bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Host Resistance and Metam Sodium for Managing Root-knot Nematodes in a Pepper–Cucumber Rotation
Authors: Thies Judy A. , Davis Richard F. , Mueller John D. , Fery Richard L. , Langston David B. , Miller Gilbert
Published: February 2019

Root-knot nematode-resistant `Charleston Belle' bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L. var. annuum) and metam sodium treatment were evaluated for managing the southern root-knot nematode [Meloidogyne incognita (Chitwood) Kofoid and White] in fall-cropped cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). `Charleston Belle' and its susceptible recurrent parent, `Keystone Resistant Giant', were planted as spring crops at Blackville, S.C., and Tifton, Ga. `Charleston Belle' exhibited high resistance and `Keystone Resistant Giant' was susceptible at both locations. After termination of the bell pepper crop, one-half of the plots were treated with metam sodium delivered through the drip irrigation system. Cucumber yields and numbers of fruit were highest for cucumber grown in plots treated with metam sodium following either `Charleston Belle' or `Keystone Resistant Giant'; however, root gall severity and numbers of M. incognita eggs in the roots were lowest for cucumber grown in plots treated with metam sodium following `Charleston Belle'. Conversely, root gall severity and nematode reproduction were highest for cucumber grown in plots following `Keystone Resistant Giant' without metam sodium treatment. Application of metam sodium through the drip irrigation system following a spring crop of root-knot nematode-resistant bell pepper should reduce severity of root galling and reproduction of M. incognita as well as increase fruit yield of fall-cropped cucumber.
Infrared Thermometry for Early Detection of Drought Stress in Chrysanthemum
Authors: Blom-Zandstra Margaretha , Metselaar Klaas
Published: February 2019

Strict legislation on the release of water and nutrients into the subsoil exists in the Netherlands. Therefore, on-line monitoring and control systems are being developed to tune the supply of water and nutrients to the plants' demand for optimal control of production and reduction of system losses. In this context sensors and control systems are important tools. For Chrysanthemum, however, the effect of reduced irrigation on crop production is not well understood and more data from adequate sensors are required to establish critical soil moisture levels for an optimal crop water status and growth. We studied the effect of different soil water levels and soil desiccation in a climate chamber and under changing light intensities in a greenhouse to assess the critical soil moisture status for optimal growth of Chrysanthemum plants. Moreover, we studied the efficacy of infrared (IR) thermometry as a useful tool for on-line monitoring and control under the conditions of Dutch greenhouse horticulture. It is shown in this study that under moderate climate conditions plants start to suffer from water shortage when soil moisture potential pF reaches values below –32 kPa. Water status of the plant can very well be monitored on-line in a greenhouse as changes in leaf temperature due to water shortage can be detected by IR thermometry, especially at summer radiation levels. In the climate chamber however, leaf temperature did not respond to changes in soil water status, suggesting that the environmental settings of the climate chamber are unsuitable for these kind of experiments. In two of the three experiments at different levels of global radiation a change in leaf temperature is explained by a change in water regime. We conclude that regression analysis of high frequency on-line IR monitoring may be a useful tool for expost analyses of irrigation regimes at high light intensities, and may lead to interesting insights in crop responses.
Effect of CPPU on Fruit Development of Selected Seedless and Seeded Grape Cultivars
Authors: Zabadal Thomas J. , Bukovac Martin J.
Published: February 2019

The effects of CPPU [forchlorfenuron, N-(2-chloro-4-pyridinyl)-N-phenylurea] on berry development of Vitis labrusca and V. labrusca × V. vinifera cultivars was evaluated under field conditions. A concentration response was initially established by spraying clusters of `Himrod' at a mean berry diameter of about 5 mm with 0, 5, 10, or 15 mg·L–1 CPPU. Berry enlargement was monitored (16, 30, 44, and 59 days after treatment) during development. Cluster mass, number of berries per cluster, berry mass and firmness, and °Brix were determined at harvest. Berry mass was dramatically increased (2.3 versus about 3.6 g/berry) at harvest by all concentrations of CPPU. Cluster mass and compactness were also increased and berry firmness was linearly related to CPPU concentration (r2 = 0.997). There was no significant effect on number of berries per cluster (79 to 86). °Brix, rachis necrosis at harvest, and berry abscission after 30 days of refrigerated storage (1 °C) were significantly reduced. Effect of time of CPPU application (0, 5, and 10 mg·L–1) was established by treatment of clusters at mean berry diameters of about 4, 5, 7, and 9 mm. Response was indexed by following berry enlargement at 14, 28, 42, and 56 (maturity) days after treatment. Maximum berry size for both 5 and 10 mg·L–1 was obtained from applications at 4 to 7 mm berry diameter. Relative response of seedless and seeded cultivars was compared by application of CPPU at 0, 5, 10, or 15 mg·L–1 to clusters (4 to 6 mm berry diameter) of seedless `Vanessa' and `Lakemont' and seeded `Concord' and `Niagara'. Bioresponse was determined by a time course of berry enlargement and berry and cluster mass, number of berries per cluster, and rating cluster compactness at maturity. Except for `Lakemont' at the 5 mg·L–1 concentration, CPPU at all concentrations increased seedless berry diameter significantly from the first measurement at 14 through 56 days after application. Berry and cluster mass and cluster compactness were significantly increased in `Vanessa'. In contrast, the only effect of CPPU on the two seeded cultivars was an increase in berry size in `Concord' and an initial increase in berry size 14 days after application in `Niagara'.
Tissue Culture Regeneration of a Medicinal Plant from Mexico: Piper auritum Kunth.
Authors: Domínguez Fabiola , Lozoya Xavier , Simon James
Published: February 2019

An efficient whole plant regeneration method from callus cultures of Piper auritum was achieved through organogenesis derived from leaf tissue. Proliferating callus and shoot cultures derived from leaf tissue explants placed on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 2.0 mg·L–1 2, 4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) plus 1.5 mg·L–1 kinetin. Optimum combination of hormones (mg·L–1) for shoot induction was 0.5 2,4-D: 1.5 mg·L–1 kinetin (by volume), that resulted in a high rooting rate (49.6 shoots per explant). All of the plants elongated when using a medium consisting of 0.1 mg·L–1 2,4-D plus 1 mg·L–1 kinetin. Elongated shoots were successfully rooted (100%) on half-strength MS medium supplemented with 2.0 mg·L–1 indole-3-acetic acid. All plantlets survived to the growing conditions of a greenhouse. This study demonstrates that leaf tissue of P. auritum is competent for adventitious shoot regeneration and establishes an efficient and useful protocol for the multiplication and conservation of P. autirum for further investigation of its medicinally active constituents.
Preservation Methods for Jerusalem Artichoke Cultivars
Authors: Volk G.M. , Richards K.
Published: February 2019

Preservation methods were evaluated for jerusalem artichokes (Helianthus tuberosus L.) to facilitate the back-up of field collections. In vitro plant cultures were established from field-harvested tubers for nine jerusalem artichoke cultivars obtained from the Plant Gene Resources of Canada, Saskatoon Research Center, Saskatoon, Canada. Most cultivars could be maintained at 5 °C or under 25 °C growth room conditions for at least 6 months. Excised shoot tips from in vitro cultures were cryopreserved using plant vitrification solution 2 (PVS2; 15% w/v ethylene glycol, 15% w/v dimethyl sulfoxide, 30% w/v glycerol, and 13.7% w/v sucrose in half strength media salts) as a cryoprotectant. PVS2 exposures of 15 or 30 min at 0 °C resulted in an average regrowth of 34% across five jerusalem artichoke cultivars after liquid nitrogen exposure. Jerusalem artichokes can be successfully maintained using both reduced temperature and cryopreservation approaches.
Apple Orchard Productivity and Fruit Quality under Organic, Conventional, and Integrated Management
Authors: Peck Gregory M. , Andrews Preston K. , Reganold John P. , Fellman John K.
Published: February 2019

Located on a 20-ha commercial apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) orchard in the Yakima Valley, Washington, a 1.7-ha study area was planted with apple trees in 1994 in a randomized complete block design with four replications of three treatments: organic (ORG), conventional (CON), and integrated (INT). Soil classification, rootstock, cultivar, plant age, and all other conditions except management were the same on all plots. In years 9 (2002) and 10 (2003) of this study, we compared the orchard productivity and fruit quality of `Galaxy Gala' apples. Measurements of crop yield, yield efficiency, crop load, average fruit weight, tree growth, color grades, and weight distributions of marketable fruit, percentages of unmarketable fruit, classifications of unmarketable fruit, as well as leaf, fruit, and soil mineral concentrations, were used to evaluate orchard productivity. Apple fruit quality was assessed at harvest and after refrigerated (0 to 1 °C) storage for three months in regular atmosphere (ambient oxygen levels) and for three and six months in controlled atmosphere (1.5% to 2% oxygen). Fruit internal ethylene concentrations and evolution, fruit respiration, flesh firmness, soluble solids concentration (SSC), titratable acidity (TA), purgeable volatile production, sensory panels, and total antioxidant activity (TAA) were used to evaluate fruit quality. ORG crop yields were two-thirds of the CON and about half of the INT yields in 2002, but about one-third greater than either system in 2003. High ORG yields in 2003 resulted in smaller ORG fruit. Inconsistent ORG yields were probably the result of several factors, including unsatisfactory crop load management, higher pest and weed pressures, lower leaf and fruit tissue nitrogen, and deficient leaf tissue zinc concentrations. Despite production difficulties, ORG apples had 6 to 10 N higher flesh firmness than CON, and 4 to 7 N higher than INT apples, for similar-sized fruit. Consumer panels tended to rate ORG and INT apples to have equal or better overall acceptability, firmness, and texture than CON apples. Neither laboratory measurements nor sensory evaluations detected differences in SSC, TA, or the SSC to TA ratio. Consumers were unable to discern the higher concentrations of flavor volatiles found in CON apples. For a 200 g fruit, ORG apples contained 10% to 15% more TAA than CON apples and 8% to 25% more TAA than INT apples. Across most parameters measured in this study, the CON and INT farm management systems were more similar to each other than either was to the ORG system. The production challenges associated with low-input organic apple farming systems are discussed. Despite limited technologies and products for organic apple production, the ORG apples in our study showed improvements in some fruit quality attributes that could aid their marketability.
Perspectives on Postharvest Biopesticides and Storage Technologies for Organic Produce
Authors: Prange Robert K. , Ramin Ali A. , Daniels-Lake Barbara J. , DeLong John M. , Braun P. Gordon
Published: February 2019

Fewer postharvest technologies are available for use on organic than conventional fruits and vegetables. Even though biopesticides are perceived as likely candidates for postharvest use on organic produce, only some biopesticides will be approved as organic compounds for various reasons. An example is the definition of a biopesticide used by regulatory agencies such as the EPA which includes compounds that will not be considered organically acceptable. Fortunately, there are other existing or new technologies that could be acceptable on organic fruits and vegetables. Some examples are hot water immersion treatment or a hot water rinsing and brushing, new innovative controlled atmosphere techniques, alternative sprout control agents, naturally occurring volatiles and biofumigants. More research is needed on each of these technologies, both singly and in combination with each other.
Fruit Variability and Relationships between Color at Harvest and Quality during Storage of Uapaca kirkiana (Muell. Arg.) Fruit from Natural Woodlands
Authors: Kadzere Irene , Watkins Chris B. , Merwin Ian A. , Akinnifesi Festus K. , Saka John D. K. , Mhango Jarret
Published: February 2019

The full commercial potential of wild loquat [Uapaca kirkiana (Muell. Arg.)], a fruit that is widely used for food and income in parts of Africa, is restricted by its short shelf life and variability in postharvest quality. We have evaluated within and among tree variability in fruit size and color at harvest, and changes of color, soluble solids concentrations (SSC) and pulp deterioration during storage, of fruit harvested during the maturation period. The relationships between fruit shape, size, seed number and SSC of fruit harvested at the ripe stage of maturity was also assessed. Size and color of fruit within and among trees at harvest varied greatly within the same location on the same harvest date. The a* values (redness) were more variable than for other color attributes, reflecting a range of fruit colors from greenish to brown. During a 6 day storage period, fruit color lightness and yellowness decreased, while redness increased, and variation in color attributes decreased. Although fruit color intensified during storage, the SSC of fruit after ripening was linked more with fruit color at harvest, with mean concentrations ranging from 6.7% to 13.8% among trees. When fruit were harvested four weeks later and categorized by color at harvest, SSC varied from 11.8% in greenish-yellow fruit to 14.5% in browner fruit. Pulp deterioration of stored fruit harvested unripe was observed by 6 days. The SSC of fruit harvested when ripe was not significantly correlated with shape, size or seed number. These observations have important implications for germplasm selection and collection of U. kirkiana for domestication purposes. Timing of harvest and/or postharvest sorting of fruit is likely to reduce variability in SSC during the postharvest period.
Long-term Response of `Hamlin' Orange Trees to Controlled-release Nitrogen Fertilizers
Authors: Obreza Thomas A. , Rouse Robert E.
Published: February 2019

Controlled-release N (CRN) fertilizer is receiving interest as a possible nutrient best management practice (BMP) for Florida citrus production, but grower acceptance will be limited until cost decreases and familiarity with CRN materials increases. The objective of this study was to compare long-term citrus production resulting from N fertilizer programs containing isobutylidene diurea (IBDU) or methylene urea (MU) with a conventional water-soluble N fertilizer program to determine the magnitude of horticultural utility provided by CRN. We applied N to a newly planted `Hamlin' orange (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck) orchard using three sources (100% ammonium nitrate (AN); a 50/50 mixture of AN/IBDU; a 60/40 mixture of AN/MU) at four rates (0.25, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 or 1.5 times the recommended annual rate) in factorial combination, and continued for 7 years. During this period, AN was applied 31 times vs. about 15 times for CRN-containing fertilizers. We measured fruit yield, juice quality, and total soluble solids (TSS) yield in years 4 through 7 and found that they generally were not affected by N source, especially when year-to-year variation was taken into account. In year 7, fruit and TSS yields of well-fertilized trees reached 153 and 9.2 kg/tree, respectively. Maximum 4-year cumulative fruit and TSS yields (486 and 27.6 kg/tree, respectively) occurred at an N rate of 200 kg/ha. Maximum juice quality occurred at 180 kg N/ha. We feel the CRN materials tested could be used successfully in a nutritional BMP program that would maintain high yields while potentially decreasing N loss to the environment.
A Note on the Analysis of Designed Experiments with Complex Treatment Structure
Authors: Piepho H.P. , Williams E.R. , Fleck M.
Published: February 2019

Many experiments involve a complex treatment structure, and it is not always immediately obvious how such experiments should be analysed. This paper shows by way of three examples how a suitable linear model can be formulated that provides a meaningful analysis of variance table and allows mean comparisons of interest to be obtained in a straightforward manner. Possible advantages of this approach compared to the use of linear contrasts are discussed. It is concluded that a well-chosen model can often considerably simplify the analysis and lead to useful statistical inferences. The approach advocated in this paper is going to be strongest when there is good design structure present.
1-METHYLCYCLOPROPENE EFFECTS ON EXTERNAL CARBON DIOXIDE INJURY OF `EMPIRE' APPLES
Authors: Razafimbelo Fanjaniaina , Nock Jacqueline F. , Watkins Chris B.
Published: February 2019

The ethylene inhibitor, 1 methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), is used extensively in New York to maintain quality of the `Empire' apple cultivar through the marketing chain. However, the cultivar is susceptible to external CO2 injury, a physiological disorder that develops predominantly on the unblushed area of the apple skin. Injury is expressed as tan colored, smooth, water-soaked areas that become irregularly shaped, rough, depressed and wrinkled. The disorder usually occurs during controlled atmosphere (CA) storage. 1-MCP may increase susceptibility of fruit to external CO2 injury. Three experiments have been carried out to investigate postharvest manipulations that may attenuate the effects of 1-MCP on external CO2 injury of `Empire' apple. 1) The effect of CO2 concentration (1%, 2.5%, and 5%) and time of exposure to 2.5% and 5% CO2 during CA storage. 2) Delaying exposure of fruit to 5% CO2 after harvest to up to 14 d. 3) Using lower concentrations of diphenylamine (DPA), an antioxidant that is known to eliminate susceptibility at normal rates. The results show that higher external CO2 injury levels are associated with higher CO2 concentrations, but that 1-MCP does not increase the exposure period of susceptibility to injury during CA storage. Susceptibility to CO2injury is decreased markedly by delaying application of CA storage in untreated fruit. In contrast, high susceptibility to injury is maintained in 1-MCP-treated fruit as long as 14 days after harvest. DPA eliminated injury in 1-MCP-treated fruit, even at 250 ppm, 25% of commercial rates used for superficial scald control. Our data show that 1-MCP increases susceptibility of `Empire' apples to external CO2 injury and special care is therefore required to avoid fruit losses. Nonchemical means may reduce losses, but the only technology that has been shown to eliminate risk of injury is DPA treatment.
OPTIMAL HANDLING OF BAREROOT PERENNIALS AFTER HARVEST
Authors: Bernal Obdulia Baltazar , Miller W. B.
Published: February 2019

The objective of this research was to investigate factors affecting the survival and regrowth vigor after storage of bareroot perennials. The first experiment was to determine the optimal storage temperature for bareroot regrowth and survival. The treatments were done by collaborators in Holland, where the plants were harvested in November 2004, washed, dried, packed and stored at –0.5, 0, or 2 °C for 6 months. Phlox paniculata `Rowie', Echinacea purpurea `Magnus', Eelleborus orientalis `Tricastin' and Papaver orientalis `Forncett Summer' were evaluated using three replicates per treatment with 18 bareroots per replicate. In Phlox, height, the number of shoots and survival increased as storage temperature decreased from 2 to –0.5 °C. In Papaver, survival decreased as the storage temperature decreased. In the other species the variables were not affected by these temperatures. The second experiment was to evaluate the effect of drying and rehydration on regrowth of bareroot perennials. Bareroots were dried for 0, 2, 4, 8, or 24 hours at 9 °C and 85% RH before storage for 6 months. In each treatment, nine bareroots were planted per replication without preplant soaking and eight bare-roots were pre-plant soaked in water for ten minutes before planting. In Phlox, the pre-plant soaking increased regrowth and survival, but had no effect on Echinacea, Helleborus, and Papaver. For all species, with the limits imposed in these experiments, desiccation had no consistent effect on survival.
ENDOWMENT STRATEGIES FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE BOTANIC GARDENS
Authors: Stephens Matt , Gray Melody , Moydell Edward , Paul Julie , Sturman Tree , Hird Abby , Lepper Sonya , Prestowitz Cate , Sharber Casey , Steil Aaron
Published: February 2019

The University of Delaware Botanic Gardens (UDBG) is at a critical juncture in its development. Momentum of shared interest at the University of Delaware and the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources favors the Gardens' advancement as an institution. Having identified endowment planning as a critical and immediate need for UDBG, the goal of this research was to gather pertinent institutional knowledge from select university-based public gardens throughout the United States that had already created an endowment. Key staff were interviewed during the summer of 2005 at Cornell Plantations, JC Raulston Arboretum, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, and the State Botanic Garden of Georgia. Valuable insights into the procurement and management of endowments within a university-based garden environment were gained through these interviews. Utilizing these results, as well as input from an advisory Task Force, specific recommendations for the University of Delaware Botanic Gardens were made from within the following topic areas: Organizational Structure, Planning, Current Strategies, The Endowment, and The Donor.
ORGANIC FERTILIZERS FOR LOWBUSH BLUEBERRY
Authors: Smagula John M. , Fastook Ilse
Published: February 2019

Acommercial lowbush blueberry field with a history of N and P deficiency was used to study the response to several organic fertilizers. Diammonium phosphate (DAP) is the standard fertilizer for correcting N and P deficiencyin non-organic production. At a rate of 67 kg N/ha Rennaisance (8–2–6), Pro-Holly (4–6–4), Pro Grow (5–3–4), Nutri-Wave (4–1–2), or DAP (18–46–0) was applied preemergent to 1.8 × 15 m treatment plots. An unfertilized plot served as the control. Leaf N and P were deficient in the controls. DAP and Pro-Holly raised leaf N to satisfactory levels (1.6%). Only DAP raised leaf P concentrations (0.144%), compared to controls (0.122%). Leaf K was not deficient but was raised by Pro-Holly. Pro-Holly and DAP were equally effective in increasing stem height, branching, branch length, flower bud formation, and yield. Pro-Holly could effectively substitute for DAP in organic wild blueberry production.
COMPARISON OF NON-CHEMICAL WEED MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS IN EDIBLE SOYBEANS
Authors: Hunsberger Laura K.
Published: February 2019

Vegetable soybeans [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] (edamame) are growing in popularity as a niche crop grown by traditional grain producers. Edamame were grown in an organically transitional system from 2004–2005 at the University of Maryland Lower Eastern Shore Research and Education Center in Salisbury, Md. Four weed suppressing treatments were used in order to determine if this crop would grow well in an organic production system. Five varieties; BeSweet 2020S, BeSweet 292, 414F, Dixie (2004 only), and Mooncake (2005 only) were grown in a RCB design with 4 reps. The weed suppression systems included; a ground cover of commercially purchased compost in a 4-inch layer, a ground cover of straw in a 4-inch layer, New Zealand Clover applied as a living mulch at a rate of 35#/A and an untreated control. Soybeans grown in both commercial compost and clover had significantly higher yields (6,606 and 5,578 lb/acre, respectively) than those grown in the untreated control (4,283 lb/acre), but were not different from those grown in straw (5,578 lb/acre). Weed suppression system also had an affect on the pod number per plant. On average, compost, clover and straw had 49% more pods per plant than the control. Over both years, BeSweet 2020S, BeSweet 292, 414F, and Dixie all had significantly higher yields than Mooncake (5,003, 5,613, 5,522, 7,138 and 1,875 lb/acre, respectively). Variety also had an effect on pod number per plant, with BeSweet 2020S having a 37% higher pod number that BeSweet 292. It is feasible that vegetable soybeans can be grown organically or in a low input system. This value added crop could fill an important niche for both market growers and small traditional grain producers growers.
IN VITRO SHOOT AND LEAF PROLIFERATION OF ENCYCLIA TAMPENSIS (LIND.) ORCHIDS
Authors: Haddix Monica , Kamp-Glass Marihelen , Raczkowski Charles
Published: February 2019

Encyclia is a genus of orchids with four members native to Florida that are Endangered or commercially exploited. If a commercial orchid tissue culture media was found that could be used to propagate Encyclia, the resulting plants could be introduced into protected habitats to increase the wild populations or could be grown commercially to lessen the demand for collected plants. Six month Encyclia tampensis (Lindl.) seedlings were grown in Orchid Maintenance/Replate Medium w/Banana and Charcoal with 6 g·L–1 agar (C), ½ strength Orchid Multiplication Medium with 6 g·L–1 agar and 10 g·L–1 charcoal (OM), Knudson C Orchid Medium – Morel Modification with 6 g·L–1 agar and 10 g·L–1 charcoal (K), or Vacin and Went Modified Orchid Medium w/agar and sucrose with 10 g·L–1 charcoal (VW) for seven weeks. Plants grown in OM and VW media both produced more shoots and roots (7.56 leaves, 1.92 shoots and 6.67 leaves, 1.76 shoots respectively) than the control medium (5.87 leaves, 1.70 shoots) with OM producing the highest averages. Plants grown in the K medium averaged significantly less shoots and leaves than the other three media (4.94 leaves, 1.35 shoots).
REPRODUCTIVE BEHAVIOR OF DIPLOID AND ALLOTETRAPLOID AZALEODENDRONS
Authors: Contreras Ryan N. , Ranney Thomas G.
Published: February 2019

Wide hybridization can potentially lead to the combination of diverse traits, but these hybrids are often sterile as is the case with the inter-subgeneric hybrid Rhododendron `Fragrant Affinity'. Induction of polyploidy can restore chromosome homology and fertility in wide hybrids. In this study we successfully developed an allopolyploid form of R. `Fragrant Affinity' using oryzalin as a mitotic inhibitor and chromosome doubling agent. Approximate genome size (2C), determined using flow cytometry, was 1.6 pg for the diploid and 3.2 pg for the allotetraploid. Pollen viability, determined by staining and germination tests, was 4% and 0%, respectively for the diploid and 68% and 45%, respectively for the allotetraploid. No seeds were produced when the diploid R. `Fragrant Affinity' was crossed with pollen from viable diploid and tetraploid parents. The allotetraploid produced viable seeds and seedlings when crossed with viable pollen from either diploid or tetraploid parents, including self pollination, demonstrating restored fertility. Additional crosses were successfully completed using the allotetraploid as part of an ongoing breeding program to develop new fragrant, cold hardy, evergreen rhododendron.
GARDENDATA.ORG, AN INTERACTIVE FAQ DATABASE FOR CONSUMER HORTICULTURE
Authors: Durham Richard E. , Dunwell Winston C.
Published: February 2019

GardenData.org developed from a need, identified by a survey of Kentucky county Extension agents, for a database resource to assist in answering frequently asked questions (FAQs) from home gardeners and consumers. A team, consisting of representatives from both the University of Kentucky and Kentucky State University and made up of an administrator, horticul-ture specialists, county Extension agents, and agricultural communication specialists, worked together to create GardenData.org. Development of the database of FAQs in consumer or home horticulture began in 2004 and all content is peer reviewed by Kentucky Extension specialists before making answers publicly available. An interactive prototype program was launched for use by county Extension agents in February 2005. Following a positive response Gardendata.org was made publicly available in Summer 2005. Clients are asked their electronic mail address and Kentucky county in order to enter the web site and to become a repeat user of GardenData.org. Once they have conducted a search of available FAQs, clients may submit a question to GardenData.org to be answered by Kentucky Extension personnel. From recent data (December 2005 and January 2006) the self-service rate for the site is greater than 95%, indicating that most visitors are content to search existing FAQs rather than ask a new question. As new questions are submitted, they are answered by Extension personnel, reviewed and added to the growing database of FAQs.
INCORPORATING PONDS INTO SOUTHERN FLORIDA'S TROPICAL URBAN LANDSCAPE
Authors: Miller Christian L. , Garofalo Joe
Published: February 2019

Water gardening is fast becoming an integral part of many South Florida landscapes. Due to this growing trend, many professional pond construction and maintenance companies are prospering. However, most people lack the knowledge, finances, or space to build a large show pond. In areas where space is an issue, homeowners may find that a smaller container water feature may be a suitable replacement for the more traditional display pond. Ponds come in a wide variety of styles, shapes, materials, and sizes, so one is only limited by their imagination and budget. Since proper planning is critical to the long term success of any pond, a prospective pond owner should seek the expertise of professional pond company or their county extension agent. Due to South Florida's subtropical climate, a unique variety of plants and fishes are available to the water gardener, which allow for the garden to be enjoyed year-round.
LONG-TERM SURVIVAL OF GOLDEN TRUMPET TREE AND COPPERPOD ON ROCKLAND SOIL IN SOUTH FLORIDA
Authors: Garofalo Joe , Regalado Ruben
Published: February 2019

The soil in south Miami–Dade Co., Fla., consists of 4 to 6 inches of scarified limestone, officially a “very gravelly loam”. The bedrock reaches the surface; with little weathered material or organic matter. Heavy equipment is used to break up the rock, and a rock plow is used every few years to prevent re-compaction. Street trees in swales are installed in shallow holes dug in the rock and back-filled with crushed limestone. Golden trumpet tree, or yellow tab, Tabebuia chrysotricha, and copperpod, Peltophorum pterocarpum, are deciduous, tropical trees of medium size. Both are popular throughout south Florida because they produce spectacular displays of yellow flowers before the leaves emerge in the spring. When planted on rockland soil, both species present maintenance problems which suggest that they may not be good choices for use as street trees. In Summer 2005, after three hurricanes, both species were evaluated for long-term survival. Of 246 Tabebuia, 26% fell, 18% leaned (or 45% damaged), and 25% were missing, having been destroyed in previous years. Only one was broken, the rest fell due to root failure. Six large trees growing near buildings were standing. It appears that yellow tab is not a good street tree in rockland, not even for the short-term. Of 142 Peltophorum, 23% fell, 3% leaned (or 26% damaged), and 4% were missing. Due to an umbrella-like branching pattern, 15% had branches broken on the street side, caused by vehicles, not wind. Though it sustained only half the wind damage of yellow tab, copperpod is not a good street tree, due to poor branching patterns.
IR4 UPDATE: NEW PEST CONTROL PRODUCTS BEING RESEARCHED FOR THE FRUIT CROPS INDUSTRY
Authors: Meister Charles
Published: February 2019

The IR4 Specialty Crops Program was established to assist in the registration of pest control products for minor uses. The national program, headquartered at Rutgers University and operating through four regions with a network of scientists in every state develops lists of grower needs, prioritizes projects and develops protocols to secure EPA tolerances that lead to labels. Every year IR4 works on pest control products needed by the fruit industry. Pest control products being researched for 2006 include: Insect and disease control in tropical fruit crops: Lepadopterous larvae control in peaches with Avaunt, Danitol, and Spintor: Mite and raspberry crown borer control in blackberry: Weed control in blueberry with Sandea and Spartan: Botrytis and anthracnose control in strawberry.
MASTER GARDENER PERCEPTION OF GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORNAMENTAL PLANTS
Authors: Klingeman William , Hall Charles , Babbit Beth
Published: February 2019

Though genetically modified (GM) ornamental cut flowers are already available commercially, U.S. academics and Green Industry growers have not assessed consumer perception about GM ornamental plants for landscape use. Because we must make inferences from studies of GM foods, we risk misunderstanding and alienating stakeholders and clients. If we misjudge the end-user, we jeopardize the market for future GM ornamental plant introductions. To address this gap, we surveyed Tennessee Master Gardener Volunteers in 2004. Respondents (n = 607) revealed that concern and belief about GM ornamental plants parallel U.S. expectation about GM foods. Average Master Gardener volunteer responses predict that GM ornamental plants would provide only slight benefits to both the environment and human health once used in the landscape. Compared with non-GM plants, GM ornamental plants are expected to be about the same or less invasive in the landscape. While all types of GM ornamental plants were expected to provide slight benefits, plant types were perceived differently with male respondents expecting perennials to yield the most environmental benefits and females indicating grasses and turf. Men and women also differed in their relative acceptance of GM ornamental plants, if genes were added from different types of organisms to achieve a genetic transformation of an ornamental shrub. Our results suggest that academic outreach and Green Industry marketing to promote new GM plant products should emphasize attributes of benefit, rather than GM transformation processes. Regardless, about 73% of TN Master Gardener respondents reported interest in buying GM ornamental plants if sold commercially, but the majority advocated a requirement for GM plant product labeling at point-of-sale.
POTENTIAL OF CHLORINE DIOXIDE TO EXTEND THE LONGEVITY OF CUT FLOWERS
Authors: Macnish Andrew J. , Leonard Ria T. , Nell Terril A.
Published: February 2019

The postharvest longevity of fresh-cut flowers is often limited by the accumulation of bacteria in vase water and flower stems. Aqueous chlorine dioxide is a strong biocide with potential application for sanitizing cut flower solutions. We evaluated the potential of chlorine dioxide to prevent the build-up of bacteria in vase water and extend the longevity of cut Matthiola incana `Ruby Red', Gypsophila paniculata `Crystal' and Gerbera jamesonii `Monarch' flowers. Fresh-cut flower stems were placed into sterile vases containing deionized water and either 0.0 or 2 μL·L–1 chlorine dioxide. Flower vase life was then judged at 21 ± 0.5 °C and 40% to 60% relative humidity. Inclusion of 2 μL·L–1 chlorine dioxide in vase water extended the longevity of Matthiola, Gypsophila and Gerbera flowers by 2.2, 3.5, and 3.4 days, respectively, relative to control flowers (i.e., 0 μL·L–1). Treatment with 2 μL·L–1 chlorine dioxide reduced the build-up of aerobic bacteria in vase water for 6 to 9 days of vase life. For example, addition of 2 μL·L–1 chlorine dioxide to Gerbera vase water reduced the number of bacteria that grew by 2.4- to 2.8-fold, as compared to control flower water. These results confirm the practical value of chlorine dioxide treatments to reduce the accumulation of bacteria in vase water and extend the display life of cut flowers.
FRUIT SIZE AND STAGE OF RIPENESS AFFECT POSTHARVEST WATER LOSS IN BELL PEPPER FRUIT (CAPSICUM ANNUUM L.)
Authors: Carlos Díaz-Pérez Juan , Muy-Rangel María Dolores , Mascorro Arturo Gaytán
Published: February 2019

Fruit water loss significantly affects the quality of bell peppers. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of fruit weight, size, and stage of ripeness on the rate of water loss and permeance to water vapor. Fruit surface area/weight ratio decreased logarithmically with increases in fruit size, with smaller fruit showing larger changes in the ratio than larger fruit. Mean water loss rate for individual fruit and permeance to water vapor declined with increases in fruit size and as fruit ripeness progressed. Fruit surface area/weight ratio and rate of water loss were both highest in immature fruit and showed no differences between mature green and red fruit. In mature fruit, permeance to water vapor for the skin and calyx were 29 μmol·m–2·s–1·kPa–1 and 398 μmol·m–2·s–1·kPa–1, respectively. About 26% of the water loss in mature fruit occurred through the calyx. There was a decline in firmness, water loss rate, and permeance to water vapor of the fruit with increasing fruit water loss during storage.
SANDEA–SOIL INSECTICIDE INTERACTION STUDIES IN NORTH CAROLINA POTATOES
Authors: Batts R.B. , MacRae A.W.
Published: February 2019

Trials were conducted at Plymouth, NC in 2004 and 2005 to determine the effect of halosulfuron on the yield and grade of white-skinned and red-skinned Irish potatoes when used in combination with different infurrow insecticides. Factors for the factorial design used included potato variety, halosulfuron timing, halosulfuron rate, and insecticide. In-furrow insecticides included imidacloprid. aldicarb, and phorate at 30.3, 293, and 233 g ai/1000 m of row, respectively. Halosulfuron was applied at 26.3 or 52.6 g ai/ha preemergence (PRE), postemergence, over the top (POST), or postdirected (P-DIR) to the potatoes. Preemergence applications of halosulfuron were made after last hilling of the bed, POST applications were made at early flowering, and P-DIR sprays were applied at late flowering. Crop injury was evaluated visually at 2 and 4 weeks after treatment (WAT). Potatoes were dug and graded at maturity. Data was subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) with means separated using Fisher's protected LSD (p = 0.05). No interaction between insecticides and halosulfuron were observed. However, some yield differences were seen due to halosulfuron alone. Minimal (<10%) injury was seen with PRE and P-DIR applications. Substantial injury was only seen at 2 WAT, and only from POST treatments. At this timing, halosulfuron applied at the low rate injured potato 14-19% across the insecticides, while the high rate caused significantly higher injury (23% to 24%). Injury from the POST timing did affect yield. Higher levels of smaller potatoes (USDA Grade #1) were found in the POST treatments, when pooled over years, varieties and rates. This indicates that tuber development may have been delayed due to foliar injury. This is supported by the lower levels of USDA Grade #3 potatoes from POST applications compared to other timings. When pooled across years, varieties, and rates, the lowest total yields were with the POST timing.
WEED CONTROL IN TOMATO WITH HALOSULFURON (SANDEA)
Authors: Masabni Joseph G.
Published: February 2019

Experiments were conducted in the last 3 years to evaluate the safety and efficacy of halosulfuron (Sandea 75WG) application under the plastic mulch within 7 days of transplanting tomato. In 2003, tomato plants were transplanted daily from day 0 through 7 after halosulfuron 0.051 kg a.i./ha application. Plant survival and height were collected. Tomato plants survived all dates of transplanting treatments. Plant height indicated that plants transplanted early were taller than those transplanted late, only because they had more time to establish and grow in the field. In 2004, tomatoes were set on a 2-day interval from day 0 through 10 after halosulfuron application. Halosulfuron 0.025 or 0.052 kg a.i./ha had no effect on plant height or yield. In 2005, an experiment was initiated to determine whether addition of trifluralin to halosulfuron under the plastic mulch will improve grass control and remain safe to tomatoes. Halosulfuron at 0.025, 0.052, and 0.1 kg a.i./ha, was applied alone and combined with trifluralin 0.63 kg a.i./ha. All treatments were applied under the plastic mulch. Tomato plants were transplanted at 6 days after application (DBT) and 0 DBT. Halosulfuron 0.1 kg ai/ha resulted in slight stunting and yield reduction of tomato, whether applied at 6 or 0DBT. However, this stunting was not statistically significant. Trifluralin didn't affect tomato yield at 6DBT and significantly increased yields at 0DBT for 0.052 and 0.1 ka a.i./ha halosulfuron rates. Trifluralin reduced grass biomass but resulted in an increase of nightshade biomass. Halosulfuron was determined to be very safe on tomato growth and yield, even if tomato was transplanted on the same day of application. Trifluralin also was found to have little or no effect on tomato growth or yield, and appears to have a potential use as an herbicide for under plastic application in tomato production.
NUTSEDGE CONTROL IN TOMATO WITH COMBINATIONS OF SANDEA (HALOSULFURON) AND DUAL MAGNUM (S-METOLACHLOR)
Authors: Foshee Wheeler G. , Adcock Collin W. , Wehtje Glenn R. , Gilliam Charles H. , Wells Larry W.
Published: February 2019

Effects of combining labeled rates of halosulfuron (Sandea) and s-metolachlor (Dual Magnum) were evaluated as a preemergence (PRE) application in a randomized complete block designed experiment at the Wiregrass Experiment Station in southeastern Alabama. Treatments were assigned in a factorial arrangement of four levels of halosulfuron (0.0, 0.009, 0.018, and 0.036 lbs. a.i./acre) and six levels of s-metolachlor (0.0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.0, and 1.25 lbs. a.i/acre). The purpose of the study was to ascertain possible synergistic effects from combining these two herbicides to control nutsedge at a possible lower cost. Two repetitions were completed in 2005 with data pooled in analysis. Results found no interaction between the halosulfuron and the s-metolachlor and therefore no synergistic affects. Analysis of the main effects revealed that the highest labeled rate of either herbicide gave the highest percent control relative to the nontreated control. Soil activity of halosulfuron in controlling nutsedge has been shown to be less effective than foliar applications. Our own LD90 greenhouse studies confirmed this to be true. We examined four application techniques of halosulfuron (POST both soil and foliar, POST foliar only, POST soil only, and PRE soil only) to determine the LD90. Results revealed that halosulfuron had the lowest LD90 from the treatments with a foliar application. However, some soil activity was observed. Results from field studies indicated that PRE applications of halosulfuron must be at the highest labeled rate to provide effective control. S-metolachlor was equal to halosulfuron on percent control and is lower in cost on a per acre basis.
PERFORMANCE OF METHYL BROMIDE ALTERNATIVES FOR STRAWBERRY IN FLORIDA AND SPAIN
Authors: Santos Bielinski M. , Manuel López-Aranda José , Gilreath James P. , Miranda Luis , Soria Carmen , Medina Juan J.
Published: February 2019

Tunnel and open field trials were conducted in two locations in Huelva, Spain, and one in Florida to determine the effect of selected methyl bromide (MBr) alternatives on strawberry yield. In Spain, the tunnel treatments were: a) nontreated control, b) MBr + chloropicrin (Pic) 50:50 at a rate of 400 kg·ha–1; c) dazomet at 400 kg·ha–1, d) 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D) + Pic 65:35 at 300 kg·ha–1; e) Pic at 300 kg/ha; f) dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) + Pic 50:50 at 250 + 250 kg·ha–1; and f) propylene oxide at 550 kg·ha–1. All treatments were covered with virtually impermeable film (VIF), except the nontreated control, which was covered with low-density polyethylene (LDPE) mulch. Dazomet was rototilled 10 cm deep, whereas the other fumigants were injected with four chisels per bed. In Florida, the open-field treatments were a) nontreated control, b) MBr + Pic 67:33 at a rate of 400 kg/ha with LDPE; c) MBr + Pic 67:33 at 310 kg·ha–1 with VIF; d) 1,3-D + Pic 65:35 at 300 kg·ha–1 with VIF; e) methyl iodide (MI) + Pic 50:50 at 230 kg·ha–1 with VIF; f) Pic at 300 kg·ha–1 with VIF; g) DMDS + Pic 50:50 at 250 + 250 kg·ha–1 with VIF; and g) propylene oxide at 500 kg·ha–1 with VIF. The fumigants were applied with three chisels per bed. In Spain, the results showed that 1,3-D + Pic, DMDS + Pic, and Pic consistently had similar marketable yields as MBr + Pic. Similar results were found in Florida, with the exception of propylene oxide, which also had equal marketable fruit weight as MBr + Pic.
EFFECTS OF COLORED MULCHES ON “B” SIZE POTATOES
Authors: Hassell Richard L. , Phillips Tyron L. , Hale Teri
Published: February 2019

The small, B size potatoes (<2 inches but ≥1.25 inches in diameter) represent a keen interest in new, specialty food items. Exotic shapes and color shades of the specialty varieties are also known for intense flavors and variations in textures in firmness and fiber that consumers are looking for today in an ever increasing health consciousness among consumers. In 2006, the varieties `French Fingerling' (West Edmonton, Alberta, Canada), Villetta Rose (Univ. of Wisconsin) and B1145-2 (USDA, Beltsville, Md.) were planted in a double row 8 inches between tubers and 18 inches between rows in a replicated trial using colored mulches. The mulch color included red, white, black, blue, green, and silver foil. These plastic mulches were laid on 6-ft centers. The mulches were shown to affect the microclimate of soil temperature, as expected, and therefore affecting yield. These temperature differences were measured with a Campbell CR 10X weather station (Logan, Utah) probes at a 2 inches above the soil surface and 4 and 6 inches below the soil surface. Plant stands were excellent with all mulches, however, blue mulch caused early emergence while white and silver delayed emergence. Just the opposite effect happened when it came to yields. The highest individual tubers per plant came from the white mulch with the green having the lowest tuber yields. Cultivar differences were also seen in there ability to produce marketable tubers. `Villetta Rose' had the highest plant vigor and also the most marketable tubers per plant. B1145-2 produced most of its tubers >2 inches in diameter with the tubers nonuniform in shape. French Fingerling produced a very uniform oblong tuber with few defects. Yields and quality were above normal for all cultivars when grown on either the silver reflective mulch or the white mulch.