South Western Journal of Vol.3 , No.2, 2012 Horticulture, Biology and Environment pp.185-202 P-Issn: 2067- 9874, E-Issn: 2068-7958

STUDY ON BEHAVIOR OF alkekengi L. IN SPONTANEOUS FLORA AND CULTURE IN ORDER TO EVALUATE ITS DECORATIVE QUALITY

Daniela POPA-MITROI1,* Gheorghe POPA-MITROI2, Carmen NICU1 and Manuela MANDA1

1. University of Craiova, Faculty of Agriculture and Horticulture, Al. I. Cuza No.13, Craiova, Romania 2. University of Craiova, Faculty of Mechanics, Calea Bucuresti No.107, Craiova, Romania * Corresponding author, D. Mitroi, E-mail: [email protected]

ABSTRACT. Analyzing the decorative potential of populations of species (spontaneous flora and cultivated) it was found out the presence of variations in characteristics of and inflorescence. Mean value of decorative element length ranged from 29.49 to 30.97 mm in individuals of spontaneous flora, and 50.35 mm in individuals from cultivated population. Recorded minimum limit for length of decorative element within the 3 populations showed different values, indicating the influence of environmental factors on plant characteristics. If for individuals from spontaneous flora the limits ranged between 11 and 19 mm, in individuals of the cultivated population it was 30 mm. Introduction of P. alkekengi species in culture can provide -in addition to their decorative appearance of green areas- also high quality decorative elements that can be used in composing dried arrangements, bouquets, wreaths, etc.

KEY WORDS: Physalis alkekengi, decorative element, .

INTRODUCTION

Wildflowers can occupy a special place in landscape design so many experts feel it is particularly attractive the use of native in the landscape, creating a natural environment. For many people, the idea of

© South west J Hortic Biol Environ Craiova, Romania http://anucraiova.3x.ro/swjhbe/index.html 2012 186 Popa-Mitroi, D. et al. enjoying the rural atmosphere in their own garden has a special effect. Spontaneous flora is a source of plants with decorative traits that can be grown in individual gardens and green areas around houses, in rural and urban areas, parks, etc. that can mitigate toxic effects of pollution by acting as a filter in the purifying atmosphere from harmful agents in the air. Although the use of these plants has often been ignored when setting-up the green areas, recently the interest in them is has been growing, especially when creating green areas for recreation, reconstruction of degraded fields caused by human activities, and for extending the time duration for landscape decor. Many of them can be a good alternative to conventional species and varieties, especially in the semi-arid eco-systems owing to their good strength to pests and diseases, their resistance to higher salt content, and for their high efficiency in water consumption and specific growing way (Zhang et al. 1996, Franco et al. 2006, Hitchmough 2000, Ochoa et al. 2010, Rahimmalek et al. 2007, Shooshtarian et al. 2010, Trzaskowska 2011). Interest in studying biodiversity in spontaneous flora increased in Romania too, prompted by the need to identify and exploit new species of plants with ornamental value, based on the idea that most of the flora is an untapped treasure and many plants with real ornamental value have never been studied. Studies on cultivation potential for spontaneous species with ornamental value in Romania have been made in several areas of the country (Manda et al. 2009, Drăghia et al. 2010, Chelariu & Draghia 2011, Buta et al. 2009, Mitroi &Anton 2009, Mitroi et al. 2010, Imbrea et al. 2011). Physalis genus belongs to family and contains many annual or perennial species. Some of these species are cultivated for their : food plant ( L.), ornamental plants (Physalis alkekengi L.) vegetable plant (Physalis ixocarpa Brot.) (Quiros 1984). Physalis alkekengi is a plant known since ancient times. Many wild and domesticated solanaceous species have been associated with human culture since ancient times, as medicinal, ritual or magical herbs and/or food crops (Daunay et al. 2007). Images of alkekenge (Physalis alkekengi) and black nightshade (Solanum nigrum aff.) are found in the oldest existing copy of the Materia Medica of Dioscorides (Codex

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Vindobonensis, Aniciae Julianae, 512 CE), as well as in many later Medieval and Renaissance sources (Daunay et al. 2007). The plant has been used in medicine too. People were drinking the fruit decoction and used it for body washing in case of redness blisters-a first stage of pellagra (Pârvu 2002-2005). Later on, red fruits mixed with wine were used internally against dropsy. Plant fruit infusion has been used to treat furunculosis. The fruits were also used to treat toothache and earache (Pârvu 2002-2005). Veterinary folk medicine has used the fruit decoction against anthrax (coal, anthrax) and Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). Based on therapeutic relevance of the species, many papers aimed at identifying new compounds and new uses in medicine. Deineka et al. (2008) reported that perennial and quite hardy plant Physalis alkekengi that are grown in the conditions of Belgorod area do accumulate zeaxanthin (and B- cryptoxanthin), which are needed for preventing the age-related sight loss. Beside its importance in medicine, this species has food value (as a spice), and also ornamental one. Within the ethno-botanical inventory, based on studies conducted, respondents do classify the species with spontaneous reproduction in “not welcome”, “tolerated” or “welcome” species; the species P. alkekengi can be found within the category “desirable in private garden” (Vogl-Lukasser et al. 2010). Setting out from the importance of this species in terms of ornamental, medicinal and food value, Physalis alkekengi species was studied both in spontaneous flora and culture to assess decorative performance.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Based on information available in literature, the plants that were evaluated and analyzed were selected from different places: spontaneous flora and cultivated. The collected material was identified in the laboratory; biometric measurements were made for decorative function. Samples were extracted from different populations using random selection. Observations on plants and decorative elements were the primary statistical data. Observations and measurements were aimed at groups of individuals that were named within the paper as population / populations. Characters studied were measured on individuals in the population,

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100 individuals in each population. Individuals were extracted from the population, chosen at random, and biometric observations were made on them so that all characteristics’ measurements have enabled the setting-up of data-base with the respective population characteristics. For analyzing morphological variability of decorative characters in species studied, it was used the study of variability parameters on characters analyzed. The following statistical parameters were used: mean (X), standard deviation of the mean (s), variation amplitude, variation coefficient (s%), variance (s2) and frequency distribution (histogram), according to model presented by Botu & Botu (2003).

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

According to classification of economic importance in plants made by Hulden (1999), the P. alkekengi species -depending on type of use- is qualified as spice and ornament. It is a popular ornamental plant, although it can be invasive, and it therefore is rarely seen in gardens in Romania. It is used in flower arrangements and especially in combinations of dried plants and immortal owing to calyx appearance and color - decorative element - that protects the fruits (the fruit is a spherical , red-orange colour and shiny, with kidney-shaped, fine-warty yellowish seeds) (Figure 1). Plants of spontaneous flora under study were collected from different locations in Oltenia region (Radovan - Dolj county, Băbeni - Valcea county). Biometric observations made on decorative part were aimed at characteristics of decorative element (length and diameter), results that were presented in tables and charts (averaged along three years of determination); the data indicated large variations in characteristics of decorative element (Table 1, Chart 1 and Chart 2) in all populations studied. Statistical analysis of values obtained (Table 1) indicate an average value in decorative element length of 29.49 mm in individuals of population Radovan, Dolj county; 30.97 mm in Băbeni population, Valcea county. Values obtained from the two populations are close both for Radovan and Băbeni populations. The variation coefficient was calculated at the value of

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22.99% and 15.82%, respectively, which indicates a non-homogeneous population in Radovan area, and a medium homogenous population in Băbeni.

Figure 1. Decorative elements in Physalis alkekengi L.

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Physalis alkekengi

50 45 40 35 30 h 25 d 20 15

dimensiuni [mm] 10 5 0 0 102030405060708090100 elemente decorative

Chart 1. Variability of dimensions of decorative element, in P. alkekengi species (Radovan population, Dolj county)

Physalis alkekengi

50 45 40 35 h 30 d 25 20 dimensiuni [mm] 15 10 0 102030405060708090100 elemente decorative

Chart 2. Variability of dimensions of decorative element, in P. alkekengi species (Băbeni population, Vâlcea county)

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Table 1. Descriptive analysis of morphological characteristics in species P. alkekengi.

Standard Characteristics Population Mean Distance deviation Length (mm) Radovan 29.49 6.78 31 Băbeni 30.97 4.90 23 Diameter (mm) Radovan 30 6.37 29 Băbeni 31.13 5.27 25

Variation Variation Characteristics Population Standard error coefficient (s%) range Length (mm) Radovan 0.67 22.99 11 - 42 Băbeni 0.49 15.82 19 - 42 Diameter (mm) Radovan 0.63 21.23 13 - 42 Băbeni 0.52 18.97 16 - 41

Confidence Level(95.0%)

Minimum limit recorded for the length of decorative element in the 2 populations showed different values, indicating the influence of environmental factors on plant characteristics. If for Radovan population the minimum limit was 11 mm, in Băbeni population it was 19 mm, ie 1.72 higher in Băbeni than in Radovan population. The variation limits for the length of decorative element were as follows: 11 - 42 mm in individuals belonging to Radovan population, Dolj county; 19 - 42 mm in individuals belonging to Băbeni population, Valcea county (Table 1). As regards the decorative element diameter, the variation coefficient indicates a non-homogenous population in Radovan (s% = 21.23) and medium homogeneity in Băbeni population (s% = 18.97). Average values recorded for this characteristic are: 30 mm in individuals in Radovan population, and 31.13 mm in Băbeni population. Using the histogram has enabled the grouping of individuals by size classes depending on analyzed characteristics (Table 2). In analyzing the percentage distribution (Table 2),

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Table 2. Percentage distribution of individuals depending on length of decorative element in species P. alkekengi.

Radovan population Class Frequency Cumulative % 11 1 1.00% 14.1 0 1.00% 17.2 5 6.00% 20.3 3 9.00% 23.4 4 13.00% 26.5 23 36.00% 29.6 19 55.00% 32.7 14 69.00% 35.8 7 76.00% 38.9 10 86.00% > 14 100.00%

Băbeni population Class Frequency Cumulative % 19 2 2.00% 21.3 1 3.00% 23.6 0 3.00% 25.9 6 9.00% 28.2 25 34.00% 30.5 12 46.00% 32.8 26 72.00% 35.1 11 83.00% 37.4 9 92.00% 39.7 1 93.00% > 7 100.00%

depending on characteristic named „length of decorative element”, it was found out that most of individuals fall within the size class of 23.4-26.5 mm (23%) for Radovan population, and 30.5-32.8 mm (26%) for Băbeni

South west J Hortic Biol Environ (2012) Study on behavior of Physalis alkekengi L. species 193 population, respectively. Percentage of decorative elements with length higher than 35 mm is 24% for Radovan population, and 17% for Băbeni population. The first class, for Radovan population, begins with 11-4.1 mm, the class range of 3.1, and it comprises 1% of individuals studied; for Băbeni population, the first class begins with values 19-21.3 mm, the class range of 2.3 and it comprises 2% of individuals. Maximal limits for this characteristic are: over 38.9 mm (14%) for Radovan population, and over 39.7 mm (7%) for Băbeni population. For diameter of decorative element, the analysis of histograms (Table 3) indicates that most of individuals studied fall within the size class of 24.6- 27.5 mm (21%) in Radovan population and 28.5-31 mm (35%) for individuals belonging to Băbeni population. The last size class comprises individuals whose diameter is over 39.1 mm in Radovan population, representing 7%, and over 38.5 mm in Băbeni population, representing 10%. Establishing the relationship between the two variables (length and diameter of decorative element) within the two populations of the P. alkekengi species was done by correlation analysis. Figure 2 shows graphically the relationship between fruit length and diameter for individuals of two populations of the P. Alkekengi species. Correlation coefficient, with value r = 0.367*** for Băbeni population and r = 0,804*** for Radovan population is indicating the existence of a highly significant positive relationships between the characters studied. The relationships between those with highly important characters of decorative value of calyx, is described by a regression line with slope b = 0.39 for Băbeni population, and b = 0.75 for Radovan population, indicating a close relationships between diameter and length of decorative element (the increase of calyx length by one unit is resulting to the increase of diameter by 0.39 - 0.75 units). Regression line, that indicates the influence of a character on the other character, for Băbeni population, has the equation: y = 0.3957 + 18.87; while for Radovan population the regression line is y = 0.7558x + 7.7124. Determination coefficient of (R2 = 0.135 and R2 = 0.647) indicates that 13 - 64% of decorative element length variation is contributing to variation of decorative element diameter.

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Table 3. Percentage distribution of individuals depending on diameter of decorative element in P. alkekengi species

Radovan population Class Frequency Cumulative % 13 1 1.00% 15.9 2 3.00% 18.8 1 4.00% 21.7 5 9.00% 24.6 8 17.00% 27.5 21 38.00% 30.4 14 52.00% 33.3 17 69.00% 36.2 14 83.00% 39.1 10 93.00% > 7 100.00%

Băbeni population Class Frequency Cumulative % 16 1 1.00% 18.5 0 1.00% 21 4 5.00% 23.5 0 5.00% 26 12 17.00% 28.5 9 26.00% 31 35 61.00% 33.5 8 69.00% 36 14 83.00% 38.5 7 90.00% > 10 100.00%

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90

80

70

60 y = 0.3957x + 18.874 R2 = 0.1352 50

40 y = 0.7558x + 7.7124

diametrul fruct 30 R2 = 0.6472 20

10

0 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 inaltime fruct

populatia Babeni populatia Radovan

Figure 2. Correlation between length and diameter of decorative element in P. alkekengi species

Setting out from the importance of this species in terms of ornamental value, Physalis alkekengi species was monitored in its culture to assess its decorative performance compared to spontaneous flora species. Seed maturation in P. alkekengi species occurs after the 20th of August. Calculation of physiological indices (viability, ability, germination energy) was done under normal germination conditions, in the greenhouse; the results are presented in chart 3. Seeds of P. alkekengi species had a germination percentage of less than 50% after 30 days from sowing. Germination began after 3 days; the process was slow until the 10th day, when there were a low number of germinated seeds (8). Germination ability at 30 days recorded the value of 38%. Germination developed following a 5th degree polynomial curve (Chart 3). The literature shows that germination ability in Physalis seeds can vary significantly depending on temperature and light conditions (Suzuki 1969).

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y = 8E-05x5 - 0.0058x4 + 0.1477x3 - 1.4094x2 + 5.3337x - 5.0721 2 Physalis alkekengi R = 0.9868 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10

Numar total plante 5 0 -5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 zile

Physalis alkekengi

14 13 12 10 8 Series1 6 5 4 4 3

Ritm de rasarire de Ritm 2 2 222 2 2 1 00 00 0000 0 0 000000000 0 1357911131517192123252729 zile

Chart 3. Scheduling of seeds germination in species P. alkekengi.

Seedlings were transplanted about 2 weeks after emergence in pots with 6-8 cm diameter. Planting of seedlings at decoration place was made in May, at distances of 30 cm. Plants obtained were monitored in culture (Botanical Garden population); the results obtained were compared with

South west J Hortic Biol Environ (2012) Study on behavior of Physalis alkekengi L. species 197 those in spontaneous flora (Radovan population, Dolj county, and Băbeni population, Valcea county). Plants were well branched from their base, resembling a shrub with a height of 20-60 cm and 20-40 cm in diameter. Flowering occurred during June to August. Usual caretaking work has been performed. Biometric observations made on decorative part were targeted on plant height and dry fruit characteristics (height and diameter); the results were presented in tables and charts (as averaged over the three years of determination). Literature recommended using this species as cut flowers. Therefore, it is supposed that, in this case, the plant’s height plays a major role. Biometric observations have been done on this item too. In terms of plant height, the results obtained in individuals of Radovan population and Botanical Garden, are showing an average value of 40.66 cm and 37.3 cm, respectively (Table 4). The variation limits for this feature was 28 - 58 cm in Botanical Garden population, and 23 - 50 cm in Radovan population. Calculation of variation coefficient indicates a medium homogeneity of the two populations for this character (s% = 20.8 for Botanical Garden population, and s% = 19.59 for Radovan population).

Table 4. Descriptive analysis of characteristic „plant height” in P. alkekengi species.

Characteristic “Botanical Garden” Radovan population population Mean (cm) 40.66 37.3 Standard error 1.34 1.15 Standard deviation (s) 8.49 7.31 Variance (s2) 72.12 53.54 Variation coefficient (s%) 20.88 19.59 Range 30 27 Minimum value 28 23 Maximum value 58 50 Confidence Level (95.0%) 2.71 2.34

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Regarding the characteristics of dry calyx, statistical analysis of values obtained (Table 4) indicated a mean length of 29.49 mm for decorative element in individuals of Radovan population, Dolj county; 30.97 mm in Băbeni population, Valcea county, and 50.35 mm in Craiova Botanical Garden population. The values obtained for the 3 populations are different: they are close for Radovan and Băbeni populations; and they are much higher in Botanical Garden population (approximately 1.7 times higher). These differences are due to culture conditions, a minimum volume of culture maintenance work being carried out. The variation coefficient calculated had the value 22.99%, 15.82% and 16.68% respectively, which indicates a non-homogeneous population in Radovan area and a medium homogeneity in Băbeni and Craiova populations. The minimum recorded limit for length of decorative element, in the 3 populations, showed different values; this indicating the influence of environmental factors on plant characteristics. If for Radovan population the minimum limit was 11 mm, in Băbeni population this was 19 mm, while in Botanical Garden population it was 30 mm; ie 2.72 times higher in Botanical Garden than Radovan, and 1.72 higher in Băbeni population than Radovan. The variation limits for decorative element length were: 11 - 42 mm in individuals belonging to Radovan population, Dolj county; 19 - 42 mm in individuals belonging to Băbeni population, Vâlcea county; 30 - 70 mm in individuals belonging to Botanical Garden population (Table 5).

Table 5. Statistical analysis of decorative element length in the 3 populations of P. alkekengi.

Decorative element length (mm) / population Characteristic Radovan Băbeni Grădina Botanică Mean (cm) 29.49 30.97 50.35 Standard deviation (s) 6.78 4.90 8.40 Variation coefficient (s%) 22.99 15.82 16.68 Variation Limits 11 - 42 19 - 42 30 - 70

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Regarding decorative element diameter, the variation coefficient indicates a non-homogeneous population in Radovan (s% = 21.23) and medium homogeneity in the other two populations (s% = 18.97 and s% = 18.02, respectively). Mean values recorded for this feature are: 30 mm in individuals of Radovan population, 31.13 mm in Băbeni population, and 41.83 mm in Botanical Garden population; ie 1.39 higher in Botanical Garden population than individuals in Radovan population, and 1.34 times higher than in Băbeni population, respectively (Table 6).

Table 6. Statistical analysis of decorative element diameter in the 3 populations of P. alkekengi.

Decorative element diameter (mm)/ population Characteristic Radovan Băbeni Grădina Botanică Mean (cm) 30 31.13 41.83 Standard deviation (s) 6.37 5.27 7.54 Variation coefficient (s%) 21.23 18.97 18.02 Variation Limits 13 - 42 16 - 41 21 - 60

The chart obtained from distribution of individuals belonging to the three populations studied, is showing an allocation towards higher values (both for length and diameter of decorative element) in Botanical Garden population (Figure 3). As ornamental species, Physalis is frequently placed in mixed borders; sprouts with colorful fruits are being used fresh or dried, in bouquets composition. Fruits are edible (Selaru 2007). Physalis plants are highly valued in groups, mixed borders, rock groups and as cut flowers, and they are harvested during flowering or fruiting stage (Toma 2009). In conclusion, introducing the P. alkekengi species in culture can provide, in addition to decorative appearance of green areas, also high quality decorative elements that can be used in making arrangements with dried flowers, bouquets and wreaths of dried flowers etc. Variability of morphological characters noticed in species of spontaneous flora is quite

South west J Hortic Biol Environ (2012) 200 Popa-Mitroi, D. et al. high, a fact that is confirmed by other authors too (Malaviya 1996, Brezinová et al. 2009).

45

40

35

30

25

20

15 diametru (mm) fruct 10

5

0 0 1020304050607080 inaltime fruct (mm)

populatia Babeni populatia Radovan Gradina Botanica

Figure 3. Individuals allocation depending on dimensions of decorative element.

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