bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Production Systems Influence Source Limitations to Growth in `Sharpblue' Southern Highbush Blueberry
Authors: Swain P.A.W. , Darnell R.L.
Published: January 2019

`Sharpblue' southern highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L. interspecific hybrid) was grown in either a dormant or nondormant production system to determine the effect of production system on source limitations to fruit and vegetative growth. Source limited stages were evaluated in the two production systems by reducing reproductive sink load during either the fruit cell division or fruit cell enlargement stage. Source limitation during cell division was evaluated by removing 80% of the flower buds in late fall, since the majority of cell division in blueberry ovaries occurs before bloom. Source limitation during cell enlargement was evaluated by removing 80% of the fruit after fruit set the following spring. In the dormant production (DP) system, mean fruit dry weight (DW) was greatest in the flower bud removal treatment and least in the control (nonthinned) treatment, suggesting that cell number, rather than size, is more important in determining blueberry fruit weight in the DP system. Fruit in the dormant flower bud removal treatment may have approached maximum cell number and therefore fruit size; this was supported by the observation that significant depletion of root carbohydrate concentration did not occur in this treatment, as it did in the control treatment. Mean fruit DW in the nondormant production (NDP) system was greatest in the fruit removal treatment compared with the other two treatments, suggesting that cell enlargement played a larger role in determining fruit size in this production system. However, the effect of the flower bud removal treatment (and therefore the effect of cell division) on fruit DW in the NDP system was apparently masked by continued flower bud initiation in this system after flower bud removal in late fall. Continued floral initiation was apparently an alternative sink to increasing cell division in previously formed flower buds. In both systems, fruit removal increased vegetative growth compared with the control and flower bud removal treatments. Thus, both systems exhibited source limitations to fruit and vegetative growth, although the timing and extent of the limitation to fruit growth differed between the production systems.
Nutrient Solution Concentration Affects Whole-plant CO2 Exchange and Growth of Subirrigated Pansy
Authors: van Iersel Marc W. , Kang Jong-Goo
Published: January 2019

To determine the effect of fertilizer concentration on plant growth and physiology, whole-plant C exchange rates of pansies (Viola ×wittrockiana Gams.) subirrigated with one of four fertilizer concentrations were measured over 30 days. Plants were watered with fertilizer solutions with an electrical conductivity (EC) of 0.15, 1.0, 2.0, or 3.0 dS·m-1 (N at 0, 135, 290, or 440 mg·L-1, respectively). Plants watered with a fertilizer solution with an EC of 2 dS·m-1 had the highest shoot dry weight (DW), shoot to root ratio, leaf area, leaf area ratio (LAR), and cumulative C gain at the end of the experiment compared to those watered with a solution with a higher or lower EC. Shoot tissue concentrations of N, P, K, S, Ca, Fe, Na, and Zn increased linearly with increasing fertilizer concentration. A close correlation between final DW of the plants and the measured cumulative C gain (CCG) (r2 = 0.98) indicated that the C exchange rates were good indicators of plant growth. There were quadratic relationships between fertilizer EC and gross photosynthesis, net photosynthesis, and dark respiration, starting at 13, 12, and 6 days after transplanting, respectively. Although plants fertilized with a fertilizer solution with an EC of 2 dS·m-1 had the highest C exchange rates, the final differences in shoot DW and CCG among ECs of 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 dS·m-1 were small and it appears that pansies can be grown successfully with a wide range of fertilizer concentrations. Plants with a high LAR also had higher DW, suggesting that increased growth was caused largely by increased light interception. A detrimental effect of high fertilizer concentrations was that it resulted in a decrease in root DW and a large increase in shoot to root ratio.
Correlations among Predawn Leaf, Midday Leaf, and Midday Stem Water Potential and their Correlations with other Measures of Soil and Plant Water Status in Vitis vinifera
Authors: Williams L.E. , Araujo F.J.
Published: January 2019

A study was conducted to compare three measurements of determining water status of grapevines (Vitis vinifera L.) in the field. Predawn leaf water potential (ΨPD), midday leaf water potential (Ψl), and midday stem water potential (Ψstem) were measured on `Chardonnay' and `Cabernet Sauvignon' grapevines grown in Napa Valley, California late in the 1999 growing season. Both cultivars had been irrigated weekly at various fractions (0, 0.5, and 1.0 for `Chardonnay' and 0, 0.5, 0.75, and 1.5 for `Cabernet') of estimated vineyard evapotranspiration (ETc) from approximately anthesis up to the dates of measurements. Predawn water potential measurements were taken beginning at 0330 hr and completed before sunrise. Midday Ψl and Ψstem measurements were taken only between 1230 and 1330 hr. In addition, net CO2 assimilation rates (A) and stomatal conductance to water vapor (gs) were also measured at midday. Soil water content (SWC) was measured in the `Chardonnay' vineyard using a neutron probe. Values obtained for ΨPD, Ψl, and Ψstem in this study ranged from about -0.05 to -0.8, -0.7 to -1.8, and -0.5 to -1.6 MPa, respectively. All three measurements of vine water status were highly correlated with one another. Linear regression analysis of Ψl and Ψstem versus ΨPD resulted in r2 values of 0.88 and 0.85, respectively. A similar analysis of Ψl as a function of Ψstem resulted in an r2 of 0.92. In the `Chardonnay' vineyard, all three methods of estimating vine water status were significantly (P < 0.01) correlated with SWC and applied amounts of water. Lastly, ΨPD, Ψl, and Ψstem were all linearly correlated with measurements of A and gs at midday. Under the conditions of this study, ΨPD, Ψl, and Ψstem represent equally viable methods of assessing the water status of these grapevines. They were all correlated similarly with the amount of water in the soil profile and leaf gas exchange as well as with one another.
CBF1 Orthologs in Sour Cherry and Strawberry and the Heterologous Expression of CBF1 in Strawberry
Authors: Owens Christopher L. , Thomashow Michael F. , Hancock James F. , Iezzoni Amy F.
Published: January 2019

Orthologs of CBF1, a cold-induced transcription factor important in the cold acclimation response in Arabidopsis thaliana were cloned from strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duchesne) and sour cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) with degenerate PCR primers. The putative orthologs [Fragaria ×ananassa CBF1 (FaCBF1) and Prunus cerasus CBF1 (PcCBF1)] have 48% amino acid identity to CBF1 and mRNA levels were up-regulated in leaves of both crops following exposure to 4 °C from 15 minutes to 24 hours. However, mRNA of FaCBF1 and PcCBF1 was not detected in pistils of strawberry and sour cherry following 4 °C exposure. Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of a CaMV35S-CBF1 construct was conducted on Fragaria ×ananassa `Honeoye' crown discs. Two transgenic lines were regenerated that expressed the transgene at low levels in both leaves and receptacles. Receptacles of the transgenic lines showed no significant change in freezing tolerance when compared to wild type plants, although the temperature at which 50 % electrolyte leakage occurred in detached leaf discs from the two transgenic lines was -8.2 °C and -10.3 °C, respectively. These freezing tolerance values were significantly greater than the value for the wild-type `Honeoye' leaf discs of -6.4 °C.
Differential Regulation of Genes Encoding Ethylene Biosynthesis Enzymes and Ethylene Response Sensor Ortholog during Ripening and in Response to Wounding in Avocados
Authors: Owino Willis Omondi , Nakano Ryohei , Kubo Yasutaka , Inaba Akitsugu
Published: January 2019

We investigated the differential regulation of two 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate synthase (ACS) genes, one 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate oxidase (ACO) gene and one ethylene response sensor (ERS1) ortholog during ripening and in response to wounding in avocados (Persea americana Mill. `Bacon'). The 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) content, ACS activity and detectable expression of PA-ACS1 mRNA increased and reached a maximum prior to the climacteric peak, whereas ACO activity and the PA-ACO mRNA levels increased markedly only at the upsurge of ripening ethylene. A basal level of PA-ERS1 transcript was detected as from harvest, however, PA-ERS1 transcript was hyper-induced at the climacteric peak of ethylene production. 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) application at thepreclimacteric and the onset of climacteric stages inhibited the ACS and ACO activities, the transcription of PA-ACS1 and suppressed PA-ACO and PA-ERS1 mRNAs to trace levels. Discontinuation of 1-MCP treatment led to super-induction of PA-ACS1, PA-ACO, and PA-ERS1 transcripts. Wound induced ethylene biosynthesis and wound-induced PA-ACS2 mRNA accumulation were enhanced by 1-MCP, whereas wound-induced PA-ACO mRNA accumulation was unaffected by 1-MCP. These results indicate positive feedback regulation of the PA-ACS1 gene and negative feedback regulation of the PA-ACS2 gene by ethylene, while PA-ACO exhibits positive feedback regulation by ethylene and is also induced by wounding. The hyper-induction of PA-ERS1 mRNA at relatively high concentrations of ethylene may be a mechanism of avocados to regulate the ethylene responsiveness of the tissues by dissipation of the gas.
Cloning of a Wound Inducible Lycopersicon esculentum Cytochrome P450 Gene and Lack of Regeneration of Transgenic Plants with Sense or Antisense Constructs
Authors: Bartoszewski Grzegorz , Mujer Cesar V. , Niemirowicz-Szczytt Katarzyna , Smigocki Ann C.
Published: January 2019

A Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. (tomato) cDNA clone with high similarity to a Nicotiana plumbaginifolia Viv. (tobacco) cytochrome P450 gene was isolated using 5' and 3' rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). The isolated cDNA (GenBank Accession No. AF249329) has an open reading frame of 1494 base pairs (bp) and encodes a protein of 498 amino acids with 75% identity to the N. plumbaginifolia cytochrome P450 (CYP72A2) and 45% to a Catharanthus roseus G. Don (Madagaskar periwinkle) CYP72A1 protein sequence. By Southern-blot analysis, one or two highly homologous genes were detected in the L. esculentum genome. Expression of the cloned P450 gene was regulated by circadian rhythm and enhanced by wounding. Leaf transcripts were detected in the light but not dark. Highest transcript levels were observed 3 hours after mechanical wounding. No increase in expression was seen in response to applications of zeatin as with the N. plumbaginifolia gene. Of the tissues analyzed, shoot tips and young leaves and fruit had the highest detectable transcript levels. Attempts to transform more than 1400 cotyledon explants of L. esculentum with sense or antisense CYP72A2 gene constructs produced no transgenic plants.
The Formation of Test Arrays and a Core Collection in Cucumber Using Phenotypic and Molecular Marker Data
Authors: Staub Jack E. , Dane Fenny , Reitsma Kathleen , Fazio Gennaro , López-Sesé Anabel
Published: January 2019

Genetic relationships among 970 cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) plant introductions (PIs) in the U.S. National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS) were assessed by observing variation at 15 isozyme loci. Allozyme frequency data for these PIs were compared to allozyme variation in heirloom and modern (H&M) cultivars released from 1846-1985 (H&M cultivars; 178 accessions), and experimental commercial (EC) germplasm (EC germplasm; 82 accessions) in use after 1985. Multivariate analysis defined four distinct groups of accessions (Groups A-D), where Group A consisted of PIs received by the NPGS before 1992, Group B contained PIs from India and China obtained by NPGS after 1992, Group C consisted of EC germplasm, and Group D contained H&M cultivars. Morphological, abiotic stress (water and heat stress tolerance) and disease resistance evaluation data from the Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN) for the PIs examined were used in conjunction with estimates of population variation and genetic distance estimates to construct test arrays and a core collection for cucumber. Disease resistance data included the evaluation of angular leafspot [Pseudomonas lachrymans (E.F. Smith) Holland], anthracnose [Colletotrichum lagenarium (Ross.) Ellis & Halst], downy mildew [Pseudoperonospora cubensis (Berk. & Curt) Rostow], rhizoctonia fruit rot (Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn), and target leafspot [Corynespora cassiicola (Berk. & Curt) Wei] pathogenicity. The test arrays for resistance-tolerance to angular leafspot, anthracnose, downy mildew, rhizoctonia fruit rot, target leafspot, and water and heat stress consisted of 17, 16, 17, 16, 17, 16, and 16 accessions, respectively. The core collection consisted of accessions in these test arrays (115) and additional 32 accessions that helped circumscribe the genetic diversity of the NPGS collection. The core collection of 147 accessions (115 + 32) represents ≈11% of the total collection's size (1352). Given estimates of genetic diversity and theoretical retention of diversity after sampling, this core collection could increase curatorial effectiveness and the efficiency of end-users as they attempt to identify potentially useful germplasm.
Development of Sequence Characterized Amplified Region Markers Linked to Downy Mildew Resistance in Broccoli
Authors: Giovannelli Janel L. , Farnham Mark W. , Wang Min , Strand Allan E.
Published: January 2019

Downy mildew, caused by the fungal parasite Peronospora parasitica (Pers.: Fr.) Fr., is a destructive disease of Brassica oleracea L. crops, including broccoli (B. oleracea, Italica Group). The development and deployment of downy mildew resistant broccoli cultivars is a priority for breeders and producers. Identification of genetic markers linked to downy mildew resistance genes should facilitate selection for resistance and pyramiding of resistance genes into cultivars. The objectives of this study were to 1) identify RAPD markers linked to a single dominant gene for resistance in broccoli, 2) clone and sequence the linked RAPD markers, and 3) develop and evaluate SCAR markers as screening tools for resistance. Bulked segregant analysis led to the identification of eight linked RAPD markers following a screen of 848 decamers. Two of the linked RAPD fragments, UBC359620 and OPM16750, were converted to dominant SCAR markers linked in coupling to the resistance locus at 6.7 and 3.3 cM, respectively. The SCAR marker based on UBC359620 sequence exhibited less accuracy (94%) than the original RAPD (96%) in differentiating resistant and susceptible plants, but the accuracy (97%) of the OPM16750-SCAR was not different than the original RAPD. These SCAR markers are among the first genetic markers found linked to a gene conferring cotyledon-stage downy mildew resistance in B. oleracea. Results of this work provide breeders with useful information and tools for the systematic development of resistant cultivars.
Morphological Evaluation of Apical Meristem Decline in Greenhouse-grown Tomato Transplants and the Effect of Mineral Nutrition on Its Occurrence
Authors: Wetzstein Hazel Y. , Vavrina Charles S.
Published: January 2019

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) transplants can be affected by an intermittent physiological problem manifested by loss of apical meristem function and retarded growth rates, referred to herein as apical meristem decline (AMD). Production losses associated with this condition can be substantial. Similar abnormal and arrested development of the shoot apex has been observed in a number of other species, and referred to as blindness, budlessness, toplessness, blindwood, and bud abortion. A developmental study using scanning electron microscopy was conducted in `Agriset' tomato during an occurrence of AMD to evaluate and compare normal and afflicted plants. The AMD condition was associated with cessation of leaf primordia development and lack of flower initiation. The shoot apex of plants with AMD remained vegetative compared to normal plants which at the same age had well-differentiated flower primordia. No evidence of abortion, die back, or necrosis of the shoot apex was observed. The effects of mineral nutrient additions on symptom development varied with year. In year 1, N fertilization reduced the incidence of both AMD and retarded bud growth (i.e., the percentage of normal plants increased from 29% to 97% with N applications). Preplant applications of P, alone or in conjunction with CaCO3 and trace elements, also ameliorated AMD. In year 2, AMD was observed only at very low levels, i.e., 4% or less, and mineral nutrition had no apparent effect on AMD or normal plant number.
Sweetpotato Volatile Chemistry in Relation to Sweetpotato Weevil (Cylas formicarius) Behavior
Authors: Wang Yan , Kays Stanley J.
Published: January 2019

The sweetpotato weevil (SPW) [Cylas formicarius elegantulus (Summers) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)] is the single most devastating pest of the sweetpotato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.] worldwide. Attempts to develop host-plant resistance have been only moderately successful due in part to deficiencies in parent and progeny selection methods. Host-plant phytochemicals play critical roles in insect behavior, modulating a cross-section of key behavioral decisions. Thus, identification of the phytochemicals the female weevil uses in decision making could greatly facilitate development of host-plant resistance. The volatile chemistry of the sweetpotato was studied in relation to the host-finding behavior of the female weevil. Critical biologically active volatiles were determined via isolation (Tenax trapping), fractionation (gas chromatography-thermal conductivity detector), identification (gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy), and bioassay (olfactometry). Differences in volatile chemistry among sweetpotato clones that may relate to differences in resistance or susceptibility to the female SPW were assessed. Volatile extracts from storage roots (site of oviposition) and aerial plant parts were attractive to female SPW, the former being substantially greater. In total, 33 compounds were identified from storage roots and aerial plant parts, including 23 terpenes. Three oxygenated monoterpenes (nerol, Z-citral, and methyl geranate), found in storage roots but not aerial plant parts, were identified as attractants. The sesquiterpene volatile fraction was repellent to female SPW with α-gurjunene, α-humulene, and ylangene active in the concentration range emanating from storage roots. The aerial plant parts emanated a higher composite concentration of sesquiterpenes than storage roots. Differences in the relative attraction among four sweetpotato cultivars to female SPW was inversely correlated with the composite concentration of headspace sesquiterpenes. Selection of clones with decreased volatile attractants and/or increased deterrents using an analytical means of quantification may significantly facilitate developing resistance to the SPW.
Genetic Variation in Chilling Requirement in Apple Progeny
Authors: Labuschagné Iwan F. , Louw J.H. , Schmidt Karin , Sadie Annalene
Published: January 2019

Genetic variation in chilling requirement was investigated over three growth periods using clonal progenies of six apple [Malus sylvestris (L.) Mill. var. domestica (Borkh.) Mansf.] families derived from crosses of high and low chill requiring cultivars. Two quantitative measurements related to chilling requirement, viz., the time of initial budbreak (vegetative and reproductive) and the number of breaking buds over a specified time interval, were used as evaluation criteria. Genetic and environmental variances of the traits are presented as intra-class correlation coefficients for clones within and between families. For budbreak time, reproductive and vegetative, broad-sense heritability averaged around 75% and 69% respectively, indicating a high degree of genetic determination in this material. For budbreak number, moderate to low genetic determination was found with broad-sense heritabilities around 30%. Estimates of genetic components of variance between families were generally very low in comparison to the variance within families and predict potentially favorable responses to truncation selection on the traits within these progeny groups. Analysis of the data showed that distribution of budbreak time is typical of quantitative traits with means distributed closely around midparent values. Skewed distributions towards low budbreak number were obtained in varying degrees in all families.
Development of a Sequence-tagged Site for the RAPD Marker Linked to Leaf Spot Resistance in Olive
Authors: Mekuria Genet Teshome , Sedgley Margaret , Collins Graham , Lavee Shimon
Published: January 2019

A sequence-tagged site (STS) was developed to identify a genetic marker linked to resistance to olive leaf spot caused by the pathogen, Spilocea oleaginea (Cast) (syn. Cycloconium oleaginum Cast.). The STS was based on a randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) marker of about 780 base pairs (bp) linked to olive leaf spot resistance. Several primer pairs were developed to flank the sequence, and one pair produced the expected polymorphism between resistant and susceptible individuals tested, and was used as an STS marker. This primer pair was tested against parents and 34 individuals from a population segregating for resistance to olive leaf spot, and 12 commercial olive (Olea europaea L.) cultivars showing various levels of resistance to the disease. The STS marker was present in 71.4% of the parents and progeny that were designated as resistant, and was absent in 87% of the parents and progeny showing susceptibility. These primers were also able to distinguish cultivars such as `Koroneiki' and `Leccino', that are reported to show resistance to olive leaf spot, from `Barouni' and `Mission', that are reported to be susceptible. This is the first report of a STS marker for olive, and its use will assist greatly in screening olive progeny for resistance to leaf spot in breeding programs.
Interactive Effects of Mycorrhizal Inoculation and Organic Soil Amendments on Nitrogen Acquisition and Growth of Highbush Blueberry
Authors: Yang Wei Qiang , Goulart Barbara L. , Demchak K. , Li Yadong
Published: January 2019

The ability of mycorrhizal and nonmycorrhizal `Elliott' highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) plants to acquire soil N under different preplant organic soil amendment regimes (forest litter, rotted sawdust, or no amendment) was investigated in a field experiment using 15N labeled (NH4)2SO4. Plants inoculated with an ericoid mycorrhizal isolate, Oidiodendron maius Dalpé (UAMH 9263), had lower leaf 15N enrichment and higher leaf N contents than noninoculated plants but similar leaf N concentrations, indicating mycorrhizal plants absorbed more nonlabeled soil N than nonmycorrhizal plants. Mycorrhizal plants produced more plant dry weight (DW) and larger canopy volumes. The effect of preplant organic amendments on the growth of highbush blueberry plants was clearly demonstrated. Plants grown in soil amended with forest litter produced higher DW than those in either the rotted sawdust amendment or no amendment. Plants grown in soils amended preplant with sawdust, the current commercial recommendation, were the smallest. Differences in the carbon to nitrogen ratio were likely responsible for growth differences among plants treated with different soil amendments.
Heterosis for Flowering Time and Agronomic Traits among Early Open-pollinated Sweet Corn Cultivars
Authors: Dickert T.E. , Tracy W.F.
Published: January 2019

Heterosis in corn (Zea mays L.) usually results in earlier flowering, larger plants, and increased yield. In extremely early sweet corn the effect of heterosis on flowering time may be reduced or eliminated due to developmental and physiological requirements for vegetative growth before the transition to reproductive phase. The objective of this study was to determine the level of heterosis and the combining ability for flowering time and other agronomic traits in a diallel cross of six very early open-pollinated sweet corn cultivars. The diallel was grown in 1995 and 1996. Hybrids and parents averaged over hybrids differed for silk date, plant height, ear height, 10-ear weight, ear length, and 100-kernel weight but did not differ for row number and ear width. Heterosis for silk date was significant, but the difference between parents and hybrids was very small, 0.5 day. No hybrids were earlier than the earliest parent, and average midparent heterosis was -0.8%. In contrast midparent heterosis was significant and relatively high for 100-kernel weight (10.0%), ear length (12.9%), ear height (8.6%), plant height (9.0%), and 10-ear weight (28.2%). The traits with low heterosis had very high general combining ability/specific combining ability ratios while these ratios were much smaller in traits with high heterosis. Heterosis for many of the traits, including 10-ear weight, was higher than published values. Conversely, heterosis for flowering time was small, compared to other traits in this study and to published values for silk date, indicating that this extremely early germplasm may be at or near the limit for flowering time under the photoperiod and temperatures typical of summer in Madison, Wis. (43.05°N, 89.31°W).
Glucosinolate Profiles in Broccoli: Variation in Levels and Implications in Breeding for Cancer Chemoprotection
Authors: Brown Allan F. , Yousef Gad G. , Jeffery Elizabeth H. , Klein Barbara P. , Wallig Mathew A. , Kushad Mosbah M. , Juvik John A.
Published: January 2019

Ten broccoli [Brassica oleracea L. (Botrytis Group)] accessions were grown in several environments to estimate glucosinolate (GS) variability associated with genotype, environment, and genotype × environment interaction and to identify differences in the stability of GSs in broccoli florets. Significant differences in genetic variability were identified for aliphatic GSs but not for indolyl GSs. The percentage of GS variability attributable to genotype for individual aliphatic compounds ranged from 54.2% for glucoraphanin to 71.0% for progoitrin. For total indolyl GSs, the percentage of variability attributable to genotype was only 12%. Both qualitative and quantitative differences in GSs were detected among the genotypes. Ten-fold differences in progoitrin, glucoraphanin, and total aliphatic GS levels were observed between the highest and lowest genotypes. Only two lines, Eu8-1 and VI-158, produced aliphatic GSs other than glucoraphanin in appreciable amounts. Differences in stability of these compounds among the cultivars were also observed between fall and spring plantings. Results suggest that genetic factors necessary for altering the qualitative and quantitative aliphatic GS profiles are present within existing broccoli germplasm, which makes breeding for enhanced cancer chemoprotectant activity feasible.
Crop Load and Rootstock Influence on Dry Matter Partitioning in Trees of Early and Late Ripening Peach Cultivars
Authors: Inglese P. , Caruso T. , Gugliuzza G. , Pace L.S.
Published: January 2019

Effect of crop load on dry matter partitioning was studied on 3-year-old peach [(Prunus persica (L.) Batsch (Peach Group)] trees of the early ripening `Early May Crest' (EMC) grafted on `GF677' and Penta (Prunus domestica L.) rootstock and the late ripening `Flaminia' grafted on `GF677' rootstock [(Prunus persica × Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D. A. Webb] and grown outdoors in 230-L containers, for 2 years. Fruit thinning was carried out 10 days after fruit set to produce different crop loads. Trees were sampled destructively throughout two growing seasons and divided into above-ground and root components, for dry matter and carbohydrate analysis. At the end of the fruit development period, in the first year, total tree dry matter accumulation was related linearly to crop load even when the increase in crop load greatly decreased vegetative and root growth. Total dry matter accumulation was highest in EMC/`GF 677' at any specific crop load, and EMC trees on `GF677' allocated relatively more dry matter than EMC/`Penta' trees to vegetative and root growth, even under increasing fruit sink demand. Two consecutive years of heavy crops resulted in an inverse relationship between crop load and dry matter accumulation of trees, due to a major reduction of vegetative, root, and fruit growth. The percentage of dry matter partitioned to fruit decreased with the vigor of the rootstock, and EMC/`Penta' trees had the lowest harvest index at each specific crop load. The early ripening EMC/`GF677' trees which had twice the harvest index of `Flaminia'/`GF677' trees for any level of crop load. `Flaminia'/`GF677' trees had the largest canopy size. Starch content in the roots was lowest for cropping trees and depended on the rootstock and on the length of the fruit development period, being highest for the late ripening `Flaminia'/`GF677' trees. Individual fruit weight decreased with crop load, and the reduction of fruit size was related to rootstock and time of ripening.
Ascorbic Acid, Folic Acid, and Potassium Content in Postharvest Green-flesh Honeydew Muskmelons: Influence of Cultivar, Fruit Size, Soil Type, and Year
Authors: Lester Gene E. , Crosby Kevin M.
Published: January 2019

Two important chemicals and an essential mineral (phytonutrients) for human health and well-being are ascorbic acid, 5-methyl-tetrahydrofolic acid (folic acid) and potassium. The influence of cultivar, fruit size, soil type and year on these compounds in [Cucumis melo L. (Inodorous Group)] was determined. Fully mature (abscised) commercial size fruit: 4, 5, 6, 8, and 9 (fruit/0.031 m3 shipping box) from three commercial cultivars: Mega Brew, Morning Ice, and TAM Dew Improved (TDI); and one experimental hybrid `TDI' × `Green Ice' were grown on both clay loam and sandy loam soils. Total ascorbic acid and folic acid content increased with an increase in fruit size up to a maximum (size 6 or 5), then decreased with further fruit size increase. Total ascorbic acid and folic acid content for most fruit sizes were higher when grown on clay loam versus sandy loam soils. The experimental hybrid compared to the commercial cultivars contained generally higher total ascorbic acid levels and significantly higher folic acid levels regardless of fruit size or soil type. Free ascorbic acid and dehydroascorbic acid contents were generally higher from clay loam versus sandy loam soils and in the experimental line versus the commercial cultivars. However, free ascorbic acid content was high in small fruit and remained unchanged with an increase in fruit size until size 6 or 5 then significantly decreased; while dehydroascorbic acid content linearly increased with an increase in fruit size. Potassium content averaged 1.7 mg·g-1 fresh weight for each line and did not significantly differ due to fruit size, but did for soil type and year. Analyses of variance for the phytonutrients assayed demonstrated that cultivar (genetics) always was very highly significant (P = 0.001), whereas, soil and year (environment) were not.
Effect of Integrated Pest Management Strategies on Chlorothalonil, Metalaxyl, and Thiophanate-methyl Runoff at a Container Nursery
Authors: Briggs Jeanne , Whitwell Ted , Fernandez R. Thomas , Riley Melissa B.
Published: January 2019

Field research was conducted at a container nursery to investigate fungicide movement in runoff water. Fungicides were applied as either a preventative treatment to all container plants, or as a component of an integrated pest management (IPM) program in which fungicides were only applied to plants showing signs of pathogen infestation. Thiophanate-methyl and chlorothalonil were applied in July and August 1998, and metalaxyl was applied in September 1998. Runoff water was sampled on the day after application (first irrigation after pesticide application) through three pulse irrigation cycles. Total amounts of thiophanate-methyl and chlorothalonil in runoff water were 7% and 4%, respectively, of applied amount in July. In August, 2% and 4% of thiophanate-methyl and chlorothalonil were found from the preventative treatment. Of the applied metalaxyl, 25% was detected in runoff water for the first irrigation event after application from the preventative treatment. Metalaxyl is a highly water soluble pesticide and nontarget losses from the granular application contributed to the large amounts detected. Total amounts of thiophanate-methyl, chlorothalonil and metalaxyl detected in runoff from the IPM treatment were 25% of amounts from the preventative treatment. No treatment differences were found in container plant salability or in the number of culls at the end of the study.
Pattern of Growth and Development of the Strawberry Cultivars Elsanta, Bolero, and Everest
Authors: de Camacaro M.E. Pérez , Camacaro G.J. , Hadley P. , Battey N.H. , Carew J.G.
Published: January 2019

The differences in growth and yield in the Junebearing strawberry (Fragaria ×ananassa Duch.) `Elsanta' and the everbearing `Bolero' and `Everest' were evaluated under field conditions. The seasonal patterns of radiation use efficiency and assimilate partitioning were also studied. Growth, development and yield showed considerable differences among cultivars. `Elsanta' showed the highest and `Bolero' and `Everest' the lowest values for almost all the vegetative parameters (leaf area, leaf dry weight, runner number). `Elsanta' produced large leaves and few crowns per plant in contrast to the everbearing cultivars which had more but smaller leaves and a larger number of crowns per plant. The production of flowers by `Elsanta' was concentrated in June with fruit production following in July. `Bolero' and `Everest' produced more than one flush of flowers during the season and fruited until October. As a result, yields of `Bolero' and `Everest' were greater than `Elsanta'. The higher yields of `Bolero' and `Everest' also reflected the greater number of crowns produced by these cultivars. The maximum intercepted and absorbed photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) occurred between July and August when the three cultivars showed the greatest increase in vegetative growth. Harvest index clearly differed among cultivars and this was related to the duration of cropping. The greatest harvest indexes were found for `Bolero' and `Everest'.
Pollination and CPPU Treatment Increase Endogenous IAA and Decrease Endogenous ABA in Muskmelons during Early Development
Authors: Hayata Yasuyoshi , Li Xin-Xian , Osajima Yutaka
Published: January 2019

An investigation was conducted to determine how pollination and CPPU treatment influence endogenous IAA and ABA content in netted muskmelon [Cucumis melo L. (Reticulatus Group) `Crest Earl's'], and to clarify their roles in fruit set and development in relation to these endogenous plant hormones. CPPU treatment at anthesis significantly increased the fresh weight of ovaries, whether the flowers were pollinated or not, but from 6 days after anthesis (DAA) the growth rate in the nonpollinated + CPPU treatment tended to be lower than the growth rates in the pollination treatment plots. Ovaries of nonpollinated flowers not treated with CPPU failed to grow and turned brown within 4 DAA. IAA content in the placenta of fruit from pollinated flowers increased rapidly from the day of anthesis to 2 DAA and remained at relatively high levels. IAA content in the placenta of parthenocarpic fruit induced to develop by CPPU treatment was lower than that of fruit from pollinated flowers but the pattern was almost the same as that in fruit of pollinated flowers. Conversely, IAA content in the placenta of fruit from nonpollinated flowers not treated with CPPU decreased sharply after anthesis. IAA content in the mesocarp of CPPU-treated fruit, whether or not the flowers were pollinated, increased significantly from the day of anthesis to 2 DAA, then decreased to almost the same level as that of the pollination-only treatment by 10 DAA, while the IAA content of nonpollinated CPPU-treated fruit declined even further. IAA content in the mesocarp of fruit from nonpollinated flowers not treated with CPPU decreased sharply. ABA contents in both the placenta and mesocarp of muskmelon that would set decreased after anthesis while the ABA content of muskmelon that would not set increased rapidly. Results suggest that pollination and CPPU treatment increased endogenous IAA content and decreased endogenous ABA content to promote the set and growth of fruit during early development. Chemical names used: [1-(2-chloro-4-pyridyl)-3-phenylurea] (CPPU); indole-3-acetic acid (IAA); abscisic acid (ABA).
Inflorescence and Flower Development in Chinese Ixora
Authors: Chen Li-Yun , Chu Chien-Young , Huang Min-Chang
Published: January 2019

Experiments were conducted on 6-month-old chinese ixora (Ixora chinensis Lam.) from February 1999 to April 2000. Floral development was studied with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to determine the flowering sequences. Morphological characters were used to clarify the stages of flowering processes. The time of organogenesis and flowering arrangement was established through field observations. Floral evocation occurred in early September, floral initiation occurred in the middle of September and floral differentiation began in late September. A distinctly convex apex with bracts around the shoulder indicated the beginning of reproductive development. Subsequently, primary inflorescence axes were observed and differentiated into secondary, tertiary, and quaternary inflorescence axes consecutively in about one and a half months. Once the terminal apex reached the inflorescence bud stage, it would flower without abortion, and this may be assessed as no return. The sepals, petals, stamens, and pistil were well developed thereafter and anthesis was achieved in January through March in the following year. The observation of floral differentiation sequences and investigation of floret arrangement made it certain that chinese ixora had cymose inflorescence (cyme), but not corymb. A quadratic equation was established to predict floret number from the differentiation level (a quantitative description of differentiation stage) of a developed inflorescence.
Seasonal Alteration of the Cytosolic and Nuclear Ca2+ Concentrations in Overwintering Woody and Herbaceous Perennials in Relation to the Development of Dormancy and Cold Hardiness
Authors: Jian Ling-cheng , Deng Jiang-ming , Li Ji-hong , Li Paul H.
Published: January 2019

Seasonal alteration of the cytosolic and nuclear Ca2+ concentrations of spruce (Picea engelmannii Parry) and brome grass (Bromus inermis Leyss) was investigated by the antimonate precipitation cytochemical technique. Electron microscopic (EM) observations revealed that electron-dense Ca2+ antimonate deposits, an indication of Ca2+ localization, were seen mainly in the vacuole, the cell wall and the intercellular space in samples of both species, collected on 14 July 1997. Few deposits were found in the cytosol and nuclei, showing a low resting level during summer months. On 8 Aug. 1997 following a decrease in daylength of 1 hour and 12 minutes, Ca2+ accumulation was initiated in spruce with increased cytosolic and nuclear Ca2+ deposits, but not in brome grass. On 8 Sept. 1997, Ca2+ accumulation occurred in the cytosol of brome grass. This followed a drop in ambient temperature to 12 °C. Cytosolic and nuclear Ca2+ deposits continued to increase in spruce. Controlled experiments confirmed that it was the low temperature, not shortening daylength, that triggered Ca2+ accumulation in brome grass. High cytosolic and nuclear Ca2+ concentrations lasted about three months in spruce from early August to early November. However, the high cytosolic and nuclear Ca2+ concentrations in brome grass lasted only about 20 days from early September to the end of the month. During winter and spring, both species had low resting cytosolic and nuclear Ca2+ concentrations. The relationship between the duration of the high cytosolic and nuclear Ca2+ concentrations and the status of the developed dormancy/cold hardiness is discussed in light of current findings.
Drought Effects on Green Pea Texture and Related Physical-Chemical Properties at Comparable Maturity
Authors: Sorensen J.N. , Edelenbos M. , Wienberg L.
Published: January 2019

Yield and seed texture were studied in green peas (Pisum sativum L.) subjected to drought stress during flowering and pod filling. Field experiments were conducted with two cultivars on a sandy loam soil and drought conditions were obtained using movable rain shelters. The plants were harvested at three to five stages of maturity determined by tenderometer values and the concentration of alcohol-insoluble solids (AIS). Measured variables were related to the concentration of AIS in order to eliminate the influence of maturity when comparing between stress and nonstress conditions. Drought stress during flowering or pod filling reduced yield, but did not affect the size distribution consistently. To lessen the differences caused by variation in size distribution, all quality measurements were carried out on peas graded to 8.75 to 10.2 mm. Drought stress increased the concentration of sucrose at an AIS concentration of 140 g·kg-1. Besides the concentration of dry matter and starch the mean pea weight and testa weight did not reflect any consistency in relation to drought-stress conditions. The sensory scores for pea mealiness was not significantly increased in drought stress, and other sensory quality attributes were unaffected. In this study, the effect of drought stress on pea texture quality is weak and inconsistent when comparisons are made at the same stage of maturity. As texture quality is highly correlated to stage of maturity, the tenderometer value or AIS concentration is reliable when determining time of harvest for the production of high quality peas irrespective of drought-stress conditions during maturation.
Growth, Water Relations, and Ion Content of Field-grown Celery [Apium graveolens L. var. dulce (Mill.) Pers.] under Saline Irrigation
Authors: De Pascale Stefania , Maggio Albino , Ruggiero Celestino , Barbieri Giancarlo
Published: January 2019

We irrigated field-grown celery (Apium graveolens L. var. dulce [Mill.] Pers. 'Tall Utah') with four concentrations of saline water, NSC (nonstressed control), SW1, SW2, and SW3, corresponding to EC of 0.5, 4.4, 8.5, and 15.7 dS·m-1, respectively, plus a nonirrigated control (NIC) and investigated the effects of the treatments on water relations, yield and ion content. In addition, we compared simultaneously plant response to both salt and drought stress by using a modified version of the threshold-slope model. Increasing salinity of the irrigation water reduced fresh and dry weights of the shoots, but increased the dry matter percentage in shoots. The marketable yield was moderately affected by salinity (25% reduction at EC 8.5 dS·m-1). In contrast, a severe water stress dramatically decreased the marketable yield from 23 t·ha-1 (average of the irrigated treatments) to <7 t·ha-1 (nonirrigated control). Na+ and Cl- concentrations increased in salinized plants whereas nitrogen content, K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+ concentrations decreased upon salinization. Midday leaf water potentials (Ψt) decreased from -1.48 MPa (0.5 dS·m-1) to -2.05 MPa (15.7 dS·m-1) and - 2.17 MPa (nonirrigated control), though the reduction in leaf cellular turgor was less severe. The maintenance of high leaf cellular turgor was positively correlated to a decrease in osmotic potential and to an increased bulk modulus of elasticity. These results indicate that it is possible to irrigate celery with saline water (up to 8.5 dS·m-1) with acceptable losses in marketable yield and confirmed that in the field, this species has the ability to efficiently regulate water and ion homeostasis. In the absence of irrigation, celery plants were unable to cope with the drought stress experienced, although this was comparable, in terms of soil water potential, to the one caused by saline irrigation.
Variation in the Horticultural Characteristics of Native Fragaria virginiana and F. chiloensis from North and South America
Authors: Hancock James F. , Callow Peter W. , Serçe Sedat , Son Phan Quynh
Published: January 2019

Variation in 14 horticultural traits of native octoploid Fragaria L. from North and South America was examined in a greenhouse. Significant levels of variation were found for all but a few of the traits at the species, subspecies, regional and genotypic level, with the highest amount of variation generally being partitioned among genotypes. Fragaria chiloensis (L.) Miller was superior to F. virginiana Miller for crown number, fruit weight, soluble solids and seed set, while Fragaria virginiana was superior for runner production, peduncle length, fruit number, fruit color and winter hardiness. Fragaria chiloensis ssp. pacifica Staudt had the highest soluble solids and among the earliest bloom dates, highest crown numbers and highest seed set. Fragaria chiloensis ssp. chiloensis f. chiloensis (L.) Duch. produced the largest fruit and among the earliest bloom dates and longest peduncles. Fragaria chiloensis ssp. chiloensis f. patagonica (L.) Duch. had among the highest crown numbers and the highest percentage seed set. Fragaria virginiana ssp. platypetala (Rydb.) Staudt produced the most crowns and its fruit ripened earliest. Fragaria virginiana ssp. glauca (Wats.) Staudt were the latest flowering, had the darkest fruit color and the most flowering cycles. Fragaria virginiana ssp. virginiana Duch. displayed the most winter dieback, the longest peduncles, and the highest flower and runner numbers. No significant differences were observed in any of the examined traits between F. chiloensis ssp. pacifica and F. chiloensis ssp. lucida, or F. virginiana ssp. grayana and F. virginiana ssp. virginiana. A number of individual genotypes were superior for more than one trait. CFRA 0024 possessed unusually high crown numbers, was extremely early blooming and displayed multiple fruiting cycles. CFRA 1121 had unusually long peduncles and much higher than average values for fruit weight, soluble solids, fruit color and seed set. CFRA 0094 was extremely early flowering and had much darker fruit color than most other F. chiloensis genotypes. CFRA 0368 flowered unusually early and had among the largest fruit. CFRA 0366 possessed unusually long peduncles and the largest fruit of any North American genotype. CFRA 0560 and CFRA 1369 had an unusual combination of multiple flowering cycles and high runner production. CFRA 1170 and 1171 were unusually late fruiting and had high numbers of large fruit on long peduncles. CFRA 1385 and JP 95-3-1 had extremely high flower numbers, long peduncles and large fruit.