bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crop Diversification In Ontario: Adaptation of Annual Globe Artichokes
Authors: McDonald* Mary Ruth , Kooi Kevin Vander , Bakker Cathy , McKeown Alan
Published: February 2019

Globe artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) is a high value cool season crop which requires vernalization to induce flower formation. The climate in Ontario does not allow for survival of perennial cultivars or for consistent natural vernalization of annuals. Three methods of vernalization were tested: a controlled environment chamber, a lighted cold storage, or GA3 application in the field. Plants, cv. Green Globe Improved, were grown in a greenhouse set at 25 °C day temperature in 72-cell Styro-foam trays in a peat mix. At 4 weeks, plants receiving vernalization were transferred to growth chambers, or lighted coolers (four standard 8 foot cool white fluorescent lamps) at 10 °C for two weeks. The others stayed in the greenhouse. GA3 treatments (PROGIB, 15 g ai/ha) were applied at 2, 4 and 6 weeks after transplanting. Cultivars Green Globe Improved, Imperial Star, Emerald, and Large Green Globe were evaluated in separate trials. Trials were conducted at Simcoe, on coarse sand in a high heat area, and Kettleby, on organic soils in a cooler area of Ontario. Shortly after planting at Simcoe several 30 °C days occurred which devernalized and injured the crop. Artichokes grew well at the Kettleby site. Vernalization in the growth chamber was most effective and resulted in the earliest bud formation and highest total yield (1503 cases/ha). Large Green Globe was not well adapted to Ontario conditions. Imperial Star and Emerald produced the highest yields, 2180 and 1779 cases/ha, respectively. Globe artichokes can be grown successfully as an annual crop in cool production areas of Ontario.
Plant Density Affects Yield and Quality of Confectionery Pumpkin Seeds
Authors: Lee* Sung Eun , Lee Sang Gyu , Lee Chiwon W.
Published: February 2019

The influence of plant density on yield of three confectionery seed pumpkin accessions was investigated under non-irrigated field conditions. Seeds of Golden Delicious (GD), open-pollinated Chinese snow-white seed (CS), and a selection from Austrian hull-less (HL) pumpkin were planted 30, 60, and 90 cm apart in rows that were 127 cm apart with seedlings thinned to one plant per hill. Plants were grown from 23 May to 18 Sept. One fruit per plant was harvested from five plants for each of the three replications. The number of seeds (and dry weight of seed) per fruit were 242 (59 g), 304 (87 g), and 334 (106 g), respectively, at 30, 60, and 90 cm spacing for GD. The number of seeds (and dry weight of seed) per fruit were 219 (108 g), 266 (108 g), and 258 (106 g), respectively, at 30, 60, and 90 cm spacing for CS. The number of seeds (and dry weight of seed) per fruit were 376 (76 g), 404 (94 g), and 304 (82 g), respectively, at 30, 60, and 90 cm spacing for HL. Highest seed yield was at 60 cm plant spacing for CS and HL, whereas GD produced highest seed yield at 90 cm plant spacing. The differences in total seed yield, seed size, and confectionery seed quality, as influenced by plant density and seed source, were also characterized.
`Native Blue', a New Southern Ornamental (Vaccinium darowii) Blueberry Cultivar
Authors: Stringer* Stephen J. , Draper Arlen , Spiers James M.
Published: February 2019

Ornamental blueberries are increasing in popularity in southern landscaping due to their attractive foliage and also since they provide food and serve as attractants to birds and other wildlife. `Native Blue', tested as MS611, resulted from a cross of two native diploid Vaccinium darowii clones, Florida 4B X US 799. US 799 was selected from seedlings grown from open-pollinated seed collected by Dr. Paul Lyrene in Ocala National Forest, Florida. The Cross was made by Dr. Arlen Draper and selected in the greenhouse in 1987. Plants of `Native Blue' are low growing, compact, and finely branched with small, glaucous leaves and are quite typical of V. darowii. In test plots in Mississippi, the plants set many small berries and after four years have have grown to a height of approximately 18 inches. Desireable characteristics include beautiful pastel foliage, hardy and vigorous plants producing much fruit that are attractive to native birds.
Storage of Zapote Mamey Fruit under Controlled Atmosphere
Authors: Martínez-Morales Arturo , Alia-Tejacal* Iran , Colinas-León María-Teresa , Martínez-Damián María-Teresa
Published: February 2019

Zapote mamey fruit (Pouteria sapota) has a great potential for exportation, due to its organoleptic characteristics, however, very little is known about harvest technologies to increase its shelf life. So in this research, zapote mamey fruit from two harvest dates in the same year, were stored at 12 °C [95% relative humidity (RH)] for 14, 21, and 28 days under controlled atmospheres (10% or 5% CO2 + 5% O2 with balance of nitrogen), in addition, two groups of fruit were stored at the same temperature and time intervals, but with no controlled atmosphere (CA). Variables considered were: CO2 and ethylene production inmediately after transfer to ambient conditions (29 °C ± 2 °C; 85% RH). Control fruit from both harvest dates had a typical climacteric behaviour, ripening 2 to 3 days after transfer to ambient temperature. Fruit from the first harvest date, stored for 14 and 21 days under CA had a ripening process similar to the control, however fruit stored for 28 days fail to ripen even after 6 days at ambient temperature. Fruit from the second harvest date did not show this ripening problem.
Sensory and Analytical Analyses of Fruit Quality Constituents of Fresh-cut Orange- and Green-fleshed Honeydews and Orange-fleshed Cantaloupe
Authors: Saftner* Robert A. , Abbott Judith A. , Lester Gene E.
Published: February 2019

New fresh-cut melon products prepared from orange-fleshed honeydews have recently become available in retail markets. We compared fresh-cut chunks of orange-fleshed honeydew (`Temptation' and four breeding lines), green-fleshed honeydew (`Honey Brew'), and cantaloupe (`Cruiser'). All genotypes had similar respiration and ethylene production rates and soluble solids contents: genotype means for soluble solids contents were between 9.4% and 10.1 %. Five hundred untrained consumers preferred the flavor, texture, and overall eating quality of the orange honeydews to the green cultivar, with `Temptation' scoring highest. `Temptation' chunks were less firm at the time of processing and after 12 days storage than chunks prepared from all other genotypes. The color of orange-fleshed honeydew chunks was intermediate between that of cantaloupe and green-fleshed honeydew and the color was maintained during 12 days storage. Total aromatic volatiles from juice extracts of orange-fleshed honeydew chunks was 1.2 to 4.7 times higher than that of green-fleshed honeydew extracts and volatiles from cantaloupe was >4.8 fold greater than extracts from `Temptation' and >9.3 fold higher than that of other honeydew extracts. Many individual volatiles were identical in cantaloupe and honeydews; however, honeydew genotypes, particularly the orange-pigmented types, were distinctive from cantaloupe in having relatively high levels of various nonenyl and nonadienyl acetates of uncharacterized aromas. The results indicate that `Temptation' and other orange-fleshed honeydews are a promising new melon type for fresh-cut processing.
Physicochemical and Antioxidant Changes in Six Alabama-grown Blackberry Cultivars
Authors: Thomas Raymond H. , Woods* Floyd M. , Dozier William A. , Ebel Robert C. , Nesbitt Monte , Wilkins Brian S. , Himelrick David G.
Published: February 2019

Blackberries are an excellent source of natural antioxidants. Fully ripened fruit of `Apache', `Arapaho', `Chester', `Loch Ness', `Navaho', and `Triple Crown' thornless blackberries were evaluated for their physicochemical and antioxidative activity. Differences in initial pH, titratable acidity (TA), total soluble solids (TSS), TSS/TA ratio and soluble sugars (reducing sugar, sucrose, and total sugars) differed among cultivars. Differences among cultivars with respect to reduced ascorbic acid (AA) were established, but there were no differences in either oxidized ascorbic acid (DHA) or total ascorbic acid (TAA) content. Antioxidant activity was determined by ABTS radical cation procedure for fractionated crude fruit extracts and the cultivars varied in the parameters evaluated. Hydrophilic antioxidant activity (HAA) was not different among cultivars evaluated. In contrast, lipophilic antioxidant activity (LAA) and total antioxidant activity (TAA) differed. The results obtained in this study indicate that Alabama-grown blackberries vary in their quality indices and are an excellent source of natural antioxidants. Information compiled will assist in marketing, handling, postharvest storage of these fruit and serve as a guide to partial fulfillment of recommended daily dietary requirements.
Stratification Methods for Rosa Germination
Authors: Anderson* Natalie , Byrne David
Published: February 2019

Poor germination in Rosa has been an obstacle to breeding programs for years. Rose breeders generally stratify rose seed under cool, moist conditions for 4-10 weeks by planting directly into the seedling flat/bed or in a small container followed by planting the germinating seed into the seedling flat/bed. This experiment used 9 genotypes and compared these two approaches combined with variations in the stratification media (sand, perlite, sphagnum moss and Sunshine Mix #4). Over all stratification media and genotypes, germination was not influenced by whether the seed was stratified directly in the seedling flat/bed or in a small container. However, the process of transplantation of the delicate germinating seed from the small container to the flat/bed resulted in greater mortality of the germinating seedlings. he stratification media affected the germination of the rose seed. Sunshine Mix #4 gave the best germination as compared to all other media types tested. As expected the germination of the genotypes varied greatly, ranging from 0.7% to 37.1%.
Can a Floral Design Lab Course Be Taught Effectively Using Web-Based Delivery?
Authors: Henss* Sharon , Zajicek Jayne , Lineberger R. Daniel
Published: February 2019

The performance and satisfaction of students enrolled in a traditionally structured lecture/lab floral design course and a Web-based version of the same course were compared. Students were assigned randomly to course sections by available seating. Data collected included a demographic survey, design and course evaluations, and test grades. Significant differences were noted in class grades, with students in the traditionally taught course outperforming the Web-based students in both lecture and lab grades. Results from a survey instrument designed to determine whether students were suited to the distance learning environment (given only to the Web-based students) indicated a direct correlation between distance preparedness and course grades. A higher level of distance course preparedness correlated with a higher grade in the course. There was also a direct correlation between grades and whether the student was in the course with the delivery method they preferred. Students who were assigned to the course they preferred had significantly higher grades than students who did not. These results indicate that overall, a course such as floral design may be more effectively taught through traditional teaching techniques. However, certain students with adequate computer skills and a preference for Web-based courses may be successful in courses such as floral design.
University of Florida's Plant Medicine Program
Authors: McGovern* Robert J.
Published: February 2019

The Univ. of Florida's College of Agricultural and Life Sciences and Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences have taken a bold step in teaching crop health management with the creation of the Plant Medicine Program. This innovative program offers students a multidisciplinary approach to solving the challenges of crop production that leads to the Doctor of Plant Medicine (DPM) degree. Extensive coursework in the Plant and Soil Sciences, Entomology, Plant Pathology, and Nematology provides students with the fundamental knowledge needed to be successful problem solvers and decision makers. Students apply their expertise to practical situations during multiple internships with a wide array of professionals. Interns have worked nationally and internationally on a wide variety of crops with private corporations, public institutions, and government and non-government agencies, in research, regulatory, and extension capacities. Students have the opportunity to tailor their program to reflect specific interests while maintaining a strong foundation in the discipline of Plant Medicine through the core courses. Since its inception in 1999, enrollment in the Plant Medicine Program has grown to over 40 students, and beginning in 2003, graduates have become valued members of the global agricultural community.
Designing a Children's Garden for Experiential Learning in the South Carolina Botanical Garden
Authors: Polomski* Robert F. , Wallace Carri Carver , Haque Mary Taylor , Wagner Lisa K. , Arnold James E. , Craddock Amy D. , Cicimurri Christian Maloney , Chancellor Lisa D.
Published: February 2019

An interdisciplinary team of Clemson Univ. faculty, graduate students, and undergraduate students partnered with the South Carolina Botanical Garden staff and children from the “Sprouting Wings” after-school garden program to plan and design a 2.5-acre Children's Garden. Imaginative and educational, the plans call for a series of outdoor theme gardens. Proposals for 13 theme gardens include a “Dinosaur Dig”, a “Food for Thought Garden”, a “Hide-and-Seek Garden”, a “Terraced Sitting Garden”, an “Ethnobotany Garden”, a “Wonders of Water Garden”, a “Learning from Nature Outdoor Classroom”, a “Carolina Fence Garden”, a “Cottage Garden”, a “Bold View Butterfly Garden”, a “Woodland Wonderland”, a “Playful Plaza Garden,” and an “Arbored Entrance and Exit Garden.” Project methodology included research, case studies, site analysis, program development, preliminary plans, master plan, and individual garden designs with plan views, elevation drawings, detail drawings, and plant lists. Using an experiential learning pedagogy, a design class of 15 students contributed an estimated 2,000 hours of work while learning about landscape design. Results included 30 drawing boards depicting research, analysis, and design proposals, which were presented to the South Carolina Botanical Garden Staff for approval in Fall 2003. Note: This material is based upon work supported by the cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension service, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, under Agreement No. 2002-38411-122122. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture.
Even Though Applying SSD or Bulk Method in Breeding, Selection is Necessary With a Little Increasing Population
Authors: Kim* Zhoo-Hyeon
Published: February 2019

On the process of plant breeding, SSD(single seed descendant) method and bulk method are sometimes considered as they need no selections till being done active selection. It should be tested it was right or not. One F2 population was used for 8 years—selection based on two ways of selection: one was selected only on fruit characteristics without considering any other characters, the other was selected with considering several for agricultural aspects, even though on only visual observations. Nineteen lines were selected: fifteen lines from the latter, four lines from the former; and grown under four different environments for evaluation, which method is better, and which line is best. The characters related to plant status (plant height, leaf) and fruit characteristics were recorded. For the selection of the best lines, three methods were applied: Anderson's Metroglyph Analysis method (1957), Finlay and Wilkinson's Adaptation Analysis method (1963), Grafius's Geometrical Interpretation method (1956). Different three groups of best lines were formed by the three methods, independently. But the best few lines were always included in the three best groups. Among the best few lines, all of four lines from all round selection were always included, but only very few lines from selecting based on only fruit characters. It means that all round selection is more successful. Therefore, even though the selection method is SSD or Bulk method, it seems to be more reasonable to be selected lines based on observation on as many characters as possible, at same times with more lines, even if without any measuring, only with visual observation. If wanting only to progress generations without any selection, while hope to get available population, one should bred much more lines.
Bulb Firmness of Hybrid Onions
Authors: Larsen* Troy A. , Cramer Christopher S.
Published: February 2019

New Mexico onion production will begin using mechanical harvesters in the near future in order to stay competitive in today's market. Past onion breeding objectives have focused on improving onions for hand harvesting instead of mechanical harvesting. Our breeding program is starting to evaluate germplasm for bulb firmness. The objectives of this study were to evaluate hybrid lines for their bulb firmness, to compare two methods of measuring bulb firmness, and to compare bulb firmness using two different production schemes. Bulb firmness of spring-transplanted and spring-seeded intermediate-day hybrid breeding lines was measured using a digital FFF-series durometer and a subjective rating of firmness achieved by squeezing bulbs. Bulbs were rated on a scale of 1 (soft) to 9 (hard). In general, these hybrid lines produced very firm to hard onions whether the lines were transplanted or direct-seeded. Bulb firmness of these lines measured with the durometer was greater when the lines were direct-seeded (74.9) than when transplanted (73.5). Conversely, when firmness was measured with our subjective rating, transplanted onions exhibited slightly greater firmness (8.9) than direct-seeded onions (8.8). For both transplanted and direct-seeded onions, durometer readings were weakly correlated in a positive fashion with our subjective rating. In general, durometer readings gave a greater spread in firmness measurements with a range of 69.6 to 77.8 in firmness values. Subjective ratings of bulb firmness ranged from 8.5 to 9.0. Depending on the firmness of evaluated breeding lines, our subjective rating system should be adjusted to better distinguish firmness differences between bulbs.
Raw and Composted Paper Mill Sludges and Municipal Compost in Nursery Substrates
Authors: Chong* Calvin , Purvis Peter
Published: February 2019

Silverleaf dogwood (Cornus alba L. `Argenteo-marginata'), forsythia (Forsythia × intermedia Zab. `Lynwood Gold'), and weigela (Weigela florida Bunge A.DC. `Red Prince') were grown in #2 (6-L) containers filled with 100% bark or bark mixed with 20%, 40%, or 60% (by vol.) each of raw paper mill sludge (RB group), composted paper mill sludge (CB group), a proprietory paper mill sludge-derived compost (PB group), and municipal compost (MB group). A fifth substrate group (MH) consisted of 100% hemp chips or hemp chips mixed with the same rates of municipal compost. The containers were trickle-irrigated and fertilized with a controlled-release fertilizer. Among the bark-amended groups, growth was highest for dogwood and forsythia with PB, increasing dramatically and peaking at ca. 40% rate (68 and 94 g/plant top dry weight, respectively). Growth of these species was intermediate with MB and CB and least with RB, increasing to rates ≥ 50% in these groups, except for a nonsignificant response of dogwood to RB. Growth of weigela increased equally with PB and MB substrates up to ca. 40% (117 g/plant), but was unresponsive to rates of RB and CB. With the hemp-amended MH group, growth of all three species increased to rates ≥ 50% (62, 93, and 116 g/plant for dogwood, forsythia, and weigela, respectively). Growth of the three species over most rates of all substrate groups was similar to, or exceeded, that in 80% bark: 15% peat: 5% topsoil, a proven nursery mix. Top dry weight of all three species was positively correlated with soluble salts concentrations in the substrates at planting after first irrigation (0.23-1.72 dS·m-1, range over all substrates) and at various intervals during the season.
Flowering of Containerized Field-grown Garden Roses is Affected by Dig Date, Chill Hours, and Forcing Location
Authors: Pemberton* H. Brent , Schuch Ursula K.
Published: February 2019

Rose (Rosa sp.) cultivars Blue Girl and Mister Lincoln were harvested bare-root on 1 Nov. 2001 and 22 Nov. 2002 from a commercial nursery in Arizona. Grade 1 plants were then potted and forced to flowering in either Tucson, Ariz., or Tyler, Texas. Total chilling hours were calculated as the number of hours that the plants were exposed to a temperature below 7 °C in the field and during shipping and cold storage. Data were recorded when the petals on the first flower beg an to reflex. Overall, the number of flowering shoots and plant performance was positively correlated to digging date, weeks of cold and total chilling hours received. Days from potting to flower were negatively correlated to weeks of cold storage and chilling hours. However, when the data were separated by location, the number of flowering shoots, the percentage flowering shoots, and plant performance was positively correlated to weeks of cold and chilling hours in Arizona, but was positively correlated to digging date in Texas. Days from potting to first leaf unfolding were recorded in Arizona only and were negatively correlated to weeks of cold storage and chilling hours. Days from potting to flower were negatively correlated to chilling hours at both locations and also to weeks of cold storage in Texas. The increase in chilling from two or four weeks of cold storage increased the number of flowering shoots and performance rating of plants forced in Arizona during both seasons, but only for the 2001 season in Texas. During the 2002 season in Texas, these responses were not influenced by cold storage, but were greater than those seen during the 2001 season. In Arizona, days from potting to flower were greater in 2001 than 2002, and decreased in response to cold storage in 2001, but not in 2002.
Evaluation of Resistance to Gummy Stem Blight (Didymella bryoniae) Disease in ipt (Isopentenyl Transferase) Transformed Watermelon Plants
Authors: Goktepe Fahrettin , Hughes* Harrison
Published: February 2019

Watermelon plants are susceptible to Gummy stem blight disease that considerably reduces yields worldwide. In order to develop non-specific resistance, watermelon cv. Crimson Sweet was transformed with copper inducible isopentenyl transferase (ipt), the rate-limiting step in cytokinin biosynthesis, gene via Agrobacterium tumafaciences (LBA4404). Transformed (ipt) and nontransformed plants were grown at approximately 28-30 °C day, 20-22 °C night and 16 hours daylight under greenhouse conditions. Once the plants initiated new growth both transgenic plants and wild type plants were sprayed with one of three different concentrations (0, 10 & 50 μm) of CuSO4. Plants were sprayed twice to run-off in a twenty-four hour time period before inoculation with the pathogen. Cultures of the pathogen Didymela bryonia (W353) were grown for about 3 weeks and an inoculum containing 105 conidia per mL was sprayed with the prepared suspension until initial run-off in a humidified chamber. The disease symptoms were evaluated after one week with resistance demonstrated in all treated transgenic plants. All nonsprayed transgenic and wild type plants showed similar disease symptoms. Infected leaf samples were surface sterilized and re-cultured on V8 medium. The characteristics of the recovered pathogen confirmed that it was identical to the stock culture of W353. The same experiment has been conducted on seedlings from transgenic (T1 generations) and non-transformed plants. The non-transformed seedlings showed the first disease symptoms on their cotyledons and lower leaves. Disease resistance was observed in seedlings of the treated transformed plants as compared to nontransformed ones.
Effect of Antivirals on the Elimination of Lily Symptomless Virus in Lilium Oriental Hybrid `Casa Blanca'
Authors: Woo* Jin Ha , Nam Hyo Hoon , Lee Hyun Suk , Choi Kyeong Bae , Yoon Jea Tak , Kim Kiu Weon
Published: February 2019

This study was conducted to find out the effect of antivirals during tissue culture for lily symptomless virus (LSV) free stock production of Oriental lily. Scales and bulblets of LSV-infected Lilium Oriental hybrids `Casa Blanca' were used as plant materials. Scales and bulblets were cultured in Murashige and Skoog (MS, 1962) medium added 20 μM of virazole, and 0, 20, 40, and 80 μM of azauracil or thiouracil for 12 weeks prior to LSV detection to examine the effect of antivirals. The survival rate in scaling was observed to be lower than bulblet culture in vitro and higher concentration of azauracil and thiouracil also effected on lower survival rate. The enlargement of bulblet tended to be promoted in low concentration without regard to kinds of antivirals, and especially most effective in 20 μM of azauracil. Elimenation rate of LSV was 0% in control, on the contrary, antivirals treatment which resulted in complete elimination of LSV.
Impact of Modified Atmosphere Storage on Eastern Thornless Blackberry Quality and Antioxidant Levels
Authors: Fulkerson J. Matt , Archbold* Douglas D.
Published: February 2019

Modified atmosphere (MA) storage of blackberries may maintain quality and increase storage life, but there is limited information about how eastern thornless cultivars respond to MA's. Because there is also a growing interest in the health benefits of antioxidants in blackberries, it would be useful to know how those levels might change during MA storage. In 2002, the eastern thornless blackberry variety Chester was stored in MA; treatments included a control, or initial levels of 20% CO2 or 5% O2. Color, pH, firmness, fresh weight, soluble sugars, titratable acidity, total antioxidant capacity, and the levels of major classes of compounds with antioxidant activity of the fruit were measured at harvest, after 1 week of MA storage at 4 °C, and after 3 additional days at room temperature to simulate common industry practices and grocery display. Total antioxidant capacity was measured using the FRAP (ferric reducing/antioxidant power) assay, and total phenolics and anthocyanins were measured spectrophotometrically. In 2002, soluble sugar levels, fresh weight, titratable acidity, and all classes of antioxidants decreased from day 0 to day 7 to day 10 while the pH increased. Color values did not change. The only trait that differed among treatments was berry firmness; from day 0 to day 7 control fruit was the most firm, and those from the high CO2 treatment were the least firm. Studies were continued in 2003 with the addition of two more eastern thornless blackberry cultivars, Hull Thornless and Triple Crown, and these results will also be presented.
Appearance of Xylella Fastidiosa in Pierce's Disease resistant and Susceptible Grapevines
Authors: Xu* Xia , Ren Zhongbo , Lu Jiang
Published: February 2019

Pierce's Disease (PD) is a major factor limiting grape production in the southeast United State. This disease is caused by a bacterium, Xylella fastidiosa Wells et al., which is transmitted to the xylem system of the grapevines primarily by glassy-winged sharpshooters (Homalodisca coagulata Say). Once it is in the xylem, the X. fastidiosa will use the xylem sap as a nutrient source to multiply, colonize, and eventually plug the xylem vessels and cause the PD in susceptible cultivars. On the other hand, symptoms of PD in tolerant cultivars do not appear until fruit maturation, and symptoms are rarely observed in PD resistant cultivars. In order to understand the correlation between X. fastidiosa and PD symptom development, a study was initialed to monitor X. fastidiosa in xylem of resistant, tolerant, and susceptible vines on a monthly basis. Presence of X. fastidiosa was detected directly from xylem sap of field-grown vines by medium culture and confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Xylella fastidiosa was detectable throughout the growing season in PD susceptible cultivar `Chardonnay', PD tolerant Florida hybrid grape `Blanc du Bois', and muscadine cultivar `Carlos'. The bacteria were also appeared in the dormant vines with high density in cultivars `Chardonnay' and `Blanc du Bios'. Although X. fastidiosa was also found in dormant canes of `Carlos', the density decreased throughout the late fall and winter months, and they were hardly found before June. The results indicated that X. fastidiosa were carried over from previous season in cultivars `Chardonnay' and `Blanc du Bois', while in PD tolerant cultivar `Carlos', they were newly acquired from the sharpshooter feedings during the growing season.
Plugging Date and Cold Storage Affect Strawberry Transplant Production and Performance in Annual Plasticulture
Authors: Takeda Fumiomi Takeda , Hokanson* Stan , Enns John , Perkins-Veazie Penelope , Swartz Harry
Published: February 2019

`Chandler' strawberry plants were propagated in tissue culture and grown from April to August in a protected environment to produce stolons. July-harvested daughter plants were stuck in cell packs with rooting media and placed under mist sprinklers, or cold stored at 2 °C for 42 days. Among the July transplants, some were kept in the greenhouse until field planting (14 Sept.) and others were moved into a cold room on 14 August. Daughter plant size and position on the stolon affected rooting and quality of transplants. July-harvested daughter plants that were plugged and misted after being cold stored for 42 days developed fewer roots than daughter plants plugged immediately after detaching from mother plants in July or August. In the field, transplants produced from daughter plants harvested in July and cold stored for 42 days developed more stolons than transplants from July- and August-harvested daughters that were not exposed to cold storage treatments. Larger daughter plants produced more branch crowns than did smaller daughter plants during the fall. All transplants from daughter plants harvested in July and propagated without cold treatment bloomed by November. Fruit production ranged from 521 to 703 g per plant. `Chandler' plants from daughter plants that weighed 10 g produced 10% greater yield than those that weighed <1.0 g. Plants generated from daughter plants plugged in July produced 26% more fruit than those plants plugged in August. Greenhouse soilless systems can be used to grow `Chandler' mother plants for generating runner tips and transplants for the annual plasticulture in colder climates. `Chandler' plants produced in July can yield a late fall crop under high tunnels and more fruit in the spring than August-plugged transplants
Effect of 1-MCP and NatureSeal™ on Fresh-cut Apple
Authors: Rupasinghe* H.P. Vasantha , Murr Dennis P. , DeEll Jennifer R. , Odumeru Joseph
Published: February 2019

Wounding during processing triggers physiological reactions that limits shelf-life of fresh-cut apples. Exposure of `Empire' and `Crispin' apples at harvest to the ethylene antagonist 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP, SmartFresh™) on the maintenance of fresh-cut apple quality was evaluated in combination with post-cut dipping of NatureSeal™. Efficacy of 1-MCP on fresh-cut physiology and quality depended on the storage duration and apple cultivar. Ethylene production and respiration of apple slices were inhibited by 1-MCP but not by NatureSeal. Total volatiles produced by fresh-cut apples was not affected by the treatments. 1-MCP influenced the quality attributes of fresh-cut apple slices prepared from apples stored either 4 months in cold storage or 6 months in controlled atmosphere. Enzymatic browning and softening of the cut-surface, total soluble solids, and total microbial growth were suppressed by 1-MCP in `Empire' apples. Overall, the influence of 1-MCP on quality attributes in `Crispin' apple slices was marginal. NatureSeal consistently maintained the firmness of fresh-cut apple slices held at 4 °C for up to 21 days. The additive effect of 1-MCP in the maintenance of apple quality is an advantage for processing and marketing of fresh-cut apples.
Storage Temperature and Duration Effects on Growth and Development of Ornamental Gingers
Authors: Paz* Maria P. , Kuehny Jeff S. , McClure Gloria B. , Criley Richard , Graham Charles J.
Published: February 2019

Ornamental gingers are popular cut flowers and have been promoted as a promising potted flower crop because of unique foliage, long-lasting colorful bracts, and few pest problems. Rhizomes are the primary means of propagation in late spring followed by shoot growth and flowering, and plants enter dormancy under short days in the fall. Termination of dormancy is important for greenhouse forcing and extending the growing season. Manipulation of rhizome storage to satisfy dormancy requires investigation into the storage environment. It appears that controlling growth, development and flowering in geophytic plants is dependent on reserve accumulation, mobilization, and redistribution. Rhizomes of four ginger species (Curcuma alismatifolia Gagnep., C. roscoeana Wallich, Globba winittii C.H. Wright, and Kaempferia galanga L.) were stored for 0 to 16 weeks at 15, 20, or 25 °C to determine the effect on growth, flowering, respiration rates, and carbohydrate content. Upon completion of treatment application, rhizomes were planted in a peat moss:bark:perlite mix and placed in a greenhouse with 25 °C day/21 °C night temperatures with 40% shade. The production time, days to emergence (DTE) and days to flower (DTF), was reduced with an increase in storage temperature and duration for all species. DTE and DTF for Globba and Kaempferia were hastened when rhizomes were stored for 16 weeks at 25 °C. For C. alismatifolia, DTE and DTF were hastened when rhizomes were stored at 25 °C for at least 10 weeks. For C. roscoeana, storage at 25 °C for 14 or 16 weeks was found to hasten emergence. The response of respiration and carbohydrate concentration was not consistent with rhizome and plant growth responses.
Types and Location of Calcium Oxalate Crystals in Dieffen-bachia Cultivars
Authors: Cao Hui , Cao Hui , McConnell Dennis B. , Chen* Jianjun
Published: February 2019

The irritant effect of Dieffenbachia sap is attributed to protelytic enxymes but calcium oxalate crystals are considered to puncture cells and allow enzyme entrance. To date, no detailed study of the location, type, or frequency of calcium oxalate crystals in Dieffenbachia species or cultivars has been undertaken. To do so, three uniform tissue culture plantlets of Dieffenbachia `Carina',`Rebecca' or `Star Bright' were transpanted into 15 cm pots, grown in a shaded greenhouse under 385 μmol·m-2·s-1 and fertigated with 20 N-8.7 P-16.6 K water-soluble fertilizer at N concentrations of 200 mg·L-1 twice weekly. Ten weeks later, samples of stem, root, and leaves were taken from 4 pots of each cultivar to determine the distribution and type of calcuium oxalate crystals in each plant organ via polarized light microscopy. Two types of calcium oxlate crystals, raphides and druses, were found in the stem, leaves and roots. Druse density increased as leaves andd stems matured while the number of raphide idioblasts remained relatively constant. Crystal density was highest at lateral initation sites of buds and roots. Significant differences were found in crystal density among cultivars even though `Carina' and `Star Bright' are sports selected from `Camille'. This suggests that reduction of calcium oxalate density of Dieffenbachia cultivars is possible through breeding.
Growth and Pigmentation in Three Poinsettia Cultivars
Authors: Garcia Alejandro , Colinas-León María Teresa , Alia-Tejacal* Iran , Sahagún-Castellanos Jaime
Published: February 2019

Marmol, Subjibi, and V-17 Angelika cultivars were evaluated under two different growing conditions; Cuautla (average temperature of 24.6 °C, 70% to 80% relative humidity (RH), latitude 18°49', altitude 1,300 msl) and Texcoco (average temperature of 18 °C, 40% to 50% RH, latitude 19°23'40”, altitude 2,250 msl), under greenhouse conditions in 6” pots. Variables considered were: total anthocyanins, carotenoids and chlorophyll content, chlorophyll a, b, and a/b, specific weight and leaf area, to evaluate differences between growing conditions. There were significative differences in total anthocyanin content for `Subjibi' and V-17 `Angelika', being higher in plants grown in Texcoco. In relation to carotenoids and chlorophylls there were differences for plants from the two growing regions, being Cuautla (highest temperature) where these pigments were higher independent of the cultivar. Specific leaf weight was higher for plants grown in Texcoco with significant differences for `Subjibi' and V-17 `Angelika'. Leaf area was higher for the three cultivars in Cuautla throughout the growing period.
Tolerance to Low Temperature of Wild, Semi-cultivated, and Cultivated Poinsettia Genotypes
Authors: Navarro-López Erik , Colinas-León María Teresa , Sahagún-Castellanos Jaime , Pedro Emmanuel Cruz-San , Alia-Tejacal* Iran
Published: February 2019

Commercial red cultivars (Freedom and Subjibi), semicultivated (Xo-chimilco and Chapingo) and a wild genotype (Puebla) were stored at 2, 7 °C [96% relative humidity (RH)], and 18 °C (50% RH) for 24 and 48 hours. Variables considered were: CO2 and ethylene production, color, chlorophyll content and appearance, evaluating cut leaves and potted plants. CO2 and ethylene production were higher in the wild and semi-cultivated genotypes (cut leaves). The 2 °C temperature had an influence in CO2 production, but it did not affect ethylene. In potted plants, bracts did not show changes in color components (brightness, chroma and hue) in relation to low temperatures or storage time. There were no differences in leaf chlorophyll (Spad) with the exception of one of the semi-cultivated genotypes (Xochimilco) where the 2 °C treatment reduced the spad units. Leaves and bracts showed a slightly wilted appearance after storage at 2 and 7 °C, but they recovered afterwards at ambient temperature of 18 °C.
Educational Programs for Hispanics in the New Jersey Landscape Industry
Authors: Perdomo* Pedro , Karamichael Kenneth
Published: February 2019

Industry statistics indicate that there are approximately 150,000 people working in the green industry in New Jersey. About 50% to 60% are Hispanic. Nationally, 43% of Hispanics are not proficient in English. The education of Hispanic workers in their own language increases job skills, improves efficiency, and on the job safety. Spanish language horticultural courses were offered to educate members of the landscape community in New Jersey. Spanish language courses included general turf management, pruning of trees and shrubs, plant identification, hazardous tree identification, and basic pesticide training. The landscape classes began with a slide presentation that covered basic concepts, materials, and techniques that the landscaper should be aware of. Whenever possible, the courses were taught in a bilingual (Spanish/English) format to help participants familiarize themselves with English terms. Along with the in-class training, outdoor demonstrations were incorporated into all courses and participants were given the opportunity to practice what they had learned in the classroom. Over one hundred fifty employees registered for the classes between Jan. and Dec. 2003. Certificates of attendance were issued to all participants and were considered as a positive component of the courses. About 24% of the participants attended more than one of the courses and 100% would recommend the courses to their friends and co-workers. Seventy five percent of landscape business owners stated that they would consider sending other employees to future courses. Fifty percent of the participants were interested in attending courses that covered technical information, such as those offered to the English speaking landscape community.
Landscape Retrofit: Redesigning Desert Landscapes
Authors: Morris Robert L. , O'Callaghan* Angela
Published: February 2019

The Las Vegas Valley receives most of its water from the Colorado River due to a static federal water allocation the remainder from pumping groundwater. The increased water demand due to the population rise in the Las Vegas Valley is expected to overtake its current water allocation in the next few years. Over 60% of the potable water used in the Las Vegas valley is used to irrigate urban landscapes. Poorly designed desert landscapes can ultimately use more water than traditional landscapes and increase residential energy costs. Most of the desert landscaping currently installed by homeowners either ignores principles that conserve water or conserve energy. The program was designed to be used with homeowner associations and commercial landscapers. The residential homeowner proved to be the most responsive to this type of program. The overall goal of this program is to teach residents how to convert a high water use landscape to lower water use and reduce dependence on potable water for irrigation and still maintain high quality landscapes. In 1995, a 7-week, hands-on, landscape design curriculum was developed and used to teach homeowners how to create desert landscape designs that conserve water and energy and compared its water use to traditional, turfgrass landscapes. Participants leave the course with a finished design of their making with information on how to install the landscape themselves or how to hire a professional to do the installation. In 1996-97 a Master Gardener was taught and mentored how to teach the class in Las Vegas using the existing curriculum. Since 1995, over 500 residents have been trained and water use savings documented by the existing water purveyors. This program is self-funded through class fees.
The Effects of a School Gardening Program on the Math and Science Achievement of 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade Students
Authors: Pigg* Adelaide , Waliczek Tina M.
Published: February 2019

Science and math achievement scores of 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade elementary students were studied using a sample of 196 students from McAuliffe Elementary School, located in McAllen, Texas. Students in the experimental group participated in the Junior Master Gardener™ program in addition to the traditional classroom-based math and science methods. In contrast, students within the control group were taught math and science using only traditional classroom-based methods. No statistically significant differences were found in comparisons of science students' achievement scores, indicating that those students using the Junior Master Gardener™ program as a method to learn science benefited similarly to those who learned using only traditional science classroom-based instruction. However, results indicated statistically significant differences in comparisons of students' math achievement scores showing that those students who received traditional math instruction had more improved math achievement scores compared to those taught using the Junior Master Gardener™ program. Results also found no statistically significant differences between demographic groups indicating that males and females and students from different ethnicities benefited similarly from participation in the Junior Master Gardener™ program.
Effects of Dinitroaniline Herbicides on Root Development in Containers
Authors: Mathers Hannah M. , Case* Luke T. , Pope Jennifer A.
Published: February 2019

DNA herbicides are the most commonly used preemergents in container nursery crops. The objectives of this study were: 1) to investigate differences between DNA herbicide applied as granulars, directed sprays, or in combination with mulch (pine nuggets and cypress) on Taxus, Azalea and and Ilex root development; and, 2) to compare efficacy of the above treatments on common groundsel (Senecio vulgaris), large crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis), and annual bluegrass (Poa annua). The granular formulations tested were Barricade 65 WG (prodiamine) at 2.0 lbs active ingredient per acre (a.i./ac) and Treflan TR10 (trifluralin) at 2.0 lbs a.i./ac. The liquid formulations that were used as direct sprays and to treat the mulches were Surflan 4 AS (oryzalin) at 2.0 lbs ai/ac and Pendulum 3.8 CS (pendimethalin) at 3.0 lbs a.i./ac. Evaluations of phytotoxicity and efficacy were taken as rated scores, dry weights, and leaf area measures. Evaluations were taken at 30, 60, 90, and 120 days after treatment (DAT). Efficacy ratings were based on a 0-10 scale with zero being no control, 10 perfect control and 7 commercially acceptable. By 120 DAT, none of the treatments were commercially acceptable. Root (1.52 g) and shoot (3.75 g) weights indicate that Ilex was stunted the most vs. the control (2.42 g roots and 4.87 g shoots) by the direct spray of Pendulum 2X. The Azalea was most effected by the granular application of Barricade at the 2X rate (1.72 g for roots, 4.44 g for shoots) vs. the control (2.23 g for roots, 5.83 g for shoots). Taxus roots were most stunted by Treflan 1X (0.81 g) vs. control (1.01 g). Shoot weights were the lowest with Cypress+1X Pendulum (0.90 g), vs. the control (0.96 g); however, the Treflan 1X treatment gave the second lowest shoot weight for Taxus (0.91 g).
Density and Time of Emergence of Yellow Nutsedge Affect Squash Yield
Authors: Morales-Payan* J. Pablo , Stall William M.
Published: February 2019

A field experiment was conducted in Live Oak, Fla., to determine the effect of yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus L.) (YN) density and time of emergence on the yield of direct-seeded squash (Cucurbita pepo L.). YN densities (0, 20, 40, 60, and 100 plants/m2) were established from tubers planted at different times onto polyethylene-mulched beds, so that YN would emerge the same day as the crop or 5, 15, or 25 days later than the crop (DLTC). YN was not controlled after its emergence. The extent of squash yield loss was affected by YN density and time of emergence. When YN emerged the same day as the crop, the yield of squash was reduced by ≈7% (20 YN/m2) to 20% (100 YN/m2). When YN emerged 15 DLTC, crop yield loss was ≈13% at the density of 100 YN/m2>. Regardless of density, YN emerging 25 DLTC did not significantly reduce crop yield as compared to weed-free squash. Thus, in soils with high YN densities (≈100 viable tubers/m2) herbicides and/or other means of YN suppression in squash should be effective for at least 25 days after crop emergence to prevent significant yield loss. If squash yield losses <5% were acceptable, YN control may not be necessary when densities <20 YN/m2 emerge at any time during the squash season or when <100 YN/m2 emerge >25 DLTC. However, YN emerging during the first 15 days of the squash season may produce tubers, which could increase the YN population at the beginning of the following crop season.