bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
192 Growth Response of Salix nigra Marsh. to Fertilization, Humate Additive, and Mycorrhizae Inoculation in a CU Soil Container Study
Authors: Grabosky Jason , Bassuk Nina
Published: February 2019

CU soil is a material primarily composed of clay loam soil and crushed stone designed for use under pavement to promote street tree root growth in a durable pavement section, such as sidewalks or parking lots. One concern is the low total soil fraction from which tree roots can meet nutritive demands. At issue is the long-term nutrient management of street trees once the root zone has been rendered inaccessible due to the pavement wearing surface, although in 3-year field tests, there were no differences found between a CU soil material and an agricultural field control. CU soil treatments were produced in a fractional factorial design with a patent applied for, processed humate additive, a nursery production fertilization treatment, and a mycorrhizae inoculation package of Pt and various VAM species. The mycorrhizae/fertilizer treatment was eliminated for plant availability restrictions. Bare-root seedlings of Salix nigra Marsh. were grown in treatment containers for 5 months. A Minolta SPAD-502 was used to evaluate relative chlorophyll content as an indication of leaf tissue nutrient levels. Plant growth as a function of root dry weight, shoot dry weight, and shoot: root ratio was analyzed. Soil analyses were conducted on media samples collected at the end of the study to evaluate the impact of humate admixes in nutrient availability. The fertilization treatments positively influenced leaf color, shoot weight, root weight, and shoot: root ratio. There was no impact from the mycorrhizae inoculation on leaf color or growth. There was no impact from the humate additive on leaf color or growth. There were no additive effects found in the treatment levels.
201 Effects of CO2 Enrichment on the Growth and Stomatal Conductance of Two Cultivars of Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)
Authors: Yorio N.C. , Stutte G.W. , DeVilliers D.S. , Wheeler R.M. , Langhans R.L.
Published: February 2019

Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cv. Etna, a dry bean variety, and cv. Hystyle, a snap bean variety, were grown at 400 and 1200 μmol·m-2·s-1 CO2 to determine the effects of CO2 enrichment on plant growth and stomatal conductance. Plants were grown in controlled environment chambers for 70 days at each CO2 level using nutrient film technique hydroponics. An 18-h light/6-h dark photoperiod was maintained for each test, with a corresponding thermoperiod of 28 °C/24 °C and constant 65% RH. Diurnal stomatal conductance measurements were made with a steady-state porometer at 28 days after planting (DAP) and 49 DAP. As expected, plant growth and yield was consistently increased for each cultivar when plants were grown at 1200 μmol·m-2·s-1 CO2 compared to 400 μmol·m-2·s-1 CO2. Stomatal conductance measured during the light period showed an expected decrease for each cultivar when grown at 1200 μmol·m-2·s-1 CO2 compared to 400 μmol·m-2·s-1 CO2. However, during the dark period, stomatal conductance was higher for each cultivar grown at 1200 μmol·m-2·s-1 CO2. These results suggest a stomatal opening effect in the dark when plants are exposed to enriched levels of CO2. Tests are underway to investigate the effects of CO2 levels greater than 1200 μmol·m-2·s-1 on the growth and stomatal conductance of bean.
213 Effects of Air Temperature and Carbon Dioxide Concentration on Growth of Radish
Authors: Stutte G.W. , Eraso I. , Stryjewski E.C.
Published: February 2019

The RASTA (Radish Assimilation in Spaceflight Testbed Atmospheres) space flight experiment is being designed to evaluate effects of spacecraft environment on carbon partitioning in radish. Carbon dioxide concentration and air temperature effects on radish partitioning are being evaluated to optimize conditions on orbit. Determining effects of these stresses on growth will allow environmental stress effects to be isolated from microgravity effects during the mission. Three cultivars, Cherriette, Cherry Belle, and Early Scarlett Globe, have been grown at 23 °C at 400, 1500 and 10,000 ppm CO2 to determine effects of super-elevated CO2 on growth. Total biomass production was greatest at 1500 ppm CO2, with a decline at 10,000 ppm CO2. Harvest index of all cultivars was also highest at 1500 ppm. `Cherry Belle' and `Early Scarlet Globe' were grown at ambient CO2 under temperatures ranging from 18 to 30 °C. Total biomass production was greatest at 22 °C, with significant declines in total dry mass and harvest index with increasing temperatures. Temperatures less than 22 °C resulted in decrease in total biomass, but partitioning to storage roots was enhanced. (Supported by NASA NCC10-0034)
218 Dissipation of Isoxaben in Simulated Gravel-based Nursery Runoff Retention Basins
Authors: Mondt Gretchen L. , Riley Melissa B. , Whitwell Ted
Published: February 2019

Recent research indicated that the herbicide simazine dissipated quickly in gravel-based subsurface-flow constructed wetlands. This indicates that retention areas at nurseries may be developed to facilitate pesticide remediation and reduce offsite movement. A site to simulate runoff retention areas at a containerized nursery was established with troughs containing pea gravel and controls containing no gravel in an open field. Irrigation water was applied daily to replace half of the capacity of the trough, simulating daily irrigation and runoff at a nursery. A study was conducted to determine the effects of this system on isoxaben (a pre-emergent herbicide) concentrations in the water leaving the troughs and the change in microbial organisms associated with the gravel. Initially, 19 L of a dilute isoxaben solution (1.3 μg/L) was added to each tank. Drainage was collected and assayed for isoxaben concentration over a 40-day period. Isoxaben was detected in troughs containing gravel through 14 days while isoxaben was detected in troughs containing no gravel through only 4 days. Microbial analysis of the gravel showed a variety of microorganisms initially, but, by day 14, Pseudomonas spp. became the dominant genus present. Preliminary analysis revealed that the isoxaben binds to the gravel, and is then desorbed over time. Further investigations will include the abilites of Pseudomonas and other isolated organisms to metabolize isoxaben as the sole carbon-source in the laboratory.
230 Evaluation of Two Commercial Formulations of Mycorrhizal Fungi for Honeydew Melon (Cucumis melo L.) Seedlings Production
Authors: Guzmán-Loza César , Farías-Larios J. , López-Aguirre J.G.
Published: February 2019

Use of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (MA) on horticultural plant production has great potential as a biotechnological alternative; however, information on its effects on the early growth phase of honeydew melon is lacking. Nevertheless, it would seem that inoculation at the time of sowing would decrease the stress of transplant, improve root vigor, make plants grow faster, improve drought resistance, and lessen the effect of roots diseases. In this study, we evaluated the effects of inoculating honeydew melon seedlings with two commercial formulations of MA fungi at different study times in an effort to select for higher resistance and infective capacity. `Moonshine' hybrid melon seeds were sown in trials with 200 cavities containing specific doses of inoculate: 0, 100, 200, 250, 500, and 1000 cc/trial of BuRIZE, Mycorrhiza NES. A factorial design was used (formulations and study times) with a randomized distribution and four replications. Four destructive samples were taken at 10, 15, 20, and 25 days after inoculations. Number of leaves, shoot fresh weight, dry weight, root fresh weight, foliar area, and mycorrhizal colonization were recorded. Results obtained showed a highly significant effect between commercial formulations and study times and an interaction of both factors to studied variables. Mycorrhizal colonization percentages were too low (0.3% to 1.7%). At 20 days after inoculations, it was possible to see all the components of functional arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis on melon plants roots. Using commercial formulations of mycorrhizal fungi decreased applications of fertilizers in melon plants.
234 Foraging Pattern Comparisons between Two Commercial Pollinators on Field-grown Watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai]
Authors: Stanghellini Michael S. , Ambrose John T. , Schultheis J.R.
Published: February 2019

The need for alternative [non-honey bee (Apis mellifera L.)] pollinators continues to increase as the number of problems facing the American beekeeping industry increase. One readily available alternative pollinator source is commercially produced bumblebee (Bombus spp.) colonies. From 1997 to 1999, three studies were conducted to compare the pollination efficacy of bumblebee and honeybee pollinators on field-grown watermelon. The experiments documented 1) bee activity periods (the onset and termination of foraging behavior in association with watermelon anthesis and duration), 2) floral visitation rates (number of flowers visited per unit time by individual foragers), and 3) stigmatic pollen deposition (number of pollen grains deposited on stigmata during single bee visits to pistillate watermelon flowers over the course of anthesis). Bumblebees outperformed honeybees in all three comparative experiments. Bombus foragers initiated foraging activity 30 to 60 min before the appearance of the first honey bee foragers. Both bee types continued to forage throughout anthesis once appearing in the field. Individual bumblebees consistently visited two or more times the number of flowers per min than did honeybees (P < 0.0001) throughout the day excluding the initial 30 to 60 min when honeybees did not forage. The number of pollen grains deposited in an initial visit to stigmata by Bombus foragers was consistently greater than for honeybees (P < 0.001). For both bee types, pollen deposition was influenced by time of day, peaking at 0900 hr and then declining until 1200 HR, when the flowers closed. Both foraging rates and pollen deposition favored bumblebees over honeybees regardless of time of day.
235 Evaluation of Southern Pea Cultivars and Breeding Lines for Earliness, Maturity, and Yield in Multiple-year Trials in South Texas
Authors: Brandenberger L. , Wiedenfeld R. , Mercado R. , Lopez J. , Morelock T.E.
Published: February 2019

Southern peas for the processing market are an important crop for producers in South Texas, but little testing of new varieties or breeding lines has been carried out. Grower field trials during three different years and an on station trial provided an opportunity to evaluate >30 different pea cultivars or breeding lines. Cultivars and breeding lines were evaluated for earliness, maturity, yield, and performance in high-pH soils. Yields varied significantly each season, with Arkansas Blackeye # 1 providing consistently high yields in the three grower trials. Both Arkansas 87-435-68 and Texas Pinkeye produced significantly higher yields in the high soil pH trial at Weslaco. Yields for Arkansas 87-435-68 and Texas Pinkeye in the Weslaco trial were 1428 and 1231 lb of dry peas per acre, respectively.
250 Ornamental Cabbage and Kale Growth Response to Plant Growth Regulators
Authors: Gibson James L. , Whipker Brian E.
Published: February 2019

Ornamental cabbage and kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala L.) plants of cultivars `Osaka White' and `Nagoya Red' were treated with paclobutrazol and uniconazole as foliar sprays or soil drenches. These treatments were compared to the industry standard of daminozide foliar sprays. Ten plant growth regulator (PGR) drench treatments (in mg a.i./pot) were applied 22 days after potting: paclobutrazol at 1 to 16 and uniconazole at 0.125 to 2. Thirteen PGR foliar sprays (in mg/L) were also applied: paclobutrazol at 5 to 80, uniconazole at 2 to 32, daminozide at 2500, 2500 (twice, with the second application occurring 14 days later), or 5000, and an untreated control. Applying drenches of paclobutrazol at 4 mg or uniconazole at 0.5 mg controlled height by 16 to 25%, but at the cost of $0.11 per pot would not be economically feasible for growers to use. Paclobutrazol foliar sprays at concentrations of up to 80 mg/L were ineffective in controlling plant height and diameter of either `Osaka White' or `Nagoya Red'. Uniconazole foliar sprays between 2 and 8 mg/L were effective in controlling height (by 19%) and diameter (by 15%) as daminozide foliar sprays of 2500 mg/L, sprayed twice, with a cost to the grower of $0.02 per pot.
253 Influence of the Timing of Propagation and Cold Storage on the Growth and Development of Alstroemeria Pot Plants
Authors: Olate Eduardo , Ly Doris , Elliott George , Bridgen Mark
Published: February 2019

Two butterfly-type cultivars of Alstroemeria were used to evaluate the effect of different dates of propagation and cold storage techniques on the growth and flowering of potted plants. The cultivars used were `Patricia Lynn' and FL-101. Plants were propagated during four different dates of 1997 (weeks 39, 41, 43, and 47) in large nursery pots (3.8 L) or in small nursery pots (1.4 L). Following division, all plants were grown for 4 weeks. After this period of establishment, plants in the large nursery pots were transferred directly to the final growing greenhouse (16 °C nights) and plants in the small pots were refrigerated at 4 °C for 8, 6, 4, or 0 weeks with either complete light or complete dark conditions. Once the cold treatment was accomplished, all plants were transferred on the same date to large nursery pots for finishing with those plants that had been initially propagated in large pots. All plants were cut back on week 3 of 1998. Plants were evaluated for date of harvest, visual evaluation, fresh aerial weight, number and length of flowering stems, and number of florets per flowering stem. Refrigerated treatments delayed the time of flowering when compared to plants that were grown with no refrigeration. Fresh weight and stem length values of plants that were not refrigerated were less than or equal to those of plants that were refrigerated, with the exception of plants that was propagated on week 47. In addition, the number of flowering stems that were produced from plants that were refrigerated was either greater than or the same as plants that were not refrigerated. The presence or absence of light during refrigeration had no effect on subsequent plant growth and development. There were no differences observed among treatments for visual evaluation and number of florets produced per inflorescence. This research demonstrated that potted Alstroemeria plants can be propagated early and stored under cold conditions without these procedures affecting final plant performance, but the process will affect the scheduling of the crop.
255 Biomass and Phenolic Content of Echinacea Species Grown in Kentucky
Authors: Vires Jenny Heringer , Geneve Robert , Anderson Robert
Published: February 2019

Purple coneflower, Echinacea sp. (Asteraceae), is a herbaceous perennial native to North America. Within the past decade, extensive research has been conducted to confirm echinacea's immunostimulatory, antiviral, and antibacterial benefits to humans. E. angustifolia, E. purpurea, and E. pallida are the primary species grown and studied for the herbal industry. However, there are other species and cultivars that may produce higher yields in biomass and chemical quality. The objective for this study is to evaluate the differences in biomass and phenolic content of five cultivars of E. purpurea and five species of Echinacea under Kentucky growing conditions. Differences in biomass (dry weight) of Echinacea species and cultivars harvested after the first year of growth was determined. There was a significant difference in total dry weight between E. purpurea cultivars. E. purpurea `Bright Star' and `Clio' produced significantly greater total dry weight compared to all other cultivars. There was no significant difference in root or flower biomass between cultivars. Biomass production differed between Echinacea species for root, vegetative, and flower parts. The total biomass of E. purpurea and E. tennesseensis was significantly higher compared to other species. E. pallida and E. paradoxa were not significantly different from E. purpurea in root biomass, even though both species produced less above-ground growth. E. tennesseensis produced 45% to 105% more flowers compared to other species. Differences in phenolic content between species and cultivars will also be presented.
262 Standard Time Domain Reflectometry Curves for Cyclic Irrigation Management in Container Production
Authors: Murray Jason D. , Lea-Cox John D. , Ross David
Published: February 2019

The physical properties of soilless substrates used in the nursery industry vary widely throughout the US, and, as such, present problems for accurate irrigation water management. Water management in soilless substrates is also a key factor in reducing the loss of soluble nitrogen and phosphorus from the root volume. Automated irrigation control that maintains the substrate water content above levels of plant water stress, yet below the maximum water holding capacity of the substrate will serve several positive roles: water and nutrients will be conserved, and losses from run-off minimized. We investigated whether Time Domain Reflectrometry (TDR) moisture sensors can be effectively calibrated for a range of horticultural substrates in various container sizes. A series of water desorption curves and TDR wave-traces (n = 10) were simultaneously derived for six soilless substrate source materials (pine bark, hardwood bark, promix, perlite, rockwool and a sieved sand control), using a modified tension table with four column heights (7-, 15-, 20-, and 25-cm equating to rockwool, #1, #3, and #5 pot sizes). Modifying the tension table allowed for the replication of individual columns (n = 10) of each substrate. The volumetric water desorbed at increasing desorption (positive air) pressures from 0 through 100 KPa was collected for each treatment. Repeated measurements with this apparatus allowed us to plot standard TDR curves for each substrate that can be used to accurately schedule cyclic irrigations. Implementing automated cyclic irrigation strategies in container production will allow for better monitoring and control of irrigation applications, and help conserve water and nutrients in the nursery.
267 Improving Red Color on Apples with a Reflective Groundcover
Authors: Miller Stephen S. , Greene George M.
Published: February 2019

In many years, apples grown in the mid-Atlantic region fail to exhibit a high percentage of the dark red color that buyers and consumers desire. In 1996, we initiated studies to examine the use of a metalized silver low-density polyethylene reflective groundcover (RGC) to improve red color on several apple cultivars under several training systems. A RGC placed in the orchard drive middle of 8-year-old `Delicious' apple trees trained to a “Y” trellis increased the percent surface red color and resulted in darker, more red-colored apples at harvest. A RGC increased surface red color on `Empire' apples on a “Y” trellis, but on central leader-trained semi-dwarf and standard size `Empire' showed no effects on color. Central leader-trained `Fuji'/EMLA.7 apples with a RGC had more red color than untreated fruit at harvest. In 1997, RGC placed under the canopy of 3-year-old `Fuji' trees trained to a “Y” trellis increased the full sunlight on the underside of the canopy by 28%. Ambient air temperatures within the RGC illuminated canopy averaged 2.1 °C higher than the non-RGC canopy. The level of percent full sunlight was increased within the canopy of well-pruned 32-year-old `Miller Spur Delicious' apple trees 4- to 8-fold with RGC placed in the row middle or under the canopy in a commercial orchard in 1998. Position of the RGC to the canopy affected fruit red color response differently between the lower and upper part of the canopy. Bins of fruit graded with a commercial color sorter showed no difference in fruit color; however, there was a strong trend toward increased red color where the RGC material was applied.
273 Changes in Polyamine Content in Grap Buds during Budbreak Induced by Thidiazuron
Authors: Marquez-Cervantes J. Arnulfo , Cano-Medrano Raquel , Alcazar Jorge Rodrl̀guez
Published: February 2019

The effect of thidiazuron (TDZ) at 0, 150, 300, and 450 mg·L-1 in `Perlette' grape cuttings after chilling treatments (0, 150, 300, and 450 chill units, CU) on polyamine content and budbreak was studied. In addition, the treatment 300 CU + 300 mg·L-1 TDZ + 50 mg·L-1 GA3 was evaluated The results indicated that, from 0 to 6 days after treatment (DAT), putrescine (Put) content was low (50-80 nmol·g-1 FW regardless of treatment, but it reached an average of 600 nmol·g-1 FW in both 150 CU + 300 mg·L-1 TDZ and 300 CU + 300 mg·L-1 TDZ FW treatments, at 12 DAT These treatments had the highest bud fresh weight (BFW) (122 mg) and final budbreak (82%). Spermidine (Spd) content remained almost unchanged in the above mentioned treatments (20-30 nmol·g-1 FW) showing the highest value at 6 DAT. Spermine (Spm) content declined from 100 to 80 nmol·g-1 FW from 0 to 6 DAT remaining almost constant until the end. Neither Spm nor Spm showed clear relationship with either BFW or budbreak. Control treatments and treatments with GA3 included had an average of 100 nmol·g-1 FW of Put throughout the evaluation period and showed the lowest BFW (≈45 mg) and budbreak (≈30%) compared to the rest of the treatments.
279 Planting Systems Influence Growth Dynamics and Quality of Fresh Market Spinach
Authors: Leskovar D.I. , Stein L.A. , Dainello F.J.
Published: February 2019

This study was conducted to determine the effect of within-row plant spacing and mulching on growth, quality, and yield of an experimental semi-savoy spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) genotype `Ark-310' to produce a high-quality fresh-market product. Spinach transplants were established in the field on 13 Nov. 1995 and 3 Dec. 1997. Within-row spacings were 15 and 25 cm, and mulching treatments were bare-soil and black polyethylene mulch. Plants were destructively sampled weekly (1996) or bi-weekly (1998) for leaf area (LA), leaf number, leaf dry weight (LDW); and root dry weight (RDW) measurements. Plants grown on plastic mulch at 25-cm spacing had the greater LA, LDW, and RDW than when grown at 15-cm spacing on mulch or bare-soil. Leaf number and specific leaf area (LA/LDW) were less affected by either spacing or mulching. The amount of soil on harvested leaves was lowest on plants grown on plastic mulch in both years. In one year, total yields (MT/ha) were 42% higher when plant spacing decreased from 25 cm to 15 cm, while mulch increased yields by 20 %, a response that was independent of plant spacing. These effects were not evident in the year with higher rainfall. It appears that for a root-cut or loose leaf spinach, yield efficiency and product cleanliness of `Ark 310' spinach may be further improved by combining high plant density with efficient irrigation and fertilization programs under mulch and drip.
287 Exclusion of End-of-day Far-red Light by Photoselective Plastic Films Reduces Height of Cucumber Seedlings
Authors: Li Shumin , Rajapakse Nihal C. , Oi Ryu
Published: February 2019

The far-red light intercepting photoselective plastic greenhouse covers have been shown to be effective in producing compact vegetable transplants. However, photoselective films reduce the photosynthetic photon flux (PPF) transmission compared to conventional plastic films because of the dye contained in the film. The low PPF in greenhouses covered with photoselective films may result in decreased plant dry matter production and could especially be a problem in the season with low light level and in northern latitudes. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine if covering at the end of the day (EOD) with photoselective films was effective in controlling height of vegetable seedlings. This will allow growers to maintain a high light level during daytime for optimum growth of plants. Cucumber seedlings were exposed to light transmitted through a photoselective film and a clear control film. Three exposure durations: continuous, exposure to filtered light from 3:00 pm to 9:00 am, and from 5:00 pm - 9:00 am, were evaluated. Results show that, after 15 days of treatment, about 25% of height reduction could be achieved by exposing the plants at the EOD from 3:00 pm to 9:00 am or from 5:00 pm to 9:00 am. Plants grown continuously under filtered light were the shortest. Compared to plants grown in photoselective chamber continuously, EOD exposed plants had greater leaf, stem and shoot dry weights, greater leaf area and thicker stem. Specific leaf and stem dry weights were also greater in EOD exposed plants. Number of leaves was not significantly affected by any exposure periods tested. The results suggested that the EOD use of photoselective film is effective in reducing height of cucumber seedlings. The responses of other crops need to be evaluated to test the feasibility of using photoselective film as a EOD cover on wide range of crops.
292 Effect of Pre-plant Application of VAM and Particle Film Applications on Tomato in a Supra-optimal, Semi-arid Environment
Authors: Makus D.J.
Published: February 2019

A reflectant particle film material, `Surround', which also has biocide properties, and mycorrhizal root inoculation of tomatoes at transplanting were evaluated for their efficacy in improving tomato plant water status and agronomic performance in a supra-optimal, semi-arid environment. Seven-week-old `Heatmaster' tomato plants (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) were transplanted with or without a VAM inoculant (Gomes intaradices, Schenk & Smith) on 19 Feb. 1999 into a Raymondville clay loam soil in Weslaco, Texas (Lat. 26°12'). One-half of the inoculated and one-half of the uninoculated plants were sprayed between 16 Mar. and 1 June with seven applications of `Surround.' The trickle-irrigated plots were 5.6 m2 in size and treatments replicated four times in a RCB design. Recommended cultural practices were followed, but no fungicides were used. Results indicated that mycorrhizal treatment tended to accelerate fruit maturation and that particle film applications delayed fruit development relative to the control treatment. Mycorrhizal-treated plants had the highest yields at the second (of eight) harvest compared to the other treatments. There were no significant differences between treatments in leaf temperature, diffusive resistance, transpiration rate, water potential, and soil profile moisture, except between sampling dates. Fruit mineral nutrients, pigments, dry matter, average weight, total marketable and total season yields were not significantly effected by any treatment. When fruits were sectioned into proximal and distal halves, 10 out of 14 nutrients measured, in addition to dry matter, and total carotenoids were higher in the distal end.
296 Study of Water Applied on Two Varieties of Honeydew Melons with a Drip Irrigation System
Authors: Robles-Contreras Fabián , Grijalva-Contreras Raul Leonel
Published: February 2019

In the Caborca area, water scarcity is the main problem for the farmers, because of the depletion of the aquifer. This is the main reason why they are focusing on orchards and vegetables. Melon is the vegetable annual crop more extensively grown in this area and is furrow-irrigated with 120 cm of water. But, because of the scarcity of water, it is necessary to use drip irrigation. The objective of this study was to validate in a commercial field (15 ha) the effects of drip irrigation system on the water use, yield, and quality of two honeydew melon varieties (green flesh and orange flesh) in the Caborca area. Our results indicate that, with 50 cm of water applied, yields were 2146 to 2802 boxes/ha for green flesh and orange flesh, respectively. The predominant sizes were 4s and 5s with 25% and 38% for green flesh, and 5s and 6s with 42% and 36% for orange flesh. These sizes are the best for the exportation market.
298 Biosolids and Soil Solarization Effects on Bell Pepper (Capsicum annuum) Production and Soil Fertility in a Sustainable Production System
Authors: Ozores-Hampton Monica , Stansly Phillip A. , Obreza Thomas A.
Published: February 2019

Methyl bromide will be unavailable to conventional vegetable growers in the year 2005, and it cannot be used by organic growers. Chemical alternatives are more expensive and may also be subject to future restrictions. Non-chemical alternatives like solarization and organic amendments are as yet largely unproven but do offer promise of sustainable solutions free of government regulation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of soil-incorporated biosolids and soil solarization on plant growth, yield, and soil fertility. Main plots were a biosolids soil amendment (37 Mg·ha-1 and a non-amended control. Treated main plots had received some type of organic amendment for the previous 6 years. Sub-plots were fumigated with methyl bromide as they had been for 6 years, or non-fumigated. Non-fumigated plots were further split into solarized and non-solarized plots. Bell pepper (Capsicum annuum `X 3R Aladdin') was grown for 8 months. Nitrogen fertilization was reduced to 50% of the recommended rate in the biosolids plots due to expected N mineralization from the biosolids amendment. Plant biomass was higher in the biosolids plots compared with the non-amended plots but there were no differences in marketable pepper yields between biosolids and non-biosolids plots. Plants grown in solarized soil produced lower plant biomass and yields than the methyl bromide and non-fumigated treatments. Soil pH and Mehlich 1-extractable P, K, Ca, Mg, Zn, Mn, Fe, and Cu were higher in biosolids plots than in non-amended control plots. Soil organic matter concentration was 3-fold higher where biosolids were applied compared with non-amended soil. The results suggest that regular organic amendment applications to a sandy Florida soil can increase plant growth and produce similar yields with less inorganic nutrients than are applied in a standard fertilization program. However, methyl bromide and non-fumigated treatments produced higher yields than soil solarization.
308 Screening Strawberry in Vitro for Response to Colletotrichum acutatum
Authors: Garcés S. , Koch-Dean M. , Maas J. , Smith B. , Hammerschlag F.
Published: February 2019

As part of a program to generate anthracnose (Colletotrichum acutatum) resistance in strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) via either tissue culture or gene transfer techniques, studies were conducted to determine whether in vitro screening for resistance to C. acutatum was feasible. Six commercial cultivars (Latestar, Delmarvel, Pelican, Sweet Charlie, Chandler, and Honeoye) that differed in their response to the pathogen under field conditions were tested to see whether this response was reflected in vitro. Leaves from 4-week-old shoot cultures were soaked in a spore suspension of C. acutatum isolate Goff, transferred to 0.5% water agar, and the presence or absence of disease symptoms was evaluated on a 0-4 rating scale after 7 days. Five of the six cultivars exhibited a disease rating similar to field results. This study suggests that there is potential to use this procedure as a screening technique, and studies are in progress to screen strawberry regenerants for resistance.
310 Effect of Scionwood Moisture and Cut-end Waxing on Pecan Bark Graft Success
Authors: Nesbitt Monte L. , Stein Larry , Goff William D.
Published: February 2019

Pecan is a difficult species to propagate by grafting. The whip graft, bark graft, and four-flap graft, the most often-used techniques for pecan grafting, require dormant scions, collected and stored for 60 to 120 days prior to spring-season grafting. Poor graft success is often blamed on handling and storage environment of the scionwood. Moisture content of packing material, waxing of cut ends, and use of polyethylene bags was evaluated in a controlled experiment in 1998 and 1999. Scions were cut in early February each year, and stored for 60 to 70 days in a household refrigerator under different treatment regimes. Scion viability was tested by bark grafting mature pecan trees in Fairhope, Ala., and Uvalde, Texas. In 1998, graft success rate was equally good among scions stored in polyethylene bags with different amounts of added moisture, whether cut ends were waxed or not. Moisture loss of the scions during storage was affected each year by the amount of water added to packing material and by waxing the cut-ends, but the differences did not impact graft success. An interaction of not waxing the cut ends and very wet packing material reduced graft success at Fairhope, Ala., but not Uvalde, Texas, in 1999.
314 Growth and Nutrition of Chrysanthemum Microplants Inoculated with Arbuscular-Mycorrhizal Fungi
Authors: Pedraza-Santos Martha Elena , Jaen-Contreras David , Gutièrrez-Espinosa M. Alejandra , Colinas-Leon Teresa , Lopez-Peralta Cristina
Published: February 2019

Effects of inoculation with arbuscular endomycorrhizal fungi (Acaulospora scrobiculata and Glomus mosseae) on acclimatization and growth of chrysanthemum (Dendrathema glandiflora Tzevelev) plants, propagated in vitro, under different conditions of fertilization (0, 20, and 40 mg·L-1 of NPK) were studied. Mycorrhizal colonization did not influence surviving percentage of chrysanthemum plantlets during the acclimatization stage; however, we could colonize the developing roots and reduce the amount of inoculum needed and beneficial effects on plant growth were obtained during early stages of colonizing. Plant growth in greenhouse was regulated by synergism between the effect of endomycorrhizal fungus type and soil fertilization with N, P, and K. Effects of A. scrobiculata were observed as an increasein number of leaves, leaf area, stem diameter, root volume and fresh and dry weight of leaves, stem and root. The G. mosseae fungus improved N, P, Mg, and Zn content in leaves; P, K, Ca, Mg, and Zinc in stem and Ca content in root. On the other hand, A. scrobiculata only increased N content in leaves, stem and roots; P content in leaves and roots, and Ca content in stem. Percentage of mycorrhizal colonization on roots was affected by adding N, P, and K to soil. The highest values were obtained with fertilization doses of 20 mg·L-1. The number of spores of mycorrhizal fungi was increased by adding fertilizer to soil (40 mg·L-1 of NPK).
319 Micropropagation of Herbaceous Peony
Authors: Habib A. , D'Aoust L. , Donnelly D.
Published: February 2019

Micropropagation of herbaceous peony (Paeonia) cultivars and hybrids (Paula Fay, Cytherea, Prairie Moon, and Sarah Bernhardt) was investigated. Root clumps were removed from the field in February and forced in the greenhouse. Explants were excised buds from the crown area. Culture contamination levels were reduced by selection of crown buds prior to budbreak and disinfestation using combination treatments of 20 min with 5% potassium iodide followed by 10 min with 10% bleach. Genotypes responded differently to adventitious multiplication (Stage II) and tuberous root formation (Stage III) in Murashige and Skoog basal medium supplemented with 6-benzylaminopurine and gibberellic acid (Stage II) or indolebutyric acid (Stage III). Transfer to the greenhouse was accomplished (Stage IV) with a limited number of plants.
324 An in Vitro Regeneration System for Mass Production of Daylily (Hemerocallis fulva L.)
Authors: Carter Johnny , Dhir Seema
Published: February 2019

A plant regeneration protocol has been successfully developed to mass propagate daylilies. Experiments were conducted to determine source (BA, KN, and ZT) and concentration (0, 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 mg/L) of cytokinins and sugars (glucose, surcose, and maltose) to be used in the medium. Studies were also conducted to determine the influence of flower bud size (5, 10, 15, and 20 mm) as explant source. Based on results from these studies a protocol for propagating daylilies was developed. The procedure involved using filament explants from daylily flower buds ranging in sizes from 5 to 10 mm. The filaments when cultured on MS+BAP (3.0 mg/L)+ IAA (0.5 mg/L) medium,formed globular somatic embryos in 4 weeks. Complete plants were regenerated within a period of 6 to 7 months. Upon acclimatization, 100% of the tissue culture generated raised plants survived under greenhouse conditions.
325 Temperature and Gibberellin Acid on Seed Germination of Iris versicolor L.
Authors: Zhang Donglin , Hu Diemeng , Smagula John
Published: February 2019

Iris versicolor (blue-flag iris) is a native aquatic plant that grows from Maine to Virginia. It is an important species of wetland regeneration and restoration. Unfortunately, seed germination seldom occurs in the wild. To address this problem, seeds of Iris versicolor were soaked with gibberellin acid (0, 500, 1000, and 1500 ppm) for 24 h after 120 days of cold treatment at 4 °C and then were randomly assigned to three germination temperatures (constant 21 °C; 24 °C/18 °C; 27C/15 °C) and placed in darkness. Germination rates for the three temperature treatments were 54.4% (21 °C), 96.5% (24 °C/18 °C), and 96.0% (27C/15 °C). Oscillating temperature treatments had significantly greater germination rate than constant temperature. Gibberellin acid had significant influence on germination rate; only the constant 21 °C was not favorable for germination. The germination rate was higher at 1000 than at 500 ppm or 1500 ppm or more. Germination occurred within 10 days under germination temperature treatments. All seedlings in petri dishes were successfully transplanted into growing flats.
334 Meristem Isolation of Garlic (Allium sativum L.) Cultivars Sao Marcos and Sao Valentim
Authors: Müller Nilvane T.G. , de L. Fortes Gerson R. , Nascimento Gioconda C. , Daniels Julio
Published: February 2019

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) belongs to the Alliaceae family and originated from Asia and Mediterranean countries. Their bulblets are rich in starch and aromatic substances. The rate of garlic propagation in field conditions takes several years for the production of a certain number of seed bulbs for the release of a new variety. The use of tissue culture techniques is a useful tool for overcoming this problem. The aim of this work was to increase the mean number of shoots derived from the meristem isolation and to verify the percentage of callus formation and to analyze vigor of the material. The initial meristems were inoculated in a salt and vitamin B5 media except for the iron element, which was provided by MS medium added to in mg·L-1: myo-inositol (100.0), nicotinic acid (1.0), piridoxine (1.0), thiamine (10.0), sucrose (20.0 g·L-1), agar (6.0 g·L-1). BAP and TDZ were added at: 0.0; 1.0; 1.5; 2.0; and 2.5 μM This material remained in a growth room for a 16-h photoperiod, radiation of 20 μMol·m-2·s-1 and 25 °C for 40 days. Although `Sao Marcos' produced more vigorous shoots, no significant difference was found for the mean number of shoots. `Sao Valentim' cultivar shows more callus at the shoot base, making this cultivar more prone to somaclonal variation On the other hand, BAP estimulates the appearance of callus, but it has been shown that this is cultivar-dependent.
337 The Effects of Plant Growth Regulators, AgNO3, Dark Treatment, and Antibiotics on Shoot Induction from Cotyledon and Hypocotyl of Chinese Cabbage
Authors: Park Y.D. , Kim H.S. , Kang B.K.
Published: February 2019

The development of genetic transformation systems has led to remarkable progress in the area of plant molecular biology. This has included the introduction of useful traits, such as resistance to viruses, herbicides, and insects. Transformed plant cells can be selected, using chimeric genes that confer resistance to toxic drugs, such as kanamycin, hygromycin, streptomycin, gentamycin, and bleomycin. Expression of these chimeric genes in the transformed cells confers the ability to survive and proliferate on the selective medium, while non-transformed cells die. In this study, we report a simple and efficient system to regenerate Chinese cabbage plants and study of the effects of plant growth regulators, AgNO3, initial dark treatment, various antibiotics, and herbicide on shoot induction from hypocotyl or cotyledon of Chinese cabbage. Shoots were induced at various combinations of naphtalene acetic acid (NAA) and benzyladenine (BA) levels. The best combination of plant growth regulators was 2.0 mg/L NAA and 1.0 mg/L BA for cotyledon, and 1.0 mg/L NAA and 5.0 mg/L BA for hypocotyl. The experiment investigating the effect of AgNO3 demonstrated that 16.7 mg/L AgNO3 was effective for inducing shoot regeneration from both of explants. Three to five days of initial dark treatments had significant effects for increasing the number of regenerated shoots; however, different growth regulator combinations showed various responses to duration of dark treatments. The effects of kanamycin, hygromycin, cefatoxime, carbenicillin and phosphinothricin (PPT) on shoot induction from cotyledon and hypocotyl were tested. Shoot induction was completely inhibited by kanamycin at 10 mg/L, hygromycin at 5 mg/L, PPT at 5 mg/L or higher, but not by carbenicillin and cefatoxime.
338 CO2-Ultrasonic Fogging System Enhances Tissue Culture Shoot Survival and Growth
Authors: Tisserat Brent , Silman Robert
Published: February 2019

An inexpensive ultrasonic fogging system is presented that aids in the establishment of tissue culture shoots in soil under greenhouse conditions. In addition, ultrasonic fogging may be coupled to CO2 nutrient enhancement via bubbling CO2 into the water reservoirs prior to fogging to improve growth and morphogenesis responses of shoots. A list and cost of items for the system and its assembly is given. Transplanted tissue culture shoots of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.), hosta (Hosta sp.), mint (Mentha sp.), and thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) were tested with this fogging system with and without CO2 nutrient elevation and compared to the growth of shoots grown under a misting system with and without CO2 nutrient elevation. In all cases, ultrasonic fogging enhanced survival rates, growth (fresh weights) and morphogenesis (axially shoots, leaves and roots) vs. that occurring in the misting system. For example, thyme and mint shoots exhibited 2- and 5-fold increases, respectively, in fresh weights under ultrasonic fogging with CO2 compared to misting systems with CO2. Associated with enhanced survival and morphogenesis was an overall enhancement of shoot and leaf size and overall maturation responses. This is also reflected in enhanced secondary products obtained from shoots grown under ultrasonic fogging compared to shoots grown in misting systems.
344 Root-pruning Pin Oak Liners Affects Growth and Root Morphology
Authors: Harris J. Roger , Fanelli Jody , Niemiera Alex , Wright Robert
Published: February 2019

Two experiments were conducted to test the effects of early root pruning on growth of pin oak (Quercus palustris Muenchh.). Experiment one tested the effect of radicle tip removal when radicles had reached 5, 10, or 15 cm below the substrate surface. Total root length was not affected by treatment, but root-pruned trees had more large-diameter lateral (primary lateral) roots than trees that were not root-pruned. The number of primary laterals increased if the radicle tip was removed at more shallow depths. Experiment two tested the effect of liner production in bottomless containers (roots air-pruned) of 5-, 10-, 15-, and 20-cm depths on subsequent growth in #2 (6-L) containers. Top and root growth was generally lowest in 5-cm-deep containers and highest in 10- or 15-cm-deep containers.
346 Ex Vitro Rooting of Micropropagated Hamamelis
Authors: Chan Charlotte R. , Marquard Robert D.
Published: February 2019

Hamamelis cultivars are typically propagated by grafting onto H. virginiana rootstock. Grafting is labor-intensive and the understock frequently suckers which can lead to the loss of the scion. A cultivar growing on its own root system would eliminate this problem. Our research was undertaken to develop a successful method of rooting micropropagules. The source material was established cultures of H. × intermedia `Diane,' H. virginiana, and a H. vernalis selection. The rooting treatments consisted of four concentrations of K-IBA (0, 5, 10, and 20 μM) in 0.02% Tween 80. Three replicates of eight cuttings each were taken from the three sources for each of the four treatments. The cuttings were placed in 50-mL beakers, cut-end down, with 10 mL of the treatment solution. The beakers were sealed with Parafilm, and cuttings were soaked for 24 h. After treatment, the cuttings were randomly stuck into Kadon flats prepared in advance with a sterile mix of 1 peat: 1 perlite and were watered-in. Cuttings were misted, and flats were covered with plastic and Remay. They were kept in a warm (19-24 °C) greenhouse. Cuttings rooted in 3 to 4 weeks and were subsequently fertilized weekly with Peter's 20N-20P-20K at 150 ppm. At 12 weeks, data were collected for the rate of survival, height, branching, number of nodes, and root mass, and the plants were transplanted to quart pots. Ninety percent of the cuttings rooted; the most favorable response was with 10 μM K-IBA, although all treatments produced >80% rooting. This method was time and labor efficient. Moreover, micropropagation is not dependent on the season, and production of new plants could proceed on a continuous basis, making this a viable alternative to commercial grafting.
353 Organic Nutrient Management of Greenhouse Production of Edible Flowers in Containers
Authors: Kelley K.M. , Biernbaum J.A.
Published: February 2019

Eight species of edible flowers were grown in 12.5-cm (1.5-L) square containers during the months of November through May, in a root medium suitable for organic certification or a standard peat and perlite mixture with preplant fertilizer. Plants were fertilized with 200 mL of either a water-soluble fertilizer (19–1.8–19) at 300 ppm N, fish emulsion (5–0.4–0.8), or a certified organic, commercially available soluble fertilizer (6–2.6–5), each at 300 or 600 ppm N applied every 2 weeks. Shoot fresh and dry weights were measured and percent dry weight was calculated. The fresh weights for all species were highest for plants fertilized with the organic fertilizers. For all but one species the organic fertilizer treatments had the same or higher dry weights than the inorganic control. The percent dry weights for all species were the same or higher for the inorganic control treatment. The effect of the organic fertilizer rate on the dry weight was species-dependent. The highest flower production generally occurred with 300 ppm N. Flower size was measured for Viola tricolor and Viola ×. wittrockiana species. For both species flower size was smallest for plants fertilized with the 600 ppm certified organic fertilizer. Root media pH and EC were tested at 6-week intervals throughout the experiment. In general, the pH increased from the first to the second sampling date, but only increased or decreased slightly for later dates, and there was little effect of fertilizer type. Root media EC decreased initially with minimal change later.