bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling Nutrient Uptake and Prolonged Use of Nutrient Solutions in Soilless Tomato Culture
Authors: Benmoussa Mohamed , Gauthier Laurent
Published: January 2019

In soilless culture, the buffering capacity of the root environment for nutrients is low. This, combined with fluctuations of climatic factors and changes in nutrient uptake rates, can lead to nutrient imbalances. In order to achieve high yield and better quality, it is necessary to keep the nutrient concentrations in the root environment at the target levels. This requires frequent analysis and adjustments to the nutrient solution. Currently, leaching of the growing media or renewal of the nutrient solution is commonly used to avoid accumulation or depletion of nutrient in the root environment. However, this practice lowers the efficiency of fertilizers and can lead to the contamination of the ground water. One way to remedy to this problem is through the use of nutrients uptake models to track the composition of the nutrient solutions. The objective of this study was to develop such models. Such models can be used to maintain balanced nutrient solutions for longer periods. This can lead to reduced leaching and improved fertilizer use efficiency. Macronutrient (N, P, K, Ca, and Mg) uptake models were developed for tomato plants grown in an NFT system using data collected from experiments conducted in the Laval Univ. greenhouses. Analysis of the experimental results showed that the main factors affecting nutrients uptakes are light and transpiration.
Sodium Silicate Sprays Reduce the Incidence of Bract Edge Burn in Poinsettia
Authors: McAvoy Richard , Bible Bernard
Published: January 2019

Bract edge burn (BEB) starts as a necrosis on veins near the margins of mature bracts. Typically, BEB first appears at anthesis and symptoms progress over time. In 1993, the incidence of BEB on plants sprayed with sodium silicate (Na2SiO3)—490 ppm Si at weekly intervals during bract development—was compared to unsprayed controls using the cultivar Supjibi. BEB appeared soon after anthesis on unsprayed plants, and, by 309 days post-anthesis, 11.5% of the bracts on unsprayed plants had BEB, but only 0.4% of the bracts on Na2SiO3-treated plants had symptoms. Calcium levels in bract margins were similar (0.194% in both treatments. In 1994, the following spray treatments were applied weekly from 31 Oct. to 5 Dec. (initial anthesis) to the cultivars Supjibi and V-17 Angelika White: CaCl2 (400 ppm Ca), Na2SiO3 (50, 100, 150, or 200 ppm Si), DI H2O (sprayed control), or unsprayed control. Both cultivars developed similar BEB symptoms and responded similarly to all treatments. One week post-anthesis, 5.7% of the bracts on unsprayed plants (averaged for both cultivars) developed BEB and 2.5% of the bracts on sprayed controls developed BEB, but only 0.19% of the bracts on CaCl2- or Na2SiO3-treated plants developed BEB symptoms. By 5 weeks post-anthesis, the incidence of BEB was similar for plants sprayed with CaCl2 and Na2SiO3 at 100, 150, or 200 ppm (1.1%, 6%, 6.7%, and 5.7%, respectively); but higher on sprayed controls (22%), and still higher on unsprayed plants (28.5%).
Protected/Unprotected Study of Blackspot Resistance in Rose
Authors: Black William A. , Byrne David H. , Pemberton H. Brent
Published: January 2019

Five commercial cultivars and one species of rose were evaluated in a field trial for resistance to blackspot caused by Marssonina rosae. The trial was set up as a split-plot with two treatments. Each subplot was either protected on a weekly basis with a fungicide application to control blackspot or left to progress naturally with the disease. The trial was evaluated for blackspot resistance and for growth characteristics. Only the one species, Rosa roxburghii, was disease-free in both situations. Two cultivars, Peace and Sunflare, were the least resistant. They averaged 65% defoliation and a 50% infection rating. This corresponded to a 50% reduction in height and a 90% reduction in fresh weight of the plant. `Red Radiance' had ≈20% less defoliation than the two above cultivars, which was reflected by a 20% increase in growth. `Old Blush' had a higher resistance rating, but its propensity to quickly drop its foliage upon infection left it with a similar growth reduction as `Red Radiance'. `Carefree Wonder' was the most-resistant commercial cultivar. It had only a 43% decrease in fresh weight. `Red Radiance' and `Carefree Wonder' both displayed much greater defoliation during December, whereas the other susceptible cultivars showed the same degree of defoliation as earlier in the season.
Cryopreservation of Tomato Pollen
Authors: Sacks E.J. , St. Clair D.A.
Published: January 2019

We have developed a method for cryopreserving Lycopersicon esculentum pollen to facilitate the timing of crosses and for long-term germplasm conservation. Gelatin capsules containing pollen were wrapped in tissue paper and placed in air-tight glass tubes with anhydrous calcium sulfate desiccant. Tubes containing pollen were stored at –80C. In one experiment, we stored the pollen of LA359 and T5 at –80C for 37 days. Pollen predesiccated overnight at 4C then stored at –80C, pollen put in a tube with desiccant then immediately stored at –80C, and fresh pollen were compared by pollinating 10 flowers of LA359 with each of the six pollen treatments and counting the number of seed per fruit. Average seed counts ranged from 127 for fresh, T5 pollen to 172 for predesiccated LA359 pollen. In another experiment, cryopreserved pollen of UC82B and VFNT Cherry was given from 0 to 6 cycles of freezing and thawing. Ten flowers of LA359 were pollinated with each of the 12 treatments. Average seed counts ranged from 125 to 152. The data from both experiments suggest that cryopreservation of tomato pollen to facilitate efficient plant breeding is feasible.
Transpiration in Eggplant Fruits as Affected by Fruit Stage of Development and Storage Conditions
Authors: Díaz-Perez Juan C.
Published: January 2019

Fruit transpiration or weight loss was measured gravimetrically on eggplant fruits (cv. Classic) at various stages of development. The calyx of some fruits was covered with Vaseline to measure its relative contribution to total fruit transpiration. To evaluate the effect of storage conditions on fruit transpiration and quality, fruit of commercial size (24/37.4 liter box) were stored at either low evaporative demand (10C, 100% RH) or high evaporative demand (20C, 70% RH) for 7 days. After storage period, fruit transpiration and other fruit quality characteristics were determined. The results indicated that ≈70% of total fruit transpiration occurred through the calyx and stem in fruits size-24, where the calyx accounted for ≈10% of total fruit surface area. The surface area of the calyx relative to the total fruit area decreased as fruits developed. There was a positive correlation between evaporative demand in the storage room and fruit transpiration. At a higher evaporative demand, there was a reduction in fruit shelf life, fruits being more withered and less firm as compared to those stored at a lower evaporative demand. Thus, eggplant fruit quality would probably be extended by a reduction in fruit transpiration.
Effect of Floating Rowcover and Transparent Mulch on Insect Populations, Virus Diseases, and Yield of Muskmelon
Authors: Orozco-Santos Mario , Perez-Zamora Octavio , Lopez-Arriaga Oscar
Published: January 2019

The effect of floating rowcover and transparent polyethylene mulch was evaluated on insect populations, virus disease control, yield, and growth of muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) cv. Durango in a tropical region of Colima state, Mexico. Aphids (Aphis gossypii Glover and other species), sweetpotato whitefly (Bemisia tabaci Gennadius), beetles (Diabrotica spp.), and leafminer (Lyriormyza sativae Blanchard) were completely excluded by the floating rowcover while the plots were covered (until perfect flowering). Transparent mulch reduced aphids and whitefly populations, but did not show effect on leafminer infestation. The appearance of virus diseases of plants was delayed for 2 weeks by floating rowcover with respect to control (bare soil). Also, the transparent mulch reduced the virus incidence. The yield and number of fruit were positively influenced by floating rowcover and transparent mulch. Plot with transparent mulch combined with floating rowcover yielded nearly 4-fold higher (50.9 t·ha–1) than that plots with bare soil (13.1 t·ha–1). The yield from plots with floating row cover on bare soil was of 38.3 t·ha–1, while in the transparent mulch plots it was of 23.1 t·ha–1. The results of this work shows the beneficial effects of floating rowcover and transparent mulch in dry tropical conditions.
Effect of Soybean Oil on Photosynthesis and Aphids of Apple
Authors: Deyton D.E. , Sams C.E. , Pless C.D.
Published: January 2019

Four-year-old `Gala' and `Widjit' apple trees with significant apple aphid populations were sprayed to runoff on 13 May 1994 with 0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, or 2.0% (v/v) emulsified degummed soybean oil (SO) or with 1.0% petroleum (dormant) oil (PO). Treatments were arranged in a randomized complete-block design with five single-tree replications. Apple aphid populations were determined on 10 tagged shoots per tree. The top fully expanded leaf of two randomly selected shoots per tree were tagged and net photosynthesis (Pn) and transpiration (Tr) measured. Trees treated with SO or PO had <20% as many aphids after treatment as nontreated trees. Trees treated with 2% SO had lower Pn and Tr than the control for 18 days after treatment. Spraying 0.1% or 0.5% SO caused less initial reduction of Pn than 2.0% SO, and the effect was shorter lasting. Four-year-old `Oregon Spur' and `Empire' were sprayed with 0%, 0.1%, 0.5%, 1.0% SO or PO on 26 June. Treatments were arranged in a randomized complete-block design with four single-tree replications. Pn rates of trees treated with 0.1% to 1.0% soybean oil were <40% of nontreated trees the day after treatment, but recovered to >80% of control in 5 days.
Benzyladenine and Gibberellic Acid (GA3) Increase Runner Production in Day-neutral Strawberries
Authors: Dale A. , Elfving D.C. , Chandler C.
Published: January 2019

Day-neutral strawberries produce runners less freely than June-bearing strawberries, which leads to reduced production in nursery fields. To alleviate this, a series of experiments were done to test how effectively benzyladenine (BA) and gibberellic acid (GA3) increased runner production. In greenhouse tests with the varieties `Tribute' and `Selva' and in field trials with `Selva', the combination of BA and GA3 consistently increased runner production in day-neutral strawberries, but not alone. Runner production increased linearly with BA dosage to 1800 ppm. GA3 produced very elongated internodes at high dosages, which led to fewer daughter plants in the field. Twelve-hundred ppm BA and 300 ppm GA3 are recommended as suitable concentrations to induce runnering both in the field and greenhouse.
Sensory Evaluation of Fruit Quality in an Apple Breeding Program
Authors: Deslauriers C. , Burbidge-Boyd C. , Sutherland K. , Sanford K.
Published: January 2019

Overcoming bias in fruit quality evaluation is a challenge to fruit breeders, who must predict consumer preferences; databases of accurate fruit descriptions would be invaluable in helping them make selections to suit market needs. In order to obtain as informative a description as possible, plant breeding staff worked with sensory science personnel to define and quantify the appearance, flavor, and texture sensations they were experiencing when evaluating apples. Ten visual properties, nine flavor attributes, and nine texture characteristics were identified by evaluators; these were then clearly defined and reference materials representing the range of values found in apples were chosen as benchmarks. After screening and a brief training, nine people are now carrying out evaluations for the breeding project. In order to streamline the procedure, after two seasons of use the attributes are being examined for the usefulness in discriminating between genotypes.
QTL Analysis of the Production of Acylsugars Responsible for Pest Resistance in the Wild Tomato, Lycopersicon pennellii
Authors: Mutschler Martha A. , Doerge Rebecca W. , Liu Sin-Chieh , Kuai Jian P. , Liedl Barbara E. , Shapiro Joseph A.
Published: January 2019

Lycopersicon pennellii, a wild relative of the tomato, L. esculentum, is resistant to a number of important pests of cultivated tomato due to the accumulation of acylsugars, which constitute 90% of L. pennellii LA716 type IV trichome exudate. An interspecific F2 population created by crossing L. esculentum × L. pennellii was surveyed for acylsugar accumulation and subjected to RFLP analysis to determine the genomic regions associated with the levels of acylglucoses, acylsucroses, and total acylsugars accumulated, and glucose as a percentage of total acylsugars. Data was analyzed using MAPMAKER with and without log10 transformation and using a threshold of either 2.4 (default value for MAPMAKER) or ones calculated according to the Permutation-based Estimated Threshold (PET) method. Genomic regions were identified for each of the traits studied. Effects of analytical method on identification of QTLs, similarities between these results and results published for the genus Solanum, and similarities between these results and the regions transferred by a breeding program selecting for acylsugar production are discussed.
Emergence of Matriconditioned Cowpea and Pigeonpea Seeds at Different Soil Moisture Levels
Authors: Marsh Lurline E. , Marsh Dyremple B.
Published: January 2019

Increasing seed moisture has been beneficial in improving seedling emergence of some crops. Seed moisture contents of three cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) genotypes (MN13, Pinkeye Purple Hull, and IT 82E-16) and two pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) (ICPL 85024 and ICPL 8304) were modified by incubating a 10 seed: 4 celite: 13 water (by weight) mixture at 15C. Conditioned seeds had moisture contents ranging from 46% to 64%, while nontreated seeds ranged from 4% to 8%. Matriconditioned and nontreated seeds had <15% emergence at 28 days after planting (DAP) in dry field conditions, where precipitation was <41 mm. In greenhouse tests at 14 DAP, matriconditioning had a negative effect on seeds in flooded, moist, and dry soils. The percent emergence for these seeds was 40% when compared to 60% for nontreated ones. Conditioning did not affect percent emergence at 7 DAP, days to first emergence, and percentage of germinated, unemerged seeds at 14 DAP. In the dry soil, emergence was less and later, and more germinated, unemerged seeds were present at 14 DAP. Cowpeas averaged 56% germination and pigeonpeas were 27%.
Study on Genetic Relationship of Peach Rootstocks by RAPD Markers
Authors: Lu Zhen-Xiang , Reighard G.L. , Baird W.V. , Abbott A.G.
Published: January 2019

Cluster analyses of 20 peach rootstocks by 40 RAPD markers produced a dendrogram of genetic relationship in good agreement with their putative pedigrees. BY520-9, BY520-8, SL1089, and SL1090, which are selections derived from a common ancestor, clustered together, with the normalized average distance (NAD) ranging from 0.20 to 0.55. Similarly, the clustering of Lovell with Halford and Boone County with Harrow Blood, whose respective NADs were 0.19 and 0.22, implied a high degree of genetic relatedness between each pair of genotypes. Okinawa and Yunnan, both introduced from eastern Asia, tied in a close group (NAD = 0.63) and share relatively similar phenotypes. The first major bifurcation in the dendrogram divided the 20 rootstocks into two groups. One group (Lovell, Halford, Montclar, Bailey, Harrow Blood, Boone County, Tennessee Natural, and GF 305) is susceptible to root-knot nematodes, whereas the second group (BY520-9, BY520-8, SL1089, SL1090, Higama, Nemaguard, Flordaguard, Yunnan, Okinawa, and Nemared), with the exception of Rubira and Siberian C, is tolerant or resistant.
Parthenocarpic Fruit Set in Summer Squash
Authors: Robinson Richard W. , Reiners Stephen
Published: January 2019

Low temperatures typical of early season production promote female sex expression and reduce male flower formation in summer squash. In addition, some summer squash cultivars do not produce sufficient male flowers for good fruit set early in the season in New York. Parthenocarpic fruit set could increase early season yield as well as at times when bee activity is restricted by wet weather or by row covers. More than 30 Cucurbita pepo cultivars and breeding lines were evaluated for their ability to produce parthenocarpic fruit over the past 3 years. Pistillate flowers were closed before anthesis to prevent pollination. In 1992, 66% of all the entries set parthenocarpic fruit where as 40% displayed the same pattern in 1993 and 81% in 1994. Varieties with the best parthenocarpic fruit set included Black Beauty, Black Magic, Black Jack, and Chefini Hybrid, all zucchini types. Most yellow-fruited cultivars had poor fruit set but the precocious yellow cultivar Gold Rush had good parthenocarpic fruit set in 1992 and 1993. In 1994, floating row covers placed over the plants 1 week after planting confirmed the results of the previous two seasons. This indicates that certain varieties of summer squash consistently set parthenocarpic fruit. These varieties may be most useful for early season production or for production under plastic tunnels or row covers where pollinator activity is restricted. In addition, our results indicate that it is possible to breed parthenocarpic squash of different fruit colors and types.
Performance of Bittermelon in Temperate Climate
Authors: Singh Bharat P. , Whitehead Wayne F.
Published: January 2019

Bittermelon (Momordica charantia L.) is an annual vegetable crop commonly grown in the tropical regions of Asia. Because of a substantial Asian immigrant population, an ethnic niche market for the crop also exists in the United States. We conducted yield trials during 1993 and 1994 to find out whether bittermelon could be produced successfully ln the southern United States to exploit this market. Seeds were planted in both years on 18 May. Plants started producing fruits ready for picking in about 60 days. Fruits were harvested three times/week for 11 weeks during both years. Yield/plant was significantly higher during 1993 than 1994. The lower yield during 1994 appeared to be associated with the excessive rainfall during the crop growing period. The total number of fruits produced/plant during 1993 and 1994 were 43 and 33, respectively. Respective fresh yield/plant for 1993 and 1994 were 8.2 and 4.7 kg. The data suggested that a bittermelon yield comparable to those reported in literature can be obtained in Georgia when summer is not excessively wet.
Yield of Three Cultivars of Muskmelon Growth on Transparent Mulch and Floating Rowcover in a Tropical Region
Authors: Farias-Larios Javier , Orozco-Santos Mario , Guzman-Gonzalez Salvador
Published: January 2019

Muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) is the major cucurbit crop in the Colima state, Mexico. The use transparent plastic mulch continues to increase in that region for high production technology systems of muskmelon, and more recently floating rowcovers were introduced to protect cucurbits from insects (direct pests or vector of viruses) and to increase yield of cucurbit crops. During 1993, yield was evaluated of three cultivars of muskmelon (`Crushier', `Laguna', and `Durango') growing on transparent polyethylene mulch alone or with floating rowcover. The cultivar Crushier showed the higher yield 40 ton/ha (77% for export market), followed by `Durango' with 28.5 ton (77% for export quality) and `Laguna' with about 23 ton (only 40% of export fruit). There was no significant difference in yield between cultivar growth on transparent mulch plots alone and combined with floating rowcover. Also, floating rowcover excluded (until perfect flowering) beetles leafminers, sweetpotato whitefly, and aphids, reducing the use of insecticide by 50%.
Humate-based Biostimulants Affect Early Post-transplant Root Growth and Sapflow of Balled and Burlapped Red Maple
Authors: Kelting Matt , Harris J. Roger , Fanelli Jody , Appleton Bonnie
Published: January 2019

Application of biostimulants, humate-based products marketed as aids to plant establishment, may increase early post-transplant root growth and water uptake of landscape trees. We tested three distinct types of biostimulants on root growth and sapflow of balled and burlapped red maple (Acer rubrum L. `Franksred') trees. Treatments included: humate, 1) as a wettable powder formulation, applied as a soil drench; 2) as a liquid formulation to which various purported root growth—promoting additives had been added, also applied as a soil drench; 3) as a dry granular formulation, applied as a topdress; and 4) a nontreated control. Root growth was monitored through single-tree rhizotrons, and sap flow was measured with a heat balance sapflow system. Roots were first observed in the rhizotron windows 38 days after planting. No biostimulant-treated trees had more root length than nontreated controls, and the two soil drench treatments had the lowest root length throughout the 20 weeks of post-transplant observation. All biostimulants increased sapflow.
Cyclamen Leaf Unfolding Rate in Response to Temperature
Authors: Karlsson Meriam , Werner Jeffrey
Published: January 2019

Nine-week-old plants of Cyclamen persicum `Miracle Salmon' were transplanted into 10-cm pots and placed in growth chambers at 8, 12, 16, 20, or 24 °C. The irradiance was 10 mol/day per m2 during a 16-h day length. After 8 weeks, the temperature was changed to 16 °C for all plants. Expanded leaves (1 cm or larger) were counted at weekly intervals for each plant. The rate of leaf unfolding increased with temperature to 20 °C. The fastest rate at 20 °C was 0.34 ± 0.05 leaf/day. Flower buds were visible 55 ± 7 days from start of temperature treatments (118 days from seeding) for the plants grown at 12, 16, or 20 °C. Flower buds appeared 60 ± 6.9 days from initiation of treatments for plants grown at 24 °C and 93 ± 8.9 days for cyclamens grown at 8 °C. Although there was no significant difference in rate of flower bud appearance for cyclamens grown at 12, 16, or 20 °C, the number of leaves, flowers, and flower buds varied significantly among all temperature treatments. Leaf number at flowering increased from 38 ± 4.7 for plants at 12 °C to 77 ± 8.3 at 24 °C. Flowers and flower buds increased from 18 ± 2.9 to 52 ± 11.0 as temperature increased from 12 to 24 °C. Plants grown at 8 °C had on average 6 ± 2 visible flower buds, but no open flowers at termination of the study (128 days from start of treatments).
Stock Plant Environment Impacts Lateral Stem Strength of Finished Poinsettias
Authors: Faust James E. , Will Elizabeth , Klein Rob
Published: January 2019

Previous work indicated that the cutting source impacted lateral stem strength of the finished poinsettia. The objective of this experiment was to determine the effect of the stock plant environment on the stem strength of the harvested cuttings. Stock plants were grown in two greenhouses. The night temperature was maintained at 20 °C in both, while the day temperature was maintained at 30 or 37 °C. Two irradiance levels were maintained with each greenhouse: 50% and 75% shade cloth. Within each irradiance treatment, individual stock plants were provided 522, 929, or 1451 cm2 of bench space. Stock plants were pinched to 12 nodes, lateral shoots developed, and cuttings were harvested. The cuttings were propagated, transplanted and pinched. Lateral stem strength was quantified by dropping the finished plants from progressively greater heights and recording stem breakage. Stem strength increased as temperature increased, irradiance increased, and as stock plant density decreased. Plants grown in the lower temperature, lower irradiance level, and higher plant density experienced 34% of the lateral shoots breaking off at a 30-cm drop height, while 4% of the lateral shoots broke on the cuttings harvested from the higher temperature, higher irradiance, and lower plant density treatment.
The Response of Bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.) to Microorganisms and Humate Soil Inoculations
Authors: Kuti J.O. , Gans S. , Hayes J.C. , Tucker W.
Published: January 2019

Effects of soil inoculations of selected beneficial microorganisms and humate materials on root mass, shoot growth, and turfgrass quality of a 6-month-old bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon L. cv. Tifway) stands growing on microplots in Kingsville, Texas, were studied. *SuperBio + Humus soil inoculant formulated by Ag-Technology Inc., was used in this study. Various levels (0, 1/4, 1/2, 1, and 1.5 gallons per acre) of the *SuperBio product were injected into the soil with irrigation water on weekly basis. Prior to the treatments, five 7.62-cm plugs were removed from each of the microplot for root and shoot growth analysis. Plug samples were subsequently taken every 4 weeks after the treatments. While all treatments, except the controls, showed increase in shoot growth, only 1 gal/acre treatment gave significant increase in root mass as compared to the other treatments including the controls. It appears that visual turfgrass quality ratings increased with an increase in treatment levels.
Regulatory Oversight of Natural and Alternative Landscapes
Authors: Balbach Harold E. , Balbach Margaret K.
Published: January 2019

In their attempts to be more environmentally sensitive, many thousands of homeowners propose, or actually implement, alternatives to conventional lawn maintenance. In many cases, the perception of “naturalness” incorporates un-mowed grasses and forbs believed by the homeowner to be reminiscent of fields and pastures. A previous study of municipal attitudes toward this phenomenon revealed a wide variety of responses, ranging from laissez-faire, through official recognition and registration to strict prohibition and vigorous enforcement. The current expansion of this study focused on larger cities and their suburbs, especially newer subdivisions. In contrast to the general air of tolerance expressed by many smaller, midwestern towns for alternative landscape plans, provided they are well-maintained, larger cities and suburbs appear generally much less tolerant of nonstandard lawn maintenance. Failure to maintain lawn grasses at a standard height will almost certainly lead to enforcement of lawn maintenance and weed control ordinances in a majority of the cities surveyed, no matter what the intentions of the homeowner.
Harvest Field Sizing as a Technique to Remove Undersize French Prunes
Authors: Buchner Richard , Mudd Seeley , Carroll Bruce , Gilles Mark
Published: January 2019

Overall profitability is a major goal in successful prune production and a major component in any prune management system. Large prune crops in 1996 and 1997 have stimulated considerable interest in undersize fruit. Undersize prunes currently have marginal value and may represent a net loss because of costs to haul, dry, and to market order payments on low value prunes. One technique to control delivery size is to field size at harvest. Field sizing involves installing size-sorting devices on harvesters, which allow small prunes to fall out while valuable fruit is collected. Field sizing is considered a “risky” strategy because of the potential to remove prunes with economic value. During the 1997 harvest, 21 infield harvest sizing evaluations were made in prune orchards throughout Tehama county. The first evaluation occurred on 12 Aug. 1997, at the start of prune harvest. The final evaluation was done on 5 Sept. 1997, at the tail end of harvest. The objective was to sample throughout the harvest period to test field sizing under various sugar, size, and fruit pressure scenarios. The test machine was 1-inch bar sizer. Of the 21 sample dates, undersize fruit was clearly not marketable in 20 of the 21 samples. Discarded fruit averaged 133 dry count per pound. Only one sample out of 21 may have had market value at 86 dry count per pound. Although small in size, these prunes had very high sugar content contributing to their dry weight. In this evaluation, a 1-inch bar sizer did a good job of separating fruit with and without market value under the 1997 price schedule. As harvest date becomes later and soluble solids increase, the chances of sorting out marketable prunes also increases.
Changes in Membrane Fatty Acids in Cold-acclimated Turfgrass
Authors: Cyril Jenith , Duncan R.R. , Baird W.V.
Published: January 2019

Three genotypes of seashore paspalum, `PI 299042', `Adalayd', and `PI 509018-1' considered to be cold-sensitive, intermediately cold-tolerant and cold-tolerant, respectively, were analyzed to investigate the biochemical basis of cold tolerance. The cultivars were acclimated to 8/4 °C day/night temperatures and rhizomes nodes and crowns were harvested at 7-day intervals over the 4-week experiment. Total lipid was extracted from these tissues, and the fatty acids present in the lipid fraction were identified by gas chromatography. Palmitic acid, stearic acid, linoleic acid and linolenic acid were the major fatty acids present. In cold acclimated tissues, the level of palmitic acid and stearic acid did not change significantly during the treatment period. There was a decrease in the level of linoleic acid by the second week of cold treatment. The amount of linolenic acid increased significantly during the second week of cold treatment corresponding to the decrease in linoleic acid. The change in the amount was significantly greater in `PI 509018-1' than in `Adalayd' or `PI 299042'. These results are similar to what was found for cultivars of bermudagrass that differ in their cold-tolerance phenotypes. Desaturases are enzymes involved in introducing the double bonds into the fatty acid chains. Research is underway to characterize and clone the genes encoding the Ω3, Ω6, and Ω9 desaturases, which may have an important role in affecting the cold tolerance by altering the degree of membrane lipid fatty acid saturation.
Carotenoid, Tocopherol, and Ascorbate Variability in Cruciferous Vegetables
Authors: Kurilich A.C. , Tsau G.J. , Howard L. , Brown A. , Klein B.P. , Jeffery E.H. , Kushad M. , Wallig M.A. , Juvik J.A.
Published: January 2019

Antioxidants have been associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and several types of cancer. Recent studies indicate that cruciferous vegetables contain high levels of these antioxidants. We assayed the edible portions of 52 broccoli and 13 cabbage, kale, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts genotypes to determine variability of α-carotene, β-carotene, α-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol, and ascorbate within and between varieties of Brassica oleracea. Emphasis was placed on broccoli due to its economic importance and consumer preference. Samples of each genotype in replicated trials were harvested at fresh-market stage, frozen immediately in liquid nitrogen, and placed in –80 °C. HPLC with an amine column was used to measure ascorbate in fresh, frozen samples. Tissue for carotenoid and tocopherol analysis was freeze-dried prior to extraction. Carotenoid and tocopherol concentrations were simultaneously measured using a reverse-phase HPLC system developed in our laboratory. Results indicate that there is substantial variability both within and between varieties. Kale had the highest levels of these compounds, followed by broccoli and Brussels Sprouts with intermediate levels, then by cabbage and cauliflower which were relatively poor sources. Based on dry weight, broccoli heads ranged (in mg/g) from 0–2.9, 23–94, 24–222, and 2-–5 for α-carotene, β-carotene, α-tocopherol, and γ-tocopherol, respectively. The range of ascorbate was 54–120 mg/100 g fresh weight. These results contradict the general perception that all broccoli lines are equally beneficial in potential disease prevention. The information gained from this study can be used to help consumers select foods that promote a healthy lifestyle and in breeding programs to develop new germplasm that will enhance the antioxidant potential of our food supply.
Factors Affecting Seed Coat Yellowing of Pinto Beans
Authors: Ergun Muharrem , Paparozzi E.T. , Nuland D. , Coyne D.P. , Smith D.
Published: January 2019

The pinto bean breeding line 94-4 (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) showed seed coat yellowing in on-farm field trials in Nebraska in 1996. After reviewing weather data, sprinkler irrigation appeared to be one of the cultural factors involved with increase in seed coat yellowing. Cultural conditions were again investigated in 1997 in on-farm trials. In one test half of the NE 94-4 plants were cut and combined promptly while the other half of the cut plants were left on the ground, rained upon, and combined later. Seed from the pods of former and latter treatments were compared for degree of seed coat yellowing. Yellowing was recorded visually by determining percentage of the yellow area on a bean seed. The seed from the pods of the cut wetted plants showed more discoloration than seed from the plants that were not rained on. In another experiment two or four samples (40 g each) were taken from each of seven cultivars as well as NE 94-4 to determine degree of yellow discoloration of seed. The percent seed coat yellowing of the varieties/line was as follows: `Apache' 12.5%, `Bill Z' 14.9%, `Buckskin' 20.7%, `Chase' 9.2%, `NE-94-4' 54.1%, `179' 48%, `Vision' 35.5%, `Winchester' 10%. Results of pigment extraction and simulated irrigation experiments will be presented in order to better explain the cause of pinto seed coat yellowing.
Development of an Agrobacterium-mediated Transformation System for `Beurre Bosc' Pear
Authors: Bell Richard L. , Scorza Ralph , Srinivasan Chinnathambi
Published: January 2019

An efficient regeneration/transformation system was developed for `Beurre Bosc' pear. Young leaves were harvested from in vitro shoots proliferated on a medium containing MS basal salts and 5 BAP, 0.5 μM IBA, and 0.6M3. Shoot regeneration was optimized using a modification of the medium of Chevreau and Leblay (1993). Explants were cultured on shoot induction medium contained 10 μM TDZ and 1 μM IBA for 4 weeks in the dark, and then transfered to a similar, but auxinless, regeneration medium until shoots developed, usually after an additional 4 to 8 weeks. Leaf tissues were transformed by co-cultivation for 3 days with Agrobacterium tumefaciens EHA101 carrying a pGA482 plasmid containing NPTII, GUS, and rolC genes, followed by cultivation on SIM containing 300 mg/L timentin. Putative transgenic plants were selected on shoot induction medium containing 80mg/L kanamycin, and multiplied on shoot proliferation medium. Four clones were confirmed as transgenic using the GUS histochemical assay and Southern blots for the NPTII and rolC genes. Plants of each clone have been rooted and successfully transfered to the greenhouse for further analysis of gene expression.
In Vitro Propagation of Garlic (Allium sativum L.)
Authors: El-Badry H. , Shalaby G.I. , Kandeel N.M. , Aboul-Nasr M.H.
Published: January 2019

This study was carried out in the Tissue Culture Laboratory and the Experiment Field of the Dept. of Horticulture, Assiut Univ. Two garlic cultivars i.e., El-Balady (local cultivar) and the Chinese were used. Two media, MS and B5, were supplemented with 4%, 8%, 12% and 16% sucrose. The 8% sucrose gave best number of roots, root length and leaf length as compared to the other sucrose concentrations used in this study. Four percent or 16% sucrose gave the lowest values of these characters. The MS gave higher values in most of the studied characters than that of the B5. In another experiment three growth regulators i.e. IBA, BA and GA3 or used at 0, 5, 10, 20 ppm in two media, MS and B5 supplemented with 3% sucrose. All the studied growth regulators gave higher values than the control in respect of the all studied characters. The IBA was better than BA and GA3 in root formation, while GA3 was better than BA and IBA in leaf formation. It is found that 5 ppm of IBA formed the highest number of roots, root length and percentage of root formation. On the other hand, the 20 ppm of GA3 gave the highest number of leaves and leaf length. The garlic plantlets were successfully acclimatized in the laboratory giving 67.8% survival for the Balady cv. and about 62.6% for Chinese cv. The survival rate of these plantlets were 74.5% for the Balady cv. and 78.5% for the Chinese cv. on transfer to the open-field. No chromosomal aberrations was noticed.
Direct Regeneration of Pennisetum setaceum `Rubrum'
Authors: Meliza Claude , Khatamian Houchang
Published: January 2019

Pennisetum setaceum `Rubrum' (Crimson Fountain Grass) is an attractive ornamental grass. It is adaptable to a wide range of soil types and is drought-tolerant. Nodal explants were taken from containerized plants either grown in greenhouse or outside. The explants were surface-sterilized in 95% ethyl alcohol for 10 min followed by 10 min in 10% Clorox bleach and rinsed three times each for 5 min with sterile double-distilled water. The explants were then cultured in glass tubes of 25 × 150-mm filled with half- and full-strength MS medium supplemented with 1 or 3 mg/L BA and 0.5 mg/L NAA. Shoot regeneration occurred within 1 to 2 weeks. The best medium for shoot regeneration was 1/2MS supplemented with 1 mg/L BA plus 0.5 mg/L NAA. Microshoots were transferred into rooting medium consisting of 1/2MS supplemented with 0.25 NAA. Rooting took place within 5 to 6 weeks. Plantlets were then planted in soilless medium, placed under mist for 1 week, and transferred into the greenhouse for further growth.
Use of De-inked Paper Sludge in Potting Mixes for Geranium and Zinnia Production
Authors: Tripepi Robert R. , Koehn Charlyn A.
Published: January 2019

De-inked paper sludge from newsprint recycling was evaluated as an alternative amendment in bedding plant production. `Sweet Dreams' geranium (Pelargonium × hortorum) and `Crystal White' zinnia (Zinnia angustifolia) were grown in square 10-cm pots in one of five media. Media contained 0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, or 80% de-inked paper sludge by volume. All mixes contained 10% perlite, and peatmoss was used to bring the volume to 100%. Initial chemical and physical characteristics of the media were determined. Plants were grown in a greenhouse for 8 weeks, and then plant height, shoot dry weight, and average plant width were determined. Media containing 20% or less paper sludge had an average pH of 4.4, whereas those containing more sludge had an average pH of 7.0. Cation exchange capacity of the media decreased significantly as the volume of sludge increased. Media containing 60% or more paper sludge were better aerated, but held less water than those made with 40% or less de-inked sludge. Geraniums grown in 20% or less paper sludge were at least 18% taller than those grown in medium containing 40% or more de-inked sludge, but average dry weights and plant widths of these plants were unaffected by the media. Zinnia plants grown in 20% or less paper sludge produced four times more shoot dry weight and were at least 34% taller and 20% wider than those grown in 40% or more sludge. Overall, zinnias grown in 40% or more sludge were unacceptable for commercial sale. A volume of 20% de-inked paper sludge could safely be included in potting media used for production of `Sweet Dreams' geranium and `Crystal White' zinnia.
Producing Blue and Pink Flowers on Hydrangea Using Coal Bottom Ash as a Media Component
Authors: Bearce Bradford C. , Pitchay Dharmalingam S.
Published: January 2019

Rooted terminal tip cuttings of hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla Thunb. `Blaumeise Lace Cap') were transplanted into 10-cm azalea pots containing 1 peat: 1 vermiculite (by volume) into which CBA (sieved through 6-mm screen) had been mixed at 0%, 25%, or 50% on 18 Aug. 1996. They were then grown until bud maturation on 21Nov., precooled, and brought into the greenhouse for forcing on 9 Jan. 1997. The substrate pH levels were adjusted to 6.0–6.5 for pink flowers with dolomitic lime and with Al2(SO4)3 to a pH range of 5.0–5.5. Measurements were performed at anthesis on 19 Apr. There were no significant differences in fresh and dry weight and root quality index from 0% through 75% CBA media, but these parameters were reduced in 100% CBA for both blue- and pink-flowered plants. Plant heights and diameters were equal in 0% through 75% CBA and ranged from 16.33 to 17.56 cm and 17.33 to 18.06 cm, respectively, but were significantly reduced in 100% CBA for blue-flowered plants. Plant heights and diameters were equal in 0% through 100% CBA for pink-flowered plants and ranged from 21.0 to 24.0 and 19.3 to 23.5 cm, respectively. Diameters of blue inflorescences ranged from 95.9 to 104.9 cm, and these were equal on plants in 0% through 100% CBA. However, diameters of pink inflorescences ranged from 114.2–155.6 cm and were significantly reduced on plants in 25%, 50%, and 100% CBA.
Yield and Fruiting Span of Tropical Vegetable Crop Parwal in a Temperate Climate
Authors: Whitehead Wayne F. , Singh Bharat P.
Published: January 2019

Parwal, Trichosanthus dioica (Roxb.), is extensively cultivated in several areas of India, with the state of Bihar leading in total acreage and yield. This perennial cucurbit is a dioecious tropical vine producing small fleshy fruits used as a vegetable. The purpose of this study was to determine the total yield, duration of fruiting, and period of maximum yield of parwal for the middle Georgia climate. A ratio of one male to four female plants were established in 1995 on wire trellises (24.4 m long). Fruits from 16 female 4.65-m2 trellis sections were harvested weekly during Summer 1996. Data on fruit number (FNO), fruit fresh yield (FFY), and fruit dry yield (FDY) were recorded. Plants produced fruits over a 15-week period starting at the beginning of July and ending at the middle of October. The last 2 weeks of August were the peak time of production for FNO (25 fruits/plant), FFY (687.1 g/plant), and FDY (72.2 g/plant). Mean seasonal fruit number was 190 fruits/plant, while seasonal fresh fruit yield and fruit dry yield were 5.0 and 0.5 kg/plant, respectively. Results of this study indicate that parwal is able to produce fruits over 3 months in middle Georgia's temperate climate and that maximum fruit production occurs during the second half of August.
Marker-assisted Selection for Improved Emergence and Eating Quality in Sweet Corn
Authors: Yousef Gad G. , Juvik John A.
Published: January 2019

Marker-assisted selection is proposed to be more effective than phenotypic selection in improving complex traits with low heritability. This study was designed to test empirically the efficiency of marker-assisted selection (MAS) vs. phenotypic selection (PS) in enhancing economically important characters in sweet corn using composite populations consisting of selected F2:3 families from two populations. In previous studies in our laboratory, these segregating populations were developed and assayed for genes influencing sweet corn emergence and eating quality. The 214 F2:3 families in the first population (W678su1 × IL731ase1) were classified into three sub-populations according to segregation for the se1gene. Marker-assisted selection and phenotypic selection were applied on the two homozygous sugary1 and sugary enhancer1 sub-populations separately. The second population consisted of 117 F2:3 families from the cross of Ia453sh2 × IL451bsh2. The genotypic selection was based on the polymorphism of five RFLP markers linked to QTL associated with significant effects on emergence and eating quality in the F2:3 generation. Twenty percent of the families in each population with the highest and lowest genotypic scores and phenotypic performance values were selected to constitute the MAS and PS composites, respectively. Emergence was evaluated in four different environments in Illinois and Wisconsin, while eating quality traits were evaluated in Illinois only. Results for emergence, with relatively high h2, in two out of three populations indicated that marker-assisted selection was superior to phenotypic selection. The effectiveness of MAS on enhancing stand establishment and eating quality will be discussed.
Molecular Tagging of Gummy Stem Blight Resistance in Watermelon
Authors: Kwon Young-Seok , Om Young Hyun , Hawkins Leigh , Dane Fenny
Published: January 2019

The fungus Didymella bryoniae causes gummy stem blight (foliar phase) and black rot (fruit phase) in cucurbits. As resistance to other diseases have been incorporated into cucurbits, losses due to gummy stem blight have increased. Populations derived from crosses between a cultivated watermelon (SS-4), susceptible to the fungus Didymella bryoniae and resistant plant introduction accessions (PI 189225 and PI 272778) are used to detect molecular markers linked to gummy stem blight disease resistance. Genomic DNA was purified from primary leaves of watermelon seedlings before seedlings were inoculated with a spore suspension of the fungus. Disease severity was rated 4 days after inoculation. DNA bulked from resistant or susceptible BC seedlings was amplified to detect AFLP markers. Linkages between gummy stem blight resistance and AFLP markers were identified and should facilitate evaluation and selection of watermelon populations segregating for gummy stem blight resistance.
Development and Release of the Novel Near-oblate Butternuttype Squash Variety `Butterbowl'
Authors: Coyne D.P. , Reiser J.M. , Smith D. , Sutton L. , Lindgren D. , Ibrahim A.M.
Published: January 2019

`Butterbowl' (NE-RBN-4) is a novel, small-sized (0.8 to 1.36 kg), flavorful (sweet), early maturing (90–95 days), near-oblate butternut type winter squash variety (Cucurbita moschata Duch. Ex Poir). No Butternut squash variety is similar in shape to `Butterbowl'. `Butterbowl' (S6) was derived from selfing a near-oblate open-pollinated S4 line derived from a cross of two true breeding crookneck lines (allelic test) NE-BNCR-67-1-7 (mutant out of `Butternut 23') X golden Cushaw (Agway Co.). Total fruit yield and fruit weight of `Butterbowl' were nearly similar to Butternut `Ponca'. The total fruit weight of'Waltham' was greater than `Butterbowl' in two out of four trials. The vining habit of `Butterbowl' (1.7 to 2.0 m) is more compact than `Waltham' or `Ponca'. `Butterbowl' is suitable for small gardens with limited space due to its compact plant habit. No crookneck fruit developed in `Butterbowl' in all tests. `Butterbowl' is resistant to bacterial spot, black fruit rot, and vine borer while it is moderately susceptible to powdery mildew. `Butterbowl' fruit should be used for consumption up to 45 to 55 days after harvest because slight fruit shriveling occurs at that time due to moisture loss. The fruit cooks uniformally in a microwave oven due to its more uniform flesh thickness.