bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A World Wide Web Site for Teaching Vegetable Crops
Authors: Welbaum Gregory E. , Hudson Scott
Published: January 2019

A teaching homepage was created on the World Wide Web at: http://www.hort.vt.edu/faculty/welbaum/hort4764 to teach an introductory college level course on vegetable crops. The homepage was designed to be viewed using Netscape software. Reading assignments and class outlines are formatted as .pdf files and can be viewed using Adobe Acrobat Reader. This software can be downloaded from the homepage. The homepage is linked to additional pages entitled: “Course description,” “Instructor,” “Text and other printed reference material,” “Class schedule and assignments,” “Class related pictures,” “Sample test questions,” “Chat room,” “Class project,” “Other web sites of interest,” and “Grading.” Two-hundred pages of text and outlines describing production of vegetables using plasticulture, vegetable seed technology, vegetable production under protective cover, and other topics as well as descriptions of 28 individual vegetables are available through the homepage. There are more 500 pictures and descriptions of vegetables and vegetable crop production linked to this website. Students can be examined using a computer testing system call Whizquiz that grades and corrects each exam. A Chat Room allows discussion among students and the instructor. Discussion sessions can be conducted between students and guests at distant locations. Student term projects on a range of subjects relating to vegetable crops are linked to the homepage. Links are provided to over 25 other World Wide Web sites with additional information on vegetable crops. This teaching homepage has been used for two semesters and students' evaluation of the system will be provided.
Changes in Grape Berry Exudates during Fruit Development and Their Effect on Mycelial Growth of Botrytis cinerea
Authors: Padgett Merilark , Morrison Janice C.
Published: January 2019

Grape berries (Vitis vinifera L., `Thompson Seedless') exuded a variety of compounds through the cuticle and epicuticular wax layer onto the berry surface. The composition of the exudate changed through the course of the growing season. Phenolic compounds and malic acid were in relatively high concentrations in grape berry exudates after bloom, but were low in exudates from mature fruit. The rate of decrease of phenols and malic acid was more rapid during the early stage of berry growth than during the ripening period. Sugar and potassium concentrations in the berry exudates were low at bloom, but increased rapidly in the later stages of ripening. Water extracts of berry exudates contained sugars, malic acid, potassium, and sodium. The water extracts promoted mycelial growth of Botrytis cinerea Pers. Ethanol and ether extracts contained phenols and lipids. These fractions from fruit sampled in the first 3 weeks after bloom strongly inhibited mycelial growth. The inhibitory effect of these fractions decreased later in the season.
Temperature Regime at Various Stages of Production Influences Growth and Flowering of Dendranthema × grandiflorum
Authors: Wilkins H.F. , Healy W.E. , Grueber K.L.
Published: January 2019

For chrysanthemum [Dendranthema × grandiflorum (Ramat.) Kitamura], the hypothesis that a 12-hr 5C or 13C dark treatment could be used in conjunction with a 12-hr 27, 21, 17, or 13C light treatment for rapid flowering when applied during certain developmental stages was valid. Flowering of `Bright Golden Anne', planted on 23 Sept., was not delayed by 12-hr light/12-hr dark growth chamber treatments of 21/5C or 27/13C (day/night) if treated from planting (P) of the rooted cutting to the start of short days (SD), 3 weeks after start of SD to visible bud (VB) (SD + 3 to VB), or from VB to flower (F) when compared to the glasshouse control plants grown at 21/18C. Plants responded similarly if grown at 13/13C or 21/21C, but flowering was delayed compared to the 17/17C glass house control. Delays were absent, however, when 13/13C was used from P to SD, SD + 3 to VB, or when 17/13 or 21/13C was used from VB to F.
Ethylene Biosynthesis during Peach Fruit Development
Authors: Tonutti P. , Casson P. , Ramina A.
Published: January 2019

Ethylene evolution and ACC levels were determined throughout the growth and development of peach fruit (Prunus persica L. Batsch cv. Redhaven). In the four stages of growth (I, II, III, IV), as indicated by weekly monitoring of fresh (FW) and dry (DW) weight accumulation, ethylene biosynthesis in whole fruit decreased during FWI and remained almost undetectable during FWII and FWIII. In pericarp disks, ethylene evolution followed the same trend, although a peak at 78 days after full bloom and a slight increase before the onset of the climacteric were observed. The high rates of ethylene evolution were associated with a concurrent increase in ACC content. Enhancement of ACC synthase and ethylene-forming enzyme (EFE) activities was responsible for the peak of ethylene evolution detected before the beginning of FWIII and DWIII. At the climacteric, which occurred at the FWIII-FWIV transition, sequential events were observed in different fruit tissues. An increase of ethylene production in the mesocarp preceded the onset of the climacteric rise in whole fruit. The high amount of ethylene detected during the climacteric appeared to be related to increased EFE activity in the epicarp. Chemical name used: 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC).
Effect of Water Status on Dendrobium Flower Spray Postharvest Life
Authors: Dai Jingwei , Paull Robert E.
Published: January 2019

The postharvest life of Dendrobium spp. flower sprays was limited by wilting and shedding of individual “flowers. Late-summer-harvested sprays had a reduced postharvest life compared to winter-harvested sprays. Cultivars differed in postharvest life in response to packing and storing for 2 days at 22C. Water 10ss rates of `Princess' sprays continuously held in deionized water declined from ≈ 1.25 g/day per spray 4 days after harvest to 0.35 g/day per spray 20 days later. Flower shedding occurred when the rate of water loss fell below ≈1.0 g/day per spray. Addition of a floral preservative to the vase water slowed the decline in water loss and increased postharvest life. Sprays packed and stored for 6 days at 22C had half the postharvest life of nonpacked controls held in deionized water or of sprays packed for 2 or 4 days at 22C. Submerging sprays in water immediately after harvest did not significantly increase postharvest life; submerging the sprays after harvest, before packing, and again after unpacking reduced postharvest life. Sprays could not be held for more than 4 days at 10C without suffering chilling injury. Silver thiosulphate (2 mm) and other silver preparations had no effect on postharvest life, although silver ions did reach the top flowers of the spray; thus, ethylene may play only a minor role in spray postharvest life. The postharvest life of sprays was increased by using boiled deionized water in vase solutions and by the continuous presence of chloramphenicol. Other antimicrobial agents, such as Physan, sodium hypochlorite, and sodium dichloro-s-triazinetrione dihydrate were without effect. Microbial growth in the vase solution and at the cut stem end mav have reduced water transport and induced subsequent flower wilting and shedding.
Response of Young, Fruiting Sour Cherry Trees to One-time Trunk Injury at Harvest Date
Authors: Layne Desmond R. , Flore J.A.
Published: January 2019

The influence of increasing levels of trunk damage on vegetative and reproductive capacity of 3- to 5-year-old `Montmorency' sour cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) trees was determined for three seasons. Removal of or damage to bark up to halfway around the trunk circumference minimally affected growth and productivity. The total wound callus produced per tree was related to wound size. Wound repair was variable depending on the type or extent of injury. Removal of damaged bark greatly reduced wound repair. Girdling 75% or 100% of the trunk circumference resulted in no tree mortality at one site and 17% and 50% mortality, respectively, at another. Differentiated phloem in wound callus of trees with 100% bark removal and survival 4 years following injury indicated that vascular reconnection occurred across wounds.
Asparagus Emergence in Fusarium-treated and Sterile Media following Exposure of Seeds or Radicles to One or More Cinnamic Acids
Authors: Peirce Lincoln C. , Miller Heather G.
Published: January 2019

Several cinnamic acids have been identified as principal toxic components of asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) root autotoxin and have been shown to synergize Fusarium infection of asparagus. The basis for this synergism was studied by exposing asparagus seeds and radicles from pregerminated seeds to ferulic (FA), caffeic (CA), or methylenedioxycinnamic (MDA) acids alone and in combinations of two or three of these acids. After treatment, seeds were placed in pots of peat-lite mix, and, depending on the experiment, all or half were inoculated with F. oxysporum (Schlecht) f. sp. asparagi (Cohen). Seedling emergence from each pot was used as a measure of toxicity. All cinnamic acids at 1% suppressed emergence compared with the control. Solutions combining FA and CA (0.5%/0.5%, v/v) were substantially more toxic than 1% solutions of either alone. Exposure of radicles (early postgermination) for 10 minutes to combined FA/CA before planting decreased emergence from pots, whereas emergence following a 10-minute exposure to 1% CA or FA alone did not differ from the controls. The 2-hour exposure to FA or to FA/CA and the 24-hour exposure to CA, FA, or FA/CA decreased emergence, with toxicity progressing as follows: CA < FA < FA/CA. Root tip squashes showed fewer mitotic figures in treated than in untreated radicles, and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) examination of the radicle epidermis revealed damage to the surface of epidermal cells and precocious root hair development, the extent of which paralleled treatment toxicity.
Water Transfer Diminishes Root Competition Between Peach and Tall Fescue
Authors: Glenn D.M. , Welker W.V.
Published: January 2019

Seedling `Tennessee Natural' peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] trees were grown in a series of five greenhouse experiments to determine how peach root development was affected by the interaction of soil pressure potential and the presence of Kentucky-31 (K-31) tall fescue (Festuca arundinaceae Schreb.). Peach trees were grown in split-root rhizotrons that had four separate root growth sections. When two of the four sections had live sod (LS) and two remained bare soil (BS), there was no effect of the LS on peach root development when the trees were irrigated daily. Peach root development was reduced in BS and LS treatments when soil pressure potential was less than -0.06 MPa. In contrast, when trees were grown in rhizotrons that had all four sections with either LS or a killed K-31 sod (KS), peach root development was reduced in the LS treatment compared to the KS treatments when irrigated daily or when soil pressure potential reached -0.03 MPa. The apparent root surface water potential of peach trees in the LS treatment was -0.4 MPa lower than that in the KS treatment under daily irrigation due to the interference of the K-31 tall fescue. In two additional experiments using peach trees with BS in all four sections, we maintained three sections at field capacity and allowed one section to dry to -0.06 to 1.5 MPa. During the night, when transpiration was low, water was transferred to the dry soil section via the peach root system from the three wet soil sections. It appears that the root system of peach can maintain root development in the presence of tall fescue by transferring water from regions of high water availability to those of low availability.
Method for Imaging the States of Water by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance in Low-water-containing Apple Bud and Stem Tissues
Authors: Millard Merle M. , Liu Dehua , Line Michael J. , Faust Miklos
Published: January 2019

Magnetic resonance imaging estimates unreasonably high T2 times when creating T2 images in woody plants when tissues contain a limited amount of water. We developed a system to correct such images. Tissue distribution of proton density and states of water were determined by creating images of proton density and T2 relaxation times in summerdormant (paradormant) apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) buds. These images reveal that the proton density and water states obviously are not distributed uniformly in the bud and stem; but, the distribution of water depends greatly on the tissue type (bark, xylem, or meristem of the stem), and there are differences in the states of water even within the same tissue. At low proton density T2, calculated relaxation times were unreasonably high in tissues, with the exception of meristem of the shoot. In buds that were induced to grow and in which proton density was higher, T2 times appeared as expected. Variance of T2 times in tissues containing little water was 50 times higher than in those with a higher water content. Data with such high variance were excluded from the images; thus, the image was “corrected.” Corrected images of T2 times fit the distribution of water indicated by the proton density images well.
Inheritance of ADH, 6-PGDH, PGM, and SKDH in Allium fistulosum L.
Authors: Mangum Paul D. , Peffley Ellen B.
Published: January 2019

Horizontal starch gel electrophoresis was used to study the inheritance of isozyme phenotypes of four enzyme systems [alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6-PGDH), phosphoglucomutase (PGM), and shikimate dehydrogenase (SKDH)] in Allium fistulosum L. by monitoring segregations in backcross and F2 progeny. Segregation for most of the polymorphisms fit the expected Mendelian ratios as tested by the chi-square statistic. Three new isozyme loci were defined for onion. Two loci were found for 6-PGDH. Locus one was dimeric with two alleles, and locus two was monomorphic. SKDH was monomeric with two alleles.
Root and Shoot Growth Periodicity of Green Ash, Scarlet Oak, Turkish Hazelnut, and Tree Lilac
Authors: Harris J. Roger , Bassuk Nina L. , Zobel Richard W. , Whitlow Thomas H.
Published: January 2019

The objectives of this study were to determine root and shoot growth periodicity for established Fraxinus pennsylvanica Marsh. (green ash), Quercus coccinea Muenchh. (scarlet oak), Corylus colurna L. (Turkish hazelnut), and Syringa reticulata (Blume) Hara `Ivory Silk' (tree lilac) trees and to evaluate three methods of root growth periodicity measurement. Two methods were evaluated using a rhizotron. One method measured the extension rate (RE) ofindividual roots, and the second method measured change in root length (RL) against an observation grid. A third method, using periodic counts of new roots present on minirhizotrons (MR), was also evaluated. RE showed the least variability among individual trees. Shoot growth began before or simultaneously with the beginning of root growth for all species with all root growth measurement methods. All species had concurrent shoot and root growth, and no distinct alternating growth patterns were evident when root growth was measured by RE. Alternating root and shoot growth was evident, however, when root growth was measured by RL and MR. RE measured extension rate of larger diameter lateral roots, RL measured increase in root length of all diameter lateral roots and MR measured new root count of all sizes of lateral and vertical roots. Root growth periodicity patterns differed with the measurement method and the types of roots measured.
Distribution of Anacardic Acids Associated with Small Pest Resistance among Cultivars of Pelargonium ×hortorum
Authors: Grazzini Richard , Hesk David , Yerger Ellen , Cox-Foster Diana , Medford June , Craig Richard , Mumma Ralph O.
Published: January 2019

Composition of anacardic acids (phenolic acids known to be associated with small pest resistance in Pelargonium ×hortorum) was examined in 13 diploid and 25 tetraploid cultivars by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The presence of an unusual desaturation (omega (ω)-5) in the alkyl tail of anacardic acids present only in glandular trichome exudate of pest-resistant diploid inbred lines had previously been associated with a sticky-trap pest-resistance phenomenon. In this study, we examine Pelargonium cultivars for variability in anacardic acid composition to assess the distribution of ω5 desaturation among commercial cultivars, to determine possible interactions between ω5 desaturation and other plant desaturation mechanisms, and to examine the possible impact of ploidy on ω5 desaturation. An unsaturation index (UI) is derived to compare exudates differing widely in composition yet which may provide a similarly effective sticky-trap pest-resistance mechanism based on exudate viscosity. ω-5 Anacardic acids were observed in the glandular trichome exudate of all 38 commercial cultivars examined. No diploid cultivar produced ω5- and ω9- anacardic acids, although the simultaneous production of ω5 and ω9- anacardic acids was observed in three tetraploid cultivars. Total ω5- anacardic acids comprised from 42.4% (tetraploid cultivar Perlenkette-syn. Snowhite, Weiss) to 86.8% (tetraploid cultivar Amanda). Commercial P. ×domesticum cultivars had no ω5 anacardic acids. UIs ranged from 60.9 (tetraploid cultivar Dixieland) to 103.4 (diploid cultivar Pinto White). In contrast, anacardic acids collected from a pest-susceptible inbred line contained no ω5- anacardic acids and had a UI of 38.7. No significant differences among ploidy levels were observed for UIs or for most specific anacardic acid components, with the exception of 24:1 ω5- anacardic acid, in which the mean diploid value (32.1%) was significantly higher than that of the mean tetraploid value (27.6%). We conclude that ω5- anacardic acid production occurs in all Pelargonium cultivars observed and that these cultivars are predicted to exhibit resistance to small arthropod pests. Significant genetic variability in specific anacardic acid composition appears to exist among Pelargonium cultivars, suggesting that breeding for pest resistance can be readily monitored by HPLC of anacardic acids.
Growth and Photomorphogenesis of Pepper Plants under Red Light-emitting Diodes with Supplemental Blue or Far-red Lighting
Authors: Brown Christopher S. , Schuerger Andrew C. , Sager John C.
Published: January 2019

Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are a potential irradiation source for intensive plant culture systems and photobiological research. They have small size, low mass, a long functional life, and narrow spectral output. In this study, we measured the growth and dry matter partitioning of `Hungarian Wax' pepper (Capsicum annum L.) plants grown under red LEDs compared with similar plants grown under red LEDs with supplemental blue or far-red radiation or under broad spectrum metal halide (MH) lamps. Additionally, we describe the thermal and spectra1 characteristics of these sources. The LEDs used in this study had a narrow bandwidth at half peak height (25 nm) and a focused maximum spectral output at 660 nm for the red and 735 nm for the far-red. Near infrared radiation (800 to 3000 nm) was below detection and thermal infrared radiation (3000 to 50,000 nm) was lower in the LEDs compared to the MH source. Although the red to far-red ratio varied considerably, the calculated phytochrome photostationary state (φ) was only slightly different between the radiation sources. Plant biomass was reduced when peppers were grown under red LEDs in the absence of blue wavelengths compared to plants grown under supplemental blue fluorescent lamps or MH lamps. The addition of far-red radiation resulted in taller plants with greater stem mass than red LEDs alone. There were fewer leaves under red or red plus far-red radiation than with lamps producing blue wavelengths. These results indicate that red LEDs may be suitable, in proper combination with other wavelengths of light, for the culture of plants in tightly controlled environments such as space-based plant culture systems.
Molecular Cloning and Characterization of Auxin-regulated Genes from Mungbean Hypocotyls during Adventitious Root Formation
Authors: Chen Jun , Wu Dengru , Witham Francis H. , Heuser Charles W. , Arteca Richard N.
Published: January 2019

Adventitious root formation (rooting) in `Berken' mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Rwiclz.] cuttings is stimulated by indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). To understand the molecular events that occur during IAA-induced adventitious root initiation, a λgt11 cDNA library was made from mungbean hypocotyls treated with 500 μm IAA for 3 hours and differentially screened. Two cDNAs MII-3 and MII-4 were isolated. Southern analysis revealed that both cDNAs are encoded by different genes. Expression studies showed different patterns for both genes. Both MII-3 and MII-4 were highly expressed in IAA treated hypocotyls, whereas MII-4 was also induced in IAA treated epicotyls. There was no expression of either MII-3 or MII-4 in control or IAA treated leaves. With increasing concentrations of IAA from 100 to 1000 μm there was an increase in the average root number per cutting as well as a stimulation in MII-3 and MII-4. Both MII-3 and MII-4 showed a stimulation in expression 4 hours following treatment with 500 μm IAA reaching a maximum from 4 to 8 hours followed by a decline thereafter. Basal expression of MII-3 was evident between 2 and 8 hours, whereas, a high degree of basal expression was found with MII-4 from 1 to 8 hours followed by a sharp decline. Cycloheximide (50 μm) dramatically reduced rooting and MII-3 expression, whereas MII-4 was only slightly affected.
Tactile Conditioning Increases Water Use by Tomato
Authors: van Iersel Marc
Published: January 2019

Mechanical conditioning can be used to control the height of vegetable and ornamental transplants. Previous research indicated that brushing plants increases cuticular water loss from detached leaves, which may be an indication of decreased drought resistance. This might decrease post-transplant survival of the plants. The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of brushing on growth and gas exchange by tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) and quantify whole-plant water use during a slow dry-down period. Tomato plants were grown from seed in a greenhouse during Fall 1995. The brushing treatment started 11 days after seeding and consisted of 40 strokes, twice each day. After 39 days of treatment, brushing reduced height 32%, leaf area 34%, and shoot dry mass 29% compared to control plants. Brushing did not affect leaf gas exchange. Brushed plants had a higher stem water flux than control plants during the first 3 days of a 6-day dry-down period. Stem water flux was lower than that of control plants later in the cycle, presumably because brushed plants used more of the available water during the first 3 days. On the third day of the dry-down period, leaf conductance of brushed plants was 35% higher than that of control plants, resulting in a 10% higher transpiration rate per unit leaf area. Because brushed plants had less leaf area than controls, differences in whole-plant water use were small. Time to wilting was similar for the brushed and unbrushed plants (6 days after withholding water). It seems unlikely that brushing would have a major effect on drought tolerance of plants.
Inheritance and Phenocopy of a Red Beet Gibberellic Acid-deficient Dwarf Mutant
Authors: Goldman I.L. , Watson J.F.
Published: January 2019

A severe dwarf mutant affecting vegetative and reproductive growth arose spontaneously in our red beet (Beta vulgaris L. subsp. vulgaris) breeding nursery and was used in crosses with inbred lines to characterize its inheritance. Segregation data in backcross and F2 generations were collected. Chi-square goodness-of-fit tests did not deviate significantly from the expected ratios for a monogenic character for each genetic background-generation combination. We propose the symbol dw to describe the genetic control of this dwarf phenotype. Greenhouse experiments were conducted to determine whether the mutant was sensitive to exogenous application of gibberellic acid (GA). GA3 and GA4/7 in concentrations of 0 to 1000 ppm were applied to apical meristems during flower stem development in vernalized dwarf plants. Data on flower stem length and leaf length were collected over a 6-week period during reproductive growth. Recovery of wild-type flower stem length was obtained with application of both types of GA. A 30-fold increase in flower stem length over untreated plants was accomplished by GA application. Results of these phenocopy experiments suggest the mutant gene is involved in GA synthesis.
Supplementary Irrigation and Mulch Benefit the Establishment of `Heritage' Primocane-fruiting Raspberry
Authors: Percival David C. , Proctor J.T.A. , Sullivan J.A.
Published: January 2019

Field experiments including supplementary trickle irrigation (IR), IRT-76 plastic film (PF), and straw mulch (STR) treatments were conducted during 1993 and 1994 to determine the influence of root-zone temperature and soil moisture status on carbon assimilation and dry mass distribution, and soil and plant nutrient content, during the establishment of Rubus idaeus L. `Heritage' primocane-fruiting raspberries. The IR, PF, and STR treatments were reapplied after the 1993 establishment year to examine their effects on an established, hedgerow planting. Physical environment, vegetative and reproductive data were collected. PF increased root and shoot mass, total flower number, and total berries harvested. Maximum leaf net photosynthetic (Pn) rates were observed under cool air temperatures and root-zone temperature of 25 °C. Field Pn measurements indicated that there was no seasonal decline in Pn. Mulch treatments however, were not beneficial to the established (i.e., 2-year-old) hedgerow planting. The root system of the 2-year-old planting was largely confined to an area within the foliage wall and also at a greater depth from the mulch treatments. Therefore, beneficial effects of mulch management on the growth and development of raspberries may be limited to the establishment year.
Response of Citrus Fruit to High-pressure Washing
Authors: Petracek Peter D. , Kelsey D. Frank , Davis Craig
Published: January 2019

The effect of high-pressure washing (HPW) on the surface morphology and physiology of citrus fruit was examined. Mature white (Citrus paradisi Macf. `Marsh') and red (Citrus paradisi Macf. `Ruby Red') grapefruit, oranges (Citrus sinensis L. `Hamlin'), and tangelos (Citrus reticulata Blanco × Citrus paradisi Macf. `Orlando') were washed on a roller brush bed and under a water spraying system for which water pressure was varied. Washing white grapefruit and oranges for 10 seconds under conventional low water pressure (345 kPa at cone nozzle) had little effect on peel wax fine structure. Washing fruit for 10 seconds under high water pressure (1380 or 2760 kPa at veejet nozzle) removed most epicuticular wax platelets from the surface as well as other surface debris such as sand grains. Despite the removal of epicuticular wax, HPW did not affect whole fruit mass loss or exchange of water, O2, or CO2 at the midsection of the fruit. Analysis of the effect of nozzle pressure (345, 1380, or 2760 kPa), period of exposure (10 or 60 seconds), and wax application on internal gas concentrations 18 hours after washing showed that increasing nozzle pressure increased internal CO2 concentrations while waxing increased internal ethylene and CO2 concentrations and decreased O2 concentrations. An apparent wound ethylene response was often elicited from fruit washed under high pressures (≥2070 kPa) or for long exposure times (≥30 seconds).
Evaluating Semiaquatic Herbaceous Perennials for Use in Herbicide Phytoremediation
Authors: Fernandez R. Thomas , Whitwell Ted , Riley Melissa B. , Bernard Cassandra R.
Published: January 2019

Canna ×generalis L.H. Bail. (canna), Pontaderia cordata L. (pickerel weed), and Iris L. × `Charjoys Jan' (`Charjoys Jan' iris) were exposed to a 5 mg·L-1 suspension of isoxaben or oryzalin or a water control for 9 days. Growth and photosynthetic responses were monitored throughout treatment and for an additional 22 d after termination of treatment. By the end of the experiment plant height of pickerel weed was reduced by oryzalin. Isoxaben resulted in lower height and reduced leaf emergence for all three taxa by the end of the experiment. Leaf CO2 assimilation (A) and transpiration (E) were lower for oryzalin-treated canna only 17 and 18 days after treatment, several days after treatment had been terminated. Leaf A and E were lower for oryzalin-treated pickerel weed and `Charjoys Jan' iris for most days after day 17. Isoxaben reduced A and E of all three plants for all days measured except day 6 for `Charjoys Jan' iris. Lower photosystem II efficiency (Fv/Fm) was found for isoxaben-treated canna from day 5 onward and days 7, 20, and 23 for pickerel weed and `Charjoys Jan' iris. Rapid reduction in A and Fv/Fm for all plants treated with isoxaben indicates a direct effect of isoxaben on photosynthesis. Reductions in growth and photosynthetic parameters due to oryzalin were minimal for all plants indicating these plants would be useful in phytoremediation systems where oryzalin is present. However, growth and photosynthetic parameters were reduced substantially for all plants exposed to isoxaben indicating the taxa studied would not perform well in phytoremediation systems with this level of isoxaben exposure. Chemical names used: isoxaben (N-[3-(1-ethyl-1-methylpropyl)-5-isoxazolyly]-2,6-dimethoxybenzamide); oryzalin (4-(dipropylamino)-3,5-dinitrobenzenesulforamide).
Harvest Date, Cultivar, Orchard, and Tree Effects on Water Vapor Permeance in Apples
Authors: Maguire Kate M. , Banks Nigel H. , Lang Alexander , Gordon Ian L.
Published: January 2019

Research quantified contributions to total variation in water vapor permeance from sources such as cultivar and harvest date in `Braeburn', `Pacific Rose', `Granny Smith', and `Cripps Pink' apples [Malus sylvestris (L.) Mill. var. domestica (Borkh.) Mansf.]. In a study on `Braeburn' fruit from eight orchards in Central Otago, New Zealand, >50% of the total variation in permeance was associated with harvest date. This variation was the result of a large increase in water vapor permeance from 16.6 to 30.2 (se = 0.88, df = 192) nmol·s-1·m-2·Pa-1 over the 8 week experimental harvest period. Fruit to fruit differences accounted for 22% of total variation in permeance. Interaction between harvest date and orchard effects explained 7% of the total variation, indicating that fruit from the different orchards responded in differing ways to advancing harvest date. Tree effects accounted for only 1% of the total variation. Weight loss from respiration [at 20 °C and ≈60% relative humidity (RH)] comprised 3.04±0.11% of total weight loss, averaged across all harvest dates. In a second study of fruit of four apple cultivars, almost 30% of the total variation in water vapor permeance was associated with cultivar differences. Mean water vapor permeance for `Braeburn', `Pacific Rose', `Granny Smith', and `Cripps Pink' fruit was 44, 35, 17, and 20 (se = 4.3, df = 300) nmol·s-1·m-2·Pa-1 respectively. Over 20% of the total variation was associated with harvest date and arose from a large increase in water vapor permeance from 21 nmol·s-1·m-2·Pa-1 at first harvest to 46 nmol·s-1·m-2·Pa-1 (se = 5.3, df = 200) at final harvest, 10 weeks later, on average across all four cultivars. There was large fruit to fruit variation in water vapor permeance accounting for 25% of the total variation in permeance values. Tree effects only accounted for 4% of the total variation. Water vapor permeance in `Pacific Rose'` and `Braeburn' increased substantially with later harvest but values remained relatively constant for `Granny Smith' and `Cripps Pink'. A simple mathematical model was developed to predict weight loss from `Braeburn' fruit. Based on these findings, it appears worthwhile to increase the stringency of measures to control weight loss in `Braeburn' and `Pacific Rose'` apples, particularly those harvested late in the season.
Application of Trinexapac-ethyl and Propiconazole Enhances Superoxide Dismutase and Photochemical Activity in Creeping Bentgrass (Agrostis stoloniferous var. palustris)
Authors: Zhang Xunzhong , Schmidt R.E.
Published: January 2019

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity is closely associated with stress tolerance of creeping bentgrass [Agrostis stoloniferous L. var. palustris (Huds.) Farw (syn. A. palustris Huds.)]. This study was conducted to investigate the influence of two plant growth regulators (PGRs) on the endogenous antioxidant SOD level and photochemical activity in `Penncross' creeping bentgrass grown under two fertilizer regimes. Mature `Penncross' was treated monthly with TE at 0.44 g a.i./100 m2 and PPC at 3.37 g a.i./100 m2 from May through November at the Virginia Tech Turfgrass Research Center, Blacksburg, Va. Foliar application of TE and PPC increased SOD activity, photochemical activity, and Fm730/Fm690 ratio of creeping bentgrass under the two fertilization regimes as well as when the grass was exposed to a low soil moisture environment. TE reduced clipping weight consistently regardless of the fertilization regime. In contrast, PPC increased clipping weight slightly. Both TE and PPC significantly reduced Dollar spot disease (Sclerotinia homoeocarpa Bennett) under both high and low fertilization regimes. No significant fertilization × PGR interactions for SOD, photochemical activity of PS II, and Fm730/Fm690 were observed in well-watered or drought stressed bentgrass. Improvement in stress tolerance of creeping bentgrass by the PGRs appears to be associated partially with an increase of endogenous SOD activity. Chemical names used: trinexapac-ethyl (TE); propiconazole (PPC).
Characterization of Apomictic Potential in Guayule (Parthenium argentatum) In Vivo and In Vitro
Authors: Keys Roy N. , Ray Dennis T. , Dierig David A.
Published: January 2019

Guayule (Parthenium argentatum Gray), a latex-producing perennial desert shrub and potential industrial crop for semiarid regions, exhibits reproductive modes ranging from sexual, self-sterile diploids to predominantly apomictic, self-compatible polyploids. The objectives of this study were to develop and evaluate a rapid, simple technique for characterizing apomictic potential (percentage of ovules that produce apomictic embryos) in guayule breeding lines. Initial in vivo experiments were based on an auxin test that permitted quantification of apomictic frequency in grasses. In our trials, floral application of NAA or IBA resulted in embryo production similar to that of open-pollinated controls, but 2,4-D inhibited embryo production. Breeding lines could be separated based on embryo production using an in vivo auxin test; however, accuracy of the results was questionable because 1) pollen release and insect activity within isolation bags prevented distinguishing between sexual and apomictic embryos, and 2) high temperatures and large humidity fluctuations could have affected results. Thus, in vitro flower culture was investigated using liquid medium, because it would provide better control of these factors. Flowers developed normally in vitro, except that pollen was not released from the anthers; therefore, any embryos produced in vitro were considered to be apomictic. Embryo production was similar on both Nitsch and Nitsch and Woody Plant Media. Addition of growth regulators inhibited embryo production. Embryo production was tested on Nitsch and Nitsch medium without growth regulators for seven breeding lines. Based on statistical analyses, four classes of apomictic potential were identified, ranging from none (sexual) to high. Chemical names used: 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D); indole-3-butyric acid (IBA); α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA).
Sugar Alcohols, Salt Stress, and Fungal Resistance: Polyols—Multifunctional Plant Protection?
Authors: Williamson John D. , Jennings Dianne B. , Guo Wei-Wen , Pharr D. Mason , Ehrenshaft Marilyn
Published: January 2019

The traditional use of polyols as osmotica in plant culture media is based on the assumption that polyols are not taken up or metabolized by cells. In reality, polyols are significant photosynthetic products and efficiently utilized metabolites in a large number of plants. In addition to these metabolic roles, initial interest in polyols focused primarily on their function as osmoprotectants. This was hypothesized to be due to their ability to act as compatible solutes. More recent research, however, indicates much broader roles for polyols in stress responses based on their significant antioxidant capacity. These include protection against salt and photooxidative stress as well as a potential role in plant pathogen interactions.
Genetic Diversity among U.S. Garlic Clones as Detected Using AFLP Methods
Authors: Volk Gayle M. , Henk Adam D. , Richards Christopher M.
Published: January 2019

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) has been clonally propagated for thousands of years because it does not produce seed under standard cultivation conditions. A single garlic accession frequently displays a high degree of phenotypic plasticity that is likely to be dependent upon soil type, moisture, latitude, altitude, and cultural practices. The diversity observed by collectors has occasionally led to the renaming of varieties as they are exchanged among growers and gardeners. As a result, there are numerous garlic varieties available both commercially and within the USDA National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS) that may be identical genotypically, yet have unique cultivar names. To address this possibility, we performed amplified fragment-length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis on a comprehensive selection of 211 Allium sativum and Allium longicuspis accessions from NPGS and commercial sources. We used several statistical approaches to evaluate how these clonal lineages are genetically differentiated and how these patterns of differentiation correspond to recognized phenotypic classifications. These data suggest that while there are extensive duplications within the surveyed accessions, parsimony and distance based analyses reveal substantial diversity that is largely consistent with major phenotypic classes.
Assessment of AFLP-based Genetic Relationships among Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) Varieties of Iraq
Authors: Jubrael Jaladet M.S. , Udupa Sripada M. , Baum Michael
Published: January 2019

Currently, the identification and characterization of date palm varieties rely on a small number of morphological traits, mainly of fruit, which are complex and greatly influenced by the environment. As a result, different varietal names may actually refer to the same variety while different varieties may have the same name. Therefore, new descriptors like molecular markers are required to identify, characterize, and estimate genetic diversity in this crop. Here we used amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers to discriminate 18 Iraqi date palm varieties and to estimate the genetic relationship among the varieties. A total of 122 polymorphic AFLP loci were scored, with an average of 17.4 polymorphic loci per primer combination. The use of any one of the four combinations, P101(aacg)/M95(aaaa), P74(ggt)/M95(aaaa), P73(ggg)/M95(aaaa), or P100(aacc)/M95(aaaa), was sufficient to uniquely identify all the varieties. Jaccard's genetic similarity index ranged from 0.108 to 0.756, indicating moderate to diverse relationships. Estimation of average proportion of fixed recessive AFLP loci indicated that most of the loci in variety `Chipchab' were fixed, whereas most of the loci in `Jamal Al-Dean' could be heterozygous and in-between in other varieties. Unweighted pair group method with arithmatic mean (UPGMA) analysis ordered the date palm varieties first into two broad groups at 27% similarity levels. One group consisted of seven varieties and the second group consisted of the remaining 11 varieties of date palm. These results showed that the AFLP technique is an efficient method for varietal identification and estimating genetic relationships in date palm.
Structure and Temperature Regulated Expression of a Cysteine Proteinase Gene in Pachysandra terminalis Sieb. & Zucc.
Authors: Zhou Suping , Sauve Roger , Chen Fur-Chi
Published: January 2019

A cysteine proteinase gene (DQ403257) with an open reading frame of 1125 base pairs was isolated from Pachysdandra terminalis. The primary translated peptide has a predicted length of 374 amino acids, pI (isoelectric point) of 5.70, and molecular mass of 40.9 kDa. The Peptidase_C1 domain is between residue 141 and 367. The proteinase has a conserved motif Gly-Xaa-Thy-Xaa-Phe-Xaa-Asn in the pro region. Sequence comparison shows that the deduced peptide shares 82% identity with the cysteine proteinase RD19a precursor (RD19) (accession P43296) from Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. Real-time quantitative reverse-transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction revealed that the gene is induced by treatments of 1 to 7 days of darkness, 2 hours and 3 to 7 days at 5 °C, and 3 days at 38 °C.
Hybridization and Self-compatibility in Celtis: AFLP Analysis of Controlled Crosses
Authors: Whittemore Alan T. , Townsend Alden M.
Published: January 2019

Artificial cross-pollinations were carried out among seven species of Celtis L. (C. bungeana Blume, C. koraiensis Nakai, C. laevigata Willd., C. occidentalis L., C. reticulata Torr., C. sinensis Pers., and C. tenuifolia Nutt.) to test the potential for interspecific hybridization in Celtis breeding. AFLP profiles were used to assess the ancestry of progeny. Hybrids formed very rarely among these seven species of Celtis: only two interspecific hybrids were obtained. Self-pollination occurred occasionally in non-emasculated trees. AFLP analysis yielded false paternal markers at a very low frequency, likely due to DNA methylation differences. Plants with unexpected paternal markers were confidently distinguished from hybrids by calculating the probability of obtaining the observed number of paternal markers by chance. The study clearly demonstrated the importance of using large numbers of markers.
Assessment of Host (Corylus sp.) Resistance to Eastern Filbert Blight in New Jersey
Authors: Capik John M. , Molnar Thomas J.
Published: January 2019

One hundred ninety clonal accessions of Corylus, including species and various interspecific hybrids of C. avellana, C. americana, C. heterophylla, C. colurna, and C. fargesii, were assessed for their response to field exposure to the eastern filbert blight (EFB) pathogen, Anisogramma anomala, in New Jersey, where the fungus is native. Plants were obtained from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service National Clonal Germplasm Repository and Oregon State University, the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, and the National Arbor Day Foundation. Additional plant material was acquired from the Morris and Holden Arboreta and from private nurseries in Amherst, NY, and Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada. The accessions were chosen based on their resistance to EFB in Oregon, a region where A. anomala is not native, or anecdotal reports and grower observations of tolerance or resistance to the disease. Trees were planted in the field from 2002 through 2009 in New Jersey where they were exposed to EFB yearly through field inoculations and natural spread. In Jan. 2012, they were visually evaluated for the presence of EFB. The cankers were measured, and the proportion of diseased wood was calculated for susceptible trees. Nearly all accessions reported to be resistant to EFB in Oregon maintained at least a useful level of tolerance in New Jersey with a number remaining free of cankers. However, several accessions developed small to medium-sized cankers and showed branch dieback, including offspring of C. avellana ‘Gasaway’. Most C. americana and C. heterophylla accessions remained free of EFB, although variation in EFB response was found in hybrids of these species with C. avellana, ranging from no signs or symptoms to severe EFB. Nearly half of the C. colurna × C. avellana hybrids developed cankers, whereas each of the C. fargesii accessions and most grower selections developed in eastern North America remained free of EFB. The results document the existence of a wide diversity of Corylus germplasm that expresses resistance or a high level of tolerance to EFB in New Jersey and confirms previous reports that C. americana is highly resistant to the disease. Interestingly, most C. heterophylla and the C. fargesii were also found to be resistant despite originating in Asia where A. anomala has not been found. The various interspecific hybrids show the potential for incorporating EFB resistance from wild species through breeding. The results provide further evidence of differences in disease expression in Oregon and New Jersey, where isolates differ and disease pressure may be higher.
Development of Genic Simple Sequence Repeat Panels for Population Classification of Chinese Cymbidium Species
Authors: Li Xiaobai , Li Weirui , Di Chenlu , Xie Ming , Jin Liang , Huang Cheng , Wu Dianxing
Published: January 2019

Chinese cymbidiums (Cymbidium sp.) are important ornamental plants because of their foliage, flower shape, and fragrance. Well-known Chinese cymbidiums mainly include Cymbidium goeringii, Cymbidium faberi, Cymbidium ensifolium, Cymbidium kanran, and Cymbidium sinense. The population genetics of Chinese cymbidiums can be efficiently analyzed using small-scale marker panels with high discriminatory power. In this study, we tested several genic simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and built six genic SSR panels. The panels included several robust markers, which can rapidly assign Chinese cymbidium accessions to their source species. Fifty-three accessions of Chinese cymbidiums were analyzed using 25 markers, which exhibited polymorphism among five species. These markers were ranked according to their discriminatory scores (D scores). The program selected six markers to build an “overall” panel for all Cymbidium classifications and yielded 95.16% population assignment accuracy. Considering one species as the “critical” population and the four other species as one population, we built five genic SSR panels: C. ensifolium panel (four markers, 98.05% accuracy), C. faberi panel (six markers, 95.90% accuracy), C. goeringii panel (six markers, 95.15% accuracy), C. sinense panel (six markers, 96.35% accuracy), and C. kanran panel (five markers, 96.10% accuracy). Genetic distance matrices calculated using the “overall” panels and those derived with the 25 markers were compared. Results showed a high correlation (R = 0.807) with statistical significance (P = 0.042). Moreover, “all panels” revealed higher genetic variations among populations than “all markers.” Hence, the developed panels are suitable for efficient population classification of Chinese cymbidiums.