Fernanda Carlota Nery

Soil bioavailability influences plant uptake of chemical elements, but accumulation and translocation vary among species, particularly in tolerant plants such as sunflower. Because essential and potentially toxic trace elements persist in soils and enter the food chain, this study investigated the Cd–Mn interaction beyond apparent tolerance, evaluating its effects on metal translocation, photosynthetic efficiency, productivity, and food safety. Chlorophyll fluorescence, gas exchange, conversion efficiency, dry matter, oil content, pigments, and Cd and Mn concentrations in soil, roots, leaves, and seeds were evaluated. Mn uptake decreased in the presence of Cd, whereas Cd uptake increased with Mn. Mn accumulated mainly in leaves, while Cd remained in roots but showed greater translocation to shoots with Mn. Despite preserved photosynthetic function, high Mn reduced seed dry matter, conversion efficiency, and oil content, with smaller reductions under combined Cd exposure. Cd translocation to seeds raises food safety and biomagnification concerns.

The journal Ornamental Horticulture, founded in 1995 by the Brazilian Society for Floriculture and Ornamental Plants, celebrates 30 years of uninterrupted publications, consolidating itself as the only journal in Latin America dedicated to ornamental horticulture. Throughout its history, it has undergone important transformations, such as the adoption of online publishing, internationalization with articles in English, and indexing in major databases (SciELO, Scopus, and Web of Science). These advances have resulted in greater visibility, increased numbers of published articles, downloads, and citations, strengthening its scientific relevance. The journal follows the principles of open science and the SciELO guidelines for professionalization, internationalization, and sustainability, reaffirming its mission to disseminate knowledge and foster the advancement of ornamental horticulture in Brazil and worldwide.

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is a crop with ornamental and energetic potential, but its propagation is challenged by abiotic stresses such as salinity and water deficit. Ensuring high-quality propagation materials is crucial for healthy plant development. Nanotechnology offers innovative tools to enhance seed performance, stress tolerance, and production efficiency. Among these, carbon nanotubes, a strong, conductive, and thermally resistant material, have shown promise in improving seed quality. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of nanopriming with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on the physiological and biochemical performance of sunflower seeds under accelerated aging and stress conditions. Seeds were treated with 100, 200, or 400 mg·L⁻¹ MWCNTs, and parameters such as germination percentage, seedling growth, pigment profile, and oxidative stress indicators were analyzed. The 200 mg·L⁻¹ concentration enhanced germination, root and shoot development, and antioxidant enzyme modulation, while the 400 mg·L⁻¹ dose increased reactive oxygen species, indicating toxicity. Under saline and drought-like conditions, nanopriming with 100–200 mg·L⁻¹ mitigated oxidative damage more effectively than hydropriming. MWCNTs also influenced pigment synthesis, affecting chlorophyll and carotenoid levels. These findings support the potential of carbon nanotube-based nanopriming to improve seed vigor and stress tolerance in sunflower cultivation, though further environmental safety assessments are required.

The bark of Plathymenia reticulata was characterized for its structural, anatomical, and chemical properties, aiming to analyze its potential in the context of bioprospecting and emphasizing the valorization of bioproducts in biorefinery pathways. The study conducted a detailed analysis of the phloem, including chemical characterization through summative analysis, inorganic elemental composition, identification and quantification of bioactive compounds, as well as tannin characterization. The phloem contained high levels of extractives (40.0 %), lignin (40.6 %), and ash (8.6 %), while the cork exhibited high lignin content (34.5 %) and suberin content (24.7 %). Aqueous acetone solubilised higher concentrations of phenolics (53.62 mg GAE/g extract), flavonoids (7.26 mg CE/g extract), and tannins (9.97 mg CE/g extract) compared to ethanol and methanol. Trigonelline, theobromine, gallic acid, and caffeic acid were identified in the bark extracts, with yields varying according to the solvent. The yield of tannin extraction was 19.1 %, and the tannins were characterized by Raman, FTIR and TGA analyses. The bark of P. reticulata demonstrated significant potential for bioprospecting, with applications in a variety of bioproducts, including pharmaceuticals, coatings, biochar, biofuels, and fertilizers. This study contributes to the development of a sustainable bioeconomy, benefiting local communities and promoting conservation of species from the Cerrado biome.

Scientific and technological advances have been primarily responsible for the diversification and improvement in the quality of flower and ornamental plant production in Brazil and around the world. The introduction of new technologies and management practices allow to increase the number of species cultivated and, above all, to improve the quality of those already in production. These topics have been highlighted in the articles published in Ornamental Horticulture, addressing crucial aspects aimed at optimising production, quality, sustainability, genetic conservation, and economic viability of various species of flowers and ornamental plants.

Floriculture has experienced exponential growth in Brazil, generating substantial revenue in the ornamental sector through the use of decorative flowers. Specific morphological traits are required to meet market standards for potted ornamental plants, such as compact architecture and restricted growth. Although ‘Vincent’s Choice’ sunflower is widely accepted by growers, its large size limits its commercialization in pots. This study aimed to evaluate different doses of paclobutrazol (PBZ), a plant growth regulator that inhibits the gibberellin biosynthesis pathway, the primary hormonal route for shoot elongation. PBZ was applied at 0, 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 mg L^-1, with five replicates per treatment. The variables analyzed included plant height, number of leaves, stem diameter, leaf area, fresh and dry biomass, and postharvest traits such as inflorescence diameter, colorimetric parameters (L*, a*, and b*), visual quality (graded scale), and anatomical traits (transverse leaf blade thickness). The concentration of 500 mg L^-1 applied to the substrate demonstrated the most effective growth regulation without inducing phytotoxicity. This dose significantly reduced plant height and maintained postharvest quality, resulting in compact plants suitable for the producer and consumer markets of potted ornamental sunflower.

Drosera schwackei (Droseraceae) is a carnivorous species with high ornamental potential, but no established protocols exist for its cultivation and conservation. This study aimed to develop a protocol for in vitro germination, plant development, and cryopreservation of D. schwackei seeds. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with a 2 x 4 factorial scheme (two concentrations of sodium hypochlorite and four immersion times), with four replications, each containing 30 seeds. The seeds were cultivated in different concentrations of MS medium (MS1/3, MS1/2, MS100%, and control with agar/water). Two experiments were carried out to evaluate the in vitro development of seedlings: 1) Testing different salt concentrations of MS medium (1/3, 1/2, and 100%); 2) MS1/3 medium supplemented with different concentrations of BAP (6-benzylaminopurine). For cryopreservation, seeds were stored in cryotubes and immersed in liquid nitrogen for 1, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 120 hours, with a control group inoculated on the same day. Disinfestation with 2% sodium hypochlorite for 10 minutes effectively stimulated germination. MS1/3 and MS1/2 media favored seed germination and seedling growth, while low concentrations of BAP promoted better plant development. The seeds survived cryopreservation for up to 120 hours in liquid nitrogen without impairing plant development or morphology. Sphagnum moss proved an efficient substrate for acclimating D. schwackei seedlings from in vitro cultivation.

The Ornamental Horticulture journal (ISSN: 2447-536X) celebrates nearly three decades of existence, continuously publishing scientific articles resulting from research conducted both in Brazil and abroad. Founded in 1995 by the Brazilian Society for Floriculture and Ornamental Plants, the journal has always been dedicated to disseminating high-quality science and technology ( Graziano, 1995 ; Dias and Paiva, 2015 a). Over this period, it has undergone various transformations, adapting to the needs of the community and providing information quickly and efficiently ( Dias and Paiva, 2015b ).

Clitoria ternatea L. is valued for its ornamental characteristics, medicinal properties, and culinary uses. However, efficient production of this species is constrained by seed coat dormancy, which impedes germination and seedling production. This study aimed to explore the physicochemical and morphological aspects of C. ternatea seeds, focusing on overcoming dormancy by applying multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) functionalized with carboxylic acid. The seeds were characterized by their physical, chemical, and mineral composition. Characterization included color dominance, geometry, thousand seed weight, and moisture content analyses. The seeds were treated with different concentrations (0, 100, 200, 400, 800 mg L^-1) of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) during 24 hours of soaking. Then the germination rates were evaluated and morphological analysis was performed using scanning electron microscopy. Regarding the morphometry of the seeds, they were characterized by an oblong shape, a predominance of black tegument coloration, high levels of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, fibers, and the presence of minerals such as potassium, magnesium, iron, and calcium. Seeds soaked in MWCNTs at a concentration of 200 mg L^-1 exhibited an increase in germination percentage and the formation of normal seedlings compared to the control group (seeds soaked in water). The results suggest that MWCNTs can help to overcome seed dormancy and improve the quality of the resulting seedlings. Image analysis and scanning electron microscopy were crucial in understanding the physicochemical characteristics of the seeds and their changes upon exposure to MWCNTs.