Search Results (78)

Climate change increasingly threatens Mediterranean ornamental horticulture and green infrastructure through elevated temperatures, prolonged drought conditions, soil salinity, and more frequent extreme weather events. As a result, plant growth, phenology and landscape sustainability are significantly affected. This systematic review aimed to identify and qualitatively synthesize the available evidence on the responses of ornamental plants and their production and end use systems to climate-related stress, with emphasis on Mediterranean native species and their potential contribution to climate-resilient landscaping. The review was conducted and reported in accordance with PRISMA 2020. An adapted Population–Exposure–Outcome framework was used to operationalize the overarching review question and guide eligibility assessment. Scopus and the Web of Science Core Collection were systematically searched for peer-reviewed English-language articles published between 1 January 2001 and 31 May 2026. Eligible publications examined ornamental plants, floricultural species, or native and endemic taxa with potential ornamental or landscape use and addressed climate-related stressors, plant resilience, adaptation strategies, cultivation or propagation practices, green-infrastructure applications, or related ecological trade-offs in Mediterranean-relevant contexts. Two reviewers independently assessed titles, abstracts, and full texts using predefined eligibility criteria. The review used a structured qualitative narrative synthesis organized into thematic domains to systematically identify, select, and synthesize the available evidence. Meta-analysis was not undertaken because of substantial heterogeneity in plant material, environmental stressors, study designs, and reported outcomes. A total of ninety studies were included and organized into five domains: climate stress and plant responses (n = 14), native Mediterranean ornamental species (n = 21), adaptation and resilience strategies (n = 16), urban landscaping and green infrastructure (n = 25), and ecological risks and invasive species (n = 14). The review revealed that several native Mediterranean plants possess morphological, physiological, or ecological characteristics associated with tolerance to drought, salinity, and other climate-related stresses, supporting their potential use in sustainable ornamental horticulture. Water-efficient irrigation, alternative water sources and substrates, nursery preconditioning, non-microbial biostimulants, and genotype or physiological screening showed adaptation potential, but their effectiveness depended on species, genotype, intervention intensity, and application context. Evidence remained limited for compound stresses, combined interventions, nursery-to-landscape transfer, long-term field performance, commercial scalability, and environmental trade-offs. Overall, climate-resilient ornamental horticulture requires the integration of plant selection, propagation, production, controlled stress screening, landscape validation, and ecological-risk assessment. This review proposes an evidence-to-application framework to support research, nursery production, landscape planning, and the responsible deployment of climate-adapted ornamental plants. Full article

The white peach scale, Pseudaulacaspis pentagona (Targioni-Tozzetti) (Hemiptera: Diaspididae), is a highly polyphagous insect pest of global phytosanitary relevance affecting fruit trees, perennial crops, and ornamental plants in temperate and subtropical regions. Its invasive success is largely driven by high thermal tolerance, a wide host range, and strong survival capacity under postharvest handling and cold-chain storage, which greatly enhances its potential for long-distance dispersal through international trade of fresh fruit and plant material. A systematic review and meta-synthesis of 105 scientific studies published between 1958 and 2026 identified key research areas, including geographic distribution and invasion pathways, host plants and varietal susceptibility, temperature-dependent life history, agricultural impact and quarantine risk, chemical and biological control strategies, and the development of phenology-based monitoring and prediction tools using thermal models and pheromones. Although recent official reports do not confirm the presence of P. pentagona in Ecuador, climate suitability modeling and evidence of long-term survival during cold storage indicate a high risk of introduction and establishment, particularly in inter-Andean valleys. Consequently, preventive phytosanitary surveillance and integrated pest management strategies tailored to Ecuadorian Andean fruit production are proposed, emphasizing phenological monitoring, nursery and agro-urban inspections, and the conservation of natural enemies as a foundation for sustainable management of this emerging pest. Full article

In container-grown ornamental shrub production, limited substrate volume can rapidly alter plant water status and affect leaf-level physiological performance. A randomized block experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of three foliar-applied biostimulants, BiStep, Kelpak, and Yeald Plus, compared with an untreated control in container-grown Forsythia × intermedia ‘Beatrix Farrand’. Each treatment comprised 25 plants distributed across five blocks. Stomatal density, stomatal length, leaf transpiration, net photosynthesis, total chlorophyll content, and gravimetrically determined daily water loss were measured. Compared with the control, BiStep significantly increased stomatal density, whereas Yeald Plus significantly decreased it. Kelpak and Yeald Plus significantly increased stomatal length compared with the control. Leaf transpiration was significantly lower under Kelpak and Yeald Plus than in the control, while Kelpak and BiStep had significantly higher net photosynthetic rates than Yeald Plus, whereas the control did not differ significantly from any treatment. Total chlorophyll content did not differ significantly among treatments. Whole-plant daily water loss was higher in all biostimulant-treated plants than in the control, with the highest values recorded under BiStep. These results show that the tested biostimulants induced treatment-specific physiological changes rather than a uniform response. Kelpak provided the most favorable leaf-level balance by reducing instantaneous transpiration while maintaining high photosynthetic activity, whereas BiStep promoted a more water-demanding physiological profile. Based on these outcomes, Kelpak may be recommended where improved leaf-level physiological efficiency is required under container-grown nursery conditions, while BiStep should be applied only with adequate irrigation management. Full article

The quarantine pathogen Phytophthora ramorum has a high potential for dispersal due to its airborne inoculum, its wide range of hosts, and its ability to spread through the trade of nursery plants. For these reasons, it represents a serious threat to ornamental nursery production and, consequently, to urban, natural and semi-natural ecosystems. This oomycete pathogen (EU1 lineage, A1 mating type) has been detected on Viburnum tinus in a commercial nursery located in the Pistoia nursery district (PND) (Tuscany, central Italy), one of the main nursery areas for the production of ornamentals in Europe. Artificial inoculations were carried out in the laboratory under controlled conditions, following a standard detached-leaf assay protocol, on leaves of 16 ornamental shrub species commonly marketed by the PND. Disease severity was assessed, and susceptibility categories (high, moderate, low, and non-susceptible) were defined based on data collected at 7 and 14 days post-inoculation and validated through statistical analysis. Inoculated species exhibited variable levels of disease severity. The results confirmed the pathogen’s high virulence on Viburnum tinus and Rhododendron hybrid ‘Madame Masson’. The following species were also found to be highly susceptible: Ilex aquifolium, Loropetalum chinense, Magnolia stellata, Osmanthus fragrans, and Trachelospermum jasminoides. Camellia japonica, Nerium oleander, Osmanthus heterophyllus, Prunus laurocerasus, and Rhododendron obtusum showed moderate susceptibility. Arbutus unedo, Laurus nobilis, Photinia fraseri and Syringa vulgaris exhibited low susceptibility. At the end of the trial, no infected species fell into the non-susceptible categories. The oomycete proved particularly aggressive on Ilex aquifolium, the most susceptible host among those tested. This high susceptibility is a new finding that could have significant epidemiological implications. Our findings emphasize the need for rigorous phytosanitary surveillance in nursery systems, based on constant monitoring and the adoption of high-throughput diagnostic protocols, in order to implement effective and rapid control measures. Full article

In containerized finished plant production, the effects of biostimulants in nursery practice are often judged primarily on the basis of visual condition, while a more precise interpretation of treatment response requires leaf-level physiological and rhizosphere-level indicators. The aim of our study was to determine how the humic- and fulvic acid-based BiStep biostimulant influences the physiological functioning and, in part, the rhizosphere enzyme activity of three deciduous ornamental shrub taxa widely used both in nursery finished plant production and in urban green space plantings, namely, Forsythia × intermedia ‘Beatrix Farrand’, Weigela florida ‘Eva Rathke’, and Viburnum opulus ‘Roseum’, under commercial container conditions. In the experiment, control and biostimulant treatments were compared. Treatment effects were evaluated on the basis of net photosynthesis (Pn); transpiration (E); chlorophyll content; stomatal density; stomatal length; and acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and β-glucosidase (GLUC) activities. For Pn, a significant taxon × treatment interaction was observed (p = 0.002). Pn showed taxon-dependent numerical changes under BiStep: values were 22.212 µmol CO₂ m⁻² s⁻¹ in F. intermedia, 4.182 µmol CO₂ m⁻² s⁻¹ in W. florida, and 3.370 µmol CO₂ m⁻² s⁻¹ in V. opulus, but pairwise differences from the control were not statistically significant. Transpiration also showed a significant taxon × treatment interaction (p < 0.001), although BiStep–control differences were not significant within taxa. Stomatal density increased significantly in F. intermedia and W. florida, while the BiStep–control difference was not significant in V. opulus. Chlorophyll content increased only in W. florida (from 699.6 to 924.4 µg g⁻¹ fresh weight), but this change was not statistically significant. ACP activity showed significant treatment and interaction effects (p = 0.0107; p = 0.00546), whereas ALP and GLUC did not show a consistent treatment response. Based on the results, the effect of BiStep was clearly taxon-dependent and functionally selective. Therefore, in nursery finished plant production and subsequent urban plant use, it should not be considered a universally effective input, but rather a biostimulant whose relevance depends on the specific physiological and rhizosphere-level response of the taxon. Full article

Parboiled rice hull mulch is becoming a widely used non-chemical weed control method in container nurseries, but research is lacking on the performance of rice hulls in outdoor production nursery environments. Two separate experiments were conducted to assess the effect of rice hull mulch on the emergence and growth of several common nursery weed species in an outdoor container nursery environment and to determine how well rice hulls performed over time. In a 12-week container experiment, rice hulls provided significantly better control of common container nursery weed species when seeds were placed on top of rice hull mulch applied at depths of 1.3 or 2.5 cm. In contrast, there was little difference in control when seeds were placed below the mulch layer regardless of mulch depth. In a long-term evaluation over 12 months, rice hulls applied at depths of 1.3, 2.5 or 5.0 cm provided control similar to pre-emergence herbicides through 6 months, but herbicides provided better control thereafter. Overall, rice hulls proved to be a suitable alternative to commercial herbicides and would be recommended in cases where pre-emergence herbicides cannot be used due to crop safety or grower preferences. Full article

Seed pre-treatment is imperative for breaking the seed dormancy of some perennial species. The addition of soil amendments might be helpful in supporting seed germination and growth by available essential plant nutrients. This research investigated the effects of different pre-treatment and soil amendments on the germination, growth, and physiological performance of radhachura (Caesalpinia pulcherrima L.), an important ornamental and multipurpose woody shrub. Four pre-treatments and five soil amendments were applied in a CRD (Completely Randomized Design) arrangement to evaluate their individual and combined impacts under controlled nursery conditions. The ANOVA result revealed that seed germination indices of radhachura were mostly influenced by soil amendment rather than the seed pre-treatment. Among the soil amendments, vermicompost had a more profound impact on germination speed, Timson’s index and peak value, which had a similar effect to NPK application. Soil organic amendments positively affected growth, with vermicompost exerting the greatest influence on multiple germination traits that may support the early growth of radhachura, while biochar and compost maximized certain root and plant-length traits. Pearson correlations and PCA (first seven PCs explaining 76.2% variation) revealed the strong integration of late biomass, plant length, and root development, identifying vermicompost as key enhancers of multivariate vigor in radhachura seedlings. It might be concluded that C. pulcherrima L. species germination and growth was mostly influenced by soil amendment rather than seed pre-treatment. The study highlights that integrated nursery practices combining appropriate pre-treatment and soil amendments can enhance the germination success of radhachura. Full article

The two-spot cotton leafhopper (TSCL), Amrasca biguttula (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), is an emerging invasive pest in the southeastern United States. Although TSCL has historically been associated with cotton and vegetable crops, recent detections on ornamental hibiscus have raised regulatory concern, including “Stop Sale and Hold” orders and an emergency quarantine in Texas. Despite increasing pressure on hibiscus, no insecticide efficacy data exist for ornamental systems. We evaluated the acute (0–24 h) and residual (24–96 h) toxicity of bifenthrin, flupyradifurone, and tolfenpyrad against adult and immature TSCL using a sequential-cohort leaf-disc bioassay. New insects were introduced at 24 h and 72 h to isolate residue-based mortality from prolonged exposure effects. Bifenthrin caused the highest acute mortality at 24 h, whereas flupyradifurone and tolfenpyrad exhibited slower initial activity but strong residual performance. Immatures were more susceptible than adults across all doses. By 72 h, all three insecticides produced near-complete mortality, with significant treatment and dose effects confirmed by ANOVA and binomial GLM analyses. Dose–response curves showed steep concentration-dependent mortality for bifenthrin and tolfenpyrad and a time-dependent response for flupyradifurone. These results provide the first insecticide efficacy data for TSCL on ornamental hibiscus and offer immediate guidance for nursery producers and regulatory agencies. The findings establish a foundation for whole-plant and greenhouse evaluations to support integrated management and interstate plant-movement compliance. Full article

Paeonia delavayi displays exceptionally diverse flower colors. This study established a quantitative classification system for these colors and analyzed the relationships among pigment composition, content, and geographical distribution, providing a scientific basis for genetic diversity conservation and ornamental peony breeding. Petals from 465 plants across 30 wild populations and nurseries in central and northwestern Yunnan, China, were analyzed. Color values were quantified using CIE-Lab and Munsell color systems, while pigment content was determined using HPLC and spectrophotometry. Correlations between color values, pigments, and environmental factors were examined. The results were as follows: (1) Flower colors were classified into nine color series, each with distinct boundaries in the color value space: white (W), yellow (Y), yellow-green (YG), orange (O), orange-brown (OB), pink (P), red (R), purple-red (PR), and dark purple (DP). (2) Color values showed wide variation (a*: −23.10–65.54; b*: −4.11–94.26), indicating high diversity. (3) Yellow-category petals had high b* values (24.91–94.26), correlated with carotenoid, chlorophyll, and flavonoid content, and lacked anthocyanins. The lightness value (L*) of red-category petals was correlated with total flavonoid (TF) and total anthocyanin (ACN) content. (4) Correlation analysis showed that the formation of dark-flower colors (DP, PR, R) was significantly and positively correlated with high altitude, high soil organic carbon (SOC), and high soil total nitrogen (STN) content. The distribution of yellow-series flower colors (Y, YG) was correlated with lower altitude and weaker UV radiation, while increasing mean annual temperature (MAT) limited their distribution. (5) Analysis incorporating environmental factors showed that high-altitude areas in northwestern Yunnan, such as Shangri-La and Lijiang, had the richest flower color diversity, whereas central Yunnan’s low-altitude areas were dominated by yellow flower colors. This study indicates that the high-altitude areas of northwestern Yunnan represent the region with the richest flower color diversity in P. delavayi, and are important for the conservation of its flower color genetic diversity and as a source of genetic diversity in flower color in ornamental cultivar breeding. Full article

Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus) core, an abundant renewable byproduct rich in cellulose and hemicellulose, has emerged as a candidate to replace or supplement peat and coco coir in soilless culture. This review synthesizes the physical, chemical, and biological performance of ground kenaf core and benchmarks it against conventional substrates. Kenaf core exhibits low bulk density (0.06 to 0.15 g cm⁻³), high total porosity (approximately 90%), and substantial plant available water (approximately 42%), supporting root aeration and water supply. Its pH (6.0–7.2) is near optimal for most crops, whereas electrical conductivity (EC) (3.2–4.7 dS m⁻¹) can exceed recommended ranges for salt-sensitive species, which necessitates pre-leaching or blending. Growth studies show comparable shoot and root performance in blends containing 20 to 70% kenaf, with composted kenaf often outperforming raw core. Pure kenaf generally requires more frequent irrigation and may shrink at high proportions. We outline processing variables such as core purity, particle size, composting, and leaching that govern stability and plant response, identify critical data gaps (including standardized EC and pH methods, and long-term shrinkage), and frame a sustainability agenda. Practically, studies to date indicate that pre-leached kenaf core, incorporated at up to about 70% by volume into peat or coir-based blends with structurally stable components such as perlite, can maintain growth and quality for several ornamental and bedding crops under greenhouse and nursery conditions. At the same time, reports of poor performance in some conifers and early suppression in direct-sown vegetables underscore that the suitability of kenaf-based substrates remains crop specific and dependent on material processing and management. Full article

Historic gardens are dynamic archives of biodiversity and cultural heritage, yet many have been lost or transformed, erasing their original floristic identity. This study reconstructs the experimental agricultural garden of Villa Santa Maria in Potenza (Southern Italy). The garden was founded in 1823 by the Società Economica di Basilicata as a provincial center for agronomic innovation. Through a multidisciplinary approach—archival research, iconographic analysis, and taxonomic revision—we analyzed the Catalogus Plantarum Horti Agrarii Lucani (1846), which listed 670 cultivated taxa, including 196 varieties. Updated nomenclature confirmed the presence of 450 plant taxa. The garden featured a clear functional zoning system integrating ornamental parterres, orchards, nurseries, artificial meadows, and experimental plots for industrial crops and forage species. Chorological analysis reveals a dominant Mediterranean component, along with significant Asiatic and American elements, and smaller Australian and African contributions, reflecting 19th-century plant exchange networks. The conservation assessment shows that many historically cultivated taxa are now nationally protected, and several endemics retain high ecological value. These results highlight the role of historic gardens as living laboratories for biodiversity conservation and cultural continuity. Reintroducing documented species and heritage cultivars within a conservation framework can strengthen urban resilience and identity. This case exemplifies how botanical memory can guide landscape planning by linking historical authenticity with contemporary ecological and educational objectives. Full article

Rapid and accurate diagnosis of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) is crucial for Hydrangea macrophylla nursery management. Traditional methods are time-consuming, and existing non-destructive studies rarely target ornamental plants or support joint N-P diagnosis at the early growth stage. A total of 339 RGB images were captured from potted hydrangeas grown under varying N and P levels at the seedling stage, with 65 phenotypic traits (color, texture, and morphology) extracted. Nutritional status (deficient, optimal, and surplus) was categorized with reference to plant nutrition indices. Discriminant models were then developed using four machine learning algorithms: convolutional neural network (CNN), support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF), and probabilistic neural network (PNN). The model performances were evaluated using overall accuracy, precision, recall, F1-score, and Cohen’s Kappa coefficient (κ). As a result, CNN achieved 82.65% accuracy (κ = 0.7392) for N classification, and SVM reached 83.65% accuracy (κ = 0.7357) for P classification. Color-related traits dominated the top five contributing features, indicating a stronger correlation with N and P status. This work offers a practical solution for real-time, low-cost, and non-destructive nutrient diagnosis, supporting precision fertilization and enhancing environmental sustainability in nursery production. Full article

The two-spotted cotton leafhopper, Amrasca biguttula (Ishida) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), is an invasive species native to the Indian subcontinent and an emerging pest of cotton, okra, eggplant, and hibiscus (Hibiscus syriacus; Malvaceae) in the southeastern United States. Its presence in ornamental nurseries has not been previously documented, posing a serious threat to hibiscus. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of feeding damage and the potential spread of the pest across plant species within a nursery; thus, a study was conducted in a Georgia (USA) wholesale nursery in 2025. We used leaf samples to determine establishment, and leaf discoloration to categorize damage. We used yellow sticky cards to detect the presence of adults. Results showed that the life stages of A. biguttula were more common in the upper canopy than in the middle and lower levels. Both leafhopper numbers and exuviae were higher on the ‘Bali’ cultivar of H. syriacus compared to ‘Dark Lavender Chiffon’. No stages were found on neighboring species, including abelia, vitex, and rose. Yellow sticky card captures confirmed that adults were present on hibiscus cultivars. Feeding injury on H. syriacus was characterized by yellowing at the margins that spread inward and puckering of young leaves. Feeding damage ratings were significantly higher on ‘Bali’ than on ‘Dark Lavender Chiffon’, and adult captures were positively linked to damage severity. This is the first report of A. biguttula infestation and related injury on hibiscus in a U.S. wholesale nursery. Full article

Contemporary nurseries of fruit trees and ornamental plants constitute a key component in the production of high-quality planting material. At present, conventional technology dominates in nurseries in Poland and throughout the European Union. It is based on universal agricultural tractors working with numerous specialized machines—typically underutilized—including sprayers, inter-row cultivation equipment, fertilizer spreaders, and tree lifters. This concept entails several limitations and high investment costs. Because of the considerable size and turning radius of such machinery, a dense network of service roads (every 15–18 m) and wide headlands must be maintained. These areas, which constitute approximately 20% of the total surface, are effectively wasted yet require continuous agronomic maintenance. An alternative concept employs a set of implements mounted on a high-clearance portal tractor (1.6–1.8 m), forming a specialized unit capable of moving above the rows of nursery crops. The study objective of the research was to evaluate the air distribution generated by an air-jet system installed on a crop-spray boom mounted on a portal sprayer, and to assess spray deposition during treatments in nursery trees. Such a configuration enables the mechanization of a broader range of nursery operations than currently possible, while reducing investment costs compared with conventional technology. One still underutilized technology consists of sprayers with an auxiliary airflow (AA) generated by air sleeves. Mean air velocity was measured in three vertical planes, and they showed lower air velocity between 1.0 m and 5.5 m. Spray deposition on apple nursery trees was assessed using a fluorescent tracer. The experimental design consists of a comparative field experiment with and without air flow support, spraying at two standard working rates (200 and 400 L·ha⁻¹) and determining the application of the liquid to plants in the nursery. The results demonstrated a positive effect of the AA system on deposition. At a travel speed of 6.0 km·h⁻¹ and an application rate of 200 L·ha⁻¹, deposition on the upper leaf surface was 68% higher with the fan engaged. For a 400 L·ha⁻¹ rate, deposition increased by 47%, with both differences statistically significant. The study showed that the nursery sprayer mounted on a high-clearance portal tractor and equipped with an AA system achieved an increase of 58% in spray deposition on the upper leaf surface when the fan was operating at 200 L·ha⁻¹ and 28% at 400 L·ha⁻¹. Substantial differences were found between deposition on the upper and lower leaf surfaces, with the former being 20–30 times greater. Given the complexity of nursery production technology, sprayers that ensure the highest possible biological efficacy and high quality of nursery material will play a pivotal role in its development. At the current stage, AA technology fulfils these requirements. Full article

Crabapples (Malus spp.) are widely planted ornamental and multipurpose trees in temperate regions and represent an important component of forest and landscape resources. However, the absence of a standardized classification framework has led to nomenclatural confusion, hindering germplasm conservation, breeding, and international exchange. In this study, 80 introduced crabapple cultivars preserved in the germplasm repository of Nanjing Forestry University were systematically evaluated using 55 morphological traits of flowers, leaves, fruits, and tree architecture. A hierarchical framework was established based on flower type and corolla color, dividing cultivars into Single, Semidouble, and Double Flower groups, with further subdivisions of Single cultivars by color. Numerical taxonomy (R- and Q-type clustering) validated the robustness of this framework, identifying petal number and corolla color as the most consistent traits across cultivars and seasons (inter-cultivar CV < 10%), serving as reliable diagnostic indicators, although within-cultivar variation was not quantified. The proposed system resolved frequent misidentifications (e.g., M. ‘Kelsey’ and M. ‘Molten Lava’) and provided standardized descriptors for cultivar identification. Beyond taxonomy, the framework enhances germplasm management, supports nursery production and landscape forestry, and facilitates international exchange of ornamental resources. These findings highlight the potential of integrating morphological and numerical approaches for germplasm diversity assessment and contribute to the development of a unified global classification system for ornamental crabapples. Full article