bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accelerated Germination of Pepper Seed by Priming with Salt Solutions and Water
Authors: Smith Patrick T. , Cobb B. Greg
Published: February 2019

Sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L. cv. Keystone Resistant Giant #3) seeds were imbibed (primed) in salt solutions to determine a) what concentrations would inhibit radicle emergence and b) the influence this delay in radicle emergence would have on subsequent germination. Seeds were primed for 17 days at 23C in petri dishes with KNO3, KCl, NaCl, K2SO4, Na2SO4, 1 NaCl: 1 CaCl2 (mol/mol), Ca(NO3)2, CaCl2, Na2HPO4, and K2HPO4 in 10, 25, 50, 100, 200, or 300 mm of the salts. Germination was not inhibited in the 10- to 100-mm salt range, although most 200- and all 300-mm solutions reduced radicle emergence to <5.0%. The time to 50% germination (T50) of these primed seeds in water significantly (P < 0.01) decreased, when compared to unprimed seeds, and a negative correlation (r = – 0.98) was observed between this reduction and the osmotic potential of the solutions. Solutions with the highest osmotic potentials most severely reduced T50 without reducing the final germination percentage. For seeds primed in K2SO4 or Na2SO4 (200 and 300 mm) through 18 days, the reduction in T50 and duration of priming were negatively correlated (r = - 0.99). Seeds soaked in double distilled water and then dried germinated faster than controls, but not as fast as seeds primed in salt solutions. Priming of pepper seeds in this study was dependent on the osmotic potential of the solution, rather than a specific salt, and the duration of treatment.
ORNAMENTAL TREE LEAF PUBESCENCE AND MULCHING TO MAINTAIN FAVORABLE WATER STATUS DURING DROUGHT
Authors: Smith Ann Marie , Rakow Donald
Published: February 2019

This study was undertaken to determine if there was a combination of tree species and mulch type which resulted in a most favorable plant water potential when plants were subjected to induced drought. Fraxinus pennsylvanica, glabrous, and F.p. `Emerald', pubescent, trees were combined with either a four cm application of medium grade gravel, shredded bark, a fused polypropylene geotextile or no mulch treatment. After the first drought period, across all treatments, the pubescent `Emerald' trees maintained less negative water potentials than the Fraxinus pennsylvanlca trees. In the species comparison the particulate mulches, shredded bark and gravel, were associated with less negative water potentials then the other treatments. Between these, the shredded bark was associated with the least negative readings. After the second consecutive dry down there was not a significant difference in predawn water potentials between the species and cultivar. However, within the `Emerald' comparison there was a non-significant difference between the particulate mulches and the shredded bark was associated with the least negative potentials.
CHARACTERIZATION OF LOW TEMPERATURE DAMAGE AND SUBSEQUENT REGROWTH RESPONSE OF FIELD GROWN ROSES
Authors: Pembcrton H. Brent , Philley George L. , Roberson William E.
Published: February 2019

Plants of field grown rose cultivars Blaze, Gold Glow, Queen Elizabeth, Mr. Lincoln, Montezuma, Don Juan, Chicago Peace, and Pink Peace endured two major freezes. Temperatures fell to -13°C on 16 December 1989 and as low as -20°C during an extended period from 17 to 28 December 1989 when the highest temperature reached was 5°. Grade 1 plants of each cultivar were harvested on 5 January 1990. At harvest, discoloration of the pith, xylem ray parenchyma and bud union tissue was assessed. Additional plants were then potted and forced in a glasshouse at 15° night temperalure with venting at 21° during the day. At the end of the initial flush of growth, which was defined as either the opening of the first flower or the determination that all new shoots were blind, new growth was rated and measured. Blaze exhibited minimal damage with only slight pith discoloration. The total number of flowering shoots (TNFS) for Blaze was 5.5 per plant which is an expected number from a grade 1 plant. Of the other cultivars. Gold Glow and Pink Peace exhibited pith, xylem, and bud union damage with up to 50% cane dieback, but produced flowering shoots from the graft union. However, only half the expected TNFS per plant were produced. The remaining cultivars also exhibited higher damage levels than Blaze which resulted in reduced shoot numbers and flowering. Only Blaze plants received an acceptable plant marketability rating.
USE OF CRYOPROTECTANTS FOR FROST PROTECTION IN PEACHES
Authors: Reighard Gregory L. , Newall William C. , Graham Charles J.
Published: February 2019

Late spring freezes often result in significant flower bud kill in deciduous fruit trees. Some products have been marketed as frost protectant compounds which purportedly protect flower stigmas and ovaries from freezing injury and death. Two of these compounds, Frost Free and Frostgard, were tested at two locations in South Carolina over three years. Varieties `Junegold', `Loring', `Redhaven', and `Jefferson' were treated with Frost Free (FF) in years 1988-1990 and with Frostgard (FG) in 1990. Significant differences in fruit yield and vegetative growth occurred during this period, but no consistent trends were evident. In 1989, FF-treated `Redhaven' and `Jefferson' trees averaged 10.5 and 21.8 kg more fruit/tree than the controls. However, no lethal cold temperatures occurred during the bloom period. In 1990, FG-treated `Redhaven' trees averaged 8.0 kg more fruit/tree than the control trees. The fruit from FF-treated trees were lower in Brix, had less red color, and vegetative shoot growth was slightly greater than that of the FG and check trees. These data suggest that Frost Free may have plant growth regulator properties.
EFFECT OF GIBBERELLIC ACID ON SEED TRACES OF ARKANSAS TABLE GRAPES
Authors: Clark John R. , Fernandez Gina E.
Published: February 2019

Gibberellic Acid (GA3) was applied to `Venus' table grape flower clusters seven days after full bloom at 0, 150 and 300 ppm in 1987 and 1988. For both years, berry, cluster and average individual seed trace weights were not significantly affected by GA3 treatment. Total seed traces/berry were reduced an average of 50%, resulting in one seed trace/berry for GA3 treated clusters compared to two seed traces/berry for the control. Yield was increased in 1988 with the 300 ppm rate.
SELECTION OF MAYHAW, CRATAEGUS OPACA L., FOR SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURAL ECOSYSTEMS.
Authors: Baker Marvin L.
Published: February 2019

In North America, cultivation of Mayhaws (Crataegus opaca L.) is rare; most commercial harvest is taken from the wild. Crataegus opaca is distributed in northeast Texas, east Texas and southeast Texas along the flood plains of the Angelina and Neuches rivers and their watersheds. Mayhaws are difficult to define due to unusual factors relating to reproduction, including apomixis, or the development of an embryo from cells other than sex cells. Mayhaws are valued for economic use as food, medicine and ornamentals. Since the hawthorn has shown extremely low toxicity in every animal tested, the discovery of isolated constituents thru research has caused pharmacological interest. A small orchard plot of selections with ripened fruit measuring larger than 2.5 cm up to 3.1 cm with bright red or pink color is being established for selecting possible cultivars for medicinal or food uses.

Five Crataegus opaca selections were collected due to showing spurtype, large fruits and thornlessness. Yearly production of fruit was noted for five years (even after late freezes) while selections grew in Taggert's Flat, Neuches river bottom, Angelina County. Seedlings are being grafted for further evaluations and uses in sustainable agricultural ecosystems.
EXTENSION/INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIP RESULTS IN EMPLOYEE TRAINING VIDEOS FOR LANDSCAPERS
Authors: Wade Gary L. , Marsh Joan E. , Banta Mark
Published: February 2019

In June, 1988, an Extension advisory committee of landscape professionals met in Atlanta to discuss educational needs of the industry. Representatives from commercial, municipal, Institutional, recreational and private landscape operations present unanimously Identified the need for employee training materials as a top priority. A sub-committee composed of Extension agents, Extension Specialists and landscapes then spent months examining training aids from other states and concluded most were not pertinent to the southeastern U.S. As a result, a series of locally produced employee training videos were proposed. With funding from various landscape firms and the landscape division of the Georgia Green Industry Association, an Atlanta based videographer was hired. Scripts are written and edited by a team of Extension Agents, Extension Specialists and landscape professionals. Extension agents then direct the filming and help edit and produce the final product. To date, two videos have been released and four more are in production. Each video is packaged with an instructor's manual, multiple choice exam and evaluation form. A great deal of support and enthusiasm from both the landscape industry and Extension administration has resulted from this team approach to Extension programming.
GENETIC VARIANCE FOR RESISTANCE TO SWEETPOTATO WEEVIL
Authors: Thompson Paul G. , Schneider John , Graves Boyett
Published: February 2019

A breeding population including parents with known moderate levels of weevil resistance was evaluated for resistance in a field experiment with few naturally occurring weevils. Weevils were collected from several Mississippi locations and intermated for increase. One male and one female were applied to the crown of each plant 73 days after transplanting. Seventeen parents and their progenies plus 6 additional clones or families were grown in 5 plant plots replicated 8 times. Genetic variability for resistance to weevil injury was observed. Mean percentage injured roots ranged from 25 to 85 and there were differences in resistance to injury among genotypes. Additive genetic variance was moderate so increased resistance levels should result from selection and intermating for high resistance.
CAROLINA CROWDER: A NEW, PEST AND DISEASE RESISTANT, ALL-PURPOSE SOUTHERNPEA
Authors: Fery R. L. , Dukes P. D.
Published: February 2019

The Agricultural Research Service of the United States Department of Agriculture announced the release of Carolina Crowder southernpea on 12 October 1990. The new cultivar is well adapted for production throughout the southern U.S., where it can be expected to produce excellent yields of high quality, crowder-type peas. Carolina Crowder is resistant to the cowpea curculio, the major insect pest of the southernpea in southeastern production areas; blackeye cowpea mosaic virus, an important virus pathogen of southernpea in the United States; and root-knot, a severe root disease incited by several species of the root-knot nematode. Canned samples of fresh Carolina Crowder peas scored well in three years of quality evaluation tests. Pod color is a brilliant red at early green-shell maturity and a brilliant red heavily shaded with cranberry colored pigment at optimum green-shell maturity. The attractive pod color should make Carolina Crowder an excellent candidate for fresh market use. Carolina Crowder plants have a greater tendency to produce a second crop than plants of most southernpea cultivars.
EVALUATION OF SELECTED FRUIT QUALITY ATTRIBUTES FOR SEVEN STRAWBERRY CULTIVARS
Authors: Maness N.O. , Chrz D.R. , Striegler K. , Wahem I , McCollum T.G.
Published: February 2019

Fresh strawberries are highly perishable commodities, and berry quality at harvest delimits their potential shelf life. We are conducting harvest quality evaluations for seven commercially available cultivars. Seven different fruit characteristics were chosen to assess cultivar performance during the early, middle and late phases of the picking season: marketable berry yield, berry weight, berry firmness, berry color (“a” value), percept soluble solids, titratable acidity (percent citric acid) and the ratio between soluble solids and titratable acidity. Marketable berry yield, berry weight and berry firmness varied substantially between cultivars. A few differences were observed between cultivars for berry color. Berry flavor, as evidenced by the ratio between soluble solids and acidity, was also apparently different between cultivars with three of the seven cultivars consistently exhibiting higher ratios. The relationship of each measured parameter to quality will be discussed.
INCREASING SEED GERMINATION PERCENTAGE OF CRATAEGUS OPACA (MAYHAW) BY FERMENTATION
Authors: Baker Marvin L.
Published: February 2019

Fermentation and other seed pregermination treatments of Mayhaw [Crataegus opaca (1.) Hook and Arn-Series Aestivales] (Vines,; Phipps, 1988) were evaluated as potential requirements to increase germination percentages. Low seed germinability and arratic seedling emergence are major problems in Crataegus breeding. Freshly harvested fermented open-pollinated seed from 5 different Mayhaw selections averaged 93.4% at 8 days fermentation and 92.8% at 4 days fermentation. Frozen fruit stored from these 5 selections and later fermented 12 days showed the following higher percentages of germination: frozen storage for 10 days - 87.2% (<4 days fermentation (df); frozen storage for 20 days - 83.8% (<4 days df; frozen storage for 30 days - 74.4% (<8 df; frozen storage for 40 days - 72.6% (<4 df; frozen storage for 60 days - 70.2% (<4 df and frozen storage for 90 days - 60.8% (< 8 df. Positive responses to short fermentation durations (<8 days) were observed, but longer fermentation durations were deleterious. Embryo dormancy requiring acid treatment or stratification and problems with germination inhibiting substances were minimized by fermenting fresh ripened fruit containing large embryos. The fruits and seed were not allowed to dry and they were either prepared immediately or frozen for later use.
Root Applications of Gibberellic Acid Enhance Growth of Seven Pelargonium Cultivars
Authors: Arteca Richard N. , Schlagnhaufer Carl D. , Arteca Jeannette M.
Published: February 2019

Four concentrations of GA, (0.05, 0.5, 5.0, or 50 mg·liter–1) were applied to the root systems of seven hydroponically grown geranium (Pelargonium × hortorum cv. Empress Irene, Glacier Crimson, Sincerity, Pink Fiat, Sybil Holmes, and Mrs. Parker and P. × domesticum cv. Lavender Grand Slam) cultivars. The relative growth rate of all cultivars tested increased with GA3 treatments. In conjunction with the increase in growth rate, each of the cultivars showed a reduction in the root: shoot ratio and chlorophyll content per unit leaf area with no change in the percent moisture. These Pelargonium cultivars are genetically diverse, showing that GA3 can stimulate growth over a wide range of cultivars. Chemical name used: gibberellic acid (GA3).
Postproduction Performance of `Gloria' Azalea in Response to Flower Maturity and Simulated Transport
Authors: Black Lori A. , Nell Terril A. , Barrett James E.
Published: February 2019

Dormant-budded `Gloria' azaleas (Rhododendron sp.) at various maturity levels (one, eight, or 32 individual open flowers) were moved from the greenhouse to postproduction rooms. Postproduction rooms were maintained at 21 ± 1C, relative humidity 50% ± 5%, and 12 hours of daily irradiance at 12 μmol·s–1·m–2 from cool-white fluorescent lamps to simulate home conditions. Using predetermined categories, the number of tight, showing-color, candle, and open-flower inflorescences were recorded. After 2 weeks postproduction, plants chosen at the start of postproduction with eight or 32 individual open flowers had the best flowering uniformity and flower color. In a second experiment, azaleas with one, eight, or 32 individual open flowers were placed into simulated transport for 4 days at 16 ± 1C. Plants with one individual open flower had greatest longevity, but those with eight open flowers had the best overall postproduction performance. In a final experiment, azaleas at similar maturity levels were placed in simulated transport at 5, 16, or 27C for 2, 4, or 6 days. After 2 weeks postprodudion, there was no difference due to simulated-transport temperature or duration on flowering performance or flower color. Longevity was good for plants held 2, 4, or 6 days at 5C and for plants held for 2 days at 16 or 27C.
THE TIMING OF PRUNING OF PEACH TREES ON FRUIT YIELD AND QUALITY, COLD HARDINESS, CARBOHYDRATE STATUS, AND ON THE INCIDENCE OF CYTOSPORA CANKER
Authors: DeLong John M. , Crassweller Robert M
Published: February 2019

Fruit Yield and quality measurements were taken from 10 year-old `Newhaven' peach trees pruned at prebloom (preb), full-bloom (fb), and 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks following fb. Trees were hand-pruned with dormant type thinning and heading cuts. Fruit weight and circumference tended to decrease from fb onwards, while fruit were firmer at fb+4 and fb+6 than at preb. Firmer peaches were also measured at fb+6 than at fb. Fruit color was measured on a tristimulus color scale. Value (L) indicated that lighter fruit occurred with pruning at preb, fb, and fb+4 weeks, while fruit were darker at fb+2, fb+6 and fb+8 weeks. Hue (a) indicated that trees being pruned at preb had redder fruit than those pruned at fb+2 or fb+8 weeks. Redder fruit were also measured at fb+6 than at fb+8 weeks. Chroma (b) indicated that peaches from trees pruned at fb+4 had the highest degree of yellow, while fruit from tree pruning at fb were more yellow than at fb+2, fb+6 and fb+8 weeks. Also being investigated are the pruning timing effects on cold hardiness and carbohydrate status of one year-old stems, and on Cytospora canker incidence at the pruning cuts.
GROWTH OF HYBRID LILIES IN ROCKWOOL-BASED MEDIA.
Authors: Kelley M.T. , Elliott G.C. , McAvoy R.J.
Published: February 2019

Four different granulated rockwool (RW) aggregates were combined with peat at 15, 30, or 45 percent (v/v) RW resulting in twelve different peat:RW media. The RW aggregates used were either fine or coarse textured and absorbent or repellent to water. A soil based medium was used as a control. Bulk volume, bulk density, total porosity, water porosity (WP), and aeration porosity (AP) were determined for all media. Hybrid lily, cvs. `Enchantment' and `Jamboree', growth in these media were compared by measuring the dates of visible bud and anthesis, flower number, leaf number and area, plant height and dry weight of stems, leaves, and flowers. Physical properties of the RW media varied significantly from the soil based medium. Increasing the volume percent RW had a negative linear effect on WP but a positive linear effect on AP for all RW aggregates. Lily growth in the soil based medium was statistically similar to all RW media. The dates of visible bud and anthesis, as well as leaf number and area decreased linearly as the volume percent repellent coarse RW increased.
MODELING SAINTPAULIA IONANTHA TEMPERATURE AND IRRADIANCE DRIVEN LEAF UNFOLDING AND FLOWER DEVELOPMENT RATES
Authors: Brown-Faust James E. , Heins Royal D.
Published: February 2019

Saintpaulia ionantha `Utah' plants were grown in growth chambers at constant 15, 20, 25, and 30°C temperatures and daily photosynthetic irradiances of 1, 4, 7, and 10 mol1 m-2 day-1 delivered by 23, 92, 161, and 230 μmol m-2 s-1 for 12 hours. Models were developed describing leaf unfolding rate (LUR) and flower development rate (FDR) as a function of temperature and irradiance by recording the dates of leaf unfolding and flower opening over the course of the experiment and then calculating rates using regression. Both LUR and FDR increased as temperature increased from 15 to 25°C and then decreased. Both LUR and FDR increased as irradiance increased from 1 to 4 mol m-2 day-1. Increasing daily irradiance above 4 mol m-2 da y-1 did not significantly increase LUR or FDR. Model validation data are being collected from plants growing under 3 irradiance levels in greenhouses maintained at 15, 20, 25, and 30°C air temperatures.
INTEGRATED FRUIT PRODUCTION OF PEACH UNDER MICHIGAN CONDITIONS
Authors: Flore J.A , Hanson E. , Johnson J. , Whalon M. , Bird G.
Published: February 2019

Objectives of this experiment are: 1) to compare crop quality and yield, and insect disease populations between orchard systems that employ integrated crop management technologies with conventional systems, and 2) to monitor soil and fruit chemical residues to determine the effectiveness of these systems. In 1990, 6 one-acre plots were established at the Southwest Michigan Research and Extension center, with 1/3 acre of peaches planted in the center of each plot. Plots were separated by at least 200 m. Conventional culture (clean cultivation, ground application of fertilizer, scheduled pesticide application, dormant pruning) and Integrated Crop Management plots (use of fertigation or manure for N, pesticide application based on trap counts, endophytic rye, pheromone disruption of oriental fruit moth and mulch for weed control) were established. In phase I of the project (1990), insects and diseases, as well as crop growth (Reproductive and Vegetative) were monitored. In phase II (1991), soil and fruit pesticide residues will be determined and compared for the three different strategies. This paper is intended to stimulate discussion and only limited data will be presented for the 1st year results.
PULSED EXCIMER LASER RADIATION AND SELECTED GROWTH REGULATORS INFLUENCE THE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF POTHOS (EPIPREMNUM AUREUM L.) IN VITRO CULTURE.
Authors: Al-Juboory Karim H.
Published: February 2019

Shoots of greenhouse-grown Pothos were surface disinfested and explanted on modified Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium. Later they were treated with pulsed XeCl excimer laser radiation for 30 sec. Cultures treated with 12 or 25 pulses of excimer laser radiation showed only 23% and 10% contamination, respectively, versus 75% control. Inaddition, we demonstrated that pulsed XeCl excimer laser radiation affected the subsequent growth and regenerability of in vitro plants. The reason for this increased growth needs further investigation. Both BA and TDZ were important for increasing the number of shoots generated from a microshoot as well as inducing shoot organogenesis from Pothos callus. Of the 50 rooted ex vitro plants from this experiment only 30% were variegated like parental clone. The others were either pure green or albino, suggesting chimeral segregation.
OPTIMIZING CALLUS INITIATION USING STOLON NODAL SEGMENTS OF BUFFALOGRASS NE84-609 AND A RESPONSE SURFACE DESIGN
Authors: Moore Ronald W. , Eskridge K.M. , Read P.E. , Riordan T.P.
Published: February 2019

The concept that greater callus mass will induce competence was investigated. The second most immature nodal segments were removed from heavily fertigatcd greenhouse grown plants. Shoots initiated from those nodes were only cut back to one-third their total length. They were subjected to the following treatments: (1) dicamba from 1μM to 5μM in increments of 1.0; (2) B5 medium salt concentrations from 1/3x to 5/3x in increments of 1/3; (3) sucrose levels from 2% to 10% in increments of 2; (4) casein hydrolysate from 0 to 200mg/l in increments of 50. The experiment consisted of twenty-five different treatment combinations in a central composite rotatable second order design. Explants were placed in continuous cool white fluorescent light at 26°C.

Dicamba, B5 salts, and sucrose had significant effects on callus mass (p<.12), while casein hydrolysate had no notable effects on callus mass (p ≥ .57). It was determined that optimum response occurred at 5/3x concentration of B5 salts, 10% sucrose, and 5.0μM dicamba. White, compact calli were observed in treatment combinations that yielded callus fresh weights of two-hundred milligrams or higher.
VOLATILES PRODUCED BY CARNATION FLOWERS TREATED WITH 2,4-D
Authors: Sacalis John N.
Published: February 2019

It has previously been demonstrated that exceedingly high concentrations of 2,4-D, when taken up by cut carnations, inhibit petal senescence, while application of low concentrations of this synthetic auxin promote petal senescence. The mode of action of such high concentrations of 2,4-D has not been elucidated.

In previous work, it was observed that significant amounts of volatiles always emanated from those flowers treated with high 2,4-D, and which displayed inhibition of ethylene synthesis as well as petal senescence. In the present work, the headspace of treated flowers was therefore tested by gas chromatography after enclosure for a short period of time. Two of the major constituents of the volatiles produced by the treated flowers were found to be ethanol and acetaldehyde.

Since ethanol has formerly been shown to delay senescence in carnation flowers, and since 2,4-D has been shown to induce alcohol dehydrogenase, it is suggested that the mode of action of 2,4-D in this case is by means of the ethanol produced as a result of the 2,4-D treatment.
IMPROVED TRANSFORMATION OF TOBACCO CELL SUSPENSION CULTURES AS A MODEL FOR PLANT BIOLISTICS RESEARCH
Authors: Russell Julie A. , Roy Mihir K. , Sanford John C.
Published: February 2019

The biolistics process uses high velocity microprojectiles to carry foreign DNA into cells. Though biolistics has already proven to be useful fo r a wide range of species, improvements are still needed, and many of the factors which affect transformation efficiency have not been defined. In our experiments, cell suspensions of Nicotiana tabacum (NT1 line) were used as a model to identify these factors. The most critical factors for high efficiency transformation were: cell age, microprojectile type & size, DNA construct, osmoticum in the bombardment medium, use of a new helium-driven biolistic device, and the handling and growth environment of the cells after bombardment. By optimizing these factors, an average of 7,000 transiently expressing GUS cells and 800 kanamycin resistant colonies were obtained per bombarded plate. The high efficiency and rapid results (2 days transient/4 weeks stable) of the NT1 model system make it useful for cell biology studies and for testing DNA constructs.
Analysis of Efficiency of Overhead Irrigation in Container Production
Authors: Beeson R.C. , Knox G.W.
Published: February 2019

Volume of water captured in a container as a function of sprinkler type, spacing, plant type, and container size was measured for marketable-sized plants. Percent water captured was calculated and a model to predict this value derived. Percent water captured was inversely related to the leaf area contained in the cylinder over the container when containers were separated, and with total plant leaf area at a pot-to-pot spacing. This relationship was independent of leaf curvature (concave vs. convex). Canopy densities were less related to percent water captured than leaf areas. Irrigation application efficiencies separated by spacing ranged from 37% at a close spacing to 25% at a spacing of 7.6 cm between containers. Container spacing, canopy shedding, and possibly some canopy retention of water later lost by evaporation were determined to be the main factors associated with the low efficiencies. The results suggest that higher irrigation application efficiencies would be maintained only if plants were transplanted to larger containers before reaching maximum canopy size rather than spacing existing containers to achieve more room for canopy growth.
Preplant Fertilization of Fruiting Microirrigated Strawberry
Authors: Albregts E.E. , Clark G.A. , Stanley C.D. , Zazueta F.S. , Smajstrla A.G.
Published: February 2019

Strawberry (Fragaria ×ananassa Duch.) was grown for two seasons with microirrigation. Preplant fertilizer treatments of zero, one, two, three, and four times the basic N and K rate of 17 and 15 kg·ha–1, respectively, were applied each season. Additional N and K were applied twice weekly through the microirrigation system at 1.12 and 0.92 kg·ha–1·day–1, respectively. Total marketable fruit yield and marketable fruit per plant were not affected by preplant fertilizer rate. The percentage of marketable fruit increased with increased preplant fertilizer to the 51N–45K (three times basic rate) kg·ha–1 rate the first season. Average fruit weight increased the first season but decreased the second season with increased preplant fertilizer. Plants were larger the first season in treatments receiving preplant fertilizer.
Crop Rotation Minimizes Losses from Corky Root in Florida Lettuce
Authors: Alvarez J. , Datnoff L.E. , Nagata R.T.
Published: February 2019

The severity of corky root disease (Rhizomonas suberifaciens Van Bruggen et al.) increases with continuous lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) cropping and exerts a negative impact on the quantity and quality of the lettuce produced. Experimental data from commercial fields were used to analyze profitability outcomes resulting from various management strategies, including cultivars, locations, and field cropping history, to control corky root. Regardless of the field cropping history, net returns were not negatively affected when resistant cultivars were planted. For susceptible cultivars, even when considering land development costs, producers maximize net returns by planting lettuce following sugarcane in land not previously cropped to lettuce. After the first crop of lettuce following sugarcane, yields slowly decreased but remained profitable for three to four crop cycles.
Floral Initiation and Development in Sisyrinchium bermudiana
Authors: Roberts G.L. , Tsujita M.J. , Gerrath J.
Published: February 2019

Sisyrinchium bemudiana L. plants were grown in growth chambers under lo-hour short-day regimes. Scanning electron microscopy of shoot apices collected at biweekly intervals showed that the transition from vegetative to floral status occurs after 10 weeks of short days. Stamens and tepals develop first as common stamentepal primordia that then bifurcate to form outer tepals with stamens opposite. Subsequently, the inner tepals are initiated in an alternate pattern.
Improved Techniques for in Vitro Propagation and Germplasm Storage of Papaya
Authors: Drew Roderick A.
Published: February 2019

A multiplication technique based on subculture of nodal sections from apically dominant shoots is described for papaya (Carica papaya L.). Best multiplication rates were obtained when single-node papaya sections were cultured on a modified De Fossard medium containing 0.5 μm of both BAP and NAA. Shoots that developed from axillary buds were dissected and cultured for 3 days on rooting medium containing 10 μm IBA and subsequently transferred to hormone-free Drew-Smith (DS) medium. Explant growth rate was significantly reduced by substitution of 1% fructose for 2% sucrose in the medium. However, after 12 months of incubation at 25C without subculture, 100% of shoots on medium containing fructose were recovered when nodal sections were subcultured and grown using the above techniques. Consequent advantages are proposed for germplasm storage in lieu of low-temperature incubation. These techniques may have application to other species. Chemical names used: N6-benzyl-aminopurine (BAP), I H -naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), 1 H -indole-3-butyric acid (IBA).
Scanning Electron Microscopy of Floral Development in Freesias
Authors: Kawa Ludwika , De Hertogh August A.
Published: February 2019

Shoot apical meristems of Freesia ×hybrida Klatt `Rossini' reached the reproductive state after 3 weeks of precooling at 9C. Meristems isolated after 6 and 7 weeks of precooling showed the development of the initial four florets of the inflorescence.
USING PREHARVEST TEMPERATURES TO PREDICT SCALD DEVELOPMENT ON APPLES IN NEW ENGLAND AND NEW ZEALAND
Authors: Bramlage William J.
Published: February 2019

Preharvest temperature (hrs. below 10°C) is a predictor of scald development on North American apples after long-term storage. In Mass., these variables are highly negatively correlated for both `Delicious' and `Cortland' apples. However, this predictor was not generally applicable for scald development on `Delicious' or `Granny Smith' apples in New Zealand. There, the relationship between temperature and scald varied greatly among districts for both cultivars, with scald resistance often occurring with far fewer hrs. below 10° than in Mass. Yet, in two cases when the temperature: scald relationship for `Granny Smith' was similar to that for `Cortland' and `Delicious' in Mass., temperature patterns during fruit ripening were similar to that in Mass. In all other cases, more moderate temperature changes occurred. These results suggest that the true base temperature for developing resistance to scald may be between 10° and 15°C, rather than 10°.
EFFECT OF PLANT SPACING ON YIELD OF SELECTED SWEET POTATO CULTIVARS WITH VARIOUS PLANTING DATES.
Authors: Mulkey W.A. , McLemore W.B.
Published: February 2019

Three sweet potato cultivars, `Beauregard', `Hernandez' and `Jewel' were transplanted at three different planting dates: June 4, June 21 and July 10, with harvest at 106, 109 and 117 days; respectively. Four in-row spacings of 22.9, 30.5, 38.1, and 45.7 cm on a 1 mm spacing between rows were used in each of the planting dates. The highest yields of U.S. No.1 grade potatoes in the cultivar `Beauregard' were produced at the 22.9 cm spacing in the first two planting dates and at 30.5 cm in the July 10 planting date. The highest yields of U.S. No.1 grade potatoes in the cultivar `Hernandez' were produced at 38.1 cm in all three planting dates. With the cultivar `Jewel' in the June 4 planting there was only a small difference in yield of U.S. No.1 potatoes at the 22.9, 30.5 and 38.1 cm spacings. In the June 21 and July 10 plantings the highest yields were produced at the 22.9 cm spacing. The 45.7 cm spacing produced the highest number of marketable roots per hill in all three cultivars.
INFLUENCE OF A SOIL SPIKE AERATOR ON INCREASING NUT SIZE AND YIELD ON PECAN TREES
Authors: Chapman Dan , Sistrunk Laurence , Storey J. Benton
Published: February 2019

In 1990, a randomized design was set up in a 33 year old orchard on Westwood silty clay loam with 4 main treatment factors: 1990 nut size, chiseling, aeration, and cultivar. Location for this experiment was the Adriance Orchard on the Texas A&M Plantation – Brazos River flood plain. Nut quality was determined by the % kernel and # nuts / kg. Yield was measured per tree and calculated for g/cm2 cross-sectional trunk area. The soil bulk density for each treatment was 1.53 g/cm3 and found to be statistically uniform at the start of the experiment. Results after one year showed that aeration increased the nut size and % kernel of `Mahan' but not of `Desirable' and `Stuart'. Chiseling increased the yield of `Stuart' and `Desirable' and nut size of all 3 cultivars but not % kernel. Aeration increased the % kernel from a mean 48.6% to 56.8% and nut size from 129 nuts/kg to 102 nuts/kg of the 1990 small-nut-size trees but did not significantly increase nut quality for the 1990 normal-nut-size trees.
EFFECTS OF DORMEX ON REPLACING LACK OF WINTER CHILLING IN PEACHES ALONG THE GULF COAST
Authors: Powell Arlie A. , Goodrick Scott , Witt James , Dozier William , Murphy Richard
Published: February 2019

Lack of winter chilling can be a serious problem for commercial peach producers in the Southeast. Studies were conducted over 3 years (1989-91) to evaluate the effects of hydrogen cyanamide (Dormex-SKW) on replacing lack of winter chilling on 7 varieties of peaches. This study specifically reports on the effects of hydrogen cyanamide on 'Ruston Red' peach, a 850-hour variety.

Results from 1990 studies using whole tree sprays to the point of runoff indicated a problem with the efficacy and phytotoxicity. In 1991, a combination of hydrogen cyanamide (49%) rates (0, 0.5, 1, 2, and 4% V/V) and timings (0, 25, 50 and 75% of chilling level) were evaluated using 7-year-old 'Ruston Red' peach trees. Only 590 hours of chilling at 7.3°C and lower were accumulated at this site. Rates of 0.5 75% (actually only 70%) chilling level induced full cropping while control trees produced practically no crop.
THE USE OF FINE MESHED NETTING TO EXCLUDE PESTS OF THORNLESS BLACKBERRIES AND GRAPES
Authors: Strang J. , Hartman J. , Bessin R. , Jones T. , Brown G. , Barnes T. , Yankey T. , Snyder J.
Published: February 2019

Four different netting types were evaluated in the field for excluding Japanese beetles and green June beetles from `Dirksen' thornless blackberry plants. These nets were bird net, crop net, rack mesh, and Agryl P17. Observations were made in an unreplicated trial on `Reliance' grapes using OV3018 and OV7100 nets in addition to those listed. Plants were not sprayed with insecticides or fungicides after net application. Rack mesh appears to be the best net of those evaluated during a dry season for excluding Japanese beetles and green June beetles on thornless blackberries and grapes. Plants covered with rack mesh had minimal fruit and foliage damage due to insects and fruit rot. The use of rack mesh eliminated the need for insecticide sprays for 53 days on thornless blackberries and 41 days on grapes. Light intensity was reduced by the netting, but did not reduce (hornless blackberry yield or soluble solids; however it did unacceptably reduce `Reliance' grape fruit coloration.
INTRODUCTION OF A PLASTICULTURE SYSTEM
Authors: Sanders D. C.
Published: February 2019

We instituted a series of on-farm trials to introduce vegetable growers to plasticulture systems. Initial trials were large areas where all combinations of plastic mulch, soil fumigation with methyl bromide, and drip irrigation were compared. As the system developed 0.4 Ha trials were instituted to show system potentials. Later 0.1 Ha trials were used to reduce resource demand. Low volume wells were used as a water source for drip irrigation. Often a simple venturi was used to apply fertilizer. Sand filters were made portable by placing them on a trailer and other equipment was made more portable. As more growers adopted the system demonstration became more complex and the focus changed to developing a total, intensive cropping system. In 10 year 50 demonstrations were conducted with a high of 18, and the hectarage of plasticulture increased from 100 Ha to 3500 Ha or from 0.1% to 8% of the appropriate crops. Yields were increase 2 to 6 times with similar improvements in quality.
CROPPING COLLARDS AND WATERMELONS USING THE SAME PLASTIC MULCHES AND ROW COVERS
Authors: Khan V. A. , Stevens C. , Lu J. Y. , Brown J. E. , Rhoden E. G. , Wilson M. A. , Kabwe M. K. , Haung Z.
Published: February 2019

An early planting (January) of 8 wks. old collards (Brassica oleracea (L) var. acephala `Georgia Collards') and subsequently followed by `Crimson Sweet' watermelon transplants (April) on clear and black polyethylene mulches and bare soil plus VisPore row cover (VCM, VBM, VBS), clear and black polyethylene mulches and bare soil (CM, BM, BS) in combination with drip irrigation were transplanted on the same plots. Marketable yield of collards (March) was significantly greater for mulched and row cover treatments than bare soil. Watermelon (harvested June 7th, 1990) total and marketable numbers and yield were significantly greater when grown on mulched treatments than bare soil. Mono-cropping of watermelon were profitable under VCM, VBM, CM and BM treatments and collards when grown as a mono-crop was not profitable under any system. By sharing the costs of production under a double-cropping system the profitability of watermelons increased when grown under VCM, VBM, CM, BM VBS and for collards under VCM and VBM treatments.
FERTILIZER RATES AFFECT YIELDS OF HIGH-DENSITY PLANTINGS OF BROCCOLI (BRASSICA OLERACEA)
Authors: Bracy R.P. , Parish R.L. , Bergeron P.E. , Moser E.B.
Published: February 2019

A precision cultural system proved successful for growing broccoli in multiple rows of plants on narrow or wide beds. Higher production obtained from planting in the multiple-row configurations, however, was not proportional to the increase in number of rows. To quantify the optimum rate of fertilization on multiple rows per bed, broccoli was grown during the spring and fall, 1990, in one row/1-m beds, two rows/1-m beds, or six rows/2-m beds with fertilizer rates ranging from 448 to 1,680 kg·ha-1 of 9N-12P-22K and 150 to 560 kg·hg-1 of ammonium nitrate. During both seasons, fertilizer rate had an overall linear effect on the yield but did not affect average head weight. Response to fertilizer rates was greatest when broccoli was grown in six rows/2-m beds. Broccoli grown during the spring showed a greater response to fertilizer rates than did broccoli grown in the fall.
FATE OF NITROGEN FERTILIZERS AS AFFECTED BY RATE AND SOURCE ON AMARANTH.
Authors: Mwamba Kalala , Rhoden E.G. , Ankumah R.O. , Khan V.
Published: February 2019

Amaranth (Amaranthus sp.) is a vegetable crop with grains and leaves high in protein, especially, lysine and the sulfur-containing amino acids which are limiting in many vegetables and grains. These nutritional qualities and the ease of growth make it a suitable alternate crop for limited resource farmers. A study was conducted to determine the effect of nitrogen sources and fertilization rates on amaranth production in Alabama and other Southeastern States. The experiment was set up as a complete randomized block design in Norfolk sandy loam (Fine silicoeus, thermic, Typic Paleudult). Four nitrogen sources (urea, sodium nitrate, ammonium sulfate, and ammonium nitrate) were used at three different levels (0, 40, and 80 Kg/ha) one week after transplanting. Sources of nitrogen did not have any significant effect on both fresh and dry vegetable yield (p 0.05). However, fertilization brought significant increases in both yield and total nitrogen content of vegetable amaranth (p 0.05).
EFFECTS OF UNICONAZOLE MEDIA DRENCH TREATMENTS ON WATER RELATIONS AND GROWTH OF 'LALANDEI' PYRACANTHA
Authors: Frymire Robert M. , Cole Janet C.
Published: February 2019

Uniform rooted cuttings of pyracantha (Pyracantha coccinea M.J. Roem. 'Lalandei') were potted into 3.8 liter containers in a pine bark:sand medium. Plants were treated with a medium drench at 0.5 mg ai per container, or a foliar spray at 150 mg ai per liter, or no uniconazole. Plants also were exposed to one of three irrigation regimes: nonstressed, stressed or acclimated. Uniconazole had little effect on leaf water potential, osmotic potential, transpiration or leaf conductance. The uniconazole drench treatments reduced plant growth and increased N, Ca, and Mn concentrations in the leaves. Foliar applications had less effect on plant growth and elemental content Acclimated and stressed plants had lower water and osmotic potentials, transpiration rates and leaf conductance than nonstressed plants on the final day of the stress cycle. Acclimated plants had higher levels of N and Mn with lower levels of Zn in the leaves than either stressed of nonstressed plants.
ANALYSIS OF FLOWER BUD DEVELOPMENT TEMPERATURE RESPONSE CURVES OF ORCHARD SPECIES
Authors: Seeley Schuyler D.
Published: February 2019

The effect of thermal accumulation on anthesis rate in apricot, apple, peach, and tart cherry flowers during dormancy, dormancy release, and normal anthesis was determined. Data from several studies in warm and cold climates have indicated that thermally driven anthesis has an early low-temperature optimum that rises during anthesis. This is not true. Erroneous interpretation of results may have been due to inadequate measurements of the endodormancy status of seeds and buds. After endodormancy, flower-bud development temperature responses follow a normal sigmoidal curve with small but significant contributions at temperatures as low as 2C. The grand phase of the growth curve occurs between 16 and 20C in tart cherry. Asymptotic growth vs. temperature responses occurred at <10 and >22C, with minima near 0 and optima >24C. These data indicate that asymmetric curvilinear anthesis models need to be fitted to each species.
APPLE TREE DENSITY AS RELATED TO PRODUCTION AND ECONOMICS
Authors: Walker David R.
Published: February 2019

Spur and nonspur `Red Delicious' apple trees on M.26, 7, 106, and 111 were planted at different spacings. Yields were recorded for 15 years to assess the effect of early production on the M.26 trees with the later production on the M.106 and M.111 trees. The field data have been used to calculate income and expenses on a hypothetical 16-ha orchard during the 15-year period.
A Durable, Lightweight Structure for Conducting Field Shading Experiments
Authors: NeSmith D.S. , Raymer P.L. , Rao M.S.S. , Bridges D.C.
Published: February 2019

A low-cost field shading structure was developed that offers durability and simplicity. The quonset-type structure uses readily available materials, including polyvinyl chloride pipe, construction-grade reinforcing bars, nylon rope, and commercial shade fabric. The total cost for a 3.0 × 6.0 × 2.4-m (width/length/height) structure that provided 47% shade was $88.00. The structure offers substantial flexibility in terms of size and degree of shading without significantly altering design. The structure was durable under a wide range of weather conditions, and the design allowed sufficient air movement to prevent a stagnant air layer from developing over the crop.
A Rapid Procedure for the Isolation of RNA from High-phenolic-containing Tissues of Pecan
Authors: Levi Amnon , Galau Glenn A. , Wetzstein Hazel Y.
Published: February 2019

A simple and efficient protocol is reported for the isolation of RNA from embryos and leaves of pecan [Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch]. The method relies on suppression of the polyphenols from interaction with the RNA and their rapid removal from the homogenate by chloroform extraction. This method produced abundant amounts of high-quality RNA. This protocol is likely to be useful for Juglandaceous species and other recalcitrant plants with high levels of phenolic compounds.
Application of GA4+7 to Stem Enhances Carambola Seedling Growth
Authors: Marler Thomas E. , Mickelbart Michael V.
Published: February 2019

Growth response of containerized carambola (Averrhoa carambola L.) seedlings to GA applied to trunks in lanolin paste were studied under glasshouse conditions. Gibberellic acid at 0, 250, 500, or 750 mg·liter and an untreated control (no lanolin) were used. Internode length and increases in plant height and trunk cross-sectional area (TCA) did not differ for control and 0 mg·liter plants, but mostly increased with concentration of GA. Increase in TCA was determined in a second study with control and treated plants, using 500 mg GA/liter. Mean recommended graftable size (7 mm) was reached in 47 days in plants that were GA treated, and 93 days in control plants, suggesting that GA may be used to shorten nursery time for producing graftable carambola seedlings. Chemical name used: gibberellic acid (GA.,+,).
Postharvest Quality of Early Season Grapefruit after Forced-air Vapor Heat Treatment
Authors: Miller W.R. , McDonald R.E.
Published: February 2019

`Marsh' and `Ruby Red' grapefruit (Citrus paradisi Macf.) were harvested in Florida during Oct. and Nov. 1990, degreened in an ethylene chamber, exposed to vapor heat (VH) treatment (43.5 ± 0.1C for ≈240 min), and evaluated for deterioration in quality and development of injury after various storage regimes. Symptoms of aging averaged 6% and 8% of the surface on `Ruby Red' and `Marsh' fruit, respectively, and the VH treatment had reduced the incidence of aging by 45% after 5 weeks of storage (4 weeks at 16C plus 1 week at 21C). Total decay, mostly stem-end rots (Diplodia spp. and Phomopsis spp.), remained relatively low (≈5%) in both treated and nontreated fruit after 5 weeks of storage. The VH treatment had little effect on change in peel color during treatment or subsequent storage. After the final inspection, `Marsh' fruit was higher in total soluble solids and titratable acidity than `Ruby Red' fruit, but these quality indicators and pH were not affected by the VH treatment. VH treatment did not adversely affect the quality of `Marsh' or `Ruby Red' grapefruit harvested early in the season; hence, VH should be considered as a viable quarantine treatment for Florida grapefruit.