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A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747). This special issue belongs to the section "Horticultural Science and Ornamental Plants".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 July 2023) | Viewed by 34059

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. László Orlóci

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Guest Editor

Ornamental Plant and Green System Management Research Group, Institute of Landscape Architecture, Urban Planning and Garden Art, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, 2100 Gödöllő, Hungary
Interests: dendrology; ornamental plant breeding; plant genetics; urbanization, climate change; sustainability; abiotic stress
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Albert Fekete

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Co-Guest Editor

Department of Garden Art and Landscape Design, Institute of Landscape Architecture, Urban Planning and Garden Art, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
Interests: landscape planning; urban planning; urban ecology; landscape architecture
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Urban green spaces serve the physical and mental health of the population, and urban plant applications must balance the effects of climate change and urbanization. This is one of the biggest challenges facing urban ornamental plants today. The use of plants in settlements and the role and efficiency of plants in ecosystem services, as well as the physiological and social expectations for the plants used, provide opportunities for countless research.

A dynamically changing, new profession that requires close cooperation between landscape architecture and plant sciences. The sustainability of urban green areas requires the use of appropriate plant species, use in a complex ecological system, and advanced maintenance technology for the design and operation of livable cities.

In order to achieve all these goals, general plant physiology and stress physiology research is necessary, primarily for the tolerance of drought and environmental pollution that is so common in urban areas; the use of traditional and molecular plant breeding methods is also essential.

The interaction of the artificial living communities of cities, the examination of the interaction between plants, plants and microorganisms, and plants and animals is an essential part of sustainability. Creating vital urban areas and increasing their biodiversity is also necessary for sustainability. The monitoring and research of settlement communities as ecological systems serves to a large extent the perception of the effects of climate change, and helps to mitigate them. The sustainability and economic operation of established urban green space systems can be made effective by applying innovative technologies.

This Special Issue aims to draw attention to this wide-ranging multidisciplinary research work, and to offer solutions for modern urban green space management.

Dr. László Orlóci
Dr. Albert Fekete
Guest Editors

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Plants is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

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Keywords

urban green areas
ecosystem service
stress tolerance
drought tolerance
mycorrhizal support
ornamental plant
plant genetics
breeding
sustainability
climate change

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Published Papers (14 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research

8 pages, 268 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Ornamental Plants and Urban Gardening

by László Orlóci and Albert Fekete

Plants 2023, 12(24), 4096; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12244096 - 7 Dec 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2586

Abstract

Urban green areas serve both the mental and physical health of the people living in the settlements; therefore, the ornamental plants used on green areas currently have a prominent role in reducing the effects of climate change and urbanization, as well as in providing ecosystem services. This is a dynamically changing, new field that requires close cooperation with several scientific fields, such as landscape architecture and plant physiology, genetics, plant breeding, and ecology. The monitoring and research of settlement communities as ecological systems greatly serves the perception of the effects of climate change and helps to mitigate them. The sustainability and economic operation of established urban green space systems can be made effective by applying innovative technologies. The Special Issue “Ornamental Plants and Urban Gardening” was launched in 2022 and published 13 articles on the topic until 31 July 2023. The published articles also have a very wide spectrum of topics, which also shows the diversity and the interdisciplinary nature of the scientific field. In the following, we present the main topics of the published articles and the results with which their authors contributed to the enrichment of the scientific field. We present a brief summary of the articles in shorter subsections. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ornamental Plants and Urban Gardening)

Research

Jump to: Editorial

27 pages, 32705 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Computer Vision Interaction Design in Sustainable Urban Development: A Case Study of Roof Garden Landscape Plants in Marine Cities

by Longlong Zhang and Chulsoo Kim

Plants 2023, 12(18), 3320; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12183320 - 20 Sep 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2285

Abstract

The rapid urbanization and the increasing need for sustainable development have led to the emergence of green roof landscapes in ocean cities. These rooftop gardens provide numerous environmental benefits and contribute to the overall well-being of urban dwellers. However, optimizing the design and interaction experience of green roof landscapes requires the integration of intelligent technologies. This paper explores the application of computer visual design techniques, specifically 3DMAX modeling and virtual reality, in the intelligent interaction design of green roof landscape plants in ocean cities. Designers can use computer visual design (3DMAX) and other technologies to interact intelligently with the roof landscape in order to improve landscape design. Through case studies, this indicated that computer vision is excellent for image processing of rooftop landscapes and also demonstrates a high degree of compatibility between computer vision and green rooftop landscape plant design in marine cities. This paper highlights the significance of intelligent interaction design and computer visual design techniques in optimizing the integration of green roof landscape plants in ocean cities. It emphasizes the potential of 3DMAX modeling and VR technology in creating immersive and engaging experiences for designers, users, and stakeholders alike. The findings contribute to the growing body of knowledge in the field of sustainable urban development and provide insights for designers, policymakers, and researchers seeking to enhance green roof landscapes in ocean cities. The dissertation highlights the potential of using computer vision design techniques to enhance the roof garden landscaping process and advocates for more efficient and effective ways to design, visualize, and improve rooftop gardens by utilizing software equipped with computer vision technology such as 3DMAX, ultimately contributing to the advancement of sustainable urban landscapes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ornamental Plants and Urban Gardening)

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11 pages, 460 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Patterns of Intraspecific Variations in Mass of Nectar Sugar along a Phylogeny Distinguish Native from Non-Native Plants in Urban Greenspaces in Southern England

by Kowiyou Yessoufou

Plants 2023, 12(18), 3270; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12183270 - 14 Sep 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 991

Abstract

To serve human needs, non-native species are selected based on an array of functional traits, which generally confer competitive advantages to these species in their recipient environments. Identifying non-obvious functional traits that indirectly inform human selection of non-natives to introduce into urban greenspaces is not yet part of common discussions in invasion biology. We tested whether functional traits integrated within a phylogenetic framework, may reveal those subtle criteria underlying the introduction of non-native plants into urban greenspaces. We found no differences in terms of functional traits between natives and non-natives. We also found no evidence that functional traits predict nectar production, irrespective of how nectar production was measured. Finally, we found that the mean sugar concentration of nectar per flower is evolutionarily shared both within closely related non-native plants as well as within close native plants. However, phylogenetically close species share similar intraspecific variation in mass of nectar sugar per flower, but this is true only for non-native plants, thus revealing a non-obvious selection criteria of non-native plants for urban greenspaces. Our results indicate that the phylogenetic patterns of intraspecific variation in mass of nectar sugar per flower is the major criterion distinguishing non-natives from native plants in urban greenspaces in Southern England. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ornamental Plants and Urban Gardening)

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23 pages, 14022 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Space Compositional Aspects Regarding the Importance of Trees in the Urban Landscape

by László Zoltán Nádasy, István Valánszki and Máté Sárospataki

Plants 2023, 12(13), 2581; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12132581 - 7 Jul 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1315

Abstract

Individual trees and tree compositions provide a wide range of cultural ecosystem services, including playing a key role in defining urban character. In Hungary, urban landscape protection tools have recently been expanded, bringing the topic into the spotlight. However, the significance of natural elements (and particularly trees) in relation to the urban landscape is still under-researched. In this paper, using a novel methodology, the character-forming significance of trees and tree-compositional elements of historic gardens in Hungary that define the urban character is analysed and evaluated. The urban landscape protection tools that establish the current recognition of green elements within the urban landscape are also analysed. In addition, the spatial situations and characteristics making certain trees in historic gardens defining character elements within Hungarian settlements are studied. Reasons behind the lack of significant tree features in certain historic gardens, as well as the external and internal characteristics of tree elements that determine their visual impact have been categorised. The results reveal that visually important trees, while diverse, show distinct trends in terms of visibility and are subject to constant change. The results imply that a paradigm shift is necessary to maintain, design and regulate green infrastructure in relation to visually important trees. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ornamental Plants and Urban Gardening)

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16 pages, 6434 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Histological and Physiological Effects of Treatment of Rudbeckia hirta with Gamma Radiation

by Szilvia Kisvarga, Dóra Hamar-Farkas, Katalin Horotán, Ádám Solti, Edina Simon, Máté Ördögh, András Neményi, Gábor Boronkay and László Orlóci

Plants 2023, 12(12), 2245; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12122245 - 8 Jun 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1815

Abstract

The breeding of resistant, high-yield, decorative ornamental plant varieties may be impacted by climate change in the future. The use of radiation induces mutations in plants, thereby increasing the genetic variability of plant species. Rudbeckia hirta has long been a very popular species in urban green space management. The goal is to examine whether gamma mutation breeding can be applied to the breeding stock. Specifically, differences were measured between the M1 and M2 generations, as well as the effect of different radiation doses belonging to the same generation. Morphological measurements showed that gamma radiation has an effect on the measured parameters in several cases (larger crop size, faster development, larger number of trichomes). Physiological measurements (examination of chlorophyll and carotenoid content, POD activity, and APTI) also showed a beneficial effect of radiation, especially at higher doses (30 Gy), for both tested generations. The treatment was also effective in the case of 45 Gy, but this radiation dose resulted in lower physiological data. The measurements show that gamma radiation has an effect on the Rudbeckia hirta strain and may play a role in breeding in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ornamental Plants and Urban Gardening)

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23 pages, 14359 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing the Spontaneous Spread of Climate-Adapted Woody Plants in an Extensively Maintained Collection Garden

by Krisztina Szabó, Attila Gergely, Barnabás Tóth and Kinga Szilágyi

Plants 2023, 12(10), 1989; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12101989 - 15 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1468

Abstract

Climate change may strongly modify the habitat conditions for many woody plant species. Some species could disappear from their natural habitats and become endangered, while others could adapt well to the changed environmental conditions and continue to survive successfully or even proliferate more easily. A similar process can occur within the artificial urban environment as the hitherto popularly planted urban trees may suffer from the extremities of the urban climate. However, among the planted taxa, there are species that spread spontaneously and appear as weeds in extensively managed gardens. In our study, we evaluated the native and non-native species involved in spontaneous spreading in the institutional garden of Buda Arboretum (Budapest) during the COVID-19 period in 2020–2021 when entry was prohibited, and maintenance went on in a restricted, minimal level. We investigated the correlation between spontaneously settling and planted individuals, and then performed multivariate analyses for native and non-native spreading plants for spatial and quantitative data. During our studies, we observed the spontaneous spreading of 114 woody species, of which 38 are native and 76 are non-native. Taking the total number of individuals into account, we found that, in addition to the 2653 woody species planted, a further 7087 spontaneously emerged weeds developed, which creates an additional task in the maintenance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ornamental Plants and Urban Gardening)

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14 pages, 3151 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cross-Compatibility in Interspecific Hybridization of Different Curcuma Accessions

by Yuanjun Ye, Yiwei Zhou, Jianjun Tan, Genfa Zhu, Jinmei Liu and Yechun Xu

Plants 2023, 12(10), 1961; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12101961 - 11 May 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1868

Abstract

Curcuma is extensively cultivated as a medicinal and ornamental plant in tropical and subtropical regions. Due to the bright bract color, distinctive inflorescence and long blooming period, it has become a new favorite in terms of the urban landscape, potted flowers and cut flowers. However, little research on breeding new cultivars using traditional plant breeding methods is available on the genus Curcuma. In the present study, pollen viability and stigma receptivity evaluation were performed, and the genetic relationship of 38 Curcuma accessions was evaluated, then 5 C. alismatifolia Gagnep. (Ca), 2 C. hybrid (Ch), 2 C. sparganiifolia Gagnep. cultivars and 4 Curcuma native species were selected as parents for subsequent interspecific cross-breeding. A total of 132 reciprocal crosses were carried out for interspecific hybridization, including 70 obverse and 62 inverse crosses. Obvious discrepancies among fruit-setting rates were manifested in different combinations and in reciprocal crosses. Results showed that the highest fruit-setting rate (87.5%) was observed in the Ca combinations. There were 87 combinations with a fruit-setting rate of 0%, which meant nearly 65.9% was incompatible. We concluded that C. alismatifolia ‘Siam Shadow’ (Ch34) was suitable as a male parent and C. petiolata Roxb. (Cpet) was suitable as a female parent to improve the fruit-setting rates. The maximum number of seeds per fruit (45.4) was obtained when C. alismatifolia ‘Chiang Mai Pink’ (Ca01) was used as a female parent followed by C. attenuata Wall. ex Baker (Catt) (42.8) and C. alismatifolia ‘Splash’ (Ca63) (39.6) as male parents. The highest germination rate was observed for the Ca group followed by Catt and C. sparganiifolia ‘Maetang Sunrise’ (Csms). The germination rates of Ca accessions ranged from 58.2% (C. alismatifolia ‘Siam Scarlet’ (Ca06) as a male parent) to 89.3% (C. alismatifolia ‘Sitone’ (Ca10) as a male parent) with an average value of 74.0%. Based on the results of hybrid identification, all the individuals from the four combinations exhibited paternal-specific bands, indicating that the true hybrid rates of crossings were 100%. Our results would facilitate the interspecific hybridization and introduction of genetic variation from wild species into the cultivars in Curcuma in the future, which could be helpful in realizing the sustainable application in urban green areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ornamental Plants and Urban Gardening)

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15 pages, 3558 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Salt Tolerance of Limonium gmelinii subsp. hungaricum as a Potential Ornamental Plant for Secondary Salinized Soils

by Péter Honfi, Eman Abdelhakim Eisa, Andrea Tilly-Mándy, Ildikó Kohut, Károly Ecseri and István Dániel Mosonyi

Plants 2023, 12(9), 1807; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12091807 - 28 Apr 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1579

Abstract

Secondary salinization caused by climate change is a growing global problem. Searching for plants that can survive in areas with high salt content and even have decorative value was the focus of our research. Thirty plants of Limonium gmelinii subsp. hungaricum were planted in clear river sand; another thirty plants were planted in Pindstrup, a growing substrate enriched with 40% clay. With the latter, we modeled the natural soil. In addition to the control tap-water treatment, plants received 50, 125, 250, 375, and 500 mM NaCl solution irrigation twice a week. The leaf sizes of plants planted in sand decreased proportionally with the increasing NaCl concentration, and their dry matter content increased. In the clay-containing medium, leaf sizes increased, even at a concentration of 375 mM, although the dry matter content increased only at high concentrations. Carotene content in both media became higher, due to the higher NaCl concentrations, while proline content in the plants grown in sandy media increased, even with the 125 mM concentration. With our present experiment we proved the salt tolerance of the taxon, and even the soil’s great importance in supporting the plant’s salt tolerance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ornamental Plants and Urban Gardening)

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18 pages, 5379 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Plant Use in the Late Renaissance Gardens of the 17–18th Century Transylvania

by Albert Fekete and Máté Sárospataki

Plants 2023, 12(9), 1798; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12091798 - 27 Apr 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1635

Abstract

The aim of this article is to find, scientifically define, and locate the most frequent occurrences of the gardens of Transylvania in the Late Renaissance period (17–18th centuries), and to collect and prepare a comprehensive plant list of these gardens. During our investigation, based on archival and literary sources, as well as field studies carried out, we identified 81 Late Renaissance residency gardens located in Transylvania. We defined the most typical garden types for the region and we delineated the most characteristic ornamental, fruit, and vegetable plants, including fodder plants, used at that time in residential gardens. Meanwhile, the article intends to give a general overview of the first decisive time period in the Carpathian Basin, represented by the Late Renaissance garden art, from a garden and landscape architectural point of view. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ornamental Plants and Urban Gardening)

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23 pages, 6340 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multimodal Interaction of MU Plant Landscape Design in Marine Urban Based on Computer Vision Technology

by Jingwen Yuan, Longlong Zhang and Chul-Soo Kim

Plants 2023, 12(7), 1431; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12071431 - 23 Mar 2023

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2555

Abstract

At present, there is a growing focus on the landscape and environment of ocean cities, with an increasing demand for improved ecological sustainability and aesthetic appeal. With the emergence of computer vision design technologies such as 3D and VR, people have overcome the limitations of traditional paper-based design materials. Through the use of computer software, various forms of expression, such as drawings and animations, can be produced, thereby meeting the diverse demands for showcasing plant landscapes. The purpose of this paper is to study the design of marine urban (MU) botanical landscapes based on computer vision technology (CVT) and multimodal interaction design (MID) theory, so that the design of MU botanical landscape can meet people’s psychological behavior and visual needs, and at the same time enable people to participate in and experience the landscape, so as to better meet people’s needs for viewing, leisure, and entertainment. At the same time, it is hoped that the research of this paper will play a role in promoting the innovation and development of the concept of MU landscape design (LD) in the future, specifically from two levels of theoretical and practical significance. First, at the level of theoretical research: Based on the theory of MID, this paper explores the application of communication and interaction among humans and between humans and the landscape in the design of MU planting, and tries to explore and summarize the content and methods of interactive LD in marine cities with a theoretical basis and research value. The goal is to both enhance the theoretical level of interactive LD, and also provide new reference for future marine city (MC) LD. Second, at the level of practical application: In the field of LD, the new concept of computer vision is introduced to fully understand the visual needs of people and increase the practicality and pleasantness of the MU landscape, hoping to attract more people to come to play and rest. Through the attraction of MU landscapes to tourists, the design and construction of the landscape no longer focus on its appearance, but rather on the participation and experience of people. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ornamental Plants and Urban Gardening)

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18 pages, 2336 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Potential Allergenicity of Plants Used in Allergological Communication: An Untapped Tool for Prevention

by Donát Magyar

Plants 2023, 12(6), 1334; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12061334 - 16 Mar 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2117

Abstract

Plants are often used to illustrate allergy-related medical products, services, patient information materials and news. The illustration of allergenic plants is an important tool in patient education, contributing to the prevention of pollinosis, as patients can recognize plants and avoid pollen exposure. In this study, it is aimed to evaluate the pictorial content of allergy-related websites depicting plants. A total of 562 different photographs depicting plants were collected using image search, identified and categorized according to their potential allergenicity. Of the total 124 plant taxa, 25% of plants were identified to the genus level and a further 68% were identified to the species level. Plants with low allergenicity were found in 85.4% of the pictures, while plants of high allergenicity were shown in only 4.5% of the pictorial information. Brassica napus was the most frequent species identified (8.9% of the overall identified plants), while blooming Prunoidae, Chrysanthemum spp. and Taraxacum officinale were also common. Considering both allergological and design aspects, some plant species have been proposed for more professional and responsible advertising. The internet has the potential to provide visual support for patient education in allergenic plants, but emphasis must be put on the transmission of the correct visual message. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ornamental Plants and Urban Gardening)

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22 pages, 2925 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Urban Cemeteries in Ecosystem Services and Habitat Protection

by Ágnes Sallay, Imola Gecséné Tar, Zsuzsanna Mikházi, Katalin Takács, Cecilia Furlan and Ulrike Krippner

Plants 2023, 12(6), 1269; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12061269 - 10 Mar 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 5440

Abstract

Cemeteries, like urban public parks, are an important part of the urban ecosystem, providing semi-natural habitats for many plant and animal species as well as a wide range of ecosystem services: they improve air quality, reduce the urban heat island phenomenon and provide aesthetic and recreational value. This paper explores the role of the cemeteries in the green infrastructure network beyond their sacred and memorial role and their importance as a habitat for urban flora and fauna. In our study, we compared two large public cemeteries of Budapest (Nemzeti Sírkert/National Graveyard and Új Köztemető/New Public Cemetery) with the Zentralfriedhof Wien (Central Cemetery of Vienna), the latter of which has been forward-looking in terms of green infrastructure development and habitat creation in the past years. Our goal was to determine which maintenance technologies and green space development methods are most beneficial in terms of sustainable habitat creation and the use of appropriate plant species in public cemeteries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ornamental Plants and Urban Gardening)

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19 pages, 8770 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cross-School Collaboration to Develop and Implement Self-Construction Greening Systems for Schools

by Florian Teichmann, Ines Kirchengast and Azra Korjenic

Plants 2023, 12(2), 327; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12020327 - 10 Jan 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1423

Abstract

The positive effects of green infrastructure in the urban environment are nowadays widely known and proven by research. Yet, greening, which serves to improve the indoor climate and people’s well-being, is integrated very limited in public facilities such as schools. Reasons for this are seen in a lack of knowledge and financing opportunities. A focus, among others, of the MehrGrüneSchulen research project is the interdisciplinary development of cost-effective greening solutions for schools. The designs were developed in close collaboration with students of a technical college (HTL) and a horticultural school. This study describes the development process and presents the results of the first implementations of greening systems at the HTL-building complex and at nine other schools in Austria. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ornamental Plants and Urban Gardening)

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19 pages, 7357 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Vertical Greening Systems: A Critical Comparison of Do-It-Yourself Designs

by Laura Dominici, Elena Comino, Fraser Torpy and Peter Irga

Plants 2022, 11(23), 3230; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11233230 - 25 Nov 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4013

Abstract

Due to the increasing shortage of space in urban areas, vertical greening systems (VGSs) are becoming increasingly popular as a means to provide increased urban greening using building façades. VGSs are usually installed and managed by experts due to technical complexity, however the role of local communities is becoming increasingly important through Do-It-Yourself (DIY) practices. This study aims to explore low-cost VGSs and provide design suggestions and maintenance indications to encourage the expanded use of in situ small-scale VGSs. Firstly, an exploratory review of VGS designs proposed in the scientific literature, and by commercial and community-based solutions was conducted taking DIY potential into account to define eight basic design models categorized through six structural criteria. Then, seven community garden groups were interviewed to inform a critical comparison of the eight design models. Data collected was synthesized to develop a star rating system, thus providing a quick comparative tool. The star rating system shows the performance of five relevant DIY design parameters for each VGS model. The current research may assist in the accessibility of green technologies and facilitate community-scale implementation of DIY vertical greening. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ornamental Plants and Urban Gardening)

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