bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FERTILIZER RATE TERMINOLOGY FOR FIELD-GROWN ORNAMENTAL PLANTS ARE WE CONFUSING OURSELVES?
Authors: Yeager Thomas , Gilman Ed , Kabbabe Gamil , Kidder Jerry
Published: February 2019

Nitrogen fertilizer rates are often expressed as lb N/A. However, without explanation of the actual area fertilized, exact rates cannot be duplicated because the rate may be given in terms of an acre equivalent. For example, 100 lb N/A for turf implies that 100 lb of N was applied on 43,560 sq ft or real estate acre (R.E.A.). The same rate applied to row crops where the actual area fertilized consists of bands that total 0.05 of a R.E.A., means that 20 times the amount of fertilizer was applied per sq ft even though the rate was reported as 100 lb of N/A and 100 lb of N were actually applied. Fertilization of trees in a field nursery is similar in concept, but what does a rate of 100 lb of N/A mean? If the area fertilized around the trees was 0.05 of a R.E.A., it is not clear whether 0.002 lb N/sq ft or 0.04 lb N/sq ft was applied. If 0.002 lb N/sq ft was applied, then 5 lb of N would have been applied on 0.05 of a R.E.A., thus the rate was given as 100 lb N/A equivalent. To avoid confusion, area fertilized per plant or tree, amount per unit area, number of applications per year and number of plants per R.E.A. are needed to actually calculate the amount of N applied per year per R.E.A.
EFFECT OF NITROGEN, POTASSIUM AND MAGNESIUM ON YIELD, PRUNING WEIGHT AND ELEMENTAL CONCENTRATIONS IN FOLIAGE OF MUSCADINE
Authors: Bates Drew , Hegwood C.P. , Matta F.B.
Published: February 2019

A field experiment was established in 1980 to determine the effect of different combined levels of ammonium nitrat e (196-695 kg/ha), potassium chloride (56-196 kg/ha) and magnesium oxide (123-437 kg/ha) on `Noble' and `Magnolia' muscadine cultivars (Vitis rotundifolia Mich.). NH4NO3 rates of 196 to 695 kg/ha did not produce significant differences in yields and pruning weights (P=0.05). 'Noble' produced similar yields at the highest and lowest N rates, with equivalent rates of K and Mg. KCl at 84 kg/ha and MgO at 123 kg/ha appeared to be adequate. Foliar levels of K, Mg and Zn were significantly different between treatments, but P, Ca and Fe were not (P=0.05). High levels of foliar K and Mg were associated with high treatment levels of K and Mg.
INFLUENCE OF CANOPY MANAGEMENT EXPERIMENTS ON YIELD, QUALITY AND DISEASE CONTROL OF `CHENIN BLANC' GRAPES IN SOUTHEAST TEXAS.
Authors: Wilson Iva Suzanne , McEachern George Ray , Hanna J Dan
Published: February 2019

Canopy management experiments of hedging and/or leaf pruning, were conducted in 1988 and 1989 to examine their effect on yield, quality and disease control of `Chenin Blanc ' grapes in Southeast Texas. Vines hedged and/or leaf pruned in May reduced bunch rot. In 1988 all three treatments had a significant lower juice pH at harvest than the control. The combination treatment also had a higher yield.
NEW FRUITS FROM CHINA
Authors: Norton J. D.
Published: February 2019

Observations made during 3 six week periods of cooperative breeding and development research between the Department of Horticulture, Auburn University and the Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences indicates that different valuable germplasm of many fruits are present in China. Such cooperation provides the opportunity for the exchange of enhanced germplasm and cultivars to improve many of the horticulture crops of America and China. Resistance to diseases and insects and tolerance to drought, heat and nutrition stresses are found in the material.

The crops that appear to have the most immediate potential are the citrus with cold hardiness, kiwi of many improved types, pears of many types with fire blight resistance to chestnut blight and chestnut gall wasp, plums and plumcots with resistance to borers and many other crops such as raspberry, hawthorn, thorn pear and wolfberry.
GENOTYPE AND PRODUCTION ENVIRONMENT INFLUENCES EFFECTIVENESS OF CA STORAGE FOR SHORT-DAY ONIONS
Authors: Smittle Doyle A. , Mercer M. Darlene
Published: February 2019

Two lots of `Granex 33' and a `Walla Walla' lot of onions were stored in a Georgia CA facility designed to produce 1C, 70-75% RH, 3% 02, 5% CO2, 92% N2 and an air flow of 1m3/Mg onions. Subsamples of these lots were also stored in air at 1C. Three lots of `Granex 33' onions and one lot of `Texas 1015Y' onions were stored in a CA facility in Michigan under similar conditions.

About 85% of the onions were marketable after 5 months of CA in Georgia and 2 weeks shelf-life. Less than 25% of the onions stored in air at 1C were marketable after a similar storage and shelf-life period. All `Walla Walla' bulbs decayed.

Shelf-life differences occurred among the `Granex 33' lots grown in Georgia and the 1015 lots grown in Texas after 5 months of CA storage in Michigan. Two of the `Granex 33' lots stored fairly well (70-75% marketable) while the third lots stored less well (40% marketable). The Texas 1015 onions stored poorly (0-15% marketable).
DISTRIBUTION OF CALCIUM AND OTHER STRAWBERRY FRUIT NUTRIENTS AS EFFECTED BY SUPPLEMENTAL CALCIUM FERTILITY
Authors: Makus D. J. , Morris J. R.
Published: February 2019

Fruit of `Cardinal' and `Fern' were harvested, acid washed, decapped, and frozen to -20° C on 6 May 88. Frozen fruits were subsequently divided into six parts. The upper and lower fruit halves were further separated into pulp, dermal, and seed components. Nutrients increased from the pulp to the seed with the exception of Al. K was most abundant in receptacle tissue (but not in seeds) followed by P, Ca, and Mg. K, Ca, Mg, and Cu were higher and Mn and Zn lower in pulp upper tissue than lower pulp tissue. K, Ca, Na, Zn, and A1 were higher in upper dermal tissue than in lower dermal tissue. Ca, Cu, and B were higher and Mg and Mn lower in upper octanes than in lower achenes. In descending order, Ca, P, Mg, and K were the most abundant seed nutrients. Supplementing strawberries with 904 Kg Ca/ha increased only the seed Ca levels. All levels of supplemental pre-harvest Ca were found to reduce postharvest decay. Although `Fern' was higher in seed Ca, with similar Ca levels in receptacle tissue, fruit decay was higher than in `Cardinal'. There appears to be no clear relationship between fruit decay and Ca distribution within the fruit.
DATABASE FOR SWEETPOTATO BREEDING PROGRAMS
Authors: Amand P.C. St. , La Bonte D.R.
Published: February 2019

A user-friendly, menu driven, database program was developed to facilitate storage, retrieval, and manipulation of data associated with a sweetpotato breeding program. The database is written in FoxBASE+ for IBM and compatible personal computers. The database consists of a variety of test options with statistical capabilities for analysis of raw test data for commonly evaluated factors used to screen sweetpotato selections. The database also contains options which permit the user to query the stored data. An important feature is the summarization of test data for individual selections based on all the tests it has been entered into. Overall means, SDs and comparisons with user specified checks are listed in a printout for each factor along with morphological descriptors, parentage, and a note section. The database also assists the user in field research through recording of plot plans, data collection forms and related data query options.
WATERMELON YIELD AFFECTED BY PLANT POPULATION, PLANT NUMBER AND PLASTIC MULCH
Authors: Sanders D. C. , Schultheis J. R. , David P.P. , McMurtry M. R.
Published: February 2019

We evaluated high plant population of watermelons when grown on black plastic with drip fertigation. We grew watermelons in 1.5m or 1.8 m centered rows, with one or two plants per hill, at spacing from 0.45 to 1.5 m in-row. Single plants constantly out yielded 2 plant hills and produced bigger melons. Large (over 9 kg) melon yields were not different at in-row spacing of 0.6 m and greater. However, the 5.4-9kg melons “pee wees” produced more yield as in-row spacing decreased. Thus total marketable melon yields increased as in-row spacing decreased to 0.45 m up to 21,000 melons and 135 T/ha. Plastic increased yield 2 to 4 times depending on the spacing. If small watermelons can be sold, single plants at 0.45m spacing provided the greatest return for the plastic-drip-fertigation system.
SEX RATIOS AND FRUIT CHARACTERISTICS OF CRIMSON SWEET WATERMELONS GROWN UNDER VisPore ROW COVER AND PLASTIC MULCH
Authors: Khan V. A. , Stevens C.
Published: February 2019

Staminate and pistillate flower production and fruiting characteristics of `Crimson Sweet' watermelons were evaluated under VisPore row cover plus clear polyethylene mulch (VCM), VisPore row cover plus black polyethylene mulch (VBM), clear polyethylene mulch (CM), black polyethylene mulch (BM) and bare soil (BS). VCM produced significantly higher numbers of pistillate and staminate flowers than other treatments. All mulched and mulched plus VisPore treatments were significantly different from BS with regards to the 1st nodal position of the staminate and pistillate flowers. Fruit-set among the treatments between 53-55 days after transplanting were: 100%, 75%, 59% and 32% for VCM, VBM, CM and BM, respectively. Average number of fruits per plant were: 4, 3, 3, 3 and 1 for VCM, VBM, CM, BM and BS, respectively.
EFFECT OF SPACING ON YIELD OF SWEET POTATOES GROWN USING THE NUTRIENT FILM TECHNIQUE (NFT)
Authors: Mortley Desmond , Bonsi Conrad , Loretan Philip , Hill Walter , Morris Carlton
Published: February 2019

Greenhouse experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of spacing within and between growth channels on the yield of `TI-1551 sweet potatoes grown hydroponically using the nutrient film technique (NFT). Spacings within channels were 12.7, 17.8 and 25.4 cm whereas between growth channels the spacings were 12.7, 25.4 and 38.1 cm. Vine cuttings (15 cm) placed in each channel (0.15×0.15×1.2 m) were supplied with a modified half-Hoagland solution and grown for 120 days. Storage root number, fresh and dry weights and foliage fresh and dry weights tended to increase as spacing between channels increased. Spacing of plants within channels had no significant effect on any sweet potato growth responses.
EFFECT OF PHOTOPERIOD AND TEMPERATURE REGIMES ON YIELD OF SWEET POTATOES GROWN USING THE NUTRIENT FILM TECHNIQUE (NFT)
Authors: Mortley Desmond , Bonsi Conrad , Loretan Philip , Hill Walter , Martinez Edwin
Published: February 2019

Hydroponic experiments using the nutrient film technique (NFT) were conducted in environmental growth chambers to evaluate the response of two sweet potato cultivars, `Georgia Jet' and `TI-155', to two photoperiod and temperature regimes. Vine cuttings of these cultivars were planted in growth channels supplied with modified half-Hoagland nutrient solution using NFT. Plants were subjected to a 24 h photoperiod or a 12:12 h light:dark photoperiod, a constant temperature of 28C or light:dark temperature of 28/22C. Plants were exposed to irradiance levels of 400 umol m-2 s-1 at canopy level and 70% RH. Storage root fresh and dry weights were increased for both cultivars under the 24 h photoperiod at the 28C constant temperature. `Georgia Jet' storage root numbers were not affected by any treatment while those for `TI-155' were reduced under continuous light for both temperature regimes. Foliage fresh and dry weights were not affected by any treatment.
ALTERNATIVE APPROACHES TO SOIL EROSION, FERTILITY, AND PEST MANAGEMENT OF CABBAGE
Authors: Roberts Warren , Cartwright Bob
Published: February 2019

Raised beds (0.9 m wide, 1.8 m centers, 6.1 m long) were formed in Oct. 1988. Beds were either left bare or seeded with rye (Secale cereale) or hairy vetch (Vicia villosa). Plots were sprayed with glyphosate in April, 1989. Rye was completely killed, but hairy vetch was not. Bed height was maintained best with beds covered with rye. In a 3 by 4 factorial, four rates of nitrogen (45, 90, 134, and 179 kg/ha) were applied to each soil cover treatment. On April 17, cabbage (Brassica oleracea cv. Solid Blue 760) was transplanted two rows per bed, with 30 cm spacing in rows and between rows. There was no mowing or cultivating prior to transplanting. A linear increase in yield was observed with increasing applications of nitrogen. The cabbage yield was less in rye than in vetch orbare soil. The yield difference between rye and bare soil was more pronounced at the low rates of nitrogen than at the high rates of nitrogen. Cabbage grown in rye had significantly fewer aphids, thrips, and cabbage loopers than did cabbage grown in bare soil.
EFFECTS OF NITROGEN SOURCES AND RATES ON CABBAGE YIELDS.
Authors: Garrett J. T.
Published: February 2019

Yield and quality responses of `Market Prize' cabbage to five nitrogen sources and five rates of each source were measured in a replicated test at Clemson and Florence, SC in 1987 and 88. Soil nitrate solution, analyzed by the ion-electrode method, was monitored bi-weekly with maintenance levels kept throughout the growing season at or above threshold levels of 5, 10, 15, 20, and 30 ppm. The 15-0-14 (nitrate of soda/potash) gave higher total and early yields; higher levels of soluble solids and dry weights when compared to other N-sources of sodium-, ammonium-, potassium-, and calcium nitrate. Uptake, as measured by leaf tissue nitrate ion concentration, increased across soil solution levels up to 20 ppm.
COMPARATIVE ULTRASTRUCTURES OF VITREOUS AND NON-VITREOUS SWEET POTATO (IPOMOEA BATATAS L.)LAM. PLANTS GROWN IN VITRO
Authors: Desamero Nenita V. , Rhodes Billy B.
Published: February 2019

Vitrification, a physiological disorder characteristic of in vitro grown plants, was observed in single-node cultures of sweet potato in mannitol-enriched medium during their second year of storage. Vitrified or vitreous sweet potato plantlets were watersoaked, translucent or glassy in appearance, with thick, swollen, leaves and stems, stunted shoot growth and poor root growth. These plantlets were not able to regenerate normal plants when transferred into fresh regeneration medium nor were they able to survive outside culture conditions.

Electron microscopy revealed changes in the ultrastructures of vitrified sweet potato plantlets. Vitrified plants had defective stomatal complex, starch grain-filled chloroplasts, disrupted cell wall, big air spaces (lacunae), high frequency of cell membrane separation from the cell wall, nuclear disintegration, and cytoplasmic disorganization. These changes in the internal structures of vitrified plants were reflected in their abnormal morphology and physiology.
EFFECTS OF TISSUE BORON CONCENTRATIONS ON DRY MATTER ACCUMULATION IN BROCCOLI
Authors: Beaulieu John C. , Marsh Dyremple B.
Published: February 2019

A greenhouse experiment was conducted to examine the relationship between tissue B concentration and dry matter accumulation in broccoli. `Pirate ' was grown in fine silica sand and supplied nutrient solutions containing 0.2, 0.8, 1.4, 2.0, 2.6, 3.2, 3.8, and 4.4 mg·liter-1 B. Plants were sampled for the 5th, 10th, and 15th fully expanded mature leaf, and plant material was collected' for dry matter measurement and boron analysis at each growth stage. The lowest specific leaf weights for the 5th, 10th, and 15th leaves were obtained with the 4.4 mg·liter-1 treatment. At maturity, leaf, petiole stalk, and shoot dry weights were lowest at 4.4 mg·liter-1 B. Treatments supplying less than 3.2 mg· liter-1 B, resulted in a notable decrease in tissue B concentrations from the 5th to the 15th leaf. There was a linear increase' in B concentration in all leaf tissue samples as B treatment increased. At maturity, optimum B concentrations of 531.5, 73.7, 29.8, and 64.6 mg·g-1 were found for the lamina, petiole, stalk, and head, respectively. These concentrations occurred in plants receiving treatment levels of 2.0-3.8 mg·liter-1 B.
The Use of Three IBA Carriers for Semi-Hardwood Cuttings at Three Rooting Medium Temperatures
Authors: Permit A.J. , Aitken J.B.
Published: February 2019

A randomized complete block experiment (factorially arranged) with Ilex x attenuata `Foster II' semi-hardwood cuttings was conducted to test the efficacy on rooting of three IBA carriers (water, talc, and a hydrophilic gel--“Water Grabber”). Three IBA concentrations (0, 4000, 8000 ppm) and three rooting medium temperatures [ambient (13.3 - 20.6), 18.3, and 23.9° C] also were employed. Cuttings were harvested at 8 and 15 wk after sticking under intermittent mist. Rooting did not vary with talc IBA concentration. The 29.3° C rooting medium increased stem (1.24 cm, basal)/root dry weight (g) during the first 8 wk but not at 15 wk. More rooting occurred at 8 wk with 4000 ppm IBA gel treatment than with talc, with reduced rooting at 8000 ppm IBA (gel). Increased rooting (8, 15 wk) occurred with 4000 ppm IBA with water and gel carriers; however, rooting was less (below the 4000 ppm IBA levels) with 8000 ppm IBA. Overall, water and gel treatments performed about the same.
INHERITANCE OF VERMILLION FLESH COLOR IN WATERMELON
Authors: Johnson C.E. , Payne J.T. , Pee K.C.
Published: February 2019

Controlled crosses of a Vermillion red flesh color cultivar with 4 normal red flesh color cultivars were made. F1, F2, and backcross generations were grown in the field and the fruits evaluated for flesh color. All fruits of the F1 generation were Vermillion. The F2 generation segregated to a 9:7 ratio of vermillion to normal in all crosses. The probabilities of fit ranged from 0.10 to 0.95. This ratio is indicative of two dominant genes with complementary effects or double recessive epistasis, Backcrosses to the dominant parent produced almost all vermillion flesh fruit. Backcrosses to the recessive parents did not fit any documented ratios. Further analysis of the BC generations seems to suggest that flesh color is controlled by two dominant genes.
EFFICACY OF PACLOBUTRAZOL UPTAKE THROUGH PECAN LEAVES, YOUNG SHOOTS, AND BARK
Authors: Reighard Gregory L. , Jessup Harvey M.
Published: February 2019

Paclobutrazol, a triazole growth regulator, effectively regulates pecan vegetative growth when applied as a soil or trunk drench. However, its absorption and subsequent biological activity in leaves and shoot tissue is not well understood. Terminal shoots from scaffolds of 8-yr-old `Chickasaw' pecan trees were treated with paclobutrazol after leaf flush in mid-May of 1988. Treatments included painting a mixture of 10 mg a.i. paclobutrazol and 1 ml distilled water onto either 1-yr-old wood, green wood, or the abaxial leaf surface. Shoot growth measurements and nut counts were taken in October of 1988 and 1989 on the treated shoots and all shoots arising from them. Paclobutrazol significantly increased the number of nuts per shoot in 1988, but did not affect shoot growth. More nuts were found on shoots from the 1-yr-old wood and leaf treatments than from the control and green wood treatments. In 1989, shoot growth was significantly less in the 2 former than the 2 latter treatments. These data indicate that paclobutrazol was absorbed through the bark of 1-yr-old wood and abaxial leaf tissue and sub-sequently translocated to areas of shoot growth.
THE RELATIONSHIP OF ROOTSTOCK WITH `STARKSPUR SUPREME' SCIONS TO MATURITY INDICES
Authors: Wolfe Dwight , Brown Gerald
Published: February 2019

The maturity indices of percent fruit drop, percent soluble solids, and flesh firmness of apples from trees with `Starkspur Supreme' scions on nine rootstocks were compared over the five-year period 1985-1989. The nine rootstocks included EMLA 7, EMLA 9, EMLA 26, EMLA 27, Mark, MAC 24, Ottawa 3, OAR 1, and M9.

The five-year averages of each of the maturity indices varied significantly among the nine stions. The average percent fruit drop was more strongly correlated with trunk cross-sectional area (r=0.572) than it was with cumulative yield efficiency (r=0.346). Flesh firmness was significantly correlated with cumulative yield efficiency (r=0.398) but not with either trunk cross-sectional area or cumulative yield. The average percent soluble solids was more significantly correlated with trunk cross-sectional area (r=0.770) than it was with either cumulative yield efficiency (r=0.383) or cumulative yield (r=0.637). It is suggested that tree size may be used as an indicator for predicting maturity in cases where little or no information is available on the effects of that particular rootstock on maturity.
PLANT METHOD, GROUND COVER AND IRRIGATION LEVEL EFFECTS ON MUSKMELON PRODUCTION
Authors: Wiedenfeld Robert , Hinojosa Eden , Stubblefield Robert
Published: February 2019

A study was conducted in subtropical south Texas in 1989 to determine the effects of planting method, polyethylene mulch, and rate of drip irrigation on cantaloupe growth, yield and quality. Irrigation at .25, .50, .75, 1.0, or 1.25 times pan evaporation had little effect on soil moisture or yield, with all water application levels keeping the soil close to field capacity. Transplanting vs. direct seeding enhanced early vine growth and caused earlier yield, although direct seeded plants later caught up and had final cumulative yields slightly higher than the transplants. Black polyethylene mulch also improved earliness and reduced the number of culls compared to bare soil, but at the lowest watering level total yields were reduced by the mulch due to deflection of the rainfall received. The combined practices of transplanting and polyethylene mulch caused approximately a 9 day earliness advantage over the treatment that was direct seeded on bare soil although final yield was unaffected. Soil salinity buildup may cause problems which would affect the position of the drip line and the frequency and amount of water applied.
PRETRANSPLANT NUTRITIONAL CONDITIONING (PNC) -INFLUENCE ON EARLINESS AND YIELD OF TOMATO
Authors: Melton Regina , Dufault Robert
Published: February 2019

`Sunny' tomato seedlings were nutritionally conditioned in 1988 with solutions containing N at 100, 200 and 300 ppm, P at 10, 40 and 70 ppm, and K at 100 ppm, and in 1989 with N at 50, 100 and 200 ppm, P at 10 and 40 ppm, and K at 100 ppm. The seedlings were cold stressed at 2C for 8 consecutive nights prior to field planting to simulate possible spring field conditions. The objective was to determine the effect of PNC and cold stress on earliness to flower and fruit and yield. In 1988, earliness to flower and fruit set increased with N rate, increasing from 100 to 200 ppm and in 1989 from 50 to 200 ppm; and in both years with P increasing from 10 to 40 ppm. Early yield was not affected in 1988 by N or P, but in 1989 early yield was higher with N PNC at 100 to 200 ppm. Total marketable yield increased in 1988 from plants conditioned with N from 100 to 200 ppm and in 1989 from 50 to 100 ppm. P increasing from 10 to 40 ppm also increased total marketable yield, but only in 1988. Cold stress had no effect on the variables reported. A PNC regime of 200 ppm N and 40 ppm P is suggested to condition seedlings to produce earlier and higher yields.
DNA FINGERPRINTING OF ROSES FOR PATENT PROTECTION
Authors: Hubbard Mark , Kelly John , Abbott Albert , Ballard Robert
Published: February 2019

To protect plant patents, rose breeders would benefit from a reliable and sensitive method for differentiating cultivars at the genetic level. Rcombinant DNA technologies are being employed to characterize individual DNA structure of numerous rose cultivars. Restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) are being studied to develop a characteristic pattern, or fingerprint for each cultivar. DNA from various cultivars is restriction enzyme digested and the fragments separated by agarose gel electrophoresis. The gel is Southern blotted and hybridized with probes from the rose DNA library to yield RFLPs. RFLPs are being located and will eventually result in a characteristic fingerprint for each cultivar.
DIFFERENTIAL TOLERANCE OF VELVETLEAF (ABUTILON THEOPHRASTI), JIMSONWEED (DATURA STRAMONIUM), AND MORNINGGLORY (IPOMEA HEDERACEA) TO CLOMAZONE
Authors: White Carla D. , Weston L.
Published: February 2019

The purpose of this experiment was to determine if differential tolerance levels of velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti), jimsonweed (Datura stramonium) and morningglory (Ipomea hederacea) to 14C clomazone, a preemergence herbicide, was due to uptake, translocation and metabolism of clomazone. The plant species were placed in a clomazone Hoagland solution for 48 and 96 hours. Afterwards, extraction of chlorophyll, oxidation of plant material, and liquid scintillation spectroscopy procedures were used to determine if the differences existed. Morningglory were found to have a higher rate of metabolism and was the most tolerant to clomazone. It is hypothesized that these results are due to Morningglory's larger size and tendency to retain clomazone in the roots.
SUPPLEMENTAL APPLICATION OF CALCIUM INFLUENCES UNICONAZOLE ACTIVITY ON V-14 GUTBIER POINSETTIAS
Authors: Harris D.K. , Owings A.D. , Newman S.E.
Published: February 2019

Uniconazole has been demonstrated to not only reduce plant height, but suppress the development of xylem and phloem in stem tissue. Supplemental calcium nutrition in poinsettias has been demonstrated to reduce marginal bract necrosis, reduce leaf puckering and increase stem strength. Studies were conducted to determine the influence of uniconazole on Gutbier V-14 Glory poinsettias grown with supplemental calcium applied either as a foliar spray or a media drench.

Supplemental calcium applications improved the growth habit of uniconazole treated poinsettia plants. Bract coloration was intensified by foliar applications of calcium and uniconazole.
Effect of Vesicular-Arbuscular Mycorrhizae on Tissue Culture-derived Plantlets of Strawberry
Authors: Chávez MC.G. , Ferrera-Cerrato R.
Published: February 2019

The responses of four micropropagated strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) cultivars (`Douglas', `Tioga', `Aiko', and `Pajaro') to colonization by three vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungi were determined under nursery conditions. Species of VAM endophytes were Glomus sp. CPH-23, Glomus macrocarpum Tul. & Tul., and Glomus versiforme Berth & Trappe. Yield in VAM plants tended to exceed that of nonVAM plants during the latter part of the harvest, but VAM effects differed widely with host-endophyte combinations. Cultivar-endophyte combinations producing the best yield were `Douglas'-Glomus sp. CPH-23, `Tioga'- G. macrocarpum, and `Aiko'- G. versiforme. The number of strawberries per plant differed significantly (P < 0.01) for `Tioga', depending on the cndophytes used. Root colonization by the endophytes varied from 25% to 75%. Yield was not related to colonization.
Growth and Productivity of `Empire' Apple Trees following a Single Heading-back Pruning Treatment
Authors: Elfving D.C.
Published: February 2019

Dormant heading-back of terminal extension shoots on scaffold limbs on 2-year-old `Empire'/M.26 EMLA apple trees (Malus domestica Borkh.) in Apr. 1985 increased shoot growth from 1- and 2-year-old limb sections. Removing competing shoots to restore a single terminal extension shoot on each scaffold on half the trees in each pruning treatment in May 1985 had little influence on shoot growth. Annual trunk enlargement was reduced in 1985 and 1986 by heading-back pruning in 1985. Trunk cross-sectional area in Fall 1989 remained smaller for trees only headed back once, in 1985. Yields were decreased in 1986 through 1989 by heading-back treatments applied in 1985.
Transplanting Bearing Pecan Trees
Authors: Wood Bruce W. , Payne Jerry A. , Jones Owen
Published: February 2019

Overcrowding in young high-density pecan [Carya illinoensis (Wangenh.) C. Koch] orchards has prompted a study of tree transplanting and evaluation of survival and tree performance. Shoot growth and nut production characteristics of 13-year-old `Stuart' and `Farley' pecan trees subjected to different stubbing and pruning treatments and then transplanted with a large tree spade indicated that transplants can survive with little or no pruning if moved when dormant. Shoot regrowth was proportional to the degree of pruning, and nut production was inversely proportional to the degree of pruning.
Regulation of Petal Abscission in Pelargonium × domesticum
Authors: Deneke C. Fred , Evensen Kathleen B. , Craig Richard
Published: February 2019

The postharvest quality of regal pelargoniums [Pelargonium × domesticum L. H. Bailey] is limited by petal abscission. Cultivars that have diverse postharvest longevities were selected to study ethylene sensitivity and endogenous ethylene production. Petals of both intact and detached inflorescences abscised in response to low dosages of exogenous ethylene (0.5 μl·liter-1 for 1 hour). Ethylene sensitivity varied among cultivars and increased with floret age. Silver thiosulfate reduced ethylene sensitivity and often extended floret longevity beyond that of the controls. A climacteric-like rise in endogenous ethylene production occurred in excised gynoecia (including the receptacle) as floret age increased from 1 to 12 days postanthesis. Ethylene production increased a few days earlier and achieved a higher maximum rate in `Parisienne' than in `Virginia'; `Parisienne' also abscised petals earlier. Relatively low levels of endogenous ethylene may regulate petal abscission, since inflorescences were very sensitive to exogenous ethylene, and increased endogenous ethylene production preceded petal abscission.
Tolerance of Controlled Atmosphere Storage of Cut Fraser Fir and Its Respiration Rate in Air
Authors: Blankenship Sylvia M. , Hinesley L. Eric
Published: February 2019

Fraser fir [Abies fraseri (Pursh) Poir.] branches were held at 5C for 4 to 6 weeks in the following atmospheres: 1% or 3% in nitrogen; 0%, 1%, 5%, 10%, 20%, 40%, or 50% CO2 in air; or air only. Experiments were conducted in two. years during the fall, winter, and early spring. In general, CO2 ≥ 5% accelerated needle loss. There was considerable tree-to-tree variation in tolerance to elevated CO2. Oxygen at 1% killed branches, and 3% O2 showed no benefit compared to air. The initial dark respiration rate at 21C was about four times higher than at SC. Respiration decreased for ≈ 10 days and stabilized at 14% to 20% of the initial values. Respiration increased exponentially with increasing temperature between 5 and 27C. Short-term controlled or modified atmosphere storage would probably not be useful in improving the postharvest handling of Fraser fir.
Changes in Pyruvic Acid Content and GPT Activity in Chilling-sensitive and Nonsensitive Crops
Authors: Tsuchida Hironobu , Dan-Hong Cheng , Inoue Kazuko , Kozukue Nobuyuki , Mizuno Susumu
Published: February 2019

This study investigated the mechanism of alanine accumulation observed as a common factor in chilling-sensitive crops [cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) and eggplant (Solanum melongena L.)] during cold storage. Pyruvic acid in acids increased rapidly during the storage of these crops at 1C. However, in sensitive crops at 20C or in a chilling-resistant crop [carrot (Daucus carota L.)] at 1C, the increase was not found. No significant changes in glutamate-pyruvate transaminase (GPT) activity closely related to the biosynthesis of alanine were found in chilling-sensitive or chilling-resistant crops during storage at 1, 5, or 20C. We suggest that the accumulated alanine found in chilling-sensitive crops may be produced by GPT from accumulated pyruvic acid during cold storage.
Relationship between Parental Blossom Season and Speed of Seed Germination in Peach
Authors: Pérez-González S.
Published: February 2019

A highly significant correlation was observed between time of bloom of individual peach trees [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch.] and number of days required for resulting selfed seed to reach 80% germination on both local (r = 0.71) and introduced (r = 0.87) genotypes that exhibited a wide range in time of blossom. When genotypes with low chilling requirement (LCR) were pollinated with high chilling requirement (HCR) pollen sources, germination was delayed up to 16 days with respect to seeds that originated from selfing, while LCR pollen sources on late-blossoming genotypes accelerated germination 20 to 24 days.
Analysis of Electrophoresis Isozyme Patterns Using a Microcomputer-based Imaging System
Authors: Dixon A.R. , Boone R.B. , Gardea A. , Daley L.S. , Righetti T.L.
Published: February 2019

A microcomputer-based image processing system was used to simplify the large number of visual comparisons required to identify various Corylus spp., cultivars, and clonal accessions using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis isozyme patterns. Photographs of gels stained for peroxidase, acid phosphatase, and phenol oxidase were digitally captured and selected lanes were enhanced and scanned. The scan data were analyzed to locate bands and normalize their position to that of standards. Such data were plotted and a computer-generated isozyme pattern was displayed. Compressed image data were then stored in a database for subsequent automated isozyme pattern comparisons. Photographic records that were previously used in published reports were reevaluated with the computerized system. Species, cultivars, or clones that were characterized in visual evaluations were similarly characterized using the computer method. Computer evaluations usually identified more bands. Band positions were only rarely different and probably resulted from better normalization relative to standard bands when using the computerized procedure.
Resistance of in Vitro-derived Cucumber Plants to Pythium aphanidermatum
Authors: Msikita W. , Wilkinson H.T. , Skirvin R.M.
Published: February 2019

`Embryonic axes-derived `Burpless Hybrid' cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) plantlets germinated on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 16 combinations of BAP and NAA and seedlings derived from whole seeds cultured on semi-solid agar were inoculated in vitro with two isolates (WFU3 and WFM13) of Pythium aphanidermatum. All axes-derived plantlets and whole seedlings inoculated with WFM13 isolates were susceptible to blight and died 2 days after inoculation. Similarly, all seedlings inoculated with WFU3 isolates were killed within 2 days after inoculation; however, the rate of development and severity of blight varied among the axes-derived plantlets. Blight on axes-derived plantlets, regenerated on MS medium supplemented with 2 mg BAP/liter and 0.2 mg NAA/liter, was significantly less than on regenerants cultured on all other amended MS media. On some media, callus developed on crowns and/or primary roots. The presence of callus influenced resistance to Pythium. In a second experiment, axes-derived cucumber regenerants from five genotypes, cultured on MS medium supplemented with 2 mg BAP/liter and 0.2 mg N&A/liter, were compared for their resistance to P. aphanidermatum isolate WFU3. Resistance was significantly greater for `Burpless Hybrid' and `Sweetslice' than for three other genotypes. Chemical names used: 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP); α -naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA).
Plant Regeneration from Protoplasts Isolated from Embryogenic Callus of Satsuma
Authors: Ling Jing-Tian , Nito Nobumasa , Iwamasa Masao , Kunitake Hisato
Published: February 2019

Embryos were obtained from unfertilized and undeveloped seeds of satsuma (Citrus unshiu Marc.) cultured on a modified Murashige and Tucker (MT) medium. Embryogenic callus was induced from the hypocotyl region of the embryos. The callus was successfully maintained through subculturing on MT medium with 185 μm ade-nine, 2.8 μm GA3 and 400 mg malt extract/liter, solidified with Gelrite. Somatic embryogenesis occurred from callus subculture on medium containing 50 g lactose/liter and in the absence of plant growth regulators. Somatic embryos developed into plants on medium with sucrose and GA3. Protoplasts isolated from this callus produced somatic embryos through colony formation: subsequently, normal, entire plants were regenerated.
LEUCOSTOMA TOLERANCE IN PEACH: FUNGAL ISOLATE × PEACH GENOTYPE
Authors: Chang Leone-Shene , Iezzoni Amy , Adams Gerald
Published: February 2019

Seven peach clones which were previously identified as resistant, intermediate, or susceptible to Leucostom a persoonii were screened against 3 different L. persoonii and L. cinct a isolates to determine if the resistant reaction was fungal species and/or isolate specific. Canker necrotic length varied significantly with the most resistant genotypes; NJ672017002 (1-8) and Yennoh (1-39) having the shortest canker lengths. The virulence of the fungal species and isolates also varied significantly and there was a significant species/isolate × peach genotype interaction. However, this interaction tended to be among the intermediate and susceptible genotypes with the 2 resistant peach genotypes least affected by all isolates.
Modification of Petunia seedling Carbohydrate Partitioning by Irradiance
Authors: Grarper David F. , Healy Will
Published: February 2019

Petunia × hybrida Villm. `Red Flash' plants were irradiated for either 10 or 20 mol day1 photosynthetic photon flux (PPF) in growth chambers using one of the following treatments: 175 μmol m-2 s-1 for 16 h, 350 μmol m-2 s-1 for 8 or 16 h or 350 μmol m-2 s-1 for 8 h plus 8 h incandescent day extension (5 μmol m-2 s-1 PPF). These four treatments were designed to examine the effects of increased peak and total daily integrated PPF as well as increased photosynthetic (Pn) period and photoperiod resulting from supplemental irradiance treatment of seedlings. Previous seedling petunia research indicated a greater response to supplemental lighting during expansion of the second true leaf. Therefore, seedlings were sampled for analysis at the two leaf stage and also later at the four leaf stage to examine effects at a later stage of growth.

Increasing total integrated PPF increased total carbohydrate production, seedling dry weight, rate of seedling growth, and acid invertase activity once the seedlings reached the two leaf stage. Increasing total PPF resulted in greater partitioning into ethanol soluble sugars rather than starch at the two leaf stage. Increasing the photoperiod only, with an incandescent day extension treatment, reduced total carbohydrate production at the two leaf stage.

Maximal oxygen evolution was observed when seedlings received 350 μmolm-2s-1 for 8 h when expressed on a leaf area or dry weight basis. The use of an 8 h day extension treatment to extend the photoperiod from 8 to 16 h resulted in the lowest rates of oxygen evolution on a leaf area basis.
POWDERY MILDEW INOCULATION TECHNIQUES FOR A Cucurbita moschata BREEDING PROGRAM
Authors: Beaver Linda Wessel , Cienfuegos Ruth
Published: February 2019

In order to effectively use recurrent selection for developing polygenic resistance to powdery mildew (Erysiphe cichoracearum), methods to quantify resistance need to be developed. Our objective was to compare several inoculation methods for their effectiveness in a half-sib selection breeding program. Seven inoculation methods and 3 controls were applied to each of two susceptible C. moschata varieties planted in pots and arranged in a randomized complete block design with five replications. The experiment was repeated two times. Single degree of freedom comparisons found no difference in number of lesions resulting from inoculation by rubbing host with infected tissue vs. attaching infected tissue. Using no adherent resulted in as many lesions as using triton. Egg white as an adherent resulted in fewer lesions than using triton or no adherent. Spraying with a triton spore suspension was not an effective method. While rubbing leaves is fast and easy, attaching pieces of infected tissue may afford more control of spore concentration.
SCREENING OPUNTIA ACCESSIONS FOR RESISTANCE TO COTTONY COCHINEAL INSECTS (DACTYLOPIUS SPECIES)
Authors: Kuti Joseph O.
Published: February 2019

Prickly pear (Opuntia spp.) fruits (tunas) and leaves (nopalitos) are consumed in Mexico and in the United States especially among groups of Hispanic origin. The plant is a natural host for cochineal insects which cause extreme damage to the sterna of prickly pears. Fifteen accession of prickly pears belonging to O. ficus-indica, O. fusicaulis, O. inermis, and O. megacantha were screened for genetic resistance to cochineal insects infestation under greenhouse conditions. Plants were infested with newly hatched crawlers (25 crawlers/plant) and production of white waxy filaments was evaluated eight weeks after infestation. No accession exhibited complete immunity but 5 accessions had significant (P< 0.05) levels of genetic resistance when compared to other accessions. Accessions `belonging to O. ficus-indica and O. inermis had the lowest filament production and the highest percentage of resistant plants.
PLANT ESTABLISHMENT OF BROCCOLI AS INFLUENCED BY PLANTING METHOD AND PLANT TYPE
Authors: Sterrett S. B. , Savage C. P. , McManus K. M.
Published: February 2019

Studies were conducted in 1988 and 1989 to evaluate the influence of planting time and method on plant establishment and yield of fall broccoli. In 1988, plant establishment of direct-seeded broccoli was not improved with application of vermiculite (63 kg/ha). a cross-linked polyacrylamide polymer (17 kg/ha), or both as anti-crustants over the untreated check (37.6%, 32.2%, 24.6%, and 31% of target population, respectively). In 1989, transplants were compared with double-seeding (planting two seeds 25 mm apart). With seed. germination of 55% in the early planting (8 Aug.). plant populations of double-seeding and transplants were similar, but 42% germination of double-seeding in the late planting (28 Aug.) resulted in lower plant populations than from transplants. While yield reflected differences in plant populations, the percentage of marketable heads from transplants was significantly greater (90.6%) than from seedlings (78.9%). These data suggest that broccoli transplants are a viable option when high soil temperatures may be detrimental to seed germination.
EFFECTS OF GROWTH CONDITIONS AND RIPENING ON PLASTID AND MICROSOMAL MEMBRANE LIPID COMPOSITION IN BELL PEPPER FRUIT
Authors: Whitaker Bruce D.
Published: February 2019

Plastids and microsomal membranes were isolated from pericarp tissue of mature green and red-ripe tell pepper fruit harvested from greenhouse and field grown plants. The lipid composition of these membrane fractions changed far more with ripening of field grown than greenhouse grown fruit. Also, the phospholipid (PL), free sterol (FS), steryl glycoside (SG) and acylated steryl glycoside (ASG) content of microsomes and plastids from both green and red fruit were very different under the two growing conditions. Total steryl lipids (TSL = FS + SG + ASG), and the TSL/PL ratio, increased in microsomes and decreased in plastids with ripening. These changes were much greater in field grown fruit. The ASG/SG ratio decreased with ripening in both membrane fractions, under both growing conditions. Ripening and growth conditions affected the phospholipid and sterol composition in plastids much more than in microsomes. Lipid changes associated with the chloroplast – chromoplast transformation were similar in field and greenhouse grown fruit, including an increase in the galactolipid/PL ratio. Future studies will assess how differences in membrane lipid composition affect postharvest storage life of the fruit.
THE EFFECTS OF POSTHARVEST MANAGEMENT ON THE PILLOWY DISORDER IN CUCUMBER (CUCUMIS SATIVUS L.)
Authors: Navazio John , Staub Jack E.
Published: February 2019

A fruit anomaly, pillowy (P), has been identified in processing cucumber This physiological disorder has been shown to be accelerated by water stress.

A series of experiments were conducted to determine postharvest handling procedures which minimize the appearance of pillowy after induction by water stress. Isogenic lines evaluated in RCB design with 3 replications where subjected to water stress during fruit enlargement. Fruits were then subjected to various storage temperatures and times before hydrocooling to 8°C. Cucumbers were then fresh pack processed and evaluated for % pillowy after 12 weeks,

The postharvest control treatmcnt (2 days, 26°C, 60% RH) produced 32%P to 51%P in fruit subjected to stress and 23%P to 39%P in unstressed fruit. In the optimal postharvest treatment (1 day, 26°C, 60% RH, then hydrocool to 8°C, 2 days, 15°C, 85% RH) fruits from stress plants exhibited 23%P to 39%P and those from nonstress plants showed 13%P to 26%P. Fruits from miniature leaf lines exhibited higher percent (37%) P ratings when compared to normal leaf lines.
THERMOTOLERANCE AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF MOTH BEAN SEEDLINGS AS INFLUENCED BY 24-EPIBRASSINOLIDE
Authors: Upadhyaya Abha , Davis Tim D. , Sankhla Narendra
Published: February 2019

Seeds of moth bean (Vigna aconitifolia Jacqu. Marechal cv. Jaadia) were germinated in the presence of 0, 0.1, 1, or 2 μm 24-epibrassinolide (EBL). After 72 h, cotyledons were excised and the seedlings exposed to 22 or 48 °C for 90 min. At 48 °C EBL increased total electrolyte, K+, and sugar leakage relative to the untreated control. Following exposure to 48 °C, EBL-treated seedlings had higher malondialdehyde concentrations than controls indicating that EBL enhanced high temperature-induced lipid peroxidation. At 48 °C, EBL increased ascorbic acid oxidase activity and decreased superoxide dismutase activity relative to the control. Taken together, these data do not support the hypothesis that brassinosteroids confer thermotolerance to plants. On the contrary, EBL increased high temperature-induced damage and reduced the activity of some antioxidant systems that may protect against stress-induced cellular damage.
FIELD PRODUCTION OF HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL CUT FLOWERS
Authors: Perry Leonard P.
Published: February 2019

Mean yields (stems per plant) of 5 randomly selected plants from a block of 15 were determined for each of 13 species of 2–year old herbaceous perennials. Mean yields of Achillea filipendulin a `Coronation Gold' of 4 randomly selected plants, in each of 4 replicates in a randomized c-o-replete block design, were determined over 3 years for 3 spacings. The most consistent yields over the period, and highest in years 1 and 3, were from 60cm spacing between plant centers, with yields from 90cm and 30cm highly variable. In year 2, stems were graded by length with most stems 40 to 49cm at 30cm and 90cm spacings (19 and 46 stems) and 50 to 50cm at 60cm (27 stems). As stems per plant increased from 30 to 72 for 30cm to 90cm spacing, respectively, stems per 30cm2 decreased from 30 to 8. Vaselife was greatest (9 days) for stems in Oasis preservative, with less in Floralife (8 days), tap water (7 days), or distilled water (5 days). Flowers 10 days older prior to cutting lasted an average 2 days less.
EFFECTS OF IRRIGATION WATER SALINITY AND LIMING RATE ON CATION UPTAKE BY QUEEN PALMS
Authors: Broschat Timothy K.
Published: February 2019

Queen palms (Syagrus romanzoffiana) were grown in containers of sand to determine the effects of irrigation water salinity and liming rate on cation uptake by the plants. Dolomite was incorporated at rates of 0, 3, or 6 kg/m3. Within each lime rate palms were irrigated with a solution of NaCl and CaCl2 (molar ratio =5Na:1Ca) at conductivities of .25, 1, 2, 4, or 6 dS/m. Plant height and dry weight and leaf Mg were decreased with increasing irrigation water salinity, whereas leaf Ca was increased at higher salinities. Leaf Mn and Zn increased, then decreased as salinity was increased. Leaf Ca and Mg increased with increased lime, but leaf Mn and Cu were decreased by increasing the lime rate. Leaf K increased, then decreased as lime rate was increased.