bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Asexual Embryogenesis and Plant Regeneration from Male Catkins of Quercus
Authors: Gingas V.M.
Published: February 2019

Partially expanded male catkins of swamp white oak (Quercus bicolor Willd.) and red oak (Quercus rubra L.) were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with BA or 2,4-D. Explants on 2,4-D produced a yellow embryogenic callus originating from the junction of the pedicel and peduncle. Subsequent transfers to MS with BA and then MS without growth regulators resulted in callus proliferation. After 10 to 14 weeks in culture, white embryoids developed from the callus of Q. bicolor. Separated and individually cultured embryoids underwent direct, repetitive embryogenesis. Upon transfer to l/2-strength MS, embryoid germination and plant regeneration occurred. Callus of Q. rubra degenerated after 5 months in culture, failing to yield embryogenic structures. Chemical names used: dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D); benzyladenine (BA).
Type of Trellis Affects Radiation Absorption and Must Composition but not Yield of `Petite Sirah' Grapes
Authors: Morsil T.H. , Matthias A.D. , Stroehlein J.L.
Published: February 2019

The effects of trellising on absorption of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR, 400- to 700-nm wavelength) by foliage and fruits, on fruit composition, and yield were studied in 1988 under semi-arid conditions using field-grown Vitis vinifera L. `Petite Sirah' grapevines in a mature vineyard. A vertical inclination was obtained by attaching shoots to a vertically arranged three-wire trellis; 60° shoot inclination from horizontal was obtained by attaching shoots to a “V-type” Tatura trellis; a standard two-wire trellis (control) was used in which shoots attached to the upper wire were permitted to orient downward to the vineyard floor. PAR absorption by foliage during mid-morning to mid-afternoon periods was highest in the standard trellis and lowest in the Tatura trellis. PAR available for absorption by fruits was lowest in the standard trellis and highest in the Tatura trellis. Analysis of fruit composition at harvest revealed that total dissolved solids (°Brix) was significantly higher for berries from the Tatura trellis than for the vertical trellis or the control. The Tatura trellis resulted in the highest alcohol content of wine. Per-vine yields did not differ significantly among the three trellis systems.
Catalase Polymorphism and Inheritance in Peach
Authors: Werner Dennis J.
Published: February 2019

Catalase isozymes were examined in a wide range of peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] cultivars representing historical U.S. cultivars, commercial cultivars from numerous North American breeding programs, and the peach plant introduction (PI) collection. All historical peach cultivars from the United States and those released from commercial breeding programs were fixed for the slow (Cat l-2) allele, with the exception of `Belle of Georgia', `Honeyglo' nectarine, and various cultivars from the Univ. of Florida breeding program, which possessed a fast-migrating (Cat 1-l) allele in homozygous or heterozygous state. Polymorphism was revealed in the 51 peach PI clones examined, with allelic frequencies of 0.69 and 0.31 for the Cat l-2 and Cat l-1 alleles, respectively. Most PIs that originated directly from China were homozygous Cat l-l/Cat l-l, while most PI clones introduced from Europe were homozygous Cat l-2/Cat l-2. Examination of the catalase genotype of cultivars previously proposed as the possible male parent of `Belle of Georgia' (`Champion', `Early Crawford', `Late Crawford', `Oldmixion Free', and `Stump-the-World') revealed that none of these cultivars could have been the male parent of `Belle of Georgia'. Segregation data from various peach crosses was consistent with the hypothesis that catalase polymorphism could be explained by the presence of two alleles at a single locus.
DNA Restriction Fragment Length Variability in the Genomes of Highbush Blueberry
Authors: Haghighi K. , Hancock J.F.
Published: February 2019

Restriction fragment analyses of chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) were carried out on the principal cytoplasms of northern highbush cultivars and one representative of Vaccinium ashei Reade. Twenty-three restriction enzymes were used to identify variation and clarify mode of organelle inheritance. All species and genotypes displayed identical cpDNA fragment patterns, but high degrees of polymorphism were observed in the mitochondrial genomes. `Bluecrop' and `Jersey' did not appear to have `Rubel' cytoplasm as was previously believed. All hybrids contained maternal-type mtDNA.
In Vitro Storage of Pineapple (Ananas spp.) Germplasm
Authors: Zee Francis T. , Munekata Mark
Published: February 2019

Sterile distilled water was found to be an acceptable medium for the maintenance of tissue-cultured plantlets of three Ananas accessions. Eighty-one percent of the plantlets survived 12 months at 25C in 1 ml of sterile distilled water. Plantlets stored in water for 12 months were observed to be more vigorous than those that were cultured for 12 months in full-strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium. However, medium containing l/4-strength MS salts and full-strength organics, 3% sucrose, and agar gave the best plant survival and vigor. None of the plantlets in this study produced callus. Only a single instance of axillary budbreak was observed in explants stored on the l/4-strength MS medium.
Florists' Hydrangea Blueing with Aluminum Sulfate Applications during Forcing
Authors: Blom Theo J. , Piott Brian D.
Published: February 2019

The Al content was determined in roots, buds, and stems of dormant florists' hydrangeas [Hydrangea macrophylla subsp. macrophylla var. macrophylla (Thunb.) `Mathilda Gutges' and `Brestenburg'] that were or were not treated in the field with aluminum sulfate. During the greenhouse forcing stage, previously nontreated plants were subjected to four successive weekly subirrigated applications of aluminum sulfate totalling 4, 8, 12, or 16 g/pot. Applications were early (weeks 2, 3, 4, 5) or late (weeks 6, 7, 8, 9), using the start of forcing as week = 0. The Al contents in stems and buds of dormant plants were about five to six times higher in field-treated than in nontreated plants. Roots were the primary location of Al accumulation (≈70%). Aluminum sulfate applications of 12 to 16 g/pot during greenhouse forcing provided commercially acceptable blue plants. Maximum foliar Al concentration was 50% higher in early than in late-treated plants and calculated to occur with 14.5 and 12.2 g aluminum sulfate/pot for early and late-treated plants, respectively. There was a positive correlation (r = 0.74) between blueness ranking and the Al foliar concentration of the two uppermost expanded leaves taken from flowering plants.
Ascorbic Acid Oxidase Activity in Apple Buds: Relation to Thidiazuron-induced Lateral Budbreak
Authors: Wang Shiow Y. , Faust Miklos
Published: February 2019

The activity of ascorbic acid oxidase (AAO) was studied in apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) buds during dormancy and thidiazuron-induced budbreak. In dormant buds, activity of AAO was low compared with buds that were treated with thidiazuron and had resumed growth. An increase in AAO activity began at the time of metabolic transition from dormancy to budbreak. The highest level of activity was reached 10 days after thidiazuron induction during the expansion growth phase. In vitro AAO activity of apple bud extract was increased by addition of Cu (CuSO) and inhibited by Cu-chelating agents, diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC), sodium azide (NaN), and 8-hydroxyquinoiine (8-OH-Q). In vivo treatment of apple buds with Cu-chelating agents inhibited AAO activity and bud growth but not budbreak. Chemical name used: N- phenyl -N' -1,2,3-thidiazol-5-ylurea (thidiazuron).
Identification of Raspberry Cultivars by Nonradioactive DNA Fingerprinting
Authors: Parent Jean-Guy , Pagé Danièl
Published: February 2019

Characterization and identification of 13 red raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) and two purple raspberry (R. × neglectus Peck) cultivars were obtained by nonradioactive genetic fingerprinting. DNA from leaves was digested with Hae III and Hin f I restriction enzymes and probed with alkaline phosphatase-labeled oligonucleotide. All tested cultivars could be identified by a unique band pattern. No differences were noted within cultivars when the reproducibility of the fingerprints was evaluated by analyzing the effects of age of the raspberry plantation, developmental stage during the growing season, or position of the sampled leaf on stem. These results suggest that simple nonradioactive DNA fingerprinting can be routinely used to identify raspberry cultivars.
Photosynthetic Heat Stability in Highbush Blueberries and the Possibility of Genetic Improvement
Authors: Hancock J.F. , Haghighi K. , Krebs S.L. , Flore J.A. , Draper A.D.
Published: February 2019

Seven highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) cultivars were evaluated for their photosynthetic heat stability. Ail showed significant reductions in CO2 assimilation rates (A) as leaf temperatures were raised from 20 to 30C, although `Blue-crop', `Jersey', `Elliot', and `Rubel' (22% to - 27%) were significantly less affected than Spartan', `Bluejay', and `Patriot' (-41% to -51%). To determine whether temperature adaptations of highbush types can be broadened through hybridization with native, heat-tolerant species, `Bluecrop' was crossed with the V. darrowi Camp. selection Florida 4B, and F2, BC1, and BC2, populations were generated. This approach showed promise as genotypes were identified in all the derivative populations that were more heat tolerant than `Bluecrop' and had a high A.
Resistance to Race 2 of Peronospora parasitica in U.S. Plant Introductions of Brassica oleracea var. capitata
Authors: Thomas Claude E. , Jourdain E.L.
Published: February 2019

Evaluations for resistance against race 2 of downy mildew, incited by Peronosporu parasitica Pers. ex Fr., were conducted on 325 U.S. Plant Introductions (PI) classified as Brassicu oleracea var. capitata L. (cabbage). A disease index (DI) was calculated for each entry. In 77 of the tested PIs, from 2% to 100% of the plants had reaction phenotypes ≥ 3. The DIs for 24 PIs were significantly lower than the DI for the most resistant cabbage control, `Headstart' (DI = 5.9). Eight of these PIs were highly resistant, because all plants had a reaction phenotype ≥ 3. However, most of these eight are apparently misclassified as B. oleracea var. capitata.
EFFECTS OF WEED CONTROL METHOD ON GROWTH, YIELD AND FRUIT QUALITY OF `McINTOSH' APPLE TREES.
Authors: McCue John J. , Schupp James R. , Farm Highmoor
Published: February 2019

The growth and fruiting of 10-year-old `Mcintosh'/M.7 apple trees were compared under the following weed management systems: 1)untreated control; 2) herbicide spray (paraquat + oryzalin); 3) rotary tilling applied in May, June and July; 4) rotary tilling plus herbicide (oryzalin); 5) rotary tilling plus oats sown in August. All weed control methods increased tree growth compared to the untreated control over three years. Yield and fruit size were increased by the herbicide and the rotary tilled treatment. Rotary tilling plus herbicide increased yield but fruit size was larger than controls in 1990 only. Rotary tilling plus oats produced yield and fruit size equivalent to the control. In 1989 and 1990 rotary tilling alone provided less weed control compared to the herbicide treatment, while in July 1991, the reverse was true. Rotary tilling with herbicide and with oats have demonstrated weed control comparable to or better than the herbicide treatment except for the rotary tilled plus oats treatment in 1990. There were no differences among treatments in fruit color, maturity and percent soluble solids.
GROWTH AND FRUITING OF 'DELICIOUS' APPLE ON CLONAL ROOTSTOCKS IN THE 1984 NC-140 PLANTING IN MAINE
Authors: Schupp James R.
Published: February 2019

In 1984 trees of `Starkspur Supreme Delicious' apple (Malus domestica, Borkh) on 16 rootstocks were planted at 32 sites In Morth America according to guidelines established for cooperative testing by the North Central Regional Cooperative Project (NC--140). Tree loss and root suckering in the Maine planting have been low, similar to that of other sites. Tree size in Maine is smallest amoung all sites after eight seasons. Trees on Budagovsky 9 (B.9) rootstock were the most precocious, producing significantly higher flower numbers and yield in the third year. Other precocious rootstocks in this planting included C.6, M.26EMLA, M.7EMLA and P.l. After eight years, B.9, C.6 and M.26EMLA were the most productive amoung the dwarf trees. P.l and M.7EMLA were the most productive amoung the more vigorous stocks. Heavy croping trees on dwarf rootstocks leaned more due to hurricane winds than larger better anchored trees which lost a larger proportion of their crop. B.9, C.6 and P.1 may have potential as rootstocks for commercial apple orchards in New England.
TISSUE CULTURE OF WETLAND ENDANGERED PLANT SPECIES.
Authors: Price Robert , Kamp-Glass Marihelen , Powell David
Published: February 2019

Venus fly trap, Dionaea muscipula Ellis, leaf sections were surfaced sterilized under aseptic conditions. The leaf sections were cultured in reduced strength Muashige and Skoog growth medium supplemented with 2,25 mg/l 6-Benzylaminopurine and 1.0-2.0 mg/l Kinetin. The various levels of cytokinin were used to differentiate and enhance callus formation.
THE EDUCATIONAL BENEFIT OF TWO DEMONSTRATIO XERISCAPE GARDENS
Authors: Mottern Bobby , Haque Mary , Caldwell Judy
Published: February 2019

Two xeriscape gardens have been designed for the purpose of educating the public about the importance of water conservation through xeriscaping. One was designed and implemented for a temporary exhibit at the South Carolina State Fair in October of 1991. The exhibit was cosponsored by the Clemson University Extension Service and Master Gardener programs.

The second garden has been designed for the Clemson University Botanical Garden. This will be a permanant addition to the botanical garden soley for display purposes. It is designed to be a model for students, professors, and the general public to observe and study principles associated with water conservation in the landscape.
INFLUENCE OF IRON DTPA ON THE OCCURRENCE OF A SPECIFIC PHYSIOLOGICAL DISORDER IN CUTTING GERANIUM.
Authors: Bachman Gary R. , Halbrooks Mary C.
Published: February 2019

The role of Fe DTPA (Diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid) in the occurrence of a specific physiological disorder affecting the leaves of cutting geranium was investigated. Industry reports indicate that affected leaves have excessively high concentrations of Fe and sometimes Mn. Symptoms of the disorder first affect maturing leaves, and may in severe cases affect immature leaves. Symptoms progress from marginal/interveinal chlorosis and necrosis, to affect whole leaf necrosis. Rooted cuttings were grown in a soil-less peat based media, with Fe DTPA concentrations of 1, 5, 15, and 20 ppm. Iron and manganese leaf concentrations were significantly higher in symptom than in non-symptom tissue and increased as Fe DTPA treatment level increased. As Fe DTPA treatment level increased there was a significant increase in dry weight of symptom tissue and a decrease in non-symptom tissue dry weight. Plants grown in media amended with dolomite (pH> 5.8) had similar degrees of symptom occurrence compared to plants grown in unamended media (pH ≈ 5.4).
USE OF THE POUR-THROUGH NUTRIENT EXTRACTION PROCEDURE FOR BEDDING FLATS AND PLUG TRAYS
Authors: Schweizer Amelia L. , Grueber Kevin L.
Published: February 2019

A study was conducted to develop and demonstrate a practical and accurate method of applying the Pour-Through nutrient extraction procedure to bedding flats and plug trays. The Pour-Through technique involves pouring a known volume of water on previously saturated medium, and collecting the leachate which is pushed out the bottom of the container. The volume of applied water necessary to conduct a bedding flat or plug tray Pour-Through was determined based on leachate pH and conductivity. The sensitivity of the Pour-Through technique when applied to bedding flats and plug trays was determined using varying rates of lime incorporated media and fertilizer. The leachate was analyzed for pH and conductivity. Results indicate that the technique can be used effectively on bedding flats and plug trays.
PLANT HORMESIS INDUCED BY ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT-C FOR INDUCING RESISTANCE OF BROWN ROT OF PEACHES
Authors: Stevens C. , Pusey P. L. , Khan V. A. , Lu J. Y. , Wilson C. L. , Chalutz E. , Kabwe M. K. , Haung Z. , Adeyeye O. , Lin J.
Published: February 2019

Low hormetic doses of ultraviolet light (UV-C) stress on exposed peaches (Prunus persica). reduced brown rot resulting from field and artificial inoculation from Monilinia fructicola. To test the hypothesis that UV-C induced resistance through host responses the following tests involving biochemical changes (phenlyalanine ammonia-lyase activity (PAL) and ethylene production (EP)), bioassay of antifungal activity of tissue extracts to the fungus, and latent infection of rot free peaches previously treated with and without UV-C were determined. Exposure of peaches to UV-C dose of 7.5×104 ergs/mm2 promoted an increase in PAL and EP compared to the control. As the PAL activity increased, percent storage rots decreased. Antifungal activity to the fungal conidia in UV-C treated peach extract showed that the percent conidia germination was reduced 3 folds. Preharvest infection of brown rot which indicated latent infection was significantly reduced. To test for the germicidal effect of UV-C on M. fructicola on the surface of peaches, an artificial epiphytic population of the fungus was deposited on the peaches. A negative relationship between UV-C dose of 1.3 to 40×104 ergs /mm2, colony forming units and number of decaying brown rot lesions were found.
USING GEL POLYMERS TO INFLUENCE FERTILIZER NITROGEN RECOVERY BY STRAWBERRY
Authors: Archbold Douglas D. , MacKown Charles T
Published: February 2019

Three gel polymers, Hydrosource, REAP, and Agri-gel, wetted with solutions of 15N-ammonium nitrate, were evaluated for controlled release of fertilizer nitrogen (N) to strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) in the greenhouse and field. Container-grown plants of `Earliglow' and `Allstar' were harvested every 2 weeks for 8 weeks. Field-grown plants of the same cultivars were collected from matted rows after harvest, and fruit were collected during harvest. Plant and fruit tissues were analyzed for total % N and atom % & 15N, and total fertilizer N recovery was calculated. For the container-grown plants, total % N differed by cultivar, `Earliglow' > `Allstar', and harvest date, declining during 8 weeks. Treatment effects on total % N were observed only in the field study, with Agri-gel showing the highest value. In the greenhouse study, Hydrosource and Agri-gel gave the highest tissue enrichments from fertilizer N. In the field study, REAP and Agri-gel gave the highest enrichments. In spite of the greater tissue enrichments, however, no gel polymer significantly increased total fertilizer N recovery in either study.
HARVEST AGE EFFECT ON YIELD OF ERECT BLACKBERRIES
Authors: Clark John R. , Moore James N.
Published: February 2019

Yield and average berry weight were measured for first year fruiting (on semi-erect canes) and second year fruiting (erect canes) to compare harvest age effect for erect blackberries established from root cuttings. cultivars were `Cheyenne', `Choctaw', `Navaho' and `Shawnee' and 4 plantings were included in the comparison. One of the four plantings had an average yield of 27% more in the first year as compared to the second year. The other plantings had higher yields in the second year as compared to the first ranging up to a 100% increase. Yield was 23% higher for the second year when all plantings were averaged. Average yield increase by cultivar in the second year compared to the first was: 'Choctaw' 37%, 'Cheyenne' 27%, 'Navaho' 22% and 'Shawnee' 20%. Berry weight was not affected by harvest age except in one planting, where average weight was higher for first year fruiting.
EFFECTS OF SOIL FUMIGANTS (METHAM SODIUM VS. METHYL BROMIDE) AND PLASTIC MULCH ON YIELD OF TOMATOES
Authors: Kovach Steve , Brown James , Hogue Walter , Curtis Larry , Gazaway William S.
Published: February 2019

Drip-irrigated tomato (`Sunny') plants were treated with five levels of fumigant in combination with three levels of mulch. Fumigants were metham sodium at two rates, 475 and 950 L/ha, a 67% methyl bromide + 33% chloropicrin formulation (164.5 kg/ha, and a 98% methyl bromide + 2% chloropicrin formulation (329 kg/ha). Mulching levels were 1.25 mil silver on black polyethylene (plastic), blue-black latex mulch sprayed over the plant beds, and no mulch. Plants treated with metham sodium (950 L/ha) had a significantly higher number of marketable fruit than plants treated with no fumigant or the 98% methyl bromide + 2% chloropicrin formulation. Marketable fruit weight was not significantly affected by the five fumigation levels. Plants grown with black plastic mulch had a significantly higher marketable yield than plants grown with no mulch, 58,100 kg/ha vs. 50,800 kg/ha, respectively. The level of mulching did not significantly affect the marketable number of fruit.
SOIL APPLIED SULFATE IMPROVES VEGETABLE AMARANTH QUALITY
Authors: MAKUS D,J.
Published: February 2019

Sulfate, as K2SO4, was applied to silt loam (Leadvale) soils of pH of 5.0 and 7.1 at rates of 0, 6, 18 and 36 kg S/ha. Nitrogen, as NH4NO3, was split applied at 0 and 120 kg/ha. All treatments received 55 and 45 kg/ha of P and K, respectively. Twenty day-old plants of accession RRC 241 were transplanted on 12 July 1990 and harvested 47 days later. Supplemental SO. had no effect on plant ht or yield but increased soil solution SO4 levels at the end of the season. Leaf blade N and S levels were increased at the highest SO4 rate. Higher SO4 rates increased leaf blade chlorophyll (chloro) `a', total chloro and total carotenoid levels. Response of leaf blade total sulfur, sulfate and organic sulfur to supplemental SO4 was linear. Organic to inorganic S ratios were unchanged. Plants grown at pH 5 had lower yields but higher leaf blade K, Al, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu levels. Plants grown at pH 7 had higher leaf blade P, Ca, Na, and chloro levels. Soil pH did not effect soil solution SO4 levels. N reduced soil pH, and leaf blade P, Ca, Mg, Zn but increased soil electrolytes, leaf blade N, Na, Mn, chloro `a' and `b', and total carotenoids. Leaf blade N was the only leaf consituent from plants grown at both pHs correlated with leaf blade pigments.
DELAYED WILTING OF BEDDING PLANTS TREATED WITH HYDRETAIN
Authors: Barrett James E. , Nell Terril A.
Published: February 2019

Bedding plant seedlings were obtained as plugs from commercial sources, transplanted into 10-cm pots, and grown using standard commercial procedures. When plants reached a marketable stage, they were treated with Hydretain, moved to a heavy shaded bench in the greenhouse, and time to first wilt was determined. At wilt, plants were given 180 ml of water, and time to second wilt was observed. Hydretain was applied directly to the media in a volume of 90 ml per pot. Hydretain dilutions in water were 1:4, 1:9, 1:14, 1:19, and 0:1 (controls). Time to first wilt in 'Red Elite' geraniums was 11, 10, 9, 10, and 5 days, respectively. For 'Little Bright Eyes' vinca, first wilt was in 7, 8, 5, 5, and 4 days; and time from treatment to second wilt was 18, 14, 11, 10, and 8 days, respectively. For 'Super Elfin Red' impatiens, first wilt was in 5, 4, 4, 3, and 3 days; and the water absorbed was 121, 167, 172, 132, and 148 ml, respectively. Second wilt was in 7, 7, 8, 5, and 5 days, respectively.
LOW GIBBERELLIN ENHANCED SWEETPOTATO PLANT PRODUCTION
Authors: Hall Melvin R.
Published: February 2019

Immersion of sweetpotato [Ipomoea batatas (L.)] storage roots in low concentration (5 and 50 mg·liter-1) of gibberellic acid (GA) in solutions of benzyl adenine plus GA4+7 increased early but not total plant production from bedded roots of `Georgia Jet' and `Jewel'. Immersion in 0.5 and 1 mg·liter-1 solutions of GA3 increased early plant production from `Georgia Jet'. Neither weight nor visual appearance of the harvested plants nor root yield from transplants were influenced by gibberellin treatments of the bedded roots.
SNAP BEAN FERTILIZATION
Authors: Mullins C. A. , Straw R. A.
Published: February 2019

`Blue Ridge' snap beans were planted with no fertilizer or banded rates of 560 kg ha-1 of a 10-4.4-8.3 fertilizer on soils with medium fertility in 1990 and 1991. Foliar applications of water soluble fertilizers containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium were made at early bloom and in split applications at early bloom and repeated 10 days later. No response to fertilizer banded at planting or to foliar nutrient applications was found in snap bean yields or pod quality. Most fertilizer applications at planting increased plant size and lodging in 1990, but not in 1991. With the use of a rotation schedule and winter cover crops, snap beans showed no response to fertilization on soils of medium fertility.
SENSITIVITY OF WATERMELON PLANT GROWTH TO PHOTOMORPHOGENIC SIGNALS DURING THE LIGHT OR DARK PHASE OF THE PHOTOPERIOD
Authors: Friend Heather. H. , Sæbø Arne , Decoteau Dennis R.
Published: February 2019

Previous research has demonstrated that watermelon plants are sensitive to changes in light quality, as suggested by an individual treatment of plants with 15-min of end-of-day (EOD) red (R)and far-red (FR) light. FR-induced growth responses (i.e., petiole elongation, internode elongation, reduced petiole angles) were reversed by immediately following the FR light treatment with R light implicating phytochrome as the light quality perception mechanism. The objective of the present experiment was to determine the influence of individual and multiple FR light treatments (each treatment of 15-min duration) during the light and dark phase of the photoperiod on photomorphogenic growth responses of young watermelon plants. Light regulated growth responses of watermelon were influenced by the timing and the number of light quality exposures during the light or dark phase of the photoperiod. Individual FR treatments during the light phase except for the EOD exposure did not affect plant growth responses. In contrast, individual FR treatments at selected intervals during the dark period affected plant development. The most effective individual FR treatment to induce growth responses was at the beginning of the dark period, with decreasing responses as the FR treatment was delayed into the dark period. Multiple exposures of FR during the dark slightly increased growth responses as compared to a single EOD FR treatment.
GROWTH AND YIELD RESPONSES OF TRIPLOID WATERMELONS TO FERTILIZER SOURCE AND RATE, MULCH, AND ROW COVER
Authors: Earhart D. R. , Baker M. L. , Dainello F. J.
Published: February 2019

In a field experiment, fertilizer source (poultry litter vs. commercial), plastic mulch, row cover, and fertilizer rate (residual from 1990 study vs. additional) were applied in factorial combinations to determine the effect on vegetative growth and production of triploid watermelons. Litter (3.12 % total N) was re-applied at the rate of 13.2 Mt·ha-1 along with commercial fertilizer (6N-10.5P-20K) at 1.1 Mt·ha-1. Plastic mulch showed the greatest influence on vegetative growth and production variables by increasing vine length 26.1 cm, leaf area 61.8 cm2, yield 4207 kg·ha-1, melon number 741 ·ha-1, and average melon weight 0.8 kg, over unmulched plots. Plastic mulch with or without row cover increased melon number significantly when compared to plots without mulch or row covers. Poultry litter increased vine length, yield, and average melon weight 15.4 cm, 1971 kg·ha-1, and 0.5 kg, respectively, when compared to commercial fertilizer. Poultry litter in combination with row cover increased yield by 3864 kg ·ha-1 over commercial fertilizer with row cover, and approximately 2567 kg·ha-1 over poultry litter and commercial fertilizer without row cover. Additional fertilizer increased average melon weight 1.3 kg.
IRRIGATION METHOD AND MEDIA EFFECTS ON AGERATUM GROWTH AND CONTAINER LEACHATE
Authors: Fare D.C. , Gilliam C.H. , Keever G.J. , Reed R.B.
Published: February 2019

The effects of overhead pulse irrigation versus conventional overhead irrigation on growth of Ageratum houstonianum `Blue Puff' in 2 media, container leachate volumes and leachate NO3-N and NH4-N levels were evaluated. Container leachate volumes, and NO3-N and NH4-N levels were higher with pinebark:sand medium. Container leachate volumes tended to be lower with pulse irrigation compared to conventional irrigation. Shoot dry weights of plants grown in pinebark:peat were greater under conventional irrigation compared to pulse irrigation; however, growth indices, flower number, and NO3-N and NH4-N levels were not affected by irrigation method in either medium.
Paclobutrazol in Hydroponic Solution Advances Inflorescence Development of Hydrangea `Merkitt's Supreme'
Authors: Wilkinson R.I. , Hanger B.
Published: February 2019

Miniature flowering potted Hydrangea macrophylla Thunb. cv. Merritt's Supreme plants (multistem, 15 to 20 cm tall) were grown in a modified hydroponic system. High-quality plants were produced by pulsing plants with paclobutrazol (0.2 mg·liter-1) for 4 weeks. Flower initiation was advanced in the terminal buds of treated plants by 12 days, and this earlier flower development was maintained through to flower maturity, without loss of inflorescence diameter. Chemical name used: β -[(4-chlorophenyl) methyl] -α-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-1 H -1,2,4-triazole-1-ethanol (paclobutrazol, ICI-PP333).
EFFECTS OF BUD VIABILITY AND MINIMUM TEMPERATURES ON REGROWTH ASSAYS OF GRAPE WOOD DURING FREEZING STUDIES
Authors: Barney Danny L.
Published: February 2019

During freezing studies of `Concord' grape (Vitis labrusca L.), bud viability significantly affected callus formation, adventitious root initiation, and root dry weight during regrowth assays conducted to assess freezing injury. Applying exogenous 1- H -indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) partially offset bud loss and stimulated root initiation. Further tests demonstrated that buds were less cold hardy than internode woody tissues in dormant `Concord' canes. Because of cold-hardiness differences between buds and wood and because bud viability affects callus formation, root initiation, and root dry weight, regrowth assays do not seem to be sensitive indicators of freezing injury in grape woody tissues. Regrowth assays, however, seem to be reliable indicators of overall viability for frozen `Concord' grape cuttings.
Phytotoxicity Response of Pear to Application of Abamectin-Oil Combinations
Authors: Hilton R.J. , Riedl H. , Westigard P.H.
Published: February 2019

Handgun treatments of abamectin and oil applied between mid-June and late August caused distinct epidermal rings where drops of spray liquid dried on the surface of pear fruit (Pyrus communis L.). The severity of epidermal injury was related to the concentration of oil in the abamectin spray mixture (abamectin applied without oil caused no fruit damage). Of six pear cultivars tested, `Anjou' was most susceptible to injury, followed by `Cornice' and `Bartlett'. `Sensation Red Bartlett', `Bosc', and `Seckel' showed little or no phytotoxicity symptoms from abamectin and oil treatments with oil concentrations from 0.125% to 2.0% (v/v). On sensitive cultivars, the concentration of oil should not exceed 0.25% (v/v) when combined with abamectin to reduce the risk of epidermal injury. Oil at 0.25% provides for adequate leaf penetration of abamectin and results in commercially acceptable spider mite (Tetranychus urticae Koch) control. Chemical names used: avermectin B1 (abamectin).
Cooling and Warming Effects on Cold Hardiness Estimations of Three Woody Ornamental Taxa
Authors: Haynes C.L. , Lindstrom O.M. , Dirr M.A.
Published: February 2019

Cooling treatments of 2, 4, and 6C/hour or warming at 25, 4, or 0C influenced the cold hardiness estimates of x Cupressocyparis leylandii (A.B. Jacks. and Dallim.) Dallim. and A.B. Jacks. (Leyland cypress), Lagerstroemia indica L. (crape myrtle), and Photinia ×fraseri Dress `Birmingham' (redtip photinia) at four times during the year. New growth from all taxa, especially spring growth, was injured or killed at higher temperatures by the fastest cooling rate and/or by warming at 25C. Cold hardiness of Leyland cypress was unaffected by the cooling and warming treatments. Crape myrtle had a significantly higher lowest survival temperature (LST) when warmed at 25C than at 4 or 0C. Photinia leaves and stems cooled at 6C/hour or warmed at 25C generally resulted in a higher LST than those cooled more slowly or warmed at lower temperatures. Cooling rates of 14C/hour and warming at 0 to 4C should be used in freeze tests with Leyland cypress and crape myrtle. For leaves and stems of photinia, 2C/hour cooling and warming at 0 to 4C should be used.
Yield of Decoration Greenery Fraser Fir Christmas Trees
Authors: Hinesley L. Eric , Snelling Layne K.
Published: February 2019

Fraser fir [Abies fraseri (Pursh) Poir.] Christmas trees up to 3.2 m in height were sampled from 18 well-managed plantations in western North Carolina to determine the yield of decoration greenery (wreaths, roping). Trees were not sidesheared in the year of harvest. The proportion of branch material suitable for decoration greenery decreased with increasing height and crown taper, but crown density had no effect. Mean annual yield of decoration greenery (establishment in the field, until reaching an average height of 3.2 m 10 years later) was 1.9 to 2.3 kg/tree per year, respectively, for trees with medium or heavy crown density.
Paclobutrazol and Reduced Humidity Improve Resistance to Wilting of Micropropagated Grapevine
Authors: Smith Elaine F. , Gribaudo Ivana , Roberts Andrew V. , Mottley John
Published: February 2019

Plantlets of Vitis vinifera L. `Moscato Bianco' were grown in vitro in cellulose plugs (Sorbarods) saturated with a modified Murashige and Skoog rooting medium. Both the inclusion of 0.5-l mg paclobutrazol/liter in the rooting medium and the use of culture vessels that reduce the relative humidity from 100% to 94% improved resistance of plantlets to wilting after transplanting. Maximum benefit was obtained with a combination of paclobutrazol and reduced humidity; it resulted in smaller stomatal apertures, shorter stems, reduced leaf area, and more and thicker roots. Chemical names used: (2RS, 3RS)-1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4,4-dimethyl-2-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl) pentan-3-01 (paclobutrazol).
Concentration Response of Zonal Geranium and Potted Chrysanthemum to Uniconazole
Authors: Tayama Harry K. , Carver Stephen A.
Published: February 2019

Uniconazole spray or drench applications to `Yours Truly' zonal geranium (Pelargonium × hortorum L.H. Bailey) and `Bright Golden Anne' and Yellow Favor' chrysanthemums [Dendranthema ×grandiflorum (Ramat.) Kitamura] were made to evaluate efficacy and identify optimum application concentrations. Spray applications at 10 mg a.i./liter retarded stem elongation in unpinched zonal geranium comparable to chlormequat at 1500 mg a.i./liter. `Bright Golden Anne' was more sensitive to uniconazole than `Yellow Favor'. Uniconazole spray concentrations of 20 to 30 mg a.i./liter retarded plant height equal to daminozide at 5000 mg a.i./liter. Chemical names used: 2-chloro-N,N,N-trimethylethanaminium chloride (chlormequat); butanedioic acid mono (2,2-dimethylhydrazide) (daminozide); (E)-(S)-1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4,4-dimethyl-2-(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)-pent-1-ene-3-ol (uniconazole).
Leaflet Surfaces of Blackspot-resistant and Susceptible Roses and Their Reactions to Fungal Invasion
Authors: Reddy S. , Spencer J.A. , Newman S.E.
Published: February 2019

Leaflet surfaces of two blackspot (Diplocarpon rosae Wolf)-resistant roses (Rosa roxburghii Tratt and R. wichuraiana Crep.) and two susceptible roses (R. hybrida `Electron' and `Pascali') were compared using scanning electron microscopy to determine whether physical features of the leaflet surface were associated with resistance to the fungal invasion. The leaflet surface features of the resistant roses were dissimilar: R. roxburghii leaflet surface had protruding cells and was densely covered with amorphous wax platelets, whereas R. wichuraiana surface was smooth with less distinct epidermal cells and sparsely distributed wax granules. Leaflet surface patterns of both susceptible roses, however, were similar. The spores of D. rosae failed to germinate on R. roxburghii and R. wichuraiana. In contrast, the spores on `Electron' and `Pascal? germinated, with the germ tube penetrating the cuticle. There were no apparent morphological barriers on leaflet surfaces of R. roxburghii and R. wichuraiana to explain the observed resistance to fungal development.
Vapor Heat: A Potential Treatment to Disinfest Tropical Cut Flowers and Foliage
Authors: Hansen James D. , Hara Arnold H. , Tenbrink Victoria L.
Published: February 2019

Vapor heat treatments to disinfest tropical cut flowers and foliage were evaluated using a commercial facility. Efficacy was determined for specific durations against representative Hawaiian quarantine pests on their plant hosts. Nymphs and adults of aphids, soft and armored scales, mealybugs, and thrips were killed after 1 hour at 46.6C, and both life stages of aphids and armored scales along with mealybug nymphs after 2 hours at 45.2C. Injury to several varieties of Hawaiian floral commodities (Araceae, Musaceae, Zingiberaceae, Heliconiaceae, Orchidaceae, Marantaceae, Lycopodiaceae, Agavaceae, Proteaceae) during these treatments was determined. Large heliconias, most red ginger, bird-of-paradise flowers and leaves, and most foliage were not damaged; anthuriums, pincushion protea, and orchid flowers and foliage were very sensitive to vapor heat. Treatment modification was needed to reduce plant injury to these commodities without losing efficacy. The number of shelf-life days of the treated plant material was estimated from the visual ratings.
Dormancy Release of Micropropagated Bulblets of Lilium speciosum after Long Culture in Soil
Authors: de Klerk Geert-Jan , Delvallée Isabelle , Paffen Annie
Published: February 2019

Micropropagated Lilium speciosum Thunb. bulblets were cold-treated at 2C for various periods before being planted in soil. About 20% of uoncold-treated bulblets and 100% of bulblets cold-treated for 6 weeks sprouted within 10 weeks after planting. Intermediate lengths of cold treatment resulted in intermediate percentages of emergence. The remaining 80% of the noncold-treated bulblets sprouted synchronously from 25 to 33 weeks after planting. In these bulblets, the number of scales increased before sprouting. A sample of bulblets that had received a short cold treatment (2 or 3 weeks) also showed biphasic emergence, with the second period between 25 and 33 weeks. When the cold treatment was interrupted by 3 weeks at 17C, the percentage of emergence during the first period was reduced and the timing of the second period advanced.
Cucumber Somatic Embryo Development on Various Gelling Agents and Carbohydrate Sources
Authors: Ladyman Juanita A.R. , Girard Brant
Published: February 2019

Somatic embryos were induced on cotyledonary explants of cucumber (Cucumis sativus, L. cv. Clinton). The somatic embryo tissue was induced and multiplied on a semisolid medium. The greatest vitrification and expansion of explants were observed when 0.15% Gelrite was the gelling agent. At the induction stage, explants on a medium gelled with 0.7% agar yielded more somatic embryo tissue, uncontaminated by callus, than explants on either Gelrite (0.15%, 0.3%, and 0.6%) or on 1.4% or 0.35% agar. In contrast to the induction stage, there was no effect of gelling agent on the fresh weight of putative somatic embryo tissue produced during the multiplication stage. When sucrose, glucose, or fructose was the sugar source in the multiplication medium, similar weights of tissue were produced. However, when sucrose was compared with fructose in the presence of either agar or Gelrite as gelling agent, the subsequent germination of the somatic embryos was higher when the tissue was multiplied on Gelrite in the presence of 3% sucrose. Maltose (3%) severely inhibited tissue multiplication.
Ethephon-mediated Changes in Gas Exchange of Tomato Plants
Authors: Briedé Jan-W. , Fisher James T. , Manuchia Daniel J.
Published: February 2019

The gas exchange of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill cv. Spring Giant VF) plants exposed to an ethephon root drench of 5 μl·liter-1 or 50 μl·liter-1 was examined for 9 days. Photosynthesis showed a biphasic response to ethephon, wherein elevations of 13.2% and 16.7% were observed over control plants for two of the measurement days for the 50 and 5 μl ethephon/liter concentrations, respectively. Stomatal conductance showed a large increase at 50 μl ethephon/liter on day 2, while 5 μl·liter -1 did not show this difference. A biphasic response of photosynthesis may explain some of the intraspecific variation found in the literature describing ethylene-induced gas-exchange alterations.
Postproduction Performance of Potted Rose under Simulated Transport and Low Irradiance Levels
Authors: Nell Terril A. , Noordegraaf Cor Vonk
Published: February 2019

Miniature flowering potted `Orange Rosamini' rose plants (Rosa × hybrida) were placed directly from production into simulated transport (STR) for 3 days at 5C and then into a retail handling treatment for 0, 1, 2, or 4 days. In the retail handling treatment, plants placed at 1 W·m-2 were then moved into a final postproduction irradiance level of 4 W·m-2; plants placed at 4 W·m-2 were then moved into a final postproduction irradiance level of 1 W·m-2. Also, a no-STR control treatment, plants placed directly into final postproduction environment (no transport or retail handling treatment), was included. All plants were placed into a final postproduction irradiance level (1 or 4 W·m-2) for 3 weeks to evaluate the effects of postproduction irradiance. The retail handling and postproduction environments were maintained at 20 ± 1C, 1 or 4 W·m-2 of irradiance (12 hours daily) from cool-white fluorescent lamps, and relative humidity (RR) of 60% ± 5% to simulate retail and/or consumer home conditions. Little difference was observed due to retail handling treatment or postproduction irradiance after 1 week. At weeks 2 and 3 of postproduction, there were 40% to 50% more open flowers on the no-STR plants maintained at 4 W·m-2 than on those maintained at 1 W·m-2 or on STR plants maintained at 1 or 4 W·m-2 postproduction irradiance. At week 3 of postproduction, plants with STR maintained at 1 W·m-2 had no buds showing color, while those maintained at 4 W·m-2 had three to five buds showing color. However, the no-STR control plants had one bud showing color at week 3, regardless of postproduction irradiance level. These results indicate that the detrimental effects of transport, i.e., bud drop, likely can be minimized by high postproduction irradiance levels following transport.
PGI Isozyme Diversity and Its Genetic Control in Mango
Authors: Degani Chemda , Cohen Menashe , El-Batsri Ruth , Gazit Shmuel
Published: February 2019

Leaf phosphoglucose isomerase (PGI) isozymes from 139 cultivars and seedlings of mango (Mangifera indica L.) were analyzed by starch gel electrophoresis. Six distinct banding patterns of PGI-2 consisting of single- and triple-banded phenotypes were detected. The genetic control of PGI-2 isozymes were inferred from segregating progenies of self-pollinated parent cultivars having triple-banded phenotypes. Comparison of the banding patterns of PGI-2 isozymes extracted from the pollen and the leaf of the same heterozygous cultivar demonstrates the allelism of the Pgi-2 locus.
Isozyme Polymorphisms in Carob Cultivars
Authors: Tous J. , Olarte C. , Truco M.J. , Arús P.
Published: February 2019

The variability of isozymes in nine enzyme systems was studied in 25 carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) cultivars using starch gel electrophoresis of leaf extracts. Five enzymes (phosphoglucomutase, phosphoglucoisomerase, aspartate aminotransferase, shikimic dehydrogenase, and aconitase) were polymorphic, making it possible for the 25 cultivars to be classified into eight phenotype categories.
Use of Seed Priming to Bypass Stratification Requirements of Three Aquilegia Species
Authors: Finnerty Terry L. , Zajicek Jayne M. , Hussey Mark A.
Published: February 2019

Seeds of three columbine species, Aquilegia caerulea James, Aquilegia canadensis L., and Aquilegia hinckleyana Munz., were studied to determine if seed priming can be used to enhance or completely bypass stratification. The effect of priming varied among species. Germination percentage of nonstratified, primed seed of A. caerulea was as high as nonprimed stratified seed at the termination of the study. Nonstratified primed seeds of A. canadensis did not perform as well as stratified seed, but priming did enhance the germination percentage of stratified seed. Priming had no effect on seed germination–of A. hinckleyana.
Extension of Muskmelon Storage through the Use of Hot Water Life Treatment and Polyethylene Wraps
Authors: Mayberry K.S. , Hartz T.K.
Published: February 2019

Trials were conducted in California to evaluate techniques to extend storage life of netted muskmelons (Cucumis melo L.). The use of polyethylene bags, either as individual melon wraps or as liners for 18-kg commercial cartons, minimized water loss and associated deterioration of the fruit. Individual bags and carton liners were equally effective. A 3-minute dip in 60C water effectively checked surface mold development on wrapped fruits. Lower temperature and/or shorter exposure treatments were less effective. When applied in addition to hot water treatment, imazalil fungicide did not confer significant additional benefit. The combination of polyethylene bags and hot water treatment maintained high quality, marketable fruit for at least 28 days of storage at 3C,
Air Sampling of Volatiles from Agaricus bisporus in a Mushroom Facility and from Mushroom Compost
Authors: Pfeil Richard M. , Mumma Ralph O.
Published: February 2019

Air sampling using Tenax, a selective solid absorbent, was performed from spawning to pinning over the duration of four mushroom crops of Agaricus bisporus (Lange) Imbach (Fungi; Agricaceae). The contents of the air sampling tubes were thermally desorbed directly to a gas chromatograph-mass selective detector. In two crops 3-octanone and 1-octen3-ol were detected 12 to 13 days after spawning. These two compounds were also detected after compost was added at casing (CAC) and the ketone was present in large quantities. Air sampling of a 10-g sample of spawned compost vs. unspawned compost confirmed that these two compounds were of fungal origin. Bags of spawned compost were used to determine the effects of a CAC layer, a soybean supplement, and Spawn Mate on the volatiles released by the spawned compost. The CAC layer and the soybean supplement selectively absorbed 1-octen-3-ol and, to a lesser extent, 3-octanone. The addition of Spawn Mate to the compost at spawning did not alter the quantity or ratio of 3-octanone to 1-octen-3-ol released by the spawned compost.
Postharvest Carbon Dioxide Treatment Enhances Firmness of Several Cultivars of Strawberry
Authors: Smith R.B. , Skog L.J.
Published: February 2019

Various cultivars of strawberry (Fragaria ×ananassa Duch.) were stored for 42 h under an atmosphere of 15% CO2 to determine whether their firmness would be enhanced. Compared to initial samples and stored control samples, enhanced firmness was found in 21 of the 25 cultivars evaluated. The CO2 had no effect on color, as measured by Hunter `L', `a' and `b', or on soluble solids concentration (SSC) or pH. There were significant differences among cultivars in firmness; Hunter color `L', `a', and `b'; SSC; and pH.