bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Guidelines and Acceptable Postharvest Practices for Organically Grown Produce
Authors: Plotto Anne , Narciso Jan A.
Published: February 2019

Organic foods are produced using agricultural practices that emphasize renewable resources and conservation of soil and water. Horticultural crops are grown and processed without synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, ingredients and processing aids. Crops or ingredients derived from genetic engineering, and use of ionizing radiation are prohibited in organic production. The challenge is to deliver produce that has the same safety, quality and shelf life as conventional products, with a limited array of tools available for sanitation and postharvest treatments. Organic operators, professionals servicing the industry, as well as researchers involved in organic production practices, should be aware of all the points in the process of storing, handling and transforming horticultural crops where accidental contamination could occur, and thus compromise organic integrity. This presentation summarizes the major points of the National Organic Program for processing and handling, and gives suggestions for postharvest research. For example, finding organic alternatives for postharvest decay control is critical to maintain food safety. Additionally, ingredients compatible for fresh cut and produce coatings must be developed for the organic market for food safety and competitiveness.
Frost Hardiness of some Turkish Apricot Cultivars during the Bloom Period
Authors: Gunes Nurdan Tuna
Published: February 2019

The frost hardiness of five apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) cultivars used for drying and/or the fresh market was investigated under controlled conditions and in the orchard. The hardiness of flower buds at three different development stages, such as first white, first bloom, and full bloom, was tested at –4 °C for 1 hour and 3 hours in the laboratory. The flower buds of `Kabaasi', `Sekerpare', and `Alyanak' were hardier. The field observations obtained from the apricot orchard where the late frost occurred at night on 3 to 4 Apr. 2004 supported this result, and the temperatures at frost date varied from –2 to –9 °C.
Screening Exotic Firs for the Midwestern United States: Interspecific Variation in Adaptive Traits
Authors: Jones G.E. , Cregg B.M.
Published: February 2019

Conifers represent a sizeable portion of nursery and landscape sales in the upper midwestern U.S. Several conifer species have been overplanted to the point where disease problems and insect pressures have developed. Although more than 40 true fir (Abies Mill.) exist throughout the northern hemisphere, use of firs in the landscape and Christmas tree industry has been limited to relatively few species. This is largely due to perceived intolerance of many site conditions. However, recent research suggests Abies are more tolerant of varying site conditions than originally thought. Successful introduction of new exotic fir species for landscape use will require a systematic approach to identify species that are adapted to environmental stresses. In this article we review the extent and nature of inter-specific variation among Abies species in traits commonly associated with tolerance of stresses found in the upper midwestern U.S. Specifically, we focus on cold hardiness, budbreak, photosynthetic gas exchange and water relations, and response to soil pH. It is important to match plants possessing necessary adaptive characteristics with the existing site conditions. Therefore, multiple screening factors should be met when identifying species or trees from different provenances for future introduction.
Irrigation Scheduling to Increase Muskmelon Fruit Biomass and Soluble Solids Concentration
Authors: Long Robert L. , Walsh Kerry B. , Midmore David J. , Rogers Gordon
Published: February 2019

A common practice for the irrigation management of muskmelon (Cucumis melo L. reticulatus group) is to restrict water supply to the plants from late fruit development and through the harvest period. However, this late fruit development period is critical for sugar accumulation and water stress at this stage is likely to limit the final fruit soluble solids concentration (SSC). Two field irrigation experiments were conducted to test the idea that maintaining muskmelon plants free of water stress through to the end of harvest will maximise sugar accumulation in the fruit. In both trials, water stress before or during harvest detrimentally affected fruit SSC and fresh weight (e.g., no stress fruit 11.2% SSC, weight 1180 g; stress fruit 8.8% SSC, weight 990 g). Maintaining plants free of water stress from flowering through to the end of harvest is recommended to maximise yield and fruit quality.
Effect of Planting Depth, Planting Season, and Fungicide Treatment on Establishment of Black Cohosh in a Poorly Drained Soil
Authors: Thomas Andrew L. , Crawford Richard J. , Havermann Larry J. , Applequist Wendy L. , Schweitzer Besa E. , Woodbury Scott F. , Miller James S.
Published: February 2019

Black cohosh [Actaea racemosa L., Cimicifuga racemosa L. (Nutt)] is a perennial herb commonly used for treatment of menopausal symptoms in humans. The increasing demand for this plant is leading to serious over-harvesting from the wild and presents an opportunity for potentially profitable cultivation. The plant produces a large rhizome, the principal medicinal organ, which appears to be especially sensitive to heavy soil, and prone to fungal attack if soil water drainage is not adequate. After an earlier crop failure (attributed to a Phytophthora–Pythium disease complex) in an established black cohosh nursery bed, two experiments were conducted in the same soil to determine if certain horticultural approaches could help to avert fungal infection under less-than-ideal conditions. Treatments included single postplanting applications of the fungicide mefenoxam, transplantation in fall versus spring, and shallow (0.5 cm) versus deep (6.5 cm) placement of rhizomes. Shallow placement significantly improved long-term rhizome survival, but was still not able to compensate adequately for a poorly-drained soil. The horticultural approaches we studied do not appear to be reliable alternatives to proper site selection in the cultivation of black cohosh.
Rootstock Selection, Preplant Soil Treatments, and Tree Planting Positions as Factors in Managing Apple Replant Disease
Authors: Leinfelder Michelle M. , Merwin Ian A.
Published: February 2019

Apple replant disease (ARD) is a common problem typified by stunted growth and reduced yields in successive plantings of apple (Malus ×domestica Borkh.) in old orchard sites. ARD is attributed to biotic and abiotic factors; it is highly variable by sites, making it difficult to diagnose and overcome. In this experiment, we tested several methods of controlling ARD in a site previously planted to apple for >80 years. Our objective was to evaluate practical methods for ARD management. We compared three different experimental factors: four preplant soil treatments (PPSTs) (compost amendments, fumigation with Telone C-17, compost plus fumigation, and untreated soil); two replanting positions (in the old tree rows vs. old grass lanes); and five clonal rootstocks (`M.26', `M.7', `G.16', `CG.6210', and `G.30') during 4 years after replanting. The PPSTs had little effect on tree growth or yields during 4 years. Tree growth was affected by planting position, with trees planted in old grass lanes performing better than those in the old tree rows. Rootstocks were the most important factor in overcoming ARD; trees on `CG.6210' and `CG.30' grew better and yielded more than those on other rootstocks. Rootstock selection and row repositioning were more beneficial than soil fumigation or compost amendments in controlling ARD at this orchard.
Association of Meloidogyne partityla with Nickel Deficiency and Mouse-ear of Pecan
Authors: Nyczepir A.P. , Wood B.W. , Reilly C.C.
Published: February 2019

Pecan [Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch] trees exhibit nickel (Ni) deficiency in certain orchard situations. The symptoms are manifest as either mouse-ear or replant disorder and in certain situations are associated with nematode parasitism. A field microplot study of pecan seedlings treated with either Meloidogyne partityla or Criconemoides xenoplax or both found that parasitism by M. partityla can result in enhancement in the severity of mouse-ear symptoms and a reduction in foliar Ni concentration. The Ni threshold for triggering morphological symptoms in young developing foliage was between 0.265 and 0.862 μg·g–1 dry weight, while the threshold for rosetting was between 0.007 and 0.064 μg·g–1 dw. Results indicate that parasitism by M. partityla is a contributing factor to the induction of Ni deficiency in pecan and raises the possibility that nematode parasitism and Ni nutrition can be contributing factors to many plant maladies.
Tree Irrigation Levels for Optimum Chemical and Sensory Properties of Olive Oil
Authors: Berenguer Maria J. , Vossen Paul M. , Grattan Stephen R. , Connell Joseph H. , Polito Vito S.
Published: February 2019

A comparative study was conducted to evaluate the influence of seven different levels of irrigation applied to `Arbequina I-18' olive (Olea europaea L.) trees grown in a super-high-density orchard (1,656 trees/ha) in the Sacramento Valley of California. Water was applied differentially by drip irrigation at rates of 15%, 25%, 40%, 57%, 71%, 89%, and 107% evapotranspiration (ETc) in 2002, and 28%, 33%, 55%, 74%, 93%, 117%, and 140% ETc in 2003. Each treatment was replicated three times. Olives were harvested on two different dates each year from each of 21 plots. Three of four harvest dates showed a decrease in maturity index with increasing irrigation levels. Oils were made from olive samples collected from each plot and analyzed for oil quality parameters. Total polyphenol levels and oxidative stability decreased as the trees received more water, especially for the three lowest irrigation treatment levels in 2002, but few differences were noted between treatments in 2003 when all the trees were irrigated more heavily. Average oxidative stability was correlated very closely with total polyphenol content with r2 = 0.98 in 2002 and 0.94 in 2003. In 2002, free fatty acid levels increased and peroxide levels were unchanged, but in 2003, free fatty acid levels were unchanged and peroxide levels decreased in treatments receiving more water. Saturated fatty acids did not significantly change in 2002, due to tree irrigation level. The mono-unsaturated fatty acid levels and oleic–linoleic relationship declined while poly-unsaturated fatty acid levels increased in 2002 with increased irrigation. In 2003, there was no notable difference in the ratio of mono to poly unsaturated fatty acid levels. The individual fatty acid most consistently affected by more irrigation water was stearic, which decreased in both years. Total sterol content (mg·kg–1), percentages of cholesterol and erythrodiol were significantly influenced by tree irrigation levels, but increased in one year and either decreased or were unchanged the next. Oil sensory properties of fruitiness, bitterness, and pungency all declined in oils made from trees receiving more water. The lowest irrigation levels produced oils that were characterized by excessive bitterness, very high pungency, and woody, herbaceous flavors. Intermediate irrigation levels (33% to 40% ETc) produced oils with balance, complexity, and characteristic artichoke, grass, green apple, and some ripe fruit flavors. Higher irrigation levels lowered oil extractability and produced relatively bland oils with significantly less fruitiness and almost no bitterness or pungency.
Growth and Nutrient Partitioning of `TifEagle' Bermudagrass as Influenced by Nitrogen and Trinexapac-ethyl
Authors: McCullough Patrick E. , Liu Haibo , McCarty Lambert B. , Whitwell Ted , Toler Joe E.
Published: February 2019

Dwarf-type bermudagrasses [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. × C. transvaalensis Burtt-Davey] tolerate long-term golf green mowing heights but require heavy nitrogen (N) fertilizations. Inhibiting leaf growth with trinexapac-ethyl (TE) could reduce shoot growth competition for root reserves and improve nutrient use efficiency. Two greenhouse experiments evaluated four N levels, 6 (N6), 12 (N12), 18 (N18), and 24 (N24) kg N/ha/week, with TE at 0 and 0.05 kg·ha–1 a.i. every 3 weeks to assess rooting, nutrient allocation, clipping yield, and chlorophyll concentration of `TifEagle' bermudagrass grown in PVC containers built to U.S. Golf Association specification. Trinexapac-ethyl enhanced turf quality on every date after initial application. After 8 weeks, high N rates caused turf quality decline; however, TE treated turf averaged about 25% higher visual quality from nontreated turf, masking quality decline of high N fertility. `TifEagle' bermudagrass treated with TE had clippings reduced 52% to 61% from non-TE treated. After 16 weeks, bermudagrass treated with TE over all N levels had 43% greater root mass and 23% enhanced root length. Compared to non-TE treated turf, leaf N, P, and K concentrations were consistently lower in TE treated turf while Ca and Mg concentrations were increased. Root N concentrations in TE treated turf were 8% to 11% higher for N12, N18, and N24 fertilized turf than respective N rates without TE. Compared to non-TE treated turf, clipping nutrient recoveries were reduced 69% to 79% by TE with 25% to 105% greater nutrients recovered in roots. Bermudagrass treated with TE had higher total chlorophyll concentrations after 8 and 12 weeks. Overall, inhibiting `TifEagle' bermudagrass leaf growth appears to reallocate nutrients to belowground tissues, thus improving nutrient use efficiency and root growth. Chemical name used: trinexapac-ethyl, [4-(cyclopropyl-[α]-hydroxymethylene)-3,5-dioxo-cyclohexane carboxylic acid ethylester].
BY THE NUMBERS: ASIAN LONGHORNED BEETLE AND THE NEW JERSEY EXPERIENCE
Authors: Polanin Nicholas , DiNardo Madeline Flahive , Hlubik William T. , Emens Barry
Published: February 2019

New Jersey has two active quarantines currently under the jurisdiction of the USDA's Cooperative Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB) Eradication Project. Encompassing just over twenty (20.2) square miles, these quarantines are located in the northeastern and central coastal regions of the state, in close proximity to the ports of New York, Newark, and Elizabeth. Public education and media outreach have been instrumental in confirming the presence of ALB in New Jersey, as both quarantines are the result of citizens' reports. Twenty five personnel have been directly assigned to this eradication effort, with outside contractors taking up the remaining effort. Nearly 33,000 trees have been inspected, resulting in 11,000 (33%) removals of infested or high-risk host species trees. Major losses have occurred in populations of Norway and red maple, London planetree, and American elm, species which have received widespread praise (and unfortunate over-planting) for their tolerance of urban planting sites. Regulatory Contracts (597) and Compliance Agreements (137) were necessary to formalize the quarantine and to create strong working partnerships between the USDA, municipalities, and industry to gain access to all trees and to control the movement of all “green material” in the quarantine areas. Municipalities currently cooperating in the New Jersey Community Forestry Program have begun offsetting this major deforestation and canopy cover loss with the planting of 2,545 nonhost trees, with full reforestation expected over the next several years. In addition, >22,000 trees have been treated with Imidacloprid as a possible deterrent to any activity or spread of ALB in the Garden State.
APPLE ROOT GROWTH, TURNOVER, AND DISTRIBUTION UNDER DIFFERENT ORCHARD GROUNDCOVER MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
Authors: Yao Shengrui , Merwin Ian A. , Brown Michael G.
Published: February 2019

Minirhizotrons were employed to study new root occurrence, turnover, and depth distribution of apple (Malus ×domestica Borkh.) rootstocks under four groundcover management systems (GMS): preemergence herbicide (Pre-H), postemergence herbicide (Post-H), mowed sod (Grass) and hardwood bark mulch (Mulch) that have been maintained since 1992 in an orchard near Ithaca, NY. Two root observation tubes were installed on both sides of one tree in three replicates for each GMS treatment. Root observations were taken at 2–3 week intervals during growing seasons of 2002 and 2003. Tree growth and yield data were collected annually since 1992. The Mulch and Post-H treatments had bigger trees and higher yields than other treatments; whereas the Grass treatment had the smallest trees and lowest yields. Higher number of new roots was observed in a light crop year (2002) than a heavy crop year (2003). Mulch trees had more shallow roots and Grass trees had fewer total roots than other treatments. Root diameter was positively correlated with overwintering root survival. The Pre-H GMS had higher root mortality during a hot and dry growing season (2002). GMS treatments affected root number and root depth distribution patterns. Hot and dry weather conditions and crop load reduced new root emergence, increased root mortality and reduced root median lifespan. GMS treatments together with environmental factors affected root growth, turnover and distribution.
USING HIGH TUNNELS TO EXTEND THE RASPBERRY SEASON INTO LATE FALL
Authors: Spalholz Hans , Kelly Mary Jo , Pritts Marvin
Published: February 2019

The use of high tunnels is a technology that can be implemented just about anywhere for a modest cost, and can be used to bring crops on earlier or extend them later in the season. Raspberries are a high value crop that, in season, sell for more than $3.00/lb. In the middle of winter, raspberries can sell for more than $10.00/lb. Our goal was to produce raspberries in October and November, after the field season ends from frost and rain, and when the selling price of raspberries doubles. Our project examined primocane-fruiting varieties and methods of managing plants to delay their production beyond the normal late August-September season. The first part of the study was to monitor the growth and productivity of several late varieties that typically fruit too late for the New York climate. One selection (NY01.64) and one cultivar (Josephine) appeared very promising for high tunnel production. The second set of treatments manipulated `Heritage' so that it fruits later than the normal September season. The five treatments were an unmanipulated control, applying straw over plots in late February at the rate of 6 tons/acre after a period of cold weather, mowing canes to the ground in early June shortly after they emerge, pinching primocanes (removing the top 4–6 inches) when they reach a height of about 2½ ft, and pinching when canes were 3½ ft tall. Each of these 4 treatments delayed flowering and shifted production to later in the season. The late pinching treatment appeared to provide the best yield curve under the high tunnel.
CONSUMER PREFERENCES OF TOMATOES GROWN IN HIGH TUNNELS
Authors: Bryant Heather D. , Hutton Mark G. , Handley David T. , Camire Mary Ellen
Published: February 2019

Some Maine tomato growers use unheated greenhouses or high tunnels to extend the short growing season. But, what varieties should growers choose? The objective of this trial was to test varieties of greenhouse and open field tomatoes to identify the best performers in high tunnels in terms of yield, quality, disease, and taste. Results showed that both open field and greenhouse varieties produced similar and acceptable yields of high quality marketable fruit. Open field varieties showed more disease than greenhouse varieties. There were some significant differences between individual varieties. Betterboy scored highest in sensory analysis, but lowest in yield/quality. Brilliante scored poorly on marketable yields, but well in terms of premium yields, quality, disease and taste. It may be well suited for direct marketing to repeat customers (e.g., farmers' markets). For commercial production Jet Star, Brilliante, Cobra, and First Lady II appear to be good choices based on overall scores.
EVALUATION OF SKIN SEPARATION (SILVERING) IN FRUIT OF BELL PEPPER CULTIVARS
Authors: Wyenandt C. Andrew , Kline Wesley L.
Published: February 2019

Twenty-eight bell pepper cultivars and breeding lines were evaluated for resistance to the crown and stem rot phase of Phytophthora blight (Phytophthora capsici) and for silvering of fruit at two sites in southern New Jersey in 2005. A randomized complete block design with four replications was setup at Rutgers Agricultural Research and Extension Center (RAREC), Bridgeton, New Jersey and at an on-farm site in Vineland, NJ. Number and weight of fruit with silvering varied significantly depending on pepper line, harvest date, and location. Percentage of phytophthora-infected plants ranged from 0% to 26% at RAREC and 0% to 78% at the on-farm site depending on pepper line. In some cases, new breeding lines exhibited levels of Phytophthora-resistance comparable to the resistant cultivar Paladin. Depending on pepper line, percentage of harvested fruit with silvering decreased with later harvest dates. The percentage of fruit with silvering ranged from 0% to 92% during first harvest, 1% to 56% during second harvest and from 5% to 35% during third harvest at RAREC, and from 0% to 22% during second and 0% to 15% during third harvest at the on-farm site depending on pepper line. Less fruit silvering developed in lines with no resistance or tolerance to P. capsici. Reports have suggested that phytophthora-resistance is linked to increased silvering in fruit. Silvering in Paladin was 66%, 56%, and 35% compared to only 0%, 1%, and 5% in Camelot (susceptible cultivar) during each harvest at RAREC and was 22% and 15% in Paladin compared to 0% in Camelot at the on-farm site. Interestingly, silvering was lower when pepper lines were grown on high-ridged bare soil beds with overhead irrigation (on-farm site) compared to same pepper lines grown on black plastic mulch with drip irrigation (RAREC).
COMPARATIVE ANATOMY OF YELLOWS-INFECTED `CHARDONNAY' GRAPEVINES IN NEW YORK STATE, VIRGINIA, AND SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Authors: Welser Mary Jean , Goffinet Martin C.
Published: February 2019

Grapevine yellows is a destructive, worldwide disease of grapevines that is caused by a phytoplasma, a bacterium-like organism that infects and disrupts the vascular system of shoots. The North American form of grapevine yellows (NAGY) has been observed in New York State since the mid-1970s and in Virginia since the mid-1990s. Symptoms duplicate those of vines suffering from an Australian disease complex known as Australian grapevine yellows (AGY). We sought to determine if infected `Chardonnay' vines have common anatomical characteristics across the three regions. At each geographic site in late summer, 2003–04, leaf and internode samples were taken from younger green regions of shoots and from mature basal regions in the fruiting zone. These were processed for histology. The anatomy of each organ type was compared between locations on the shoot, between geographic locations, and between affected and normal shoots. The phloem was the only tissue universally affected in vines with NAGY or AGY symptoms. In stem internodes, both primary phloem and secondary phloem showed many senescent cells, abnormally proliferated giant cells, and hyperplasia. In affected secondary phloem there was disruption of the radial files of cells that normally differentiate from the cambium into mature phloem cell types. Normal bands of secondary phloem fibers (“hard phloem”) in internodes were weak or absent in affected vines. Leaves also had disrupted phloem organization but near-normal xylem organization in vines with symptoms. Leaves of infected vines frequently showed a disruption of sugar transport out of the leaf blades, manifested by a heavy buildup of starch in chloroplasts of mesophyll cells and bundle-sheath cells.
CULTURAL PRACTICES TO IMPROVE HEIRLOOM TOMATO YIELD
Authors: Kline Wesley L. , Garrison Stephen A. , Sudal June F.
Published: February 2019

The cultivar `Mortgage Lifter' was planted in a 2-year trial to evaluate staking systems. All plots were established with black plastic and drip in a randomized complete block design with three or four replications. In year 1, treatments consisted of straw mulch and plants grown on 4 and 8 ft tomato stakes without straw mulch. In year 2, treatments were added to include topping plants at 4 and 6 ft, when plants grew to the top of the stake and down to touch the plastic or not topping. All were grown on 4-ft stakes. Additionally, plants were grown on 8-ft stakes, but topped at 5, 6, 7, and 8 ft. The first year there were no statistical marketable yield differences between plants grown on 4 or 8-ft stakes, but the yields were significantly higher than the straw mulch treatment after the seventh harvest. The straw mulch treatment did have significantly more cull fruit, lower percentage marketable fruit and a smaller marketable fruit size for all harvests compared to the staking treatments. In year two, there were no statistical differences for marketable yield among the treatments until the late harvests (9–12). For the late harvest, all treatments grown on 8-ft stakes had higher marketable yields than all other treatments. When all harvests were combined, the 6- and 7-ft treatments had higher marketable yields with the exception of the 5- and 8-ft treatments and the 6-ft treatment on 4-ft stakes. Cull fruit yields were only significant among treatments for the mid season harvest (5–8) with the straw mulch treatment having more cull fruit than all other treatments. There were no statistical differences for percentage marketable fruit for any harvest.
FIRE ANTS HAVE MET THEIR MATCH: THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE DECAPITATING PHORID FLY IN SOUTH FLORIDA
Authors: Hunsberger Adrian , Regalado Ruben
Published: February 2019

The red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta) has become a serious agricultural and animal pest in the southern U.S. since its accidental introduction in the 1930s. Traditionally, this pest ant has been under chemical control with very limited success and treatments must be repeated on a regular basis. One strategy to manage the red imported fire ant, which has been tried in parts of the southern U.S., is to use biocontrol agents to reduce fire ant populations. We released decapitating phorid flies (Pseudacteon tricuspis) as a self-sustaining biocontrol agent specific to S. invicta at two sites in South Florida during the spring of 2003 (site 1) and 2005 (site 2). Establishment of fly populations was monitored by disturbing 10 fire ant mounds and inspecting the number of hovering flies for 15 min. per mound. At site 1, within 1.5 years, 30% of mounds were positive for phorid flies and total estimated fire ant mounds decreased by 94%. At site 2, the number of mounds was recorded 1 day prerelease and 2 months postrelease. Ant mound density decreased by 71.4% with 73% of the remaining ant mounds positive for flies. This study confirms the successful establishment of the decapitating phorid fly in South Florida.
EXTENSION FULFILLING A NICHE: A NEW HORTICULTURE COURSE IN SOUTH FLORIDA
Authors: Mayer Henrique , Hunsberger Adrian , Beckford Marguerite
Published: February 2019

Miami-Dade County Extension, with the participation of University of Florida faculty and other speakers, created a Certified Course in Horticulture in 2005. The intended audience is landscape maintenance and installation personnel, tree trimming employees, home gardeners, city and parks employees, and others who want horticultural knowledge. The goal of the program was to educate the participants in basic horticultural practices such as: plant selection and installation—including palms and turf; plant propagation; landscape design; pruning; irrigation; fertilization; pest control, and related topics. The class was limited to 60 participants due to space constraints. The response surpassed all expectations with 58 people completing the course and 40 passing the final exam. Eight months after the end of the program, a follow-up telephone survey was conducted with 24 participants. The results reflect that a high percentage of the participants are still using the correct landscape techniques. In order to reach as many people as possible a video or CD with the entire course is going to be prepared.
USING THE COMMUNITY TO TEACH PLANT MATERIALS—A REAL-WORLD STUDY IN PLANT IDENTIFICATION
Authors: Armitage Allan M.
Published: February 2019

A teaching methodology was employed to use gardeners in the community to help in the teaching of a Herbaceous Perennial Plant Identification class (8 weeks, about 160 taxa). Most universities do not have a diverse collection of herbaceous perennials planted on campus, nor do most campuses have horticultural or botanical gardens for students. Teaching plant materials with photos alone or trying to force materials in the greenhouse is not only a horticultural challenge but seldom provides students with the important identification characteristics (habit, fragrance, fruit) of the taxon. Approximately six gardeners in the community agreed to open their private gardens to the students. Plants are evaluated 2 days before class time, and a list of plants is published on WebCT each week All gardens chosen must be within 15 minutes driving time from campus. Students were able to drive to the gardens, meet the gardeners and were exposed to the plants in garden setting. Potential problems of being unable to drive to gardens, or not being able to return to the gardens to study were not realized. Gardeners embraced the program and students were enriched by studying plants in a natural garden environment. The final examination is conducted in one of the gardens visited by the class. The use of gardeners in the community has been an important part of the class for 10 years.
INFLUENCE OF STEM CUTTING LOCATION ON PROPAGATION OF MURRAYA PANICULATA AND TECOMA STANS
Authors: Cerveny Christopher B. , Gibson James L. , Barrett James E.
Published: February 2019

Orange Jasmine (Murraya paniculata L. Jack) and Texas Star [Tecoma stans (L.) Juss.] are two tropical ornamentals which have become popular in the specialty floriculture crop market because of their outstanding flower characteristics. Unfortunately they are difficult to root and little has been published on how to propagate them effectively. Therefore, the objective of our experiment was to determine the optimum physiological age of stem tissue necessary to effectively root 2-node stem cuttings. Forty-five cm shoots of Murraya were harvested on 27 June and 7 Sept. 2005, and divided into 2-node stem cuttings representing the top, middle, and bottom sections of the stem (soft-wood, semi-hardwood, and hardwood, respectively). Cuttings were measured for stem length and diameter, dipped in a 1,500 mg·L–1 solution containing indolebutyric acid (IBA) 1%: napthaleneacetic acid (NAA) 0.5%, and propagated under mist for 10 weeks in a 4 perlite: 1 vermiculite substrate (by volume). Tecoma followed a similar regime but were harvested once on 13 Sept. and evaluated 4 weeks after planting. Both species were evaluated for percent survival and rooting quality on a 1 to 5 scale; 1 = poor, 5 = best. Stem quality differences in Tecoma cuttings were shown, but did not influence rooting performance or percent survival. Murrayacuttings indicated a similar trend suggesting that age of tissue is not an important factor when propagating these species. However, when comparing the two harvest dates, data from Murraya cuttings showed an increase in survival from 79% and 95% and an increase in rooting quality from 2.72 to 4.26 when harvested in June compared to Sept., respectively. Cuttings harvested in Sept. were also shown to be 17% shorter with a 126% larger diameter than those harvested in June. These data suggest a trend toward a seasonal effect when harvesting cuttings of Murraya paniculatain Florida. Further studies should be conducted to verify this trend and to identify the ideal season for propagation.
THE INFLUENCE OF COOLING ON WOODY SHRUBS USED FOR GREENHOUSE FORCING
Authors: Armitage Allan M. , Hamill N. H. , Anderson S.
Published: February 2019

Research to determine protocols for greenhouse forcing of woody shrubs was initiated as part of the New Crop Research program at the University of Georgia. About 15 woody taxa were initially selected for the program based on habit, foliar qualities and flowering (if present). All plants were subjected to 1.7–4.4 °C for 0, 6, or 10 weeks in a controlled temperature cooler. Based on growth and visual characteristics, Leptodermis oblonga, Indigofera pseudotinctoria `Rose Carpet', Forsythia ×intermedia `Golden Peep' and Philadelphus coronaria `Manteau d'Hermaine' was discarded. Caryopteris x clandonensis `Sunshine Blue', Leycesteria formosa `Golden Lanterns', Sambucus nigra`Black Lace', Philadelphus coronaria`Variegata' and Physocarpus oblongifolius `Summer Wine' were investigated further. Data presented for Physocarpus suggested that cooling was not necessary for growth; however, 10 weeks of cooling resulted in the least time to finish in the greenhouse. Ten, six, and zero weeks cold resulted in 17, 10, and 7 weeks finish time respectively. Additional work conducted in 2005 and future research will be discussed.
THE INFLUENCE OF COOLING ON GROWTH OF THREE SHRUBS FOR GREENHOUSE FORCING: A PRELIMINARY STUDY
Authors: Hamill Natalia K. , Armitage A.M. , Anderson S. L.
Published: February 2019

As part of the New Floriculture Crop Program at the University of Georgia, a research project was initiated in Fall 2004 to determine production protocols for forcing woody shrubs in the greenhouse. The influence of cooling on greenhouse forcing of three woody taxa (Caryopteris ×clandonensis `Sunshine Blue', Leycesteria formosa `Golden Lanterns' and Sambucus nigra `Black Lace') was evaluated. Dormant rooted liners (7 cm) were received in November 2004 and were cooled for 0, 6, or 10 weeks at 1.7–4.4 °C. With 0 weeks cooling, Caryopteris ×clandonensis `Sunshine Blue' never reached an acceptable finish stage. With 6 weeks cooling, plants were not of sufficient quality to be saleable; however with 10 weeks cooling, plants finished in 7 weeks in the greenhouse. With 0 weeks cooling, Leycesteria formosa`Golden Lanterns' was saleable in 13 weeks. With 6 weeks cooling, plants finished in 7 weeks. With 10 weeks cooling, plants finished in 8 weeks. With 0 weeks cooling, Sambucus nigra `Black Lace' never reached a saleable stage. With 6 weeks cooling plants were saleable in 11 weeks; with 10 weeks cooling plants finished in 6 weeks. The data suggest that cold is necessary for greenhouse forcing of Caryopteris and Sambucus, and that 10 weeks of cold resulted in the shortest production time. Data suggest that 6 weeks cooling of Leycesteria resulted in the shortest production time; however cooling is not necessary to produce a finished plant of good quality.
CONTROLLING LITTLE-LEAF DISORDER ON LOROPETALUM CHINESE VAR. RUBRUM WITH FOLIAR APPLICATIONS OF COPPER
Authors: Ruter John M.
Published: February 2019

Loropetalum chinensevar.rubrum, Chinese fringe-flower, was introduced into the United States in 1989 and quickly became on of the most popular plants in the nursery trade. Growth abnormalities (little-leaf disorder) became a problem on container-grown plants in pine bark substrates during the late 1990s. Symptoms are as follows: darkening of older growth, shortening of internodes, upward cupping of leaves, crinkling of new growth, particularly the distal part of the leaf, decrease in leaf size. In severe cases leaf necrosis occurs along with stem elongation, thus branches appear to be elongating without new leaves. Petioles become very short. Branchlets may also be reflexed or drooping. In Florida, an eriophyid mite has been touted as the causal agent for the disorder. On plants sampled from Georgia nurseries, eriophyid mites have never been detected. `Ruby' consistently has the problem, while it has also been noted on `Sizzling Pink' and `Suzanne'. Plants in the ground do not express the problem. There may be an element present in native soil that is not supplied in sufficient quantity in organic substrates. Foliage from a commercial nursery was sampled for micronutrients concentrations. Initial data indicated that copper, zinc, and nickel were low and could be causing the problem. In May 2005, a study was initiated at a commercial nursery in Grady County, Ga. Copper and zinc sulfate, along with nickel lignonsulfonate, was applied as foliar sprays to symptomatic plants of `Suzanne' growing in #5 containers. Within two weeks after treatment, plants sprayed with copper sulfate resumed normal growth. Control plants, or plants treated with zinc or nickel did not resume normal growth. A second study was initiated in June to evaluate different rates of copper sulfate and Kocide, a copper fungicide. Medium to high rates of copper sulfate and the high label rate of Kocide were effective. The plants in this study had severe symptoms and required repeat applications of copper. Further research is needed on appropriate formulations of copper, rates of application, and rates of incorporation into pine bark substrates to eliminate the problem.
POLICIES FOR THE PROPRIETARY RELEASE, DISTRIBUTION AND SALE OF FRUIT VARIETIES AND GERMPLASM AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
Authors: Clark John R.
Published: February 2019

James N. Moore, who began the University of Arkansas fruit breeding program in 1964, filed the first plant patent for a cultivar from the program in 1982, `Reliance' grape. Before that, he released six nonpatented cultivars. `Reliance' was anticipated to be more adapted to the midwestern U.S. than Arkansas and the South, and Moore was interested in program support outside Arkansas for those that would benefit from this development. He found that nurseries and producers were receptive to the idea of patented cultivars and paying per plant royalties on new developments. In 1984, eight nurseries were licensed to propagate `Reliance'. Since that time the fruit breeding program has released 40 cultivars, of which 25 have been plant patented. Licensing for the patented cultivars has been on a nonexclusive basis with nurseries in the U.S., and exclusive agreements for defined territories have been exercised outside the U.S. Total license agreements in early 2006 total >300. Trademarking was first used in 2003 for the first primocane-fruiting blackberry cultivars. Breeding agreements were put in place 2003 as a way to generate program support and move germplasm developments into additional commercial channels. Testing agreements have been expanded outside the U.S., with fees paid to test genotypes and provide first option for exclusive licensing. Proprietary releases have been of benefit to the University of Arkansas and intellectual property protection of new developments should continue to be used.
BLUEBERRY RESEARCH IN THE SOUTHERN PART OF CHINA
Authors: Hong Yu , Creech D. , Chuanyong Wang , Yin Gu , Shanan He
Published: February 2019

Blueberries are now the hot point of fruit development in China. Researches conducted in the past since 1980s include mainly introduction and propagation. More than 30 cultivars of rabbiteye blueberries and southern highbush blueberries were introduced successfully in the Nanjing Botanical garden in late 1980s. For dormant cuttings of 4 rabbiteye blueberry cultivars Gardenblue, Tifblue, Climax, and Premier the rooting percentage could reach 84%, 52%, 62%, and 79% respectively under interrupted misting. Lignification of the cuttings seemed the key point for rooting. For soft cuttings the rooting percentage can reach 90% to 95% with chemical treatments. Seedling selection has been conducted and some promising individuals are under observation. So far, there were little experiments on cultural practice under taken. But looking at the difference of soils between the blueberry growing areas in the US and China it seems that there are a series of aspects should be researched in the future.
PERFORMANCE OF PAWPAW CULTIVARS IN SOUTH CAROLINA
Authors: Reighard Gregory L. , Ouellette David R. , Brock Kathy H.
Published: February 2019

A field planting of 18 selections and 10 named cultivars of pawpaw (Asimina triloba) was established in November 1996 near Clemson, S.C., as part of the Pawpaw Regional Variety Trial coordinated by Kentucky State University. Trees were planted at 2.0 × 5.5 m spacing with drip irrigation and straw mulch in a randomized complete block design consisting of 8 single-tree replications. Data collected through 2005 included tree survival, total tree yield, and yield and average weight of fruit weighing >150 g. Since the start of the trial, 3 selections, 1-7-1, 11-5 and 8-58 have been named and released as `Shenandoah', `Susquehanna' and `Rappahannock', respectively. The highest yielding cultivars were `Shenandoah', `Rappahannock', and `PA-Golden'. The cultivars with the largest percentage of large fruit were `Shenandoah' and `Susquehanna'. `Middletown', `Mitchell', `Rappahannock', `Taytwo', `Wells' and `Wilson' produced the largest percentage of small fruit (<150 g). After 9 years, 66% of the original trees (i.e., scions) were alive. `Rappahannock', `PA-Golden', `Sunflower' and `Wilson' had either one or zero trees die, whereas `Middleton' and `Wells' had only 2 trees alive. Among the selections, 2-54, 9-58, 11-13, 1-68, 3-11, and 8–20 had either 88% or 100% survival. The highest yielding selections were 10-35, 1-7-2, 1-68, and 2-10, and 1-7-2, 2-10, 4-2, and 5-5 produced the highest percent of large fruit. Fruit quality characters such as aroma, flavor, aftertaste and texture were not quantified or evaluated.
FLOWER ABSCISSION AND ANTHOCYANIN DEVELOPMENT IN CUT PHLOX FLOWER HEADS: EFFECT OF ETHYLENE INHIBITORS AND SUCROSE
Authors: Mackay Wayne A. , Sankhla Narendra
Published: February 2019

Phlox paniculata `John Fanick' produces long lasting, dense terminal flower heads and has potential as a specialty cut flower. Quality and postharvest display life of cut flower heads depends primarily on ethylene-induced flower abscission, flower bud opening, and maintenance and development of flower color during vase life. Late events, such as flower and leaf senescence may also be detrimental to flower quality. In the control treatment, the initial red-pink and purple flower color changes to violet blue in 3 to 4 days, and may lose >50% of initial anthocyanins. Incorporating sucrose (SUC) in the vase solution not only maintained >75% of the initial floral pigments, but also promoted opening of additional flowers and anthocyanin development. Although both ethylene biosynthesis (AOA, ReTain, a.i. AVG) and action inhibitors (STS, 1-MCP) delayed flower abscission, STS and 1-MCP were relatively more effective than AOA and AVG. As in the control, newly opened flowers remained very small when treated with ethylene inhibitors, did not develop red-pink color, and exhibited only shades of violet blue color. Sucrose antagonized the effect of ethylene inhibitors. As such, the flowers in SUC+ethylene inhibitors treatments enlarged in size and developed a reddish-pink blue color. However, the flower quality in SUC alone was much superior than those in SUC+ethylene inhibitors. These results indicate that ethylene inhibitors, alone and in combination with SUC, were not of any additional value in improving postharvest performance and display life of cut phlox flower heads.
EDAMAME VEGETABLE SOYBEAN PRODUCTION IN TENNESSEE
Authors: Carpenter Debra , Pantalone Vince , Allen Fred , Deyton Dennis , Sams Carl , Stewart Allison
Published: February 2019

There are three objectives for this study: to determine the within-row plant spacing and time of planting that will produce optimal yields and seed isoflavone content, to explore the feasibility of incorporating edamame soybeans in a double-cropping system with strawberries, and to study the potential as an edamame soybean of newly identified line TN03-349. TN03-349 was planted into black plastic, irrigated strawberry beds in an East Tennessee location at five different within-row spacings (7.62, 15.24, 30.48, 60.96, and 121.92 cm) in 2004 and 2005. Another strawberry bed planting was located in Middle Tennessee in 2005. Four soybean lines and two planting dates were used in the Middle Tennessee experiment. Two lines are high yielding soybean checks, while the third is a commercially available edamame cultivar. The fourth line is TN03-349. Planting dates were 24 May and 14 June 2005. A final field experiment utilized the same four soybean lines and planting dates with an additional planting on 6 July 2005. Four different within-row spacings were used, as well. All experimental plantings were harvested at both the R6 (green) and R8 (dry) stages. Preliminary data indicates that isoflavone content was not affected by within-row spacing in the 2004 East Tennessee strawberry bed experiment. Yield data from the same experiment seems to indicate that soybeans were able to compensate for fewer plants per row at the 7, 62, 15.24, and 30.48 cm spacings. Yield dropped sharply at the 60.96 and 121.92 cm treatments. Line TN03-349 produced beans with large seed size and nutty flavor, traits that are essential for edamame soybeans.
NUTRITIONAL COMPONENTS IN SELECT FLORIDA TROPICAL FRUITS
Authors: Mahattanatawee Kanjana , Baldwin Elizabeth , Goodner Kevin , Manthey John , Luzio Gary
Published: February 2019

Fourteen tropical fruits from southern Florida [red guava, white guava, carambola, red pitaya (red dragon), white pitaya (white dragon), mamey, sapodilla, lychee, longan, green mango, ripe mango, green papaya and ripe papaya] were evaluated for antioxidant activity, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), total fiber and pectin. ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) and DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, radical scavenging activity) assays were used to determine antioxidant activity. The total soluble phenolics (TSP), ORAC, and DPPH ranged from 205.4 to 2316.7 μg gallic acid equivalent/g puree, 0.03 to 16.7 μmole Trolox equivalent/g puree and 2.1 to 620.2 μg gallic acid equivalent/g puree, respectively. Total ascorbic acid (TAA), total dietary fiber (TDF) and pectin ranged from 13.6 to 159.6 mg/100 g, 0.88 to 7.25 g/100 g and 0.2 to 1.04 g/100 g, respectively. The antioxidant activities, TSP, TAA, TDF and pectin appeared to be influenced by cultivar (papaya, guava and dragon fruit) and ripening stage (papaya and/or mango). Data demonstrate the potential benefits of several of these fruits for human health.