Pretreatment with nano-silver extends the post-harvest longevity of gladiolus cut flowers by reducing free water mobility

The water content of cut flowers is a significant factor in their post-harvest quality.In this study,we examine the efficacy of silver nanoparticles(NS)on the longevity of cut gladiolus,with a focus on water state and distribution.We used Low-field nuclear magnetic resonance(LF-NMR)technology to identify three water fractions with different transverse relaxation times(T2)values:bound water T21(<10 ms),intermediate immobilized water T22(10-100 ms),and the slowest component free water T23(>10 ms).During the opening process,T23increased at stages 2 and 3 and then decreased,T22 decreased slowly,and T21 remained unchanged.Free water values were consistently higher than bound water and immobilized water and reached their maximum from stage 2 until stage 4,when the petals were extended and began to wilt.The vascular bundles responsible for transporting water had higher water content,as detected by proton density-weighted magnetic resonance imaging(MRI).Bound water and free water with NS pretreatments in bracts were initially lower but then two days later the signal amplitude of each water state exceeded those of the control,indicating that the treatment enhanced the water-holding capacity over time.Furthermore,NS pretreatments reduced the free water mobility of the cut flowers and inhibited stem decay.Additionally,we found that NS can enter the stem and are primarily transported upward along the xylem with water using scanning electron microscopy(SEM)and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy(EDS)technology.Overall,our findings indicate that NS pretreatment reduces free water in gladiolus cut flowers,enhancing their water retention and prolonging their vase life.

Dendrobium offi cinale flowers flavonoids enriched extract protects against acute ethanol-induced gastric ulcers via AMPK/PI3K signaling pathways

Gastric ulcer is a widespread disease caused by various etiologies.Dendrobium offi cinale flowers exert several health benefits owing to their rich flavonoid content.In this study,protective effects and possible action mechanisms of D.offi cinale flowers’flavonoid enriched extract(DOFF)were assessed against gastric ulcer.The result of sodium nitrite-aluminum nitrate colorimetry showed that 52.34%of the total extractive was flavonoid,and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography time of flight mass spectrometer(UPLC-QTOF/MS)revealed the presence of 28 components in DOFF of which 14 belonged to flavonoids.In addition,in vivo assay revealed DOFF potential in reducing the formation of ethanol-induced gastric mucosal lesions,with drop-in ulcer index from 64.33±8.76 to 32.00±4.47.Similar results were revealed in human gastric mucosal epithelia cells,with cells viability to increase from 27.2%to 61.6%post DOFF administration.To analyzed the protect effect of DOFF,we used Western blotting and immunofluorometric assay to revealed the expression levels of key proteins in cell pathways.The results showed that DOFF(320μg/mL)could increase the level of oxidation marker protein(HO-1),apoptosis regulatory protein(Bcl-2)and autophagy marker(LC3β)by 50.84%,43.85%,and 59.21%compared with ethanol-treated group respectively.Further analyzed of the mitochondrial activity and apoptosis pathway,we found that DOFF appeared to mitigate against ethanolinduced gastric mucosal injury via AMPK/mTOR/ULK1 and PI3K/AKT autophagy signaling pathways.

Comparative Analysis of Metaphors of “Flowers” in English and Chinese Poetry from the Perspective of Cognitive Metaphor Theory

Poetry,as a crucial form of literary expression,often employs metaphor as a common rhetorical device.According to the perspective of cognitive metaphor theory,metaphor transcends its traditional linguistic boundaries and is recognized as a profound cognitive mechanism,manifesting as a broader cognitive phenomenon.This article is based on metaphorical examples of“flowers”in Chinese and English poetry,carefully selecting representative cases for in-depth analysis.The aim is to compare the imagery of“flowers”in Chinese and English poetry,observe their similarities and differences,thereby fostering a better understanding of poetry in both languages.Through this study,we not only delve into the intricacies of metaphor within poetry but also shed light on the distinct interpretations of the symbol of“flowers”in different cultural contexts,expanding our appreciation for the cultural diversity inherent in poetry.

Diversity and Application of Herbaceous Flowers in Urban Road Greening in Hefei City

In urban road greening,the planting of ground cover flowers is essential,and herbaceous flowers are an important part.Through the investigation on the diversity of herbaceous flowers in urban road green spaces of Hefei City,the types,colors,application frequency and planting of herbaceous flowers in urban road green spaces were statistically analyzed,and the application forms of herbaceous flowers in the road greening of Hefei City were studied.The characteristics and problems of herbaceous flowers in the road greening of Hefei City were found,and some development suggestions were put forward.

The Study on the Spatial Narrative in Jin Yucheng’s Flowers of Shanghai

Spatial narrative,as a unique literary narrative technique,focuses on advancing the plot and shaping characters through meticulous portrayal of space,providing readers with rich visual and perceptual experiences.This paper examines the spatial narrative utilized in Jin Yucheng’s novel,Flowers of Shanghai.Through an in-depth analysis of the spatial narrative techniques in the novel,this paper asserts that such an exploration has far-reaching consequences in broadening research perspectives and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations between literature and geography.Furthermore,the paper explores the unique aspects of narrative perspective,narrative structure,and narrative time in Flowers of Shanghai,and how these elements perfectly combine with spatial narrative to create a fascinating literary world for readers.The aim of this study is to deeply explore the artistic value and literary charm of the novel through a comprehensive interpretation of the spatial narrative in Flowers of Shanghai.

Study on Skin Care Efficacy of the Active Ingredients in Camellia Japonica Flowers at High and Low Altitudes

The active ingredients of Camellia japonica flowers(CJF)at high and low altitudes,as well as their skin care efficacy were compared.The dried red CJF at high and low altitudes were ultrasonically extracted with 70%ethanol,and these extracts were concentrated and then diluted to a constant volume.The content of total flavonoids,total polyphenols and total proteins was tested and analyzed.In addition,DPPH free radical scavenging,inhibition of the formation of advanced glycation end products,and inhibitory activity against elastase was measured to compare their skin care efficacy in anti-oxidation,anti-glycation,anti-wrinkling and firming.The results showed that,based on the dry weight of CJF,the content of total flavonoids and total proteins of the CJF at high altitude was approximately 1.5 times of the CJF at low altitude,while the content of total polyphenols was approximately 2.4 times that of the CJF at low altitude.The skin care efficacy of CJF at high altitude was significantly better than that of the CJF at low altitude.This work could provide theoretical basis for the selection and application of Camellia japonica flowers in the field of cosmetics.

Optimal ultrasonic extraction condition and determination of polysaccharides in Tilia amurensis flowers

Seven extracting temperatures （25, 35, 45, 55, 65, 75, 85℃） and extracting time （30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 min） were designed for selecting the optimal extracting time and extracting temperature for ultrasonic extraction of T. amurensis flowers. Polysaccharides from T. amurensis flowers were isolated and determined by spectrophotometry. Results show that the optimal ultrasonic temperature was 75℃ and ex tracting time 52 min. The content of polysaccharides in T. amurensis flowers measured by anthrone--H2SO4 colorimetry under 580 nm, was 9.74% with 0.47% of relative standard deviation （RSD, n=3）. This study demonstrated that ultrasonic extraction method was simple, and the color of the treated samples was stable in 4 h. The average recovery value for the polysaccharides measured was 99.48%±1.01%, with 0.112% of RSD （n=3）.

A Method to Improve Photographing Function of Common Digital Camera to Small Flowers and Fruits

[ Objective] The aim of this study was to solve the problem of photographing small flowers and fruits with a common digital camera in field. [Method] Firstly, the photographic mode of a common digital camera was set as ＂macro＂ （or ＂soft snap＂ ） and ＂flash off＂. Secondly, the small flower or fruit was magnified with a magnifying glass, and then the magnified flower or fruit was automatically focused with the digital camera lens. After automatic focusing, the shutter button was pressed and the photograph finished. [Result] With this method, the clear inflo- rescence or floral photographs of Eragrostis pilosa （ Gramineae ） , Bidens biternata （Compositae） and Tribulus terrester （Zygophllaceae） were obtained in field. [ Conclusion] The optical system of a digital camera has been changed by the magnifying glass, which improves the photographic function of a common digital camera to small flowers and fruits, and also easily gets their clear photographs.

Analysis of Flavone Content in Honey of Pomegranate Flowers

[Objective] The aim was to analyze content of flavones in honey of pomegranate flowers. [Method] Contents of total flavones in 24 honey samples of pomegranate flowers from Mengzi City in 2011 and 2012 were measured as per- spectrophotometry method with acetone as an extractant and rutin as a control. [Result] The average content of flavones in honey of pomegranate flowers was at （2.36±1.36）mg/100 g in 2011 and significantly higher than that in 2012 at （1.71± 0.53）mg/100 g. Analysis was conducted on flavones content in different batches and the results indicated that content of flavones in honey in different batches changed from increasing to decreasing, namely, the content was maximal in peak flowering stage, followed by late flowering stage and initial flowering stage. [Conclusion] The research provides references for development, use and function exploration of the honey of pomegranate flowers.

The Sterilization Technology of Medicinal Flowers

This paper reviewed the latest progress on the sterilization technology of medicinal flowers, and briefly introduced its principle and application. Compared with the traditional chemical sterilization and autoclave sterilization techniques, irradiation sterilization, light radiation sterilization and gas sterilization own their unique advan- tages for different drugs sterilization requirements, which are worth further promotion.

Separation and Identification of Differentially Expressed Proteins in Pistillate Flowers between Different Mulberry Cultivars

[Objective] This study aimed to explore the proteins related to pistillate flower development in different mulberry cultivars. [Method] The total proteins of the pistillate flowers of two mulberry cultivars Dal0 （Morus atropurpurea Roxb.） and SG01 （Morus muIticaulis Perr.） were extracted, separated and detected through two- dimensional electrophoresis （2-DE） and mass spectrometry. [Result] There was sig- nificant difference in the expression of proteins from the pistillate flowers of different mulberry cultivars. From the 2-DE images of Dal0 and SG01, 445_＋17 and 425_＋12 protein spots were respectively detected. The expression levels of 75 protein spots differed significantly. Thirteen spots those were expressed at high levels and well separated were analyzed by mass spectrometry, and nine of them were identified successfully. The nine proteins are involved in the glycometabolism, protein and amino acid metabolism and defense responses during the development of mulberry pistillate flower after they were pollinated. [Conclusion] The findings will provide reference for further study on the molecular mechanism of mulberry pistillate flower de- velopment.

Empirical Study on Management of Flowers Tourism

The paper had illustrated the construction of Yanling Famous Flowers and Trees Science Park and highlighted its important position as scalized,standardized and corporatization demonstration based on development of flower industry and basic condition of the park.Through interview and sample survey of flower enterprises,it concluded that the park had vigorous support from government,good service concept,strong consciousness for developing flowers tourism,and scaled development.And meantime,it pointed out three problems in park's management which were problems about enterprise's flower production characteristic,about the concept of farmers of land transference,and about enterprises.Finally,from the perspective of park's management,it put forward some suggestions on flowers tourism development.In terms of flowers tourism development,it should enhance characterization,scale and standardization of enterprises production,explore diversified methods for land transference,and strengthen peasant-workers' skill and thought training.In terms of supportive policy,it should intensify the park's identification,pay attention to protection of ecological environment,create tourist products of local feature,enhance publicity and highlight participation and experience projects.

Research on the Vase Preservative of Anthurium seherzerianum Cut Flowers

[Objective] The research aimed to study the vase preservative of Anthurium seherzerianum cut flowers and provide reference for the planting and preservative method selection of A.seherzerianum.[Method] Using Tropical＇s spathe,one kind of common cut blossoms of A.seherzerianum as experimental materials,three different formula of vase solutions were used.And it was compared with common preservative formula of A.seherzerianum to study the vase preserved liquid of A.seherzerianum.[Result] Formula 3 was the optimum vase preservative,which was composed of 4% sucrose,0.08% NaCl,0.01% Ca（H2PO4）2·H2O,0.01% Chinese medicine antiseptic （ethonal extract from coptis）,0.1 mol/L NaOH,0.1 mol/L citric acid and 10 mg/L 6-BA.The preserved period reached 23 days,13 days longer than CK.The appreciative period reached 31 days,18 days longer than CK,with significant effects.In formula 3,water loss in A.seherzerianum spathe was decreased obviously,which was favorable for maintaining water content in tissues.The cell membrane permeability was reduced and the peroxidation of membrane ester was inhibited.The accumulation of MDA was decreased and SOD activity was increased.The protective enzyme activity of cells was enhanced and the content of proline and soluble sugar were increased and the respiration rate was reduced.[Conclusion] The formula（4% sucrose ＋ 0.08% NaCl＋ 0.01% Ca（H2PO4）2＋0.01% Chinese medicine antiseptic（ethonal extract from coptis）＋ 0.1 mol/L NaOH＋0.1 mol/L citric acid and 10 mg/L 6-BA）achieved the purpose of prolonging the preservative period of A.seherzerianum spathe and prolonging the preservative period of A.seherzerianum effectively.

New taxa of Berberis (Berberidaceae) with greenish flowers from a biodiversity hotspot in Sichuan Province, China

A new species,Berberis viridiflora X.H.Li,and a new variety,Berberis sanguinea Franch.var.viridisepala X.H.Li,L.C.Zhang & W.H.Li are described and illustrated from Baoxing County,a biodiversity hotspot located on the eastern edge of Hengduan Mountains in Sichuan Province,Southwest China,Both new taxa resemble B.sanguinea Franch.var.sanguinea,but B.viridiflora differs by the greenish flowers,and the petals being truncate,obtuse,or undulate at apex;while B.sanguinea var.viridisepala differs by the greenish or yellowish green flowers.Morphological features of the pollen grains of B.sanguinea and the two new taxa are revealed by scanning election microscope.B.sanguinea var.sanguinea displays obvious similarities with a sympatric congener,Berberis multiovula T.S.Ying in the morphology of flowers,stems and leaves,especially its ovule number varies greatly from 2 to 9,thus,B.multiovula characterized by the5-ovuled ovary is reduced to a synonymy of B.sanguinea var.sanguinea.On the basis of field surveys and study of herbarium specimens,a total of 16 species and varieties of Berberis are recorded from Baoxing County,and a key is provided.Among the 16 taxa,most phenotypic variations in Chinese Berberis can be displayed,including the habit of plants,most morphological variations of stems,branches and leaves,all types of inflorescences,all color types of flowers,and nearly all types of the shape and color of fruits.Baoxing County and its adjacent Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries possibly constitute an active diversification center of Berberis in eastern Hengduan Mountains of China.

Early Cretaceous Archaefructus eoflora sp. nov. with Bisexual Flowers from Beipiao, Western Liaoning, China

Recently, whether Archaefructus has bisexual multi-parted flowers or just inflorescences of unisexual flowers, and whether it is ancestral to all angiosperms or a derived eudicot have been debated. Here, from the same Yixian Formation, NE China, we report a new Archaefructus species, A. eoflora sp. nov., with the generic characteristics of dissected leaves and bisexual reproductive axes. It is entirely preserved with roots, rhizome, shoots and protogynous reproductive organs at different developmental stages. Its lateral and main fertile shoots form a pseudo-indeterminate pattern, while the reproductive branches on the main shoot form a cymose inflorescence. Subtended by 1-2 bract-like leaves, the section of stamen clusters changes into a much shorter section of carpels that have one row of orthotropous ovules. Significantly, one cluster bearing two carpels and one stamen between the two sections demonstrates a true bisexual flower, an important step of the origin of floral bisexuality, and the homology between the stamen and carpel. The complex reproductive axes represent a mix between flowers and inflorescences, and suggest that A. eoflora sp. nov. possesses the potential to evolve into a variety of diverse flower types as found in modern basal and early fossil angiosperms. A comparison with other two species also leads to a revision of the generic diagnosis.

Volatiles from Sophora japonica flowers attract Harmonia axyridis adults(Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

The multicolored Asian lady beetle, Harmonia axyridis(Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), is a common generalist predator in China and is occasionally found gathering on the Chinese pagoda tree, Sophora japonica, in summer. In a field investigation, we found that H. axyridis adults preferred S. japonica during its flowering period even though their optimal prey(aphid) is absent at this time. In addition, male and female adults were attracted to S. japonica flowers to a similar extent in a Y-tube olfactometer assay. Using coupled gas chromatography-electroantennogram detection(GC-EAD), we identified a flower odor component(nonanal) that elicited a significant electrophysiological response in H. axyridis. Electroantennogram(EAG) dose-dependent responses revealed that the amplitude of the adult beetle's EAG response increased with increasing concentration of nonanal, peaking at 10 mg mL^(–1). In Y-tube olfactometer behavioral tests, H. axyridis adults preferred a 10 mg mL^(–1) nonanal source over a 100 mg mL^(–1) diluent. Under field conditions, the adults were significantly attracted to both concentrations(10 and 100 mg mL^(–1)), and high concentrations generally had greater attraction. All these results suggest that nonanal, a volatile compound of S. japonica flowers, greatly attracts H. axyridis adults. This study provides a basis for the development of synthetic attractants of H. axyridis, with the potential to promote biocontrol services of this generalist predator in the native area(e.g., China) and to suppress its population by mass trapping in its invasive areas.

Exploitation of Wild Flowers and the Sustainable Development of Flowers Industry in China

This article introduced the new methods on the research of the wild flowers and plants idioplasmic resources, elaborated the introduction and domestication and exploitation of wild flowers and plants idioplasmatic resources and the sustainable development of flowers and plants industry in China, and put forward some proposals on the existing question and the prospects for the development.

Correlation of the temporal and spatial expression patterns of HQT with the biosynthesis and accumulation of chlorogenic acid in Lonicera japonica flowers

Hydroxycinnamoyl-CoA quinate transferase(HQT)is one of the key enzymes in the biosynthesis of chlorogenic acid(CGA)in the flowers of Lonicera japonica.However,the spatiotemporal expression patterns of HQT and its relationship to the dynamics of CGA biosynthesis,transport,and storage remain largely unknown.In this study,we collected L.japonica flower samples at different growth stages(S1–S6)and examined the spatiotemporal expression pattern of HQT and the dynamic accumulation patterns of CGA using a combination of molecular and cytological techniques.Our results suggest that the spatiotemporal expression pattern of HQT is directly correlated with dynamic changes in CGA accumulation and distribution in L.japonica flowers.We further show that CGA is synthesized primarily in the cytoplasm and chloroplasts.CGA synthesized in the cytoplasm first accumulates in specialized vesicles and is then transferred to large central vacuoles for storage by fusion of CGA-containing vesicles with vacuoles.Furthermore,CGA synthesized in the chloroplasts appears to be transferred into the vacuoles for storage by direct membrane fusion between the tonoplast and the disrupted chloroplast membranes.Collectively,our results suggest that CGA is synthesized in chloroplasts and cytoplasm and finally transferred to the vacuole for long-term storage.

Integrating full-length transcriptomics and metabolomics reveals the regulatory mechanisms underlying yellow pigmentation in tree peony(Paeonia suffruticosa Andr.)flowers

Tree peony(Paeonia suffruticosa Andr.)is a popular ornamental plant in China due to its showy and colorful flowers.However,yellow-colored flowers are rare in both wild species and domesticated cultivars.The molecular mechanisms underlying yellow pigmentation remain poorly understood.Here,petal tissues of two tree peony cultivars,“High Noon”(yellow flowers)and“Roufurong”(purple–red flowers),were sampled at five developmental stages(S1–S5)from early flower buds to full blooms.Five petal color indices(brightness,redness,yellowness,chroma,and hue angle)and the contents of ten different flavonoids were determined.Compared to“Roufurong,”which accumulated abundant anthocyanins at S3–S5,the yellow-colored“High Noon”displayed relatively higher contents of tetrahydroxychalcone(THC),flavones,and flavonols but no anthocyanin production.The contents of THC,flavones,and flavonols in“High Noon”peaked at S3 and dropped gradually as the flower bloomed,consistent with the color index patterns.Furthermore,RNA-seq analyses at S3 showed that structural genes such as PsC4Hs,PsDFRs,and PsUFGTs in the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway were downregulated in“High Noon,”whereas most PsFLSs,PsF3Hs,and PsF3’Hs were upregulated.Five transcription factor(TF)genes related to flavonoid biosynthesis were also upregulated in“High Noon.”One of these TFs,PsMYB111,was overexpressed in tobacco,which led to increased flavonols but decreased anthocyanins.Dual-luciferase assays further confirmed that PsMYB111 upregulated PsFLS.These results improve our understanding of yellow pigmentation in tree peony and provide a guide for future molecular-assisted breeding experiments in tree peony with novel flower colors.

Structural Characterization and Retention Time Prediction for Components of Essential Oil of Meconopsis Integrifolia Flowers

A molecular structural characterization （MSC） method called reduced molecular electronegativity-distance vector （MEDVR） was used to describe the molecular structures of 55 components of meconopsis integrifolia flowers. By use of stepwise multiple regression （SMR） and partial least square （PLS） methods, a model with the correlation coefficient （R1） of 0.987 and the standard deviation （SD1） of 1.377 could be obtained. Then through multiple linear regression （MLR）, another model with the correlation coefficient （R2） of 0.989 and standard deviation （SD2） of 1.395 could be constructed. Furthermore, in virtue of variable screening by the stepwise multiple regression technique （SMR）, 8 vectors were selected to build up another model with its correlation coefficient （R3） and standard deviation （SD3） of 0.989 and 1.366, respectively. Then all the three models were evaluated by performing cross-validation with the leave-one-out （LOO） procedure, and the correlation coefficients （QCV） were 0.981, 0.976 and 0.979, respectively. The results show that the models constructed could provide estimation stability and favorable predictive ability.