RESUMEN
In this study, we examined over 200-year-old Ginkgo biloba L. specimens under different environmental conditions. The overall aim was to explore which factors influence their vitality and general fitness in urban environments and thus their ability to tolerate stressful habitats. In order to determine this, we used a number of different methods, including histological examinations (stomatal density and size) and physiological measurements (peroxidase enzyme activity), as well as assessing the air pollution tolerance index (APTI). The investigation of the genetic relationships between individuals was performed using flow cytometry and miRNA marker methods. The genetic tests revealed that all individuals are diploid, whereas the lus-miR168 and lus-miR408 markers indicated a kinship relation between them. These results show that the effect of different habitat characteristics can be detected through morphological and physiological responses, thus indicating relatively higher stress values for all studied individuals. A significant correlation can be found between the level of adaptability and the relatedness of the examined individuals. These results suggest that Ginkgo biloba L. is well adapted to an environment with increased stress factors and therefore suitable for use in urban areas.
RESUMEN
There is no practical and at the same time objective colour system available for describing cultivated roses (Rosa L. cultivars). For this reason, a new colour classification system was developed which is colorimetrically balanced and appropriate for algorithmic colour identification; however, it is also suitable for field-work. The system is based on the following colorimetric criteria: (A) Each colour category is characterised by a measured petal colour in the CIE L*a*b* standard as the centroid of the category. (B) The CIEDE2000 colour differences between the adjacent centroid colours are limited (5 < ΔE00 < 7). (C) The maximal colour difference between the measured colours in a category is also limited (to 12.12 ΔE00). (D) A measured petal colour can only be classified into an existing category if the colour difference from the centroid colour of the given category is less than 5.81 ΔE00, otherwise a new category is required. (E) A category is only considered non-redundant if it has at least one measured petal colour that cannot be classified elsewhere. (F) The classification of the petal colours is based on the least colour difference from the centroid colours. As a result, 133 colour categories were required for describing all the 8139 petal colours of the rose cultivars of the Budatétény Rose Garden (Hungary). Each colour category has the following parameters: standardised colour name, the colorimetric parameters of the centroid, grouping, RHS colour chart coding, and reference cultivars, which are described in the article.
RESUMEN
The breeding of resistant, high-yield, decorative ornamental plant varieties may be impacted by climate change in the future. The use of radiation induces mutations in plants, thereby increasing the genetic variability of plant species. Rudbeckia hirta has long been a very popular species in urban green space management. The goal is to examine whether gamma mutation breeding can be applied to the breeding stock. Specifically, differences were measured between the M1 and M2 generations, as well as the effect of different radiation doses belonging to the same generation. Morphological measurements showed that gamma radiation has an effect on the measured parameters in several cases (larger crop size, faster development, larger number of trichomes). Physiological measurements (examination of chlorophyll and carotenoid content, POD activity, and APTI) also showed a beneficial effect of radiation, especially at higher doses (30 Gy), for both tested generations. The treatment was also effective in the case of 45 Gy, but this radiation dose resulted in lower physiological data. The measurements show that gamma radiation has an effect on the Rudbeckia hirta strain and may play a role in breeding in the future.
RESUMEN
Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) and other living organisms can help with the challenges of modern agriculture. PGPB offer ever-expanding possibilities for science and commerce, and the scientific results have been very advanced in recent years. In our current work, we collected the scientific results of recent years and the opinions of experts on the subject. Opinions and results on soil-plant relations, as well as the importance of PGPB and the latest related experiences, are important topics of our review work, which highlights the scientific results of the last 3-4 years. Overall, it can be concluded from all these observations that the bacteria that promote plant development are becoming more and more important in agriculture almost all over the world, thus, promoting more sustainable and environmentally conscious agricultural production and avoiding the use of artificial fertilizers and chemicals. Since many mechanisms of action, namely biochemical and operational processes, are still under investigation, a new emerging scientific direction is expected in the coming years with regard to PGPB, microbial, and other plant growth-stimulating substances, in which omics and microbial modulation also play a leading role.