Heat shock transcription factors (Hsfs) are a class of important transcription factors (TFs) which play crucial roles in the protection of plants from damages caused by various abiotic stresses. The present study aimed to characterize the Hsf genes in carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus), which is one of the four largest cut flowers worldwide. In this study, a total of 17 non-redundant Hsf genes were identified from the D. caryophyllus genome. Specifically, the gene structure and motifs of each DcaHsf were comprehensively analyzed. Phylogenetic analysis of the DcaHsf family distinctly separated nine class A, seven class B, and one class C Hsf genes. Additionally, promoter analysis indicated that the DcaHsf promoters included various cis-acting elements that were related to stress, hormones, as well as development processes. In addition, cis-elements, such as STRE, MYB, and ABRE binding sites, were identified in the promoters of most DcaHsf genes. According to qRT-PCR data, the expression of DcaHsfs varied in eight tissues and six flowering stages and among different DcaHsfs, even in the same class. Moreover, DcaHsf-A1, A2a, A9a, B2a, B3a revealed their putative involvement in the early flowering stages. The time-course expression profile of DcaHsf during stress responses illustrated that all the DcaHsfs were heat- and drought-responsive, and almost all DcaHsfs were down-regulated by cold, salt, and abscisic acid (ABA) stress. Meanwhile, DcaHsf-A3, A7, A9a, A9b, B3a were primarily up-regulated at an early stage in response to salicylic acid (SA). This study provides an overview of the Hsf gene family in D. caryophyllus and a basis for the breeding of stress-resistant carnation.

Camellia japonica is an evergreen tree species with high ornamental value. The complete C. japonica cp genome is 156,606 bp in length and contains a small single-copy region (18,415 bp) and a large single copy ( 86,257 bp) region - separated by a pair of the inverted repeat regions (51,934 bp ). The overall GC content of the C. japonica cp genome is 37.31%. We identified 128 genes in this genome, including 91 protein-coding genes, 29 transfer RNA genes, and 8 ribosomal RNA genes. The maximum-likelihood phylogenetic analysis revealed that C. japonica is closely related to Camellia oleifera.

Flower bud differentiation is of great significance for understanding plant evolution and ecological adaptability. The development of flower buds and mixed buds in the dichasial inflorescence of Geranium koreanum was described in this paper. The morphogenesis, surface structure, and organ morphology at different growth stages of G. koreanum buds were examined in detail using scanning electron microscope and stereo microscope. The development of mixed buds started from the flattened apical meristem. The stipule and leaf primordia arose first. Subsequently, the hemispherical meristem was divided into two hemispheres, forming a terminal bud and floral bud primordia, followed by lateral bud differentiation. The formation of the terminal and lateral buds of G. koreanum was sequential and their differentiation positions were also different. The floral bud primordia would develop into two flower units and four bracts. The primordia of a flower bud first formed the sepal primordia, then the stamen and petal primordia, and finally the pistil primordia. Compared to the stamen primordia, the growth of the petal primordia was slower. Finally, all organs, especially the petals and pistil, grew rapidly. When the pistil and petals exceeded the stamens and the petals changed color, the flower bud was ready to bloom.

Construction of small town plays an important role in the progress of the urbanization in China. And better planning of small town is very important on promoting economic development and the construction of spiritual civilization of town and city. The current planning situations of 16 small towns which had powerful economy in Shandong province were investigated by surveying weather and natural environment factors, the economy and population status and land arrangement, measuring land area and taking relative photos. The results were as follows. Firstly, small town usually had small population density and land area. A dop tendency of economic degree was demonstrated from east to west. Besides, there were wide differences of natural conditions in these towns. Secondly, most land arrangements were unreasonable, the land proportions were imbalance. Generally there was a lack of completed transportation land and green space.