bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Nitrogen Fertilization and Support Systems on Passion Fruit Yield and Economic Feasibility
Authors: Santos Bielinski M. , Gilreath James P.
Published: December 2018

A 2-year field study was conducted in two locations in the Dominican Republic to determine the influence of various support systems and nitrogen fertilization programs on passion fruit (Passiflora edulis var. flavicarpa) yield and economic returns. Three trellis systems were used: 1) single line, where a single wire was placed along the planting rows at 2 m high; 2) double lines, where two wires were established along the planting rows at 2 and 1 m high, respectively; and 3) crossed lines, with wires at 2 m high, allowing the vines to grow both along and across the planting rows. Nitrogen (N) fertilization rates were 13, 26, and 52 g/plant of N every 20 days. Plants trained with the single- and double-line support systems combined with 52 g/plant of N had higher marketable yield and had the lowest proportion of non-marketable fruit/plant per year. Partial budget analysis indicated that the single-line support system had a marginal return rate of 36% compared to the double-line support system.
Containerized Strawberry Transplants Reduce Establishment-period Water Use and Enhance Early Growth and Flowering Compared with Bare-root Plants
Authors: Hochmuth George , Cantliffe Dan , Chandler Craig , Stanley Craig , Bish Eric , Waldo Eric , Legard Dan , Duval John
Published: December 2018

Experiments were conducted in two seasons in Dover, Fla. (central Florida), with bare-root and containerized (plug) strawberry (Fragaria ×ananassa) transplants to evaluate transplant establishment-period water use, plant growth, and flowering responses in the 3-week transplant establishment period. Strawberry plug plants were established with 290 gal/acre water applied only with the transplant at planting time, while 200,000 gal/acre from microjet or 1 million gal/acre of water from sprinkler irrigation were used to establish bare-root transplants. Root, shoot, and crown dry matter of plug plants rapidly increased during the establishment period, while there was a decline in leaf area and root and crown mass of bare-root plants, even with sprinkler or microjet irrigation. Water applied with the bare-root transplant only at planting was not enough to keep the plant alive during the establishment period. Large plug plants, but not irrigated bare-root plants, began flowering at 3 weeks after planting. Plug plants were used to successfully establish strawberry crops with low water inputs.
Chemical Blossom Thinners Vary in Their Effect on Sweet Cherry Fruit Set, Yield, Fruit Quality, and Crop Value
Authors: Whiting Matthew D. , Ophardt David , McFerson James R.
Published: December 2018

The commercial adoption of the relatively new rootstock `Gisela 5' (Prunus cerasus L. × P. canescens L.) has been limited in the United States sweet cherry (P. avium L.) industry despite its ability to induce precocity and productivity and reduce scion vigor compared to the standard Mazzard (P. avium). This is due in large part to inadequate crop load management that has led to high yields of small fruit. This paper reports on sweet cherry chemical blossom thinning trials conducted in 2002 and 2003. Two percent ammonium thiosulphate (ATS), 3% to 4% vegetable oil emulsion (VOE), and tank mixes of 2% fish oil + 2.5% lime sulphur (FOLS) were applied to entire 8- and 9-year-old `Bing'/`Gisela 5' sweet cherry canopies at about 10% full bloom (FB) and again at about 90% FB. In both years, ATS and FOLS reduced fruit set by 66% to 33% compared to the control (C). VOE reduced fruit set by 50% compared to C in 2002 but had no effect in 2003. In 2002, fruit yield was 30% to 60% lower from thinned trees. In 2003, fruit yield was unaffected by thinning treatment. In 2002, ATS and FOLS improved fruit soluble solids but had no effect in 2003. VOE did not affect fruit soluble solids in 2002 and reduced fruit soluble solids by 12%, compared to C, in 2003. In 2002, each thinning treatment nearly eliminated the yield of the small fruit (≤21.5-mm diameter) and increased yield of large fruit (≥26.5 mm) by more than 400%, compared to C. In 2003, ATS and FOLS did not affect yield of small fruit but increased the yield of large fruit by 60%. In 2003, VOE-treated trees yielded 4.3 kg of small fruit per tree compared to about 0.15 kg from C, suggesting a phytotoxic response to VOE beyond that which may effect thinning. Compared to C, ATS and FOLS consistently reduced fruit set and improved fruit quality. We conclude that commercially acceptable yields of excellent quality `Bing' sweet cherries can be grown on size-controlling and precocious rootstocks.
Annual, Off-season Raspberry Production in Warm Season Climates
Authors: Darnell Rebecca L. , Alvarado Horacio E. , Williamson Jeffrey G. , Brunner Bryan , Plaza María , Negrón Edna
Published: December 2018

There is increasing interest in red raspberry (Rubus idaeus) production worldwide due to increased demand for both fresh and processed fruit. Although the United States is the third largest raspberry producer in the world, domestic demand exceeds supply, and the shortage in fresh market raspberries is filled by imported fruit from Canada during July and August, and from Mexico and Chile during November through May. The raspberry harvest season is well defined and the perishability of the fruit limits postharvest storage. Winter production of raspberry in tropical and subtropical climates could extend the harvest season and allow off-season fruit production during periods of high market prices. The objective of the current study was to examine growth and yield of red raspberry cultivars grown in an annual winter production system in Florida and Puerto Rico. Long cane cultivars were purchased from a nursery in the Pacific northwestern U.S. in 2002 (`Heritage' and `Tulameen'), 2003 (`Tulameen' and `Willamette'), and 2004 (`Tulameen' and `Cascade Delight') and planted in raised beds in polyethylene tunnels in December (Florida) or under an open-sided polyethylene structure in January-March (Puerto Rico). In Florida, harvest occurred from ∼mid-March through the end of May, while in Puerto Rico, harvest occurred from the end of March through early June (except in 2002, when canes were planted in March). Yields per cane varied with cultivar, but ranged from ∼80 to 600 g/cane for `Tulameen', 170 to 290 g/cane for `Heritage', 135 to 350 g/cane for `Willamette', and ∼470 g/cane for `Cascade Delight'. Economic analysis suggests that, at this point, returns on this system would be marginal. However, increasing cane number per unit area and increasing pollination efficiency may increase yields, while planting earlier would increase the return per unit. The key to success may hinge on developing a system where multi-year production is feasible in a warm winter climate.
Estimated Costs of Producing, Harvesting, and Marketing Blackberries in the Southeastern United States
Authors: Safley Charles D. , Boldea Otilia , Fernandez Gina E.
Published: December 2018

This study identified the costs associated with growing, harvesting, and marketing blackberries (Rubus subgenus Rubus) and estimated the revenues and breakeven yields for various combinations of pick-your-own (PYO) and wholesale blackberry prices. The total cost of producing, harvesting, and marketing the blackberries was estimated to be $15,514/acre if the marketable yield was 10,000 lb/acre in the second year of production, and $19,561/acre if the yield was 12,500 lb/acre. Labor was the greatest expense category after the planting started producing fruit, totaling $13,739/acre, or 70% of the total costs, when full production was reached in the third year. Net revenues for varying combinations of PYO and wholesale market prices and yields were estimated, assuming that half of the marketable fruit would be sold at a PYO operation and the remaining half sold to wholesale markets. This analysis showed that if growers received $1.25 and $2.50/lb for PYO and wholesale fruit, respectively, they would have to sell a minimum of 10,066 lb/acre to cover the estimated costs for the third through the ninth years. A return to land and management of $3876/acre would be realized if growers received $1.25/lb for PYO and $2.50/lb wholesale with yields of 12,500 lb/acre. Profitability analysis reveals that blackberry production using recommended practices can be a profitable venture. The annual net cash flow is positive after the planting is established and enough revenues are projected to be generated to cover start-up expenses in the fifth year.
Economic Evaluation of Methyl Bromide Alternatives for the Production of Strawberries in the Southeastern United States
Authors: Sydorovych Olha , Safley Charles D. , Ferguson Lisa M. , Poling E. Barclay , Fernandez Gina E. , Brannen Phil M. , Monks David M. , Louws Frank J.
Published: December 2018

Partial budget analysis was used to evaluate soil treatment alternatives to methyl bromide (MeBr) based on their cost-effectiveness in the production of strawberries (Fragaria ×ananassa). The analysis was conducted for two geographical areas: the piedmont and coastal plain area (including North Carolina and Georgia) and the mountain area of western North Carolina, based on 7 years of field test data. The fumigation alternatives evaluated were Telone-C35 (1,3-dichloropropene 61.1% + chloropicrin 34.7%), Telone II (1,3-dichloropropene 94%), chloropicrin (Chlor-o-pic 99% and TriClor EC), InLine (1,3-dichloropropene 60.8% + chloropicrin 33.3%), and metam sodium (Vapam or Sectagon 42, 42% sodium methyldithiocarbamate). The MeBr formulation was 67% MeBr and 33% chloropicrin (Terr-O-Gas) with the exception of the earlier trials where a 98:2 ratio was used. In the piedmont and coastal plain area, the soil treated with chloropicrin showed the best results with an additional return of $1670/acre relative to MeBr, followed by Telone-C35 with an additional return of $277/acre. The projected return associated with shank-applied metam sodium was approximately equal to the estimated return a grower would receive when applying MeBr. Fumigating with drip-applied metam sodium, InLine, and Telone II as well as the nonfumigated soil treatment resulted in projected losses of $2182, $2233, $4179, and $6450 per acre, respectively, relative to MeBr. In the mountain area, all of the alternatives resulted in a projected increase in net returns relative to MeBr. The largest projected increase was $1320/acre for the InLine treatment, while the added returns for the TriClor and Telone-C35 applications were estimated to be $509 and $339 per acre, respectively. The drip-applied metam sodium application resulted in an additional return of $40/acre, and the added revenue for the nonfumigated soil treatment was $24/acre more than MeBr treatment. Although technical issues currently associated with some of the alternatives may persist, results indicate that there are economically feasible fumigation alternatives to MeBr in the production of strawberries in the southeastern U.S.
Internet-based Decision Tools for Orchard Pest Management—Adoption in the Hood River Valley of Oregon
Authors: Castagnoli Steven P.
Published: December 2018

The Internet has expanded access to real-time decision tools for pest management in agriculture. Starting in 2000, site-specific weather data and decision tools for key insect pests and diseases became available through the Internet to fruit growers and pest control advisors (PCAs) in the Hood River Valley of Oregon. Adoption of these decision tools was supported by educational programs conducted by extension. In this study, surveys were conducted to assess the importance of different sources of pest management information and the adoption of four Internet-based pest management decision tools by fruit growers and PCAs in the Hood River Valley. Growers relied on diverse sources for pest management information and ranked PCAs as the most important source for making pest management decisions. Grower use of the Internet-based pest management decision tools was relatively low despite computer ownership and Internet use that were higher than national trends. Growers preferred the website that provided the most complete access to up-to-date weather data and pertinent pest and disease models, despite somewhat less streamlined access. PCA use of the decision tools was proportionately higher, and included greater use of additional websites. Both growers and PCAs considered use of the Internet tools to have important benefits on pest management programs. In the Hood River Valley, fruit growers had access to technology-driven decision support tools, but continued to rely on more traditional information sources, particularly PCAs, for making pest management decisions. In view of trends in shrinking extension resources, these results suggest that the most efficient use of time and potential for greatest impact can be derived from focusing educational efforts on PCAs.
Field Performance of 20 `Pinot noir' Clones in the Willamette Valley of Oregon
Authors: Castagnoli Steven P. , Vasconcelos M. Carmo
Published: December 2018

Clonal selection of European winegrapes (Vitis vinifera) allows the exploitation of an important source of genetic diversity. In the 1980s, many `Pinot noir' clones, previously unavailable in the U.S., were imported from France. To provide information on their performance under Oregon soil and climate conditions, 20 `Pinot noir' clones were established in a replicated trial in Alpine, Ore., planted in 1989. In this study, yield components, pruning weight, and juice composition of the 20 clones were measured for the 1995 through 1999 seasons. Skin anthocyanin concentration was measured for the 1996 through 1999 seasons. Clones included in the trial were Colmar (COL) 538, Dijon (DJN) 10/18, DJN 113, DJN 114, DJN 115, DJN 375, DJN 60, Espiguette (ESP) 236, ESP 374, Foundation Plant Services (FPS) 2A, FPS 4, FPS 10, FPS 16, FPS 17, FPS 22, FPS 23, FPS 29, FPS 31, FPS 32, and FPS 33. For all responses except juice pH and skin anthocyanin concentration, there were significant clone by year interactions. COL 538 had the highest 5-year mean yield (2.93 kg/vine); FPS 29 had the lowest (1.21 kg/vine). DJN 10/18, FPS 4, FPS 22, and FPS 31 were among the five highest-yielding clones. Other low-yielding clones included DJN 115, ESP 374, FPS 17, and FPS 23. Pruning weights were generally correlated with yields. COL 538 had the highest 5-year mean pruning weight (0.81 kg/vine) and FPS 17 had the lowest (0.48 kg/vine). Other clones with relatively high pruning weights were FPS 2A, FPS 4, and FPS 22. Other clones with low pruning weights were FPS 23 and FPS 29. FPS 22 and FPS 17 had the highest (1.13 g/berry) and lowest (0.93 g/berry) 5-year mean berry weights, respectively. Clones with 5-year mean cluster weights >100 g included DJN 10/18, ESP 236, and FPS 31. Those with cluster weights <80 g were DJN 115, FPS 17, and FPS 29. FPS 2A had the highest 5-year mean juice soluble solids concentration (SSC) at harvest (23.8%). FPS 10, FPS 29, DJN 113, and DJN 115 also had relatively high SSC. DJN 60 had the lowest 5-year mean SSC at harvest (22.0%). FPS 22, FPS 33, COL 538, and ESP 374 also had relatively low 5-year mean SSC at harvest. DJN 115 had the highest 5-year mean juice pH (3.15). DJN 113, FPS 29, and FPS 10 also had relatively high juice pH. FPS 22 had the lowest 5-year mean juice pH at harvest (2.97), and DJN 10/18, FPS 2A, and FPS 17 also had relatively low pH. Clones with higher SSC and pH generally had lower titratable acidity. FPS 2A had both high SSC and high titratable acidity. FPS 23 and FPS 17 had the highest skin anthocyanin concentration (2.10 and 2.07 mg·g-1 berry, respectively). The range of skin anthocyanin concentration among the other clones was relatively narrow (1.17-1.47 mg·g-1 berry). FPS 2A, FPS 4, and FPS 10 generally had above mean SSC and yield. FPS 29, DJN 113, DJN 114, and DJN 115 consistently had above mean SSC but below mean yield.
Evaluation of Viola Cultivars as Bedding Plants and Establishment of the Best-of-Class
Authors: Kelly Richard O. , Deng Zhanao , Harbaugh Brent K.
Published: December 2018

Florida is one of the top wholesale producers of bedding plants, and in 2003 was ranked fourth in the United States in annual bedding plant production and fifth in potted pansy (Viola ×wittrockiana) and viola (V. cornuta) production. Evaluation of viola cultivars is vital for continued growth of the industry. We evaluated 66 viola cultivars in replicated class tests at the University of Florida's Gulf Coast Research and Education Center at Bradenton from 2000-04 and determined the best-of-class for use in future trials to compare against new entries in the same class. In this report, we provide objective plant measurements of vegetative and floral characteristics as well as subjective performance ratings. Viola cultivars were grouped into classes based on growth habit (standard vs. creeping), flower color, and flower color pattern, and the best cultivar in each class was determined. Cultivars with an outstanding overall performance rating (combined foliage, flower, arthropod feeding symptom, and disease symptom ratings ≥5.5 out of a 7 high scale) for best-of-class selections were: (standard black class) `Sorbet Black Delight'; (standard cream class) `Velour Cream Splash'; (standard mix class) `Babyface Mixture'; (standard orange with purple, red-violet cap class) `Penny Orange Jump-Up'; [standard purple (dark), blue-violet with dark eye and light cap class] `Angel Violet Blotch'; (standard white class) `Penny White'; [standard white face with purple (dark), red-violet cap class] `Skippy White With Violet Wing'; (standard yellow class) `Jewel Lemon Yellow'; (standard yellow with blotch class) `Babyface Yellow'; [standard yellow/white face with purple (dark), blue-violet cap class] `Penny Classic Jump-Up'. Solitary cultivar entries (without comparison) with outstanding performance were: `Angel Frosted Yellow Blotch', `Angel Violet Duet', `Babyface White', `Eryln Purple Yellow', `Four Seasons Yellow With Pink Wing', `Gem Antique Apricot', `Gem Antique Pink', `Gem Antique Lavender', `Hobbit Bilbo Baggins', `Jewel Deep Blue', `Penny Azure Twilight', `Penny Beaconsfield', `Penny Cream', `Penny Orange', `Penny Orchid Frost', `Penny Purple', `Penny Yellow Jump-Up', `Princess Lavender and Yellow', `Princess Purple and Gold', `Rebel Yellow', `Sorbet Coconut Swirl', `Sorbet Icy Blue', `Sorbet Lemon Swirl', `Sparkler Purple Orange Face', and `Sparkler Purple Wing'. These cultivars would likely perform well in the southern U.S. or areas of the world with similar heat and cold hardiness zones.
Evaluation of Caladium Cultivars for Sensitivity to Chilling
Authors: Deng Zhanao , Harbaugh Brent K.
Published: December 2018

Caladium (Caladium ×hortulanum) leaves can be injured at air temperatures below 15.5 °C. This chilling sensitivity restricts the geographical use of caladiums in the landscape, and leads to higher fuel costs in greenhouse production of pot plants because warmer conditions have to be maintained. This study was conducted to develop procedures to evaluate differences among caladium cultivars for chilling sensitivity and to identify cultivars that might be resistant to chilling injury. The effects of two chilling temperatures (12.1 and 7.2 °C) and three durations (1, 3, and 5 days) on the severity of chilling injury were compared for three cultivars known to differ in their sensitivity to low temperatures. Exposure of detached mature leaves to 7.2 °C for 3 days allowed differentiation of cultivars' chilling sensitivity. Chilling injury appeared as dark necrotic patches at or near leaf tips and along margins, as early as 1 day after chilling. Chilling injury became more widespread over a 13-day period, and the best window for evaluating cultivar differences was 9 to 13 days after chilling. Significant differences in chilling sensitivity existed among 16 cultivars. Three cultivars, `Florida Red Ruffles', `Marie Moir', and `Miss Muffet', were resistant to chilling injury. These cultivars could serve as parents for caladium cold-tolerance breeding, and this breeding effort could result in reduced chilling injury in greenhouse production of potted plants, or in new cultivars for regions where chilling occurs during the growing season.
Weed Control Efficacy of Organic Mulches in Two Organically Managed Bell Pepper Production Systems
Authors: Law Derek M. , Rowell A. Brent , Snyder John C. , Williams Mark A.
Published: December 2018

A 2-year field study in Lexington, Ky., evaluated weed control efficacy and influence on yields of several organic mulches in two organically managed bell pepper (Capsicum annuum) production systems. Five weed control treatments [straw, compost, wood chips, undersown white dutch clover (Trifolium repens) “living mulch,” and the organically approved herbicide corn gluten] were applied to two production systems consisting of peppers planted in double rows in either flat, bare ground or on black polyethylene-covered raised beds. In the first year, treatments were applied at transplanting and no treatment was found to provide acceptable season-long weed control. As a result, bell pepper yields in both production systems were very low due to extensive weed competition. First year failures in weed control required a modification of the experimental protocol in the second year such that treatment application was delayed for 6 weeks, during which time three shallow cultivations were used to reduce early weed pressure and extend the control provided by the mulches. This approach increased the average weed control rating provided by the mulches from 45% in 2003 to 86% in 2004, and resulted in greatly improved yields. In both years, polyethylene-covered raised beds produced higher yields than the flat, bare ground system (8310 lb/acre compared to 1012 lb/acre in 2003 and 42,900 lb/acre compared to 29,700 lb/acre in 2004). In the second year, the polyethylene-covered bed system coupled with mulching in-between beds with compost or wood chips provided excellent weed control and yields. When using the wood chip mulch, which was obtained at no cost, net returns were $5587/acre, which is similar to typical returns for conventionally grown peppers in Kentucky. Net returns were substantially decreased when using compost due to the purchase cost. Results from this study indicate that shallow cultivation following transplanting, combined with midseason mulch application, resulted in high yields in an organically managed bell pepper system that were comparable to yields of most varieties grown conventionally in a variety trial conducted on the same farm.
Potassium Application and Leaf Sufficiency Level for Fresh-market Tomatoes Grown on a Midwestern United States Fine-textured Soil
Authors: Taber H.G.
Published: December 2018

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) response to potassium (K) fertilization on a well-drained, central Iowa loam soil testing low in exchangeable K was evaluated over a 3-year period. Each year the experimental design was a factorial, split-plot randomized complete block with K rate as the whole unit (0 to 332 lb/acre). The subunit was cultivar, either `Mountain Spring' (determinate growth habit) or `Jet Star' (indeterminate growth habit). Fruit harvest began the first week of August and continued weekly for 5 to 8 weeks. For all years there was a significant K rate and cultivar effect for all parameters, but no interaction except for marketable fruit size and unmarketable fruit produced. Increasing the K rate to 103 lb/acre increased fruit size of both cultivars to a maximum of 8.9 oz, but year accounted for greater fruit size difference than the choice of cultivar. Maximum marketable yield for both cultivars occurred at 220 lb/acre K with `Jet Star' producing 13% more fruit than `Mountain Spring', 359 vs. 319 cwt/acre, respectively. Cullage was high, mostly as a result of blotchy ripening disorders, with `Jet Star' consistently producing more culls than `Mountain Spring'. Increasing K rate did not reduce the percentage of culls, which remained constant at about 29% of total yield. Whole-leaf K and leaf petiole sap K levels linearly increased with additional K rate for the two sample periods at flowering and mid-harvest. The whole-leaf K sufficiency level for both cultivars at the flowering stage of growth was determined to be 3.15% and dropped to 1.30% K by mid-harvest. Critical petiole leaf sap K values (using a dilution of 1:1 sap to water) could not be determined at flowering, but at mid-harvest the critical value was about 2200 to 2800 ppm K.
Effects of a Gardening Program on the Academic Progress of Third, Fourth, and Fifth Grade Math and Science Students
Authors: Pigg A.E. , Waliczek T.M. , Zajicek J.M.
Published: December 2018

Science and math achievement scores of third, fourth, and fifth grade elementary students were studied using a sample of 196 students from McAuliffe Elementary School, located in McAllen, Texas. The experimental group of students participated in a school garden program in addition to traditional classroom-based math and science methods, while students within the control group were taught math and science using only traditional classroom-based methods. No statistically significant differences were found in comparisons of science students' achievement scores, indicating that those students using the school garden program as an additional method to learn science benefited similarly to those who learned using only traditional science classroom-based instruction. However, results indicated statistically significant differences in comparisons of students' math achievement scores, showing that those students who received traditional math instruction had more improved math achievement scores compared to those taught using the school garden program. Results also found no statistically significant differences between gender and ethnic background comparisons. However, statistically significant differences in comparisons of grade levels showed that fourth graders benefited more, academically, from participation in the school garden program in comparison to other grade levels.
Effects of Core Cultivation Tine Entry Angle on Golf Putting Greens
Authors: Baldwin Christian M. , Liu Haibo , Brown Philip J.
Published: December 2018

Hollow tine cultivation is a routine practice on golf course putting greens, where the tine entry angle normally is 90°. Effects of various tine entry angles impacting putting green surfaces have not been investigated. The hypothesis was that different tine entry angles during cultivation would impact a greater area of the soil profile by enhancing water infiltration rates, reducing localized dry spots, and enhancing turf quality. Therefore, a 2-year field study in 2003 and 2004 was conducted to determine the impact of core cultivation tine entry angle on `Crenshaw' creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stoloniferous var. palustris). Treatments included three angles of hollow tine entry at 50°, 70°, and 90° and an untreated plot without cultivation. Manual cultivators consisted of four 1/4-inch- and 1/2-inch-diameter hollow tines 3 inches in length, spaced 2 inches apart. Treatment applications were in April, May, September, and October. Measurements included visual turfgrass quality (TQ), molarity ethanol droplet test (MED), and water infiltration. No treatment (control, 50°, 70°, 90°) effects in years I and II for TQ were noted. MED scores in May were 23% higher than in August and September. Tines of 1/2-inch diameter reduced soil hydrophobicity (MED) 6% compared to tines of 1/4-inch-diameter tines. Tines of 50°, 70°, and 90° had 129%, 163%, and 211% greater water infiltration than the untreated, respectively.
Preliminary Assessment of the Impact of Current Flooding Practices on Nonstructural Carbohydrate Concentrations of Cranberry
Authors: Botelho Michelle R. , Heuvel Justine E. Vanden
Published: December 2018

American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) production sites are often flooded for pest control and crop harvest. However, little is known about how this practice affects vines. A survey was conducted in Massachusetts over a 3-year period to determine the effect of spring, fall, and winter floods on total nonstructural carbohydrate concentration (TNSC) of cranberry uprights of four cultivars. With a few exceptions, TNSC generally was unaffected or increased during the course of the 1-month “late water” flood held from mid-April to mid-May. The 48-hour “flash” flood, held in mid- to late May, generally had little effect on vine TNSC. Fall “harvest” floods, which ranged in duration from 3 to 27 days, often resulted in a decrease in TNSC, with greater decreases in TNSC occurring in early fall floods compared to late fall floods. Decreases in TNSC during the harvest flood were as great as 42%. “Winter” floods had little effect on TNSC. Path coefficient analysis indicated that flood duration, date of application, water temperature, and dissolved oxygen concentration all impacted vine TNSC during the flood, while floodwater depth had little effect. Water clarity (i.e., light penetration to the vines during the flood) also appeared to have little impact. Due to the frequent observation of TNSC decline during fall flooding, it is possible that yield potential of cranberry vines is reduced by current flooding practices.
Preplant Drip-applied Fumigation for Calla Lily Rhizome Nursery
Authors: Gerik James S. , Greene Ian D. , Beckman Peter , Elmore Clyde L.
Published: December 2018

Two field trials were conducted from 2002 until 2004 to evaluate several chemicals as alternatives to methyl bromide for the production of calla lily (Zantedeschia sp.) rhizomes. Various rates and chemical combinations were tested. The chemicals were applied through a drip irrigation system. The chemicals included iodomethane, chloropicrin, 1,3-dichloropropene, metham, sodium furfural, and sodium azide. None of the treatments reduced the viability of seed of mallow (Malva parviflora) previously buried in the plots. Propagules of nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus) and seed of mustard (Brassica nigra) were controlled by iodomethane + chloropicrin, 1,3-dichloropropene + chloropicrin, chloropicrin alone, 1,3-dichloropropene alone, and furfural + metham sodium. Propagules of calla were controlled by all of the treatments except sodium azide and furfural + metham sodium. In the first trial, all treatments reduced the populations of soilborne plant pathogens, including Pythium spp., Phytophthora spp., and Fusarium oxysporum, except for sodium, which did not reduce the population of Phytophthora spp. In the second trial, all treatments controlled Pythium spp. but only a high rate of iodomethane + chloropicrin reduced the population of F. oxysporum. For all treatments, the incidence of disease caused by soilborne pathogens was reduced compared to the nontreated control. The number and value of harvested rhizomes were greater among all of the treatments, except for sodium azide, compared to the control. The harvested value of the crop for the best treatments increased significantly compared to the control. A successful crop of calla rhizomes can be produced by combinations of iodomethane, chloropicrin, 1,3-dichloropropene, and metham sodium.
Gibberellic Acid, Fruit Freezing, and Post-freeze Quality of `Hamlin' Oranges
Authors: Davies Frederick S. , Zalman Glenn
Published: December 2018

Our objectives were to determine if gibberellic acid (GA3) application at color break in the fall affected the juice content, soluble solids content (SSC), titratable acid (TA), and ratio of SSC: TA of `Hamlin' orange (Citrus sinensis) fruit following moderate to severe freezes. We also wanted to know if GA3 affected the post-freeze rate of decrease in juice content, fruit and tree cold hardiness, and the amount of fruit drop following a freeze. GA3 (18 floz/acre) was applied at color break in the fall of 2002, 2003, and 2004 to `Hamlin' orange trees on Swingle citrumelo (C. sinensis × Poncirus trifoliata) rootstock planted in 1995 at Gainesville, Fla. Moderate to severe freezes occurred in all three seasons. Fruit were harvested at about 2-week intervals following freezes in each season and the internal fruit quality was determined. GA3-treated fruit generally had higher juice content compared with nontreated fruit for 8 weeks after moderate to severe freezes in all three seasons, which may be economically important to citrus processors and growers since Florida growers are paid based on fruit pounds-solids (juice content × SSC). The rate of decrease in juice content over time was similar for both treatments in seasons one and two, but was less for GA3-treated fruit than nontreated fruit in season three. In addition, SSC was equal to or slightly greater for fruit treated with GA3 than for nontreated fruit. Fruit drop rate and magnitude were also significantly less for the GA-treated compared with nontreated trees in two of three seasons. GA3 did not affect fruit, leaf, or tree cold hardiness in any season.
Rapid Estimation of Citrus Tree Damage from Hurricanes in Florida Using an Ultrasonic Tree Measurement System
Authors: Zaman Q.U. , Schumann A.W. , Hostler H.K.
Published: December 2018

Many citrus groves in Florida were affected by hurricanes in Summer 2004. A commercial 42-acre `Valencia' sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) grove of 2980 trees was routinely scanned with an automated ultrasonic system to measure and map tree canopy volumes. We estimated tree damage by comparing canopy volumes measured before and after the hurricanes of 2004. Ultrasonically sensed tree canopy volume was mapped and the relative tree canopy volume loss percentage (TCVL%) for each tree was calculated and classified into six categories [≤0 (no damage), 1% to 24%, 25% to 49%, 50% to 74%, 75% to 99%, and 100%]. Authenticity of the ultrasonically sensed missing trees was established by ground truthing or matching visually observed and georeferenced missing tree locations with ultrasonically sensed missing trees in the grove. Ninety-one trees were found missing during ground inspections after hurricanes and they exactly matched with ultrasonically sensed missing tree locations throughout the grove. All of the missing trees were in TCVL% categories 5 and 6 (≥75% damage). Some canopy volume was still detected with ultrasonics at the missing tree locations because of the presence of tall grass, weeds, or branches of large adjacent trees. More than 50% of trees in the grove were damaged (completely or partially) and generally larger trees (>100 m3) were damaged more by the hurricanes than small or medium size trees in each tree canopy volume loss category. The automated ultrasonic system could be used to rapidly identify missing trees (completely damaged) and to estimate partial tree canopy volume loss after hurricanes.
Competitive Market Analysis: Chestnut Producers
Authors: Gold Michael A. , Cernusca Mihaela M. , Godsey Larry D.
Published: December 2018

In 2004, a nationwide survey of chestnut (Castanea spp.) producers in the United States was conducted. Results show that the U.S. chestnut industry is in its infancy. The majority of chestnut producers have been in business less than 10 years and are just beginning to produce commercially. Volume of production is low (<1.5 million lb). U.S. chestnut producers are mainly part-timers or hobbyists with small, manually harvested operations. The majority of respondents sell fresh chestnuts. Demand exceeds supply, and prices often exceed $3.50/lb. Barriers to success in the chestnut business include the lack of information for producers, retailers, and consumers, 5- to 10-year time lag to get a return on investment, and shortage of available chestnut nursery stock of commercial cultivars. There are also concerns related to pest and disease control and market uncertainties. Lengthy quarantines for cultivars from other countries and lack of chemicals registered for use with chestnuts can also be considered barriers to success. Chestnut grower associations, universities, and state and federal agencies must join their efforts to fund and support chestnut research and industry development.
Best Management Practices for Florida Citrus
Authors: Parsons Larry , Boman Brian
Published: December 2018

Best management practices (BMPs) started in Florida citrus (Citrus spp.) in the 1990s and have evolved to play a major role in production practices today. One of the earliest BMPs in Florida arose from concerns over nitrate-nitrogen concentrations in some surficial groundwater aquifers exceeding the 10 mg·L-1 drinking water standard. This occurred in an area of well-drained sandy soils known as the Central Florida Ridge that extends north and south through the central part of the Florida peninsula. State agencies could have used a strictly regulatory approach and restricted how much nitrogen growers could apply. Instead of setting arbitrary regulations, the agencies promoted a scientific-based BMP approach. A nitrogen BMP for Central Florida Ridge citrus was established, and research is now validating the earlier groundwater work on more grower field sites. The purpose of this BMP was to minimize the risk of leaching nitrates from fertilizer into the groundwater. Several important aspects of the BMP involve: 1) limiting the amount of nitrogen fertilizer applied at any one time, 2) increasing the frequency of fertilizer applications, 3) reducing fertilizer applications during the summer rainy season, and 4) managing irrigation to reduce leaching below the root zone. Since this Central Florida Ridge nitrogen BMP was established, major BMP actions to improve water quality and reduce the quantity of runoff water have taken place in the Indian River production area of Florida's east coast. BMPs continue to be set up in other parts of the state for a variety of plant and animal agricultural practices. In some cases, cost-share funds have been provided to help implement BMPs. With voluntary BMPs, growers have scientifically based guidelines, a waiver of liability, and an avoidance of arbitrary regulations.
Cranberry Best Management Practice Adoption and Conservation Farm Planning in Massachusetts
Authors: DeMoranville Carolyn J.
Published: December 2018

In Massachusetts, cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) bogs were historically developed in existing wetlands and new plantings are now established in mineral soils that are converted into constructed wetlands. To streamline the interaction between cranberry farming and wetlands protection, the state has defined “normal agricultural practices” that are exempt from wetlands regulations under certain circumstances. As part of that process and to qualify for the exemption, farmers are required to have a conservation farm plan and demonstrate the use of best management practices (BMPs) on their farms. The University of Massachusetts Amherst Cranberry Experiment Station (UMass Cranberry Station) was engaged to bring together the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and cranberry industry representatives to define BMPs specific to cranberry farming practices. Initially, the documents were reviewed by scientists and regulators for soundness of science and rigor of environmental protection. A grower committee reviewed the proposed BMPs to determine if the BMPs could be implemented on real farms. The next stage of the project consisted of defining areas where more research was needed to formulate good BMPs. In particular, research projects were initiated to study nitrogen and phosphorus nutrition. This research has become the basis for nutrition BMPs, national cranberry nutrition guidelines, and standards used by NRCS for cranberry nutrient management plans. The cranberry BMP project has continued with a regular cycle of revision and additions based on grower-identified needs for horticultural and environmental guidance. This connection to the growers, along with the regulatory link, accounts for the widespread adoption of BMPs in the cranberry industry. Local NRCS estimates that 75% to 80% of Massachusetts cranberry growers have current conservation farm plans that include BMP implementation.
Vegetable Production Best Management Practices to Minimize Nutrient Loss
Authors: Hartz T.K.
Published: December 2018

Nutrient loss from commercial vegetable fields has become a significant environmental issue in all the major vegetable-producing regions of the United States. Growers are facing potentially disruptive regulations aimed at improving the quality of both surface and ground water. Significant improvement in nutrient management will be required to meet this regulatory challenge. This paper discusses five practical, low-cost nutrient best management practices (BMPs). These BMPs are widely applicable, relatively inexpensive to implement, and can dramatically reduce nitrogen and phosphorus loss from vegetable fields. However, even with careful application of these BMPs, runoff and leachate from vegetable fields may periodically exceed environmental water quality standards, which are very stringent.
Interdisciplinary and Multilevel Approach to Organic and Sustainable Agriculture Education at North Carolina State University
Authors: Schroeder M.S. , Creamer N.G. , Linker H.M , Mueller J.P. , Rzewnicki P.
Published: December 2018

There is an increasing demand for education in organic and sustainable agriculture from undergraduates, graduate students and extension agents. In this paper, we discuss highlights and evaluations of a multilevel approach to education currently being developed at North Carolina State University (NCSU) that integrates interdisciplinary training in organic and sustainable agriculture and the related discipline of agroecology through a variety of programs for undergraduate students, graduate students, and extension agents. These educational programs are possible because of a committed interdisciplinary faculty team and the Center for Environmental Farming Systems, a facility dedicated to sustainable and organic agriculture research, education, and outreach. Undergraduate programs include an inquiry-based sustainable agriculture summer internship program, a sustainable agriculture apprenticeship program, and an interdisciplinary agroecology minor that includes two newly developed courses in agroecology and a web-based agroecology course. Research projects and a diversity of courses focusing on aspects of sustainable and organic agriculture are available at NCSU for graduate students and a PhD sustainable agriculture minor is under development. A series of workshops on organic systems training offered as a graduate-level course at NCSU for extension agents is also described. Connecting experiential training to a strong interdisciplinary academic curriculum in organic and sustainable agriculture was a primary objective and a common element across all programs. We believe the NCSU educational approach and programs described here may offer insights for other land grant universities considering developing multilevel sustainable agriculture educational programs.
Development of Organic and Sustainable Agricultural Education at the University of California, Davis: A Closer Look at Practice and Theory
Authors: Parr Damian M. , Van Horn Mark
Published: December 2018

In the mid-1970s, University of California, Davis, students concerned about the environmental and social consequences of modern agriculture were interested in exploring the practice and theory of “alternative” agriculture. These students organized to create new educational opportunities to address needs that were not being met by the existing curricula. These student-initiated opportunities emphasized interdisciplinary analyses of agriculture and field-based experiential learning; they included student-organized courses and the development of the Student Experimental Farm (SEF) as a site for student education, research, demonstration, and extension projects. Over the next three decades, the SEF developed diverse experiential educational projects, classroom and field-based courses focusing on sustainable and organic agriculture, and several departments and programs offered additional, related courses and curricula. In 2004, an interdisciplinary curriculum committee within the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences began to develop an undergraduate major in sustainable agriculture. A team of faculty and students within the committee conducted a broad stakeholder survey of agricultural practitioners, academics, students, and alumni to help inform decisions regarding what content, skills, and experiences to include in the curriculum. The survey findings reinforced the original curricular and pedagogical themes articulated and acted upon by students 30 years prior. The proposed curriculum is aimed at integrating disciplinary and interdisciplinary coursework in natural and social sciences, significant on- and off-campus experiential learning, and an emphasis on professional and interpersonal problem-solving and communication skills. Educational theory supports these diverse educational approaches and is useful in helping design courses and curricula in organic and sustainable agriculture.
Developing an Interdisciplinary Organic and Sustainable Agriculture Curriculum at the University of Florida
Authors: Ferguson James J. , Lamb Elizabeth , Swisher Mickie
Published: December 2018

With funding to increase support for organic farming research at land grant universities, organic growers have collaborated with faculty and administrators to develop an undergraduate, interdisciplinary minor at the University of Florida. Required introductory courses focus on general concepts of organic and sustainable farming, alternative cropping systems, production programs, handling, and marketing issues. An advanced horticulture course requires intensive examination of certification procedures, farm plans, soil fertility, and crop management, all of which are integrated into a required field project. Extension faculty have also fostered development of this new curriculum by coordinating regional workshops and field days in collaboration with organic growers and by developing educational materials on organic certification and related issues.
The Growing Growers Training Program: An Apprenticeship Program for Market Gardeners Serving Kansas City
Authors: Carey Edward , Kelly Katherine , Hendrickson Mary , Nagengast Dan , Quinn James , Volland Craig , Kumar Lala
Published: December 2018

The Growing Growers Training Program facilitates on-farm apprenticeships complemented by workshops on critical skills to train new growers and improve the skills of existing growers to meet large demand for local and organically grown produce in the Kansas City metropolitan area. The program is a collaborative effort of Kansas State University, University of Missouri Extension, the Kansas City Food Circle, and the Kansas Rural Center, and was established in response to requests by area organic growers for a training program to increase numbers of local organic producers. In Fall 2003, we developed the components of the program, including a curriculum designed to help apprentices gain a set of core competencies through practical and theoretical training activities, including one-on-one training by host farmers, readings, workshops and farm tours. During the 2004 growing season 11 apprentices worked part time or volunteered on eight host farms, and participated in a series of 11 workshops and farm tours. Based on self-assessment, apprentices felt they gained considerable skill in most of the core competencies. Both apprentices and host farmers expressed high satisfaction with the program. At the start of the 2005 season, demand for the program increased, with 25 apprentices with diverse backgrounds placed on 12 host farms. Workshop participation was not restricted to apprentices, and over 200 trainees paid to attend workshops during 2004, helping to generate funds to cover program costs. It is still early to judge program success, but eight of 11 of the 2004 apprentices were engaged in full- or parttime market gardening in 2005.