bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Exogenous Application of Plant Growth Regulators on Growth, Yield, and In Vitro Gynogenesis in Cucumber
Authors: Tantasawat Piyada Alisha , Sorntip Atitaya , Pornbungkerd Paniti
Published: February 2019

The effects of exogenous application of plant growth regulators (PGRs) were evaluated on both field performance and in vitro gynogenesis of ‘Chai Lai’ and ‘Big C’ cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). Plants were sprayed with two concentrations of N6-furfuryladenine [kinetin (KIN); 2 and 20 ppm], 2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid (TIBA; 1 and 10 ppm), naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA; 10 and 100 ppm), abscisic acid (ABA; 2 and 20 ppm), thidiazuron (TDZ; 1 and 10 ppm), and maleic hydrazide (MH; 10 and 100 ppm) to assess their effects on vegetative growth and floral and yield related traits in the Winter of 2013 and in the Summer of 2014 compared with distilled water control. Meanwhile, the effects of two PGRs (KIN and TIBA) on cucumber gynogenesis were also investigated in vitro. Growth parameters and floral and yield-related traits were significantly affected by the various PGRs in both cultivars during both seasons. In both cultivars, the highest yield was obtained with the application of 10 ppm NAA during the Winter of 2013 (1.5- to 1.8-fold over control) and with 1 ppm TIBA during the Summer of 2014 (2.1- to 2.2-fold over control). With regard to the ovary culture response, exogenous application of KIN and TIBA on floral buds tended to enhance callus formation in ‘Chai Lai’ cultured on I7 medium, whereas no effect was observed in ‘Big C’. The embryo-like structure (ELS) formation efficiencies also tended to increase with 2 and 20 ppm KIN and 1 ppm TIBA application in ‘Chai Lai’ and with 20 ppm KIN and 1 ppm TIBA application in ‘Big C’ when cultured on I7 medium. Nevertheless, TIBA at high concentrations (10 ppm) decreased the percentages of ELS formation and the number of ELSs/piece in both cultivars. These results suggest that the polar auxin transport may play a major role on growth, floral and yield-related traits, yield as well as in vitro gynogenesis in cucumber. However, the success of exogenous applications of these PGRs depended on several factors including plant genotypes, growing seasons, types and concentrations of PGRs, and for ovary culture, the responses also varied according to the induction media used. Chemical names: abscisic acid (ABA); maleic hydrazide (MH); naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA); N6-furfuryladenine (kinetin; KIN); thidiazuron (TDZ); 2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid (TIBA).
Physiological and Biochemical Processes of Magnolia wufengensis in Response to Foliar Abscisic Acid Application during Natural Cold Acclimation
Authors: Yang Yang , Jia Zhongkui , Chen Faju , Sang Ziyang , Ma Luyi
Published: February 2019

The rare species Magnolia wufengensis frequently suffers from freezing injury in northern China. To investigate the influence of exogenous abscisic acid (ABA) application on the natural cold acclimation of M. wufengensis, physiological and biochemical changes in field-grown M. wufengensis seedlings subjected to foliar ABA treatments at four concentrations (0, 300, 600, and 900 mg·L−1) were evaluated from Sept. 2012 to Jan. 2013. The optimum foliar application concentrations of ABA for M. wufengensis were between 600 and 900 mg·L−1, which led to faster shoot growth cessation, leaf senescence, and development rates of bud endodormancy level and shoot freezing tolerance. The improved freezing tolerance under exogenous ABA application was associated with promoted dehydration and accumulation of proline, soluble protein, and certain soluble sugars such as glucose and fructose. Foliar ABA treatments initiated a cascade of steps for advancing the cold acclimation process of M. wufengensis. We suggest that exogenous ABA application may be used on M. wufengensis grown in northern China, where there are short growing seasons and early fall frost events.
Carbon Footprint and Production Costs Associated with Varying the Intensity of Production Practices During Field-grown Shrub Production
Authors: Hall Charles R. , Ingram Dewayne L.
Published: February 2019

This research uses a life cycle analysis and economic engineering approach to determine the costs and global warming potential (GWP) of production and post-production practices associated with Taxus ×media ‘Densiformis’, which is often grown using a more capital-intensive regime during the propagative and harvesting stages than the typical field-grown shrub. Total variable costs incurred during the rooted cutting stage were slightly over $0.24 per marketable rooted cutting. This was made up of $0.1966, $0.032, and $0.0127 for labor, materials, and equipment operating costs, respectively. The GWP of materials and equipment used during the rooted cutting stage of production was 0.0097 and 0.2762 kg CO2 equivalent (CO2e), respectively. Equipment costs in this phase were predominantly from heating the greenhouse (92%) and the greenhouse heating functions comprised 95% of the rooting cutting GWP. GWP during the post-farm gate stage was 2.4506 kg CO2e per marketable shrub but was offset by 12.5522 kg CO2 being sequestered in the shrub during its time in the landscape and weighted over the 100-year assessment period, leaving a net GWP of –8.1824 kg CO2e per marketable shrub by the end of the life cycle. Total takedown and disposal costs (labor) after an assumed 50-year life in the landscape were $9.0610. During the entire life cycle from cutting to landscape to takedown and disposal, total variable costs incurred were $17.9856 per shrub. These findings are consistent with previous studies in that the GWP is positive when considering the entire life cycle of the shrub from propagation to eventual removal from the landscape. Knowing the carbon footprint of production and distribution components of field-grown shrubs will help nursery managers understand the environmental costs associated with their respective systems and evaluate potential system modifications to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Effects of Fertilization on Media Chemistry and Quercus rubra Seedling Development under Subirrigation
Authors: Bumgarner Mindy L. , Salifu K. Francis , Mickelbart Michael V. , Jacobs Douglass F.
Published: February 2019

Excessive fertilization may induce physiological drought and/or ion toxicity, which can reduce growth or cause mortality in cultured plants. Although nursery subirrigation produces stock of forest trees of equal or better quality to conventional overhead irrigation, detailed analyses of fertilization responses specific to these systems are lacking. We evaluated the effects of fertility applied as a 15N–9P–12K controlled-release fertilizer at rates equivalent to 0, 1.2, 1.8, 2.4, 3.0, or 3.6 g nitrogen (N) per plant on media properties and northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) seedling development grown with subirrigation. Aboveground plant growth and nutrient content of seedlings increased up to 1.8 g N/plant but declined at higher rates and total mortality occurred for treatments of 2.4 to 3.6 g N/plant by the end of cultivation. Root biomass generally declined with increasing fertilization. Media electrical conductivity (EC) increased with increasing fertility, particularly in the upper media layers, where values exceeded 3.0 dS·m−1 at the highest rates. Fertilization had little effect on media pH. Predawn leaf water potential and osmotic potential (ψS) were reduced at high nutrient applications. Thus, increasing fertility beyond ≈1.8 g N/plant in this subirrigation system apparently resulted in accumulation of excessive fertilizer salts in media and/or ion toxicity, which caused plant mortality. Because subirrigation systems are prone to persistence of residual fertilizer salts in the medium and holding tanks, fertilization prescriptions must be carefully tailored to species and cultural systems to prevent potential for plant damage associated with overfertilization.
Nutrient Removal from Olive Trees by Fruit Yield and Pruning
Authors: Fernández-Escobar Ricardo , Sánchez-Zamora Miguel A. , García-Novelo Jorge M. , Molina-Soria Concepción
Published: February 2019

The determination of nutrient removal from olive orchards could be of interest to estimate tree consumption and to provide information about the amount of nutrients to be applied when leaf analysis indicates the need for fertilization. In this work, nutrient removal from yield and pruning was determined from the control plots of two olive orchards located in different locations, in which two long-term experiments dealing with nitrogen fertilization were conducted. The trees from these plots received only potassium fertilizers during the 7 years of the experiments, because the previous season’s leaf analysis showed that the other nutrients were always above the threshold of sufficiency. Potassium was the most abundant element in the harvested fruits with an average of 4.42 g·kg−1 fresh fruit, which represents more than 50% of the mineral composition of the olive fruit, whereas calcium was the more abundant element in the pruning material with an average of 12.0 g·kg−1 and 6.87 g·kg−1, depending on the location, which represents more than 50% of the mineral composition of the pruning material. Nitrogen was the second more abundant element in both fruits (2.87 g·kg−1) and pruning material (6.87 and 5.40 g·kg−1, depending on the location), representing ≈35% of the mineral composition of both fruit and pruning material. The other nutrients were removed only in very small amounts. Expressed per hectare, the amounts of nutrients removed annually were: 57.9 kg·ha−1 per year calcium (Ca), 54.4 kg·ha−1 per year nitrogen (N), 45.5 kg·ha−1 per year potassium (K), 6.87 kg·ha−1 per year phosphorus (P), 3.79 kg·ha−1 per year magnesium (Mg), 0.12 kg·ha−1 per year copper (Cu), 0.11 kg·ha−1 per year boron (B), 0.08 kg·ha−1 per year manganese, and 0.05 kg·ha−1 per year zinc (Zn). These data show that olive trees remove small amounts of nutrients and, therefore, the need for fertilization is relatively low.
Age-related Changes in Response of Highbush Blueberry Plants to Drip Irrigation
Authors: Ehret David L. , Frey Brenda , Forge Tom , Helmer Tom , Bryla David R.
Published: February 2019

A study was conducted in the Fraser Valley of British Columbia, Canada, to determine the effects of drip configuration (one or two lines with emitters spaced every 0.3 or 0.45 m) and irrigation at moderate or heavy rates (5 or 10 L/plant) in a mature planting of ‘Duke’ highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.). Results were compared with those published previously from the first 4 years after planting. Although plant size increased with irrigation rate when the plants were younger, there was no added benefit of heavy irrigation on growth in the older plants. However, the plants became more sensitive to soil water deficits with age and, therefore, unlike when they were younger, had greater yields when more water was applied. Berry size and fruit firmness were little affected by irrigation in the older plants, but antioxidants, measured as oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), were higher with than without irrigation, suggesting that irrigation has the potential to improve the health benefits of blueberries. Growth, yield, and fruit quality were unaffected by drip configuration in any year. Overall, the results revealed that the response of highbush blueberry to drip irrigation changed over time and indicated that irrigation management should be adjusted as a planting matures.
Genotypic Variation of Morphological Traits in Tall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) Accessions
Authors: Lou Yanhong , Chen Liang , Xu Qingguo , Zhang Xunzhong
Published: February 2019

Tall fescue is an important cool-season grass widely used for forage and turf, and its genotypic variation for morphological traits has not been well documented. One hundred and fifteen tall fescue accessions, including 25 commercial cultivars, were divided into five groups based on their origination. The morphological traits, including plant height, spike length, pulvinus distance, spikelet count, branch count per spike, spike count per plant, and spike weight in different accessions were determined under field conditions in 2013 and 2014. There was significant genotypic variation in morphological traits among the 115 tall fescue accessions. Wild accessions exhibited a greater variation in the morphological traits than commercial cultivars. Close correlations were found among plant height, spike length, pulvinus distance, and spikelet count. The results of this suggest plant height, spike length, pulvinus distance, and spikelet count could be used as key morphological traits for evaluating all fescue germplasm effectively.
Hybridization by Grafting: A New Perspective?
Authors: Zhou Xiumei , Liu Yongsheng
Published: February 2019

A recent report demonstrates that entire nuclear genomes can be transferred between plant cells and across the graft junction, resulting in the formation of a new allopolyploid species. This intriguing finding throws a new light on an old problem—hybridization by grafting—the subject of heated scientific controversy over the past century.
Effects of Different Postharvest Storage Methods on the Quality Parameters of Chestnuts (Castanea sativa Mill.)
Authors: Ertan Engin , Erdal Esra , Alkan Gülsüm , Algül Burak E.
Published: February 2019

This trial was initiated in the harvest season of 2010 to determine the effects of traditional and cold storage on the fruit quality properties of chestnuts during the harvest and postharvest periods. Physical and biochemical analyses were conducted on fruit samples collected about once every 2 weeks from the middle of September until the end of December. Specifically, the shell and kernel colors (hue, chroma), water activity (aw), and total sugar (%), total starch (%), total carbohydrate (%), and tannin (ppm) contents were determined. Under traditional and cold storage conditions, the total sugar content of the chestnuts increased whereas the total starch content decreased during the storage period. In addition, the maximum tannin content was measured in fruit that was cold stored for a period of 60 days.
Responses of Hydroponically Grown Common Bean Fed with Nitrogen-free Nutrient Solution to Root Inoculation with N2-fixing Bacteria
Authors: Kontopoulou Charis-Konstantina , Giagkou Sofia , Stathi Efthalia , Savvas Dimitrios , Iannetta Pietro P.M.
Published: February 2019

To date, few attempts have been made to assess the impact of Rhizobium inoculation on N2 fixation and plant yield in soilless cultivations of common bean. In the present study, common bean (P. vulgaris L.) grown on an inert medium (pumice) was inoculated with either Rhizobium tropici CIAT899 or a commercial product containing a mix of N2-fixing bacteria, specifically rhizobia, and Azotobacter sp. The plants treated with both inoculants were supplied with nitrogen (N)-free (0% N) nutrient solution (NS) throughout the cropping period. A third treatment with non-inoculated plants, which were supplied with a standard (100% N) NS was applied as a control. Inoculation with R. tropici significantly increased the total number of root nodules (80 nodules per plant on average) in comparison with the other two treatments (nine nodules per plant on average). The supply of N-free NS restricted markedly both total plant biomass and pod yield, whereas the inoculation with R. tropici mitigated this effect. The aboveground tissues of plants fed with N-free NS contained appreciably less N than those fed with standard solution when they were inoculated with the commercial inoculant (1.7 vs. 29 mg·g−1 dry weight, respectively). The shoot total N concentration 45, 65, and 90 days after transplanting (32, 31, and 29 mg·g−1 dry weight, respectively) was not reduced by the supply of N-free NS when the plants were inoculated with R. tropici. This finding indicates that, at least from the first sampling date onward, the tissue N level was not a limiting factor for growth and yield in plants inoculated with R. tropici. The supply of N-free NS restricted appreciably the potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), and zinc (Zn) levels in the aboveground plant biomass, regardless of inoculation treatment. The impaired growth and yield in plants fed with N-free NS and inoculated with R. tropici is ascribed to both a N shortage at early growth stages and a reduced K+ uptake aimed at electrochemically balancing the anion-to-cation uptake ratio under conditions of no external NO3– supply.
Steel Slag Raises pH of Greenhouse Substrates
Authors: Altland James E. , Locke James C. , Zellner Wendy L. , Boldt Jennifer K.
Published: February 2019

Dolomitic lime (DL) is the primary liming agent used for increasing pH in peatmoss-based substrates. Steel slag (SS) is a byproduct of the steel manufacturing industry that has been used to elevate field soil pH. The objective of this research was to determine the pH response of a peatmoss-based greenhouse substrate to varying rates of DL or SS. Two experiments were conducted with an 85 peatmoss : 15 perlite substrate. In the first experiment, the substrate was amended with 0, 2.4, 4.8, or 7.1 kg·m−3 of either DL or SS. Half of the containers remained fallow and the other half were potted with a single sunflower (Helianthus annuus L. ‘Pacino Gold’). In the second experiment, fallow containers were only used with the substrate amended with 0, 2.4, 4.8, 9.5, or 14.2 kg·m−3 DL or SS. Sunflower were measured for relative foliar chlorophyll content, shoot mass, root ratings, and foliar nutrient concentrations. Substrate electrical conductivity (EC) and pH were measured weekly using the pour-through procedure. All sunflower plants grew vigorously, although nonamended controls had less shoot dry weight than those amended with DL or SS. There were minor differences in foliar concentration of N, Ca, Mg, and Mn; however, these differences did not adversely affect plant growth. Summarizing across both experiments, EC was affected by treatment and time, although all substrates had EC readings within the range recommended for floriculture crop production (1.0–4.6 mS⋅cm−1). Substrate pH differed slightly in Expt. 1 between fallow and planted containers. Substrate pH increased exponentially with increasing rates of either DL or SS. Maximum pH in fallow DL and SS amended substrates was 6.57 and 6.93, respectively, in Expt. 1 and 6.85 and 7.67, respectively, in Expt. 2. The SS used in this experiment resulted in a greater pH response than DL with higher application rates. SS is a viable material for raising pH of soilless substrates.
Preplant Cultivation Techniques and Planting Date Effects on White Clover Establishment into an Existing Cool-season Turfgrass Sward
Authors: Sparks Bret , Munshaw Gregg , Williams David , Barrett Michael , Beasley Jeffrey , Woosley Paul
Published: February 2019

Managed turfgrass species require frequent inputs to maintain an acceptable level of density and appearance. Among these inputs, the N supply is often the most limiting input in terms of growth and development of the turfgrass stand. However, N fertilization has been linked to nonpoint source (NPS) pollution of groundwater and natural water bodies. White clover (WC), which would provide N in mixed turfgrass swards, could help reduce NPS pollution from N fertilization of turf. To test the feasibility of introducing WC into existing turf, a field study was designed to determine the best method of incorporating WC in mature stands of two cool-season grasses. Two varieties of WC, ‘Dutch White’ (DW), and ‘Microclover’ (MC), were sown (24.4 kg·ha−1) into existing stands of kentucky bluegrass (KBG) (Poa pratensis L.) and tall fescue (TF) (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.). Establishment techniques tested included core aeration (CA), scalping (SC), and vertical mowing (VM) compared with direct sowing into the turfgrass stand. Establishment treatments were performed in April, July, and October of 2012–13 to examine for any seasonal timing effect on establishment. No significant difference in plant numbers (individual clover plants per square meter) was found between WC varieties among planting dates and techniques. The SC treatment resulted in the highest individual clover plant numbers. However, turfgrass recovery was significantly slower from the SC treatment than all other treatments. The summer planting date yielded the highest WC plant numbers. Recovery of the turfgrass from all preplanting treatments was also highest at the spring and summer planting dates.
Diverse Responses of Lettuce Cultivars and Germplasm Lines to Infections of Three Isolates of Xanthomonas campestris pv. vitians
Authors: Wang Yunwen , Lu Huangjun , Raid Richard N. , Nuessly Gregg S. , Faroutine Georgy
Published: February 2019

Bacterial leaf spot (BLS) disease, caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. vitians (Xcv) has become an increasingly damaging disease in the lettuce production areas of the United States. To understand the nature of the outbreaks of this disease, the pathogenic variations for causing disease were evaluated on 29 lettuce cultivars and germplasm lines using three Xcv isolates recovered in different years from the Everglades Agriculture Area (EAA) of Florida. Significant differences were shown in both the BLS incidences and disease severities among the three Xcv isolates, and the rank from high virulence to less severity was L7 > JF196 > NF1. Our results suggest that the pathogenic variations of the isolates may have been associated with the epidemic outbreaks of BLS in EAA. Among the 29 lettuce genotypes, the host plant resistance was characterized by specific host genotype and Xcv isolate interactions. The leaf lettuce PI358001-1 was consistently in the high resistant category to all three Xcv isolates, and is a promising resistant source for development of resistant cultivars.
Pruning Time × Cultivar Effects on Flower-bud Hardiness in Northern Highbush and Southern Highbush Blueberry
Authors: Ehlenfeldt Mark K. , Vinyard Bryan T.
Published: February 2019

A study was conducted to determine if early-fall pruning (vs. more typical winter pruning) of either northern highbush or southern highbush blueberries was detrimental to the development of optimum levels of mid-winter cold hardiness in floral buds under New Jersey conditions. Using a detached-shoot freeze-thaw assay, flower-bud LT50 values were determined in early January for both ‘Jersey’ (northern highbush) and ‘Legacy’ (southern highbush) blueberry bushes that had been subjected to early- or late-pruning protocols. Across 2 years, intrinsic differences due to genotype and genotype × year were present, but no significant differences due to pruning time were observed. The lack of pruning effects on flower-bud LT50 values suggests that cultivars with southern germplasm selected in areas such as North Carolina and further north may be treated similarly to northern highbush with respect to pruning time, including early-fall pruning.
End-of-production Supplemental Lighting with Red and Blue Light-emitting Diodes (LEDs) Influences Red Pigmentation of Four Lettuce Varieties
Authors: Owen W. Garrett , Lopez Roberto G.
Published: February 2019

Under low-light greenhouse conditions, such as those found in northern latitudes, foliage of red leaf lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) varieties is often green and not visually appealing to consumers. Our objective was to quantify the effect of end-of-production (EOP; prior to harvest) supplemental lighting (SL) of different sources and intensities on foliage color of four red leaf lettuce varieties, ‘Cherokee’, ‘Magenta’, ‘Ruby Sky’, and ‘Vulcan’. Plants were finished under greenhouse ambient solar light and provided with 16-hours of day-extension lighting from low intensity light-emitting diode (LED) lamps [7:11:33:49 blue:green:red:far red (control)] delivering 4.5 μmol·m−2·s−1, or 16-hours of EOP SL from high-pressure sodium (HPS) lamps delivering 70 μmol·m−2·s−1, or LED arrays [100:0, 0:100, or 50:50 (%) red:blue] delivering 100 μmol·m−2·s−1, or 0:100 blue LEDs delivering 25 or 50 μmol·m−2·s−1. Relative chlorophyll content (RCC) and foliage L* (lightness), and chromametric a* (change from green to red) and b* (change from yellow to blue) values were significantly influenced by EOP SL and days of exposure. Generally, RCC of all varieties increased from day 3 to 14 when provided with EOP SL from the HPS lamps and LEDs delivering 100 μmol·m−2·s−1. End-of-production SL providing 100 μmol·m−2·s−1 of 100:0, 0:100, or 50:50 red:blue light for ≥5 days resulted in increasing a* (red) and decreasing L* (darker foliage), b* (blue), and h° (hue angle; a measure of tone) for all varieties. Our data suggests that a minimum of 5 days of EOP SL providing 100 μmol·m−2·s−1 of 100:0, 0:100, or 50:50 red:blue light enhanced red pigmentation of ‘Cherokee’, ‘Magenta’, ‘Ruby Sky’, and ‘Vulcan’ leaves when plants are grown under a low greenhouse daily light integrals (DLIs) <10 mol·m−2·d−1.
Comparison of Bedding Plant Seedlings Grown Under Sole-source Light-emitting Diodes (LEDs) and Greenhouse Supplemental Lighting from LEDs and High-pressure Sodium Lamps
Authors: Randall Wesley C. , Lopez Roberto G.
Published: February 2019

To produce uniform, compact, and high-quality annual bedding plant seedlings in late winter through early spring, growers in northern latitudes must use supplemental lighting (SL) to achieve a photosynthetic daily light integral (DLI) of 10 to 12 mol·m−2·d−1. Alternatively, new lighting technologies may be used for sole-source photosynthetic lighting (SSL) to grow seedlings in an indoor high-density multilayer controlled environment. The objective of this study was to compare seedlings grown under low greenhouse ambient light (AL) to those grown under SL or SSL with a similar DLI. On hypocotyl emergence, seedlings of vinca (Catharanthus roseus), impatiens (Impatiens walleriana), geranium (Pelargonium ×hortorum), petunia (Petunia ×hybrida), and French marigold (Tagetes patula) were placed in a greenhouse under AL or AL plus SL delivering a photosynthetic photon flux (PPF) of 70 µmol·m−2·s–1 for 16 hours, or under multilayer SSL delivering a PPF of 185 µmol·m−2·s–1 for 16 hours in a walk-in growth chamber. Supplemental lighting consisted of high-pressure sodium (HPS) lamps or high-intensity light-emitting diode (LED) arrays with a red:blue light ratio (400–700 nm; %) of 87:13, and SSL consisted of LED arrays providing a red:blue light ratio (%) of 87:13 or 70:30. Root and shoot dry mass, stem diameter, relative chlorophyll content, and the quality index (a quantitative measurement of quality) of most species were generally greater under SSL and SL than under AL. In addition, height of geranium, petunia, and marigold was 5% to 26%, 62% to 79%, and 7% to 19% shorter, respectively, for seedlings grown under SSL compared with those under AL and SL. With the exception of impatiens, time to flower was similar or hastened for all species grown under SL or SSL compared with AL. Seedlings grown under SSL were of similar or greater quality compared with those under SL; indicating that LED SSL could be used as an alternative to traditional greenhouse seedling production.
In the Footsteps of Vavilov: Plant Diversity Then and Now
Authors: Hummer Kim E.
Published: February 2019

N.I. Vavilov’s theories direct present-day global activities in plant science, breeding, and conservation. His expeditions around the world located centers of diversity of crop evolution. Vavilov was one of the earliest scientists to realize that wild genetic diversity could be lost, through genetic erosion, reducing the possibilities for future crop improvement. To measure genetic erosion, Gary Nabhan and colleagues traveled in 11 countries following routes that Vavilov had taken more than half a century before. The detailed notes concerning the vegetation and flora that Vavilov observed could be used as a baseline in contrast with Nabhan’s plant and cultivar inventories to observe changes in plant diversity at specific sites. The objective of this manuscript is to summarize potential genetic erosion at three case study locations, the Pamiri Highlands of Tajikistan, the Ethiopian Highlands, and the Colorado Plateau of Southwestern North America. At these localities Vavilov’s notes can be compared with the agricultural activities of the modern day. In each case, significant climatic, environmental, and human-caused changes have affected the local agriculture during the intervening years. Localities that have retained diversity have suffered the least. Reduction of diversity is associated with decreased agricultural stability and productivity. Programs encouraging farmers to manage diversity and promote involvement of local youth in agriculture may reduce or moderate the effect of genetic erosion.
Overexpression of PbDHAR2 from Pyrus sinkiangensis in Transgenic Tomato Confers Enhanced Tolerance to Salt and Chilling Stresses
Authors: Qin An , Huang Xiaosan , Zhang Huping , Wu Juyou , Yang Jie , Zhang Shaoling
Published: February 2019

Ascorbic acid (AsA) is a major antioxidant and redox buffer in plants. Dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR; EC 1.8.5.1) catalyzes the conversion of dehydroascorbate (DHA) to AsA and is crucial for AsA regeneration. In this study, we developed transgenic tomato plants that overexpressed PbDHAR2 to investigate whether PbDHAR2 could limit the deleterious effects of salt and chilling stresses. These transgenic plants contained significantly higher AsA levels than the wild-type (WT) plants. Overexpression of PbDHAR2 increased the expression of the AsA-glutathione (GSH) cycle genes in transgenic lines under salt and chilling stresses. In addition, the transgenic lines subjected to salt and chilling stresses showed higher levels of antioxidant enzyme activity, lower malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and higher chlorophyll contents than the WT. Thus, our results demonstrate that the regulation of PbDHAR2 during AsA regeneration contributes to enhanced salt and chilling tolerance in tomato.
Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) Flowering and Fruiting in the Southwestern United States
Authors: Yao Shengrui , Huang Junxin , Heyduck Robert
Published: February 2019

Fifty-six jujube cultivars were observed for their flowering habits and fruiting characteristics at Alcalde, New Mexico. Jujube cultivars were classified as morning blooming type or afternoon blooming type. Among the 56 cultivars observed, 24 belonged to the morning type and 32 belonged to the afternoon type. Eighteen out of the 56 cultivars had their blooming type reported for the first time. The sepal splitting for morning type occurred from sunrise to 1000hr, whereas it occurred between 1300 and 1600 hr for the afternoon type. Even though their opening time differed, pollen release happened during daytime for both—morning type released pollen in the afternoon and afternoon type released pollen in the late afternoon and the next morning. Rainy and cloudy weather delayed blooming for several hours. Each flower experienced the following stages during blooming: sepal splitting, sepal flat, petal standing, petal and anther separation, petal flat and anther standing, anther flat, and stigma browning; the time and duration of each stage varied with cultivar and blooming type. Flower size varied by cultivar and helps with cultivar identification. Cultivars Li, Li-2, Redland, Qiyuexian, Xiangzao, Teapot, and Daguazao were self-pollinating/self-fruitful in New Mexico. For open pollination, fruit set varied greatly by cultivar. ‘Abbeville’ had the best fruit set each year. Most cultivars had better fruit set from open pollination than self-pollination; however, self-fruitful cultivars Li, Li-2, and Redland had better fruit set with self-pollination than open pollination in some years. Open pollination increased fruit size for all cultivars. ‘Zhongning’, ‘Abbeville’, ‘Jinsi-2’, and ‘Globe’ had high seed percentage from open-pollinated fruit, whereas ‘Lang’, ‘Don Polenski’, ‘Junzao’, and ‘Xingguang’ did not produce fully developed seed in any years but some dark brown empty seedcoat sacs. Seed development was also affected by weather and pollination conditions. Fruit blooming type, pollen release, self-pollination, self-fruitfulness, self-fertility, and seed development are all critical information for jujube breeders, researchers, extension personnel, and growers.
Irrigation and Fertigation with Drip and Alternative Micro Irrigation Systems in Northern Highbush Blueberry
Authors: Vargas Oscar L. , Bryla David R. , Weiland Jerry E. , Strik Bernadine C. , Sun Luna
Published: February 2019

The use of conventional drip and alternative micro irrigation systems were evaluated for 3 years in six newly planted cultivars (Earliblue, Duke, Draper, Bluecrop, Elliott, and Aurora) of northern highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.). The drip system included two lines of tubing on each side of the row with in-line drip emitters at every 0.45 m. The alternative systems included geotextile tape and microsprinklers. The geotextile tape was placed alongside the plants and dispersed water and nutrients over the entire length. Microsprinklers were installed between every other plant at a height of 1.2 m. Nitrogen was applied by fertigation at annual rates of 100 and 200 kg·ha−1 N by drip, 200 kg·ha−1 N by geotextile tape, and 280 kg·ha−1 N by microsprinklers. By the end of the first season, plant size, in terms of canopy cover, was greatest with geotextile tape, on average, and lowest with microsprinklers or drip at the lower N rate. The following year, canopy cover was similar with geotextile tape and drip at the higher N rate in each cultivar, and was lowest with microsprinklers in all but ‘Draper’. In most of the cultivars, geotextile tape and drip at the higher N rate resulted in greater leaf N concentrations than microsprinklers or drip at the lower N rate, particularly during the first year after planting. By the third year, yield averaged 3.1–9.1 t·ha−1 among the cultivars, but was similar with geotextile tape and drip at either N rate, and was only lower with microsprinklers. Overall, drip was more cost effective than geotextile tape, and fertigation with 100 kg·ha−1 N by drip was sufficient to maximize early fruit production in each cultivar. Microsprinklers were less effective by comparison and resulted in white salt deposits on the fruit.
Growth and Nitrogen Status of Young Pecan Trees Using Fertigation
Authors: Wells Lenny
Published: February 2019

The prolonged period from tree planting to first commercial harvest of pecan [Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch] provides incentive for many growers to intensively manage young trees to induce commercial production as soon as possible. This management includes high nitrogen (N) application rates with or without fertigation. However, there remains little data regarding the effect of N fertilization or fertigation on young pecan trees grown under southeastern U.S. orchard conditions. The objectives of this study were to compare the effects of fertigation with more commonly recommended forms of fertilization on growth and leaf N, phosphorous (P), potassium (K), and zinc (Zn) concentrations of first- through third-leaf pecan trees irrigated with microsprinklers. An optimal growth rate of young pecan trees was obtained as easily with a balanced granular fertilizer application using significantly less N compared with fertigation applications. The minimal treatment differences observed along with the fact that leaf N concentration never fell below the minimum recommended level in any treatment throughout the study supports the supposition that first-year pecan trees require no N fertilizer during the year of establishment. Only modest N application rates are required during the second and third growing seasons. This practice helps to promote optimal tree growth while minimizing excessive losses of N to the environment.
Effects of Substrate Volumetric Water Content on English Lavender Morphology and Photosynthesis
Authors: Zhen Shuyang , Burnett Stephanie E.
Published: February 2019

There is currently little information regarding the impact of soil moisture on morphology and physiology of English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia). Therefore, our goal was to determine the impact of substrate volumetric water content (θ = volume of water ÷ volume of substrate) on this plant. We grew ‘Munstead’ and ‘Hidcote’ lavender at one of four θ: 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, or 0.4 L·L−1 for 54 days using a capacitance sensor-automated irrigation system. Plant height, greatest width, inflorescence number, and total leaf number and area of both cultivars increased with increasing θ. Shoot fresh and dry weight of lavender irrigated at θ ≥ 0.3 L·L−1 was generally twice that of those grown at the lowest θ (0.1 L·L−1). Leaf-level instantaneous net photosynthetic rate (AN) and transpiration (E) of ‘Munstead’ decreased with decreasing θ. This reduction in AN was likely due to the concurrent reduction in stomatal conductance (gS) at lower θ. Similar reductions in AN, E, and gS of ‘Hidcote’ were observed at lower θ (0.2 and 0.3 L·L−1) 5 weeks after the initiation of the study, but not at the end of the study probably due to acclimation of ‘Hidcote’ to mild drought.
Combined Precipitation/Flocculation Method for Nutrient Recovery from Greenhouse Wastewater
Authors: Dunets C. Siobhan , Zheng Youbin
Published: February 2019

Phosphorus (P) pollution from greenhouse wastewater is currently a major issue. A treatment method that can efficiently remove P concentrations ([P]) that fluctuate between greenhouse systems and throughout the year is required. An ideal method would also recover nutrients in a reuseable form. A combined precipitation/flocculation process incorporating addition of lime and a biodegradable flocculant (guar gum, cationic starch, or chitosan) was investigated for providing optimized P removal and recovery. Effectiveness of this process was evaluated in simulated wastewater of low and high alkalinity, as well as real greenhouse wastewater. Precipitation via lime addition reduced total P to below 1 mg·L−1 in low-alkalinity simulated wastewater, but high alkalinity slightly inhibited separation. This inhibition was overcome by flocculation via guar gum or cationic starch addition, which improved separation efficiency and reduced separation time, although chitosan was ineffective as a flocculant. The precipitation/flocculation method was found to be effective for treating real greenhouse wastewater, although effectiveness varied with variation in wastewater composition. Recovered precipitate contained 57.4 g·kg−1 P as well as high levels of Ca, Mg, K, Fe, and Zn. This study demonstrates a P separation process incorporating lime and biodegradable flocculants could provide a means of reducing P in greenhouse wastewater below a 1 mg·L−1 regulatory limit in a settling time of less than 30 minutes, while simultaneously recovering P and other nutrients in a form that could be reused as fertilizer. An evaluation of viability of full-scale application of this technology is now warranted.
Irrigation Criteria and Sweetpotato Cultivar Performance in the Treasure Valley of Eastern Oregon
Authors: Felix Joel , Shock Clinton C. , Ishida Joey , Feibert Erik B.G. , Saunders Lamont D.
Published: February 2019

In the United States, sweetpotato [Ipomoea batatas L. (Lam)] is predominately grown in the southeastern states and in California, but production farther north is limited. To determine if sweetpotato could be successfully produced in semiarid Pacific North West, four sweetpotato cultivars (Covington, Beauregard, Diane, and Evangeline) were subjected to four soil water tension (SWT) irrigation criteria treatments (40, 60, 80, 100 kPa in 2011 and 25, 40, 60, and 80 kPa in 2012) using drip irrigation at Ontario, OR. The four SWT criteria were maintained by an automated irrigation system. Sweetpotato cultivars were evaluated for the percentage of early groundcover, number of vines per hill, vine length, and yield. The total applied water decreased with the increase in the targeted SWT. The highest amount of water was applied at the 25 kPa criterion (1184 mm) and the least amount at the 100 kPa SWT criterion (146 mm). Cultivars varied in the average number of vines per hill, with ‘Covington’ having the fewest at 6 vines per hill compared with ‘Beauregard’ and ‘Evangeline’ that averaged 10 vines and ‘Diane’ averaging 11. The average vine length increased with the decrease in SWT criteria during both years. The total, marketable, and U.S. No. 1 sweetpotato yield was influenced by cultivars and varied among irrigation criteria and years. In general, the sweetpotato yield decreased with the increase in SWT, with the highest yield attained at the lowest SWT tested, 40 kPa in 2011 and 25 kPa in 2012. For ‘Beauregard’ grown with irrigation onset criteria of 40 and 25 kPa, the marketable yields were 49 and 87 Mg·ha−1 and U.S. No. 1 yields were 35 and 27 Mg·ha−1 in 2011 and 2012, respectively. The results suggested that sweetpotato could be grown in eastern Oregon and would be capable of producing yields comparable to those obtained in California. However, yearly weather variations could delay transplanting and early harvest could be necessary to avoid frost damage.
Threatened Native Trees in Guam: Short-term Seed Storage and Shade Conditions Influence Emergence and Growth of Seedlings
Authors: Marler Thomas E. , Cascasan April , Lawrence John H.
Published: February 2019

Seedling emergence and growth traits of three rare and threatened tree species in the Mariana Islands were studied within a range of incident light levels and up to 9 months of seed storage. Seedling emergence percentage and velocity were maximized in moderate shade for Elaeocarpus joga Merr., deep shade for Serianthes nelsonii Merr., and full sunlight for Tabernaemontana rotensis (Kaneh.) P.T. Li. Seedling height was increased by shade for E. joga and S. nelsonii. Height of T. rotensis seedlings was not influenced by incident light from 25% to 100%. Nine months of seed storage at ambient temperature did not influence emergence percentage of E. joga or S. nelsonii seeds. In contrast, seeds of T. rotensis began declining in seedling emergence percentage between 2 and 3 months of storage, and seedling emergence was nil by 4 months. This study represents the first experimental approach to determining the influences of light and storage on seed and seedling behavior for any rare and threatened taxa from the Mariana Islands. Our findings that revealed highly contrasting responses among the species provide a valuable start to building the knowledge base needed to respond to formal recovery or conservation plans by defining horticultural protocols for managing a conservation nursery.
Ornamental Groundcover Characteristics of Rhizoma Peanut (Arachis glabrata Benth.): Shade Affects Height but not Cover
Authors: Anderson Benjamin D. , Knox Gary W. , Blount Ann R. , Mackowiak Cheryl L. , Gilman Edward F.
Published: February 2019

Rhizoma peanut has the potential for use as an ecologically friendly groundcover or turf alternative. Little is known about height and cover characteristics of this plant, which are important ornamental considerations. The objectives of this field study were to characterize maximum average canopy height, height variability, the time to reach full canopy cover, and the time at full canopy cover of seven released and nine experimental selections of rhizoma peanut grown in full sun or under 30% shade at two North Florida locations. Greater height and a less uniform canopy were observed for shaded plants. Establishment, as measured by full canopy cover, did not occur until the second year after planting. Shade treatment had little effect on the time to reach full canopy cover or the duration of full canopy cover, indicating that rhizoma peanut will perform equally in full sun or under 30% shade. Recommended selections for ornamental use based on these variables include ‘Brooksville 67’, ‘Brooksville 68’, EX3, and EX8.
Yield and Profitability of Modified Spanish Bush and Y-trellis Training Systems for Peach
Authors: Caruso Tiziano , Guarino Francesco , Lo Bianco Riccardo , Marra Francesco Paolo
Published: February 2019

Peach trees trained to modified spanish bush (MSB) and Y-trellis (Y) were evaluated and compared in the Mediterranean settings of southern Italy. The observations included two peach (Rich May and Summer Rich) and two nectarine (Big Bang and Nectaross) cultivars. In the MSB system, trees were spaced at 4.5 × 2.5 m (888 trees/ha), whereas in the Y system, trees were spaced at 5.5 × 2 m (909 trees/ha). Costs at planting, yield per tree, fruit size grade, unit price of sold peaches for each size grade, amount and cost of materials and labor for cultural management, and grower’s profit were quantified throughout all 6 years from planting and at full crop (year 4–6). Fixed costs of the MSB system were 45% lower at planting, 11% lower for fertilization, and 33% lower for pest control than in the Y system. Regardless of cultivar, the MSB system reported 19% lower yields, 29% less management labor, and 12% higher labor efficiency (kg fruit/h) than the Y system. The yield gap between the two systems tended to decrease after the 5th year. A greater percentage of fruit fell into large size categories in the MSB than in the Y system. Fruit unit value and yearly profit were similar in the two systems. Even for the most profitable cultivar under the Y system (i.e., Nectaross), the time needed to pay off the additional investment for establishing a Y by its additional profit was ≈11 years, indicating an advantage of the Y system over the MSB only by the 12th year from planting. Yield trends, along with the high initial investment and management labor and costs in the Y system, indicate better financial performance and more sustainable production in the MSB than in the Y system.
Susceptibility of Some Common Pecan Rootstocks to Infection by Xylella fastidiosa
Authors: Sanderlin Randy S.
Published: February 2019

Pecan [Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch], a hardwood tree native to North America, is grown for commercial production of nuts in southeastern, central, and western regions of the United States. Pecan is also grown commercially in Mexico, South Africa, Australia, and some countries in South America. Pecan trees can be infected by the broad host range xylem-limited bacterial pathogen Xylella fastidiosa Wells et al. Infection incites a leaf scorch disease that can cause significant defoliation, reduced tree growth, and lower nut yield. Pecan cultivars are clonally propagated onto rootstocks grown from open-pollinated seed of selected cultivars. X. fastidiosa is transmitted at a high frequency from infected rootstocks into newly developing grafted trees. Rootstocks resistant to infection would be beneficial to pecan nurseries and pecan producers to prevent infection of young trees through grafting, especially when combined with hot-water treatment of scions to eliminate the pathogen. Some common rootstocks were tested for variation in susceptibility to infection using mechanical inoculation with the pathogen. No outstanding level of resistance to infection was detected among the seven rootstocks tested. The rootstocks from ‘Curtis’, ‘Elliott’, and ‘Riverside’ were less susceptible than one standard rootstock in the test (‘VC1-68’) and less susceptible than highly susceptible ‘Cape Fear’ rootstock. Conversely, the rootstocks from ‘Apache’, ‘Moore’, ‘Stuart’, and ‘VC1-68’ seed had a level of susceptibility to infection comparable to ‘Cape Fear’ and perhaps are not the best choice for rootstocks in geographic areas where X. fastidiosa is prevalent. The results of this research suggest that there is variation in rootstock susceptibility to infection by X. fastidiosa. The use of mechanical inoculation may facilitate identification of susceptibility categories of pecan rootstocks to the pecan bacterial leaf scorch pathogen.