bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
History of the Origin and Dispersal of White Pine Blister Rust
Authors: Hummer Kim E.
Published: December 2018

The center of diversity for white pine blister rust (WPBR) (Cronartium ribicola J.C. Fischer) most likely stretches from central Siberia east of the Ural Mountains to Asia, possibly bounded by the Himalayas to the south. The alternate hosts for WPBR, Asian five-needled pines (Pinus L.) and Ribes L. native to that region have developed WPBR resistance. Because the dispersal of C. ribicola to Europe and North America occurred within the last several hundred years, the North American five-needled white pines, Pinus subsections, Strobus and Parya, had no previous selection pressure to develop resistance. Establishment of WPBR in North American resulted when plants were transported both ways across the Atlantic Ocean. In 1705, Lord Weymouth had white pine (P. strobis L.), also called weymouth pine in Europe, seed and seedlings brought to England. These trees were planted throughout eastern Europe. In the mid-1800s, WPBR outbreaks were reported in Ribes and then in white pines in eastern Europe. The pathogen may have been brought to Europe on an infected pine from Russia. In the late 1800s American nurserymen, unaware of the European rust incidence, imported many infected white pine seedlings from France and Germany for reforestation efforts. By 1914, rust-infected white pine nursery stock was imported into Connecticut, Indiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Wisconsin, and in the Canadian provinces of Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia. The range of WPBR is established in eastern North America and the Pacific Northwest. New infection sites in Nevada, South Dakota, New Mexico and Colorado have been observed during the 1990s.
Assessing Potential Risks of White Pine Blister Rust on Western White Pine from Increased Cultivation of Currants
Authors: Muir John A. , Hunt Richard S.
Published: December 2018

Introductions of white pine blister rust (WPBR, causal fungus: Cronartium ribicola J.C. Fischer) to eastern and western North America before 1915 caused such extensive damage that western white pine (Pinus monticola D. Don) was essentially abandoned as a manageable forest tree species for over 60 years. Recent results from WPBR resistance selection and breeding programs, and from field trials of tree spacing, pruning and bark excision treatments have supported efforts to increase establishment and to intensively manage western white pine. Western white pine is a desirable component in many forested areas because of its faster growth and much higher value compared to many other associated tree species. It also has a low susceptibility to armillaria root disease caused by Armillaria ostoyae (Romagnesi) Herink and laminated root rot, caused by Phellinus weirii (Murr.) Gilb. Some regulations, e.g., Forest Practices Code of British Columbia (BC) Act, require anyone who harvests timber on provincial forestland and uses western white pine for reforestation to either plant genetically resistant western white pine stock or prune susceptible young trees for protection. Risks of increased WPBR associated with increased commercial cultivation of gooseberries and currants (Ribes L.) have yet to be determined. However, major threats appear to include 1) increase in local amounts of spores for nearby infection of pines; and 2) possible introductions or development of new, virulent races of C. ribicola, particularly from eastern to Pacific northwestern North America. In view of these possible threats, we recommend that existing regulations and legislation should be amended, or possibly new measures enacted, to permit propagation and commercial cultivation only of varieties of Ribes that are immune or highly resistant to WPBR.
Restoration of White Pine in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan
Authors: Ostry M.E.
Published: December 2018

White pine blister rust (Cronartium ribicola J.C. Fisch.) (WPBR) was discovered on Ribes L. in New York in 1906, although it was accidentally introduced from Europe on pine (Pinus L.) seedlings. The spread of this destructive fungus has changed the forests in North America. After decades of reduced planting because of the concern over the impact of WPBR, white pine (Pinus strobus L.) is now being restored in the lake states of Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan. Although the potential for growing white pine is high on many sites, the disappearance of a seed source because of logging and fires means that reestablishment of white pine to these areas will require active management. A series of plantings have been established on three national forests in Minnesota and Michigan to evaluate various silvicultural treatments intended to minimize the incidence of WPBR and to compare the performance of seedlings selected for disease resistance to nonselected planting stock.
Stratification and Light Improve Germination of Katsura Tree Seed
Authors: Dosmann Michael S. , Iles Jeffery K. , Widrlechner Mark P.
Published: December 2018

Germinability of two, half-sib seed sources of Cercidiphyllum japonicum Sieb. & Zucc. and one seed source of Cercidiphyllum magnificum (Nakai) Nakai was determined after not stratifying or stratifying seeds at 3.5 ± 0.5 °C (38.3 ± 0.9 °F) for 8 days followed by germination for 21 days at 25 °C (77 °F) in darkness or under a 15-hour photoperiod. Stratification was not required for germination, but increased germination percentage, peak value, and germination value for both species. Stratification increased germination of C. japonicum from 42% to 75%, and germination of C. magnificum from 12% to 24%. Light enhanced germination of nonstratified seeds of one source of C. japonicum and of C. magnificum from 34% to 52% and from 8% to 15%, respectively. Stratification improved germinability of both species and obviated any preexisting light requirements the seeds may have had.
Influence of Nitrogen and Rootstock on Tree Growth, Precocity, Fruit Quality, Leaf Mineral Nutrients, and Fire Blight in `Scarlet Gala' Apple
Authors: Fallahi Esmaeil , Mohan S. Krishna
Published: December 2018

The influence of four rootstocks and four levels of nitrogen supply on tree growth, precocity, fruit quality (size and color), leaf mineral concentrations, and fire blight [Erwinia amylovora (Burrill) Winstow et al.] severity in `Scarlet Gala' apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) trees was studied between 3 to 4 years. Trees that received an annual ground application of 0.15 lb (68 g) actual N as urea over four growing seasons had greater trunk cross-sectional area (TCA), higher yield, better fruit color, lower leaf N and less fire blight than those which received higher amounts of N. Trees on Malling (M.9) were more precocious and had higher yields in early years while trees on Malling-Merton 106 (MM.106 EMLA) and Malling-Merton 111 (MM.111 EMLA) had higher production 4 years after planting. Trees on Malling 26 (M.26 EMLA) had higher leaf Mg than those on other rootstocks. Trees on M.9 and M.26 EMLA had more fire blight damage than those on other rootstocks.
Performance of Red Maple Selections in Southern Georgia
Authors: Ruter John M. , Sibley Jeff L.
Published: December 2018

In 1991, a cooperative project with the U.S. National Arboretum in Washington, D.C., was initiated in Tifton, Ga. (USDA hardiness zone 8a) to evaluate red maples (Acer rubrum L.) potentially suitable for the coastal plain region of the southeastern U.S. Greatest annual height growth across all cultivars over 6 years was for `Alapaha', a seedling selection from southern Georgia with annual height growth of 35 inches (88.0 cm), and several seedling selections from northern Florida with annual height increases in excess of 33 inches (86.0 cm). Selections showing the least average annual height growth were NA-56024 and NA-57772 (`Red Rocket'). For commercially available cultivars, the most dependable for fall color in Tifton was `October Glory'®. In addition, two new selections from the National Arboretum have also shown excellent fall color—`Somerset' and `Brandywine'.
Peach Rootstocks for the United States: Are Foreign Rootstocks the Answer?
Authors: Reighard Gregory L.
Published: December 2018

New foreign rootstocks for peaches [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] are now being introduced into the United States through commercial nurseries for future sales to stone fruit growers. Almost all of these rootstocks are complex Prunus L. hybrids that are propagated vegetatively. Past experience with foreign Prunus rootstocks has shown that extensive testing is critical to avoid potential problems in commercial situations due to nonadaptation of some rootstocks to North American climatic and edaphic conditions. In addition, putative resistance of introduced rootstocks to common soil diseases and other pathogens has not always carried over to orchard sites in the United States. To ensure widespread horticultural testing of new rootstocks, the NC-140 regional research group continues to serve as an unbiased tester in many different geographic and production areas of the United States and Canada.
Three Mussaenda Cultivars Propagated by Stem Cuttings Exhibit Variation in Rooting in Response to Hormone and Rooting Conditions
Authors: Hilaire Rolston St. , Berwart Carlos A. Fierro
Published: December 2018

The effects of 1H-indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), cutting position on stock plants, the date of propagation, the type of rooting substrate and temperature on rooting of mussaenda (Mussaenda erythrophylla Schumach. & Thonn. `Ashanti Blood' and `Rosea', and Mussaenda philippica A. Rich `Aurorae') stem cuttings were determined. Cuttings of `Ashanti Blood' produced the largest number of roots when treated with 15 mmol (3000 ppm) IBA and rooted in perlite at 29 °C (84 °F). Cutting position on stock plants did not affect rooting in any of the three cultivars. Propagation date and temperature of the rooting medium affected root numbers in `Aurorae'. With `Rosea', only the type of rooting substrate affected root number. Rooting percentage was 22%, 48%, and 39% in `Ashanti Blood', `Aurorae', and `Rosea' respectively. After 30 days of propagation average root length was 4, 12, and 4 mm (0.2, 0.5, and 0.2 inch) in `Ashanti Blood', `Aurorae', and `Rosea' respectively. Growers must determine precise rooting conditions for each cultivar to obtain consistent rooting of cuttings. This process may not be economically feasible on a commercial basis because rooting percentages are relatively low. We conclude that other methods of clonal propagation need to be evaluated before uniform rooted stem cuttings of mussaenda can be produced economically.
An Interactive World Wide Web Site for Disseminating and Gathering Farm Budget Data
Authors: Brumfield Robin G. , Brennan Margaret F.
Published: December 2018

Today's farmers need current and accurate farm management information. The Internet, and specifically the World Wide Web (web), is a powerful tool to efficiently and effectively deliver this information. Rutgers Cooperative Extension developed a web site to host agricultural production budgets for three cropping systems (conventional, integrated crop management and organic) for crops raised in the northeastern United States. Since budget information needs to be kept current if it is to be of real value to a farmer, we determined that the best way to keep the information up to date was to provide a separate, interactive HTML form that could be viewed and submitted from a users' standard web browser. The interactive web site enables farm management specialists to provide costs and returns information on current agricultural practices in a timely manner. This web site is accessible via the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Farm Management Home Page.
The Use of Vinegar Vapor to Reduce Postharvest Decay of Harvested Fruit
Authors: Sholberg Peter , Haag Paula , Hocking Rod , Bedford Karen
Published: December 2018

Vapors of several common vinegars containing 4.2% to 6.0% (= 2.5 to 3.6 mol·L-1) acetic acid effectively prevented conidia of brown rot [Monilinia fructicola (G. Wint.) Honey], gray mold (Botrytis cinerea Pers.:Fr.), and blue mold (Penicillium expansum Link) from germinating and causing decay of stone fruit (Prunus sp.), strawberries (Fragaria ×ananassa Duchesne), and apples (Malus ×domestica Borkh.), respectively. Fruit were fumigated in 12.7-L sealed containers in which vinegar was dripped on to filter paper wicks or vaporized by heating from an aluminum receptacle. Vapor from 1.0 mL of red wine vinegar (6.0% acetic acid) reduced decay by M. fructicola on `Sundrop' apricots (Prunus armeniaca L.) from 100% to 0%. Similarly, vapor from 1.0 mL of white vinegar (5.0% acetic acid) reduced decay in strawberries by B. cinerea from 50% to 1.4%. Eight different vinegars, ranging from 4.2% to 6.0% acetic acid, of which 0.5 mL of each vinegar was heat-vaporized, reduced decay by P. expansum to 1% or less in `Jonagold' apples. The volume of heat-vaporized white vinegar (5.0% acetic acid) necessary to reduce decay by P. expansum on `Jonagold' apples to zero was 36.6 μL·L-1 of air. Increasing the number of conidia on the apple surface reduced the effectiveness of vinegar vapor. The number of lesions caused by P. expansum on `McIntosh' apple decreased exponentially with increasing time of fumigation, approaching zero after about 6 hours. These results suggest that vinegar vapor could be an effective alternative to liquid biocides such as sodium hypochlorite for sterilization of surfaces contaminated by conidia of fungal pathogens.
Growth, Flowering, and Survival of Black-eyed Susan from Different Regional Seed Sources
Authors: Norcini Jeffrey G. , Aldrich James H. , Thetford Mack , Klock-Moore Kimberly A. , Bell Michelle L. , Harbaugh Brent K.
Published: December 2018

Growth, flowering, and survival of black-eyed susan (Rudbeckia hirta L.) from three seed sources—northern Florida (NFL), central Florida (CFL), and Texas (TEX)—were evaluated under low input conditions for one growing season at four sites in Florida. Two sites were in American Horticultural Society (AHS) Heat Zone 9 while the other two were in AHS Heat Zones 10 and 11. Growth, onset date of flowering, and number of flowers at peak flowering varied by site. With few exceptions, plants tended to reach peak flowering at about the same time. Flower diameter varied by seed source with TEX>NFL>CFL. While TEX plants were perceived as the showiest, NFL and CFL plants persisted longer under the low input conditions in Florida, and hence provided some evidence of adaptation to regional site conditions.
Use of Cover Crop Mulches in a No-till Furrow-irrigated Processing Tomato Production System
Authors: Herrero E.V. , Mitchell J.P. , Lanini W.T. , Temple S.R. , Miyao E.M. , Morse R.D. , Campiglia E.
Published: December 2018

No-till processing tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill.) production in four winter cover crop-derived mulches was evaluated in 1997 and 1998 in Five Points, Calif. The effectiveness of two medics, `Sava' snail medic (Medicago scutellata Mill.) (sava), and `Sephi' barrel medic (Medicago truncatula Gaertn.) (sephi), and two cereal/legume cover crop mixtures, triticale/`Lana' woolypod vetch (X Triticosecale Wittm./Vicia dasycarpa Ten.) (triticale/vetch) and rye/`Lana' woolypod vetch (Secale cereale L./V. dasycarpa) (rye/vetch), was compared with two conventionally tilled fallow controls (with and without herbicide) (fallow+h and fallow-h) in suppressing weeds and maintaining yields with reduced fertilizer inputs. The comparison was conducted as a split plot, with three N fertilization rates (0, 100, and 200 lb/acre; 0, 112, and 224 kg·ha-1) as main plots and cover crops and fallow controls as subplots. Tomato seedlings were transplanted 3 weeks after the cover crops had been mowed and sprayed with herbicide. There were no significant differences in weed cover in the no-till cover crop treatments relative to the fallow controls in 1997. Early season weed suppression in rye/vetch and triticale/vetch plots was similar to herbicide-treated fallow (fallow+h) in 1998, however, later in the 1998 season weed suppression was best in the fallow+h. Tissue N was highest in the fallow treatments in both 1997 and 1998. Yields were highest in the triticale/vetch and fallow and lowest in sephi treatments in 1997, but there were no differences among treatments in 1998. These results demonstrate the feasibility of no-till mulch production of furrow irrigated processing tomatoes and identify opportunities for further optimization of the system.
Root Pruning Pin Oak Liners Affects Growth and Root Morphology
Authors: Harris J. Roger , Niemiera Alex , Fanelli Jody , Wright Robert
Published: December 2018

Two experiments tested the effects of root pruning on growth during first-season production of pin oak (Quercus palustris Muenchh.). Experiment one tested the effect of root pruning developing radicles at 5, 10, or 15 cm (2, 4, or 6 inches) below the substrate surface. After 11 weeks, total root length was not affected by root pruning, but root-pruned seedlings had more main lateral [>2-mm (0.08-inch) diameter] roots than those that were not root pruned. Shallow pruning increased the number of main lateral roots. Experiment two tested the effect of initially producing plants in different-depth bottomless containers [5, 10, 15, or 20-cm (2, 4, 6, or 8-inch) depth] on growth after transplanting to #2 [6 L (1.6 gal)] containers. Shoot and root growth in #2 containers were lowest when plants were originally produced in 5-cm-deep containers. Plants with the greatest height and highest root:shoot ratios were obtained when plants were grown initially in 10-cm-deep containers. Predicted optimum depth of bottomless containers from regression equations ranged from 11.3 cm (4.5 inches) to 14.2 cm (5.5 inches) for the different growth parameters measured. The importance of these findings are: Pruning developing radicles of pin oak seedlings increases the number of main lateral roots but not overall root length. Growers can maximize growth in #2 containers by initially growing in 10-cm-deep bottomless containers before transplanting to #2 containers.
Evaluation of Disease Resistance among 57 Cultivars of Zinnia
Authors: Gombert Linda , Windham Mark , Hamilton Susan
Published: December 2018

Fifty-seven cultivars of zinnia (Zinnia elegans Jacq.) were studied for 17 weeks to determine their resistance to alternaria blight (Alternaria zinniae Pape), powdery mildew (Erysiphe cichoracearum DC ex Merat) and bacterial leaf & flower spot [Xanthomonas campestris pv. zinniae (syn. X. nigromaculans f. sp. zinniae Hopkins & Dowson)]. A disease severity scale was used to determine acceptability for landscape use. At week 4, all cultivars were acceptable. At week 10, eleven cultivars were acceptable. At week 17, all cultivars were unacceptable. Ten cultivars had been killed by one or more pathogens by week 17. Only two cultivars showed any tolerance to any disease (powdery mildew) at week 17.
Ultrasound Treatments to Control Surface Pests of Fruit
Authors: Hansen James D.
Published: December 2018

Durations of ultrasound treatments were evaluated for efficacy in removing or destroying external pests of apples (Malus sylvestris var domestica). Egg hatch of codling moth (Cydia pomonella; Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), was inversely related to time of ultrasound exposure, although egg mortality was less than 60% after 45 min of treatment. Mortality of twospotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae; Acari: Tetranychidae), and western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis; Thysanoptera: Thripidae), was directly related to ultrasound durations; adding detergent to the ultrasound bath increased treatment efficacy. Ultrasound did not remove san jose scale (Quadraspidiotus perniciosus; Homoptera: Diaspididae), from the fruit surface. Ultrasound, which can be incorporated in the packing line, shows promise as a postharvest phytosanitation treatment against external pests.
Petroleum Oils as Navel Orange Fruit Thinning Agents
Authors: Kallsen Craig E.
Published: December 2018

The potential of petroleum sprays to thin navel orange (Citrus sinensis) crops in the San Joaquin Valley of California was examined in 1996, 1997 and 1998. Petroleum oils had not been used within the experimental site as adjuvants in other sprays or as pesticides in the previous year or during the experiment. `Bonanza' navel oranges trees were treated annually or in alternate years with a light narrow-range petroleum oil [distillation midpoint of 415 °F (213 °C)], a medium narrow-range oil [distillation midpoint of 440 °F (227 °C)] and/or heavier oil [distillation midpoint 470 °F (247 °C)] in a range of applications from 5 to 15% by volume in a total spray volume of 200 gal/acre (1870 L·ha-1). Trees treated with oil in 1996, 1997 and 1998 had 38% and 27% fewer fruit per tree in 1997 and 1998, respectively compared to trees not treated with oil indicating that crop thinning had occurred. In 1998, yield was lower in the trees that had been treated with oil annually for three consecutive years. Consecutive, annual applications of petroleum oil applied 1 to 3 weeks after petal fall produced a shift from smaller fruit sizes to larger fruit sizes beginning the second year.
Biosolid Residues as Soilless Media for Growing Wildflower Sod
Authors: Roberts Bruce R. , Decker Henry F. , Bagstad Kenneth J. , Peterson Kathleen A.
Published: December 2018

Two biosolid-containing waste media [sewage sludge compost and incinerated biosolids (flume sand)] were tested individually, together, and in combination with a commercial growing medium for growing wildflower sod in greenhouse trials over a 3-year period. A medium composed of flume sand and Metromix (7:3 weight/weight) in 7.5 {XtimesX} 10.5 {XtimesX} 2-inch deep (19 {XtimesX} 27 {XtimesX} 5-cm) plastic trays seeded at 20 oz/1000ft2 (6.1 g·m-2) with cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus), cornflower (Centaurea cyannis), plains coreopsis (Coreopsis tinctoria), white yarrow (Achillea millefolium) and purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) produced a suitable wildflower sod in 10 to 12 weeks. A single application of slow release fertilizer (Osmocote 14-14-14, 14N-4.2P-11.6K) applied as a top dressing had no significant effect on sod development; however, a 4-mil [0.004-inch (0.10-mm)] polyethylene barrier placed in the base of each container resulted in increased dry weight accumulation and a higher root to shoot ratio relative to sod grown without plastic.
Comparing Seeded Organicfiber Mat with Direct Soil Seeding for Warm-season Turfgrass Establishment
Authors: Hensler K.L. , Baldwin B.S. , Goatley J.M.
Published: December 2018

A bioorganic fiber seeding mat was compared to traditional seeding into a prepared soil to ascertain any advantages or disadvantages in turfgrass establishment between the planting methods. Bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum), bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon), carpetgrass (Axonopus affinis), centipedegrass (Eremochloa ophiuroides), st. augustinegrass (Stenotaphrum secundatum), and zoysiagrass (Zoysia japonica) were seeded at recommended levels in May 1995 and July 1996. The seeding methods were evaluated under both irrigated and nonirrigated conditions. Plots were periodically rated for percent turf coverage; weed counts were taken about 4 weeks after study initiation. Percent coverage ratings for all grasses tended to be higher for direct-seeded plots under irrigated conditions in both years. Bermudagrass and bahiagrass established rapidly for both planting methods under either irrigated or nonirrigated conditions. Only carpetgrass and zoysiagrass tended to have greater coverage ratings in nonirrigated, mat-seeded plots in both years, although the percent plot coverage ratings never reached the minimum desired level of 80%. In both years, weed counts in mat-seeded plots were lower than in direct-seeded plots. A bioorganic fiber seeding mat is a viable method of establishing warm-season turfgrasses, with its biggest advantage being a reduction in weed population as compared to direct seeding into a prepared soil.
Ferric Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid (FeEDTA) Photodegradation in Commercially Produced Soluble Fertilizers
Authors: Albano Joseph P. , Miller William B.
Published: December 2018

Irradiation of, ferric ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (FeEDTA, iron chelate)-containing commercial fertilizer solutions by fluorescent plus incandescent lamps resulted in the loss of both FeEDTA and soluble iron (Fe), and the formation of a yellow-tan precipitate that was mostly composed of Fe. The ratio of soluble Fe:manganese (Mn) was altered due to FeEDTA photodegradation from 2:1 in the nonirradiated solutions to 1:4 in the irradiated solutions, respectively. Storing fertilizer solutions in containers that were impervious to light prevented FeEDTA photodegradation.
Ornamental Cabbage and Kale Cultivar Comparison Study: Growth Characteristics and Response to Daminozide and Uniconazole Foliar Sprays
Authors: Gibson James L. , Whipker Brian E.
Published: December 2018

Twenty-six ornamental cabbage and kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) cultivars were grown in 8-inch (20.8-cm) diameter pots during Fall 1998 to classify their foliage traits and determine their response to the plant growth regulator (PGR) daminozide. Cultivar vigor was classified by height. Foliage characteristics were described and cultivars of ornamental cabbage, notched ornamental kale, and curly ornamental kale were selected for retail or wholesale markets based on the shortest number of days until a significant center color change, the largest center color diameter, and attractive foliage characteristics. Two cultivars treated with 2,500 ppm (mg·L-1) daminozide and eight cultivars treated with 5,000 ppm were significantly smaller in height compared to nontreated plants. Plants were treated 6 weeks after sowing, and the response to the PGRs may have been diminished by the age of the plant. Therefore, to further investigate PGR efficacy, seven outstanding cultivars selected in 1998 were treated with 5,000 ppm daminozide or 5 ppm uniconazole 14 days after potting (4 weeks after sowing) in Fall 1999. Greater control was observed with daminozide at 5,000 ppm in 1999 with a 13% smaller plant height as compared to 9% in 1998, when compared to the nontreated control. For greater height control, PGR applications to ornamental cabbage and kale should be applied 4 weeks after sowing.
Oklahoma Proven: A Plant Evaluation and Marketing Program
Authors: Anella Louis B. , Schnelle Michael A. , Maronek Dale M.
Published: December 2018

Oklahoma Proven is a plant evaluation and marketing program developed by the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture at Oklahoma State University. An advisory committee comprised of representatives from state agencies, industry, and Oklahoma Botanical Garden and Arboretum Affiliate Gardens makes plant recommendations to an executive committee which in turn selects one tree, shrub, perennial, and annual for promotion each year. Trees and shrubs are selected 3 to 5 years ahead of promotion while perennials and annuals are selected 1 to 2 years in advance to give nurseries time to increase production. Marketing includes posters, billboards, pot stakes, and hang tags with the Oklahoma Proven logo and related extension service programming and news coverage. Consumers appreciate having help selecting plants and one retail nursery reported an 81% increase in sales of Oklahoma Proven plants. Funding for the program is provided by industry, Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station, Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service, and a grant from Oklahoma Department of Agriculture.
Merged Department Experience at Colorado State University: How Does the Addition of an Accredited Program Influence Offerings in Horticulture
Authors: Hughes Harrison G.
Published: December 2018

The merging of the Landscape Architecture Program (LA) with the Department of Horticulture had no effect on visibility of horticulture at Colorado State University and in the state. It did enhance the stature of the merged department as it became second only to the Department of Animal Sciences in terms of undergraduate majors and graduates in the College of Agricultural Sciences. The merger had only a limited impact on the budget. The LA is accredited. Accreditation standards aided the LA in justification of a new position. Since the merger, the Landscape Design and Contracting Program has become accredited through the Associated Landscape Contractors of America (Reston, Va.). Horticulture, which has no accrediting agency, is at a disadvantage in competing for open positions.
The Merged Department Experience at Utah State University: Is Diversity a Blessing or a Curse?
Authors: Rupp Larry A.
Published: December 2018

The Plants, Soils, and Biometeorology Department at Utah State University was formed in 1989 as the result of a merger between the Soil Science and Biometeorology Department and the Plant Science Department. While constant vigilance is required to keep the department balanced and functioning as a single unit, overall the combined department seems to be stronger than the previous units.
The Merged Department Experience at the University of Illinois: Is there Strength in Numbers?
Authors: Smith M.A.L.
Published: December 2018

Soils, entomology, forestry and horticulture faculty were combined into a single merged Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences (NRES) during a recent College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences restructuring process at the University of Illinois. The merger initially spawned multiple concerns from faculty, but after an adjustment period, ultimately resulted in enhanced organization, accountability, and collaboration. New, multidisciplinary initiatives within NRES, such as the Illinois Green Industry Survey or development of a highly successful off-campus masters program, attest to the fact that the merger brought new strength and expanded opportunities to our unit.
Oil Application Reduces Powdery Mildew Severity in Black and Red Currants
Authors: Hummer Kim E. , Picton Deric D.
Published: December 2018

Powdery mildew (Sphaerotheca mors-uvae) severely infects young shoots and leaves of black currants (Ribes nigrum) and red currants (R. rubrum) in the Pacific northwestern U.S. Environmentally sound control measures are being sought as alternatives to sulfur or demethylation-inhibiting fungicides. This study examined the effect of mineral oil spray on powdery mildew infection in susceptible black and red currants. Mineral oil at 8 mL·L-1(8000 ppm) was applied to plants until runoff at 0-, 2-, and 4-week intervals from April through June in 1999 and 2000 on eight currant cultivars growing in Corvallis, Ore. Shoot and leaf surfaces were rated for powdery mildew incidence in early July both years. Oil applications significantly reduced mildew severity in vegetative growth as compared with that of the unsprayed control. The disease control from 2-week interval and 4-week interval oil applications was not significantly different.
The Floratech Dilemma: A Case Study for Potted Plant Production Specialists
Authors: Anderson Neil O.
Published: December 2018

This paper presents a case study for use as an active learning tool with students in a floriculture potted plant production class. Students work together in small groups (three to four) to pose answers to a dilemma. With this case study, students quickly learn the names of their colleagues and work together outside-of-class to solve the assignment. Each student role-plays being hired on as a new potted plant production specialist. A memorandum from the Board of Directors is delivered on their first day of work at Floratech, a company specializing in potted plants. Floratech is a finisher company, purchasing plugs (vegetative or seed-propagated crops) from plug producers and rooting stations, and selling their final products to both wholesale and retail markets. Objectives of this case study are to determine 1) the students' fluency in terminology for potted plant production, 2) ideal production time/labor inputs for the Floratech potted crops, and 3) limiting factor(s) preventing each crop from reaching this goal. As the students progress through the course material, they refer to the memorandum for clarification of unknown terms. Unresolved questions are raised during the semester (in the classroom and during laboratory tours) to other players interacting in the memorandum, i.e., Floratech staff (growers, sales people, management), its suppliers (rooting stations, plug producers, distributors, breeders, producers, operations, quality control), and customers (wholesale, retail). This case study was tested with undergraduate students enrolled in HORT 4051, Floriculture Production and Management I (Potted Plants) at the University of Minnesota, St. Paul, during Fall Semester 1999.
Influence of Temperature Gradients on Triploid and Diploid Watermelon Seed Germination
Authors: Hassell Richard L. , Dufault Robert J. , Phillips Tyron L.
Published: December 2018

Ten triploid and 25 diploid watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) selections were evaluated to determine the temperature range and length of test for which germination index (rate of germination over time) and germination percentages were maximum for expediting vigor and seed testing practices. Temperature interacted with watermelon selection indicating that certain selections germinated faster within specific, but differing temperature ranges. Within 2 days after starting the germination process, 90% of triploid selections and 96% of diploid selections germinated to their greatest level and prolonging germination data collection for one week did not change this relationship. Although optimal temperature ranges may differ among the selections, the one temperature within the range common for all selections evaluated that maximized germination was 85 to 90 °F (29.4 to 32.2 °C) for diploids and 85 °F for triploids.
Growth Control of Lisianthus by Photoselective Plastic Films
Authors: Wilson Sandra B. , Rajapakse Nihal C.
Published: December 2018

Plant response to photoselective plastic films with varying spectral transmission properties was tested using lisianthus (Eustoma grandiflorum) `Florida Pink', `Florida Blue', and `Florida Sky Blue'. Films were designated YXE-10 (far-red light-absorbing film) and SXE-4 (red light absorbing film). Light transmitted through YXE-10 films reduced plant height compared to control plants by 10% (`Florida Blue'), and stem dry weight by 19% to 40%, but the response varied by cultivar. Internode length was reduced by 10% to 19% when `Florida Pink' and `Florida Sky Blue' plants were grown under YXE-10 films. Leaf and root dry weights were not affected by YXE-10 films, with the exception that `Florida Sky Blue' plants had a lower leaf dry weight than the control plants. Light transmitted through SXE-4 films increased plant height of `Florida Pink' plants by 15% but not of `Florida Blue' or `Florida Sky Blue.' Regardless of cultivar, dry weight of leaf, stem and root tissue was not affected by SXE-4 films as compared to control films. The average number of days to flower and bud number were not affected by YXE-10 or SXE-4 films, regardless of cultivar. The results suggest that selective reduction of far-red wavelengths from sunlight may be an alternative technique for greenhouse production of compact plants, but the magnitude of the response is cultivar specific.
The Economic Impact and Perceived Environmental Effect of Home Lawns in Minnesota
Authors: Meyer Mary Hockenberry , Behe Bridget K. , Heilig James
Published: December 2018

Six hundred homeowners, equally divided among rural, suburban, and urban areas in Minnesota responded to a 1999 phone survey on their lawn size, maintenance practices, and the perceived environmental impact of their lawns. The average lawn size was estimated to be 0.62 acres (0.25 ha), with an estimated 872,660 total acres (353,427 ha) in home lawns in Minnesota. Annual spending on lawn care per home was about $200, with an estimated $150 million spent annually in Minnesota. Participants reported low maintenance practices and pesticide use. A majority thought fertilizers and pesticides were harmful to the environment and public health. Respondents felt strongly that the government has a right to regulate fertilizers and pesticides in public park and lawn areas, but were divided with regard to the appropriateness of regulation on private property. Many (78.9%) disagreed or strongly disagreed with the statement that their lawn was harmful to the environment. Most (60%) felt their lawn could have an effect on the environment and 71% felt they personally could make a difference in the environment by how they maintained their lawn.
Focusing Food Safety Training Based on Current Grower Practices and Farm Scale
Authors: Rangarajan Anusuya , Pritts Marvin P. , Reiners Stephen , Pedersen Laura H.
Published: December 2018

Recent outbreaks of foodborne illness associated with produce have prompted national attention on grower practices and produce handling. In 1998, we conducted a survey of New York fruit and vegetable growers to compare current management practices related to manure, compost and on-farm water quality with federal guidelines to reduce food safety risk. We were able to identify areas requiring additional educational effort, particularly for small farms. The respondents (213 total) represented 36% of the produce acreage in the state and many (54%) farmed less than 100 acres (40 ha). While most growers (60% to 95%) were able to identify meat and fruit as associated outbreaks, fewer (23% to 36%) identified outbreaks associated with vegetables. Of the 76 respondents (36% of total) who applied manure or compost, most (88%) used practices that would reduce food safety risks based on federal guidelines. However, only 52% of growers identified these practices as reducing food safety risk. Most growers used surface water for irrigation (76%), but few reported testing water quality. However, we do not have standards for surface water quality or cost-effective remediation strategies. Testing ground water for bacteria was more frequently reported by organic growers (P < 0.01). Growers commonly washed produce on farm (92%) but rarely added sanitizers to this water (16%). General food safety training should increase emphasis on past outbreaks associated with produce, manure management practices that reduce risks so that growers can more accurately report on-farm efforts and record keeping of manure and water management for traceback purposes. Small farms specifically required additional training in three key areas: record keeping of manure applications, composting processes to achieve pathogen kill, and sanitation of wash water. Organically certified farms were more frequently in compliance with federal food safety guidelines for manure and water quality management than conventional growers (P < 0.05), but required additional training in proper composting to kill pathogens. These results have been incorporated into our current food safety extension efforts, which focus on design of self-assessment tools for small farms, development of bilingual food safety training materials, and dissemination of food safety presentations and resources for extension and other agricultural agencies to use in training programs.
Growth of `Cunningham's White' Rhododendron in Plastic and Fiber Pots Treated With Copper Hydroxide
Authors: Svenson Sven E.
Published: December 2018

Shoot and root growth responses of `Cunningham's White' rhododendron (Rhododendron x) was studied when grown in black plastic or molded fiber pots treated with copper hydroxide, or not treated. Containers of two sizes were studied, and the influence of pot type on substrate temperature was recorded. Rhododendron shoot height and dry weight was not influenced by pot volume, pot type, or copper treatment at 49, 131, or 362 d after potting. Rhododendron shoots were larger when grown in 3.8-L (trade 2-gal) pots compared to 2.8-L (trade 1-gal) pots, or when grown in 3.8-L fiber pots compared to 3.8-L plastic pots, both 131 and 362 d after potting. Copper treatment did not influence shoot size. Copper treatment reduced the amount of circling or matted roots at the container-substrate interface for both plastic and fiber pots, but there was better control of root growth in 3.8-L pots compared to 2.8-L pots. Substrate average minimum temperatures were warmer, and average maximum temperatures were cooler when pots were located near the center of the growing block compared to the southwest corner ofthe growing block. Substrate average maximum temperatures were cooler in fiber pots compared to plastic pots, but only when pots were located on the southwest corner of the growing block.
Zinc Nutrition of Fruit Crops
Authors: Swietlik Dariusz
Published: December 2018

Zinc (Zn) deficiency is widespread throughout the world causing economic losses on a number of crops. Despite the fact that much information was generated during the last 20 years on Zn soil chemistry and its inorganic phase equilibrium, the mechanism controlling the amount of free Zn+2 present in the soil solution is not yet completely understood. This information is critical for the development of effective techniques of supplying Zn through the soil. As Zn moves very slowly through the soil, however, and a large portion of fruit tree root system occupies deep soil layers, foliar sprays with Zn are generally more effective than soil treatments in alleviating Zn deficiency symptoms. That is why many extension specialists recommend this approach. In view of the poor mobility of foliar-absorbed Zn in plants, however, we may need to reexamine this approach. Zinc foliar sprays may be effective in controlling Zn deficiency in leaves, but not in alleviating Zn deficiency in roots or subsequent flushes of growth. Also, the conditions under which fruit trees are most likely to respond to corrective Zn treatments are not well understood and the critical periods for Zn supply to assure optimal fruit set, fruit growth, and high fruit external and internal quality are not well defined. Field studies on fruit trees suggest that Zn deficiency must be quite severe to make the application of this element economically justifiable. In well-controlled greenhouse studies, however, growth responses were realized on plants only mildly affected by Zn deficiency. If considerable field variability may explain this discrepancy in the data, then future field research must use improved methodologies to properly quantify the impact of various levels of Zn deficiency on tree growth, fruit yield, and fruit quality.
Effect of Particle Film on Fruit Sunburn, Maturity and Quality of `Fuji' and `Honeycrisp' Apples
Authors: Schupp James R. , Fallahi Esmaeil , Chun Ik-Jo
Published: December 2018

Studies were initiated in Idaho and New York to determine the effects of Surround, a kaolin clay particle film product recently labeled as a crop protectant for agricultural crops, on fruit maturity and quality of `Fuji' and `Honeycrisp' apples (Malus×domestica) and fruit mineral concentration of `Fuji' apples. Surround reduced fruit weight, red color, and the incidence of sunburn of `Fuji' apples in Idaho. Sunburn did not occur on `Honeycrisp' in the New York study. In that study, Surround had no effect on fruit weight or red fruit color when applied in May and June but reduced fruit weight and red color when applied later. The reduction in red color development observed in both `Fuji' and `Honeycrisp' was not related to mineral nutrients or to a delay in fruit maturity. Surround applications resulted in undesirable residues in the basin and in the cavity of harvested fruit that were not satisfactorily removed by brushing on a commercial packing line. While effective for reducing sunburn, Surround was ineffective for increasing red fruit color of apples.
Effect of Cold Temperature Treatments on the Mortality of Eggs and Feeding Larvae of the Oriental Fruit Moth
Authors: Hansen James D.
Published: December 2018

Two cold storage treatments were evaluated against eggs, early instars, and late instars of the oriental fruit moth [Cydia molesta (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)] a quarantine pest for Mexico of stone and pome fruit from the United States. In the first, `Delicious' apples (Malus domestica) were infested with these life stages and treated for 13 weeks in cold storage at 38 °F (3.3 °C) in replicated studies. In the second, the same life stages infesting `Delicious' apples were exposed to air temperatures slightly above freezing, 33.3 ± 0.7 °F (0.7 ± 0.4 °C), up to 7 weeks to simulate near commercial storage conditions. Weekly subsamples of the life stages were examined for survival. At 38 °F, complete mortality was obtained for eggs and early instars by the eighth week, and for late instars by the tenth week. At near freezing temperatures, eggs and early instars died by the fourth week, and late instars eliminated by the sixth week. This study demonstrated that the treatments were effective against the infesting life stages.
Consumer Purchase and Use of Edible Flowers: Results of Three Studies
Authors: Kelley Kathleen M. , Behe Bridget K. , Biernbaum John A. , Poff Kenneth L.
Published: December 2018

Three separate marketing studies were conducted during 2000 to determine consumer purchase behavior, use, and potential for purchasing edible flowers. First, a telephone survey was administered to 423 randomly selected residences in the Metro-Detroit area. Participants with some college education were more likely to have eaten edible flowers, would be more likely to eat them, and would be more likely to buy them. A second survey conducted with 25 Michigan Master Gardeners collected more detailed responses about edible flower purchase and use. Females were more likely to purchase edible flowers than males. Single-person households were less likely to have grown edible flowers than larger households. Participants with an annual income ≤$39,999 were half as likely to have purchased edible flowers as the higher income group. A third consumer survey was conducted over a 6-week period with three Metro-Detroit area grocery stores where consumers purchased containers of edible flowers with an attached survey form. A total of 243 of 360 containers of edible flowers were sold, and we received a 27% response rate. All respondents (100%) with an annual income ≥$30,001 were likely to like the flavor of the flowers. Across all three studies, there were few significant differences between demographic characteristics, which indicates that a homogeneous marketing strategy may effectively reach consumers. Based on these results, there appears to be is consumer interest in edible flowers, some consumers have had experience using and serving them, and will purchase them in grocery stores if marketed to attract the consumers interest.
Evaluating On-line Training Modules in the Oregon Master Gardener Program
Authors: VanDerZanden Ann Marie , Hilgert Christopher
Published: December 2018

In conjunction with two noncredit, on-line training modules for the Oregon Master Gardener Program, a team of educators and web designers developed an evaluation tool to help determine the effectiveness of these modules for training Master Gardeners. The evaluation tool includes questions on technical issues, organization and presentation of the module, navigation throughout the module, content and user satisfaction. Data collected from participants via the tool in 1999 on the basic botany module, highlighted areas that needed improvement including reducing the amount of on-screen reading (organization and presentation) and an inability of participants to access video clips and animations (user satisfaction). Overall, participants gave both modules high marks in each of the five categories. Major modifications made to the soils and fertilizers module in 2000 were likely responsible for the improved organization/presentation rating (2.4 in 1999 to 1.9 in 2000 where 1 = highly positive ranking; 5 = highly negative ranking) and the user satisfaction rating (2.5 in 1999 to 2.0 in 2000). Both years the overall acceptability of the course was high 1.45 (1 = highly positive ranking; 5 = highly negative ranking) and 1.80, 1999 and 2000 respectively, and has encouraged the team to continue developing on-line training modules for the Oregon Master Gardener Program.