bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mail-order Custom Landscape Plans
Authors: Ray Walt
Published: February 2019

Americans' growing appreciation for excellent landscape design is creating a great need for reputable designers in the residential landscape design industry. Technology affords landscape planners the ability to fill that need with personalized landscape designs through the mail. The use of disposable cameras, overnight mail, computer aided design, computer rendering, telephone, and fax all makes it possible for a designer to acquire a good knowledge of a particular site, quickly design an accurate, high quality landscape design, do several revisions to that design, and give the client a timely return of the design. Southern Living magazine's new department, Custom Landscape Plans, headed by Rebecca Bull, is one example of how this is done. Through a graduate assistantship with Southern Living, I can use these available technologies to design personalized landscape plans all over the south from my office at Clemson Univ. The methods of mail-order landscape design will be discussed in a verbal presentation.
Marketing Shiitake Mushrooms for Their Health Benefits
Authors: Mihira Hiroyo , Sabota Cathy , Warren Ann
Published: February 2019

Shiitake mushrooms [Lentinula edodes (Berk.) Pegler] have several therapeutic effects such as antibiotic, immunoregulatory, hypocholesterolemic, and hypotensive. Human studies have proven that serum cholesterol can be lowered by consuming shiitake mushrooms on a regular basis. However, few studies have evaluated shiitake mushroom effects for more than a few weeks. In this study, male spontaneously hypertensive rats were divided into six groups. Each group received one of the following diets: 0% cholesterol (C); C + 5% shiitake mushrooms; C + 5% Agaricus bisporus (Lange) Imbach; 1% cholesterol (1C); 1C + 5% shiitake; 1C + 5% A. bisporus. Serum cholesterol was measured at the end of 9 weeks and systolic blood pressure was measured weekly for 6 weeks. At the end of the study, total serum (TC) and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol (mg·dL–1) were significantly lower in both of the shiitake diets compared to 1C or 1C + 5% A. bisporus. The total cholesterol for diets 1 through 6 were 44, 34, 36, 71, 34, and 54 mg·dL–1, respectively. Systolic blood pressure was significantly lower over the 6-week period for the shiitake and A. bisporus amended diets. The addition of cholesterol to the diets did not significantly affect systolic blood pressure. Results of this study indicate that both shiitake and A. bisporus mushrooms may help reduce hypertension. Shiitake mushrooms may be superior to white mushrooms for hypocholesterolemic effect when cholesterol in the diet is high. The results of this study reinforce other work conducted in Japan on animals and humans. Promotion of shiitake mushrooms as a product that can reduce cholesterol or blood pressure can increase sales if scientific information supports these claims.
Surveys Show Extension Workshops Improve Floridians' Adoption of Environmental Landscape Management Practices
Authors: Knox Gary W. , Israel Glenn D.
Published: February 2019

Environmental Landscape Management (ELM), an extension education program, approaches every landscape as a “system” in which cultural practices interact with each other and the environment. ELM guidelines integrate site conditions, landscape design, plant selection, cultural factors, and recycling in a comprehensive, environment-friendly strategy for managing a landscape. Use of ELM practices by Floridians will conserve resources and protect the environment. The ELM program was evaluated from 1992 to 1994 in 10 counties to measure the program's impact on participants' landscape practices and to provide information on ways to improve program delivery and effectiveness. The evaluation was accomplished by comparing pre-program information on the use of ELM practices with that of a follow-up conducted six months after the program. Responses of this Program Group (n = 473) were compared to those of a Comparison Group of randomly selected Floridians (n = 186). ELM training increased the Program Group's adoption of most practices pertaining to pest management, irrigation, and mowing and pruning. ELM training increased adoption of some fertilization practices and a few recycling and wildlife practices. Energy conserving practices were not widely used by respondents. Respondents maintaining their own yards or those without a permanent irrigation system were more likely to adopt a wide range of ELM practices. The Program Group generally had higher initial levels of adoption of ELM practices than the Comparison Group.
Horticulture Needs More Weed Scientists
Authors: Kuhns Larry J. , Harpster Tracey L.
Published: February 2019

Weeds must be controlled to produce marketable crop yields, for human safety, and for aesthetic reasons. Physical methods of weed control are highly labor and/or energy intensive, and in many cases are more dangerous to crops and people than herbicides. They are not practical solutions to most weed problems in developed countries. To properly work with and apply herbicides, researchers, and applicators should have a knowledge base that includes information on weed taxonomy, anatomy, and biology; herbicide chemistry and modes of action; spray adjuvants and carriers; soil characteristics and environmental factors that affect herbicide performance; application equipment technology; the development of herbicide resistance; alleleopathy; and the biological control of weeds. Herbicide use, in terms of product used or expenditures, is greater by a wide margin than that of insecticides and fungicides combined. Also, about two thirds of all pesticides produced in, and exported from, the United States are herbicides. Finally, about 40% of all of the herbicides used in the world are used in the United States. Only 32% of the insecticides and 14% of the fungicides are used in the United States. On the average, the leading universities in the country have only three faculty teaching courses in weed science, and they teach only two undergraduate and three graduate courses each year. Few are in horticulture. By comparison, there are 15 faculty teaching 13 undergraduate and 19 graduate courses in the leading entomology programs in the country. Weed control is an essential element in the production and management of all horticultural crops. Who is going to provide the education and training in weed science for the researchers, horticulturists, and consultants of the future?
Home Horticulture Course/Master Gardener Training via the Fiber Optics Network
Authors: Warmund Michele R. , Schrock Denny S. , Littrell Doris P.
Published: February 2019

A two-way interactive home horticulture course was developed for undergraduate and graduate students and for Master Gardener training. The three-credit course was offered at the broadcast site, as well as four other remote locations. Three-hour sessions were presented by state and regional Extension Specialists each week over a 15-week period. In addition to live broadcasts over the fiber optic network, each session was video-taped and sent to each location. Takehome exams and special student projects were required. Evaluations indicated that comprehension of subject matter was not impeded by the mode of delivery. This course was a cost-effective means of delivering Master Gardener programming and teaching nontraditional students simultaneously at remote locations. Moreover, travel time and expenses were reduced, allowing faculty to devote their time, usually spent traveling, on other endeavors.
Gender Needs and Appropriate Horticulture-related Postharvest Technology Options for Rural Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Afolabi E.A. , Smith-Kayode O.
Published: February 2019

A pilot sustainable rural initiative project was introduced to build capacity among trade associations consisting of women engaged in fruit agribusiness. The purpose was to improve production and encourage local processing of horticultural commodities of economic importance like citrus, pineapple and mango fruits. Training the trainer approach was used to extend simple techniques of food preservation including partial processing and juice bottling to potential entrepreneurs. Skills were transferred primarily to selected extension specialists who coordinate grassroots training. The training and visit technique was utilized to measure adoption rate among the rural people. Impact of the scheme on postharvest food loss reduction is discussed in this presentation; there is ample opportunity to optimize resource utilization and increase income generation through applied horticultural technology.
Effect of Water Quality on Growth and Fertilization of Bedding Plants
Authors: Kuehny Jeff S. , Morales Blanca , Branch Patricia
Published: February 2019

Irrigation water quality is an important factor in ornamental plant production; however, there is little information in this area. Saline (NaCl) and alkaline (NaHCO3) water have been shown to cause general chlorosis, tip burn, and defoliation of plants. The growing medium used in crop production may be an important factor when irrigating with saline and alkaline water. Our objectives were to determine the effects of increasing concentrations of NaCl: CaCl2 and NaHCO3 in irrigation water on growth and development of spring and fall bedding plants grown in peat, peat/pine bark, and pine bark media. Plant dry weight, height, and width were significantly lower at 300 and 400 ppm NaCl: CaCl2 and NaHCO3 levels. Early visible symptoms were necrosis of leaf tips, some leaf discoloration and finally plant death in the NaCl: CaCl2 experiment. The leaves of plants in the NaHCO3 experiment became water soaked and chlorotic, and some leaf abscission occurred. The best plant growth in the NaHCO3 experiment occurred in peat and the best plant growth in the NaCl: CaCl2 experiment occurred in pine bark. Decreased uptake of K+, Ca++, and Mg++ occurred when high levels of sodium were present.
Evaluation of New Guinea Impatiens in Sun and Shade
Authors: Michael Alan , Berghage Robert
Published: February 2019

New Guinea Impatiens have become a major spring crop for many commercial greenhouses. Along with increased sales has come a proliferation of new varieties from which commercial growers must choose. To help provide growers with information to make these selections the ornamental horticulture extension program at Penn State has tested landscape performance of New Guinea Impatiens in the sun and the shade each year since 1994. Cuttings are obtained from commercial producers and six plants of each variety are planted in landscape beds in the full sun and six plants are planted in landscape beds under a shade structure. Plants are evaluated on flowering, foliage and overall appearance every 2 weeks throughout the summer. Commercial growers can evaluate varieties on their own during the trial field day and results are made available in an annual report and are posted on the internet. A survey of participants in the 1995 field day indicated that 98% of those responding used the printed report to make or change their variety selections. Supplementing the printed report with the internet for distribution of results allows broad dissemination of detailed information including photographs and graphics that could not be easily distributed in hard copy form. In the future trial results posted on the internet could be used to supplement point of sale materials, providing growers and retailers with a powerful new marketing tool.
Growth and Nutrition of Geraniums Grown in Media Developed from Components of Waste Tires
Authors: Miller R.O. , Newman S.E. , Panter K.L. , Roll M.J.
Published: February 2019

Our objective was to determine the feasibility of using waste tire rubber and fiber from the processing of waste tires as a root-zone medium for greenhouse crops. Two cultivars of zonal geraniums, `Danielle' and `Kim' were grown in media containing three grind sizes of rubber (10, 6, and 2.4 mm) and fiber from the fabric belting processed from waste tires in three proportions (1 rubber: 1 peat moss, 1 rubber: 1 vermiculite: 2 peat moss, and 2 rubber: 1 vermiculite: 1 peat moss, by volume). Two control media were also included: 1 vermiculite: 1 peat moss and 1 rock wool: 1 peat moss, by volume. The largest plants were grown in the 1 vermiculite: 1 peat moss medium, whereas the smallest plants were grown in the media containing the rubber grinds 2.4 mm and 6 mm making up 50% of the media. The media 1 rubber: 1 vermiculite: 2 peatmoss, regardless of grind or fiber, produced plants equal to the 1 rock wool: 1 peatmoss medium. All plants grown in media containing rubber by products had elevated levels of Zn and Cu in the foliage, but was greatest in media containing 50% rubber. Foliar P: Zn ratio was less for plants grown in media where rubber was 50% of the volume. The P: Zn ratio also was lower in plants grown in media with smaller grind sizes of rubber. Geranium plants can be successfully grown in media containing up to 25% rubber waste products without reducing plant quality.
Proper Selection of Root Medium and Fertilization Regime Increases Dry Mass of Amur Maackia
Authors: Aiello Anthony S. , Graves William R.
Published: February 2019

Amur maackia (Maackia amurensis Rupr. & Maxim.) is a nodulating leguminous tree with potential for increased use in cities and in the dry, cold climates of the upper Midwest and Great Plains of North America. There has been little research on nutritional requirements and production methods of this species. We determined the effect of growth medium and form of applied N on seedling growth. Amur maackia attained 3.3-times more dry mass in a medium of 5 peat: 3 perlite: 2 soil (by volume) and in coarse 1 vermiculite: 1 coarse perlite (v/v) than in three soil-less mixes that contained large proportions of composted bark. When seedlings were grown in an aerated nutrient solution, dry mass after 5 weeks was similar regardless of whether , , or a combination of these was supplied. But, leaf N content was 1.3-times greater in plants grown in a solution that contained at least 50% compared to plants provided with all . Plants grown in solution with 750 μm N had 1.8-times more dry mass than those grown in solution with 3.75 μm N. Seedlings grown for 70 days in 5 peat: 3 perlite: 2 soil (by volume) attained the greatest dry mass when fertilized with Excel all purpose fertilizer that contained N at 10.8 mol·m–3, or with a nutrient solution that contained N at a 1.5 μm, at least half of which was . For container-grown Amur maackia, we recommend using a soil-based medium and providing N as either all or as a mixture of and .
Plastic Bed Surface Decreases Water Drainage from Container-grown Plants
Authors: Packett Marion J. , Niemiera Alex X. , Harris J. Roger , Walden Ronald F.
Published: February 2019

Growers report that plants on gravel bed surfaces require more frequent irrigation compared to plastic surfaces. The objective of Expt. 1 was to determine if bed surface type influenced container environment and plant growth of azalea and Japanese holly plants on plastic- or gravel-covered beds. Measurements included bed, substrate, and plant canopy temperatures; evapotranspiration (ET), stem water potential, and plant widths also were determined. The objective of Expt. 2 was to determine the amount of water retained following irrigation and drainage for four pre-irrigation substrate water contents (230%, 208%, 185%, 162%; mass basis) on gravel or plastic bed surfaces. Containers on plastic or gravel beds were irrigated, drained for 1 hour, and the amount of water retained in the container substrate was determined. In Expt. 1, plastic bed surface temperatures (0730 to 1930 hr) were higher than for gravel. Container substrate temperatures on plastic were 1°C higher than gravel from 2300 to 0400 hr with no temperature differences from 0500 to 2300 hr. There were no treatment differences for other characteristics. In Expt. 2, containers on plastic retained 21%, 15%, 23%, and 16% more water than on gravel for the 230%, 208%, 185%, 162% pre-irrigation water content treatments, respectively. When containers are seated on plastic, the bottom drainage hole is sealed resulting in more water retention compared to gravel.
Use of Sulfentrazone (F6285) for Weed Management in Field-grown Ornamentals
Authors: Collins Kimberly B. , Weston Leslie A. , McNiel Robert E.
Published: February 2019

The nursery industry currently has few options for effective season-long weed control, because few soil persistent herbicides are registered for use in ornamentals. An herbicide that provides season-long weed control with minimal injury to ornamentals would be extremely beneficial because it would enable the nurseryman to produce high-quality ornamentals with minimal weed interference Sulfentrazone (F6285), a newly developed herbicide from the FMC Corp., has shown promising results for weed control in field trials with ornamentals. Additional, trials are needed to further evaluate sulfentrazone in hopes that it may be registered for use in ornamentals in the future. Our objectives are 1) to increase long-term weed management in ornamentals, including woody species and groundcover; 2) to evaluate rate structures of sulfentrazone and combinations, including preemergence and postemergence herbicides; 3) to evaluate sulfentrazone selectivity in weed species and in ornamentals; 4) to evaluate sulfentrazone mode of action in weed species; and 5) to measure the soil activity of sulfentrazone. To achieve the first three objectives, a randomized complete block design will be used to evaluate 10 woody species and 17 herbicide combinations. The response variables will be weed control and phytotoxicity ratings taken at 0, 4, 8, and 12 weeks after treatment. The results of this study will be used in ongoing research trials in an attempt to register sulfentrazone (F6285) for use in ornamentals.
Identifying Strawberry Plant Dormancy for Optimum Digging Date
Authors: Hicklenton Peter R. , Reekie Julia Y.
Published: February 2019

In northern regions, strawberry nursery plants are often dug in the late fall, packed and stored for winter, and shipped to markets in the early spring. Success depends on identifying when plants are dormant and can be safely stored. Beginning on 11 Oct., plants of Kent and Veestar were dug at weekly intervals from three fields in the Annapolis Valley, N.S., Canada. At each digging date root respiration was measured at 5, 10, 20 and 30°C. Six “first daughter” plants of each cultivar were wrapped in plastic and placed in ≈1.5°C refrigerated storage. Other plants were separated into roots and leaves for carbohydrate analysis. Fall temperatures were relatively mild with 417 crown chilling hours (8°C base) accumulated to 7 Nov. Only those plants dug on 11 Oct. did not survive when planted to the field on 1, June but vigor (number of daughters/runners) improved for plants dug later in the fall. For Kent, vigor increased through the last digging date (5 Dec.), but for Veestar, vigor did not change after 7 Nov. Early dug plants had relatively high rates of root respiration, low concentrations of leaf and root glucose, fructose, sucrose, and raffinose and high leaf starch, and low root starch concentrations. Most leaf sugar concentrations increased rapidly after 7 Nov., and root starch reached a maximum at the same date. Leaf and root carbohydrate concentrations were correlated with poststorage field vigor and may reflect the degree of plant dormancy at time of digging.
An Innovative Application of MEISTER (Polyolefin-coated Urea) to Strawberry Pots to Supply N for the Whole Growing Season in Kumamoto, South Japan
Authors: Takamori K. , Ishida T. , Miyoshi S. , Ayama K. , Higashi T.
Published: February 2019

A hundred days and 240 days are required for growing strawberry plants in the nursery and in the greenhouse, respectively. Therefore, fertilization using conventional fertilizers is often repeated. To eliminate repeated topdressing, to decrease the amount of N to apply, and to save farming labor, a new fertilization method using MEISTER was studied. Since MEISTER is an excellent controlled fertilizer, the new method can apply all N necessary to grow strawberry plants almost for a year only by a single application (no N fertilizer is applied to the greenhouse soil). The experimental plots basically consist of two kinds of treatment: changing ratios of soil volume per pot or per plant (50 to 800 ml/pot) and kinds and levels of fertilizers (conventional fertilizer and two kinds of MEISTER). The experimental results showed 1) soil of ≥200 ml/pot is necessary to grow strawberry seedlings in summer when the soil is subjected to drying, 2) a blended material of two MEISTER products with sigmoid dissolution can supply N for the whole growing season, and 3) MEISTER application can reduce 40% of the total N conventionally applied.
Influence of Rockphosphate on Root Development and Growth of Strawberry Tips Inoculated with Endomycorrhizae
Authors: de Silva Amal P. , Patterson W. Keith
Published: February 2019

Strawberry (Fragaria ×ananasa Duch. `Chandler') tips containing only root initials were inoculated with mycorrhizal fungus Glomus intraradices and were fertilized with rockphosphate levels of 1, 2, 4 and, 6 mg·cm–3 to study root growth and mycorrhizal infection. The addition of rockphosphate at >2 mg·cm–3 decreased mycorrhizal infection. Root dry weight of mycorrhizal strawberry plants increased significantly over the controls with addition of rockphosphate, and mycorrhizal infection significantly decreased the shoot: root ratio. Foliar P levels decreased in mycorrhizal plants fertilized with up to 4 mg·cm–3 of rockphosphate and a quadratic relationship was seen between rockphosphate levels and foliar P. In nonmycorrhizal plants, the highest foliar P level was with rockphosphate at 1 mg·cm–3. The study revealed rockphosphate at 1 to 2 mg·cm–3 is beneficial for greater root growth with mycorrhizal inoculation.
Performance of `Ambersweet' Orange Trees on Cleopatra Mandarin and Swingle Citrumelo Rootstocks
Authors: Zekri Mongi
Published: February 2019

Because of the many concerns about fruit quality and fruit production of `Ambersweet' cultivar, this study was conducted in Florida to evaluate the performance of this cultivar budded on two rootstocks and grown in three locations. The effects of Cleopatra mandarin (CM) rootstock on tree growth, yield, fruit quality, and leaf mineral concentration were compared to those of Swingle citrumelo (SC). Although tree shape differed with the rootstock, no consistent difference was found in tree growth between the two rootstocks. Significant differences in yield, fruit size, and fruit quality were found between the two rootstocks. Fruit produced on CM were large with a rough, thick peel and poor color. Swingle citrumelo rootstock promoted higher yield and better fruit and juice quality than CM. Earlier fruit maturity and higher soluble solids and juice content were obtained from trees grown on the Flatwoods compared to trees grown on the central ridge. With the exception of magnesium, no consistent difference in leaf mineral concentration was found between the two rootstocks.
Chemical Defoliation of Apple and Pear Nursery Stock
Authors: Deyton D.E. , Sams C.E. , Cummins J.C. , Myers R.E. , Halcomb M.A.
Published: February 2019

Hand-defoliation of field-grown `Golden Delicious' apple and `Bradford' pear nursery trees before autumn digging is a major production cost. One-year-old field-grown trees were sprayed to runoff on 18 Oct. 1994 with; 1) 1% FeEDTA, 2) 1% CuEDTA, 3) 1% ZnEDTA, 4) 100 ppm Harvade, 5) 50 ppm Dropp, 6) 500 ppm Folex, or 7) 2.5% EDTA or 8) leaves were removed by hand or 9) leaves left on trees (control). Treatments were arranged in a randomized complete-block design, with three trees/plot and four replications. Leaves on each tree were counted before treatment and 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 days after treatment (DAT). One tree per plot was dug, stored until February and grown the following summer. Nontreated apple and pear trees had 13% and 38% defoliation, respectively, 35 DAT. CuEDTA treated apple trees had 62% and 93% defoliation 7 and 14 DAT, respectively. Pear trees treated with Cu had 18% and 100% defoliation 7 and 14 DAT, respectively. Treatment with FeEDTA resulted in 96% defoliation of pear within 7 DAT but only 57% defoliation of apple 35 DAT. ZnEDTA, Harvade, Folex, or Dropp did not significantly promote defoliation. Copper-treated apple trees had less budbreak than nontreated trees but similar budbreak as hand-defoliated trees. None of the treatments influenced budbreak of pear. None of the treatments affected the cumulative dry weight of trees at the end of the next growing season.
The Pawpaw Regional Variety Trial (RVT): Background, Rationale and Early Data
Authors: Layne Desmond R. , Peterson R. Neal
Published: February 2019

In 1993, PPF and KSU embarked on a joint venture to test within pawpaw's native range many of the commercially available named pawpaw cultivars and PPF's advanced selections. Orchards for RVT were planted in 17 locations from Fall 1995 through Fall 1996 (possibly into 1997) consisting of 300 trees each. At each RVT site, eight replicate trees of each of the 28 grafted scion varieties will be tested in a randomized complete-block design. Named varieties that are secured for testing include Middletown, Mitchell, NC-1, Overleese, PA-Golden, Sunflower, Taylor, Taytwo, Wells, and Wilson. The other 18 clones to be evaluated originated in PPF orchards at the Univ. of Maryland Experiment Stations at Wye and Keedysville. Seedling trees from local native sources were planted around the perimeter as a buffer against edge effects and to allow comparisons with local germplasm. Identical orchards of the RVT are located in the following states: Arizona, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky (two sites), Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee (two sites), and the Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, China. An orchard of nonidentical design is located in Florida. Additional sites in Connecticut and Chile are contemplated. Variables being studied in the trial include climate, culture, pests, growth, flowering, yield, and fruit characteristics. Trees will be evaluated for several years for yield, year-to-year consistency, regional suitability, etc. At the end of the trial period, regional recommendations will be made. Scion–rootstock compatibility based on percent scion take, scion growth (scion height and cross-sectional area), and first year field data are presented and discussed.
Specialty Vegetable Crops Production and Marketing in Ohio
Authors: Grassbaugh Elaine M. , Bennett Mark A. , Schmittgen Mark , Bergefurd Brad
Published: February 2019

Specialty vegetables are defined as crops that are different in color, size, shape or nutrient content for that particular crop, those not normally grown in a specific area, or crops grown out of season. Knowing the clientele and what they demand is the first step in successfully marketing these less common crops. Due to market demand, “uncommon” crops are more frequently requested by produce buyers and the public. What is in demand one year may not be marketable the next. Our attempts to produce >25 specialty crops under Ohio growing conditions over the past 3 years resulted in successes and failures. Regardless of the outcome, our findings were important to vegetable growers who are interested in producing these crops. Crops tested from 1994 to 1996 included globe artichokes, luffa gourds, chili peppers, habanero peppers, okra, tomatillos, baby corn, and several specialty tomato varieties. Crops produced successfully in Ohio were marketed through several farm markets, food terminals, and produce brokers. A summary of cultural practices, production tips, and marketing opportunities on these less common vegetable crops based on our research in Ohio will be presented.
Energized Bio-Green Water Supply Stimulated the Growth and Development of Green Peppers (Capsicum annuum L.)
Authors: Kim Wol Soo , Yang Seung Koo , Kim Gee Jung
Published: February 2019

The energized water, Bio Green Water (BG water) was manufactured through a series of processes: tap water, purification, adding catalysts, spectra energy imprinting, filtering, BG water. BG water was supplied at four times at 3-week interval to the bench soil of green peppers (`Nokwang') in the plastic film house. BG water-treated green pepper showed the reduced plant highs compared to the control, although there were no difference in the number of nodes and leaves between the BG water treatment and the control. This was attributed to shorter internode length by the treatment. The BG water treatment significantly increased fruit weight, length, and diameter and decreased abnormally curved fruit. The treatment also increased harvested fruit numbers and yields outstandingly. Postharvest, the green peppers harvested from the treated plants were not changed in green color; however, fruit in the control were gradually discolored to dark brown.
Rating the Pod Setting Habit of Lima Bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.) Cultivars to Improve Harvest Recovery
Authors: Kee Edwin , Glancey De James L.
Published: February 2019

Mechanical pod strippers are the predominant method of harvesting lima beans (Phaseolus lunatus L.) for processing. Field losses are high, averaging 20% of potential yield in over 90 tests conducted in commercial fields. The three most significant factors that affect lima bean recovery are the field levelness, the relationship between ground speed and picking reel speed, and the lima bean variety. Further study on the relationship between pod location of four lima bean cultivars and the recovery of lima beans harvested with pod stripper combines was conducted in commercial fields. Pod location was categorized into three distinct zones of the plant. These three zones represented pods falling below the point the mainstem comes out of the ground, the first 5 cm from that point up the main stem, and all other pods higher than 5 cm above the stem. Differences in four cultivar's habits of setting pods in the three zones were established. `M-15' placed more pods in the lower zones than other cultivars. `M-15' also exhibited consistently more harvest loss than other cultivars when harvested with pod stripper combines. Other cultivars set pods higher in the plant and exhibited less harvest loss. With the harvest loss and pod set data, a rating procedure for the harvestability of lima beans was explored. While several potential rating systems demonstrated strong correlation with harvest loss data, a simple rating based on the percentage of pods in the canopy of the plant had the highest correlation coefficient (r = 0.96) with harvest loss. New cultivars can be evaluated for their harvestability characteristics using this rating system.
Yield and Nitrogen Concentration of Tomato following Winter Cover Crops
Authors: Singh Bharat P. , Sanju Upendra M. , Whitehead Wayne F.
Published: February 2019

Our objective was to determine the effect of winter cover crops on the yield and N concentration of the following crop of tomato. No commercial fertilizer was applied to the tomato crop. Cover crops were planted in fall in a randomized complete-block design with control (fallow), rye, hairy vetch, and crimson clover treatments. `Mountain Pride' tomato was planted in spring after incorporating cover crops into the soil. Soil inorganic N content during the tomato growing season was significantly affected by the nature of cover crops planted during winter. Tomato planted after legumes had significantly greater amounts of inorganic N available for uptake compared to nonlegume or control. A rye cover crop did not have any effect on the yield of the ensuing tomato crop. On the contrary, a 15% increase in tomato fruit yields resulted from cover cropping with legumes. The N concentration in fruit in all treatments was similar. However, tomato grown after rye had significantly lower vegetative N concentration. Total N uptake was significantly greater in tomato succeeding legumes compared to nonlegume or fallow. It was concluded that by adding inorganic N into the soil, legumes increased the fruit yield and N uptake of the succeeding tomato crop.
Leaching of Nitrate, Ammonium, and Phosphate from Compost Amended Soil Columns
Authors: Li Y.C. , Stoffella P.J. , Alva A.K. , Calvert D.V. , Graetz D.A.
Published: February 2019

Compost amendment to agricultural soils has been shown to either reduce disease incidence, conserve soil moisture, control weeds or improve soil fertility. Application of compost can range from 5 to 250 Mt·ha–1 (N content up to 4%). Large application of compost with high N and P levels may result in excessive leaching of nitrate, ammonium, and phosphate into groundwater. It could be a serious concern on the east coast of Florida with its high annual rainfall and shallow water table. In this study, five composts (sugarcane filtercake, biosolids, and mixtures of municipal solid wastes and biosolids) were collected from different facilities throughout Florida. Composts were applied on a surface of 15-cm sandy soil columns at the rate of 100 Mt·ha–1 on the surface basis and leached with deionized water by 300 ml·d–1 for 5 days (equivalent to 34 cm rainfall). The concentrations of NO3-N, NH4-N, and PO4-P in leachates reached as high as 246, 29, and 142 mg·L–1, respectively. The amount of N and P leached following 5-day leaching events accounted for 3.3% to 15.8% of total N and 0.2% to 2.8% of total P as inorganic forms.
On-farm Demonstrations of Soil and Pest Management Options within California's San Joaquin Valley Row Crop Production Areas
Authors: Mitchell J.P. , Goodell P.B. , Bader R. , Cifuentes R. , Prather T.S. , Coviello R.L. , May D.M.
Published: February 2019

A participatory, on-farm research and extension program has been established around 16 demonstration comparisons of biologically integrated soil building–pest management systems and conventionally managed systems within the West Side row crop area of California's San Joaquin Valley. In each of the biologically integrated parcels, cover crops and composted organic materials are integrated into rotations wherever appropriate, whereas in the conventionally managed parcels, mineral fertilizer applications are made. Pest management practices are evaluated and biologically and informationally intensive alternatives are developed through a participatory process. Indices of soil quality including nutrient status, water stable aggregates, organic matter content, and phospholipid fatty acids are routinely monitored. Information related to the objectives, structure and monitoring activities of this project during the establishment phase will be discussed.
Rotating Vegetables and Peanuts
Authors: Russo V.M.
Published: February 2019

Monoculture can lead to reduced yields due to pressure from biotic or abiotic sources. This pressure may be reduced by rotating crops. In the first year, a 0.5-ha of a Bernow fine-loamy, siliceous, thermic Glossic Paleudalf soil was planted to peanuts at Lane, Okla. In each of the following 5 years, the area was subdivided in to four rotations that were replicated four times. Bell pepper, cucumber, navy bean and cabbage were planted after 1, 2, or 3 years of peanuts. The first vegetable planting in each rotation was followed by either vegetables or peanuts, and these crops were planted in 3 of the 6 years in each rotation. Half of each plot was treated with soil fungicides, and half of the peanut plots were treated with foliar fungicides. Sclerotia, likely in the genera Sclerotia and Sclerotinia, were counted in the spring of each year starting in the second year. Peanut yields in the first year were 6.6 Mg·ha–1 but were <2.5 Mg·ha–1 thereafter. Yields of vegetables planted to follow 1 or 2 years of peanuts were normal for this location. Yields in later vegetable plantings in these rotations were reduced by 50%, and yields of vegetables planted after 3 years of peanuts were significantly less than vegetables planted after 1 or 2 years of peanuts. Numbers of sclerotia fluctuated over time, but numbers in the spring of the second year were the same as in the spring of the sixth year. The vegetables tested here should not be planted after >2 years of peanuts at this location.
Marigold Varieties Vary in Susceptibility to Iron Toxicity
Authors: Albano Joseph P. , Miller William B.
Published: February 2019

Our objective was to assess the susceptibility of seven marigold varieties to Fe toxicity. Marigold varieties included were one hedge type, `Orange Jubilee'; five semi-dwarf types, `First Lady', `Gold Lady', `Orange Lady', `Marvel Gold', and `Yellow Galore'; and one dwarf type, `Discovery Orange'. Plants were grown in a greenhouse in a soilless medium and treatments consisted of 0.018 mm (low) and 0.36 mm (high) Fe-DTPA incorporated into a nutrient solution. Plant height was not affected by Fe treatment and ranged from 32 cm in `Orange Jubilee', 13 to 14 cm in the semi-dwarf varieties, and 7.0 cm in `Discovery Orange'. Leaf dry weight per plant was not affected by Fe treatment and ranged from 1.15 g in `Orange Jubilee', 0.68 to 0.95 g in the semi-dwarf varieties, and 0.56 g in `Discovery Orange'. Symptoms of Fe toxicity only developed in the high Fe treatment, and the percent leaf dry weight separated at harvest as symptomatic ranged from 97% in `Orange Jubilee', 55% to 85% in the semidwarf varieties, and 15% in `Discovery Orange'. The Fe concentration in leaves in the high Fe treatment was 5.7-times greater in `Orange Jubilee', 2 to 3-times greater in the semi-dwarf varieties, and 1.6-times greater in `Discovery Orange' than in the low Fe treatment. Based on these findings, `Orange Jubilee' and `Discovery Orange' were the most and least susceptible varieties, respectively, to Fe toxicity of the seven marigold varieties evaluated in this study.
Controlling Powdery Mildew of Greenhouse Roses Using Quartenary Benzophenanthridine Alkaloids
Authors: Newman Steven E. , Roll Michael J. , Harkrader Ronald J.
Published: February 2019

There are many naturally occurring substances that have the potential to be adapted to modern pest control chemistry. Azadirachtin, an insect growth regulator, is one such naturally occurring compound that has been widely accepted in insect pest management. Quartenary benzophenanthridine alkaloids (QBAs) are known to be effective in the control of crop damaging fungal diseases. QBAs can be isolated from plants in the Papaveraceae. Extracts of Macleaya cordata, a species rich in QBAs, were formulated at 150 mg·L–1 QBA for spray application to greenhouse roses infected with Sphaerotheca pannosa var. rosae (powdery mildew). The QBA formulation was applied at 10-day intervals. Copper sulfate pentahydrate (Phyton27), piperalin (Pipron), and fenarimol (Rubigan) were also applied to mildew infected plants within the same greenhouse at their respective label rates for comparison. One day after treatment, the mildew infection was reduced 50% by QBA, whereas fenarimol, copper sulfate pentahydrate, and piperalin reduced the infection 50%, 75%, and 80%, respectively. Nine days after application, the mildew infection of QBA treated plants was less than 5% of the leaflet surface area. QBAs have the potential to be developed as a biorational fungicide for greenhouse use with both fungicidal and fungistatic activity.
Control of Insects on Ornamental Cuttings by Vacuum Disruption
Authors: Smith Durward , Fitzgerald Jay B. , Meyer George E.
Published: February 2019

Insect infestation of plant material is a serious problem to the greenhouse industry. Nonpesticidal destruction of insects on plant material before they are placed in the greenhouse would supply producers and growers with pest-free plant materials and decrease pesticide usage and exposure of workers and the environment to chemical insecticides. The efficacy of vacuum treating chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium) and poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) plants for the reduction of insect pests (aphids and greenhouse whiteflies) was investigated. The effects of surfactants on insect elimination was determined. Properly controlled vacuum treatment in conjunction with surfactants was found to disrupt the physical integrity of the insects in all stages of their life cycle.
Field Efficacy of Semiochemical Baits to Control Diabroticine Beetles on Muskmelon
Authors: Worden Christopher , Mulford Karen , Dively Galen , Embrey Mike
Published: February 2019

Semiochemical baits impregnated with cucurbitacin, floral volatiles, and small amounts of carbaryl insecticide have been developed to control cucumber beetles. Insecticide application of low carbaryl levels with insect attractants offers low risk advantages over conventional insecticides. Experiments determined the effectiveness of different timing schedules of granular semiochemical baits and compared two application methods (i.e., air-blast and standard boom) of flowable semiochemical baits. One concern this study addressed was whether the shearing action of the air-blast applicator affected the physical integrity of the microsphere formulations and therefore its effectiveness. Both granular and flowable formulations reduced cucumber beetle populations. Total number of live and dead beetles in treated plots generally exceeded the total number found in the control plots. This suggests that immigrating beetles were attracted from outside, died, and accumulated in the treated plots. Control plots were treated with floral attractants. Bacterial wilt symptoms were not observed in any plot.
Identification and Quantification of Damage to Raisins by Pest Insects in Northwestern Mexico
Authors: Lopez-Carvajal A. , Grijalva-Contreras L. , Valenzuela-Ruiz J. , Juarez-Gonsalez R. , Robles-Contreras F.
Published: February 2019

Caborca, Sonora, is the principal raisin producer area in Mexico. It is estimated that over one-third of the fresh grape production is destined for raisins. There are no studies related to the insects that attack raisins in the fields during drying or in the processing plants where the raisins are stored for several months. The purpose of this study was to identify the insect pests and quantify the extent of the damage. Raisin samples were taken from the fields during drying and from the processing plants. The most abundant and frequent species identified were Oryzaephilus surinamensis L., Lasioderma serricorne Fab., and Cryptolestes pusillus Shoen. Also, Tribolium castaneum Herbst, Alphitobius diaperinus Panzer, and Rhyzoperta dominica Fab were less abundant and had a lower frequency. All these species were found in raisins stored in processing plants and none were observed in the field samples. Damage range was from 25 to 100% and was related to the length of time in storage. The longer the storage time, the higher the percent damage.
Influence of Dikegulac and BA in Improving the Quality of Boston Fern
Authors: Carter Johnny , Singh Bharat P. , Whitehead Wayne
Published: February 2019

Two greenhouse studies (1990 and 1991) were conducted to evaluate the effect of dikegulac (Atrinal) and benzyladenine (ProShear) on frond initiation and vegetative growth of Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata L.). Four weeks after transplanting, fern liners were sprayed with aqueous solutions of dikegulac and benzyladenine (BA). Chemical concentrations of dikegulac were 0, 250, 500, or 750 mg·L–1 and those of BA were 0, 50, 100, or 150 mg·L–1. The effect of dikegulac and BA on number of shoots, frond length, leaf area, and dry weight were measured. Dikegulac stimulated shoot initiation and increased leaf area and dry weight without affecting frond length. BA reduced frond length and its effect on shoot initiation, leaf area and dry weight varied from one time to another. This study suggests the potential use for dikegulac in improving the appearance and aesthetic quality of Boston fern.
Effect of Growth Retardants on Production of Containerized `Barbara Karst' Bougainvillea
Authors: Aldrich James H. , Norcini Jeffrey G.
Published: February 2019

The effect of four PGRs on production of `Barbara Karst' bougainvillea [Bougainvillea × buttiana (Bougainvillea glabra Choicy × Bougainvillea peruviana Humb. & Bonpl.) was determined. Liners were transplanted into 3.8-L containers with a soilless substrate on 6 Apr. 1995 and were pruned on 15 May (mean height and width 23.6 and 34.5 cm, respectively). Uniconazole (10 ppm), maleic hydrazide (2808 ppm), daminozide (5000 ppm), and paclobutrazol (50, 100, or 200 ppm) were applied as a foliar spray (to wet) by a compressed air backpack sprayer on 16 May (0 weeks after treatment [WAT]). Daminozide (5000 ppm) was reapplied 31 May and 13 June as described above. Soil drenches of 5, 10, or 20 ppm paclobutrazol were additional treatments. Two nonPGR-treated controls were included: pruned at 0 WAT, and pruned at 0 and 4 WAT. There were eight replications per treatment placed in a randomized complete block design on a container bed under full sun and drip irrigation. At 6, 9, and 12 WAT, growth, flowering, growth habit, number of structural branches (>15 cm long), and level of bacterial spot infection by Pseudomonas andropogonis were recorded. Marketability was recorded 12 WAT and phytotoxicity noted 1, 4, 5, 6, 9, and 12 WAT. No PGR treatment effectively suppressed growth, or enhanced quality or marketability of `Barbara Karst' bougainvillea grown in 3.8-L containers. Furthermore, daminozide reduced the number of structural branches and maleic hydrazide was phytotoxic.
Marigold Root Growth in 12-cm Containers Modified with Two or Four Copper-treated Inserts
Authors: Stafford Myra , Geneve Robert L. , Buxton Jack W.
Published: February 2019

This study evaluated the effect of container shape and copper hydroxide on root and shoot development of marigold (Tagetes patula `Little Devil Flame') seedlings. Containers were modified in shape and volume by gluing triangular polycarbonate inserts vertically onto sides of the container. The inserts were either painted with copper or not painted. Inserts decreased container volumes (no insert = 480 cm3, two inserts = 340 cm3, and four inserts = 200 cm3). After 38 days the seedling roots were scanned for computer analysis, and leaf area and dry weights were determined. Copper effectively prevented roots from growing in contact with copper treated surfaces. Shoot dry weight and leaf area were greater with no inserts, but if inserts were treated with copper the shoot dry weight and leaf area were greater. Root dry weight was reduced 7%–10 % with two inserts and 20% with four inserts compared to no inserts. Copper treated inserts reduced the dry weight further. However, at the insert interface, root length was increased between 15%–20% by all copper treatments, with the greatest increase in the four-insert treatment.
Effect of Benomyl Treatments on Marigold and Indigenous Rhizosphere Bacteria
Authors: Bergfield W.A. , Sasseville D.N. , Kremer R.J.
Published: February 2019

The fungicide benomyl (formulated as Benlate 50 DF) has been implicated in damage to several crops grown under warm, moist conditions. Although the target pathogen may be controlled, occurrence of population shifts in rhizosphere bacteria has been documented, with benomyl application. A growth chamber study to investigate the effects of benomyl on marigold (Tagetes patula) and subsequent effects on the populations of rhizosphere bacteria of marigold was performed. A one pound per one hundred gallon rate as foliar and drench treatments were applied to marigolds. Plant growth data and rhizosphere bacteria populations were recorded. Repeated application of the benomyl treatments significantly reduced the marigold root and shoot mass, 44% and 67% respectively, compared to controls. Repeated foliar applications of benomyl also resulted in necrotic lesions on marigold leaf margins. Rhizosphere bacteria total numbers differed between treatments, having a greater population for the drench rate than the foliar rate. These results suggest application of benomyl may have harmful nontarget effects, leading to production problems associated with its use.