bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Use of N-6-benzyladenine to Regulate Flowering of Phalaenopsis Orchids
Authors: Wu Po-Hung , Chang Doris C.N.
Published: December 2018

Phalaenopsis orchid (Phalaenopsis hybrids) is an important potted flower around the world. Programming phalaenopsis to bloom as needed and improving flower quality are important to increasing profitability. Whole plants were sprayed with 70 mg·L−1 N-6-benzyladenine (BA) at dusk on days 1 and 14 after subjecting them to a 26/18 °C treatment. The spiking percentage at week 4 after the start of the 26/18 °C treatment of phalaenopsis Luchia Pink ‘244’ control plants was 58% ± 12% (mean ± se), while 98% ± 4% of the BA-treated plants developed floral spikes. The number of flower spikes in phalaenopsis Luchia Pink ‘244’ and doritaenopsis orchid (Doritaenopsis hybrids) Taisico Firebird ‘OX’ increased from 1 to 1.2 flower spikes per plant and from 1.6 to 2 flower spikes per plant at the end of week 14, respectively. When whole plants were sprayed with 150 mg·L−1 BA at dusk on day 1 of cooling, the number of flower spikes in phalaenopsis Sogo Yukidian ‘V3’ increased from 1.3 to 2 flower spikes per plant, and the flower count in phalaenopsis Tai Lin Redangel ‘Queen’ increased from 10.4 to 14 flowers at the end of week 20. However, the flower longevity of phalaenopsis Sogo Yukidian ‘V3’ and phalaenopsis Tai Lin Redangel ‘Queen’ was not affected. However, phalaenopsis Luchia Pink ‘244’ sprayed with 70 mg·L−1 BA on days 1 and 14 resulted in deformed flower spikes. It is recommended that 14 to 16 weeks before specific festivals, the phalaenopsis orchids should be put into 26/18 °C and BA treatments (100–150 mg·L−1) at day 1 for commercial phalaenopsis orchids production. However, perhaps BA is not effective for all cultivars.
Initial Response of ‘Concord’ and ‘Sunbelt’ Grapes to Pruning and Fruit Thinning
Authors: Morris Justin , Main Gary , Threlfall Renee , Striegler Keith
Published: December 2018

Balanced, dormant hand pruning was compared with minimal and machine box-cut pruning with no fruit thinning, thinning at 27 to 45 days postbloom, or thinning at veraison on Vitis labruscana grape cultivars, Concord and Sunbelt. Weekly berry weights measured during the growing season showed that minimally pruned ‘Concord’ and ‘Sunbelt’ generally had lower berry weights than hand-pruned vines. Lag phase occurred 50 ± 7 days postbloom in ‘Concord’ and 58 ± 7 days postbloom in ‘Sunbelt’. The duration of harvest period was longer for ‘Concord’ than ‘Sunbelt’, and minimally pruned vines without thinning had the most delayed ripening regardless of cultivar or time of fruit thinning. The desired soluble solids of 17% for ‘Concord’ and 18% for ‘Sunbelt’ were achieved without differences in other fruit composition parameters on all treatments. Delaying harvest of minimally pruned vines without thinning by about 7 days was required to achieve the desired soluble solids. Pruning methods had more effect on yield components than time of thinning. At harvest, minimally pruned vines had lower cluster weights, berry weights, and yield per node compared with hand pruning in both cultivars and years. In terms of second year yield response, ‘Sunbelt’ was not as detrimentally impacted by machine and minimal pruning without thinning compared with ‘Concord’. Preliminary results indicate that machine and minimal pruning with and without thinning are viable alternatives to hand pruning for ‘Concord’ and ‘Sunbelt’ grapes in irrigated vineyards with warm, long growing seasons.
Exploring Ways to Enhance Student Learning During Study Abroad: Landscape Exploration of Brazil
Authors: Barton Susan , Bruck Jules , Nelson Chad
Published: December 2018

A study abroad trip to Brazil was conducted by the University of Delaware's Department of Plant and Soil Sciences in Jan. 2008 to study diverse ecosystems in three major regions: Mata Atlantica (Atlantic forest), Pantanal (wetland), and Amazon (rain forest). Students spent time in Cuiaba, Manaus, Brasilia, and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Different garden styles were studied throughout Brazil. Student learning occurred through student presentations, blog assignments, site visits, interaction with local contacts, observational exercises, reflection exercises, immediate feedback assessment test quizzes, cultural experiences, and a culminating project. Thirteen students attended the program with three faculty directors. Two courses were offered: Field Sketching of Landscape Subjects (PLSC 167) and Arts and Ecosystems (PLSC 267). Class goals were to understand the differences between ecosystems within Brazil and more familiar ecosystems in the mid-Atlantic United States; to learn how natural ecosystems inspire landscape design; and to become aware of major environmental issues in Brazil. An effective study abroad program not only exposes students to unique experiences, but also helps students use those experiences to change their perspectives and understanding. Because of the variety of human learning styles, offering a range of educational activities is important so that all students have an opportunity to respond favorably.
In-row Distance in Triploid Miniwatermelon Cultivars Affects Yield and Quality in Diverse Environments in the Southeastern United States
Authors: Hassell Richard L. , Schultheis Jonathan R. , Jester Wilfred R. , Olson Stephen M. , Miller Gilbert A.
Published: December 2018

The goals of these studies were to determine how miniwatermelon (Citrullus lanatus) cultivars differed and responded to plant in-row spacing in terms of percentage of marketable fruit and yields, and if plant spacing impacted internal fruit quality. Three genetically diverse triploid miniwatermelon cultivars (Mohican, Petite Perfection, and Xite) were selected. These cultivars were evaluated in field locations at northern Florida (Quincy), central South Carolina (Blackville), coastal South Carolina (Charleston), and eastern North Carolina (Kinston) at five within-row distances. Within-row distance included 9, 12, 15, 18, and 21 inches. All plots were15 ft long with row middles 9 ft apart. Fruit were categorized as marketable if they weighed between 3.1 and 9.0 lb per fruit. Within this range further categories were divided as follows: ≤3.0 lb (cull), 3.1 to 5.0 lb (small), 5.1 to 7.0 lb (average), 7.1 to 9.0 lb (large), and ≥9.1 lb (cull). There was a cultivar by location interaction, suggesting that the three cultivars responded differently at each of the four locations. ‘Petite Perfection’ was among the highest yielding at all locations except Quincy, where it was the lowest yielding cultivar. As with total yields, the percentage of marketable fruit was similar for some cultivars across locations. Cultivar Petite Perfection produced the highest percentage of marketable fruit at three of the four locations. The exception was the Quincy site where ‘Xite’ had the highest percentage of marketable fruit. Within-row plant distances and populations affected total marketable yield, both for fruit weight and number per plant, regardless of cultivar and location. As the plant population increased from eight plants per plot (21-inch in-row spacing) to 12 plants per plot (15-inch in-row spacing), total marketable miniwatermelon fruit yields increased in total fruit number as well as total weight. There was a cultivar by location interaction for the percentage of soluble solids and the rind thickness measurements, suggesting that some cultivars responded differently at each of the four locations. Quality effects were more apparent with ‘Mohican’ and ‘Xite’, as they were more responsive to location than ‘Petite Perfection’.
The Effects of Aminoethoxyvinylglycine and Naphthaleneacetic Acid Treatments on Abscission and Firmness of ‘Scarletspur Delicious’ Apples at Normal and Delayed Harvests
Authors: Unrath C.R. , Obermiller J.D. , Green A. , McArtney S.J.
Published: December 2018

The variation in natural fruit drop of ‘Scarletspur Delicious’/‘M.7’ (M.7) apple (Malus ×domestica) trees in a commercial orchard over a period of 11 consecutive years was visualized using box and whisker plots. Delaying harvest until 1 week after the normal harvest date resulted in fruit drop ranging from 2% to 33% depending on the year. The effects of aminoethoxyvinlyglycine (AVG) and naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) on fruit drop and fruit firmness at normal and delayed harvests was monitored each year. AVG and NAA programs tended to mitigate fruit drop most effectively in years when natural fruit drop was heavy. AVG delayed the loss of fruit firmness, whereas a preload NAA program delayed firmness loss in fruit that were harvested 3 weeks after the normal harvest date only. A standard NAA program for drop control did not accelerate softening of ‘Scarletspur Delicious’ during the first 3 weeks after the normal harvest date. Growers should closely monitor fruit maturity and stem loosening during the harvest window each year to minimize the risk of major losses due to fruit drop. When timely harvest is not possible, perhaps due to unforeseen weather events or constraints in labor availability, or poor management, then use of harvest management aids such as AVG or NAA becomes critical on cultivars prone to fruit drop.
Effects of Bifenthrin on Mycorrhizal Colonization and Growth of Corn
Authors: Corkidi Lea , Bohn Jeff , Evans Mike
Published: December 2018

The insecticide bifenthrin is a synthetic pyrethroid required by regulation for the production of nursery crops to suppress the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta) in Orange and Riverside counties in California. We conducted a greenhouse experiment to analyze the effects of different rates of bifenthrin on the growth and mycorrhizal colonization of ‘Silver Queen’ corn (Zea mays) inoculated with VAM 80®, a mycorrhizal inoculum with spores, hyphae, and root pieces colonized by Glomus spp., used to inoculate California native plants in containers. Corn was used because it is the standard indicator plant used for mycorrhizal inoculum potential assays and it is a good host for arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi propagation. The application of bifenthrin had no detrimental effects on mycorrhizal colonization of corn. There were no significant differences in the root length colonized by arbuscules, vesicles, or in the total percentage of mycorrhizal colonization obtained in the plants grown with the different bifenthrin rates 6 weeks after transplanting. However, there were significant interactions on the effects of bifenthrin and mycorrhizal colonization on plant growth. The addition of 12, 15, and 25 ppm of bifenthrin reduced corn biomass of nonmycorrhizal plants, but had no effect on the growth of mycorrhizal plants. There were no significant differences between the mycorrhizal and nonmycorrhizal plants grown with 0, 10, and 12 ppm of bifenthrin. In contrast, inoculation with VAM 80® increased the shoot dry weight of plants grown with 15 and 25 ppm of bifenthrin. This study showed that mycorrhizal colonization can be helpful to overcome some of the negative effects of bifenthrin on the growth of corn.
Rowcovers Improve Seedless Watermelon Yields in an Intensive Vegetable Production System
Authors: Marr Charles , Lamont Wm. J. , Allison Max
Published: December 2018

Using an intensive vegetable production system of grain-strip windbreaks, plastic-mulch-covered planting be& installed with drip irrigation tubing, and fertigation through the drip system, >67,000 lb/acre (75,000 kg·ha-1) of seedless watermelons were produced. A floating row cover increased the yield by 14,000 lb/acre (16,380 kg·ha-1) by increasing earliness. The row cover also improved initial transplant survival. Earliness and the additional income generated from improved production should provide economic justification to growers considering floating row covers.
Reactions by Consumers in a Farmers' Market to Prices for Seedless Watermelon and Ratings of Eating Quality
Authors: Marr Charles W. , Gast Karen L.B.
Published: December 2018

Consumers in six farmers' market locations in Kansas indicated that they would pay an additional 5¢ per pound for seedless watermelons. When asked to rate seeded and seedless melons on a 1 to 10 scale after tasting samples, consumers rated the seedless melon 7.35 and the seeded melon 7.01. There were no practical differences among the six locations studied. With the difficulties in growing seedless melons and greater costs of production, growers and marketers need to assess carefully the market potential for seedless watermelons and plan a merchandising strategy to differentiate seedless from seeded melons. Our studies indicated a slight eating quality preference for seedless melons.
Designing Consumer Horticulture Mass Media Programs for Efficiency
Authors: Relf Diane , Frank Mary , Hergert Tom
Published: December 2018

An effort has been made to minimize the time involved in production of consumer horticulture radio television, and newspaper columns on a state level, while maximizing quality and utilization. The production of The Virginia Gardener weekly radio program is an annual 4-day marathon ofrecording interviews with subject matter experts. The weekly Virginia Gardener vegetable gardening video series, originally produced for commercial television stations, has been re-issued for cable stations and re-edited for Master Gardener training. The weekly Virginia Gardener newspaper column is written from a computer data bank of press releases prepared in previous years for use by agents in local extension programs.
Farmer's Bookshelf: A Computerized Hypermedia Information System for Crops
Authors: Kobayashi Kent D. , Bittenbender H.C.
Published: December 2018

A computerized personal information management system has been developed to provide information on crop production and industry status to extension personnel and farmers. This hypermedia system, which links interrelated facts, enables the user to browse easily through a mass of information and access specific data rapidly.
Increasing Library Skills of Horticulture Students
Authors: Newman Steven E. , Ellsbury Susan H.
Published: December 2018

A library skills workbook was developed for horticulture students to provide them with instruction in the use of bibliographic research materials and services available to them from the university library system. The effectiveness of the library skills workbook was tested by comparing pre- and post-test scores of undergraduate and graduate students. International and national graduate students were compared. Graduate students scored higher on the pre-test than did undergraduates. Students from the United States scored higher than Asian students, but not higher than Latin American students. Students' knowledge of the library collection and layout were improved 21.3%; however, undergraduate students' knowledge increased 13% more than that of graduate students.
Quinine and Quinidine Production in the Americas
Authors: Dawson Ray F.
Published: December 2018

Quinine, oldest of the anti-malarials still in use, and quinidine, an anti-arrythmic, have been extracted from Cinchona bark since about 1823. Exploitation of natural stands of Cinchona in the Andes led to several attempts at plantation production. Of these, the most successful were in Netherlands Indonesia (Java). Just before World War II, a cooperative effort to develop technologies for successful cultivation of Cinchona in the western hemisphere was undertaken by the governments of the United States and Guatemala, a major pharmaceutical firm, and four Guatemalan coffee planters. Cultural requirements of this cloud-forest genus were ascertained, and selection of clones for superior yield and disease resistance was achieved. Guatemalan plantings continue production despite the excessively cyclic nature of the market.
Effect of Chemical Thinning Sprays on Apple Fruit Set
Authors: Byers R.E. , Carbaugh D.H.
Published: December 2018

Apple growers of different regions need different chemical fruit-thinning responses for thinning trees of different tree ages, cultural conditions, rootstocks, climates, and amounts of fruit removal desired. In this research, a range of chemical thinning responses was achieved by combinations of thinning materials or addition of potentiating agents. Superior oil, certain organic phosphates, and a light-absorbing agent (ferbam, a fungicide) increased the thinning of carbaryl. In addition, combinations of 50 or 200 ml 6-BA/liter + carbaryl + oil defruited `Campbell Redchief Delicious'/M.111 trees, and 50 ml 6-BA/liter alone over-thinned in one year (however, oil or 6-BA has been shown previously to cause russet in `Golden Delicious'). Carbaryl 50 WP and the 4L carbaryl formulations were equally effective for thinning `Golden Delicious', `Stayman', and `Redspur Delicious', and did not affect fruit russet. Three days of cloudy weather is typical at least once in most seasons in the eastern United States during the fruit set period. Two days of artificial polypropylene shading (92%) (which was nearly equivalent to 3 days of cloudy weather) caused more thinning of `Golden Delicious' and `Stayman' than carbaryl or 10 mg NAA/liter + Tween. Shading reduced viable seed numbers about 50% for `Golden Delicious' in fruit remaining at harvest, but chemical thinning agents (NAA or carbaryl) did not affect viable seed number.
High-density Planting in a Precision Cultural System for Vegetable Production
Authors: Bracy Regina P. , Parish R.L. , Mulkey W.A.
Published: December 2018

A cultural system consisting of precision seeding on shaped beds, followed by cultivation using mechanically guided equipment, was developed and evaluated with several vegetable crops. The precision cultural system allowed for growing the crops at high plant populations by using precision planting and exact cultivation of multiple narrow rows of plants on wide beds. Eight field experiments were conducted from 1987 to 1989 on broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis L.), cabbage (Bra&a oleracea var. capitata L.), mustard (Brassica juncea var. crispfolia L.), and spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) to evaluate production of these crops on single- and multiple-row configurations on narrow (1 -m) and wide (2-m) beds. The precision cultural system was assessed to be an excellent method for production of the small-seeded crops that were tested. Yield was highest for cabbage, mustard, and spinach planted in six rows on 2-m beds compared with four-, two-, or one-row beds. Multiple-row configurations did offer yield advantages over the single-row configuration for broccoli production.
Seed Coating: A Tool for Stand Establishment; a Stimulus to Seed Quality
Authors: Kaufman Glen
Published: December 2018

Seeds are coated for ease of handling, singulation, precise placement, and the incorporation of beneficial chemicals or microbials. Coated seeds are accepted widely as a standard product for many crops. Quality demands for seed suitable for coating have improved knowledge of physiological seed quality. Higher, better-defined quality standards in the seed and coating industry, combined with additional quality demand for enhanced seed, will continue to improve stand establishment potential for growers.
Olive Cultivars in Spain
Authors: Barranco Diego , Rallo Luis
Published: December 2018

The diversity and antiquity of the cultivars, their restricted distribution and the limited use of rootstocks characterize cultivated olive (Olea europaea L.) plant material in Spain. An exploration survey identified 262 different cultivars, which have been introduced in the Olive Germplasm Bank in Córdoba, Spain. Evaluation of this germplasm, field trials and a breeding program are in progress.
Improved Germination of American Ginseng Seeds Under Controlled Environments
Authors: Li Thomas S.C. , Bedford K.E. , Sholberg P.L.
Published: December 2018

Traditionally, American ginseng (Panax quinquefolium L.) seeds are stratified for 18 to 22 months, before seeding, in a sandbox buried outdoors in late August or early September. Uncontrolled fluctuating temperature and moisture levels and the presence of pathogenic organisms in the seed box can cause seeds to sprout prematurely, rot, dry out and die. A study was initiated to shorten the lengthy stratification period, and to increase seed viability and percentage of germination by stratifying seeds indoors under a controlled environment. Seeds were subjected to various periods of warm [15 or 20 °C (59 or 68 °F)] and cold [2 °C (35.6 °F)] temperature stratification regimes in growth chambers. Embryo growth and viability, and seed moisture content were tested periodically during stratification. The best warm regime for embryo development, seed viability and germination after subsequent cold treatment was 15 °C (59 °F). The first “split” seeds, indicating incipient germination, were observed after 3 months of warm [15 °C (59 °F)] and 4 months of cold [2 °C (35.6 °F)] treatment, when average embryo length reached 6 mm (0.24 inch). Greenhouse germination of stratified seeds was as high as 80%. The results from this study indicate that good germination is possible when ginseng seeds are stratified indoors under a controlled environment and seeds can be made to germinate at any time of the year.
Nitrogen Partitioning in Apple Trees as Affected by Application Time
Authors: Toselli Moreno , Zavalloni Costanza , Marangoni Bruno , Flore James A.
Published: December 2018

15Nitrogen-ammonium nitrate was applied to four `Mutsu' apple (Malus ×domestica Borkh.) trees 40 days before harvest of 1996 (summer supplied nitrogen, SUN) and four others at full bloom in 1997 (spring supplied nitrogen, SPN) to evaluate the effect of application timing on N partitioning in mature trees. At leaf fall the largest amount of SUN was partitioned to roots and 2- to 4-year-old wood; the largest amount of SPN was partitioned to fruit and leaves and only a small amount detected in the roots. SUN did not increase N concentration in fruit or modify fruit firmness and soluble solids concentration, although it contributed to building up N reserves in the perennial woody organs. In 1997, as a result of the different timings of N supply, two sources of labeled N were distinguished and monitored in the vegetative organs: 1) the remobilized N, taken up in summer of 1996, stored in winter and then translocated to the growing tissues; 2) the newly absorbed N, taken up and moved to the canopy after the 1997 spring supply. Both fractions of remobilized and newly uptaken labeled N contributed to leaf and fruit N. Remobilized 15N was provided principally by roots which, from August to leaf fall, decreased their percentage of 15N by ≈18%, replacing the labeled with unlabeled N to maintain a constant concentration of total N.
The Effect of Trichoderma harzianum and Arbuscular Mycorrhizae on Fusarium Root Rot in Asparagus
Authors: Arriola Laura L. , Hausbeck Mary K. , Rogers John , Safir Gene R.
Published: December 2018

Commercially available biocontrol agents Trichoderma harzianum Rifai and the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Glomus intraradices Schenck and Smith were tested for their efficacy in controlling fusarium root rot in potted asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) seedlings. High and low concentrations of Fusarium oxysporum (Schlect.) emend. Snyd. & Hans. f. sp. asparagi Cohen & Heald (FOA) were combined with G. intraradices and/or T. harzianum treatments. In both experiments included in this study, T. harzianum and G. intraradices alone and in combination effectively reduced root rot caused by FOA when asparagus seedlings were grown in low levels of FOA-infested medium. When seedlings were grown in high levels of FOA-infested medium, the combination of T. harzianum + G. intraradices significantly increased dry shoot mass and limited root rot compared to the control.
Effect of Soil Mulches and Herbicides on Production Economics of Warm Season Vegetable Crops in a Cool Climate
Authors: Waterer D.R.
Published: December 2018

The efficacy and cost efficiency of using various plastic soil mulches in the production of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.), corn (Zea mays L.) and muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) were examined over four growing seasons in Saskatchewan, Canada. Clear mulch with or without preemergent herbicides was compared with black or wavelength selective mulches. In all three crops, mulches enhanced yields relative to bare ground in most site-year combinations. Clear mulch usually produced the highest yields. Herbicides applied under the clear plastic provided effective weed control with no observable changes in product efficacy or toxicity to the crop. The weed control provided by the herbicides had no effect on yields in the clear mulch treatments. Consequently, clear mulch without added herbicide usually represented the most cost-effective production option for all three crops.
Onion Storage Decomposition Unaffected by Late-season Irrigation Reduction
Authors: Shock Clinton C. , Feibert Erik B.G. , Saunders Lamont D.
Published: December 2018

Long-day onion (Allium cepa L.) `Vision' was submitted to four soil water potential (SWP) treatments using subsurface drip irrigation in 1997 and 1998. Onions were grown on two double rows spaced 22 inches (56 cm) apart on 44-inch (112-cm) beds with a drip tape buried 5 inches (13 cm) deep in the bed center. SWP was maintained at four levels by automated, high frequency irrigations based on SWP measurements at an 8-inch (20-cm) depth. The check treatment had SWP maintained at -20 cbar (kPa) during the entire season. The other three treatments had SWP maintained at -20 cbar until 15 July, then reduced to -30, -50, or -70 cbar. Reducing the SWP level after 15 July below -20 cbar failed to reduce onion bulb decomposition in storage, but reduced colossal onion yield in 1997, and marketable and total yield in 1998.
Weed Suppression for Container-grown Willow Oak Using Copper-treated Fabric Disks
Authors: Appleton Bonnie L. , French Susan C.
Published: December 2018

A commercially available copper-treated disk was evaluated for its effect on weed suppression for container-grown willow oak (Quercus phellos L.). No weeds grew in containers where disks were used. All trees grown without disks or preemergent herbicide were dead within 6 months. Top dry weights were greater for trees grown with disks or preemergence herbicide, but root dry weights were not different.
Economics of Using Soybean Oil to Reduce Peach Freeze Damage and Thin Fruit
Authors: Pendergrass Robert , Roberts Roland K. , Deyton Dennis E. , Sams Carl E.
Published: December 2018

Using soybean oil to control insect pests, delay bloom, and thin fruit in peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] production could reduce yield losses and fruit thinning costs compared to the current practice of using petroleum oil spray to control insect pests alone. The higher annua cost of soybean oil spray compared to petroleum oil spray was more than offset by higher average annual revenue from increased peach yields and lower thinning costs. At one location, soybean oil to delay bloom and thin fruit unambiguously reduced production risk. At another location, both mean and variance of returns were higher, but a lower coefficient of variation suggested lower relative risk for the soybean oil spray alternative. Risk resulting from the unanticipated influence of weather and mismanagement on the effectiveness of soybean oil spray were not considered in this analysis. More research is needed to hone in on the optimum soybean oil spray rates under alternative environmental and management conditions.
Herbaceous Perennial Trials in Central Alabama, 1996-97
Authors: Kessler J. Raymond , Sibley Jeff L. , Behe Bridget K. , Quinn Darby M. , Bannon James S.
Published: December 2018

Fifty-seven herbaceous perennials were evaluated from July 1996 to October 1997 in USDA Hardiness Zone 8. Plants in this study generally performed better the first year after planting than the second year. Several selections did not reemerge the second year, though some natural reseeding occurred. Still other selections never fully recovered from the winter months or succumbed to stress in the summer. Plants that maintained an attractive foliage display while not in bloom and plants that had a high bloom rating during the bloom season are worth incorporating into a full sun perennial or mixed border in the southeastern United States. Performance of perennials in the landscape may vary from year to year as climatic conditions affect performance. Comparison of results from variety trials at other locations should help increase performance information reliability for perennial selection.
The Importance of School Gardens as Perceived by Florida Elementary School Teachers
Authors: Skelly Sonja M. , Bradley Jennifer C.
Published: December 2018

While gardening is the number one hobby in the United States, elementary schools are just beginning to explore the use of school gardens as a means to enhance classroom learning. School gardens can reinforce classroom instruction by offering opportunities for experiential learning. The benefits of experiential learning allow for a better understanding of concepts as the hands-on approach provides meaningful and tangible experiences. While many teachers have anecdotally attested to the benefits of school gardens, there is little empirical evidence documenting their impact. In Fall 1997, the University of Florida hosted a competition for the best elementary school garden in Florida. Results from a research questionnaire completed by participating teachers indicated that teachers used school gardens infrequently, with the majority using the garden as an instructional tool no more than 10% of the time. Many teachers did, however, indicate that school gardens were used for environmental education (97.1%) and experiential learning (72.9%), and 84.3 % of teachers said that related activities enhanced student learning. Findings also indicate that the teachers surveyed had relatively new gardens and teachers lacked, or were unaware of educational resources to assist with garden learning. This paper describes and interprets the results of the teacher questionnaire.
The Effect of Interior Planting on Health and Discomfort among Workers and School Children
Authors: Fjeld Tove
Published: December 2018

Plants are widely used in building environments; however, studies reporting the health and discomfort symptoms of people in response to indoor foliage plants are few. The objective of the presented studies was to assess the effect of foliage plants or a combination of foliage plants and full-spectrum fluorescent lamps on self-reported health and discomfort complaints in three different work environments: an office building, an X-ray department in a Norwegian hospital, and a junior high school. Health and discomfort symptoms were found to be 21% to 25% lower during the period when subjects had plants or plants and full-spectrum lighting present compared to a period without plants. Neuropsychological symptoms, such as fatigue and headache, and mucous membrane symptoms, such as dry and hoarse throat, seemed to be more affected by the treatments than skin symptoms, such as itching skin.
Reported Impacts of Interior Plantscaping in Office Environments in the United States
Authors: Pearson-Mims Caroline H. , Lohr Virginia I.
Published: December 2018

Interiorscaping has been prevalent in office environments in the United States since the 1960s. Historically, proponents of interior plantings have cited numerous benefits, including improved employee morale, increased productivity, and reduced absenteeism when plants are added to the workplace, despite little scientific research to support these claims. Contemporary research is beginning to document some of these purported benefits of interior plantings on human comfort, well-being, and productivity. If researchers continue to provide concrete evidence that interaction with plants is directly linked to improved human health and well-being, this information will provide further justification for the use of interior plants in a variety of indoor work settings. With an ever-increasing emphasis by business managers on minimizing costs, it is important for industry professionals to provide quantifiable justification for the inclusion of plants in modern work environments.
Social Science Methodologies for Studying Individuals' Responses in Human Issues in Horticulture Research
Authors: Shoemaker Candice A. , Relf Paula Diane , Lohr Virginia I.
Published: December 2018

Many of the research questions that have been posed regarding the effects of plants on people can only be answered using methodologies from the social sciences. Lack of familiarity with these methods and their underlying concepts has limited the role that horticulturists have taken in this research. Horticulturists, because of their particular sensitivity to the various aspects of plants and the nature of the ways that people interact with plants, must be involved in this type of research to generate the information that is needed by horticultural industries. This paper reviews many of the common methods that have been used in research on human issues in horticulture and presents examples of studies that have been conducted using these techniques. Quantitative and qualitative methods are discussed.
Descriptions and a Key to Cultivars of Japanese Cedar Cultivated in the Eastern United States
Authors: Rouse Robert J. , Fantz Paul R. , Bilderback Ted E.
Published: December 2018

Japanese cedar, Cryptomeria japonica (Thunb. ex L.f.) D. Don [Cupressaceae Bartling, formerly assigned to Taxodiaceae Warm.] is increasing in popularity as a landscape plant in the eastern United States. A taxonomic study of cultivars grown in the eastern United States was conducted. Forty-five cultivars were recognized. Each cultivar bears synonymy, a quantitative morphological description newly described from field data, herbarium vouchers, references to original literature and observational notes. A glossary of taxonomic terms relevant to Cryptomeria is presented. A taxonomic key is presented for segregation of cultivars that should assist professional plantsmen in identification of taxa cultivated in the eastern United States.
An Inquiry-based Approach to Teaching Plant Physiology
Authors: Joly Robert J. , Woodson W.R.
Published: December 2018

The principles of plant physiology are best learned in an environment where students are directly engaged in the process of scientific inquiry. Working from this assumption, we have developed a two-stage approach to laboratory instruction that fosters student-directed research within an undergraduate plant physiology course. During the first 10 weeks of a 16-week semester, students develop competency in measuring physiological variables by using an array of standard analytical techniques. A core set of 10 laboratory experiments provides structured instruction and teaches the principles of modern physiological analyses. During week 11, students observe a demonstration of a plant response, where the underlying cause of the phenomenon is not evident. Working together in groups of three or four, students hypothesize on the physiological mechanisms that may be involved. After submitting a statement of hypothesis and a plan of study, each group then requests the necessary instrumentation, plant material and greenhouse and/or growth chamber space to conduct their experiments. Results of their experimentation are presented during week 15 in both written and oral formats. The approach appears to help students to integrate and connect learnings from earlier in the semester to solve a defined problem. Further, students learn how to judge the reliability of experimental results and to evaluate whether conclusions drawn are justified by the data.
Characterization of Suburban Nitrogen Fertilizer and Water Use on Residential Turf in Cary, North Carolina
Authors: Osmond Deanna L. , Platt Jennifer L.
Published: December 2018

A door-to-door survey was conducted in Cary, N.C., to determine suburban fertilizer and water use characteristics. The random survey of 300 households represented 1% of Cary households. Results from the survey demonstrated that few individuals used fertilizer on their driveways and sidewalks to melt ice and snow. Almost 90% of all residents applied fertilizer or used lawn care companies. Most residents or lawn care companies failed to sweep impervious surfaces after fertilizing. Most homeowners applied nitrogen fertilizer at a rate within North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service recommendations. Water use for landscaping related directly to summer drought conditions. Households with installed sprinkler systems used about twice as much water on their lawns as did residences with moveable sprinkler systems.
Can Computer-assisted Instruction Be Used by Students for Woody Plant Identification?
Authors: Kahtz Anthony W.
Published: December 2018

The cognitive learning style theory of field dependence and independence was used to examine the academic achievement of students using a computer assisted instruction (CAI) program in a woody plant identification course. The Group Embedded Figures Test (GEFT) was used to determine the students' level of field dependence and independence. Students were blocked and randomly assigned to experimental or control groups. Participants in the experimental group used a nonlinear drill and tutorial type of CAI program as a partial laboratory substitute. The CAI program had no influence relative to traditional laboratories upon either field dependent or field independent students' long term memory of course material. However, the CAI program was of equal benefit to field dependent and independent students' academic achievement. Qualitative interviews were also conducted to assess the effect of the CAI program. Data indicated that field dependent students benefited from the CAI program as a presentation source of recall cues in the reviewing of course material, but not for the initial acquisition of knowledge. Field independent students may be able to use the CAI program to initially acquire knowledge, but its best usage may be as a method of presenting recall cues to refresh their memory. These results showed that the CAI program could be used as a partial laboratory substitute for traditional woody plant identification laboratories with no adverse effect upon student academic achievement, regardless of their level of field dependency.
Pursuing Precision Horticulture with the Internet and a Spreadsheet
Authors: Righetti Timothy L. , Halbleib Michael D.
Published: December 2018

Agriculture is changing. State-of-the-art computer systems that use GPS (global positioning systems) data, GIS (geographic information systems) software, remotely sensed images, automated sampling, and information analysis systems are transforming growers' ability to produce their crops. Currently, the farm service and agricultural sales industry, rather than the grower direct most information technology applications. Precision agriculture must become an information-driven and grower-driven process. Data evaluation has to be made simpler, less time consuming, and inexpensive. The purpose of this paper is to outline potential strategies and demonstrate how information can be processed and evaluated with readily available and inexpensive analytical tools.
Geographic Variation of White Pine Blister Rust Aeciospore Infection Efficiency and Incubation Period
Authors: McDonald Geral I.
Published: December 2018

Frequency of infection, main effects and interactions among four geographic sources of white pine blister rust (WPBR) (Cronartium ribicola J.C. Fisch.) and 10 Ribes-sites (Ribes L. specie × site combinations) was investigated using leaf disk assay. Two clones, one of R. hudsonianum (Dougl.) Jancz. and one of R. viscosissimum Prush., were not infected by any sources of WPBR. One clone of R. viscosissimum that was not infected by two sources of WPBR was susceptible to the other sources. Highly significant WPBR sourc × Ribes-site analysis of variance interaction for incubation period and infection efficiency precluded testing main effects. Profile plots of incubation period interaction means showed orderly interaction by all WPBR sources and plots of infection efficiency showed that aggressively virulent WPBR from Oregon (Champion Mine) ranked near or at the bottom for infection efficiency for all Ribes-sites. Meanwhile, aggressively virulent WPBR from Idaho (Merry Creek) ranked near the bottom for infection efficiency when inoculated onto Ribes obtained from the Cascade Mountains but switched to the highest ranking when inoculated onto Ribes obtained from Idaho. Geographic interaction of white pine blister rust and Ribes for incubation period and infection efficiency may help to explain geographic patterns recently observed in WPBR molecular markers.
White Pine Blister Rust in Vermont: Past, Present, and Concerns for the Future
Authors: Bergdahl D.R. , Teillon H.B.
Published: December 2018

White pine blister rust (WPBR) (Cronartium ribicola J. C. Fischer) has been present in Vermont and other northeastern states since the early 1900s. The fungus is commonly observed on currants and gooseberries (Ribes L.) every year, but incidence varies on eastern white pine (Pinus strobus L.). Our general impression has been that Vermont has had a relatively low level of infection on eastern white pines; however, we recently found rust incidence in Christmas tree plantings in northern Vermont to range from 10 to 42% (average 20%) based on 721 trees surveyed. Also, in pole-sized stands in southern Vermont, incidence ranged from 12 to 46% (average 32%) and 76% of these trees had main stem infections. In the southern survey, 98% of wild ribes plants had varied amounts of both urediniospores and teliospores. These preliminary survey data suggest that incidence of WPBR may be more significant than previously thought and therefore, additional survey work is needed. We screened cultivars of Ribes for susceptibility to WPBR. Eighteen cultivars were inoculated in the field with a mass collection of aeciospores of C. ribicola. The percentages of leaf area infected ranged from 0 to 49 for the urediniospore stage and from 0 to 55 for teliospores. The gooseberry (Ribes uva-crispa L.) `Welcome' had the highest percentage of leaf area with urediniospores, while black currants (R. nigrum L.) `Coronet,' `Consort,' and `Crusader' had no visible infection. Presently, Vermont has no WPBR regulations. However, previous federal laws did restrict black currant cultivation. Little is known about the genetic diversity of WPBR or its potential for change. Caution must be used when considering any cultivation of Ribes for the purpose of producing fruit because our valued white pine resources could be negatively impacted.
Evaluating White Pine Blister Rust Resistance in Ribes after Artificial Inoculation
Authors: Zambino Paul J.
Published: December 2018

Artificially inoculated single-leaf cuttings and small plants consistently differentiated european black currant (Ribes nigrum L.) cultivars susceptible to white pine blister rust (WPBR; Cronartium ribicola J.C. Fisch.) from immune cultivars carrying the Cr resistance gene. Black currant cultivars Consort, Crusader, and Titania showed no signs of infection with any of 21 strains of WPBR, suggesting that strains able to overcome immunity conferred by the Cr resistance gene, if they exist, are uncommon in North America. However, in red currant (Ribes rubrum L.), two sources of material presumed to represent the immune cultivar Viking showed no resistance to infection. All rust strains infected and sporulated as if the cultivar were fully susceptible, casting doubt on the true identity of available sources of `Viking'.
State Regulation of Ribes to Control White Pine Blister Rust
Authors: McKay Steven
Published: December 2018

Recent interest in expanding commercial currant and gooseberry (Ribes L.) plantings in the United States has put pressure on the states with Ribes restrictions to review their regulations. A meeting on 9 January 1998 initiated discussion between the state agriculture regulatory agencies, forest pathologists, and horticulturists. Since then a white pine blister rust (WPBR), Cronartium ribicola J.C. Fischer) World Wide Web (Web) site (McKay, 1998) and list serve have been activated to facilitate communication. Vermont is a state that has no regulations on the books at this time. Connecticut and New York also have mentioned that infection rates are low. Maine retains a Ribes reduction program, and Massachusetts is strictly enforcing their regulations. The following summarizes the general consensus among the majority of regulating states: 1) It is desirable to find a way for both white pines (Pinus L.) and commercial Ribes plantings to coexist. 2) More research is needed to survey existing Ribes and pines, the potential impact of commercial plantings versus the impact of existing Ribes, and the potential impact of escape /volunteer seedlings from immune Ribes cultivars. 3) There is interest in permitting immune Ribes cultivars to be planted. 4) There is interest in having consistency in regulations from state to state.
Ribes: A View from the Other Side
Authors: Mashburn Ed
Published: December 2018

In North America for many years the commonly held solution to white pine blister rust (Cronartium ribicola J.C. Fischer) (WPBR) was to eradicate all currants and gooseberries (Ribes L.). That approach was tried to no avail. Can currants and gooseberries be successfully grown in North America? You bet they can! Vast areas of the United States and Canada are ideal for Ribes production. Black currants (Ribes nigrum L.) are a processed fruit and production may compare to that of grain. Many of the areas that presently grow other berries could easily grow Ribes. The main barriers for production in North America are state restrictions and the availability of up-to-date information and data for growers, processors, legislators and the consuming public. I suggest that this conference and the people herein form that task group and initiate the cooperative dialogue and set forth a process to approach the WPBR problem in a holistic manner.
Field Evaluation of Resistance to White Pine Blister Rust of Selected Blackcurrant Genotypes in Poland
Authors: Pluta Stanislaw , Broniarek-Niemiec Agata
Published: December 2018

Field resistance to white pine blister rust (WPBR) (Cronartium ribicola J. C. Fischer) was investigated on 53 black currant (Ribes nigrum L.) genotypes (cultivars and breeding selections) in 1998 and 1999. Uredia did not form on the black currant `Titania' and 17 advanced selections during field evaluations made at the Experimental Orchard at Dabrowice, near Skierniewice, Poland.
Evaluation of Virus Resistant Squash and Interaction with Reflective and Nonreflective Mulches
Authors: Boyhan George E. , Brown James E. , Channel-Butcher Cynthia , Perdue Virginia K.
Published: December 2018

A 3-year study to evaluate mulch type (reflective and black) and new virus resistant summer squash (Cucurbita pepo L.) varieties was undertaken. In the first year of the study (1996), in Shorter, Ala., under slight virus pressure, silver painted mulch suppressed virus symptoms through the final evaluation 2 months after planting. In addition, virus symptoms were significantly more prevalent on `Dixie' compared to `Supersett', `Tigress', `HMX 5727', `Jaguar', `Destiny III', and `Prelude II'. In the second year (1997), two different experiments were conducted in Savannah, Ga., where there was no virus pressure. In the first experiment at the Savannah location, `Tigress' and `HMX 6704' had significantly higher yields than `Destiny III', `Prelude II', `Puma', `Jaguar', `Meigs', `Dixie', and `Supersett'. In the second Savannah experiment, `Prelude II' and `Destiny III' had significantly higher yields than `Zucchini Elite', `Supersett', `HMX 6704', and `Jaguar'. In 1998 at Shorter, there was no difference in virus incidence based on mulch used. Although there were differences in virus incidence among varieties, the lowest incidence was 70% of plants infected for `Prelude II'. In addition to field evaluations, these varieties were evaluated for resistance to zucchini yellow mosaic virus under greenhouse conditions. Varieties HMX 7710, HMX 6704, Puma, Tigress, Prelude II, Jaguar, and Destiny III were significantly more resistant compared to varieties Zucchini Elite, Meigs, Supersett, and Dixie. In conclusion, reflective mulch was effective only under slight virus pressure.