Greenhouse Plant Production Journal

Abstract This study aimed to enhance the propagation efficiency of Bougainvillea spectabilis Alexandra by evaluating the synergistic effects of auxins (NAA and IBA), bottom heat, and blue light durations on rooting performance of stem cuttings under controlled conditions. A full factorial experiment in a completely randomized design with three replications was conducted. Factors included auxin types (NAA, IBA) at 0, 5, and 10 mg/L, bottom heat (±), and blue light durations (0, 2, 4 h/day). Parameters assessed were callus formation, shoot survival, root fresh/dry weight, rooting percentage, and rooting time. The combination of IBA at 10 mg/L with bottom heat and 2 h/day blue light significantly improved rooting percentage (88.7%), root fresh weight (396 mg/cutting), root dry weight (75.3 mg/cutting), and shoot survival rate (95%), while reducing rooting time to 50 days. Correlation analysis showed strong positive relationships between rooting percentage, root biomass, and shoot survival, and negative correlations with rooting time. The study was limited to one specific cultivar (‘Alexandra’) and controlled greenhouse conditions; further validation under commercial production settings is needed. This research provides a cost-effective and sustainable protocol for improving the propagation of woody ornamentals by integrating low-dose IBA with environmentally friendly physical stimuli (bottom heat and blue light), enhancing commercial production efficiency.

Abstract Early vegetative ontogeny of Pistacia vera L. seedlings critically governs subsequent arboreal architecture, canopy ontogenesis, and agronomic productivity. This controlled-environment investigation systematically evaluated foliar-applied putrescine (0, 0.25, 0.5, 1 mM) on morphometric, photochemical, metabolic, and oxidative stress indices in uniform 10-cm 'Badami Riz-e-Zarand' seedlings. Putrescine elicited concentration-dependent morphogenic optima at 0.5 mM, inducing +160% longitudinal shoot extension, +36% radial stem hypertrophy, +65% foliar primordia proliferation +156% assimilatory surface expansion, and +293% dry biomass accrual. Photochemical efficiency peaked concomitantly, with chlorophyll a/b and carotenoid augmentation (+92% total Chl,) paralleling carbohydrate anabolism (+146% reducing sugars, +102% starch,) and diminished fresh:dry mass ratio, signifying enhanced lignocellulosic consolidation. Osmoregulatory homeostasis was fortified via -67% electrolyte exudationو +65% proline hyperaccumulation, and -49% lipid hydroperoxidative catabolism. Antioxidative enzymatic cascades exhibited exponential induction (+319% peak catalase activity, encompassing superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and ascorbate peroxidase, thereby effectuating ROS scavenging homeostasis. Quadratic dose-response modeling confirmed 0.5 mM as the inflectional optimum across 18 physiological determinants, with 1 mM eliciting parabolic attenuation. These data substantiate exogenous putrescine (0.5 mM) as a potent biostimulant, orchestrating integrated morpho-physiological synergies that accelerate juvenile vigor, photosynthetic quantum yield, osmotic poise, membranal integrity, and redox homeostasis in P. vera seedlings. This mechanistic framework underpins precision horticultural interventions for optimized canopy establishment and sustained orchard productivity.

Abstract Zinc (Zn) and Iron (Fe) are essential micronutrients that play crucial role on crop plants. Adequate amount of these elements is required for metabolic synthesis, enzyme activity and improvement of overall yield. Mycorrhizal also enhance the uptake and facilitate absorption of water and essential elements in crop plants. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of foliar application of Zn and iron Fe oxides in both normal (2 g L-1) and nano form (1.5 g L-1) combined with inoculation mycorrhiza (Funneliformis mosseae) on root growth and some physiological characteristics in sorghum. Zn and Fe oxides in both normal and nano forms, increased the root growth. Normal form of Fe and Zn oxides showed the greater effect on this trait. Inoculation with Funneliformis mosseae, increased root and shoot dry weight 9.6% and enhanced root length and volume 12.6%. Moreover, Zn and Fe oxides treatments increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as guaiacol peroxidase (GPX), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and catalase (CAT) in leaf tissues. No significant difference was observed between the nano and normal forms regarding these antioxidant enzyme activities. Funneliformis mosseae as well as Fe and Zn oxide, increased the concentration of Fe and Zn in the leaves. The highest Fe and Zn concentrations were obtained under foliar application of Zn and Fe oxides in normal form. The results demonstrated that, under symbiosis with the Funneliformis mosseae, foliar application of Fe and Zn oxides in their normal form has a greater effect on root growth and enzyme activities in sorghum plants compared to the nano form.

Abstract Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a globally important vegetable crop, making the development of high-yielding, high-quality, and market-oriented cultivars a key breeding goal. This research investigated fruit yield and quality in 25 commercial tomato cultivars during three fruit ripening stages (S1: green, beginning of ripening, and S3: fully ripened under greenhouse conditions at Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications was used. Measured traits included total soluble solids (TSS), fruit firmness (FF), color indices (a*, b*, and L*), pH, fruit length (FL), fruit width (FW), fresh and dry fruit weights (FFW, DFW), internode length (IL), and total yield (YLD). Significant genetic variation was detected among cultivars for most traits, except pH, FW, and b* at S3, indicating high potential for selection. The results provided practical cultivar recommendations based on market demands. For the fresh market, ‘Sylviana’, ‘TM10857’, and ‘GS12’ were notable for their high TSS, appealing color, and moderate firmness, while ‘Goldy’ and ‘Aragon’ exhibited balanced traits. For processing, ‘Izmir’, ‘Sama’, and ‘Bernetta’ were preferred due to their deep red color and lower TSS, and ‘SV4129TH’ and ‘Bassimo’ offered a desirable balance of firmness and color. Dual-purpose cultivars like ‘SVH4040’, ‘SV3725’, and ‘RFT112’ demonstrated strong yield, firmness, and TSS performance, making them adaptable choices for fresh markets and processing industries. Overall, this study provides valuable insights for breeding and selection of tomato cultivars aligned with both consumer and industry needs.

Abstract This study investigated the phytochemical composition and antioxidant potential of edible flower according A factorial experiment on six species (Rosa spp., Calendula officinalis, Viola odorata, Trifolium pratense, Sambucus nigra, and Borago officinalis) using two solvents (aqueous and ethanolic) and four sample states (fresh, freeze-dried, and air-dried at 30 and 50 °C) a. Bioactive compounds were evaluated by total phenolic content (TPC) and monomeric anthocyanin content (MAC), while antioxidant activities were assessed through DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and reducing power (RP) assays. Results showed that both main factors and their interactions significantly influenced phytochemicals and antioxidant capacity. Fresh and freeze-dried flowers retained the highest levels of phenolics, anthocyanins, and antioxidant activity, whereas hot-air drying at 50 °C caused the greatest losses. Ethanolic extraction consistently outperformed aqueous extraction in recovering bioactive compounds and antioxidant potential. Correlation analysis indicated moderate positive associations between TPC and antioxidant assays, and strong correlations between MAC and RP. The study was limited to six species, selected drying temperatures, and two solvent types. Nevertheless, findings highlight that freeze-drying combined with ethanolic extraction is the most effective method to preserve phytochemical integrity and antioxidant capacity of edible flowers. These insights can guide food and nutraceutical industries in optimizing processing strategies for maintaining the nutritional and functional properties of floral ingredients.




 

Abstract This study explored the effect of gaseous enrichment of vase solution, in combination with ethylene inhibitors and bioactive chemical treatments, on vase life and antioxidant defense of Matthiola incana cv. ‘Lucinda’ cut flowers. Postharvest senescence and rapid quality loss remain critical limitations in commercial floral supply chains. A completely randomized factorial experiment was conducted including 20 treatment combinations, with three replicates per treatment and three stems per replicate (total 180 stems). Treatments consisted of gaseous signaling molecules (50 µM nitric oxide and 1% hydrogen gas) applied to vase solution, ethylene inhibitors (1-MCP and KMnO₄), and chemical solutions (distilled water; chitosan + CaCl₂; chitosan + SNP; chitosan + arginine; chitosan + STS). Evaluated traits included vase life, solution uptake, petal anthocyanin content, leaf carbohydrate concentration, antioxidant enzyme activity (CAT and POD), ion leakage, and stem water content. The combined treatment of nitric oxide, 1-MCP, and chitosan + SNP (G₁E₁C) produced the longest vase life (25.3 days), improved solution uptake, enhanced anthocyanin and carbohydrate accumulation, and effectively delayed senescence. Statistical analysis confirmed significant effects of gas enrichment, ethylene inhibitors, chemical treatments, and their interactions on most physiological traits (p < 0.05). Pearson correlation analysis indicated strong positive relationships between vase life and physiological indices. These results demonstrate that gaseous enrichment of vase solution, combined with ethylene inhibition and bioactive compounds, mitigates oxidative stress, preserves membrane integrity, and significantly extends vase life. This approach provides a promising and practical postharvest strategy for commercial cut flower management.