bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deferring Flowering of Greenhouse-grown Phalaenopsis Orchids by Alternating Dark and Light
Authors: Wang Yin-Tung
Published: January 2019

Most Phalaenopsis (the moth orchid) species and hybrids start to produce flowering shoots in the fall, bloom in January or February, and become limited in supply by April when market demand is strong. Means to defer the onset of flowering were studied. Starting 15 Sept. 1994, seedlings of 2-year-old hybrid Phalaenopsis TAM Butterfly were exposed to repeated cycles of 1 d darkness/1 d light (natural photoperiod, 1D/1L); 4 d darkness/3 d light (4D/3L); 7 d darkness/7 d light (7D/7L); and the natural photoperiod control (0D/7L). The dark treatments were achieved by covering plants with black fabric or by placing them in a dark cage. Treatments were terminated on 16 Dec., and all plants were exposed to the natural photoperiod. The control plants bloomed on 20 Jan. 1995, whereas the 4D/3L plants did not reach anthesis until 14 Apr., nearly 3 months later. Flowering of the 1D/1L and 7D/7L plants was also deferred until early April. Regardless of treatments, flower count and size were unaffected. In another experiment, beginning 15 Sept. 1995, 3-year-old plants were exposed to repeated weekly cycles of 2D/5L, 3D/4L, 4D/3L, or 5D/2L until 22 Jan. 1996. The nontreated control plants bloomed on 8 Feb. 1996, whereas the 5D/2L did not reach anthesis until 6 May. The 4D/3L treatment was not as effective as it was in 1994 and resulted in anthesis only 4 weeks after the control. In the last experiment, starting on 22 Jan. 1996, plants were removed at 2-week intervals from a 5D/2L treatment that was initiated on 15 Sept. 1995 and exposed to the natural photoperiod. Staggered anthesis was achieved. However, plants that bloomed in May and June had reduced flower count but not flower size.
Diallel Analysis of Resistance to Cuticle Cracking in Tomato
Authors: Emmons Cheryld L. Whaley , Scott John W.
Published: January 2019

Genetic control of cuticle cracking (CC) in tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) was studied using half-diallel analyses and reciprocal hybrid comparisons of five parents and reciprocal F1 hybrids over 3 years in Bradenton, Fla. Maternal effects were usually not significant, but in general, CC incidence in hybrids with a resistant cultigen as the female parent was lower than if the resistant cultigen was the male parent. General combining ability (GCA) was significant at all harvests, with specific combining ability (SCA) becoming significant under high environmental stress. Narrow-sense and broad-sense heritabilities for CC incidence ranged from 0.45 to 0.69 and 0.62 to 0.89, respectively, increasing directly with environmental stress.
Field Resistance to Yellow Aphids in Pecan
Authors: Thompson Tommy E. , Grauke L.J.
Published: January 2019

Putative resistance to the blackmargined aphid (Monellia caryella Fitch) in `Pawnee' pecan [Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch] was first noted in greenhouse tests by rating cultivars for relative amounts of honeydew on adaxial leaf surfaces. This resistance was confirmed in two field tests monitored from mid-June to mid-October. `Pawnee' supported significantly lower aphid populations during every rating period when relatively large numbers of these insects were present. `Navaho' also showed resistance, with `Desirable' having intermediate resistance and `Stuart' being very susceptible. Insect populations were also monitored on the four quadrants of each tree, with quadrant effect being significant in only one test. This test had the highest populations on the western quadrant and lowest populations on the eastern quadrant. In determining individual clone resistance, it is recommended that the general orchard aphid infestation level be determined so that only two or three well-timed clonal ratings are needed. We also recommend that all sides of the tree be monitored.
Response to Phosphorus Availability during Vegetative and Reproductive Growth of Chrysanthemum: I. Whole-plant Carbon Dioxide Exchange
Authors: Hansen Conny W. , Lynch Jonathan , Ottosen Carl-Otto
Published: January 2019

Whole-plant CO2 exchange and root-shoot interactions during transition from vegetative to reproductive growth of `Coral Charm' chrysanthemum (Dendranthema ×grandiflorum Ramat.) were investigated over a range of P concentrations considered to be deficient (1 μM), adequate (100 μM), or high (5 mM). Transition from vegetative to reproductive growth resulted in reduced photosynthate production, root respiration, biomass accumulation, and starch accumulation in leaves. Root respiration was low in high-P plants regardless of growth stage. Reduced root respiration may indicate changes in source-sink relationships during the transition from vegetative to reproductive growth, making roots less competitive sinks than developing flowers. Plant responses to P deficiency included decreased CO2 assimilation and shoot biomass accumulation but increased root respiration, root:shoot ratio, specific leaf mass (SLM), and starch accumulation in leaves. Reduced root respiration activity in high-P plants was presumably due to differences in root architecture resulting in proportionately fewer root apices in high P. Daily CO2 assimilation, shoot biomass, SLM, and root:shoot ratio were similar in plants grown with adequate-P and high-P availability, although plant P accumulation increased with P availability. Our results suggest that the excessive P fertilization often used in ornamental production systems is detrimental to root activity.
The Role of Ethylene in the Development of Constant-light Injury of Potato and Tomato
Authors: Chushman Kent E. , Tibbitts Theodore W.
Published: January 2019

The role of tehylene in the development of constant-light injury of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) and tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) was investigated. In one study, silver thiosulfate (STS) was applied to the foliage of four potato cultivars growing under constant light. Leaf area and shoot dry mass of `Kennebec' and `Superior', cultivars normally injured by constant light, were greater (P<0.05) than those of control plantsgiven foliar applications of distilled water. Examination of STS-treated `Kennebec' leaflets revealed significantly less injury (necrotic spotting and reduced starch content) than the water-treated controls. `Norland' and `Denali', cultivars tolerant of constant light, exhibited no differences in growth between treatments. In a second study, injury (necrotic spotting and reduced starch content) was induced in leaflets of `Denali' when exposed to spray applications of 0.5 mmol·L-1 ethephon or air containing 0.5 to 0.8 μL·L-1 ethylene. In a third study, three genotypes of `Ailsa Craig' tomato were grown under constant light. Leaves of the normal `Ailsa Craig' exhibited epinasty, reduced chlorophyll concentration, and reduced starch content. Leaves of a mutant `Ailsa Craig', containing the Never ripe mutation, did not exhibit epinasty but exhibited the same amount of reduced chlorophyll concentration and starch content as normal plants. Leaves of a transgenic `Ailsa Craig', containing an antisense gene of 1-aminocyclopropane 1-carboxylate (ACC) oxidase, were epinastic, but chlorophyll concentration and starch content were greater than in leaves of normal and mutant plants. These results suggest that transgenic plants were more tolerant of constant light than the other genotypes. Evidence from these studies indicates that ethylene, combined with constant light, has an important role in the development of constant-light injury.
Derivatives of Vaccinium arboreum × Vaccinium Section Cyanococcus: I. Morphological Characteristics
Authors: Brooks Sylvia J. , Lyrene Paul M.
Published: January 2019

Morphological characteristics of many derivatives from Vaccinium arboreum Marsh × Vaccinium section Cyanococcus crosses were studied. The purpose of the study was to determine if V. arboreum traits were being inherited and expressed in hybrid progeny and to identify characteristics that would enable hybrid field identification. This study focused on the F1 hybrids of V. darrowi Camp × V. arboreum (F1 hybrids) and the open-pollinated progeny of the F1 hybrids [mother is known (MIK)]. Also included in the study were the parents: V. darrowi, V. arboreum, and V. corymbosum L. (pollen parent of the MIKs). Many leaf, flower, and fruit characteristics were measured for all five taxa. Leaf characteristics included length, width, and presence or absence of stalked glands, pubescence, and marginal bump glands. The floral characteristics measured were corolla length and width, corolla aperture, pedicel length, peduncle length, bracteole length and width, and the presence or absence of anther awns and bracteoles. Berry and seed mass were the fruit characteristics investigated. Four unique V. arboreum traits were found to be expressed in the F1 and MIK hybrid populations. These were the presence of anther awns, large seed size, bracteole shape, and marginal glands. These traits should permit field identification of hybrid plants.
Genotypic Variation in Postharvest Flower Longevity of Asiatic Hybrid Lilies
Authors: van der Meulen-Muisers José J.M. , van Oeveren Joop C. , van Tuyl Jaap M.
Published: January 2019

Genotypic variation in postharvest flower longevity was determined for 63 Asiatic lily hybrids (Lilium L.). The reliability of standardized test conditions for longevity screening was also examined. Improvement of lily flower longevity by breeding appears feasible. Considerable genotypic variation in individual flower longevity was obtained and estimates of the degree of genotypic determination were high. The rank order of the genotypes with respect to individual flower longevity was similar between years using standardized test conditions. Screening results for flowers forced in a growth chamber were similar to those obtained in a greenhouse. No plant traits suitable for indirect selection on flower longevity were detected.
Changes in Sugars and Activities of Sucrose Phosphate Synthase, Sucrose Synthase, and Invertase during Potato Tuber (Russet Burbank) Reconditioning at 10 °C in Air and 2.53 kPa Oxygen after Storage for 28 Days at 1 °C
Authors: Illeperuma Charmara , Schlimme Donald , Solomos Theophanes
Published: January 2019

Potato tubers (Solanum tuberosum `Russet Burbank') were stored at 1 °C in air for 28 days and then transferred to 10 °C in either air or 2.53 kPa O2. During cold storage there was an increase in sucrose, glucose, and fructose. The activities of extractable sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) and invertase increased by 2.2- and 7.7-fold, respectively, during 28 days at 1 °C. The activity of sucrose synthase (SS) remained constant at 1 °C and was similar to that found in tubers kept continuously at 10 °C. With the transfer of tubers from 1 to 10 °C, there was an initial sharp rise in respiration which peaked at ≈7 days, followed by a gradual decline. Sucrose declined rapidly during reconditioning, while glucose and fructose declined more slowly. With the transfer of tubers from 1 to 10 °C, the activity of SS increased sharply after 7 days at 10 °C, to be followed by a decline to the levels found in control tubers. The activities of both extractable SPS and invertase decreased during reconditioning, reaching the values of the control tubers within ≈15 days. Low O2 inhibited the decrease in sugars and suppressed the rise in SS activity, but it did not alter the decrease in SPS and invertase. Western blot analysis showed that the amount of SPS protein remained unchanged at 1 and 10 °C. These results indicate that the activity of SPS is regulated by factors other than the amount of its protein. The activities of the above three enzymes showed no changes in tubers kept at 10 °C continuously. In control tubers SPS showed the highest activity, followed by SS and invertase.
Shoot and Root Temperature Effects on Lettuce Growth in a Floating Hydroponic System
Authors: Thompson Helen C. , Langhans Robert W. , Both Arend-Jan , Albright Louis D.
Published: January 2019

`Ostinata' Butterhead lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) was used to study lettuce production at varied shoot (air) and root (pond) temperatures. A floating hydroponic system was used to study the influence of pond temperature on lettuce growth for 35 days. Pond water temperature setpoints of 17, 24, and 31 °C were used at air temperatures of 17/12, 24/19, and 31/26 °C (day/night). Pond temperature affected plant dry mass, and air temperature significantly affected growth over time. Maximum dry mass was produced at the 24/24 °C (air/pond temperature) treatment. Final dry mass at the 31/24 °C treatment did not differ significantly from the 24/24 °C treatment. The 24 °C pond treatment maintained market quality lettuce head production in 31 °C air. Using optimal pond temperature, lettuce production was deemed acceptable at a variety of air temperatures outside the normal range, and particularly at high air temperatures.
Leaf Water Relations and Plant Development of Three Freeman Maple Cultivars Subjected to Drought
Authors: Zwack James A. , Graves William R. , Townsend Alden M.
Published: January 2019

Little is known about drought stress resistance of Freeman maples (Acer ×freemanii E. Murray), which are hybrids of red maples (A. rubrum L.) and silver maples (A. saccharinum L.). The objective of our study was to measure plant growth and leaf water relations of `D.T.R. 102' (Autumn Fantasy), `Celzam' (Celebration), and `Marmo' Freeman maples subjected to drought. Plants grown from rooted cuttings were subjected to four consecutive cycles of water deficit followed by irrigation to container capacity. Average stomatal conductance at container capacity for all cultivars was 255 mmol·s-1·m-2 in the first drought cycle and 43 mmol·s-1·m-2 during the fourth drought cycle. Predawn and midmorning leaf water potentials of droughted plants at the end of the fourth drought cycle were 1.16 and 0.82 MPa more negative than respective values for control plants. Osmotic potential of leaves at full turgor was -1.05 MPa for controls and -1.29 MPa for droughted plants, indicating an osmotic adjustment of 0.24 MPa. Root and shoot dry mass and leaf area were reduced similarly by drought for all cultivars, while Celebration exhibited the least stem elongation. `Marmo' treated with drought had the lowest root-to-shoot ratio and the greatest ratio of leaf surface area to root dry mass. Autumn Fantasy had the lowest ratio of leaf area to stem xylem diameter. Specific leaf mass of drought-stressed Autumn Fantasy was 1.89 mg·cm-2 greater than that of corresponding controls, whereas specific masses of Celebration and `Marmo' leaves were not affected by drought. Leaf thickness was similar among cultivars, but leaves of droughted plants were 9.6 μm thicker than leaves of controls. This initial characterization of responses to drought illustrates variation among Freeman maples and suggests that breeding and selection programs might produce superior genotypes for water-deficient sites in the landscape.
The Inheritance of Parthenocarpy and Associated Traits in Pepino
Authors: Prohens Jaime , Ruiz Juan J. , Nuez Fernando
Published: January 2019

Parthenocarpy in pepino (Solanum muricatum Aiton) can overcome poor fruit set caused by pollination deficiencies. In two families involving a parthenocarpic parent (Pp), a nonparthenocarpic parent (Pnp), and the generations Pp⊗, Pnp⊗, F1, BCp, BCnp, and F2, we studied three traits that are often confused: parthenocarpy, efficiency of parthenocarpy over seeded fruit set, and the degree of facultative parthenocarpy. Plants were trained to two stems (A and B). On stem A we emasculated six flowers per truss; three were pollinated and the other three were left unpollinated. We considered that a plant was parthenocarpic if it set one or more seedless fruit similar in size and shape to those seeded, and nonparthenocarpic if it only set seeded fruit. The efficiency of parthenocarpy over seeded fruit set was measured with a parthenocarpic fruit set index (PFSI), defined as twice the ratio of seedless to total fruit on stem A. In stem B all flowers were left to self-pollinate naturally. We quantified the degree of facultative parthenocarpy as the percentage of seedless fruit of the total. Parthenocarpy is controlled by one dominant gene for which we propose the symbol P. Parthenocarpic fruit set in the homozygote PP was as efficient as the seeded one (PFSI ≈ 1); in the heterozygote Pp it was less efficient (PFSI ≈ 0.6). The dose of gene P explained the differences found between generations for the PFSI and made it possible to predict the PFSI of a given generation from the proportions of PP and Pp genotypes. Although for the Pp hybrids parthenocarpic fruit set was less efficient than the seeded one, their ability to set seedless fruit in conditions of deficient pollination, together with their high degree of heterosis, makes them agronomically useful. The degree of facultative parthenocarpy seemed to be a complex trait with low heritability. In environments unfavorable for pollination, parthenocarpic genotypes set seedless fruit, thus ensuring crop production and yield stability. Using the degree of facultative parthenocarpy to classify plants for parthenocarpy is not recommended. Developing parthenocarpic cultivars can help spread this crop and stabilize yields.
Fruit Yield and Yield Component Means and Correlations of Four Slicing Cucumber Populations Improved through Six to Ten Cycles of Recurrent Selection
Authors: Cramer Christopher S. , Wehner Todd C.
Published: January 2019

Increased fruit yield in slicing cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) has been difficult to achieve since yield is quantitatively inherited with low heritability. From 1981 to 1993, four slicing cucumber populations differing in their genetic diversity (wide, medium, elite, and `Beit Alpha') were advanced through six to ten cycles of modified half-sib recurrent selection. The objectives of this research were to determine 1) the fruit yield and yield component means; 2) the correlations between yield components, between yield traits, and between components and yield; and 3) the change in means and correlations with selection for improved yield of four slicing cucumber populations. In 1994 and 1995, four families were randomly selected from three cycles (early, intermediate, and late) from each population and self-pollinated. Thirty plants from each S1 family were evaluated in 3.1-m plots in Spring and Summer 1995 and 1996 at the Horticultural Crops Research Station in Clinton, N.C. Plants were harvested and data were collected on number of branches per plant and nodes per branch, proportion of pistillate nodes, fruit set and shape, and total, early, and marketable yield. When averaged over all populations, seasons, and years, fruit yield and quality increased with selection while yield components remained unchanged with selection. Fruit yield and components differed between populations, seasons, and years. Most correlations between yield components and between yield components and fruit yield were weak, and strong correlations varied between populations, seasons, and yield components. Indirect selection of proportion of pistillate nodes has potential for improving yield for certain population-season combinations. Selection weakened many strong correlations between yield components and between yield and components. Changes in correlations often did not correspond with changes in trait means. Based on this research, selection for yield components would not be advantageous for improving fruit yield in all slicing cucumber populations. Additional yield components, yield component heritability, and better component selection methods need to be determined before component selection can be used to improve fruit yield.
Diallel Analysis of Resistance in Carrot to Alternaria Leaf Blight
Authors: Simon Philipp W. , Strandberg James O.
Published: January 2019

Diverse carrot (Daucus carota L.) inbreds were evaluated as young plants in the greenhouse and mature plants in the field for resistance to the pathogen Alternaria dauci (Kühn) Groves and Skolko. Persistence of leaves after infection was the criterion used to estimate disease damage by the pathogen. Partial resistance was identified. A five-parent diallel evaluated for resistance indicated a preponderance of additive variation with some dominant gene action for resistance. Reciprocal cross differences were significant for certain crosses. Responses of most inbreds were useful in predicting resistance in their hybrids, but exceptions to this trend did occur. Field resistance ratings generally correlated well with resistance ratings obtained in greenhouse, even in grower fields where fungicides were applied.
Changes in Apparent Molecular Mass of Pectin and Hemicellulose Extracts during Peach Softening
Authors: Hegde Supreetha , Maness Niels O.
Published: January 2019

Pectin and hemicellulose were solubilized from cell walls of peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] fruit differing in firmness by extraction with imidazole and sodium carbonate (pectin extracts), followed by a graded series of potassium hydroxide (hemicellulose extracts). The extracts were subjected to size exclusion chromatography. In imidazole extracts, as fruit softened, there was an increase in proportion of a large apparent molecular mass peak, with a galacturonosyl to rhamnosyl residue ratio resembling a rhamnogalacturonan-like polymer. A smaller apparent molecular mass peak was enriched in galacturonic acid and probably represented a broad polydisperse peak derived from more homogalacturonan-like polymers. In sodium carbonate extracts, a homogalacturonan-like polymer appeared to elute primarily as a higher apparent molecular mass constituent, which increased in quantity relative to other constituents as fruit softened. In cold 1 mol·L-1 KOH extracts three peaks predominated. A xyloglucan-like polymer appeared to elute predominantly in the second peak and fucose was strongly associated with it. In 4 mol·L-1 KOH extracts (tightly bound hemicellulose) the higher apparent molecular mass peak was predominantly acidic and presumably of pectic origin. The smaller apparent molecular mass peaks were composed primarily of neutral sugars, the second peak became smaller and the third peak larger as fruit softened. The ability to separate pectin and xyloglucan-like polymer as two separate fractions based on charge suggests that the nature of any pectin-hemicellulose interaction in this fraction is probably one of physical entrapment of pectin fractions by hemicellulose and not principally by covalent crosslinking between the two polysaccharide classes in peach. Flesh firmness serves as an important determinant of quality in peaches. Our results indicate that apparent molecular mass of both pectins and hemicelluloses changed as peaches softened, resulting in alteration of cell wall structure and associated with decreased tissue cohesion.
Isolation and Characterization of a Type I Gene Encoding a Light-harvesting Chlorophyll a/b-binding Protein of Photosystem II in Peach
Authors: Chung Kyu H. , Buetow Dennis E. , Korban Schuyler S.
Published: January 2019

A nuclear gene, Lhcb1*Pp1, encoding a light-harvesting chlorophyll a/b-binding protein of photosystem II has been isolated from peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch. `Stark Earliglo'] leaf genomic DNA, cloned, and sequenced. This gene encodes a precursor polypeptide of 267 amino acids with a transit peptide of 34 and a type I mature protein of 233 amino acids. The amino acid sequence of the mature polypeptide is 89% to 94% and 80% to 94% similar to those encoded by type I Lhcb genes of annual and other woody plants, respectively. In contrast, the amino acid sequence of the peach transit peptide is less conserved being 47% to 69% similar to those of annual plants and only 17% to 22% similar to those of other woody plants. The peach gene was used as a probe for Lhcb gene expression. Lhcb mRNA is detected in leaves of field-grown trees during June to October. Lhcb mRNA is detected at a high level in leaves of peach shoots grown in tissue culture in the light, but only at a trace level in leaves grown in the dark. Some Lhcb genes appear to be light-modulated in stems. Lhcb1*Ppl contains four potential polyadenylation sites. S1 nuclease analysis detected transcripts of the sizes expected from each of the four polyadenylation sites. All four are found in leaves of light-grown shoots and of field-grown trees throughout the growing season. In contrast, only three are detected in stems of light-grown shoots.
Inflorescence and Flower Development of the `Hass' Avocado (Persea americana Mill.) during “On” and “Off” Crop Years
Authors: Salazar-García Samuel , Lord Elizabeth M. , Lovatt Carol J.
Published: January 2019

Inflorescence and flower development of the `Hass' avocado (Persea americana Mill.) were investigated at the macro- and microscopic level with three objectives: 1) to determine the time of transition from vegetative to reproductive growth; 2) to develop a visual scale correlating external inflorescence and flower development with the time and pattern of organogenesis; and 3) to quantify the effect of high (“on”) and low (“off”) yields on the flowering process. Apical buds (or expanding inflorescences) borne on summer shoots were collected weekly from July to August during an “on” and “off” crop year. Collected samples were externally described and microscopically analyzed. The transition from vegetative to reproductive condition probably occurred from the end of July through August (end of shoot expansion). During this transition the primary axis meristem changed shape from convex to flat to convex. These events were followed by the initiation of additional bracts and their associated secondary axis inflorescence meristems. A period of dormancy was not a prerequisite for inflorescence development. Continued production of secondary axis inflorescence meristems was observed from August to October, followed by anthesis seven months later. In all, eleven visual stages of bud development were distinguished and correlated with organogenesis to create a scale that can be used to predict specific stages of inflorescence and flower development. Inflorescence development was correlated with minimum temperature ≤15 °C, whereas yield had little effect on the timing of developmental events of individual inflorescence buds. However, the high yield of the “on” year reduced inflorescence number and increased the number of vegetative shoots. No determinate inflorescences were produced during the “on” year. For the “off” year, 3% and 42% of shoots produced determinate and indeterminate inflorescences, respectively.
Anatomical Description of the Fruit-Receptacle Detachment Area in Cayenne Pepper
Authors: Gersch Kay P. , Motsenbocker Carl E. , Lang Gregory A.
Published: January 2019

Of eight genotypes of cayenne pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) examined, two were identified that differ significantly in ease of fruit detachment force. Greenhouse and field-grown plants of these genotypes, Cajun 1-9027 and Cap-9004, were investigated for differences in cell type and organization at the fruit and receptacle junction. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that mature Cajun 1-9027 fruit that did not separate exhibited a distinct region of sclerified cells that extended from the periphery of the fruit into the receptacle for 25 to 30 cell layers. In contrast, mature fruit of the more readily detachable Cap-9004 had 10 to 15 layers of sclerified cells at the region of detachment. Histochemical and stereological techniques indicated that Cajun 1-9027 had a greater volume of sclereids than Cap-9004. Cajun 1-9027 exhibited smaller cortical cells in the detachment region than Cap-9004. Neither genotype exhibited a well-defined abscission zone at maturity in the detachment region. The presence of more sclerified cells and increased lignification in Cajun 1-9027 compared to Cap-9004 probably contributed to the differences in ease of detachment between the two genotypes.
Heritability, Genetic and Phenotypic Correlations, and Predicted Selection Response of Quantitative Traits in Peach: I. An Analysis of Several Reproductive Traits
Authors: de Souza Valdomiro A.B. , Byrne David H. , Taylor Jeremy F.
Published: January 2019

Seedlings of 108 families from crosses among 42 peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] cultivars and selections were evaluated for six plant characteristics in 1993, 1994, and 1995. The data were analyzed by using a mixed linear model, with years treated as fixed and additive genotypes as random factors. Best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) was used to estimate fixed effects. Restricted maximum likelihood (REML) was used to estimate variance components, and a multiple trait model was used to estimate genetic and phenotypic covariances among traits. The narrow-sense heritability estimates were 0.41, 0.29, 0.48, 0.47, 0.43, and 0.23 for flower density, flowers per node, node density, fruit density, fruit set, and blind node propensity, respectively. Most genetic correlations among pairs of traits were ≥0.30 and were, in general, much higher than the corresponding phenotypic correlations. Flower density and flowers per node (ra = 0.95), fruit density and fruit set (ra = 0.84) and flower density and fruit density (ra = 0.71) were the combinations of traits that had the highest genetic correlation estimates. Direct selection practiced solely for flower density (either direction) is expected to have a greater effect on fruit density than direct selection for fruit density.
Heritability, Genetic and Phenotypic Correlations, and Predicted Selection Response of Quantitative Traits in Peach: II. An Analysis of Several Fruit Traits
Authors: de Souza Valdomiro A.B. , Byrne David H. , Taylor Jeremy F.
Published: January 2019

Thirteen peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] fruit characteristics were investigated for 3 years, 1993, 1994, and 1995, in College Station, Texas, to determine heritability, genetic and phenotypic correlations, and predicted response to selection. Seedlings of 108 families resulting from crosses among 42 peach cultivars and selections were used in the evaluations. A mixed linear model, with years treated as fixed and additive genotypes as random factors, was employed to analyze the data. Best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) was used to estimate fixed effects. Restricted maximum likelihood (REML) was used to estimate variance components, and a multiple trait model was used to estimate genetic and phenotypic covariances between traits. Genetic and phenotypic correlations ≥0.65 and <0.30 were considered strong or very strong and weak, respectively. Date of ripening, fruit development period (FDP) and date of full bloom had the highest heritability (h2) estimates, 0.94, 0.91, and 0.78, respectively. Fruit cheek diameter and titratable acidity (h2 = 0.31) were the traits with the lowest estimates. Fruit development period, fruit blush, and date of ripening had the highest predicted selection responses, whereas fruit suture, fruit cheek, L/W12 (ratio fruit length to average fruit diameters), and fruit tip had the lowest values. Most genetic correlations were ≥0.30 and were, in general, much higher than the corresponding phenotypic correlations. All four measures of fruit size were genetically and phenotypically very strongly correlated. Important genetic correlation estimates were also observed for date of ripening with FDP (ra = 0.93), date of ripening and FDP with fruit blush (ra = -0.77, ra = -0.72), SS (percent soluble solids) (ra = 0.63, ra = 0.62) and TA (ra = 0.55, ra = 0.64), and SS with TA (ra = -0.56). Direct selection practiced solely for early ripening and short FDP is expected to have a greater effect on correlated traits than direct selection for early bloom and large fruit mass.
Effect of Pollenizer Distance and Selective Fruitlet Abscission on Outcrossing Rate and Yield in `Tommy Atkins' Mango
Authors: Dag A. , Eisenstein D. , Gazit S. , El-Batsri R. , Degani C.
Published: January 2019

Postzygotic self-incompatibility has been reported in several Indian mango (Mangifera indica L.) commercial cultivars. Floridian cultivars, on the other hand, have been planted in solid blocks and seem to be self-fertile. Isozyme analysis enabled us to determine outcrossings rates at the fruitlet and fruit stages in the Floridian `Tommy Atkins' (`Tommy'). Two commercial mango orchards consisting of adjacent solid blocks of `Maya' and `Tommy' were studied. This combination offered a unique opportunity to identify each individual fruitlet or fruit as selfed or outcrossed by TPI isozyme analysis. A consistent and significant increase in outcrossing rate during fruit development was found: the average outcrossing rate increased from 10% and 13% in fruitlets to 66% and 73% in mature fruit in the two `Tommy' blocks surveyed. This 6-fold increase is the result of selective abscission of selfed progeny. A significant inverse correlation was found between the distance of `Tommy' trees from the `Maya' block and the outcrossing rate in mature fruit. No significant correlation between distance from `Maya', or outcrossing rate, and yield was observed, suggesting that the practice of planting `Tommy' in solid blocks is sound.
Inheritance of ffs, a Gene Conditioning Fasciated Flower Stem in Red Beet
Authors: Goldman I.L.
Published: January 2019

A fasciated flower stem character arose spontaneously during development of the red beet (Beta vulgaris L.) inbred line W411. The fasciated character is manifest by a flattened flower stem with petioles coalesced into a twisted, ribbonlike appearance. No fasciation is present in the vegetative stem or petioles. An inheritance study was conducted to determine the genetic control of flower stem fasciation. The inbred line W411 was used both as a male and female parent in crosses with four red beet inbred lines. Segregating progenies in both the BC1 and F2 generations were developed and scored for the fasciated flower stem character. Variable expression of the fasciated flower stem phenotype was observed in these progenies; however, the presence of flattened flower stems at the stem-hypocotyl junction was unequivocal. Chisquare goodness-of-fit tests in the BC1 and F2 generations did not deviate significantly from expected ratios for a monogenic recessive character for each genetic background. No reciprocal differences were detected for any cross in this group of four inbred lines, which suggests the lack of maternal effect for the fasciated character. The symbol ffs is proposed to describe the genetic control of the fasciated flower stem phenotype.
Effects of Root Restriction on Tree Development in Ponkan Mandarin (Citrus Reticulata Blanco)
Authors: Mataa Mebelo , Tominaga Shigeto
Published: January 2019

The effects of root restriction, induced by root restriction bags, was evaluated on `Yoshida' Ponkan mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco). Trees were planted in 0.02-m3 volume root wrap bags (RWBs), which were made from woven polystyrene fiber, or root control bags (RCBs) made from nonwoven UV-stabilized Duon polystyrene fibre with plastic bottoms. A direct soil planted, nonrestricted root treatment (DPC) was included as a control. After 3 years, reductions in height (14% to 29%), canopy volume (66% to 43%), girth (10% to 22%), and leaf area (8% to 12%) were recorded in both of the root restriction treatments. Greater reductions occurred in the RWB treatment. Photosynthesis, transpiration, water potential, and leaf carbohydrate content were not affected by root restriction although soil moisture content was lower in the root restricted treatments. Fruiting efficiency (i.e., number of fruit per unit volume of tree canopy) improved only in the RWB treatment over the control. Total soluble solids and the fruit color index were enhanced by root restriction.
Anatomical and Physiological Responses of Melting-and Nonmelting-flesh Peaches to Postharvest Chilling
Authors: Brovelli Ernesto A. , Brecht Jeffrey K. , Sherman Wayne B. , Sims Charles A.
Published: January 2019

A study to compare the response to postharvest chilling (4 °C) for up to 3 weeks of melting-flesh (MF)—FL 90-20, FL 90-21W, and FL 91-16—and nonmelting-flesh (NMF)—`Oro A', FL 90-35C, and FL 90-47C—peach (Prunus persica L.) genotypes revealed that MF fruit were notably more susceptible to the development of mealiness than NMF types. Cell separation in mealy fruit was demonstrated by the release of mesocarp cells to an aqueous medium, allowing determination of mealiness severity. At a histological level, chilling brought about an impressive expansion of the intercellular spaces in MF mesocarp tissue but did not affect NMF fruit. A decrease in flesh electrical resistance after 1 week of chilling was observed only in MF fruit. However, electrical resistance increased in MF and NMF fruit following 2 and 3 weeks at 4 °C. Electrical resistance also decreased with ripening of MF fruit but did not change when NMF fruit were ripened. Unlike NMF fruit, the MF genotypes FL 90-21W and FL 91-16 showed an increase in respiration rate due to chilling. The rate of ethylene production decreased after 1 week at 4 °C in MF and NMF genotypes. However, two MF and two NMF genotypes exhibited rising ethylene levels after the second week of storage at 4 °C, while ethylene production in one MF and one NMF genotype continued to decline.
AA or Basic pH Causes in vitro and Nonenzymatic Cleavage of ACC to Ethylene
Authors: Beaulieu John C. , Pesis Edna , Saltveit Mikal E.
Published: January 2019

An in vitro assay was used to determine the effect of AA and pH on the enzymatic and nonenzymatic production of ethylene (C2H4) from ACC. We were interested in the effect of AA on C2H4 production from ACC because aldehydes, primarily AA, can accumulate in tissue as the result of ripening, storage under modified atmospheres, packaging, and stress. Using crude extracts of ACC oxidase from tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. `Castlemart') and apple (Malus ×domestica Borkh. `Golden delicious'), C2H4 production from ACC was shown to increase in response to an increase in pH above 7.2 and inclusion of 0.2 to 2 mm AA. Nonenzymatic C2H4 production from ACC also increased linearly with increasing AA concentrations in all the buffers tested. Removal of ascorbate or O2 suppressed AA-induced nonenzymatic C2H4 production. Nonenzymatic AA-induced production of C2H4 from ACC appeared to be an ascorbate dependent oxidation, which was augmented by O2 and was sensitive to minor pH fluctuation. The nonenzymatic AA-stimulated conversion of AEC to 1-butene lacked stereospecificity. Formaldehyde and propionaldehyde also stimulated C2H4 production from ACC. These data indicate that ACC oxidase assays or C2H4 measurements assessing physiological status can be seriously affected by the presence of aldehydes, such as AA. Chemical names used: AA, acetaldehyde; ACC, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid; AEC, 1-amino-2-ethylcyclopropanecarboxylic acid; ADH, alcohol dehydrogenase; EtOH, ethanol.
Phenylalanine Ammonia-lyase Inhibitors Do Not Prevent Russet Spotting Lesion Development in Lettuce Midribs
Authors: Peiser Galen , López-Gálvez Gloria , Cantwell Marita , Saltveit Mikal E.
Published: January 2019

Russet spotting is a physiological disorder of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) caused by exposure to hormonal levels (<1 μL·L-1) of ethylene in air at ≈5 °C. Enhanced phenolic metabolism and the accumulation of phenolic compounds accompany the appearance of brown, oval lesions on the leaf midrib. Phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) is the first committed enzyme in the phenylpropanoid pathway. Three inhibitors of PAL activity [2-aminoindan-2-phosphonic acid (AIP), α-aminooxyacetic acid (AOA), and α-aminooxi-β-phenylpropionic acid (AOPP)] greatly reduced the accumulation of phenolic compounds and browning of lesions. At a concentration of 50 μm, AIP inhibited the formation of chlorogenic and dicaffeoyl tartaric acids in cut midribs of iceberg lettuce by 92% and 98%, respectively. AIP competitively inhibited PAL activity from a lettuce midrib homogenate with an apparent Ki of 22 nm. While the formation of phenolic compounds was strongly inhibited by AIP, the number of lesions associated with russet spotting was not affected. Only the color of the lesions was affected by AIP. In control midribs the russet spotting lesions were brown while those in the AIP-treated midribs were initially olive green and after 3 to 7 days these lesions turned the characteristic brown color. No tyrosine ammonia-lyase activity was detected in a homogenate of lettuce midrib tissue. These results indicate that the early development of russet spotting lesions is independent of the increase in PAL activity and phenolic compounds rather than an effect of these increases as previously suggested. However, accumulation of phenolic compounds does contribute to the subsequent browning symptoms indicative of russet spotting.
Drought, Leaf Gas Exchange, and Chlorophyll Fluorescence of Field-grown Papaya
Authors: Marler Thomas E. , Mickelbart Michael V.
Published: January 2019

The influence of drought stress on leaf gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence characteristics of field-grown papaya (Carica papaya L.) plants was determined under a range of incident light fluxes and times of day. These data may aid in improving management systems for papaya production which minimize detrimental effects from suboptimal environmental conditions. Water was withheld from field-grown `Red Lady' plants in one study and `Tainung #2', `Red Lady', and `Sunrise' plants in a second study until soil matric potential was -60 to -70 kPa. Drought-stressed plants exhibited reduced net CO2 assimilation (ACO2) above light saturation, photosynthetic photon flux (PPF) at which light saturation for ACO2 occurred, and apparent quantum yield compared to well-watered plants. The light compensation point of drought-stressed plants was greater than that of well-watered plants. Leaf chlorophyll fluorescence characteristics were not influenced by drought stress. The daily pattern of leaf gas exchange was dependent on climatic conditions. For sunny days, ACO2, stomatal conductance of water (gs), and water use efficiency of well-watered plants were maximal at mid-morning, declined during midday, and then partially recovered during late afternoon. In drought-stressed plants, leaf gas exchange was relatively constant after a brief early morning maximum. On overcast days, the responses of gas exchange variables in relation to time of day followed smooth bell-shaped patterns regardless of the level of drought stress. Combined with previously published data, these results indicate that the influence of drought stress on gas exchange is highly dependent on time of day, ambient sky conditions, plant size, and speed with which drought stress occurs.
Peach Seedling Emergence and Growth in Response to Isothermal and Cycled Stratification Treatments Reveal Two Dormancy Components
Authors: Seeley Schuyler D. , Ayanoglu Hamit , Frisby James W.
Published: January 2019

Dormant seeds of `Johnson Elberta' peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] were stratified at constant 2, 6, or 14 °C or cycled between 2 and 14 °C in 12/12, 14/10, 16/8, 20/4, 22/2, or 23/1 h cycles. Emergence (measured every 3 d after planting) and normal seedling growth (measured after 49 d) increased with longer stratifiction durations. Seeds stratified at 2 °C had the most rapid emergence (only 28 d of stratification was required) but seedling growth was abnormal until 70 d of stratification. Isothermal stratification at 6 °C resulted in normal seedlings after 56 d of stratification but quality and quantity of growth improved with stratification up to 70 d. Seeds stratified at 14 °C showed limited improvement in seedling emergence with time; seedling growth was poor and cotyledonary reserves were not used. Seedling growth after cycled stratification treatments gained normalcy faster than in the constant 2 °C treatment. The 22/2 and 20/4 (2/14 °C) cycles produced normal growth after 56 d of stratification that was comparable to the growth produced by the constant 6 °C treatment. Other cycles required 70 d or more for equivalent seedling growth. Improved seedling growth under cycled treatments could be due to developmental or growth promoting temperature effects of 14 °C during stratification or a combined effect of thermal accumulation and chilling occurring together after a minimal chilling requirement has been completed.
Ammonium Does Not Induce Ammonium Absorption in Tomatoes
Authors: Nicoulaud Bernard A. L. , Bloom Arnold J.
Published: January 2019

We examined root ammonium absorption by tomato seedlings (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. `T-5') after first exposure of the roots to ammonium. Some plants received a nutrient medium containing nitrate as the sole N source. In a second treatment, the leaves were sprayed daily with a urea solution, while the roots were in N-free medium. The last two treatments were initially grown in medium that contained ammonium nitrate, but then either were shifted to a N-free medium for 10 days or had their roots excised and were rerooted in N-free medium for 21 days. Root ammonium absorption remained constant after first exposure to ammonium for the plants exposed to nitrate alone, whereas root ammonium absorption declined with time for the other three treatments. These results indicate that for tomato a) ammonium in the rhizosphere does not induce root ammonium absorption and b) some product of ammonium metabolism represses root ammonium absorption.
GA3 Application Alters Flowering Phenology of `Hass' Avocado
Authors: Salazar-García Samuel , Lovatt Carol J.
Published: January 2019

The objectives of the present research were to quantify 1) the contribution that vegetative shoots produced in the summer vs. fall and indeterminate vs. determinate inflorescences make to yield and 2) the effects of GA3 on flowering expression and inflorescence phenology of summer and fall shoots of `Hass' avocado (Persea americana Mill.) under field conditions. Anthesis started earlier on fall than summer shoots of 10-year-old `Hass' avocado trees; however, no difference in the date of full bloom was observed. Indeterminate inflorescences that underwent early anthesis set more fruit than those with delayed anthesis, conversely, determinate inflorescences with delayed anthesis set more fruit. Indeterminate inflorescences comprised 90% of total inflorescences and contributed 73% of total fruit yield, but individual determinate inflorescences were at least three times more productive than the indeterminate ones. Summer and fall shoots were sprayed with 0, 50, 100, or 1000 mg·L-1 GA3 in November, December or January. GA3 stimulated apical growth of all shoots. If secondary axes of an inflorescence bud were differentiated at the time of GA3 application, the inflorescence developed in advance of inflorescences on branches not treated with GA3. In addition, GA3 caused precocious development of the vegetative shoot of indeterminate inflorescences relative to the flowers in the same inflorescence and relative to the vegetative shoot of indeterminate inflorescences from untreated branches. Stimulation of vegetative growth at the inflorescence apex by GA3 inhibited growth of axillary buds. GA3 at 50 mg·L-1 had no effect on the number of determinate or indeterminate inflorescences produced by either summer or fall shoots. Higher concentrations of GA3 increased the number of vegetative shoots and inactive buds produced by both shoot types.