Strelitzia Reginae Research Articles

Influence of Bed Depth on the Development of Tropical Ornamental Plants in Subsurface Flow Treatment Wetlands for Municipal Wastewater Treatment: A Pilot-Scale Case.

The aim of this 2-year study was to evaluate the influence of bed depth (40 and 60 cm) on the development of tropical ornamental species (Alpinia purpurata, Heliconia latispatha and Strelitzia reginae) and on the removal of different contaminants such as chemical oxygen demand (COD), nitrate (N-NO3), ammonium (N-NH4), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), total suspended solids (TSS), total coliforms (TCs) and fecal coliforms (FCs), in horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetlands (HSSF-CWs) for municipal wastewater treatment. The results showed that the depth of 60 cm favored the removal of COD, with removal efficiencies of 94% for the three plant species. The depth of 40 cm was most effective for the removal of N-NH4 (80-90%). Regarding the removal of TN, the removals were similar for the different plants and depths (72-86%). The systems only achieved up to 60% removal of TCs and FCs. The depth of the CWs substrate and its saturation level influenced the development of ornamental vegetation, particularly flower production. For Heliconia latispatha, a bed depth level of 60 cm was more suitable, while for Alpinia purpurata 40 cm was better, and for Strelitzia reginae in both cases there was no flower production. The impact of bed depth on contaminant removal depends on the specific type of contaminant.

Appraisal of the anti-arthritic potential of Strelitzia reginae inWistar rats via modulating molecular inflammatory cascadesIL-6,IL-17a, IL-1β,TNF-α, IFN-γ, RANKL, OPG, and IL-4 and attenuating oxidative stress biomarkers

The study aimed to investigate the potential anti-arthritic effects of methanolic aerial extract of the plant Strelitzia reginae (MSRA), because of its potential anti-arthritic effects.The research utilised Wistar albino rats, and all groups except the control group had arthritis in their right hind paws caused by 0.1 ml of CFA (Complete Freund’s adjuvant) emulsion. For 21 days, all rats (except those in the normal and arthritic groups) were administered the extract at doses of 600, 300, and 150 mg/kg/day in conjunction with 10 mg/kg of piroxicam. By enhancing biochemical markers, reducing paw edoema, and reestablishing immunological organs and body weight, the extract shown substantial effects. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results demonstrated a significant decrease in receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-beta ligand (RANKL), interlukin-17a (IL-17a), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interferon-γ (IFN-γ). The study also found that when polyarthritic groups were treated with dosages of MSRA, the expression of osteoprotegrin (OPG) and IL-4 was upregulated. Around 600 mg/kg/day, the highest levels of OPG (1.24 ± 0.025 ng/ml) and IL-4 (80.31 ± 0.23-fold) were seen. The levels of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) increased (p < 0.05) in the groups treated with 600 mg/kg MSRA and piroxicam, while malondialdehyde (MDA) decreased.

Effect of half-strength MS medium supplemented with plant growth regulators on in vitro response in ‘Bird of Paradise’ (Strelitzia reginae L.)

Effect of half-strength MS medium supplemented with plant growth regulators on in vitro response in ‘Bird of Paradise’ (Strelitzia reginae L.)

Bibliometric Analysis of Constructed Wetlands with Ornamental Flowering Plants: The Importance of Green Technology

The use of constructed wetlands (CWs) for wastewater treatment has earned high interest around the world. However, innovations to improve its removal efficiency and adoption have been suggested in the last decades. For instance, the use of ornamental flowering plants (OFP), which make wetland treatment systems more aesthetic and is an option for the production of commercial flowers while the water is cleansed. The objectives of this study were to identify through a bibliometric analysis (2000–2022) the main OFP that have been used in CWs and their functionality as phytoremediators (removal effects), as well as the authors, collaborations, main investigations, and the countries where such investigations have been carried out. To this respect, 10,254 studies on CWs were identified. The United States and China were the leading countries in the use of this eco-technology. Subsequently, regarding the use of OFP, the analysis revealed 92 studies on this matter in which Mexico has three researchers who lead the use of OFP in CWs (almost 40% of publications of CWs with OFP), where the main species studied include Canna hybrids, Zantedeschia aethiopica, Strelitzia reginae, Iris species, Spathiphyllum sp., and Anturium sp. These species may remove between 30–90% of pollutants of organic compounds, 30–70% of heavy metals and drugs, and about 99.9% of pathogens. Thus, this study may help researchers to identify OFP for new CWs design, and to know new future research directionsand collaboration approaches in this area using multipurpose alternatives like those of CWs with OFP. More research can still be carried out on the use of CWs with OFP in temperate climates, as well as evaluating the influence of different substrates and water flow on the growth of these plants.

Synergistic effect of graphene oxide and silver nanoparticles as biostimulant improves the postharvest life of cut flower bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae L.).

The bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae L.) is one of the important tropical cut flowers. Generally, flowers like bird of paradise (BOP) grown for the commercial ornamental market must be of high pre and postharvest quality. Thus, to improve the postharvest longevity and increase marketability, the relative efficacy of two different biologically synthesized nanoparticles (NPs) was evaluated. The novel proprietary stimulants were graphene oxide (GO) and silver nanoparticles (SNPs). The NP treatments were applied as a vase (lower concentrations) solutions. Among all the applied treatments, the synergistic effect of GO + SNPs at 1 µL L−1 vase solution significantly (p =0.05) prolongs the post-harvest life of cut flowers of BOP. Increased vase life over the deionized water (DI) control was associated with better maintenance of relative water uptake, relative fresh weight, suppressed microbial density at stem-end and delay of stem blockage, reduced electrolyte leakage, malondialdehyde (MDA), SOD, and POD activity. In contrast to control, administration of NPs gave better results for all analyzed parameters. Application of biologically synthesized NPs in combination (GO + SNPs at 1 µL L−1) extended the vase life of cut flowers by 6 days compared with control flowers, and overall, showed better results than the control. The findings of the studies revealed that the standardized NPs could have more potential in prolonging the postharvest life of cut flowers in BOP. Thus, this technique can be used as a novel postharvest technology for commercial application in cut flowers.

Morphological and mechanical properties of Strelitzia reginae flowers depending on the solution used for conditioning

Strelitzia reginae is an important cut flower native to South Africa. The effect of silicon and gibberellic acidwith sucrose as conditioners on the post-harvest quality of Strelitzia cut flowers was investigated. Inflorescence shoots were conditioned for 24 hours in: water solutions of Actisil 0.2% or gibberellic acid (GA3) – 200 mg∙dm–3 + sucrose 10% or distilled water (control). The shoots were then placed in distilled water or Chrysal Clear Professional 2 (10%). It was found that GA3 + sucrose and Actisil increased the size of orange sepals and blue petals when after conditioning, the shoots were placed in water or Chrysal. Conditioning in Actisil and storage in Chrysal increased the value of mechanical parameters of flowers, leading to greater flexibility and lower susceptibility to fracture. Conditioning the shoots in Actisil and keeping them in Chrysal extended the life of flowers by 2 days.

Characterization and analysis of novel natural cellulosic fiber extracted from Strelitzia reginae plant

The purpose of this study is to evaluate in detail the usability of new cellulosic fibers extracted from the stem of the plant Strelitzia reginae, as a potential reinforcement for polymer composites. The morphological, physical, thermal, and mechanical properties of fibers were addressed for the first time in this paper. Both untreated and alkali-treated fibers were characterized, using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), optical microscope, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) and applying tensile test for determining the mechanical behavior. For both fiber treated at one hour (T1H) and at four hours (T4H), the stem anatomy and fiber SEM micrographs showed a strong presence of fiber cells. Thermogravimetry and DSC showed that the fiber was thermally stable up to 233°C for untreated fiber, 254 and 240°C, respectively, In single-fiber tensile tests, it was observed that the fibers extracted from the stem of Strelitzia reginae were strong. The mean values of Young’s modulus exhibited by untreated fibers and treated (T1H) and (T4H) are, respectively, 9.89 GPa, 12.08, and 18.39 GPa. Also mean values of tensile strength are 271.79, 306.23, and 421.39 MPa. The XRD reveals the presence of cellulose with a Crystallinity Index of 70% for raw fiber and 72% for the treated one. Fourier-transform infrared analysis well demonstrated the effect of chemical treatment. It can be concluded from the results of all above experiments that the Strelitzia reginae fibers (SR) could serve as a possible reinforcement in composite materials.

Anatomical changes and cytogenetic stability in bird of paradise plants after zygotic embryo cryopreservation by desiccation method

Bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae Aiton.) is an ornamental plant of great economic value; however, the floricultural market is shaped by trends that vary throughout seasons and years. Thus, conservation techniques, such as cryopreservation, may be used for species and cultivar maintenance. It is important to understand the effect of low temperature used for cooling on the genetic stability and anatomical aspects of conserved species. The objective of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of anatomical changes and the maintenance of the cytogenetic stability of plants recovered from cryopreserved bird of paradise zygotic embryos. Zygotic embryos were cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen (+LN) after being dehydrated for 0, 30, and 60 min using silica gel (moisture content 16.79, 11.38, and 11.49%, respectively). Considering the dehydration duration, seedling development was higher (66.13%) in embryos that were cryopreserved after 30-min dehydration period, with no differences in the survival percentage during acclimatization, no anatomical changes in photosynthetic tissues, and no changes in the cytogenetic stability of the plants verified by flow cytometry. Thus, it is concluded that it is possible to cryopreserve bird of paradise zygotic embryos without changing the anatomy or genetic stability of the plants.

Improving floral nectar storage on filter paper for sugar recovery

Nectar analysis has been used to understand pollination systems, but nectar storage methods have rarely been considered as potential sources of inaccuracy in the recovery of data. Prompt nectar sugar analysis is not always possible and storage methods can affect results. We aimed to develop an effective method to store nectar on filter paper. Nectars from two subspecies of Eremophila maculata (Scrophulariaceae) and Strelitzia reginae (Strelitziaceae) were spotted on filter papers. Nectars were redissolved and assayed by high-performance liquid chromatography to determine the masses of sugars recovered from the papers from Day 0 to Day 30. We evaluated the effects of the method of elution, paper type and size, and storage treatments on sugar recovery. Liquid nectars were also stored in the refrigerator. Sugars were best eluted from filter papers in 15 mL of water and agitated for 1 min. Nectar sugars stored on small papers tended to be recovered more successfully than those stored on larger papers (significantly for glucose). Paper performed better than nylon for glucose. Desiccant had a marginal positive effect on nectar sugar recovery, and filter paper performed better than did refrigeration of liquid nectar for storage. If highly accurate measurements are needed, nectars should be eluted with large volumes of water from small filter papers stored with desiccant within a few days of collection.

Micropropagation of Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae Ait.)

In vitro micropropagation of bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae Ait.), an important commercial ornamental plant, has been studied here. Rhizomes collected from established mother plant were used as explants for establishment of culture on MS medium supplemented with plant growth regulators (PGR), 3% sucrose and gelled with 0.8% agar. Disinfection of explants was carried out with 0.02% mercuric chloride treatment for 2 min. A total of 14 different concentrations of PGRs were examined for culture establishment and proliferation. It was observed that MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/l BAP + 0.1 mg/l NAA and 3.0 mg/l BAP + 0.5 mg/l NAA showed best results for establishment of explants. Among the different concentrations of kinetin tested, MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/l kinetin + 0.1 mg/l NAA resulted in the best performance for shoot proliferation and development.

Transcriptome-sequencing analyses reveal flower color formation in Strelitzia reginae

Strelitzia reginae is a popular cut flower that has blue petals and orange sepals. Flower color is an important plant trait; however, little is known about its molecular mechanisms in S. reginae. In this study, cDNA libraries were constructed for blue petals and orange sepals of S. reginae. A total of 75 487 unigenes were obtained from transcriptome sequencing and de novo assembly, of which 41.86 % were annotated by public databases. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography analysis revealed that anthocyanins were the main pigment in blue petals, and that carotenoids controled pigment formation in the orange sepals. Using a system analysis-based approach, 73 and 29 candidate genes related to anthocyanin and carotenoid biosyntheses were identified, respectively. Among these, chalcone synthase 2, chalcone isomerase 1, flavanone 3-hydroxylase 1, flavonoid 3',5'-hydroxylase 1, dihydroflavonol 4-reductase 1, anthocyanidin synthase 1, and anthocyanidin 3-O-glucosyltransferase 1 were considered to be important in regulating the formation of blue petals, and phytoene synthase 1, phytoene desaturaser 1, &#950;-carotene desaturase 1, lycopene &#946;-cyclase 3, and &#946;-carotene hydroxylase 2 might play important roles in orange sepal formation. This study improves our understanding of flower color and provides evidence for future molecular breeding of ornamental plants based on flower color modifications.

Growth, yield, physiological and biochemical traits of different accessions of bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae L.)

Twenty one accessions of bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae L.) were characterized for various traits at ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru, India during 2011−2017. Among different accessions, there were significant differences in number fans and leaves, leaf area, leaf biomass, spike yield and vase life. Maximum number of fans were recorded in IC-0624431 and lowest in IC-0624411. The IC-0624427 accession recorded maximum leaf area (311.92 cm2 leaf−1). Cumulative spike yield was significantly higher in IC-0624431 (153 spikes) followed by IC-0624412 (131.0 spikes). There was significant variability in plant height and leaf characteristics such as petiole length, leaf length, and lamina length/breadth. Maximum vase life of 10 days was registered with IC-0624427. Spike length (cm) was maximum in IC-0624433 (149.13) followed by IC-0624419 (130.12). The genotype IC-0624433 recorded higher inflorescence stalk length (128.66 cm) followed by IC-0624419 (108.44 cm) with lowest stalk length of 56.32 cm in IC-0624420. The variation among genotypes for wax content was significant and the wax content was significantly higher in IC-0624433 (0.62 mg cm−2). Anthocyanin content varied from 40. 9 to 12 4.0 mg. Genotype IC-0624419 recorded maximum anthocyanin content of 124.65 mg that was on par with IC-0624433 (122.25 mg). The maximum quantity of carotenoid in florets was recorded in IC-0624410 (22.31 mg) followed by IC-0624430 (19.06 mg). Total annual maintenance cost was estimated at Rs. 96,200 per hectare. IC-0624431 registered maximum net returns of 5.61 per rupee investment followed by IC-0624434 (4.71), IC-0624410 (3.80), IC-0624416 (3.69) and IC-0624414 (3.59). Overall, the accession IC-0624431 of bird of paradise registered better traits in all aspects. Bird of Paradise has low input requirement with less pest and disease load and is economical.

System productivity enhancement in coconut (Cocos nucifera) garden by intercropping with flower crops in Assam

The field experiment was conducted at Horticultural Research Station, Kahikuchi of Assam Agricultural University for four consecutive years (2012–13 to 2015–16) to study the performance of flower crops as intercrop in adult coconut (Cocos nucifera) garden spaced at 7.5 m × 7.5 m taking five commercial flower crops, viz. Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa) var. Single, Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii) var. Red Monarch, Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae) var. Glauca, Gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus) var. Oscar, Marigold (Tagetes erecta) var. Siracole along with a control (coconut monocrop). Results showed that number of leaves on the crown, annual leaf production, number of inflorescences per palm and nut yield of coconut was not significantly influenced by the flower crops grown in coconut garden. Significantly the highest total coconut equivalent yield of 48920 nuts/ha/year was obtained in coconut + gerbera followed by coconut + tuberose (42717 nuts/ha/year), coconut + gladiolus (42334 nuts/ha/year) and the lowest in coconut as monocrop (10430 nuts/ha/year). Intercropping system of growing gerbera in coconut garden registered the highest net income (` 380075/ha) and B:C ratio (3.5) followed by tuberose (` 323420/ha and 3.1), gladiolus (` 315090/ha and 2.9), marigold (` 233050/ha and 2.8) and the lowest net income of ` 64050/ha and B:C ratio (1.6) obtained in monocropping of coconut.

Cut flower production potentials in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

The potential of cut flowers is underexploited in Nigeria. A survey was conducted in Port Harcourt south Nigeria to investigate the status of public awareness on cut flower production and its potentials. There were 122 respondents including 26 growers/sellers and 96 being consumers/buyers. Most growers (58.2%) were 26-45 years old, while many 34.7% buyers were 36-45 years old. Five top cut flowers in demand were Heliconia aurantiaca, Alpinia purpurata, Etlingera elatior, Celosia argentea and Strelitzia reginae. Top five attractions to cut flowers are aesthetics, colour, scent, size and bloom. The major constraints to the industry are land, fund and lack of public awareness. Of the 96 respondents, 73% were aware of cut flower production while 27% were not conversant with cut flowers. On monthly basis, 24% spent less than N 2000 (5.0 USD) on cut flowers while 46% did not purchase cut flowers at all. The survey showed 15.6% spent between N 2500-5000 (7.0-14.0 USD), 6.3% spent between N 5500 and 10000 (15.0-27.3 USD) while 7.3% spent over N 10,000 (27.3.0 USD). Only 26% purchased cut flowers all-year-round while 42.7% never bought at all. However, 64.6% were willing to purchase cut flowers if made available while 35.4% were not interested at all. Production of cut flower is a viable small to medium scale (SME) enterprise which could redress unemployment in Port Harcourt and environs.

Occurrence of Cylindrocladium pauciramosum Causing Leaf Spot on Strelitzia reginae in Southern Brazil

Bird of paradise, also known as crane flower (Strelitzia reginae), is a monocotyledonous flowering native plant of South Africa. It is commonly grown and commercialized as an ornamental plant and is appreciated for its beautiful flowers (Luz et al., 2005). In September 2016, plants with severe spots on leaves were found in a commercial field (−31°48'S; −52°24'W) located in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. The spots 0.1 to 2 cm in diameter on the leaves had a shape from circular to irregular with a light gray center and a dark gray to black border. Some leaf spots coalesced and, in severe cases, covered 50% of the of the leaf surface. Leaf lesion samples were surface sterilized (1% NaOCl solution for 1 min) and placed on potato dextrose agar (PDA). To identify the fungus responsible for those spots, a morphological analysis was carried out, and a molecular characterization was performed by amplifying and sequencing the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), β-tubulin (TUB2), calmodulin (CAL), translat...

Methyl jasmonate and salicylic acid on postharvest physiology of Bird of Paradise

Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae Banks) has great market potential due to its intrinsic beauty and longer vase life. However, storage and transportation conditions are not always adequate and may lead to negative consequences on postharvest physiology and the quality of these flowers. Thus, this study determined the effect of pulsing treatment containing methyl jasmonate (MeJA) or salicylic acid (SA) in association with sucrose on the postharvest physiology of Bird of Paradise. Two independent experiments were carried out. In the first one, floral stems were treated with 100, 250 and 400 ?mol L-1 of MeJA plus 200 g L-1 of sucrose for 24 h. In the second experiment, the treatments consisted of 2, 4 and 6 mmol L-1 of SA in association with 200 g L-1 sucrose for 24 h. After the pulsing treatment, the floral stems of both experiments were kept in containers with water at room temperature. The analyses were performed on days 0 and 7 and the assessment comprised: water uptake rate, transpiration rate, fresh mass loss, electrolyte leakage, peroxidase activity (POD) and phenolic compounds of the bracts and sepals. MeJA and SA reduced the water uptake rate by the stems. SA reduced transpiration rate, loss of fresh mass and phenolic compounds of sepals on day 0. On day 7, MeJA treatment reduced electrolyte leakage and increased POD activity. Otherwise, SA had no effect on electrolyte leakage and reduced POD activity. These results suggest that MeJA and AS act antagonistically on the electrolyte leakage and POD activity which might promote different effects on the postharvest physiology of Bird of Paradise stems, such as adverse patterns of the transpiration rate.

Effect of summer season on correlation coefficient in bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae) progenies

The study pertaining to the effect of summer season on correlation analysis in bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae) was carried out among forty progenies. The results of correlation analysis for twelve parameters (plant height, stem girth, leaf length, leaf width, number of leaves per plant, number of suckers/m 2 , flower stalk length, flower stalk girth, spath length, no. of bracts, vase life and no. of flowers/ m 2 ) at genotypic and phenotypic levels revealed that number of flowers per m 2 of progenies during summer, 2011 showed positive and significant correlations with plant height (0.357 and 0.237) and number of suckers/ m2 (0.880 and 0.899). Whereas, it showed positive and significant correlation with stem girth (0.203), leaf width (0.202) and flower stalk girth (0.265) at genotypic level only. While during summer 2012, number of flowers per m 2 showed positive correlations with plant height (0.265 and 0.242), stem girth (0.232 and 0.215), number of suckers/ m 2 (0.913 and 0.900) and flower stalk length (0.268 and 0.249) at genotypic and phenotypic levels. Hence, the selection of these characters would be effective in improving yield in bird of paradise crop.

Herbicide Selectivity in Tropical Ornamental Species

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the selectivity of herbicides applied post-emergence on ornamental plants of Alpinia purpurata, Strelitzia reginae and Heliconia psittacorum. The study was conducted in two seasons. The experimental design was completely randomized with four replications. The treatments were: fluazifop-p-butyl (87.5 g ha-1), quizalofop-p-ethyl (75.0 g ha-1), sethoxydim (184.0 g ha-1), quinclorac (375.0 g ha-1), chlorimuron-ethyl (15.0 g ha-1), clethodim + fenoxaprop-p-ethyl (37.5 + 37.5 g ha-1), bentazon (720.0 g ha-1), fomesafen (225.0 g ha-1), and a control without any herbicide. In general, all tested herbicides and doses were selective for the three studied species. Although plants of A. purpurata and H. psittacorum have shown symptoms of phytotoxicity, recovery occurred with subsequent satisfactory visual appearance at the end of the evaluations. However, the S. reginae plants showed the smallest dry mass values when the sethoxydim and quizalofop-p-ethyl herbicides were sprayed.

A portable and affordable extensional rheometer for field testing

Extensional shear testing is often needed to characterise the behaviour of complex fluids found in industry and nature. Traditional extensional rheometers are typically expensive, fragile and heavy and are only suited to making measurements in a laboratory environment. For some applications, it is necessary to make in situ rheological measurements where, for example, fluid properties change rapidly over time or where laboratory facilities are unavailable. This paper reports the development and validation of an inexpensive, lightweight and robust ‘open source’ extensional rheometer, Seymour II. Validation was carried out experimentally and computationally. Measurements on a Newtonian fluid (492 mPa s Brookfield silicone oil) yielded results of 510 ± 51 mPa s; these are comfortably within the range of ±10% which other authors have quoted for extensional techniques using laboratory rheometers. Comparison of the observed filament thinning dynamics to those obtained using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) gave good qualitative agreement. Use of Seymour II at the University of Cambridge Botanic Gardens revealed that the mucilage of the ‘crane flower’, Strelitzia reginae, was a viscoelastic fluid whose extensional response could be described by a two-mode Giesekus equation. Engineering drawings and image analysis code for Seymour II are available for download at the project website, www.seymourII.org/.

First Report of Bacterial Leaf Streak of Strelitzia reginae Caused by Burkholderia cepacia.

In 2011, the bacterial leaf streak disease of the monocotyledonous flowering plant, commonly known as bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae), occurred in a nursery in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China. Lesions on diseased leaves began as water-soaked leaf spots or streaks near the central and secondary veins, eventually expanded along veins and became brown necrotic streaks. Occasionally, during wet conditions, seedlings were completely blighted. The disease incidence was about 12% in the nursery. Bacteria were consistently isolated on nutrient agar (NA) (4) from surface-sterilized symptomatic lesions and purified on NA. Three bacterial strains were tested for pathogenicity on S. reginae plants. Three plants were inoculated per bacterial strain (bacterial suspensions 107 CFU/ml in nutrient broth [NB] [4]) by wounding three young, fully expanded leaves (four wounds per leaf) with needle. Plants were placed in polyethylene bags 1 day before inoculation and maintained for 7 days after inoculation. Three control plants were inoculated with NB. Water-soaked areas on leaves were observed on all inoculated plants 7 days after inoculation. Within 10 days, brown streaks were observed. All strains induced similar symptoms as those observed on the plants in the nursery. Control plants showed no symptoms. For molecular identification, a near full-length sequence of the 16S rRNA gene was amplified from strain TNT1-1 (GenBank Accession No. JX901049.1) with primers 27F and 1492R (3), obtaining a PCR product of ~1,500 bp. A BLAST search in GenBank revealed the highest similarity (99.5%) to sequences of Burkholderia cepacia (FN178432.1 and FN178432.1). BIOLOG identification showed that TTN1-1 had the highest probability index of 0.85 and highest similarity index of 0.85 to B. cepacia. For biochemical characteristics, the strain was gram negative, anaerobic growth test negative, oxidase negative, catalase positive, did not produce fluorescent pigment on KB (4), did not grow on DIM agar (4), arginine dihydrolysis negative, nitrate reduction negative, starch hydrolysis negative, gelatin liquefaction negative, citrate, D-arabinose, L-fructose, trehalose, and maltose utilization positive, didn't produce acid from glucose, and grew on Tween 80 medium at 41°C. The above characteristics were identical to that of reference isolate B. cepacia ATCC 25416. Additionally, bacteria isolated on NA from the leading edge of lesions of inoculated plants with the strain were identical to the inoculated strain based on 16S rDNA sequence analysis, but no bacteria were recovered from the wounded sites on the control plants. Therefore, bacterial leaf streak of bird of paradise is caused by B. cepacia based on Koch's postulates. In contrast, two bacterial diseases on S. reginae were previously reported to be caused by Xanthomonas campestris (1) and B. gladioli (2) in the United States and Italy, respectively. A similar leaf streak disease on S. nicolai was caused by Acidovorax avenae subsp. avenae in the United States (5). To our knowledge, this is the first report of a leaf streak disease on S. reginae caused by B. cepacia.