Tropical Ornamental Plants Research Articles

Evaluation of the pollutant removal efficiency of swine wastewater through two configurations of hybrid wetlands with tropical ornamental plants

The pig farming industry in Mexico is an important economic activity that is growing significantly, generating large volumes of wastewater that negatively affect water bodies and human health. The lack of adequate treatment systems exacerbates this problem. Hybrid constructed wetlands that combine Vertical Flow Constructed Wetlands (VF-CWs) and Horizontal Flow Constructed Wetlands (HF-CWs) offer an economical and effective treatment using natural processes. The objective was to evaluate the removal of contaminants from pig farm wastewater using two configurations of hybrid systems with ornamental plants. Two configurations were established: System I: VF-CWs + HF-CWs and System II: HF-CWs + VF-CWs. The VF-CWs were planted with Canna hybrids and the HF-CWs with Heliconia latispatha. The results indicated higher removal efficiencies of organic matter, nitrogen, and phosphorus in System I (BOD5: 72.99 %, COD: 71.41 %, TN: 79 %, NH4+: 84.31 %, NO3-: 74.29 %, TP: 59.54 %, FC: 99.88 %) compared to System II (BOD5: 66.80 %, COD: 67.01 %, TN: 77.90 %, NH4+: 82.31 %, NO3-: 70.48 %, TP: 55.81 %, FC: 99.89 %), regarding FC, the same results were obtained in both systems. Both plant species showed vigorous development, although the growth of Heliconia latispatha was more notable. In conclusion, the results suggest that the VF-CWs + HF-CWs configuration in hybrid wetlands could be a suitable option for treating this type of effluent.

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.

Evaluating The Potential of Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis in Floating Wetland for The Remediation of Water Bodies Polluted with Domestic Sewage

The inadequate infrastructure for wastewater treatment in many regions has led to the contamination of surface water bodies and groundwater degradation. To address this issue, floating wetland treatment systems have emerged as a viable alternative for effective wastewater remediation. This study focuses exclusively on utilizing Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, a tropical ornamental plant, within the context of floating wetland treatment techniques for the remediation of domestic wastewater. The primary objective is to assess the nutrient and pollutant removal efficiency of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis in a laboratory-scale floating wetland system. Healthy Hibiscus rosa-sinensis plants were cultivated on identical floating rafts and placed in plastic tanks filled with domestic sewage for experimental investigation. Water quality analyses were conducted regularly, spanning 0, 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 days HRT. The results of this experimental investigation revealed that Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, when used in floating wetland treatment, exhibited significant removal efficiencies for various parameters, including turbidity, total suspended solids (TSS), total phosphorus (TP), ammonia, and dissolved oxygen (DO).These findings highlight the potential of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis plants as a practical component of floating wetland systems for removing nutrients and pollutants from domestic wastewater. This research underscores the viability of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis as a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution to address water pollution challenges, particularly in the context of floating wetland treatment.

Caracterização de sementes e embriões de Strelitzia reginae

Abstract Strelitzia or bird-of-paradise, is an important tropical ornamental plant that is difficult to propagate because of seed dormancy issues and the low number of seedlings obtained from plant divisions. With greater knowledge of its structure, it is possible to develop strategies to improve the propagation process for this species, since information on this subject is currently limited. Thus, the objective was to carry out an anatomical, morphological and biochemical characterization of Strelitzia reginae seeds and embryos. The characterization of the seeds was performed through image analysis using GroundEye equipment, X-rays, and anatomical and biochemical analyses. Additionally, the following biometric characteristics of the seeds were obtained: an area of 0.33 cm2, a maximum diameter of 0.736 cm, a maximum lateral diameter of 0.59 cm, a minimum diameter of 0.58 cm, and a perimeter of 2.47 cm. The seeds of S. reginae can be considered starchy since they contain 15% starch. By integument anatomical analysis, we observed the presence of an exotesta (ex) and a posterior parenchymatic layer that was divided into a mesotest (m) and endotest (en). The characterization of Strelitzia reginae seeds and embryos showed relevant observations for the taxonomy and physiology of this species. The seeds are aleurostarches and present an area of 0.33 cm2 on average, with maximum lateral diameter of 0.59 cm. As result of anatomical studies, it was possible to determine coat responsible for integument dormancy.

Diverse Novel Viruses Coinfecting the Tropical Ornamental Plant Polyscias balfouriana in China.

The viromic profile of Polyscias balfouriana cv. Marginata, a perennial woody and ornamental plant, was determined using ribosomal RNA-depleted total RNA (rRNA-depleted totRNA) sequencing. Five viruses (i.e., polyscias mosaic virus, PoMV; one potential novel rhabdovirus; and three novel viruses of Betaflexiviridae and Closteroviridae) were detected and prevalence-surveyed in Hainan province, China. The genomes of polyscias capillovirus 1 (PCaV-1) and polyscias citrivirus 1 (PCiV-1) of family Betaflexiviridae were completed, and the genomes of polyscias crinivirus 1 (PCrV-1) of Closteroviridae were nearly completed lacking the 5′ and 3′ termini. PCaV-1 shares 68% genome nucleotide (nt) identity and 66% replicase (Rep) amino acid (aa) identity with homologues in apple stem grooving virus (ASGV). PCiV-1 shares 65% genome nt identity and 64% Rep aa identity with homologs in citrus leaf blotch virus (CLBV). Meeting the species demarcation criteria, PCaV-1 and PCiV-1 were considered to be new species in genera Capillovirus and Citrivirus, respectively. PCrV-1 shares high genome nt identity (62%), heat shock protein 70-like protein (HSP70h) and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) aa identity (78–80%) with homologues in tomato chlorosis virus (ToCV). We tentatively consider PCrV-1 to be an unclassified member of the Crinivirus genus. PoMV, PCaV-1, PCiV-1, and PCrV-1 are the prevalent viruses with >73% occurrence in the Xinglong Tropical Botanical Garden, Hainan, China.

Ptilodactyla exotica Chapin, 1927 in Italy (Coleoptera: Ptilodactylidae).

Ptilodactyla exotica Chapin, 1927 is a subcosmopolitan synanthropic species introduced to Europe with tropical ornamental plants. It is here firstly recorded from central Italy (Tuscany region), and its Italian chronogeonemy (1940-2016) is summarized. Most records come from the Genoa province (Northern Italy, Liguria region), where this species was repeatedly collected in the period 1940-1999.

Plant growth and pollutant removal from wastewater in domiciliary constructed wetland microcosms with monoculture and polyculture of tropical ornamental plants

This study investigated pollutants (fluoride, chloride, nitrate, ammonia, phosphates, sulphate and total and volatile solids) removal efficiency from domestic wastewater and plant growth during 195 days in domiciliary constructed wetland (DCWs) microcosms. DCWs were planted with monoculture of Canna hybrid, Alpinia purpurata and Hedychium coronarium and polyculture of the same ornamental flowering plants (OFP), having river rock as a porous substrate. All OFP survived in the DCWs conditions without physical damage. C. hybrid showed the highest length and volume of roots and the highest height and number of flowers than other species in both, mono and polyculture systems. H. coronarium, did not produce flowers. A. purpurata grew better in monoculture than polyculture. Ammonia nitrogen removal was significantly higher in DCW microcosms with monocultures of C. hybrid than with monocultures of A. purpurata (p = .037), but no significantly different than monocultures of H. coronarium (p = .466), Contrary, removal efficiency of this ion was significantly higher in polyculture than mocultures of A. purpurata (p = .024) and H. coronarium (p = .0.032) but no significantly different than monoculture of C. hybrid.The other parameters were removed similarly in both cultures of plants (20–81%; p > .05). Polycultures of OFP are a good option for wastewater treatment in DCWs.

Inhibitory Effects of Euphorbia tirucalli Lineu (Euphorbiaceae) Diluted Latex on Human and Canine Melanoma Cells.

Euphorbia tirucalli Lineu (Euphorbiaceae) is a tropical and subtropical ornamental and toxic plant. E. tirucalli produces a latex that is commonly used to treat neoplasms. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of diluted E. tirucalli latex (DETL) on human (SK-MEL-28) and canine (CBMY) melanoma cells. SK-MEL-28 (3 × 103 cells/well) and CBMY (6 × 103 cells/well) were cultivated in 96-well plates. The cells were treated with 50 μl/well of dilutions (1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32, 1/64, 1/128, 1/256, and 1/512) of a standard solution containing 1 mg/mL of the E. tirucalli latex (ETL) in DMEM. Control group cells received 50 μl/well of DMEM. After 24, 48, and 72 h of treatment, cell viability was assessed by the MTT assay. There was a significant decrease in viability at 48 and 72 hours after treatment for human melanoma cells and at 24, 48, and 72 hours for canine cells, mainly in higher dilutions of ETL. Human melanoma cells presented a typical U shape curve, characteristic of hormesis. To our knowledge, this is the first study showing inhibitory effects of DETL on canine melanoma cells. Therefore, DETL is a potentially new antineoplastic drug.

Nitrogen Removal from Domestic Wastewater and the Development of Tropical Ornamental Plants in Partially Saturated Mesocosm-Scale Constructed Wetlands.

Vertical partially saturated (VPS) constructed wetlands (CWs) are a novel wastewater treatment system for which little information is known about its design parameters and performance under tropical climates. The objective of this study is to evaluate the nitrogen removal process from domestic wastewater and the production of tropical ornamental plants (Canna hybrids and Zantedeschia aethiopica) in VPS CWs at a mesocosms scale. Nine VPS CWs, with a free-flow zone of 16 cm and a saturated zone of 16 cm, were used as experimental units. Three units were planted with Canna hybrids., and three, with Zantedeschia aethiopica (one plant per unit); the remaining three units were established as controls without vegetation. They were fed with domestic wastewater intermittently and evaluated for the elimination of COD, N-NH4, N-NO3, Norg, NT, and PT. The results showed an increase in the removal for some pollutants in the vegetated systems, i.e., N-NH4 (35%), Norg (16%), TN (25%), and TP (47%) in comparison to the unvegetated systems. While N-NO3 removal showed better removal in 10% of the systems without vegetation, no significant differences were found (p > 0.05) for COD removal. The aerobic and anaerobic conditions in the VPS CWs favor the elimination of pollutants in the systems, and also the development of the tropical species evaluated in this study; good development was exhibited by a high growth rate and biomass production.

Wastewater Treatment by Constructed Wetland Eco-Technology: Influence of Mineral and Plastic Materials as Filter Media and Tropical Ornamental Plants

Constructed wetlands (CWs) are sustainable technologies where the channels are filled with porous material and plants, which collectively remove pollutants, depending on the type of substrate and vegetation. This study evaluated CWs and their functionality by comparing three ornamental plants (Canna indica, Cyperus papyrus, and Hedychium coronarium) as a phytoremediation process of wastewater, in CWs filled with layers of porous stone–tepezil–plastic residues–soil (S-A), or in microcosms with layers of porous stone–tepezil–soil without the presence of plastic (S-B). The findings during 180 days showed that the removals of pollutants (chemical oxygen demand (COD), total solids suspended (TSS), nitrogen as ammonium (N-NH4), as nitrate (N-NO3), and phosphate (P-PO4) were 20%–60% higher in microcosms with plants than in the absence of plants. Statistical differences were not observed when comparing removal effects among S-A and S-B, indicating that plastic residues as filter material in CWs did not affect the pollutant removal, growth, flowering, and shoots of plants. The use of plastic residues as filter may represent a less costly alternative in CW establishments. Dependence on N-NH4 and TSS removal was observed according to plant species. The three species used are suitable for using in CWs as wastewater treatment. In addition, the ornamental plants could generate interest for a commercial option.

Plant regeneration in Ixora chinensis from young leaves

Ixora chinensis Lam. is a widespread tropical woody ornamental plant for its abundant and bright flowers. In this study, we established a regeneration system of I. chinensis for the first time using young leaves as explants on the Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with different Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs). The optimal conditions for shoot regeneration include 4.0 mg/L 6-Benzylaminopurine (6-BA), 1.0 mg/L Thidiazuron (TDZ) and 1.0 mg/L α-Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) with a shoot regeneration rate of 23.7%. Subculture of shoots on MS medium fortified with 1.0 mg/L 6-BA and 0.5 mg/L NAA achieved a survival ratio of 80.8% and rooting ratio of 30.5%. This result will be helpful in gene biotechnology to develop more colorful or fragrant flowers of I. chinensis in the future. This study is the first report to establish a regeneration system for Ixora chinensis.

Morphological and postharvest treatments in Alpinia cultivars

Abstract The characterization and morphological evaluation of plants are essential steps towards the germplasm classification and use in breeding. The objective of this study was to improve the morphological characterization of four Alpinia purpurata cultivars by means of qualitative evaluations to identify genotypes with promising traits for the ornamental plant market. Four cultivars of A. purpurata (‘Jungle King’, ‘Kimi’, ‘Red Ginger’ and ‘Pink Ginger’) were assessed in a partially shaded cultivation system. Quantitative morphological descriptors such as stem length and diameter, number of leaves on floral stem, leaf width and length, inflorescence width and length, fresh weight of floral stem and the number of produced and marketable stems were evaluated. The qualitative descriptors were evaluated on inflorescence, floral stem, petiole, leaf and bracts. Postharvest longevity was tested in a cold chamber (at 16 and 19°C) and at ambient temperature (26°C). The most outstanding quantitative traits of the cultivars ‘Jungle King’, ‘Kimi’ and ‘Pink Ginger’ were stem length and diameter, fresh weight, floral stem durability, inflorescence length and width and productivity. Cultivar ‘Red Ginger’ was less outstanding in the quantitative traits mentioned for the other cultivars. Variation among the cultivars was observed for inflorescence shape and color. The cultivars ‘Kimi’ and ‘Pink Ginger’ produced a stem yield of 6,654.32 and 7,580.24 ha-1 year-1, respectively, and cultivars ‘Red Ginger’ and ‘Jungle King’ 6,012.34 and 4,037.03 ha-1 year-1, respectively. The postharvest durability of the four cultivars evaluated under refrigeration exceeded 15 days and that of the control was less than 8 days. The qualitative and quantitative traits of the cultivars ‘Jungle King’, ‘Kimi’ and ‘Pink Ginger’ were promising for the tropical ornamental plant market.

АРИД МИНТАҚАДА ИНТЕРЬЕРЛАРНИ КЎКАЛАМЗОРЛАШТИРИШ ХУСУСИЯТЛАРИ ВА МАНЗАРАЛИ ЎСИМЛИКЛАР АССОРТИМЕНТИ

The article presents the results of studies on the features of landscaping of interiors in an arid climate. An assortment of tropical and subtropical evergreen ornamental plants for landscaping has been selected. Brief characteristics of the recommended 8 types of shade-tolerant ornamental plants for landscaping interiors and breeding methods are given. Several important indicators such as growth rates, leaf shape, flowering and duration, drought resistance, shade resistance, soil moisture content and composition are analyzed in assessing the characteristics of comnadal ornamental plants, and conclusions are drawn from these findings.

Nutritional Behavior of Heliconia Grown Under Different Levels of Lime

Production and commercialization of tropical flowers and plants has grown in recent years, mainly due to the increasing value of these products in temperate climate countries, such as heliconia, one of the most cultivated tropical ornamental plants in Brazil. This study was developed to determine the effect of lime applications on the nutrients in heliconia plants (Heliconia psittacorum L. × Heliconia sparthocircinata Arist. [cv. Golden Torch]) cultivated in yellow latosol in a greenhouse. The macronutrient levels in the leaves, pseudostem and roots of the heliconia plants were determined after cultivating the plants in containers with a medium texture, yellow latosol, collected from the 0 to 20 cm layer and submitted to doses of 0, 0.9, 2.6, 4.2 and 5.9 t of lime ha-1. Nitrogen and phosphorous performed better in the absence of the correction and in the 0.9 t ha-1 dose for the vegetative parts of the heliconia plants. The application of dolomitic lime promoted greater absorption of potassium, calcium and magnesium, and sulfur performed better for the doses 2.6 and 5.9 t of lime ha-1, for the pseudostem and roots, respectively.

Ethylene Inhibition Using 1-Methylcyclopropene and Future Perspective for Tropical Ornamental Plants

Ethylene Inhibition Using 1-Methylcyclopropene and Future Perspective for Tropical Ornamental Plants

In Vitro Mutagenesis of Etlingera elatior by Gamma Ray Intermittent Irradiation

Etlingera elatior is tropical ornamental plant commonly called “torch ginger” from Zingiberaceae family. Conventional breeding of E. elatior is limited by cross incompatibility, poor fruit set and low seed production. In this study irradiation of E. elatior with Gamma ray performed to induce mutation. This study was aimed to increase morphological diversity and to obtain unique morphological characters to increase the aesthetic value of E. elatior as ornamental plants and cut flower. Two genotypes of E. elatior, red and white flowers, were tested. The LD20, LD35, and LD50 were determined following intermittent (split dose) Gamma irradiation with a two-hour gap between each gamma ray shot. Red genotype E. elatior explants were irradiated with dose of 3 + 3 Gy (LD20); 4 + 4 Gy (LD35) and 5 + 5 Gy (LD50); white genotype were irradiated with a dose of 2 + 2 Gy (LD20); 2.8 + 2.8 Gy (LD35) and 3.7 + 3.7 Gy (LD50). Non-irradiated explants were set as control. The results of this study indicated that the increase in dose of gamma ray irradiation changed shoot length and number of leaves in the red genotype per explant as compared to control. Morphological changes occurred in leaf shape at 5 + 5 Gy and 3.7 + 3.7 Gy and formation of variegated leaves at 2.8 + 2.8 Gy and 5 + 5 Gy. Keywords: mutation breeding, ornamental plant, split irradiation dose, torch ginger, Zingiberaceae

Transcriptome profiling in the spathe of Anthurium andraeanum \u2018Albama\u2019 and its anthocyanin-loss mutant \u2018Xueyu\u2019

Anthurium andraeanum is a popular tropical ornamental plant. Its spathes are brilliantly coloured due to variable anthocyanin contents. To examine the mechanisms that control anthocyanin biosynthesis, we sequenced the spathe transcriptomes of ‘Albama’, a red-spathed cultivar of A. andraeanum, and ‘Xueyu’, its anthocyanin-loss mutant. Both long reads and short reads were sequenced. Long read sequencing produced 805,869 raw reads, resulting in 83,073 high-quality transcripts. Short read sequencing produced 347.79 M reads, and the subsequent assembly resulted in 111,674 unigenes. High-quality transcripts and unigenes were quantified using the short reads, and differential expression analysis was performed between ‘Albama’ and ‘Xueyu’. Obtaining high-quality, full-length transcripts enabled the detection of long transcript structures and transcript variants. These data provide a foundation to elucidate the mechanisms regulating the biosynthesis of anthocyanin in A. andraeanum.

Tropical and subtropical ornamental plant industry in Guangdong province, China

Tropical and subtropical ornamental plant industry in Guangdong province, China

Phytoseiid mites (Acari: Phytoseiidae) associated with tropical ornamental plants, with a checklist and a key to the species of Bahia, Brazil.

Twenty-four papers refer to phytoseiid mites from different plant species in the state of Bahia, northeastern Brazil, but none of those refer to taxonomic surveys on ornamental plants. The aim of this study was to determine phytoseiids from tropical ornamentals in the southern coastal region of Bahia state, as well as to present a checklist and an identification key to the species recorded in that state. Samples were collected at eight localities of five municipalities. A total of seventeen species in nine genera was found on fifteen plant species of the families Costaceae, Heliconiaceae, Musaceae and Zingiberaceae. The most frequent and abundant phytoseiid species were Iphiseiodes metapodalis (El-Banhawy), Amblyseius operculatus De Leon and Iphiseiodes zuluagai Denmark & Muma, respectively. The checklist and the identification key to the Phytoseiidae species of Bahia were prepared based on the published literature.

Potássio e sódio na composição mineral e crescimento em plantas de Zingiber spectabile

For tropical ornamental plants there is no information in the literature regarding the interaction of sodium (Na) with other nutrients, especially potassium (K). Given the above, the objective of this study was to evaluate the symptoms of nutritional deficiencies, growth and mineral composition of plants Zingiber spectabile subjected to K relations: In in nutrient solution. Treatments with different relationships K: Na (mmol L-1) were: 6K:0Na, 5K:1Na, 4K:2Na, 3K:3Na, 2K:4Na, 1K:5Na and 0K:6Na. We used the experimental randomized block design with four replications, and the experimental plot was composed of one plant per pot. After 180 days, the plants were harvested, and the biometric indexes and dry weight of different parts of the plants evaluated, and thereafter performed chemical analysis of the plant tissues. Sodium proved beneficial element for the initial growth of Zingiber spectabile. Sodium from 2 mmol L-1 can partly replace potassium in the initial culture of Zingiber spectabile in nutrient solution.