A method for improving the ornamental quality of torch lilies

Abstract

The application discloses a method for improving the ornamental quality of Curcuma alismatifolia. The concave-convex soil can increase the dry matter content of Curcuma alismatifolia seed balls, increase the number of flower branches of Curcuma alismatifolia, prolong the inflorescence life of Curcuma alismatifolia, significantly improve the ornamental value of Curcuma alismatifolia, and inhibit the vegetative growth of Curcuma alismatifolia and dwarf the plant. Therefore, the ornamental quality of Curcuma alismatifolia can be improved by applying the concave-convex soil during cultivation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of biotechnology, specifically relating to a method for improving the ornamental quality of torch tulips. Background Technology

[0002] Torch tulips, belonging to the genus Curcuma, are a relatively new variety introduced in recent years. They are characterized by their unique inflorescences, vibrant colors, and long flowering period, making them highly ornamental and popular internationally. The main ornamental value of torch tulips lies in their flowers. This experiment investigates the effects of attapulgite soil on the growth and development of torch tulips, aiming to explore its influence on vegetative growth, flower development, and bulb indicators. The study of the effects of attapulgite soil on the growth and development of torch tulips is intended to enhance their ornamental value.

[0003] Attapulgite (attapulgite soil) has excellent properties and a wide range of applications. In agriculture, it is mainly used as a carrier for pesticide granules and insecticides. Studies have also investigated its effects on soil and on tomatoes and cucumbers. However, research on its direct application as a solution fertilizer to plants to explore the effects of attapulgite on plant growth is relatively limited. Existing studies have shown that attapulgite has a certain promoting effect on some aspects of plant growth. This experiment will use purified attapulgite to prepare a solution and apply it directly to the soil surrounding sumac to investigate its effects on the growth and development of sumac, aiming to find methods to improve the ornamental quality of sumac. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide an attapulgite soil that can increase the propagation coefficient of torch turmeric bulbs, increase the number of flower branches and the width of the inflorescence, prolong the lifespan of the inflorescence of potted torch turmeric, inhibit the vegetative growth of torch turmeric, dwarf the plant, thereby improving the ornamental value of torch turmeric and promoting reproductive growth.

[0005] The second objective of this invention is to provide a method for improving the ornamental quality of torch turmeric by pouring an attapulgite solution onto the torch turmeric.

[0006] Preferably, the attapulgite is an attapulgite solution with a mass fraction of 1-3%.

[0007] Ideally, the first application of the attapulgite solution should be done after the first leaf of the torch tulip has fully unfolded, followed by monthly application of the solution, with each application using 100ml of the solution per plant.

[0008] Ideally, the application of the attapulgite solution should be done on a sunny day. If it is raining, the application should be done half a day after the rain stops. Furthermore, it should not rain or be watered within one day after the application to avoid affecting the effectiveness of the solution.

[0009] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0010] 1. Attapulgite has no significant effect on the diameter of torch turmeric bulbs. Attapulgite can significantly reduce the water content of bulbs and increase the starch content; 2-3% attapulgite can also increase the protein content of bulbs.

[0011] 2. Awake soil can increase the number of rhubarb divisions. This indicates that awake soil promotes the growth of meristems in the terminal buds of rhubarb.

[0012] 3. Awkward soil can increase the number of flower branches in torch tulips and significantly prolong the life of the inflorescence, but has no significant effect on the length of the flower branches, the length of the inflorescence, or the width of the inflorescence.

[0013] 4. Awrap soil can significantly inhibit the plant height of torch turmeric, especially during the vigorous growth period (June-October). It slightly inhibits the growth rate of leaf length and width, but has no significant effect on the number of leaves.

[0014] Therefore, attapulgite can increase the number of flowering branches and prolong the lifespan of torch tulips, and the number and lifespan of flowering branches are the most important qualities of ornamental flowers. Attachment can also significantly inhibit the plant height of torch tulips and slightly suppress leaf growth, which is a very valuable effect for torch tulips. Under normal cultivation conditions, the leaves of torch tulips are taller than the flowering branches, and the large leaves obscure the beauty of the flowers. Attachment can suppress leaf growth and plant height, while promoting an increase in the number and lifespan of flowering branches, greatly enhancing its ornamental value. This provides a new approach to torch tulip cultivation: improving varietal characteristics through cultivation techniques. Therefore, applying attapulgite during cultivation can enhance the ornamental quality of torch tulip flowers. Detailed implementation method:

[0015] The following embodiments are further illustrations of the present invention, but not limitations thereof.

[0016] Example 1:

[0017] 1. Materials and Methods

[0018] 1.1 Test Materials

[0019] The plant material used in this experiment was *Tulipa stenoptera*, which has green leaves with downy undersides and oblong leaf shape. The flower stalk emerges from between the leaves, bearing a purplish-red inflorescence. The bracts are arranged in a rosette, and the small flowers grow in the axils of the lower bracts. The experiment was conducted from February, when *Tulipa stenoptera* bulbs were planted in the school farm of Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Baiyun Campus, until they withered in December. *Tulipa stenoptera* belongs to the genus *Curcuma*. Its brightly colored flowers are highly ornamental, and its main uses are currently as cut flowers and potted plants; it can also be used in landscaping.

[0020] Chemicals used: Purified attapulgite.

[0021] 1.2 Experimental Design and Methods

[0022] The experimental method used in this controlled experiment is as follows:

[0023] The plants were divided into four treatment groups, each containing 28 *Tulipa stenoptera* plants. A control group was used, treated with tap water. The other three groups were treated with 1%, 2%, and 3% (w / w) solutions of attapulgite soil, respectively. The first application of the attapulgite soil solution was given after the first leaf of the *Tulipa stenoptera* plant had fully unfolded. Subsequent applications were made monthly. The dosage per plant was 100 ml each time. Treatment should be performed on a sunny day. If it rains, the rain should stop for half a day before application. No rain or watering should occur within one day after application to avoid affecting the effectiveness of the treatment.

[0024] In addition to pesticide treatment, topdressing should be applied monthly using compound granular fertilizer. There should be at least a one-week interval between topdressing and pesticide treatment to avoid interference between the granular fertilizer and the pesticide. Monthly field management is also necessary, including timely weeding to maintain a clean field environment, as weed growth can negatively impact the growth of torch turmeric.

[0025] The experimental procedure consists of the following steps:

[0026] (1) In February and March 2022, torch turmeric was planted with a planting density of 50 cm between rows and between plants.

[0027] (2) From March to May 2022, field management was carried out, and the dates of budding and the unfolding of the first leaf were recorded. The first data measurement was carried out at the end of May.

[0028] (3) From June to November 2022, maintain field management, carry out pesticide treatment and measure various data, and pay attention to observing and recording the flowering period.

[0029] (4) In December 2022, the bulbs were dug up, washed and dried, and the bulb data were measured.

[0030] 1.3 Indicator Measurement and Methods

[0031] 1.3.1 Determination of Appearance and Growth Indicators

[0032] The plant's growth cycle is represented by the dates of bud emergence, full unfolding of the first leaf, inflorescence emergence, initial flowering, peak flowering, and withering. The inflorescence emergence date is the day the flower stalk first shows a bud; the initial flowering period begins on the date the first small flower opens; the peak flowering period begins on the date when more than one-third of the small flowers on the inflorescence open; and the withering period begins on the date when more than two-thirds of the small flowers on the inflorescence wither.

[0033] Frequency: Plant height, leaf length, leaf width, and number of leaves are measured once a month.

[0034] Plant height: The height from the ground to the highest leaf is the plant height.

[0035] Leaf length and width: Select the largest leaf in the plant and measure its length and width. The leaf length is the length from the petiole to the leaf tip, and the leaf width is the width of the widest part of the leaf.

[0036] Leaf count: The total number of leaves in the entire clump of plants.

[0037] Frequency: The number of plants and the diameter of the clump were measured once each in September and October.

[0038] Number of plants: The number of Torch Tulip plants in a clump.

[0039] Cluster diameter: Measure the maximum and minimum amplitude of a cluster of torch tulips, and take the difference between the two.

[0040] Frequency: Number of flower branches, inflorescence length, and inflorescence width were measured once each in October.

[0041] Number of flower branches: The number of flower branches in a clump of torch tulips, excluding flower branches that completely wither each month.

[0042] Flower branch length, inflorescence length, and inflorescence width: Measured after the inflorescence reaches full bloom but before it withers. Flower branch length is the length from the junction of the pedicel and stem to the top of the inflorescence. Inflorescence length is the length from the bottom of the lowest bract to the top of the inflorescence. Inflorescence width is the width of the widest part of the inflorescence (in the middle of the inflorescence).

[0043] After the plants withered, the appearance indicators of the bulbs were measured by selecting 3 plants from each treatment group, digging up the bulbs, and measuring the bulb weight, maximum diameter, and proliferation coefficient. The bulb weight was measured after washing off the soil, drying, and weighing the bulbs; the maximum diameter of the bulbs was measured using vernier calipers; and the bulb proliferation coefficient was the number of new bulbs that grew next to the original bulb.

[0044] 1.3.2 Determination of Physicochemical Indicators of Various Types of Spheres

[0045] The physicochemical properties of the bulbs were measured by selecting three bulbs for each treatment group. The measured properties included bulb moisture content, starch content, and protein content. Bulb moisture content was determined by cutting off 1 gram of bulbs, drying them, and then weighing them. Starch content was determined using the DNS colorimetric method, which required plotting a glucose standard curve, measuring the absorbance of the test solution at 520 nm, and then calculating the starch content using the formula. Protein content was determined using the Coomassie Brilliant Blue method, which also required plotting a protein standard curve, measuring the absorbance of the test solution at 595 nm, and then calculating the protein content using the formula.

[0046] 1.4 Data Processing Methods

[0047] Data processing was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 22 for univariate analysis, and LSD and Duncan were used for multiple comparison analysis with a significance level of α = 0.05.

[0048] The average weight of a single bulb is the bulb weight divided by the number of bulbs. Inflorescence lifespan is the date the inflorescence completely withers minus the date it emerges; floret lifespan is the withering period minus the date the first floret opens. Plant height growth rate is the difference between this month's plant height and last month's plant height, divided by last month's plant height, and then multiplied by 100%. Leaf length growth rate, leaf width growth rate, and leaf number growth rate are calculated using the same method.

[0049] 2 Results and Analysis

[0050] As shown in Table 1, there was no significant difference in maximum diameter between the treatment group and the control group. The bulbs treated with the 2% concentration had the largest maximum diameter.

[0051] Table 1. Effects of different concentrations of attapulgite solution on the maximum diameter of *Tulipa stolonifera* bulbs.

[0052]

[0053] Table 2 shows that there were significant differences in starch content between the treatment group and the control group, but no significant differences in water content and protein content. The 1% treatment concentration resulted in the highest starch content. Bulbs with higher water content had lower starch content, while bulbs with lower water content had higher starch content, possibly because higher water content leads to lower dry matter content. The protein content of the bulbs in the treatment group increased with increasing attapulgite solution concentration, indicating that high-concentration attapulgite solution promotes protein synthesis in the bulbs.

[0054] Table 2. Effects of different concentrations of attapulgite solution on the water content, starch content, and protein content of *Tulipa stolonifera* bulbs.

[0055]

[0056]

[0057] As shown in Table 3, there were no significant differences in the length of the flower branches, the length of the inflorescence, and the width of the inflorescence between the treatment group and the control group in October.

[0058] Table 3. Effects of different concentrations of attapulgite solution on branch length, inflorescence length, and inflorescence width of *Tulipa chinensis* in October.

[0059]

[0060] Table 4 shows that there was no significant difference in the number of flower branches between the treatment group and the control group in September; however, there was a significant difference in the number of flower branches between the treatment group and the control group in October, and significant differences also existed between the 2% treatment concentration and the 1% and 3% treatment concentrations in October. Both the treatment group and the control group had more flower branches in October than in September, indicating that October is the peak flowering period for the entire *Tulipa stenoptera* population. In both September and October, the number of flower branches was higher in the treatment group than in the control group, with the 2% treatment concentration showing the highest number of flower branches. This indicates that the application of attapulgite solution promotes the increase in the number of flower branches in *Tulipa stenoptera*, with the 2% concentration being the most effective.

[0061] Table 4. Effects of different concentrations of attapulgite solution on the number of branches of *Tulipa chinensis*.

[0062]

[0063]

[0064] Table 5 shows a significant difference between the treatment group and the control group in terms of inflorescence lifespan, but no significant difference in the number of days of flowering. The sumac-treated *Tulipa stenoptera* had a longer flowering period and inflorescence lifespan than the control group, indicating that the attapulgite solution has a prolonging effect on the flowering period and inflorescence lifespan of *Tulipa stenoptera*. The 2% treatment concentration resulted in the longest inflorescence lifespan, while the difference between the 3% and 2% treatment concentrations was not significant. The number of days of flowering decreased with increasing attapulgite solution concentration, indicating that attapulgite solution concentrations of 3% and below have a positive effect on the flowering period of *Tulipa stenoptera*, with lower concentrations showing a more pronounced prolonging effect.

[0065] Table 5. Effects of different concentrations of attapulgite solution on the lifespan of inflorescences and florets of *Tulipa stolonifera*.

[0066]

[0067] As shown in Table 6, the leaf growth rate of turmeric only showed significant differences between the 1% and 2% treatment concentrations and the 3% treatment concentration and the control group in June. There were no significant differences between the 1% and 2% treatment concentrations and between the 3% and control groups. In September and October, there were no significant differences between the treatment groups and the control group in terms of leaf growth rate. In June, the growth rates of the 1% and 2% treatment concentrations were not significantly different, and the growth rate of the 3% treatment concentration was not significantly different from that of the control group, but the growth rates of the 3% treatment concentration and the control group were significantly different from those of the 1% and 2% treatment concentrations. In September, the growth rates of the three treatment groups were not significantly different and were all lower than those of the control group. In October, only the leaf length growth rate of the 1% treatment concentration was positive, while the others were negative, indicating that the tarragon had entered the senescence stage after October. Attapulgite solution had a certain inhibitory effect on the leaf length growth rate of tarragon. During the senescence stage of tarragon, attapulgite solution can delay the senescence of tarragon to a certain extent. The reason for the negative growth rate of leaf length in October may be that the leaves measured in the previous month had withered, and a different leaf was measured instead.

[0068] Table 6. Effects of different concentrations of attapulgite solution on the leaf growth rate of *Tulipa stolonifera*.

[0069]

[0070] Table 7 shows that, regarding the leaf width growth rate of *Tulipa stenoptera*, there was no significant difference between the 1% treatment concentration and the control group in September, while significant differences existed between the treatment and control groups in other months. The leaf width of *Tulipa stenoptera* showed positive growth before September, but began to decline in October. In June and September, the leaf width growth rate of the control group was higher than that of the treatment group. However, after *Tulipa stenoptera* entered its senescence stage in October, the leaf width growth rate of the treatment group was higher than that of the control group. This indicates that the attapulgite solution inhibits leaf width growth in the early stages of vegetative growth of *Tulipa stenoptera*, while delaying senescence after the plant enters its senescence stage. The reason for the negative leaf width growth rate may be that the largest leaf measured last month had already withered, while this month's measurement was of new leaves.

[0071] Table 7. Effects of different concentrations of attapulgite solution on the leaf width growth rate of *Tulipa stolonifera*.

[0072]

[0073] Table 8 shows that there was no significant difference in leaf number growth rate between the treatment and control groups in June, but significant differences were observed in September and October. The difference in leaf number growth rate between the treatment and control groups was minimal in June, but in September, the leaf number growth rate of each group was better than the control group. In October, only 1% of the treatment concentrations showed positive leaf number growth, while the others showed negative growth. However, the negative growth rate of the treatment groups was smaller than that of the control group, indicating that during the early vegetative growth of *Tulipa stenoptera*, a concentration of attapulgite solution above 2% has a positive effect on leaf number growth. After *Tulipa stenoptera* enters its senescence stage, the attapulgite solution can delay its senescence. The negative leaf number growth is because some leaves had already withered by October.

[0074] Table 8. Effects of different concentrations of attapulgite solution on the leaf number growth rate of *Tulipa stolonifera*.

[0075]

[0076] Table 9 shows that, except for September when there was no significant difference in plant height growth rate between the treatment and control groups, there were significant differences in plant height growth rate between the treatment and control groups in other months. The overall plant height growth rate of *Tulipa stenoptera* initially increased and then decreased. This may be because by October, *Tulipa stenoptera* had entered the senescence stage of vegetative growth, and the leaves were not as firm as before, beginning to spread out to the sides, thus leading to a decrease in plant height. The overall plant height growth rate of *Tulipa stenoptera* was higher in the control group than in the treatment group, indicating that the attapulgite solution had an inhibitory effect on the plant height growth rate of *Tulipa stenoptera*; and that it had a certain effect in delaying senescence after the plant entered the senescence stage.

[0077] Table 9. Effects of different concentrations of attapulgite solution on the height growth rate of *Tulipa stolonifera* plants.

[0078]

[0079] Table 10 shows that, in terms of plant number, there was no significant difference between the 1% treatment group and the control group in September and October, while there were significant differences between the 2% and 3% treatment groups and the control group. Regarding clump diameter, there were significant differences between the treatment groups and the control group in both September and October. The number of *Tulipa stolonifera* plants treated with attapulgite solution was higher than that of the control group, indicating that attapulgite solution promotes plant number growth. The 2% concentration produced the most plants, indicating that the 2% attapulgite solution concentration had the best promoting effect. Regarding clump diameter, the clump diameter of the 1% treatment group was smaller than that of the control group, while the clump diameter of the 2% and 3% treatment groups was larger than that of the control group. Furthermore, the higher the concentration, the larger the clump diameter, indicating that low concentrations of attapulgite solution inhibited clump diameter growth in *Tulipa stolonifera*, while high concentrations (greater than 2%) had a positive effect on clump diameter growth.

[0080] Table 10. Effects of different concentrations of attapulgite solution on the number of *Tulipa stolonifera* plants and clump diameter.

[0081]

[0082] 3. Conclusions and Discussion

[0083] 3.1 The Influence of Uneven Soil on the Indicators of Rhus urchin Bulbs

[0084] Torch tulips are perennial bulbous flowers, and their bulbs can be used as propagation material for the next generation. After a year of growth, the diameter of the original bulb increases, and new bulblets are produced. The dry matter content and other characteristics also change, making the various data of the bulbs important for the growth of torch tulips. This experiment shows that an attapulgite soil concentration of over 2% can increase the protein content of the bulbs. Torch tulip bulbs with high water content have a lower percentage of starch content, while the weight of the bulb remains the same; however, a higher percentage of water content results in a lower percentage of dry matter content. This experiment shows that the proliferation coefficient increases with increasing attapulgite soil concentration, but a 3% concentration still inhibits the proliferation coefficient. The effect of attapulgite soil solutions with concentrations higher than 3% on the proliferation coefficient needs further verification. Attapulgite soil is not ideal for the growth of torch tulip bulbs; if the purpose of the experiment is to improve various aspects of the bulb's performance, attapulgite soil is not suitable.

[0085] 3.2 The effects of attapulgite soil on the reproductive growth of turmeric

[0086] The flowers of *Tulipa stenoptera* are highly ornamental. This experiment mainly focused on the reproductive growth of *Tulipa stenoptera* through data on various parts of the flower. Attapulgite solution increased the number of flower branches in *Tulipa stenoptera*, with a 2% concentration showing the most significant promoting effect. It also prolonged the inflorescence lifespan and flowering period; a 2% concentration of attapulgite solution had the most significant effect on prolonging the inflorescence lifespan, while a 1% concentration had the most significant effect on promoting the flowering period. This experiment showed that treatment with attapulgite solution at or below 3% concentration inhibited the length of flower branches and inflorescences. The inhibitory effect decreased with higher concentrations, and higher concentrations might have a promoting effect, which requires further verification. Low concentrations of attapulgite solution inhibited the inflorescence width of *Tulipa stenoptera*, while concentrations above or equal to 3% promoted inflorescence width. In summary, while attapulgite solution inhibits the growth of flower stalks and inflorescences, it promotes other aspects of the flower. This is presumably because the application of attapulgite solution results in more flower stalks, and each flower receives less nutrients, leading to slower flower stalk and inflorescence growth compared to the control group. Attapulgite solution also prolongs the flowering period and inflorescence lifespan. To cultivate more flowers and longer inflorescence lifespan, a 2% concentration of attapulgite solution can be used to treat torch tulips. Attapulgite can increase the number of flowering stalks and prolong their lifespan, and the number and lifespan of flowering stalks are the most important qualities of ornamental flowers. Therefore, applying attapulgite during cultivation can enhance the ornamental quality of torch tulips.

[0087] 3.3 The impact of attapulgite soil on the vegetative growth of turmeric

[0088] The vegetative growth of *Tulipa stenoptera* is mainly reflected in plant height, leaf length, leaf width, and number of leaves. This study found that attapulgite solution inhibited the growth rates of leaf length, leaf width, and plant height in *Tulipa stenoptera* to some extent during the early stages of vegetative growth, but it had a delaying effect on senescence during the senescence stage. Attapulgite promoted the number of leaves in *Tulipa stenoptera* after September. Studies by Xie Weifang et al. showed that the application of attapulgite could increase the number of leaves in *Pakchoi*, which is consistent with the conclusions of this study. Attapulgite solution promoted the number of plants and clump diameter of *Tulipa stenoptera*; the higher the concentration of the solution, the more significant the promoting effect. However, concentrations below 2% had a slight inhibitory effect on clump diameter. While attapulgite solution promoted an increase in the number of *Tulipa stenoptera* plants, less nutrient was supplied to each plant from the roots, resulting in lower growth rates of leaf length, leaf width, and plant height compared to the control group. The increase in the number of plants, to some extent, promoted the growth of clump diameter. The attapulgite soil can inhibit the growth rate of plant height and dwarf the plant height to a certain extent. This is conducive to the development of torch turmeric into potted plants and can also be used in landscaping.

[0089] 4 Conclusion

[0090] Attapulgite is a rare earth mineral with great research potential, exhibiting excellent properties and wide applications. Torch tulips are a highly ornamental plant. This study found that attapulgite promotes the accumulation of dry matter in Torch tulip bulbs and increases the number of flower stalks, significantly enhancing its ornamental value and economic benefits. Attapulgite also inhibits the vegetative growth of Torch tulips to some extent, a promising finding. Further optimization of this result could potentially allow the inflorescences to grow higher than the leaves, further enhancing its ornamental value. Since Torch tulips are primarily grown as flowering plants, the ability of attapulgite to suppress vegetative growth while promoting reproductive growth is precisely what we need. Attapulgite can also prolong the lifespan of Torch tulip inflorescences and dwarf the plant, greatly contributing to its ornamental value.

Claims

1. The application of attapulgite in prolonging the inflorescence life of sumac, characterized in that, The first application of the attapulgite solution is done after the first leaf of the torch tulip has fully unfolded. After that, the agent is applied once a month, with a dosage of 100ml per plant each time. The attapulgite solution mentioned is an attapulgite solution with a mass fraction of 1-3%.

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