bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Organosilicone Adjuvants Increased the Efficacy of Glyphosate for Control of Weeds in Citrus (Citrus spp.)
Authors: Reddy Krishna N. , Singh Megh
Published: February 2019

A field study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of Kinetic and Sylgard 309 organosilicone adjuvants to increase the efficacy of glyphosate for control of Florida pusley (Richardia scabr a L.), southern crabgrass [Digitaria ciliari s (Retz.) Koel], hairy beggarticks (Bidens pilos a L.), camphorweed [Heterotheca subaxillaris (Lam.) Britt. and Rusby], bahiagrass (Paspalum notatu m Fluegge), bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylo n (L.) Pers.], and torpedograss (Panicum repen s L.). Glyphosate, either at 0.5 or 1.0 kg a.i./ha, was applied alone or in combination with Kinetic, Sylgard 309, or X-77 using a tractor-mounted boom sprayer that delivered 187 liters·ha-1 at 207 kPa pressure. Glyphosate applied at 0.5 kg·ha-1 controlled > 94% of Florida pusley, southern crabgrass, hairy beggarticks, and camphorweed. Glyphosate efficacy improved on Florida pusley and southern crabgrass when applied with the adjuvants. Glyphosate, regardless of adjuvant, completely controlled hairy beggarticks and camphorweed. Control of bahiagrass, bermudagrass, and torpedograss with adjuvants was better than without adjuvants. However, glyphosate with Kinetic or Sylgard 309 was more effective in suppressing regrowth of these perennial grasses than glyphosate with X-77. Chemical names used: isopropylamine salt fo N -(phosphonomethyl)glycine with an in-can surfactant (glyphosate); proprietary blend of polyalkyleneoxide-modified polydimethylsiloxane and nonionic organosilicone adjuvant (Kinetic); silicone adjuvant mixture of 2-(3.hydroxypropyl)-heptamethyltrisiloxane, ethyloxylated, acetate EO glycol, -allyl, -acetate (Sylgard 309); mixture of alkylarylpolyoxyethylene glycols, free fatty acids, and isopropanol nonionic adjuvant (X-77).
Assessing Susceptibility of Carrot Roots to Bacterial Soft Rot
Authors: Michalik Barbara , Simon Philipp W. , Gabelman Warren H.
Published: February 2019

Four methods for screening carrot (Daucus carota L.) germplasm for resistance to bacterial soft rot were compared. There were differences in resistance among strains, with most severe damage caused by Erwinia carotovora pv. carotovora SR 394 (L.R. Jones) Holland and Erwinia carotovora pv. atroseptica SR 159 (van Hall) Jennison. Inoculation of cross-sectional root slices with bacteria applied in suspension-soaked paper disks produced the most consistent response. The severity of disease damage was proportional to bacterial suspension concentration. With the development of a standard screening method, it may be possible for breeders to breed carrots with reduced susceptibility to soft rot.
Propagation of Tronchuda (Brassica oleracea var. tronchuda Bailey) from Cuttings
Authors: Msikita W. , Wilkinson H.T. , Skirvin R.M.
Published: February 2019

A system to propagate tronchuda (Brassica oleracea var. tronchuda Bailey syn. costata L.) from main stem and side shoot cuttings was developed by removing the main stem (three to four leaves) and, later, side shoots from S-week-old plants, transplanting them into small pots, and growing them under a mist system for 4 weeks. New root growth appeared on cuttings within 3 weeks. Rooting frequency varied among cultivars and explant types. For all cultivars, side shoot cuttings rooted better than main stem cuttings (99.7% vs. 84.8%). For all cultivars, seed-propagated plants and side shoot cuttings produced leaves with significantly higher fresh weight than the main stem cuttings for three of the five cultivars. The average number of leaves per plant for four cultivars was, however, not significantly affected by propagation method. Average leaf count and fresh weight per plant were significantly higher for `Portuguesa' than for `Ana Maria'. `Couve Penca'. `Vilinda', and `Penca de Chaves' for all three propagation sources.
Carbon Dioxide and Temperature Influence Pollen Germination and Fruit Set in Cocoa
Authors: Aneja Madhu , Gianfagna Thomas , Ng Edward , Badilla Ignacio
Published: February 2019

The causes of poor fruit set of cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) in the greenhouse were studied by examining factors that may influence pollen germination. Hand pollination of cocoa flowers resulted in 45.8% fruit set when flowers were pollinated within 3 hours of anthesis. Pollen germination did not occur until about 6 hours after pollination. Later pollinations (7 to 9 hours after anthesis) or earlier pollinations (16 to 18 hours before anthesis) did not lead to fruit set. Cocoa pollen did not germinate in vitro unless the excised flowers were incubated for 6 hours at 25C in closed vials. During the incubation period, CO2accumulated to a final concentration of about 85 ml·liter-1 as a result of respiration. Ethylene production was not detectable. Incubation of flowers with a NaOH-saturated wick, to absorb CO2, prevented pollen germination in vitro. Incubation of flowers at 15C also prevented pollen germination in vitro at 25C. Hand pollination of flowers 7 to 9 hours after anthesis or 16 to 18 hours before anthesis using CO2-incubated pollen resulted in about 10% fruit set. Enclosed pollinations in vivo, in which CO2 was allowed to accumulate, resulted in nearly 100% fruit set. The initial failure to set fruit from hand pollinations may result from poor or slow pollen germination. Moreover, CO,-incubated pollen might be used to increase fruit set in cocoa by extending the effective pollination period.
High Night Temperatures Do Not Cause Poor Lateral Branching of Chrysanthemum
Authors: Faust James E. , Heins Royal D.
Published: February 2019

Dendranthema ×grandiflorm (Ramat.) Kitamura `Powerhouse' plants were pinched to five nodes and grown in growth chambers at 35C day temperature (DT) and 14,17,21,24, or 27C night temperature (NT) to determine if NT influenced lateral shoot development on plants exposed to high DT. Vegetative cuttings were removed from two successive flushes of lateral shoots and evaluated for lateral shoot development after rooting and subsequent apex removal. Lateral shoot development was determined on a third flush of shoots that developed on the stock plants. The percentage of nodes that developed lateral shoots on stock plants or vegetative cuttings was not related to NT. The percentage of first-order, second-order, and third-order axillary nodes that developed a lateral shoot on the stock plants, averaged over all NT, was 76, 65, and 12, respectively. The percentage of nodes that developed lateral shoots on the first-order and second-order cuttings was 29 and 19, respectively. We concluded that cool NT were ineffective in preventing a decrease in lateral branching on plants grown under high (35C) DT conditions.
Germination and Storage of Vinca Seed Is Influenced by Light, Temperature, and Relative Humidity
Authors: Carpenter William J. , Boucher Joseph F.
Published: February 2019

Light, temperature, relative humidity (RH), and GA3 affect vinca [Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don] seed storage and/or germination. GA3 failed to increase the germination percentage in darkness but significantly increased the percentage in continuous light. Similarly, GA3 treatment reduced both the number of days required to achieve 50% of the final germination percentage (T50) and the span between 10% and 90% germination (T90 — T10) for seeds in light, but not in darkness. Germination percentages were maximal and about equal at 25, 30, or 35C in darkness; germination was lowest below 25C. Germination T50 and T90 — T10 required the fewest days between 25 and 35C. Reducing seed moisture from 9.9% to 3.9% increased the T50 from 2.4 to 3.0 days but failed to change germination percentages. Germination percentage declined linearly as seed storage temperatures were reduced from 5 to — 20C, whereas days to T50 increased. Seed storage for 12 months without reduction in germination percentage was possible at 5C and 11%, 33%, or 52% RH, but storage at 75% or 95% RH for periods exceeding 1 month reduced germination. Seeds stored at 33% or 52% RH required fewer days to T50 than did seeds stored at 11%, 75%, or 95% RH. Chemical name used: gibberellic acid (GA3).
Modified Sunlight Affects Growth and Flowering of Saintpaulia ionantha H. and Peperomia grisco-argenta Yuncker
Authors: Hagiladi A. , Raviv M.
Published: February 2019

Tissue culture plantlets of Saintpaulia ionantha and Peperomia grisco-argenta were grown for 120 days in growth boxes placed in a greenhouse. The filtercovered tops of the boxes were sloped facing south, the direction of the sun, while the walls were constructed of white styrofoam board Four types of light filters covered the frames. Two blue celluloid sheets were used to alter the sunlight spectrum: one filtered out the red (B + FR), and the other removed most of the red and far-red, FR (B - FR). Two polyethylene films were formulated as light filters and diffusers: one scattered all the transmitted light and decreased the R: FR ratio (W), while the other was neutral in respect to the sunlight spectrum and did not cause light scattering (A). Vegetative growth of Saintpaulia plants was enhanced under the light-diffusing filters, resulting in higher fresh weight and larger leaves. Saintpaulia plants flowered first under the W filter, then the A filter, and last under the B + FR filter; no flowering occurred in the absence of FR light (B - RR). There was no significant difference in the development of Peperomia plants grown under the different filters. The results are discussed in relation to plant adaptation to various environments.
Salinity Effects on Bentgrass Germination
Authors: McCarty L.B. , Dudeck A.E.
Published: February 2019

Duplicate studies were conducted to determine salt tolerance during germination of eight bentgrass (Agrostis spp.) cultivars commonly used for overseeding warm-season turf species, such as bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.) putting surfaces. Bentgrass seeds were germinated on agar salinized with 0, 4000, 8000, 12,000, or 16,000 mg·liter-1, with the highest rate approaching one-half seawater salinity. Total germination decreased linearly or quadratically for specific cultivars as salinity increased. Time necessary to reach 50% germination across all salt concentrations was shortest for `Highland' colonial (Agrostis tenuis Sibth) and `Seaside' creeping (A. palustris Huds.) bentgrass (≈3.7 days); intermediate for `Kingstown' velvet (A. canina L.) and `Streaker' red top (A. alba L.) bentgrass (≈4.5 days); and longest for `Penneagle' creeping, `Penncross' creeping, `Exeter' colonial, and `Pennlinks' creeping bentgrass (≈5.3 days). Salt concentrations necessary to reduce germination to 90%, 75%, and 50% indicated that `Streaker' red top and `Seaside' creeping bentgrass were the most salt-tolerant cultivars. `Kingstown' velvet, `Exeter' colonial, and `Highland' colonial bentgrass were intermediate, while `Pennlinks', `Penncross', and `Penneagle' creeping bentgrass were the most salt-sensitive cultivars.
Container Dimension Affects Rooting Medium Temperature Patterns
Authors: Martin Chris A. , Ingram Dewayne L.
Published: February 2019

Computer modeling was used to study the effect of container volume and shape on summer temperature patterns for black polyethylene nursery containers filled with a 4 pine bark: 1 sand (v/v) rooting medium and located in Phoenix, Ariz. (lat. 33.5°N, long. 112°W) or Lexington, Ky. (lat. 38.0°N, long. 84.4°W). For both locations, medium temperatures were highest at the east and west container walls, halfway down the container profile, regardless of container height (20 to 50 cm) or volume (10 to 70 liters). The daily maximum medium temperature (Tmax) at the center was lower and occurred later in the day as container volume was increased because of an increased distance to the container wall. For both locations, predicted temperature patterns in rooting medium adjacent to the container wall decreased as the wall tilt angle (TA) increased. Predicted temperature patterns at the center of the container profile were lowered in response to the interaction of increased container height and wall TA. As container height decreased, the container wall TA necessary to lower center Tmax to ≤ 40C increased; however, the required increase in TA was greater for Phoenix than for Lexington, principally because of higher ambient air temperatures.
Survival and Growth of Peach Trees Planted in Killed Bahiagrass at an Old Orchard Site
Authors: Evert Dean R. , Bertrand Paul F.
Published: February 2019

More peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch.] trees survived when planted in killed bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flugge `Paraguayan-22') sod growing between previous orchard tree rows (98%) than when planted in previous tree sites (81%) or in previous tree rows, but halfway between previous tree sites (79%). The previous orchard was removed Nov. 1986, and new trees were planted Feb. 1987. Surviving trees in the killed sod grew better than trees at the other two sites. Tilling the sites before planting did not affect nematode populations or tree survival and growth. Soaking the tree roots in a fenamiphos solution (1 g·liter-1) for 20 minutes before planting resulted in 79% tree survival vs. 93% survival for the nonsoaked trees. Fenamiphos sprayed under the trees at a rate of 11.2 kg·ha-1 during the spring and fall of the planting year did not change nematode populations, tree survival, or tree growth. The fenamiphos sprays reduced the increase in trunk cross-sectional area by 3 cm2 for trees in the sod. Other than leaf Zn concentration, which was low, concentrations of the elements were within the sufficiency range for Georgia for all treatments. Trees planted in the killed sod had an increased leaf K concentration and decreased leaf Mg concentration when compared with trees planted in the rows. Chemical name used: ethyl 3-methyl-4-(methylthio)phenyl (1-methylethyl)phosphoramidate (fenamiphos).
Determining Diuron, Simazine, and Methiocarb Residues in Highbush Blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum)
Authors: Ely C.B. , Frans R.E. , Lavy T.L. , Talbert R.E. , Mattice J.D.
Published: February 2019

Two-year-old highbush blueberry bushes (Vaccinium corymbosum L. `Collins') were treated in Mar. 1985 with diuron or simazine at 2.2 or 4.5 kg a.i./ha. No residues were detected by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet absorbance detection (HPLC-UV) from treated berries that were harvested in June. Methiocarb was applied in May 1986 at 0.84 and 3 kg·ha-1 over the top of 3-year-old `Collins' when the berries began to ripen. Reverse-phase HPLC-UV of berries treated with methiocarb at 3 kg·ha-1 had combined residues of methiocarb and its sulfone and sulfoxide metabolites of 13.1 ppm from unrinsed and 7 ppm from rinsed berries harvested on the day of treatment; 4.9 ppm from unrinsed and 4 ppm from rinsed berries harvested 4 days after treatment; and 2.4 ppm from unrinsed and 2.5 ppm from rinsed berries harvested 8 days after treatment. Unrinsed berries treated with methiocarb at 0.84 kg·ha-1 had 5.7 ppm residue on the day of treatment and 1 ppm 8 days later. Residues from berries treated with methiocarb at 0.84 or 3 kg·ha-1 were below the legal tolerance level of 5 ppm after the required 7-day waiting period. Chemical names used: n'-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-N,N -dimethylurea (diuron); 6-chloro- N,N' -diethyl-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine (simazine); 3,5-dimethyl-4-(methylthio)phenol methylcarbamate (methiocarb).
Drip-irrigation Scheduling for Fresh-market Tomato Production
Authors: Hartz T.K.
Published: February 2019

Drip-irrigation scheduling techniques for fresh-market tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) production were compared in three growing seasons (1989-91). Three regimes were evaluated: EPK [reference evapotranspiration (ETo, corrected Penman) × programmed crop coefficients], ECC (ET0 × a crop coefficient based on estimated percent canopy coverage), and SMD (irrigation at 20% available soil moisture depletion). EPK coefficients ranged from 0.2 (crop establishment) to 1.1 (full canopy development). Percent canopy coverage was estimated from average canopy width ÷ row width. Irrigation in the SMD treatment was initiated at -24 kPa soil matric tension, with recharge limited to 80% of daily ET0. The EPK and ECC regimes gave similar fresh fruit yields and size distributions in all years. With the EPK scheduling technique, there was no difference in crop response between daily irrigation and irrigation three times per week. In all seasons, ECC scheduling resulted in less total water applied than EPK scheduling and averaged 76% of seasonal ET0 vs. 86% for EPK. Irrigating at 20% SMD required an average of only 64% of seasonal ET0; marketable yield was equal to the other scheduling techniques in 1989 and 1991, but showed a modest yield reduction in 1990. Using an SMD regime to schedule early season irrigation and an ECC system to guide application from mid-season to harvest may be the most appropriate approach for maximizing water-use efficiency and crop productivity.
Localization of Peroxidase in Grapes using Nitrocellulose Blotting of Freezing/Thawing Fruits
Authors: Calderón Antonio A. , Zapata Jose M. , Muñoz Romualdo , Barceló A. Ros
Published: February 2019

A technique has been developed to study the histochemical localization of peroxidase in Vitis vinifera by blotting freezing/thawing tissue sections on nitrocellulose membranes. After being stained with 4-methoxy- α -naphthol and H2O2, peroxidase-mediated reaction products in mature `Gamay' grapes were seen principally in the skin and, to a lesser extent, the pericarp, where discrete areas of reaction products were located in the vascular bundles. However, for immature `Gamay' and `Grenache' grapes, peroxidase activity in the skin was low and similar to that found in the pericarp. With this technique, fruit vascular bundle structure was preserved. The reliability of the technique in the histochemical localization of peroxidase in grapes was confirmed by fractionation and determining the peroxidase activity in the various tissues.
Cytokinin and Ethephon Affect Crop Load, Shoot Growth, and Nutrient Concentration of `Empire' Apple Trees
Authors: Elfving D.C. , Cline R.A.
Published: February 2019

Benzyladenine (BA) applied postbloom at 125 and 250 mg·liter-1 thinned `Empire' apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) trees below commercial crop levels but thinned less than thidiazuron (THI) at 62 and 125 mg·liter-1. Ethephon (ETH) applied up to 250 mg·liter-1 reduced fruit set only slightly. When BA was tank-mixed with ETH, thinning was the same as with BA alone. Although THI thinned more, BA resulted in a larger increase in fruit weight. Seed development was nearly eliminated by THI, but was unaffected by either BA or ETH. Thinner effects on foliar nutrient concentrations were associated with changes in fruit load but not shoot growth. The effects of BA and ETH on fruit-flesh nutrient concentrations were similar to their effects on foliar nutrient concentrations. Although THI thinned strongly and produced large changes in foliar nutrient concentrations and seed count, THI resulted in virtually no changes in fruit-flesh nutrient concentrations. Chemical names used: N-(phenylmethyl)-1 H-purine-6-amine (benzyladenine); 2-chlorophosphonic acid (ethephon); N-phenyl-N'-1,2,3-thiadiazol-5-ylurea (thidiazuron).
Differential Large Crabgrass Control with Herbicides in Tall Fescue and Common Bermudagrass
Authors: Johnson B.J.
Published: February 2019

Pendimethalin and oxadiazon are used commonly to control crabgrasses (Digitaria spp.) in tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) and common bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.]. A field experiment was conducted for 2 years to determine if reduced pendimethalin and oxadiazon application rates would control large crabgrass [D. sanguinalis (L.) Sco.] effectively in tall fescue and common bermudagrass. Oxadiazon applied at 1.1 kg a.i./ha in each of two applications at a 60-day interval (less than recommended rate) effectively controlled large crabgrass (≥93%), regardless of turfgrass species. Pendimethalin applied at 1.1 kg a.i./ha in each of two applications controlled large crabgrass in common bermudagrass effectively (≥90%) but not large crabgrass in tall fescue (47%). The difference in pendimethalin performance between the two species was attributed to the ability of common bermudagrass to compete more successfully than tall fescue with large crabgrass during late summer. Chemical names used: 3-[2,4-dichloro-5-(1-methylethoxy)phenyl]-5-(1,1-dimethylethy1)-l,3,4-oxadiazol-2-(3 H)-one (oxadiazon); N-(1-ethylpropyl)-3,4-dimethyl-2,6-dinitrobenzenamine (pendimethalin).
Wildflower Tolerance to Metolachlor and Metolachlor Combined with Other Broadleaf Herbicides
Authors: Derr Jeffrey F.
Published: February 2019

The tolerance of transplanted lanceleaf coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata L.), ox-eye daisy (Chrysanthemum leucantheum L.), purple cone flower [Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench.], and blanket flower (Gaillardia aristata Pursh) to metolachlor was determined in field trials. Metolachlor at 4.5 kg·ha-1 (maximum use rate) and 9.0 kg·ha-1 (twice the maximum use rate) did not reduce stand or flowering of any wildflower species after one or two applications, although plants developed transient visible injury. Combining metolachlor with the broadleaf herbicides simazine or isoxaben resulted in unacceptable injury and stand reduction, especially in ox-eye daisy. Metolachlor plus oxadiazon was less injurious to the wildflowers than metolachlor plus either simazine or isoxaben. Treatments containing metolachlor controlled yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus L.) by at least 89% in both experiments. Treatments containing isoxaben controlled eclipta (Eclipta alba L.). 100% in both studies. Chemical names used: N-[3-(1-ethyl-1-methylpropyl)-5-isoxazolyl]-2,6-dimethoxybenzamide (isoxaben); 2-chloro -N-(2-ethyl-6-methylphenyl) -N-(2-methoxy-1-methylethyl)acetamide (metolachlor); 3-[2,4-di-chloro-5-(1-methylethoxy)phenyl]-5-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-(3 H) -one (oxadiazon); 6-chloro -N,N' -diethyl-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine (simazine).
Applying Calcium Chloride Postharvest to Improve Highbush Blueberry Firmness
Authors: Hanson Eric J. , Beggs Jane L. , Beaudry Randolph M.
Published: February 2019

Immature and marketable highbush blueberries often are separated by buoyancy in water tanks. Calcium chloride was added to the water to improve berry firmness or integrity. Berries were immersed in 0% to 4% CaCl2 and held at 2C for several days. Vertical compression of a column of berries decreased linearly with increased CaCl2 concentration, a result indicating that CaCl2 increased the ability of the berries to resist physical damage. Immersion duration (0.5, 2, or 4 minutes) did not affect results. However, rinsing berries in water immediately after immersing them in CaCl2 negated the effect. Taste panelists associated an objectionable, salty taste with berries immersed in 2% and 4% CaCl2, but not for those immersed in 1% CaCl2.
Stabilization of pH in Solid-matrix Hydroponic Systems
Authors: Frick Jay , Mitchell Cary A.
Published: February 2019

2-[N-morpholino] ethanesulfonic acid (MES) buffer or Amberlite DP-1 (cation-exchange resin beads) were used to stabilize substrate pH of passive-wicking, solid-matrix hydroponic systems in which small canopies of Brassica napus L. (CrGC 5-2, genome: ACaacc) were grown to maturity. Two concentrations of MES (5 or 10 m m) were included in Hoagland 1 nutrient solution. Alternatively, resin beads were incorporated into the 2 vermiculite: 1 perlite (v/v) growth medium at 6% or 12% of total substrate volume. Both strategies stabilized pH without toxic side effects on plants. Average seed yield rates for all four pH stabilization treatments (13.3 to 16.9 g·m-2·day-1) were about double that of the control (8.2 g·m-2·day-1), for which there was no attempt to buffer substrate pH. Both the highest canopy seed yield rate (16.9 g·m-2·day-1) and the highest shoot harvest index (19.5%) occurred with the 6% resin bead treatment, even though the 10 mm MES and 12% bead treatments maintained pH within the narrowest limits. The pH stabilization methods tested did not significantly affect seed oil and protein contents.
Hedgerow Orientation Affects Canopy Exposure, Flowering, and Fruiting of `Anjou' Pear Trees
Authors: Khemira Habib , Lombard P.B. , Sugar David , Azarenko Anita N.
Published: February 2019

Mature hedgerows of `Anjou' pear (Pyrus communis L.) trees, planted north(N)-south (S) or east (E)-west (W), were used to study the effect of hedgerow orientation on fruiting and canopy exposure. In 1990, flower bud density tended to be lower on the E-W rows, especially on their N sides. Fruit set (FS) was highest on the S side of E-W rows and lowest on the N side, while the E and W sides of the N-S rows were intermediate. Crop density (CD) had a similar pattern as FS, with more fruit on the S than on the N side of the E-W rows. CD was more evenly distributed between the sides on the N-S hedgerows. Differences in FS and CD between sides were related to different levels of sunlight interception. Light exposure was lowest on the N sides of the E-W rows and highest on the S sides throughout the growing season and especially toward the equinoxes. Increased exposure to the sun on the S and W sides late in the season led to more fruit with solar injury. Fruit from E–W rows were larger and less firm. Accumulated yields over 11 years showed a 21.4% increase in the N-S rows over those of the E-W rows.
Method and Timing of Tuber De-eyeing Affects Growth and Development of Caladium
Authors: Evans Michael R. , Harbaugh Brent K.
Published: February 2019

Before being forced as potted plants, tubers of two Caladium ×hortulanum Birdsey cultivars were subjected to different methods of de-eyeing (terminal bud removal), either before or after 6 weeks of curing and storage. The cultivar Frieda Hemple (`FH'), a type with numerous buds that does not require de-eyeing, was less affected by deeyeing than `Fannie Munson' ('FM'), which has a single dominant bud and requires deeyeing. De-eyeing had little effect on `FH' development. For `FM', regardless of the time of de-eyeing, all treatments reduced height, increased the number of leaves, increased total leaf area, and reduced mean leaf area when compared to intact tubers. However, as the size of the tuber piece removed during de-eyeing increased, the variability within each treatment increased. Based on the results of this research, the best method of de-eyeing would be to destroy or remove the dominant terminal bud while removing as little of the surrounding tissue as possible. The time of de-eyeing can depend on producer preference, since the time of de-eyeing did not affect development significantly.
Forcing White Asparagus in Various Substrates under Cool and Warm Regimes
Authors: Pill Wallace G. , Evans Thomas A. , Garrison Stephen A.
Published: February 2019

One-year-old crowns of `Jersey Giant' asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) were forced into spear production at 28C in darkness. Total spear fresh weight and number per square meter responded quadratically to the percentage of sand incorporated in Pro-Mix BX (PMX) peat-lite medium, with maximum yields at 25% to 75% (by volume) PMX. In a second study conducted at 22 and 28C, total spear fresh weight and number per square meter for 96 days of harvest were similar when grown in weathered, spent mushroom compost (SMC) or 1 PMX: 1 sand (v/v), but were lower than those grown in PMX. The lower temperature caused heavier individual spears, while the higher temperature stimulated earlier spear production. During the first month of harvest at 22C, the total number and fresh weight of spears in SMC were 11% and 17% less, respectively, than in PMX. SMC may be a low-cost forcing substrate for white asparagus.
Spectral Filters Influence Transpirational Water Loss in Chrysanthemum
Authors: Rajapakse Nihal C. , Kelly John W.
Published: February 2019

Transpiration rates of chrysanthemum [Dendranthema ×grandiflorum (Ramat.) Kitamura] plants grown under spectral filters were evaluated as part of an investigation on using light quality to regulate plant growth. The 6% CuSO4·5H2O spectral filter reduced photosynthetic photon flux density in red (R) and far red (FR) wavelengths and increased the R: FR and blue (B): R ratios (B = 400 to 500 nm; R = 600 to 700 nm; FR = 700 to 800 nm) of transmitted light relative to the water (control) filter. After 28 days, cumulative water use of plants grown under CuSO4 filters was ≈37% less than that of control plants. Transpiration rates were similar among plants grown under CuSO4 and control filters when expressed as leaf area, a result suggesting that the reduced cumulative water loss was a result of smaller plant size. Plants grown under CuSO4 filters had slightly lower (10%) stomatal density than control plants. Light transmitted through CuSO4 filters did not alter the size of individual stomata; however, total number of stomata and total stomatal pore area per plant was ≈50% less in plants grown under CuSO4 filters than in those grown under control filters due to less leaf area. The results suggest that altering light quality may help reduce water use and fertilizer demands while controlling growth during greenhouse production.
Chilling, Ethephon, and Photoperiod Affect Cormel Production of Brodiaea
Authors: Han S.S.
Published: February 2019

Stratification by chilling is the primary factor controlling germination of brodiaea (Triteleia laxa Benth.) seeds. A minimum of 8 weeks of low temperature (3C) was required for maximum germination. Soaking seeds in a solution of 1000 mg ethepho/liter for 20 h reduced the number of weeks at low temperature required for germination. Cormel size was affected by the photoperiod during seedling growth. Long days induced early leaf senescence, and cormels harvested from seedlings grown under long days weighed only half as much as those grown under short days. Chemical name used: 2-chloroethyl phosphoric acid (ethephon).
Nitrogen Requirements of Drip-irrigated Peppers
Authors: Hartz T.K. , LeStrange M. , May D.M.
Published: February 2019

The response of bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) to five rates of N fertigation between 0 and 336 kg N/ha was studied at two drip-irrigated sites [Univ. of California, Davis (UCD) and West Side Field Station, Five Points (WSFS)] in California in 1992. Nitrogen application, in the form of a urea: ammonium nitrate mixture (UN-32), was applied in eight (WSFS) or 10 (UCD) equal weekly increments, beginning after transplant establishment. At both sites, fruit yield and mean fruit size peaked at 252 kg N/ha, with additional N retarding crop productivity. Maximum fruit yield was obtained by fertility treatments that maintained petiole NO3-N concentration >5000 μg·g-1 through the early fruit bulking period. Two techniques for monitoring crop N status, designed for field use, were evaluated. There was a close relationship between the NO3-N concentration of fresh petiole extracts, as measured by a portable, battery-operated nitrate selective electrode, and dry tissue analyzed by conventional laboratory technique (r2 = 0.89). Relative chlorophyll concentration, measured nondestructively by a dual-wavelength leaf absorbance meter, was poorly correlated with whole-leaf N concentration (r2 = 0.55). However, the ratio of such chlorophyll readings for a treatment compared to an in-field reference of known N sufficiency (252 kg·ha-1 treatment) showed promise as a technique for identifying N deficiency.
Controlling Growth of Bearing Apple Trees with Ethephon
Authors: Byers Ross E.
Published: February 2019

Ethephon applied 12 to 26 days after full bloom at 1000 to 1500 mg·liter-1 not only substantially inhibited apple (Malus domestia Borkh., spur `Delicious' strains) tree growth but also caused fruit abscission. Gibberellin plus ethephon did not prevent fruit abscission when ethephon was used at these rates. Several low weekly doses of ethephon controlled tree growth without causing fruit abscission. Ethephon increased fruit soluble solids concentration and substantially reduced fruit starch in the application year. Ethephon greatly increased flowering and fruit set the following season. Fruit length: diameter ratio was not altered by the previous seasons' low weekly doses of ethephon. Chemical name used: (2-chloroethyl)phosphonic acid (ethephon).
Raised Beds and Metalaxyl for Controlling Phytophthora Root Rot of Raspberry
Authors: Maloney K.E. , Wilcox W.F. , Sanford J.C.
Published: February 2019

`Titan' red raspberry (Rubis idaeus L.), highly susceptible to root rot caused by Phytophthora fragariae Hickman var. rubi Wilcox & Duncan (syns. P. erythroseptica Pethyb., “highly pathogenic” P. megasperma Drechs.), was planted in June 1990 in a silt loam naturally infested with the pathogen. Raked beds (0.36 m high) dramatically reduced disease incidence and severity relative to flatbed treatments. In contrast, metalaxyl at 372 mg·m-1 of row provided little benefit when applied to flat beds and provided consistently moderate but statistically insignificant effects when applied to raised beds. Relative to the flat bed system, primocane vigor was increased in 1992 by 16%, 190%, and 224% in the flat bed plus metalaxyl, raised bed, and raised bed plus metalaxyl treatments, respectively; total yields were increased by 7%, 231%, and 272% with these same respective treatment. The results indicate that raised-bed planting systems can provide substantial control of phytophthora root rot of red raspberries even when highly susceptible varieties are grown on otherwise marginal sites. Metalaxyl appears more effective as a supplement rather than substitute for raised beds under such conditions. Chemical name used: N- (2,6-dimethylphenyl) -N- (methoxyacetyl)alanine methyl ester (metalaxyl).
Quantitative Technique for Measuring Volatile Components of Baked Sweetpotatoes
Authors: Sun Jyh-Bin , Severson Ray F. , Kays Stanley J.
Published: February 2019

We describe a relatively simple collection procedure for quantifying volatiles in baked sweetpotato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.]. Volatiles formed during baking `Jewel' and `Centennial' sweetpotatoes at 204C were purged from a baking vessel with He or a HeO2 mixture, collected in cold methylene chloride, and reduced in volume using a Kuderna-Danish concentrator. Volatile components were quantified by capillary gas chromatography and characterized using gas chromatographic-mass spectrometer analysis. Quantitatively, the major components were identified as 2-furaldehyde; 2-furanmethanol; benzaldehyde; 5-methyl-2-furfural; phenylacetaldehyde; 3-hydroxy-2-methyl-4 H -pyran-4-one; 2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-4 H- pyran-4-one; and 5-hydroxy-methyl-2-furancarboxaldehyde. Some quantitatively minor compounds were also identified. The volatile collection system is reproducible for quantitative comparisons among breeding lines.
Ethylene Production of Heat-treated Stem Tissues of Red-osier Dogwood at Several Growth Stages
Authors: Shirazi A.M. , Fuchigami L.H. , Chen T.H.H.
Published: February 2019

Ethylene production in stem tissues of red-osier dogwood (Cornus sericea L.) following heat treatment was determined at several growth stages. Ethylene production of heat-stressed stem tissue depended on the stage of development and was a function of the degree of stress. During active growth and early endodormancy, heat stress of stem tissues stimulated ethylene production, reaching a peak at 40C, followed by a steady decrease at higher temperatures. Highest ethylene levels from stressed tissues occurred in May, July, September, and March. Only a trace amount of ethylene was produced during endodormancy to ecodormancy (late October to January) from stressed and nonstressed stem tissues. Applying ACC to stem segments at late endodormancy (December) or applying methionine and IAA to stem segments at maximum endodormancy (November) enhanced ethylene production of both nonstressed and heat-stressed stem tissues. Chemical names used: 1 H- indole-3-acetic acid (IAA); 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC).
Fruit Quality Characteristics Influence Prices Received for Processing Apples
Authors: Harper Jayson K. , Greene George M.
Published: February 2019

This study quantifies the discounts and premiums associated with various quality factors for processing apples (Malus domestica Borkh.). Discounts and premiums were estimated using a hedonic price model and quality data from a total of 137 samples representing three processing apple cultivars (45 `York Imperial', 43 `Rome Beauty', and 49 `Golden Delicious'). Price discounts in the sample were statistically significant for fruit size, bruising, bitter pit, decay, misshapen apples, and internal breakdown. Commonly cited defects, such as insect damage and apple scab, did not cause significant price discounts.
MacroMixer: A Spreadsheet Program to Aid Mixing Macronutrients for Solution Culture
Authors: Kawabata Osamu , Criley Richard A.
Published: February 2019

MacroMixer, a microcomputer spreadsheet program, offers 15 commonly used nutrient sources for quick formulation of a macronutrient mix in solution culture. The program displays the total concentration of each macro-element and the contribution of each source when the user specifies the desired volume of the mix and the amount of source considered. This program, used with trial and error, eases computational complexity, as sources may contain more than one controlled macro-element.
Strawberry Fruit Yield and Vegetative Growth and Pest Populations in Plantings with and without Cover Crops
Authors: Shanks Carl H. , Chamberlain Jimmie D.
Published: February 2019

`Totem' strawberries (Fragaria ×ananassa Duch.) were planted with clean-cultivated inter-rows or inter-rows planted with permanent cover crops of white clover (Trifolium repens L.) or `Manhattan' perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.). There were no significant differences between treatments in the number of twospotted spider mites (Tetranychus urticae Koch), strawberry aphids [Chaetosiphon fragaefolii (Cockerell)], or Pratylenchus sp. or Xiphinema sp. nematodes on strawberry plants. The cover crops reduced strawberry yields relative to cultivation, although fruit size was significantly larger the second year. Root weight did not differ significantly in either year. Weight of above-ground vegetation was significantly higher in cultivated plots the first year, but not the second year.
Characterization of Red Raspberry Cultivars and Selections Using Isoenzyme Analysis
Authors: Cousineau J.C. , Anderson A.K. , Daubeny H.A. , Donnelly D.J.
Published: February 2019

Isoenzyme staining of horizontal starch gels was used to characterize 23 cultivars and three advanced selections of red raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.). The genotypes were separable using the enzymes malate dehydrogenase, phosphoglucoisomerase, phosphoglucomutase, and triose phosphate isomerase. In addition, staining for isocitrate dehydrogenase and shikimate dehydrogenase revealed polymorphisms in some cultivars. By combining these results with those obtained for 78 previously tested cultivars, 75 of the 104 (72%) genotypes tested were uniquely characterized using the six isoenzymes.
Solarization is an Effective Soil Disinfestation Technique for Strawberry Production
Authors: Hartz T.K. , DeVay J.E. , Elmore C.L.
Published: February 2019

Soil solarization, alone and combined with metam sodium (MS), was evaluated as an alternative to methyl bromide and chloropicrin (MBC) fumigation, the standard soil disinfestation technique in the California strawberry (Fragaria ×ananassa Duch.) industry. Tests were conducted in two consecutive annual production cycles in Irvine, Calif., an environment representative of the coastal strawberry production area. Solarization treatments were applied from late July through September for October plantings. Treatments were equally effective in reducing baited populations of Phytophthora cactorum [(Lebert and Cohn) J. Schröt] (1989-90) and P. citricola Sawada (1990-91) when compared to pathogen survival in nontreated soil. Solarization and MBC reduced Verticillium dahliae Kleb inocnlnm in 1989-90, but MBC gave superior control in 1990-91. Solarization significantly controlled annual weeds, but was less effective than MBC. In 1989-90, solarization alone increased strawberry yield 12 % over the yield of nontreated plots; when combined with MS, yield increase was 29%, equivalent to that achieved with MBC fumigation. Treatments were equally effective in increasing yields in the 1990-91 test. Chemical names used: sodium N -methyldithiocarbamate (metam sodium), chloropicrin nitrotrichloromethane (chloropicrin).
Polyamine Concentration and Ethylene Evolution in Tomato Plants under Nutritional Stress
Authors: Feng Jinan , Barker Allen V.
Published: February 2019

Polyamine accumulation in foliage was assessed in relation to ammonium accumulation and ethylene evolution in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) under nutritional stress. Nutritional stresses were induced in greenhouse-grown plants in quartz sand with an NH4-based solution or with NO3-based solutions without P, K, Ca, or Mg. Plants receiving NH4-based nutrition had higher putrescine and lower spermidine concentrations than plants receiving NO3-based nutrition. Adding AOA (10-5m) to the nutrient solution of plants receiving NH4-based nutrition suppressed putrescine accumulation but had no effect on spermidine; silver thiosulfate (10-5 m) had no effect on polyamine accumulation. Deficiencies had no consistent effect on polyamine accumulation relative to its accumulation under full-nutrition conditions, but adding AOA restricted putrescine and spermidine accumulation in all nutrient-deficient regimes. Foliar spermine accumulation was not affected by nutritional regime. Ammonium-based nutrition resulted in enhanced putrescine and ammonium accumulation and accelerated ethylene evolution rates relative to plants receiving NO3-based nutrition. All nutrient-deficient plants had higher ammonium accumulation, and all but P-deficient plants had higher ethylene evolution than those receiving full NO3-based nutrition. Although some variability occurred among treatments, an association among putrescine accumulation, ammonium accumulation, ethylene evolution. and stress-induced symptoms was apparent. Chemical name used: (aminooxy) acetic acid (AOA).
Fertilizer Effects on Early Growth and Yield of `Hamlin' Orange Trees
Authors: Obreza Thomas A. , Rouse Robert E.
Published: February 2019

The growth response of young `Hamlin' orange (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck) on Carrizo citrange (C. sinensis × Poncirus trifoliatu L. Raf.) trees to N-P-K fertilizer rates under field conditions in southwestern Florida was studied to determine the minimum fertilizer required to bring trees into maximum early production. The highest 8N-1.8P-6.6K fertilizer rate was 2.72,5.45, and 8.17 kg/tree in 1989,1990, and 1991, respectively. Additional fertilizer treatments equaled 50%, 25%, or 13% of the maximum rate. Fertilizer sources contained either all water-soluble N (applied more frequently) or 40% to 50% controlled-release N (applied less frequently), and they did not affect fruit yield or quality. The response of trunk cross-sectional area, tree canopy volume, and fruit yield to fertilizer rate was described by a linear plateau model. The model predicted a fruit yield of 22.6 kg/tree at the estimated critical fertilizer rate of 48% of maximum. Fruit yield at the 50% maximum rate averaged 21.2 kg/tree. As fertilizer rate increased, total soluble solids concentration (TSS) in juice and the TSS: acid ratio decreased, but weight per fruit and TSS per tree increased. A fruit yield >21 kg/31-month-old tree indicated vigorous growth.
CPPU Influences Fruit Quality, Fruit Set, Return Bloom, and Preharvest Drop of Apples
Authors: Curry Eric A. , Greene Duane W.
Published: February 2019

CPPU was applied to whole spur `Delicious' apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) trees in central Washington at 0,6.25,12.5,25, or 50 mg·liter-1 at full bloom (FB) or FB plus 2 weeks. At both application times, the flesh firmness of treated fruit linearly increased with increasing concentration. CPPU applied at 0,5,10,15, or 20 mg·liter-1 to spur `Delicious' trees in Massachusetts at king bloom resulted in a linear increase in flesh firmness at harvest and following 28 weeks in air storage at 0C. CPPU did not affect the incidence of senescent breakdown, decay, or cork spot. Fruit length: diameter (L/D) ratios generally increased at all doses. Fruit weight was not influenced at either location. All CPPU concentrations reduced return bloom on `Delicious' apples in Massachusetts in 1989. Of the 10, 20, or 40 mg·liter-1 treatments for `Empire' apples, only CPPU at 40 mg·liter-1 reduced return bloom. CPPU applied to `Empire' apples in Massachusetts did not effect fruit set, soluble solids concentration, L/D, or firmness; however, fruit weight increased linearly with concentration. CPPU applied at 100 mg·liter-1 retarded preharvest fruit drop of `Early McIntosh' in Massachusetts for ≈7 days but was not as effective as NAA at 20 mg·liter-1. In a larger semicommercial trial, `Delicious' fruit treated with CPPU at 5,10, or 15 mg·liter-1 at FB, petal fall (PF), or PF plus 1 week, respectively, were harvested and graded over a commercial packing line. Malformities caused by CPPU at the highest doses reduced packout, although all CPPU application rates reduced the percent fruit culled due to poor color. CPPU increased packed fruit size, since the size of fruit (64 mm in diameter) in the >150-fruit/box size decreased, while the size of fruit (72 mm in diameter) in the 100- and 130-fruit/box sizes increased. Treated fruit stored for 7 months at 1C were firmer than nontreated controls. Chemical names used: N-(2-chloro-4-pyridyl)- N' -phenylurea (CPPU); 1 naphthalene-acetic acid (NAA).
Dikegulac Improves Bougainvillea Flowering during Two Production Seasons
Authors: Norcini J.G. , McDowell J.M. , Aldrich J.H.
Published: February 2019

The use of dikegulac foliar sprays in production of 4.5-liter hanging baskets (25.4-cm in diameter) of `Barbara Karst' bougainvillea [Bougainvillea ×buttiana (Bougainvillea glabra Choicy X Bougainvillea peruviana Humb. & Bonpl.) `Barbara Karst'] and `Rainbow Gold' bougainvillea (Bougainvillea `Rainbow Gold') was investigated under high temperatures (27.5-32C) and two production seasons (late spring to early summer and midsummer to early fall). During the late production season, liners pruned at transplanting (0 weeks) and treated with 1600 mg dikegulac/liter at 0 and 4 weeks resulted in plants with more flowers than that of controls (pruned only at 0 and 4 weeks), with `Barbara Karst' having a slightly compact, pendulous growth habit similar to that of controls. Dikegulac enhanced flowering compared with controls during midspring to early summer, but it did not result in plants with a slightly compact pendulous growth habit. These results suggest that a foliar spray of 1600 mg dikegulac/liter could substitute for the second pruning during hanging basket production of `Barbara Karst'. Chemical name used: sodium salt of 2,3:4,6-bis-O-(1-methylethylidene)-α-xylo-2-hexulofuranosonic acid (dikegulac-sodium).
Resistance of Watermelon Seedlings and Fruit to the Fruit Blotch Bacterium
Authors: Hopkins D.L. , Thompson C.M. , Elmstrom G.W.
Published: February 2019

Seedlings of 22 watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. and Nakai] cultivars and two plant introductions were screened in the greenhouse for resistance to the fruit blotch bacterium. There were significant differences in disease severity among cultivars, but no cultivar was immune to the bacterium. In field tests, fruit of 18 commercial cultivars were inoculated individually or became infected naturally from diseased foliage. Cultivars with relatively resistant fruit included `Sugar Baby', `Jubilation', `Mirage', `Calsweet', `Crimson Sweet', `Royal Sweet', and `Sangria'. The more susceptible cultivars generally had a light-colored rind. Cultivar level of resistance to bacterial fruit blotch may not be sufficient under conditions conducive to severe disease development.