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Introduction and aims: In the process of urbanization, fragmentation of environments leads to the loss of habitats and native species diversity. Rescue of plants for ex situ conservation can be an early intervention measure after disturbance. We analyzed the effect of soil removal on the population of the bulbous geophyte Zephyranthes gilliesiana (Herb.) Nic. García (Amaryllidaceae) and assessed the success of rescuing specimens for ex situ conservation. M&M: In a recently urbanized sector immersed in the steppe east of Bariloche city (Río Negro, Argentina), the frequency, cover, and density of Z. gillesiana plants were calculated and estimated in degraded and undisturbed reference areas. Sixty Z. gilliesiana plants were rescued, the depth localization of the bulb was recorded, and the relationship between bulb weight and early survival (60 days after transplanting) was evaluated. Results: Species richness and vegetation cover were lower in the degraded area than in the reference area. The frequency, cover and density of Z. gilliesiana were higher in the degraded area. Survival was 47% in plants with heavier bulbs (25% developed reproductive structures). Conclusions: We consider that the rescue of Z. gilliesiana was successful and its documentation together with the study of agamic and sexual propagation would contribute to generate conservation plans for this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to contribute to scientific knowledge of endemic species of Peru, the exomorphological and phytochemical screening of bulbs of Clinanthus microstephium (Ravenna) Meerow and Ismenes amancaes (Ker Gawl.) Herb. (Amaryllidaceae) was performed, which were collected around places called El Tablón and Rayanpampa, west of Salpo province Otuzco, La Libertad region, Peru. Exomorphological descriptions of plants were done in situ. Phytochemical screening was performed by successively extraction using solvents of ascending polarity (dichloromethane, ethanol and water), and proceeded to make the qualitative identification, using coloring and precipitation reagents. It was found a high diversity of phytoconstituents such as alkaloids, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, anthocyanins, triterpenes, steroid, reducing sugars, oils and fats, amino acids, resins and mucilages in bulbs of both species; while lactones and coumarins were found only in the bulbs of Clinanthus microstephium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growth in pots of three varieties of Iris xiphium was evaluated in four proportions of earthworm humus and diluted lixiviate used as foliar organic fertilizer. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized three factorial design where the following variables were measured: stem length (SL), bud length (BL), flower (FL), bud diameter (BD), flower diameter (FD), biomass (B), leaf area (LA) and days to harvest (HD). The results showed that the 'Telstar' range turned out to be the earlier. The best treatment in the range 'Telstar' for variables SL, BL, B, FD and HD corresponded to the proportion 30% of earthworm along with the 1:10 dilution of lixiviate the second best treatment was in the Discovery range with 40% of earthworm and 1:10 dilution of lixiviate for variables LT, AF and B. In regards the proportions of used earthworm the best results were obtained in the proportions 30 and 40% with the use of the 1:10 dilution lixiviate. The present study provides new information on the use of organic substrates and foliar fertilizer for sustainable, low environmental impact, flower crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

False zephyr (Az-del campo) (Habranthus gracilifolius) and hurricane lily (Az-colorada) (Rhodophiala biida) are native Argentinean species with ornamental potential value, but there is not enough information about these species. To establish the germination aptitude and the most suitable incubation regime, as well as the growth of leaves and bulbs, a germination test was performed and the seedlings were cultivated in pots during a year. Four incubation regimes were used: constant temperature of 20°C, or alternating temperatures of 10°/20°C or 20°/30°C, all with 8 hours of light, and alternating of 10°/20°C in darkness. Seeds of both species had a neutral reaction to light and at temperatures of 20°C or 10°/20°C, the energy and the inal germination percentage were higher than 75 and 92%, respectively, but under 20°/30°C the germination was delayed. From autumn to the end of spring the plants of Az-del campo showed up to 4 leaves and Az-colorada 2.5 leaves/plant, but in summer both species had not leaves at all. The bulbs showed lineal growth and the rates of Az-del campo (width = 0.022; length = 0.049 mm.day-) were higher than those of the Az-colorada (width = 0.011; length = 0.014 mm.day-1). The seed multiplication is effective but both species need more than a year from seedling emergency to reach reproductive stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The behavior of the mothers bulbs of onion (Allium cepa L.) was studied of the Cuban variety Caribe-71, smaller than 3 cm of diameter, comparing them with the other calibers used at the moment in the seed production, increasing the populational density as these were of smaller size until comparing the possibility of emission of floral shafts for area unit. The results show that although the bulbs of more size produce the biggest umbels and with more number of flowers, the high number of umbels that produce the high populations of smaller bulbs, they equal the yields in seeds for area of those of more size, and also the quality of the seed is similar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]