bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Mulch Type and Color on Honeydew Melon (Cucumis melo L.) Production in Western Mexico
Authors: Farias-Larios J. , Sandoval C. , Radillo F. , Lopez J.G. , Guzman S.
Published: January 2019

Recently, honeydew melons cultivation has spread greatly in the western Mexico for its high price and demand for export market to the United States, Canada, and Japan. Information on production systems of this melon type is lacking. The present study was conducted to determine the effect of various mulches on yield of honeydew melon grown in tropical region. Treatments evaluated were: clear, white, brown, black, silver/black, and black/silver as plastic mulches colors and rice and corn straw used as organic mulches and bare soil as control. All polyethylene were of 125 thickness. These were arranged in a randomized complete-block design with four replications. `Honey brew' (Sakata) hybrid melon plants were transplanted each 0.50 cm as single on the center row on 27 Mar. Results show that the all polyethylene mulches, irrespective of color, were superior to rice, corn straw and bare soil in improving the number and weight of fruits and yield of honeydew melons. Among the mulch colors, clear plastic increased the number and weight of fruits in 34 and 0.727 g with respect to control. Yield was also enhanced by clear mulch with 226.05 kg, compared with organic mulches and the control with only 113. 30, 111.50, 100.20 kg/plot of 10 m2 respectively. Clear and black plastic completely suppressed the weed growth. Total soluble solids were also affected by the mulch type at the first harvest, the best content (more of 10.0%) was obtained with white and brown plastic mulches, and organic mulches, while that bare soil showed 8.05%. Organic mulches were found as a low-input alternative agricultural system for honeydew melons production.
Threshold Monitoring, Trap Cropping, and Aluminum Mulch Repulsion for Management of Cucumber Beetles on Cucurbits
Authors: Caldwell John S. , Johnson Sam , LaChance Michael , Stockton Stephanie
Published: January 2019

Three approaches to cucumber beetle [striped, Acalymma vittata (Fabricius)]; spotted, Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi Barber] management on cucurbits were tested on 11 farms in Virginia. Visual counts of striped cucumber beetles/five squash plants were similar in 1996 (2.6 ± 3.1, max 16) and 1997 (3.1 ± 3.8, max 18), but counts on adjacent yellow sticky traps were higher in 1996 (11.5 ± 14.5, max 66) than in 1997 (4.9 ± 4.1, max 16). Correlation between visual and card counts was stronger in 1996 (r = 0.66) than 1997 (r = 0.38). Regression indicated that a threshold of five beetles/five plants was equivalent to 16 beetles/trap in 1996, but only six beetles/trap in 1997. On two peak count dates in Aug. 1996, trap crop squash cultivar NK530 had 10 beetles/sticky card, significantly higher than the three to seven beetles/sticky card on `Seneca' and `Scallop'. Similar trends were seen in visual counts in these plots. In 1997, `NK530' also showed preferential beetle attraction over pumpkin cultivar Howden. On early squash in 1997, cucumber beetle counts on two June peak dates were higher on black plastic (40 and 23 beetles/trap) than on solid aluminum (eight and five beetles/trap) or black with aluminum strips (15 and 10 beetles/trap). Black plastic required 1.8 insecticidal applications compared to none for solid aluminum. There were no significant differences in cumulative yield, although yield at first picking was 38% less on aluminum. Premiums for lower pesticide use (25%) compare favorably with the $102/acre added expense for aluminum plastic.
Effects of Cover Crops and Tillage on Sweet Corn Production
Authors: Cline Gary R. , Silvernail Anthony F.
Published: January 2019

A split-plot factorial experiment examined effects of tillage and winter cover crops on sweet corn in 1997. Main plots received tillage or no tillage. Cover crops consisted of hairy vetch, winter rye, or a mix, and N treatments consisted of plus or minus N fertilization. Following watermelon not receiving inorganic N, vetch, and mix cover cropsproduced total N yields of ≈90 kg/ha that were more than four times greater than those obtained with rye. However, vetch dry weight yields (2.7 mg/ha) were only about 60% of those obtained in previous years due to winter kill. Following rye winter cover crops, addition of ammonium nitrate to corn greatly increased (P < 0.05) corn yields and foliar N concentrations compared to treatments not receiving N. Following vetch, corn yields obtained in tilled treatments without N fertilization equaled those obtained with N fertilization. However, yields obtained from unfertilized no-till treatments were significantly (P < 0.05) lower than yields of N-fertilized treatments. Available soil N was significantly (P < 0.05) greater following vetch compared to rye after corn planting. No significant effects of tillage on sweet corn plant densities or yields were detected. It was concluded that no-tillage sweet corn was successful, and N fixed by vetch was able to sustain sweet corn production in tilled treatments but not in no-till treatments.In previous years normal, higher-yielding vetch cover crops were able to sustain sweet corn in both tilled and no-till treatments.
A Web Site as an Aid in Teaching the Identification Of Landscape Plants
Authors: Breen Patrick J.
Published: January 2019

Web sites were developed as an aid in teaching landscape plant materials at Oregon State Univ. A three-quarter course sequence emphasizes identification of woody landscape plants by their scientific names and, when appropriate, variety or cultivar names. Different groups of plants are introduced in each quarter: deciduous (fall), conifers and broadleaf evergreens (winter), and flowering plants (spring). Approximately 160 plant specimens are introduced each term, first by photographic slides and then by tours through the campus and surrounding areas. Each course is supported by a separate Web site that contains an informational summary and several images of each plant introduced. There are about 600 plant images per site. Plants on the Web sites are listed alphabetically by scientific name with links to specific images of that specimen (e.g., plant habit, leaves, flowers, etc.). Particular morphological characteristics used in plant identification are sometimes labeled in the images and some links provide side-by-side comparisons to aid in distinguishing similar plants. Students are not encouraged to use the Web sites as the major device to improve their plant identification skills, but rather to rely on frequent examination of live specimens in landscape situations. The Web sites are viewed as supplementary supports, especially to assist students in comparing similar plants, to provide a convenient source of plant images specific to each course, to permit visual study during inclement weather and at night, and in reviewing course material.
Micropropagation of Adult Red Maple and Sugar Maple
Authors: Connolly David A. , Preece John E. , Van Sambeek J.W.
Published: January 2019

Micropropagation studies were conducted to determine the best methods to achieve axillary shoot proliferation for adult Acer rubrum (red maple) and A. saccharium (sugar maple). The first experiment was conducted to compare the effects of 0.001, 0.01, 0.1 μM, 1 μM, and 10 μM thidiazuron (TDZ) using Driver-Kuniyuki-Walnut medium (DKW). The second experiment was conducted to examine the effects of DKW, Woody Plant Medium (WPM) and Long and Preece (LP) media in factorial combination with 0.01 and 0.1 μM TDZ. The third experiment was conducted to study the transfer timing (14 or 28 days) and the media solidification (agar-solidified or stationary liquid) on sugar maple. Both red maple and sugar maple explants on DKW with 0.1 μM TDZ produced the most and longest axillary shoots; however, sugar maple produced fewer axillary shoots than red maple. Red maple explants produced the most callus on DKW with 10 μM TDZ and the least on DKW with 0.001 μM TDZ. Sugar maple explants produced more shoots when explants were placed horizontally and transferred every 14 days than when placed vertically or transferred less frequently.
Utilization of Different Seedling Explants for in Vitro Propagation of Hibiscus syriacus
Authors: Jenderek M.M. , Olney A.J.
Published: January 2019

Hibiscus syriacus is a difficult species in micropropagation due to its endogenous contamination and recalcitrant shoot formation; therefore, studies on using explants other than shoot tip or axillary buds of growing shrubs were initiated. Three different seedling fragments (root, hypocotyl, and leaf petiole) from aseptically germinated seedlings of hibiscus (var. Aphrodite) were evaluated for adventitious bud formation, shoot and leaf development. The explants were cultured on McCown's woody plant basal salt medium supplemented with KNO3 (800 mg/L), adenine sulfate (80 mg/L) and MS vitamins containing BA or 2iP or TDZ at 0.5, 1.0, 2.2, 4.4 and 10 mM. Adventitious buds were present on all of the three different explants grown on medium containing TDZ; however, the most abundant bud formation, with many small leaves originating from callus was observed on hypocotyl explants cultured on medium with 1 mM of TDZ.

Petiole explants were the most frequent to develop short shoots (≈15 mm) and one to nine leaves without callus formation, where 70% of hypocotyl and the root explants formed leaves originating from callus. Callus was induced on all explant types regardless of the level or type of cytokinin used. However, the number of shoots produced by any explant type was low, petioles cultured on 0.5 and 1mM of TDZ were the most suitable material for non-callus shoot development in H. syriacus. Hypocotyl explants proved to be an excellent source for adventitious bud formation but their ability to develop shoots needs to be investigated.
Hydroponic Greenhouse Production of Fresh-market Basil in Colorado
Authors: Succop C. Elizabeth , Newman Steven E.
Published: January 2019

Fresh-market basil has become a viable greenhouse commodity in Colorado. Marketing pressures and profit advantages also encourage the production of certified organic produce. The research objectives were to determine the length of time basil plants were productive in the greenhouse and to compare the production of fresh-market basil grown with three root zone systems and two fertilizer treatments. The three systems were hydroponic rockwool slab culture, hydroponic perlite raised bed culture, and hydroponic peat/perlite/compost bag culture. The two types of hydroponic fertilizer treatments were a salt-based formulated nutrient solution and an organic solution consisting of fermented poultry compost, hydrolized fish emulsion, and soluble kelp. The plants were harvested once per week for fresh weight determination. The results from the two runs show greater productivity for the plants in the perlite system as well as the bag mix system when fertilized with the organic fertilizer compared to salt-based fertilizer. However, productivity of the plants in the rockwool system was greater with the salt-based treatment compared to the organic treatment.
Ethephon for American Ginseng (Panax quiquefolium L.) Inflorescence Removal
Authors: Fiebig A.E. , Proctor J.T.A. , Murr D. , Releeder R.
Published: January 2019

Varying concentrations (500-4000 mg·L–1) of ethephon, an ethylene-releasing compound, were applied to 3-year-old ginseng (Panax quinquefolium L.) plants in fields of southern Ontario. The effects of this chemical on fruit removal, plant damage, infructescence morphology, and root mass were studied and compared to the normal practice of manual inflorescence removal. The highest concentrations had the highest rates of removal but also caused the greatest amount of damage to the whole plants when compared to the mid-range concentrations. The lowest concentrations showed less foliar damage but did not provide sufficient fruit removal to mimic hand removal. When individual inflorescences of the ethephon treatments were studied, the seed heads had fewer ripe berries and more unpollinated florets than the untreated controls. When root masses were compared, high and low concentrations showed lower masses than those of the standard production practice of hand removal. However, mid range concentrations showed similar root mass increase to manual removal. When all parameters were considered, the concentration range giving the best results was 1000-1500 mg·L–1.

Multiple applications of ethephon, at weekly intervals, had an additive effect on flower removal and plant damage. Treatments having an additive concentration of over 2000 mg·L–1 had detrimental effects on all parameters. Those within the 1000–1500 mg·L–1 range showed the highest similarity to the hand removal benefits.
Mechanisms of the Prevention of Cold Storage-induced Postharvest Leaf Chlorosis by Supplemental Light and Gibberellins in `Stargazer' Hybrid Lilies
Authors: Ranwala Anil P. , Miller William B.
Published: January 2019

Leaf chlorosis induced by short-term, postproduction cold storage is a common postharvest disorder in potted lilies. In `Stargazer' hybrid lilies, 2 weeks of storage at 4 °C results in chlorosis in more than 30% of leaves by 6 days after transferring to 22 °C. Because we observed that foliar sprays of GA4+7 or supplemental light during cold-storage could prevent this leaf chlorosis in Lilium sp. `Stargazer' hybrid lilies, this study was conducted to investigate the mechanisms underlying these preventive effects. Hybrid lilies at “puffy bud” stage were stored for 2 weeks at 4 °C either in darkness (control), provided with 40 μmol·m–2·s–1 light by cool-white fluorescent lamps, or sprayed with 100 mg·L–1 GA4+7 prior to storage. Leaves from lower half of the plant were sampled during cold storage and upto 6 days after transferring to 22 °C. Leaf chlorophyll, total nitrogen, and soluble protein concentrations decreased slightly during cold-storage in all treatments, but decreased rapidly after transferring to 22 °C only in control plants. Total soluble sugar concentration (TSS) in leaves decreased in control and GA4+7-treated plants during cold storage, whereas TSS increased in plants provided with light. After transferring to 22 °C, TSS decreased in all treatments, but the decrease was more rapid in control plants. SDS-PAGE protein profiles revealed that degradation of larger polypeptides that occurred in control plants did not occur in GA4+7-treated plants or plants provided with light. Catalase and superoxide dismutase activities in leaves decreased in control plants after transferring to 22 °C, whereas these activities were maintained in other treatments.
Evaluation of Prunus cerasus Germplasm for Cold Resistance
Authors: Mathers Hannah M. , Iezzoni A.F.
Published: January 2019

Knowledge of the level of cold stress resistance and how this resistance is inherited in sour cherry is essential to cultivar development and future germplasm collection. Twig and flower bud samples of two sweet cherries (Prunus avium L.), 12 sour cherries (Prunus cerasus L.), and one ground (Prunus fruticosa Pall.) were collected once a month from Aug. 1990 to Mar. 1991, preconditioned, and subjected to freeze tests and differential thermal analysis. LTEs were detected in all stems of P. cerasus investigated and were strongly correlated to xylem ITs in December to March. LTEs were strongly correlated to phloem-cambium ITs in November. Xylem ITs were the selected method for evaluating sour cherry cold resistance in December to March. Phloem-cambium ITs were the selected method for November. The degree of hardiness of the phloem-cambium in late fall and early spring is a factor determining P. cerasus germplasm geographic distribution and commercial production. The principal component (PC) analyses, of the phloem-cambium and cortical tissues, depict gradations between minimum survival temperatures of the two presumed progenitor species of sour cherry, sweet cherry and ground cherry suggesting that cold is a major selective force, contributing to sour cherry population variation.
Identification of cDNAs from Cornus sericea that Encode a Family of Dehydrin-like Proteins
Authors: Sarnighausen Eric , Karlson Dale , Zeng Yan , Ashworth Edward
Published: January 2019

Three cDNAs, which apparently encode a family of dehydrin-like proteins, were isolated from cold-acclimating wood tissues of Cornus sericea. The nucleic acid sequences of these cDNAs are similar to each other (minimum 58% identical). Two of the cDNAs are predicted to encode proteins of 44 and 48.6 kDa. The third cDNA did not contain the complete open reading frame, but apparently encodes a much larger protein. The predicted amino acid sequences from all three cDNAs share homology with members of the dehydrin family of proteins. This family of proteins is characterized by the presence of a highly conserved lysine-rich consensus sequence (EKKGIMDKIKEKLPG) known as the K-segment, a tract of serine residues, and in most instances, an N-terminal consensus sequence (DEYGNP) designated as the Y-segment. The cDNAs isolated from C. sericea encode putative proteins with these common motifs. Each has a tract of serine residues, and either one or two lysine-rich segments. However, a unique feature of the cDNAs from C. sericea is that they encode putative proteins having 21, 24, and 27 repeated sequences similar to the Y-segment, whereas previously identified members of the dehydrin family exhibit only one to three such repeats. The significance of this difference is not known. Dehydrins have been implicated in desiccation tolerance, and typically accumulate in response to dehydrating conditions, such as occur during drought, salt-stress, low temperatures, and during the late stages of embryogenesis. In C. sericea, expression of these transcipts changed seasonally. Northern blot analysis detected high levels of transcript in October and January, and no detectable message in June.
Determining the Performance of Five Ornamental Grasses under Reduced Moisture Conditions
Authors: Cole James T. , Cole Janet C.
Published: January 2019

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the performance of five ornamental grass species under reduced moisture. This experiment was conducted in the greenhouse with three water treatments for each species: 1) Well-watered plants were irrigated daily throughout the experiment, 2) acclimated-plants were exposed to four drought cycles prior to a final drought period in which measurements were taken, and 3) non-acclimated plants received daily irrigation until undergoing a drought cycle in which measurements were taken. A drought cycle was defined as the time from irrigation until Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) measured 0 (zero). Preliminary observations determined the plants to be under severe stress, but capable of recovering at TDR measurements of 0. All plants were established from tillers of a single parent for each species. Two plants of each species for the three treatments were established in five blocks. Leaf water potential, osmotic potential, transpiration, stomatal resistance, and relative water content were measured during the drought cycle. At the end of the experiment the leaf area and root and shoot dry weights were determined, root to shoot ratio and leaf area ratio were calculated, and the plants were analyzed for macronutrient and micronutrient contents.
(Coriandrum sativum)
Authors: Morales-Payan J.P.
Published: January 2019

Treatment with short-chain alcohols such as methanol and ethanol have been found to stimulate the performance of a number of crops. Container experiments were conducted in the Dominican Republic to determine the effect of methanol and nitrogen (N) treatments on the yield of cilantro (Coriandrum sativum). Plants were individually grown in plastic containers (15 × 15 cm) filled with loamy clay soil (4.3% organic matter) fertilized at planting with 20, 40, 60, and 80 kg N/ha. Methanol was sprayed in aqueous solutions (0%, 5%, 10%, and 15 %) when plants reached the three true leaf stage. A randomized complete-block design with a factorial arrangement and five replications was utilized. Cilantro plants were harvested 40 days after emergence and shoot fresh and dry weight were determined. Resulting data was subjected to analysis of variance and regression analysis. No significant nitrogen and methanol interactions were detected. In the range of rates tested in this study, methanol did not significantly influence cilantro shoot fresh or dry weight. Cilantro yields increased when N rates were increased from 20 to 40 kg per ha, reaching a plateau at higher N rates.
Nutrient Concentrations in Soil Solution in an Alfisol under Grapefruit Production
Authors: He Z.L. , Alva A.K. , Calvert D.V. , Banks D.J. , Li Y.C.
Published: January 2019

A field experiment was conducted in a Riviera fine sand (Alfisol) with 25-year-old `White Marsh' grapefruit trees on Sour orange rootstock to monitor the downward transport of nutrients from fertilization practices. Fertilizer was applied as either dry granular broadcast (three applications/year) or fertigation (15 applications/year) at N rates of 56, 112, 168, and 336 kg/ha per year using a N:P:K blend (1.0:0.17:1.0). Soil solution was sampled bi-weekly from suction lysimeters, installed under the tree canopy, about 120 cm from the tree trunk, at two depths representing above (120 cm) and below (180 cm) the hard pan. The concentrations of K, Ca, and Mg were greater at the 180- than at 120-cm depth, whereas, the converse was true with respect to the concentration of P in soil solution. Over a 2-year period, the mean concentrations of P and K varied from 0.031-0.976 and 150-250 mg·L–1, respectively. Increased rate of fertilization also appeared to increase the concentrations of Ca and Mg in the soil solution. This could be due to effects of slight acidification of the soil with increased rates of ammonium form of N. A parallel study on pH measurements has shown evidence of soil acidification, under the tree canopy, with increased rates of ammonium fertilization. In a bedded grove, the soil solution above the hard pan is likely to seep into the water furrow, which is discharged into the drainage water.
Relation of Nightshades (Solanaceae) to Arthritis
Authors: Childers Norman F. , Margoles Michael S.
Published: January 2019

Diet appears to be a factor in the etiology of arthritis based on surveys of more than 1400 volunteers during a 25-year period. Plants in the drug family, Solanaceae (nightshades) are an important causative factor in arthritis in sensitive people. This family includes potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.), eggplant (Solanum melongena L.), tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.), and peppers (Capsicum sp.) of all kinds, except black pepper (family, Piperaceae). A buildup of cholinesterase-inhibiting glycoalkaloids and steroids from consumption and/or use (tobacco) of the nightshades and from other sources such as caffeine and some pesticides (organophosphates and carbamates) may cause inflammation, muscle spasms, pain, and stiffness. Osteoarthritis appears to be a result of long-term consumption and/or use of the Solanaceae, which contain naturally the active metabolite vitamin D3, which in excess causes crippling and early disability (as seen in livestock). Rigid omission of Solanaceae, with other minor diet adjustments, has resulted in positive to marked improvement in arthritis and general health.
In Vitro Establishment of Powdery Mildew (Microsphaera pulchra) on Microshoots of Flowering Dogwood
Authors: Klein L.A. , Windham M.T. , Trigiano R.N.
Published: January 2019

Microshoot and callus cultures of Cornus florida (flowering dogwood), which were grown on woody plant medium amended with BA, were inoculated with Microsphaera pulchra (an obligate plant parasite) by gently shaking infected leaves bearing numerous conidia over the tissue. Culture dishes were sealed with parafilm and incubated at 24 °C with 25 mol·m–2·s–1 provided by cool fluorescent bulbs for 15 h. Cultures were examined with a dissecting scope every 24 h and cultures transferred when contaminating fungi were present. Specimens were prepared light microscopy and SEM. The fungus infected individual callus cells, but did not sporulate. In contrast, powdery mildew was well-established (both primary and secondary hyphae) in 70% of the microshoot cultures after 6 days and sporulated on 20% by 7 to 8 days. The cellular relationship between host and pathogen in vitro was similar to that found in greenhouse-grown plants. This technique has possible applications in maintaining fungal culture collections and studying host–pathogen relationships under more stringently controlled conditions.
Oklahoma Gardening—Extension Horticulture Education Through Television
Authors: Hillock David A. , Simons Brenda R.
Published: January 2019

In an era of shrinking Extension resources the question of how to reach large audiences with horticulture information is a pressing concern. Now in its 23rd year, Oklahoma Gardening is an example of spreading Extension information to large audiences through television. Oklahoma Gardening is produced cooperatively by the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service, the Dept. of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, and the Dept. of Ag. Education, Communication, 4-H and Youth Development. The show offers traditional how-to information about gardening, lawn care, and landscaping, as well as up-to-date university research on horticulture. Extension specialists from other disciplines such as entomology, plant pathology, human environmental sciences, and soils frequently contribute to the show fostering cooperation between these programs. Weekly, Oklahoma Gardening reaches more than 175,000 viewers in Oklahoma and surrounding states. County Extension Educators are kept informed of programming and provided with support materials for each weekly show. They are also encouraged to provide input as to content and needs in their particular area of the state. In addition, consumer horticulture programming and show content are closely tied and the show serves as a bulletin board for horticulture related events coordinated by the extension service.
Developing and Implementing a Field Trip Course in Public Gardens
Authors: Bradley Jennifer Campbell
Published: January 2019

Public gardens, including public parks, botanical gardens, and arboreta are significant tourism destinations with increasingly popular appeal. In the United States alone, the number of gardens is continuing to rise impressively. Undeniably, there is a need for trained and educated horticulturists who can enter the horticulture industry, specifically in the area of public garden management. At the Univ. of Florida, a new course, ORH 4932, Public Gardens was offered. This course was designed with a field trip emphasis to help students visually understand and appreciate the value and diversity of such gardens. Students taking the course had an opportunity to visit and tour various gardens throughout the state of Florida. At the same time, students learned about the history, management, collections, and importance of such institutions to society. This session will explore the value of student experiences in the learning process, present an overview of how to develop a field trip class, and provide information to other educators interested in offering such a course.
Annual Evapotranspiration and Crop Coefficients of Ligustrum japonica Growing in Three Container Sizes
Authors: Beeson R.C.
Published: January 2019

The objective of this study was to determine crop coefficients (KC) for Ligustrum japonica growing in three container sizes using the Penman equation to calculate reference evapotranspiration (ETR). Rooted cuttings were transplanted into 3-liter containers and upcanned as needed into 10- and 23-L containers. Production was scheduled such that a series of plants in each container size were about 2 months from commercial marketable size every 4 months. Beginning 1 Jan. 1995 until 31 Dec. 1996, three uniform plants of each size were suspended in weighing lysimeters and surrounded by similar size plants filling an area 3.7 by 4.9 m. Plants within each area were overhead irrigated at 2000 h as needed, based on a 30% moisture allowed deficit. Plants were exchanged every 4 months such that the annual mean size was that of a marketable plant. Actual evapotranspiration (ETA) was calculated from half-hour measurements of each plant's weight and adjusted for rainfall. From these and daily calculated ETR, KC were determined for each size of container. KCs ranged from 1.06 to 1.50 when ETA was converted to mm/day based on allocated bed space. Comparisons of volumes of supplemental irrigation to ETA and effects of assumptions required in converting ETA to mm/day will be discussed.
Stem Cold Hardiness, Leaf Heat Tolerance, Growth, and Performance of Six Japanese Maples (Acer palmatum) in Northern Illinois
Authors: Shirazi A.M.
Published: January 2019

Six different Japanese Maples (Acer palmatum) cultivars `Water Fall', `Burgundy Lace', `Crimson Queen', `Oshio-Beni', `SangoKaKu', and `Bloodgood' from Monrovia Nursery were planted in a randomized block design on 4 June 1997 at the The Morton Arboretum. Leaf heat tolerance was evaluated by measuring ion leakage of the leaf tissue at 25–60 °C in July, Aug., and Sept. 1997. The LT50 (the temperature at which 50% of the tissues were injured) of all the cultivars were higher in July (≈53 °C) and were lower in September (≈47 °C). Water content of the leaf tissues were higher in July compare to August and September and were not related to heat tolerance of most cultivars. Stem cold hardiness was performed by artificial freezing tests in Oct., Dec., and Feb. 1997/98. The Lowest Survival Temperature (LST) for the most hardy to least hardy cultivars in October and December were: `Burgundy Lace' (–15, –27 °C), `Bloodgood' (–18, –24 °C), `Oshio-Beni' (–15, –24 °C), `Crimson Queen' (–15, –18 °C), `Water Fall' (–9, –18 °C) and `SangoKaKu' (–9, –12 °C), respectively. Growth, dormancy development, spring budbreak and performance of these cultivars will be compared.
Molecular Markers Linked to Quantitative Trait Loci for Anthracnose Resistance in Tomato
Authors: Stommel John R. , Zhang Yiping
Published: January 2019

Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers linked to quantitative trait loci (QTL) involved in tomato anthracnose resistance were identified in an F2 population of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) segregating for anthracnose resistance. The F2 population was developed from the cross of an unadapted and small-fruited, but highly anthracnose-resistant L. esculentum accession and an adapted, but anthracnose-susceptible processing type tomato. Resistance to anthracnose caused by the fungal pathogen Colletotrichum coccodes is estimated to be controlled by at least three genes or chromosomal regions in this cross. One-thousand RAPD random primers and 64 AFLP primer pairs were screened for polymorphisms between the parental lines. Primers or primer pairs which differentiated the anthracnose resistant and susceptible parents were utilized to screen the F2 population for detection of QTL. Using single-factor analysis of variance, a number of markers, including six unmapped RAPD markers were identified that were significantly associated with resistance. Mapping of marker loci and their potential use in marker assisted breeding will be discussed.
Multiple Harvest Yield Response of Microirrigated Herbs to N and K Rates
Authors: Csizinszky A.A.
Published: January 2019

Italian parsley (parsley), Petroselinum crispum; summer savory (savory), Satureja hortensis; sweet marjoram (marjoram), Origanum majoranna; and thyme, Thymus vulgaris, were evaluated for their yield potential in multiple harvest during the fall–winter–spring (Nov.–June) 1995–96 and (Dec.–June) 1996–97. The herbs were grown with the full-bed polyethylene mulch-micro (trickle) irrigation system at 1x and 2 × N and K rates (1x = 0.86 N and 0.71 K, kg/ha per day). Phosphorous was applied pre-plant at 21 kgμha–1 P with both N and K rates. Parsley, savory, and thyme yields in the first harvest were similar with both N and K rates. Marjoram yields were higher (4.30 tμha–1) with the 2x than with the 1x N and K rate (2.55 tμha–1) (P < 0.05). For the season, parsley, marjoram, and thyme yields in 1995–96, and parsley and thyme yields in 1996–97 were higher with the 2x than with the 1x N and K rate. Savory yields in both years were similar with the 1x or the 2x N and K rate. Residual concentrations of macro- and micronutrients in the soil at the end of the season were similar with both N and K rates. In the shoots, macro and micronutrient concentrations for the same herb were similar with the two N and K rates. Very high concentrations of Cu, Fe, and Zn were found in the savory shoots at both N and K rates. Zinc concentrations were very high in parsley shoots.
Variability in Yield, Essential Oil Content and Seed Germination of Lometium dissectum
Authors: Letchamo W. , Krutilina V.S.
Published: January 2019

Lomatium dissectum (Torrey & Gray) Mathias & Constance, a perennial from the Apiaceae, has been among important traditional medicinal plants of the native North Americans for thousands of years. Preparations from the tuber are used to improve the general well-being, immune system, and adaptation. Its formulations with other herbs is used in cosmetics for skin regeneration, and treatment of psoriasis. L. dissectum is normally collected from the wild for commercial processing. As the demand for the raw material is increasing, there is a growing danger of genetic erosion of the wild species. In addition to this, wild collection does not guarantee regular availability, quality, and exact botanical identity. The objective of this investigation was, therefore, to study the variability in tuber and seed yield, essential oil content, and find effective method of increasing seed germination and develop improved cultivars, suitable for commercial cultivation. We found significant variations in tuber and seed yield/plant, and essential oil content in the tubers. The color of the oil varied from pale green to deep green.

The intensity and composition of the aroma of the oil obtained from individual plants was also found to vary significantly. We carried out investigations with microbial seed pretreatment under laboratory and field conditions, with varying concentrations and length of seed soaking. The microbial (RIBAV™) seed pretreatment for 20 min, at a concentration of 20% under laboratory conditions resulted in a 99.2% germination, while control variants had only 18% to 26% seed germination. Pretreated seeds took significantly less time for germination compared to the control. Similar results were recorded for seeds sown under field conditions. Seedlings from pretreated seeds showed vigorous growth and better field establishment, compared to the control variants.
Gamma-linolenic Acid Levels of Native Species of Evening Primrose (Oenothera)
Authors: Balch Sandra A. , McKenney Cynthia B. , Auld Dick L.
Published: January 2019

Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is an essential fatty acid that serves as a precursor for prostaglandin biosynthesis in humans. GLA was first extracted from the seed oils of evening primrose, and currently Oenothera biennis is the major commercial source of evening primrose oil. In this study, native species of the Onagraceae family occurring in semiarid regions of Texas were surveyed. Seeds from these native populations were collected and oil extracted for analyzation of fatty acid composition. Gamma-linolenic acid levels ranged from less than 1% to 8% and was species specific. GLA levels from field-grown plants from native seed were compared with GLA levels from corresponding native populations. Two species of native Oenothera were evaluated for relative levels of GLA over several harvest dates.
Hydrothermic Treatment Effects on Some Ripening Changes on Mango Fruits (Mangifera indica L) Crillo de Bocado' during Storage: I. Physical Parameters
Authors: Valor Oswaldo , Manzano Juan E
Published: January 2019

Mango fruits `Criollo de Bocado' harvested at the mature-green stage were treated with a hydrothermic treatment of 55 °C for 3 min and stored for 20 days to temperatures of 10 ± 2, 15 ± 2, and 28 ± 2 °C. A randomized design 2 × 3 × 4 with three replications was used. Physical parameters such as color (L*, a*, b*), firmnness, and fresh weight loss were studied. Results reported that mango fruits stored at 10.2 and 15.2 °C showed the highest firmness values. Skin color changed very fast during the first storage days, while pulp color required more time to achieve mature ripe color. Fresh weight loss tended to increase with storage time and with high storage temperature. The lowest storage temperture retarded softening in mango fruits and firmnness reached the highest values.
Nitrogen Demand of Cut Chrysanthemums in Relation to Shoot Height and Planting Date
Authors: Zerche Siegfried
Published: January 2019

Refined nutrient delivery systems are important for environmentally friendly production of cut flowers in both soil and hydroponic culture. They have to be closely orientated at the actual nutrient demand. To solve current problems, express analysis and nutrient uptake models have been developed in horticulture. However, the necessity of relatively laborious analysis or estimation of model input parameters have prevented their commercial use up to now. For this reason, we studied relationships between easily determinable parameters of plant biomass structure as shoot height, plant density and dry matter production as well as amount of nitrogen removal of hydroponically grown year-round cut chrysanthemums. In four experiments (planting dates 5.11.91; 25.3.92; 4.1.93; 1.7.93) with cultivar `Puma white' and a fixed plant density of 64 m2, shoots were harvested every 14 days from planting until flowering, with dry matter, internal N concentration and shoot height being measured. For each planting date, N uptake (y) was closely (r2 = 0.94; 0.93; 0.84; 0.93, respectively) related to shoot height (x) at the time of cutting and could be characterized by the equation y = a * × b. In the soilless cultivation system, dry matter concentrations of N remained constant over the whole growing period, indicating non-limiting nitrogen supply. In agreement with constant internal N concentrations, N uptake was linearly related (r2 = 0.94 to 0.99) to dry matter accumulation. It is concluded that shoot height is a useful parameter to include in a simple model of N uptake. However, in consideration of fluctuating greenhouse climate conditions needs more sophisticated approaches including processes such as water uptake and photosynthetically active radiation.
Living Mulch Strips as Habitats for Beneficial Insects in the Production of Cucurbits
Authors: Amirault Jean-Pierre , Caldwell John S.
Published: January 2019

Effects of cover crops managed as living mulch habitats on populations of cucumber beetles Acalymma vittatum Fabricius and Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi (Barber) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) and arthropod predators were assessed at the Virginia Tech Kentland experimental farm and a local farmer's field in 1994 and 1995. In 1994, spring-planted strips of two living mulch mixtures, oats/vetch (Arvena sativa/Vicia atropurpurea) and oats/white clover (A. sativa/Trifoliium repens), and straw mulch between rows of cucumber cv. Pointsett and an heirloom pumpkin cultivar were compared to non-mulched plots in a randomized complete-block design. Counts of the predator Pennsylvania leatherwing, Chauliognathus pennsylvanicus (Coleoptera: Cantharidae) on yellow sticky traps were 2.7 to 10 times greater in living mulch treatments, compared to plots with cucurbits alone or with straw mulch (P = 0.0040 in 1994 and P = 0.0085 in 1995). In 1995, counts of Harpalus spp. (Coleoptera: Carabidae) in buckwheat Fagopyrum esculentum (Moench) living mulch treatments were twice those in the plots with the crop alone, and cucumber beetle counts were 60% lower (P = 0.0165) in the mulched habitats. Crop yields were depressed in living mulch treatments, but a twin-row planting system (5:3 crop: habitat ratio) with buckwheat gave yields 4.8 times greater than the single-row system (3:5 crop: habitat ratio) initially used in 1994. These yields were 72% of yields in the control using conventional practices. These results indicate that strip cropping has the potential to maintain cucumber beetle populations below threshold levels, but that more management research is needed to obtain economically viable yields.
New Hybrid Tomato For Summer Season In Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman A.K.M. Matiar , Hossain S.M.M. , Islam Md. Shahidul
Published: January 2019

Tomato is a winter vegetable in Bangladesh. The production of tomato in summer is limited because of high temperature, heavy rainfall and severe infestation of diseases. Recently Bangladesh Agricultural Research Inst. developed two varieties of tomato that can set fruits in summer with the application of Tomatotone (Parachloro phenoxy aceticacid) but, the yield is poor (24 t/ha). Hence, a program was initiated to develop hybrid tomatoes that can set fruits at high temperature without Tomatotone. In 1995 winter season half dialel crosses were made between seven selected inbred lines. Hybrid seeds of all crosses were collected and tested in 1996 summer season along with the parents. All the hybrids gave higher yield over the parents. The hybrid line TM0832 was the highest yielder and produced 424.7% higher yield over the better parent. Selected hybrids were further put into regional yield trial in Summer 1997 with the control variety BARI Tomato-4. TM0832 performed better in all the locations and produced 146.45% higher yield over the control. The distinguishing morphological characters of the hybrids are dwarf plants with less foliage coverage and profuse bearing (70–75 fruits/plant). Fruits of TM0832 matured in 60–65 days after transplanting and harvesting continued for a month. Fruits are globose, medium in size, solid and developed uniform red colour at maturity. Fruits have shelf life of 20 days at an ambient summer environment. The plants showed high degree of tolerance to bacterial wilt.
Contract Growing for the Export-oriented Cut Flowers Industry in Turkey
Authors: Brumfield Robin G. , Ozkan Burhan , Karagüzel Osman
Published: January 2019

Thirty cut flower businesses were surveyed in 1997 to examine the production structure and main problems of export-oriented contract growing in Turkey. The survey was conducted in Antalya province, which is the center of export-oriented cut flower production in Turkey. The results of the research provided insight into how Turkish cut flower-contracted growers were managing some of the key areas of their operations. The study also provided the opportunity for growers to highlight their concerns about contract growing for export-oriented cut flower production. The survey showed that contract growers do not use specific performance indicators relevant to cut flower production. The product price received by the contract growers was determined by the export companies. These export companies receive flowers from growers mainly on consignment. After exporting the products, exporters periodically pay the grower, subtracting a commission for their services and other marketing expenses. Contract growers are essentially price takers in the transactions. The business procedure from production to price setting and marketing was not in the hands of the contract growers. Therefore, the trading risks are essentially borne by the contract growers. The main concerns raised by contract growers were the current consignment system, cost of the plant materials, and the late payment for the sold products.
Developing a Quality Index for New Cherry Cultivars Growing in the San Joaquin Valley
Authors: Crisosto Gayle M. , Crisosto Carlos H. , Southwick Steve , Garner David
Published: January 2019

Sensory evaluation studies including trained panel and consumer in-store acceptance tests were carried out to develop a quality index for early cherry cultivars. A trained taste panel was used to study how cherry physical parameters are related to the perception of sweetness, sourness, and cherry flavor. Based on this information, we conducted an in-store consumer test. In the in-store consumer test, `Brooks' cherries with a SSC ≥17% were accepted by significantly more consumers than `Brooks' cherries with an SSC of ≤16%. `Brooks' cherries with a SSC of 17 to <20% were “liked” by 74.2% of the consumers tested. When the SSC was ≥20%, 96% of the consumers tested “liked” them, while only 12.6% acceptance for cherries with a SSC <16%. There were no significant differences in acceptance of cherries with SSC ≥17% between genders. However, when the SSC was ≤16%, significantly more female than male consumers “liked” them, 17.5% vs. 2.6%, respectively. A 4-year orchard survey on the relationship between skin color and SSC is also discussed.
Effect of Biostimulants on Drought Tolerance of Ornamental Annuals
Authors: Geer S.A. , Smalley T.J. , Rieger M.W.
Published: January 2019

This study determined the effect of the granular humate Earthgreen (Menefee Mining Corp., Dallas) and the biostimulant ROOTS2™ (LISA Products Corp., New Haven, Conn.) on drought tolerance of the ornamental annuals Impatiens wallerana `Accent White' and Salvia splendens `Red Hot Sally'. Earthgreen was incorporated into the soil and ROOTS2™ applied as a root drench at transplanting and 30 days after transplanting, Transplants were established in greenhouse beds under irrigated conditions for 8 weeks, then subjected to a five week drought. Data indicates rates of 43.9 and 87.9 g·m–2 of Earthgreen or 300 ml of 1% or 2% ROOTS2™ per plant had no significant effect on Salvia shoot dry weight or chlorophyll content of Salvia or Impatiens at the end of the 8-week establishment period. However, Salvia flower dry weight was significantly increased with the higher rate of Earthgreen. During the 5-week drought, Earthgreen or ROOTS2™ did not significantly affect xylem pressure potential of Salvia or relative water content of Impatiens. After the 5-week drought no significant effect of either product on shoot dry weight of Salvia or Impatiens or flower dry weight of Salvia was observed.
The Effects of Drought on Leaf Gas Exchange and Growth of Three Species of Herbaceous Perennials
Authors: Prevete K.J. , Fernandez R.T.
Published: January 2019

Three species of herbaceous perennials were tested on their ability to withstand and recover from drought stress periods of 2, 4, and 6 days. Eupatorium rugosum and Boltonia asteroides `Snowbank' were chosen because of their reported drought intolerance, while Rudbeckia triloba was chosen based on its reported drought tolerance. Drought stress began on 19 Sept. 1997. Plants were transplanted into the field the day following the end of each stress period. The effects of drought on transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, and net photosynthetic rate were measured during the stress and throughout recovery using an infrared gas analysis system. Leaf gas exchange measurements were taken through recovery until there were no differences between the stressed plants and the control plants. Transpiration, stomatal conductance, and photosynthesis of Rudbeckia and Boltonia were not affected until 4 days after the start of stress. Transpiration of Eupatorium decreased after 3 days of stress. After rewatering, leaf gas exchange of Boltonia and Rudbeckia returned to non-stressed levels quicker than Eupatorium. Growth measurements were taken every other day during stress, and then weekly following transplanting. Measurements were taken until a killing frost that occurred on 3 Nov. There were no differences in the growth between the stressed and non-stressed plants in any of the species. Plants will be monitored throughout the winter, spring, and summer to determine the effects of drought on overwintering capability and regrowth.