bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endothall: A Blossom Thinner for Apples
Authors: Williams Max W. , Bound Sally A. , Hughes Jack , Tustin Stuart
Published: December 2018

Endothall [7, oxabicyclo (2,2,1) heptane-2-3 dicarboxylic acid] is an aquatic herbicide with potential use as a blossom thinner for apples (Malus domestics Borkh.). Trials conducted in Washington, New Zealand, and Australia on several apple cultivars indicate that endothall is a safe, consistent blossom thinner. Cultivars treated were `Golden Delicious', `Delicious', `Royal Gala', and `Granny Smith'. Single and repeat applications were used in the New Zealand and Washington tests. With multiple applications of endothall, no fruit marking occurred on any of the test cultivars. In temperate fruit zones with extended apple bloom periods, multiple applications of endothall at a low rate may be beneficial for reducing fruit set and biennial bearing.
Controlling Greenhouse Ventilation Inlets by Pressure Difference
Authors: Albright Louis D.
Published: December 2018

Computerized control of the greenhouse climate has increased the importance of air distribution and mixing. This report reviews the fluid mechanics of air flow through ventilation inlets and external pressures imposed by winds and applies the analyses to suggest methods of inlet control that improve traditional greenhouse ventilation. The suggested improved control has been implemented in a five-section research greenhouse on the Cornell University campus and has improved climate control significantly during ventilation. Potential pitfalls in implementing the improved control methods are discussed.
Subirrigation to Root Stem cuttings: Comparison to Intermittent Mist and Influence of Fertilization
Authors: Zhang Hongyi , Graves William R.
Published: December 2018

A subirrigation method for rooting stem cuttings was compared to intermittent mist. Both methods resulted in 100% rooting of `Charm' chrysanthemum [Dendranthema × grandiflorum (Ramat.) Kitamura] and coleus (Coleus × hybridus Voss.) after 2 weeks. Subirrigated cuttings of `Charm' chrysanthemum had a lower mean root dry mass than misted cuttings, but root dry mass of coleus was not affected. Percentage rooting and mean root dry mass of subirrigated cuttings of `Franksred' red maple (Acer rubrum L.) were 95% and 321 mg, whereas the mean root dry mass of the 33% of cuttings that rooted under mist was 38 mg. For Japanese tree lilac [Syringa reticulata (Blume) Hara], the percentage of cuttings with living callus, mean callus diameter, and percentage rooting were higher for subirrigated cuttings than for misted cuttings. In a second study, cuttings of `Franksred' red maple were subirrigated with a solution containing 0 to 7.2 mol N/m3 and not misted. Cuttings given 3.6 or 7.2 mol N/m3 had > 90% rooting after 2 weeks, whereas only 8% of unfertilized cuttings had rooted, and root mass and chlorophyll content were highest for cuttings given 7.2 mol N/m3. Subirrigation can replace mist during propagation of some florist and nursery crops, and subirrigating with fertilizer solution improves rooting of `Franksred' red maple.
Fertilizing Drip-irrigated Bell Peppers Grown on Loamy Sand soil
Authors: Storlie Craig A. , Neary Philip E. , Paterson James W.
Published: December 2018

The effects of fertilizer rates and application frequency on drip-irrigated bell peppers (Capsicum annuum L.) were evaluated at two sites in 1992 and one site in 1993 in southern New Jersey. Yield and fruit quality were greatest with 158N-69P-131K lb/acre at the site with a sandy loam soil. Yield and fruit quality responded to additional fertilizer at sites with loamy sand soils. Average marketable fruit weight increased with increasing fertilization rate at one of the two loamy sand sites. The incidence of sun scald decreased with increasing fertilization rate. Increasing the frequency of drip-applied fertilizer from 11 to 22 days did not affect yield or fruit quality in either year when the same amount of fertilizer was applied. These results show that maximizing the yield of bell peppers grown on loamy sand soils in New Jersey may require higher fertilization rates than previously recommended.
Evaluating Phosphorous Fertilization and Commercial Biostimulants for Producing Cabbage
Authors: Heckman Joseph R.
Published: December 2018

Yield responses of `Blue Vantage' cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.) to P fertilizer and two commercially available biostimulants—ROOTS and ESSENTIAL-were evaluated on soils very high in P fertility. Head yield was not increased with P fertilizer when cabbage was transplanted into soil with Mehlich-3 soil test P indexes ≥ 112 ppm (112 mg·kg-1). Neither of the biostimlants applied as a root drench at transplanting influenced head yield or plant tissue nutrient analysis.
Growth of Coreopis and Plumbago in Plastic and Cu(OH)2-Impregnated Fiber Containers
Authors: Ruter John M.
Published: December 2018

A study was conducted with Coreopsis verticillata L. `Moonbeam' and Plumbago auriculata Lam. to evaluate the growth of these perennial plants in 2.6-liter (#1) black plastic containers (BPCs) compared to plants grown in fiber containers with Cu(OH)2 (FCs+) impregnated into the container walls. Coreopsis root and shoot dry weight was unaffected by container type, whereas Plumbago root and shoot dry weight was greater (2.2× and 1.6×, respectively) for plants grown in FCs+ compared to BPCs. The root : shoot ratio of Plumbago increased 30% when plants were grown in FCs+ compared to BPCs. Root circling was effectively controlled for both species grown in the FCs+. FCs remained in salable condition for the duration of the study. In contrast to untreated FCs, FCs+ will have to be removed at transplanting to allow for normal root development.
An Over-the-row Micronized-dust Applicator for Fruit Trees
Authors: Wilson Charles L. , Wisniewski Michael E. , Upchurch Bruce L.
Published: December 2018

An apparatus was designed and built to deliver micronized dust particles to the foliage of mature orchard trees under a mobile canopy. The dust is propelled by compressed air (about 1120 kPa), which is pulsed through sand-blast guns using the Bernoulli effect. The canopy consists of steel pipes that support the cover and serve as a conduit for compressed air that flows to the guns. Quick-coupling fittings on the canopy pipes allow for easy attachment and removal of multiple guns at various, optional positions. The support structure for the canopy is attached to a mobile trailer, which transports it over mature orchard trees while the dust is being applied. The canopy reduces drift and enhances the coverage of dusts while they are being applied. This innovative apparatus can be used to apply pesticides, growth promoters and regulators, fertilizers, and biocontrol agents in powdered form. The distribution of corn starch on apple foliage is assessed using this invention.
Evaluating Insecticide Application Techniques to Control Aphids in Vegetable Leaf Crops
Authors: Welty Celeste , Alcaraz Sandra , Ozkan H. Erdal
Published: December 2018

Insecticide application techniques were evaluated to find the most effective way to spray contact insecticides to control aphids on leaf crops under field conditions. A hydraulic boom sprayer was tested with several nozzle types, nozzle positions, and pressures, and compared with an electrostatic sprayer and a controlled droplet applicator (CDA). Spray deposition in the canopy and drift were evaluated with moisture-sensitive cards. Trials were conducted on collards and red leaf lettuce in 1989, mustard greens in 1990, and turnip greens in 1991. Green peach aphid [Myzus persicae (Sulzer)] was the major species in all trials. Among hydraulic boom treatments in all trials, aphid control was not significantly different when insecticide applied at 60 psi (414 kPa) was delivered by hollow cone, twin flat-fan, or standard flat-fan nozzles mounted directly on the boom. In most trials, hollow cones were more effective when mounted on drop pipes and directed sideways into rows than when mounted on the boom and directed over rows. Hollow cone nozzles used at 150 psi (1035 kpa) vs. 60 psi did not control aphids significantly better, but higher pressure caused significantly more drift. Contact insecticide applied by an electrostatic sprayer controlled aphids somewhat less satisfactorily than by a conventional hydraulic sprayer. Insecticide applied by a CDA controlled aphids the same as by a hydraulic boom sprayer but with slightly less drift. The desired objective of maximum aphid control, good coverage of downward-facing surfaces in the canopy, and minimum drift was most consistently provided by the hydraulic boom sprayer with hollow cone nozzles on drop pipes directed sideways into the canopy using a pressure of 60 psi.
Asiatic Pennywort [Centella asiatica (L.) Urb.]: A Little-known Vegetable Crop
Authors: Peiris K.H.S. , Kays S.J.
Published: December 2018

Centella asiatica, the Asiatic pennywort, is an herbaceous perennial indigenous to the southeastern United States. In some Asian countries, it is valued as an important vegetable and is widely cultivated. In addition, it is considered an important medicinal herb due primarily to the pentacyclic phytochemical, asiaticoside, which effectively treats a variety of skin diseases. Information on the botany, photochemistry, medicinal, nutritional value, and cultivation of the crop is reviewed. This species may warrant preliminary field and consumer acceptance tests as a speciality vegetable in the United States.
Chemically Controlling Root Escape in Pot-in-pot Production of River Birch and Yoshino Cherry
Authors: Harris J. Roger , Niemiera Alex X. , Wright Robert D. , Parkerson Charles H.
Published: December 2018

Three experiments were conducted to determine the feasibility of using Biobarrier, a landscape fabric with trifluralin herbicide-impregnated nodules, of various sizes to prevent root escape of trees from the drainage holes of 56-liter containers in below-ground pot-in-pot (P&P) and above-ground Keeper Upper (KU) nursery production systems. In addition, side holes or slits were cut in some container walls to test the effect of Biobarrier on the prevention of circling roots. In Expt. 1 (P&P), Betula nigra L. `Heritage' (river birch) trees with no Biobarrier had root ratings for roots escaped through drainage holes that indicated a 5-fold increase in numbers of roots than for treatments containing Biobarrier. All Biobarrier treatments reduced root escape and resulted in commercially acceptable control. In Expt. 2 (KU), control and the Biobarrier treatment river birch trees (30 nodules) had commercially unacceptable root escape. In Expt. 3 (P&P), control and 10-nodule treatment Prunus × yedoensis Matsum. (Yoshino cherry) trees had commercially unacceptable root escape, but treatments containing 20 and 40 nodules resulted in commercially acceptable control. Biobarrier did not limit shoot growth in any of the experiments. The results of these experiments indicate that Biobarrier did not prevent circling roots, but sheets containing at least 8 or 20 nodules of trifluralin acceptably prevented root escape from drainage holes in the pot-in-pot production of 56-liter container river birch trees and Yoshino cherry trees, respectively.
Dwarf Yaupon Holly Response to Fertilizer Application Rate and Frequency
Authors: Yeager Thomas H.
Published: December 2018

Ilex vomitoria Ait. `Nana' root and-shoot growth increased as rate of fertilizer applied from a 6N-1P-3K solution increased from 0.5 to 2.5 g N/3-liter container during a 26-week experiment. Percentage of applied N, P, and Kin the plant and growth medium decreased as N applied increased. Dividing the fertilizer among one, two, or four applications per week resulted in similar use of applied N, P, and K. Shoot dry weights for the 0.5 g N/container treatment were less than for the Osmocote (18N-2.6P-10K) treatment (2.5 g N/container), but the percentage of applied N, P, and K in the plant and growth medium (55%, 42%, and 75%, respectively) was greater than for the Osmocote treatment (31%, 15%, and 27%, respectively).
Initial Survival of Pecan Grafts on Seedling Rootstock of Pecan, Water Hickory, and their Interspecific Hybrid
Authors: Grauke L.J. , O'Barr Richard D.
Published: December 2018

`Oconee' pecan [Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch] scions were grafted on seedling rootstock from nine open-pollinated seedstocks. Rootstock included three seedstocks each of pecan, water hickory [C. aquatica (F. Michx.) Nutt.], and their interspecific hybrid, Carya × lecontei (Little). Pecan seedlings had the largest basal diameters and water hickory seedlings the smallest. Seedlings of `Elliott' and `Curtis' seedstocks were larger than seedlings from `Moore' seedstock. Pecan and C. × lecontei seedlings were grafted more successfully than water hickory. Graft success varied among seedstocks of pecan and C. × lecontei Foliage color of seedlings, possibly indicative of iron nutritional status, was influenced by species; pecan seedling leaves were darker green than those of water hickory seedlings, but similar to C. × lecontei leaves. `Oconee' scion leaves were darker green on pecan rootstock than when grafted on C. × lecontei rootstock.
Training Alabama Garden Center Employees
Authors: Musgrove Mary B. , Williams J. David , Behe Bridget K. , Tilt Kenneth M.
Published: December 2018

Before analyzing the responses of Alabama garden center employees about the training they had received, we determined how satisfied 100 Alabama Master Gardeners were with the employee-s who helped them in the store from which they most often purchased plants for their homes, landscapes, or gardens. We mailed the primary survey to 472 employees of 130 retail garden center businesses in Alabama to determine the percentage of employees who received job training and the amount, frequency, and methods of training they received while working for their current employers (37% responded). Employees were categorized as managers (28%) or subordinate employees (72%) and full-time (72%) or part-time (28%). Forty-four percent of the employees had received some training at the time they were hired. Training continued for 68% of the respondents. Only 39% of the employees had a written description of their job responsibilities discussed with them. Most (85%) believed the training they received had prepared them to do their jobs well, but 82% said more training would increase their confidence in their work performance. Most employees were trained by one-on-one instruction (60%) and small-group sessions (5 or fewer persons) (65%). Few employees received training from videotapes (5%) or educational seminars (26%), and most that did were managers and full-time employees.
Estimating Cold Stress in `Beautiful Arcade' Apple Roots using Electrical Impedance Analysis
Authors: Privé Jean-Pierre , Zhang M.I.N.
Published: December 2018

2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, electrical conductivity, and electrical impedance (Z) analyses were used to assess freezing injury of `Beautiful Arcade' apple (Malus ×domestica Borkh.) roots taken in late March from either the field or 3C-refrigerated storage (cold-stored). Lethal temperature (LT50) levels using TTC or electrical conductivity occurred at colder temperatures than those found using Z. Techniques varied in their ability to detect changes in cell viability with increasing cold stress. Listed in order of decreasing responsiveness they are electrical impedance (Z), electrical conductivity, and TTC vital staining. With the most sensitive technique, Z, two parameters—extracellular and total tissue electrical resistance—were about five and eight times lower (indicating more injury) for roots from the field than from cold storage. The smaller values obtained from the field roots were probably due to natural in-field freeze-thaw cycling before the controlled cold-stress tests in the laboratory. More importantly, the impedance technique provided more detailed information than TTC or electrical conductivity about how apple roots respond to cold stress and how Z may provide some insight into freeze-thaw history before injury assessment. Although this technique shows potential, future studies are required to render a complete physiological significance to the impedance parameters involved in calculating Z.
Growth Responses and Construction Costs of Various Tissue Culture Systems
Authors: Tisserat Brent
Published: December 2018

The influence of the culture chamber size and medium volume on the growth rates of shoot tips of peas, lettuce, kidney beans, and spearmint were determined after 8 weeks of incubation. Cultures were grown in a variety of culture chambers including culture tubes, baby food jars, Magenta GA-7 containers, 1-pint Mason jars, 1-quart Mason jars used with and without an automated plant culture system (APCS), 0.5-gal Mason jars with and without an APCS, Bio-safe chambers with an APCS, and polycarbonate culture chambers with an APCS having culture chamber volumes of 55, 143, 365, 462, 925, 1850, 6000, and 16,400 ml, respectively. Plans are presented for the construction of various culture chambers used in an APCS. The APCS consisted of a peristaltic pump, media reservoir containing 1 liter of liquid nutrient medium, and a culture chamber. Cultures grown with an APCS consistently produced higher fresh weights than cultures using any of the agar culture systems tested. Growth rates varied considerably depending on the plant species and culture system tested. Peas, lettuce, and spearmint exhibited flowering only when grown in the APCS. A cost comparison using the APCS versus various conventional tissue culture systems is presented.
A Graphical Control Chart for Monitoring Leaf count of Easter Lily to Support Crop Timing Decisions
Authors: Fisher P.R. , Heins R.D.
Published: December 2018

A graphical control chart was developed to monitor leaf count of Easter lily (Lilium longiflorum Thunb.) and make temperature recommendations based on predictions of a leaf unfolding rate (LUR) model. The graph allows observed and target leaf count to be compared visually over time. Timing of the visible bud stage, when flower buds are visible externally on the plant, is important to time flowering for the Easter sales period. The optimum LUR and average daily temperature required to achieve a target visible bud date can be read directly from the chart. The approach provides an intuitive method for transferring quantitative models to growers.
Growth of Hibiscus in Media Amended with a Ceramic Diatomaceous Earth Granule and Treated with a Kelp Extract
Authors: Meerow Alan W. , Broschat Timothy K.
Published: December 2018

Growth of Hibiscus rosasinensis L. `President' under daily irrigation and decreasing irrigation frequency was compared in a 5 pine bark : 4 sedge peat : 1 sand (by volume) medium amended further with 0%, 10%, 20%, or 30% (by volume) Axis, a kiln-fired diatomaceous earth granule. Half of each substrate treatment also was drenched three times with Agroroots, a kelp extract. Shoot and root dry weights were compared after 4.5 months of growth. Container media amended with Axis at 10% volume yielded hibiscus plants with higher shoot dry weights than nonamended media. Root-zone drenches with Agroroots increased shoot dry weights of plants subjected to decreasing irrigation frequency and grown without Axis, but did not significantly affect plants receiving daily irrigation. Shelf-life effects of Axis treatment revealed that all plants reached the permanent wilting point 5 days after cessation of daily irrigation. Both products may allow container plant production with less irrigation. Further tests should be conducted with a broader range of species.
ROSESIM: An Interactive Tool for Plant Growth Modeling
Authors: Hopper Douglas A.
Published: December 2018

One should choose the simplest form of a model as a tool that adequately represents the processes and relationships of interest. ROSESIM was first developed in SLAM II and FORTRAN to run on a mainframe computer, where it had few users and it was cumbersome to learn and use. As use of models on a personal computer (PC) has become more popular for instruction and simulation, ROSESIM was translated first into the American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII) to run in the Beginner's All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code (BASIC) language in the popular Microsoft Disk Operating System (MS-DOS). As graphical user interface (GUI) Windows applications have gained increased popularity, ROSESIM has been translated into C++ as object-oriented programming (OOP) to run inside Microsoft Windows 3.1. This makes ROSESIM for Windows readily available to virtually every PC user. Features of ROSESIM for Windows are listed and discussed.
Soil, Plant, and Canopy Responses To Carbonated Irrigation Water
Authors: Storlie Craig A. , Heckman Joseph R.
Published: December 2018

Scientists have sought to stimulate plant growth using carbonated irrigation water for more than 100 years. The mechanisms by which carbonated water may increase plant productivity and the influence of environmental and cultural growing conditions on those mechanisms are not completely understood. Several greenhouse and field studies have demonstrated that carbonated irrigation water can increase crop yield significantly while others have shown that carbonated irrigation water does not influence plant productivity. It is unlikely that carbonated irrigation water will be recommended commercially until the conditions are delineated under which a positive and economically advantageous growth response is ensured.
Reducing the Pollution Potential of Pesticides and Fertilizers in the Environmental Horticulture Industry: I. Greenhouse, Nursery, and Sod Production
Authors: Latimer Joyce G. , Beverly Reuben B. , Robacker Carol D. , Lindstrom Orville M. , Oetting Ronald D. , Olson Denise L. , Braman S. Kristine , Thomas Paul A. , Allison John R. , Florkowski Wojciech , Ruter John M. , Walker Jerry T. , Garber Melvin P. , Hudson William G.
Published: December 2018

Pesticides have been the primary method of pest control for years, and growers depend on them to control insect and disease-causing pests effectively and economically. However, opportunities for reducing the potential pollution arising from the use of pesticides and fertilizers in environmental horticulture are excellent. Greenhouse, nursery, and sod producers are using many of the scouting and cultural practices recommended for reducing the outbreak potential and severity of disease and insect problems. Growers are receptive to alternatives to conventional pesticides, and many already use biorational insecticides. Future research should focus on increasing the effectiveness and availability of these alternatives. Optimizing growing conditions, and thereby plant health, reduces the susceptibility of plants to many disease and insect pest problems. Impediments to reducing the use of conventional pesticides and fertilizers in the environmental horticulture industry include 1) lack of easily implemented, reliable, and cost-effective alternative pest control methods; 2) inadequate funding for research to develop alternatives; 3) lack of sufficient educational or resource information for users on the availability of alternatives; 4) insufficient funding for educating users on implementing alternatives; 5) lack of economic or regulatory incentive for growers to implement alternatives; and 6) limited consumer acceptance of aesthetic damage to plants. Research and broadly defined educational efforts will help alleviate these impediments to reducing potential pollution by the environmental horticulture industry.
Yield and Quality Attributes of Rainfed Green Immature Corn in Trinidad
Authors: Spaner D. , Mather D.E. , Brathwaite R.A.I.
Published: December 2018

Three local varietal types of corn (Zea mays L.)—an improved landrace `ICTA Farm Corn' derived from the Tuson population, the open-pollinated `Across 7728', and the hybrid `Pioneer 3098'—were grown at three cash-crop farms in Trinidad, and evaluated as green corn for agronomic, quality, and chemical traits. `Pioneer 3098' and `ICTA Farm Corn' had similar numbers of marketable ears and marketable yield per hectare, and both were superior to `Across 7728'. Sensory evaluations revealed that the three varieties did not differ in overall quality when boiled with Creole seasoning. When ears were not seasoned, the hybrid variety was preferred over the two open-pollinated varieties. Two-dimensional partitioning indicated that ear appearance and kernel color were the major contributors to total variation in overall quality. The importance of quality characters of green corn to local farming system priorities affects extension recommendations and breeding objectives in Trinidad.
Forcing Treatment and Rootstock Affect Budbreak and Growth of Containerized Citrus Nursery Trees
Authors: Williamson J.G. , Maust B.E.
Published: December 2018

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of rootstock and bud-forcing treatment on scion budbreak and nursery tree growth of `Hamlin' orange. In Expt. 1, `Carrizo' citrange, `Swingle' citrumelo, and `Cleopatra' mandarin were budded with `Hamlin' orange and forced by one of the following methods: cutting off (purning away the rootstock top about 2 cm above the inserted scion bud); lopping (cutting half to two-thirds of the way through the rootstock stem 2 cm above the bud union, and breaking over the stem but leaving it attached); or bending (bending the rootstock shoot above the inserted scion bud and tying it to the base of the plant). For `Swingle' only, percent budbreak was less for bending or lopping compared to cutting off. For `Carrizo' and `Swingle', scion dry weights were less when plants were forced by cutting off compared to bending or lopping. For all rootstocks, whole-plant dry weights were greater for plants forced by bending and lopping than for plants forced by cutting off. In Expt. 2, scion buds on `Swingle' and `Cleopatra' plants were forced by the three methods in Expt. 1 plus combinations of bending with notching (making an inverted V incision through the bark and into the wood on the rootstock stem directly above the scion bud) and/or topping (removing the teminal 2 cm of rootstock shoot tips of plants forced by bending). Percent scion budbreak was high for `Cleopatra' plants regardless of forcing treatment. For `Swingle', scion budbreak was greater when bending was combined with notching than for bending alone. For `Cleopatra', plant dry weight was greatest for plants forced by lopping. When bending was combined with notching, or notching with topping, `Swingle' scion budbreak was comparable to cutting off, but plant dry weights were greater with these combination treatments than when cutting off was used.
Fertility Management of Drip-irrigated Vegetables
Authors: Hartz T.K. , Hochmuth G.J.
Published: December 2018

Drip irrigation provides an efficient method of fertilizer delivery virtually free of cultural constraints that characterize other production systems. Achieving maximum fertigation efficiency requires knowledge of crop nutrient requirements, soil nutrient supply, fertilizer injection technology, irrigation scheduling, and crop and soil monitoring techniques. If properly managed, fertigation through drip irrigation lines can reduce overall fertilizer application rates and minimize adverse environmental impact of vegetable production.
Windbreaks: An Important Component in a Plasticulture System
Authors: Hodges Laurie , Brandle James R.
Published: December 2018

Windbreaks reduce wind speed and modify the microclimate in sheltered areas. Many producers use wind barriers in their production systems, but few producers recognize all of the benefits available or understand the principles involved in windbreak function and design. Wind has direct and indirect effects on plant growth and development. Direct effects include soil abrasion, increased transpiration, and lodging. Indirect effects are based on changes in the crop microclimate, which influence plant growth and yield. Windbreaks increase soil and air temperatures and can extend the growing season in sheltered areas, resulting in increased crop development, earlier crop maturity, and market advantage. Plant-water relations and irrigation efficiency are improved by shelter. Overall, modifications to the microclimate in sheltered areas contribute to 5% to 50% higher crop yields. Winds in excess of about 5 m·s−1 (1.0 m·s−1 = 2.25 miles/h; miles/h × 0.447 = m·s−1) result in wind erosion and soil abrasion and may cause a loss of crop stand. Wind speeds below 5 m·s−1 may have an equally adverse impact on crop quality and marketable yield. In both cases, wind-breaks can reduce damage effectively in sheltered areas. Wind protection reduces certain problems associated with plasticulture under windy conditions.
Stand Establishment in Plasticulture Systems
Authors: Orzolek Michael D.
Published: December 2018

Plasticulture enables growers to optimize establishment of vegetable and fruit crops under nonoptimum conditions and in locations with short growing seasons. Generally, warm-season crops such as muskmelon, pepper, and tomato, are established from transplants to decrease the time to maturity in the field. Directly seeding vegetables such as sweet corn, cucumber, and snap bean through plastic allows for optimum soil temperature and moisture to ensure maximum seed germination and subsequent seedling emergence. Mechanized transplanting or seeding of vegetables in plasticulture is available and successful if a firm, flat bed with plastic firmly stretched over the bed is formed and specific crop requirements are followed during establishment. Common mistakes made with plant establishment in plasticulture are discussed.
Weed Management in Plasticulture
Authors: Bonanno A. Richard
Published: December 2018

This review describes the differences in weed management that must be addressed when plastic culture is added to the production cycle. Three specific areas are addressed: weed management under plastic mulch, weed management between plastic mulch, and weed management under row covers.
Fumigation and Solarization Practice in Plasticulture Systems
Authors: Stapleton James J.
Published: December 2018

Soil disinfestation strategies for intensive vegetable crop production, which have relied heavily on chemical fumigants for the past 40 years, are now undergoing rapid change. The principal driving force of change has been governmental regulatory action to phase out chemicals with properties deemed to be hazardous to the environment and/or public health. Softer methods of soil disinfestation, which rely more on physical, cultural, biological, or integrated modes of action, likely will predominate in future vegetable-cropping systems. In conducive (i.e., warm) climates, solarization can be adopted economically in plasticulture systems. Solarization can be combined with other chemical, physical, and biological methods for enhanced management of soil and root pests and diseases.
Evaluation of Biological Control Agent Shipments from Three United States Suppliers
Authors: Steward V. Bruce , Kintz Janet L. , Horner Tracy A.
Published: December 2018

Biological control agents were ordered from three U.S. suppliers three times during 1994 and were evaluated (total of nine orders evaluated). Biological control agents evaluated were a whitefly parasitoid [Encarsia formosa Gahan (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae)], mealybug destroyer [Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)], insidious flower bug [Orius insidiosus (Say) (Heteroptera: Anthocoridae)], and a predatory mite [Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot (Acari: Phytoseiidae)]. Arrival time, packaging methods, cost, quality, and quantity for each shipment were recorded. Six of the nine orders evaluated did not arrive by the date promised by the supplier. Most biological control agents were shipped in styrofoam boxes; the method by which they were packed in the box differed among suppliers. The cost of each biological control agent order ranged from $260.64 to $327.03 and varied with the same supplier. The number of viable E. formosa emerging ranged from 745 to 4901; two of the nine orders met the quota of 2000 live wasps. The total number of live C. montrouzieri received ranged from 234 to 288; five orders contained the expected number of 250 live beetles. For the expected order of 1000 O. insidiosus, quantities of live insects ranged from 423 to 1333; three orders contained at least the expected amount. The number of live P. persimilis ranged from 199 to 4447. Three orders contained the targeted amount of 2000. Our findings indicate that there are problems with the quantity of viable biological control agents being shipped. To build consumer confidence in the potential effectiveness of biological control, suppliers and producers of biological control agents must address ways to ensure that the consumer receives a high-quality product, in quantity and viability.
Ethylene + GA3 Sprays for Delaying Flower Bud Initiation in Chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora Tzvelv.) Stock Plants
Authors: Strefeler Mark S. , Anderson Neil O. , Ascher Peter D.
Published: December 2018

Our objective was to determine whether repeated applications of 2-chloroethylphosphonic acid (ethephon) + gibberellic acid (GA3) to stock chrysanthemum plants that are day-neutral for flower bud initiation would increase the number of quality cuttings. Across five cultivars, there were no significant differences between controls and plants receiving 250 ppm ethephon in the total number of cuttings per plant. The percentage of cuttings with crown buds was greater for cuttings from controls than for ethephon-treated plants. Applying 500 ppm ethephon significantly reduced the number of cuttings. We conclude that chrysanthemum clones day-neutral for flower bud initiation and development with low long-day leaf number could be selected to form a 4 to 5 week production group.
Scientific Home Pages on the World Wide Web
Authors: Lightner Gary W.
Published: December 2018

As the World Wide Web increases in popularity, it has become easier to create and maintain home pages on the network. How this is accomplished is as varied as those using the web. The possibilities for scientific sites create questions for the research page editor. This paper provides a nontechnical discussion of why and how to create a scientific home page. Universal Resource Locators are given for home pages that may benefit the reader.
Communication Could Increase Florists' Commercial Account Purchases
Authors: Anderson Lori J. , Behe Bridget K. , Sanderson Kenneth C.
Published: December 2018

Two surveys (one of 101 florists and one of 122 businesses) determined that florists spend little time or money recruiting commercial accounts. Poor communication among businesses and florists was a problem. Of the responding businesses, 91% were never contacted by their florists for any reason, and the methods florists did use for recruiting commercial accounts were incompatible with the means that businesses used to choose florists. Because 79% of businesses made some type of purchase from a florist during the year, florists could pursue commercial accounts as a way of increasing sales. When recruiting new accounts, florists should consider businesses' product preferences, peak gift-giving times, and purchasing preferences.
The Buckeye Yard And Garden Line
Authors: Chatfield James A. , Boggs Joseph F. , Shetlar David J.
Published: December 2018

The Buckeye Yard and Garden Line (BYGL) is a user-friendly, interdisciplinary, timely avenue on the information superhighway developed in Ohio and applicable as a model for horticultural information delivery throughout the United States.
Factors Influencing Volunteering in the Master Gardener Program
Authors: Rohs Frederick R. , Westerfield Robert R.
Published: December 2018

Limited budgets and downsizing have threatened the delivery of technological and educational information by the cooperative extension service. As such trends continue, volunteers become more important. Background factors, influence of specific individuals, attitudes toward the value of the program, and personal benefits received influence a person's decision to become a Master Gardener volunteer. In this study, individuals who were older than 50 and had children and parents who were former volunteers in an extension program were more likely to become Master Gardener volunteers, as were individuals who felt that the Master Gardener program benefited the community and themselves. Specific individuals, such as garden club members, other Master Gardeners, a neighbor, or persons holding leadership positions in the community, might also influence an individual's decision to volunteer.
The Virtual Office
Authors: McGiffen Milton E.
Published: December 2018

Many careers involve working at multiple locations with unpredictable daily schedules. Professionals may have several locations from which they conduct business. Electronic mail (e-mail) and other features of the Internet have facillitated the evolution of the virtual office, which gives the appearance of a single point of contact with mobile, busy people. E-mail is the most obvious use of the Internet. E-mail groups allow for effective discussions with people of similar interests and the exchange of hard-to-acess expert information. Websites and e-mail groups allow rapid dissemination and discussion of multimedia information. The Vegetable Research and Information Center is an example of how to extend the virtual office concept to the departmental level, allowing spatially scattered researchers, extension workers, and their clientele to work together and exchange information.
Technical Horticulturists on the Internet
Authors: Sistrunk Laurence A.
Published: December 2018

Horticulturists need to stay abreast of the rapidly changing technology for disseminating research and teaching information. By connecting to the Internet and using the various tools available, horticulturists can gather information needed to communicate with colleagues and other clientele as a means of highlighting our science. The use of network software, such as FTP (file transfer protocol), Gopher, Veronica, Archie, Jughead, WAIS (wide area information servers), Mosaic, Netscape, Telnet, IRC (Internet relay chat), and WWW (World Wide Web) is essential in navigating the super information highway. This largely academically based network will evolve based on needs and politics in the years to come.
Using Electronic-mail Discussion Groups on the Internet to Enhance Communication in Specific Commodity Groups
Authors: Van Vranken Richard W. , Cowgill Winfred P.
Published: December 2018

The rapid evolution of electronic technologies is providing researchers, educators, and consumers increasingly fast access to information. On the Internet (Net), electronic mail is a rapid, efficient, and economical medium for communication. Mail list management software (Listserv, Almanac, Majordomo, and Liststar) now allows users with interests in specific topics to address production and marketing issues across state and international boundaries by posting messages to a discussion group (DG) at one electronic address. Replies from anyone interested in responding may be sent to the entire DG, constituting a discussion, or returned directly to the originator of the message. Three commodity-oriented, horticultural DGs—Apple-Crop, Veg-Prod and Direct-Mkt—established over the last 30 months now provide on-line forums for >600 subscribers from 46 states, 4 Canadian provinces, and 21 other countries. Twenty-seven percent to 31% of these DGs' subscribers responded to a survey evaluating the effectiveness of DGs as communication tools. Reponses showed that DGs were a valuable communication tool for reaching a broad resource pool rapidly and economically. Information requests, meeting announcements, and resource listings have dominated the activity of these DGs. Cooperative extension specialists and county agricultural agents represent most users (69%), followed by researchers (14%), farmers, and those with unlisted job descriptions (7% each). Ease of use, quickness (often within 24 hours), quality and quantity of replies, and the ability to glean timely information for files and newsletters were cited as the most important reasons for using these DGs.
UIPLANTS: A Software Program for the Landscape Industry and Horticulture Education
Authors: Kling Gary J. , Zampardo Mark E. , Lindsey Christopher P.
Published: December 2018

UIPLANTS is a computer-based reference to help identify, culture, and use woody landscape plants for the northern and central United States. The program provides a comprehensive reference to serve the educational and professional communities with more than 8000 high-quality color images and textual descriptions of more than 900 species and cultivars. Special features include a highly flexible slide show and the ability to compare any two images side by side. Student activity can be tracked, creating detailed logs of student use patterns and times.
Welcome to Reality: An Overview of a Low-input Sustainable Agriculture (LISA) Project in Small Fruit
Authors: Goulart Barbara L.
Published: December 2018

An in-the-trenches researcher/coordinator viewpoint of a northeast regional LISA grant funded from 1989-93 is presented. The specifics of the logistics of coordinating a multi-state grant in a fledgling granting program is emphasized, as well as the evolution of the content and focus of the research directions for the grant Evaluation of Alternative Strategies for Small Fruit Production (Univ. of Vermont Agreement 92-08-01). This was a project in which five states in the northeastern United States proposed to cooperate on a multi-disciplinary project exploring the biological and economic feasibility of selected production practices for small fruit. These practices were selected because they showed potential for increasing net profit by reducing purchased inputs or maximizing yield. Information transfer, before, during, and after the studies was emphasized, using such diverse means as grower experimental plots, the participation of growers in integrated pest management programs, the development and publication of economic data relevant to the projects, the development of a LISA small fruit newsletter, as well as more traditional means of information dissemination such as grower meetings, and trade and scientific publications.
Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.): A Multipurpose Plant
Authors: Li Thomas S.C. , Schroeder W.R.
Published: December 2018

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) is a multipurpose, hardy, deciduous shrub, an ideal plant for soil erosion control, land reclamation, wildlife habitat enhancement, and farmstead protection. It has high nutritional and medicinal values for humans. The majority of sea buckthorn research has been conducted in Asia and Europe. It is a promising new crop for North America, and recently it has attracted considerable attention by researchers, producers, and industry.
Fertilization Rate and Growth of `Hamlin' Orange Trees Related to Preplant Leaf Nitrogen Levels in the Nursery
Authors: Guazzelli Laura , Davies Frederick S. , Ferguson James J.
Published: December 2018

Our objectives were to determine the effects of leaf N concentration in citrus nursery trees on subsequent growth responses to fertilization for the first 2 years after planting and the impact of N fertilizer rate on soil NO3-N concentration. `Hamlin' orange [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osb.] trees on `Swingle' citrumelo rootstock [C. paradisi Macf. × P. trifoliata (L.) Raf.] were purchased from commercial nurseries in Apr. 1992 (Expt. 1) and Jan. 1993 (Expt. 2) and were grown in the greenhouse at differing N rates. Five months later, trees for each experiment were separated into three groups (low, medium, and high) based on leaf N concentration and were planted in the field in Oct. 1992 (Expt. 1) or Apr. 1993 (Expt. 2). Trees were fertilized with granular material (8N-2.6P-6.6K-2Mg-0.2Mn-0.12Cu-0.27Zn-1.78Fe) with N at 0, 0.11, 0.17, 0.23, 0.28, or 0.34 kg/tree per year. Soil NO3-N levels were determined at 0- to 15- and 16- to 30-cm depths for the 0.11-, 0.23-, and 0.34-kg rates over the first two seasons in Expt. 2. Preplant leaf N concentration in the nursery varied from 1.4% (Expt. 1) to 4.1% (Expt. 2) but had no effect on trunk diameter, height, shoot growth and number, or dry weight in year 1 (Expt. 1) or years 1 and 2 (Expt. 2) in the field. Similarly, fertilizer rate in the field had no effect on growth during year 1 in the field. However, trunk diameter increased with increasing N rate in year 2 and reached a maximum with N at 0.17 kg/tree per year but decreased at higher rates. Shoot number during the second growth flush in year 2 was much lower for nonfertilized vs. fertilized trees at all rates, which had similar shoot numbers. Nevertheless, leaf N concentrations increased during the season for trees with initially low levels, even for trees receiving low fertilizer rates. This suggests translocation of N from other organs to leaves. Soil NO3-N levels were highest for the 0.34-kg rate and lowest at the 0.11-kg rate. Within 2 to 3 weeks of fertilizing, NO3-N levels decreased rapidly in the root zone.
Influence of Freeze Acclimation Procedure on Survival and Regrowth of Container-grown Campanula takesimana Nakai.
Authors: Herrick Todd A. , Perry Leonard P.
Published: December 2018

Crown divisions of Campanula takesimana were potted 1 Sept. 1994 and were grown under natural conditions until 19 Nov., when they were moved into a 3 °C greenhouse. On 15 Feb. 1995, 10 plants were randomly assigned to each of four temperature treatments (−5, −8, −11, and −14 °C), using each of four freeze acclimation procedures designated A through D: group A plants were held at treatment temperatures for 30 minutes; group B plants were first subjected to three alternating freeze-thaw cycles (−3 °C for 24 hours, 3 °C for 24 hours), then held at treatment temperatures for 30 min; plants in group C were held at −1 °C for 14 days and subsequently were exposed to treatment temperatures for 30 minutes; group D plants were held at treatment temperatures for 48 hours. A control group was held at 3 °C for the duration of the study. Following 6 weeks regrowth at 15 °C, plants were rated for survival and regrowth quality relative to unfrozen controls. At treatment temperatures of −8 °C and less, acclimation procedure significantly influenced survival and regrowth quality. Plants exposed to three freeze-thaw cycles had the highest regrowth ratings at treatment temperatures less than −5 °C, with no loss in marketability following exposure to −11 °C. In addition, all plants exposed to freeze-thaw cycles thrived following controlled freezing, whereas those in each of the other groups displayed a decline in survival with decreasing treatment temperatures. Holding plants for 14 d at −1 °C had no beneficial effect on survival or regrowth quality relative to plants held at constant above-freezing temperatures. Increasing exposure duration from 30 minutes to 48 hours significantly reduced regrowth quality at treatment temperatures of −8 °C and −11 °C.
Geographical Characterization of Greenhouse Irrigation Water
Authors: Argo William R. , Biernbaum John A. , Warncke Darryl D.
Published: December 2018

Chemical analyses of 4306 randomly selected greenhouse water samples for 1995 from the United States and Canada were obtained from four analytical laboratories and graphically characterized using a distribution analysis. For pH, electro-conductivity (EC), and nutrient concentrations, a mean and median value and the percentage of samples with concentrations above or below those generally considered acceptable are presented for all samples and the 10 leading states in floricultural production. The median nutrient concentrations were more representative of the type of water found throughout the United States and Canada than that of the mean values because of the unequal distribution of the data. The overall median water source had a pH of 7.1; an EC of 0.4 dS·m−1; an alkalinity of CaCO3 at 130 mg·L−1; (in mg·L−1) 40 Ca, 11 Mg, 8 SO4−S, 13 Na, 14 Cl, 0.02 B, and <0.01 F; a Ca: Mg ratio of 3.2, and a sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) of 0.7. The information presented characterizes irrigation water and may assist in developing more refined fertilizer recommendations for greenhouse crop production.