Prediction of saffron crocus corm mass by geometrical attributes

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is the most precious spice plant in the world. The only method for the reproduction of saffron is cultivation of corm. It is necessary to know relationships between mass and size of saffron corms in order to design and develop of planting, harvesting, grading and handling equipments. The objective of this research was to determine the most accurate models to predict saffron corm mass based on geometrical attributes. Models for predicting the mass of corms were classified as follows: (1) single or multiple variable regressions of saffron corm mass and dimensional characteristics, (2) single or multiple variable regressions of saffron corm mass and projected areas and (3) single regression of saffron corm mass based on its actual volume and calculated volume assuming the saffron corm shapes of sphere, oblate spheroid and ellipsoid. Three sets of corms were considered from Torbat-e-Heydareyeh, Kashmar, and Gonabad fields in Khorasan province of Iran. Some physical characteristics that were needed for the saffron corm mass modelling were determined for the three regions corms. The results showed that there were not significant differences between mean values of mass, height, major diameter, geometric mean diameter and projected areas of saffron corms for the three regions. However, there were significant differences between saffron corm minor diameter, volumes, corm density, bulk density and porosity for the three regions. Therefore, the mass of the corms was modelled based on the height, major diameter and projected areas irrespective to the regions, whereas in the third classification models, the mass of the corms was modelled for each region. The statistically significant fitted models were selected based on the higher coefficient of determination (r²) and lower regression standard error (RSE). The results of mass modelling showed that the prediction of saffron corm mass based on the major diameter (M = 0.0017a^2.5168, r² = 0.94, p < 0.05) and the first projected area (M = 0.0019 (PA₁)^1.2916, r² = 0.96, p < 0.05) were the most appropriate models. The model that predicted the mass of saffron corm based on the estimated volume of an ellipsoid shape was found to be the most appropriate. The developed models and data of physical characteristics of saffron corms could be used for designing and developing the saffron corm grader and other cultivation equipments.     

Quantification of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) metabolites crocins,picrocrocin and safranal for quality determination of the spice grown under different environmental Moroccan conditions

The primary goal of this study was to propose saffron as a sustainable substitute crop with high added value in some Moroccan agricultural areas with low and erratic rainfalls, for their socio-economical development. The quality of the saffron spice has to be evaluated prior to recommendation for commercial production. For this purpose, saffron was grown in experimental plots for the first time in eleven different experimental zones with a disparity of altitudes, soils and climates. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to quantify the most important saffron components crocins, picrocrocin, and safranal which are respectively responsible for its colour, taste and odour. The respective average values, in % dry matter, across all sites altogether are 29.01 ± 5.6; 14.04 ± 7.1 and 0.22 ± 0.11. The statistical analysis shows that crocins are stable under each specific environment tested (p > 5%) for 3 years of study. Meanwhile, there was a large variability in safranal content for the same period (p < 0.05). This suggests that post-harvest processing of saffron produced under different environments may need to be improved. Analysis of environmental impact on saffron quality showed that just the altitude affects crocins (R² = 0.84, p < 0.05).     

The influence of photoperiod and plant density on yield of winter-grown gladioli in Queensland

The yields of inflorescences, corms and cormlets, and the inflorescence quality of winter-grown gladioli in south-east Queensland, were studied under 2 daylength regimes, 3 plant densities (150 000, 300 000 and 450 000 corms ha^?1) and 3 plant arrangements (bed, double row and single row). The daylength treatments were the natural daylength (12.3–14.5 hours) and a 24-hour photoperiod treatment in which natural daylengths were extended using incandescent light of an intensity of 150 lux. Two cultivars were used.Extending the photoperiod to 24 hours delayed flowering by approximately 15 days, and increased the number of inflorescences harvested from low, medium and high density treatments by 20, 91 and 169%, respectively, when compared to the inflorescence yield from these density treatments under natural daylengths. The quality of the inflorescences from the high-density treatment receiving the 24-hour photoperiod was similar or superior in all quality characteristics to that of inflorescences grown under the most favourable density treatment under natural daylengths (150 000 corm ha^?1). Plant arrangement had little effect on the number of days to flowering or inflorescence yield but inflorescence quality was improved when plants were grown in a double-row arrangement compared to those from the bed or single-row arrangements. Extension of the photoperiod had no effect on the number of new corms per plot. However, the average weight of new corms and the weight of cormlets per plot and per corm were reduced by approximately 32, 71 and 63%, respectively, when compared to the results obtained from plants grown under natural daylengths. These results suggest that flowers compete for available photosynthates with corms and cormlet development.The economic feasibility of extending photoperiod for the commercial production of winter-grown gladioli in south-east Queensland is discussed.     

Corm induction and multiplication of Amorphophallus albus in vitro

Summary

Amorphophallus albus, belonging to the family Araceae, has attracted widespread attention due to its considerable economic and medicinal importance. The natural propagation coefficient of A. albus is very low, which limits application of this crop. In vitro corms can be used for propagation of A. albus and have been proved to be superior over in vitro plantlets. To optimise procedures for in vitro corm production and multiplication, the effects of phytohormones, sucrose concentrations and incubation conditions with desirable phytohormone combinations for callus induction, corm formation and corm growth of A. albus were investigated. The results showed that calli were induced at high frequency from petiole segments on Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 1.0 mg l^–1 naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and 1.0 mg l^–1 6-benzyladenine (BA). Compact nodular calli were desirable for corm formation, and optimum corm formation was obtained in the presence of 0.5 mg l^–1 NAA and 2.0 mg l^–1 BA. With this auxin and cytokinin combination, an increase in sucrose concentration from 2% to 6% (w/v) significantly increased the corm formation rate and favoured corm growth, but negative effects occurred at higher sucrose concentrations. By incubating over a range of temperatures from 19°C – 28°C, 22°C produced the largest numbers of corms and highest mean fresh weight of each corm. Short-day (8 h) or long-day (16 h) photoperiods did not affect corm formation and growth significantly, except that corm weight fell under long-day conditions. The multiplication rate of in vitro corms was enhanced by apical meristem wounding. It was possible to store in vitro produced corms at 4°C for as long as 90 d to overcome apical dormancy and accelerate sprouting after planting into soil. This work has established an efficient protocol for multiplication of A. albus through an in vitro corm system.     

不同类型魔芋种芋的生长分析

通过对不同类型魔芋脱毒种芋的萌芽出苗特性、田间长势、分苗数、田间发病情况、产量、球茎膨大倍数、繁殖系数、生长周期等进行研究。研究结果表明,一级包衣种、二级种、三级种比原原种提前8～18天出苗;一级包衣种、二级种的分苗数较多;一级包衣种、二级种、三级种的田间发病率低于原原种,其中一级包衣种发病率最低,仅为7.4％。二级种、三级种综合性状较好,生产力水平高,膨大倍数高,可通过规模化生产得到大量种芋,解决生产中种芋缺乏的问题。     

The influence of illumination levels of daylength extension on yield of winter-grown gladioli in Queensland

The yields of inflorescences, corms and cormlets, and inflorescence quality of winter gladioli were studied under varying illumination levels of 12 hour daylength extension ranging from 0 to 333 lux. The illumination level of the daylength extension for each plot depended on its distance from 2 tungsten halogen light sources mounted at 6 m above ground on poles spaced 8 m apart. The lamps were adjusted for wide beam distribution and aimed at points on the ground 8 m from the base of the poles.Inflorescence yield was increased by increasing the illumination level of daylength extension. The relationship between horizontal illumination level in lux (x) and number of inflorescences (y) was described byy=27.3?10.9 exp(?0.02x)Ninety-seven % of maximum inflorescence yield was obtained at a daylength extension illuminance of 144 lux, while 97% of the maximum number of florets per spike and the other flower quality characteristics were obtained at a daylength extension illumination level of approximately 100 lux. Ninety-seven % of the maximum number of days to flowering was approached at a daylength extension illuminance of 45 lux.There was no clear relationship between the illumination level of daylength extension and number and weight of new corms, or the average weight of each new corm. However, the weights of cormlets per plot and per new corm were higher from plants which received no daylength extension.The commercial application of tungsten halogen lamps to provide daylength extension for winter gladioli production is discussed.     

The relation between method of propagation,plant density and growth,mineral uptake and yield of dasheen (Colocasia antiquorum, Schott.)

Two field experiments were carried out to investigate the effect of method of propagation (including two proposed new methods) and plant density on the growth, mineral uptake and yield of dasheen (Colocasia antiquorum, Schott.).Planting different pieces of “seed” resulted in a higher percentage germination, higher percentage efficiency of solar energy conversion and better growth characters of the plant, in the order: cormel, apical, half-apical, corm piece and quarter-apical piece, respectively.Increasing the plant density decreased the growth characters of the plant and increased the percentage efficiency of solar energy conversion.The nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium concentrations were not affected by types of dasheen seeds, whereas the absolute amount per plant followed the same pattern of change as the dry matter content.Distance between plants had no statistically significant effect on the concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in the plant tissues. However, the absolute amounts of these minerals per plant decreased as the plant population was increased.Planting with the cormel resulted in the highest total yield. However, the difference in total yield between planting with the apical and half-apical pieces was not statistically significant. A similar situation was found when planting with quarter-apical and corm pieces. Therefore, it is recommended that the apical piece is cut into two equal halves in order to use a given amount of apicals to reduce the corm pieces when planting.Increasing the plant population, by reducing the distance between plants from 45 to 30 cm, resulted in an increased yield per hectare. However, reducing the distance between plants to 15 cm resulted in a decrease in yield.     

水处理对芋生长及产量的影响

为阐明水旱环境和深水胁迫对芋生长和产量的影响,选用1个绿柄多子芋品种江汉芋,设计缸栽试验,采用4个处理,即浅水栽培、旱地栽培、7月上旬和8月下旬分别采用深水胁迫20 d后恢复浅水栽培,各处理重复3次,比较芋在各种处理下的生长状况及产量。试验结果表明,水处理对芋叶片叶绿素含量的影响差异不显著,表明芋对水旱生态环境有一定的适应能力;水生环境使芋的叶片数减少,根变短,使母芋质量增大,子孙芋总质量变小,球茎总质量减小,芋形指数增大,延缓和阻碍干物质从上一级球茎向下一级球茎的分配和积累。深水胁迫处理的时期越晚,变化趋势越明显。芋宜旱栽,在栽培过程中应保持充足的水分供应。     

荸荠新品种桂蹄4号的选育

桂蹄4 号是以桂蹄2 号为材料，通过茎尖组织培养产生的优良变异单株筛选培育而成的早中熟荸荠新品种。生育期130～140 d（天）；植株生长势强，球茎横椭球形、脐部微平，皮褐白色，淀粉含量47.0 mg · g-1，可溶性糖含量7.95%，口感脆甜、少渣，品质好；平均单球质量26.2 g，每667 m² 产量2 200 kg 左右，田间对秆枯病的抗性与对照桂蹄2 号相当，适宜广西及其周边地区种植。     

In vitro corm production in Gloriosa superba L., an Ayurvedic medicinal plant

Summary

In vitro production of corms from Gloriosa superba L. using three kinds of explants: dormant, non-dormant corm buds and 30 d old in vitro derived multiple shoots is reported. Excellent responses was obtained in terms of corm production using MS medium supplemented with B₅ vitamins, 6% sucrose, 2iP, ADS and ANL for corm formation from dormant corm buds, using Kin, ADS and ANL for corm formation from non-dormant corm buds and using BAP, ADS and ANL for callus derived multiple shoot corm formation. Well developed corms were obtained from the tissue cultured plants with no dormancy breaking requirement.     

Temperature effects on corm dormancy and growth of Zephyra elegans D.Don

Experiments were performed with the Chilean geophyte Zephyra elegans, a potential cut flower, to evaluate the effect of corm weight and storage temperature on corm dormancy, and to determine the effect of day and night growing temperatures on its growth and flowering. Z. elegans has a deciduous and synanthous growth habit and the corm is replaced annually. Dormant corms were stored at different constant temperatures or temperature combinations from 20 to 40 °C. Corms released from their dormancy were grown at 15/10, 20/15, or 25/20 °C day/night temperatures. Corms of various weights were planted at the same date after being stored dry at 25 °C for 22 weeks. They all emerged 19–38 days after planting, showing that dormancy release was not affected by corm weight. A 20-week corm storage treatment at a constant 25 °C resulted in the most rapid corm sprouting. Sprouting percentage was reduced at higher or lower storage temperatures. Temperature also affected plant growth. When plants were grown at 15/10 or 20/15 °C they emerged and flowered more rapidly than when they were grown at 25/20 °C. The latter growing temperature also resulted in poor flower quality.     

不同定植密度对淮安红椒生长发育及产量的影响

研究了不同定植密度对淮安红椒超越2009生长发育及产量的影响。试验结果表明，较低的定植密度有利于淮安红椒叶片鲜质量、单果质量增加，定植密度对产量的影响可能主要是通过影响单果质量而实现，定植密度52500株/hm2和60000株/hm2处理，单位面积产量较其他密度处理显著增加。综合分析认为，红椒超越2009定植密度以52500~60000株/hm2较适宜，其中52500株/hm2最好，红椒单果质量最大、产量较高。     

Effects of lipoxygenase on the corm formation and enlargement in Gladiolus hybridus

To investigate the effects of lipoxygenase (LOX1) on the corm formation and enlargement in Gladiolus hybridus, the field and in vitro researches were conducted to detect the growth and development course, the LOX1 activity, the contents of endogenetic methyl jasmonate (MJ), sucrose, starch and cellulose, as well as LOX isozymes and the expression of its genes in ‘Rose Supreme’ and ‘Advanced Red’. The field investigation showed that the highest activities of LOX1 activity and MJ content in stolons, but not detected in leaves, which were higher in ‘RS’ than in ‘AR’. And the contents of sucrose, starch and cellulose in corm and cormels showed different increase during growth and development of Gladiolus corm. The in vitro investigation showed that the salicylhydroxamic acid (SHAM) treatment caused obviously delayed corm formation, decrease of fresh weight and diameter, and percentage of corm formation; reduced contents of total dissoluble protein, MJ and carbohydrates, and LOX1 activity. Additionally the activity of LOX isozymes became weaker, with two isozyme bands disappeared. In contrast, these physiological and biochemical indexes were increased under MJ treatment. RT-PCR also demonstrated that the expression of LOX1 gene was inhibited under SHAM treatment, induced under MJ treatment. These results suggested that LOX1 might regulate the growth and development of Gladiolus corm through affecting JAs biosynthesis cycles, and then resulting in carbohydrate accumulation. The corm formation could be improved by MJ, but suppressed by SHAM, in which, MJ 0.5 mmol/L was the optimum concentration for promoting corm formation and enlargement in Gladiolus.     

Flower and corm development in gladiolus as affected by photoperiod

Gladiolus plants cultivar ‘Spick and Span’ were grown in winter under natural short day (SD) or under long day (LD), with 4 hours low intensity light at midnight. Growth of the various organs was followed by periodic sampling. SD promoted flower development and advanced anthesis but reduced the final size of the flower. LD increased weight and size of leaves and flowers.Initial growth of the corm was similar under both photoperiods, but while corm growth continued throughout the growing-period under SD, it was checked under LD when flowers were developed at an enhanced rate and until anthesis. At this stage, the allocation of assimilates was directed towards the flower sink and away from the corm sink.Final corm weight was also promoted by LD. This is interpreted as an indirect effect due to increased photosynthesis of the larger LD plants. In non-flowering plants raised from cormels, SD specifically promoted corm growth, although no competing flower sink was present.It is concluded that photoperiod affects growth and development of gladiolus in two ways: directly — by affecting the partitioning of assimilates between the flower or the corm; and indirectly — by affecting the total photosynthates available to the plants by influencing foliage size and the total growth period.     

黄瓤西瓜新品种陇金兰的选育

陇金兰是以自交系FA26为母本、H14为父本配制而成的一个优质、早熟且适应性广的优良黄瓤西瓜新品种.全生育期88天,果实圆球形,翠绿皮上覆有深绿色齿条带,果形整齐美观,果皮薄但较耐贮运,瓤色橙黄,肉质酥脆,口感细腻,汁多爽口,风味好,中心含糖量达12.5%以上,品质极佳.单瓜重3.0 kg,产量3 000kg/667 m2左右.既适宜露地种植,又适宜日光温室等保护地栽培.     

芋种质资源颜色性状多样性观察

为了探究芋种质资源颜色性状的变化规律,以保存在国家种质武汉水生蔬菜资源圃的300多份芋种质资源为材料,按照《农作物种质资源鉴定评价技术规范芋》对芋种质资源的颜色性状进行观察和归类,并重点对芋的叶心色斑颜色、叶柄中下部颜色及母芋芽色的相关性进行总结和探讨。根据叶柄中下部颜色将滇南芋分为绿柄野芋(白芽类型)、乌绿柄野芋(红芽类型)和紫柄野芋(白芽类型)3个类型;将芋中的多子芋分为绿柄多子芋(一般为白芽类型)、乌绿柄多子芋(一般为红芽类型)和红紫柄多子芋(白芽类型)3个基本类型,将芋中的多头芋分为绿柄多头芋(白芽类型)和乌绿柄多头芋(红芽类型)2个类型。从滇南芋和芋的整体来看,只要叶柄中下部颜色含有乌绿色成分,则母芋芽色一般为红色类型。从叶心色斑颜色来看,滇南芋中的绿色者,母芋芽色为白色类型;紫红色或紫色者,母芋芽色可能为白色类型,也可能为红色类型。芋中,多子芋叶心色斑颜色为紫红色者,母芋芽色为红色类型;黄绿色或绿色者,母芋芽色为白色类型。多头芋中,叶心色斑颜色为绿色者,母芋芽色为红色类型;紫红色者,母芋芽色为白色类型。     

早中熟芋新品种鄂芋1号的选育

鄂芋1号是以走马羊红禾为亲本,通过单株选择法选育而成的芋新品种.早中熟,株高100～130 cm,叶片长50～56 cm,宽39～45 cm,叶柄紫黑色,叶片绿色;芋芽、芋肉白色,子孙芋卵圆形,整齐,棕毛少,单株母芋1个,单株子孙芋数25个左右,单个子芋质量50～70 g,单个孙芋质量32～42 g,单株子孙芋总质量1...     

球茎甘蓝(苤蓝)新品种翠宝1号的选育

翠宝1号是以雄性不育系9693-87A为母本,自交系Z044-1为父本配制而成的杂交一代苤蓝新品种,球茎扁圆形,横径14.5 cm,纵径9.4 cm,球色翠绿,表面光滑,皮薄,肉白色,口感脆甜,粗纤维少,商品性好。单球质量1.2 kg。田间对黑腐病、霜霉病和病毒病的抗性强于对照青苤蓝。从定植到收获需要60 d(天),每667 m~2产量5 500 kg左右,适宜我国北方地区秋季露地栽培。     

The Minimization of Variability in Experiments on Apples Planted on the Site of A Previous Orchard: I. The Effect of Cultural Treatments Associated with Three Years’ Arable Cropping

Most of the frequency distributions of onion bulb weight throughout the growing period were found to be significantly and positively skewed. The positive skewness was significantly greater at high density than at low and increased significantly with time from sowing. A nomogram relating yield of various onion grade sizes to plant density was derived. For a particular cultivar grown in a known environment such a nomogram enables the plant density for optimum yield of a specified grade to be predicted.     

对辣椒病虫害科学用药防治方法研究

对辣椒病虫害科学用药防治研究认为:应根据辣椒的生育特性与所处生态环境及病虫发生发展规律,灵活掌握运用农药品种、时间、浓度和方法,才能达到防治高效经济,确保辣椒高产丰收。