bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determining Optimal Bulb Storage and Production Methods for Successful Forcing of Cut Pineapple Lily
Authors: Carlson Alicain S. , Dole John M.
Published: December 2018

Pineapple lily (Eucomis hybrids) has long, striking inflorescences that work well as a cut flower, but information is needed on proper production methods and postharvest handling protocols. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of bulb storage temperature and duration, production environment, planting density, and forcing temperatures on cut flower production of ‘Coral’, ‘Cream’, ‘Lavender’, and ‘Sparkling Burgundy’ pineapple lily. Stem length was greater in the greenhouse than the field and at the low planting density. Plants in the field at the low planting density had the shortest stem length for ‘Coral’ and ‘Cream’, but still produced marketable lengths of at least 30 cm. Planting density did not affect ‘Lavender’ and ‘Sparkling Burgundy’ stem length or number of marketable stems. The productivity (number of marketable stems per bulb) was affected only by planting density for ‘Coral’ and planting environment for ‘Cream’. Differences in stem quality and productivity differed for each cultivar and planting density over the next two seasons. The productivity of ‘Coral’ increased significantly from year to year, while the productivity of ‘Cream’ only significantly increased between the first and second years. The low planting density resulted in slightly more stems per bulb for ‘Coral’ over the next two seasons. Emergence after bulb storage treatments was highest in treatments where the bulbs were not lifted from the substrate and were subsequently grown at 18 °C. Bulbs grown in the warmest (18 °C) production temperature flowered soonest and had shorter stem lengths. For earliest flowering, bulbs should be stored in substrate in cool temperatures of at least 13 °C and forced at warm temperatures of at least 18 °C.
Effects of Postharvest Curing, Ozone, Sulfur Dioxide, or Low Oxygen/High Carbon Dioxide Storage Atmospheres on Quality of Short-day Onions
Authors: Bansal Manish K. , Boyhan George E. , MacLean Daniel D.
Published: December 2018

Vidalia onions (Allium cepa) are a branded product of southeastern Georgia marketed under a federal marketing order. They are short-day, yellow onions with a Granex shape that are susceptible to a number of diseases postharvest, limiting the amount of time they can be marketed. Postharvest treatments and storage methods can help extend their marketability. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate these postharvest treatments and storage conditions on quality of three Vidalia onion varieties: ‘WI-129’, ‘Sapelo Sweet’, and ‘Caramelo’. All varieties were undercut, then either harvested immediately (zero cure), field cured (2 days), or forced-air heat cured (3 days at ≈37 °C) when judged mature. ‘WI-129’, ‘Sapelo Sweet’, and ‘Caramelo’ represent early, midseason, and late varieties, respectively. Bulbs were then sorted and stored in refrigerated storage [0–1 °C, 70% relative humidity (RH)], sulfur dioxide (SO2) (1000 mg·L−1 in 2010 and 5000 mg·L−1 in 2011, one time fumigation) followed by refrigeration, ozone (O3 (0.1–10 mg·L−1; continuous exposure, 0–1 °C, 70% RH), or controlled-atmosphere storage [3% oxygen (O2), 5% carbon dioxide (CO2), 0–1 °C, 70% RH]. After 2 and 4 months, bulbs were removed from storage, and evaluated after 1 and 14 days for quality and incidence of disorders. ‘Caramelo’ had the lowest percent marketable onions after curing in 2010, while ‘WI-128’ had the lowest percent marketable onions in 2011. There was a rain event immediately before harvesting ‘Caramelo’ that may have contributed to low marketability in 2010. Heat curing improved marketability for ‘Sapelo Sweet’ and ‘WI-129’ in 2010 compared with no curing. In 2011, heat curing resulted in more marketable onions for ‘Sapelo Sweet’ compared with no curing. Curing had no effect on ‘Caramelo’ in 2011 and field curing had the greatest percent marketable onions for ‘WI-129’ in 2011. In 2010, controlled-atmosphere storage had more marketable onions compared with SO2 for ‘Caramelo’ and was better than simple refrigeration or O3 with ‘WI-129’. In 2011 refrigeration, controlled-atmosphere storage, and O3 were all better than SO2 with ‘Caramelo’. ‘Sapelo Sweet’ and ‘WI-129’, on the other hand in 2011, had better storage with SO2 compared with other storage methods. Onions stored for 2 months had 32% and 17% more marketable onions after removal compared with 4 months of storage regardless of storage conditions for 2010 and 2011, respectively. Poststorage shelf life was reduced by about one-third, 14 days after removal from storage regardless of the storage conditions.
Influence of Postharvest Storage Temperature and Duration on Quality of Baby Spinach
Authors: Mudau Ambani R. , Nkomo Mpumelelo M. , Soundy Puffy , Araya Hintsa T. , Ngezimana Wonder , Mudau Fhatuwani N.
Published: December 2018

Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) is a member of the Amaranthaceae family. Baby spinach leaves have a very high respiration rate, thus postharvest quality is affected mostly by tissue decay and the development of off-odors. Thus, this study was conducted to investigate the influence of storage temperature and time on the postharvest quality of baby spinach. Baby spinach leaves were harvested 36 days after planting and subsequently stored at 4 and 22 °C for 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, or 12 days. Thereafter, the leaves were incubated for 72 hours at 40 °C to dry. Minerals, trace elements, total phenols, total carotenoids, flavonoids, and antioxidant activities were measured. Concentration of magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe) were declined after 8 days of storage at 4 °C, while at 22 °C they declined after 2 days of storage. Mg, Zn, and Fe revealed a similar trend with significantly higher carotenoids found up to 6 days in storage at 4 °C, while at 22 °C the carotenoid levels declined after only 2 days. Total phenolic compounds gradually decreased in samples stored at 4 °C. However, samples stored at 22 °C showed a rapid decrease after 4 days. Both total antioxidant activities and vitamin C content showed a similar trend, with the content remaining constant at 4 °C and decreasing after 6 days, whereas the total antioxidant activities and vitamin C for leaves stored at 22 °C decreased immediately after 2 days. Results demonstrated that quality of baby spinach deteriorates as storage time and temperature increase.
Pennsylvania Statewide Synergistic Sweet Corn Cultivar Evaluation
Authors: Butzler Thomas M. , Sánchez Elsa S. , Bogash Steven M. , Elkner Timothy E. , Lamont William J. , Pollock Robert , Stivers Lee J.
Published: December 2018

To provide growers with regional and statewide recommendations, 23 cultivars of bicolor and white synergistic sweet corn (Zea mays) were evaluated in southwestern, central, and southeastern Pennsylvania. ‘Temptation’ was the standard. Despite differing production practices used in all locations, all cultivars were not different or produced more marketable primary ears compared with Temptation. Paydirt was the only cultivar to produce lower marketable yields by weight than Temptation in 2 site years or more. However, ‘Paydirt’ has an early maturity, which improves its acceptability. Very few ears were unmarketable. In terms of ear size, measured as diameter and length, overall all cultivars were not different from Temptation. ‘Temptation’ is early maturing and ear size was expected to be smaller than later maturing cultivars. This was not observed. Ease of hand harvesting was determined by measuring two factors: distance from the base of the primary ear to the soil line and ease of picking (1–5 rating scale where 1 = difficult and 5 = easy). The closer the primary ear was to the soil line was thought to be more difficult to harvest. ‘Synergy’, ‘Espresso’, ‘Kristine’, and ‘Paydirt’ ears were lower than ‘Temptation’ on the culm in 2 site years or more. ‘Whiteout’, ‘Synergy’, and ‘Mattapoisett’ were rated as more difficult to pick than ‘Temptation’ in 2 site years or more. Distance from the soil line to the primary ear and picking ease ratings were not observed to be closely related to each other and a combination of these and other factors may more accurately reflect the ease of hand harvesting. Overall, growers in our region have access to a lot of synergistic sweet corn cultivars with acceptable yield, quality, and ease of hand harvesting characteristics giving them a wide range of options.
Optimizing Rowcover Deployment for Managing Bacterial Wilt and Using Compost for Organic Muskmelon Production
Authors: Sánchez Elsa S. , Hernández Ermita , Gleason Mark L. , Batzer Jean C. , Williams Mark A. , Coolong Timothy , Bessin Ricardo
Published: December 2018

The goal of this study was to develop a systems-based strategy for organic muskmelon (Cucumis melo var. reticulatus) in Pennsylvania (PA), Iowa (IA), and Kentucky (KY) to manage bacterial wilt (Erwinia tracheiphila) and nutrients while safeguarding yield and enhancing early harvest. Spunbond polypropylene rowcovers deployed for different timings during the growing season were evaluated for suppressing bacterial wilt and locally available compost was applied based on two different estimated rates of mineralization of organic nitrogen (N) to manage nutrients. In KY only, the use of rowcovers suppressed bacterial wilt incidence compared with not using rowcovers. However, the timing of rowcover removal did not impact wilt incidence. Under lower cucumber beetle [striped cucumber beetle (Acalymma vittatum) and spotted cucumber beetle (Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi)] pressure in PA and IA, rowcovers did not consistently suppress season-long incidence of bacterial wilt. In four of five site-years in PA and IA, more marketable fruit were produced when rowcovers were removed 10 days after an action threshold (the date the first flower opened in PA; the date when ≥50% of plants in a subplot had developed perfect flowers in IA and KY) than when no 10-day delay was made or when no rowcovers were used. In addition, the no-rowcover treatment consistently had lower weight per marketable fruit. In KY, the same action threshold without the 10-day delay, followed by insecticide applications, resulted in the largest number of marketable fruit, but did not affect marketable fruit weight. In PA, marketable yield was higher using compost compared with the organic fertilizer in 1 year. No yield differences were observed by nutrient treatments in 2 years. In IA, marketable yield was lower with the low amount of compost compared with the organic fertilizer and yields with the high amount of compost were not different from the low amount or the organic fertilizer in the year it was evaluated. In KY, marketable yield was unaffected by the nutrient treatments in the year it was evaluated. Given these results, muskmelon growers in PA, IA, and KY who use compost may choose the lower compost rate to minimize production costs. Overall, these findings suggest that rowcover-based strategies for organic management of bacterial wilt need to be optimized on a regional basis, and that fertilization with compost is compatible with these strategies.
Opportunities and Challenges of Organic Highbush Blueberry Production in Washington State
Authors: DeVetter Lisa W. , Granatstein David , Kirby Elizabeth , Brady Michael
Published: December 2018

Global production of highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) has continuously increased since the early 1990s, with substantial growth occurring after 2000. Benefiting from this growth is the organic blueberry (Vaccinium sp.) industry, which has been strengthened by increases in organic food sales and the price premiums received for organic products. Washington State is a national and global leader in organic blueberry production, with 47% of the national organic blueberry crop harvested in 2008. As this statewide industry continues to grow, it is important to recognize both the opportunities and challenges related to organic blueberry production and marketing. This paper addresses those issues and describes trends in organic highbush blueberry production using Washington State as a case study due to its scale and distinctive regional differences within the state in regard to climate, horticultural production, and market venues. Challenges related to the introduction and management of new diseases and pests, changes in the federal organic regulations, infrastructural limitations, and climate change threaten current production capabilities in Washington State. However, the industry is still poised to capitalize on organic blueberry markets and has a lower market risk in the medium term compared with other crops.
Performance and Quality of Sweetpotato Cultivars Grown in Quebec, Canada with Biodegradable Plastic Mulch
Authors: Wees David , Seguin Philippe , Boisclair Josée , Gendre Chloé
Published: December 2018

There is an increased interest in producing sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas) in parts of eastern Canada, which are farther north and have fewer growing degree days (GDD) than traditional production regions in the southern United States. There is currently little information on cultivar selection for farmers in these northern regions. We evaluated yields and quality of 15 sweetpotato cultivars and selected lines grown with black plastic mulch but without pesticides. The best marketable yields (18–25 t·ha−1) in this trial were comparable to average marketable yields obtained in traditional sweetpotato-producing regions. Of the orange-fleshed cultivars and selected lines, Beauregard, B94-24, and Evangeline had high yields and warrant further testing. Covington, a common cultivar in North Carolina and Ontario, had poor yields in our conditions: it may require more GDD. ‘Porto Rico’ and ‘Ginseng Red’ had poor yields mainly because their storage roots were too small. The yellow-fleshed ‘Georgia Jet’ and GJ2010 had very vigorous vines and produced high yields, but had a high culling rate because of malformed or cracked storage roots. The white-fleshed ‘Murasaki-29’, ‘O’Henry’, and ‘Japanese’ also had high yields; whereas ‘White Travis’ and ‘Korean Purple’ had poor yields with small storage roots. Establishing the crop with rooted transplants instead of slips was satisfactory as long as the transplants were less than 4 weeks old. On the basis of our limited data, the following cultivars and selected lines may be suitable for Quebec, Canada: Beauregard, B94-24, Evangeline, Georgia Jet, GJ2010, and Murasaki-29. ‘Evangeline’ and ‘Covington’ had higher soluble solid contents than the other cultivars. High percent soluble solids may be desired by consumers. In spite of the absence of pesticides, very few pest or disease problems were observed except for some postharvest soft rot.
Greenhouse Covering Systems
Authors: Giacomelli Gene A. , Roberts William J.
Published: December 2018

The diversity of coverings for the greenhouse and other plant production structures has increased dramatically during the past 4 decades. This has resulted from the availability of new types of covering materials and enhancements of previously existing materials, as well as the demands for technological improvements within the expanding controlled environment agricultural industry. The types of coverings currently available are dominated by plastics. These range from traditional glass to the recent advent of polymer plastics, such as thin films or multilayer rigid thermoset plastic panels. Available enhancements such as ultraviolet radiation (UV) degradation inhibitors, infrared radiation (IR) absorbency, and anti-condensation drip surfaces, as well as their physical and spectral properties are discussed. The selection of specific covering alternatives has implications for the greenhouse superstructure and its enclosed crop production system.
Commercial One-row Bean Picker Harvests Vegetable Soybean
Authors: Beverly Reuben B. , Byous Allen W. , Nakayama Tommy
Published: December 2018

Vegetable soybean (Glycine max L.) represents a potential high-value specialty crop for small farmers in the southern Piedmont region of the United States; practical and affordable mechanical harvest technology will facilitate production. A trial planting of vegetable soybean was used to test the ability of a commercial one-row harvester used currently for snap bean and lima bean production systems to harvest soybean. The upright growth habit and excessive herbage of vegetable soybean necessitated harvest in two passes over the row, which produced in-pod yield of 7050 lb/acre (7900 kg ha-1). Adaptation of this technology has the potential to facilitate development of a vegetable soybean production industry.
Construction and Use of an Inexpensive in Vitro Ultrasonic Misting System
Authors: Tisserat Brent , Jones Daniel , Galletta Paul D.
Published: December 2018

An inexpensive user-constructed ultrasonic misting system to grow plant tissues in vitro is presented. This system is constructed by coupling two commercially available products, a culture chamber and an ultrasonic humidifier. Plant cultures are grown within a culture chamber on a platform and bathed periodically by an ultrasonic nutrient mist. Carrot cultures were found to grow as much as four to 10 times as great as those grown on agar medium.
Early Muskmelon Production with Wavelength-selective and Clear Plastic Mulches
Authors: Taber Henry G.
Published: December 2018

Black, clear, and wavelength-selective IRT 76 plastic mulches with or without clear, slitted, hooped rowcovers were evaluated for early muskmelon production in 1991 and 1992. Clear and IRT 76 plastic mulches tripled early yield, compared with bare ground, 130 and 45 cwt/acre, respectively. Highest yields both years were from the combination of rowcover with either clear plastic or IRT 76 mulch-181 cwt/acre in 1991 and 379 cwt/acre in 1992. Yield from clear plastic was superior to that from IRT 76 by 41 cwt/acre in 1991, but not in 1992. The minimum soil temperature for IRT 76 compared with clear plastic was +0. 5F and -2F for 1991 and 1992, respectively. Crop rotation and herbicides were used to provide adequate weed control both years. The best cost-effective early muskmelon production system tested involved clear plastic, rowcovers, and trickle irrigation.
The Historical Roots of Living Mulch and Related Practices
Authors: Paine Laura K. , Harrison Helen
Published: December 2018

Since the domestication of the first crop species, farmers have dealt with the problem of soil depletion and declining crop yields. Fallowing of land was the first approach to restoring soil fertility, and is still the most commonly used method among indigenous farmers. Alternatives to fallow, such as crop rotation and green manures, developed in a number of areas. The earliest record of their use is in Chinese writings from ca. 500 B.C. Discussion of these practices is found in European agricultural publications dating from the 16th century. While these ancient techniques have proven value for soil conservation, their use in modern agriculture is quite limited. Renewed interest within the agriculture community in recent decades has resulted in a greater research effort in the areas of green manures, cover crops, and living-mulch cropping systems.
Taxonomic Problems in Cultivated Liriopogons
Authors: Fantz Paul R.
Published: December 2018

Liriopogons (Liriope, Ophiopogon) are versatile landscape plants with a complexity of taxonomic problems. A taxonomic revision of liriopogons cultivated in the United States is needed; one that includes an inventory of taxa, quantitative descriptions of species and cultivars, keys and other aids for segregation and identification of taxa, documentation of taxa with vouchers deposited in herbaria, and establishment of a living germplasm collection that can serve as a standard for the nursery/landscape industries.
Developing an Effective Southernpea and Sweet corn Intercrop System
Authors: Francis Roger , Decoteau Dennis R.
Published: December 2018

Southernpea and sweet corn can be intercropped effectively. When simultaneously planted, sweet corn appears to be the dominant crop in the mixture, with intercropped southernpea producing a supplemental yield to intercropped sweet corn. Increasing intercrop plant densities increased the amount of sweet corn yield and reduced the amount of southernpea yield. The reduction in light intercepted by southernpea and sweet corn in the intercrop situation probably contributed to the reduction in yield by these component crops as compared to the yield of these crops as monocrops. The total system LER (LERsouthernpea + LERsweetcorn) for the high-population intercropping system, where plant densities for each crop were comparable to the densities of these crops as monocrops, was 1.26. This suggests that intercropping southernpea and sweet corn at this density gave a yield advantage of 26%, or that 26% more land planted in equal proportion of each component crop would be required to produce the same yield as the intercrop. A N application rate of 125 lb/acre (140 kg·ha-1) was optimum for intercropped sweet corn, and there was no advantage of a 2-week delayed planting of sweet corn in this intercrop system.
Temporary Three Pruning for Overcrowded Pecan Orchards
Authors: Worley Ray E.
Published: December 2018

Interfering limbs of alternating (temporary) `Elliott' pecan trees were pruned annually to provide growth for limbs of permanent trees for a 6-year period. Yield, nut quality, and tree growth were similar for pruned and nonpruned plots, but there were year × pruning interactions. Yields of the permanent trees were not affected by pruning the adjacent temporary tree.
Efficacies of Commercial Anti-ethylene Products for Fresh Cut Flowers
Authors: Staby George L. , Basel Richard M. , Reid Michael S. , Dodge Linda L.
Published: December 2018

Three commercially available “anti-ethylene” treatment solutions were tested for their effectiveness in protecting carnations (Dianthus caryophyllus L. `Improved White Sim', `Atlantis', and `Nora'), Beard-Tongue (Penstemon hartwegii x P. cobaea `Firebird'), and Delphinium sp. from external ethylene levels ranging from 0.01 to 1.2 ppm. Flowers were treated according to label directions and then exposed to ethylene for 20 or 24 h at 20 to 23C after a 0-, 24-, or 48-h delay. Only the product containing silver thiosulfate (STS) provided protection against ethylene injury, whereas products containing inhibitors of ethylene synthesis identified as analogs of either aminooxyacetic acid (AOA) or aminoethoxyvinyl glycine (AVG) offered little or no protection. The safe commercial use of products containing STS is discussed.
Components of Sustainable Production Systems for Vegetables-Conserving soil Moisture
Authors: Morse Ronald D.
Published: December 2018

Conservation tillage systems offer distinct advantages for crop production under erosive and droughty soil conditions. This report contains 4 years of data on the effects of in situ cereal rye and wheat mulches on yield of cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata) grown under limited-irrigation, conservation-tillage systems. Three tillage systems were studied: conventional plow-disk (CT); strip tillage (ST) and no-tillage (NT). The summers of 1987 and 1990 were characterized by below-average total rain and periods of prolonged (45 days) of dry weather during head enlargement; cabbage yields were highest in the mulched ST and NT plots. In contrast, the 1988 and 1989 growing seasons were above average in total rain and there were no prolonged periods of dry weather. Cabbage yields were unaffected by tillage treatments in 1988, while, in 1989, yields with NT were 65% and 60% lower than with CT and ST, respectively. A combination of abundant rain, soil compaction, and delayed planting retarded plant growth in the 1989 NT plots, resulting in smaller, less-productive plants than in the tilled ST and CT plots. These data show that: 1) conservation tillage and particularly strip tillage systems are viable options for production of cabbage; and 2) rain-irrigation patterns, site selection, and planting dates are major determinants of the relative advantages of conservation tillage compared to conventional tillage systems.
The Role of the Landscape Architect in Plant Material Purchases: Implications for Marketing Communications
Authors: Day E. , Garber M.P.
Published: December 2018

As the ornamental nursery industry moves from being production-oriented to being market-driven, growers must rethink the way they do business. No longer can producers target only purchasers of plant materials; now they must also direct marketing activities to those who influence the purchase of plants and choice of producers. Because landscape architects play an influential role in plant specification and selection of production nurseries, growers should consider ways in which effective marketing communications can be developed to influence these influencers. A marketing perspective on the decisionmaking process and the determination of the role of the individual in the decision process is used to develop recommendations on ways for growers to communicate with landscape architects. The implications of these findings for university extension programming also are discussed.
Impact of Microirrigation on Florida Horticulture
Authors: Hochmuth G. J. , Locascio S. J. , Crocker T.E. , Stanley C.D. , Clark G.A. , Parsons L.R
Published: December 2018

The Florida horticulture industry (vegetables, ornamentals, citrus, and deciduous fruit), valued at $4.5 billion, has widely adopted microirrigation techniques to use water and fertilizer more efficiently. A broad array of microirrigation systems is available, and benefits of microirrigation go beyond water conservation. The potential for more-efficient agricultural chemical (pesticides and fertilizer) application is especially important in today's environmentally conscious society. Microirrigation is a tool providing growers with the power to better manage costly inputs, minimize environmental impact, and still produce high-quality products at a profit.
Plant Patenting: A Public Fruit Breeder's Assessment
Authors: Moore James N.
Published: December 2018

The strategy of plant patenting as a means to generate research funds is gaining increasing interest in fruit breeding programs in public institutions. Patenting can be a positive force in maintaining fruit breeding programs if applied to superior cultivars and supported by well-designed licensing and distribution procedures. To qualify for a plant patent, a cultivar must be distinct, new, and asexually propagated, and cannot be in public use or on sale more than 1 year prior to the application for patent. Plant patents provide protection only for the whole plant as described. In contrast, utility patents can be obtained to provide proprietary rights to individual plant genes, plant characteristics, and plant products. The possible impact of utility patents on future fruit breeding programs is discussed.
Molecular Genetic Markers and Their Legal Relevance for Cultivar Discrimination: A Case Study in Cucumber
Authors: Staub J.E. , Meglic V.
Published: December 2018

Scientific disagreement about criteria for accurate classification of similar, if not seemingly identical, cultivars has led to spirited debate in legal and agricultural communities. The lack of universally acceptable working definitions of functional genetic distance and difference, as well as insufficient data on genetic diversity, has made it difficult to define a legal framework for cultivar discrimination. In order to satisfy the “distinctness” criterion during plant patenting, genetic diversity and difference must be described unequivocally in measurable terms. Moreover, the number of markers or other characteristics needed to identify the “nonobvious” nature of the cultigen will determine the breadth of protection under the patent. Increasingly, patent examiners must interpret novelty and distinctness in terms of molecular as well as gross phenotypic (flower color, plant habit, etc.) information. A description of difference using molecular markers may be more difficult compared to a description of function (i.e., how many markers are required to assign difference). Consequently, the effective use of molecular marker information in the legal community will require scientific agreement on the meaning of genetic distance as it relates to genetic difference.
Increasing Sustainability by Intercropping
Authors: Coolman R.M. , Hoyt G.D.
Published: December 2018

Plant interactions are both competitive and cooperative. Farmers use intercropping to the mutual advantage of both main and secondary crops in a multiple-crop-production system. A vegetable crop has a competitive advantage over a younger secondary cover crop interseeded before vegetable maturity. Non-legume intercropped cover crops can use soil N, while a legume intercrop can increase N in agricultural systems by biological N fixation. Intercropping also may be more efficient than monocropping in exploiting limited resources. Relay-planting main crop and intercrop components so that resource demands (nutrients, water, sunlight, etc.) occur during different periods of the growing season can be an effective means of minimizing interspecific competition. Intercropping systems often exhibit less crop damage associated with insect and plant pathogen attacks, and they provide weed control.
Sulfcarbamide, A Blossom-thinning Agent for Apples
Authors: Williams Max W.
Published: December 2018

In fruit-growing areas where pollination and fruit set conditions are optimum, biennial bearing is a regular occurrence unless steps are taken to reduce fruit set in the heavy bloom year. In the past, a two- or three-spray thinning program was used in the state of Washington on difficult cultivars, consisting of Elgetol at bloom time, followed by a petal fall spray of Amide-thin, followed by a later postbloom spray of NAA or Sevin. In 1989, Elgetol was removed from the market by the manufacturer because of the high cost of re-registration. In 1990, a search for an Elgetol replacement was initiated. Elgetol was a contact spray that damaged flower parts and prevented fertilization of the ovule. Thus, it was logical to look for other products that had a similar mode of action. Sulfcarbamide (monocarbamide dihydrogen sulfate) (D-88) (Wilthin), a foliage desiccant used on potatoes, onions, and alfalfa, and tested as a dilute full-volume spray on apple blossoms, was found to be an effective blossom thinner. Chemical rates of 0.25% to 0.5% (v/v) applied at 80% of bloom open reduced fruit set by 25% to 50% compared to controls.
Prune Brown Line Disease Occurrence in Declining `Stanley' Plum orchards in Michigan and Factors Related to Its Incidence
Authors: Ramsdell D.C. , Adler V.A. , Kesner C.R.
Published: December 2018

Twenty-one declining `Stanley' prune (Prunus domestica L.) commercial orchards in the southwestern, west-central, and northwestern regions of Michigan's lower peninsula were surveyed for prune brown line disease, associated with tomato ringspot virus (TmRSV). Fifty trees from each orchard were examined for a brown line and pitting-grooving symptoms beneath the bark at the graft union. Inner bark and cambium were taken at the graft union for ELISA testing for TmRSV. Dagger nematodes (Xiphinema americanum Cobb 1913) (the vector) were extracted from soil samples and enumerated. Dandelions (a TmRSV weed host) also were tested for TmRSV. Information on orchard cultural practices and orchard histories was compiled. The percentage of trees ELISA-positive for TmRSV ranged from 4% to 82%, with a mean of 27.9%. The percentage of orchards in the northwestern, west-central, and southwestern regions in which TmRSV was detected by ELISA was l8.0%, 32.3%, and 35.1%, respectively. There was a strong positive correlation between the percentage of trees with a brown line at the graft union and the percentage of trees in which TmRSV was detected at each location. The brown line symptom is a good indicator for the presence of TmRSV, but graft-union pitting and grooving did not correlate strongly with the presence of the virus. TmRSV was detected in dandelion plants in 63% of the orchards tested. Dandelion densities, which ranged from <0.5 to 10/m2, did not correlate positively with percentage of ELISA-positive trees. Numbers of dagger nematodes ranged from 0 to 132 per cm3 of soil. Vector nematode populations correlated positively with ELISA-positive trees from southwestern Michigan, but not in the other two regions. Orchard age, which ranged from 6 to 22 years, did not seem to relate to the percentage of trees in which TmRSV was detected, nor did the source of the plant material used to establish the orchards. Both `Myrobalan' and peach rootstocks were heavily infected. Preplant and at-planting applications of fenamiphos as a strip treatment were ineffective in preventing infection. We believe that TmRSV is endemic in Michigan orchard soils and that the virus is not being introduced to new orchards through the use of infected planting material.
An Apparatus to Monitor Soil CO2
Authors: Russo V.M. , Abney T.D.
Published: December 2018

The effect of soil CO2 on the development of vegetable crops is not well-understood. An inexpensive and simple method for monitoring soil CO2 levels is needed to study those effects. A soil gas extraction apparatus was constructed from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe, tygon tubing, and Plexiglas. The apparatus was placed into soil covered with black plastic or spray-on mulch or left bare. Gas samples were collected twice weekly after canopy closure of eggplant (Solanum melongena L., cv Black Bell) and continued through the last harvest. A vacuum pump was used to pull gas samples from 16 inches (41 cm) below the soil surface for collection in an airtight foil bag. The CO2 levels, recorded over time and between treatments, was determined with detector tubes available commercially and compared to gas chromatography results. Detector tube CO2 levels were comparable to the samples from the same bags measured by gas chromatography. This system was able to monitor differences in soil CO2 levels between treatments and over time.
A Ripening Index for Banana Fruit Based on Starch Content
Authors: Blankenship Sylvia M. , Ellsworth Donna D. , Powell Ronald L.
Published: December 2018

A starch staining technique using pictures to rate starch disappearance has been developed to determine banana pulp maturity. The disappearance of starch from the pulp shows linear correlation with peel color (r2 = 0.76) and soluble solids content (r2 = 0.81). Pulp pH shows a poor correlation with starch disappearance (r2 = 0.38). Staining banana pulp starch with an iodine solution is a quick and easy method for estimation of pulp maturity.
A Comparison of Attitudes and Practices among Sectors of the Oklahoma Floriculture Industry
Authors: Dole John M. , Schnelle Michael A.
Published: December 2018

Oklahoma floriculture producers, ornamental-horticulture retailers, mass-market retailers, and cut-flower wholesalers were surveyed to compare and contrast the industry in terms of attitudes towards their products and problems. Overall, attitudes of all four segments of the industry were neutral to negative on potted flowering plants, but were positive to neutral on bedding and foliage plants. However, producers were slightly negative concerning the postharvest life of bedding plants. While cut-flower wholesalers had a positive attitude concerning cut flowers, ornamental-horticulture retailers and mass-marketers tended to be neutral to negative. In particular, retailers and mass-marketers believed that cut flowers were too expensive and too short-lived. Floral preservatives were used by 82% of ornamental-horticulture retailers, while only 19% of mass-market retailers used preservatives. All cut-flower wholesalers used preservatives. Capital availability and market demand were the factors most limiting expansion for producers and ornamental-horticulture retailers; whereas mass-market firms listed competition as their most limiting factor.
A Low-cost Interactive Computer Program for Teaching Landscape Plant Materials
Authors: Shaw Peter M.
Published: December 2018

A low-cost interactive computer program was designed to assist in teaching landscape plant material classes or any other class that could benefit from the use of computer graphics. The program was written in HyperCard to be used on any Macintosh computer. To illustrate the morphology and to assist in learning the terminology required to identify plants, a dichotomous keying system incorporating computer graphics was developed to lead the student through an interactive lesson. In the process of keying out plants, the student encounters the terminology associated with the groups of plants during the lesson. The student is introduced to plant groups, the terminology, and the concept of the classification process in one interactive lesson.
Nongraded Assessment of Student Expectations and Understanding in Horticulture Classes
Authors: Preece John E.
Published: December 2018

Two nongraded techniques are described that assess student expectations and learning in horticulture classes. These involve anonymous, in-class student responses that can encourage and enhance interaction, communication, and learning without being a burden to the instructor. During the first class meeting, students were given 5 minutes to write their course objectives onto filing cards. By summarizing their objectives, reviewing them with the class at the beginning of the next period, and comparing their objectives with mine, I was able to react to student interests and needs in a constructive manner. About once per week at the end of a lecture, students were given 3 minutes to write the “muddiest point” of that lecture. This enabled me to clarify points orally, in writing, or by specific reading assignments. If the instructor responds in a timely manner, these assessment techniques will be taken seriously by the students. Such techniques can increase interest, understanding, and the perception that students can have a positive influence on the quality of their instruction.
The Status of Transplant Technology in Australia: A Commercial Grower's Experience
Authors: Cliffe David O.
Published: December 2018

Transplant production using containerized cell trays has been practiced in Australia for 15 years, predominantly with the Todd seedling trays. This paper attempts to cover the many methods of transplant production that have evolved in Australia, a country with a unique climate and a horticulture industry requiring a diversity of crops throughout the year. This paper identifies areas that need more research to reduce costs and expand transplant production to encompass a wider range of plant species.
Comparison of NAA and Carbaryl Petal-fall Sprays on Fruit Set of Apples
Authors: Williams Max W.
Published: December 2018

Biennial bearing of apple trees can be overcome either by the use of a blossom chemical thinner or by early application of a postbloom thinner. Carbaryl (Sevin) is a post-bloom fruit-thinning chemical with an effective thinning period of 4 to 5 weeks after bloom. Sevin was compared in 1992 and 1993 with NAA as an early petal-fall spray. Sevin treatments reduced fruit set to one fruit per cluster with no adverse side effects on the foliage. NAA inconsistently reduced fruit set and the remaining fruit were in clusters, The NAA-treated foliage was adversely affected; having small curled leaves. NAA at 10 ppm under-thinned in 1992 and seriously over-thinned in 1993, whereas Sevin treatments were consistent for fruit thinning in both years. Sevin applied at petal-fall or at petal-fall + 7 days effectively reduced fruit set and reduced fruit competition.
Optimum Germination Temperature of Rudbeckia fulgida
Authors: Fay Amy M. , Still Steven M. , Bennett Mark A.
Published: December 2018

Germination trials of three seedlots were conducted over a temperature gradient for 14 days to determine the optimal germination temperature for the Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida Ait.). The optimal germination temperature for R. fulgida seeds was 30 ± 1C. All three seedlots began germination (radicle emergence) on the second day at 30.2C. By day four, all seedlots sur-passed 50% germination, with three seedlots germinating 53%, 52%, and 73%. Mean germination percentages were higher between 28.3 and 32.6C than at temperatures above or below this range. Significantly higher germination percentages and enhanced germination rates attained at the elevated temperatures may save time, cut production costs, and decrease exposure to detrimental pre-emergent pathogenic fungi.
Foliar Application of Liquid Urea-triazone-based Nitrogen Fertilizers and Crop Safety
Authors: Clapp J.G.
Published: December 2018

Urea-triazone-based nitrogen (N) solutions were evaluated for potential leaf injury on agronomic and horticultural crops at 61 commercial grower sites throughout the United States. Poliar spray solutions containing triazone N were used at concentrations ranging from 1.5% to 15.7%. Safe N concentrations for urea-triazone-based N products ranged from 1.5% for crops such as sweet corn, apple, cherry, and pear, and up to 15.7% for nursery root stocks. Urea-triazone-based N solutions were found to be much safer on crop foliage than ammonium-, nitrate-, and/or all urea-based foliar fertilizer products than reported in the literature.
Rhododendron Performance Evaluation in Maine
Authors: Cappiello Paul E.
Published: December 2018

For nearly 30 years, the Univ. of Maine has been conducting woody ornamental plant performance evaluations. While there are a number of focus collections under evaluation, the Rhododendron collection is one of the central features of the program. This report offers performance data for more than 100 specimens grown at the Lyle E. Littletield Ornamentals Trial Garden on the campus of the Univ. of Maine. Winter survival, folk disease rating, fall foliage color and effectiveness, and flowering dates are included.
A Taxonomic Research Update of Cultivated Liriopogons
Authors: Fantz Paul R.
Published: December 2018

A taxonomic revision of liriopogons (Liriope Lour., Ophiopogon Ker-Gawl) cultivated in the United States is in progress at North Carolina State Univ. Germplasm was obtained from nurseries, botanical gardens/arboreta, and private collectors. Nearly 17% of the germplasm was misidentified to genus; nearly 36% misidentified to species; and nearly 14% received under one name from one source contained mixed germplasm. Preliminary analysis of data indicate a minimum of five species of Liriope and eight species of Ophio-pogon are in cultivation. Six additional taxa have not flowered. Polygonal graph analysis was used to visualize biometrical data and observe relationships among taxa. Additional taxonomic publications for segregation of genera and species of liriopogons, including an inventory of taxa, quantitative descriptions, illustrations, and keys, are in progress.
A Simplified Turfgrass Height-measuring Device
Authors: Parish Richard L. , Bush Edward W. , Shepard Dennis P.
Published: December 2018

A simplified design for measuring the height of turfgrass (or forage) was developed and used by the Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station (LAES). The device is similar to the common “disc meter” devices used for turfgrass and forage height measurement, but it uses a constant-force spring to simplify construction and operation. Use-of a constant-force spring allows a steady operating force on the sliding member of the device and eliminates the need for machining slots, thus greatly simplifying construction and reducing cost. The simplified device has worked well in the turfgrass research program of the LAES.
Colorado Commercial Greenhouse Needs Assessment Survey-1991
Authors: Panter Karen L.
Published: December 2018

The Commercial Greenhouse Needs Assessment Survey-1991 was mailed to 201 greenhouse firms throughout Colorado in Aug. 1991. One-hundred-twenty-two usable surveys were returned, a return rate of 61%. The survey contained four sections: Educational Programming Topics; Educational Program Delivery Methods; Needs Other Than Classes; and Personal/Business Data. Results of the Programming Topics section indicated that non-chemical pest control was the subject of most interest (70.6% of respondents), followed by chemical pest control (62.2%). Results of the Programming Delivery Methods section showed that greenhouse operators most wanted workshops (77. 1%). A monthly format (54.7%) was preferred, with evenings (41 .4%) the best time. The Needs Other Than Classes section indicated that greenhouse operators across the state expected visits from the Commercial Greenhouse Extension Agent on an as-needed basis (59.6%), and that 39.2% of the survey respondents were aware of services available from the Commercial Greenhouse Extension Agent. The Personal/Business section indicated that most respondents had a bachelor's or master's degree (53.3%), and were wholesale growers (66.9%) with greenhouses < 50,000 ft2 (67.5%).
Export Marketing of Fresh Fruits in New Zealand
Authors: Turner Donald H. , Brumfield Robin G.
Published: December 2018

The development of New Zealand's economy was based largely on exports to England. With the formation of the EEC, New Zealand was forced to find other markets and concentrate on a wider variety of export commodities. Marketing boards for specific products with monopoly power have been at the center of agricultural and horticultural exports in New Zealand. New Zealand has concentrated on developing new varieties, premium quality, research on postharvest handling, branding, and other marketing procedures to compete in the world market and give producers a good return.
Global Horticulture and the Quest for Seed Varieties
Authors: Korn Francois
Published: December 2018

During the 1980s, the large consumer markets in the northern hemisphere came to expect a year-round supply of high-quality fresh vegetables. This has given farmers in many countries of the sourthern hemisphere and the tropics an opportunity to diversify into lucrative export crops. However, finding cultivars adapted to the local growing conditions is often difficult because commercial varieties usually are bred for highly specialized growing and farming conditions. As a result, local horticultural research institutes are playing a crucial role in the development of suitable genetic material.
Effect of Transplanting on Earliness and Total Yield of Watermelon
Authors: Olson Stephen M. , Hochmuth George J. , Hochmuth Robert C.
Published: December 2018

Studies were conducted at the NFREC, Quincy, and AREC, Live Oak, Fla., to compare watermelon {Citrullus lanatus [(Thumb.) Matsum & Nakai]} plant establishment by transplanting and direct-seeding. Cultivars used were `Charleston Gray' in 1984, 1985, 1986, and 1989; `Jubilee' in 1988 and 1989; and `Crimson Sweet' in 1987 to 1990. Early yields were greater with transplants for all three cultivars in all years. With `Charleston Gray', total yields with transplants were higher in 1985 and 1989, but not in 1984 or 1986. The average fruit weights with transplants were also greater in 1985 and 1989 than in 1984 or 1986. With `Jubilee', total yield with transplants was higher in 1989, but not in 1988. Average fruit weight with transplants was greater in 1989 than in 1988. With `Crimson Sweet', total yields were higher with transplants in 1989 and 1990, but not in 1987 or 1988, but fruits were larger with transplanting compared to direct-seeding only in 1990. In all experiments, yields with transplants were never less than those with direct-seeded plants.