, 150, 300, 450 kg ha-1) and three gladiolus variety (Kolmilota, Red Beauty, White Queen) to investigate the effect of phosphorus and variety on growth and flower production of gladiolus. The experiment was set out in randomized complete block design following three replications. Phosphorus increased growth, flowering, corm and cormel production of gladiolus. The highest number of spike (81111 ha-1) was obtained from the 150 kg P ha-1 and the lowest (69444 ha-1) from control (no P). The highest yields of corm (5.244 t ha-1) and cormel (2.578 t ha-1) were recorded from 450 kg P and 300 kg P, respectively while the lowest yields of corm (5.111 t ha-1) and cormel (1.861 t ha-1) from control treatment. The highest corm and cormel yields were obtained from White Queen (5.258 t ha-1) and Kolmilota (2.430 t ha-1), respectively. Both the variety White Queen and phosphorus level 450 kg ha-1 resulted higher net return and benefit cost ratio suggesting cultivation of White Queen with 450 kg P ha-1 for better production of gladiolus.

A study on the Effect of Grotesque Graphic on Creative Characteristics in Package Design

그로테스크 그래픽은 많은 감성적인 요소를 통해 소비자에게 영향을 미칠 수 있으며, 패키지 디자인에 그로테스크한 그래픽을 사용하면 브랜드 그래픽을 강화하고 소비자들의 구매심리를 자극할 수 있다. 육안으로는 보이지 않는 지각인상은 그로테스크 표현을 통해 육안으로는 볼 수 있는 시각적 그래픽으로 변형돼 소비자의 공감을 자극하고 구매의사를 불러일으킨다. 본 연구는 그로테스크 그래픽이 창의적 특성에 미치는 영향을 이해하고 그로테스크 그래픽(변형, 전도, 해체, 치환)의 유형을 분석하여 창의적 특성(주목성, 흥미성, 차별성, 인상성)을 우선적으로 적용하는 것을 목적으로 한다. 본 연구에서는 와인 패키지그래픽을 사례로 소비자에 설문지를 진행하여 분석했다. 연구 결과는 다음과 같다. 첫째, 그로테스크 그래픽의 ‘변형’과 ‘해체’ 유형의 주된 창의적 특성은 주목성이고, 그로테스크 그래픽의 ‘전도’유형의 주된 창의적 특성은 홍미성이며, 그로테스크 그래픽의 ‘치환’유형의 주된 창의적 특성은 차별성이다. 둘째, ‘변형’그로테스크 그래픽의 디자인 형태는 ‘소비자의 주목를 끌다’, ‘다양성 및 다중형 시리즈 제품을 수요한다 ’및 ‘소비자의 브랜드 기억력을 향상시킨다’패키지 디자인보다 선호된다. ‘변형’과 ‘전도’의 그로테스크 그래픽의 디자인 형태는 ‘소비자의 홍미를 끌다’을 주된 목적으로 패키지 그래픽 디자인에 우선 적용된다. 셋째, 패키지 그래픽의 창의적 특성이 소비자에게 미치는 전반적인 영향을 고려할 때 그로테스크 그래픽 디자인의 ‘변형’ 유형을 사용하는 것으로 나타났다. 연구 결과에 따르면, ‘변형’ 유형의 그로테스크 그래픽은 가장 중요한 창의적 특성을 가지고 있다. 그로테스크 그래픽과 패키지 선택의 적용에서는 그로테스크 그래픽 디자인의 ‘변형’ 유형을 우선 선택하는 것이 좋다.Grotesque graphics can influence consumers through many emotional factors, and the use of Grotesque graphics in package design can strengthen brand graphics and stimulate consumer purchasing psychology. Perceptual impressions that are invisible to the naked eye are transformed into visual graphics that can be seen with the naked eye through Grotesque expression, stimulating consumer sympathy and arousing purchase intention. The purpose of this study is to understand the influence of Grotesque graphics on creative characteristics and to apply creative characteristics (attention, interest, differentiation, impression) preferentially by analyzing the types of Grotesque graphics (transformation, inversion, dismantling, cutting). do it with In this study, using wine package graphics as a case, a questionnaire was conducted and analyzed. The study results are as follows. First, the main creative characteristic of transformation and deconstruction type of Grotesque graphic is attention, the main creative characteristic of inversion type of Grotesque graphic is redness, and the main creative characteristic of cutting type of Grotesque graphic is It is differentiation. Second, the design form of the transformation Grotesque graphic is preferred over the package design attract the attention of consumers , demand variety and multi-series products and improve the brand memory of consumers . The design form of the Grotesque graphic of transformation and inversion is applied first to the package graphic design with the main purpose of attracting the red beauty of consumers . Third, when considering the overall impact of the creative characteristics of package graphics on consumers, it was found to use the transformation type of Grotesque graphic design. According to the research results, the ‘transformation’ type of Grotesque graphic has the most important creative characteristics. In the application of Grotesque graphics and package selection, it is better to select the transformation type of Grotesque graphic design first.

QUANTITATIVE PARAMETERS OF FLORAL STEMS OF GLADIOLUS PLANTS GROWN UNDER MINIMUM TILLAGE SYSTEM IN SANTA CATARINA, BRAZIL

ABSTRACT The objective of this work was to characterize the commercial quantitative standards of floral stems of gladiolus plants grown under minimum tillage and conventional systems in two harvest seasons in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Experiments were conducted in locations with subtropical climate using soils classified as Typic Dystrudept (Cambissolo) and Typic Hapludox (Nitossolo). Gladiolus plants were grown in beds with intensive soil turning, and under minimum tillage system, in which soil turning was done only in the planting rows. Plants of the cultivars Red Beauty and White Goddess were evaluated in two harvest seasons, Mothers' Day, and Valentine's Day. A completely randomized experimental design with 12 replications was used; the treatments consisted of two harvest seasons and two soil management systems. The flower stem and inflorescence lengths, stem thickness, and number of florets were measured when the plants were at the harvest point to characterize their commercial quantitative standards. These data were used to distribute the stems into four classes (75, 90, 110 and non-marketable). The stem standard of gladiolus plants grown under minimum tillage system and the edaphoclimatic conditions of the state of Santa Catarina in the Mother's Day harvest met the flower market requirements, with most stems classified into the classes 90 and 110. Therefore, gladiolus plants can be grown under minimum tillage system without affecting the flower stem development. This work is the first step to promote the growth of flowers under a conservationist perspective, focused on a more sustainable agriculture.

Varietal Evaluation of Gladiolus for flowering traits in Southern Rajasthan conditions

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate gladiolus cultivar for flowering traits at Main Experiment Farm, School of Agriculture Science, Career Point University Kota Rajasthan. Experiment consist of twelve commercial cultivars viz., Aarti, American Beauty, Anjali, Darshan, Dhanvantari, Gulal, Jyotsna, Mohini, Red Beauty, Snow Princes, Yellow Jester and Yellow Stone with randomized block design and replicated five times. The mean performance of gladiolus varieties was significant for all the flowering traits studied. Data revealed that var. Mohini was taken minimum days to spike emergence (83.20), whereas var. American Beauty was taken minimum days to colour show (95.60) and days to opening of first flower (97.80). Other parameters like length of spike was found maximum in variety Anjali (78.40 cm) while length of rachis was recorded maximum in variety American Beauty (68.60 cm). American Beauty was also recorded maximum number of open florets (14.80), whereas maximum diameter of first floret recorded by variety Yellow Stone (9.75 cm).

Growth and yield evaluation of gladiolus (Gladiolus gradiflorus L.) cultivars under Baghpat district of Uttar Pradesh

The present study based on evolution, growth and flower production purposes of gladiolus. The 18 gladiolus cultivars have been evaluated for growth and flower production purposes at Research Farm, J. V. College, Baraut, U. P., India. The data on growth characters indicated that the cultivar Jasterfold in significantly superior with respect to the plant height (69.70 cm), length of longest leaf (60.25 cm), while maximum number of leaves (20.25) and width of longest leaf (4.00 cm) were recorded with cultivar Picotes and Jasterfold. Among the flower characters recorded the minimum days required for visibility of first spike (65.60), and opening of first flower (71.40 days) under the cultivars Gulai while cultivar Sancere was found to be suitable for producing maximum number of florets (17.15), length of spike (120.25), diameter of flower (13.00 cm). The cultivar of Jester fold had produced maximum no. of suckers (4.6) and maximum length of rachis (50.75 cm) was found with cultivar Red Beauty during the study.

Efficacy of vermicompost and/or plant growth promoting bacteria on the plant growth and development in gladiolus

The use of environmental and sustainable ornamental flower production practices with renewable resources has drawn worldwide interest. One of these renewable resources is vermicompost (earthworm castings). In recent years, increasing demand for improving environmental quality have focused on the importance of Plant Growth Promotion Bacteria (PGPBs) in agriculture. Vermicomposts also help microbial agents function effectively in soil. In this study, a total of six treatments [A: PGPB formulation, B: Not autoclaved vermicompost, C: Autoclaved vermicompost, D: Not autoclaved vermicompost+PGPBs, E: Autoclaved vermicompost+PGPBs, F: Control (untreated bacteria and vermicompost)] were tested for their effects on the plant growth and development parameters in gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus L. ‘Red Beauty’) in greenhouse condition. Vermicompost was added to the related pots by dissolving in water. After the addition of vermicompost, PGPB formulation was given immediately to related pots. All the treatments were applied to soil once in three leaf stage, close to the plant root zone. Parameters in terms of yield and quality attributes of plant and corm were determined and analyzed. The treatment A increased in plant height of gladiolus of 24.55% rate. The earliest times to flowering was determined in E application (100.48 day), which also increased in corm diameter with rate of 17.41% and number of corms and cormels with rate of 151.83% according to F application. Results indicated that the treatment E promoted overall better performance as compared to other treatments diameter of flowers for number of leaves per plant, number of florets per spike, stem diameter, spike length, fresh and dry weight of flowers, the number and diameter of corm. Autoclaved vermicompost can be good choice in gladiolus cultivation but it should be enriched with PGPB.

The field and laboratory study of the collection samples of onion breed Allium cepa L.

Thirteen collection samples of Allium cepa L. of different ecology-geographical origin grown in the Crimea conditions are given. Morphometric characteristics of the bulbs - the form index, the diameter, the height, the weight, the thickness and the quantity of rich skins are analyzed. The greatest output of standart production (90 - 95.6%) was observed for all breeds. The biochemical values of the Allium cepa L. samples under study were examined by the traditional methods. It is marked that the dry substances, the sugars sum, the mono- and disaccharides in the majority of the samples exceed the standart (Yaltinsky rubin) on 14 - 39%, 11 - 48% and 36 - 150% correspondently. The samples with the high concentration of essential oil are singled out: Yaltinsky rubin (Crimea), Tavrichesky (Crimea), Blood red flat (Netherlands) and Brown Beauty (USA) - 4.5, 6.2, 5.6 and 4.4% correspondently. The microsculpture of Allium cepa L. leaf was studied by the method of raster electron mi-croscopy and the essential breed differences of the stomata quantity and their arrangement towards the leaf level were distinguished. The results of electron-microscopic research indicate the different level of Allium cepa L. samples adaptability. Allium cepa L. samples under study of the southern subspecies are recommended for the development of the new breeds with the advanced nutritional qualities.

English

Groundnuts (Arachis hypogaea L.) are the second most important legume crops after beans, an important source of protein (23 to 25%), fats/oils (40 to 52%) and carbohydrates (10 to 20 %) and widely grown and consumed in Uganda including the Lake Albert Crescent Zone (LACZ). Due to susceptibility of local varieties to groundnut rosette, National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) through the National Semi Arid Resources Research Institute (NaSARRI) developed and released the serenut varieties. Adaptive trials were therefore established in the LACZ, to select the most location specific adapted varieties for promotion in this ecologically diverse zone. Four serenut varieties namely serenut 5, 8, 10 and 14 and a locally grown variety (Red beauty) were planted on three farmers’ fields in each of the three sub-ecological areas. Data were collected on total pod dry weight (yield), number of pods and on 100 seed weight. In this study, we show that overall yields of serenut 5, serenut 14, serenut 8 and serenut 10 were highly significantly (P < 0.001) different for all traits measured across the sub-ecological areas. Best yields were recorded from the humid tropical rain forest sub-ecological area where 1900 kg/ha were obtained for serenut 14, 2366 kg/ha for serenut 10, 1763 kg/ha for serenut 8 and 1795 kg/ha for serenut 5. The yields obtained from these varieties were generally worst in the semi-arid sub-ecological area. These serenut varieties are generally adapted to wider environmental conditions although their performance per se was found to be generally inconsistent. This study has also found that among all the varieties tested, Serenut 5 was the best adapted across all the sub-ecologies. Overall, we therefore recommend farmers in this ecologically diverse zone to grow these groundnut varieties with improved growing practices such as timely planting, timely weeding, earthing up and pest and disease management in order to obtain consistent high yields. Key words: Groundnut, performance, stability, sub-ecological area.

Gladiolus production and nutritional status as a function of silicon application to the substrate1

ABSTRACT Gladiolus is among the most traditional and important cut flowers in Brazil. Silicon (Si) is an element that has increased the production and quality of some ornamental plants. This study aimed at evaluating the production and nutritional status of gladiolus cultivars under greenhouse conditions, according to the Si doses applied to the substrate. The experimental design was randomized blocks, in a 3 x 4 factorial scheme, being three gladiolus cultivars ('White Friendship', 'Rose Friendship' and 'Red Beauty') and four Si doses (0 mg dm-3, 150 mg dm-3, 300 mg dm-3 and 600 mg dm-3), with five replicates. Morphological traits and leaf Si, macro and micronutrients were evaluated. 'White Friendship' and 'Red Beauty' developed taller plants, with a higher diameter and spikes heavier and longer than 'Rose Friendship'. The order of leaf nutrient concentrations for all the cultivars evaluated was the same (K &gt; N &gt; Ca &gt; Mg &gt; S &gt; P &gt; Fe &gt; Mn &gt; B &gt; Zn &gt; Cu), with all of them being classified as Si non-accumulators. Neither the evaluated morphological variables, nor the uptake of the nutrients N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, B, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn, were affected by the Si supplementation, suggesting that the addition of Si to the substrate does not enhance the gladiolus production.