Search Results (73)

Daylily (Hemerocallis spp.) are perennial herbaceous flowers with high ornamental and medicinal value. Currently, the breeding of new daylily cultivars was mainly achieved through hybrid breeding, but issues such as self-incompatibility, hybridization barriers, and asynchronous reproductive phenology severely hinder the breeding process. Understanding pollen viability was essential for daylily breeding and cultivar improvement. In this study, we systematically investigated the effects of pollen viability determination methods, collection time, medium combinations, culture temperature and storage conditions on the pollen germination characteristics of daylily, using five daylily cultivars introduced in the Zhanjiang region of China as materials. Comparing the Iodine-potassium iodide (I₂-KI) staining and Acetocarmine staining, the results of 2,3,5-Triphenyltetrazolium Chloride (TTC) staining showed a significant positive correlation (p < 0.05) with the in vitro germination rate, which is suitable for the rapid detection of daylily pollen vigor. The daylily variation of pollen vigor was significant in different cultivars, and most cultivars had the highest vigor at 9:00–12:00 a.m., which was suitable for artificial pollination. The in vitro germination experiment showed that sucrose concentration was the key factor for daylily pollen germination and pollen tube growth, and the optimal medium for pollen in vitro germination was 50 g/L⁻¹ sucrose + 0.1 g/L⁻¹ H₃BO₃ + 0.06 g/L⁻¹ KNO₃ + 0.2 g/L⁻¹ Ca(NO₃)₂. The temperature experiment showed that the optimum temperature for pollen germination was 24.1–26.7 °C, and the optimum range for pollen tube growth was 24.1–25.7 °C, and the high temperature significantly inhibited the elongation rate of pollen tube. Storage experiments showed that low temperature (−40 °C) combined with drying treatment could significantly prolong pollen life, and the “Water Dragon” variety still maintained 41.29% vigor after 60 days of dry storage. This study provides theoretical basis and technical support for the introduction and domestication of daylily in South China, hybridization and garden application. Full article

Urban green spaces (UGSs) play a pivotal role in sustaining the livelihoods of urban dwellers. This study sought to explore the impact of UGSs on livelihoods in Bulawayo and Johannesburg cities. A mixed-methods approach was used to develop a nuanced understanding of the nexus between UGSs and the livelihoods of the residents. A questionnaire survey (n = 658) with 329 participants from each city and 20 interviews were used to gather and generate data. Twelve types of UGSs were identified, with a relatively large proportion of the participants recognizing informal recreational areas as the common type of urban green space (UGS) in both cities. Domestic gardens, cemeteries, parks, woodlands, institutional green spaces, street trees, wastelands, commonages, and green roofs were other green spaces in both cities. Economically, job opportunities emerged in areas such as selling wares, photography, and the collection of firewood and wild fruits for sale. Likewise, farming activities and property values increased. Socially, they were valuable recreation and leisure spots for picnicking, dog walking, dating escapades, mental and spiritual wellness as well as education. Environmentally, UGSs were special in terms of medicinal provisions and aesthetics. However, urbanization and encroachment are undermining the extent of livelihood benefits. Therefore, it is imperative to revitalize UGSs by instituting robust partnerships and collaboration between government agencies, mobilize resources and expertise, value addition to existing UGSs, rigorous education to promote better appreciation, inclusion of the locals in the design process so that green spaces meet their needs and priorities, and establishing effective maintenance and management systems that ensure sustainability of UGSs. Full article

Aedes albopictus has established populations in several European countries with a sustained spreading pattern through the continent. This invasive mosquito is a public health threat due to its vector competence for multiple arboviruses. Notably, the peri-domestic habits of this hematophagous insect greatly diminish the efficacy of regular control activities, as individuals may harbor in private areas. The oviposition behavior can be exploited for targeting adults and immature stages through different types of traps. An experimental integrated control program, which included a community-based mass trapping intervention in private areas, control of public street-catch basins, and an educational campaign, was developed in an infested residential area in Valencia (Eastern Spain). Focusing on mass trapping, participating residents deployed traps belonging to three modes of action in their gardens during the mosquito season. A total of 1028 families participated in the project, and 2884 traps were deployed. The study sector where adult lethal ovitraps were used showed the lowest adult collections, and residents living in this sector reported the highest satisfaction rates in a perception survey. The mass deployment through a community-based approach of the adulticidal oviposition trap type appears to be a promising tool for controlling Ae. albopictus in residential areas. Full article

With the intensification of global climate change and urbanization, extreme rainfall and urban flooding have become increasingly frequent, making the flood tolerance of garden plants a key issue in urban landscaping and ecology. Identifying research progress and development trends in the waterlogging tolerance of garden plants, as well as selecting waterlogging-tolerant species, is a core strategy for advancing urban ecological development. This study employed the Web of Science database to conduct a systematic search using subject, title, and keyword criteria. After excluding irrelevant studies through full-text reviews, 164 articles were selected. Using bibliometric analysis, the research systematically reviewed relevant literature published over the past 21 years on waterlogging tolerance in landscape plants, both domestically and internationally, analyzing research trends and hotspots, while summarizing the physiological and molecular responses of garden plants in flood-prone environments. The research indicates significant differences in flood tolerance among different species of garden plants. The main research directions include morphology, physiology, molecular biology, ecology, cultivation, and species selection, with molecular biology emerging as a key area of development in recent years. Furthermore, in the context of global climate change, this study identifies 50 flood-tolerant plants with high ecological value, and proposes guidelines for selecting flood-tolerant species. It concludes by discussing future research directions in flood tolerance and the potential applications of these plants in urban landscaping, sponge city construction, and ecological restoration. Full article

Cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) is a tropical tree species belonging to the Malvaceae, which originated in the lowland rainforests of the Amazon. It is a major agricultural commodity, which contributes towards the Gross Domestic Product of West African countries, where it accounts for about 70% of the world’s production. Understanding the genetic diversity of genetic resources in a country, especially for an introduced crop such as cacao, is crucial to their management and effective utilization. However, very little is known about the genetic structure of the cacao germplasm from Sierra Leone and Togo based on molecular information. We assembled cacao germplasm accessions (235 from Sierra Leone and 141 from Togo) from different seed gardens and farmers’ fields across the cacao-producing states/regions of these countries for genetic diversity and population structure studies based on single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers using 20 highly informative and reproducible KASP–SNPs markers. Genetic diversity among these accessions was assessed with three complementary clustering methods, including model-based population structure, discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC), and phylogenetic trees. STRUCTURE and DAPC exhibited some consistency in the allocation of accessions into subpopulations or groups, although some discrepancies in their groupings were noted. Hierarchical clustering analysis grouped all the individuals into two major groups, as well as several sub-clusters. We also conducted a network analysis to elucidate genetic relationships among cacao accessions from Sierra Leone and Togo. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed high genetic diversity (86%) within accessions. A high rate of mislabeling/duplicate genotype names was revealed in both countries, which may be attributed to errors from the sources of introduction, labeling errors, and lost labels. This preliminary study demonstrates the use of KASP–SNPs for fingerprinting that can help identify duplicate/mislabeled accessions and provide strong evidence for improving accuracy and efficiency in cacao germplasm management as well as the distribution of correct materials to farmers. Full article

Objective: With the accelerating urbanization process, the garden area is gradually expanding, and the production of green waste is also increasing. Composting green waste can not only reduce environmental pollution caused by incineration and landfill and improve the utilization efficiency of resources but also improve the soil and increase soil productivity. The study aims to investigate the comprehensive impact of green waste compost (GWC) application on soil nutrient conditions. Through comprehensive data analysis, the impact of compost application of green waste on soil properties was revealed as a reference for compost application and fertilizer reduction. Methods: Based on meta-analysis, we quantitatively investigated the response of soil properties to the application of green waste, collected published experimental data, and integrated 25 domestic and international literature to analyze the effects of different soil properties on soil nutrients. Literature was used to analyze the impact of different application rates of GWC on the physicochemical properties of soils with varying pH levels. The results were compared to control conditions with no GWC application. Results: The application of significantly improved soil quality by reducing soil bulk density and increasing the levels of soil organic matter, organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, available potassium, and dehydrogenase activity. The increases in available potassium and soil organic carbon were consistently significant across all subgroups. However, the effects on available phosphorus and organic matter varied in significance depending on initial soil pH. Soil bulk density was influenced by the GWC content, while dehydrogenase activity showed significant effects only when initial soil pH was ≥8. Total nitrogen levels were significantly impacted by GWC application in soil with an initial pH of <8 and at GWC contents of ≥50%. Conclusion: The application of green waste compost demonstrates a positive effect on soil improvement. This study provides a comprehensive database that supports the use of GWC in enhancing soil quality and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. Full article

The escalating biodiversity crisis, coupled with the increasing frequency of droughts and anticipated water shortages due to climate change, necessitates a shift towards biodiversity-led landscape architecture, including domestic gardens. Traditionally viewed as high-maintenance spaces emphasising tidiness, domestic gardens can significantly impact urban green infrastructure and species richness. This paper explores the concept of ‘savage gardens’—untamed and natural spaces representing a fourth nature approach, incorporating wild gardens and neglected areas. Despite potential challenges in public appreciation, it is argued that savage gardens offer substantial benefits, such as reduced maintenance, increased biodiversity, and enhanced resilience to climate change. By reframing the perception of ‘savage’ from biophobic to a reconnection with nature, savage gardens are proposed as a viable solution for balancing aesthetics, maintenance, ecosystem services, and biodiversity in domestic landscapes, promoting a more sustainable future in the face of the biodiversity emergency. Full article

Parasitic infections of the gastrointestinal tract of domestic animals play a major role in the transmission of disease, which in turn may result in financial and productive losses. Notwithstanding, studies on the burden and distribution of diarrheagenic protists in zoological gardens are still insufficient. Given the close animal–animal and animal–human interaction in these settings, Public Health concerns under the One Health context are raised. Using molecular detection tools and phylogenetic analysis, the goal of this study was to assess the occurrence of four potentially zoonotic protists—Balantioides coli, Blastocystis sp., Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp.—in animals residing in zoological parks in Portugal. Occurrence of Eimeria spp. was also assessed because of its veterinary relevance. Although Blastocystis sp. represents most of the positive samples obtained (11.6%; 95% CI: 0.08–0.17), all parasites were detected (B. coli (2.9%; 95% CI: 0.01–0.06), and Cryptosporidium spp., Eimeria spp. and Giardia spp. presented the same prevalence (0.5%; 95% CI: 0.00–0.03)). We also describe the first molecular detection of B. coli in a collared peccary (Tayassu tajacu), of Blastocystis sp. in three different python species, and G. muris in a central bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps), suggesting the broadening of the host range for these parasites. Full article

Urbanization degrades natural habitats and creates new urban ecosystems like domestic gardens. The plant composition of these gardens varies with socio-economic factors and urban planning levels. However, the diversity and impact of introduced species are often poorly assessed, causing potential ecological imbalances (disruptions in the natural functioning and stability of ecosystems), particularly in Lubumbashi (DR Congo). The objective was to analyze the spatial structure, plant diversity, propagation strategies, and ecological functions of domestic gardens. Three distinct neighborhoods were selected: a planned, unplanned, and residential neighborhood. Twenty avenues (with five plots per avenue) were chosen to represent the diversity within each neighborhood, and stratified random sampling of plots was conducted to analyze gardening practices. Gardens were classified into types, and their vegetation was evaluated based on species origin and ecological impact. The analysis of domestic gardens in Lubumbashi reveals significant variations across different neighborhood types. Residential neighborhoods exhibit larger average garden sizes (315.1 m²), higher species richness (22 species), and larger plot sizes (1032 m²) compared to unplanned and planned neighborhoods, where garden areas and species richness are notably lower. Rectangular gardens dominate in unplanned areas, while planned neighborhoods feature more intentional landscaping elements, such as flowerbeds and hedges. The use of gardens for food production is prominent in planned areas (40.7%), whereas residential neighborhoods prioritize ornamentation (51.4%). The study identified 232 taxa across 68 families, with a predominance of exotic species (80%) in all neighborhoods, particularly in unplanned areas (82.25%). The data revealed that Mangifera indica and Persea americana are abundant in all neighborhoods, illustrating their adaptability to different urban contexts. Herbaceous species are most common, followed by woody plants, with vines being sparse. Species dispersal is primarily driven by human activities (anthropochory), accounting for over 85% in all neighborhoods. These findings highlight the strong human influence on the composition and structure of domestic gardens in Lubumbashi, emphasizing the dominance of exotic species and the importance of anthropogenic factors in shaping urban green spaces. Urban policies should incorporate strategies to minimize the negative impacts of exotic species on native flora. Full article

In this study, a prototype was developed for the effective utilisation of a domestic solar power plant. The basic idea is to switch on certain electrical appliances when the surplus of generated energy is predicted one hour in advance, for example, switching on a pump motor for watering a garden. This prediction is important because some devices (motors) wear out if they are switched on and off too frequently. If a solar power plant generates more energy than a household can consume, the surplus energy is fed into the main grid for storage. If a household has an energy shortage, the same energy is bought back at a higher price. In this study, data were collected from solar inverters, historical weather APIs and smart energy meters. This study describes the data preparation process and feature engineering that will later be used to create forecasting models. This study consists of two forecasting models: solar energy generation and household electricity consumption. Both types of model were tested using Facebook Prophet and different neural network architectures: feedforward, long short-term memory (LSTM) and gated recurrent unit (GRU) networks. In addition, a baseline model was developed to compare the prediction accuracy. Full article

This systematic review aims at documenting government-led school nutrition programs/interventions in countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR). A systematic review of the available literature on this topic was conducted between 25 October 2022 and 15 November 2022 using 15 electronic databases as well as grey literature. The search was limited to materials published post 2000 in English, Arabic, or French. Articles/Reports were included in the review if they provided information on school-based nutrition programs/interventions developed, adopted or implemented by a governmental entity in the EMR countries, irrespective of study design. In total, 158 documents were retained until 16 May 2023. School-based programs/interventions were categorized into 13 types. In total, 298 school-based nutrition programs/interventions were identified. The most common were school meals and school feeding programs (all EMR countries) followed by nutrition education within the curriculum (77% of countries), extracurricular nutrition education (64%), standards for school canteens or foods/beverages available in schools (64%), and training of school staff (59%). Approximately half reported the inclusion of fruit and vegetable schemes (54%) or the establishment of hygienic cooking facilities (50%), while less than half reported standards for the marketing of food/beverages (45%), bans/standards for vending machines, milk feeding schemes, or micronutrient supplementation programs (41%). The least common interventions were school gardens (32%) and take-home rations (14%). Countries with the lowest gross domestic product and lowest government effectiveness score had the lowest number of programs/interventions. Many of the programs have tackled both school-aged children as well as preschoolers. We were able to identify monitoring and process evaluation for 21 programs in 14 countries. Few programs have undergone impact assessment. Full article

The ornamental plant is one of the important horticultural commodities in Indonesia, but its development differs from that of other horticultural commodities, such as vegetable and fruit plants. The COVID-19 pandemic, which has been ongoing since early 2020, apart from having an impact on health, has also positively impacted the ornamental plant business in Indonesia. Home confinement caused certain physiological problems that could be solved by indoor gardening activity, leading to an increase in the demand for ornamental plants, especially for leafy ornamental plants. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the growth of the ornamental production business in Indonesia in terms of psychological needs and the power of social media. There was an increase in ornamental prices due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia. Consumer preferences and behaviors were also altered by the pandemic, as indicated by consumers’ new motivations, perceptions, learning, and belief systems regarding ornamental plants. The government has launched several strategies to gain domestic competitiveness and maintain its sustainability in the environment. Digital transformation has been applied by ornamental plant businesses in Indonesia. The digital marketing of ornamental plants relies on social media concepts such as entertainment, customization, interactions, electronic word of mouth (EWOM), and trendiness. Full article

Zoonotic leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania infantum is distributed worldwide and affects humans and domestic and wild mammals. In Europe, specifically in the Mediterranean basin, leishmaniasis is endemic due to the concurrence of the phlebotomine vectors and reservoir mammals, including carnivorous wildlife species and other less studied wild species. In this article, spleen, skin, and eye or oral swabs taken from 134 wild mammals admitted to five wildlife recovery centers in Spain were used. PCR employing fragments of the Repeat region, ITS1, and SSUrRNA were used for detection, and positive samples were processed for sequencing. L. infantum was detected in three out of the nine species analyzed, including European hedgehog, European badger, and red squirrel, with percentages ranging from 11.53 to 35.71%, depending on the species. Most of the species showed higher percentages of positivity in spleen samples than in skin samples. A small number of animals from the remaining six species tested negative, including Algerian hedgehog, stone marten, least weasel, garden dormouse, western polecat, and Egyptian mongoose. Hedgehogs and badgers are good candidates for consideration as epidemiological sentinels and pose a higher risk as potential reservoirs of leishmaniasis based on their percentage of infection and wide distribution. Full article

Considering water resources, Poland ranks among the last in Europe. By using rainwater for sanitary purposes, drinking water is saved. This article presents the results of the economic analysis of rainwater utilization systems, based on a novel view that takes into account factors related to the location of the family detached house in the country, such as average annual rainfall and water and electricity prices. Two cases of rainwater management systems (domestic-garden and garden) were analyzed in six locations, while considering the diversity of precipitation in Poland in two variants, depending on the material of the tank, with two options of traditional electrical installation or photovoltaic panels. The evaluation of the profitability of the investment was carried out on the basis of indicators: NPV, LCC, and SPBT. The results of the analyses of all variants give the conclusion that, to achieve the greatest financial benefits, it is crucial that the building’s rainwater demand is fully met by rainfall, the unit price of water is significantly higher than the unit price of electricity, operating costs are as low as possible through the use of renewable energy sources, and subsidies are a significant percentage of the investment. Full article

Plant genetic resources provide the basis for sustainable agricultural production, adaptation to climate change, and economic development. Many present crop plants are endangered due to extreme environmental conditions induced by climate change or due to the use of a limited selection of plant materials. Changing environmental conditions are a challenge for plant production and food security, emphasizing the urgent need for access to a wider range of plant genetic resources than what are utilized today, for breeding novel crop varieties capable of resilience and adaptation to climate change and other environmental challenges. Besides large-scale agricultural production, it is important to recognize that home gardens have been an integral component of family farming and local food systems for centuries. It is remarkable how home gardens have allowed the adaptation and domestication of plants to extreme or specific ecological conditions, thus contributing to the diversification of cultivated plants. Home gardens can help in reducing hunger and malnutrition and improve food security. In addition, they provide opportunities to broaden the base of cultivated plant materials by harboring underutilized crop plants and crop wild relative species. Crop wild relatives contain a wide range of genetic diversity not available in cultivated crops. Although the importance of home gardens in conserving plant genetic resources is well recognized, there is a risk that local genetic diversity will be lost if traditional plant materials are replaced by high-yielding modern cultivars. This paper provides an overview of home gardens and their present role and future potential in conserving and utilizing plant genetic resources and enhancing food and nutritional security under global challenges. Full article