bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
(298) Lighting Intensity and Temperature: How They Affect the Yield of Salad Crops Grown under ISS Baseline Environmental Conditions
Authors: Richards Jeffrey , Edney Sharon , Yorio Neil , Stutte Gary , Sisko Matthew , Wheeler Raymond
Published: February 2019

Environmental factors such as light intensity (PPF) and/or air temperature may be limiting engineering constraints in near or long-term space missions. This will potentially affect NASA's ability to provide either dietary augmentation to the crew or maintain a large-scale bioregenerative life support system. Crops being considered by NASA to provide supplemental food for crew consumption during such missions consist primarily of minimally processed “salad” species. Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. cv. Flandria), radish (Raphanus sativus L. cv. Cherry Bomb II), and green onion (Allium fistulosum L. cv. Kinka) are being evaluated under a range of PPF and temperature environments likely to be encountered in space systems. Plants were grown for 35 days under cool-white fluorescent (CWF) lamps with light intensities of 8.6, 17.2, or 26 μmol·m-2·d-1, at air temperatures of 25 and 28 °C, and 50% relative humidity, and 1200 μmol·mol-1 CO2. Regardless of temperature, all three species showed an increase in edible mass with increasing light levels. When grown at 28 °C, edible mass of radish was significantly reduced at all lighting intensities compared to 25 °C, indicating a lower optimal temperature for radish. Understanding the interactions of these environmental factors on crop performance is a critical element to defining future missions that incorporate plant-based life support technologies.
(301) Screening Carrot Cultivars for Adaptabilityto Growth in a Nutrient Film Hydroponics System
Authors: Mortley Desmond , Hill Jill , Bonsi Conrad , Hill Walter , Morris Carlton
Published: February 2019

Tuskegee University is conducting research on salad crops as part of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) goal of supporting humans on near-term space missions, such as on the International Space Station. Small areas of salad crops are ideal candidates for growing in limited volumes, and would provide a source of fresh food to enhance the crew's nutrition. Baseline controlled environment studies were initiated to evaluate the response of eight carrot cultivars (`Baby Mini', `Nantes Touchan', `Danvers 126', `Kundulus', `Nanco Hybrid', `Thumbelina', `Early Nantes', and `Juwarot') to growth and yield in hydroponics. Seeds were sown in moist arcillite and transplanted into growth troughs (0.15 × 0.15 × 1.2 m) after 18 days in reach-in growth chambers, and nutrients continuously supplied by a half-Hoagland solution. Growth chambers conditions included 300 μmol·m-2·s-1 photosynthetic photon flux, 16/8 photoperiod, a constant 25 °C and relative humidity of 50%. Plants were harvested at about 80 days. All eight cultivars grew well in the hydroponic system. Seven cultivars produced greater shoot fresh than root mass except `Baby Mini', which showed the reverse. `Danvers 126', followed by `Nanco Hybrid' and `Nantes Touchan', produced highest root yields. The β-carotene content varied by cultivars. The highest level of 10,400 IU/100 g was obtained for `Thumbelina', followed by `Baby Mini' (8040 IU/100 g), `Juwarot' (6160 IU/100g), and `Early Nantes' (5210 IU/100 g), and the lowest by `Nantes Touchan' (3510 IU/100 g). These results show that while carrots adapted well to growth in hydroponics, carotene, a major nutrient, was at relatively low levels.
(67) Survey at Poinsettia Open House Reveals Preferred Cultivars
Authors: Catanzaro C. , Bhatti S. , Muhammad S. , Abdullah S.
Published: February 2019

A high quality finished plant from each of 22 cultivars was displayed at a poinsettia [Euphorbia pulcherrima Willd. ex Klotzsch] open house at Tennessee State University in Dec. 2004. The cultivars represented the range of flower colors, flower traits, and plant vigor available through the major suppliers Dummen USA, Ecke, Fischer, and Oglevee. Attendees of the open house completed a written survey (n = 101) in which they were asked to rate their cultivar preferences. Cultivars (identified only by an alphabetic letter) were rated by respondents on a Likert-type scale (1 = strongly dislike to 5 = strongly like). Highly rated cultivars (mean ≥4) included `Freedom Red', `Premium Red', `Nutcracker White', `Early Orion', `Cortez Electric Fire', and the new cultivars `Visions of Grandeur' and `Kris Krinkle'. Cultivars were also rated on the price range potential consumers were willing to pay. Respondents were willing to pay the most to purchase `Visions of Grandeur', which is a vigorous cultivar with large, pillowy, peach-colored bracts. Overall, traditional red cultivars and large, non-red cultivars were preferred. Most of the respondents indicated that they purchased red plants, and color was the most important selection criterion. Results suggest that although most consumers prefer traditional red cultivars, women prefer some alternative inflorescence colors and unique bract shapes more than men.
(73) Is the Shorter Time to Flower for Late-planted Curcuma alismatifolia Real?
Authors: Criley Richard A. , Kuehny Jeff S.
Published: February 2019

Several reports suggest that late-planted rhizomes of Curcuma alismatifolia produce their inflorescences in less time than those that have been planted earlier in the forcing season. Two cultivars of this ginger species were removed from the ground in late February following a lengthy dormancy period in the field. About 6 weeks later, after air drying, weekly plantings were initiated through the end of June. Five rhizomes per cultivar were planted singly in 15-cm pots in ProMix BX medium. All plants were forced outdoors under full sun conditions and an overhead spray stake irrigation system that delivered 200 ppm each of nitrogen and potassium with each watering. Cultivar differences were apparent. Plant-to-sprout days for the DP and LP cultivars ranged from 20–51 and 21–57 days, respectively, with means of 3 8 ± 9.2 and 44 ± 11.9 days, respectively, over the 10-week planting cycle. Sprout-to-flower days showed much less difference with ranges of 61–75 and 58–72 days for DP and LP and means of 69 ± 4.3 and 66 ± 4.0 days, respectively. Plant to flower times differed largely because of the length of time required for the rhizomes to sprout rather than for the amount of time spent in inflorescence initiation and development. Plant heights at flowering and inflorescence counts were not different within cultivars over the 10-week planting period. Degree days and solar integrals will be presented for the 10 growing periods.
(265) HSP101 in the Model Strawberry Fragaria vesca
Authors: Slovin Janet
Published: February 2019

Our lab has initiated a project to determine if specific proteins expressed by strawberry function as part of the thermotolerance system. We have developed tools for investigating the role of heat shock proteins (HSPs) and other gene products in strawberry thermotolerance. These tools include an inbred diploid testing system, EST sequence data, and molecular markers for heat tolerance. We developed an inbred line, 5AF7, of the diploid strawberry Fragariavesca for testing gene function because the diploid genome is small (164Mbp), the life cycle of the plant is short (about 4 months), the plant size is small (a plant will produce fruit in a 4-inch pot), some genetic work is already done, F. vesca is transformable with Agrobacteriumtumefaciens, and results should be transferable to the commercial octoploid varieties. A cDNA library was constructed in the pCMVsport 6.1 vector using combined RNA from batches of aseptically grown F. vesca seedlings treated to various elevated temperature regimes. Over 1500 EST sequences from the library have been deposited in GenBank and are available annotated at the ESTAP Fragaria database (http://staff.vbi.vt.edu/estap/index.shtml). HSP101 affects thermotolerance in Arabidopsis(Queitsch et al., 2000, Plant Cell 12:479). A PCR fragment for HSP101 was generated from F. vesca with degenerate primers, and used to obtain a full-length cDNA clone from the library. Primers spanning an intron were designed for RTPCR from the sequence of the cDNA. Semi-quantitative RTPCR indicates that HSP101 is expressed constitutively in young leaves at 25 °C and is not induced at moderately higher temperatures (32 °C) even after 5 hours. Induction occurs within 1 hour at 37 °C.
(355) Evaluation of Three Models for Estimated Potential Evapotranspiration under Sonoran Desert Conditions
Authors: Robles-Contreras Fabián , Grijalva-Contreras Raul Leonel , Valenzuela-Ruiz Manuel de Jesus , Macias-Duarte Rubén
Published: February 2019

The main crops in Caborca, Sonora, Mexico, in the Sonoran Desert, are grapes, asparagus, olive, and vegetables, such as melons and green beans. The growers in this area normally do not use methods to calculate water requirements of the crops, although in a desert region water use management needs to be as efficient as possible. A reason for using some of the models is the need to fit water requirements to regional conditions, or some stress could be caused in the crops. Recently, studies have been made in northwestern Mexico that indicate it is feasible to adapt the use of the Makkink model. Three models for estimated potential evapotranspiration (Eto) were evaluated: Penman-Monteith, Hargreaves, and Makkink, and were compared with the Class A pan method (control). Measured variables were the correlation coefficient (R2) between the models and the control; and the daily average difference between the models and the control. The results indicate that a low R2 exists between the three evaluated models and the control (0.55, 0.67, and 0.54 for Hargreaves, Penman-Monteith, and Makkink, respectively). The average difference of the daily Eto in the course of 75 days of evaluation was of 0.62, 0.5, and 0.81 mm/day for Hargreaves, Penman-Monteith, and Makkink, respectively. This represents almost 6–10 cm less of potential evapotranspiration with the models, for a cycle crop of 120–130 days.
(270) Single-nucleotide-polymorphism Isolation in Fruiting-mei (Prunus mume Sieb. et Zucc.) from AFLP Fragments
Authors: Fang Jinggui , Devanand Pachanoor S. , Chao ChihCheng T.
Published: February 2019

Single-nucleotide-polymorphism (SNP) is the most abundant genetic variation among individuals within a species. SNPs can be used as markers for gene discovery and for assessment of biodiversity. We established a practical strategy for discovering candidate SNPs in fruiting-mei (Prunusmume Sieb. et Zucc.), a non-model tree fruit, from amplified-fragment-length-polymorphism (AFLP) fragments. Eighty-one of the 150 chosen bands from 10 cultivars of fruiting-mei were successfully re-amplified and 67 of these re-amplified PCR products yielded 13 groups of reliable sequences. The sequencing results from both directions of 23 randomly selected PCR products using the corresponding selective primers showed that all the purified fragments from the gels were EcoR I-EcoR I fragments. The sequence alignment of 13 groups of sequence yielded 95 SNPs from a total of 5252 bp, averaging one SNP every 55 bp. Among these SNPs, 73 were heterozygous in the loci of some individual cultivars. The SNPs distribution were: 58% transition, 40% transversion, and 2% InDels. There were also one di-nucleotide polymorphism and one tetra-nucleotide deletion. The procedure of SNP isolation from AFLP fragments can be useful for transferring AFLP markers into sequence-tagged-site markers.
(421) Light and Temperature Interactions in Promoting Lettuce Seed Germination
Authors: Contreras Samuel , Tay David , Bennett Mark
Published: February 2019

Lettuce seeds (Lactuca sativavar. acephalacv. Tango) were used with the objective of determining the effect of temperature, light, and their interactions in promoting germination. Under standard op-timal conditions (20 °C, light), the seed presented 100% germination (radicle emergence 5 d after sowing). Different treatments evaluated germination under dark conditions, with or without a red light break (LB, 28.8 mmol·m-2) 48 h after sowing, and with different combination of temperatures pre- (soaking temperature, ST) and post- (germination temperature, GT) the LB. Germination at constant 20 °C without LB was less than 5%, and with LB, it was around 30%. However, germination was close to 100% at GT of 20 °C when LB was applied after a ST of 10 °C, and around 50% under the same conditions, but without LB. When GT was 30 °C and LB was applied, germination was less than 3% with ST = 30 °C, less than 10% with ST = 20 °C, and around 100% when ST = 10 °C. With ST and GT of 10 °C and 30 °C, respectively, and no LB, germination was less than 5%. Germination at 10 °C constant, with and without LB, was around 90% and 0%, respectively. When ST was 40 °C and LB was applied, germination was around 40% at GT= 20 °C, but less that 3% with GT= 30 °C. In summary, a severe inhibition of germination was observed when seeds were germinated in dark, which was partially reversed by either a light treatment or soaking at 10 °C, and fully reversed when both treatments were applied together. Inhibition of lettuce germination at 30 °C was observed when this temperature was applied after a light treatment, but not when applied before. Possible implications of these results for the phytochrome mechanism of action are discussed.
(425) Effect of Shading on the Germination and Vegetative Development of `Serrano' Hot Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)
Authors: Bazán-Tene Marcelino , Molina-Ochoa Jaime , Bracamontes-Ursúa Enrique Alejandro
Published: February 2019

Hot pepper (HP), Capsicum annuum (L.), is a solanum plant domesticated in Mesoamerica. It is currently widespread worldwide, and its uses are varied, such as an excellent flavoring, pigment base, and as a food resource with source of vitamins. The seven top world producers of HP are China, Mexico, Turkey, Spain, United States, Nigeria, and Indonesia. Mexico is producing about 623,238 t/year of fresh fruits in 136,398 ha; Colima produced 17,181 t in 676 ha, with a mean of 27 t·ha-1. The culture of HP in Colima is facing certain limitations in showing its productive potential, such as maintaining fertile and well-drained soils, and constant soil moisture; being weed-free during the first weeks after transplanting; and sustaining plant uniformity into transplantation. Transplantation is made in seed beds, but there is a lack of scientific evidence on shade requirements in the seed nursery to accelerate and improve plant quality for transplanting, and to impact on fruit yield. The aim was to evaluate the effect of levels of shading on the germination and vegetative development of `Serrano' HP under greenhouse conditions. Four levels of shading were evaluated using mesh fabrics to produce 90%, 75%, and 50% shade, and a control without shading on the seed beds. A completely randomized design with four treatments and four replications was used. The shading treatments reduced the germination period in about 1 day, increased the percentage of germination with a range between 1.75% and 3.25%; increased the plant height 0.83, 2.85, and 4.38 cm at 3, 6, and 10 days post-emergence; increased the root biomass about 0.01 g/plant, and 0.24 g of fresh foliage with the 90% shade compared with the control. Overall, a better agronomic performance of `Serrano' HP was obtained with 90% shading.
(427) Seed Germination after Steeping in Saturated Lime Solutions
Authors: Trejo-Gonzalez Augusto , Cantwell Marita
Published: February 2019

A lime solution is an efficient starch gelatinization agent during the traditional process of nixtamalization of corn for tortilla production. Although the saturated Ca(OH)2 solution is usually heated to speed the process, similar physical-chemical changes occur to corn steeped at room temperature. In addition, the steeped grains are capable of rapid germination. In this study we explored whether, in barley grains subjected to the same steeping conditions, there would be an acceleration of biochemical changes for the production of malt. Barley grains cv. Esmeralda six-row were steeped in saturated solutions of lime from 0% to 2% (w/w) at 18 to 23 °C for up to 72 hours. After treatment, the grains were washed with water and placed in a germination cabinet at 20 ± 2 °C and 90% RH for up to 96 hours to germinate. Activity of α-amylase (U/mg protein), sprout length (cm), seed viability (tetrazolium test), and respiration rates were determined. Scanning electron micrographs were prepared. There was a very rapid uptake of lime solution by the barley grains during the first 30 hours of treatment. The barley grains were 98% viable after all periods of steeping. Grains steeped 24 hours and germinated 70 hours had the highest activity of α-amylase, longest sprout length and highest percentage of germination. Under SEM, chemical gelatinization of starch grains was observed in barley sections after different steeping treatments, and starch breakdown was observed in grains during germination. No fungal growth was observed during germination after the steeping treatments. These results demonstrate that steeping in lime solutions could shorten the period required for barley germination and similar conditions may be useful for germination of other cereal and vegetable seeds.
(314) Geneva® 41: A New Fire Blight Resistant, Dwarf Apple Rootstock
Authors: Fazio Gennaro , Aldwinckle Herb S. , Robinson Terence L. , Cummins James
Published: February 2019

The Geneva® Apple Rootstock Breeding program initiated in 1968 by Cummins and Aldwinckle of Cornell University and continued as a joint breeding program with the USDA-ARS since 1998, has released a new dwarf apple rootstock named Geneva® 41 or G.41. G.41 (a progeny from a 1975 cross of `Malling 27' × `Robusta 5') is a selection that has been tested at the N.Y. State Agricultural Experiment Station, in commercial orchards in the United States, and at research stations across the United States, Canada, and France. G.41 is a fully dwarfing rootstock with vigor similar to M.9 T337, but with less vigor than M.9 Pajam2. It is highly resistant to fire blight and Phytophthora with no tree death from these diseases in field trials or inoculated experiments. G.41 has also shown tolerance to replant disease. Its precocity and productivity have been exceptional, equaling M.9 in all trials and surpassing M.9 in some trials. It also confers excellent fruit size and induces wide crotch angles in the scion. It appears to be very winter hardy and showed no damage following the test winter of 1994 in New York. Propagation by layering in the stool bed G.41 is not consistent and may require higher layering planting densities or tissue culture mother plants to improve its rooting. G.41 also produces some side shoots in the stool bed. The nursery liners of G.41 produce a smaller tree than G.16 liners, but similar to M.9, which is very acceptable. Unlike G.16, G.41 is not sensitive to latent viruses. G.41 has similar graft union strength to M.9 and requires a trellis or individual tree stake when planted in the orchard. Suggested orchards planting densities with this rootstock are 2,000-4,000 trees/ha. This rootstock has been released for propagation and commercial sale by licensed nurseries.
(317) Effects of Different Organic Mulch on Soil Physical Characteristics and Leaf Nutrition in Apple Orchards
Authors: Choi Hyun-Sug , Rom Curt , McAfee Jason
Published: February 2019

Mulch may affect soil chemistry, soil microclimate, biological communities, and tree performance. The trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of different orchard mulches on leaf nutrition, soil moisture, bulk density, root density, and water infiltration for understanding potential use in organic orchards for weed control and as a nutrient resource. Black plastic, hardwood chips, and shredded white paper were applied to three apple cultivars, `Gala', `Jonagold', and `Braeburn' on M.9 rootstocks. A control was sprayed with contact herbicide. Trees grown in hardwood mulch had the highest foliar P and K in year 3. Trees in other mulches showed no difference of leaf nutrition in year 5. All treatments had consistently higher soil moisture than control in year 1, 2, and 4. Mulch did not affect soil bulk density in year 2. The root density was lowest under black plastic mulch in year 2, but was similar in all treatments in year 3. In year 2, water infiltration was fastest in hardwood mulch and control treatments.
(360) Development of a Viticulture Website at Kentucky State University for Growers
Authors: Gu Sanjun , Pomper Kirk W.
Published: February 2019

Kentucky has a rich history in viticulture. The Kentucky Vineyard Society was founded in 1798 and Kentucky was the third largest grape and wine producer by 1860. During Prohibition, however, vines were either uprooted or left unattended, and the grape industry essentially disappeared in Kentucky. Since 1990, the grape and wine industry has shown a resurgence; however, there are limited educational opportunities in viticulture in Kentucky. Kentucky State University (KSU) emphasizes the development of alternative high-value crops for sustainable agriculture production. In 2000, a viticulture program was initiated at KSU to develop cultivar, vine management, and pest and disease control recommendations. Aware of the fact that grape growers in Kentucky are mostly new to grape culture, KSU has developed a viticulture website (http://www.pawpaw.kysu.edu/viticulture/index.htm) to disseminate viticulture information. The website provides information that includes setting up a new vineyard, managing a “mature” vineyard (Vitis, Kentucky weather and climate, site selection, cultivars, rootstocks, trellising, care of young vines, canopy management, irrigation and nutrition, pest, and disease management), grape growers' corner (questions and answers, buy and sale, resources), and selected links. A monthly viticulture calendar is also available. In the future, the site will be updated with research results in viticulture from KSU and other southeastern institutions, growers' feedback, and information on wine making. The viticulture website will aid in the promotion of the grape and wine industry in Kentucky and states with a similar climate, and benefit grape growers from this profitable and expanding market.
(45) Effect of the Sugar: Acid Background on Perception of Tomato Aroma
Authors: Baldwin Elizabeth , Goodner Kevin , Pritchett Karen
Published: February 2019

Sugars (sucrose, glucose, fructose, or glucose/fructose in combination) were added to coarsely chopped, deodorized tomato puree, increasing the sugar level of the puree by 2% to 3%. Sugars (equal amounts of glucose and fructose) along with citric acid were also added to another puree, at two different levels, to create a range of sugar: acid ratios (4.88–19.07). This second puree was then spiked with two different levels of aroma volatiles, reported to affect tomato flavor, in order to understand the influence of the sugar: acid background on tomato aroma and taste perception. The tomato puree was presented to a trained panel and was rated for intensity of aroma and taste descriptors on a 15-cm unstructured line scale. For the puree spiked with sugars only, panelists detected differences for overall aroma, ripe aroma, overall taste, sweetness and sourness intensities (P< 0.15). Adding sweet sugars, like fructose and sucrose, resulted in decreased ratings for aroma descriptors, apparently detracting from panelists' perception of aroma. The sugar: acid ratio of the second tomato puree was found to correlate with perception of taste descriptors sweet (+), sour (–), bitter (–) (P< 0.05), and citrus (–) (P< 0.15) for most volatiles tested. Correlations were also found for the sugar: acid ratio with overall aftertaste (–) when the puree was spiked with furanol, trans-2-hexenal, geranylacetone, or acetaldehyde; fruity (+) with β-ionone and linalool; and tropical (+) with cis-3-hexenal and geranylacetone (P< 0.15). The study suggests that increasing taste factors, like sweetness, result in decreased perception of tomato aroma in general, and affect how aroma compounds influence sensory descriptors.
(397) Atypical Disease Response to Hop Powdery Mildew
Authors: Smith Jodi M. , Hummer Kim E. , Mahaffee Walt
Published: February 2019

Open-pollinated hop seeds (Humulus lupulus var. lupuloides E. Small, H. l. var. pubescensE. Small, H.l. var. neomexicanusNelson and Cockerell, and H.l. var. lupulusL.) were collected from the United States, Canada, and Kazakhstan and screened for resistance to hop powdery mildew (Podosphaeramacularis Braun & Takamatus). A total of 2108 seedlings were repeatedly inoculated with high levels of P. macularis. Under greenhouse conditions, most seedlings exhibited a compatible disease response typical of susceptible hosts with sporulating colonies covering both leaf surfaces. Three genotypes from hop seed native to Emba, Kazakhstan, remained uninfected in greenhouse assays. Further experimentation of those genotypes in growth chambers at 18 °C revealed that they demonstrated an atypical disease response. Six days after inoculation, necrotic lesions on the adaxial leaf surfaces were visually apparent. Microscopic examination showed areas of collapsed epidermal cells, collapsed hyphae, and golden-brown discolorations extending out from the center of the infection. These symptoms contrasted those of a hypersensitive response in which fungal growth is restricted by the collapse of epidermal cells in advance of the fungus. The infection frequency of Kazakhstani genotypes was intermediate compared to H.l. cultivars Symphony (susceptible) and Nugget (resistant) after exposure to three preinoculation temperature regimes. These genotypes could represent a new source of polygenic resistance to hop powdery mildew, and could broaden hop germplasm available to global breeding programs.
(446) Salinity Tolerance of Eight Ornamental Herbaceous Perennials
Authors: Zollinger Nickolee , Cerny-Koenig Teresa , Kjelgren Roger , Koenig Rich , Kopp Kelly
Published: February 2019

Although salinity is becoming an increasing concern for landscape plants in many areas of the West, few studies have been carried out to evaluate salinity responses of ornamental plants, especially herbaceous perennials. We investigated salinity tolerance of four traditionally grown and four Intermountain West native ornamental herbaceous perennials. Penstemo×mexicali `Red Rocks', Leucanthemum×uperbum `Alaska', Echinacea purpurea, Lavandula angustifolia, Geranium viscosissimum, Eriogonum jamesii, Penstemon palmeri, and Mirabilismultiflora were irrigated with water containing a mixture of 2 CaCl2: 1 NaCl at salinity levels of 0.33 (tap water control), 2.2, 5.4, and 8.3 dS·m-1 for 8 weeks. Growth, visual quality, and gas exchange were assessed. Mirabilis multiflora and L.×uperbum `Alaska' showed high salt tolerance based on visual quality. No noticeable leaf necrosis was observed for either species at any salinity level. However, over the 8-week period, growth rates for L. superbumwere reduced by 35%, 58%, and 72% compared to the control for the 2.2, 5.4, and 8.3 dS·m-1 salinity levels, respectively. The decrease in growth did not reduce visual quality. Growth rates for M. multiflora were slightly higher than the control for the 2.2 and 5.4 dS·m-1 salinity levels and dropped about 20% at the highest salinity level. Echinaceapurpureashowed the lowest tolerance to salinity, as evidenced by substantial margin burn at all salinity levels as well as high mortality; all plants in the highest salinity treatment died.
(320) Influence of Light Microclimate on the Growth, Yield, and Fruit Quality of Apple
Authors: Niu Zimian , Zhang Dapeng , Zhan Jicheng , Rom Curt
Published: February 2019

Influence of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) microclimate in the canopy of four training systems [open-center with high trunk (OH); open-center with middle trunk (OM); open-center with low trunk (OL); and a traditional round canopy (RC)] on the growth, yield and fruit quality of apple were studied in the Beijing area. The results showed that: 1) the growth and yield potential were affected by canopy light microclimate. The average leaf chlorophyll content from OH, OM and OL systems was 12.3% to 18.1% greater than that from the RC system. Trees from OH, OM, and OL systems produced 84.2% to 89.7% of shoot forming flower clusters compared to only 47.3% to 50.9% of the RC shoots. Training system did not affect total yield of 8-year-old trees, but in 10-year-old trees the RC system had lower yields compared with open-center systems. 2) Fruit quality was also affected by canopy light microclimate. The average anthocyanin content in the skin of fruit from OH, OM, and OL systems was 35.9% to 46.1% higher than that from the RC system, but chlorophyll content from the OL system was higher than in the open-center systems. Meanwhile, the contents of TSS and esters in apple flesh from the open-center systems were significantly higher than that from the RC system. 3) When the relative value of PAR in canopy exceeded 33.8%, the growth index of trees (chlorophyll: return-bloom ratio) exceeded 66.6% and the fruit quality index (TSS × anthocyanin) exceeded 94.7%. When PAR was less than 20.6%, the growth index was under 37.2% and the fruit quality index was under 67.5%. PAR value was significantly correlated with the growth and fruit quality index in the four training systems, and the total canopy volume of higher PAR(exceeding 33.8%, relative value) from OH, OM, and OL systems was 37.1% to 45.0% greater than that from the RC system.
(8) Summary of Fertility Characteristics of the USDA Garlic Collection When Grown in Pullman, Washington
Authors: Hellier Barbara C. , Pavelka Marie
Published: February 2019

The USDA garlic (Allium sativum and Allium longicuspis) collection is maintained at the ARS, Western Regional Plant Introduction Station (WRPIS) in Pullman, Wash. This collection comprises 269 accessions, of which 153 are hardneck (flower producing) types. The fertility characteristics of these accessions was evaluated in the field at Pullman, Wash. After the spathes opened, bulbils were removed from all the evaluated accessions to facilitate flower development. The umbel and flower characteristics taken were anther color, flower color, flower shape, stigma position, flowers per umbel, umbel diameter, umbel shape, umbel defects, bulbil size, bulbil color, ease of bulbil removal, spathe opening, pollen production, and pollen viability. Of the 153 accessions, 10 produced only partial scapes with bulbils midstalk and no seed production capability. Viable pollen was shed in 85 accessions with viability ranging from 8% to 85%. Open-pollinated seed was generated by 19 of the Pullman, Wash., grown accessions. Seed production was low with yields from 6 to 91 seeds per accession.
(11) Inheritance of Resistance to Zucchini Yellow Mosaic Virus-Florida Strain in Watermelon
Authors: Guner Nihat , Wehner Todd C.
Published: February 2019

Inheritance of resistance to zucchini yellow mosaic virus-Florida strain (ZYMV-FL) was studied in the resistant watermelon accession of PI 595203 (Citrulluslanatus var. lanatus), an egusi type originally collected in Nigeria. The F1, F2, and BC1 generations derived from the cross `Calhoun Gray' × PI 595203 and `New Hampshire Midget' × PI 595203 were used to study the inheritance of resistance to ZYMV-FL. Seedlings were inoculated with a severe isolate of ZYMV-FL at the first true leaf stage and rated on a 0 to 9 scale, based on the severity of virus symptoms. A single recessive gene was found to control resistance, for which we propose the symbol zym-FL2. The gene probably was not allelic to the previously published gene, zym-FL, for resistance to the Florida strain of ZYMV in the accession PI 482261, since PI 482261 was not resistant to the ZYMV-FL isolate used in our tests.
(79) All-America Daylilies: Landscape Performance and Rust Observations
Authors: Owings Allen , Holcomb Gordon , Witcher Anthony , Broyles Allen , Bush Edward
Published: February 2019

All-American daylily cultivars named from 1994–2004 were evaluated for landscape performance and daylily rust (Pucciniahemerocallidis) susceptibility during 2003 and 2004. Cultivars included `Black-Eyed Stella', `Bitsy, `Leebea Orange Crush', `Plum Perfect', `Judith', `Starstruck', `Frankly Scarlet', `Lullaby Baby', `Lady Lucille', and `Chorus Line'. Bareroot plants were planted in raised beds composed of an Olivier silt loam soil in full sun and received irrigation as needed to prevent stress. Visual quality ratings were made weekly from 19 Apr.–25 Oct. 2003 and 15 Mar.–20 Sept. 2004. Visual quality ratings included growth habit, based on compactness, foliage color, uniformity, and overall aesthetics, and flowering, based on longevity and visual appeal. Other flower observations were made in regard to time in bud and peak blooming periods over the same time frames. Flowering observations indicated that `Black Eyed Stella' and `Bitsy' were the only cultivars showing reliable repeat bloom potential. Among the other cultivars, `Judith' was the earliest to bud and bloom, but also had a blooming period of only 2–3 weeks compared to 4–5 weeks of bloom for other cultivars. Daylily rust ratings were taken in Sept. and Nov. 2003 and in Aug. and Nov. 2004. Rust was most severe on `Judith', `Leebea Orange Crush', `Starstruck', and `Lady Lucille'. `Judith' and `Leebea Orange Crush' showed rust symptoms earlier than other cultivars. `Plum Perfect', `Frankly Scarlet', `Bitsy', `Black Eyed Stella', and `Lullaby Baby' were least susceptible to daylily rust.
(84) Application of AFLP Markers on Taxon Discrimination of Cultivated Stewartia
Authors: Nair Ajay , Zhang Donglin , Hu Dogyan
Published: February 2019

The natural distribution and cultivated areas of Stewartia taxa are USDA cold hardiness zones 6 or warmer. One cold-tolerant clone, named Stewartia`UMaine' (UMaine Silk Camellia), has been growing well at the University of Maine Littlefield Ornamentals Trial Garden (USDA Zone 4). The plant also has brilliant red fall color and biennial flowering. Since cold hardiness field evaluation could not provide genetic information and no other taxa could grow in Zone 4, AFLP markers were employed to figure out its genetic relativeness with other 16 named Stewartia taxa. The three primer-pairs generated 360 useful markers with an average of 120 markers for each taxon. The genetic distance between S. sinensis and S. rostrata is only 0.031, which indicates that these two species are very similar and should not be treated as two species or cultivars, at least the plants in cultivation. The largest distance (0.533) occurs between S. pesudocamellia and S. malacodendron, two distinguished species accepted by all taxonomists. UMaine Silk Camellia is a distinguished taxon from all other 16 taxa and S. malacodendron `Delmarva' has the largest genetic distance of 0.453 to it. Although S. ×henryae`Skyrocket' has the smallest genetic distance of 0.183 to Stewartia`UMaine', UPGMA phenograms showed that they are not in a clad at all. AFLP data support that Stewartia`UMaine' is a new cultivar, which originated from a gene pool of S. pseudocamellia, S. sinensis, and S. koreana. These molecular results will also be used as guidance for future Stewartia breeding.
(139) Enhancing Professional Development of Graduate Students through a Scientific Writing Course
Authors: Kobayashi Kent D.
Published: February 2019

How do we enhance the learning experience of graduate students in scientific writing, an essential skill in their professional development? A graduate course TPSS 711 “Scientific Writing for Graduate Students” was developed to address this need. Its objectives were to help students write, analyze, and revise parts of a scientific paper; critically evaluate their own writing and the writings of others; and become familiar with types of publications. The diverse topics included purpose of scientific writing; organizing your writing; parts of a scientific paper; data analysis and growth analysis; writing the content of a poster or oral presentation; newspaper articles and popular works; extension publications; technical writing for the general public; thesis/dissertation writing; a journal editor's perspective; and reviewing a manuscript. TPSS 711 had an enrollment of 11 TPSS master's students. Students were in their second through fifth semesters of their graduate program. A student survey showed no student had submitted a manuscript to a peer-reviewed journal, had a peer-reviewed article published, or had a newspaper, trade magazine, or popular work published. Only 9% of the students had a paper published in a conference proceedings or presented a scientific paper outside Hawaii, with only 18% having presented a paper in Hawaii. Writing assignments, in-class activities, and evaluations of the writings of others helped students gain intensive hands-on experience in scientific writing. As a course requirement, students submitted an abstract and presented a paper at our college's annual scientific symposium. Course evaluations indicated this course was important and valuable in helping enhance the students' learning experience.
(150) Outcome Assessment of Resident Instruction: The Colorado State University Experience
Authors: Hughes Harrison , Mogen Elizabeth , Newman Steven , Klett James , Koski Anthony
Published: February 2019

An assessment plan for the Horticulture and Landscape Horticulture majors has been developed as part of a university-wide effort to assess resident instruction. The program mission has been described as the preparation of graduates with a passion for Horticulture/Landscape Horticulture who can contribute to Colorado's agricultural and green industry economy through high levels of: 1) technical competency and skills, including disciplinary competence, and a working knowledge in the appropriate field; 2) management and leadership skills; and 3) problem-solving skills. Assessment methods involved the development of evaluation forms for internships, practicum, independent study, group study, and the capstone courses. Student, faculty, clients, and industry personnel used standardized forms, which varied somewhat for the two majors and seven concentrations, to critically assess and score student and faculty efforts. Internships, practicum, and capstone courses were evaluated for program purpose. The management and leadership skills of the students were evaluated based on their performance during internships by cooperators and also by their activities, as demonstrated through their involvement in university, college, departmental, and community activities. Problem-solving skills were evaluated primarily through student performance in capstone courses, with specific criteria in the internship and in leadership activities of clubs. The expectation is that 70% to 75% of the students will score 3 or 3+ on all criteria established for a rating system of 1–5. Students have generally met this standard and plans are under way to continually upgrade courses and related activities to improve the teaching program
(94) Efficacy of Application Methods and Concentration of Plant Growth Retardants on Growth of Chrysanthemum (Dendranthem ×grandiflorum `Cheasepeake')
Authors: Pak Chun Ho , Kang Seung Won , Lee Chiwon W.
Published: February 2019

Efficacy of application methods and concentration of plant growth retardants on growth of chrysanthemum (Dendranthema ×grandiflorum cv. Cheasepeake) was tested. B-9 or cycocel (CCC) as a growth retardant was applied as drench or subapplication with nutrient solution. In the case of B-9 drench treatments, as B-9 concentrations increased, numbers of flowers and flower buds increased except in the 1500-ppm treatment. Increasing concentration of CCC also resulted in reduction of flower numbers, total plant height, total leaf area, branch number, and fresh weight. Reduction ratio of total plant height in 2000 ppm showed about 56.9% being compared to that of the 100-ppm drench treatment. B-9 or CCC, combined with nutrient solution, was also supplied from the C-channel subirrigation system. The B-9 subapplication treatment showed no significance among these concentrations, but flower numbers, total plant height, average plant height, and leaf numbers decreased as concentrations of CCC increased. B-9 or CCC with the same concentration was drenched after 2 weeks of the first experiment to compare planting time efficacy. Measured data increased until B-9 increased up to 2500 ppm and severe growth retardation resulted from the 5000-ppm treatment. Through this growth retardant application study, the combination of drenching concentration and period of plant growth regulators (PGRs) may result in effective growth retardation and reduction of application concentrations for pot plant production.
(460) De-greening of Early Season Satsumas in Louisiana
Authors: Picha David , Bourgeois Wayne
Published: February 2019

Significant opportunities exist for expanding the marketing season of Louisiana-grown satsumas. De-greening of the early season fruit coupled with optimal storage conditions for the late season fruit may allow for 6 months of market availability. Consumer demand in the U.S. for specialty citrus, particularly easy peel seedless mandarins, has increased in recent years. South Louisiana is one of the principal satsuma production areas in the United States, with harvest beginning in late September. Although the sugar: acid ratio of early season satsumas may meet the state-mandated 10:1, peel color typically ranges from green to greenish-yellow. Most consumers prefer a darker yellow-orange peel color. Postharvest de-greening tests were conducted to determine the appropriate method(s) and protocol for enhancing peel coloration of early season harvested satsumas. Green peel satsuma fruit were exposed to 0, 3, 5, 10, and 50 ppm ethylene for 12, 24, 36, and 48 hours at 21 or 29 °C. An atmospheric ethylene concentration of ≥5 ppm for ≥24 hours at 29 °C provided optimal de-greening. However, peel darkening in the form of irregular dark brown areas was observed after several days in fruit exposed to ethylene concentrations of 50 ppm. Ethephon was also an effective de-greening agent. Submersion of the fruit in 500 ppm ethephon for 30 seconds provided optimal de-greening. Buffering of the submersion solution pH had no effect on de-greening effectiveness.
(461) Endocytic Uptake of Quantum Dots and Endocytic Markers into `Sweet Lime' Juice Cells
Authors: Etxeberria Ed , Gonzalez Pedro , Pozueta Javier
Published: February 2019

To determine whether the mechanisms of sucrose accumulation into the low acid `Sweet Lime' (Citrus limmetioides Blanco) juice cells are consistent with those previously reported for the more acidic cultivars, we followed similar developmental changes in determinants of sink strength. In addition, we followed the incorporation and distribution of quantum dots and fluorescent endocytic probes into the cell with time of incubation. As in other citrus fruits, sucrose levels, sucrose synthase, sucrose phosphate synthase, and sucrose phosphate phosphatase increased throughout fruit development. The pH however, was much higher than in the more acidic cultivars. Sucrose uptake into energized plasmalemma vesicles was inhibited by gramicidin, in accordance with the presence of an active symport mechanism of sucrose from the apoplast into the cytosol. On the contrary, tonoplast vesicles were shown to lack active transport mechanism of sucrose into the vacuole. In conformity with recent findings showing the occurrence of an endocytic mechanism in `Murcott' mandarin, `Sweet Lime' juice cells were shown to incorporate membrane-impermeable dyes into their vacuoles in the presence of sucrose. High-definition confocal microscopy revealed the co-localization of membrane-impermeable markers in cytoplasmic vesicles, in membrane-bound intermediate structures such as the endosome and multi-vesicular body, and the eventual distribution of such fluorescent particles. The data provide strong evidence for an endocytic system of transport that allows direct incorporation of sucrose from the apoplast to the vacuole and for the visualization of intermediate distribution and cargo centers in the cell.
(462) Citrus and Its Putative Bioactive Limonoids: Beneficial Effects on Bone Strength
Authors: Mandadi Kranthi Kiran , Jayaprakasha G. K. , Deyhim Farzad , Patil Bhimanagouda S.
Published: February 2019

Citrusprovedbeneficial to human health in preventing cardiovascular disorders, hypertension, anemia, and several cancers, including colon, lung, skin, stomach, and breast, in animal and cell culture studies. For the first time, current study was focused to determine whether orange juice and grapefruit juice increase bone mass in an orchidectomized (ORX) rat model of osteoporosis. Thirty-six male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups of 1) sham; 2) ORX; 3) ORX + orange juice (OJ); and 4) ORX + grapefruit juice (GJ). All rats were fed to the mean intake of the sham group and were provided with freshly squeezed grapefruit or orange juice for 60 days. There was a numerical improvement in femoral density with OJ and GJ compared to the ORX group. Ultimate bone strength and femoral cortical area diameter (mm) increased (P < 0.05) with OJ and GJ compared to the ORX group. Furthermore, bone fracture withstand threshold time(s) increased (P < 0.05) with OJ and GJ compared to the ORX group. Beneficial effects of citrus juices on bone strength could be related to its bioactive triterpene compounds and nutrient composition. Isolation of triterpenes using specific combinations of food-grade adsorbent and ion exchange resins yielded pure limonin-17-β-D-glucoside and limonin along with obacunone, nomilin, and deacetylnomilin. Identification and characterization of the isolated limonoids were performed by specific analytical techniques, such as HPLC, LC-MS, and NMR. Further studies are needed to determine the protective effects of limonoids on bone homeostasis. Funded by USDA 2001-52102-11257 and 2004-34402-14768.
(103) Screening Landscape Plants for Their Ability to Accumulate Nitrogen and Phosphorus
Authors: Polomski Robert F. , Taylor Milton D. , White Sarah A. , Whitwell Ted , Klaine Stephen J. , Bridges William C.
Published: February 2019

Commercial nurseries use large amounts of water and nutrients during production cycles. Runoff contaminated with N and P can adversely impact surface and groundwater quality. A 3-year monitoring study of nutrient mitigation by a constructed wetland at a container nursery found nitrogen removal was highly efficient. However, orthophosphate-P removal was highly variable. Partial removal occurred during some months, but net export also occurred. P levels in wetland discharge—between 0.84 and 2.75 ppm—were well above the generally accepted level for preventing downstream eutrophication. Therefore, identifying landscape plants that remediate nutrients, especially P, could be useful in improving constructed wetlands. A 2003 greenhouse study screened commercially available landscape plants for their phytoremediation potential. Among the 17 taxa and 19 cultivars examined were woody shrubs, e.g., Cornusamomum, Myricacerifera`Emperor', and Salix integra `Hakura Nishiki'; herbaceous semiaquatics, e.g., Canna(two cultivars), Colocasia esculenta `Illustris', Rhyncospora colorata, Iris`Full Eclipse', Pontederia cordata `Singapore Pink', and Thalia geniculata `Red Stem'; and floating aquatics, e.g., Myriophyllum aquaticum, Eichhornia crassipes, and Pistia stratiotes. Plants were grown in pea gravel media and kept saturated with one of five concentrations of Hoagland's. Herbaceous and woody plants were harvested after 8 and 13 weeks, respectively. Experiments were replicated twice for each cultivar. The nutrient uptake efficiency was determined for each taxon from the total amount of N and P applied and the biomass dry weight and N and P content.