Mark S. Roh

Molecular evidence for hybridization ofIlex x wandoensis (Aquifoliaceae) by RAPD analysis

Based on the presence of intermediate morphological characters, such as serrated leaf margins and flower structures,Ilex x wandoensis was initially described as a putative natural hybrid betweenI. cornuta andI. Integra, and was formally described as a new hybrid species,I. x wandoensis C. F. Mill., and M. Kim. However, using molecular markers generated via random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), we have now discovered hybridization in populations of theI. x wandoensis complex collected from Wando and Jeju Islands, Korea. Marker bands of the putative parent taxa also were found in some populations ofI. x wandoensis, confirming its hybrid origin. Morphological variability within and among those populations was confirmed by model-based clustering methods, using multilocus genotype data. Phenograms generated from RAPD bands indicated that some accessions ofI. x wandoensis clustered with one of the parental species. This implied the occurrence of hybridization and recurring backcrosses of the hybrid to both parents, resulting in various hybrid derivatives because of the segregation and recombination of traits.Ilex x wandoensis was more closely related toI. cornuta than toI. integra suggesting that it backcrossed more with the former than with the latter.

In vitro propagation of Campanula glomerata, 'Acaulis' from leaf blade explants

Abstract Development of an in vitro regeneration system for Campanula using leaf blades as a source of explants is useful for mass propagation to produce uniform size plants that can be used for evaluation of new hybrids and for investigation of genetic transformation. Campanula glomerata, ‘Acaulis’ is relatively easy to propagate in vitro as compared to other Campanula spp., tested. C. glomerata, ‘Acaulis’ plants cultured in vitro on Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal salts medium containing 1.0xa0mg/l (4.4xa0μM) N6-benzyladenine (BA) and 0.01xa0mg/l (0.05xa0μM) α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) were the source of leaf explants. Maintenance of plants in vitro in low light irradiance (10xa0μmolxa0m−2xa0s−1) is recommended because high light irradiance (100xa0μmolxa0m−2xa0s−1) suppressed regeneration. Maintenance of plants at 14xa0°C in vitro under low light for at least 2 months resulted in optimum regeneration from leaf blades as compared to 18xa0°C. Explants obtained from leaves of the in vitro grown plants regenerated best (2–3 shoots/explant) on MS medium supplemented with 4xa0mg/l (17.6xa0μM) BA and 0.1xa0mg/l (0.5xa0μM) NAA. BA was more effective than 2-isopentenyl adenine (2iP). This is the first successful report of the regeneration from leaf blades of Campanula.

Physical and Chemical Properties of Biobased Plastic Resins Containing Chicken Feather Fibers

This study was conducted to (a) characterize bio-plastic pellets containing feather fibers by low temperature-scanning electron microscopy (LT-SEM) and X-Ray diffraction analysis, (b) evaluate growth and flowering of Begonia boliviensis A. DC. ‘Bonfire’ when grown in a medium amended with pellets, and (c) analyze macro- and micro-elements in the medium and plant tissues of begonia. Based on physical and chemical analyses of six types of pellets mixed in the medium, pellets 32 (P 32), 37 (P 37), 40 (P 40), and P NaS (P NaS), P NaS containing sodium sulfite and > 30% glycerol were not suitable and not recommended for future evaluations. Pellets containing glycerol at 10% were not suitable for the use as an ingredient for commercial growing media and P 45 is considered suitable pellets to prepare pots.

The Effect of Biobased Plastic Resins Containing Chicken Feather Fibers on the Growth and Flowering of Begonia boliviensis

This study was conducted to evaluate the growth and flowering of Begonia boliviensis A. DC. ‘Bonfire’ when grown in the growing medium mixed with pellets from biobased plastic resins containing chicken feather fibers, and analyze macro- and micro-elements in soil and leaf tissues during different developmental stages of begonia. Growth, flowering, and foliar analysis of plants grown in 10 cm pots containing 95 grams medium mixed with 6 grams each of pellet 29 (P 29), 32 (P 32), 37 (P 37), or 40 (P 40), 3 grams of Na (P NaS), or 9 grams of 45 (P 45) were similar to the control plants. Extra nitrogen was available from P 32 and P 37 based on the growing medium and foliar analysis of plants grown in P 32 (P 32 plant) and P 37 plant during the first 59 days after planting (DAP). Slow growth, low flowering percentage, or even the death of B. boliviensis ‘Bonefire’ grown in P NaS medium is attributed to high pH and high sulfur concentration. Based on the pH, soluble salts level, and the concentrations of macro- and micro-elements in the medium and leaves, P 45 pellet is the suitable source, if nitrogen is supplied constantly to the optimum level. Pellets prepared following mixing > 30 feather fibers without using glycerol should be further tested.

Propagation and Transplant Production Technology of New Floral Crops

In 1982 the new crops research program was initiated in the Florist and Nursery Crops Laboratory to increase the diversity of florist crop germplasm in the United States. Anigozanthos, Chamelaucium, Correa, a dwarf form of Eustoma grandiflorum ‘Little Blue Belle’, Chamelaucium, Cupressus, and other crops have been introduced to the industry with information that describes propagation, culture, and controlled flowering. Rooting of cutting or in vitro tissue culture propagation of new crops had included Achimenantha, Chamelaucium uncinatum, ‘Purple Pride’, and Eustoma grandiflorum, ‘Little Belle Blue’, Ornithogalum dubium, Lachenalia aloides, and Lilium. In addition, a new production technology using bulbils as propagules was developed for Lilium elegans, Asiatic hybrid lily. This production technology is discussed.

Source of Boron in Curcuma for Burn Symptoms at Leaf Margins

ABSTRACT This study was initiated to investigate the source of boron (B) accumulated in margins of old leaves of Curcuma ‘Chiangmai University Pride’ (‘CMU Pride’). Nutrient elements were analyzed from different parts of the rhizome before potting and from whole rhizomes at harvest, and different leaf locations of young and old leaves during forcing in coarse sand medium. Plants were fertilized with solutions lacking B during the forcing period. Leaf-margin burn symptoms in old leaves of ‘CMU Pride’ could result from the combination of high levels of B and low total N levels. High levels of manganese (Mn) may not be involved in leaf margin-burn symptoms. Boron accumulated in the outer region of the old leaves could result from following evaporation of gutatted water droplets containing dissolved B. High levels of B in the edge of the old leaves may not be transported from the rhizomes.

Growth, Flowering, and Nutrient Composition of Salvia Grown in Peat Moss Media Containing Pellets Processed with Poultry Feather Fibers at Different Mixing Ratios

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of replacing perlite (PL) with pellets processed with poultry feather fiber as an inert material to prepare growing medium. The growth and flowering of Salvia splendens ‘Vista Red’ grown in individual growing medium Biosangto, peat moss (PM), PL, and two pellets (P45-1 and P45-2) were evaluated. Peat moss was mixed with PL, P45-1, or P45-2 at various ratios (1:0 to 1:3 or 3:1 by volume) to investigate the feasibility of replacing PL with pellets. Nutrient composition of the growing medium and leaf tissues was analyzed. The number of florets, inflorescence length, plant height, and fresh weight of plants grown in media containing P45-1 or P45-2 were reduced compared to those grown in individual growing medium PM or PL. As the mixing ratio of P45-1 or P45-2 to PM was higher, the growth of salvia, such as inflorescence length, plant height, number of leaves, and fresh weight was inhibited. Our results indicate that mixing three parts PM with one part of P45-1 (PM/P45-1/3:1) or P45-2 (PM/P45-2/3:1) accelerated flowering and increased the number of florets and leaves compared to other mixing ratios of PM and pellets media. The concentrations of phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), boron (B), iron (Fe), and copper (Cu) in individual growing medium PL, P45-1, and P45-2 were significantly lower than those in PM. The concentration of N was the highest in leaves of plants grown in P45-1 or P45-2 amended media, and the concentrations of P, Ca, and zinc (Zn) in leaves were lower in individual growing medium P45-1 or P45-2 than in PM and PL. The pH of PM/P45-1/3:1 or PM/P45-2/3:1 media was maintained at optimal level (5.8-5.9) and the concentrations of macroand micro-elements in the media and leaves were considered to be optimal levels. Therefore, mixing three parts PM with one part P45-1(PM:P45-1/3:1) or P45-2 (PM:P45-2/3:1) is recommended for improved growth and flowering in salvia. This suggests that P45-1 or P45-2 can replace PL as an inert material to prepare growing medium. This research was supported in part by research grant awarded to Y.K. Yoo from the Mokpo National University. Constructive comments and excellent editing of the manuscript by Dr. A.V. Barker, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA sincerely appreciated. Contribution of growing medium and slow release fertilizer provided by Mr. M.C. Chung and Ever Green Co. Ltd., Kimhae, Korea, is also greatly appreciated. HORTICULTURAL SCIENCE and TECHNOLOGY 35(3):289-299, 2017 URL: http://www.kjhst.org