bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Properties of Plastic, Peat, and Processed Poultry Feather Fiber Growing Containers
Authors: Evans Michael R. , Karcher Douglas
Published: February 2019

When the substrate surface and drainage holes of feather fiber, peat, and plastic containers were sealed with wax, hyperbolic growth curves were good fits to cumulative water loss on a per container and per cm2 basis, with R2 values ranging from 0.88 to 0.96. The effect of container type was significant as the differences in asymptotic maximum water loss (max) values for all container pairs were significant at P < 0.05 for both water loss per container and water loss per cm2. The predicted total water loss for peat containers was ≈2.5 times greater than feather containers, and the predicted water loss per cm2 for the peat container was ≈3 times greater than feather containers. Vinca [Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don.] `Cooler Blush' and impatiens (Impatiens walleriana Hook f.) `Dazzler Rose Star' plants grown in feather and peat containers required more water and more frequent irrigations than those grown in plastic containers. However, plants grown in feather containers required less water and fewer irrigations than plants grown in peat containers. The surface area of containers covered by algal or fungal growth was significantly higher on peat containers than on feather containers. No fungal or algal growth was observed on plastic containers. Additionally, primarily algae were observed on peat containers whereas most discoloration observed on feather containers was due to fungal growth. Dry feather containers had a higher longitudinal strength than dry plastic containers but a lower longitudinal strength than dry peat containers. Wet feather containers had higher longitudinal strength than wet peat containers but a similar longitudinal strength as wet plastic containers. Dry feather and plastic containers had similar lateral strengths and both had significantly higher lateral strength than dry peat containers. Wet feather containers had significantly lower lateral strength than wet plastic containers but had higher lateral strength than wet peat containers. Dry and wet plastic containers had higher punch strength than wet or dry peat and feather containers. Dry peat containers had significantly higher punch strength than dry feather containers. However, wet feather containers had significantly higher punch strength than wet peat containers. Decomposition of peat and feather containers was significantly affected by container type and the species grown in the container. When planted with tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum L.) `Better Boy', decomposition was not significantly different between the peat and feather containers. However, when vinca and marigold (Tagetes patula L.) `Janie Bright Yellow' were grown in the containers, decomposition was significantly higher for feather containers than for peat containers. Therefore, containers made from processed feather fiber provided a new type of biodegradable container with significantly improved characteristics as compared to peat containers.
Growth and Development of the Native Ruellia caroliniensis and Invasive Ruellia tweediana
Authors: Wilson Sandra B. , Wilson P. Chris , Albano Joseph A.
Published: February 2019

Invasive species have disrupted thousands of acres of natural areas in Florida and appear to have a physiological competitive advantage over native species. The influence of light and temperature on germination was determined for the invasive Mexican petunia (Ruellia tweediana Griseb.) and native wild petunia (Ruellia caroliniensis Steud.). Seeds were collected and germinated in incubators with light or darkness at 15, 24, 33, and 30/20 °C. Light increased germination for each species, except at 15 °C (R. caroliniensis). For R. caroliniensis, highest germination (86% to 94%) occurred at 33 °C and 30/20 °C. Highest germination of R. tweediana (98% to 100%) occurred at 30/20 °C. Studies also were initiated to determine if R. tweediana has a competitive advantage over the native species when grown under wet and dry substrate conditions. Growth and development measurements after 8 weeks under controlled conditions revealed that R. tweediana grown in wet conditions had the greatest dry weight increase as compared to other treatments. Ruellia caroliniensis had higher specific leaf area when grown in wet or dry conditions, as compared to R. tweediana. Throughout the experiment, net CO2 assimilation of R. caroliniensis grown under dry or wet conditions was consistently lower than that of R. tweediana. Shoot nitrogen and phosphorus use efficiencies were generally greatest for R. tweediana plants grown in wet conditions. For shoot nutrient content, significant species × moisture interactions occurred for measured phosphorus (P) and calcium (Ca). When grown in wet conditions, R. tweediana had less shoot P and Ca as compared to dry conditions. For root nutrient content, species × moisture interactions were insignificant for each measured nutrient, with the exception of potassium (K). Potassium use efficiency of R. tweediana roots grown in wet conditions was higher than that of R. tweediana grown in dry conditions and R. caroliniensis grown in wet conditions.
Critical Yellow Nutsedge-free Period for Polyethylene-mulched Bell Pepper
Authors: Motis Timothy N. , Locascio Salvadore J. , Gilreath James P.
Published: February 2019

Yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus L.) interference with bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) has become an important concern because of the phase-out of methyl bromide as a soil fumigant. The critical period for yellow nutsedge control in pepper was determined in two adjacent experiments (removal and plant-back) conducted twice in separate fields each Spring and Fall 2000 in Gainesville, Fla. In the removal experiment, nutsedge was planted with pepper in all but the full-season (13 weeks) weed-free controls and removed at 1, 3, 5, and 7 weeks after pepper transplanting (WAPT). Full-season weedy control plots in the removal experiment were obtained by never removing nutsedge planted with pepper (0 WAPT). In the plant-back experiment, all but the full-season weed-free controls received nutsedge with nutsedge planted at 0 (full-season weedy control), 1, 3, 5, and 7 WAPT. Sprouted nutsedge tubers were planted at a density of 45 tubers/m2. Results indicated that a nutsedge-free period from 3 to 5 WAPT in spring and 1 to 7 WAPT would prevent >10% yield reductions of large and marketable peppers. Full-season nutsedge interference reduced pepper yields by >70%. When planted with pepper, nutsedge shoots grew taller than pepper plants with nutsedge heights at 5 WAPT up to two times greater in fall than spring. Results indicated that yellow nutsedge control practices should be initiated earlier and continue longer in fall than spring due to faster early-season nutsedge growth in fall than spring.
A New Disease in Limonium latifolium Hybrids. II. Investigating Insect Vectors
Authors: Weintraub Phyllis G. , Pivonia Shimon , Rosner Arieh , Gera Abed
Published: February 2019

Symptoms typical of a phytoplasma infection were observed on a large number of Limonium hybrids in Israel in October 2000. Phytoplasma infection was confirmed by electron microscopy and polymerase chain reaction analysis. To identify the agent of pathogen spread surveys were made of candidate leafhoppers vectors in Limonium hybrid crops: one known phytoplasma vector (Orosius orientalis (Matsumura)) was present in very large numbers, ≈10-fold greater than any other species; three other known vectors were present in low to moderate numbers (Circulifer haematoceps complex (Mulsant et Rey), C. tenellus complex (Baker) and Exitianus capicola Stål); individual specimens of other vectors were occasionally found. Field collected specimens of these four species were shown to vector phytoplasma to healthy Limonium hybrid seedlings; this is the first time E. capicola has been shown to be a phytoplasma vector. A laboratory colony of O. orientalis was additionally shown to be able to acquire the phytoplasma from infected Limonium hybrids and subsequently vector it to healthy seedlings.
Micropropagation of Dianthus gratianopolitanus
Authors: Fraga Margarita , Alonso Mertxe , Ellul Philippe , Borja Marisé
Published: February 2019

Meristem culture and/or thermotherapy were used to eliminate viruses from ornamental Dianthus gratianopolitanus Vill. (`Spotti' and `Frosty Fire') mother plants. Shoot tip, leaf, node, and ovary explants collected from greenhouse-maintained, virus-free plants were cultured in vitro for shoot initiation on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing BAP, kinetin, or 2-iP with or without IAA or NAA. Culture of shoot tips in MS with 0.57 μm IAA and node explants in MS with 2.46 μm 2-iP is recommended for `Spotti' cultivar. In `Frosty Fire', optimum number of axillary shoots was obtained from shoot tip and node explants in MS without plant regulators. Leaves and ovaries were not adequate explants for D. gratianopolitanus micropropagation because none or only a low percentage of explants regenerated shoots. High levels of cytokinins increased the number of shoots per explant but also increased the production of aberrant phenotypes and induced hyperhydricity. Adventitious shoots rooted in vitro with auxins, but maximum rooting was 97% ex vitro without auxins. This study demonstrated that D. gratianopolitanus can be successfully micropropagated. Chemical names used: 6-benzyladenine (BAP); kinetin (KIN); 6-(γ,γ-dimethylallylamino)-purine (2iP); indole-acetic acid (IAA); indole-3-butyric acid (IBA); α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA); gibberellic acid (GA3).
Germination of Encapsulated Somatic Embryos of Cyclamen persicum
Authors: Winkelmann Traud , Meyer Lara , Serek Margrethe
Published: February 2019

Somatic embryos of cyclamen [Cyclamen persicum Mill.] were produced using a liquid culture system. Two encapsulation techniques, conventional alginate beads and alginate hollow beads, were tested for globular cyclamen somatic embryos with the aim of developing synthetic seeds. Final germination from alginate beads was as high as observed for non encapsulated control embryos (97%), but germination was delayed. In contrast, germination from hollow beads was lower (71%) and occurred later. In hollow beads somatic embryos developed within the capsule, and outgrowth seemed to be more difficult than from alginate. Storage at 4 °C for four weeks resulted in a reduction of viability for controls as well as for encapsulated embryos. Incorporation of medium into the capsules improved the speed of germination for both capsule types. However, somatic embryos were not able to germinate on a medium-free support, even if encapsulated in beads containing medium.
Temperature Influences Yield, Reproductive Growth, Harvest Index, and Oil Content of Hydroponically Grown `Georgia Red' Peanut Plants
Authors: Mortley D.G. , Bonsi C.K. , Hill W.A. , Morris C.E.
Published: February 2019

`Georgia Red' peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) was grown hydroponically at 20/16 °C, 24/20 °C, 28/24 °C, and 32/28 °C, day/night air temperatures to evaluate effects on pod and seed yield, flowering, harvest index, and oil content. Ten-day-old peanut seedlings were transplanted into rectangular nutrient film technique troughs (0.15 × 0.15 × 1.2 m) and grown for 110 days. Growth chamber conditions were as follows: photosynthetic photon flux (PPF) mean of 436 μmol·m-2·s-1, 12 h light/12 h dark cycle, and 70% ± 5% relative humidity. The nutrient solution used was a modified half-Hoagland with pH and electrical conductivity maintained between 6.5 to 6.7, and 1000 to 1300 μS·cm-1, respectively, and was replenished weekly. Vegetative growth (foliage, stem growth, total leaf area, and leaf number) was substantially greater at increasingly warmer temperatures. Reproductive growth was significantly influenced by temperature. Flowering was extremely sensitive to temperature as the process was delayed or severely restricted at 20/16 °C. The number of gynophores decreased with temperature and was virtually nonexistent at the lowest temperature. Pod yield increased with temperatures up to 28/24 °C but declined by 15% at the highest temperature (32/28 °C). Seed yield, maturity, and harvest index were highest at 28/24 °C. Oil content (percent crude fat) increased an average of 23% and was highest at the warmest temperature (32/28 °C). These results clearly suggest that vegetative and reproductive growth, as well as oil content of peanut in controlled environments, are best at warmer temperatures of 28/24 °C to 32/28 °C than at cooler temperatures of 20/16 °C to 24/20 °C.
Evaluation of Differences in Softening of Apple Genotypes by Linear Regression
Authors: Iwanami Hiroshi , Ishiguro Makoto , Kotoda Nobuhiro , Takahashi Sae , Soejima Junichi
Published: February 2019

The firmness of the flesh in 27 apple (Malus ×domestica Borkh.) cultivars and selections (genotypes) was measured as an indicator of storage potential at 20 days after harvest under 20 ± 2 °C, 80% ± 5%relative humidity storage conditions. Softening ranged from 9% to 58% of initial values among genotypes after 20 days of storage. In some genotypes, softening was not continuous, a minimum firmness being reached before day 20. After a period of rapid softening, firmness declined to at least 20% of that at harvest. For each genotype, linear regression analysis of firmness changes from harvest until when firmness decreased by 20% was carried out. In genotypes in which firmness did not drop >20% within 20 days of storage, the entire dates to 20 days were used for analysis. The homogeneity of the regression residual variances and their normal distribution was not rejected at P = 0.05, and the linear regression analysis was assumed to be applicable to the change in firmness for each genotype. Results of the regression analysis showed that the regression was significant for all genotypes except one. Therefore, storage potential could be evaluated by comparing the regression coefficient of each genotype.
A Comprehensive Review of the Major Genes Conditioning Resistance to Anthracnose in Common Bean
Authors: Kelly James D. , Vallejo Veronica A.
Published: February 2019

Resistance to anthracnose in common bean is conditioned primarily by nine major independent genes, Co-1 to Co-10 as the Co-3/Co-9 genes are allelic. With the exception of the recessive co-8 gene, all other nine are dominant genes and multiple alleles exist at the Co-1, Co-3 and Co-4 loci. A reverse of dominance at the Co-1 locus suggests that an order of dominance exists among individual alleles at this locus. The nine resistance genes Co-2 to Co-10 are Middle American in origin and Co-1 is the only locus from the Andean gene pool. Seven resistance loci have been mapped to the integrated bean linkage map and Co-1 resides on linkage group B1; Co-2 on B11, Co-3 on B4; Co-4 on B8; Co-6 on B7; and Co-9 and Co-10 are located on B4 but do not appear to be linked. Three Co-genes map to linkage groups B1, B4 and B11 where clusters with genes for rust resistance are located. In addition, there is co-localization with major resistance genes and QTL that condition partial resistance to anthracnose. Other QTL for resistance may provide putative map locations for the major resistance loci still to be mapped. Molecular markers linked to the majority of major Co-genes have been reported and these provide the opportunity to enhance disease resistance through marker-assisted selection and gene pyramiding. The 10 Co-genes are represented in the anthracnose differential cultivars, but are present as part of a multi-allelic series or in combination with other Co-genes, making the characterization of more complex races difficult. Although the Co-genes behave as major Mendelian factors, they most likely exist as resistance gene clusters as has been demonstrated on the molecular level at the Co-2 locus. Since the genes differ in their effectiveness in controlling the highly variable races of the anthracnose pathogen, the authors discuss the value of individual genes and alleles in resistance breeding and suggest the most effective gene pyramids to ensure long-term durable resistance to anthracnose in common bean.
Inheritance of Flower Color in Anagallis monelli L.
Authors: Freyre Rosanna , Griesbach Robert J.
Published: February 2019

Plants of Anagallis monelli in their native habitat or in cultivation have either blue or orange flowers. Clonally propagated cultivars, seed obtained from commercial sources and the resulting plants were grown in a greenhouse at the University of New Hampshire. F2 progeny obtained from hybridization between blue- and orange-flowered plants had blue, orange or red flowers. There were no significant differences in petal pH of orange-, blue-, and red-flowered plants that could explain the differences in flower color. Anthocyanidins were characterized by high-performance liquid chromatography. Results indicated that blue color was due to malvidin, orange to pelargonidin, and red to delphinidin. Based on our segregation data, we propose a three-gene model to explain flower color inheritance in this species.
The Identity of the African Firebush (Hamelia) in the Ornamental Nursery Trade
Authors: Elias Thomas S. , Pooler Margaret R.
Published: February 2019

The neotropical shrub Hamelia patens Jacq. has been cultivated as an ornamental in the United States, Great Britain, and South Africa for many years, although only in limited numbers and as a minor element in the trade. Recently, other taxa of Hamelia have been grown and evaluated as new flowering shrubs. The relatively recent introduction of a superior ornamental taxon of Hamelia, called the african firebush, has propelled this genus to greater prominence as an excellent small flowering shrub or container plant, especially throughout the southeastern United States and in other countries such as South Africa. Initially, this firebush was sold as an African plant. Data from field studies, herbarium specimens, and from DNA analysis of several taxa and populations of Hamelia show that the african firebush in southern Florida may have originated from populations of H. patens var. glabra native to southern Mexico. The original plants were taken to Europe, southern Africa, and southeastern Asia probably in the middle to late 1800s and then recently reintroduced to New World markets as a new African ornamental plant.
UV Irradiance Increases Development of Red Skin Color and Anthocyanins in `Hakuho' Peach
Authors: Kataoka Ikuo , Beppu Kenji
Published: February 2019

The contribution of the UV light component on the skin coloration was determined in `Hakuho' peach. Detached fruit partially covered with a UV-proof polyvinylchloride (PVC) film and a polyethylene film were exposed to sunlight for 4 days. Red coloration of the fruit and anthocyanin content in the skin were considerably reduced with the UV-proof PVC film. Irradiation with a UV fluorescent lamp at 3.58 W·m-2 markedly enhanced the red color development, while white fluorescent light at 120 μmol·m-2·s-1 did not affect the coloration. UV irradiation also increased the anthocyanin content in the cultured skin discs with increasing irradiance up to above 7.3 W·m-2. These results suggest that the UV component contributes significantly to the enhancement of the fruit coloration by sunlight exposure.
Mouse-ear of Pecan: A Nickel Deficiency
Authors: Wood Bruce W. , Reilly Charles C. , Nyczepir Andrew P.
Published: February 2019

Mouse-ear (ME) is a potentially severe anomalous growth disorder affecting pecan [Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch] trees. It is especially severe in second generation sites throughout much of the Gulf Coast Coastal Plain of the southeastern U.S., but can also occur in potted nursery trees. Orchard and greenhouse studies on trees treated with either Cu or Ni indicated that foliar applied Ni corrects ME. ME symptoms were prevented, in both orchard and greenhouse trees, by a single mid-October foliar spray of Ni (nickel sulfate), whereas nontreated control trees exhibited severe ME. Similarly, post budbreak spring spray applications of Ni to foliage of shoots of orchard trees exhibiting severe ME prevented ME symptoms on subsequent growth, but did not correct morphological distortions of foliage developed before Ni treatment. Foliar application of Cu in mid-October to greenhouse seedling trees increased ME severity the following spring. Post budbreak application of Ni to these Cu treated MEed seedling trees prevented ME symptoms in post Ni application growth, but did not alter morphology of foliage exhibiting ME before Ni treatment. Thus, high leaf Cu concentrations appear to be capable of disrupting Ni dependent physiological processes. Foliar application of Ni to ME prone trees in mid-October or soon after budbreak, is an effective means of preventing or minimizing ME. These studies indicate that ME in pecan is due to a Ni deficiency at budbreak. It also supports the role of Ni as an essential plant nutrient element.
Thinning before Bloom Affects Fruit Size and Yield of Hardy Kiwifruit
Authors: Pescie María A. , Strik Bernadine C.
Published: February 2019

Five-year-old hardy kiwifruit [Actinidia arguta (Sieb. et Zucc.) Miq. `Ananasnaya'] vines in a commercial vineyard were subjected to thinning before bloom in 1999. Flowers were thinned at four severities: 0% (control), 15%, 30%, and 50% flower bud removal (2-5 June). The average yield of vines thinned 50% was significantly less than that of control vines. However, marketable yield from vines thinned 15%, 30% and 50% was not significantly different from control vines. Thinning, regardless of severity, increased average fruit volume and king fruit volume by 18% and 27%, respectively, compared to control vines. King fruit were more affected by thinning than the two adjacent lateral fruit in the cluster. Thinning before bloom had no effect on percent soluble solids, seed number or total seed weight per fruit.
Colored Plastic Mulches Influence Cucumber Beetle Populations, Vine Growth, and Yield of Watermelon
Authors: Andino J.R. , Motsenbocker C.E.
Published: February 2019

Colored plastic mulches were evaluated for their effect on the production of a triploid (`Honeyheart') and a diploid (`Sangria') watermelon cultivar during the spring growing season. Colored mulches affected cucumber beetle populations; the SRM-Red (Selective Reflective Mulch) and yellow plastic mulch plots had among the highest cucumber beetle populations recorded in both cultivars while the silver-reflective and the silver-on-black plastic mulches had among the lowest. In general, most mulched plots had longer vines than the bare-ground treatment, with few differences in vine length among treatments by 4 weeks. There were no differences among mulch treatments in first and total `Honeyheart' harvest while the IRT-100 (infrared transmitting; green), PST (photosynthetic reduced transmitting), and silver-on-black plastic mulches had the highest first `Sangria' harvest and among the highest total `Sangria' harvest. Plants in plastic mulch treatments had higher yields as a result of higher fruit number per area. Fruit weight, length, and diameter and total soluble solids for both cultivars were not affected by colored plastic mulch treatments.
Nitrate Content, Soluble Solids Content, and Yield of Table Beet as Affected by Cultivar, Sowing Date and Nitrogen Supply
Authors: Feller Carmen , Fink Matthias
Published: February 2019

The objective was to provide results to optimize the production of table beet (Beta vulgaris L.) with respect to yield and quality. Field experiments were carried out over 2 years, where the effects of nitrogen (N) supply, sowing date, and cultivar were tested in a block design with four replications. In addition to yield, soluble solids and nitrate N contents of roots were measured to assess quality. Sowing date was an important factor for determining yield and quality of table beet. Sowing dates later than June at the experimental site are not recommended because they resulted in an increase in nitrate N content in fresh weight of up to 3027 mg·kg-1 and an average yield loss of 46% compared to sowings in April. Soluble solids content (SSC) was only slightly affected by planting date. Nitrogen supply did not affect SSC, but increasing N supply led to a major increase in nitrate N content, especially if combined with late sowing dates. It was concluded for early sowing dates that N supply be determined to achieve the maximum yield. With an early sowing date, nitrate N content in fresh weight at harvest was <563 mg·kg-1, even with a high N supply of 250 kg·ha-1. Late sowing dates required a reduced N supply to keep harvest nitrate contents below the 2500 mg·kg-1 required by the processing industry. Recommendations for optimizing N supply, sowing date, and cultivars for table beet should always take into account strong interactions between these factors.
A One-pass Semi-quantitative Method for Extraction and Analysis of Carotenoids and Tocopherols in Carrot
Authors: Koch Thomas C. , Goldman Irwin L.
Published: February 2019

Carotenoids and tocopherols are health-functional phytochemicals that occur in a wide range of fruit and vegetable crops. These two classes of compounds are synthesized from a common precursor, geranyl-geranyl pyrophosphate, and are typically analyzed separately via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) techniques. Because carotenoids and tocopherols are present in many edible horticultural crops, it would be advantageous to measure them simultaneously in plant tissues. Herein we report a one-pass reverse-phase HPLC method for extraction and analysis of carotenoids and tocopherols in carrot that can be extended to other high-moisture plant organs. Elution times ranged from 5 minutes for α-tocopherol to 24 minutes for β-carotene. This method improves the efficiency of analyzing these compounds by up to 50%, and should increase the efficiency of assessing carotenoid and tocopherol profiles in horticultural crops.
Greenhouse-grown Transplants as an Alternative to Bare-root Transplants for Onion
Authors: Russo V.M.
Published: February 2019

Commercially produced bare-root onion (Allium cepa L.) transplants may not be uniform in size and require a period following planting in which to begin regrowth. There is little information on how, when established in the field, plants developed from greenhouse grown onion transplants differ from those that develop from bare-root transplants. Development and yield for onions grown from bare-root transplants were compared to plants produced from transplants grown in single cells with volumes of 36 or 58 cm3 in seedling production trays in a greenhouse. `Texas Grano 1015Y' and `Walla Walla' onions were established in the field with commercially available bare-root transplants or with greenhouse grown transplants produced in trays. Bare-root transplants were heavier than 8-week-old greenhouse grown transplants. Fresh weights of transplants produced in 58-cm3 cells were heavier than those from 36-cm3 cells, but dry weights were similar. From when about 20% of onion tops were broken over, onion bulb diameters did not increase sufficiently to justify delaying harvest until 50% of tops had broken over. Yields of `Walla Walla' were better than those of `Texas 1015 Y' and yields from plants developed from seedlings grown in 58-cm3 cells were similar to those from plants developed from bare-root transplants and better than those from plants developed from seedlings grown in 36-cm3 cells. Individual bulb weights of `Texas 1015 Y' were not affected by transplant type and averaged 162 g. Individual bulbs for `Walla Walla' from plants developed from bare-root transplants and those produced in 58-cm3 cells were similar in weight (averaged 300 g) and were heavier than those from plants developed from transplants grown in 36-cm3 cells (240 g). Greenhouse transplants produced in trays with the larger cells may provide an alternative to the use of bare-root transplants, if transplant production costs are comparable.
The Effect of Daminozide and Chlormequat on the Growth and Flowering of Poinsettia and Pansy
Authors: Lewis Kelly P. , Faust James E. , Sparkman James D. , Grimes Larry W.
Published: February 2019

Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima Willd. Ex Klotzch) `Freedom Red' (FR), `Success Red' (SR), and `Winter Rose Dark Red' (WRDR) and pansy (Viola wittrockiana Gams.) `Colossus Yellow Blotch' (CYB), `Delta Pure Yellow' (DPY), and `Majestic Giants Purple' (MGP) were treated with 14 different tank mix combinations of daminozide and chlormequat ranging from 0 to 4500 mg·L-1 daminozide and 0 to 1500 mg·L-1 chlormequat. The tank mix treatments reduced stem elongation for all three poinsettia cultivars. Total bract area of FR and canopy bract diameter of WRDR decreased linearly as daminozide or chlormequat concentration increased, while bract area of SR was affected by daminozide alone. Anthesis was not delayed by any of the plant growth regulator (PGR) applications. For pansies, growth responses to the PGR treatments varied with cultivar. CYB growth was affected by daminozide alone, DPY growth was affected by daminozide and/or chlormequat, while MGP growth was relatively insensitive to both PGRs. Time to flower of pansy was not affected by the PGR applications. Chemical names used: 2-chloroethyl N,N,N-trimethylammonium chloride (chlormequat chloride); butanedioic acid mono (2,2-dimethylhydrazide) (daminozide).
Effect of Zein Films on the Growth of Tomato Plants and Evaporative Water Loss
Authors: Parris Nicholas , Douds David D. , Dickey Leland C. , Moreau Robert A. , Phillips John
Published: February 2019

Zein is an alcohol-soluble protein isolated from corn. The effect of ground cover films prepared from zein on the growth of tomato plants and corresponding evaporative water loss was investigated in greenhouse experiments. Results indicated that there was a decrease in water loss from the growth media for pots treated with zein films compared to the control (no film). There was an 11% increase height and 65% increase in dry weight of the treated plants relative to the control. In a second experiment, tomato plants mulched with zein isolates, low in free fatty acids (LFFA), exhibited an 18% increase in height and a 28% increase in dry weight compared to the control. Tomato plants treated with black polyethylene sheathing mulch were the tallest of the plants tested and had the greatest dry weight. Adding corn gluten meal directly to the soil surface resulted in tomato plants that were 26% taller and 29% heavier than those grown in untreated soil. Zein isolate films appear to be a viable ground cover replacement for polyethylene sheathing.
Strawberry Black Root Rot and Berry Yield Are Not Affected by Terbacil Herbicide
Authors: Mervosh Todd L. , LaMondia James A.
Published: February 2019

The effects of terbacil herbicide on strawberry (Fragaria ×ananassa Duch. `Honeoye') yield and black root rot disease were determined in field plots at two locations in Connecticut over 4 years. Terbacil treatments at up to four times the maximum label dosage caused some temporary foliar chlorosis but did not affect the health of structural or perennial roots and associated feeder roots. Development of secondary root growth (perennial roots) was not influenced by terbacil. Terbacil had no effect on the quantity of lesion nematodes [Pratylenchus penetrans (Cobb) Filip & Schur. Stek.] extracted or the amount of the fungal pathogen Rhizoctonia fragariae Husain and McKeen isolated from strawberry roots. At both locations, R. fragariae was common on plant roots by the fourth year. Terbacil treatments did not affect strawberry yields in terms of number or weight of ripe berries per plot. Our results indicate that terbacil does not contribute to black root rot or decreased yields in `Honeoye' strawberry. Chemical name used: 5-chloro-3-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-6-methyl-2,4-(1H,3H)-pyrimidinedione (terbacil).
Influence of Thrips on Bronzing of Strawberry Fruit
Authors: Matos Bethzayda , Obrycki John J.
Published: February 2019

Thrips are presumed to be the major cause of bronzed strawberry (Fragaria ×ananassa Duchesne) fruit in the Midwestern United States. The objectives of this study were to 1) identify thrips species present in Iowa strawberry fields and 2) determine the relationship between the numbers of thrips collected from flowers and fruit and the percentage of mature fruit exhibiting bronzing damage. Thrips were collected from flowers and fruit for three growing seasons at three sites in central Iowa. Approximately 82% of these thrips were eastern flower thrips, Frankliniella tritici (Fitch) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae); the remaining 18% were primarily Frankliniella fusca (Hinds) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae). Mean number of adult and immature thrips per flower or fruit ranged from 0 to 7 in 2000, from 0 to 22 in 2001, and 0 to 16 in 2002. In 2001 and 2002, the incidence of thrips on both flowers and fruit was common; the mean number of thrips on flowers was 2 to 16 times greater than on fruit. However, in both years <1% of damage to fruit was attributed to thrips. Based on our results, we conclude that thrips infestations do not necessarily cause bronzed fruit in Iowa strawberry fields.
Crack Resistance in Cherry Tomato Fruit Correlates with Cuticular Membrane Thickness
Authors: Matas Antonio J. , Cobb Eward D. , Paolillo Dominick J. , Niklas Karl J.
Published: February 2019

The mechanical properties and anatomy of fruit wall peels and their enzyme-isolated cuticular membranes (CM) are reported for three cherry tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) cultivars that are crack-resistant, crack-intermediate, and crack-prone (i.e., Inbred 10, Sweet 100, and Sausalito Cocktail, respectively). The resistant and intermediate fruit peels strain-hardened when extended progressively; those of the crack-prone cultivar did so only modestly. The CM of all cultivars strain-hardened when extended with small forces; the CM of the intermediate and crack-prone cultivars strain-softened under tensile forces that did not strain-soften the crack-resistant cultivar. The peels and CM of the resistant cultivar were stiffer, stronger, and required more energy to break than crack-prone peels. The CM of crack-resistant peels developed deeper within the subepidermis than in the crack-prone or crack-intermediate peels. The CM in the outer epidermal periclinal walls of the crack-resistant and crack-intermediate cultivars was thicker than that of crack-prone peels. These data indicate that CM thickness can be used to gauge crack susceptibility among cherry tomato fruit, which can be useful in breeding programs and would facilitate QTL mapping of the underlying genetic factors.
Protein and Mineral Composition of Tepary Bean Seed
Authors: Bhardwaj Harbans L. , Hamama Anwar A.
Published: February 2019

Tepary bean (Phaseolus acutifolius A. Gray), a native of southwestern U.S., is a promising plant for crop diversification and for production in short rotations with wheat. However, protein and mineral concentrations in tepary bean seed produced outside the southwestern U.S. are largely unknown. We evaluated concentrations of protein and various minerals in seed produced by eight tepary bean genotypes planted at three different dates each during 1997 and 1998 at Ettrick, Virginia. Significant year × planting date and year × genotype interactions existed for protein and other traits. Protein and zinc concentrations increased and calcium concentrations decreased with later plantings during both years. Mid-June planting had 14% higher protein concentration (24.5%) than late-May planting (21.4%) and mid-July planting had 6% higher protein concentration (25.9%) than mid-June planting. Color of seedcoat was not associated with concentrations of protein or minerals. The average concentrations of boron, calcium, copper, iron, potassium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, sulfur, and zinc (mg/100g) were: 1, 184, 1, 11, 1531, 192, 3, 451, 311, 4, respectively. Tepary bean seeds contained 24% protein as compared to reported average values of 22.3% in navy, 22.5% in red kidney, and 20.9% in pinto bean. The average iron concentration (mg/100g) in tepary bean seed (10.7) was higher than that in navy (6.4), red kidney (6.7), and pinto (5.9) bean. Based on protein and mineral concentrations tepary bean seed compared well with seeds of navy, red kidney, or pinto bean.
Optimizing Postharvest Life of Cut `Renaissance Red' Poinsettias
Authors: Dole John M. , Fisher Paul , Njue Geoffrey
Published: February 2019

Several treatments were investigated for increasing vase life of cut `Renaissance Red' poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima Willd. ex Klotzsch.) stems. A vase life of at least 20.6 days resulted when harvested stems were placed directly into vases with 22 °C deionized water plus 200 mg·L-1 8-HQS (the standard floral solution used) and 0% to 1% sucrose without floral foam. Maturity of stems at harvest, ranging from 0 to 4 weeks after anthesis, had no effect on vase life or days to first abscised leaf. Pretreatments immediately after harvest using floral solution heated to 38 or 100 °C, or 1 or 10-min dips in isopropyl alcohol, had no effect, whereas 24 hours in 10% sucrose shortened vase life by 6.4 days and time to first abscised cyathium by 4.5 days. Stem storage at 10 °C decreased vase life, particularly when stems were stored dry (with only 0.8 days vase life after 3 weeks dry storage). Increasing duration of wet storage in floral solution from 0 to 3 weeks decreased vase life from 21.5 to 14.6 days. Placing cut stems in a vase containing floral foam decreased time to first abscised leaf by 3.7 to 11.6 days compared with no foam. A 1% to 2% sucrose concentration in the vase solution produced the longest postharvest life for stems placed in foam but had little effect on stems not placed in foam. A 4% sucrose concentration decreased vase life compared with lower sucrose concentrations regardless of the presence of foam. Holding stems in the standard floral solution increased vase life and delayed leaf abscission compared with deionized or tap water only, with further improvement when stem bases were recut every three days. Commercial floral pretreatments and holding solutions had no effect on vase life and days to first abscised cyathium but delayed leaf abscission.
Use of a Nitric Oxide Donor Compound to Extend the Vase Life of Cut Flowers
Authors: Badiyan D. , Wills R.B.H. , Bowyer M.C.
Published: February 2019

Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus L. `Chitchat'), delphinium (Delphinium ajacis L. `Bellisimo'), chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora RAM. `Regan'), tulip (Tulipa hybrid `Golden Brush'), gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii H. Bolus `Manovale'), oriental lily (Lilium asiaticum L. `Specisiom Simplon'), rose (Rosa hybrid L. `Carnavale') and iris (Iris hollandica Tub. `Blue Magic') cut flower stems were placed at 20 °C in water containing the NO donor compound 2,2'-(hydroxynitrosohydrazino)-bisethanamine (DETA/NO) at 10 and 100 mg·L-1 and after 24 h, transferred to humidified air containing 0.1 μL·L-1 ethylene. Compared with flowers kept in water, the vase life of all eight flowers was extended by DETA/NO with an average extension of about 60% with the range being about 200% for gerbera to 10% for chrysanthemum. DETA/NO appears to have widespread applicability to cut flowers and offers a simple technology to extend vase life.
Influence of Seed Stratification and Seed Age on Emergence of Penstemon
Authors: Lindgren Dale T. , Schaaf Daniel M.
Published: February 2019

Studies were conducted to evaluate the effect of stratification and seed age on percent seedling emergence of Penstemon. Emergence differences occurred between the eight Penstemon selections, as well as between seed stratification treatments and seed age. Seed stratification significantly increased emergence. Emergence varied from 0% with 1-year-old seed of Penstemon digitalis with no stratification, to 72.8% emergence with 2-year-old seed of P. angustifolius with 10 weeks of stratification. Seedlings from 3- to 4-year-old seed generally emerged as well as or better than with 1- and 2-year-old seed. Percent emergence varied significantly with stratification, seed age, and species. Some emergence occurred with species from seed up to 10 years old.
Growth Stage, Auxin Type, and Concentration Influence Rooting of Stem Cuttings of Fraser Fir
Authors: Rosier Christopher L. , Frampton John , Goldfarb Barry , Blazich Frank A. , Wise Farrell C.
Published: February 2019

Seven concentrations of IBA and seven concentrations of NAA plus a nonauxin control were tested over three growth stages to determine their effectiveness in promoting adventitious root formation on stem cuttings taken from 3- and 4-year-old stock plants of Fraser fir [Abies fraseri (Pursh) Poir.]. Cuttings were prepared in March (hardwood), June (softwood), or November (semi-hardwood) 2001, treated with auxin concentrations ranging from 0 to 64 mm, and placed under mist. Rooting percentage, percent mortality, number of primary roots, total root length, root system symmetry, and root angle were recorded after 16 weeks. Growth stage and auxin concentration significantly affected every rooting trait except root angle. NAA significantly increased the number of primary roots and total root length. However, auxin type did not significantly affect rooting percentage or percent mortality. The highest rooting percentages (99%) occurred when softwood cuttings were treated with 5 mm auxin, however, semi-hardwood cuttings also rooted at high percentages (90%) and had no mortality when treated with 14 mm auxin. Regardless of auxin type, the number of primary roots and total root length varied in similar patterns across concentration, although, NAA tended to induce a greater response. To root Fraser fir stem cuttings collected from 3- and 4-year-old stock plants, it is recommended that a concentration of 5 mm NAA should be used on softwood cuttings and 14 mm IBA on semi-hardwood cuttings. Chemical names used: indole-3-butyric acid (IBA); 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA).
Effects of Nitrogenous Organic Compounds on Growth and Flowering in Eustoma grandiflorum (Raf.) Shinn.
Authors: Ohta Katsumi , Suzuki Mika , Matsumoto Shingo , Hosoki Takashi , Kobayashi Nobuo
Published: February 2019

We previously reported that growth of lisianthus [Eustoma grandiflorum (Raf.) Shinn.] seedlings is accelerated by amending the growing medium with 1% (w/w) chitosan. This finding prompted us to search for organic nitrogenous other substances like chitosan which could accelerate seedling growth. Seeds of E. grandiflorum `Peter blue line 2'were sown in a sandy loam growing medium containing 1% (w/w) chitosan, tryptone, casein, collagen or gelatin. At eleven weeks after sowing, leaf length and width, fresh and dry weights of the shoots and roots of twelve plants were determined for each treatment. Eleven weeks after sowing, the leaves at the fifth node had expanded in the chitosan, tryptone and collagen treatments while the leaves of the third node had not yet expanded in control plants. Fresh and dry weights of shoots and roots were significantly greater for plants grown in media amended with chitosan or tryptone. Percent nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) in the shoots and roots and percent phosphorus (P) in the shoots was greater only in the N side dressing treatment. The nitrate nitrogen (NO3-N) concentration was significantly greater in media amended with tryptone or collagen compared to the other treatments.
Measurement and Analyses of Growth and Stress Parameters of Viburnum odoratissimum (Ker-gawl) Grown in a Multi-pot Box System
Authors: Irmak Suat , Haman Dorota Z. , Irmak Ayse , Jones James W. , Campbell Kenneth L. , Crisman Thomas L.
Published: February 2019

Two colors (white and black) of a recently introduced irrigation-plant production system [multi-pot box system (MPBS)] for container-grown nurseries were researched and results were compared with those obtained from the sprinkler-irrigated conventional (control) system (CS). Experiments were carried out in summer and fall of 2001 in Gainesville, Fla. Plant growth [growth index (GI), growth rate (GR), and dry matter] and stress parameters [stomatal resistance (rs), crop water stress index (CWSI), plant water potential (PWP), and substrate temperature (ST)] were measured and analyzed for Viburnum odoratissimum (Ker-gawl). In both seasons, plants grown in the white MPBS had significantly higher GI and GR as compared to the plants in the black MPBS and CS. In summer, plants in the white MPBS reached marketable size about 17 days and 86 days earlier than those in the black MPBS and CS, respectively. In fall, they reached marketable size about 25 and 115 days earlier than those plants in the black MPBS and CS, respectively. Plants in the white and black MPBSs showed exponential growth rate in summer with plants in the white MPBS having significantly higher growth rate (greater slope) than the other two treatments. In both seasons, plants in the white MPBS produced the highest amount of dry matter. In general, plants in the white MPBS had lower rs values to vapor transport compared to the other two treatments, and the black MPBS treatment had lower rs values than the CS in both seasons. The CWSI values of the plants in both white and black MPBSs were significantly lower than the CS. In both seasons, ST in the black MPBS and CS exceeded the critical value of 40 °C several times. The ST of >40 °C is often reported to significantly reduce the plant growth and cause root death and/or injury for container-grown plants. Overall, the white MPBS provided a better environment for root development and plant growth under these experimental conditions. Results strongly suggest that there is a potential opportunity of using MPBS for irrigation and production of nursery plants. These important findings suggest that, in practice, producing nursery plants in a shorter period of time by using white MPBS will result in significant savings of energy, water, chemicals, and other inputs and thereby reducing the costs and increasing profits.
In-row Preplant Manure Composting Reduces Weed Populations
Authors: Abu-Irmaileh Barakat , Abu-Rayyan Azmi
Published: February 2019

Fresh manure is normally broadcasted on the soil surface in vegetable growing areas of Jordan as a source of nutrients and organic matter. However, it can be an environmental pollutant and may lead to the outbreak of many health-related pests, especially houseflies. Field experiments were conducted in two locations to study the effect of in-row composting of four different fresh manures and olive pomace on preplant weed control in vegetables. In the first experiment, main treatments were as follows. 1) Organic materials were applied preplant and then the soil was covered with black polyethylene (BPE) sheets for 6 weeks (M). 2) Treatments were the same as in (M) but the soil surface was covered by BPE mulch for the whole growing season (MP). 3) There was soil incorporation of organic materials preplant, but the soil surface was unmulched during the 6-week period and weeds were controlled chemically later in the season (MC). 4) For the control (C), fresh organic materials were soil incorporated manually at time of planting. Each main treatment included four subtreatments. Each subtreatment received a different source of organic material: cow, poultry, or sheep manure or olive pomace. In the second experiment, the rates of poultry manure (0, 5, and 10 kg·m-2) comprised the main treatments. Each treatment included four subtreatments in which the manure was soil-incorporated then subplots were covered by BPE sheets for either 0, 2, 4, or 6 weeks. The composting process in the main treatments M and MP raised soil temperatures significantly at a 15-cm depth above soils without manure amendments. Soil temperatures were higher, especially with poultry manure, athough not significantly different in all cases. Composting poultry manure was more effective in reducing weed dry weights compared with other organic materials.