bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seedcoat Structure and Oxygen-enhanced Environments Affect Germination of Triploid Watermelon
Authors: Grange Stacie , Leskovar Daniel I. , Pike Leonard M. , Cobb B. Gregory
Published: January 2019

Triploid or seedless watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum & Nakai] cultivars often have erratic germination and low seedling vigor. The morphology of the seedcoat on two triploid cultivars—Tri X 313 and Tri X Sunrise—was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to identify structural differences compared to diploid seeds. Triploid seeds incubated with oxygen-enhanced treatments that included nicking, 1% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and 40% oxygen were investigated at low and high medium moisture levels. Triploid seed has a thicker seedcoat with a dense endotesta layer and a larger and highly variable air space surrounding the embryonic axis as compared with diploid seed. All cultivars rapidly imbibed water (≈50% of the original weight) during the first hour of imbibition, with a faster increase for triploids than for diploids. High moisture affected germination to a lesser extent in diploid than triploid seeds. Triploid germination under low medium moisture ranged from 96% to 76%, but was severely reduced to <27% under high medium moisture. Triploid seed germination was significantly improved at high moisture by H2O2 and by 40% oxygen. Triploid watermelon seed is very sensitive to submerged conditions, possibly due to a combination of physiological and morphological defects. The rapid imbibition and excess water collected in the seedcoat and air space surrounding the embryo, could reduce oxygen diffusion and impair metabolic pathways leading to normal germination and seedling development.
Compost Amended Media and Irrigation System Influence Containerized Perennial Salvia
Authors: Wilson S.B. , Stoffella P.J. , Graetz D.A.
Published: January 2019

Three perennial species, wine sage (Salvia spp. Sell x roenen Schultes `Van Houttei'), blue anise sage (Salvia gauranitica St.-Hil. Ex Benth. `Black and Blue'), and indigo spires salvia (S. longispicata Martius Galeotti × S. farinacea Benth. `Indigo Spires') were transplanted in containers filled with a biosolid-yard waste compost, a commercial peat-based mix, or a mixture of 1 compost: 1 peat-based mix by volume) and grown under ebb-and-flow, drip, or manual irrigation systems. Initial physical, chemical, and elemental analyses of the media indicated that compost alone had higher pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total porosity (TP), bulk density (BD), particle density (PD), N, C, P, Ca, Zn, Cu, Fe, and B; lower initial moisture, Mg and Al; and similar Mn contents than did the 100% peat-based medium. Heavy metal (Cd and Pb) contents of compost did not exceed EPA 503 Rule limits for biosolid usage. After 6 weeks, plants were measured for leaf nutrient content, growth (leaf and stem dry weights, stem lengths), and quality (number of flowers, leaf greenness, and subjective quality ratings). At 6 weeks, plants grown in 50% or 100% compost generally had higher leaf K, P, and Mn; similar N and Ca; and lower Mg, Fe, and Al content than plants grown in the 100% peat-based medium. Plants grown in media amended with compost generally produced similar or slightly smaller plants (stem weight, leaf weight, and stem length) than when grown in peat-based media. Plants irrigated by ebb and flow resulted in higher (`Van Houttei') or similar (`Indigo Spires') dry stem weights than plants irrigated manually or with drip irrigation. Plants grown in compost had leaf SPAD readings (leaf greenness), number of flowers, and visual quality ratings that were generally similar (`Indigo Spires') or slightly reduced (`Van Houttei') than plants grown in peat-based media. However, for each species (except for `Van Houttei' grown in 50% compost using drip irrigation), plants were of marketable quality, regardless of irrigation system or medium. This study suggests that compost may serve as a viable alternative substrate for peat in the production of containerized perennials using ebb-and-flow, manual, or drip irrigation systems.
The Effect of Temperature, Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density, and Photoperiod on the Vegetative Growth and Flowering of `Autumn Bliss' Raspberry
Authors: Carew J.G. , Mahmood K. , Darby J. , Hadley P. , Battey N.H.
Published: January 2019

The effects of temperature, photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) and photoperiod on vegetative growth and flowering of the raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) `Autumn Bliss' were investigated. Increased temperature resulted in an increased rate of vegetative growth and a greater rate of progress to flowering. Optimum temperatures lay in the low to mid 20°C range. Above this the rate of plant development declined. Increased PPFD also advanced flowering. While photoperiod did not significantly affect the rate of vegetative growth, flowering occurred earliest at intermediate photoperiods and was delayed by extreme photoperiods. These responses suggest that there is potential for adjusting cropping times of raspberry grown under protection by manipulating the environment, especially temperature.
Coronatine and Abscission in Citrus
Authors: Burns Jacqueline K. , Pozo Luis V. , Arias Covadonga R. , Hockema Brandon , Rangaswamy Vidhya , Bender Carol L.
Published: January 2019

Coronatine is a polyketide phytotoxin produced by several plant pathogenic Pseudomonas spp. The effect of coronatine on abscission in Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck `Hamlin' and `Valencia' orange fruit, leaves, fruitlets, and flowers was determined. Coronatine at 200 mg·L-1 significantly reduced fruit detachment force of mature fruit, and did not cause fruitlet or flower loss in `Valencia'. Cumulative leaf loss was 18% with coronatine treatment. Coronafacic acid or coronamic acid, precursors to coronatine in Pseudomonas syringae, did not cause mature fruit abscission. Ethylene production in mature fruit and leaves was stimulated by coronatine treatment, and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid oxidase (ACO) and 12-oxo-phytodienoate reductase (12-oxo-PDAR) gene expression was upregulated. A slight chlorosis developed in the canopy of whole trees sprayed with coronatine, and chlorophyll content was reduced relative to adjuvant-treated controls. Leaves formed after coronatine application were not chlorotic and had chlorophyll contents similar to controls. Comparison of coronatine to the abscission compounds methyl jasmonate, 5-chloro-3-methyl-4-nitro-pyrazole and ethephon indicated differences in ethylene production and ACO and 12-oxo-PDAR gene expression between treatments. Leaf loss, chlorophyll reduction and low coronatine yield during fermentation must be overcome for coronatine to be seriously considered as an abscission material for citrus.
Bulblet Differentiation after Scale Propagation of Lilium longiflorum
Authors: Marinangeli Pablo A. , Hernández Luis F. , Pellegrini Cecilia P. , Curvetto Néstor R.
Published: January 2019

External, middle and inner scales in parent bulbs were studied to evaluate bulblet differentiation in Lilium longiflorum Thunb. during scale propagation at 25 °C. A 13-stage developmental process describes different steps including preprimordial, primordial, and bulblet formation. For all scales, preprimordial and primordial stages occurred within the first 4 days. The differentiation process depended on parent scale position. Most bulblets arising from external scales developed three true scales after 30 days while bulblets from middle scales formed four true scales. Homogeneity in the morphology of the parent scales, only shown in the middle ones, was associated with a rapid change in developmental stage for the population of bulblets. Inner scales showed few bulblets with three and four true scales, the rest remaining at earlier developmental stages. Bulblet production decreased from external to internal scales: 2.6, 2.2, and 1.2 bulblets per scale, respectively, and showed a positive correlation with the scale base width. Maximum scale weight and surface area and maximum bulblet fresh and dry weight occurred in the middle scales. We conclude that middle scales are the ideal starting material for experimental uses involving scaling propagation. For production purposes, the external scales, in addition to the middle scales, must also be included for propagation.
Application of Time-of-flight Near-infrared Spectroscopy to Detect Sugar and Acid Content in Satsuma Mandarin
Authors: Tsuchikawa Satoru , Sakai Emiko , Inoue Kinuyo , Miyamoto Kumi
Published: January 2019

Time-of-flight near infrared spectroscopy (TOF-NIRS) was applied to the detection of sugar and acid content in Satuma mandarin (Citrus unshiu Marc). The combined effects on the time resolved profiles of soluble solids, free acids, laser beam wavelength, and detection position of transmitted light were investigated in detail. Attenuance of peak maxima (At) and time delay of peak maxima (Δt) increased as sugar content increased. However, these optical parameters decreased with increases in acid content. In the case of a model sample of a polyurethane block immersed in specified solutions, At and Δt decreased by adding sucrose or citric acid. These results suggested that time resolved profile was governed not only by the concentration of soluble solid or free acid but also by other inherent factors of a fruit; for example, an optical characteristic of tissue or difference in refractive index between the tissue substance and the liquid. Results indicated the optimum optical parameters for detection of sugar and acid content were At and Δt, respectively.
Optimum Plot Size and Number of Replications with Short-day Onions for Yield, Seedstem Formation, Number of Doubles, and Incidence of Foliar Diseases
Authors: Boyhan George E. , Langston David B. , Purvis Albert C. , Hill C. Randell
Published: January 2019

Five different statistical methods were used to estimate optimum plot size and three different methods were used to estimate optimum number of replications with short-day onions (Allium cepa L.) for yield, seedstem formation (bolting), purple blotch and/or Stemphylium (PB/S), botrytis leaf blight (BLB), and bulb doubling with a basic plot size unit of 1.5 × 1.8 m (length × width). Methods included Bartlett's test for homogeneity of variance, computed lsd values, maximum curvature of coefficient of variation plotted against plot size, Hatheway's method for a true mean difference, and Cochran and Cox's method for detecting a percent mean difference. Bartlett's chi-square was better at determining optimum plot size with transformed count and percent data compared with yield data in these experiments. Optimum plot size for yield of five basic units (7.5 m length) and four replications is indicated using computed lsd values where the lsd is <5% of the average for that plot size, which was the case in both years of this study. Based on all the methods used for yield, a plot size of four to five basic units and three to five replications is appropriate. For seedstems using computed lsd values, an optimum plot size of four basic units (6 m length) and two replications is indicated. For PB/S two basic units (3 m length) plot size with four replications is indicated by computed lsd values. For BLB a plot size of four basic units (6 m length) and three replications is optimum based on computed lsd values. Optimum plot size and number of replications for estimating bulb doubling was four basic units (6 m length) and two replications with `Southern Belle', a cultivar with a high incidence of doubling using computed lsd values. With `Sweet Vidalia', a cultivar with low incidence of bulb doubling, a plot size of four basic units (6 m length) and five replications is recommended by computed lsd values. Visualizing maximum curvature between coefficient of variation and plot size suggests plot sizes of seven to eight basic units (10.5 to 12 m length) for yield, 10 basic units (15 m length) for seedstems, five basic units (7.5 m length) for PB/S and BLB, five basic units (7.5 m length) for `Southern Belle' doubling, and 10 basic units (15 m length) for `Sweet Vidalia' doubling. A number of plot size-replication combinations were optimum for the parameters tested with Hatheway's and Cochran and Cox's methods. Cochran and Cox's method generally indicated a smaller plot size and number of replications compared to Hatheway's method regardless of the parameter under consideration. Overall, both Hatheway's method and computed lsd values appear to give reasonable results regardless of data (i.e., yield, seedstems, diseases etc.) Finally, it should be noted that the size of the initial basic unit will have a strong influence on the appropriate plot size.
Yield Responses of a Mature Olive Orchard to Water Deficits
Authors: Moriana Alfonso , Orgaz Francisco , Pastor Miguel , Fereres Elias
Published: January 2019

Irrigation is one of the most important means of increasing olive oil production but little information exists on the responses of olive to variable water supply. Five different irrigation strategies, full irrigation, rain fed, and three deficit irrigation treatments were compared from 1996 to 1999, in Cordoba, southern Spain, to characterize the response of a mature olive (Olea europaea L. `Picual') orchard to irrigation. Crop evapotranspiration (ETc) varied from less than 500 mm in the rain fed to ≈900 mm under full irrigation. The deficit irrigation treatments had ETc values that ranged from 60% to 80% of full ETc depending on the year and treatment. Water relations, and oil content and trunk growth measurements allowed for the interpretation of yield responses to water deficits. In a deficit irrigation treatment that concentrated all its ETc deficit in the summer, stem water potential (Ψx) decreased to -7 MPa but recovered quickly in the fall, while in the treatment that applied the same ET deficit progressively, Ψx was never below -3.8 MPa. Minimum Ψx in the rain fed treatment reached -8 MPa. Yield (Y) responses as a function of ETc were calculated for biennial yield data, given the alternate bearing habit of the olive; the equation are: Y = -16.84 + 0.063 ET -0.035 × 10-3 ET2, and Y = -2.78 + 0.011 ET - 0.006 × 10-3 ET2, for fruit and oil production respectively, with responses to ET deficits being similar for sustained and regulated deficit irrigation. The yield response to a deficit treatment that was fully irrigated during the bearing year and rain fed in the nonbearing year, was less favorable than that observed in the other two deficit treatments.
Photocontrol of Flowering and Extension Growth in the Long-day Plant Pansy
Authors: Runkle Erik S. , Heins Royal D.
Published: January 2019

Plastics that selectively reduce the transmission of far-red light (FR, 700 to 800 nm) reduce extension growth of many floricultural crops. However, FR-deficient (FRd) environments delay flowering in some long-day plants (LDPs), including `Crystal Bowl Yellow' pansy (Viola ×wittrockiana Gams). Our objective was to determine if FR light could be added to an otherwise FRd environment to facilitate flowering with minimal extension growth. In one experiment, plants were grown under a 16-hour FRd photoperiod, and FR-rich light was added during portions of the day or night. For comparison, plants were also grown with a 9-hour photoperiod [short-day (SD) control] or under a neutral (N) filter with a 16-hour photoperiod (long day control). Flowering was promoted most (i.e., percent of plants that flowered increased and time to flower decreased) when FR-rich light was added during the entire 16-hour photoperiod, during the last 4 hours of the photoperiod, or during the first or second 4 hours after the end of the photoperiod. In a separate experiment, pansy was grown under an FRd or N filter with a 9-hour photoperiod plus 0, 0.5, 1, 2, or 4 hours of night interruption (NI) lighting that delivered a red (R, 600 to 700 nm) to FR ratio of 0.56 (low), 1.28 (moderate), or 7.29 (high). Under the N filter, the minimum NI duration that increased percent flowering was 2 hours with a moderate or low R:FR and 4 hours with a high R:FR. Under the FRd filter, 2 or 4 hours of NI lighting with a moderate or low R:FR, respectively, was required to increase percent flowering, but a 4-hour NI with a high R:FR failed to promote flowering. Pansy appears to be day-neutral with respect to flower initiation and a quantitative LDP with respect to flower development. The promotion of reproductive development was related linearly to the promotion of extension growth. Therefore, it appears that in LDPs such as pansy, light duration and quality concomitantly promote extension growth and flowering, and cannot readily be separated with lighting strategies.
Influence of Photoselective Films and Growing Season on Stem Growth and Flowering of Six Plant Species
Authors: Cerny Teresa A. , Faust James E. , Layne Desmond R. , Rajapakse Nihal C.
Published: January 2019

Growth chambers constructed of photoselective plastic films were used to investigate light quality effects on flowering and stem elongation of six flowering plant species under strongly inductive and weakly inductive photoperiods. Three films were used: a clear control film, a far red (FR) light absorbing (AFR) film and a red (R) light absorbing (AR) film. The AFR and AR films intercepted FR (700 to 800 nm) and R (600 to 700 nm) wavelengths with maximum interception at 730 and 690 nm, respectively. The phytochrome photoequilibrium estimates of transmitted light for the control, AFR, and AR films were 0.71, 0.77, and 0.67. The broad band R:FR ratios were 1.05, 1.51, and 0.77, respectively. The photosynthetic photon flux was adjusted with neutral density filters to provide similar light transmission among chambers. Zinnia elegans Jacq., Dendranthema×grandiflorum Kitam. (chrysanthemum), Cosmos bipinnatus Cav., and Petunia×hybrida Vilm.-Andr. plants grown under the AFR film were shorter than control plants. The AFR film had no effect on height of Antirrhinum majus L. (snapdragon) or Rosa×hybrida (miniature rose). Anthesis of zinnia, chrysanthemum, cosmos (short-day plants), and miniature rose (day-neutral plant) was not influenced by the AFR films. Anthesis of petunia and snapdragon (long-day plants) was delayed up to 13 days by AFR films under weakly inductive photoperiods. In petunia, initiation and development of floral structures were not affected by the AFR films during strongly inductive photoperiods. However, during weakly inductive photoperiods, initiation of the floral primordia was significantly delayed and overall development of the floral meristem was slower than control plants indicating that the AFR films could increase the production time if long-day plants were produced off-season. Daylength extension with electric light sources could overcome this delay in anthesis yet achieve the benefit of AFR films for height reduction without the use of chemical growth regulators.
Inheritance of Chilling Injury: A Maternally Inherited Trait in Cucumber
Authors: Chung Sang-Min , Staub Jack E. , Fazio Gennaro
Published: January 2019

Chilling temperatures (≤12°C) can cause substantial economic damage to cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) plants. Previous studies suggest chilling tolerance trait is controlled by nuclear gene(s). To investigate inheritance of chilling injury in cucumber, cucumber lines [susceptible GY14 (P1), tolerant `Chipper' (P2), and tolerant `Little John' (P3)], and their exact reciprocal F1 and F2 cross-progeny were evaluated to determine the inheritance of chilling injury at the first true-leaf stage when challenged at 4 °C for 5.5 hours. The mean chilling ratings [1(trace) to 9(dead)] of progeny comparisons were F1(P1 × P2) = 6.2 vs. F1(P2 × P1) = 1.6; F2(P1 × P2) = 6.4 vs. F2(P2 × P1) = 2.7; F1(P1 × P3) = 5.4 vs. F1(P3 × P1) = 1.7; and F2(P1 × P3) = 5.8 vs. F2(P3 × P1) = 2.2. These data suggest that chilling tolerance was maternally inherited as is the chloroplast genome in cucumber. Parents, reciprocal F1, and F2 progeny were evaluated for variation using random amplified polymorphism DNA (RAPD). Although no maternally inherited RAPD markers were detected, polymorphic and paternally inherited RAPD bands AD21249, AV8916, and AV8969 amplified by AD2 and AV8 primers were cloned and sequenced. A BLAST search of these sequences suggested that their origin is likely cucumber mitochondrial DNA. These results indicate that the mitochondria genome is not associated with the chilling tolerant trait because this genome is paternally inherited in progeny derived from this reciprocal mating. Therefore, the results of maternally inherited chilling tolerant trait and paternally transmitted mitochondria genome support that the chilling tolerant trait as identified is likely associated with the chloroplast genome which is maternally transmitted in cucumber.
Inheritance of Scarlet Color and Vein Pattern in Flowers and Oxblood Red Seedcoat Color Derived from the Interspecific Cross of Common Bean with Scarlet Runner Bean (Phaseolus coccineus L.)
Authors: Bassett Mark J.
Published: January 2019

The genetics of the vermilion flower color (more orange than scarlet or salmon red) of Phaseolus coccineus L. is largely unknown, but the gene Sal for salmon red is the gene essential for its expression. Lamprecht line M0169 (PI 527868) expresses salmon red flowers with vein pattern on the wing petals and black seedcoats. M0169 (Sal Am and an unknown gene that inhibits the scarlet flower color expression of Am) was crossed with v BC3 5-593 (sal am and no inhibitor gene, expressing white flowers and mineral brown seedcoats). Line 5-593 is a Florida dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) line used as the recurrent parent for development of genetic stocks. The F2 from Sal Am Vwf BC1 5-593 (scarlet flowers, black seedcoats) × v BC3 5-593 (white flowers, mineral brown seedcoats) supported the hypothesis that a partly dominant gene Am changes salmon red to scarlet flower color and that Am has no expression with sal. The F3 progeny test of 27 random F2 parents from the above cross supported the hypothesis of a single partly dominant factor (Am) with no expression without Sal, where only Sal/Sal Am/Am completely eliminates the flower vein pattern (VP) of Sal. F4 progeny tests of 29 random F3 parents derived from a F2 selection with Sal/Sal Am/am Vwf/v supported the hypothesis that Am is linked to V (cM = 9.4 ± 1.93) and the hypothesis that Am is linked with a dominant gene (tentative symbol Oxb) that (with Sal v) changes seedcoat color from mineral brown with red haze to oxblood red. Another F4 progeny test of seven selected F3 parents with Sal/Sal Am/am v/v and oxblood seedcoat color supported the hypothesis that the Oxb gene (linked with Am and derived from M0169) with Sal v expresses oxblood seedcoat color. The gene symbol Am is proposed for the gene from M0169 that with Sal v expresses two pleiotropic effects: changes salmon red to scarlet flower color and eliminates the VP of salmon red. The interaction of Sal with Am for flower color and VP expression is discussed for all gene combinations.
Molecular and Morphological Investigation of Ornamental Liriopogons
Authors: Mcharo Mwamburi , Bush Edward , La Bonte Don , Broussard Catherine , Urbatsch Lowell
Published: January 2019

Eighteen commercial taxa in genera Liriope and Ophiopogon were evaluated genetically and morphologically. Three hundred and forty-four Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP) markers were identified and used in the analysis. Relatedness among taxa was estimated by analyzing the AFLP data using the Dice coefficient of similarity and UPGMA methods. The molecular analysis revealed relatively no genetic differentiation among the taxa ascribed to their respective genera, Liriope and Ophiopogon, based on morphological assessment of floral structure. Greater than 95% of the total genetic variability present was attributed to within group effects using various grouping strategies among the taxa. Among group effects were correspondingly low and not significant (P ≤ 0.05). Results suggest an indistinguishable genetic relationship may exist in the tribe Ophiopogonae between what is currently ascribed as two distinct genera.
Intron and Polypeptide Evolution of Conserved NPA to NPA Motif Regions in Plant Aquaporins
Authors: Xie Jiahua , Wehner Todd C. , Wollenberg Kurt , Purugganan Michael D. , Conkling Mark A.
Published: January 2019

Aquaporin proteins are part of an ancient family that functions as water transporting facilitators in all organisms. Phylogenetic and physiological analyses have revealed that plant aquaporins consist of two groups: the plasma membrane intrinsic proteins (PIPs) and the tonoplast intrinsic proteins (TIPs). Using the conserved asparagineproline-alanine (NPA) to NPA motif regions, we studied the evolution of 35 plant aquaporins that included nine of our newly cloned cucumber aquaporins and 26 from the GenBank database. Results indicated that NPA repeated regions were effective for phylogenetically characterizing the plant aquaporin family, and to accurately localize the introns. Phylogenetic analysis showed that 35 plant aquaporins fell into two distinct groups (except for the Arabidopsis gene AtMip)—PIPs and TIPs. The nine cucumber aquaporins belong to the PIP group that were localized further into two different sub-groups. The intron analysis showed that introns of plant aquaporins mainly consist of two types. Eighteen PIPs shared identical intron positions localized in connecting loop C between amino acids 95 and 96. Nine TIPs shared the other identical intron positions localized in connecting loop D between amino acids 44 and 45. Cucumber aquaporins CRB9 and CRB10 (with no intron in the repeated NPA regions) may be the result of intron loss events, while intronless rice (Orzya sativa) Os-TIP1 and Os-TIP2 may have resulted from other intron loss events. PIP11 and Os-PIP do not have the same amino acid number as major PIP members, but combined phylogenetic analysis results along with intron positions and phases showed that they belong to the PIP group. The phylogenetic tree and intron position information suggest that AtMip was mis-annotated as a member of aquaporin, and is a homologue of the glycerol facilitator-like protein. Introns share identical positions and phases within the PIP group (except PIP13) or the TIP group, but differ between the plasma and the tonoplast membrane aquaporins matching the phylogenetic analysis results. Intron positions of the repeated NPA regions of plant aquaporins that have stable inheritance can act as molecular markers for phylogenetic studies.
Leaf Anatomy and Stomatal Morphology of Greenhouse Roses Grown at Moderate or High Air Humidity
Authors: Torre Sissel , Fjeld Tove , Gislerød Hans Ragnar , Moe Roar
Published: January 2019

Single node cuttings with one mature leaf were taken from Rosa ×hybrida `Baroness' and rooted in water culture. The plants were subjected to either 90% (high) or 70% (moderate) relative humidity (RH) in climate chambers. Single stem roses with intact roots were transferred to 40% (low) RH to investigate the stomatal response to water stress. Moderate RH plants showed decreasing leaf conductance from day 1 to day 3 during both light and dark phases, in contrast to high RH roses, which showed almost similar leaf conductances during the 3 days. Leaf samples were studied with a light microscope (LM) and a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to quantify morphological and structural changes. Epidermal imprints showed a significantly higher number of stomata and longer stomata, as well as a wider stomatal apertures on roses grown at high RH. The high RH leaves showed a reduced density of vascular tissue and thinner leaves when compared to moderate RH leaves. Enlarged intercellular air-space (ICA) was found due to a reduced number of spongy and palisade mesophyll cells. No obvious difference in shape, size, undulation or the structure of the epicuticular wax was observed in SEM between high and moderate RH grown leaves. In conclusion, roses subjected to high RH showed differences in leaf anatomy, stomatal morphology and stomatal function, which may explain the loss of water control of these plants. Stomatal ontogenesis should occur at RH conditions below 85% to secure roses with a high postharvest quality potential.
Tomato Bacterial Spot Resistance Derived from PI 114490; Inheritance of Resistance to Race T2 and Relationship across Three Pathogen Races
Authors: Scott J.W. , Francis D.M. , Miller S.A. , Somodi G.C. , Jones J.B.
Published: January 2019

Crosses were made between tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) inbreds susceptible to races T2 and T3 of bacterial spot (Xanthomonas vesicatoria and Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria, respectively) and accession PI 114490 with resistance to races T1, T2, and T3. Resistance to race T2 was analyzed using the parents, F1, and F2 generations from one of the crosses. The F1 was intermediate between the parents for disease severity suggesting additive gene action. The segregation of F2 progeny fit a two-locus model (χ2 = 0.96, P = 0.9-0.5) where four resistance alleles are required for a high resistance level, two or three resistance alleles provide intermediate resistance, and zero or one resistance allele results in susceptibility. The narrow sense heritability of resistance to T2 strains was estimated to be 0.37 ± 0.1 based on F2 to F3 parent-offspring regression. A second cross was developed into an inbred backcross (IBC) population to facilitate multilocation replicated testing with multiple races. Segregation for T2 resistance in the inbred backcross population also suggested control was by two loci, lending support to the two-locus model hypothesized based on the F2 segregation. To determine if the same loci conferred resistance to the other races, selections for race T2 resistance were made in the F2 and F3 generations and for race T3 resistance in the F2 through F4 generations. Six T3 selections (F5), 13 T2 selections (F4's that diverged from seven F2 selections), and control lines were then evaluated for disease severity to races T1, T2, and T3 over two seasons. Linear correlations were used to estimate the efficiency of selecting for resistance to multiple races based on a disease nursery inoculated with a single race. Race T1 and race T2 disease severities were correlated (r ≥ 0.80, P< 0.001) within and between years while neither was correlated to race T3 either year. These results suggest that selecting for race T2 resistance in progeny derived from crosses to PI 114490 would be an effective strategy to obtain resistance to both race T1 and T2 in the populations tested. In contrast, selection for race T3 or T2 will be less likely to result in lines with resistance to the other race. PI 114490 had less resistance to T3 than to T2 or T1. Independent segregation of T2 and T3 resistance from the IBC population derived from PI 114490 suggests that T3 resistance is not controlled by the same genes as T2 resistance, supporting the linear correlation data.
Phenolic Acid Content and Composition of Eggplant Fruit in a Germplasm Core Subset
Authors: Stommel John R. , Whitaker Bruce D.
Published: January 2019

Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) is ranked among the top ten vegetables in terms of oxygen radical absorbance capacity due to its fruit's phenolic constituents. Several potential health promoting effects have been ascribed to plant phenolic phytochemicals. We report here a first evaluation of phenolic acid constituents in eggplant fruit from accessions in the USDA eggplant core subset. The core subset includes 101 accessions of the cultivated eggplant, S. melongena, and 14 accessions representing four related eggplant species, S. aethiopicum L., S. anguivi Lam., S. incanum L., and S. macrocarpon L. Significant differences in phenolic acid content and composition were evident among the five eggplant species and among genotypes within species. Fourteen compounds separated by HPLC, that were present in many but not all accessions, were identified or tentatively identified as hydroxycinnamic acid (HCA) derivatives based on HPLC elution times, UV absorbance spectra, ES-—MS mass spectra, and in some cases proton NMR data. These phenolics were grouped into five classes: chlorogenic acid isomers, isochlorogenic acid isomers, hydroxycinnamic acid amide conjugates, unidentified caffeic acid conjugates, and acetylated chlorogenic acid isomers. Among S. melongena accessions, there was a nearly 20-fold range in total HCA content. Total HCA content in S. aethiopicum and S. macrocarpon was low relative to S. melongena. A S. anguivi accession had the highest HCA content among core subset accessions. Chlorogenic acid isomers ranged from 63.4% to 96% of total HCAs in most core accessions. Two atypical accessions, S. anguivi PI 319855 and S. incanum PI500922, exhibited strikingly different HCA conjugate profiles, which differed from those of all other core subset accessions by the presence of several unique phenolic compounds. Our findings on eggplant fruit phenolic content provide opportunities to improve eggplant fruit quality and nutritive value.
Simultaneous Visualization of 5S and 45S rDNAs in Persimmon (Diospyros kaki) and Several Wild Relatives (Diospyros spp.) by Fluorescent in situ Hybridization (FISH) and MultiColor FISH (MCFISH)
Authors: Choi Young A , Tao Ryutaro , Yonemori Keizo , Sugiura Akira
Published: January 2019

5S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) was visualized on the somatic metaphase chromosome of persimmon (Diospyros kaki) and ten wild Diospyros species by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). The digoxigenin (DIG)-labeled 5S rDNA probe was hybridized onto the chromosomes and visualized by incubation with anti-DIG-fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC). Strong signals of 5S rDNA probe were observed on several chromosomes of Diospyros species tested. Furthermore, multicolor FISH using 5S and 45S rDNA probes differently labeled with DIG and biotin, revealed separate localization of the two rDNA genes on different chromosomes of Diospyros species tested, suggesting that 5S and 45S rDNA sites can be used as chromosome markers in Diospyros. The number of 5S rDNA sites varied with the Diospyros species. More 5S rDNA sites were observed in four diploid species native to Southern Africa than in three Asian diploid species. The former had four or six 5S rDNA sites while the latter had two. Three Asian polyploidy species had four to eight 5S rDNA sites. Among the Asian species, the number of 5S rDNA sites seemed to increase according to ploidy level of species. These features of 5S rDNA sites were very similar to those of 45S rDNA sites in Diospyros. Phylogenetic relationship between D. kaki and wild species tested are discussed based on the number and chromosomal distribution of 5S and 45S rDNA.
Sulfur and Nitrogen Availability Interact to Affect the Flavor Biosynthetic Pathway in Onion
Authors: Coolong Timothy W. , Randle William M.
Published: January 2019

To determine the extent to which sulfur (S) and nitrogen (N) fertility interact to influence the flavor biosynthetic pathway in onion (Allium cepa L.), `Granex 33' onions were grown in hydroponic solution culture with varying levels of S and N availability. Plants were grown at 5, 45, or 125 mg·L-1 sulfate (SO42-), and 10, 50, 90, or 130 mg·L-1 N, in a factorial combination. Total bulb S, total and individual flavor precursors and their peptide intermediates in intact onion tissue were measured. To measure the effect of S and N on alliinase activity, flavor precursors were also measured in onion macerates. Sulfur and N availability in the hydroponics solution interacted to influence all flavor compounds except S-methyl-L-cysteine sulfoxide. Levels of S-methyl-L-cysteine sulfoxide were influenced by N and S levels in the solutions; however, no interaction was present. At the lowest SO 42- or N levels, most precursors and peptides measured were present in very low concentrations. When SO 42- or N availability was adequate, differences among flavor compounds were small. Results indicated that S fertility had a greater influence on trans-S-1-propenyl-L-cysteine sulfoxide (1-PRENCSO) accumulation, while N availability had a greater influence on S-methyl-L-cysteine sulfoxide levels. Flavor precursors remaining in the onion macerates revealed that the percentage of intact precursors hydrolyzed by alliinase were not significantly influenced by either SO 42- or N levels in the solutions, except for 1-PRENCSO, which was affected by N levels. Nitrogen and S fertility interacted to influence the flavor biosynthetic pathway and may need to be considered together when manipulating onion flavor compounds.
Variability in Juice Quality of `Valencia' Sweet Orange and Sample Size Estimation for Juice Quality Experiments
Authors: Barry Graham H. , Castle William S. , Davies Frederick S. , Littell Ramon C.
Published: January 2019

Sources of variation in juice quality of `Valencia'sweet orange [Citrus sinensis(L.) Osb.] were quantified and their relative contributions to variability in juice quality were determined, from which sample sizes were estimated. Commercial orchards of `Valencia' sweet orange trees on Carrizo citrange [C. sinensis × Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf.] rootstock were selected at four geographic locations representing the major citrus-producing regions in Florida. Within- and between-tree variation in soluble solids concentration (SSC) and titratable acidity (TA) were estimated in two experiments over two or three seasons, respectively. Variance components for all treatment effects were estimated to partition total variation into all possible component sources of variation. Seasonal variation in SSC and TA was relatively small, but larger for TA than SSC. Variation in SSC among blocks within a location was intermediate to low, and was less than variation among locations. In contrast, tree-to-tree variation in SSC and TA was large, in spite of sampling from trees of similar vigor and crop load, and variation in SSC and TA among fruit was relatively large. Based on results of this study, samples consisting of 35 fruit are required to detect differences (P ≤ 0.05) of 0.3% SSC and 0.06% TA, whereas 20-fruit samples can be used to detect differences of 0.4% SSC and 0.08% TA. Seven replications are required to detect differences of 0.5% SSC and 0.1% TA, with small gains in precision when tree numbers exceed 10.
Temperature and Irradiance Effects on Vegetative Growth of Two Species of Leucocoryne
Authors: Catley J.L.
Published: January 2019

The influences of temperature and irradiance on vegetative growth of two species of Leucocoryne (Leucocoryne coquimbensis F. Phil and L. ixioides (Hook.) Lindl.) were examined in controlled environment growth rooms. The growing environments had day/night temperatures of 10/5, 15/10, or 20/15 °C, providing mean temperatures of 7.5, 12.5, or 17.5 °C, and photosynthetic photon fluxes (PPF) of 497 or 710 μmol·m-2·s-1. Leaf emergence data were recorded up to three times a week, and measurements of vegetative growth were made in the rooms twice weekly. Destructive harvests were carried out at intervals up to four weeks apart. Leaves of L. ixioides emerged first in all mean temperatures. As mean temperature decreased from 17.5 to 7.5 °C, the differences in first emergence dates became more apparent between species. Appearance of the second leaf of both species occurred in less than half the number of days the first leaf took to emerge. The time taken for further leaves to develop increased as temperature decreased, particularly for L. ixioides and at mean temperatures below 12.5 °C. Although leaves of L. ixioides emerged first, days to emergence of further leaves increased to lag behind production of L. coquimbensis leaves, particularly when mean temperatures dropped below 12.5 °C. Temperature also significantly affected growth of other plant parts. As mean temperature increased, maximum leaf, root and main bulb dry weights increased for both species, along with secondary bulb dry weights of L. coquimbensis. As irradiance increased, maximum leaf dry weights decreased and maximum bulb dry weights increased of both species, and maximum dropper dry weights of L. coquimbensis increased. Leucocoryne coquimbensis appears to have the greatest capacity to multiply vegetatively and this is enhanced by high mean temperatures. These results suggest that mean temperatures higher than those used in this study are required for sustained leaf emergence, particularly for L. ixioides although this species has the capacity to emerge at low temperatures. High mean temperatures are also likely to promote vegetative mass of all plant parts of both species, whereas higher irradiance levels than used in this study would enhance main bulb growth.
Nitrogen Fertilization and Use of Container-grown Maple Selections as Hosts by the Potato Leafhopper
Authors: Bentz Jo-Ann , Townsend Alden M.
Published: January 2019

The suitability of container-grown clones of red maple, Acer rubrum L., as a host to the potato leafhopper, Empoasca fabae Harris (Homoptera: Cicadellidae), under different fertilization regimes was determined, and compared to different freeman maple cultivars (A. ×freemanii E. Murray). Three clonal selections of red maple (USNA numbers 56026, 59904, and 55410), and three freeman maple cultivars (55892 `Indian Summer', 67256 `Jeffersred' [trademark Autumn Blaze], and 55890 `Armstrong') were potted in 7.6-L containers, fertilized with either 0, 3.3, or 6.6 g/pot of calcium nitrate and used in experiments. When given a choice, female leafhoppers laid more eggs on leaves of red maple clone 56026 than on leaves of clone 59904, with oviposition linearly increasing on both clones with increases in the fertilization level applied to the trees. Yet, when female leafhoppers were confined to leaves using organza sleeve cages, oviposition increased linearly as fertilizer level increased, without a significant clonal effect. Oviposition did not differ among freeman maple cultivars, nor was it influenced by the fertilizer level applied to the freeman maple trees. Nymphs had the lowest odds of surviving to adulthood when reared on the freeman maple `Jeffersred', but highest when reared on red maple 59904. Red maple 59904 had the fastest growth rate while red maple 55410 had the slowest. Leaf initiation and expansion in red maple 56026 was significantly slower than in the other selections. Leaf development of these three red maple clones was significantly accelerated by the application of fertilizer, regardless of level. The maple selections differed in their mean amounts of foliar macronutrients and micronutrients, which related to the fertilizer level applied to trees. Unfertilized trees had the highest C to N ratio, which decreased as fertilizer level applied to trees was increased. This study showed that fertilization improved the performance of the potato leafhopper on previously nonpreferred maple selections, and that the foliar nutrient content and C to N ratio could be used as indicators of tree susceptibility to insect attack under different growing conditions.
Use of Molecular Markers in the Management of Citrus Germplasm Resources
Authors: Krueger Robert R. , Roose Mikeal L.
Published: January 2019

New potential citrus germplasm accessions may be received as seed rather than budwood, thereby reducing phytosanitary risks. However, trueness-to-type may be an issue with seed materials because many varieties produce both apomictic (nucellar) and sexual (zygotic) embryos and most citrus is fairly heterozygous. To identify nucellar seedlings of polyembryonic types and to retain these as representing the type, we screened 1340 seedlings from 88 seed sources for markers amplified with two inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) primers. Sixteen seed sources produced no seedlings classified as being of nucellar origin. Among the remaining seed sources, seedlings classed as nucellar were identified for potential addition to the collection. In 37 accessions, both nucellar and zygotic seedlings were detected, and in some cases both types were retained. Inclusion of established accessions of the same cultivar group in the analysis allowed an initial assessment of similarity to existing accessions. This technique improved the efficiency of acquiring new germplasm of polyembryonic types by seed. The method identifies those seed sources that produce few or no nucellar seedlings, but it is not useful for determining which seedlings of monoembryonic types should be retained in collections.
Early Generation Evaluation in Antirrhinum majus for Prediction of Cutflower Postharvest Longevity
Authors: Martin William J. , Stimart Dennis P.
Published: January 2019

On-plant floret longevity and cutflower postharvest longevity (PHL) of Antirrhinum majus L., snapdragon, were evaluated using inbreds P1 (16 day PHL) and P2 (6 day PHL), F1 (P1 × P2), F2 (F1 self-pollinated), F2 × F2 (among and within PHL categories: long, 17 to 25 days; middle, 9 days; and short, 2 to 3 days), and F3 families (F2 self-pollinated). F2 on-plant floret longevity and PHL correlated to later generation PHL. Prediction of progeny PHL from F2 × F2 matings appears feasible if genotypic value for PHL of F2 is known. Selection for PHL is best based on evaluation of multiple cutflowers per genotype. Significant additive and dominant genetic variance components contribute to PHL.
Oxygen Radical Absorbing Capacity, Anthocyanin and Phenolic Content of Highbush Blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) during Ripening and Storage
Authors: Kalt Wilhelmina , Lawand Christopher , Ryan Daniel A.J. , McDonald Jane E. , Donner Horst , Forney Charles F.
Published: January 2019

The antioxidant properties of blueberries have been examined only in ripe fruit, although fruit of different maturities are used in processed food products. In this study, highbush blueberry cultivars Bergitta, Bluegold, and Nelson highbush blueberry fruit at different stages of ripeness were examined to characterize differences in oxygen radical absorbing capacity (ORAC) and the phenolic components responsible for ORAC. Underripe fruit at different stages of maturity were also stored at 20 °C for up to 8 days to assess changes in ORAC and phenolic content. Anthocyanin content was substantially higher in fruit of more advanced stages of ripeness. In contrast, the phenolic content and ORAC were lower in the riper fruit. Anthocyanins continued to form during storage, although rate of pigment formation declined after about 4 days. Less anthocyanin pigment was formed in the less ripe fruit. After 8 days of storage, the anthocyanin content of fruit harvested 5% to 50% or 50% to 95% blue exceeded that of ripe fruit. Up to 60% of the total phenolic content could be accounted for by anthocyanins. ORAC was positively correlated with total phenolic content (R2 = 0.78), but not with anthocyanin content.