P-16

Bioactive compounds analysis in inflorescences of Polish winterhardy hybrids of chrysanthemum: the preliminary evaluation of possible herbal applications

Natalia Miler1 (nmiler@pbs.edu.pl), Anita Woźny1, Maciej Balcerek2, Wiktoria Łączna1

1Bydgoszcz University of Science and Technology, Bydgoszcz, Poland 2Nicolas Copernicus University in Torun, Torun, Poland

Chrysanthemum are not only the topmost ornamental plants worldwide but they also play an important role in Asian traditional medicine as well as cuisine. In Europe chrysanthemums are mainly greenhouse produced for ornamental purposes, both as pot and cut flowers, the small share of production is dedicated for landscape application. Herbal uses of chrysanthemums are hardly known in European countries, therefore cultivars showing the potential for herbal application that can be field cultivated in Europe are missing. The aim of our study was to take an attempt of evaluation of Polish winterhardy chrysanthemum hybrids in terms of bioactive compounds content. Nine genotypes were selected from the group of winterhardy Gardy hybrids (Ch. morifolium × Ch. rubellum) aimed at the flowering earliness. The white, full type chrysanthemum purchased from commercial grower as traditional Chinese tea cultivar served as reference plant. The inflorescences at full flowering were collected in September and they were submitted to bioflavonoids and carotenoids estimation with spectrophotometric method following the extraction. Three genotypes, namely CD4, CD26 i CD31, showed significantly higher bioflavonoids content than reference cultivar. Since these genotypes present also valuable appearance, hardiness and earliness of flowering, they can be valuable components of herbal gardens with double application: ornamental and edible.These preliminary studies will be continued in terms of more detailed specification of bioactive compounds content in Polish hardy chrysanthemums and they potential uses in herbal medicine.

Keywords: bioflavonoids content, Chrysanthemum rubellum × Ch. morifolium

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P-17

Controlling plant height in three oxalis (Oxalis spp.) using plant growth regulators

Chad Miller (chad.miller@colostate.edu) Colorado State University, CO, USA

The shamrock plant (O. regnellii), purple shamrock (O. triangularis) and iron cross shamrock (O. deppeii) are specialty potted floriculture bulb crops, grown for their clover-like leaves and flowers and are commonly produced around the St. Patrick’s Day holiday. Applications of plant growth regulators (PGRs) (anti-gibberellins) can be applied to many different greenhouse grown potted plants during production to assist in controlling plant height in order to achieve quality, marketable plants. The objective of this research was to quantify the efficacy of different commercial PGRs on plant growth and development in pre- plant rhizome soaks and substrate drenches of different oxalis species. In experiment one, O. regnellii, O. triangularis, and O. deppei rhizomes were soaked before planting in different PGR solutions of water (control), flurprimidol (50, 100, and 200 ppm), paclobutrazol (50, 100, and 200 ppm), uniconazole (5, 10, and 20 ppm), or ethephon (100, 250, and 500 ppm). In a second experiment, O. regnellii and O. deppei plants were treated with media drenches of the same PGRs; water (control), flurprimidol (0.25, 0.50, and 1.0 mg a.i.), paclobutrazol (0.125, 0.250, and 0.375 mg), uniconazole (0.025, 0.05, and 0.1 mg), or ethephon (100, 250, and 500 ppm). Our results showed all concentrations of paclobutrazol, flurprimidol, and uniconazole pre-plant rhizome soak treatments, for all three species, significantly reduced plant heights, between 54% and 98% compared to control plant heights. Ethephon pre-plant treatments reduced plant heights for O. regnellii, while they increased O. deppeii plant heights up to 33%. Similar results were found in media drenches; compared to control plants, plant heights were reduced between 24% and 77% for paclobutrazol, flurprimidol, and uniconazole treatments in both species. Ethephon 100 and 250 ppm treatments increased plant heights, while 500 ppm treatments reduced plant heights.

Keywords: floriculture, greenhouse production, horticulture, media drench, potted plants, rhizome

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P-18

Performance of Achimenes in landscape trials
Chad Miller1 (chad.miller@colostate.edu), Abby Pace2, Charia Hishaw3, Tara Conroy1,

Kimberly Williams4, Cheryl Boyer4, David Staats1

1Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA 2Oklahoma State University, Manhattan, KS, USA 3Langston University, Langston, OK, USA4Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA

Achimenes are a member of the Gesneriaceae and a geophytic herbaceous plant, arising from scaly rhizomes. The genus has typically been produced for use as a potted flowering plant and used in mixed containers and hanging baskets. Plants bloom continuously throughout the summer in a wide spectrum of colors; reds, yellows, pinks, blues, violets, and whites, in single and double forms. However, limited cultural information exists on landscape use of Achimenes. The objective of this study was to assess plant performance of several Achimenes cultivars in different landscape microclimates at two different geographic locations in public garden spaces at Kansas State University [(KSU) Manhattan, KS USA] and Colorado State University [(CSU) Fort Collins, CO USA]. Plants were evaluated in two landscape situations: in the ground and in large planters. Plants were evaluated in sun and part-shade to shade conditions. Growth parameters measured included plant height and width, ratings (scale of 0 to 6) for water spotting, sunscald, and overall plant quality were recorded weekly for 6 weeks. At KSU, ‘Purple Prince’ achimenes were planted into the landscape on 21 Jun and data collection ended on 2 Aug 2023. At CSU, several cultivars were planted in the landscape on 12 Jul and data collected ended on 24 Aug 2023. ‘Pink Clouds’ was trialed in both containers and in the ground soil. ‘Purple Prince’ performed better in the soilless substrate of containers compared to the soil. Similarly, ‘Pink Clouds’ performed slightly better in soilless substrate plantings. Plant quality for ‘Purple Prince’ deteriorated rapidly in high light intensity environments, and sun scald ratings were ~two ratings units worse in sun compared to shade each week. Water spotting from cold irrigation water, which causes irreversible foliar damage, limits overhead irrigation in the landscape. ‘Pink Clouds’ was more resistant to foliage damage.

Keywords: floriculture, gesneriad, horticulture, hot water plant, monkey-faced pansy, nut orchid

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P-19

Effects of exogenous plant growth regulators on rhizome coloration in red rhizome lotus

Rin Miura1 (miura.rin.277@s.kyushu-u.ac.jp), Keita Tomiyoshi1, Maiko Kurisaki1, Sae Fuji- mori1, Ikuo Miyajima1, Jun-Ichiro Masuda2, Yuki Mizunoe1, Sho Hirata1, Yukio Ozaki1

1Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan 2University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan

Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) is an aquatic plant cultivated for edible as well as ornamental uses in Japan since ancient times. Of these, ‘Tomohiro’ is a remarkable cultivar because of its reddish rhizome coloration. The flower color of the cultivar is deep-red, darker than other red flower cultivars, so that it is expected to have high commercial potential. Rhizomes of the cultivar are not colored in the early stages of growth, and rhizome coloration develops as growth progresses. In common white rhizome lotus, it was reported that rhizome growth can be controlled by plant growth regulators. Rhizome elongation was promoted by the treatment with gibberellin, and rhizome hypertrophy was observed under the treatments with the gibberellin biosynthesis inhibitors and abscisic acid (ABA). However, the effects of plant growth regulators on rhizome growth and flower coloration in red rhizome lotus have been unknown. In this study, the effects of ABA and ethephon treatments on rhizome growth and coloration in red rhizome lotus ‘Tomohiro’ were investigated. There was no flowering in ‘Tomohiro’ in each treatment because of the limited cultivation area and genetic backgroung, so that effects of exogenous plant growth regulators on flowering was not elucidated. The results showed that 25 mg·L−1 ABA treatment enhanced red coloration of rhizome in both epidermal and internal parts, especially, at the distal internodes, whereas 10 mg·L−1 ethephon treatment delayed coloration in both parts of the rhizome. The results indicate that 25 mg·L−1 ABA treatment is effective for promoting red coloration in red rhizome lotus.

Keywords: abscisic acid, anthocyanin, gibberellin biosynthesis inhibitor, Nelumbo nucifera

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P-20

Dynamic climate changes determine the new directions in ornamental perennials introduction in Poland

Marta Joanna Monder (mondermarta@gmail.com), Andrzej Pacholczak
Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Section of Ornamental Plants, Warsaw, Poland

The consequence of rapid climatic changes in last dozens of years are rising average air temperature and prolonged the growing season. The dormancy period, plant phenology, the life cycle of animals are undergoing significant changes and leading to the necessity of changing the existing preferences in the selection of ornamental plants for cultivation. The extreme weather events, e.g., record-breaking heat waves, drenching rains, severe floods, years-long droughts, extreme wildfires, are becoming a “new norm” and intensifying a risk of plant production. Simultaneously, the climate change encourage plant invasions and spreading of invasive species regards to the geographic areas and various communities. The problems concern also ornamental plants, which determine the well-being of human especially in the anthropogenic environment of urbanized areas. The properly new ornamentals should be considered to the Green and Blue City ideas implementation in urbanized areas with a high degree of anthropopression and to the gardens with extensive methods of cultivation. The perennials create a favorable conditions for trees, pollinators and little animals life. In this work, we propose the rarely or unknown in cultivation species for north-east Europe, which currently occupy the areas with high biodiversity value, including biodiversity hotspots: (i) Mediterranean coasts and islands; (ii) Turkey, Iran; (iii) Caucasus; (iv) Altai; (v) Middle Asian mountains. The some of them are endemic and their cultivation may contribute to protect them. Exploration, especially of areas identified as biodiversity hotspots, can yield valuable taxa of ornamentals. There are, e.g. Anchusa sp., Anemone sp., Anthericum liliago, Asphodeline lutea, Catananche caerulea, Corydalis caucasica, Crepis rubra, Digitalis lanata, Echium sp., Galega officinalis, Onosma sp., Vincetoxicum arundinaria. However, their possibility of cultivation and impact on biodiversity should be assessed before they will be introduced to the production, bearing in mind that horticulture is an important source of invasive alien species.

Keywords: biodiversity, coastal flora, endemic plants, invasive species, mountain flora, water fluctuations

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P-21

Hotspot geophytes may support biodiversity in green areas in Poland under changing climate conditions

Marta Joanna Monder (marta_monder@sggw.edu.pl), Andrzej Pacholczak Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Section of Ornamental Plants, Warsaw, Poland

The droughts, heat waves and floods are considered to be the most destructive natural hazards connected with the climate changes in temperate zone. The changes in bud dormancy, plant phenology and simultaneously the life cycle of pollinators and herbivores are predicted. In the consequence, the numerous native species will no longer be able to develop in their current habitats and similarly the cultivated ornamental plants will not perform their function, due to lack of tolerance to new environmental conditions. Moreover, the currently tendences to the widening and rewilding the areas in cities and gardens could be difficult to realize in the anthropogenic environment, where the specific adaptation is needed. In conclusion, the geophytes presenting low level of invasiveness should be considered because of their ecological value for widening biodiversity of communities due to mostly early-spring or autumn flowering. The specific developmental mechanisms and whole-plant morphological diversity of geophytes present a growth model enabling adaptation to more seasonal climates and changing water and nutrients resources. Moreover, the higher tolerance to the salinity could be predicted in coastal taxa. The steppe and mountainous areas of middle Eurasian biodiversity hotspots present a particular wealth of geophytes, (i) Mediterranean Basin; (ii) Caucasus, (iii) Irano-Anatolian, (iv) Mountains of Central Asia. Numerous species coming from those regions are cultivated as known ornamentals, however their tremendous potential could be widely used in changing climatic conditions. Simultaneously, their cultivation and dissemination may contribute to the protection of threatened taxa. The following may be noticed as particularly noteworthy, Allium sp., Asphodelus aestivus, Bellevalia forniculata, Colchicum sp., Corydalis caucasica, Crocus sp., Cyclamen sp., Drimia maritima, Eremurus sp., Erythronium caucasicum, E. dens-canis, Fritillaria sp., Iris sp., Hyacinthus litwinowii, Lilium ciliatum, Merendera sobolifera, Muscari sp., Narcissus sp., Nectaroscordium siculum, Pancratium maritimum, Romulea tempskyana, Scilla autumnalis, Sternbergia lutea, Tulipa sp., Ungernia sewerzowi.

Keywords: autumn flowering, bulb, corm, green areas, ornamentals, temperate climate, underground storage organ

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P-22

The effect of treatment of ornamental bulb plants on the settlement of bulbs and the substrate by fungi during the period of rooting and on the growth and development of plants

Jacek Nowak1 (jacek.nowak@inhort.pl), Adam Wojdyła1, Leszek Orlikowski1, Jan Bocianowski2, Jacek Wiśniewski3, Emilia Waszkiewicz4

1The National Institute of Horticultural Research, Skierniewice, Poland 2Poznan University of Life Sciences, Poznan, Poland
3Gospodarstwo Ogrodnicze Jacek Wiśniewski Spółka Jawna, Rzeczycka, Poland 4Emi Agro Emilia Waszkiewicz, Otwock, Poland

The studies evaluated the effect of Bisteran (50% of silver-stabilized hydrogen peroxide) and the fungicides Biszop 80 WG (80% of captan), Signum 33 WG (67 g of piraclostrobin + 267 g of boscalid in 1 kg) and Yamato 303 SE (233 g of thiophanat methyl + 70 g of tetraconazole per l), used for dressing hyacinth and narcissus in the form of 30-minute soaking of bulbs to limit the development of fungi on bulbs and the substrate during the period of rooting in a cold store and their impact on plant growth and development. The research showed that silver-stabilized hydrogen peroxide (H2O2-Ag+) at a concentration of 2% to 10% and fungicides used to treat bulbs on limiting the development of fungi on bulbs and the substrate during the rooting period. W hen the hyacinth and narcissus were in full bloom, biometric measurements were made of the above-ground parts of the plants, showing the growth and quality of the plants, and the content of chlorophyll, flavonoids and the nitrogen balance index index (NBI index) were determined using the Dualex 4 meter. For most of the tested traits, it was found that silver-stabilized hydrogen peroxide (H2O2-Ag+) at a concentration of 2% to 10% and the tested fungicides significantly increased their parameters compared to control plants. However, depending on the tested plant species, the positive effect on the tested traits varied, therefore such studies must be carried out individually for a given plant species. It should be emphasized that none of the tested agents used to treat hyacinth and narcissus bulbs was phytotoxic. The obtained results may be useful for the practical application of hydrogen peroxide with silver as a completely safe agent for humans, animals and the environment in the form of dressing hyacinth and narcissus bulbs before rooting in a cold room.

The research was conducted as part of a research project co-financed by the European Union under the ‘Cooperation’ measure of the Rural Development Program 2014–2020 “Implementation of an improved product, innovative technology and production organization methods in the production of bulbous ornamental plants using high-pressure fogging of refrigerated rooms with silver-stabilized hydrogen peroxide”.

Keywords: bulb rooting, fungicides, fungi on bulb surface and substrate, hydrogen peroxide stabilized with silver, Hyacinthus, inhibition, Narcissus, plant growth and development

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P-23

In vitro effect of some compounds on fungi developing on bulbs during their rooting

Jacek Nowak1 (jacek.nowak@inhort.pl), Adam Wojdyła1, Leszek Orlikowski1,
Jan Bocianowski2, Magdalena Ptaszek1, Anna Jarecka-Boncela1, Agnieszka Włodarek1, Anna Lisek1, Jacek Wiśniewski3, Emilia Waszkiewicz4

1The National Institute of Horticultural Research, Skierniewice, Poland 2Poznan University of Life Sciences, Poznan, Poland
3Gospodarstwo Ogrodnicze Jacek Wiśniewski Spółka Jawna, Rzeczycka, Poland 4Emi Agro Emilia Waszkiewicz, Otwock, Poland

The i n v itro e ffectiveness of Bi steran (5 0% of hy drogen pe roxide st abilized wi th si lver) an d the fungicides Biszop 80 WG (80% of captan), Signum 33 WG (67 g of piraclostrobin + 267 g of boscalid in 1 kg) and Yamato 303 SE (233 g of thiophanat methyl + 70 g of tetraconazole per l) added to potato–dextrose agar (PDA), on the in vitro growth of Neopestalotiopsis foedans, Penicillium olsonii, Rhizopus stolonifera and Trichoderma asperellum, isolated from peat and bulbs of hyacinthus, narcissus and tulip during their rooting was evaluated. The p roduct a pplied at concentrations ranging from 0.05% to 0.2%, inhibited the growth of N. foedans from 78.1% to 87%, and P. olsonii from 55.3% to 79% but did not influence t he c ulture d evelopment of R. stolonifera and T. asperellum or only slightly stimulated the growth. Bishop 80 WP at a concentration of 0.19% almost completely inhibited the growth of N. foedans, P. olsonii and R. stolonifera, while T. asperellum at 75%. Signum 33 WG at concentration of 0.15% almost completely inhibited the growth of N. foedans and P. olsonii, T. asperellum in 92%, while R. stolonifera in about 21%. Application of Yamato 303 at a concentration of 0.15% resulted in growth inhibition for the tested fungus N. foedans 93%, P. olsonii 44%, R. stolonifera 7% and T. asperellum 99%, respectively.

The research was conducted as part of a research project co-financed by the Eu ropean Union under the ‘Cooperation’ measure of the Rural Development Program 2014–2020 “Implementation of an improved product, innovative technology and production organization methods in the production of bulbous ornamental plants using high-pressure fogging of refrigerated rooms with silver-stabilized hydrogen peroxide”.

Keywords: fungi, fungicides, Hyacinthus, hydrogen peroxide stabilized with silver, Narcissus, tulip

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P-24

Nutrient deficiencies affect growth and development of Curcuma ‘Golden Reign’

Soraya Ruamrungsri, Chaiartid Inkham, Kanokwan Panjama (kaypanjama@gmail.com) Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Curcuma ‘Golden Reign’ is a beautiful gigantic tropical flower. It can be utilized in various ways such as landscaping plants, potted plant and cut flower. However, there are limited data about nutrient deficiency symptoms in ornamental curcuma. Therefore, the purpose of this experiment was to study effect of nutrient deficiencies on growth and development of curcuma plant. The curcuma rhizomes were grown in a hydroponics system. The experimental design was completely randomized design (CRD) for 3 replications per treatment and, 2 plants per replication with 14 treatments, T1: plants were supplied with complete solution as control treatment (Hoagland’s solution), and T2-T14, plants were supplied with deficiency solutions of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sulfur (S), iron (Fe), boron (B), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo) and deionized water, respectively. The results showed that at 18 weeks after planting, potassium deficiency treatment showed plant height lower than the control treatment. Moreover, the old leaves were burned, chlorophyll content in old leaves and young leaves were 26.50 and 31.20 SPAD unit, respectively. Magnesium deficiency treatment resulted in yellow color of old leaves and interveinal chlorosis. The shortest flower length was obtained from the boron deficiency treatment.

Keywords: fertilizer, flowering, ornamental curcuma, potted plant

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P-25

Parks and gardens as a contributor to older people’s perceived well-being and health

Bożena Pawłowska (ropawlow@cyf-kr.edu.pl), Anna Herod, Bożena Szewczyk-Taranek University of Agriculture in Krakow, Krakow, Poland

Seniors are a group with specific requirements that also apply to the use of green spaces. The aim of the study was to analyse the relationship between the well-being and health of seniors and the perception and ways of using parks and gardens. Original non-standardised questionnaire was applied in the research, with: (1) self-developed questions regarding green areas, (2) questions about well-being, health and life satisfaction, and (3) the WHO-5 test. The survey was conducted in Poland, among people 61–98 years old. Analyses included descriptive statistics; frequency distributions; T-tests; ANOVA. Results indicated that, almost 90% of seniors declare that spending time outdoors is important or very important and those who describe their health as good or very good, 69% consider being outdoors as very important. In the group of respondents who describe their health as bad, only 50% recognise spending time outdoors as very important. People over eighty spend more than 7 hours a week in the garden, while younger seniors only from 1 to 3 hours a week. More than half of seniors (58%) prefer spending time in the garden, and only 22% favour the park. Seniors who feel very happy compared to seniors declaring non happy, often claim that a day spent in the garden contributes to a better quality of sleep and consider gardening as a form of physical activity. Unhappy seniors more likely declare that when they feel depressed, spending time in the garden lifts their spirits. Over 70% of seniors testify that pleasant memories are related to the garden from their childhood. The most remembered garden plants are: peonies (28% of respondents) and roses (26%), tomatoes (41%), and apples (38%). Research demonstrated that gardens and parks are an important contributor to older people’s health and well-being.

Keywords: elderly citizen, green care, nature experiences, quality of life

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P-26

LED light affects the biochemical composition of Lilium candidum adventitious bulbs formed in vitro on a cytokinin medium

Bożena Pawłowska (ropawlow@cyf-kr.edu.pl), Piotr Pałka, Barbara Prokopiuk University of Agriculture in Krakow, Krakow, Poland

Lilium candidum (Madonna lily) is a bulbous geophyte that occurs naturally in the Mediterranean. It is characterized by early flowering in the season and pure white flowers with a strong pleasant fragrance. Bulb and flower extracts have been used in folk medicine, and scientific research has confirmed the presence of compounds with health-promoting properties. All this meant that the plants were obtained from natural sites and in some countries of origin the species is protected. We have evaluated biochemical composition of adventitious bulbs, contents of photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a + b and total carotenoids), soluble phenolics and soluble sugars in bulblets grown under different light conditions in vitro. Cultures were carried out under eight different LED lights, with fluorescent lamp and darkness used as a control. Murashige and Skoog medium has been enriched with 5 μM 6-benzylaminopurine (BA) and 0.5 μM 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). Bulbs formed under the mixture (7:3) of red and blue LED light (RB) were characterized by the highest content of all tested pigments. Lower but still high values were characteristic of bulblets from the white LED light (WLED) and RB light enriched with a UV diode (RBUV). This relationship was especially visible for chlorophyll a and b. WLED and RBUV, however, inhibited the synthesis of soluble phenolics, which was stimulated by blue LED light (B). In the case of soluble sugars, the light of the fluorescent lamp (FL) and WLED gave similar high values. Intermediate values were obtained under blue LED light. LED light can therefore be used to modify the biochemical composition of L. candidum bulblets in in vitro cultures. Blue or white LED light seem particularly valuable for this purpose.

Keywords: photosynthetic pigments, soluble phenolics, soluble sugars

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P-27

Single-node cuttings constitute a highly efficient Pennisetum ‘Vertigo®’ propagation material

Bożena Pawłowska (ropawlow@cyf-kr.edu.pl), Barbara Prokopiuk, Anna Kapczyńska University of Agriculture in Krakow, Krakow, Poland

Pennisetum ‘Vertigo®’ (Poaceae) is a newly released tender perennial hybrid most often recomended for container display. Because of pollen-and seed-sterility it is a vegetatively propagated ornamental grass with unique characteristics (burgundy-leaved, to 1.5 m tall). In present study the effect of four types of shoot single-node cuttings (with 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th node, respectively, counting from the base of the grass crown) and two rooting media (peat and perlite) on the rooting proces were assessed. After a month it was found that, depending on the combination, the cuttings were 48–98% rooted, producing 1.4–2.6 roots per cutting, each 7.3–11.6 cm long. One shoot was formed on the rooted cutting, with 3.1–4.4 leaves on it, and the entire above-ground part of the rooted plant was 10.5–32.8 cm, depending on the combination. Results showed that, sterilePennisetum ‘Vertigo®’ can be successfully propagated from shoot cuttings, but the rooting process depended on the type of cutting, with the benefit of those made from the nodes proximal to the grass crown.

Keywords: grass nodes, ornamentals, Poaceae, rooting media, vegetative propagation

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P-28

The senescence of perianth and corona in cut daffodil ‘Dutch Master’ flowers

Julita Rabiza-Świder (julita_rabiza_swider@sggw.edu.pl), Ewa Skutnik, Kamil Lutostański Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Section of Ornamental Plants, Warsaw, Poland

Daffodils are one of the most known bulbous plants, most popularly chosen just after tulips and lilies. The most common, and also the most popular for cut flowers, are the Trumpet daffodil cultivars. The aim of the study was to evaluate the changes in cut daffodil ‘Dutch Master’ flowers and to find the response that the perianth senescence different way than corona in cut daffodil flowers and if the senescence of daffodil cut flowers is correlated with programmed cell death symptoms. Flower senescence is a highly organized process comprising structural, biochemical and molecular changes, which is the last stage of flower development, finally leading to death of an organ or organism. In order to evaluate the changes occurring during the senescence of daffodil ‘Dutch Master’ cut flowers, the content of total and reducing sugars, free proline, malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide, catalase activity and the degree of degradation of cell nuclei were determined. The effect of a preservatives based on nanosilver (0.1 or 1.0 mg·dm−3) and 10% sucrose on postharvest flower quality and the value of selected senescence parameters was also investigated. It was shown that during the senescence of cut daffodil flowers there is a decrease in the content of total and reducing sugars, a decrease in malondialdehyde content, an increase in free proline, hydrogen peroxide and an increase in catalase activity. One of the symptoms of flower senescence was the degradation of cell nuclei. Typical senescence processes occurred faster in the perianth than in the corona. The use of a preservative containing nanosilver with 10% sucrose does not affect the rate of flower bud opening, but extends the vase life of daffodil flowers by 2–4 days. This preservative also increases the reducing sugars content, decreases the free proline and hydrogen peroxide content and affects the decrease of the catalase activity.

Keywords: free proline, malondialdehyde, nanosilver, oxidative stress, postharvest life, preservatives, total and reducing sugars

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P-29

Organic and conventional agriculture in tulip flower greenhouse production

María de los Ángeles Rodríguez Elizalde (roelyma@gmail.com), José Alberto Ortiz Texón, Mateo Vargas Hernández, Amando Espinosa-Flores, Claudio Arturo Pérez Mercado

Universidad Autónoma Chapingo, Texcoco, México

This study evaluated the development of tulip flowers in pots using different substrates in two production systems: organic and conventional under greenhouse conditions. The organic production system consisted of inoculating beneficial microorganisms (arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, Trichoderma spp., and Azotobacter spp.) and using organic fertilization. The conventional system used commercial fertilizers and agrochemicals. The experimental design was completely randomized, with ten treatments and five replications, considering each pot as an experimental unit. The substrates included mixtures of tezontle (TZ), leaf mold (LM), peat moss (PM), and vermicompost (VC). All substrates included 20% TZ, and either LM and PM alone (80%) or a combination of two substrates (40% LM and 40% PM, 40% LM and 40% VC, or 40% PM and 40% VC). The tulip flowers were grown in the five substrate combinations using either organic or conventional (chemical) fertilization. Yield and plant quality (plant height, stem diameter, bud diameter, and open corolla diameter) were evaluated. The results of the contrast analysis showed that the organic agriculture system was superior to the conventional system since the tulips showed significantly larger stem and flower diameters. The best substrate for producing this species was the mixture of 80% LM + 20% TZ. Our study shows that tulip flower production in greenhouse conditions is feasible under the organic agriculture model.

Keywords: arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, Azotobacter, Trichoderma, Tulipa spp.

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P-30

Light emitting diode for off-season flowering of Curcuma alismatifolia Gagnep

Soraya Ruamrungsri (sorayaruamrung@gmail.com), Chiartid Inkham, Kanokwan Panjama Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Curcuma alismatifolia Gagnep is one of the popular tropical flowers in the world market. Seasonal flowering in Thailand is in rainy season during July-August and plant goes to dormancy during December to February then start to sprout again in May. Off-season flower forcing could be done to serve market demand for all year round. Since Curcuma alismatifolia is facultative long day plant therefore this research was aimed to use different type of artificial light supplement for flower quality improvement. Rhizomes were stored in 15°C cold room for 6 months then they were grown in plastic bags using soil, rice husk charcoal, sand, rice hull and coconut dust with the ratio of 1:1:1:1:1 as growing media under plastic greenhouse (24°C, 65% RH and 1,000 μmol m−2 s−1). The experimental design was completely randomized design with 6 treatments i.e. treatment 1) no supplement lighting, treatments 2–3) plants were supplied with different artificial lighting using 13 and 18 W of light emitting diode (LED), treatment 4–5 using 15, 24 W of compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) and treatment 6) using 400 W of high pressure sodium (HPS) lamp. Supplement lighting was applied at 20.00–22.00 o’clock every day until plant dormancy. Irrigation was done every day and 15 N-15 P2O5-15 K2O fertilizer with 2 g/pot was supplied every 2 weeks. The results showed using LED lighting could promote the flower quality in term of flower stalk length and inflorescence height than control treatment. However, plants supplied with 400 W HPS gave the highest of plant height, flower stalk length, inflorescence height than the other artificial light sources and control treatment. Rhizome quality also was promoted by using artificial lighting supplement compared to control treatment.

Keywords: energy saving, flower quality, forcing, LED, supplement lighting

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P-31

The effect of postharvest treatments with commercial preservatives on keeping qualities of cut peony flowers

Ewa Skutnik (ewa_skutnik@sggw.edu.pl), Julita Rabiza-Świder, Sutrisno
Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Section of Ornamental Plants, Warsaw, Poland

Special treatments and various preparations are used during all phases of the market chain to sustain life of cut flowers and to maintain their good quality. Recently, cut peonies have gained worldwide popularity so the development of appropriate postharvest treatments is in order. In this experiment two types of flower preservatives produced by Chrysal International and Floralife were tested on several peony cultivars: the so called „trade” preparations used to sustain flower life during the turnover (Chrysal Professional 2, Floralife 200) and the so called „flower food” preparations used to prolong the flower vase life (Chrysal Clear, Floralife 300). The first were applied for 72 hours after harvest, i.e. the period simulating the turnover phase; after that flower food preparations were used. The treatment effects were compared with those of the standard preservative composed of 2% sucrose plus 200 mg L1 8-hydroxyquinoline (8-HQC), and distilled water was used as the control. The cultivars tested were: ‘Charles Binder’, ‘Gayborder June’, ‘Jamachina’, ‘Laura Dessert’, ‘Marguerite Gaudichau’, ‘Othello’ and ‘Vogue’, all of which responded poorly to the treatments and in all cases responses were cultivar-specific. The vase life was prolonged in only 9 out of 49 treatments, with ‘Charles Binder’ and ‘Jamachina’ showing no positive reaction to any of the holding solutions while 4 out of 7 treatments increased the vase life of ‘Gayborder June’. The rate of bud opening was different among cultivars and flower diameters increased in ca 50% of cases – in 24 out of 49 treatments. As the responses to treatments were so cultivar-specific, any recommendations for specific preparations must be preceded by tests with individual cultivars.

Keywords: flower diameter, flower food, re-hydrating, vase life

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P-32

The possibility of using new plant growth regulators in micropropagation of Polish tulip (Tulipa L.) cultivar ‘Heart of Warsaw’

Dariusz Sochacki1 (dariusz_sochacki@sggw.edu.pl), Przemysław Marciniak1, Aleksandra Goszcz1, Maria Ciesielska1, Janina Zaród1, Sutrisno1, Monika Drąg2, Agnieszka Żukowska2

1Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Section of Ornamental Plants, Warsaw, Poland 2The Royal Castle in Warsaw – Museum, Warsaw, Poland

High demand for tulip bulbs and accelerated introduction of new cultivars to the market prompt further work on improving the method of in vitro propagation of this genus. The object of the research was the new Polish cultivar ‘Heart of Warsaw’ (= ‘Serce Warszawy’, in Polish), baptized at the Royal Castle in Warsaw in 2019 at the opening of the Lower Gardens, the reconstruction of which was the culmination of the post-war rebuilding of the Castle. Meta-topolin(mT) – new aromatic cytokinin in micro-propagation of tulip and karrikin (KAR1) – completely new plant growth regulator (PGR) – were checked and compared with other PGRs at different stages of in vitro propagation on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium using procedure of cyclic shoot multiplication. The results obtained from the regeneration and multiplication of the ‘Heart of Warsaw’ tulip show that it has been possible to replace so far used thidiazuron (TDZ) and 2-isopentyladenine (2iP) by mT at concentration of 5 mg L−1. However, the results with supplementation of the MS medium with mT were mostly not better, but also not different from those obtained on media with TDZ and 2iP. The expected positive effect of KAR1 on the shoot proliferation of the ‘Heart of Warsaw’ tulip has not confirmed so far, indicating the need for further research. In conclusion, the method of cyclic tulip shoot multiplication using mT can be used to accelerate the propagation of the new tulip cultivar under study.

Keywords: in vitro, karrikin, KAR1, meta-Topolin, mT, PGRs, Royal Castle in Warsaw

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P-33

Evaluation of ploidy level and genome size of Hippeastrum

Dariusz Sochacki1 (dariusz_sochacki@sggw.edu.pl), Przemysław Marciniak1, Agnieszka

Marasek-Ciołakowska2, Małgorzata Podwyszyńska2, Monika Marat2, Małgorzata Zajączkowska1

1Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Section of Ornamental Plants, Warsaw, Poland 2The National Institute of Horticultural Research, Skierniewice, Poland

Hippeastrum Herb. belongs to the family Amaryllidaceae. The genus includes about 80 taxa found in South American countries. In commercial cultivation, the most frequently cultivated varieties are those belonging to H. hybridum, which have been obtained by crossing several wild species (H. vitatum, H. leopoldii, H. reginae, H. aulicum, H. pardinum). The goal of most breeding programs in the world is to improve flower attractiveness and plant resistance to Phoma narcissi. Information on the registration of new cultivars in 2018–2022, published by the Dutch Royal General Bulb Growers’ Association (KAVB), shows that as many as 158 new cultivars have been registered. The largest number of registered cultivars belongs to the Galaxy group (65 cultivars). In 1993, Hippeastrum ×chmielii, a hybrid characterised by strong growth, a high vegetative reproduction rate and no apparent dormancy period, was bred at the Warsaw University of Life Sciences – SGGW, Poland. However, the flowers of this hybrid are relatively small and there islittle variation in colour, oscillating between red and orange. Therefore, twoofitsbreedingclones(Nos.6and18)wereusedforfurthercreative breeding. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the ploidy level and genome size of selected individuals derived from crosses between H. ×chmielii (clones 6 and 18) and selected cultivars of H. hybridum (‘Gervase’, ‘Rio Negro’ and ‘Royal Velvet’). The ploidy levels and genome size of the parental forms and 15 selected breeding clones derived from the crossings were evaluated by flow cytometry and based on chromosome number using Feulgen and DAPI staining methods. The results obtained indicate that a large part of the population studied (14 genotypes) are tetraploid forms (2n = 4x = 44), and the size of their genomes ranges from 57.44 to 61.61 pg of 2C DNA. Four triploid genotypes (2n = 3x=33) were also detected in the population, whose 2C DNA content was 43.68–47.08 pg. The cultivar ‘Rio Negro’ has a diploid somatic chromosome number of 2n = 2x = 22 andgenome size of 32.63 pg 2C DNA. The cultivar ‘Gervase’ proved to be a mixoploid with tetraploid (60.29 pg) and aneuploid (47.94 pg) genomes based on flow cytometry analysis.

Keywords: breeding clones, DAPI, Feulgen, flow cytometry, Hippeastrum ×chmielii

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P-34

Ecological aspects of Tulip virus X in the Netherlands

Ineke Stijger1 (ineke.stijger@wur.nl), Martin Verbeek1, Iris Stulemeijer2, Frank Kreuk3

1Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands 2BKD, Lisse, Netherlands
3Vertify, Zwaagdijk, Netherlands

Tulip virus X (TVX) is a member of the genus Potexvirus and can cause symptoms in tulips consisting of fine streaks on leaves and fl ow ers. Being apo te xvirus, TV X sp reads through contact between plants and the usage of tools. Also, transmission by several mite species during storage of the bulbs is common. However, there have been reports of a soil-related transmission, but there was no evidence of any vector involved in such transmission. In relation to the growing fields, it is remarkable that TVX has a broad host range and can be found in various weeds. Recent studies revealed the presence of TVX in tulips, weeds, soil and in water of ditches around the tulip fields. T VX i n s oil w as i nfectious o n i ndicator p lants for months after inoculation of the soil. Currently, the biological significance of TVX in weeds and the detection of the virus in water is under investigation.

Keywords: Potexvirus, soil, tulips, TVX, weeds

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P-35

Conservation of plant genetic resources in Lithuania

Gitana Stukeniene (stukeniene@gmail.com), Audrius Skridaila Vilnius University Botanical Garden, Vilnius, Lithuania

The study and conservation of plant genetic resources (PGRs) in Lithuania has a long tradition. Since 1994, efforts on PGRs have been concentrated within the National Programme on Plant Genetic Resources. This Programme encompasses the conservation and research of the genetic resources of agricultural and horticultural crops, medicinal and ornamental plants, and forest trees. For the implementation of this Programme, the collaboration of eight scientific institutions started, including Vilnius University Botanical Garden and Vytautas Magnus University Kaunas Botanical Garden. In 2001, the Seimas (Parliament) of the Republic of Lithuania adopted the Law on National Genetic Resources of Plants, which regulates the accumulation, preservation, and use of National PGR and stipulates how to provide for the sustainable use of these resources, protect them from devastation, extinction and compete with destruction as well as to save the biological diversity. According to the provisions of this law, PGR, which have ecological, selective, and economic value for the Republic of Lithuania, are selected and included in the central database of the National PGRs. It might be plant cultivars, plant populations or their parts, single plants or their groups, or re-productional parts of plants (seeds, pollen, embryos, meristematic tissues, buds, sprouts, etc.). The Plant Gene Bank (currently – State Forest Service) with coordination centers of different plant groups (agricultural plants, forest trees, fruits and vegetables, ornamental plants, and medicinal plants) has been established. At the end of 2022, there were 5914 accessions on the National List of PGR in Lithuania. In 2022, the State Forest Service signed an agreement with the Nordic Center for Genetic Resources NordGen. According to this agreement, NordGen will store the seeds of 123 accessions of Lithuanian PGR in the Svalbard Global Seed Vault.

Keywords: biological diversity, database, ornamental crops, PGRs, preservation

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P-36

Interspecific hybridization between Cyclamen hederifolium Aiton and C. purpurascens

Mill.

Takejiro Takamura (takamura.takejiro@kagawa-u.ac.jp), Shin Mukai, Masaki Kubota, Takako Narumi-Kawasaki

Kagawa University, Kagawa, Japan

In recent years, horticultural cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum) cultivars have been used as garden plants as well as indoor potted plants in Japan. There are, however, few suitable cyclamen cultivars for growing in a garden in Japan, yet almost all cyclamen cultivars have been bred as indoor potted flowers. Nearly all the horticultural cyclamen cultivars have been bred through intraspecific cross-breeding in C. persicum, whereas some wild species in the genus Cyclamen have useful characteristics. C. hederifolium is one of the most vigorous and hardy species in the genus Cyclamen. Although almost all Cyclamen species, including C. hederifolium, have a dormant period in their life cycle in Japan, C. purpurascens doesn’t have this trait. Therefore, interspecific crosses between C. hederifolium and C. purpurascens were performed. After the interspecific crosses, ovule cultures with and without chromosome doubling were also examined. The interspecific hybrids were obtained by the ovule culture, and some plantlets were expected to be amphidiploids. There was, however, no amphidiploid among the flowering hybrids. The hybrids were sterile, and showed an intermediate life cycle between those of C. hederifolium and C. purpurascens.

Keywords: hybrid, interspecific crosses, ovule culture

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P-37

Effect of foliar fertilization on bulblet formation from leaf cuttings of Lachenalia

Jadwiga Treder1 (jadwiga.treder@inhort.pl), Patrycja Kowalicka1, Anna Jakubczyk1, Anna Kapczyńska2

1The National Institute of Horticultural Research, Skierniewice, Poland 2University of Agriculture in Krakow, Krakow, Poland

Lachenalia species come from South Africa and have recently become more and more popular as attractive pot plants. Vegetative propagation methods of Lachenalia mostly include: seeds, side bulbs formed out of a mother bulb, bulbils (aerial bulblets) and bulblets production on leaf cuttings. In commercial reproduction, the method of leaf cuttings is more often used than in-vitro propagation. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of additional foliar fertilization using Agroleaf P fertilizer (12:52:5 +TE) during mother plants cultivation of two Lachenalia cultivars: ‘Ronina’ and ‘Rupert’. It is assumed that increased P levels stimulate rooting in many species. Bulbs were planted in autumn into peat substrate and cultivated in pots at controlled climate chambers. Two months after planting the bulbs, when leaves reached 15–20 cm in length and 2.0–3.5 cm in width, the plants were sprayed three times at weekly intervals with 0.2% Agroleaf P. Control plants were sprayed with water. Just before flowering (mid of December) randomly selected leaves reached 20 cm in length and 2.03 cm in width from both treatments were cut off at the plant base plants. Leaves cuttings were rooted in plastic boxes using and mixture of vermiculite and sand (10:1 v:v). Bulbils production on each cutting were evaluated five months after planting. Application of P foliar fertilizer during mother plant cultivation stimulated the number of bulbils formation in both cultivars. However, the bulbils fresh mass was not influenced by leaf spraying.

Keywords: Cape hyacinth, geophyte, ‘Ronina’, ‘Rupert’

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P-38

Effect of elicitors on Fusarium development in tulip bulbs

Sjoerd van Vilsteren (sjoerd1.vanvilsteren@wur.nl), Kirsten Leiss, Johanna Bac-Molenaar

Wageningen University and Research, Bleiswijk, Netherlands

Tulip growers are affected by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. tulipae (FOT), which can cause rot and significantly reduce yields. FOT could develop thereby causing yield loss in open field conditions with a soil temperature above 12°C, but also during the storage after harvest. Currently there is little experience with the use of elicitors in postharvest conditions. This study tested the effect of elicitors on FOT development in tulip bulbs, cultivars ‘Leen van de Mark’ and ‘Miranda’ in two subsequent years 2022 and 2023. In 2022, we tested several doses of the plant hormones, jasmonic acid and salicylic acid. In 2023, we tested the plant hormones and in addition acibenzolar-S-methyl, and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. Within a week after harvest, tulip bulbs were dipped in elicitor/bacterium solutions, and dipping in water was used as control. One week after treatment, the bulbs were damaged to increase the chance of infection with FOT. Two types of damage treatment were applied: by either scratching with a knife or rubbing on a stone. Immediately after damaging, the bulbs were exposed to FOT by dipping in a solution with FOT spores (mixture of different strains) and disease symptoms were assessed in the following months on a two-weekly basis. In both years, salicylic acid treatment led to a decrease in the number of infected bulbs resulting in almost half of the infection rate compared to control with water. In 2023, acibenzolar-S-methyl and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens showed the same trend, lower bulb infection rate after application. In 2023, bulbs treated with jasmonic acid showed higher infection rate than water control, suggesting antagonistic roles of the two plant hormones jasmonic acid and salicylic acid. These findings will help to come to a tulip cultivation and storage system that is future-proof, meaning not dependent on high-risk pesticides and with low emissions to the environment.

Keywords: bulbs, elicitors, fungi, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. tulipae, storage, Tulipa

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P-39

Wood fibre as a component of sustainable substrates for pot plant production of Helenium hybridum

Agnieszka Zawadzińska1 (agnieszka.zawadzinska@zut.edu.pl), Piotr Salachna1, Rafał Piechocki1, Jacek Nowak2, Anna Pietrak1

1West Pomeranian University of Technology, Szczecin, Poland
2The National Institute of Horticultural Research, Skierniewice, Poland

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For perennial container growers a major challenge in the next few years will be the necessity to use sustainable substrates with limited peat content and, in the future peat-free substrates. In this context, substrate producers have recently turned their attention to wood fibre (WF) as a renewable organic material that can partly replace high peat (SP). In this experiment, four substrate mixtures containing in different proportions wood fibre, high peat, and local raw materials: green compost (GC), fen peat (FP) and brown coal (BC) were tested. For trial, young plants of Helenium hybridum ‘Fuego’ were potted in the following mixtures: (T1) SP 100% used as control; (T2) WF 20%, SP 30%, GC 20%, FP 20%, BC 10%; (T3) WF 30%, SP 20%, GC 20%, FP 20%, BC 10%; (T4) WF 40%, SP 20%, GC 20%, FP 10%, BC 10%. The height and width of plants grown in mixtures containing 20–40% of wood fibre (T2, T3 and T4) and the diameter of their flower heads did not differ strongly from plants grown in peat control (T1). The highest fresh and dry plant biomass, leaf greening index and number of flower heads had the plants grown in a mixture with 20% of wood fibre (T2). There was significant reduction in the fresh and dry weight plant biomass in the medium containing 40% of wood fibre (T4) versus those grown in peat. Generally, Helenium plants can be grown in a substrate containing up to 30% of wood fibre mixture without loss of biomass and plant quality.

Keywords: growing media, perennials, sneezeweed, SPAD

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