Missouri Botanical Garden bulletin.

v.46 (1958

Dendrobium Flower Color: Histology and Genetic Manipulation

Dendrobium is the most important cut flower orchid in the world. Understanding the chemical, histological and molecular aspects of flower color is crucial for the development of breeding strategies for novel colors. The objectives of this research were to examine the histology of flower color, cloning and characterization of flavonoid biosynthetic genes, and metabolic engineering of Dendrobium flavonoid pathway to obtain new colors. In Dendrobium, anthocyanins can be confined to a single layer of cells (epidermal or suepidermal) in pale flowers. More intensely colored flowers had anthocyanin in several cell layers. Striped patterns on the perianth were due to the restriction of pigment to cells surrounding the vascular bundles. Color perception is markedly influenced by the presence or absence of carotenoids. Four types of epidermal cells were found in Dendrobium: flat, dome, elongated dome, and papillate. Epidermal cell shape and cell packing in the mesophyll affected the visual texture. Perianth parts with flat cells and a tightly packed mesophyll had a glossy texture, whereas dome cells and loosely packed mesophyll contributed a velvety texture. The labella in the majority of flowers examined had a complex epidermis with more than one epidermal cell shape, predominantly papillate epidermal cells. We were able to isolate a full clone of Dendrobium dihydroflavonol 4-reductase (dfr), and partial clones of chalcone synthase (chs), flavonoid 3'- hydroxylase (J3'h) and flavonoid 3', 5'-hydroxylase (f3'5'h), from Dendrobium Jaquelyn Thomas ‘Uniwai Prince’ (UH503). Expression data indicated that dfr and chs were expressed to the greatest degree in unopened buds. Amount of f3'h and f3’5'h mRNA was too small to detect. Southern analysis has shown that f3'h and f3'5’h is represented by 2 copies each in UH503. These clones will be extremely useful in future for flower color manipulation. Two different color genes, dfr and f3'5'h from two non-orchid plants, under the constitutive promoter ubiquitin3, were inserted into Dendrobium Icy Pink ‘Sakura’ with the intention of creating orange-red and blue shades, which are absent in commercial Dendrobium. Presence of the transgene in two sets of transformants was confirmed by PCR. Expression of the transgene from a few plants was indicated by RT-PCR and northern analyses

Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center Vegetation Inventory

A study of the vegetation of Jacobsburg Environmental Center has documented the presence of 507 species of vascular plants of which 375 are native Pennsylvania plants and 132 (25.7%) are introduced species. Five types of native forest communities were mapped including Hemlock –(white pine) –red oak mixed hardwood forest, Red oak –mixed hardwood forest, Pitch pine –mixed hardwood forest, Bottomland palustrine hardwood forest, and Sycamore –(river birch) –box-elder floodplain forest. Successional forest types were also found to be common reflecting earlier agricultural and industrial uses of much of the area that is now the Environmental Education Center. Data collected in Henry’s Woods, which has been described as a remnant of old growth forest, documented the composition and size of trees present and raised issues of the future of the tract. Major recommendations include 1) continuation of efforts to control invasive species and 2) increased deer hunting to reduce the selective browsing that is reducing species diversity and retarding forest regeneration in Henry’s Woods and elsewhere in the Center

Wildflowers and Ferns of Kentucky

Since Kentucky is situated at a biological crossroads in eastern North America, citizens and visitors to this beautiful state are likely to be greeted by an astonishing variety of wildflowers. This non-technical guide—featuring more than five hundred dazzling full-color photographs by award-winning photographer Thomas G. Barnes—is the state’s indispensable guide to the most common species in the Commonwealth. With this book, readers will learn to identify and appreciate Kentucky wildflowers and ferns by matching photographs and leaf line drawings to the more than six hundred and fifty species of flowers covered in the book. Extremely practical and simple to use, the guide’s color photographs and line drawings appear with plant descriptions for easy identification, and plants are grouped by flower color and blooming season. Each species listing includes the plant’s common and scientific name, plant family, habitat, frequency, and distribution throughout Kentucky, with similar species listed in the notes. There is no other volume that covers the flora of Kentucky with such ease of identification. The first new statewide guide to appear in thirty years, with its combination of high quality photographs, illustrations, portability, and easy organization of information, Wildflowers and Ferns of Kentucky is an essential addition to the library or field pack of the wildflower enthusiast, naturalist, and anyone else who loves the outdoors. Thomas G. Barnes, an extension professor of forestry and wildlife specialist in the Department of Forestry, College of Agriculture at the University of Kentucky, is the author of Kentucky’s Last Great Places. Former naturalist S. Wilson Francis, Ph.D., is park superintendent at Natural Bridge State Resort Park in Kentucky. An essential addition to the library or field pack of the wildflower enthusiast or naturalist. —Kentucky Alumni A striking volume, memorable not only for its color photographs and plant descriptions but also for its introductory exposition of such pertinent matters as finding a good definition for \u27wildflower\u27 and one for \u27weed.\u27 —Mountain Eagle There isn\u27t a gardener on your gift list who wouldn\u27t be delighted by this book. Don\u27t forget-you need a copy too. —Southsider Wildflowers and Ferns of Kentucky is an extraordinarily beautiful, helpful, full color, 344-page guide showing 634 of the most common species of native ferns and seed-bearing wildflowers in Kentucky. —State Magazine Utilizes strong artistic compositions without compromising the identifiable characteristics of the plant. —Burpee Museum of Natural History This book is an excellent choice for professionals and general readers interested in the flora of Kentucky, adjacent states, and the northeastern US. . . . Highly recommended. —Choice Contains superb color photographs that make identifying the ferns and flowers much easier. —Modern Mountain Magazine A must-have for Kentuckiana gardeners. . . . A beautiful book that is easy to use (and carry) as a field guide. —Perry County News An astonishing variety of plant life exists in Kentucky\u27s diverse geography, and the book represents the impressive mix. . . . Even a botanical novice will benefit from perusing this delightfully blooming book. —Southern Livinghttps://uknowledge.uky.edu/upk_plant_sciences/1005/thumbnail.jp

Missouri Botanical Garden bulletin.

v.41 (1953

Missouri Botanical Garden bulletin.

v.38 (1950

The Seasonal Fluctuation of Flower Production in Bird of Paradise as Affected by Leaf Cooling Practices in Hawai i

Eighty 1-year-old seedlings of bird of paradise, derived from siblings of 4 seed pods, were planted in the field in Waimanalo, Hawaii in 1982. Three treatments were applied: misting, 4 seconds in 10- to 15-minute intervals in the daytime in August-November 1984 and again in June-October 1985; shading, 30% black polypropylene continuous shade starting in August 1984; and control. Leaf emergence, flower emergence, and flower harvest were recorded from June 1983 to June 1986. The effects of leaf cooling treatments on the occurrence of seasonal fluctuation in flower production and in flower abortion were investigated. Using air temperature and solar radiation measured at 10-minute intervals, a response surface regression for control leaf temperature accounted for 79% of variation. Regression analyses in mixed mode further indicated that, while mean air temperature 5 mm away from leaves was 31.3°C in sunny summer afternoons, control leaf temperature rose to 33.3°C, and misting and shading significantly reduced it from control by 4.5 and 3.2°C, respectively. Since characteristics in branch development and inflorescence bud development until leaf emergence were determined to remain unseasonal, flower production patterns were studied by simulating them from leaf emergence. Time intervals in inflorescence growth after leaf emergence were estimated by leaf degree-minute models observed at 10-minute intervals. The models satisfactorily predicted monthly flower production pattern by correctly indicating the occurrence of 4 peaks in the May 1985-May 1986 within 1 month. The use of leaf temperature enabled an estimation that a peak flowering period in July-September 1985 was extended by 1 month to October with misting in summer. Although as many as 45% of emerged leaves including 3.4% nonproducing leaves did not subtend flowers, flower abortion occurred all year without a seasonal fluctuation. Since leaf cooling by misting did not alter the number of flower abortion, flower abortion due to a high air temperature was judged unlikely to affect seasonal flower production pattern. Lack of available water and nutritional competition were suggested as possible causes of abortion

Agricultural research in New Hampshire, 1944, Bulletin, no. 354

The Bulletin is a publication of the New Hampshire Agricultural Experiment Station, College of Life Sciences and Agriculture, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire