A method of significantly reducing the flower color of a plant of the peony family
By using diluted anti-drop ester spraying methods, the flower color of Paeoniaceae plants can be precisely controlled, solving the problems of instability and high cost in flower color control, and achieving stable flower color reduction and enhanced ornamental value.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- LUOYANG ACADEMY OF AGRI & FORESTRY SCI
- Filing Date
- 2026-01-21
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-05
AI Technical Summary
Existing technologies are insufficient for efficiently, accurately, and environmentally friendly control of flower color in Paeoniaceae plants. Furthermore, traditional methods are time-consuming, costly, or have adverse effects, making it difficult to achieve stable flower color changes and consistency.
Using 25% anti-drop ester as the agent, diluted to a concentration of 100 to 600 times, the reduction effect of flower color in Paeoniaceae plants can be precisely controlled by using specific combinations of spraying frequency, time intervals and agent concentrations. Anti-drop ester inhibits gibberellin synthesis, affecting anthocyanin synthesis and accumulation, thereby achieving flower color reduction.
This method achieves stable color fading in a short time, enhancing the ornamental value of Paeoniaceae plants. It is simple to operate, reduces costs, does not affect plant growth, and is suitable for large-scale production.
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Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of Paeoniaceae plant cultivation technology, specifically to a method for significantly reducing the color of Paeoniaceae plant flowers. Background Technology
[0002] Peony (Paeonia lactiflora Pall.) is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the genus Paeonia in the family Paeoniaceae. Renowned for its vibrant colors and diverse flower shapes, it possesses extremely high ornamental value and is hailed as the "Prime Minister of Flowers," being one of China's traditional famous flowers. In recent years, peonies have become increasingly popular due to their large flower size, diverse flower shapes, and bright colors, becoming a highly sought-after high-end cut flower in the international market. The status of peonies in the international cut flower market continues to rise, and market demand is also increasing. Peony flower colors can be divided into nine major color systems: white, pink, red, purple, black, blue, green, yellow, and multi-colored. However, the superior cultivated varieties are mainly concentrated in red and purple varieties. Red and purple are the dominant colors of traditional peony varieties, with the largest cultivation area, and are the main source of peony cut flowers in the market. Because reddish-purple is considered somewhat vulgar and white lacks the traditional festive charm of my country, pink or light pink peony cut flowers are currently more favored by consumers. However, there are not many high-quality pink or light pink peony varieties available for cut flower production, and their cultivation area is not large, resulting in a contradiction between the supply and market demand for cut flowers.
[0003] Existing flower color regulation technologies, whether through natural variation, hybridization breeding, or environmental factor regulation, often have unstable and unpredictable effects. Natural variation is random, hybridization breeding has a long cycle and the emergence of new flower colors is highly uncertain, while environmental factor regulation is greatly affected by external conditions, making it difficult to guarantee the stability and consistency of flower color changes.
[0004] To cultivate different flower colors in Paeoniaceae plants through hybridization breeding, it is necessary to select suitable parent plants for hybridization, and then go through multiple generations of selection and screening to obtain varieties with stable heritable flower colors. This process may take several years or even decades, with a long breeding cycle and a large amount of human, material, and time costs.
[0005] Molecular breeding technology is difficult to implement, involves complex molecular biological operations, and is costly and time-consuming.
[0006] Environmental control methods suffer from poor controllability. They are affected by multiple factors such as light, temperature, and humidity, making it difficult to precisely control the intensity and duration of each factor, thus hindering accurate control over the degree of flower color fading. Furthermore, environmental control requires specific facilities and conditions, resulting in high costs and making it unsuitable for large-scale flower production.
[0007] The effect of using chemical agents to control flower color is unstable and may result in uneven fading, insignificant color changes, or excessive fading, which reduces the ornamental value of the flowers and has an adverse effect on the plants themselves. If used improperly, it may also pollute the environment, harm the ecological balance, and pose food safety risks (if the flowers are used for food or medicinal purposes).
[0008] The regulation of flower color in Paeoniaceae plants is an important topic in flower production and ornamental applications. Precisely controlling flower color fading to achieve differentiated expression of multiple flower colors within the same variety, multiple flower colors within the same plant, or multiple flower colors within the same flower is a key technological requirement for creating a rich variety of flower colors in Paeoniaceae plants, improving the overall ornamental value of the plants, and resolving the market supply and demand imbalance. Therefore, developing an efficient, precise, environmentally friendly, and easy-to-operate method for flower color fading has significant industrial application value. Summary of the Invention
[0009] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention provides a highly efficient, precise, environmentally friendly, and easy-to-operate method for significantly reducing the color of Paeoniaceae flowers. Through a specific spraying regimen using 25% anti-drop ester at a dilution range of 100-600 times, an ideal color reduction effect is achieved. During the experiment, no problems such as uneven, excessive, or insufficient color fading were observed. This method overcomes the shortcomings of existing color control techniques and achieves a stable color reduction effect in a relatively short time without affecting the normal growth and development of the plants. It improves the efficiency of flower production and brings significant economic and ornamental value to the Paeoniaceae flower industry.
[0010] The technical solution adopted in this invention is as follows: a method to significantly reduce the flower color of Paeoniaceae plants, using 25% anti-loosening ester as the agent to regulate the flower color of Paeoniaceae plants, diluted to a concentration of 100 to 600 times, and using a specific combination of spraying frequency, time interval and agent concentration during the leaf expansion period of Paeoniaceae plants to precisely control the degree of flower color reduction, so as to achieve a multi-color effect of one flower to make up for the lack of flower color and improve the ornamental value of Paeoniaceae plants.
[0011] After the buds appear on the Paeoniaceae plants and the terminal leaflets have unfolded, spray 1 to 3 times, with an interval of 6 to 8 days between each spraying. Each spraying treatment should be repeated 2 times. Spraying should be carried out between 15:00 and 17:00 in windless and rainless weather.
[0012] When spraying, hold the sprayer nozzle about 30-40cm away from the plant leaves. When spraying evenly, ensure that both the front and back of the leaves are covered with the pesticide, ideally with droplets covering the leaf surface but not dripping.
[0013] Within the spraying range of 100-600 times dilution of 25% anti-lodging agent, the higher the concentration of the 25% anti-lodging agent solution, the more significant the lightening of the flower color of Paeoniaceae plants. Specifically, for purplish-red Paeoniaceae varieties, spraying with a 100-fold concentration solution can reduce the flower color to pinkish-white; spraying with a 200-600-fold concentration solution can reduce the flower color to light pink to pink.
[0014] Based on the original flower color of the Paeoniaceae plant variety and the set color reduction target, if the effect of reducing the flower color of the whole plant is achieved, the branches and leaves of the whole plant should be sprayed evenly 1 to 3 times. Multiple even sprays can make the flower color of the plant more uniform and avoid the color difference of flowers on the main bud, side buds and different positions of the stem.
[0015] To achieve the effect of reducing the color of different flowers on the same plant, spraying can be applied to different areas of the same stem, with varying concentrations and frequency, to create a two- or multi-colored effect on a single plant. For example, on the same peony plant, spraying the left stem evenly from top to bottom while leaving the right stem unsprayed can result in the left flowers having reduced color while the right flowers retain their original color, creating a two- or even multi-colored effect on a single plant.
[0016] Uneven spraying can be achieved by applying 1 to 3 times. If the spray droplets are too large or too fast, or if some areas are missed, uneven spraying will occur. Uneven spraying usually manifests as differences in the amount of sprayed in different locations, which will cause differences in the color reduction effect. This can create the effect of multi-colored flowers on the same plant with different shades of color among the same Paeoniaceae plant varieties.
[0017] This invention creatively employs trinexapac-ethyl as a regulator of flower color in Paeoniaceae plants. Trinexapac-ethyl is a novel plant growth regulator that primarily works by inhibiting the biosynthesis of gibberellins within the plant. It is widely used in grain crops such as wheat and rice to prevent lodging; in some ornamental horticultural plants, trinexapac-ethyl is also used to regulate plant shape, making the plants more compact and aesthetically pleasing, thus enhancing their ornamental value. For example, in flower production, it can dwarf flower plants, thicken flower stems, and improve the overall appearance of the flowers. To date, no research reports have been found on the application of trinexapac-ethyl to plant flower color regulation. This invention utilizes trinexapac-ethyl to strongly inhibit gibberellin synthesis, triggering a series of chain reactions: it may reduce the supply of sugars from photosynthetic products to the flower, cutting off the raw materials and energy for anthocyanin synthesis; it may also disrupt the balance of endogenous hormones, indirectly inhibiting the activity of key enzymes in anthocyanin synthesis; and it may also limit the normal development of petal cells, affecting pigment storage space. Ultimately, these physiological disorders collectively lead to the inhibition of anthocyanin synthesis and accumulation, resulting in a significant reduction in flower color.
[0018] This invention uses a 25% anti-rot ester solution diluted 100 to 600 times for spraying treatment. By combining different spraying concentrations, frequency, time, and application range, different flower colors can be produced in the plants. Moreover, the degree of flower color reduction is positively correlated with the spraying concentration. The core mechanism is to inhibit the synthesis and accumulation of anthocyanins.
[0019] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: This invention utilizes a 25% anti-loosening agent to spray Paeoniaceae plants, achieving significant and stable effects such as reducing flower color fading, multi-coloring of individual flowers, and compensating for insufficient flower color; ensuring that while achieving flower color changes, it does not affect the normal growth and development of the plant. This stability makes this invention highly valuable for practical production, providing a reliable flower color control solution for the floriculture industry. The method is simple to operate, requiring no complex technology or equipment, and can be easily mastered and applied by ordinary flower growers, lowering the technical threshold and cost of flower color control. It has excellent operability and practicality, facilitating its widespread promotion and application in the floriculture industry, and is of great significance for enhancing the economic and ornamental value of Paeoniaceae plants. Attached Figure Description
[0020] Figure 1 Comparative photos of the flower color of the peony variety 'Zitan Xiangyu' before and after treatment with 25% anti-loosening ester at dilutions of 100x, 200x, 300x, 400x, and 600x;
[0021] Figure 2 Comparative photos of the flower color of the peony variety 'Chilong Huancai' before and after treatment with 25% anti-loosening ester at dilutions of 100, 200, 300, 400, and 600 times;
[0022] Figure 3 This is a photograph of a single flower with multiple colors after the peony variety 'Zitan Xiangyu' was treated with the uneven spraying method of this invention. Detailed Implementation
[0023] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0024] The method of this invention can significantly reduce the color of flowers in Paeoniaceae plants. Three varieties of Paeonia were selected as experimental subjects: 'Zitan Xiangyu', 'Chilong Huancai', and 'Hongyan Feishuang'. These three varieties are common and representative of Paeonia species with vibrant flower colors. Healthy plants with consistent growth and free from pests and diseases were selected for the experiment to ensure the accuracy and comparability of the results.
[0025] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to examples.
[0026] Example 1
[0027] A novel method to significantly reduce the flower color of Paeoniaceae plants involves using 25% anti-lodging ester as the agent to regulate the flower color of Paeoniaceae plants. The 25% anti-lodging ester is diluted to a concentration of 100 times and then brought to a final volume of 2L.
[0028] The peony varieties 'Zitan Xiangyu', 'Chilong Huancai', and 'Hongyan Feishuang' were selected as experimental subjects. A completely randomized design was used. During the leaf expansion stage, the plants were sprayed with a 100-fold dilution of 25% anti-loosening agent. When spraying, the sprayer nozzle was held about 30-40 cm away from the leaves, and the spray was applied evenly to ensure that both the upper and lower surfaces of the leaves were covered with the agent, ideally with droplets covering the leaf surface without dripping. 'Zitan Xiangyu' was sprayed 3 times, 'Chilong Huancai' twice, and 'Hongyan Feishuang' once, once a week. Each treatment was replicated twice. Spraying was carried out between 15:00 and 17:00 in windless and rainless weather.
[0029] Example 2
[0030] A novel method to significantly reduce the flower color of Paeoniaceae plants involves using 25% anti-lodging ester as the agent to regulate the flower color of Paeoniaceae plants. The 25% anti-lodging ester is diluted to a concentration of 200 times and then brought to a final volume of 2L.
[0031] The peony varieties 'Zitan Xiangyu', 'Chilong Huancai', and 'Hongyan Feishuang' were selected as experimental subjects. A completely randomized design was used. After the plants showed buds and the terminal leaflets unfolded, they were sprayed with a 25% anti-loosening agent diluted 200 times. During spraying, the sprayer nozzle was held about 30-40 cm away from the leaves, and the spray was applied evenly to ensure that both the upper and lower surfaces of the leaves were covered with the agent, ideally with droplets covering the leaf surface without dripping. 'Zitan Xiangyu' was sprayed 3 times, 'Chilong Huancai' twice, and 'Hongyan Feishuang' once, once a week. Each treatment was repeated in 2 replicates. Spraying was carried out between 15:00 and 17:00 in windless and rainless weather.
[0032] Example 3
[0033] A novel method to significantly reduce the flower color of Paeoniaceae plants involves using 25% anti-lodging ester as the agent to regulate the flower color of Paeoniaceae plants. The 25% anti-lodging ester is diluted to a concentration of 300 times and then brought to a final volume of 2L.
[0034] The peony varieties 'Zitan Xiangyu', 'Chilong Huancai', and 'Hongyan Feishuang' were selected as experimental subjects. A completely randomized design was used. During the leaf expansion stage, the plants were sprayed with a 300-fold dilution of 25% anti-loosening agent. During spraying, the sprayer nozzle was held about 30-40 cm away from the leaves, and the spray was applied evenly to ensure that both the upper and lower surfaces of the leaves were covered with the agent, ideally with droplets covering the leaf surface without dripping. 'Zitan Xiangyu' was sprayed 3 times, 'Chilong Huancai' twice, and 'Hongyan Feishuang' once. Each treatment was replicated twice. Spraying was carried out between 15:00 and 17:00 in windless and rainless weather.
[0035] Example 4
[0036] A novel method to significantly reduce the flower color of Paeoniaceae plants involves using 25% anti-lodging ester as the agent to regulate the flower color of Paeoniaceae plants. The 25% anti-lodging ester is diluted to a concentration of 400 times and then brought to a final volume of 2L.
[0037] The peony varieties 'Zitan Xiangyu', 'Chilong Huancai', and 'Hongyan Feishuang' were selected as experimental subjects. A completely randomized design was used. During the leaf expansion stage, the plants were sprayed with a 400-fold dilution of 25% anti-loosening agent. When spraying, the sprayer nozzle was held about 30-40 cm away from the leaves, and the spray was applied evenly to ensure that both the upper and lower surfaces of the leaves were covered with the agent, ideally with droplets covering the leaf surface without dripping. 'Zitan Xiangyu' was sprayed 3 times, 'Chilong Huancai' twice, and 'Hongyan Feishuang' once, once a week. Each treatment was replicated twice. Spraying was carried out between 15:00 and 17:00 in windless and rainless weather.
[0038] Example 5
[0039] A novel method to significantly reduce the flower color of Paeoniaceae plants involves using 25% anti-lodging ester as the agent to regulate the flower color of Paeoniaceae plants. The 25% anti-lodging ester is diluted to a concentration of 600 times and then brought to a final volume of 2L.
[0040] The peony varieties 'Zitan Xiangyu', 'Chilong Huancai', and 'Hongyan Feishuang' were selected as experimental subjects. A completely randomized design was used. After the plants showed buds and the terminal leaflets unfolded, they were sprayed with a 600-fold dilution of 25% anti-loosening agent. During spraying, the sprayer nozzle was held about 30-40 cm away from the leaves, and the spray was applied evenly to ensure that both the upper and lower surfaces of the leaves were covered with the agent, ideally with droplets covering the leaf surface without dripping. 'Zitan Xiangyu' was sprayed 3 times, 'Chilong Huancai' twice, and 'Hongyan Feishuang' once, once a week. Each treatment was replicated. Spraying was carried out between 15:00 and 17:00 in windless and rainless weather.
[0041] By employing specific combinations of spraying frequency, time intervals, and pesticide concentrations as described in Examples 1-5 during the leaf expansion stage of Paeoniaceae plants, the degree of flower color fading was precisely controlled. Starting from the budding stage, changes in flower color in the treatment groups were regularly observed and recorded. Simultaneously, plant height, stem diameter, and flowering time were recorded. Plant height was measured from the base of the plant to the top growth point using a measuring tape; stem diameter was measured at the base of the plant using calipers; and flowering time was recorded as the number of days from the first flower to the last flower. Differences in flower color changes, plant height, stem diameter, and flowering time among different treatment groups were compared. No significant differences were found in plant height, stem diameter, and flowering time, indicating that spraying with anti-drop ester had no adverse effects on the growth of Paeoniaceae plants, ensuring that flower color changes were achieved without affecting the normal growth and development of the plants.
[0042] The anthocyanin content of peony petals after spraying with different concentrations of anti-drop ester in Examples 1-5 was rapidly determined using an ACM-200Plus portable anthocyanin content analyzer, as shown in the table below:
[0043]
[0044] As shown in the table above, compared with the control group that was not treated with anti-lodging ester, the anthocyanin content in the petals of peony plants treated with anti-lodging ester decreased significantly. Moreover, the anthocyanin content in the petals of peony plants decreased as the concentration of anti-lodging ester increased. This also indicates that the application of anti-lodging ester will cause the flower color of peony plants to become lighter, and the higher the concentration of spraying, the lighter the flower color.
[0045] The peony flower color in Examples 1-5 was detected using an SR-60-3nh high-precision colorimeter. The results are shown in the table below:
[0046]
[0047] The table above shows that a colorimeter was used to evaluate the effect of different dilution concentrations of anti-lodging ester on the flower color of peonies. In the color indices, the L value represents brightness; a higher value indicates a brighter color, and a lower value indicates a darker color. The a value represents redness; positive values indicate a redder hue, and negative values indicate a greener hue; a higher absolute value indicates a deeper red, and a lower absolute value indicates a lighter red. The b value represents yellowness; positive values indicate a yellower hue, and negative values indicate a bluish hue; a higher absolute value indicates a deeper yellow, and a lower absolute value indicates a lighter yellow. Compared to the control group without anti-lodging ester treatment, as the concentration of anti-lodging ester increased, the L value gradually increased as the a value decreased, while the b value increased slowly. This indicates that the application of anti-lodging ester leads to lighter and brighter flower colors in peonies; and the higher the concentration, the lighter the flower color.
[0048] Spraying different concentrations of anti-lodging ester can lighten the color of peony flowers, with the specific color depending on the concentration and application method of the ester. Different concentrations of anti-lodging ester can be sprayed according to different market demands for peony flower colors. This invention provides a novel method for significantly reducing the color of peony flowers, achieving a multi-colored flower effect and compensating for insufficient flower color, thereby enhancing the ornamental value of peonies.
Claims
1. A method for significantly reducing the color of flowers in Paeoniaceae plants, characterized in that: 25% anti-lodging ester was used as a chemical agent to regulate the flower color of Paeoniaceae plants. It was diluted to a concentration of 100 to 600 times. During the leaf expansion period of Paeoniaceae plants, specific spraying frequency, time intervals and chemical agent concentration combinations were used to precisely control the degree of flower color fading, achieve the effect of multiple colors in one flower and make up for insufficient flower color.
2. The method for significantly reducing the flower color of Paeoniaceae plants according to claim 1, characterized in that: After the buds appear on the Paeoniaceae plants, spray them 1-3 times after the terminal leaflets have unfolded, with an interval of 6-8 days between each spraying. Spraying should be carried out between 15:00 and 17:00 in windless and rainless weather.
3. The method for significantly reducing the flower color of Paeoniaceae plants according to claim 1, characterized in that: When spraying, hold the sprayer nozzle about 30-40cm away from the plant leaves. When spraying evenly, ensure that both the front and back of the leaves are covered with the pesticide, ideally with droplets covering the leaf surface but not dripping.
4. The method for significantly reducing the flower color of Paeoniaceae plants according to claim 1, characterized in that: Within the spraying range of 100 to 600 times dilution of 25% anti-loosening agent, the higher the concentration of the 25% anti-loosening agent solution sprayed, the more significant the lightening of the flower color of Paeoniaceae plants.
5. The method for significantly reducing the flower color of Paeoniaceae plants according to claim 1, characterized in that: Spraying purplish-red Paeoniaceae varieties with a 100-fold dilution of 25% anti-lodging ester solution can reduce the flower color to pinkish-white; spraying purplish-red Paeoniaceae varieties with a 200-600-fold dilution of 25% anti-lodging ester solution can reduce the flower color to light pink to pink.
6. The method for significantly reducing the flower color of Paeoniaceae plants according to claim 1, characterized in that: If the desired effect of reducing the color of the flowers on the entire plant is achieved, spray the branches and leaves of the entire plant evenly 1 to 3 times.
7. The method for significantly reducing the flower color of Paeoniaceae plants according to claim 1, characterized in that: To achieve the desired effect of reducing the color of different flowers on the same plant, spraying can be applied to different areas of the same plant stem, with varying concentrations and frequency of application, to create the effect of two or more colors on one plant.
8. The method for significantly reducing the flower color of Paeoniaceae plants according to claim 1, characterized in that: Uneven spraying can be achieved by applying 1 to 3 times. When the sprayer sprays droplets too large or too fast, or misses certain areas, uneven spraying will occur. Uneven spraying usually manifests as differences in the amount of sprayed in different locations, which will cause differences in the color reduction effect. This can create the effect of multi-colored flowers on the same plant with different shades of color among the same Paeoniaceae plant varieties.