Morphogenesis of Dianthus Orientalis Adams

Abstract

The article deals with the results of the introductory study of Dianthus under the cultural conditions. It also covers biological peculiarities of vegetative and reproductive organs in ontogenesis, rhythm of seasonal development, and the possibilities of its utilization are defined. D. orientalis is a perennial, polycarpic, semi-bush plant. The plant is characterized by a large distribution on the territory of Georgia. Several new locations are marked. In the first year after planting, the plant passes all the phases of the virginal period, beginning from its emergence until its mature vegetative state and it is represented by closely linked 14-21 to 28-42 vegetative abbreviated shoots. Intensive growth and formation of the reproductive organs of the plant begin on the second year of its development. The reproductive sprouts are monocyclic, characterized by branching that produce flowers and bear fruit. At the end of the vegetation, the plant is represented by a basal part of 10-13 cm diameter, with a number of renewal buds, and vegetative abbreviated shoots. As the plant grows older the morphometric indices of the above ground and the underground parts of the plant grow as well. The number of reproductive sprays on all levels of a five-year old plant and consequently the number of flowers is 2400-4000. The root system consists of main and additional roots; the main root, except for its basal, does not differ from the secondary roots. In the process of vegetation there are two periods of development - spring (March, April, May, June) and after the maturation of the seed, slightly expressed generation and summer- autumn (August, September, October). In comparison with the wild growing plants, those growing under the cultural conditions showed better quantity and growth quality, increase of morphometric characteristics and the number of reproductive and abbreviated vegetative shoots, improved external appearance and compactness of bushes. Development of the plant passes noticeably faster and accordingly the duration of the separate stages and phases is shorter. The difference is due to the cultural conditions under which the plant grows and develops. Decrease of all indices and a partial loss of the basal parts of the plant can be considered as a transitory stage into senile period that is marked 10-12 years after the emergence of the plant. Development rhythm of D.orientalis, its annual abundant flowering and fruit bearing, in some cases the ability of self reproduction, increase of quantitative and qualitative indices of the vegetative and reproductive organs without any special care verify that the plant has a high chance of being introduced under cultural conditions. So it is certain that this original, decorative and easily-maintenance plant can be used in different types of floral arrangements like mixborders, borders, rocky sites, and alpine gardens together with different kinds of ground cover plants and other Dianthus species