bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COMPARISON OF THREE BONEMEAL PRODUCTS ON GROWTH OF `PILGRIM' TOMATO
Authors: Klock Kimherly A , Taber Henry G.
Published: April 2024

Three commercially available bone meal products, meat and bone meal, steamed bone meal, and bone chips were compared with Ca (H2PO4)•H2O for their effectiveness in phosphorous availability. These products were added to a soil media (20 soil: 40 peat 40 perlite by volume) at rates to give 0, 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg P•kg-1. Products effectiveness was evaluated by growth and P uptake of `Pilgrim' tomato (Lycoperisicon esculantum Mill.). Difference in plant dry weights among the products were significant at P≤0.02, with the greatest difference occurring between the control & the bone meal products. Differences were also evident among the products with respect to shoot P content (mg P•shoot-1). A significant interaction between product & rate was observed for foliar P concentration, but not shoot P content reflecting a growth dilution effect. Therefore, the three bone meal products were equally effective in providing P for optimum tomato growth.
BUFFALOGRASS SEEDLING SCREENING IN VITRO FOR NaCl TOLERANCE
Authors: Reid Scott D. , Koski Anthony J. , Hughes Harrison G.
Published: April 2024

Buffalograss (Buchloë dactyloides [Nutt.] Engelm.) is adapted for use as a low maintenance turf in much of the semi-arid West. New cultivars with improved turf characteristics are being developed and released, but little information quantifying either relative tolerance or variability among germplasms to salt stress is available. An in vitro procedure was used to characterize seedling growth response to additions of 0-300 mol m-3 NaCl in 50 mol m-3 increments in media containing MS basal salts solidified with 0.6% agar. Germinated seeds of cultivars Sharp's Improved, Texoka, Topgun, and Plains transferred to treatments were evaluated after 40 d growth. The threshold for decline in shoot dry matter vs control was 50 mol m-3 NaCl for all cultivars. An average 50% shoot dry matter reduction vs controls across cultivars was found at 150 mol m-3 NaCl, affecting leaf length but not survival; shoot [Na+] ranged from 9.12 - 9.86 mg g-1 dry matter. Survival was severely affected at 250 mol m-3 NaCl. Cv. × NaCl interaction was significant.
AN ASPIRATED RADIATION SHIELD FOR USE WITH THERMOCOUPLES IN AGRICULTURAL APPLICATIONS
Authors: Demchak K.T. , Heisler G.M. , Goulart B.L. , Gleason S.B.
Published: April 2024

Since air temperature measurements in agricultural applications are subject to radiation errors, aspirated radiation shields are used. Typically researchers employ a double-walled shield, but a simplified design has been developed that gives comparable results and was implemented in strawberry and raspberry trellis research. Components used to build one radiation shield were: one 7.6-cm fan, one 11.4-cm to 8.9-cm PVC reducer, one 8.9-cm to 3.8-cm reducer, two 25-cm sections of 3.8-cm PVC pipe, a ring of PVC (11.4-cm outside diameter, 7.6-cm inside diameter), one hose clamp, clear silicone sealant, and wire to connect the fan to an electricity supply. A reflective suface may be applied to enhance accuracy. The shield can be located at any height within a canopy and can be easily relocated by inserting the holder on which it is mounted into a 5.1-cm PVC pipe that has been imbedded in the ground. Experimental evidence revealed that either a DC or an AC power supply could be used, as long as noise distortion from the AC supply was integrated to 0 by choosing 60 Hz noise rejection as an option with the Campbell datalogger. With an AC fan, air flow over the sensor exceeds 6 m/s.
EFFECTS OF WATER STRESS ON CATHARANTHUS ROSEUS
Authors: Pinchbeck Margaret , McAvoy Richard J.
Published: April 2024

The leaves of many plant species exhibit a noticeable color change in response to water stress. A study was conducted to determine if physiological changes associated with imposed water stress could be correlated with quantifiable leaf color changes in Catharanthus roseus. The Minolta Chroma Meter CR-200 was used to measure leaf color changes during water stress in three cultivars of Catharanthus. In addition, soil and plant water content, osmotic pressure, net photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, and stomatal conductance were determined. Two components of light, chroma and L value, showed a correlation to the water content of the plant tissue. As plant water content decreased, both chroma and L value decreased. Since a change in leaf color (or a component of color) is easily monitored, the Chroma Meter could ultimately be used to detect incipient water stress in greenhouse crops.
620 (PS 3) GENETIC ANALYSIS OF ISOENZYME LOCI IN RHODODENDRON
Authors: Krebs Stephen , Leach David G. , Marquard Robert
Published: April 2024

The genus Rhododendron is widely distributed and diverse, consisting of over 900 species. Although this diversity has been exploited by hybridizers for over 100 years, few single gene traits have been genetically characterized. In order to develop genetic markers useful for biological, breeding, and commercial applications, we are investigating allelic variability and mode of inheritance at enzyme loci using starch gel electrophoresis. Thus far, allozyme segregation data at 4 enzyme loci (Pgi-2, Idh-1, 6Pgd-2, Est-1) fit the Mendelian model for single gene inheritance at the diploid level. An additional 4 polymorphic loci are presently being characterized: Pgm-2, Mdh-1, Mdh-2, and 6Pgd-1. Disomic inheritance appears to be consistent across a wide array of genetic backgrounds in these crosses, most involving parents with interspecific pedigrees. Variability at these loci is fairly abundant within the Leach breeding population. This should enable us, as an initial application, to genetically `ID' many of the Leach hybrids on the basis of their electrophoretic phenotypes.
625 (PS 3) USE OF COMPOSTS AND ROCKWOOL IN PINE BARK POTTING SUBSTRATES
Authors: Bilderback T. E. , Fonteno W.C.
Published: April 2024

Cotoneaster dammeri Schneid. `Skogholm' liners were potted into combinations of pine bark (PB), horticultural rockwool (RW), composted municipal yardwaste (CYW), composted turkey broiler litter (TBL) and washed builders sand (S). The objective of the study was to characterize the physical and chemical properties, subsequent plant growth and foliar tissue levels of the resultant substrates. Of the physical parameters tested the three component substrates PB:RW:CYW and PB:RW:TBL (70:20:10 by v) appeared to have the most consistent favorable physical properties. Electrical conductivity (EC) was extremely high the first day after initiation in the substrates containing TBL but was not different for other sampling dates. Leachate pH initially ranged from 4.9 to 6.1 but through most of the study ranged from 5.2 to 5.8. As with EC all nutrient levels were very high one day after initiation. Leachate phosphate levels were maintained at recommended levels in the substrates containing TBL throughout most of the study while other substrates were generally deficient. The same was true for foliar tissue phosphate levels. The greatest top dry weight was yielded in the PB:RW:TBL (70:20:10, by v) substrate and least in the PB:S (80:20) substrate.
CHOPPED NEWSPAPER FOR WEED CONTROL IN ORNAMENTALS
Authors: Pellett Norman , Heleba David
Published: April 2024

Chopped newspaper was applied at 15 and 25 cm depths around field rows of Gaillardia, Physostegia, and Daphne. The paper was held in placed by wetting, then rolling, or by a commercial binder used for hydroseeding. Both methods of holding paper in place were successful. All newspaper treatments controlled weeds very well. Fifteen cm paper depth resulted in higher weed count in September than 25 cm depth. Paper mulch held up well through the growing season and had little impact on crop growth.
MICROPROPAGATION OF `GERMAN RED' CARNATION (DIANTHUS CARYOPHYLLUS) FROM NODAL EXPLANTS
Authors: Davis Tim D. , Sankhla N. , Sankhla D. , George S.W. , Parsons J.M.
Published: April 2024

Nodal explants were taken from both vegetative and flowering shoots of `German Red' carnation and placed on MS medium supplemented with 2.0 mg/L benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 0.5 mg/L naphthaleneacetic acid. The explants taken from flowering shoots invariably produced flower buds in vitro and were of no value for micropropagation. With the vegetative explants, microshoots were observed after about 15 days. These were subcultured and the effect of cytokinins (kinetin, BAP, thidiazuron [TDZ]) on subsequent shoot production was evaluated. The cytokinins increased the number of shoots formed with TDZ and kinetin being the most and least effective, respectively. Shoots produced in vitro were rooted with 100% success in vitro or ex vitro. About 98% of the plants rooted in vitro or ex vitro survived transfer to the greenhouse and were successfully transplanted outdoors. In summary, starting from explants, well-branched flowering plants can be obtained in as little as 5-6 months. These results suggest that in vitro mass propagation of `German Red' carnation is feasible.
644 (PS 4) HIGH-EFFICIENCY SHOOT REGENERATION FROM IN VITRO-GROWN LEAVES OF APPLE
Authors: Durham Richard E. , Korban Schuyler S.
Published: April 2024

A high efficiency (up to 95%) shoot regeneration system for apple was developed. Explants consisted of young leaves harvested from in-vitro proliferating shoots cultures of several apple genotypes including `Dayton', `Gala', `Golden Delicious', `Malling 7a', `McIntosh', and `Royal Gala'. Leaf sections were cultured on a modified one-half strength Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with thidiazuron (4.4 mg/L) and α-naphthaleneacetic acid (0.5 mg/L). Direct shoot organogenesis was often observed but sometimes was accompanied by callus formation. Regeneration frequency was genotype dependent. Other treatments investigated which enhanced regeneration included minced versus sectioned leaves and initial culture conditions of dark versus light. The possible applications of this regeneration system for Agrobacterium- and/or microprojectile-bombardment-mediated genetic transformation will be discussed.
657 (PS 4) VARIETAL DIFFERENCES IN CALLUS AND SHOOT FORMATION OF PELARGONIUM SPP.
Authors: Hartman Laura L. , Jourdan Pablo S.
Published: April 2024

Before attempting transformation of Pelargonium spp., it is necessary to develop procedures for shoot regeneration under selective conditions (kanamycin resistance). Leaf disks of various cultivars of regal, zonal, ivy-leaved, and scented pelargoniums were compared for shoot regenerability and phenolic production. Disks were cultured on MS medium supplemented with 10.7 μM NAA and 8.9 μM BA. After three weeks in darkness, each disk was transferred to MS with 0.89 μM BA and evaluated for proportion of disks with callus, extent of disk development, and the rate and intensity of phenolic halo production. Phenolic production was not correlated with shoot regeneration ability. Regal pelargoniums had low phenolic production, while ivy-leaved pelargoniums had both the highest phenolic production and callus formation. Shoot regeneration from leaf disks was inhibited on media containing 100 μg/ml kanamycin.
666 (PS 4) THIDIAZURON-MEDIATED INDUCTION OF ADVENTITIOUS SHOOTS IN SWEETPOTATO
Authors: Murthy G. Ramana , Dessai A. Porobo , Prakash C. S.
Published: April 2024

An efficient two stage protocal has been developed for inducing adventitious shoots from the in vitro - derived petiole pieces of sweetpotato. Petiole sections (0.5 -1 cm) were taken from apical portions of the sweetpotato cultivar USDA PI 318846-3. Explants were placed horizontally on the first stage media (Murashige and Skoog basal medium + 2,4 -D, 0.2 mg/L) for 2 to 4 days, then transferred to the second stage and kept vertically with the base of the petiole inside the medium. During the second stage, the MS medium was supplemented with various levels (0.0 mg/L to 4 mg/ L) of thidiazuron (TDZ). High and rapid shoot regeneration was observed on TDZ, 0.2 mg/L (36% of explants developing shoots in 15 days), resulting in a maximum of 80% regeneration frequency by 30 days of Incubation. Increasing concentrations of TDZ (> 0.4 mg/L) lowered the shoot and root regeneration. Although the shoots grew slightly slow on the MS + TDZ (0.2 mg/L) medium, they rooted normally and grew vigorously when transferred to a hormone-free medium. Whole plants were acclimatized by culturing in sterile soil and then grown in the green house. This protocol may be suitable for genetic transformation studies using Agrobacterium vector and particle bombardment approaches.
PINE BARK-AND PEAT-BASED MEDIA INFLUENCE THE EFFECTS OF PACLOBUTRAZOL AND UNICONAZOLE DRENCH ON `GUTBIER V-14 GLORY' POINSETTIAS.
Authors: Newman Steven E. , Tant Jeffrey S. , Ouarrels Jesse R.
Published: April 2024

The objective of this study was to determine the influences of 8 commercial media, 4 peat-based and 4 pine bark-based, on the effects of paclobutrazol and uniconazole applied as a media drench to `Gutbier V-14 Glory' poinsettias. The peat-based media were Baccto Grower's Mix, Baccto High Porosity Professional, Baccto High Porosity Professional with Bacctite, and Baccto Rockwool Mix. The pine bark-based media were Metro 360, 366, 700, and 702. Paclobutrazol and uniconazole were each applied to plants grown in each media at 5 rates (0, 0.125, 0.250, 0.375, and 0.500 mg·15 cm pot-1). Paclobutrazol and uniconazole effectively reduced plant height in all media. Plants grown in the Metro products, however, tended to be larger than those grown in the Baccto products. Plants grown in the peatbased media were more sensitive to growth regulator drenches. Plants grown in Metro 360 and 366 were the least sensitive to plant growth regulator drenches compared to the Baccto media.
GROWTH RETARDATION OF NARCISUS TAZETTA DURING FORCIN
Authors: Criley R. A. , Chia C. L.
Published: April 2024

Bulbs of the Chinese Sacred Lily (Narcissus tazetta) are forced in water about 28 days before Chinese New Year. Excessive leaf and scape length may necessitate tying to render the plants presentable. No. 1 bulbs which had been cleaned and placed in water for 2 days were treated with 10 ppm ancymidol, 50 ppm paclobutrazol, 25 ppm uniconzole, 10 ppm flurprimidol, or 100 ppm ethephon. At 70% of control plant height, ethephon-treated plants were shortest, and flowering was not delayed. Daughter bulbs were soaked in 50 ppm flurprimidol to determine the most effective stage at which to treat. Soaking the dry bulbs for 1 hour at 36°C was most effective (58% of control), but delayed flowering more than a week. Soaking the bulbs for one hour when emerging roots were @ 0.5 cm long was also effective (65% of control). At 11 days of forcing when emerging leaves were 4 - 6 cm long, the entangled root sytems wer soaked in the retardant which was then drained off. This treatment achieved 74% of control growth. Scap lengths in all flurprimidol treatments were 60-65% of the foliage length compared to 82% for the controls.
683 (PS 5) EFFECTS OF SUPPLEMENTAL NH4NO3 DRENCHES AND NO-LEACH PRODUCTION ON POINSETTIAS GROWN WITH CONTROLLED-RELEASE FERTILIZERS
Authors: Smith Randall M. , Dole John M.
Published: April 2024

Previous studies have shown that plants grown exclusively with controlled-release fertilizers (CRF) at recommended rates dramatically reduced N and P runoff but did not provide sufficient nutrients for optimum plant growth. `Gutbier V-14 Glory' poinsettias were grown in 15-cm pots ammended with CRF and drenched with 300 mg liter-3 NH4NO3 at: 1 week; 2 weeks; 1 and 3 weeks; 1, 3, and 7 weeks; 1, 3, 7, and 11 weeks after potting. Half the plants were grown with saucers underneath the pot to allow plants to reabsorb all leachate (no-leach). Control plants remained undrenched. For plants without saucers, all drenching treatments increased bract dry weights when compared to undrenched plants. Leaf dry weight increased with all drenching treatments except for 2nd week only treatment. Plants grown without saucers had greater leaf, stem and root dry weights, but similar bract and flower dry weights when compared to plants grown with saucers. Regardless of the use of saucers, nitrogen concentration in the leaf tissue tended to increase with greater number of NH4NO3 drenches and visual ratings were similar.
684 (PS 5) PHENYLGLYOXAL INHIBITS NITRATE UPTAKE BY INTACT POINSETTIA ROOTS AND ROOT PLASMA MEMBRANE VESICLES
Authors: Gonzalez-Gill Lizzette , Wulster George J. , Berkowitz Gerald
Published: April 2024

Phenylglyoxal (PGO) a chemical modifier of arginine residues inhibits nitrate (NO-3) uptake by corn roots. It has been proposed that the NO-3 uptake system in corn has essential arginyl residues in or near the NO-3 binding site. PGO was used to evaluate NO-3 uptake by Poinsettia roots. Inhibition of NO-3 uptake was observed using three levels of PGO (0.25, 0.5, 1mM). Root plasma membrane vesicles were isolated and used in uptake experiments to determine if PGO was interacting with the NO-3 uptake system located in that membrane. 35CIO-3 which is a NO-3 analog, accumulated only in the vesicles that were not treated with PGO.
DETERMINATION OF CAUSAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PHOSPHORUS AND BRACT EDGE BURN OF POINSETTIAS
Authors: Eddy Robert , Whipker Brian , Hammer P. Allen
Published: April 2024

Increasing rates of triple superphosphate added to the root media have a positive correlation with bract edge burn on poinsettias (Whipker, Hammer,1992). We have studied the effects of application of increasing rates of phosphorus supplied from multiple sources. Analysis of P content and other elements were conducted on root media and foliar samples to determine source of toxicity.

Euphorbia pulcherrrima Willd. cultivars Dark Red Hegg and Red Sails were potted on September 8, 1992 in a root medium of peat, perlite and soil (40:40:20, v/v) mixture amended with N, K, Ca and micronutrients. Prior to potting, the root media were also ammended with either .30, 2.37 or 4.75 kg P/m3 of superphosphate (0-18-0) or triple superphosphate (0-46-0). Two additional treatments of 75 mg P/liter and 150 mg P/liter supplied via 75% technical grade phosphoric acid in the irrigation system were also studied. Foliar samples were analyzed for N, P, K, Mg, Ca and flouride every two weeks after the start of short days. Root media samples were also collected and analyzed for pH, SS, NO3, NH4, P, K, Mg and Ca. Plant height, leaf dry weight and stem dry weight were measured on each sampling date as well as bract diameter and bract edge burn count at anthesis.

Media P levels increased as phosphorus rate increased for all P sources. By the second sampling date, severe toxicity symptoms developed on foliage of the 4.75 kg P/m3 rate of superphosphate. This toxicity corresponded to high media P levels. Bract burn count at anthesis increased significantly at rates of 2.37 and 4.75 kg P/m3 of both superphosphate and triple superphosphate. The highest incidence of bract burn (21.875 bracts burned/plant) occured with application of 2.37 kg P/m3 of triple superphosphate.
PHOSPHORUS FERTILIZATION OF ALSTROEMERIA FOR CUT FLOWERS
Authors: Elliott George C. , Madson Linda L. , Bridgen Mark P.
Published: April 2024

Alstroemeria xhybrida `Parigro Pink' divisions planted in 1 peat: 1 granulated rockwool medium were grown in a greenhouse maintained at 10 C minimum night temperature. Fertilizer solution containing 10 mM KNO3, 5 mM NH4NO3, 5 mM Ca(NO3)2, 1 mM MgSO4, 20 μM Fe, 10 μM Mn, 20 μM B, 2 μM Zn, 1.5 μM Cu, and 1.0 μM Mo, plus 0, 0.15, 0.30, 0.6, 1.2 or 2.4 mM KH2PO4, with 0 to 1.2 mM K2SO4 used to balance K+, was applied at 7 to 10 day intervals. Plants were irrigated with tap water as needed between fertilizer applications. Plants supplied 2.4 mM P produced approximately 20% more total flowers and 33% more grade 1 flower stems (total length at least 80 cm, and bearing 4 or more cymes per stem) than plants supplied 1.2 mM P, and more than 4 times as many grade 1 flowers as plants supplied 0.3 mM P or less. In leaf tissue samples comprising the uppermost leaves of flowering stems, P concentration tended to increase with P supply but to decrease with time. During the period from 60 to 120 days from first harvest, tissue concentrations in the range 3.3 to 4.1 mg P / g dry wt were associated with highest yield.
Peat-based Potting Media is an Extraneous Source of Iron When Using an Iron Chelate.
Authors: Bachman Gary R. , Halbrooks Mary C.
Published: April 2024

The use of an iron chelate, Fe-DTPA, has been associated with an Fe toxicity disorder affecting the leaves of cutting geranium, Pelargonium × hortorum. In previous research Fe concentrations in medium leachates were higher than applied Fe-DTPA. The blank chelate DTPA has been shown to be an effective extractor of micronutrients from soilless media. Plants were grown in a controlled environment chamber at 22C and 16HR photoperiod, in a peat-based medium. In experiment 1 treatments of 0, 0.2 and 2 mM DTPA were applied to the growth medium and in experiment 2 treatments of 0, 0.02 and 0.2 mM DTPA and Fe-DTPA were used. Tissue and leachates were analyzed for Fe concentrations. Leachates of experiment 1 revealed that 2 mM DTPA extracted up to 1.79 mM Fe for the first week and then decreased to 0.3 mM while 0.2 mM DTPA extracted Fe in concentrations that generally increased during the experiment to 0.3 mM. In experiment 2 leachate concentrations of Fe from the 0.02 mM DTPA and Fe-DTPA treatments were similar and increased from 0.02 mM to 0.035 mM. The 0.2 mM Fe-DTPA increased from 0.14 mM to 0.26 mM while the 0.2 mM DTPA decreased from 0.17 mM to 0.054 mM. The 0 treatment of both experiments had 0.0027 mM Fe in the leachates. The tissue analysis of experiment 1 was inconclusive. Experiment 2 revealed no differences in weight and no difference in the total amount of Fe accumulated by the plants. This indicates that the practice of using Fe-DTPA, which increases the amount of potentially available Fe, may be a causal factor in geraniums accumulating toxic levels of Fe.
695 (PS 5) INFLUENCE OF COMPUTER-CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT ON OHIO GREENHOUSE PRODUCTION
Authors: Pritchard Patricia M. , Fynn R. Peter
Published: April 2024

In July 1992 a mail survey was conducted of Ohio greenhouse growers who were using computers to assist them in the management of their greenhouses. The respondents represented 122.5 acres of Ohio's total 530 acres of greenhouse production. Computers had been operational in these greenhouses from 4 to 78 months. Functions delegated to computer control were: temperature, humidity, CO2, DIF, fertilizer, irrigation, shade cloth, and light control. Sixty five percent of the respondents experienced a reduction in labor expenses; 92% expressed satisfaction with their computer system's ability to adapt to a variety of situations; and 100% believed the computer system gave them better control over the greenhouse environment. Additionally, 84% expressed concern about the reduction in registered pesticides for ornamentals. Since installing a computer system, 45% of the respondents experienced a reduction in pesticide useage. As evidenced by the survey results, approximately one quarter of the greenhouse production area in Ohio is being successfully controlled by computers.
VAM INNOCULATION OF SUDEX USING PRAIRIE REMNANT SOIL
Authors: Kemery Ricky D.
Published: April 2024

Soil samples collected from four remnant prairie plant communities in Indiana were used as innoculum for pot cultures of Sudan grass seedlings (Sorghum sudanense). The growth of seedlings was correlated with the quality of the prairie remnant; the less degraded sites provided innoculum which resulted in the most vigorous plant growth in culture. Sudan grass root segments were harvested and prepared for assay of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizae. VAM was shown to be present in innoculated samples. Results indicate that soil collected from undisturbed prairie remnants may provide a better source of VAM innoculum for larger scale production of plants which associate with VA mycorrhizae.
POTENTIAL OF NO-TILL TOMATO PRODUCTION IN TENNESSEE
Authors: Straw R. Allen , Mullins Charles A. , Coffey David L.
Published: April 2024

No-till (NT) culture has worked well with many agronomic crops; however, NT culture has been less successful with vegetable crops. `Mountain Pride' tomatoes were grown under (NT) and conventional-till (CT) culture at the Plateau Experiment Station. During the first two years of the study, both NT and CT plots were tilled in the fall and sowed in a winter wheat cover crop. In the third year of the study, a continuous NT culture was maintained. Tomato yields were identical from the two tillage practices in the first year. In the second year, yields were significantly higher from NT tomatoes than CT tomatoes. The trend reversed in the third year with CT producing significantly more yield than NT culture. In addition, NT tomato plants were stunted and roots were observed to grow laterally near the soil surface. Production of NT tomatoes following a winter wheat cover crop appears feasible; however, continuous NT was not promising.
BITTER GOURD: A POTENTIAL CROP FOR SMALL FARMS
Authors: Whitehead Wayne F. , Singh Bharat P.
Published: April 2024

A preliminary study on bitter gourd, Momordica charantia L., an exotic crop grown extensively in China and India for consumption and medicinal purposes was conducted during summer 1992. The objective of the investigation was to determine the potential of bitter gourd as an alternate corp for small farm production. On May 21, seeds were planted on hills 3 m apart. A 1.65 m high chicken-wire trellis was erected for trailing the crop. Observations on disease and insect incidence, flowering date, fruiting pattern and yield were recorded. The crop was disease free, but was infested with whitefly and stinkbug. Flowering started about 60 days after planting. The first harvest was made on August 10 and then continued three times a week for eight weeks. The fruit yield peaked during the sixth week of harvest. Average fruit length and diameter were 20 and 6 cm, respectively. Per plant average fruit number and fresh fruit weight were 87 and 12.9 kg, respectively. The preliminary results indicate that bitter gourd has a potential as an alternate crop for small farm vegetable production.
NITROGEN AND POTASSIUM FERTILITY OF JALAPENO PEPPER DURING PLANT DEVELOPMENT AFFECTS PLANT GROWTH AND FRUIT YIELD AND PUNGENCY
Authors: Johnson C. , Johnson J.R. , Decoteau D.R.
Published: April 2024

Nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) nutrition of Jalapeno peppers was determined on plants grown in sand culture. Varying rates of N (1 to 30 mM) and K (1 to 12 mM) in Hoagland's solution were evaluated to determine optimum nutrient concentration for plant growth and fruit production. Application of nutrient treatments were initiated at transplanting and flowering. A quadratic response to N rate was determined for biomass and fruit production per plant, regardless of when the N treatments were initiated. Plants that had N treatments initiated at transplanting were smaller and had less fruit. Optimum N rate for fruit yield was 15 mM. A linear response to K rate was determined for biomass, fruit number, and fruit weight per plant when nutrient treatments began at transplanting. A quadratic response to K rate was determined when K treatments began at flowering. Pepper plants that had K rates initiated at transplanting were smaller and had less fruit. The optimum K rates for fruit yield was 3 to 12 mM. Pungency of fruit was only affected by N rate treatments initiated at transplanting. 1 mM N reduced capsaicin levels in fruit as compared to other rates. Jalapeno peppers grown in sand culture required 15 mM N and at least 3 mM K for optimum fruit production.
Mechanical height control for tomato plug transplants: effects on yield
Authors: Björkman Thomas
Published: April 2024

Mechanical conditioning is an efffective method for limiting excessive stem elongation in tightly grown plants. It is particularly effective in tomatoes. Any treatment that reduces growth of transplants has the potential to also reduce subsequent growth, and thereby reduce yield. Giving plants 0, 10, 20 or 40 strokes daily showed a maximal height reduction with 20 strokes, but further reduction in leaf area with 40 strokes. The potential redution in growth rate was about 25%. Harsher treatment to provide greater growth control appears unproductive. For studying the effects of stroking on yield, 288-size transplants were grown as they would in commercial production, and 3 flats of each transplanted in grower-cooperators' fields in 1991 and 1992. There was no significant yield reduction in either year. In 1991, the stroked plants had more severe blossom end rot than the controls, resulting in about 1 kg/m more culls. The weather in each year caused low yields and high sample variation. When the plants experience less stress duiring the growing season, the transplant treatments would be expected to have a larger effect

Control Stroked

1991 10.7 ± 1.31 9.4 ± 1.6 NS

1992 4.3 ± 0.6 4.2 ± 0.4 NS

1Yield (kg/m) ± s.d.
BRUSHING TREATMENTS FOR HEIGHT CONTROL OF VEGETABLE AND ORNAMENTAL TRANSPLANTS
Authors: Schnelle Michael A. , McCraw B. Dean
Published: April 2024

Height control for vegetable transplants has become challenging with the loss of the industry standard growth regulator, daminozide (B-Nine). Although chemical growth regulators remain legal for use in nonedible crops, their margins of safety, costs and looming reregistration uncertain ties, justify the investigation of nonchemical height control methods. Various cultivars of Lycopersicon esculentum and Capsicum annuum, were subjected to daily brushing treatments for at least four weeks. Various ornamental cultivars, which currently can be kept chemically compact, were also subjected to the same treatments. The experimental apparatus height and weight differences among test plants and the method's economic feasibility on a commercial basis will be discussed.
A SYSTEMS APPROACH TO PRODUCTION AND MARKETING FRESH-MARKET COLLARDS IN THE MIDSOUTH
Authors: Teaque Tina Gray , Teaque Paul W.
Published: April 2024

Results from research conducted in commercial fields, the ASU research farm, and commercial packing sheds were used to construct a production and marketing system for spring fresh market collards. The system was based on results from studies conducted in 1989 through 1993 which included date of planting trials, transplant population density studies, crop establishment comparisons, harvest method analyses, economic analyses of infrastructure requirements, quality comparisons with different post harvest handling methods, and buyer preference surveys. A system analysis was imposed to create a production/marketing program to provide 1000 boxes (9.1kg) of collards/wk for the Arkansas spring season, mid-April through June. Product would supply local markets and terminal markets in midwestern (Chicago and Detroit) and southwestern (Dallas and Houston) cities where Midsouth greens producers have comparative transportation advantage over other U.S. production regions. Results indicate that a combination of direct seeding and transplanting for establishment and harvest using the cut harvest method (whole plant, single harvest) is optimal in early season with direct seeding with shucking (leafs stripped, multiple harvests) appropriate later. Harvest efficiency is higher and cost is lower with the cut harvest method, but shucked yields are higher and shucked product is preferred by buyers. Additional quality and economic analyses indicate that product should be hydrocooled and packed with crushed ice.
ROOT RESTRICTION AND PHOTOSYNTHETIC RESPONSE IN A PEACH ROOTSTOCK
Authors: Vizzotto Giannina , Lain Orietta , Costa Guglielmo
Published: April 2024

Experiments on root restriction effect were carried out on micropropagated peach rootstock (GF677) plants grown in pots with different volume (1350 and 270 ml).

Root restriction reduced plant growth expressed as shoot length, FW and DW accumulation and leaf area. Application of a triazole (BAS 111, GA biosynthesis inhibitor) or TIBA (inhibitor of auxin polar transport) also reduced plant growth as compared to root restriction.

Pn measured on expanded leaves developed during the time-course experiment showed to be affected by root restriction. In fact the assimilation rate exhibited by plants grown in 270 ml volume pots remained at lower level at least at the lower light intensities. TIBA treatment dramatically reduced the assimilation rate at all the light intensities tested, while BAS111 did not induced evident differences as compared to the control plants. The stomata density per leaf doubled in the plants grown in 1350 ml pots as compared to that of plants in the 270 ml pots.
738 (PS 7) EFFECT OF TRELLIS TYPES ON YIELD AND QUALITY OF PASSION FRUIT
Authors: Bhagsari A. S. , Otim O. S.
Published: April 2024

Field experiments were conducted at the Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute, Kabanyolo, Uganda from September 1990 to March 1992, using two local purple types of passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sim) and Kawanda Hyhrid. There were 18 experimental rows, each 72.0 m long with 4.5 m spacing between the rows. Each row had 12 pits 6 m apart with two plants per pit. Three types of trellises [control-bar (CB), T-bar (TB), and double T-bar (DTB)], each extending the entire row length, were installed on wooden poles using No. 10 wire. Fruit number and yield were significantly higher for Kawanda Hybrid than the local purple types. The fruit yield for Kawanda Hybrid ranged from 16.84 MT/ha (CB) to 22.05 MT/ha (TB). Kawanda Hybrid fruit yield for TB and DTB was about 30.0% higher than that of CB. The mean fresh fruit weight was about 40.0 g for the purple types and 63.3 g for Kawanda Hybrid. The mean pH of fruit juice was 2.7 for Kawanda Hybrid and 3.1 for the local purple types. Mean total soluble solids in juice were 15.9%.
EFFECTS OF SEVERAL GROWTH CONTROLLING TECHNIQUES ON APPLE TREES
Authors: Autio Wesley R. , Greene Duane W.
Published: April 2024

In 1991, `Gardiner Delicious'/MM.106 trees and in 1992, 'McIntosh'/MM.106 trees were root pruned (1 m from the trunk, 30 cm deep), trunk scored (single, circle, 40 cm from the soil), trunk ringed (single, circle, 1 mm wide, 40 cm from the soil), ethrel treated (500 ppm), or not treated. Treatments were applied when terminal growth was 12-15 cm. Trunk growth was less for ringed and scored trees than the controls. Ringing and scoring advanced ripening compared to controls for `Delicious' in 1991, and ethrel was the only treatment that resulted in advanced ripening of `Mcintosh' in 1992. Treatments had no effect on fruit size or flesh firmness for `Delicious' in 1991; however, in 1992, fruit size and flesh firmness of `Mcintosh' fruit were reduced by ethrel. In both years, trees that were treated with ethrel in May had the most rapid abscision rate during die harvest season. Root pruning was conducted in two commercial orchards in 1991 and 1992. Compared to controls, root pruning in 1991 reduced fruit abscision from `Cortland'/M.7A and `McIntosh'/MM.106 trees both in 1991 and 1992. Root pruning in 1992 did not affect abscision alone or in combination with root pruning in 1991.
NY 151 APPLE SELECTION - SO HARD ITS FIRMNESS SHOULD BE MEASURED WITH AN 8 MM PENETROMETER.
Authors: Greene George M.
Published: April 2024

The NY 151 apple selection, a cross of Kuppens Red Spy X Yorking, was made by Roger Way of Cornell University at the NYSAES in Geneva, NY. Due to several orchard weaknesses it was deleted from the NY program but it has performed well in the hot humid mid-Atlantic area. At harvest fruit quality measurements were made over the period 280 to 310 Julian days with the following results: soluble solids rose from 12% to 14.5%; flesh color changed from greenish-white to white and taste changed from tart-balanced to balanced. Fruit firmness often exceeded the 126 newton (N) upper limit of the McCormick tester using an 11 mm tip. Fruit from the 1991 harvest tested about 84 N coming out of cold storage in Feb. but were about 106 N coming out of CA storage in July. In 1992, apples harvested on Oct. 13 and Nov. 4 measured 133 N 75% and 32% of the time respectively, which is the upper limit of the Magness-Taylor tester. In order to compare the 8 and 11 mm tips 150 apples were tested with each tip. Values for the 8 mm tip ranged from 30 - 87 N and from 52 - 133 N for the 11 mm tip. Eleven mm firmness values can be predicted from 8 mm values by the equation y = 3.17 + 1.62x (R squared =.758). Although recommended for pears the 8 mm tip should be used for measuring the at harvest firmness of NY 151 apples.
MECHANICAL PEACH HARVESTING LIMITED POTENTIAL
Authors: Glenn D. Michael , Peterson Donald L. , Miller Stephen S.
Published: April 2024

The purpose of this six year study was to re-evaluate the potential of mechanical peach harvesting in a mechanized irrigated peach production system. `Redhaven', `Harvester' and `Autumnglo' peach cultivars were trained to a free-standing “Y” form and received: a) full season irrigation; b) irrigation during the ripening period; or c) no irrigation. Trees were 2.5 m within the row and individual plots contained 10 trees with 4 replications in a split plot design. All three cultivars were mechanically harvested using the USDA inertial shaker. In addition, the cultivar `Autumnglo' was hand harvested as a control. The percentage of mechanically harvested firm ripe fruit ranged from 64 to 95%. Fruit damage ranged from 5 to 36%. In all years, non-irrigated trees tended to have the highest harvest percentage suggesting that irrigation may widen the maturity range of peach. Fruit damage occurred due to roughly cut shoot stubs and when debris in the canopy became lodged in the harvester's conveyor system. Accelerated tree death from mechanical harvesting was noted in `Autumnglo'. We concluded that the limitations to mechanical peach harvesting outlined in the 1970's have not been overcome.
POTENTIAL IMPACT OF NITROGEN SOURCE FERTILIZERS ON SURFACE WATER QUALITY
Authors: Wagner Donald F. , Tucker Kevin A.
Published: April 2024

Azalea liners were potted in pine bark and placed in a shaded glass greenhouse at Clemson University. Fertilizer treatments (1) Osmocote 18-6-12 (2) extra coarse IBDU (3) Escote 400 (4) XCIBDU + Escote 400 (1:1) and (5) a control, were top-dressed at the rate of 20 g/pot (3600 mg N/pot) and replicated 5 times in a completely randomized design on 3/26/92. P and K were supplied to treatments 2, 3, 4 and 5; at a rate comparable to that of Osmocote. Weekly leaching started 3/26 for 16 weeks. Visual plant ratings were made, and above ground tissues were analyzed for total N using Kjeldahl digestion. Air and media temperatures were monitored. Osmocote began losing considerable NO+3-N in leachate within the first few weeks with the losses peaking week 6 then decreasing. The leachate loss curves for the Escote, XCIBDU, and XCIBDU + Escote were similar and peaked around week 12. Total mg of N lost was less for Escote, but the same for the other treatments. Stem dry weights were not different among the 4 main treatments. There was a slight leaf weight advantage of Osmocote over Escote and XCIBDU + Escote. Stem N levels were less in the Escote treatment. Both root and top visual ratings at the termination of the experiment were consumer acceptable. The Escote did exhibit the lowest N leachate levels lost. Reduced N loss could impact the environment positively from this standpoint.
SIMULATION OF VEGETATION GROWTH IN RIPARIAN ECOSYSTEMS
Authors: Altier Lee S. , Lowrance R. Richard , Williams R.G.
Published: April 2024

Land between agricultural production areas and streams can be important for mitigating pollutants reaching water supplies. However, there is little information available on management for effective control of upland runoff of sediment, nutrients, and pesticides. In an effort to provide a decision-making tool for managing stream-side areas, a riparian ecosystem model has been developed to simulate processes of water movement and nutrient dynamics. An important component of this model is the growth of vegetation. The riparian area is divided into three zones parallel to the stream. In the direction of the uplands, each zone represents an increasing level of management intensity. Vegetation is characterized as grass, an herbaceous/shrub mixture, evergreen trees, or deciduous trees. In forested areas, two canopy layers are simulated in competition with each other for water, light, and nutrients. Photosynthates are dynamically allocated to the plant organs and a reserve pool. Litterfall is a function of biomass and phenology. Vegetation serves to reduce water flow into the stream, act as a physical barrier against erosion, provide carbon for nutrient immobilization and denitrification in the soil, and sequester nutrients in the roots and canopy.
MICROCLIMATE MODIFICATION CAN IMPROVE THE GARDEN PERFORMANCE OF BEDDING PLANTS
Authors: Lohr Virginia I. , Pearson-Mims Caroline H.
Published: April 2024

The use of small, open, landscape fencing to improve bedding plant growth under reduced irrigation was examined. Field-grown bedding plants were irrigated to saturation once every two weeks. Wooden fences, 0.5 m tall with 29% porosity, were installed in the planting beds. Plants adjacent to the fences were compared with plants growing without fencing.

The addition of the fences appeared to create a microclimate that favored plant growth. Wind speed adjacent to the fences was reduced up to 50%, depending on the velocity and direction, from speed in open areas. Stomatal conductance and transpiration were higher for plants growing next to the fences compared with those away from the fences. Plants adjacent to the fences were up to 10% larger than plants grown in the open.
THE MOVEMENT OF ISOXABEN IN CONTAINER NURSERY RUNOFF WATER.
Authors: Wilson C. , Whitwell T. , Riley M.
Published: April 2024

Container nurseries broadcast apply granular formulations of herbicides over-the-top of container crops and then apply irrigation. Depending upon spacing and plant architecture, up to 80% of the applied herbicide may land on the surfaces surrounding containers where it is then available to move offsite in irrigation runoff water. This study measured the amounts of isoxaben and trifluralin (from Snapshot 2.5TG) lost from a container nursery site during an irrigation event and monitored the dissipation of each in containment pond water. A 1.22 hectare container nursery production area was treated with Snapshot TG at 112 kg product/hectare and 1.27 cm irrigation was applied. Water samples were collected from the runoff water before it entered into the collection pond at the following time intervals: 0.25, 0.5, 1.5, 2.5, and 3.5 hours after runoff began. Water samples were also collected in the containment pond before treatment, after treatment, and then 1-3, 5, 7, 14, 29, and 60 days after treatment. Nearly 17% of the applied isoxaben was lost in the runoff water immediately following application. Isoxaben concentrations in the containment pond water decreased from a high of approximately 30 ppb immediately following the first runoff event to below lppb 60 days after application. No trifluralin was detected in the runoff or catch pond water.
THE VIRGINIA TECH TRANSPLANTED MEADOW: AN ALTERNATIVE TO DIRECT-SEEDED MEADOW CULTIVATION.
Authors: Lyons Robert E.
Published: April 2024

The Virginia Tech Transplanted Meadow (VTTM) concept was developed in response to weed control and limited aesthetic beauty problems associated with direct-seeded meadows. VTTM retains low fertility, drought stress, and soil adaptability characteristics while greatly reducing weed invasion and extending site beauty via simple methodology. Equal seed quantities of eight to twelve annuals are combined and sown in 10×10 cm packs in the greenhouse on May 1. Thirty days later, seedlings receive 475 ppm N and are transplanted as blocks at 12” spacing in a rototilled (8”) site. Blocks are mulched and watered; irrigation continues only as needed for 2-4 weeks. No additional fertilizer is applied. Flowering continues up to frost and VTTM is repeated the next year(s). The poster will photographically document the VTTM technique and its performance in a variety of settings over five years of trials, including evaluations in urban, interstate highway, and formal garden environments.
USING DIGITIZED IMAGES IN HORTICULTURE
Authors: McConnell James , Cruz Frank J. , Marutani Mari
Published: April 2024

The uses of images digitized from slides and video, in Horticulture, were explored. With the improving quality of video capture boards for computers and the availability of photo CDs, it is becoming increasingly feasible to use these images in research, extension, and education. Video capture and digitized slide images were used for producing colored handouts, computer databases, computer aided instruction and image analyses. Demonstrations can be recorded and digitized for use in handouts and videos.

Currently, thermal wax color printers produce acceptable quality images for handouts and information sheets. The cost per print is much less than dye sublimation printouts. The advantage to having a color printer is the ability to print sheets as needed allowing many information sheets to be produced without the need to store large numbers of documents.

Image analysis can be enhanced by using filters. Command sequences can be recorded to automate the measuring of various morphological characteristics from the digitized images. Many measurements can be made non-destructively allowing for in field measurements. Image subtraction can be used to remove field backgrounds from the images. Plants moving in the wind can be recorded at a faster shutter speed to freeze the motion.
INFLUENCE OF TEMPERATURE ON STABILITY OF PLANT ARCHITECTURE OF DRY BEANS (PHASEOLUS VULGARIS L.) AND IMPLICATIONS FOR SELECTION
Authors: Sung Yen-Yao , Coyne Dermot P. , Lindgren Dale T. , Nuland David S.
Published: April 2024

Upright, unstable Great Northern (GN) and Pinto (P) dry bean lines (Type IIb) have been developed in Nebraska (NE). The influence of temperature (T) under a long photoperiod (PH) on architype was investigated. A split-plot design, with 3 T regimes (PH, 15 hrs. light, 9 hrs. dark) as main-plots and 5 lines as sub-plots, with 3 replications, were used in growth chambers (GCs). Twenty-two bean lines were planted in a RCBD with 4 replications at each of 3 field locations in NE (1991, 1992). A significant interaction of lines × T regimes for branch number was observed in the GCs. Some lines developed more branches under 28C light/20C dark than under lower T regimes. Significant interactions between lines × locations, lines × years were detected for branch number, plant uprightness, plant height and days to flowering and maturity. Most lines had less branches and were more upright at lower T. Lines need to be screened under high T and long PH to select for architectural stability.