bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early Defoliation Reduces Flower Bud Counts on Rabbiteye Blueberry
Authors: Lyrene Paul M.
Published: February 2019

Vigorous, upright shoots on mature V. ashei Reade cv. Aliceblue plants growing in a commercial field planting were used to study the effects of premature defoliation on flower bud formation. Three treatments (total shoot defoliation, alternate-node defoliation, and no defoliation) were applied on each of three dates (20 Aug., 17 Sept., and 15 Oct. 1987). For the August defoliation, the number of flower buds present per shoot on 6 Jan. of the following year averaged 1.3 for shoots that were totally defoliated, 3.7 for shoots on which alternate nodes had been defoliated, and 4.2 for control (nondefoliated) shoots. Shoots treated on 17 Sept. averaged 2.6 buds per shoot for total defoliation, 4.1 for alternate-node defoliation, and 4.8 for controls. Defoliation on 15 Oct. did not reduce flower bud formation. Reduction in flower bud formation due to defoliation was localized at the defoliated nodes. For shoots on which alternate nodes were defoliated on 20 Aug., 59.8% of the apical five nodes that were not defoliated produced flower buds compared with 1.4% of the defoliated nodes.
N, P, and K Rates and Leaf Tissue Standards for Optimum Anthurium andraeanum Flower Production
Authors: Higaki Tadashi , Imamura Joanne S. , Paull Robert E.
Published: February 2019

The optimum fertilizer levels of N, P, and K for flower production of field-grown Anthurium andraeanum Andre in Hawaii were determined. Applications were at 0, 224, and 448 kg·ha-1·year-1 with all combinations of each nutrient level. Optimum flower production was achieved at 312N-448P-375K kg·ha-l·year-1. Increased N and K application resulted in a linear increase in flower size. Flower stem length also increased with increasing N, P, and K rates. Maximum flower yield occurred when leaf-tissue levels were 1.87% N, 0.17% P, and 2.07% K. Flower stem length and flower size were at their maximum with leaf N at 1.59% and 1.67% and K at 2.20% and 1.86%, respectively. No relationship was observed between leaf percent P, flower size, or stem length. A range of leaf-tissue levels associated with optimum anthurium flower production was determined for Ca, Mg, B, Mn, Fe, Zn, Cu, and Mo).
Fungicides as Foliar Sprays or Rooting Cube Soaks in Propagation of Poinsettia
Authors: Benson D.M.
Published: February 2019

Several fungicides, including benomyl, flutolanil, iprodione, metalaxyl, and a mixture of metalaxyl and benomyl that control rhizoctonia stem rot (Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn) of poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherriman Willd. ex Kl.) were evaluated for inhibition of poinsettia root initials and suppression of root elongation. Fungicides were applied as either foliar sprays to poinsettia cuttings in rooting cubes or as soaks of rooting cubes before sticking of cuttings. Rooting cube soaks of iprodione and benomyl and fungicide sprays of iprodione, benomyl, and chlorothalonil inhibited root initiation as measured by root counts 28 days after sticking cuttings. However, root elongation as measured by root rating was similar for all fungicides and the untreated control at 28 days. Plant height of rooted poinsettia cuttings transplanted to 400-cm3 pots was significantly less (P = 0.05) only for cuttings sprayed initially with iprodione, but not for rooting cubes soaked in iprodione 58 days after transplanting. The inhibitory effect of other fungicides on root initiation did not appear to affect plant growth once plants were transplanted. Chemical names used: methyl 1-(butyl-carbamoyl)-2-benzimidazolecarbamate (benomyl); tetrachloroisophthalonitrile (chlorothalonil); N -[3-(methylethoxy)phenyl]-2-(trifluoromethyl)benzamide (flutolanil); 3-(3,5dichlorophenyl)N -(lmethylethyl)-2,4-dioxo-l-imidazolidinecarboxamide (iprodione); N -(2,6-dimethylphyenyl)N -(methoxyacetyl) alanine methyl ester (metalaxyl).
Chlorophyll Fluorescence as a Nondestructive Indicator of Freshness in Harvested Broccoli
Authors: Toivonen Peter M.A.
Published: February 2019

Chlorophyll “a” fluorescence (Fvar) was compared with respiration and vitamin C content of broccoli [Brassica oleracea L. (Botrytis group)] during storage at 1C. The amplitude of the Fvar maxima declined in a similar manner as respiration and vitamin C content. Fvar was highly correlated with respiration (r = 0·83, P > = 0·0001). The correlation of Fvar with vitamin C content was weaker (r = 0·42, P > = 0·0002). The results demonstrate that Fvar is an indicator of postharvest changes in broccoli and that Fvar can be used as a nondestructive indicator of early changes in tissue condition (i.e., degree of freshness) of broccoli in storage.
Use of Isoenzyme Analysis to Characterize Raspberry Cultivars and Detect Cultivar Mislabeling
Authors: Cousineau Johanne C. , Donnelly Danielle J.
Published: February 2019

Isoenzyme staining was used to characterize 55 of 78 raspberry cultivars (Rubus idaeus L., R. × neglectus Peck, and R. occidentalis L.). Six enzymes were needed to achieve this characterization: isocitrate dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase, phosphoglucoisomerase, phosphoglucomutase, shikimic acid dehydrogenase, arid triose phosphate isomerase. The 23 cultivars that were not uniquely characterized were grouped into eight groups of two and two groups of three and four. Two of these groups comprised black raspberry cultivars, all of which were similar isozymically. Isoenzymes could not distinguish between the cultivar Willamette and a spine-free mutant of the cultivar. Analysis of cultivars obtained from several sources revealed that raspberry cultivar mislabeling exists but is not very prevalent. Regular isoenzyme analysis of raspberry cultivars held by germplasm repositories, certified and other propagators, and breeders is both feasible and advisable for early detection of cultivar mislabeling.
In Vitro Micropropagation for Maintenance of Mycoplasma-like Organisms in Infected Plant Tissues
Authors: Bertaccini Assunta , Davis Robert E. , Lee Ing Ming
Published: February 2019

A collection of mycoplasma-like organisms (MLOs) was maintained in plant tissues micropropagated in vitro. MLO-infected plants included Chrysanthemum frutescens L. with chyrsanthemum yellows disease, Gladiolus sp. L. with “germ fins,” Hydrangea macrophilla (Thunb.) DC. with virescence, Rubus fruticosus L. with rubus stunt, and periwinkle [Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don] singly infected by the following MLOs: Italian periwinkle virescence, chrysanthemum yellows, North American aster yellows, Italian periwinkle stunt, American periwinkle little leaf. Shoots micropropagated in vitro exhibited symptoms of little-leaf and/or abnormal proliferation of axillary shoots resulting in “witches' broom” appearance that resembled symptoms in grafttransmitted greenhouse-grown or naturally infected field-collected plants. These symptoms, typical of infection by MLOs, were not observed in micropropagated healthy shoots of the same plant species, and, compared with the healthy ones, varied with MLO strain and host plant species. Dot hybridizations with a nonradioactive cloned DNA probe provided evidence for the presence of MLOs in propagated tissues through serial subcultures.
Developmental Stage Affects Nutrient Uptake by Four Snapdragon Cultivars
Authors: Hood Teresa M. , Mills Harry A. , Thomas Paul A.
Published: February 2019

Nutrient uptake by `Apache', `Jersey City', `Peoria', and `Philadelphia' snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus L.) was compared at three developmental stages: Stage I, vegetative to bud initiation; Stage II, bud initiation to visible bud; and Stage III, visible bud to anthesis. Significant differences in uptake occurred between one or more developmental stages for all nutrients tested: -N, -N, B, Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, P, and Zn. Uptake of most of the nutrients increased or remained high during Stage III. These results indicate that the current cultural practice of stopping fertilization at bud elongation should be reexamined. Differences in uptake between cultivars were found only for -N, as uptake by `Apache' was significantly higher than uptake by `Philadelphia'.
Tolerance of Apple and Peach Trees to Triclopyr
Authors: Derr Jeffrey F.
Published: February 2019

The tolerance of newly planted apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) and peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] trees to the postemergence herbicide triclopyr was evaluated infield trials. Apple and peach trees were not injured by triclopyr applied at rates ranging from 0.28 to 1.12 kg acid equivalent (a.e.)/ha as a directed spray to soil. No injury was observed following direct application of 10 ml of a triclopyr solution at 2 g a.e./liter to the lower bark of either tree species. Applications of that solution to an individual branch injured or killed the treated apple or peach branch but did not affect the rest of the tree. No reduction in tree growth or injury was noted 1 year after triclopyr application. Applications of 10 ml of a glyphosate solution at 15 g a.i./liter to an apple branch caused severe injury and a growth reduction by 1 year after application, and killed all treated peach trees when applied to one branch. No triclopyr or 2,4-D treatment had affected apple or peach trunk diameter, number of branches, or tree size 1 year after application. Chemical names used: N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine (glyphosate); [(3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinyl)oxy]acetic acid (triclopyr); (2,4-dichlorophenoxy)acetic acid (2,4-D).
Root Distribution and Mineral Uptake of Coarse-rooted Trees Grown in Cupric Hydroxide-treated Containers
Authors: Arnold Michael A. , Struve Daniel K.
Published: February 2019

Seedlings of nine coarse-rooted species–sawtooth oak (Quercus acutissima Carruth), white oak (Q. alba L.), cherrybark oak (Q. falcata var. pagodifolia Elliott), post oak (Q. stellata Wangenh.), black walnut (Juglans nigra L.), pignut hickory [Carya glabra (Mill.) Sweet], pecan [C. illinoinensis (Wangenh.) C. Koch], Chinese chestnut (Castanea mollissima Blume), and common baldcypress [Taxodium distichum (L.) L. Rich]—were grown for one growing season in nontreated containers or in containers treated on their interior surfaces with white interior latex paint containing 100 g Cu(OH)2/liter. Seedlings of each species and container treatment were harvested twice: once after being transplanted from 3.2- to 15.0-liter containers and at the end of the growing season. Cupric hydroxide-treated containers decreased the amount of circled, kinked, and matted roots formed at the container wall-medium interface in all species tested. Plants grown in Cu(OH)2-treated containers also had altered root dry-weight partitioning. The partitioning patterns were species specific and included 6% to 20% increases in the percentage of root dry weight in interior vs. exterior portions of the rootball (white oak, black walnut, Chinese chestnut, and baldcypress), 10% to 21% increases in the percentage of root dry weight in upper vs. lower halves of the rootball (sawtooth oak, cherrybark oak, black walnut, and baldcypress), and an increase in the percentage of primary lateral roots (lateral roots originating from taproots or roots functioning as taproots) on the upper (proximal) half of taproots (cherrybark oak, pecan, and baldcypress). Nutrients in leaves, stems, and roots of sawtooth oak seedlings were analyzed at both harvests. Seedlings grown in Cu(OH)2-treated containers had more Cu in most plant tissues than nontreated seedlings. Also, seedlings grown in Cu(OH)2-treated containers had higher total Ca and Mg concentrations at transplanting and higher total N and Zn concentrations at the end of the growing season than nontreated seedlings.
Photoperiod, Temperature, and Plant Age Interact to Affect Short-day Onion Cold Hardiness
Authors: Warnock D.F. , Randle W.M. , Lindstrom O.M.
Published: February 2019

Proper acclimation of onion (Allium cepa L.) seedlings can enhance winter freeze survival; therefore, the effects of photoperiod-temperature combinations, photoperiod, and plant age on the cold hardiness of short-day onions were investigated. Following acclimation at various photoperiod-temperature regimes, different-aged plants were frozen to various subzero temperatures in an ethylene glycol bath and evaluated for cold hardiness. Older plants were more cold hardy than younger plants. An 11-hour photoperiod-decreasing temperature (20/15 to 10/5C day/night) treatment improved plant cold hardiness over other photoperiod-temperature regimes. Various photoperiods (8-, 11-, 14-, and 24-hour) applied during a 14-day, 3C acclimation treatment before freezing had little effect on plant cold hardiness. However, day 7 foliar and day 14 root evaluations indicated that 81-day-old plants given an 8- or 11-hour photoperiod during the 3C acclimation treatment were less cold hardy than older plants (91 or 112 days) given the same acclimation photoperiod.
Cranberry Stomatal Conductivity
Authors: Croft Paul J. , Shulman Mark D. , Avissar Roni
Published: February 2019

Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ericaceae Ait.) stomatal conductivity (SC) was investigated in the field to examine plant response as a function of weather conditions. Measurements were made during fruit maturation on 14 days between 0540 and 1710 h r, as weather conditions permitted. SC ranged from 0.02 to 0.08 cm·s-1 and was much lower than for most other crops. Scatter plots of SC vs. leaf temperature by day indicated only a weak linear relationship. When the data were stratified by time of day and by clear and overcast skies, several significant Pearson correlation coefficients suggested a stomatal response. The findings, when combined with current knowledge of the physical structure of cranberry stomata, suggest that cranberries behave as xeromorphic plants.
Freezing Resistance of Progeny from Open-pollinated Pummelo × Trifoliate Orange Citrus Hybrids
Authors: Yelenosky G. , Hutchison D. , Barrett H.
Published: February 2019

Ten-month-old seedlings, grown from seed extracted from 22 individual pummelo [Citrus grandis (L.) Osbeck] × trifoliate orange [Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf.] citrus hybrid trees that survived -15C freezes near Monticello, Fla., were cold-acclimated in controlled-environment rooms and freeze-tested at -6.7C for 4 h. Freeze damage to open-pollinated progeny was ranked by the number of uninjured seedlings and percentage of leaves killed and wood dieback. Morphological segregation was not associated with differences in freeze survival, and the dominant trifoliate gene was readily evident. Progeny from one tree, identified as 98-71, are considered the most likely candidates for further study in developing cold-hardy citrus trees.
Applicability of Reporter Genes to Carnation Transformation
Authors: Vainstein Alexander , Fisher Morly , Ziv Meira
Published: February 2019

The applicability of β- glucuronidase and chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporter genes to a carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) transformation procedure, was analyzed. Transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) plants expressing the respective reporter genes were prepared and used as the enzyme source. Carnation leaf extract strongly inhibited enzymatic activity of β- glucuronidase, but not that of chloramphenicol acetyltransferase. One or more carnation phenolic compounds, acting in a noncompetitive manner, is suggested as the cause of the observed inhibition of fluorometrically assayed β- glucuronidase activity. This inhibition was eliminated by treating the carnation leaf extract with polyvinylpolypyrrolidone.
Response of Chinese Cabbage to Nitrogen Rate and Source in Sequential Plantings
Authors: Vavrina Charles S. , Obreza Thomas A. , Cornell John
Published: February 2019

`Tropical Quick' Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa L., Pekinensis Group) was planted three times at 2-week intervals in Spring 1991 (direct-seeded) and two times in Fall 1991 (transplanted) in double rows on polyethylene-mulched beds to evaluate N source and rates. Calcium nitrate, ammonium nitrate, urea, urea-ammonium nitrate solution (Uran), and urea-calcium solution (Nitro-Pius) were applied preplant at 67,112, and 157 kg N/ha. The two later spring planting dates, compared with the earliest date, resulted in greater head fresh weights and higher insect damage incidence, but lower tipburn and flowering incidence. The earlier fall planting resulted in greater head fresh weight but a much higher flowering incidence than the later planting. Irrespective of planting date, head fresh weight increased quadratically, and tipburn and flowering incidence decreased linearly with increasing N rate. Although N source affected head fresh weight and tipbum incidence, differences were too small to be of practical value.
Celery Yield Responds to Phosphorus Rate But Not Phosphorus Placement on Histosols
Authors: Espinoza L. , Sanchez C.A. , Schueneman T.J.
Published: February 2019

Four field experiments were conducted during two production seasons to evaluate soil-test P fertilizer recommendations for celery (Apium graveolens var. dulce) produced on Histosols, which often are linked hydrologically to environmentally sensitive wetlands, and to evaluate band placement as a strategy for improving P fertilizer-use efficiency in celery in such areas. Phosphorus was applied (broadcast or banded) at 0,50, 100,150, and 200 kg P/ha. Broadcast P was surface-applied and disked into the soil ≈ 15 cm deep 1 day before planting. Banded P was applied 5 cm below the soil surface and 5 cm to the side of each celery row. Total above-ground mass, marketable trimmed yield of celery, and yield of the larger grade sizes increased with P rate in all experiments. Band P placement was not a viable strategy for improving P fertilizer-use efficiency for celery. However, our results indicate that previous soil-test-based P fertilizer recommendations for celery were too high for the cultivars grown currently, and improved P fertilizer-use efficiency can be obtained with revised soil-test calibrations.
Comparison of Fusarium solani and F. oxysporum as Causal Agents of Fruit Rot and Root Rot of Muskmelon
Authors: Champaco E.R. , Martyn R.D. , Miller M.E.
Published: February 2019

Rotting muskmelon fruits commonly are associated with commercial fields that are affected by the root rot/vine decline disease syndrome found in southern Texas. Four isolates of Fusarium solani previously shown to be either weakly pathogenic or nonpathogenic to muskmelon seedlings caused extensive rot on mechanically wounded muskmelon fruits. Two of these isolates caused more extensive fruit rot than either F. solani (Mart.) Sacc. f. sp. cucurbitae W.C. Snyder & H.N. Hans. or F. oxysporum Schlechtend.:Fr. melonis (Leach & Currence) W.C. Snyder & H.N. Hans., causal agents of fusarium crown and foot rot of cucurbits and fusarium wilt of muskmelon, respectively. In other tests, root-dip inoculation of seedlings showed that all muskmelon cultigens included in this study and the breeding line MR-1 were susceptible to a California and an Arkansas strain of F. s. f. sp. cucurbitae race 1.
Anti-ethylene Treatments for Potted Christmas Cactus-Efficacy of Inhibitors of Ethylene Action and Biosynthesis
Authors: Serek Margrethe , Reid Michael S.
Published: February 2019

Spraying flowering plants of Schlumbergera truncata (Haw.) `White Christmas' with aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG), an inhibitor of ethylene biosynthesis, did not prevent the rapid loss of flower buds caused by exposure to 1 μl of ethylene/liter. Treatment with the silver thiosulfate anionic complex (STS) strongly inhibited such effects. The rate of bud drop in ethylene-free air (interior environment room) was somewhat reduced by AVG treatment, although total display life of treated plants was not significantly different from that of the controls. STS treatment reduced the rate of bud drop, and increased display life by 20 %.
Relationships between Postharvest Water Loss and Physical Properties of Pepper Fruit (Capsicum annuum L.)
Authors: Lownds N.K. , Banaras M. , Bosland P.W.
Published: February 2019

Physical characteristics [initial water content, surface area, surface area: volume (SA: V) ratio, cuticle weight, epicuticular wax content, and surface morphology] were examined to determine relationships between physical properties and water-loss `rate in pepper fruits. `Keystone', `NuMex R Naky', and `Santa Fe Grande' peppers, differing in physical characteristics, were stored at 8, 14, or 20C. Water-loss rate increased linearly with storage time at each temperature and was different for each cultivar. Water-loss rate was positively correlated with initial water content at 14 and 20C, SA: V ratio at all temperatures, and cuticle thickness at 14 and 20C. Water-loss rate was negatively correlated with surface area and epicuticular wax content at all temperatures. Stomata were absent on the fruit surface, and epicuticular wax was amorphous for each cultivar.
Production of Reliable Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) Markers from DNA of Woody Plants
Authors: Levi Amnon , Rowland Lisa J. , Hartung John S.
Published: February 2019

A procedure for identifying reproducible RAPD markers from woody plant DNA is presented. The procedure relies on using a PCR buffer that contains 1% Triton-X-100 and 0.1 % gelatin [previously described for successful polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of 16S/23S rRNA intergenic spacer regions from eubacteria], and amplification conditions of 50 cycles: 30 sec at 94C, 70 sec at 48C, and 120 sec at 72C. The combination of this buffer and these conditions amplified consistent fragments in higher amounts, as compared to other standard PCR buffers and conditions generally used for RAPD analysis. This procedure resulted in reliable RAPD patterns for all organisms tested. Chemical name used: α-[4-(1,1,3,3,-tetramethylbutyl)phenyl]-cohydroxypoly(oxy-l,2-ethanediyl) (Triton-X-l00).
Lipid Content and Fatty Acids of Pecan Pollen
Authors: Thompson Tommy E. , Senter Samuel D. , Grauke L.J.
Published: February 2019

Pollen from five cultivars of pecans [Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch] was analyzed for cytoplasmic lipid classes and constituent fatty acids. Lipid classes in all cultivars included free fatty acids, triglycerides, and the phosphatide of inositol, serine, choline, glycerol, and ethanolamine. Triglycerides were the predominant class of lipids in all cultivars analyzed. Gas chromatography and mass spectral analysis were used to identify and quantify the fatty acids, which included palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, and linolenic. Quantities of individual and total fatty acids varied greatly and were influenced significantly by cultivar, year, and location, as well as by interactions of main effects The percent composition of individual fatty acids was remarkably stable, despite wide variation in quantities of fatty acids. Therefore, pollen fatty acid ratios may be a valuable measure of taxonomic relationship across Carya sp. Total fatty acids varied from 2.53% to 0.25% of dry weight. Variability in stored energy in the form of lipids may affect orchard production.
Pretransplant Watermelon Nutrition with Various Nitrate: Ammonium Ratios and Supplemental Calcium
Authors: Lamb M.J. , Clough G.H. , Hemphill D.D.
Published: February 2019

Watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. and Nakai `Crimson Sweet'] was seeded in a commercial peat medium in multicell containers. Five NO3: NH4 ratios and five levels of supplemental Ca were combined factorially in a 100N-31P-265K mg·liter-1 pretransplant nutrition regime. The medium was amended with CaCO3 in 1989; the medium was not amended in 1990. Dry-matter accumulation had decreased with increasing NH4-N 3 weeks after seeding both years. In 1989, increasing NH4-N also had decreased seedling growth by the last sampling date due to decreased NH+4 uptake. Shoot N concentration was higher in 1990 than 1989, but N uptake was similar. On the first sampling date in both years, increasing the Ca concentration decreased seedling growth and increased medium electrical conductivity (EC). In 1990, increasing the Ca concentration raised shoot N concentration but did not increase seedling growth or N uptake. Either N form at 100 mg N/liter and Ca at 4 to 8 mmol·liter-1 were optimal for watermelon transplant production, but Ca at >8 mmol·liter-1 suppressed transplant growth.
Ethylene Production and Fruit-softening Rates in Several Apple Fruit Ripening Variants
Authors: Gussman Christopher D. , Goffreda Joseph C. , Gianfagna Thomas J.
Published: February 2019

Ethylene production and fruit softening during postharvest storage of several apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) ripening variants were compared with two standard cultivars. PA14-238 and D101-110 produced only low levels of ethylene (<10 μl·kg–1·hour–1) at harvest and throughout most of 86 days of storage at 4C, whereas `Red Chief Delicious' and `Golden Delicious' fruit produced >100 μl ethylene/kg per hour during the same time period. PA14-238 and D101-110 flesh disks converted aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) but not methionine (MET) to ethylene. `Red Chief Delicious' readily converted both MET and ACC to ethylene at the end of cold storage. PA14-238 fruit were the firmest and did not soften during postharvest storage; however, D101-110 softened appreciably. NJ55 did not produce ethylene at harvest, but produced a significant amount of ethylene (90 μl·kg–1·hour–1) during storage. Despite its high capacity to produce ethylene, NJ55 remained nearly as firm as PA14-238 at the end of cold storage.
Tomato Fruit Chilling Tolerance in Relation to Internal Atmosphere after Return to Ambient Temperature
Authors: Bergevin M. , L'Heureux G.P. , Willemot C.
Published: February 2019

Mature-green `Vedette' tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) fruit were stored with (+P) or without (-P) peduncles at 1C. During storage and after return to ambient temperature, pigment content and electrolyte leakage of pericarp tissue and fruit internal atmosphere composition were monitored. The +P fruit showed severe chilling injury (CI) symptoms-shriveling and brown discoloration of the surface-on transfer to 20C after at least 8 days of exposure to low temperature. The chilling-injured fruit did not ripen normally; i.e., pigmentation did not change at 20C. The -P fruit were largely unaffected and ripened normally at 20C. Severely injured tomatoes showed an apparent decrease in electrolyte leakage after transfer to ambient temperature. The CO, content of the -P fruit internal atmosphere was significantly lower than in +P tomatoes after return to 20C. The peduncle scar has a greater permeability to gases than the skin and facilitates gas exchange with the external atmosphere. The accumulation of CO, in the internal atmosphere of the chilled +P fruit after transfer to 20C apparently promoted CI symptom development.
Planting Cabbage to a Stand with Precision Seeding
Authors: Bracy Regina P. , Parish Richard L. , Bergeron Paul E. , Moser E.B. , Constantin R. J.
Published: February 2019

Field studies were conducted in Spring 1989 and 1990 to determine if cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. Capitata Group) could be precision-seeded to a stand without subsequent thinning and to determine the optimum seed spacing necessary to seed cabbage directly to a stand. Seed spacings of 10, 20, and 30 cm at one seed per hill and 30 cm at two seeds per hill were evaluated for effect on yield, head weight, plant population, and harvest percentage. Seeder precision (accuracy) with regard to seed counts and spacing measurements at the various seed spacings, as evaluated in the laboratory, was good. Seeder precision evaluated in the field varied in distribution patterns among seed spacings and years. Cabbage directly seeded at one seed per hill and a 30-cm spacing produced yields and head weights similar to or higher than cabbage seeded 10 cm apart and thinned to 30 cm-the seeding method currently used by some commercial operators.
Thermomorphogenic and Photoperiodic Responses of Nephrolepis exaltata `Dallas Jewel'
Authors: Erwin John E. , Heins Royal D. , Faust James E.
Published: February 2019

Nephrolepis exaltata (L.) Schott `Dallas Jewel' plants were grown for 92 days under 16 day/night temperature (DT/NT) regimes and two photoperiods for a total of 32 environments. Temperatures ranged from 15 to 30 ± 1.5C. Photoperiod was either 9 hours (short days) or 9 hours plus a 4-hour night interruption (long days) using incandescent lamps. Photoperiod had no significant effect on either morphology or development rate. Frond length and leaflet count per frond were highly correlated with the average daily temperature (ADT). Frond length increased from 9.3 to 21.9 cm and leaflet count increased from 21 to 42 leaflets per frond as ADT increased from 15 to 30C. Solon count and frond orientation were highly correlated with the weighted difference (WDIF) between DT and NT. The weighted difference between DT and NT was equal to: (DT × photoperiod) - (NT × scotoperiod). The scotoperiod was inclusive of the night interruption. Stolon count increased as the weighted NT increased relative to the weighted DT, i.e., as WDIF decreased. In contrast, frond angle relative to the soil surface, i.e., frond orientation, increased as WDIF increased. Frond unfolding rate and total plant dry weight increased as temperature increased to ≈ 25C, then decreased.
Controlling Annual Bluegrass (Poa annua L.) Summer Patch Disease with Faeriefungin
Authors: Melvin Brad P. , Nair Muraleedharan G. , Vargas Joe M. , Detweiler A. Ronald
Published: February 2019

Faeriefungin, an antibiotic produced by the actinomycete Streptomyces griseus var. autotrophicus MSU-32058/ATCC 53668, was tested in field trials on golf course fairways to determine if it could control annual bluegrass (Poa annua L.) summer patch effectively. Test sites with a history of severe summer patch outbreaks caused by Magnaporthe poae Landschoot and Jackson were chosen for study. Faeriefungin, when applied as a drench at 0.74 kg·ha-1, effectively controlled summer patch and was not significantly different than the fungicide fenarimol in three of four field trials. Faeriefungin may be an alternative to chemically controlling summer patch disease.
Ethephon and Silver Thiosulfate Affect Postharvest Characteristics of Rosa hybrida `Victory Parade'
Authors: Serek Malgorzata
Published: February 2019

The postharvest quality of miniature pot roses is limited by bud abscission and premature flower senescence. Rosa hybrida `Victory Parade' plants were treated with ethephon to study their sensitivity to ethylene and with silver thiosulfate (STS) to investigate its inhibitory effects on ethylene action. Bud abscission and flower senescence were promoted by spraying plants with ethephon, and the longevity of individual flowers and whole plants was reduced. All STS concentrations (0.4, 0.8, 1.2, 1.6 mM improved postharvest keeping quality. Bud abscission and flower senescence were decreased and the longevity of flowers and whole plants was improved by applying STS. Chemical name used: 2-chloroethylphosphonic acid (ethephon).
Evolution of Resistance to Gas Diffusion during Cherimoya (Annona cherimola Mill.) Ripening
Authors: Martínez G. , Pretel M.T. , Serrano M. , Riquelme F.
Published: February 2019

Resistance (R) to preloaded gas diffusion was used to follow the evolution of R during cherimoya fruit maturation and senescence. Cherimoya ethane diffusion was linear and gave an R value of 2048 ± 167 s·cm-1 for preclimacteric fruit. R increased linearly during maturation, and significant differences were noted between fruit in which diffusion through the stem scar was or was not blocked with petroleum ielly.
Genotype × Season Interaction for Time to Flowering and Flower and Plant Diameter in Exacum affine Balf.
Authors: Rubino David B.
Published: February 2019

Genotype × season interaction was investigated for days to first flower and full bloom and flower and plant diameter for 15 exacum cultivars and breeding lines produced in two glasshouses during winter and summer growing seasons. Genotype x season interactions were significant (P < 0.01) for all four characteristics. Genotype rankings for time to flowering and plant diameter varied greatly depending on the growing season; evaluation during the target growing season is recommended when selecting among exacum genotypes for these characteristics.
EFFECTS OF ETHEPHON AND DIPHENYLAMINE ON ACCUMULATION AND METABOLISM OF α- FARNESENE AND ON SUPERFICIAL SCALD DEVELOPMENT IN'CORTLAND' APPLES
Authors: Du Zhanyuan , Bramlage William J.
Published: February 2019

Ethephon treatments had two opposing effects on scald induction. First, synthesis and metabolism of α- farnesene were immediately enhanced, which could increase scald development. Second, during prolonged storage the relative concentrations of two conjugated triene forms (CT281 and CT258) were altered so as to increase the CT258/CT281 ratio, which could reduce scald development. The balance between these responses determined whether ethephon increased or decreased scald. DPA treatment also had two effects, immediately suppressing ethylene and α- farnesene concentrations, and over long periods, suppressing CT281 but increasing CT258 concentrations. Both effects of DPA appeared to reduce scald development. Effects of DPA, as well as of ethephon, were at least partly ethylene - mediated, and treatment with DPA counteracted effects of an ethephon treatment.
EVALUATION OF NEW APPLE CULTIVARS IN MASSACHUSETTS
Authors: Greene Duane W. , Autio Wesley R.
Published: February 2019

There is a general increase in interest in planting new apple cultivars. The loss of daminozide has provided an additional stimulus for growers in New England to find an alternative to McIntosh. Promising new apple cultivars have been identified from around the world and from breeding programs in Arkansas, British Columbia, New York, New Jersey and the PRI Program. Trees were propagated and planted in a cultivar evaluation block at the University of Massachusetts Horticultural Research Center. In 1992 we evaluated over 80 new cultivars. Fruit assessment consisted of laboratory analysis and visual and sensory evaluation. All cultivar were given an overall rating, and several were identified as being worthy of further evaluation. These apple cultivars include: Arlet, BC 9P 14-32, BC 8M 15-10, BC 17-30, Ginger Gold, Honeycrisp, Kinsei, NJ 55, NY 75414-1, and Sansa.
NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF NEW YORK STATE APPLE ORCHARDS
Authors: Stiles Warren C , Rutzke Michael
Published: February 2019

A total of 3850 leaf samples from commercial apple orchards located throughout New York State were submitted for analysis during the 1989-1992 seasons. These included 2583 samples from mature, 968 from young bearing age, and 299 from young nonbearing orchards. Percentages of samples (all ages and all varieties combined) found to be below currently recommended levels were: Zn 75%, Cu 74%, B 68%, Ca 63%, K 60%, Mg 60%, Mn 38%, Fe 19%, N 15%, and P 8%. Percentages of samples found to be above currently recommended levels were: N 21%: Zn 16%, Mn 13%, K 6%, B 4%, Mg 2%, Cu <1 %, and P <l %. Major problems consist of shortages of Zn, Cu, B, Ca, K, and Mg in 60% or more of all samples analyzed. Seasonal, varietal, pest management program, and tree age effects were apparent in the results, indicating that these factors must be considered in interpreting results of leaf sample analyses into recommendations for fertilization programs.
GROWTH AND FLOWERING RESPONSE OF 'BRILLIANT DIAMOND' POINSETTIAS IN A PEAT VERMICULITE MIX AMENDED WITH COAL BOTTOM ASH
Authors: Myers Susan S. , Bearce Bradford
Published: February 2019

Rooted cuttings of Euphorbia pulcherrima 'Brilliant Diamond' were planted on July 27, 1992, in 15 cm standard pots containing peat:vermiculite (1:1, v/v) mixed with coal bottom ash (CBA) at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 percent of volume. Lime sufficient to adjust pH to an entitled range-of 5.6-6.8 was added to each medium. A 1500 mg/liter Cycocel spray was applied weekly to all plants from August 25 (pinch date) until Sept 28.) Irrigation and fertilization frequencies were recorded. At anthesis (Nov 17). plants were measured and harvested. The 100 percent CBA medium required less irrigation but more fertilization than the 0 percent CBA medium. Heights of plants in the 50, 75 and 100 percent CBA media were less than those in the 0 percent CBA medium. Bract diameters and dry weights of the 100 percent CBA plants were less than those of the 0 percent CBA plants. A quality rating placed the 75 and 100 percent CBA plants below plants in 0, 25, and 50 percent CBA. A yellowing of top leaves occurred beginning in early November and was more noticeable with increase in percent CBA.
KENAF AS A COMPONENT OF SOILLESS GROWTH MEDIA
Authors: Shi Bing , Pill Wallace
Published: February 2019

Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.), native to east Africa, is an annual herbaceous member of Malvaceae cultivated primarily for its bast fibers. One of many potential uses of kenaf is that of a growth medium component. Kenaf stems (xylem plus phloem) were ground and sieved to 2 to 5 mm diameter particles. The particles were combined at various volumetric percentages with other components (perlite, vermiculite, calcined clay) in 70% Sphagnum pest moss which received standard preplant fertilization. To avoid growth suppression, the kenaf must be enriched with nitrogen (soaked in NH4NO3 solution for 5 days). Impatiens and tomato bedding plant shoot growth was proportional to both the N concentration of the soak solution and the percentage of N-soaked kenaf in the medium. The N soak solution should be £ 2000 mg N/liter with 30% kenaf or £ 4000 mg N/liter with 10% kenaf. Physical properties (bulk density, total porosity, air porosity and container capacity) of kenaf media were similar to those of a commercial peat-lite. The optimal medium for bedding plant production was 70% pest + 15% calcined clay + 15% kenaf soaked in 2000 mg N/liter. The N-soaked kenaf served successfully both as a medium bulking component and as a slow-release N supply.
AN EXAMINATION OF TARNISHED PLANT BUG FEEDING INJURY ON STRAWBERRY
Authors: Handley David T. , Pollard James E.
Published: February 2019

The tarnished plant bug (Lvgus lineolaris) is a serious pest of strawberries in North America, causing a severe malformation of the receptacle known as “apical seediness” or “buttoning”. Light and scanning electron microscopy were used to assess tarnished plant bug feeding on strawberries and to determine the nature of the injury. During early fruit development stages (anthesis to petal fall) the primary feeding sites were developing achenes. Feeding sites on more developed fruit changed to receptacle tissue, usually close to an achene. The “buttoning” malformation of strawberries associated with tarnished plant bug is most likely a result of the destruction of achenes during early fruit development stages. Feeding on receptacle tissue later in fruit development causes more localized damage, such as creases and indentations.
THE NORTHEAST SARE (LISA) APPLE PRODUCTION PROJECT
Authors: Berkett Lorraine , Schettini Terry , Cooley Dan , Polk Dean , Rosenberg David
Published: February 2019

Developing sustainable production systems based on the disease resistant apple cultivars (DRACs) and IPM techniques is a key objective of this multidisciplinary project involving 19 principle investigators across 5 cooperating institutions. Cultivar selection is a crucial decision for an apple grower which will impact the farm's competitiveness and profitability for many years. Factors that growers consider when deciding what cultivars to plant include consumer acceptance and marketability; winter hardiness; yield potential; fruit storage qualities, color, taste, and size; and potential pest management problems. These factors are being researched in this project. Disease resistant orchards will undoubtedly present new economic considerations to growers, wholesalers, and processors. A further objective is to provide economic analyses of alternative techniques and to forecast the impact of changes in production systems on the Northeast apple industry. Apple growers must have access to research-generated information that addresses the critical issues facing them Rapid information dissemination is a high priority of this project. The Northeast Sustainable Apple Production Newsletter has over 1200 active subscribers across the United States and in 7 foreign countries. The Management Guide for Low-Input Sustainable Apple production has been well received and continues to be requested world-wide.
RESPONSE OF HYDROPONICALLY GROWN SWEETPOTATO TO INOCULATION WITH AZOSPIRILLUM
Authors: Trotman A.A. , Hill W.A. , Mortley D.G. , David P.P. , Loretan P.A.
Published: February 2019

The effect of inoculation with Azospirillum brasilense strain Cd on mineral concentration in sweetpotato, [Ipomeo batatas (L) Lam cv. TI-155] tissue and ionic composition of plant nutrient solution was investigated in a greenhouse study. In the field, inoculation of sweetpotato with Azospirillum spp. has been reported to enhance. sweetpotato yield. In this study, 48-h old broth cultures were used as inoculum at a population density of approx. 1 × 108 cfu/ml. The inoculum (0.20 L) was added to the reservoirs containing 30.4 L of a modified half Hoagland's plant nutrient solution at 28 days after the start of the experiment Results indicate that percent total nitrogen in sweetpotato foliage tended to be higher for the inoculated fibrous mat than in the fibrous mat for non-inoculated plants. The percent total nitrogen in storage roots for the non-inoculated treatment tended to be higher than in storage roots for inoculated plants. Inoculation resulted in a slight increase in foliar phosphorus concentration but had no effect on phosphorus concentration in sweetpotato storage and fibrous root samples. Inoculation tended to reduce foliar calcium concentration. Magnesium concentration in leaf tissue was not influenced by inoculation. Foliar potassium concentration tended to increase slightly. The effect of inoculation on potassium concentration in sweetpotato root tissue was not well-defined; potassium concentration tended to be higher in fibrous root tissue for the inoculated treatment. But in storage root tissue, potassium concentration was higher for the non-inoculated treatment than for the inoculated treatment. Inoculation did not affect foliar concentrations of any of the micronutrients measured. This study indicates no effect of inoculation on ionic strength of nutrients in solution reservoirs.
CALCIUM AND ETHEPHON EFFECTS ON PAPRIKA PEPPER FRUIT RETENTION AND FRUIT COLOR DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Cooksey James R. , Kahn Brian A. , Motes James E.
Published: February 2019

While ethephon [(2-chloroethyl) phosphonic acid] has increased yields of red fruits, its use as a pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) fruit ripening agent has been limited by premature fruit abscission and defoliation. We tested ethephon solutions of 0, 1500, 3000, 4500, and 6000 μl·liter-1 with or without 0.1M Ca(OH)2 as a one-time foliar application to field-grown paprika pepper in southwestern Oklahoma. There was a linear increase in fruit abscission with increasing ethephon rates in two out of three years, with or without added calcium. Ethephon at 6000 μl·liter-1 improved the percent of total fruit weight due lo marketable fruits in two out of three years, primarily by decreasing the weight of harvested green fruits. However, ethephon never significantly increased the dry weight of harvested marketable fruits over that obtained from the control. There also was no effect of ethephon on the intensity of red pigment extracted from dehydrated marketable fruits. The only significant effect of Ca(OH)2 was an undesirable increase in the retention of green fruits on the plants. Ethephon had little value as a fruit ripening agent for paprika under the conditions of our studies, and Ca(OH)2 was not useful as an additive to ethephon sprays.
IN VITRO PRODUCTION OF SET FROM ONION (Allium cepa L.) INFLORESCENCE.
Authors: Mohamed-Yasseen Y. , Davenport T. L. , Splittstoesser W. E. , Skirvin R. M.
Published: February 2019

Bulb formation in vitro is considered to be advantageous over shoot formation. Bulbs were farmed in vitro from onion inflorescence explants cultured in bulb induction medium composed of Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 120 g/l sucrose and 5 g/l activated charcoal under long day photoperiod. Bulbs were also induced in the same medium from shoots which were first regenerated from onion inflorescences in MS alone or MS containing either 4.4 uM benzyladenine or 0.005, 0.01, 0.05, 01 0.1 uM of thidiazurone. This system of in vitro bulb formation obviates shoot elongation, rooting, and acclimatization steps normally required when shoots are regenerated.
FUNGICIDAL CONTROL OF LEAF AND STEM DISEASES ASSOCIATED WITH VINCA MINOR L.
Authors: Koelsch Mary C. , Cole Janet C.
Published: February 2019

Vinca minor production in Oklahoma nurseries has declined in recent years due to foliar diseases. A study was conducted to determine whether several labeled and experimental fungicides control these foliar diseases in Vinca minor `Bowles'. This study was conducted outdoors under unusually mild and humid conditions, which were conducive factors for disease symptoms to occur throughout the season. Plants were sprayed at weekly intervals with the fungicides propiconazole (0.95 ml/liter), thiophanate methyl (1.58 ml/liter), thiophanate methyl/mancozeb (1.79 g/liter), triforine (3.95 ml/liter), CC 17461 (3.95 ml/liter), CGA 173506 (0.47/liter), or SAN 619 (0.79 ml/liter). Thiophanate methyl/mancozeb was the most effective of all chemicals at decreasing foliar dieback; however, no chemical completely controlled the disease symptoms throughout the season. Dry weights of plants treated with thiophanate methyl/mancozeb were greater at the end of the season than those of plants receiving the other fungicidal treatments.
CHANGES IN BLACKBERRY FRUIT QUALITY DURING STORAGE
Authors: Perkins-Veazie P. M. , Collins J. K. , Clark J. R.
Published: February 2019

Blackberry fruit are considered highly perishable, having an average shelflife of 2 to 3 days. Fruit of erect blackberry cultivars were stored at 2C for 7 days to determine shelflife and quality changes. Weight loss was 1.8 and 3.4% after 3 and 7 days storage, regardless of cultivar or color stage. Soluble solids concentration (SSC), titratable acidity (TA), anthocyanin content, and skin firmness did not change during storage, but differed between ripeness stages and cultivars. Mottled (50% black) fruit were low in SSC and high in TA compared to shiny or dull black fruit. All dull black fruit were rated softer and lower in overall appearance after storage compared to shiny black fruit. `Choctaw' fruit were less firm and rated softer and of marginal appearance after 7 days storage while `Navaho' fruit remained firm and highly acceptable. Ethylene production ranged from 0.4 (`Navaho') to 2.8 nl/g-h (`Choctaw'). Results indicate that erect blackberry fruit harvested at the shiny black stage are of acceptable quality and have excellent shelflife potential.
Improving Seed Germination of Aquilegia chrysantha by Temperature Manipulation
Authors: Davis Tim D. , Sankhla Daksha , Sankhla N. , Upadhyaya A. , Parsons J.M. , George S.W.
Published: February 2019

Seeds of Aquilegia chrysantha Gray were germinated under a variety of temperature regimes. Germination was nearly 90% under a day/night cycle of 25/20C, but was reduced to ≤ 40% under constant 25C or a 25/10C day/night cycle. With days between 25 and 29C (night = 20C), germination percentage dropped gradually to ≈ 60% with increasing temperature. With days >29C, germination declined dramatically such that no germination occurred at 31C. Neither kinetin (4.6 to 46 μm) nor ethephon (6.9 to 207 μm) was able to reverse the inhibitory effects of 33C days. Our results indicate that germination of A. chrysantha seed is sensitive to temperature and that germination ≈ 75% can be obtained under a 25 to 27C day/20C night regime. Chemical names used: 2-chloroethylphosphonic acid (ethephon); 6-furfurylaminopurine (kinetin).