bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ozone and 1-Methylcyclopropene Alter the Postharvest Quality of Broccoli
Authors: Forney Charles F. , Song Jun , Fan Lihua , Hildebrand Paul D. , Jordan Michael A.
Published: January 2019

Fresh broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. Italica group) florets untreated or treated with 1 μL·L-1 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) for 14 h, were stored at 12 °C with 0, 200, or 700 nL·L-1 ozone. Senescence parameters were evaluated after 0, 1, 2, 5, 8, or 12 days of storage. Treatment with 1-MCP delayed the yellowing of florets, and at day 5 the hue angle of 1-MCP treated florets was 116° (green) compared to 102° (yellow) for the control. Respiration rates of florets were reduced by 1-MCP for the first 5 days. The 1-MCP treatment maintained higher chlorophyll fluorescence expressed as Fv/Fm during 12 days of storage. Also, 1-MCP reduced dimethyl trisulfide production, which contributes to off-odor development in broccoli florets. Compared with the controls, florets stored in 200 nL·L-1 ozone had less mold growth and yellowed more slowly, but no differences were observed in respiration, ethylene production, or Fv/Fm. Florets stored in 700 nL·L-1 ozone were greener than florets held in air or 200 nL·L-1 ozone. Interestingly, chlorophyll fluorescence of the florets stored in 700 nL·L-1 ozone decreased significantly and at day 12, Fv/Fm was only 30% of its initial value. Ozone at 700 nL·L-1 stimulated respiration and ethylene production of florets after 1 day of storage, and caused visible damage in the form of increased weight loss and browning of the floret stem ends. Treatment of broccoli with 1-MCP alone or in combination with 200 nL·L-1 ozone maintained the quality and extended the shelf life of broccoli florets.
Mapping Freeze Tolerance Quantitative Trait Loci in a Citrus grandis × Poncirus trifoliata F1 Pseudo-testcross Using Molecular Markers
Authors: Weber Courtney A. , Moore Gloria A. , Deng Zhanao , Gmitter Fred G.
Published: January 2019

Mapping quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with freeze tolerance was accomplished using a Citrus grandis (L.) Osb. × Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf. F1 pseudo-testcross population. A progeny population of 442 plants was acclimated and exposed to temperatures of -9 °C and -15 °C in two separate freeze tests. A subpopulation of 99 progeny was genotyped for random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence (CAPS), sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR), and sequence tagged site (STS) markers to produce a linkage map for each parent. Potential QTL were identified by interval mapping, and their validity was corroborated with results from means comparison (t test), one-way analysis of variance (F test), and bulked segregant analysis (BSA). Multiple analytical methods provided evidence supporting putative QTL and decreased the probability of missing significant QTL associated with freeze tolerance. QTL with a large effect on freeze tolerance were located on both the Citrus and Poncirus linkage maps. In addition, clusters of markers with significantly different means between marker present and absent classes indicating minor QTL that contribute smaller effects on the level of tolerance were found on the linkage maps of both species.
Development of Sweet Melon (Cucumis melo) Genotypes Combining High Sucrose and Organic Acid Content
Authors: Burger Yosef , Sa'ar Uzi , Distelfeld Asaph , Katzir Nurit , Yeselson Yelena , Shen Shmuel , Schaffer Arthur A.
Published: January 2019

The sweet cultivars of Cucumis melo are characterized by high sucrose levels, together with low acid levels in the mature fruit flesh. The trait of high sugar accumulation in C. melo fruit is determined by a single recessive gene, suc. High acid content, conferred by a single dominant gene, So, is found only in C. melo varieties that do not accumulate high levels of sugar and are used for nondessert purposes. We combined the genetic traits of high acid content (low pH) and high sugar levels by crossing the nonsweet, high acid C. melo var. flexuosus, `Faqqous' (So/So, Suc/Suc), with high sugar, low acid C. melo genotypes (so/so, suc/suc) and generating the recombinant genotype So/—, suc/suc. Segregating F2 populations derived from the cross between `Faqqous' and a standard high sugar, low acid line showed that the traits of high sugar and low pH were inherited independently of each other. The accumulation of acid and sugar in the developing fruit of a recombinant high acid, high sugar breeding line, A6, were also temporally independent, with acid accumulation preceding the rise in sucrose levels. The low pH of A6 was correlated with the developmental increase in titratable acidity and particularly of citric acid levels. The combination of increased acidity and high sugar provides the melons with a unique taste due to a sugar to acid ratio not present in sweet C. melo cultivars. These results are discussed in terms of the evolution under domestication of C. melo.
Genetic Analyses of Gynogenetic Haploid Production in Onion
Authors: Bohanec Borut , Jakse Marijana , Havey Michael J.
Published: January 2019

The production of doubled haploid plants is desirable as an alternative to sexual inbreeding of longer-generation crops. Onion (Allium cepa L.) is a biennial plant and amenable to the production of gynogenic haploids. Although a strong population effect has been observed for gynogenic haploid production, there is no report describing the genetic basis of greater haploid production in onion. We evaluated over years the frequency of haploid production among onion inbreds and identified lines showing significantly (P < 0.01) greater production of haploids. The onion inbreds, B0223B and B2923B, produced the highest mean frequencies of haploids so far reported. Hybrid families from crosses of B2923B with inbreds having relatively low haploid production showed significantly higher haploid production than the low-producing parent and significantly lower haploid production than B2923B. Plants from B0223B and B2923B with established rates of haploid production were testcrossed and/or self-pollinated. The F1 family from B1717A-1 × B2923B-3 showed rates of haploid production slightly greater than the low parent (B1717A-1) and significantly less than the high parent (B2923B-3). Self-pollination of plants from B2923B showing relatively high rates of haploid production generated S1 progenies also producing relatively high frequencies of haploids. Selfed progenies from plant B2923B-6 showed a high mean rate of haploid production (56.8% ± 14.5%) and, more importantly, the highest level of haploid production (82.2%) reported for any single onion plant. These results indicate that relatively high haploid production, at least for B2923B, was quantitatively inherited with dominance towards low production. We suggest S1 family selection as an effective method to increase gynogenic haploid production of onion populations.
Interaction between Phytochrome B and Gibberellins in Thermoperiodic Responses of Cucumber
Authors: Patil Grete Grindal , Alm Vibeke , Moe Roar , Junttila Olavi
Published: January 2019

The role of phytochrome in control of stem elongation by daily temperature alternations is unclear. The aim of this work was to study the involvement of phytochrome B in thermoperiodism in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.), and the interaction with gibberellin (GA). The wild type and the phytochrome B deficient, long-hypocotyl (lh) cucumber mutant were grown under alternating day (DT) and night temperature (NT) and either with or without an exposure to end-of-day far-red light (EOD-FR). Without EOD-FR, hypocotyl and internodes of the wild type plants were shorter under a low DT (19 °C)/high NT (25 °C) (negative DIF) compared with a high DT/low NT regime (positive DIF), while the number of leaves was reduced by 12%. EOD-FR enhanced elongation of hypocotyl and internodes. However, EOD-FR reduced the effect of alternating temperature on hypocotyl elongation. The lh cucumber mutant did not respond to EOD-FR treatments, but internode length was slightly increased by positive compared with negative DIF. The results suggest that phytochrome B is required for a maximum effect of daily temperature alternations on stem elongation in cucumber. Additional GA4 reduced the difference between positive and negative DIF, but it had a minor effect only on the difference between EOD-FR and EOD red light (EOD-R) in the wild type. Plants depleted for endogenous GA by the GA biosynthesis inhibitor paclobutrazol, did not respond at all to DIF or EOD treatments. When seedlings were treated with prohexadione-calcium, which blocks both biosynthesis and inactivation of GA4, response to applied GA4 was enhanced by EOD-FR. The present results suggest that, in cucumber, EOD-FR, and probably also positive DIF, enhances tissue sensitivity to GA4. In addition, catabolism of GA4 can be enhanced by negative DIF.
Responses of Cytokinins, Antioxidant Enzymes, and Lipid Peroxidation in Shoots of Creeping Bentgrass to High Root-zone Temperatures
Authors: Wang Zhaolong , Pote John , Huang Bingru
Published: January 2019

This study was designed to examine whether shoot injury induced by high root-zone temperature is associated with changes in shoot detoxifying metabolism and to determine the level and duration of high root-zone temperatures that would induce physiological changes in two cultivars of creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera var. palustris Huds) differing in heat tolerance. Plants of `Penn A-4' (heat tolerant) and `Putter' (heat susceptible) were grown in sand and exposed to root-zone temperatures of 20 (control), 21, 22, 23, 25, 27, 31, and 35 °C in water baths while air temperature was maintained at 20 °C in a growth chamber. Turf quality, leaf cytokinin content, and antioxidant enzyme activities declined at increased soil temperatures and the duration of treatment for both cultivars. A decline in turf quality occurred following 40 days of exposure to 35 °C for `Penn A-4' and 26 days of exposure to 31 °C for `Putter'. The root-zone temperature causing the decline of isopentenyl adenosine and zeatin cytokinins was 25 °C at 37 d for `Putter' and 27 °C at 47 days for `Penn A-4'. The temperature causing the decline of superoxide dismutase and catalase activities was 25 °C and 27 °C at 33 days for `Putter' and 27 °C and 31 °C at 43 days for Penn A-4, respectively. Malondialdehyde content increased at 27 °C for `Putter' and 31 °C for `Penn A-4' at 43 days of treatment. The decline in cytokinin content and antioxidant enzyme activity occurred at a lower soil temperature and earlier during the treatment than the decline in turf quality, possibly contributing to turf quality decline. The root-zone temperatures causing the decline in turf quality, cytokinin content, and oxidative damage were higher in the heat-tolerant cultivar than heat-susceptible cultivar.
Relationships among Peach, Almond, and Related Species as Detected by Simple Sequence Repeat Markers
Authors: Martínez-Gómez P. , Arulsekar S. , Potter D. , Gradziel T.M.
Published: January 2019

The genetic relationships among peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch], almond [P. dulcis (Mill.) D.A. Webb or P. amygdalus (L.) Batsch] and 10 related Prunus species within the subgenus Amygdalus were investigated using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. P. glandulosa Pall. was included as an outgroup. Polymorphic alleles were scored as present or absent for each accession. The number of alleles revealed by the SSR analysis in peach and almond cultivars ranged from one to three whereas related Prunus species showed a range of one to 10 alleles. Results demonstrated an extensive genetic variability within this readily intercrossed germplasm as well as the value of SSR markers developed in one species of Prunus for the characterization of related species. Mean character difference distances were calculated for all pairwise comparisons and were used to construct an unrooted dendogram depicting the phenetic relationships among species. Four main groups were distinguished. Peach cultivars clustered with accessions of P. davidiana (Carr.) Franch. and P. mira Koehne. The second group contained almond cultivars. A third group included accessions of P. argentea (Lam) Rehd., P. bucharica Korschinsky, P. kuramica Korschinsky, P. pedunculata Pall, P. petunikowii Lits., P. tangutica (Spach) Batal., and P. webbii (Spach) Vieh.. P. glandulosa and P. scoparia Batal. were included in a fourth group.
Genetic Analysis of Tropical Orchid Hybrids (Dendrobium) with Fluorescence Amplified Fragment-length Polymorphism (AFLP)
Authors: Xiang N. , Hong Y. , Lam-Chan L.T.
Published: January 2019

Intensive breeding activities of tropical orchids have given rise to many hybrids, among which genetic relationships are difficult to evaluate due to free interbreeding of different species in the same genus or even from different genera, the use of hybrids for further breeding, use of abbreviated or trade names and sometimes intentional non-disclosure of parentage for commercial considerations. We have subjected 43 popular commercial Dendrobium hybrids to fluorescence amplified length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis and their genetic relationship was estimated. The hybrids bearing flowers of similar shapes and colors were clustered into five groups. Each hybrid tested had a distinct AFLP fingerprint profile except the tissue culture mutants. Sibling hybrids were closely clustered (with genetic distance <0.09) followed by those sharing one parent. These results suggest that AFLP fingerprint profiling gives accurate and objective estimation of genetic relationship of the Dendrobium hybrids tested. Our study also found that the AFLP fingerprint profiles were uniform in different parts of tested plants, stable among individuals in vegetatively propagated populations throughout different growth periods. We conclude that AFLP fingerprint profiling has the potential to be an integral part of current new plant varieties protection sytems.
Nursery and Field Response of Olive Trees Inoculated with Two Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi, Glomus intraradices and Glomus mosseae
Authors: Estaún Victoria , Camprubí Amelia , Calvet Cinta , Pinochet Jorge
Published: January 2019

This paper reports the effects of inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on early plant development, field establishment, and crop yield of the olive (Olea europaea L.) cultivar Arbequina. The response of olive plants to the fungi Glomus intraradices (Schenck and Smith) and G. mosseae (Nicol.& Gerd.) Gerdemann & Trappe in different potting mixes was studied in two different nursery experiments. Pre-inoculation with selected arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi prior to transplanting in the field improved plant growth and crop yield up to three years after inoculation. G. intraradices was more efficient at promoting plant growth than both G. mosseae and the native endophytes present in the orchard soil. Inoculation at the time of transplanting enhanced early plant growth in all the field situations studied. Diminishing mycorrhizal effects over time resulted from natural colonization of noninoculated seedlings and related to the native arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal population of the field soil. Early inoculation of olive seedlings enhances early plant development and crop productivity of olive trees.
QTL Influencing Kernel Chemical Composition and Seedling Stand Establishment in Sweet Corn with the shrunken2 and sugary enhancer1 Endosperm Mutations
Authors: Juvik John A. , Yousef Gad G. , Han Tae-Ho , Tadmor Yaacov , Azanza Fermin , Tracy William F. , Barzur Avri , Rocheford Torbert R.
Published: January 2019

This study was conducted to identify the chromosomal location and magnitude of effect of quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling sweet corn (Zea mays L.) stand establishment and investigate the impact of dry kernel characteristics on seedling emergence under field conditions. Genetic and chemical analysis was performed on two F2:3 populations (one homozygous for su1 and segregating for se1, the other homozygous for sh2 endosperm carbohydrate mutations) derived from crosses between parental inbreds that differed in field emergence and kernel chemical composition. A series of restriction fragment-length polymorphism (RFLP) and phenotypic markers distributed throughout the sweet corn genome were used to construct a genetic linkage map for each population. F2:3 families from the two populations were evaluated for seedling emergence and growth rate at four locations. Mature dry kernels of each family were assayed for kernel chemical and physiological parameters. Composite interval analysis revealed significant QTL associations with emergence and kernel chemical and physiological variables. Improved emergence was positively correlated with lower seed leachate conductivity, greater embryo dry weight, and higher kernel starch content. QTL affecting both field emergence and kernel characteristics were detected in both populations. In the su1 se1 population genomic regions significantly influencing emergence across all four environments were found associated with the se1 gene on chromosome 2 and the RFLP loci php200020 on chromosome 7 and umc160 on chromosome 8. In the sh2 population the RFLP loci umc131 on chromosome 2 and bnl9.08 on chromosome 8 were linked to QTL significantly affecting emergence. Since seedling emergence and kernel sugar content have been shown to be negatively correlated, undesirable effects on sweet corn eating quality associated with each emergence QTL is discussed. Segregating QTL linked to RFLP loci in these populations that exert significant effects on the studied traits are candidates for molecular marker-assisted selection to improve sweet corn seed quality.
Evaluation of Avocado Germplasm Using Microsatellite Markers
Authors: Schnell R.J. , Brown J.S. , Olano C.T. , Power E.J. , Krol C.A. , Kuhn D.N. , Motamayor J.C.
Published: January 2019

Three horticultural races of avocado (Persea americana Mill.) are known: Guatemalan, Mexican, and West Indian. Each race has unique characteristics and current commercial varieties have been selected from within the races or from interracial hybrids. Using 14 microsatellite loci we investigated the genetic variation among 224 accessions (394 plants) maintained at the National Germplasm Repository (NGR) in Miami, Fla., and a set of 34 clones from the University of California South Coast Field Station (SCFS) located in Irvine, Calif. The 14 microsatellite loci had an average of 18.8 alleles per locus and average unbiased genetic diversity was 0.83. The total propagation error in the collection, i.e., plants that had been incorrectly labeled or grafted, was estimated to be 7.0%. Although many unique alleles did exist, no useful race-specific markers were found. A general concordance between the horticultural race and the clusters obtained from molecular data was observed. Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCA) grouped the Guatemalan and Mexican races into two distinct clusters. The West Indian also grouped into a unique major cluster but with an outlying group. Using the PCA a change in the racial designation or interracial hybrid status for 50 accessions (19.7%) is proposed. The unbiased gene diversity estimate was highest in the Mexican and Guatemalan races and lower in the West Indian group. This demonstrates the need to collect more of the West Indian germplasm to broaden the genetic diversity and to emphasize the identification of individuals conferring resistance to Phytophthora Root Rot (PRR).
A Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis of Antioxidant Enzymes in Relation to Susceptibility of Apples to Superficial Scald
Authors: Kochhar Sunita , Watkins Christopher B. , Conklin Patricia L. , Brown Susan K.
Published: January 2019

The activities and isoenzyme patterns of guaiacol-dependent peroxidase (POX), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were studied in yellow- and red-fruited crab apple [Malus (L.) Mill.] selections from a `White Angel' × `Rome Beauty' cross that show differential susceptibility to the physiological storage disorder, superficial scald. There were no consistent relationships between total enzyme activities and scald incidence, high activities of the enzymes being detected in selections with both high and low susceptibilities to scald. However, additional individual isoforms of some antioxidant enzymes were detected in the scald-resistant selections when compared with scald-susceptible selections. In a native gel system, four guaiacol-dependent POX isoenzymes were detected in both yellow and red scald-resistant selections compared with only two in scald-susceptible selections. Similarly, for anodic acidic POX assayed using benzidine, six isoenzymes were detected in both yellow and red scald-resistant selections compared with five in yellow and four in red susceptible selections. Ten SOD isozymes were detected in scald-resistant yellow-fruited selections compared with only five faint bands in scald-susceptible selections, but similar patterns were not detectable for red-fruited selections. Differences in the presence of various isoenzymes for CAT and APX were also detected among the selections, but associations with scald susceptibility were also affected by fruit color or were inconsistent. The presence or absence of individual isoenzymes may be a better indication of scald resistance or susceptibility than the total enzyme activities. Isoenzyme analyses, especially of POX, could be useful to breeders for the early detection of scald resistance/susceptibility in apples.
Statistical Model Estimates Potential Yields in `Golden Delicious' and `Royal Gala' Apples before Bloom
Authors: Jiménez Carlos Miranda , Díaz J. Bernardo Royo
Published: January 2019

Spring frosts are usual in many of Spain's fruit-growing areas, so it is common to insure crops against frost damage. After a frost, crop loss must be evaluated, by comparing what crop is left with the amount that would have been obtained under normal conditions. Potential crop must be evaluated quickly through the use of measurements obtainable at the beginning of the tree's growth cycle. During the years 1998 and 1999 and in 62 commercial plots of `Golden Delicious' and `Royal Gala' apple (Malus ×domestica Borkh.), the following measurements were obtained: trunk cross-sectional area (TCA, cm2), space allocated per tree (ST, m2) trunk cross-sectional area per hectare (TCA/ha), flower density (FD, number of flower buds/cm2 TCA), flower density per land area (FA, number of flower buds/m2 land area), cluster set (CS, number of fruit clusters/number of flower clusters, percent), crop density (CD, number of fruit/cm2 TCA), fruit clusters per trunk cross-sectional area (FCT, number of fruit clusters/cm2 TCA), fruit clusters per land area (FCA, number of fruit clusters/m2 land area), fruit number per cluster (FNC), average fruit weight (FW, g), average yield per fruit cluster (CY, g), yield efficiency (YE, fruit g·cm-2 TCA), and tree yield (Y, fruit kg/tree). FCT and average CY were related to the rest of the variables through the use of multiple regression models. The models which provided the best fit were FCT = FD - TCA/ha - FD and CY= -FCA - FCT. These models were significant, consistent, and appropriate for both years. Predicted yield per land area was obtained by multiplying TCA/ha × FCT × CY. The models' predictive ability was evaluated for 64 different plots in 2001 and 2002. Statistical analysis showed the models to be valid for the forecast of potential yields in apple, so that they represent a useful tool for early crop prediction and evaluation of losses due to late frosts.
Identification of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) Germplasm with Genetic Resistance to Drop Caused by Sclerotinia minor
Authors: Grube Rebecca , Ryder Edward
Published: January 2019

Incidence of the disease lettuce drop caused by Sclerotinia minor is often high in California lettuce fields despite the use of cultural and chemical controls. Development of resistant lettuce cultivars has been hindered by the difficulty of evaluating resistance in field tests and the lack of a screening procedure that reliably predicts field performance. Several lettuce genotypes of diverse geographic origin and plant architecture including modern and heirloom cultivars, plant introduction accessions, and breeding lines, were evaluated for resistance to S. minor using several methods. Resistance was evaluated in fields that contained naturally occurring S. minor, in a field that contained both naturally occurring and manually incorporated S. minor inoculum, and in the greenhouse using two types of inocula. Many genotypes exhibited partial resistance to S. minor, with significantly reduced disease incidence relative to susceptible controls. The similarity of disease ratings observed in replicated field tests supports the conclusion that partial resistance is under genetic control. Ratings obtained in some greenhouse tests were highly correlated with field ratings, but this was not true for all tests. Therefore, although greenhouse evaluation with adequate replication and repetition can be used as a selection tool, field testing remains an essential component of S. minor resistance breeding programs.
Drought-induced Leaf Senescence and Horticultural Performance of Transgenic PSAG12-IPT Petunias
Authors: Clark David G. , Dervinis Chris , Barrett James E. , Klee Harry , Jones Michelle
Published: January 2019

Cytokinins have been shown to delay the onset of leaf senescence. The focus of this project was to produce transgenic petunia (Petunia ×hybrida) plants that over-produced endogenous cytokinins in a senescence specific manner. This was achieved by transforming plants with the IPT (isopentenyl transferase) gene driven by the senescence-associated transcriptional promoter, PSAG12. Two independent transgenic events produced T1 and T2 generation seedling lines that demonstrated the desired nonsenescent phenotype in progeny trials. These lines were used to evaluate the horticultural performance of PSAG12-IPT petunia plants in terms of delayed senescence, rooting of vegetative cuttings, lateral branch growth, flower number, floral timing, and fruit set. Although both lines displayed a delayed senescence phenotype the two PSAG12-IPT transgenic lines differed from each other in regard to other horticultural traits. In addition to delayed leaf senescence, line I-1-7 also demonstrated a decrease in adventitious rooting and an increased number of branches during plant production. Line I-3-18 also demonstrated a delayed leaf senescence phenotype; however, plants of this line were not greatly altered in any other horticultural performance traits in comparison to wild-type `V26'. IPT transcript was detected in young fully expanded leaves of both lines, although mRNA levels were higher in I-1-7 plants. A greater than 50-fold increase in IPT transcript abundance was detected in leaves of transgenic plants following drought stress. These results demonstrate that it is possible to use PSAG12-IPT to produce transgenic plants with delayed leaf senescence but differences in plant morphology between transgenic lines exist, which may alter horticultural performance characteristics.
Effect of Radiation and Temperature on Cranberry Photosynthesis and Characterization of Diurnal Change in Photosynthesis
Authors: Kumudini S.
Published: January 2019

Cranberry [Vaccinium macrocarpon (Ait.)] yield has been associated with photosynthate supply. However, the impact of temperature and radiation on photosynthesis of the cranberry plant is not well understood. The objective of this experiment was to characterize the photosynthetic response to radiation and temperature in order to develop a model for estimation of cranberry photosynthetic rates. Two cranberry cultivars, `Stevens' and `Ben Lear', were tested for photosynthetic response at air temperatures ranging from 15 to 35 °C and radiation intensities from 200 to 1200 μmol·m-2·s-1. Depending on temperature, maximum photosynthesis (Pmax) was ≈10 or 12 μmol CO2/m2/s (net photosynthesis) and the saturating radiation level was estimated to be 600 to 800 μmol·m-2·s-1. Cranberry quantum yield was estimated as 0.03 mol CO2/mol photon. Both models; Blackman and the nonrectangular hyperbola with a Θ (angle of curvature) of 0.99 were a good fit for measured photosynthetic rates under controlled environment conditions. The disparity between modeled predicted values, and observed values in the field around midday, indicates a reduction in potential photosynthetic rates in a diurnal cycle that is consistent with the phenomenon of midday depression.
Influence of Nitrogen Nutrition Management on Biomass Partitioning and Nitrogen Use Efficiency Indices in Hydroponically Grown Potato
Authors: Goins Gregory D. , Yorio Neil C. , Wheeler Raymond M.
Published: January 2019

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has been conducting controlled environment research with potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) in recirculating nutrient film technique (NFT)-hydroponic systems as a human life support component during long-duration spaceflight. Standard nutrient solution management approaches include constant pH regulation with nitric acid (HNO3) and daily adjustment of electrical conductivity (EC) equivalent to half-strength modified Hoagland's solution, where nitrate (NO3-) is the sole nitrogen (N) source. Although tuber yields have been excellent with such an approach, N use efficiency indices are expected to be low relative to tuber biomass production. Furthermore, the high amount of N used in NFT-hydroponics, typically results in high inedible biomass, which conflicts with the need to minimize system mass, volume, and expenditure of resources for long-duration missions. More effective strategies of N fertilization need to be developed to more closely match N supply with demand of the crop. Hence, the primary objective of this study was to identify the optimal N management regime and plant N requirement to achieve high yields and to avoid inefficient use of N and excess inedible biomass production. In separate 84-day cropping experiments, three N management protocols were tested. Treatments which decreased NO3--N supply indirectly through lowering nutrient solution EC (Expt. I), or disabling pH control, and/or supplying NH4+-N (Expt. III) did not significantly benefit tuber yield, but did influence N use efficiency indices. When supplied with an external 7.5 mm NO-3--N for the first 42 days after planting (DAP), lowered to 1.0 mm NO3 -N during the final 42 days (Expt. II), plants were able to achieve yields on par with plants which received constant 7.5 mm NO3--N (control). By abruptly decreasing N supply at tuber initiation in Expt. II, less N was taken up and accumulated by plants compared to those which received high constant N (control). However, proportionately more plant accumulated N was used (N use efficiency) to produce tuber biomass when N supply was abruptly lowered at tuber initiation in Expt. II. Hence, a hydroponic nutrient solution N management system may be modified to elicit greater plant N-use while maintaining overall high tuber yield as opposed to achieving high tuber yields through excess N supply and shoot growth.
Environmental Control of Garlic Growth and Florogenesis
Authors: Kamenetsky Rina , Shafir Idit London , Zemah Hanita , Barzilay Amalia , Rabinowitch H.D.
Published: January 2019

An understanding of temperature and photoperiod effect on garlic (A. sativum L.) growth and florogenesis might solve the enigma of garlic sterility and provide environmental tools for flowering regulation and fertility restoration. The effect of storage temperature and growth conditions on the interactive relationships between the developing vegetative and reproductive organs was studied. A long photoperiod for more than 2 weeks was required for both dormancy induction of the axillary buds and clove formation. In contrast, combination of low temperatures with short photoperiod resulted in sprouting of the axillary buds. Four phases were recognized in the florogenesis of garlic, including: transition of the apical meristem, scape elongation, inflorescence differentiation, and completion of floral development. In garlic accession #2091, meristem transition is autonomous and occurs in growing plants under a variety of storage and growth conditions. A long photoperiod triggers the initial elongation of the scape in post-transitional plants. The temperature effect was quantitative: low storage and growth temperatures combined with long photoperiod promoted scape elongation, whereas warm temperatures and long photoperiod promoted the translocation of reserves to the cloves, and the degeneration of the developing inflorescence. Differentiation of topsets followed flower formation and was dominated by and required lengthy exposure to long photoperiod. Hence, under short photoperiod with only short interruption of long photoperiod, normal development of fertile flowers occurred. We conclude that in bolting garlic genotypes, manipulation of the environment, both before and after planting, can regulate the development of flowers and regain fertility. Normal flowering cannot be achieved if any of the four developmental stages of florogenesis mentioned above is inhibited.
Flower Bud Induction of Sweet Orange Trees [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck]: Effect of Low Temperatures, Crop Load, and Bud Age
Authors: Valiente Juan I. , Albrigo L. Gene
Published: January 2019

Citrus flowering is a complex phenological process influenced by a number of interacting factors. Low winter temperatures are recognized as an important factor, but the flowering response has not been quantified under Variable natural conditions. A study was conducted to monitor the flower bud induction response of `Valencia' and `Hamlin' sweet orange trees [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck] to naturally occurring winter weather conditions during the 1999 and 2000 seasons. The flowering response was quantified and related to shoot age, bud position along the shoot, local weather information, and crop load status. Results indicate that buds on previous summer shoots developed 2.52 and 3.59 to 1 flower on spring shoots, for `Hamlin' and `Valencia', respectively. In addition, buds at apical positions produced more flowers than buds located far from the apex. These basal positions buds required higher induction levels. Under Florida conditions, greater accumulation of hours of temperatures 11 to 15 °C increased floral intensity by the combined effect on the number of sprouting buds with reproductive growth and the number of flowers per flowering bud. Some statistical analyses indicated that high winter temperatures reduced flowering in `Valencia' and `Hamlin' oranges. The presence of fruit consistently reduced reproductive response for both cultivars. Crop load reduced flowering by an average of 41.5% compared to no crop and varied by cultivar. A discussion on the different induction requirements as well as on the differential effect of crop load on flowering by cultivar is presented.
Genotyping of Peach and Nectarine Cultivars with SSR and SRAP Molecular Markers
Authors: Ahmad Riaz , Potter Dan , Southwick Stephen M.
Published: January 2019

Simple sequence repeat (SSR) and sequence related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) molecular markers were evaluated for detecting intraspecific variation in 38 commercially important peach and nectarine (Prunus persica) cultivars. Out of the 20 SSR primer pairs 17 were previously developed in sweet cherry and three in peach. The number of putative alleles revealed by SSR primer pairs ranged from one to five showing a low level of genetic variability among these cultivars. The average number of alleles per locus was 2.2. About 76% of cherry primers produced amplification products in peach and nectarine, showing a congeneric relationship within Prunus species. Only nine cultivars out of the 38 cultivars could be uniquely identified by the SSR markers. For SRAP, the number of fragments produced was highly variable, ranging from 10 to 33 with an average of 21.8 per primer combination. Ten primer combinations resulted in 49 polymorphic fragments in this closely related set of peaches and nectarines. Thirty out of the 38 peach and nectarine cultivars were identified by unique SRAP fingerprints. UPGMA Cluster analysis based on the SSR and SRAP polymorphic fragments was performed; the relationships inferred are discussed with reference to the pomological characteristics and pedigree of these cultivars. The results indicated that SSR and SRAP markers can be used to distinguish the genetically very close peach and nectarine cultivars as a complement to traditional pomological studies. However, for fingerprinting, SRAP markers appear to be much more effective, quicker and less expensive to develop than are SSR markers.
Effects of Mulch and Irrigation System on Sweet Onion: II. The Epidemiology of Center Rot
Authors: Gitaitis R.D. , Walcott R.R. , Sanders H.F. , Zolobowska L. , Diaz-Perez J.C.
Published: January 2019

Mulch (black plastic, wheat straw, or bare ground) and irrigation (drip or overhead sprinkler) treatments were evaluated for their effect on center rot of onion (Allium cepa L.), caused by the bacterium Pantoea ananatis, over the course of two seasons. Irrigation type had no effect on center rot incidence or severity in either year. In contrast, center rot development was delayed by 7 to 14 days on onions grown in straw mulch or bare ground compared to those in black plastic. Straw mulch resulted in later harvest dates and was associated with reduced levels of center rot. In contrast, black plastic increased disease incidence and hastened the onset of the epidemic. The spatial distribution of disease incidence in both years indicated the presence of a primary disease gradient. At harvest, infected plants were segregated by treatment and by duration of infection [based on disease ratings taken from the time of first symptom expression (beginning at 110 to 120 days after transplanting and then every 5 to 10 days until harvest)]. Early-vs. late-infected plants had no significant effect on yield (bulb weight). However, symptom expression in terms of the number of days after planting was significantly correlated with a disease severity index. Amount of rot in bulbs from plants displaying their first symptoms only 1 to 2 days before harvest (late-season infection) was not significant from rot levels in control bulbs at harvest. However, at 4 weeks after harvest, onions from plants with late-season infections exhibited significantly more rot in storage compared to the control.
A Genetic Linkage Map for Watermelon Derived from Recombinant Inbred Lines
Authors: Zhang Renbing , Xu Yong , Yi Ke , Zhang Haiying , Liu Ligong , Gong Guoyi , Levi Amnon
Published: January 2019

A genetic linkage map was constructed for watermelon using 117 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) (F2S7) descended from a cross between the high quality inbred line 97103 [Citrullus lanatus var. lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai] and the Fusarium wilt (races 0, 1, and 2) resistant U.S. Plant Introduction (PI) 296341 (C. lanatus var. citroides). The linkage map contains 87 randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers, 13 inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers, and four sequenced characterized amplified region (SCAR) markers. The map consists of 15 linkage groups. Among them are a large linkage group of 31 markers covering a mapping distance of 277.5 cM, six groups each with 4 to 12 markers covering a mapping distance of 51.7 to 172.2 cM, and eight small groups each with 2-5 markers covering a mapping distance of 7.9 to 46.4 cM. The map covers a total distance of 1027.5 cM with an average distance of 11.7 cM between two markers. The map is useful for the further development of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) affecting fruit qualities and for identification of genes conferring resistance to Fusarium wilt (races 0, 1 and 2). The present map can be used for further construction of a reference linkage map for watermelon based on an immortalized mapping population with progenies homozygous for most gene loci.
Noninfectious Bud Failure in `Carmel' Almond: I. Pattern of Development in Vegetative Progeny Trees
Authors: Kester Dale E. , Shackel Kenneth A. , Micke Warren C. , Viveros Mario , Gradziel Thomas M.
Published: January 2019

The spatial and temporal pattern of noninfectious bud failure (BF) expression (BFexp) was studied during seven growing seasons in a population of `Carmel' almond trees originating from twelve commercial propagation sources. All progeny trees were grown in a single experimental site with high prevailing summer temperatures. BFexp increased continuously but irregularly in each nursery population as measured as the proportion of trees showing BF and as an average BFexp rating. Populations from the 12 nurseries represented increasing clonal generations from the original seedling tree and showed increasing levels of BF, as well as a decreasing shape value and increasing scale value derived by a failure statistics model. Models for development, distribution and hazard functions were defined for each of the 12 sources studied. Only sources from the original tree and source A demonstrated potential for commercial use. A significant correlation was found between average yearly increase in BFexp and the average daytime temperature for the previous June. The June period coincides with a specific stage in the seasonal growth cycle when vegetative buds mature.
Optimal Use of RAPD Markers for Identifying Varieties in Olive (Olea europaea L.) Germplasm Collections
Authors: Belaj A. , Satovic Z. , Rallo L. , Trujillo I.
Published: January 2019

The aim of this work was to study in depth the resolving power of RAPD markers for rapid and reliable identification of olive cultivars in germplasm collections. The D parameter (the probability that two randomly chosen cultivars have different banding patterns), used for that purpose, showed high values for most of the 21 primers tested and its values ranged from 0.6114 (OPI-13) to 0.9762 (OPK-16) with a mean value of 0.8566. This parameter was used to select the five most discriminating primers: OPK-16, OPA-19, OPX-09, OPF-06 and OPZ-11. The joint confusion probability and the statistical number of indistinguishable pairs of cultivars were estimated for these primers (under independence hypothesis). The combination of three primers (OPK-16, OPA-19 and OPX-09) was found optimal for rapid discrimination of 103 cultivars with a very low value of cumulative confusion probability (1.72 × 10-5), leaving 0.09 pairs of cultivars indistinguishable. This fact, together with the efficiency of the most discriminating primers combination on an increasing number of cultivars, evidenced the utility of RAPD markers for discrimination of olive cultivars in collections and in nurseries.
Optimizing Environmental Conditions for Mass Application of Mechano-dwarfing Stimuli to Arabidopsis
Authors: Montgomery Jill A. , Bressan Ray A. , Mitchell Cary A.
Published: January 2019

Obtaining uniform mechano-dwarfing of Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. seedlings within dense plantings is problematic. Alternative forms of mechano-stimulation were applied to seedlings in effort to obtain uniform growth reduction compared with undisturbed controls in both greenhouse and controlled growth environments. Arabidopsis grown under low photosynthetic photon flux (PPF) artificial light grew upright with limited leaf expansion, which enhanced mechano-responsiveness compared to that of rosette-growing plants under filtered sunlight or high PPF artificial light. Hypocotyls of seedlings grown at PPFs >60 μmol·m-2·s-1 elongated less and had 6% less sensitivity to mechanical stress than seedlings grown at PPFs <60 μmol·m-2·s-1. Fluorescent lamps alone (F) or fluorescent plus incandescent (F+I) lamps were compared for seedling responses to mechanical stress. Under F lighting, hypocotyl elongation was reduced 25% to 40% by twice-daily brush or plate treatments, and brushed seedlings exhibited more growth reduction than did plate treatments. Seedlings grown under F+I lamps exhibited similar stress-induced growth reduction compared to seedlings grown under F only, but stressed F+I seedlings lodged to a greater extent due to excessive hypocotyl elongation. Temperature-response studies using standardized F-only lighting indicated increased hypocotyl elongation but decreased leaf expansion, and decreased mechano-responsivity to brushing over the temperature range from 20 to 28 °C. Daylength studies indicated similar degrees of mechano-inhibition of hypocotyl elongation over the daylength range of 12, 16, 20, and 24 hours, whereas fresh weight of stressed seedling shoots declined compared to controls. A combination of environmental growth parameters that give repeatable, visual mechanical dwarfing of Arabidopsis include low-PPF fluorescent lighting from 55 to 60 μmol·m-2·s-1, ambient temperatures from 22 to 25 °C, and twice-daily brush treatments.
RFLP-based Analysis of Recombination among Resistance Genes to Fusarium Wilt Races 1, 2, and 3 in Tomato
Authors: Scott J.W. , Agrama H.A. , Jones J.P.
Published: January 2019

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) line E427 has resistance genes to all three races of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici derived from L. pennellii accession LA 716 and L. pimpinellifolium accession PI 126915. To determine genes that confer resistance to specific races of fusarium wilt, line E427 was crossed to susceptible `Bonny Best' and then F2 and backcross (to `Bonny Best') seed were obtained. Self-pollinations resulted in 337 lines and progeny of each line was inoculated separately with fusarium wilt races 1, 2, or 3. Plants from lines whose segregation suggested recombination of resistance were self-pollinated and reinoculated until disease reactions were homozygous. Four lines were obtained with resistance to both races 2 and 3, but susceptible to race 1. These lines had the L. pennellii alleles at restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) markers linked to I-3 on chromosome 7 and lacked L. pimpinellifolium alleles linked to I and I-2 on chromosome 11. Complementation (F2) data indicated race 2 resistance on chromosome 7 was controlled by a single dominant gene. Three lines were resistant to race 2, but susceptible to races 1 and 3. These lines had L. pimpinellifolium alleles at TG105 and flanking markers encompassing a 14.4 cM region indicating the presence of I-2, and no L. pennellii alleles at markers linked to I-3. Three lines were resistant to race 1, but susceptible to races 2 and 3. All three lines had L. pimpinellifolium alleles at TG523 confirming linkage to I on chromosome 11 and no L. pennellii alleles at markers tightly linked to I-3. However, one of the lines, 415, had L. pennellii alleles at CT113 on chromosome 7. This data along with F2 complementation data suggests the possible existence of a second race 1 resistant locus, I1, in this region. The four lines resistant to both races 2 and 3 were backcrossed again to `Bonny Best' and self-pollinated progeny from 174 plants were screened as described above. Two lines derived from different BC1S1 lines that were fusarium wilt race 3 resistant and susceptible to race 1 had intermediate resistance to race 2. These two lines did not have the L. pennellii alleles at TG183, TG174, and CT43 near the I-3 locus indicating crossovers in this region resulted in reduced race 2 resistance. Collectively, this is the first clear break in the fusarium wilt race 2 and race 1 resistance linkage on chromosome 11. It appears that the race 1 resistance derived from PI 126915 is controlled by the I gene. On chromosome 7, there was a break between the I-3 and I1 genes indicating I-3 does not confer race 1 resistance. The crossovers resulting in reduced resistance to race 2 could be within a complex I-3 locus or a tightly linked race 2 locus.