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The current research aimed to investigate the impact of salicylic acid at concentrations of 0.00, 50.00, 100.00, and 150.00 mgl-1 via foliar spray, as well as nutritional requirement of NPK (19:19:19) at 0.00, 2.00, 3.00, and 4.00 g/pot. NPK monthly throughout the growing season, and their combined influence on the growth, flowering, and chemical composition of leaves of Pelargonium zonale, L. plants under full sun conditions in an open field. The findings indicated that the application of salicylic acid and/or NPK fertilizer led to a significant increase in most studied parameters compared to the control. In terms of Pelargonium zonale, L. plants, it was observed that spraying SA at 100.0 mgl-1 while using 3 g/pot mineral NPK monthly during the growing season resulted in the highest significant values for plant height, root volume, and root dry weight. Furthermore, results showed that plants receiving SA 150 mgl-1 combined with a medium rate of NPK application (3g/plant) monthly during the growing season had the highest significant values for stem diameter, leaf number per plant, leaf area and leaf dry weights, inflorescences number, and inflorescences diameter. The data total chlorophyll, carotenoids, leaf NPK contents revealed that the highest significant values were achieved in plants treated with SA 150 mgl-1 combined with medium and/or the highest rate of NPK application in comparison to untreated plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment was conducted in 2021 and 2022 seasons at the experimental nursery of Hort. Res. Inst., ARC, Giza, Egypt with the aim to investigate the influence of vermicompost at 0, 5 and 10 g/pot as a soil addition before planting and benzyladenine (BA) as a foliar spray at 0, 500 and 1000 mg/l five times individually or in a combination on vegetative growth, flowering and some chemical contents of Pelargonium zonale plants. Both vermicompost and BA treatments produced the highest values in most studied traits. As for the effect of interaction treatments, soil addition of vermicompost at 10 g/pot and foliar spraying with BA at 1000 mg/l was the most effective treatment for enhancing plant height (cm), branches and leaves number, root length (cm), fresh and dry weights of vegetative growth, and roots (g), number of flowers/plant, flowering stem length (cm), fresh and dry weights of flowers as well as total chlorophylls (mg/g f.w.), total carbohydrates, N, P and K percentages in both seasons. So, it is recommended to apply the interaction treatment of vermicompost at 10 g/pot as a soil addition and BA at 1000 mg/l as a foliar spray to enhance all vegetative growth, rooting, flowering and chemical constituents of Pelargonium zonale plants

The photosynthetically active green leaf (GL) and non-active white leaf (WL) tissues of variegated Pelargonium zonale provide an excellent model system for studying processes associated with photosynthesis and sink-source interactions, enabling the same microenvironmental conditions. By combining differential transcriptomics and metabolomics, we identified the main differences between these two metabolically contrasting tissues. Genes related to photosynthesis and associated pigments, the Calvin–Benson cycle, fermentation, and glycolysis were strongly repressed in WL. On the other hand, genes related to nitrogen and protein metabolism, defence, cytoskeletal components (motor proteins), cell division, DNA replication, repair and recombination, chromatin remodelling, and histone modifications were upregulated in WL. A content of soluble sugars, TCA intermediates, ascorbate, and hydroxybenzoic acids was lower, while the concentration of free amino acids (AAs), hydroxycinnamic acids, and several quercetin and kaempferol glycosides was higher in WL than in GL. Therefore, WL presents a carbon sink and depends on photosynthetic and energy-generating processes in GL. Furthermore, the upregulated nitrogen metabolism in WL compensates for the insufficient energy from carbon metabolism by providing alternative respiratory substrates. At the same time, WL serves as nitrogen storage. Overall, our study provides a new genetic data resource for the use of this excellent model system and for ornamental pelargonium breeding and contributes to uncovering molecular mechanisms underlying variegation and its adaptive ecological value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants are inevitably exposed to extreme climatic conditions that lead to a disturbed balance between the amount of absorbed energy and their ability to process it. Variegated leaves with photosynthetically active green leaf tissue (GL) and photosynthetically inactive white leaf tissue (WL) are an excellent model system to study source–sink interactions within the same leaf under the same microenvironmental conditions. We demonstrated that under excess excitation energy (EEE) conditions (high irradiance and lower temperature), regulated metabolic reprogramming in both leaf tissues allowed an increased consumption of reducing equivalents, as evidenced by preserved maximum efficiency of photosystem II (ФPSII) at the end of the experiment. GL of the EEE-treated plants employed two strategies: (i) the accumulation of flavonoid glycosides, especially cyanidin glycosides, as an alternative electron sink, and (ii) cell wall stiffening by cellulose, pectin, and lignin accumulation. On the other hand, WL increased the amount of free amino acids, mainly arginine, asparagine, branched-chain and aromatic amino acids, as well as kaempferol and quercetin glycosides. Thus, WL acts as an important energy escape valve that is required in order to maintain the successful performance of the GL sectors under EEE conditions. Finally, this role could be an adaptive value of variegation, as no consistent conclusions about its ecological benefits have been proposed so far. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Almost one-third of all infectious diseases are caused by viruses, and these diseases account for nearly 20% of all deaths globally. It is becoming increasingly clear that highly contagious viral infections pose a significant threat to global health and economy around the world. The need for innovative, affordable, and safe antiviral therapies is a must. Zinc oxide nanoparticles are novel materials of low toxicity and low cost and are known for their antiviral activity. The genus Pelargonium was previously reported for its antiviral and antimicrobial activity. In this work, Pelargonium zonale leaf extract chemical profile was studied via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and was used for the biosynthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles. Furthermore, the antiviral activity of the combination of P. zonale extract and the biosynthesized nanoparticles of ZnO against the human corona 229E virus was investigated. Results revealed that ZnONPs had been biosynthesized with an average particle size of about 5.5 nm and characterized with UV, FTIR, TEM, XRD, and SEM. The antiviral activity showed significant activity and differences among the tested samples in favor of the combination of P. zonale extract and ZnONPs (ZnONPs/Ex). The lowest IC50, 2.028 µg/mL, and the highest SI, 68.4 of ZnONPs/Ex, assert the highest antiviral activity of the combination against human coronavirus (229E). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial blight and leaf spot of geraniums is a destructive disease of cultivated Pelargonium species around the world. During 2020 to 2021, surveys were conducted in seven geranium-growing provinces of Iran to monitor the status of bacterial blight and leaf spot disease. The disease was observed in six surveyed provinces varying in the extent of occurrence and severity. Twenty-two gram-negative pale-yellow bacterial strains resembling members of Xanthomonas were isolated from symptomatic leaves and stems. Pathogenicity and host range assays showed that the bacterial strains were pathogenic on Pelargonium grandiflorum , P. graveolens , P. peltatum , and P. zonale . All strains were positive for a PCR test using the primer pair XcpM1/XcpM2, which is specific for X. hortorum pv. pelargonii . Phylogenetic analysis using the sequences of gyrB and lepA genes showed that the 22 strains clustered in a clade among the sequences of X. hortorum pv. pelargonii strains retrieved from GenBank but were distinct from the other pathovars of X. hortorum . BOX-PCR-based fingerprinting using BOX-A1R primer revealed that the strains isolated in this study were grouped into two clusters, while no distinct correlation was observed between the host/area of isolation and BOX-PCR fingerprinting. None of the strains obtained in this study nor the reference strain of the pathogen produced bacteriocin against each other. Results obtained in this study shed light on the geographic distribution, taxonomic status, and host range of the bacterial blight and leaf spot pathogen of geraniums in Iran, paving the path for further research on disease management., Competing Interests: The author(s) declare no conflict of interest.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were green synthesized using Pelargonum zonale leaf extract under three different heating methods, and their characteristics were evaluated using X-ray diffractometry (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay and antibacterial well diffusion method. The FT-IR analysis indicated that the Pelargonium leaf extract contained hydroxyl and amide I groups which were related to the proteins, carbohydrate, tannins and phenolic compounds of the extract and had an essential role in the reduction of the zinc ions and synthesis of the ZnO NPs. The obtained results revealed that the synthesized spherical individual ZnO NPs as well as the number of aggregates using microwave irradiation, autoclave and conventional heating (heater-stirrer) methods had average crystalline size of 51, 60 and 61 nm. Furthermore, antioxidant activities of the fabricated ZnO NPs were 7.8, 4.1 and 5.5% by using conventional heating, autoclave and microwave irradiation, respectively. The obtained results indicated that all the formed ZnO NPs had bactericidal effects against to the both Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria strains. However, the synthesized ZnO NPs using conventional heating method had the highest antibacterial activities toward both studied bacteria strains.

The present study focuses on the biogenic synthesis of selenium nanoparticles (Se NPs) using Pelargonium zonale leaf extract under microwave irradiation. Response surface methodology was used to evaluate the effects of the synthesis parameters, namely amounts of the leaf extract (0.5–2.5 ml) and amounts of the 10 mm sodium selenite solutions (15–65 ml), at constant microwave heating (4 min), on the concentration and particle size of the fabricated Se NPs, optimize the synthesis conditions and verify the generated models and the procedures. The obtained results indicated that Se NPs with preferable attributes of mean particle size (50 nm), zeta potential (−24.6 mV), absorbance [34.6% absorbance units (a.u.)] and broad absorption peak (319 nm) were formed at the optimum synthesis conditions including amounts of 1.48 ml and 15 ml Pelargonium leaf extract and sodium selenite solution, respectively. The antibacterial activities of the synthesized Se NPs against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus indicated that the created NPs had higher antibacterial activities toward the Gram-positive bacteria. Furthermore, the synthesized Se NPs indicated higher antifungal activities against Colletotrichum coccodes and Penicillium digitatum.

Ornamental pot flower crops grow on limited amount of soil, which leads to a rapid depletion of nutrients. Balanced supply with macro- and micro-nutrients plays significant role in the growth and flowering. For maintaining a lasting decorative effect, various organic and mineral fertilizers are used. The present research was conducted at the Institute of Ornamental and Medicinal Plants - Sofia. Pot experiments were carried out in greenhouse conditions to study the influence of several fertilizers: Grandiol, Masterbland, Lactofol, Compovet, Cocovet and Bio Start 93 on the growth and development of petunia (Petunia x hybrida), cv. „Surfinia – Red‟ and pelargonium (Pelargonium zonale), cv. „Sumer idols – true red‟. The mineral fertilizer Masterblend that is commonly used in horticulture showed better effect on the development, formation and flowering of pelargonium The plant height exceeded the control with 120% and the plant diameter was 130% over the nonfeeded plantsл The slow-releasing fertilizer Grandiol had positive influence on the size of pelargonium inflorescence. The use of biofertilizer stimulated the formation of larger inflorescences in pelargonium. At the applied doses no symptoms of phytotoxicity were noticed. In petunia, the use of organic fertilizers had lower impact on vegetative development, with the exception of Kokovet. From universal fertilizers, Lactofol showed stimulating effect on its growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Glasnik Zastite Bilja is the property of Zadruzna Stampa D.D. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The study evaluated the feasibility of simplified hydroponics for the growth of rooted cuttings of geranium (Pelargonium zonale) for commercial purposes in local farms in Northern Italy. Tested systems included a control where soilless system on substrate (peat) (T-1), usually adopted by local farmers, was compared against an open-cycle drip system on substrate (peat) (T-2), and a Nutrient Film Technique system (T-3). For commercial features, assessed parameters included flowering degree (flowering timing, numbers of inflorescences plant−1, and number of flowers inflorescence−1), numbers of leaves plant−1, number of branches plant−1, final height of plant, and the aesthetic-commercial assessment index. Assessed parameters also included fresh and dry weight, SPAD Index, the water consumption, and the water use efficiency (WUE). The soilless systems typology significantly affected rooted cuttings growth, commercial features, and WUE. The adoption of an open-cycle drip system (T-2) resulted in a significant improvement of all the crop commercial characteristics as compared with other treatments, making plants more attractive for the market. The water consumption was higher in T-2 as compared with T-1 and T-3, but it allowed for the highest fresh weight, and therefore also the highest WUE. The results indicate that the typology of soilless system significantly enhances the commercial characteristics of geranium.

Keywords: allergic contact dermatitis; case report; Geraniaceae; occupational; patch testing; Pelargonium zonale; plant EN allergic contact dermatitis case report Geraniaceae occupational patch testing Pelargonium zonale plant 328 329 2 03/15/23 20230401 NES 230401 Pelargonium hybrids of the geranium family (Geraniaceae) are popular pot and container plants in many European countries. Allergic contact dermatitis, case report, occupational, Geraniaceae, patch testing, Pelargonium zonale, plant Because of insufficient details in case reports, contact dermatitis from pelargoniums is not well documented.[1] CASE REPORT A 35-year-old atopic female greenhouse worker was referred because of occupational dermatitis of the forearms. [Extracted from the article]

Copyright of Journal of Plant Production is the property of Egyptian National Agricultural Library (ENAL) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Robust phenotypic data allow adequate statistical analysis and are crucial for any breeding purpose. Such data is obtained from experiments laid out to best control local variation. Additionally, experiments frequently involve two phases, each contributing environmental sources of variation. For example, in a former experiment we conducted to evaluate production related traits in Pelargonium zonale, there were two consecutive phases, each performed in a different greenhouse. Phase one involved the propagation of the breeding strains to obtain the stem cutting count, and phase two involved the assessment of root formation. The evaluation of the former study raised questions regarding options for improving the experimental layout: (i) Is there a disadvantage to using exactly the same design in both phases? (ii) Instead of generating a separate layout for each phase, can the design be optimized across both phases, such that the mean variance of a pair-wise treatment difference (MVD) can be decreased? To answer these questions, alternative approaches were explored to generate two-phase designs either in phase-wise order (Option 1) or across phases (Option 2). In Option 1 we considered the scenarios (i) using in both phases the same experimental design and (ii) randomizing each phase separately. In Option 2, we considered the scenarios (iii) generating a single design with eight replicates and splitting these among the two phases, (iv) separating the block structure across phases by dummy coding, and (v) design generation with optimal alignment of block units in the two phases. In both options, we considered the same or different block structures in each phase. The designs were evaluated by the MVD obtained by the intra-block analysis and the joint inter-block-intra-block analysis. The smallest MVD was most frequently obtained for designs generated across phases rather than for each phase separately, in particular when both phases of the design were separated with a single pseudo-level. The joint optimization ensured that treatment concurrences were equally balanced across pairs, one of the prerequisites for an efficient design. The proposed alternative approaches can be implemented with any model-based design packages with facilities to formulate linear models for treatment and block structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This investigation was conducted to evaluate the effects of post-harvest application of silver nanoparticles (N-Ag) and dark storage on plastid pigments, petal abscission, lipid peroxidation and activities of ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and guaiacol peroxidase (POD) in pelargonium cultivars ‘Blue Wonder’ and ‘Anthony’. N-Ag was applied as foliar spray in concentrations 0, 20, 40, 60 and 80 mg·cm-3 and then the plants were stored for 5 days in a growth chamber in darkness at temperature 20±2 °C and relative humidity 65%. The results revealed that after dark storage the petal abscission of cv. ‘Blue Wonder’ increased up to 40% but significantly decreased in plants treated with 60 mg·cm-3 of N-Ag. Cultivar ‘Anthony’ showed lesser petal abscission than ‘Blue Wonder’, namely 25% in control and 4% after treatment with 60 mg·cm-3 N-Ag. In both cultivars, treatment with N-Ag resulted in higher contents of leaf chlorophylls and carotenoids in comparison to untreated control. In response to treatments with 20-60 mg·cm-3 N-Ag, the activity of APX and POD was higher at the end of 5 days storage period than in the control plants, which coincided with improved post-harvest performance of both pelargonium cultivars. The enhancement of enzyme activities indicated possible beneficial effect of the applied treatment on alleviation of dark storage-induced oxidative stress. Also, in both cultivars, MDA content decreased significantly with the increase of N-Ag concentration up to 60 mg·cm-3 and then a rapid increase at 80 mg·cm-3 followed. It is concluded that treatment with silver nanoparticles is effective for preventing dark storage-induced petal abscission of pelargonium.

The aims of the study were (a) the assessment of growth and physiological response of a weed/alternative crop (purslane), an ornamental plant (geranium) and an edible vegetable (lettuce) to Zn- and Cd-contaminated industrial soil and (b) the investigation of the possible exclusion or accumulation process of these plants concerning Zn and Cd, evaluating thus their phytoremediation potential. Both Zn and Cd concentrations increased significantly in all three plant species in the contaminated soil compared to the uncontaminated control. Metal soil-to-plant transfer coefficient was lower in the first soil compared to control, indicating slower metal uptake with increased metal concentrations in soil. Geranium exhibited a growth promotion along with a better photosynthetic performance in the industrial soil. Purslane displayed an altered architecture and a more massive old leaf cohort, but its overall growth remained unaffected by increased [Zn] and [Cd], similarly to lettuce. No effects on PSII photochemical efficiency and photosynthetic pigments of all studied species were recorded. We conclude that metal uptake by plants remained within the limits of favorable growth and metal bioavailability was determined by (a) the fact that metals were deposited over long periods and were thus strongly retained by soil colloidal phases and (b) Cd/Zn antagonism. The results highlight the importance of soil history component in shaping heavy metal behavior, determining thus their bioavailability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green-white variegated leaves of Pelargonium zonale were studied using the photoacoustic method. Our aim was to characterize photosynthetically active green tissue and nonphotosynthetically active white tissue by the photoacoustic amplitude signals. We observed lower stomatal conductance and higher leaf temperature in white tissue than in green tissue. Besides these thermal differences, significantly higher absorbance in green tissue was based on chlorophyll and carotenoids which were absent in white tissue. However, optical properties of epidermal layers of both tissues were equal. The photoacoustic amplitude of white tissue was over four times higher compared to green tissue, which was correlated with lower stomatal conductance. In addition, at frequencies >700 Hz, the significant differences between the photoacoustic signals of green and white tissue were obtained. We identified the photoacoustic signal deriving from photosynthetic oxygen evolution in green tissue, using high intensity of red light modulated at 10 Hz. Moreover, the photoacoustic amplitude of green tissue increased progressively with time which corresponded to the period of induction of photosynthetic oxygen evolution. For the first time, very high frequencies (1 kHz to 5 kHz) were applied on leaf material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen peroxide is an important signalling molecule, involved in regulation of numerous metabolic processes in plants. The most important sources of H2O2 in photosynthetically active cells are chloroplasts and peroxisomes. Here we employed variegated Pelargonium zonale to characterise and compare enzymatic and non-enzymatic components of the antioxidative system in autotrophic and heterotrophic leaf tissues at (sub)cellular level under optimal growth conditions. The results revealed that both leaf tissues had specific strategies to regulate H2O2 levels. In photosynthetic cells, the redox regulatory system was based on ascorbate, and on the activities of thylakoid-bound ascorbate peroxidase ( tAPX) and catalase. In this leaf tissue, ascorbate was predominantly localised in the nucleus, peroxisomes, plastids and mitochondria. On the other hand, non-photosynthetic cells contained higher glutathione content, mostly located in mitochondria. The enzymatic antioxidative system in non-photosynthetic cells relied on the ascorbate-glutathione cycle and both Mn and Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase. Interestingly, higher content of ascorbate and glutathione, and higher activities of APX in the cytosol of non-photosynthetic leaf cells compared to the photosynthetic ones, suggest the importance of this compartment in H2O2 regulation. Together, these results imply different regulation of processes linked with H2O2 signalling at subcellular level. Thus, we propose green-white variegated leaves as an excellent system for examination of redox signal transduction and redox communication between two cell types, autotrophic and heterotrophic, within the same organ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pelargonium(Pelargonium zonale) is grown as potted plants for their colorful, showy flowers and scented foliage. Leaf senescence is a common problem in Pelargonium and leads to high post harvest losses during transport and storage. Dark stress has been implicated in promoting senescence, while cytokines retard it. The effects of post-harvest treatments with Thidiazuron (TDZ) in four level (0, 25, 50, 75,100 μml-1) during simulated transport (5 days, 20±2 °C and 95% RH) were investigated in two cultivars 'Anthuny' and 'Blue wonder'. We examined the possible use of this compound for delaying leaf yellowing in potted pelargonium during dark storage. Petal abscission increased after dark stress in both cultivars. Furthermore, leaf yellowing extended without any treatments. Plants treated with TDZ for 3 days had higher leaf chlorophyll contents than untreated especially in (75 μml-1). In addition, they showed more antioxidant enzyme activity (APX, SOD) than control during dark stress. So, thidiazuron could counteracted the deleterious effects of darkness by delaying the onset of leaf yellowing in Pelargonium pot plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Pelargonium (Pelargonium x hortorum) is grown as potted or bedding plants for their colourful, showy flowers and scented foliage. Absence of senescence symptoms in the leaves of Pelargonium cuttings, their capacity to initiate roots and continued growth of initiated roots is an important quality attribute. The effects of postharvest treatments with meta-topolin (mT) and thidiazuron (TDZ) to ‘Katinka’Pelargonium cuttings were investigated. Leaves treated with mT or TDZ for 5d had higher leaf chlorophyll contents than untreated controls. Exposing cuttings to mT had no effect on the rooting proportion (%) and average root diameter. Similarly, 0.05mMmT had no effect on number of roots per cutting. However, mT slightly reduced root length, root surface area and total volume of the roots. TDZ severely inhibited adventitious root formation, thus it reduced all the root parameters investigated. In conclusion, mT is very active in retarding leaf senescence, and combined with the observed ease of rooting of cuttings after mT treatment, this treatment is a suitable alternative to TDZ in delaying the onset of leaf yellowing in ornamental crops. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Pelargonium is one of the most popular garden plants in the world. Moreover, it has a considerable economic importance in the ornamental plant market. Conventional cross-breeding strategies have generated a range of cultivars with excellent traits. However, gene transfer via Agrobacterium tumefaciens could be a helpful tool to further improve Pelargonium by enabling the introduction of new genes/traits. We report a simple and reliable protocol for the genetic transformation of Pelargonium spp. and the production of engineered long-life and male sterile Pelargonium zonale plants, using the pSAG12::ipt and PsEND1::barnase chimaeric genes respectively. Results: The pSAG12::ipt transgenic plants showed delayed leaf senescence, increased branching and reduced internodal length, as compared to control plants. Leaves and flowers of the pSAG12::ipt plants were reduced in size and displayed a more intense coloration. In the transgenic lines carrying the PsEND1::barnase construct no pollen grains were observed in the modified anther structures, which developed instead of normal anthers. The locules of sterile anthers collapsed 3-4 days prior to floral anthesis and, in most cases, the undeveloped anther tissues underwent necrosis. Conclusion: The chimaeric construct pSAG12::ipt can be useful in Pelargonium spp. to delay the senescence process and to modify plant architecture. In addition, the use of engineered male sterile plants would be especially useful to produce environmentally friendly transgenic plants carrying new traits by preventing gene flow between the genetically modified ornamentals and related plant species. These characteristics could be of interest, from a commercial point of view, both for pelargonium producers and consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of post harvest application of ethylene, abscisic acid (ABA), indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) treatments or dark storage on root induction and continued growth of regenerated roots in Pelargonium cuttings were investigated using hydroponics in the greenhouse. Ethylene markedly increased rooting percentage in ‘Greco’ and ‘Surfing’, reduced the number of roots per cutting in ‘Surfing’ and had no effect on the total root lengths in the two cultivars. Ethylene treatment reduced fresh root mass in ‘Surfing’, increased dry root mass and reduced root water content in both cultivars. ABA (50 μM) enhanced rooting percentage in ‘Greco’, reduced the number of roots per cutting, reduced total root lengths and fresh root mass in both cultivars. ABA increased dry root mass and reduced root water content in ‘Surfing’ but this effect was not apparent in ‘Greco’. Storing cuttings in the dark for 4 days had no effect on rooting percentage and number of roots per cutting in ‘Greco’ and ‘Surfing’. However, dark storage reduced total root lengths in ‘Surfing’ and reduced fresh root mass in ‘Greco’. Dark storage had no effect on dry root mass and water content in both cultivars. Applying 4 μl l−1 IBA in the rooting solution induced maximum (100%) root induction in ‘Surfing’. However, IBA reduced the number of roots per cutting in ‘Greco’, reduced total root lengths and fresh root mass in the two cultivars. IBA treatment profoundly increased and reduced dry root mass and root water content, respectively, in ‘Greco’ and ‘Surfing’. The enhanced root induction observed after IBA and ABA applications could be ascribed to their influence on ethylene biosynthesis, since ethylene treatment increased rooting percentage in both cultivars. However, high ABA (100 μM) and IBA (12 μl l−1) levels or dark storage reduced the ability of induced roots to continue growth. We attribute our results to plant stress-response mechanism and ethylene appears to play an important role in the process of root initiation and root growth in Pelargonium cuttings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Phytoremediation popularly known as ''green clean technology'' is a new promising technology used for toxic contaminants removal from the environment such as heavy metals (HMs), adopting suitable plants. This concept is increasingly being adopted as it is a cost effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional methods of treatment. This study was focused on using scented geranium, Pelargonium zonale, as accumulator or hyperaccumulator plant for natural lead extraction from artificially contaminated soil with different Pb concentrations (0, 2000, 5000, 7000 ppm). Utilization of EDTA as a chelator, that would permit higher metal availability and uptake by the tested plants roots, was also tested. Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) was used to follow up Pb concentrations in both soil and plant green harvestable parts known as shoots, before, during and after lead addition in soil. LIBS measurements were conducted in a microdestructive way by focusing a high energy Nd:YAG laser, emitting at 1064 nm, on plant and soil samples previously dried, homogenized and pressed in pellets. The emitted LIBS spectra were acquired by a gated CCD after dispersion on a monochromator and analyzed to retrieve relative concentrations of the selected HM both in the soil and on plants as a function of the time after doping and eventual chelator addition. EDTA was found to enhance Pb uptake from the soil which increased with time, good correlation was found between LIBS and ICP-OES results of plant tissues spectrochemical analysis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Experiments were conducted to clarify the optimal dose and timing of single applications of Ulocladium atrum for control of gray mold on pot rose and pelargonium under conditions similar to those found in commercial greenhouses. In general, application of the antagonist 1-d prior to infestation with conidia of Botrytis cinerea was more effective than application after the infection period. For pot rose, the minimum effective dose when compared to the fungicide fenhexamid was 106 conidiaml−1 and persisted for up to 21-d in direct comparison to the fungicide. The effect of pre-emptive application of the antagonist, while significant, was smaller and persisted for a shorter time on pelargonium; when compared to the fungicide, U. atrum was ineffective; however, high application rates and pre-emptive application were more effective than lower application rates or application subsequent to the infection. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Münch hypothesis of phloem transport has been significantly modified in the past 50 years and is now widely accepted. The short and therefore noncomprehensive survey remembers earlier data verifying the dependency of mass flow on metabolic control. Speed measurements and other strong arguments for the validity of the Münch hypothesis are examined, physicochemical obstacles still persist, but molecular detection and localization of sucrose transporters inside the sieve-tube system are in accordance with the mass flow mechanism. Taking into account source–sink control, the lateral sinks pose new problems, unless acceptance of a continuous control along the conduits improves the theory. A view into future research is advised: the gymnosperm sieve cell system seems to act as a super relay system consisting of a chain of “micro-Münch”-systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]