bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
(280) Plant Regeneration of Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) from In Vitro Leaf Tissues
Authors: Dai Wenhao , Jacques Victoria
Published: February 2019

Periwinkle, a perennial commonly used as a summer bedding plant, is known as the source of vinca alkaloids used to treat lymphocytic leukemia and Hodgkin's disease. It is also one of the natural hosts of many phytoplasma diseases, such as X-disease of major Prunus species, aster yellows, and ash yellows diseases. Therefore, periwinkle is an ideal plant species for phytoplasma disease research, such as disease transmission, species resistance, and resistant gene screening. Periwinkle tissue culture was established by incubating sterile seeds in hormone-free Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium. Plants were successfully regenerated from in vitro leaf tissues of periwinkle. Adventitious shoots were induced when leaf tissues were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium or woody plant medium (WPM) supplemented with benzyladenine (BA) and naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). Nearly 75% of leaf explants produced shoots in both media with 10–20 μm BA and 1 μm NAA. A mean of 4.3 shoots was produced from each explant cultured on WPM, whereas only 2 shoots were produced on MS medium under 16-h photoperiod. Leaf explants under dark treatment for 2 weeks produced big callus only, indicating that light is necessary for shoot formation. Most adventitious shoots were induced from the joint of leaf blade and petiole. In vitro shoots (>1.5 cm) were easily rooted in half-strength MS medium. Addition of NAA dramatically increased root number, with more than 20 roots being induced in 5 μm NAA medium. Rooted plants were transferred to potting medium and grown in a greenhouse.
(174) In Vitro Regeneration of Cornus kousa
Authors: Hadziabdic Denita , Trigiano Robert N. , Garton Stephen , Windham Mark T.
Published: February 2019

Axillary and apical buds from five Cornus kousa cultivars (`Little Beauty', `Samaritan', `Heart Throb', `Rosabella', and `Christian Prince') were initially established on two basal media, woody plant medium (WPM) and woody plant medium/broad leaved tree medium (BW), amended with the following concentrations of 6–benzylaminopurine (BA): 0, 2, 4, and 8 μm. After explants were transferred at 4-week intervals for 28 weeks beginning in April, only microshoots of `Samaritan', `HeartThrob' and `Rosabella', were harvested from proliferating cultures and placed on rooting media. `Little Beauty' and `Christian Prince' did not perform well in multiplication phase of tissue culture and were excluded from further studies. Rooting media contained WPM or BW supplemented with either 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) or indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) at the following concentrations: 0, 0.5, 1.5, 4.5, and 13.5 μm. Six weeks following rooting experiment, preliminary data were collected and results showed that total of nine plants rooted on both WPM and BW media supplemented with IBA, 17 plants rooted on media supplemented with NAA, and 14 plants rooted on media supplemented with IAA. These results indicated that NAA and IAA appeared to be better for root production on C. kousa cultivar microshoots than IBA. Additionally, WPM supported more root production, when compared to BW, even though both media resulted in rooted microshoots. Proliferating masses were placed on fresh medium with 2μm BA and were used again for the rooting projects.
(369) Field and Greenhouse Evaluation of Strawberry Genotypes for Tolerance to Black Root Rot Pathogens
Authors: Drake Chrislyn A. , Hancock James F.
Published: February 2019

Black root rot is a widespread disease of strawberry (Fragaria×ananassa Duchnesne) that causes the death of feeder roots and the degradation of structural roots. The major causal organisms of black root rot include Rhizoctonia fragariae Husain and W.E. McKeen, Pythiumspp. and Pratylenchuspenetrans(Cobb) Filipjev and Schuurmans Stekhoven. The current method of control for black root rot is methyl-bromide fumigation; however, methyl bromide is scheduled to be phased out in 2005, and its effects are short-lived in matted-row systems. The objectives of the study were to measure levels of tolerance to black root rot in 20 strawberry genotypes and to determine which pathogens were present in the soil. The genotypes were planted in four blocks each of methyl-bromide fumigated and nonfumigated soil, and were evaluated for crown number, number of flowers per crown, yield, and average berry weight over two years. The results showed that all three pathogens were present in the field, and that there was a significant genotype × fumigation interaction for yield and crown number in both years. The cultivars Bounty, Cabot, and Cavendish, all released from the breeding program in Nova Scotia, displayed tolerance to the pathogens that cause BRR. Greenhouse studies were conducted using a subset of the genotypes to determine if any one pathogen causes more damage than others, and to determine if susceptibility to a particular pathogen varies between genotypes.
(374) Fertilization of Southern Highbush Blueberries on Pine Bark Beds
Authors: Williamson Jeffrey G. , Miller E. Paul
Published: February 2019

Bearing `Misty' and `Star' southern highbush blueberries were grown on pine bark beds and fertilized at three rates using granular and liquid fertilizers with a 3–1–2 (1N–0.83K–0.88P) ratio. Granular fertilizer was applied 8 times per year at 4-week intervals beginning in April and continuing through October. Liquid fertilizer was applied with low volume irrigation 16 times per year at 2-week intervals during the same period. During the growing season, irrigation was applied at 2- to 3-day intervals in the absence of rain. A 2 cultivar × 2 fertilizer type × 3 fertilizer rate factorial arrangement of treatments was replicated 8 times in a randomized complete-block design. All fruits were harvested from single-plant plots at 3- to 4-day intervals. Canopy volume was not affected by fertilizer type, but fruit yield was slightly greater for granular than for liquid fertilizer treatments. In 2003, fruit yield of 2.5-year-old `Misty' and `Star' plants increased with increasing fertilizer rates up to the highest rate tested (50 g N/plant/year). Similarly, in 2004, fruit yields increased with increasing fertilizer rates up to the highest rate (81 g N/plant/year). Root distribution was limited to the 12-cm-deep layer of pine bark with very few roots penetrating into the underlying soil. The positive growth responses of blueberry plants to high fertilizer rates in pine bark beds suggests that soluble fertilizer was leached through the pine bark layer into the soil below the root zone. More frequent, lighter applications of soluble fertilizers, use of slow-release or controlled-release fertilizers, and careful irrigation management may improve fertilizer use efficiency of blueberry plantings on pine bark beds.
(347) Identifying Common Reflectance Properties in Diverse Ornamental Species to Nondestructively Determine Nitrogen Status
Authors: Frantz Jonathan M. , Pitchay Dharmalingam S. , Ritchie Glen , Zhu Heping
Published: February 2019

Nitrogen (N) is often supplied to plants in excess to minimize the possibility of encountering N deficiency that would reduce the plant quality due to leaf chlorosis and necrosis. This is not only costly, but it can reduce the quality of plants, predispose the plants to biotic stress such as Botrytisgray mold, and extend the production cycle. Several tools can be used to identify N deficiency in plants, and most are based on chlorophyll reflectance or transmittance. While sensitive when plants are experiencing N deficiency, spectral signals can saturate in an ample N supply and make it difficult to discern sufficient and supra-optimal N nondestructively. Three diverse ornamental species (begonia, Begoniacea×tuberhybrida; butterflybush, Buddlejadavidii; and geranium, Pelargonium×hortorum) were grown with a broad range of N supplied (1.8 to 58 mm) in three separate studies that resulted in a range of 1.8% to 6% tissue N concentration. Using a spectroradiometer, we measured reflectance from the whole plants twice over a period of 3 weeks. A first-derivative analysis of the data identified six wavebands that were strongly correlated to both begonia and butterflybush tissue N concentration (r2 ∼ 0.9), and two of these also correlated well to geranium N concentration. These wavebands did not correlate to chlorophyll peak absorbance, but rather blue, green, red, and far-red “edges” of known plant pigments. These wavebands hold promise for use as a nondestructive indicator of N status over a much broader range of tissue N concentration than current sensors can reliably predict.
(348) Geranium Nutrient Deficiency Symptoms, Partitioning, and Bioenergetic Costs of Construction
Authors: Pitchay Dharmalingam S. , Frantz Jonathan M. , Locke James C.
Published: February 2019

Geranium (Pelargonium ×hortorum) is considered to be one of the top-selling floriculture plants, and is highly responsive to increased macro- and micronutrient bioavailability. In spite of its economic importance, there are few nutrient disorder symptoms reported for this species. The lack of nutritional information contributes to suboptimal geranium production quality. Understanding the bioenergetic construction costs during nutrient deficiency can provide insight into the significance of that element predisposing plants to other stress. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the impact of nutrient deficiency on plant growth. Pelargonium plants were grown hydroponically in a glass greenhouse. The treatment consisted of a complete modified Hoagland's millimolar concentrations of macronutrients (15 NO3-N, 1.0 PO4-P, 6.0 K, 5.0 Ca, 2.0 Mg, and 2.0 SO4-S) and micromolar concentrations of micronutrients (72 Fe, 9.0 Mn, 1.5 Cu, 1.5 Zn, 45.0 B, and 0.1 Mo) and 10 additional solutions each devoid of one essential nutrient (N, P, Ca, Mg, S, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, or B). The plants were photographed and divided into young, maturing, and old leaves, the respective petioles, young and old stems, flowers, buds, and roots at “hidden hunger,” incipient, mid- and advanced-stages of nutrient stress. Unique visual deficiency symptoms of interveinal red pigmentation were noted on the matured leaves of P- and Mg-deficient plants, while N-deficient plants developed chlorotic leaf margins. Tissue N concentration greatly influenced bioenergetic construction costs, probably due to differences in protein content. This information will provide an additional tool in producing premium geraniums for the greenhouse industry.
(349) Fertilizer-N Effectson Cycas–Nostoc Symbiosis
Authors: Rinaldi Laura M. R. , Margheri Maria C. , Ena Alba
Published: February 2019

Cycasrevoluta Thunb., cultivated as an ornamental plant for indoor and outdoor use, is characterized by an extremely slow rate of growth. In spite of the occurrence in its coralloid roots of the nitrogen-fixing cyanobiont Nostoc, N fertilization is commonly used to accelerate Cycas growth. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to examine the effects of two forms of combined N on growth of Cycas plants and cyanobacterial nitrogenase activity, measured on intact plants. Cycas plants grown in pots were fertilized from June to September with nutrient solution containing macronutrients as P, K, Mg, and Hoagland's micronutrients. N (700 mg/plant) was supplied as KNO3, or applied as NH4NO3; control plants received nutrient solution without nitrogen. Treatments were applied monthly and repeated for three times. Each treatment consisted of 15 plants. The length of the new leaves was recorded during the growth cycle of the plants. The nitrogenase activity, based on acetylene reducing activity (ARA), was measured on the plants in situ in July and in October. N fertilization stimulated both the nitrogenase activity and the growth of the plants. In comparison with the control, average increases in ARA of more than 20% were observed in the treated plants. Nitrogenase activity was slightly better in the presence of NH4NO3 in July, whereas the values measured in October were about the same for two treatments. The two forms of nitrogen were the same also regarding the stimulus on growth: in N-treated plants the total length of the new leaves was more than double with respect to the control at the end of the growing season. Control plants grown without fertilizer N had a slow start to their growth cycles and were unable to recover and compensate later for the lack of transient N.
(158) Evaluating Grower, Retailer, and Consumer Interest in Annual Planters
Authors: Phillips Jonathan D. , Kelley Kathleen M. , Holcomb E. Jay
Published: February 2019

Three intercept surveys were conducted at the Penn State Southeast Research and Extension Center in Landisville, Pa., at three separate field days during the period of 28 July 2004 to 4 Aug. 2004 to determine grower (n = 78), retailer (n = 52), and consumer (n = 55) preference for annual planters. Survey participants were self-selected and asked to answer questions evaluating both their preference for and past experience with purchasing annual planters, as well as sociographic and demographic questions. Growers who were 45 years of age or younger were more likely to take price into consideration when creating an annual planter (68.8%) than those who were 46 years of age or older (43.3%), but less likely to use point-of-purchase material to educate consumers on proper container care (45.2% and 75.0%, respectively). Additionally, retailers whose business was 89% retail or less were less likely to consider price when creating annual planters (53.3%) than those participants whose business was 90% retail or greater (84.2%), and were also found to be less likely to use point-of-purchase material to educate consumers on proper container care (46.7% and 72.2%, respectively). Consumers were more likely to consider price when purchasing an annual planter if they were female (92.7%) than if they were male (66.7%). Consumer participants who resided in single-family homes were more likely to take the color combination into consideration when purchasing annual planters (100.0%) than those who live in another form of housing (e.g., apartment or mobile home; 66.7%). Additionally, consumers who live in single-adult households were less likely to consider color combination when purchasing an annual planter (88.9%) than those who live in households with two or more adults (100.0%).
(326) Foliar Applications of 6-BA, Potassium Phosphate, and Calcium Chloride Affect Pear Fruit Quality
Authors: Li Xiaogang , Jin Ling , Ling Jing , Jiang Zhongchun
Published: February 2019

Foliar application of hormones and nutrients can improve fruit quality, but specific conditions for applying hormones and nutrients may vary among fruit species. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of 6-BA, potassium phosphate (monobasic), and calcium chloride on fruit weight, palatability, and storage quality of 8-year-old pear trees, cv. Hosui. Foliar applications of 1 mg·L-1 6-BA, 0.3% potassium phosphate, 0.3% calcium chloride, or 0.3% potassium phosphate + 0.3% calcium chloride were made at 20-day intervals from June until maturity. All foliar applications increased average fruit weight over the control (distilled water). 6-BA or the combination of potassium phosphate and calcium chloride increased fruit weight more than did potassium phosphate or calcium chloride alone. Fruit palatability, measured as the ratio of sugar content to acid content, was significantly lower in 6-BA, potassium phosphate, and calcium chloride treatments than in the control. All treatments increased vitamin C content over the control. Fruit storage quality in calcium chloride or calcium chloride + potassium phosphate treatments was superior to that in the control. Potassium phosphate alone and 6-BA treatments had no effects on fruit storage quality. We conclude that foliar applications of 0.3% potassium phosphate + 0.3% calcium chloride or 1 mg·L-1 6-BA can increase average fruit weight and improve fruit palatability.
(327) Correcting Ni Deficiency in Pecan and Other Crops
Authors: Wood Bruce W. , Reilly Charles C. , Nyczepir Andrew P.
Published: February 2019

The discovery of nickel (Ni) deficiency in field plantings of pecan [Caryaillinoinensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch] (Wood et al., 2004) has led to efforts to identify appropriate management approaches to correct tree deficiency and to identify the causes for Ni deficiency. Evaluation of several inorganic and organic forms of Ni have indicated that solutions from all sources function well to correct deficiencies when timely applied as a foliar spray to affected trees at Ni concentrations >10 mg·L-1. Addition of urea, ammonium nitrate, or nicotinic acid to Ni spray solutions increased apparent foliar uptake from Ni sprays. The lower critical level of Ni, based on foliar analysis, appears to be in the 3-5 mg·L-1 dw range, with the upper critical level appearing to be >50 mg·L-1 dw. The cause of Ni deficiency in soils possessing plenty of Ni is associated with excessive amounts of one or more metals (e.g., Ca, Mg, Fr, Mn, Cu, and Zn) that inhibit Ni uptake and/or utilization. Root damage by nematode feeding and cool/dry soils during early spring also contributes to Ni deficiency. Foliar application of Ni to foliage in the autumn and subsequent appearance of Ni in dormant season shoot tissues indicates that Ni can be mobilized from senescing foliage to dormant season shoots and is therefore available for early spring growth. Evidence indicates that pecan has a higher Ni requirement than most other crop species because it transports nitrogenous substances as ureides. Thus, there is evidence that Ni-metalloenzymes are playing either a direct or indirect role in ureide and nitrogen metabolism. It is postulated that crop species that are most likely to exhibit field level Ni deficiencies are those that transport N as ureides. Candidate crops will be discussed.
(15) Evaluation of Genetic Variationin Pawpaw Cultivars using Simple Sequence Repeat Markers
Authors: Lowe Jeremiah D. , Pomper Kirk W.
Published: February 2019

Pawpaw [Asiminatriloba (L.) Dunal] is a tree fruit native to areas in the Midwest and Southeast United States. Since 1994, Kentucky State University (KSU) has served as the USDA National Clonal Germplasm Repository, or gene bank, for pawpaw; therefore, the assessment of genetic diversity in pawpaw is an important research priority for the KSU program. There are over 1800 pawpaw accessions (trees) from 16 different states and over 40 cultivars that are planted on 8 acres at the KSU farm. The objectives of this study were to develop microsatellite markers for pawpaw, and to then use those markers to evaluate 19 cultivars in the repository collection. Leaves of the pawpaw cultivar Sunflower were sent to Genetic Information Systems (Chatsworth, Calif.) for simple sequence repeat (SSR) primer and marker development. A total of 34 microsatellite primers were developed for pawpaw. These primers were then used in a preliminary screening with five pawpaw cultivars (`Sunflower', `Mitchell', `Sweet Alice', `Overleese', and `Prolific'). Results from this preliminary screening indicate that four of the primers failed to amplify any product, 12 primers were monomorphic, and 18 primers were polymorphic. Eleven additional cultivars were then screened, which produced numerous polymorphic products. For example, Primers B3 and B118 produced products ranging in size from 490 to 350 bp. Polymorphic products will be used to examine genetic variation among the pawpaw cultivars screened.
(413) Evaluating Tomato Production during the First Year of Organic Transitioning in High Tunnels
Authors: Montri Adam , Lamont William J. , Orzolek Michael D.
Published: February 2019

High tunnels offer growers in temperate regions the ability to extend the production season. Past research has shown that these low-input structures also reduce disease and pest pressure. These characteristics make high tunnels extremely attractive to organic growers. Tomatoes (Lycopersiconesculentum Mill.) are the crop most often produced in high tunnels in Pennsylvania and many producers are interested in combining both high tunnel and organic production methods. Growers may be hesitant to transition to organic production due to conceptions concerning reduced yields specifically during the 3-year transition period to USDA certified organic status. A field trial investigating tomato production in high tunnels during the first year of organic transitioning was conducted in 2004 at The Penn State Center for Plasticulture, Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center, Rock Springs, Pa. The objective of this research was to evaluate yield of the four cultivars Big Beef, Mountain Fresh, Plum Crimson, and Pink Beauty in an organic system relative to a scheduled fertilization/irrigation regime and a fertilization/irrigation regime employed using T-Systems International's Integrated Agronomic Technology. Data collected included total weight, total fruit number, weight by grade, fruit number by grade, total marketable yield, and fertilizer and water usage. Yield across cultivars ranged from 4.96 kg/plant to 6.83 kg/plant. `Pink Beauty' exhibited the lowest yields in both treatments, while `Plum Crimson' and `Mountain Fresh' exhibited the highest yields in the IAT and scheduled treatments, respectively. This experiment will be repeated in 2005 to further evaluate the performance of these cultivars.
(215) From Recommendation to Implementation: Involving Vegetable Growers in Best Management Practices
Authors: Simonne Eric , Studstill David , Hochmuth Robert , Jones Justin , Stewart Cynthia
Published: February 2019

The Federal Clear Water Act and Florida legislation have mandated the clean-up of impaired water bodies. The BMP manual for vegetable crops lists the cultural practices that could maintain productivity while minimizing environmental impact. BMPs focus on increased fertilizer and irrigation efficiency, but growers must be involved in the demonstration and adoption process if this voluntary program is to be successful. Three commercial vegetable fields from farms recognized as leaders in fertilizer and irrigation management were selected to demonstrate how irrigation and fertilizer management are linked together and how management may prevent water movement below the root zone of melons grown with plasticulture. In Spring 2004, dye (Brilliant blue FCF) was injected into the irrigation water three times during the growing season and soil profiles were dug to determine the depth of dye movement. Similar results were found at all three locations as the dye moved below at an average rate of 1.9 to 3.6 cm per day. Water movement was greater early in the season as irrigation was applied for transplant establishment. These results suggest that some leaching is likely to occur on light-textured soils, even when sophisticated irrigation and fertilization practices are followed. Based on these observations, cooperators spontaneously proposed to use two drip tapes, reduce preplant fertilizer, use a 100% injected N/K program, and/or add organic matter to the soil as attempts to slow water movement below the root zone of their crops. This project shows that growers are more likely to try and adopt sustainable practices when they actively participate in the educational process than when production changes are mandated through legislation.
(110) Composition and Place of Origin of Trees in Residential Neighborhoods and Embedded Parks in Phoenix, Arizona
Authors: Martin Chris A.
Published: February 2019

This study evaluated the influence of social economic rank (SER) and neighborhood and park age on the composition and place of origin of trees in residential neighborhoods and embedded small urban parks in Phoenix, Ariz. During 2000 and 2001, trees were surveyed within an array of 16 residential neighborhoods and embedded small urban parks that spanned a range of socioeconomic rank (SER) and age. Parks were embedded within residential neighborhoods of similar density across three SER classifications, high, moderate, or low. Neighborhoods and parks ranged in age from about 1947 to 1997. Counts of all trees in each park were made and neighborhood tree composition was approximated by tree counts along four transects, distributed away from each park along streets in a northerly, easterly, southerly, or westerly direction, respectively. Transect widths extended about the depth of a front yard residence on both sides of the street. Park and surrounding neighborhood tree composition was calculated as total frequency (abundance) and taxa frequency (diversity) per hectare of landscape surface area. Tree abundance in parks was highest when surrounded by neighborhoods of high SER. Neighborhoods of high SER had greater tree diversity than neighborhoods of low SER. Distinct patterns of tree origin, dictated by both classifications of SER and age, were found. Overall, trees in residential neighborhoods and embedded parks tended to be indigenous to arid regions of North America, South America, Australia, south Asia, and China.
(286) Hairy Root Culture as a Source of Unique Secondary Metabolites from Echinacea Species
Authors: Romero Fredy R. , Hannapel David J. , Delate Kathleen
Published: February 2019

Echinacea is one of the best-selling medicinal plants in the United States. It was historically harvested from wild populations, but its demand has increased so significantly that commercial production has become a necessity to supply the increasing demand and to protect wild populations. The medicinal properties of echinacea are associated with secondary metabolites that are produced mainly in the roots. Hairy roots, induced by the Ri plasmid of Agrobacterium rhizogenes, have been produced in other crops as alternative sources of secondary metabolites that commonly are produced and synthesized in the roots of mature plants. This method of production offers some advantages over traditional agricultural systems, such as the possibility of producing novel compounds year-round. The overall goal of this project is to explore the utility of hairy root cultures (mediated by A. rhizogenes) as an efficient, alternative, and enriched source of secondary compounds with medicinal properties, such as alkamides, flavonoids, and caffeic acid derivatives. We have been successful in transforming roots from E. angustifolia, E. pallida, and E. purpurea plants, and confirming the presence of rol ABC genes in hairy roots using molecular techniques. Roots from control plants show no active growth under dark conditions, whereas transformed roots from E. pallida and E. purpurea show a low degree of branching with a slow growth rate on solid media under darkness. However, transformed E. angustifolia show a faster growth rate and higher degree of branching under the same conditions. Currently, we are working on the optimization of the growing conditions of the transformed roots and will proceed to the biochemical analysis phase of the project.
(336) Temperature Effecton Seasonal Growth of Pear Fruit
Authors: Garriz Patricia , Alvarez Hugo , Colavita Graciela
Published: February 2019

Temperature has long been recognized as a major environmental factor affecting the net carbon exchange in the pear tree, as well as the growth of fruit. The objective of this work was to predict pear fruit growth as a function of accumulated growing-degree-days (DD) using a mathematical model. A crop of `Abbé Fetel' trees was studied at the Experimental Farm of the Comahue National University, Argentina (lat. 38°56'S; long. 67°59'W). Maximum fruit diameter (FD) measurements were carried out every 2 weeks during three growing seasons (2000–01, 2001–-02, and 2002–03). The range of sampling dates was 26 and 143 days after full bloom (DFB). An automated meteorological station, situated close to the orchard, collected temperature data, which were expressed on the basis of DD from time of full bloom to harvest, with critical temperatures at 4 and 35 °C. Equations were developed with SYSTAT procedure and model suitability was evaluated using goodness-to-fit measures. It was found that the following logistic regression provided the most satisfactory fit for the pooled data: FD (mm) = 71.62/[(1 + e^(1.7450-0.0027DD)], coefficient of determination = 0.96. The testing on an independent crop showed that predictions were accurate. Analyses of fruit growth, based on DD, did not improve data interpretation over that on a DFB basis. The average monthly temperature varied little between seasons. A remarkably consistent heat-unit accumulation function was obtained from year to year, with a 5% maximum variation in number of DFB to maturity, compared to a 6% variation in DD, occurring between the 2002 and 2003 commercial harvests. These results have important implications for cultural practices, such as fruit thinning and final size forecast.
(123) Correlation between Tissue and Substrate Silicon Content of Greenhouse-produced Helianthus annuus `Ring of Fire'
Authors: Kamenidou Sophia , Cavins Todd
Published: February 2019

Silicon (Si) is a beneficial element to many agricultural crops. We found improved horticultural traits in our preliminary Si supplementation research on floricultural greenhouse crops produced in soilless substrates. The objective of this study was to establish optimum Si rates based on previous results and investigate the relationship of Si tissue and substrate content. Potassium silicate (KSiO3) weekly drenches (0, 50, 100, 150 mg·L-1 SiO2), media-incorporated KSiO3 flakes (0, 280, 400, 520 g·m-3 SiO2), and ashed rice hulls (0, 200, 270, 360 g·m-3 SiO2) were provided to Helianthusannuus`Ring of Fire'. Leaf, stem, and flower tissues as well as soilless substrate samples were collected for Si analysis. Several Si treatments resulted in plants with increased flower and stem diameter compared to untreated controls (P ≤ 0.05). Weekly drenches with KSiO3 (150 mg·L-1 SiO2), KSiO3 flakes (280 g·m-3 SiO2), and ashed rice hulls (360 g·m-3 SiO2) were the most efficient treatments based on the increased quality characteristics. Leaf tissue had the highest Si content, followed by flower, then stem tissue. Correlation analysis indicated that leaf and flower Si content was positively correlated with saturated media extract substrate samples (correlation coefficients r= 0.75 and 0.63, respectively).
(124) Tuber Production of Sandersonia aurantica Grown in a Soilless Medium Affected by the Medium Composition and Harvesting Time
Authors: Kim Su-Jeong , Nam Chun-Woo , Yoo Dong-Lim , Suh Jong-Taek , Cho Myoung-Rae , Kim Ki-Sun
Published: February 2019

This study was conducted to overcome the problems occurring in soil cultured Sandersonia, such as secondary tuber formation, tuber russeting, browning and surface cracking. For the tuber production, soilless culture medium compositions (peatmoss, perlite, cocopeat) and harvesting times [4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 weeks after flowering time (WAF)] were compared. The mother tubers were planted and grown in a plastic box (40 × 60 × 23 cm) under a PE film house with shading in summer season. The tuber number and weight were higher in peatmoss-based media of peatmoss, 1 peatmoss: 1 perlite, and 2 peatmoss: 1 perlite (by volume) than in the other media. Particularly, the plant height and the numbers of leaf and flower were also higher. The contents of total nitrogen and phosphorus in leaves were lower when the tubers were grown in perlite. Leaf area index per plant reached the maximum at 8 WAF and decreased thereafter. The optimal harvesting time for tuber production was 8-10 WAF.
(128) Determination of Limestone Requirement of Soilless Root Media for a Specific pH
Authors: Andrews Pauline H. , Hammer P. Allen
Published: February 2019

Limestone requirement tests are routine in agronomic laboratories; however, no tests exist for soilless root medium although there is still a need to predict the limestone additions. This research was to develop a rapid, accurate test to determine the limestone requirement of soilless root media for a specific pH. Thirty-four media formulations were amended with increasing rates of limestone. Media were incubated in the greenhouse. Pots were irrigated to container capacity every 2 days with RO-water; pH was recorded after 5 weeks; and limestone requirement for pH 5.5 was determined for each media. A modified SMP buffer procedure for mineral soils was used. A 40-mL aliquot of the SMP buffer was added to 6 g of media, equilibrated for 48 hours and pH determined. Media-buffer pH was plotted against the incubation limestone requirement for pH 5.5. A separate regression was required for media containing coir since the modified SMP buffer test overestimated the limestone requirement of coir media. The correlation for non-coir media was –0.97 (Y = -1.19x + 7.52) and -0.94 (Y = –1.12x + 6.14) for coir media. The procedure was verified using 15 media. Media-buffer pH was determined and the limestone requirement was calculated using the corresponding regression equation. Two sets of media treatments were potted and incubated in the greenhouse. Rooted cuttings of geranium `Candy Lavender' were transplanted into one set of pots. Pots were irrigated every 2 days with RO-water and geraniums were irrigated with nonacidified fertilizer water. Media pH was determined at week 5. Media was nonsignificant for pots or geraniums (P ≤ 0.01). The mean pH of non-coir media was pH 5.66 and 5.67 for pots and geraniums and pH 5.39 and 5.39, respectively, for coir media.
(130) Dieffenbachia Calcium Oxalate Crystal Formation Affected by Cultivars, Nitrogen Rates, and Light Intensity
Authors: Cao Hui , Chen Jianjun , McConnell Dennis B.
Published: February 2019

Tissue-culturedexplantsofDieffenbachiamaculate`Exotic Perfection', D.`Snow Flake', and D. × `Tropic Breeze' were grown on ebb-and-flow trays subirrigated with nitrogen (N) at 50, 200, or 800 mg·L-1 using a water-soluble fertilizer 17N–2.1P–15.7K for 10 weeks in a shaded greenhouse under a maximum photosynthetic photon flux density of 285 μmol·m-2·s-1. Plants were then transferred to interior rooms under a light level of 8 μmol·m-2·s-1. Samples of the midrib were taken from the first mature leaf of plants before being placed indoors and also from the first mature leaf of plants 8 months after growing indoors. Counts of calcium oxalate crystal idioblasts in cross-sections of the basal midrib using polarized light microscopy showed that the number of crystal idioblasts was higher in all three cultivars fertigated with 200 mg·L-1 N than those fertigated with either 50 or 800 mg·L-1 N. The number of crystal idioblasts in each cultivar grown under 8 μmol·m-2·s-1 was about 50% of the number detected when plants were grown under 285 μmol·m-2·s-1. `Snow Flake' had the highest number of crystal idioblasts with counts up to 60 per cross-section, whereas `Exotic Perfection' had the lowest with only 30 per cross-section. This study shows that in addition to cultivar differences, light intensity and N can significantly affect calcium crystal formation, and the highest number of crystal idioblasts occurred when Dieffenbachia cultivars were grown under optimum conditions.
(255) A Comparison of Phenotypic and Marker-assisted Selection in Cucumber
Authors: Robbins Matthew D. , Staub Jack E. , Fan Zhicheng
Published: February 2019

To increase yield in cucumber (Cucumussativus L.), we designed a recurrent selection program utilizing phenotypic (PHE) and marker-assisted (MAS) selection for the development of multiple lateral branching (MLB; branches per plant), gynoecious, early genotypes possessing high fruit length to diameter ratio (L:D). These yield components are under genetic control of few quantitative trait loci (QTL; 2-6 per trait), which have been placed on a moderately saturated molecular linkage map. Four inbred lines, complementary for the target traits, were intermated and the resulting population underwent MAS and PHE, as well as random mating (RAN), for three cycles. Selections by PHE were visually made for all four traits at the whole plant level. Selections based on MAS contained the highest number of desired marker genotypes from 20 marker loci (SSR, RAPD, SCAR, SNP). Using the same selection scheme and intensity allowed a direct comparison of MAS to PHE. Selection was equally effective for MLB and L:D by MAS (3.5 and 3.0) and PHE (3.6 and 3.0), which were both superior to RAN (2.8 and 2.8). For earliness (days to anthesis) and gynoecy (percent female), MAS (41.8 and 26.6) was less effective than PHE (40.5 and 81.8) and RAN (41.0 and 80.9), which were equal. For yield (fruit per plant), RAN (1.90) and MAS (1.88) were equal, but less than PHE (2.15). After three cycles of PHE, further selection by MAS identified superior genotypes, which were intermated. Superior hybrids were selected by MAS and underwent one backcross generation. In some backcrosses, gains were made in every trait compared to the PHE Cycle 3 mean, while in other backcrosses, gains were made only in some traits. Improvement by MAS was very effective during line extraction for these yield components.
(468) Comparison of Methods to Determine Antioxidant Levels in Fruit
Authors: Ozgen Mustafa , Tulio Artemio Z. , Miller A. Raymond , Reese R. Neil , Scheerens Joseph C.
Published: February 2019

In preliminary studies, we found that relative and absolute antioxidant (AO) levels varied within and among small fruit types. AO levels were affected by assay method used, time of reaction, volume of sample, and the ratio of reactants to total AO activity. To identify the physicochemical parameters that affect accuracy and reproducibility, a series of experiments were conducted to test the roles of AO assay, different AOs, and AO concentration on measured AO content and reaction kinetics. Three assays (DPPH, FRAP, ABTS) were used to evaluate AO capacity of seven fruit types (black and red raspberry, blackberry, strawberry, grape, elderberry, and cranberry) and nine purified AOs (ascorbic, caffeic, chlorogenic, gallic, and ellagic acids, α-tocopherol, trolox, cyanidin-3-glucoside, and quercetin). Ascorbic acid, trolox, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, and α-tocopherol exhibited simple reaction kinetics and reached endpoints quickly, regardless of assay. Gallic and ellagic acids, quercetin, cyanidin-3-glucoside, and all fruit extracts exhibited more complex kinetics and long reaction times (>70 min) to reach an endpoint. Moreover, the latter four AOs had the highest AO capacity among the compounds tested. We observed differences in reactivity between assays, compounds and fruit extracts, but relative AO activity was comparable, although the absolute values differed. Since AO capacity of fruit extracts is a composite of the individual AOs present, it is important that reactions progress to near steady state, assay reactants are in excess of (30–50×) the AO capacity being measured, more than one assay is used to describe the total AO activity of fruit samples. Thus, there may not be a single AO assay method that completely defines the AO activity of a given fruit.
(474) A Selected Yeast for Control of Aspergillus flavus in Pistachio Orchards
Authors: Parfitt Dan E. , Ly Siov B. , Almehdi Ali A. , Chan Helen , Hua Sui-Sheng T.
Published: February 2019

Aspergillus flavus produces aflatoxin, a cancer-causing contaminant of pistachio in many production areas. A superior yeast strain of Pichia anomala has been demonstrated to inhibit the growth of A. flavus in the laboratory. It was selected for further study and potential release based on tests of durability and ability to inhibit A. flavus growth. This strain has been tested in the field for the past two years to evaluate its ability to survive in a field environment and to inhibit A. flavus production. The yeast was evaluated in the field to determine if: 1) the biocontrol yeast can survive in pistachio orchards; 2) the yeast has no phytotoxic effects on the pistachio trees or nuts; and 3) the yeast can be demonstrated to control A. flavus in the field. Studies during 2003 were conducted using a replicated experiment with three yeast concentrations and a water control. Treatments applied later in the season were found to be most effective. Highest yeast concentrations were observed just prior to harvest. Three spray concentrations and a water control were applied to evaluate possible phytotoxic effects on pistachio during 2004. No differences in leaf or nut appearance, in nut percent splits, or dry weight were observed for any of the treatments when compared to the water control. Artificial wounding experiments were also conducted during 2003 and 2004 to simulate the occurrence of early split nuts, the primary repository for A. flavus contamination. A 5× reduction in A. flavus colonization was observed on treated wounded nuts vs. untreated wounded nuts. A 5× reduction in A. flavus sporulation was also observed on treated wounded nuts vs. untreated wounded nuts.
The Effect of Several Organic Amendments on the Growth and Yield of Edible Ginger to Evaluate the Transition toward Organic Farming Production
Authors: Valenzuela Hector , Goo Ted , Radovich Ted , Migita Susan
Published: February 2019

As many farmers transition toward organic farming, research-based information is required to determine the appropriate rates and timing for the application of available organic fertilizers. Four experiments were conducted over a 3-year period in Oahu, Hawaii, to evaluate the effect of five different organic amendments on the growth and yield of edible ginger. Fertilizer amendments, applied at a rate of 30–60 t·ha-1, included bone meal, a locally available commercial chicken manure-based compost, a commercial Bokashi compost, aged chicken manure, synthetic fertilizer (farmer's practice at 300 kg·ha-1 N), and a control. Each treatment plot consisted of a 10-m row with 15 plants per plot, and five replications per treatment. Ginger was planted in April of every year, and harvested from February to March of the following year. Data collected included soil fertility before initiation and after experiment completion, tissue nutrient levels, plant stands, plant height, and stem number, individual tops and root weight of 5–10 plants per treatment, as well as nematode counts before and after experiment completion. The data showed that similar or greater root weight yields and quality were obtained with the use of organic amendments compared to the use of synthetic fertilizer. Increased yields were obtained when organic amendment and fertilizer applications were split over the growing season. Data will be presented with regard to initial plant stands, tissue levels, and yield trends in response to the several amendments used in these experiments, and management considerations for farmers will be discussed.
Tracking Papaya Pollen Movement with the GUS Transgene Marker
Authors: Manshardt Richard M. , Mello Cathy , Lum Sharon D. , Ta Leanne
Published: February 2019

Genetically engineered (GE), virus-resistant papaya cultivars in Hawaii are easily identified by a colorimetric assay for the β-glucuronidase (GUS) marker transgene. We used GUS to track pollen movement from a central 1-acre plot of gynodioecious GE `Rainbow' plants into seeds on surrounding border rows of non-GE `Sunrise' papaya. GUS evidence of cross-pollination occurred in 70% of female plants (43% of assayed seeds), compared with only 13% of the predominantly self-pollinating hermaphrodite plants (7% of seeds) segregating in the gynodioecious `Sunrise' border rows. The percentage of GUS+ seeds in border row plants showed a weak negative correlation (r = –0.32) with distance from the nearest GE tree (30 m maximum). In a non-GE papaya field located less than a mile downwind from the `Rainbow' source, no evidence of GUS was found in 1000 assayed seeds. In a separate study, the origin of GUS+ seed discovered in papaya fruits from an organic farm was investigated. Leaf GUS assays revealed that 70% of trees were GE, indicating that the grower had planted GE seed. The impact of pollen drift from GE trees in the same field was determined by screening seed samples from 20 non-GE hermaphrodites for GUS expression. Only three hermaphrodites (15%) showed GUS+ seeds, at low levels ranging from 3% to 6% of contaminated samples. These data indicate that the major source of GE contamination in organic fields is seeds of unverified origin, rather than pollen drift from neighboring GE fields. Organic growers are advised to: 1) plant only seed that is known to be non-GE, preferably obtained by manual self-pollination of selected non-GE hermaphrodites; 2) avoid open-pollinated seed; and 3) grow only hermaphrodite (self-pollinating) trees, removing any female or male plants from production fields.
Effects of Raising Lowbush Blueberry Leaf Cu Concentration on Growth and Yield
Authors: Smagula John M. , Fastook Ilse W.
Published: February 2019

Two experiments evaluated the Trevett (1972) Cu standard of 7 ppm by raising leaf Cu concentrations in a commercial blueberry field having low (∼4 ppm) leaf Cu concentrations. A foliar spray of Cu Keylate (5% Cu) (Stoller Enterprises, Inc.) in a volume of 627 L·ha-1 applied 0, 0.56 1.12, 1.68, or 2.24 kg·ha-1 of Cu. Ammonium sulfate at 3.1 kg·ha-1 was added to the solutions to enhance Cu absorption. A preemergent soil application of Micromate Calcium Fortified Mix (Stoller Enterprises, Inc.), a micronutrient mixture containing Cu (0.3%), was also tested at 14 kg·ha-1. These 6 treatments were replicated 7 times in a randomized complete-block design in 2001. Treatments were reapplied in 2003 in a split-plot design with Cu treatments as the main plots and an application of DAP at 448 kg·ha-1 as the split plots. In 2001, leaf Cu concentrations increased linearly, up to 12 ppm, with increasing rates of Cu, but Micromate had no effect. Leaf N and P concentrations were below the standards of 1.6% and 0.125%, respectively, and could explain why raising leaf Cu concentrations had no effect on growth or yield. In 2003, DAP corrected the N and P deficiency and leaf Cu concentrations were raised to above the 7 ppm standard with 2.24 kg·ha-1 of Cu, but again, no effect on growth or yield was found. The Cu standard appears to be too high.
The Trouble with Genetic Mapping of Raspberry
Authors: Lewers Kim S. , Weber Courtney A.
Published: February 2019

Researchers developing new cultivars of red raspberry (Rubus idaeus subsp. idaeus L.) and black raspberry (R. occidentalis L.) observe progeny of breeding populations for several seasons to identify those that perform reliably. If a portion of any breeding population could be eliminated based on a qualitative character or molecular marker, resources used for that portion could be used for other progeny. Our objective is to identify such molecular markers for red raspberry and black raspberry. A black raspberry × red raspberry cross was made to develop a map of each parent, and an F2 population was generated to join the maps. Simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers derived from red raspberry and strawberry were used. The level of homozygosity for the red raspberry was 40%, and the level for the black raspberry was 80%. Severe segregation skewing was observed in the F2 generation and indicates problems with transmission. Our findings help quantify the relative levels of homozygosity previously reported for red raspberry and black raspberry. In addition, the severe skewing observed in the F2 generation provides a molecular perspective to the fertility problems previously reported for the black raspberry × red raspberry hybrids (purple raspberry). Since black raspberry is highly homozygous, purple raspberry has transmission and fertility problems, and black raspberry breeders have reported a frustratingly low level of diversity in this subgroup, development of a black raspberry map is expected to require twice the markers as for a red raspberry map, emphasizing the need for a black raspberry sequence from which to develop molecular markers.