bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Transient, In-season Applied Heat to ‘Merlot’ and ‘Syrah’ Wine Grapes in Eastern Washington
Authors: Gohil Hemant L. , Moyer Michelle M.
Published: December 2018

Sufficient heat accumulation is critical for fruit ripening in wine grape (Vitis vinifera). In 2013, a directed-heat application machine was evaluated for its ability to abridge vine phenology and improve fruit quality in commercially grown ‘Syrah’ and ‘Merlot’ in Paterson, WA. Heat was generated through the propane burning and applied to the vine via angled vents. The heat-generator was pulled by a tractor operating at 4 mph, resulting in a 2-second exposure of heat per vine. Rows were treated on a weekly to biweekly basis with transient heat treatments during: 1) bloom only, 2) véraison only, 3) both bloom and véraison, 4) from budbreak to harvest, and 5) a no-heat applied control. Data collected included the timing of phenological stages, percent fruit set, duration and level of heat exposure of the fruit and canopy, juice soluble solids, titratable acidity (TA) and pH at commercial maturity. Air temperature at the vent blower was ≈300 °F; however, by the time the air reached the canopy, air temperature was ≈130 to 150 °F. As a result, the typical increase in leaf or cluster temperature was 10 to 20 °F for 10 to 20 s. Heat application did not increase the number of berries per cluster or fruit set, did not enhance or abridge key vine phenological stages, did not increase soluble solids concentration accumulation, and did not alter juice TA or pH. Results indicate that heat application of this form does not advance vine phenology and in-field measured aspects of fruit quality in climates with large day-night temperature changes such as those in eastern Washington.
Economics of Utilizing Alternative Containers in Ornamental Crop Production Systems
Authors: Brumfield Robin G. , DeVincentis Alyssa J. , Wang Xueni , Fernandez R. Thomas , Nambuthiri Susmitha , Geneve Robert L. , Koeser Andrew K. , Bi Guihong , Li Tongyin , Sun Youping , Niu Genhua , Cochran Diana , Fulcher Amy , Stewart J. Ryan
Published: December 2018

As high-input systems, plant production facilities for liner and container plants use large quantities of water, fertilizers, chemical pesticides, plastics, and labor. The use of renewable and biodegradable inputs for growing aesthetically pleasing and healthy plants could potentially improve the economic, environmental, and social sustainability of current production systems. However, costs for production components to integrate sustainable practices into established systems have not been fully explored to date. Our objectives were to determine the economic costs of commercial production systems using alternative containers in aboveground nursery systems. We determined the cost of production (COP) budgets for two woody plant species grown in several locations across the United States. Plants were grown in plastic pots and various alternative pots made from wood pulp (WP), fabric (FB), keratin (KT), and coconut fiber (coir). Cost of production inputs for aboveground nursery systems included the plant itself (liner), liner shipping costs, pot, pot shipping costs, substrate, substrate shipping costs, municipal water, and labor. Our results show that the main difference in the COP is the price of the pot. Although alternative containers could potentially increase water demands, water is currently an insignificant cost in relation to the entire production process. Use of alternative containers could reduce the carbon, water, and chemical footprints of nurseries and greenhouses; however, the cost of alternative containers must become more competitive with plastic to make them an acceptable routine choice for commercial growers.
Impact of Biocontainers With and Without Shuttle Trays on Water Use in the Production of a Containerized Ornamental Greenhouse Crop
Authors: Evans Michael R. , Koeser Andrew K. , Bi Guihong , Nambuthiri Susmitha , Geneve Robert , Lovell Sarah Taylor , Stewart J. Ryan
Published: December 2018

Nine commercially available biocontainers and a plastic control were evaluated at Fayetteville, AR, and Crystal Springs, MS, to determine the irrigation interval and total water required to grow a crop of ‘Cooler Grape’ vinca (Catharanthus roseus) with or without the use of plastic shuttle trays. Additionally, the rate at which water passed through the container wall of each container was assessed with or without the use of a shuttle tray. Slotted rice hull, coconut fiber, peat, wood fiber, dairy manure, and straw containers were constructed with water-permeable materials or had openings in the container sidewall. Such properties increased the rate of water loss compared with more impermeable bioplastic, solid rice hull, and plastic containers. This higher rate of water loss resulted in most of the biocontainers having a shorter irrigation interval and a higher water requirement than traditional plastic containers. Placing permeable biocontainers in plastic shuttle trays reduced water loss through the container walls. However, irrigation demand for these containers was still generally higher than that of the plastic control containers.
Impact of Biocontainers on Plant Performance and Container Decomposition in the Landscape
Authors: Sun Youping , Niu Genhua , Koeser Andrew K. , Bi Guihong , Anderson Victoria , Jacobsen Krista , Conneway Renee , Verlinden Sven , Stewart Ryan , Lovell Sarah T.
Published: December 2018

As the green industry is moving toward sustainability to meet the demands of society, the use of biocontainers as alternatives to petroleum-based plastic containers has drawn significant attention. Field trials of seven plantable biocontainers (coir, manure, peat, rice hull, soil wrap, straw, and wood fiber) were conducted in 2011 and 2012 at five locations in the United States to assess the influence of direct-plant biocontainers on plant growth and establishment and the rate of container decomposition in landscape. In 2011, container type did not affect the growth of any of the three species used in this study with an exception in one location. The three species were ‘Sunpatiens Compact Magenta’ new guinea impatiens (Impatiens ×hybrida), ‘Luscious Citrus’ lantana (Lantana camara), and ‘Senorita Rosalita’ cleome (Cleome ×hybrida). In 2012, the effect of container type on plant growth varied with location and species. Cleome, new guinea impatiens, and lantana plants grown in coir and straw containers were in general smaller than those in peat, plastic, rice hull, and wood fiber containers. After 3 to 4 months in the field, manure containers had on average the highest rate of decomposition at 88% for all five locations and two growing seasons. The levels of decomposition of other containers, straw, wood fiber, soil wrap, peat, coir, and rice hull were 47%, 46%, 42%, 38%, 25%, and 18%, respectively, in descending order. Plantable containers did not hinder plant establishment and posttransplant plant growth. The impact of container type on plant growth was smaller compared with that of location (climate). Similarly, the impact of plant species on pot decomposition was smaller compared with that of pot material.
Suitability of Eight Northeastern U.S. Native Shrubs as Replacements for Invasive Plants in a Difficult Landscape Site with White-tailed Deer Pressure
Authors: Shrestha Pragati , Lubell Jessica D.
Published: December 2018

Nursery and landscape professionals are interested in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus)–resistant native plants to replace invasive species used in difficult landscape sites, such as parking lot islands, which are dry, nutrient-poor, and exposed to sun and heat. Eight native shrubs [creeping sand cherry (Prunus pumila var. depressa), elderberry (Sambucus canadensis), gray dogwood (Cornus racemosa), highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum), round leaf dogwood (Cornus rugosa), northern spicebush (Lindera benzoin), sweetbells (Eubotrys racemosa), and virginia rose (Rosa virginiana)] were planted in a large commuter parking lot on the University of Connecticut campus to evaluate their suitability for use in difficult landscapes. The non-native, invasive shrubs ‘Compactus’ winged euonymus (Euonymus alatus) and ‘Crimson Pygmy’ japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii) were also planted as controls representing non-native species typically planted in such sites. Aesthetic quality ratings for sweetbells matched the controls (rating of 4.5 out of 5.0) and plants exhibited a high level of white-tailed deer resistance. Virgina rose and creeping sand cherry had similar aesthetic quality to controls, despite light grazing of plants by white-tailed deer. Elderberry was damaged by moderate white-tailed deer grazing and snow load, but plants regenerated to 485% of initial size in one growing season with white-tailed deer exclusion. Gray dogwood, round leaf dogwood, and northern spicebush exhibited the least resistance to white-tailed deer grazing. Both dogwood species had lower aesthetic quality than the controls, and round leaf dogwood had the lowest survival rate (68%) after 2 years. However, several individuals of gray dogwood, round leaf dogwood, and northern spicebush that were less heavily damaged by white-tailed deer grew into attractive shrubs after white-tailed deer exclusion. Highbush blueberry had significantly lower aesthetic quality than controls and only 75% survival after 2 years, indicating that this species is an unsuitable replacement for invasives in difficult landscape sites. This study identified the underused native shrubs sweetbells, virginia rose, and creeping sand cherry as suitable replacements for invasives in difficult landscape sites with white-tailed deer pressure.
Initial Crown Diameter of Strawberry Bare-root Transplants Affects Early and Total Fruit Yield
Authors: Torres-Quezada Emmanuel A. , Zotarelli Lincoln , Whitaker Vance M. , Santos Bielinski M. , Hernandez-Ochoa Ixchel
Published: December 2018

The standard strawberry (Fragaria ×ananassa) production system in Florida uses bare-root transplants with three to five leaves; however, commercial transplants are typically variable in size. The objective of this experiment was to study the effects of transplant crown diameter on the subsequent performance of three short-day strawberry cultivars under central Florida conditions. Trials were carried out during the 2012–13 and 2013–14 growing seasons with six treatments resulting from the combination of three cultivars and two crown diameter categories. Transplants of ‘Florida Radiance’, ‘Strawberry Festival’, and WinterStar™ were sorted into two initial crown diameter size ranges: <10 mm and >10 mm. Treatments were established in a split-plot design with cultivars as the main plot and four replications. Dry plant biomass was collected at 6 weeks after transplant (WAT). Canopy diameter and crown diameter were measured at 6 and 18 WAT and fruit harvest started at 8 WAT. There were no interactions between cultivar and initial crown diameter for any of the measured variables. For early yield, larger crowns led to 46% (3.5 Mg·ha−1) and 38% (3.9 Mg·ha−1) higher early yield than smaller crowns in 2012–13 and 2013–14, respectively. Crown diameters >10 mm also resulted in 18% (23.5 Mg·ha−1) and 27% (17.4 Mg·ha−1) higher total yields in 2012–13 and 2013–14, respectively.
Physical Characteristics of and Seed Germination in Commercial Green Roof Substrates
Authors: Harp Derald A. , Chen Cheng , Jones Curtis
Published: December 2018

Green roofs provide multiple environmental and economic benefits, such as roof surface temperature reduction, reduced internal cooling needs, storm water management, and extended life span of roofing materials. However, green roof substrates must be relatively lightweight, so it is typically coarse with limited water holding capacity. We hypothesize the physical characteristics that make the substrates successful on a roof are likely to reduce seed germination. For this study, we tested the germination of three perennial species and one annual: shasta daisy (Leucanthemum ×superbum), yarrow (Achillea millefolium), and indian blanket (Gaillardia pulchella), and pinto bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) (as a control) across five different substrates: peat/perlite/large expanded shale, compost/sand/expanded shale, compost/black dirt/expanded shale, compost/expanded shale, and peat/perlite (control). Substrate physical and chemical properties were analyzed, and a germination test conducted using a randomized complete block design, with each species/substrate combination appearing once per block. Germination was defined as seedling emergence, and monitored every 7 days for 28 days. Pinto bean had the highest germination (76.2%) across all substrates, compared with 43.4% for indian blanket, 40.4% for yarrow, and 23.0% for shasta daisy. Seed germination, across all species, was lower in green roof substrates. Germination success was very strongly correlated with seed length, seed width, and seed area, while no relationship was found between seed germination and substrate pH or electrical conductivity (EC). Therefore, it is likely that the physical characteristics of green roof substrates create poor conditions for seed germination.
Subirrigation: Historical Overview, Challenges, and Future Prospects
Authors: Ferrarezi Rhuanito Soranz , Weaver Geoffrey Matthew , van Iersel Marc W. , Testezlaf Roberto
Published: December 2018

Subirrigation is a greenhouse irrigation method that relies on capillary action to provide plants with water and nutrients from below their containers. The first documented subirrigation system was described in 1895, and several variations on the basic design were used for research purposes before the modern ebb-and-flow type systems emerged in 1974. Most subirrigation systems apply the fertilizer solution to a waterproof bench or greenhouse section, allowing the substrate to absorb the water through holes in the bottom of the containers. Because there is little or no leaching, subirrigation typically allows for the use of lower fertilizer solution concentrations. Although excess fertilizer salts typically accumulate in the top layer of the substrate, this does not seem to have a negative impact on plants. Subirrigation can conserve nutrients and water, reduce labor costs, and help growers meet environmental regulations. A challenge with subirrigation is the potential spread of pathogens via the fertilizer solution. When this is a concern, effective disinfection methods such as ultraviolet radiation, chlorine, or ozone should be used. Sensor-based irrigation control has recently been applied to subirrigation to further improve nutrient and water use efficiencies. Better control of irrigation may help reduce the spread of pathogens, while at the same time improving crop quality. The primary economic benefit of subirrigation is the reduction in labor costs, which is the greatest expenditure for many growers.
Integrated Weed Management in Potato Using Straw Mulch and Atrazine
Authors: Bhullar Makhan S. , Kaur Simerjeet , Kaur Tarundeep , Jhala Amit J.
Published: December 2018

Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is one of four major food crops in the world. Weed control is a major component in potato production and has been accomplished using different methods, including but not limited to the use of herbicides and straw mulch. A combination of preemergence herbicide and straw mulch may improve weed control; however, no information is available for combining both methods, along with their effects on weed control, weed density, and potato tuber yields. The objective of this study was to evaluate weed control in potato using atrazine or straw mulch applied alone at different rates or in combination. A field experiment was conducted for 4 years from 2006 to 2010 in Ludhiana, Punjab, India. Common weeds included burclover (Medicago arabica), common lambsquarters (Chenopodium album), littleseed canarygrass (Phalaris minor), purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus), scarlet pimpernel (Anagallis arvensis), swinecress (Coronopus didymus), and toothed dock (Rumex dentatus). Results suggested that atrazine applied alone was not very effective and resulted in 0% to 78% control depending on the weed species being investigated at 30 days after treatment (DAT). Straw mulch applied alone at any rate provided ≥90% control of toothed dock, but control of other weed species was variable. A combination of atrazine and straw mulch at any rate usually resulted in >90% weed control at 30 DAT, except for swinecress and purple nutsedge. This treatment combination also resulted in weed density as low as 0 plant/m2 for common lambsquarters, scarlet pimpernel, and toothed dock. Potato tuber weight and yield was significantly higher in all treatments compared with untreated control without difference among them. It is concluded that a combination of straw mulch and atrazine can provide effective weed control in potato.
An Econometric Demand Model for Florida Green-skin Avocados
Authors: Evans Edward A. , Ballen Fredy H.
Published: December 2018

This article develops an inverse demand model for Florida green-skin avocados (Persea americana). Information from the model is used to assess the likely impact on growers’ prices resulting from a reduction in the supply of Florida green-skin avocados due to a recent outbreak of a deadly fungus in the Florida commercial avocado production area. Consideration is also given to the increased supply of green-skin avocados imported to the United States from the Dominican Republic (DR), as well as the increased availability of ‘Hass’ avocado in the U.S. market. The estimated own price flexibility of –0.551 evaluated at the mean suggests that Florida avocado prices are not very responsive to changes in quantity supplied. A reduction in the quantity supplied is likely to bring about a less than proportionate rise in the price. Moreover, any noticeable rise in prices due to the impact of the disease is likely to be short lived and may be insufficient to cover additional grove management costs. In the longer run, prices are expected to revert closer to their long-run trend (or decrease) as a result of increased shipments from the DR, and further increases in the availability of ‘Hass’ avocados.
Design, Introduction, and Extension of Low-Pressure Drip Irrigation in Myanmar
Authors: Rowell Brent , Soe Mar Lar
Published: December 2018

Drip irrigation is used extensively by both large and small commercial horticultural crop growers in most developed countries where benefits include not only high water use efficiency, but also higher yields, improved product quality, and reduced incidence of foliar disease. Drip systems are still relatively new and expensive in Southeast Asia, and it is primarily wealthier farmers who currently enjoy its benefits. There are also significant perceptual barriers to adoption as many farmers are accustomed to applying copious amounts of water to horticultural crops and are unfamiliar with drip or their crops’ actual water requirements. As a nongovernmental organization whose mission is to help boost small farm incomes, International Development Enterprises (IDE) began experimenting with low-pressure, low-cost gravity-fed drip systems in Myanmar (Burma) in 2006. While the basic design was similar to microtube drip systems of the 1960s, local improvements included filters designed for low pressures, easy-to-use fittings, and inexpensive collapsible header tanks. Our system was optimized for operation on small but commercial-scale plots using pressures as low as 1 psi or only ≈1/10th of that used for conventional drip irrigation. Extension support materials included illustrated installation guides, system design software, videos, testing/filtering of dissolved iron, and easy-to-use water requirement calculators. After hundreds of controlled and farmers’ field tests, our locally manufactured drip sets were offered for sale by private dealers throughout Myanmar in 2009. Incremental system improvements coupled with a strong on-farm demonstration and farmer education program resulted in the successful introduction and widespread adoption of drip irrigation in Myanmar.
Effects of Seaweed Extract Application Rate and Method on Post-production Life of Petunia and Tomato Transplants
Authors: Li Yuqi , Mattson Neil S.
Published: December 2018

Seaweed extracts are widely used as plant growth regulators in agriculture and horticulture for improvement of plant growth and development. This study investigated the effects of rockweed (Ascophyllum nodosum) extract application method (foliar spray or substrate drench) and rate on growth and postharvest drought tolerance of petunia (Petunia hybrida) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) transplants grown in a commercial peat/perlite substrate. Foliar sprays significantly affected growth of petunia and tomato, but did not improve drought tolerance of petunia and tomato. Whereas, substrate drenches significantly improved drought tolerance of petunia and tomato compared with the control. Shoot fresh weight (FW), shoot dry weight (DW), root index (RI), and chlorophyll index (SPAD) of petunia and tomato increased significantly with increasing concentration of foliar spray rate up to 5 mL·L−1, but did not change significantly with further higher foliar spray rates. Weekly substrate drenches at 20 mL·L−1 significantly decreased FW, DW, RI, and SPAD values of petunia and tomato. In this study, substrate drench at 5–10 mL·L−1 significantly increased flower number of petunia and tomato. The results of this study suggested that substrate drenches at 5–10 mL·L−1 are appropriate for the improvement of postharvest life of petunia and tomato transplants, and that foliar applications can increase plant growth.
CIRRIG: Weather-based Irrigation Management Program for Container Nurseries
Authors: Million Jeff B. , Yeager T.H.
Published: December 2018

A goal of irrigation best management practices in container nurseries is to conserve water while maintaining optimal plant growth and quality. A web-based, container irrigation management program (CIRRIG) was developed to automatically provide daily irrigation run times for sprinkler-irrigated crops in container nurseries. The program estimates evapotranspiration rates based on weather uploaded from a weather station located on-site and plant production conditions monitored in each zone and adjusts irrigation run times based on irrigation application rate, the plant’s irrigation-capturing ability (for sprinkler irrigation), desired leaching fraction, and irrigation system uniformity. For this project we interfaced CIRRIG output with a programmable logic controller (PLC) to automatically irrigate a sprinkler-irrigated crop at a container nursery in Florida. Sweet viburnum (Viburnum odoratissimum) in 10-inch-diameter containers were grown by the nursery for 24 weeks in adjacent irrigation zones, one controlled automatically using CIRRIG and the other by the nursery’s traditional practice of manually turning on and off irrigation. Water use was monitored with flowmeters and plant growth by measuring plant size and shoot dry weight periodically throughout the trial. Plant growth was not different (P < 0.05) because of irrigation practice. CIRRIG reduced water use during the study period by 21% (42 vs. 53 inches) compared with the nursery’s irrigation practice. An assessment of the water-saving benefits of making daily adjustments to irrigation run times based on weather including rain indicated savings of 25% and 40% compared with biweekly adjustments with and without automatic rain cutoff, respectively. This trial demonstrated that CIRRIG coupled with an on-site weather station and a computer-controlled irrigation system can be used to manage irrigation while conserving water in a container nursery.
Crop Load Management and the Market Profitability of ‘Honeycrisp’ Apples
Authors: Gallardo R. Karina , Hanrahan Ines , Hong Yeon A , Luby James J.
Published: December 2018

This study assessed the potential impacts on grower profits when the crop load management is not optimal. We used a hedonic pricing model to estimate the relationship between ‘Honeycrisp’ apple (Malus ×domestica) quantities and prices by size category. This information was used to assess potential changes in grower returns as the grower shifts production toward certain size fruit. A grower would realize a loss of $5332/acre if production of size 48 to 88 count per 40-lb box decreased by 5% and size 100 to 163 count/box increased by 5% compared with current ‘Honeycrisp’ size distribution. In addition, we used experimental auctions to estimate consumers’ willingness-to-pay (WTP) for ‘Honeycrisp’ quality characteristics. Apple consumers, in this study, were willing to pay an average of $0.12/lb more for a one-unit increase in soluble solids concentration. A $0.12/lb discount for a decrease in soluble solids content (SSC) would represent a $1362/acre loss. Optimal sizes and SSC estimated in this study are linked with crop loads no larger than seven fruit/cm2 trunk cross-sectional area under Washington state growing conditions. Given the increasing popularity of ‘Honeycrisp’, growers and allied industries should be aware of the importance of preserving the quality of this cultivar to maintain price premiums and thus profit margins.
Estimation of Pyrethrum Flower Number Using Digital Imagery
Authors: Scott Jason B. , Gent David H. , Hay Frank S. , Pethybridge Sarah J.
Published: December 2018

Flower number is the primary determinant of yield in pyrethrum (Tanacetum cineariifolium). Traditional estimates of flower numbers use physical harvesting of flowers, which is time consuming, destructive, and complicated. The precision of flower number estimates may be highly influenced by spatial heterogeneity of plant density and vigor. Here, we examined the potential for digital image analysis to enable rapid, nondestructive assessment of flower number. This technique involved removal of pixels with color profiles not typical of the disc florets of pyrethrum. Particle counting was then performed using defined size and shape parameters to estimate flower numbers. Estimates of flower number based on image analyses were correlated with physical harvests of flowers, with estimates representing about an average of 32% of total flower numbers present within a sampling unit. This relationship was consistent across all observed flower densities. Covariate analysis indicated that occurrences of crop lodging and over mature flower canopies had significant, detrimental effects on system predictions. Pyrethrum flowers were spatially aggregated within fields with the degree of aggregation greatest at the lowest flower densities. Based on modeled flower distributions, eight quadrats (0.49-m2 sampling unit) were sufficient to achieve a cv of 0.1 in a 600-m2 plot area in all but the lowest flower densities. The utility of this approach for biomass assessment in pyrethrum and other Compositae is discussed.
Preference, Complexity, and Color Information Entropy Values for Visual Depictions of Plant and Vegetative Growth
Authors: Kuper Rob
Published: December 2018

Few have examined the relationship between landscape color changes, landscape complexity, and laypersons’ visual preference ratings. We examined whether depictions of visual changes to plant and vegetative colors affect preference ratings, estimations of complexity, and computed color information entropy values. Photographs depicted four visual states of plant growth—winter dormancy, foliation, flowering, and senescence—in color at four locations on each of three landscape architecture project sites in New York and Pennsylvania. Participants viewed and evaluated the scenes depicted in the photographs for preference (n = 52) and estimated the presence of complexity (n = 47). A multiparadigm numerical computing environment performed algorithmic functions to calculate Shannon information entropy values of perceptual and categorical colors for each photograph. The visual changes depicted significantly affected perceptual color information entropy values, but significant effects were not found in three contrasts between values for the four stages of plant and vegetative growth. Preference ratings for foliated scenes were significantly higher than those for dormant and senescent scenes. Respondents’ complexity estimations for foliated scenes were lower than those of flowering and senescent, yet complexity and preference did not correlate. Preference correlated strongly and positively with perceptual color information entropy, which may help predict landscape preference. However, the presence of green foliage may affect preference more than perceptual color information entropy within scenes.
Differing Nursery Production Systems Impact Cost of Planting Oak Species in the Urban Environment
Authors: Green Benjamin L. , Harper Richard W. , Lass Daniel A.
Published: December 2018

Urban foresters must be able to accurately assess costs associated with planting trees in the built environment, especially since resources to perform community forest management are limited. Red oak (Quercus rubra) and swamp white oak (Q. bicolor) (n = 48) that were produced using four different nursery production systems—balled and burlapped (BNB), bare root (BR), pot-in-pot container grown (PIP), and in-ground fabric (IGF)—were evaluated to determine costs of planting in the urban environment. Costs associated with digging holes, moving the trees to the holes, and planting the trees were combined to determine the mean cost per tree: BNB trees cost $11.01 to plant, on average, which was significantly greater than PIP ($6.52), IGF ($5.38), and BR ($4.38) trees. Mean costs for BR trees were significantly lower than all other types of trees; IGF trees were less expensive to plant (by $1.14) than PIP trees, but this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.058). Probabilities that cost per tree are less than specific values also are calculated. For example, the probabilities that IGF and BR can be planted for less than $8.00 per tree are 1.00. The probability that a PIP can be planted for less than $8.00 is 0.86, whereas the probability for a BNB tree is just 0.01. This study demonstrates that the cost of planting urban trees may be affected significantly in accordance with their respective nursery production method.
Identification of Turf Bermudagrasses on the Oklahoma State University Baseball Field and Three Experimental Clones as Revealed with Simple Sequence Repeat Markers
Authors: Fang Tilin , Wu Yanqi , Makaju Shiva , Tribble Todd , Martin Dennis L. , Moss Justin Q.
Published: December 2018

Turfgrass varietal identification is critical and allows turfgrass professionals to manage the turf based on the cultural requirements of the variety. On the Oklahoma State University (OSU) Baseball Field (OSUBF) in Stillwater, OK, some bermudagrass (Cynodon sp.) plants exhibited desirable traits but their exact identities were unknown due to the installation of multiple varieties over time. Accordingly, the major objective of this study was to identify if the desirable bermudagrass plants were from commercially available known varieties. Recently, the OSU turf bermudagrass breeding program developed and entered three fairway-type clonal bermudagrasses in the 2013 National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP) bermudagrass trial: OKC 1131, OKC 1163, and OKC 1302. The secondary objective was to create molecular marker profiles for these three experimental lines. Five OSUBF samples were analyzed using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers, along with 24 clonal, commercially available turf bermudagrass varieties widely used in Oklahoma, the three OSU experimental clones, six randomly selected single plants from ‘Riviera’, and two controls for common bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) and african bermudagrass (Cynodon transvaalensis). SSR marker genotyping data indicated that the five OSUBF plants were clones of an identical bermudagrass. The OSUBF bermudagrass had the same fingerprint as ‘Astro-DLM’ bermudagrass for 14 out of 16 SSRs genotyped. Fifteen out of 30 additional SSR markers also showed differences between the OSUBF bermudagrass and ‘Astro-DLM’. The three OSU experimental clones were different from each other and had different fingerprints from the other tested varieties based on SSR profiles, indicating they are new breeding lines. These four distinct lines have potential to be released as new varieties if they demonstrate superior turf quality traits and adaptation over time.
Smooth Crabgrass and Goosegrass Control with Metamifop in Creeping Bentgrass
Authors: Parker Ethan T. , McElroy J. Scott , Flessner Michael L.
Published: December 2018

Smooth crabgrass (Digitaria ischaemum) and goosegrass (Eleusine indica) are problematic weeds in creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera) because of limited herbicide options for postemergence (POST) control and turfgrass injury potential. Metamifop is a herbicide currently being considered for release to markets in the United States but information is lacking on the most effective rates and application timings for smooth crabgrass and goosegrass control in creeping bentgrass. Field trials were conducted in Auburn, AL in 2009 and 2013 to evaluate metamifop rates (200 to 800 g·ha−1) and single or sequential application timings compared with fenoxaprop (51 to 200 g·ha−1) at two different mowing heights. Metamifop applied twice and three times sequentially at 200 g·ha−1 provided the greatest smooth crabgrass (>97%) and goosegrass (>90%) control at rough (1½ inch) and green (1/8 inch) mowing heights without unacceptable creeping bentgrass injury at 56 days after initial treatment. All treatments caused <20% visible injury on creeping bentgrass at both mowing heights except the highest rate of metamifop. Smooth crabgrass control at the green mowing height was greater than at the rough mowing height, especially at lower metamifop rates with a single application.
Sample Container and Storage Temperature for Paclobutrazol Monitoring in Irrigation Water
Authors: Altland James E. , Morris Leslie , Boldt Jennifer , Fisher Paul , Raudales Rosa
Published: December 2018

Paclobutrazol is a plant growth retardant commonly used on greenhouse crops. Residues from paclobutrazol applications can accumulate in recirculated irrigation water. Given that paclobutrazol has a long half-life and potential biological activity in parts per billion concentrations, it would be desirable to measure paclobutrazol concentration in captured irrigation supplies. However, there are no standard protocols for collecting this type of sample. The objective of this research was to determine if sample container material or storage temperature affect paclobutrazol stability over time. In two experiments, paclobutrazol was mixed in concentrations ranging from 0.04 to 0.2 mg·L−1 and stored in polyethylene, clear glass, or amber glass containers at temperatures of either 4 or 20 °C. Paclobutrazol concentration was measured at 3, 14, and 30 days after the start of each experiment. Across the two experiments, there were no consistent trends in reduction of paclobutrazol concentration with respect to container material or storage temperature. In the first experiment, there was an average of 5% reduction across all treatments from day 0 to 30, whereas in the second experiment, concentration did not decrease over the 30-day time period. These data suggest that paclobutrazol is stable in collected water samples for at least 30 days, and that either glass or polyethylene containers are suitable for collecting greenhouse water samples for analysis of paclobutrazol concentration. A minimum volume of 100 mL was determined to be the optimum to analyze water samples with diverse paclobutrazol concentrations.
Overwintering Survival and Vigor of Container-grown Fountain Grass: Influence of Substrate Moisture Content, Protective Covers, and Fertilizer Rate
Authors: Harris William K. , Latimer Joyce G. , Freeborn John F. , Aiken Margaret , Scoggins Holly L.
Published: December 2018

Despite the popularity of fountain grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides) as a landscape perennial, little research has been conducted on nursery management practices that maximize its overwintering survival and subsequent spring vigor in container production systems. An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of protective covers (a double layer of insulation fabric, a double layer of insulation fabric plus a single sheet of white polyethylene plastic, or no cover), fertilizer application rate (high and low), and substrate moisture content (irrigated when substrate volumetric water content (VWC) fell below 15% and 25%) on the survival rate and vigor of container-grown fountain grass: straight species fountain grass (SFG), ‘Hameln’ fountain grass (HFG), and ‘Little Bunny’ fountain grass (LBFG). Plants were overwintered in a coldframe and were evaluated for survival rate (percent that survived the winter) and vigor (visual rating scale 1 to 5) the following spring. Survival rate and vigor ratings varied among species. However, the highest survival rates (generally 75% or greater) and vigor ratings (generally 3 or greater) were in treatments that used protective covers, though there was not a clear advantage to using white polyethylene in addition to the double layer of insulation fabric. In treatments that used either of the protective covering methods and the high fertilizer application rate, 25% or less of LBFG survived and had vigor ratings of 1.3 or less. In contrast, 75% of LBFG survived when the low fertilizer rate was used in conjunction with either protective covering method. Substrate moisture content only affected the survival rates of SFG and HFG when no protective cover was used, although these survival rates were less than those with covers. These results suggest that protective covers may serve as a tool to minimize winter damage and improve crop quality for the species used in this trial. Because of the varied capacity among these cultivars to tolerate different fertilizer rates and substrate moisture contents, it is recommended that growers use the results of this study as a baseline for conducting site evaluations to determine overwintering techniques that maximize survival and vigor on their facilities.
Use of Drip Irrigation in Orchards
Authors: Bravdo B. , Proebsting E.L.
Published: December 2018

The use of drip irrigation in orchards is increasing worldwide. Water shortage, prevention of ground water contamination, and improved production are the main reasons for this increase. The combination of partial wetting of the soil and control of the water penetration depth considerably increases the efficiency of irrigation. Recent technological improvements permit maintenance of a constant volume of irrigated soil in which gradients of soil water matric potentials and mineral concentrations exist from the irrigation point to the margins of the wetted zone. Because water and mineral uptake is a function of soil matric potential and mineral concentration, respectively, optimal uptake rates by certain portions of the root system always exist along these gradients for any given environmental conditions. Gradients of air concentration act similarly and permit maintenance of high water availability without any interference with root aeration. Due to the relative ability of the roots to exchange water, minerals, and, possibly, oxygen, the entire root system functions more efficiently compared to root systems under conventional irrigation methods. Physiological root restriction effects induce the formation of a large number of small roots with frequent branching. Consequently, the relative surface area for water and mineral absorption is increased several-fold, and the increased number of root tips that are known to be involved in production of hormones (such as gibberelins and cytokinins) is significant. Evidence for enhanced fruit bud formation under conditions of root restriction is presented here. Water treatment and filtration technology has improved, and clogging of surface or buried drip systems now can be minimized, which also increases the suitable range of water quality for use in drip systems.
Use of Natural Lipids to Accelerate Ripening and Enhance Storage Life of Tomato Fruit with and without Ethephon
Authors: Farag Karim M. , Palta Jiwan P.
Published: December 2018

A natural lipid, lysophosphatidylethanolamine (LPE), was used as a tomato fruit ripening agent. The effect of this compound on hastening the ripening and on the defoliation of the `Heinz 7155' processing tomato and the Glamour fresh-market tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) was compared to the effect of ethephon. Vines were sprayed to runoff in the field with a hand sprayer and fruits were harvested 2 weeks or 20 days later in a single harvest operation. LPE (100 mg liter-1) accelerated ripening of both processing and fresh-market tomatoes without defoliation. LPE-treated tomatoes had a better shelf life than the control or ethephon-treated fruit, whether they were harvested at the breaker, pink, or red stage of maturity. The combination of LPE and ethephon (100 mg liter-1) enhanced tomato ripening without damaging the foliage, suggesting that LPE can mitigate the undesirable effects of ethephon on foliage and the fruit. The LPE-related lipid phosphatidyldimethylethanol-amine dipalmitoyl (PDED) also was able to enhance some aspects of keeping quality of tomato fruits, but was not able to enhance fruit ripening. Phosphatidylethanolamine was not as effective as LPE or PDED. It appears that the active molecule of this natural lipid is the lyso form. Our results provide evidence that LPE can enhance tomato fruit ripening and postharvest storage life of vine-ripe fruits and fruits picked at early ripeness stages.
Under- and Overtree Microsprinkler Irrigation for Frost Protection of Peaches
Authors: Rieger Mark
Published: December 2018

Spring frost events reduce fruit production in the southeastern United States more than any other factor, with some losses occurring in 5 out of 7 years. Orchard heaters, wind machines, and overhead irrigation are sound methods of reducing losses, but their relatively high cost is a major deterrent for fruit growers (Castaldi, 1990). A potentially leas-costly and more water- efficient approach to frost protection is overtree microsprinkling. Microsprinkler irrigation was applied either beneath or onto canopies of 4-year-old `Loring' peach [Prunus persica (L.)] trees at a rate of 38 liters/h per tree to evaluate the relative efficacy of low-volume undertree and overtree microsprinkling for frost protection. Overtree microsprinkling maintained flower bud temperatures 2C during a calm, radiative frost on 20-21 Mar. 1990 (minimum air temperature -4.4C), whereas undertree sprinkling provided 0.5C of air temperature elevation at a comparable height in trees (2 m). Twelve days later, fruit set was lower for nonirrigated and undertree-irrigated trees (none to one fruit/m of shoot length) than for trees irrigated with overtree microsprinklers (eight to nine fruit/m of shoot length). Economic analysis showed that capital costs of overtree microsprinkler systems increased annual costs of peach production by 8% to 13%, which required increased yield (or price per unit yield) of 17% to 20% before profits exceeded those of nonirrigated orchards, assuming all else equal. The estimated 1% increase in annual production costs of overtree microsprinkling compared to undertree microsprinkling appears to be justified by the increased efficacy of the overtree system.
High-gypsum Byproducts as Soil Amendments for Horticultural Crops
Authors: Korcak R.F.
Published: December 2018

The beneficial influences of gypsum on soil improvement and plant growth have been well-documented, Among these benefits are reclamation of sodic soils, alleviation of subsoil acidity problems, and contribution of Ca and S as nutrients. There are three industrial byproducts that contain significant amounts of gypsum. Phosphogypsum is probably the best-known byproduct gypsum source; the others are clean-air technology coal combustion byproducts, namely fluidized bed combustion and flue gas desulfurization residues. This review summarizes the beneficial chemical and physical effects of gypsum on soil properties and the resultant benefits on plant growth. Where applicable, emphasis is placed on potential uses and limitations of byproduct gypsum sources on horticultural crops. The potential for incorporating these materials in artificial mixtures with organic materials is discussed.
Influence of Backfill Soil Amendments on Establishment of Container-grown Shrubs
Authors: Watson Gary W. , Kupkowski Gary , von der Heide-Spravka Kerstin G.
Published: December 2018

Cotoneaster apiculata and Juniperus chinensis `Pfitzeriana Compacta' were planted on a site with compacted clay soil. Plants were placed in holes the same size as the root ball (no backfill), or in holes three times the diameter of the root ball with sloping sides. The three backfill soils used were composed of site-soil (50%) amended with sand (40%) and leaf compost (10%), site-soil (75%) amended with mushroom compost (25%), and unamended site-soil. After 14 months, root density was not different in any of the treatments, and root densities were not different in the compacted clay soil outside of the planting hole, indicating that root growth was not inhibited at the interface between the backfill soil and the compacted site clay soil. Shoot growth of C. apiculata grown in backfill amended with sand and leaf compost was larger than shoot growth of plants grown in other backfills.
AgTiIPS: A Customized Voice-mail System for Delivering Lawn, Garden, and Horticulture Information to the Public
Authors: Legg David E. , Davis Rodney L. , Buk Jerry P.
Published: December 2018

A computerized information delivery system (AgTiIPS) was developed to deliver lawn, garden, and horticultural information to the public. AgTiIPS was based on voice-mail technology, which allows the public to access about 100 messages through a tone-producing telephone. AgTiIPS has been functioning in a Wyoming community of 47,000 since July 1990, and has delivered more than 700 messages in 1.5 years. Economic analyses for setting up voice-mail systems were conducted and the role of voice-mail in delivering lawn, garden, and horticultural information was discussed.
Newsletters as an Applied Writing Activity in Horticulture Courses
Authors: Boufford Robert W.
Published: December 2018

Graduates of horticulture curricula are expected to be able to convey technical expertise in a variety of communication and writing activities. To address the need for writing competence, writing-across-the-curriculum concepts are being applied in a variety of horticulture courses. To expand writing skills in a turfgrass management course using a job-related activity, a newsletter project was assigned to students that required the students to write two articles and produce a newsletter publication.
Plant Patents-A Boon to Horticulture and the American Public
Authors: Hutton R. J.
Published: December 2018

The Plant Patent Act of 1930 was a tremendous step forward in the development of new cultivars for ornamental horticulture and for the benefit of the American public. The `Peace' rose, PP 591, was the single breakthrough that had maximum impact. Prom the Plant Patent Act, other forms of breeders' rights were spawned worldwide, including our own Plant Variety Protection Act (PVPA). Proof of the success has been the increasing use and acceptance of plant patents and the lack of challenges to the act and plant patent litigation.
Legal Protection for Plant Intellectual Property
Authors: Jondle Robert J.
Published: December 2018

An overview of current legal options for the protection of plant innovations is presented. Plant protection options vary from country to country, depending on the type of plant invention-e.g., a new biotechnology method, a gene, plant cultivar, or hybrid. Plant science, plant breeding, and biotechnology are interconnected and international in scope. Therefore, it is important to consider international plant protection options available for plant innovations.