bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isolation and Characterization of 10 Polymorphic Microsatellite Loci in Paphiopedilum concolor (Batem.) Pfitzer (Orchidaceae) and Cross-species Amplification
Authors: Li Long-na , Zeng Songjun , Zheng Feng , Chen Zhi-lin , Wu Kun-lin , Zhang Jian-xia , Duan June
Published: February 2019

Ten polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized from an enriched genomic library of Paphiopedilum concolor (Batem.) Pfitzer. The number of alleles per microsatellite locus ranged from three to 11 with an average of 6.4 in a sample of 30 individuals from three populations. The observed and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.200 to 0.800 and from 0.544 to 0.827, respectively. These microsatellites can be used as tools to investigate the genetic structure of P. concolor populations and relationship patterns with closely related taxa.
Mechanical Harvesting Increases Leaf and Stem Debris in Loads of Mechanically Harvested Citrus Fruit
Authors: Spann Timothy M. , Danyluk Michelle D.
Published: February 2019

The adoption of mechanical harvesting for processing oranges is a major objective of the Florida citrus industry. A number of issues have slowed the adoption of this new technology, including the observation that the amount of leaves, stems, and dead branches (collectively termed “debris”) is greater in mechanically harvested than in hand-harvested loads of fruit. This debris increases transportation and processing costs. The objective of this research was to determine the amount and types of debris in mechanically harvested loads of sweet oranges compared with hand-harvested controls. Mechanical harvesting was found to increase the amount of debris per load of fruit by as much as 250% compared with hand-harvested fruit. This translates into ≈108 kg of debris compared with 71 kg (fresh weight) per 27 t load for mechanically harvested and hand-harvested fruit, respectively. Across harvesting method, leaves were the largest component of debris, accounting for ≈60% of total debris, small stems (less than 5 mm diameter) accounted for ≈35%, and the remaining 5% was large stems (greater than 5 mm diameter). In addition, the amount of sand on the surface of mechanically harvested fruit that was picked up from the orchard floor was found to be up to 10 times greater compared with hand-harvested controls. Engineers developing debris elimination systems for mechanical harvesting systems can use the data from this study to determine the performance requirements of their systems. The data are also useful for economic analyses of the costs of mechanical harvesting.
Phenotyping of Tomato for SolCAP and Onward into the Void
Authors: Scott John W.
Published: February 2019

Standardized phenotyping is being used in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and potato (S. tuberosum) as part of the USDA-funded Solanaceae coordinated agricultural project (SolCAP). In tomato, a panel of 480 lines, 144 fresh market, 144 processing, 44 vintage lines, 48 landraces, and 101 related Solanum species accessions, are being grown over two seasons at multiple locations. These tomato genotypes will also be screened for over 7600 single nucleotide polymorphism markers that are being developed. Characters being phenotyped are hypocotyl color, plant habit, inflorescence (simple or compound), flower fasciation, flowering time, time to maturity, size of blossom scar, and pedicel type (jointless or jointed). Transverse and equatorial cross-sections of fruit are also being scanned to obtain measures of fruit shape and color by tomato analyzer computer software. Other fruit characters being measured are pH, titratable acidity, and soluble solids. Some useful information may come from this phenotyping and genotyping effort. However, in this author's opinion, the value of measuring some of the traits is very limited in the face of much more important breeding traits that are difficult to fit into a standardized phenotyping format. For instance, proper assessment of several fruit disorders is not being attempted, but such data might yield some invaluable marker information. Part of this is the result of funding limitations for the phenotyping effort. However, a major benefit of the SolCAP analysis will be the development of markers that will differentiate the lines being studied, because there is a present lack of polymorphisms in tomato germplasm where wild species introgressions are minimal or distant in time. This will allow breeders to proactively select for recurrent parent backgrounds in backcrossing projects and may aid in the identification of associations of markers with important characteristics. As one looks to the future of standardized phenotyping, there are some important traits that will be difficult to phenotype such as tomato flavor, which is quite subjective and for which there are no good objective measures.
Effect of Plant Hormones and Distillation Water on Mints
Authors: Zheljazkov Valtcho D. , Astatkie Tess , Horgan Thomas , Rogers S. Marie
Published: February 2019

Steam distillation of essential oil crops produces residual distillation wastewater that is released into the environment. This study evaluated the effects of three plant hormones [methyl jasmonate (MJ); gibberellic acid (GA3); and salicylic acid (SA)] at three concentrations and the residual distillation water from 15 plant species applied as foliar spray on biomass yields, essential oil content, and essential oil yield of Mentha ×piperita ‘Black Mitcham’ and Mentha spicata ‘Native’. Overall, the application of SA at 1000 mg·L−1 increased biomass yields of both species. More treatments influenced essential oil content in ‘Black Mitcham’ peppermint than in ‘Native’ spearmint. Application of MJ at 100 and 1000 mg·L−1, GA3 at 10 mg·L−1, SA at 10 or 100 mg·L−1, and distillation water of Achillea millefolium, Ammi majus, Artemisia absinthium, Cymbopogon flexuosus, Cymbopogon martinii, Chrysanthemum balsamita, and Hypericum perforatum increased the essential oil content of peppermint, whereas the oil content of spearmint was increased only by application of Monarda fistulosa distillation water. Application of MJ at 100 mg·L−1, SA at 100 mg·L−1, and A. absinthium, C. flexuosus, and C. balsamita distillation waters increased essential oil yields of peppermint, whereas the application of SA at 1000 mg·L−1 and distillation water of A. absinthium, Lavandula vera, and M. fistulosa increased oil yields of spearmint. This study demonstrated that the residual distillation water of some aromatic plant species may be used as a tool for increasing essential oil content or essential oil yields of peppermint and spearmint crops.
Insecticidal Effects of Different Application Techniques for Silica Dusts in Plant Protection on Phaedon cochleariae Fab. and Pieris brassicae L.
Authors: Mucha-Pelzer Tanja , Bauer Reinhard , Scobel Ekkehard , Ulrichs Christian
Published: February 2019

Since the 1900s, diatomaceous earth (DE) has been used as an alternative to chemical insecticides in stored product protection. New silica and DE formulations offer expanded possibilities for use in horticultural crops. However, many crop pests are found on the leaf underside and this is especially challenging when using silica because the substance must have direct contact with the insect to be effective. We tested three application techniques with three formulations of silica to evaluate their efficacy against different developmental stages of mustard leaf beetle (Phaedon cochleariae Fab.) and the cabbage worm of the large white butterfly (Pieris brassicae L.) on the host plant species pak choi (Brassica rapa ssp. chinensis L.). Formulations were applied manually with a powder blower, with an electrostatic spray gun, and in a closed chamber also working with electrostatic forces. The silica formulations used in the biotests were Fossil Shield 90.0s®, AE R974®, and a formulation developed at Humboldt University Berlin called AL-06-109. All formulations contained at least 60% silicon dioxide. Significant differences in efficacy were detected with different application methods and/or silica formulations. AL-06-109 electrostatic cabin-applied was the most effective combination. All formulations, if applied electrostatically, resulted in good coverage and in high plant protection against insect pests. Dusts applied manually were unevenly distributed and easily removed by wind from leaf surfaces. Electrostatic application with a spray gun resulted in even particle distribution on plants, but overspray was high. To accomplish even coverage without wasting so much active material, an enclosed mobile chamber with an electrostatic spray system and an attached exhaust system was developed.
Protocorm-like Bodies Initiation from Root Tips of Cyrtopodium paranaense (Orchidaceae)
Authors: Guo Wei-Ling , Alex Chang Yao-Chien , Kao Chien-Yuan
Published: February 2019

Cyrtopodium paranaense is a tropical terrestrial orchid, which propagates mainly through sexual seed germination. In this study, we document the asexual morphogenesis of the root tip to protocorm-like body (PLB) conversion in Cyrtopodium paranaense. Protocorm-like bodies sporadically developed from root tips of flask-grown seedlings in the absence of any exogenous plant growth regulators (PGRs). The compact PLBs ultimately gave rise to normal plantlets. Histological observations revealed that the root cap became dissociated from the root apex at an early stage followed by dispersed extension of root vascular strands into nascent PLBs. Protocorm-like bodies also developed from the root central stele tissue. In root tip segment cultures, PLBs were not formed without providing PGRs but were efficiently formed from root tips in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 10.2 μM indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and 9.0 μM thidiazuron (TDZ). Both IAA and TDZ promoted the formation of PLBs; however, TDZ did not induce PLB formation in the absence of IAA, indicating a synergistic effect of the two PGRs. Protocorm-like bodies were proliferated and subsequently plants regenerated in PGR-free MS medium. Root tip culture may be used as an alternative method for the propagation of Cyrtopodium paranaense.
Effects of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Marigold Growth and Flowering
Authors: Bi Guihong , Evans William B. , Spiers James M. , Witcher Anthony L.
Published: February 2019

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the growth and flowering responses of greenhouse-grown French marigold (Tagetes patula L. ‘Janie Deep Orange’) to two non-composted broiler chicken litter-based organic fertilizers, 4-2-2 and 3-3-3, and one commonly used synthetic controlled-release fertilizer, 14-14-14. In both experiments, fertilizer 4-2-2 was applied at four rates of 1%, 2%, 4%, and 6% (by volume); 3-3-3 was applied at four rates of 1.34%, 2.67%, 5.34%, and 8.0% (by volume); and 14-14-14 was applied at rates of 0.99, 1.98, 3.96, and 5.94 kg·m−3. In general, substrate containing different rates and types of fertilizers had a pH within the recommended range of 5.0 to 6.5. Electrical conductivity (EC) was similar among substrates containing different rates of 14-14-14; however, EC increased with increasing fertilizer rate for substrates containing 4-2-2 and 3-3-3. Substrate EC within each treatment was generally higher earlier in the experiment. For the fertilizer rates used in these two experiments, increasing 14-14-14 fertilizer rate increased plant growth and flowering performance. However, low to intermediate rates of 4-2-2 and 3-3-3 in general produced the highest plant growth index, shoot dry weight, number of flowers per plant, total flower dry weight, and root rating. Plants grown at high rates of 4-2-2 and 3-3-3 showed symptoms associated with excessive fertilization. Plant tissue nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) concentrations increased linearly or quadratically with increasing fertilizer rates for all three fertilizers. In general, plants receiving 4-2-2 and 3-3-3 had higher concentrations of N, P, and K than plants receiving 14-14-14. Results from this study indicated that broiler litter-based 4-2-2 and 3-3-3 have the potential to be used as organic fertilizer sources for container production of marigolds in greenhouses. However, growers need to be cautious with the rate applied. Because different crops may respond differently to these natural fertilizers, it is important for growers to test any new fertilizers before incorporating them into their production practices.
Optimum Feeding Nutrient Solution Concentration for Greenhouse Potted Miniature Rose Production in a Recirculating Subirrigation System
Authors: Zheng Youbin , Cayanan Diane Feliciano , Dixon Mike
Published: February 2019

To determine the optimum feeding nutrient solution concentrations for the production of potted miniature roses (Rosa chineersis minima ‘Fall Festival’) under recirculating subirrigation conditions, plants were grown under four different nutrient solution concentrations [25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of the full strength with an electrical conductivity (EC) of 1.756 dS·m−1]. Nutrient solution concentrations affected the stem, root, and plant total dry weight and flower and branch number. Under the 75% strength nutrient solution, these growth parameters were equal to or better than the 100% strength solution. No difference was detected in the chlorophyll content of leaves from plants that received the 50%, 75%, and 100% strength solutions during the experiment but at Day 35; only the 25% treatment had significantly lower leaf chlorophyll content than the other treatments. There were no treatment effects on the measured total foliar nutrient contents [except potassium (K)] of plants under the 75% strength solution compared with those under the 100% treatment, but nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and/or iron (Fe) of plants under the 25% strength solutions were below that of the acceptable range. Interveinal chlorosis and/or reddish leaves and branches were also apparent in plants under the 25% and 50% strength solutions. It is suspected that these are symptoms of N, P, and Fe deficiencies caused by the reduced nutrient solution concentrations and increased pH of the growing substrate. There were significant depletions of N and P nutrients in the 25% and 50% strength solutions at the end of the experiment, which was consistent with visual symptoms and deficiencies. Nutrient salts accumulated in the top section of the growing substrate under all treatments, but no phytotoxic effects were observed. The EC values for the top third of the growing substrate were much higher than those of the bottom two-thirds. EC for the top layer of the 100% treatment exhibited a fourfold increase compared with the bottom layer of that treatment. The NO3–, K, magnesium, and calcium for the top layer of the 100% treatment were 235%, 149%, 287%, and 245%, respectively, higher compared with the bottom layer of the 100% treatment. It was concluded that the nutrient solution concentrations typically used for potted miniature rose production in most of the Canadian greenhouses under recirculating subirrigation conditions can be safely reduced to 75% and produce better plants.
Molecular Characterization of Persian Walnut Populations in Iran with Microsatellite Markers
Authors: Karimi Rohollah , Ershadi Ahmad , Vahdati Kourosh , Woeste Keith
Published: February 2019

The genetic structure and diversity of natural populations of Juglans regia L. in Iran were characterized using 11 microsatellite loci. A total of 105 individuals from seven populations were sampled. A high level of genetic diversity was observed within populations with the number of alleles per locus (A) ranging from three to 11 (average = 5.73), the proportion of polymorphic loci was 100%, and the expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.598 to 0.848 (average = 0.707). The proportion of genetic differentiation present among populations accounted for 12% of the total variation. Such considerable interpopulation differentiation detected in J. regia L. could have resulted from several factors, including restricted gene flow between populations. Significant departures from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium were observed for WGA276, WGA32, and WGA321 loci. The deviations were primarily the result of the surplus of heterozygotes. The unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean cluster analyses based on Nei's unbiased genetic distances separated the seven populations into two main groups.
The Animal Pigment Bilirubin Identified in Strelitzia reginae, the Bird of Paradise Flower
Authors: Pirone Cary , Johnson Jodie V. , Quirke J. Martin E. , Priestap Horacio A. , Lee David
Published: February 2019

Strelitzia reginae Aiton is an iconic plant known for its vibrant orange and blue inflorescences. Floral pigments include carotenoids and the anthocyanin delphinidin-3-rutinoside. S. reginae has black seeds with vivid orange arils, yet the basis for the orange color is unknown. We recently discovered bilirubin in the arils of S. nicolai. Previously, this pigment was known only to exist in animals as a breakdown product of heme. Using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and HPLC/electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry, we now show that bilirubin is the primary aril pigment of S. reginae and is also present in low concentrations in its sepals (less than 44.0 ng·g−1).
Susceptibility of Basil Cultivars and Breeding Lines to Downy Mildew (Peronospora belbahrii)
Authors: Wyenandt Christian A. , Simon James E. , McGrath Margaret T. , Ward Daniel L.
Published: February 2019

Downy mildew, caused by Peronospora belbahrii, is a new disease of basil (Ocimum spp.) in the United States. In 2009, different basil species, cultivars, and advanced breeding lines of sweet basil (30 in total) were evaluated for susceptibility to basil downy mildew in field trials in southern and northern New Jersey. Popular commercial sweet basil cultivars such as Martina, Nufar, and Poppy Joe were among the most susceptible to downy mildew. Symptoms and sporulation of P. belhahrii on Ocimum ×citriodorum and O. americanum cultivars were present but far less than on most O. basilicum cultivars evaluated. The cultivars Spice, Blue Spice, and Blue Spice Fil were the least susceptible to basil downy mildew with no visible symptoms. Similar results were observed in both field trials. This is the first report of potential resistance in Ocimum spp. to basil downy mildew. Observations from this study show that the development of resistant cultivars may be possible. Selection criteria such as foliar morphology, plant architecture as well as the presence of secondary metabolites are being examined as potential traits for developing downy mildew resistant basil cultivars.
Freeze Tolerance of Nine Zoysiagrass Cultivars Using Natural Cold Acclimation and Freeze Chambers
Authors: Hinton Jason D. , Livingston David P. , Miller Grady L. , Peacock Charles H. , Tuong Tan
Published: February 2019

Winter-hardiness of zoysiagrass (Zoysia spp.) cultivars is an important attribute throughout the biogeographical transition zone; thus, the inability to withstand freezing temperatures may limit the use of these cultivars. The objective of this research was to determine the freeze tolerance (LT50) of nine zoysiagrass cultivars grown in Raleigh, NC. Four Zoysia japonica Steud. cultivars (JaMur, Palisades, Empire, and Ultimate) and five Zoysia matrella (L.) Merr. cultivars (Pristine, Zeon, Cavalier, Diamond, and Zorro) were chosen to undergo freeze testing. Cores were taken from the field in Feb. 2008, 2009, and 2010 for the winter trials and in Apr. 2008, 2009, and 2010 for the spring trials (after green-up had occurred). The cores were subjected to freeze treatments of –6, –8, –10, –12, and –14 °C in programmable freezers. After thawing, cores were placed in a 41/20 °C greenhouse to promote green-up. Cores were rated for green-up after 4 weeks on a 1 to 9 scale. Nonlinear regression analysis was used to calculate an LT50 value for each cultivar. ‘JaMur’, ‘Palisades’, ‘Empire’, and ‘Ultimate’ were no different in the winter trials with an LT50 ranging from –9.8 to 10.2 °C. Among the matrella species, ‘Zeon’, ‘Cavalier’, and ‘Zorro’ were no different but ‘Diamond’ (LT50 of –6.0 °C) and ‘Pristine’ (LT50 of –5.7 °C) had less tolerance to freezing than the other matrella cultivars (LT50 range from –9.7 to –9.8), suggesting lower ability to cold-acclimate in the field than the other cultivars. Shoot weights of cores were correlated to visual green-up ratings for each cultivar with an R2 range from 0.70 to 0.99 indicating a good relationship between the green-up ratings and shoot weights.
Crop Coefficient-based Deficit Irrigation and Planting Density for Onion: Growth, Yield, and Bulb Quality
Authors: Leskovar Daniel I. , Agehara Shinsuke , Yoo Kilsun , Pascual-Seva Nuria
Published: February 2019

Agricultural communities in the semiarid regions of the world are constantly being affected by water scarcity, increased regulations restricting water use, strong competition for irrigation water with the urban sector, and severe drought periods. Conversely, the consumer demand for high-quality and nutritious foods is increasing rapidly. A 2-year field study evaluated growth, yield, and bulb quality in response to precision planting density and deficit irrigation of onion (Allium cepa L.) in southwest Texas. Seeds of short-day sweet onion cv. Texas Grano 1015Y were planted in the field on 11 Nov. 2007 and 30 Oct. 2008 at two planting densities (PDs), 397,000 (standard) and 484,000 (high) seeds/ha. Three irrigation rates using growth stage-specific crop coefficients and subsurface drip were imposed after plants were fully established, 100%, 75%, and 50% crop evapotranspiration rates (ETc). Total rainfall plus irrigation received for each irrigation rate were 594, 501, and 413 mm in 2008 and 662, 574, and 486 mm in 2009. In both seasons, there were consistent trends in growth, yield, and quality parameters. Leaf fresh weight was unaffected by PD but was reduced by deficit irrigation at 50% ETc. Although increasing planting density reduced the average bulb size by 12%, it increased the number of marketable bulbs by 21% to 33% and marketable yield by 7% to 14%. In contrast, deficit irrigation showed a trend to reduce both the number of bulbs and bulb size with yield reductions of 8% to 13% at 75% ETc and 19% to 27% at 50% ETc. Neither planting density nor deficit irrigation rate had a significant effect on soluble solids content, pungency, or quercetin contents. These results suggest that growers of short-day onions in semiarid regions could adjust PDs to target high-value bulb sizes. Implementing water-conserving practices (deficit irrigation at 75% ETc rate) would result in a decrease of high-value bulb grades and modest losses in yield but not flavor or nutritional components.
Physiological Impacts of Fruit Ripening and Storage Conditions on Aroma Volatile Formation in Apple and Strawberry Fruit: A Review
Authors: Bangerth Fritz K. , Song Jun , Streif Josef
Published: February 2019

After a brief description of the “history of research” of aroma volatiles of apple and strawberry fruit, possible reasons for the reduced production of these important quality attributes by particular pre- and postharvest procedures are given. Among the possible physiological factors in association with reduced aroma volatile production, a reduced ethylene sensitivity, a decline in the rate of respiration as well as the content of adenine nucleotides and limited free fatty acids as precursors for aroma volatiles biosynthesis are proposed. A hypothesis about how this sequence of events leads to reduced volatile production is given and finally some suggestions of how to improve volatile synthesis are discussed.
Influence of FeEDDS, FeEDTA, FeDTPA, FeEDDHA, and FeSO4 on Marigold Growth and Nutrition, and Substrate and Runoff Chemistry
Authors: Albano Joseph P. , Merhaut Donald J.
Published: February 2019

The objectives of the study were to determine effects of iron (Fe) source on plant growth, plant nutrition, substrate chemistry, and runoff chemistry. Iron source (FS) treatments consisted of Fe-aminopolycarboxylic acid (APCA) complexones iron ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (FeEDTA), iron [S, S′]-ethylenediaminedisuccinic acid (FeEDDS), iron diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (FeDTPA), and iron ethylenediaminedi(o-hydroxyphenylacetic) acid (FeEDDHA) and non-chelated iron sulfate (FeSO4) added to a base nutrient solution at the rate of 1 mg·L−1 Fe final concentration. Marigold (Tagetes erecta) ‘First Lady' was grown in peat-based media fertilized with FS treatments over a period of 22 d. Iron source treatments were nonsignificant for foliar Fe, manganese (Mn), or zinc (Zn) averaging 162 μg·g−1 Fe, 228 μg·g−1 Mn, and 35 μg·g−1 Zn but were significant for foliar copper (Cu). Main effect of FS on pour-through (PT) leachate pH was statistically different but not practically significant, averaging 6.42. The FeDTPA treatment resulted in higher levels of Cu, Fe, and Zn in PT extracts. Leachate-runoff (LR) was collected and analyzed over the course of the study. Results of LR were similar to PT with levels of Cu, Fe, and Zn for the FeDTPA treatment resulting in higher concentrations of these metals. In both PT and LR, the highest concentration of Mn was associated with the FeEDTA treatment. Spectrophotometer analyses of PT and LR leachates determined the presence of all Fe chelates tested in those solutions.
Eastern Filbert Blight Susceptibility of American × European Hazelnut Progenies
Authors: Molnar Thomas J. , Capik John M.
Published: February 2019

Eastern filbert blight (EFB), caused by Anisogramma anomala, is a devastating disease of Corylus avellana, the European hazelnut of commerce, and is considered the primary limiting factor of production in eastern North America. Conversely, C. americana, the wild American hazelnut, is generally highly tolerant of EFB, although it lacks many horticultural attributes necessary for commercial nut production. Hybrids of C. americana and C. avellana combine the EFB resistance of the wild species with the improved nut quality of the European species. However, inheritance of EFB resistance from C. americana remains unclear with existing hybrids derived from a very limited selection of parents. To investigate this topic, C. americana and advanced-generation C. americana × C. avellana hybrids were crossed with susceptible C. avellana and the resulting seedlings exposed to EFB through field inoculations and natural disease spread. In the winter after their fifth growing season, plants were rated for the presence of EFB using an index of 0 (no disease) through 5 (all stems containing cankers). The three progeny related to C. americana ‘Rush’ segregated for resistance in a ratio of one resistant to one susceptible, suggesting the presence of a single dominant R gene. A wide array of disease responses was observed for the other progenies with some expressing little EFB resistance or tolerance and others showing a distribution of disease phenotypes typical of control by multiple genes. Overall, the results indicate that both qualitative and quantitative resistance is present in C. americana. They also suggest that the choice of C. americana parent as well as the C. avellana parent will play a significant role in obtaining useful levels of EFB resistance in hybrid offspring, although the degree of disease expression in the parents may not be a useful predictor of progeny performance. Thus, more research is needed to understand inheritance of resistance, especially in advanced-generation backcrosses to susceptible C. avellana.
Smoke-water Controls Pythium Damping-off in Papaya Seedling
Authors: Lin Huey-Ling , Chumpookam Jenjira , Shiesh Ching-Chang , Chung Wen-Hsin
Published: February 2019

The antifungal efficacy of smoke-water on damping-off caused by Pythium sp. was evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. Smoke-water was generated by burning plant material and bubbling the smoke through water; its effect on the morphology of Pythium sp. was investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Mycelia growth and oospore production of the fungus were significantly inhibited when cultured on water agar amended with smoke-water at 0%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, 2.5%, 3%, 3.5%, 4%, 4.5%, or 5%. In growth chamber experiments with potted seedlings growing in peatmoss, papaya plants treated with smoke-water exhibited reduced symptoms of damping-off when compared with control plants treated with water. Furthermore, the pots treated with 1.5% or higher smoke-water did not show any symptoms of damping-off disease. Plant height significantly increased with treatment by higher concentrations of smoke-water. Maximum plant height was observed with treatment of 1% smoke-water or higher concentrations. One day after smoke-water application, SEM observations of the Pythium sp. revealed loss of structural integrity, abnormal degradation, deformation, abnormal lysis, cytoplasmic leakage, and hyphal slimming. This study showed that the addition of smoke-water to soil exerted significant disease suppression against Pythium sp., leading to improved growth of papaya seedlings.
The Effects of Minerals, Ascorbic Acid, and Salicylic Acid on the Bunch Quality of Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) at High and Low Temperatures
Authors: Aktas Hakan , Bayındır Derya , Dilmaçünal Tuba , Koyuncu M. Ali
Published: February 2019

Harvested bunch tomatoes are sensitive to fruit abscission and desiccation of calyxes, which limit product marketability. Our investigation showed that tomato fruit bunches when submitted to a combination of temperature, aqueous solutions and storage time, fruit abscission, and calyx desiccation can be prevented. The loss of fruit weight, the force required to separate the fruit from the calyxes, the respiration rate and ethylene production of the calyxes, the color of the calyxes, and the wilting and desiccation of the calyxes were measured. These results demonstrated that treatment of bunches with supplemented mineral water delays fruit abscission and calyx desiccation and improves the fresh appearance of calyxes during storage.
The Residual Effect of 1-Methylcyclopropene on Protecting Phalaenopsis Flowers against Ethylene Injury
Authors: Hou Jiunn-Yan , Lin Wei-Li , Lee Nean , Alex Chang Yao-Chien
Published: February 2019

Phalaenopsis flowers are prone to wilting under ethylene (C2H4) stress. 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) can protect Phalaenopsis flowers against ethylene injury. In this study, we determined the residual effect of 1-MCP and how it is affected by temperature. The efficacy of multiple applications of 1-MCP was also investigated. The residual effect of 1-MCP was determined by pretreating blooming Phalaenopsis amabilis plants with 0.8 μL·L−1 1-MCP for 8 hours on Day 0 followed by 2 μL·L−1 ethylene fumigation for 12 hours on designated days. Without 1-MCP pretreatment, flowers began to wilt within 2 days after exposure to ethylene. Duration of the residual protection of 1-MCP on P. amabilis was ≈6 to 8 days during summer in Taiwan. Lower temperatures after 1-MCP application prolonged protection times. The full protection times under day/night temperatures of 25/20, 20/15, and 15/13 °C were 4 to 8, 10 to 13, and 13 to 17 days, respectively. Furthermore, multiple applications of 1-MCP extended the duration of 1-MCP protection against ethylene. Three applications increased the residual protection of P. amabilis by 1-MCP to at least 24 days.
Substituting Pine Wood for Pine Bark Affects Physical Properties of Nursery Substrates
Authors: Altland James E. , Krause Charles R.
Published: February 2019

Pine bark (PB) is currently imported from southern U.S. states to nursery growers in the upper midwest and northeast United States. Alternatives to PB that are regionally abundant and sustainable are needed for nursery substrates. The objective of this research was to determine the influence of pine wood (PW), which consisted of chipped and hammermilled pine trees (excluding branches and needles) on substrate physical properties when substituted partially or wholly for PB in substrates typical of Ohio. Four cooperating nursery sites, each with unique substrates comprised primarily of PB, were recruited to use PW as a substitute for 0%, 50%, or 100% of the PB fraction in their substrate. All other physical and chemical amendments used traditionally at each site were incorporated. Physical properties including particle size distribution (PSD), air space (AS), container capacity (CC), total porosity (TP), unavailable water (UAW), bulk density (Db), and moisture characteristic curves (MCC) were determined for each substrate at each cooperator site. Pine wood was generally more coarse than all but one of the PB materials used by the four cooperating sites. Amendment with PW did not have any consistent or predictable effect on AS, CC, TP, or Db of the resultant substrates. Pine wood had little identifiable effect on plotted MCC, although it reduced calculated easily available water in one substrate. It was concluded that substitution of PB with PW can result in changes to substrate physical properties that might lead to irrigation management changes, but none of these changes were considered negative or drastic enough to cause physical properties to be outside of acceptable ranges.
Use of Fungal Laccases to Facilitate Biodethatching: A New Approach
Authors: Sidhu Sudeep S. , Huang Qingguo , Carrow Robert N. , Raymer Paul L.
Published: February 2019

Accumulation of excessive organic matter as thatch restricts permeability of putting greens and is one of the most difficult problems in turfgrass management. A greenhouse experiment using potted bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) determined the efficacy of a ligninolytic enzyme, laccase, in reducing organic matter accumulation in the thatch-mat layer. Laccase was added biweekly at 0, 0.206, 2.06, and 20.6 units of activity/cm2 with and without guaiacol (2-methoxyphenol), a mediator of laccase, and sampling was performed after two and nine months. Parameters investigated included thickness of the organic layer, thatch layer and mat layer, organic matter content, saturated hydraulic conductivity, and lignin content. Organic matter and thatch layer increased between the two sampling dates in all treatments. Laccase was shown to be effective in slowing the rate of accumulation of organic matter and thatch layer. After two months, application of 20.6 units/cm2 of laccase reduced organic layer thickness by 8.7% and extractive-free total lignin content by 8.4% when compared with non-treated control. After nine months, laccase application rates of 2.06 units/cm2 reduced organic matter and thatch layer thickness by 15.6% and 45.0%, respectively, below levels observed in the non-treated control. Applications using 0.206 units/cm2 of laccase were ineffective. Laccase applications had no influence on turf quality. These positive responses suggest laccase treatments could be a non-disruptive option for thatch and/or mat control in bentgrass.
Bunching Onion Culture in Greenhouse and Hoop House
Authors: Russo Vincent M. , Shrefler James
Published: February 2019

Extending the season can provide opportunities for vegetable producers. Bunching onion, or scallions (Allium fistulosum L.), is a crop that can be a candidate for protected production used to extend the growing season. The cvs. Evergreen Hardy White (white), Deep Purple (red), and Nabechan F1 (white) were sown at monthly intervals from Sept. 2010 to Aug. 2011 in containers under greenhouse and hoop house conditions at Lane, OK. Days to harvest and yield variables were determined. Crop failure occurred in a greenhouse for all plants sown in July, for ‘Deep Purple’ sown in August, and for those sown in a hoop house in February and March and May through August, days to harvest was generally less for plants sown in the greenhouse, and for ‘Deep Purple’, but all plants took longer to reach marketable size than is indicated for field production. Yields for plants grown in the greenhouse were higher than for those grown in the hoop house. Greenhouse production provides more flexibility and protection from environmental conditions so that bunching onions can be grown for extended season production. However, environmental controls under greenhouse conditions need to be refined to reduce length of growing season while maintaining, or improving, yields of optimally sized plants. Programs to improve nutrition in school systems and introduction of “Farm to School” and “extended season” initiatives present opportunities for production of some vegetables including bunching onion, or scallions. “Farm to School” programs allow the use of fresh, locally grown foods to be incorporated into school menus. Bunching onions can be used fresh or prepared items. Use of protected culture in greenhouses and hoop houses may allow for extended season production of these onions so that they can be used during non-typical growing periods especially, when locally produced field-grown crops are not available.
Leaf Gas Exchange Responses to Irrigation Timing and Nigari (Effluent of Salt Industries) of Sweet Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) in Soilless Culture
Authors: Rahman Md. Jahedur , Inden Haruhisa , Kirimura Masaaki
Published: February 2019

There is increasing interest in reducing fertilizer cost and establishing proper irrigation management for sustainable vegetable production. Nigari, an effluent of salt industries, is cheaper than commercial fertilizers. Another important vegetable production factor is nutrient application timing to improve soilless cultivation in crops like sweet pepper. Therefore, this study evaluated the effects of nigari and nutrient solution application timing on leaf gas exchanges of sweet pepper cultivated under a soilless system. Treatments included three nigari rates [no nigari plus a standard nutrient solution as control, 2 mL·L−1 nigari + additional nitrogen–phosphorus–potassium (N–P–K) to equal the standard, and 4 mL·L−1 nigari + additional N–P–K to equal the standard]. Three daily application timings (T1 = 0700 hr + 1500 hr, T2 = 0900 hr + 1500 hr, and T3 = 0700 hr + 0900 hr + 1500 hr) were used for each nutrient solution. Leaf gas exchange parameters were studied during the vegetative and reproductive growth stages of sweet pepper cv. Papri new-E-red. Photosynthetic responses and its related parameters, namely transpiration (E), stomatal conductance (gS), and maximum photosynthesis (Amax), were significantly affected by nigari rates and nutrient solution application timing. Photosynthesis-related parameters, E, gS, Amax, and initial slope of photosynthesis in response to light curve were the highest and light compensation point (LCP) and leaf vapor pressure deficit (LVPD) were the lowest at 2 mL·L−1 nigari compared with the control at both plant vegetative and reproductive growth stages. For nutrient solution application timing, the highest E, gS, and Amax were observed at T3 treatment at both plant growth stages. Furthermore, marketable yield of sweet pepper was the highest when 2 mL·L−1 nigari was applied at 0700, 0900, and 1500 hr a day. Leaf gas exchange parameters showed that nutrient solution application timing of 0700, 0900, and 1500 hr a day was better for obtaining high yield of sweet pepper under nigari treatment in soilless culture.
Fall Frost Effects on the Essential Oil of ‘Native’ Spearmint (Mentha spicata L.) in Wyoming
Authors: Zheljazkov Valtcho D. , Cantrell Charles L. , Astatkie Tess , Jeliazkova Ekaterina
Published: February 2019

‘Native’ spearmint (Mentha spicata L.) is a widely grown essential oil crop worldwide and in the midwest in the United States. There is interest in expanding spearmint production to Wyoming and other states. However, there is no information to determine if spearmint would perform well under the Wyoming high-altitude and short-growing season and if its productivity and oil quality would be affected by fall frosts. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of fall frosts at the end of the cropping season on ‘Native’ spearmint productivity and oil profile. Spearmint plants were harvested at the following harvest dates (HDs): 14 Sept., 21 Sept., 28 Sept., 5 Oct., 12 Oct., 24 Oct., and 1 Nov. 2011. The HDs were selected to coincide with the fall frosts in northern Wyoming. Indeed, during that time, frost occurred on the following dates: 21 Sept., 10 Oct., 13 Oct., 15 Oct., 19 Oct., 20 Oct., 24 Oct., 25 Oct., 26 Oct., 27 Oct., 28 Oct., 29 Oct., 30 Oct., 31 Oct., and 1 Nov. 2011. The first heavy snow occurred on 3 Nov. Fresh herbage yields were higher at the 1 Nov. HD relative to the 14 Sept. HD, whereas the yields at the other HD were not significantly different. Generally, the oil content was high at 14 Sept., 21 Sept., and 5 Oct. HD and low at the 24 Oct. and 1 Nov. HD. Carvone concentration (42% to 75% range) in the oil reached a maximum at the 12 Oct. HD. The concentration of limonene was low at the first HD (14 Sept.) and higher at the other HDs. The yield of carvone (a function of the fresh herbage yields, oil content, and the concentration of carvone in the oil) was high at the 12 Oct. HD and low at the other HDs. In the spring of 2012, spearmint emerged in late April and was unaffected by the Wyoming winter or by the early spring frosts. This preliminary study suggests ‘Native’ spearmint may be a viable crop for northern Wyoming at elevation of ≈1170 m.
Changes in Root and Shoot Growth and Biomass Partition Resulting from Different Irrigation Intervals for Ligustrum japonicum Thunb.
Authors: Silva Dilma Daniela , Kane Michael E. , Beeson Richard C.
Published: February 2019

Although effects of irrigation frequency and volumes on overall plant establishment and growth have been reported, previous research has not examined how intermittent exposure to substrate water limitation affects partitioning of growth between root tips and buds and how this influences episodic growth patterns. The research presented here examines these effects on Ligustrum japonicum during the establishment period. Plants were exposed to two irrigation treatments: short wetting and drying cycles (SC, 2 days) and long wetting and drying cycles (LC, 7 days). Intermittent water limitations (LC) resulted in new shoot dry mass reductions of ≈28% compared with well-irrigated counterparts, particularly diminishing leaf growth. Water limitation effects on root-to-shoot ratio were dependent on plant growth stage. LC increased root-to-shoot ratios only when plants were at shoot flush, resulting in poor correlations (r = 0.53) between this ratio and differential percent volumetric water content, which was directly influenced by irrigation frequency. Patterns of shoot and root growth varied considerably between these clonal plants, which may be an important consideration on analyses of populations of woody plants. Large periods of episodic growth were not observed for most of the experimental period, but only after plant establishment. Root growth was similar in both treatments and there was no clear arresting of root growth during the experimental period. SC plants started bud expansion earlier than LC and had more shoot flushes and cumulative shoot growing points. A 7-day irrigation cycle was sufficient to establish two-year-old L. japonicum plants; however, shoot growth was less pronounced than root growth compared with plants irrigated on a 2-day cycle.
Seedling Emergence, Growth, and Mineral Nutrition of Ornamental Chile Peppers Irrigated with Saline Water
Authors: Niu Genhua , Osuna Pedro , Sun Youping , Rodriguez Denise S.
Published: February 2019

Ornamental chile peppers are popular bedding plants. As high-quality water supply becomes limited in many parts of the world, alternative waters such as municipal reclaimed water is encouraged to be used for landscape irrigation. The purpose of this study was to assess the relative salt tolerance of 10 cultivars of ornamental chile peppers by irrigating the mature plants with saline solutions and germinating seeds in saline substrate in a greenhouse. In the mature plant salt tolerance experiment, plants were irrigated with nutrient solution (no addition of salts, control) or saline solution at electrical conductance (EC) of 4.1 dS·m−1 or 8.1 dS·m−1 for 8 weeks. Plants in the EC of 4.1 dS·m−1 treatment did not have any foliar salt damage regardless of cultivar. At EC of 8.1 dS·m−1, ‘NuMex Memorial Day’ had the most severe foliar salt damage, whereas ‘NuMex April Fool’s Day’, ‘NuMex Cinco de Mayo’, ‘NuMex Thanksgiving’, and ‘NuMex Twilight’ had little or no foliar damage. Shoot dry weight (DW) reduction at EC of 8.1 dS·m−1 compared with control was smallest in ‘NuMex Thanksgiving’ (15%), whereas ‘NuMex Memorial Day’ had the greatest reduction of 74% followed by ‘NuMex Christmas’ of 61%. The highest shoot DW reduction in ‘NuMex Memorial Day’ coincided with lowest visual score, indicating that this cultivar was the least tolerant to salinity. The leaf Na+ and Cl− concentrations increased dramatically with increasing EC of the irrigation water in all cultivars. The highest Na+ concentration of 10.9 mg·g−1 DW at EC of 8.1 dS·m−1 was observed in ‘NuMex Christmas’. The highest Cl− concentration at EC of 8.1 dS·m−1 was found in ‘NuMex Memorial Day’ with 64.8 mg·g−1 DW, which was four times higher than the control. In the seedling emergence experiment, seeds of the 10 cultivars were germinated in substrate either moistened with reverse osmosis water (EC ≈0) or saline solution at EC of 17.1 dS·m−1. ‘NuMex Christmas’ and ‘NuMex Memorial Day’ had the lowest relative seedling emergence index, indicating that these two cultivars were the least tolerant to salinity during the seedling emergence stage. ‘NuMex Thanksgiving’ and ‘NuMex Cinco de Mayo’ had the highest relative seedling emergence index. Combining the results from both experiments, we concluded that ‘NuMex Cinco de Mayo’ and ‘NuMex Thanksgiving’ were the most tolerant cultivars, whereas ‘NuMex Christmas’ and ‘NuMex Memorial Day’ were the least tolerant ones.
Using Mind Genomics® to Identify Essential Elements of a Flower Product
Authors: Levin Laura A. , Langer Kelly M. , Clark David G. , Colquhoun Thomas A. , Callaway Jeri L. , Moskowitz Howard R.
Published: February 2019

The IdeaMap® software suite and the concept of Mind Genomics® were used to analyze which features of a flower product are influential to consumer perception. By presenting online human subjects with combinations of elements that describe a flower product, a database was created to define how individuals perceive distinct components of an overall flower product. This study was conducted with two separate groups of participants, the first provided by a panelist fielding house and the second administered to an undergraduate introduction to plants and gardening class. The fielding house participants represented various demographic groups throughout the United States and the majority was 40 years of age and older. The undergraduate class participants consisted primarily of white, female students between the ages of 18 and 24 years. Each study participant was exposed to a permutation of flower-based elements derived from six categories: flower color, flower shape, consumer health and wellness, flower fragrance, flower purchase location, and flower use. The results of the two studies illustrated which elements of each flower category appealed to different demographics of the population and were used to identify segments of the population that possessed similar mindsets toward elements of interest and disinterest in regard to a flower product. In both the fielding house and student IdeaMap® studies, the highest and lowest interest values were for elements from the flower fragrance category, indicating that floral fragrance is an important aspect of flowers with respect to current and future consumer satisfaction. Three distinct segments were identified in each study with the segments being primarily concerned with elements involving olfaction, visual, and other attributes of a flower product.