DOCSLIB.ORG

LASER IRRADIATION EFFECTS on SCORZONERA (Scorzonera Hispanica L.) SEED GERMINATION and SEEDLING EMERGENCE

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
LASER IRRADIATION EFFECTS on SCORZONERA (Scorzonera Hispanica L.) SEED GERMINATION and SEEDLING EMERGENCE ISSN 1644-0692 www.acta.media.pl Acta Sci. Pol. Hortorum Cultus, 14(2) 2015, 145-158 LASER IRRADIATION EFFECTS ON SCORZONERA (Scorzonera hispanica L.) SEED GERMINATION AND SEEDLING EMERGENCE Marcela Krawiec, Agata Dziwulska-Hunek, Agnieszka Sujak, Salwina Palonka University of Life Sciences in Lublin Abstract. Laser stimulation is a non-expensive and environmentally safe way of the im- proving of seeds quality. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of He-Ne laser irradiation on the germination parameters of scorzonera seeds. Seeds were character- ized with different quality expressed by germination capacity. Experimental material con- sisted of 4 lots of scorzonera seeds having initial germination capacity between 50.8 and 93.0%. Seeds were treated with laser He-Ne light of surface power density of 3 mW·cm-2 and the time of exposition of 0 (control), 1, 5, 10 and 30 minutes. After pre-sowing stimu- lation of seeds the following parameters were estimated: germination energy, germination capacity, mean germination time, speed of germination, hypocotyl length, length of radi- cle, fresh and dry weight of seedling, field emergence, mean emergence time and speed of emergence. Pre-sowing laser treatment resulted in increasing of the several parameters such as germination energy, germination capacity, speed of germination, hypocotyl and radicle length, as well as fresh and dry weight of seedlings. Laser light stimulation was the most effective in the case of low quality seeds (initial germination capacity of 50.8%). Irradiation of the seeds belonging to this group also resulted in the increase of the seedling emergence and the speed of emergence. Key words: scorzonera, He-Ne laser light, seed quality, germination capacity, emergence INTRODUCTION Scorzonera hispanica L. is known like a root vegetable mostly in Europe. It is called a scorzonera, black salsify, black oyster plant or viper’s grass. Black salsify, which originates from Southern Europe, is a perennial frost-hardy meadow plant. In cultivation it is treated like a biennial. In first year it forms a leaf rosette and a taproot, up to 0.5 m Corresponding author: Marcela Krawiec, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland, Leszczyńskiego 58 Street, 20-068 Lublin, e-mail: [email protected] © Copyright by Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Przyrodniczego w Lublinie, Lublin 2015 146 M. Krawiec, A. Dziwulska-Hunek, A. Sujak, S. Palonka long, that has a milky white interior with dark brown or blackish skin. It is the taproot which is most often eaten as a vegetable. Young leaves are used as a salad. In the sec- ond year, the inflorescence stems and seeds are formed [Nuez and Bermejo 1994, Kilian et al. 2009]. Roots of this vegetable may be consumed raw, cooked and as well as fro- zen or canned food [Nuez and Bermejo 1994]. Scorzonera is known for the high content of polysaccharide inulin in its root. This compound as a prebiotic stimulates growth of the useful intestinal bacteria (Bifidobacteria species and other bacteria), thanks to mak- ing the operation of the alimentary canal more efficient, thus preventing constipation [Kelly 2008]. Scorzonera is propagated from the seed. The achenes are 10 to 20 mm long, cylin- drical, whitish and rough [Nuez and Bermejo 1994]. Scorzonera belongs to vegetables which seed quite quickly loose its viability. Under good storage conditions seed main- tain a high germination capacity for only two years [Stephens 1994]. Therefore the challenge of the modern agriculture is to accomplish high crop yield of the cultivated plants with usage of environmentally friendly agricultural methods. The important factor increasing crop is usage of a high quality sowing material charac- terized with high germination capacity and delivery of the rapid and uniform seedling emergence. Laser light irradiation, magnetic or electric field treatment are the environ- mentally friendly physical methods of improving seed quality [Pietruszewski 2002, Soltani et al. 2006, Gładyszewska 2011]. Particularly beneficial effects were observed after application of laser light. Laser is the device producing monochromatic and coher- ent light with a parallel beams. Due to a very narrow emission line and a parallel beams it is possible to focus the laser radiation within the very defined area and to obtain a relatively high power density [Hoffmann 1996]. The laser stimulation method uses the physical phenomenon consisting of the ability to absorb and store light energy, trans- form into chemical energy, store it and use it in the growth, later [Gładyszewska 2011]. In most experiments He-Ne lasers are applied. Single cases of application of semicon- ducting, argon or CO2 lasers happen. Domination of the He-Ne lasers is strictly con- nected to its characteristic wavelength of 632.4 nm which corresponds to red light as- signed as having the positive effect on plants [Dziwulska 2006]. Experiments conducted in different laboratories indicate the positive effect of irra- diation of the seeds on the growth and development of the cultivating plants. Results obtained by different groups indicate that the pre-sowing laser treatment influences mostly the process of seed germination and the seedling growth at the very early stages [Dziwulska 2006, Muszyński and Gładyszewska 2008, Dziwulska-Hunek et al. 2009, Soliman and Harith 2010, Sujak et al. 2013]. Some authors showed that in some cases the effects of laser irradiation occur also in the later development stages which results in the increasing of the crop yield, improvement of crop quality, acceleration of the plant growth and ripening, increase of the plant mineral content or the increase of the plant resistance to stress [Vasilevski and Bosev 1997, Truchliński et al. 2002, Podleśny and Podleśna 2004, Sujak et al. 2009, Ćwintal and Dziwulska-Hunek 2013]. Many authors demonstrate that the success of stimulation caused by monochromatic and low intensity laser light is dependent on wavelength, irradiation time and irradiation dose [Rybiński 2000, Hernandez et al. 2006, 2010, Soliman and Harith 2010]. Lower doses of laser light activate plants, resulting in increasing bioenergetical potential of the _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Acta Sci. Pol. Laser irradiation effects on scorzonera (Scorzonera hispanica L.) seed germination... 147 cell and higher activation of their biochemical and physiological processes. Higher doses influence genetical material of the cell leading to genetic changes of plant traits [Rybiński 2000]. Usually the seeds of high quality were subjected to experiments on the effect of the pre-sowing laser irradiation. Often unexpected circumstances force to sow the seeds of the reduced quality such as old, defective or improperly stored. Such sowing material produces weak and thinned out field emergences what negatively affects the crop yield. The objective of the presented study was to determine the effect of laser irradiation on the germination of scorzonera seeds of different quality and on its emergence. MATERIAL AND METHODS Experiments were conducted in the year 2013 in the Department of Physics and in the Department of Horticultural Seed Production and Nursery of the Life Sciences Uni- versity in Lublin, Poland. The experimental material consisted of 4 lots of scorzonera seeds cv. ‘Maxima’. Seeds collected in the years 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 (marked as lots 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively) were used. Seeds were characterized with different qual- ity expressed by an initial germination capacity (tab. 2). Seeds were stored in the fridge at the temperature of 5°C. The meteorological conditions in the years of seed harvest were very similar and did not differ the germination capacity. While measuring 3 months after harvest it oscillated between 85 and 90%. Seeds were stimulated with the He-Ne light of a surface power density of 3 mW·cm-2 and the exposition times of 0 (control), 1, 5, 10 and 30 min. The appliance using the method of variable energy doses was used [Koper 1996] with the vertical direction of interacting with seeds He-Ne laser beam. Laser beam falled from the top onto the seeds equally distributed underneath. The exposition time was measured with a timer. The following parameters were estimated after pre-sowing seed stimulation with la- ser light: germination energy, germination capacity, mean germination time, speed of germination, hypocotyl length, length of radicle, fresh and dry weight of seedling, field emergence, mean emergence time and speed of emergence. The assessment of the selected germination parameters was conducted under the standard germination test done in 4 repetitions on 100 of seeds from each experimental setting. Seeds were sown on moistened double blotting paper on the day following laser stimulation. Then they were rolled up and placed upright in containers. The containers were covered with plastic bags. The seeds germinated in a thermostat at temperature of 20°C (±1°C), in darkness. The conditions of the seeds germination followed all routine seed testing rules given by ISTA [2004]. The germination energy (expressed in terms of the rate of normally germinating seeds) was calculated after 4 days from sowing the seeds on blotting paper, while the germination capacity was estimated after 8 days [ISTA 2004]. Everyday counting of the normally germinating seeds allowed for estimation of the mean germination time based on Pieper’s coefficient [W] and of the speed of
Load more

Recommended publications
  • COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 2002/55/EC of 13 June 2002 on the Marketing Of
    20.7.2002 EN Official Journal of the European Communities L 193/33 COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 2002/55/EC of 13 June 2002 on the marketing of vegetable seed THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, (8) Rules established at international level should be taken into account for certain provisions relating to the approval of varieties at national level. Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 37 thereof, (9) In order to carry out the examinations for the acceptance of a variety, a large number of uniform Having regard to the proposal from the Commission, criteria and minimum requirements must be laid down. 1 Having regard to the Opinion of the European Parliament ( ), (10) Provisions relating to the length of time during which acceptance of a variety is to remain valid, the grounds on which acceptance may be revoked and the practices Having consulted the Economic and Social Committee, for maintenance of the variety must be standardized. Member States should inform one another of the acceptance and withdrawal of varieties. Whereas: (11) It is desirable to adopt rules in relation to the suitability (1) Council Directive 70/458/EEC of 29 September 1970 of varietal denominations and for the exchange of on the marketing of vegetable seed (2) has been information between the Member States. frequently and substantially amended (3). For reasons of clarity and rationality the said Directive should be codified. (12) Seed of varieties listed in the common catalogue of varieties should not be subject within the Community to (2) The production of vegetable seed occupies an important any marketing restrictions relating to variety.
    [Show full text]
  • Karyology of the Scorzonera L. (Asteraceae) Taxa from Turkey
    E. MARTİN, Ö. ÇETİN, S. MAKBUL, A. DURAN, M. ÖZTÜRK, D. BODUROĞLU, B. EŞMEKAYA Turk J Biol 36 (2012) 187-199 © TÜBİTAK doi:10.3906/biy-1008-46 Karyology of the Scorzonera L. (Asteraceae) taxa from Turkey Esra MARTİN1, Özlem ÇETİN1, Serdar MAKBUL2, Ahmet DURAN1, Meryem ÖZTÜRK1, Derya BODUROĞLU1, Bahriye EŞMEKAYA3 1Department of Biology Education, Selçuk University, Ahmet Keleşoğlu Education Faculty, Konya - TURKEY 2Department of Biology, Rize University, Science and Arts Faculty, Rize - TURKEY 3Department of Biology, Niğde University, Science and Arts Faculty, Niğde - TURKEY Received: 09.08.2010 Abstract: In this study, the karyotypes of 13 taxa of the tribe Lactuceae growing naturally in Turkey were examined. Of the species of the genus Scorzonera L. (Asteraceae), S. laciniata L. subsp. laciniata, S. cana (C.A.Mey.) Hoff m. var. jacquiniana (W.Koch) Chamb., S. suberosa C.Koch subsp. suberosa, S. mollis M.Bieb. subsp. mollis, S. papposa DC., S. lacera Boiss. & Bal., S. elata Boiss., and S. parvifl ora Jacq. have a diploid chromosome number of 2n = 14. For S. phaeopappa (Boiss.) Boiss., this number is 2n = 28, and for S. eriophora DC., S. pseudolanata Grossh., S. tomentosa L., and S. kotschyi Boiss., it is 2n = 12. Th e average chromosome length of the taxa examined was between 1.20 and 7.63 μm. All of the taxa have median and submedian chromosome pairs in their chromosome morphologies. With the exception of S. parvifl ora, the chromosome morphologies of the taxa examined are presented here for the first time. Key words: Scorzonera, Compositae, karyotype, Turkey Türkiye’den Scorzonera L.
    [Show full text]
  • COVER CROPS and SOIL-BORNE FUNGI DANGEROUS TOWARDS the CULTIVATION of SALSIFY (Tragopogon Porrifolius Var
    Acta Sci. Pol., Hortorum Cultus 10(2) 2011, 167-181 COVER CROPS AND SOIL-BORNE FUNGI DANGEROUS TOWARDS THE CULTIVATION OF SALSIFY (Tragopogon porrifolius var. sativus (Gaterau) Br.) Elbieta Patkowska, Mirosaw Konopiski University of Life Sciences in Lublin Abstract. Salsify has a remarkable taste and nutritious values. It is a rich source of inulin – a glycoside which has a positive effect on human and animal organisms. The paper pre- sents studies on the species composition of soil-borne fungi infecting the roots of Tragopogon porrifolius var. sativus cultivated with the use of oats, tansy phacelia and spring vetch as cover crops. In a field experiment the cover crops formed abundant green mass before winter and it constituted a natural mulch on the surface of the plough land. It was managed in two ways: 1) mixed with the soil as a result of spring ploughing, or 2) mixed with the soil as a result of pre-winter ploughing. The conventional cultivation of salsify, i.e. without cover crops, constituted the control. The studies established the number and health status of four-week-old salsify seedlings and roots with necrotic signs. A laboratory mycological analysis made it possible to determine the quantitative and qualitative composition of fungi infecting the underground parts of Tragopogon porri- folius var. sativus. The emergences and the proportion of infected salsify seedlings varied and depended on the species of the mulching plant. The smallest number of infected seed- lings was obtained after the mulch with oats, slightly more after the application of spring vetch or tansy phacelia as cover crops, and the most in the control.
    [Show full text]
  • Inf.9 Proposal from Germany
    INF.9 PROPOSAL FROM GERMANY This proposal reflects the wish of delegates expressed during the 56 th session of the Specialized Section: – to elaborate a standard for root vegetables other than carrots, – to include the tubercle vegetables. The intention of this standard for root and tubercle vegetables is, to integrate the existing UNECE standards for scorzonera (FFV-33), horse-radish (FFV-20), and radishes (FFV-43). Thus, while approving this draft standard as new UNECE standard, these standards should be withdrawn. UNECE STANDARD FFV-No concerning the marketing and commercial quality control of ROOT AND TUBERCLE VEGETABLES 1 I. DEFINITION OF PRODUCE This standard applies to root and tubercle vegetables of varieties (cultivars) grown from the following species to be supplied fresh to the consumer, root and tubercle vegetables for industrial processing being excluded: – beet tubercle ( Beta vulgaris L. ssp. vulgaris var. vulgaris und var. lutea DC.), – celeriac ( Apium graveolens L. var. rapaceum (Mill.) Gaudin), – Hamburg parsley ( Petroselinum crispum (Mill.) Nyman ex A. W. Hill var. tuberosum (Bernh.) Mart Crov.), – horse-radish ( Armoracia rusticana Gottfr. Gaertn., B. Mey. et Scherb.), – kohlrabi, cabbage turnip (Brassica olearacea var. gongylodes L.) – parsnips ( Pastinaca sativa L.), – radishes ( Raphanus sativus L. var. sativus ), – radishes ( Raphanus sativus var. niger (Mill.) J. Kern.). – salsify ( Tragopogon porrifolius L. ssp. porrifolius ), – scorzonera ( Scorzonera hispanica L.), – swede ( Brassica napus L. (Napobrassica-group)), – turnips ( Brassica rapa L. (Rapa-group)), – turnip-rooted chervil or bulbous chervil ( Chaerophyllum bulbosum L.), – root and tubercle vegetables of other species and any hybrids. II. PROVISIONS CONCERNING QUALITY 1 Note: For carrots ( Daucus carota L.) the UNECE standard FFV-10 applies.
    [Show full text]
  • Seedimages Species Database List
    Seedimages.com Scientific List (possibly A. cylindrica) Agropyron trachycaulum Ambrosia artemisifolia (R) not Abelmoschus esculentus Agrostemma githago a synonym of A. trifida Abies concolor Agrostis alba Ambrosia confertiflora Abronia villosa Agrostis canina Ambrosia dumosa Abronia villosum Agrostis capillaris Ambrosia grayi Abutilon theophrasti Agrostis exarata Ambrosia psilostachya Acacia mearnsii Agrostis gigantea Ambrosia tomentosa Acaena anserinifolia Agrostis palustris Ambrosia trifida (L) Acaena novae-zelandiae Agrostis stolonifera Ammi majus Acaena sanguisorbae Agrostis tenuis Ammobium alatum Acalypha virginica Aira caryophyllea Amorpha canescens Acamptopappus sphaerocephalus Alcea ficifolia Amsinckia intermedia Acanthospermum hispidum Alcea nigra Amsinckia tessellata Acer rubrum Alcea rosea Anagallis arvensis Achillea millifolium Alchemilla mollis Anagallis monellii Achnatherum brachychaetum Alectra arvensis Anaphalis margaritacea Achnatherum hymenoides Alectra aspera Andropogon bicornis Acmella oleracea Alectra fluminensis Andropogon flexuosus Acroptilon repens Alectra melampyroides Andropogon gerardii Actaea racemosa Alhagi camelorum Andropogon gerardii var. Adenostoma fasciculatum Alhagi maurorum paucipilus Aegilops cylindrica Alhagi pseudalhagi Andropogon hallii Aegilops geniculata subsp. Allium canadense Andropogon ternarius geniculata Allium canadense (bulb) Andropogon virginicus Aegilops ovata Allium cepa Anemone canadensis Aegilops triuncialis Allium cernuum Anemone cylindrica Aeginetia indica Allium fistulosum Anemone
    [Show full text]
  • Phytochemical Composition and Biological Activities of Scorzonera Species
    International Journal of Molecular Sciences Review Phytochemical Composition and Biological Activities of Scorzonera Species Karolina Lendzion 1 , Agnieszka Gornowicz 1,* , Krzysztof Bielawski 2 and Anna Bielawska 1 1 Department of Biotechnology, Medical University of Bialystok, Kilinskiego 1, 15-089 Bialystok, Poland; [email protected] (K.L.); [email protected] (A.B.) 2 Department of Synthesis and Technology of Drugs, Medical University of Bialystok, Kilinskiego 1, 15-089 Bialystok, Poland; [email protected] * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +48-85-748-5742 Abstract: The genus Scorzonera comprises nearly 200 species, naturally occurring in Europe, Asia, and northern parts of Africa. Plants belonging to the Scorzonera genus have been a significant part of folk medicine in Asia, especially China, Mongolia, and Turkey for centuries. Therefore, they have become the subject of research regarding their phytochemical composition and biological activity. The aim of this review is to present and assess the phytochemical composition, and bioactive potential of species within the genus Scorzonera. Studies have shown the presence of many bioactive compounds like triterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, flavonoids, or caffeic acid and quinic acid derivatives in extracts obtained from aerial and subaerial parts of the plants. The antioxidant and cytotoxic properties have been evaluated, together with the mechanism of anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and hepatoprotective activity. Scorzonera species have also been investigated for their activity against several bacteria and fungi strains. Despite mild cytotoxicity against cancer cell lines in vitro, the bioactive properties in wound healing therapy and the treatment of microbial infections might, in perspective, be the starting point for the research on Scorzonera species as active agents in medical products designed for Citation: Lendzion, K.; Gornowicz, miscellaneous skin conditions.
    [Show full text]
  • Vascular Plants and a Brief History of the Kiowa and Rita Blanca National Grasslands
    United States Department of Agriculture Vascular Plants and a Brief Forest Service Rocky Mountain History of the Kiowa and Rita Research Station General Technical Report Blanca National Grasslands RMRS-GTR-233 December 2009 Donald L. Hazlett, Michael H. Schiebout, and Paulette L. Ford Hazlett, Donald L.; Schiebout, Michael H.; and Ford, Paulette L. 2009. Vascular plants and a brief history of the Kiowa and Rita Blanca National Grasslands. Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS- GTR-233. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 44 p. Abstract Administered by the USDA Forest Service, the Kiowa and Rita Blanca National Grasslands occupy 230,000 acres of public land extending from northeastern New Mexico into the panhandles of Oklahoma and Texas. A mosaic of topographic features including canyons, plateaus, rolling grasslands and outcrops supports a diverse flora. Eight hundred twenty six (826) species of vascular plant species representing 81 plant families are known to occur on or near these public lands. This report includes a history of the area; ethnobotanical information; an introductory overview of the area including its climate, geology, vegetation, habitats, fauna, and ecological history; and a plant survey and information about the rare, poisonous, and exotic species from the area. A vascular plant checklist of 816 vascular plant taxa in the appendix includes scientific and common names, habitat types, and general distribution data for each species. This list is based on extensive plant collections and available herbarium collections. Authors Donald L. Hazlett is an ethnobotanist, Director of New World Plants and People consulting, and a research associate at the Denver Botanic Gardens, Denver, CO.
    [Show full text]
  • Muelleria Vol 32, 2014
    Muelleria 34: 63-67 A name for Murnong (Microseris: Asteraceae: Cichorioideae) Neville Walsh Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, Birdwood Ave, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia; email: [email protected] Introduction Abstract With the publication of the first Asteraceae volume of theFlora of An existing name, Microseris walteri Australia (Wilson 2015), we have a national perspective of the taxonomy Gand., is resurrected for one of the most important food plants of of Microseris D.Don (Sneddon 2015). The Flora account provides aboriginal people of south-eastern descriptions and complete synonymies for the two species regarded Australia and for which the Koorie as comprising the genus in Australia, M. lanceolata (Walp.) Sch.Bip. name ‘Murnong’ (or ‘Myrnong’) has and M. scapigera Sch.Bip., whereas, in most jurisdictions, only one, long been applied (e.g. Gott 1983) in M. lanceolata, had been recognised since the inclusion of M. scapigera as Victoria, and ‘Garngeg’ or ‘Nyamin’ in south-eastern New South Wales. It a synonym (e.g. Ross 1990; CHAH 2011). is compared with its two Australian Sneddon’s treatment provides useful and detailed notes under both congeners. A key to the identification species, with those relating to M. lanceolata being quite extensive. For of all three species and photographs of many years, MEL has recognised three distinct taxa (e.g. Ross 1993; their root systems are provided. Jeanes 1999, Walsh & Stajsic 2007) but one has remained as an informal Keywords: Aboriginal food plant, daisy, taxon only (Microseris sp. 3 or Microseris aff. lanceolata (Foothills)). This has identification, Nyamin, Garngeg been unfortunate, particularly given that, of the three entities involved, the informally recognised one has long been acknowledged as one of the most important food plants of aboriginal people of south-eastern Australia and for which the Koorie name ‘Murnong’ (or ‘Myrnong’) has long been applied (e.g.
    [Show full text]
  • Black Salsify in the Garden
    Revised April 2020 Black Salsify in the Garden Jodie M.H. Moser and Dan Drost; Vegetable Specialist Summary Black salsify (Scorzonera hispanica), is also can be worked in known as Spanish salsify. Black salsify is a cool season northern areas of crop grown primarily for its long, brown-black roots, but Utah and can be fall its leaves can also be used as fresh greens for salads. The seeded in more mild roots of black salsify tend to be longer, smoother, less areas of the state. fibrous, and of a finer texture than regular salsify. It is Seeds should be also more cold hardy, but requires about the same length planted about ½ inch growing period as regular salsify, which is 120 days. deep in rows 10-15 The cultural practices for both are also generally the inches apart with same. Both have an oyster-like taste which gives them plants spaced two the name “oyster plant” and both are highly suitable for inches apart within diabetic diets. the row after thinning. Varieties Water: Salsify originated in Southern Europe Purchase high quality seeds from a local nursery so it prefers a regular supply of water, keeping the soil at or seed catalogs. The seeds should be sown directly into a constant moisture level. Irrigate with 1-2 inches per the soil in early spring so there is no need to grow week to maintain a moist, but not wet soil. transplants. Fertilizer: Apply ½ cup of a nitrogen based fertilizer (21-0-0 or 34-0-0) per 25 foot of row in mid- How to Grow summer.
    [Show full text]
  • Salsify/Scorzonera Tragopogon Porrifolius Scorzonera Hispanica
    Salsify/Scorzonera Tragopogon porrifolius Scorzonera hispanica These unusual roots taste something flower family. An odd combination, like oysters, grow just like parsnips or which adds up to terrific eating. carrots, and are members of the sun- Culture MASTER GARDENERS Salsify is a hardy biennial with purple cause they are able to withstand hard flowers. Salsify roots need to be eaten freezing in the winter, either crop may in their first winter. Scorzonera is a be harvested anytime frozen ground hardy perennial, normally grown as an allows until early spring, when new annual. growth depletes the over-wintered roots. Both salsify and scorzonera are known as vegetable oyster or oyster plant, Sow fresh seed in situ in spring about from the flavor of the cooked roots. ½ to 1 inch deep, in rows about 8 Salsify is a creamy white root that pro- inches apart, thinning out seedlings to duces purple flowers the second sea- 4 inches. Like parsnips, they are tol- son. Scorzonera is a black-skinned erant to cold and can be harvested root that produces yellow flowers. Be- from the garden as needed. Harvest The tapered roots, ½ to 1 inch in diameter, and 8 to 10 inches long are made into chowder or cooked and served cold as a salad vegetable. The roots of salsify are usually peeled after cooking, while the roots of Scorzonera are not because a large proportion of their flavor is in the skin. Spring shoots of either plant may be eaten like asparagus. Irrigation Water plants at a rate of 3 to 5 gallons/sq yd per week in dry spells.
    [Show full text]
  • Hydrangeas for Plant Connoisseurs
    TheThe AmericanAmerican GARDENERGARDENER® TheThe MagazineMagazineMagazine ofof thethe AAmericanmerican HorticulturalHorticultural SocietySocietySociety MayMay / June 2014 Hydrangeas for plant Connoisseurs CharmingCharming NicotianasNicotianas Four-SeasonFour-Season TreesTrees NewNew HerbHerb TrendsTrends Did you know that you can give the American Horticultural Let your home Society a residence, farm or vacation property, gain a charitable work for you! gift deduction, and retain the right to live in the property? A gift of real estate can provide the following benefits: • Produce a substantial charitable income tax deduction • Reduce capital gains taxes • Save estate taxes • Leave a legacy of a greener, healthier, more beautiful America • Membership in the Horticultural Heritage Society We would be pleased to discuss how a gift of real estate can benefit both you and the American Horticultural Society. Please contact Scott Lyons, Director of Institutional Advancement, at [email protected] or (703) 768-5700 ext 127. contents Volume 93, Number 3 . May / June 2014 FEATURES DEPARTMENTS 5 NOTES FROM RIVER FARM 6 MEMBERS’ FORUM 8 NEWS FROM THE AHS Bequest of longtime AHS member Wilma L. Pickard establishes new AHS fellowship for aspiring horticulturists, Susie and Bruce Usrey are Honorary co-Chairs of 2014 Gala, birds of prey visit River Farm during annual Spring Garden Market. 12 AHS MEMBERS MAKING A DIFFERENCE Joan Calder. page 1414 44 GARDEN SOLUTIONS Avoiding or preventing late-blight infestations on tomatoes. 14 CHARMING NICOTIANAS BY RAND B. LEE 46 TRAVELER’S GUIDE TO GARDENS Beloved for their fragrance and attractiveness to pollinators, these The Rotary Botanical Gardens. old-fashioned cottage-garden favorites are back in style. 48 HOMEGROWN HARVEST Sweet and tart crabapples.
    [Show full text]
  • A Short Description of Scorzonera Plant Species Present in Alexandru Beldie Herbarium from Incds Bucharest
    Analele Universităţii din Craiova, seria Agricultură – Montanologie – Cadastru (Annals of the University of Craiova - Agriculture, Montanology, Cadastre Series) Vol. XLVII 2017 A SHORT DESCRIPTION OF SCORZONERA PLANT SPECIES PRESENT IN ALEXANDRU BELDIE HERBARIUM FROM I.N.C.D.S. BUCHAREST DINCĂ LUCIAN1, CÂNTAR ILIE COSMIN2 1 „Marin Drăcea” National Institute for Research and Development in Forestry Brașov 2 „Marin Drăcea” National Institute for Research and Development in Forestry Timișoara Key words: herbarium, plants, flowers, leaf, calyx, botanists. ABSTRACT The present paper reunites the morphological and ecological description of Scorzonera plant species present in the Al. Beldie Herbarium from Marin Drăcea National Institute for Research and Development in Forestry (INCDS) in Bucharest. Furthermore, this article organizes the herbarium exemplars based on species, harvest year, the place from where they were taken and the specialist that has gathered them. The first part of the article starts with a short description of the herbarium and its specific, followed by presenting the material and method used in elaborating the paper. As such, the material is represented by the 83 plates containing exemplars of some Scorzonera species. A very important aspect which must be specified is the fact that the herbarium has a significant number of rare endangered or endemic specimens. One example, the protect species Scorzonera rosea, is present in the herbarium with 26 plates that were mainly gathered in the year 1936 by Al. Beldie himself. Another rare species, Scorzonera hispanica, is represented in 16 plates from within the herbarium and is of a high interest as it is the oldest species of the genre, being harvested in the year 1794.
    [Show full text]