bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Quick, Easy, Accurate Method of Quantifying Vineyard Trellis Fill
Authors: Zabadal Thomas J. , VanEe Gary R. , Dittmer Thomas W. , Ledebuhr Richard L.
Published: December 2018

Functional leaf area is the basis for vineyard productivity. Therefore, the leaf area displayed on a trellis will determine the productive potential of a vineyard. A device that uses a series of infrared sensors was constructed to quantify vineyard trellis fill. A vertical row of sensors on a moving over-the-row vineyard trailer recorded the interception of infrared light beams through the trellis. These values were related to the total time of measurement to calculate a percentage of trellis fill. Our device was used to quantify differences among training systems applied to `Chardonnay' grapevines. This system is quick, easy, and at least as accurate as currently used visual methods. This technique should be useful for determining the influence of various cultural practices on the development of grapevine canopies.
Utah's Vegetable Growers: Assessing Sustainable Agriculture
Authors: Drost Daniel , Long Gilbert , Hales Kimberlee
Published: December 2018

Without a clear understanding of individual farms and farming practice, progression toward more sustainable vegetable production cannot occur. Seventy randomly selected vegetable farmers in Utah were surveyed by telephone and mail to gather baseline data on their agricultural practices. The Utah vegetable farmers profile generated by this survey included a measure of each respondent's attitude toward sustainable agricultural practices and his or her interest in further cooperation with research and extension. A farming index to measure practices used and a perceptual index measuring farmer's views regarding sustainable practices were developed, pilot tested, and refined during the project. Although the perceptual index did not serve as a proxy for actual farm practice, it identified farmers who had an appreciation for sustainable agriculture. Together with the farming index, we now have detailed information on actual farm practices for a variety of different vegetable farmer groups. The use of these two indices will help measure the effectiveness of future research and extension efforts as farmers progress toward more sustainable vegetable production.
Applying Computer Programming to Specific Horticultural Research Problems
Authors: Lightner G.W.
Published: December 2018

MARYBLYT is a computer model system that was developed to assist growers when making management decisions regarding the control of fire blight. This disease is potentially devastating to pome fruit orchards and has traditionally been difficult and expensive to control. The collaboration between the Univ. of Maryland and the USDA Agricultural Research Service to develop MARYBLYT is reviewed to provide information that should be considered when such an effort is undertaken to address any research need using computer applications. Specifically, the development of the software for the MARYBLYT system is presented.
Using the World Wide Web for Enhancing Student Learning in Future Horticultural Curricula
Authors: Sistrunk Laurence A.
Published: December 2018

The use of the Internet and specifically the World Wide Web has grown rapidly in the last 2 years. There are now >60 million web pages on the Internet, each containing information on various subjects and many having very useful information. The text is viewed with a web browser, using a hypertext markup language, enabling formatting similar to word processing. Graphics, sounds, and video are accessed from hot links in the text. While commercial users are struggling with marketing strategies, the web will continue to evolve. We as educators will continue to dominate the rapid growth due to increased needs to reach more students with fewer resources. By adding course materials on-line, instructors can enhance the learning process. Interactive computer teaching modules will give students more one-on-one experience at their own pace. Then, by adding e-mail connectivity to instructors, students can have daily or even hourly access for questions. By careful Web page design, we can hold the interest of our students and disseminate more information than ever before.
Response of Several Apple Cultivars to Methyl Bromide Fumigation
Authors: Drake S.R. , Moffitt H.R.
Published: December 2018

`Fuji', `Gala' and `Jonagold' apples (Malus×domestica Borkh.) from either regular-atmosphere (RA) or controlled-atmosphere (CA) storage can be fumigated with methyl bromide (MeBr) with minimal effects on fruit quality. Some quality loss, particularly in internal color, was possible at 48 and 56 g·m−3 MeBr doses for `Fuji', `Gala', and `Jonagold' apples from CA storage. `Braeburn' apples from either RA or CA storage were not good candidates for MeBr fumigation, particularly at 10 °C. Observed internal damage indicated that `Braeburn' apples from RA or CA cannot be fumigated with MeBr. Apples with watercore displayed increased internal breakdown after fumigation with MeBr. Regardless of cultivar, only apples of superior quality could tolerate the stress of MeBr fumigation.
Master Gardener Judges in State and National Horticulture Career Development Events
Authors: McDaniel Alan , Relf Diane
Published: December 2018

Master Gardeners (MGs) have proven to be effective judges for vocational horticulture student demonstrations of industry skills in 1996 Virginia and National FFA competitions. In a survey, the MG judges indicated a wide variety of backgrounds, with many being first-year MGs having no prior experience in judging or youth programs. Overall, they rated the student performance as better than expected and their own judging standard as neither lenient nor rigorous. Training is a critical part of their effectiveness as judges, and it was found that multiple formats are needed. Overall, most rated judging the FFA events as a very appropriate match to the MG educational goals, and there was a 100% affirmative response to the questions would they accept an invitation to judge again and would they encourage other MGs to volunteer as judges for FFA horticulture events.
Selecting the Optimum Slow-release Fertilizer Rate for Five Cultivars of Tissue-cultured Hosta
Authors: Britton Wendy , Holcomb E.J. , Beattie David J.
Published: December 2018

Four rates of two slow-release fertilizers were tested for optimum growth of five hosta cultivars: Hosta sieboldiana `Elegans', Hosta plantaginea `Aphrodite', Hosta `Jade Scepter', Hosta `Hadspen Blue', and Hosta `Francee'. Tissue-cultured hostas from 2.5-cm plugs were planted in 6-inch (15-cm) pots filled with a commercial soilless medium, and the slow-release fertilizer was dibbled into the medium at 0, 3, 6, or 12 g/pot. The plants were maintained for 4 months. Root and shoot fresh and dry weights were recorded at the end of the experiment. In addition, foliar nutrient analysis was conducted on `Aphrodite', `Francee', and `Jade Sceptor'. Overall, hostas grew best when the medium was amended with 3 g of either Osmocote 14N-6P-11.5K or Sierrablen 17N-6P-12K slow-release fertilizer.
Constraints on Developing an Integrated Pest Management Program for Citrus Leafminer (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) in Florida Nurseries
Authors: Villanueva-Jiménez Juan A. , Hoy Marjorie A.
Published: December 2018

Florida citrus nursery growers were surveyed to learn about their citrus leafminer (Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton) (CLM) management practices as a preliminary step in developing an integrated pest management (IPM) program. All responses were kept anonymous. Survey responses from growers producing ≈4.2 million trees annually were obtained, which represents most of the estimated 5.2 million trees required to annually replant Florida groves. Large nurseries (20%) each produced ≥100,000 trees per year and jointly provided 88% of the trees produced annually. Small nurseries (80%) each produced <100,000 trees per year. The citrus leafminer was ranked the most important pest in nurseries during 1995. Pesticides used for CLM control included avermectin, azadirachtin, imidacloprid, fenoxycarb, diflubenzuron, and sulfur, in order of importance. Oil and soap also were used. Growers were concerned about the possibility that the CLM will develop resistance to pesticides. Producers potentially were willing to monitor CLM populations, switch pesticide types to improve survival of parasitoids of the CLM, and leave untreated trees inside the nursery to serve as refuges for CLM parasitoids. In order of importance, pest management advice was provided by private chemical companies, the Florida Citrus Pest Management Guide produced by the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), UF/IFAS personnel, grower magazines, private consultants, the Florida Citrus Nurserymen's Association, and other growers.
Varying Fertigation Volume Modifies Growth of Processing Tomato Transplants Produced in the Greenhouse and Affects Leaching from Plug Trays
Authors: Liptay A. , Sikkema P.
Published: December 2018

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill) seedlings given 0.3 to 0.4 L/tray per day of a mineral solution containing (in mg·L-1) 150N-47P-216K-64Ca-40Mg maintained optimal height at 10 to 13 cm for Ontario processing tomato transplants. Seedlings given greater fertigation volumes were too tall and spindly to use as transplants. Transplants given 0.2 L of water per tray per day were very short (6 cm) compared to those receiving 0.3 to 0.4 L. As fertigation volume was increased from 0.2 to 0.7 L, shoot N remained constant while root N increased. Shoots had about a 3-fold higher level of N, P, and K than the roots. Calcium and magnesium were similar in roots and shoots. Mineral leaching from the trays was 1% of the total volume applied for the 0.4-L and 4% for the 0.7-L treatment.
Root Medium Chemical Properties
Authors: Argo William R.
Published: December 2018

Maintaining medium pH and nutrient concentrations at levels acceptable for growth are important for producing vigorous transplants in the shortest time. Medium chemical properties, such as cation-exchange capacity, aeration, liming materials, preplant fertilizer, irrigation-water sources, water-soluble fertilizers, and plant species, interact to affect medium pH and nutrient management. However, these chemical properties do not affect medium pH or the nutrient supply simultaneously or with equal intensity. The objective of this review is to consider key chemical properties of container media and their affects on pH and nutrient management initially and over time.
The Effect of Container Size
Authors: NeSmith D. Scott , Duval John R.
Published: December 2018

Transplants for both vegetable and floral crops are produced in a number of various sized containers or cells. Varying container size alters the rooting volume of the plants, which can greatly affect plant growth. Container size is important to transplant producers as they seek to optimize production space. Transplant consumers are interested in container size as it relates to optimum post-transplant performance. The following is a comprehensive review of literature on container size, root restriction, and plant growth, along with suggestions for future research and concern.
Vegetable Transplant Nutrition
Authors: Dufault Robert J.
Published: December 2018

The first objective of this paper is to review and characterize the published research in refereed journals pertaining to the nutritional practices used to grow vegetable transplants. The second objective is to note those studies that indicated a direct relationship between transplant nutritional practices and field performance. The third objective is to suggest some approaches that are needed in future vegetable transplant nutrition research. Even after review of the plethora of available information in journals, it is not possible to summarize the one best way to grow any vegetable transplant simply because of many interacting and confounding factors that moderate the effects of nutritional treatments. It is, however, important to recognize that all these confounding factors must be considered when developing guidelines for producing transplants. After thorough review of this information, it is concluded that transplant nutrition generally has a long term effect on influencing yield potential. Therefore, derivation of a nutritional regime to grow transplants needs to be carefully planned. It is hoped that the information that follows can be used to help guide this process.
Establishment Success and Relative Costs of Four Annual Species for Roadside Planting
Authors: Harkess Richard L. , Lyons Robert E.
Published: December 2018

Seeds of Celosia argentea L. `Pampas Plumes', Cosmos sulphureus Cav., Helianthus annuus L. `7111', and Zinnia elegans Jacq. `Gold Medal Mixture' were mixed with clean sand and hand-broadcasted over 60-ft2 (6.7-m2) plots at rates of 4 or 8 oz/1000 ft2 (122 or 244 g/100 m2). Each plot was either left undisturbed after sowing or the seed was raked into the soil surface. Estimated costs were calculated using the approximate number of seeds planted per plot and the cost per seed versus the number of plants reaching anthesis. Celosia and Zinnia bloomed for 42 days, Cosmos sulphureus for 28 days, and Helianthus for 12 days. Seeding rate had little effect on the number of plants maturing to flower in all species except Cosmos. There were no significant differences in number of weeds between treatments for any of the species. Raking the seed into the soil significantly improved germination at 2.5 and 5 weeks for Celosia, Cosmos, and Helianthus, but not for Zinnia. In Celosia, raking the seed into the soil more than doubled the number of plants maturing to flower, while in Cosmos the number reaching anthesis was not significantly altered by raking. The lowest costs per flowering plant occurred when the seed was raked into the soil for Celosia, Helianthus, and Zinnia.
Career Advancement Comparison Between Ornamental Horticulture Associate Degree and Nondegree Programs
Authors: Punzi P.E. , Nye J. , Swasey J.E. , Thomas R.W.
Published: December 2018

This study was conducted to determine if there is a difference between the career advancement of alumni of ornamental horticulture associate (terminal) degree and nondegree programs. A survey of the alumni of three associate degree and three nondegree training programs was administered, using guidelines from career advancement validation research conducted at Alverno College, Milwaukee. Wis. (Ben-Ur and Rogers, 1994). Six programs were selected from North Carolina, Maine, Ohio, and southeastern Canada, including parts of Ontario and Quebec and all of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. The programs were selected because of their perceived high reputations, as based on a survey sent to eight selected Longwood Gardens staff (Kennett Square, Pa.) and six professors in the Plant and Soils Science Department at the University of Delaware (Newark). Survey respondents were initially chosen based on their knowledge of the field of horticulture and of ornamental horticulture educational programs. The statistical analysis of the data did not support the presupposition that there would be a significant difference between the career advancement in favor of graduates from horticultural associate degree programs.
DRIS Evaluation of the Nutritional Status of Processing Tomato
Authors: Hartz T.K. , Miyao E.M. , Valencia J.G.
Published: December 2018

Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System (DRIS) norms were derived for processing tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) from a 1993-94 survey of >100 fields in the Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys of California. Relative foliar N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S concentrations were expressed in ratio form, with DRIS norms calculated as the means of fields with fruit yield ≥90 Mg·ha-1. Norms were developed for three growth stages: first bloom, full bloom, and 10% of fruits ripe. Optimum foliar nutrient concentration ranges were calculated by regression analysis from DRIS nutrient indices of high-yield fields. These optimum ranges were in general agreement with existing empirically derived sufficiency ranges for N and P, higher for Ca, Mg, and S, and much lower for K. The relatively low foliar K levels observed were attributed primarily to the strongly determinate growth habit of currently used cultivars. In the fields sampled, yield-limiting nutrient deficiency appeared to be rare.
Nutrition Affects Pre- and Posttransplant Growth of Impatiens and Petunia Plugs
Authors: van Iersel M.W. , Thomas P.A. , Beverly R.B. , Latimer J.G. , Mills H.A.
Published: December 2018

Pre- and posttransplant growth of plug seedlings is affected by the nutrition of the plants. The effects of weekly applications of nutrient solution with different N (8-32 mm) or P and K (0.25-1.0 mm) levels on the growth and nutrient composition of impatiens (Impatiens wallerana Hook. f.) and petunia (Petunia ×hybrida hort. Vilm.-Andr.) plug seedlings were quantified. Impatiens and petunia pretransplant seedling growth was most rapid with a concentration of 24 or 32 mm (N at 336 and 448 mg·L-1), while P and K had little effect. Increasing the N concentration in the fertilizer also increased shoot tissue N levels of both impatiens and petunia and decreased shoot P level of impatiens and K level of petunia. Posttransplant growth was most rapid in plants that received N at 16 to 32 mm. Decreasing P and K from 1 to 0.25 mm in the pretransplant fertilizer reduced posttransplant growth. Shoot P level of impatiens 15 d after transplanting decreased from 6.9 to 4.8 mg·g-1 as the pretransplant fertilizer N concentration increased from 8 to 32 mm, while N level increased from 18 to 28 mg·g-1 as P and K fertilizer concentrations increased from 0.25 to 1 mm. Using posttransplant growth as a quantitative norm for plug quality, the sufficiency ranges for tissue N level are 28 to 40 mg·g-1 for impatiens and 30 to 43 mg·g-1 for petunia plugs. These results indicate that fertilization programs for high-quality plug production should focus on N nutrition, and that plugs can be grown with greatly reduced levels of P and K.
Priming and Seed Orientation Affect Seedcoat Adherence and Seedling Development of Muskmelon Transplants
Authors: Nascimento Warley M. , West Sherlie H.
Published: December 2018

The effects of seed priming and seed orientation on seedcoat adherence and seedling development of containerized muskmelon transplants were investigated. Seeds of muskmelon `Top Net SR' were primed for 6 days in darkness at 25 °C in an aerated solution of KNO3 (0.35 m). Primed and nonprimed seeds were individually planted in Styrofoam trays in the greenhouse. Seeds were carefully oriented with the radicle down, up, or in the horizontal position, and covered with 0.5 cm of the growing mix. Seed priming and seed orientation affected both seedcoat adherence and seedling development, and interaction between priming and orientation was significant for seedcoat adherence. Our data indicate that seed priming can minimize seedcoat adherence during emergence of muskmelon seeds.
Muskmelon Transplant Production in Response to Seed Priming
Authors: Nascimento Warley M. , West Sherlie H.
Published: December 2018

The effects of seed priming on seedling development of muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) under laboratory and greenhouse conditions were studied. Seeds of `Top Net, SR' muskmelon were primed for 6 days in darkness at 77 °F (25 °C) in KNO3 (0.35 m) aerated solution. After germination in petri dishes at 77 °F, primed and nonprimed seeds were transferred to either paper towels (laboratory study) or trays, which were placed in greenhouse conditions. Leaf area and fresh and dry mass of roots and shoots were measured at 15 and 30 days. In germination under laboratory conditions, primed seeds germinated ≈16 and 60 hours earlier than nonprimed seeds at 77 °F and 63 °F (17 °C), respectively. Priming caused no beneficial effect on shoot and root development either in laboratory conditions or during transplant production in the greenhouse.
Effects of Storage Temperature, Storage Atmosphere, and Growing Region on Internal Browning Disorder of `McIntosh' Apples
Authors: Chu C.L.
Published: December 2018

Our study found that storage temperature, storage atmosphere and growing region interactively affect the probability of internal browning disorder in `McIntosh' apples (Malus domestica Borkh.). Higher incidence of internal browning occurred in apples stored for 6 months at 1 °C (34 °F) in controlled atmosphere (CA) with 2.5% O2 + 1.5% CO2 or in CA with 1.0% O2 + 0.5% CO2 than apples stored at 1 °C in air or stored at 3 °C (37 °F) in air or CA conditions. The magnitude of the incidence of internal browning varied among apples harvested from different growing regions. Apples from London, Ontario, Canada were less tolerant to these two storage conditions and therefore greater number of fruit developed internal browning than apples from other regions. In addition, apples from the London growing region and stored at 1 °C in CA with 1.0% O2 + 0.5% CO2 had greater probability of internal browning than apples stored at 1 °C in CA with 2.5% O2 + 1.5% CO2. However, there was no difference between these two CA storage conditions in causing internal browning among apples harvested from other three growing regions. Few apples showed internal browning when they were stored at 3 °C, no matter of what storage atmosphere was used. Therefore, internal browning disorder can be avoided or significantly reduced by storing apples at 3 instead of 1 °C, in these two CA conditions. Internal browning disorder will not be a risk if apples are stored in air at 1 or 3 °C.
Watermelon Fruit Disorders
Authors: Maynard Donald N. , Hopkins Donald L.
Published: December 2018

Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus [Thunb.] Matsum & Nakai) fruit are affected by a number of preharvest disorders that may limit their marketability and thereby restrict economic returns to growers. Pathogenic diseases discussed include bacterial rind necrosis (Erwinia sp.), bacterial fruit blotch [Acidovorax avenae subsp. citrulli (Schaad et al.) Willems et al.], anthracnose [Colletotrichum orbiculare (Berk & Mont.) Arx. syn. C. legenarium (Pass.) Ellis & Halst], gummy stem blight/black rot [Didymella bryoniae (Auersw.) Rehm], and phytophthora fruit rot (Phytophthora capsici Leonian). One insect-mediated disorder, rindworm damage is discussed. Physiological disorders considered are blossom-end rot, bottleneck, and sunburn. Additionally, cross stitch, greasy spot, and target cluster, disorders of unknown origin are discussed. Each defect is shown in color for easy identification.
Plum Breeding Worldwide
Authors: Okie W.R. , Ramming D.W.
Published: December 2018

The status of plum breeding around the world is reviewed. Two distinct types of plums are grown: Japanese-type shipping plums (mostly diploid hybrids of Prunus salicina Lindl. with other species) such as are grown in California, and hexaploid or “domestica” plums (P. domestica L.), which have a long history in Europe. In recent years there has been a resurgence of plum breeding outside the United States.
Effect of Demethylation Inhibiting Fungicides on `Tifgreen' Bermudagrass Quality
Authors: Elliott M.L.
Published: December 2018

Eight demethylation inhibiting (DMI) fungicides were applied at two rates to `Tifgreen' bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. ×x C. transvaalensis Burtt-Davy] to determine if DMI fungicides would produce a plant growth regulation effect on healthy bermudagrass. After three applications at 28- to 30-day intervals, compared to the control, both rates of cyproconazole, bromuconazole, propiconazole and triadimefon and the high rate of myclobutanil significantly decreased turfgrass quality on at least one evaluation date in each year of the study. The low rate of myclobutanil and both rates of tebuconazole and fenbuconazole did not adversely effect turfgrass quality in either year. For both rates of fenarimol, there was only one date during both years of the study when the turfgrass quality was significantly lower than the control. These results demonstrate the wide range of physiological activity the DMI fungicides can have on bermudagrass.
Strip Tillage Reduces Yield Loss of Snapbean Planted in Rye Mulch
Authors: Bottenberg Harry , Masiunas John , Eastman Catherine
Published: December 2018

We compared soil quality, crop growth, and the incidence of pests in snapbean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) planted in conventional tillage, in rye (Secale cereale L.) mulch without strips and in strip-tilled rye mulch. On average, yield loss was 63% in rye mulch without strips and 20% in rye mulch with strips compared to yields in conventional tillage. Soil bulk density was higher in the rye mulch treatments than in the conventionally tilled plots and may have reduced plant growth. Leaf nitrogen content was lower in the rye mulch treatments 3 weeks after planting; this may be related to nitrogen tie-up during rye decomposition or to the negative impact of soil compaction on the soil nitrogen cycle. Insect damage to snapbean pods and leaves was not affected by rye mulching. Potato leafhopper [Empoasca fabae (Harris)] populations were significantly higher for conventional tillage than for rye treatments. The incidence of white mold [Sclerotina sclerotiorum (Lib.) deBary] was reduced by the rye treatments in 1997. Further studies are needed to determine optimal strip width and develop better techniques for creating strips.
Improving Onion Yield and Market Grade by Mechanical Straw Application to Irrigation Furrows
Authors: Shock C.C. , Jensen L.B. , Hobson J.H. , Seddigh M. , Shock B.M. , Saunders L.D. , Stieber T.D.
Published: December 2018

Onion (Allium cepa var. cepa L.) is extensively grown under furrow irrigation in the western United States. Wheel compaction of furrows increases water runoff and erosion, and can lead to poor lateral water movement and reduced yields. We studied the effects of 560 to 800 lb/acre (630 to 900 kg·ha-1) wheat straw mechanically applied to the bottom of irrigation furrows on yield and bulb size of sweet Spanish onions in commercial onion fields in 1988, 1990, and 1991, and at an experiment station in 1991 and 1995. Furrows in commercial fields were either compacted with tractor wheels or not. In the commercial fields, straw application increased onion yield in plots with compacted furrows in 1988 and in all plots (with or without compacted furrows) in 1990. At the experiment station, straw mulch increased onion yield 64% in 1991, and 74% in 1995. Straw application primarily increased yields of jumbo (3 to 4 inches; 76 to 102 mm) and colossal (>4 inches; 10 cm) onions, whereas there was no effect on medium (2.25 to 3 inches; 57 to 76 mm) onions. We attributed yield improvements to decreased water runoff and increased lateral water movement and soil moisture.
Integrating Gardening into the Elementary School Curriculum
Authors: DeMarco Laurie W. , Relf Diane , McDaniel Alan
Published: December 2018

Gardening is increasing in use as the focus of interdisciplinary teaching units in the elementary school curriculum and as a stratagem for student therapeutic, recreational, and social experiences. Elementary school teachers, identified as experienced in using gardening as a teaching tool, were surveyed and interviewed to determine successful strategies for integration of gardening into elementary school curricula. The most important factors determined by these teachers for the successful use of gardening in the curriculum were 1) student and faculty ownership or commitment to integrating gardening in their curriculum, 2) availability of physical resources, and 3) faculty knowledge and skill in the application of gardening to enhance an interdisciplinary curriculum. Educators who incorporate school gardening into their curriculum report that school gardening is a somewhat successful (35.2%) or very successful (60.6%) teaching tool that enhances the learning of their students. Most (92%) teachers surveyed requested additional school gardening education for themselves.
The Effects of Exogenous Bioregulators and Environment on Regular Cropping of Apple
Authors: Williams Kathleen M. , Fallahi Esmaeil
Published: December 2018

The use of exogenous plant bioregulators or plant hormones to adjust crop load in apple (Malus ×domestica Borkh.) and promote regular cropping remains challenging to both researchers and producers. Responses to these hormones are sensitive to the rate and timing of application, to physiological status of the tree, orchard system, variety, rootstock, and a myriad of cultural practices and environmental factors. Of the environmental factors, temperature plays the most important role in determining response and efficacy of a given material. All classes of plant bioregulators have been used over the past 30 to 40 years as postbloom chemical thinning materials. Most of the standard postbloom thinning programs involve application of a synthetic auxin, such as naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) in combination with carbaryl (Sevin), a commonly used insecticide. The mode of action of these two compounds is not clearly understood. Gibberellins generally have not been effective thinning materials for apple because of their negative impact on return bloom. Ethylene-releasing compounds have been used successfully as postbloom thinning materials. Cytokinins, particularly synthetic sources such as 6-benzyladenine (6-BA), have been shown to effectively thin fruit and enhance fruit size on many commercial varieties. The rate and timing of 6-BA applications are critical to obtain desirable thinning and fruit size responses. The use of these different bioregulators is essential for regular cropping of apple, particularly for spur `Delicious', `Fuji' and other varieties that are difficult to thin chemically and which are prone to severe alternate bearing. The focus of this discussion is the use of these bioregulators in commercial apple production areas in the United States.
Determining Optimum Maturity of Bush Romano Beans for Machine Harvest
Authors: Mullins Charles A. , Straw R. Allen
Published: December 2018

Several pod characteristics were evaluated to select methods for determining optimum maturity for mechanical harvest of flat podded `Roma II' beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). The test was conducted over a 3-year period (1993-1995) at Crossville, Tenn. A total length of 3.6 to 4.4 inches (90 to 112 mm) for the center seed from each of 10 of the more mature pods was a rather reliable and rapid field guide for determining optimum maturity for mechanical harvest of `Roma II' bush beans.
Cover-cropping Practices of Vegetable Producers in Western New York
Authors: Stivers-Young Lydia J. , Tucker Frances A.
Published: December 2018

Surveys of vegetable growers in a six-county region in western New York were conducted in 1997 to determine which cover cropping practices were being used on commercial vegetable operations; to identify producers' needs for further research and information, and to assess the impact of cooperative extension programs in this area. In a broad survey, 118 responses were returned out of 315 surveys sent (37%). Respondents represented >37,000 acres (14974 ha) of vegetable production, or ≈53% of the vegetable acreage in the region. Vegetable acreage per operation ranged from 1 to 4000 acres (0.4 to 1619 ha). Sixty-nine percent responded that they grew cover crops on a total of 15,426 acres (6243 ha). Oats (Avena sativa L.), rye (Secale cereale), clover (Trifolium pratense), and wheat (Triticum vulgare) were the most commonly used cover crops. Seventy-six percent of the reported cover-cropped acres were planted to small grains, and 19% to legumes, almost entirely clovers. In open ended questions, the most important benefits of cover cropping identified by respondents were erosion control (46% of respondents) and organic matter additions (42%). The most important problems associated with cover crops were that they interfere with spring field work or fall harvest (26%), and that they are difficult to incorporate or plow under (24%). A targeted survey of nineteen onion (Allium cepa L.) producers in the same region measured the recent adoption of sudangrass (Sorghum sudanense Piper) and sorghum-sudan hybrid (Sorghum bicolor L. × S. sudanense) cover crops, the focus of the several years of extension research and educational programs. Nine of the onion producers had adopted the practice, and six of these had done so since the beginning of these extension programs. The implications of these results for research and extension are discussed.
Teaching Recurrent Selection in the Classroom with Wisconsin Fast Plants
Authors: Goldman I.L.
Published: December 2018

Plant breeding is a process that is difficult to compress into laboratory exercises for the classroom. At the heart of plant breeding is the act of selection, a process whereby differential reproduction and survival leads to changes in gene frequency. Given the relatively short span of an academic semester, it has been difficult for students to gain experience with the practice of selection using plant materials. Nearly 15 years ago, P.H. Williams developed Wisconsin Fast Plants, a model system for teaching plant biology in a classroom setting. Wisconsin fast plants are rapid-cycling versions of various Brassica species amenable to a variety of genetic studies due to their short life cycle and ease of handling. This paper describes the development of a model system using Brassica rapa L. fast plants for teaching the cyclical selection process known as recurrent selection in the context of a course on plant breeding. The system allows for up to three cycles of recurrent selection during a single 15-week semester and enables students to gain experience in planting, selection, pollination, and seed harvest during each cycle. With appropriate trait choice, phenotypic changes resulting from selection can be visualized after just three cycles. Using the Fast Plant model, recurrent selection can be practiced successfully by students in the classroom.
Impact of Row Spacing and Herbicide Rate and Application Method on Weed Control and Harvest Efficiency of Lima Bean
Authors: Sankula Sujatha , VanGessel Mark J. , Kee Walter E. , Glancey J.L.
Published: December 2018

Field studies were conducted in 1997 and 1998 to evaluate labeled (1×) or reduced (0.5×) rates of metolachlor plus imazethapyr preemergence either broadcast or band applications to lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.) planted in 30-inch (76-cm) or 15-inch (38-cm) rows for weed control, yield, harvestability, and harvest recovery. Lima bean was planted in large plots simulating a commercial production system. All 30-inch rows were cultivated once 40 days after planting in 1997 and 21 days after planting in 1998. No differences were noted in weed densities between treatments both years. Marketable lima bean yield was greater from plots thatwere spaced 15 inches apart in 1997 only. However, total hand-harvested yield in both years, machine-harvested yield in 1998, and marketable yield in 1998 were not different between treatments. Measurements on harvest recovery revealed that a greater number of unstripped pods were left on plants after harvest in 15-inch row plots that were sprayed broadcast with 1× herbicide rate in 1997 only. Weight of beans lost per unit area and trash weight from 7-oz (200-g) bean sample was similar among treatments both years. Overall, weed control, yield, and harvest efficacy of lima bean was not impacted by row spacing, herbicide rate, or method of herbicide application in a commercial production system.
A Review of DNA-binding Proteins Prediction Methods
Authors: Qu Kaiyang , Wei Leyi , Zou Quan
Published: December 2018

Background:

DNA-binding proteins, binding to DNA, widely exist in living cells, participating in many cell activities. They can participate some DNA-related cell activities, for instance DNA replication, transcription, recombination, and DNA repair.

Objective:

Given the importance of DNA-binding proteins, studies for predicting the DNA-binding proteins have been a popular issue over the past decades. In this article, we review current machine-learning methods which research on the prediction of DNA-binding proteins through feature representation methods, classifiers, measurements, dataset and existing web server.

Method:

The prediction methods of DNA-binding protein can be divided into two types, based on amino acid composition and based on protein structure. In this article, we accord to the two types methods to introduce the application of machine learning in DNA-binding proteins prediction.

Results:

Machine learning plays an important role in the classification of DNA-binding proteins, and the result is better. The best ACC is above 80%.

Conclusion:

Machine learning can be widely used in many aspects of biological information, especially in protein classification. Some issues should be considered in future work. First, the relationship between the number of features and performance must be explored. Second, many features are used to predict DNA-binding proteins and propose solutions for high-dimensional spaces.
Malignant Transformation of Ossifying Fibroma into Parosteal Osteosarcoma with High-grade Component: Presentation of an Unusual Case and Review of the Literature
Authors: Abtahi Jahan , Ajan Aida
Published: December 2018

Background:

Parosteal Osteosarcoma of the Jaw (POSJ) is a rare entity that is associated with a high survival rate. Several case reports and case series of POSJ have been published in the literature, but few authors have described development of this tumor by possible transformation from a fibro-osseous neoplasm.

Objective:

We present a rare occurrence of parosteal osteosarcoma with involvement of the posterior maxilla, orbit floor, and infra-temporal fossa in a 20-year-old man. Furthermore, we performed a literature review regarding clinical, radiological, and histological features; treatment strategies; and etiology/pathophysiology.

Methods:

A PubMed search yielded a total of 74 articles and the articles were sorted according to their corresponding key area of focus.

Results:

This was a case of POSJ with high-grade component in the maxillofacial region of a 20-year old male. Co-expression of MDM2 and CDK4 was confirmed. At 2.5-year follow-up, the patient had died. The literature review revealed 18 articles including 20 cases of POSJ. Four cases represent the possible development of this tumor by transformation from a fibro-osseous neoplasm: Two cases of fibrous dysplasia, one case of cemento-ossifying fibroma, and the case of Ossifying Fibroma (OF) in the present study.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, we found an unusual case of POSJ of the midface in a patient with a previous diagnosis of OF in the same region. To our knowledge, there have been no previous reports of development of POSJ in OF. Furthermore, this is the first described case of high-grade surface osteosarcoma in the craniofacial region.
Percutaneous Endoscopic Spine Surgery for Extruded Lumbar Disc Herniation
Authors: Arsene Mutombo Menga , Wu Xiao-Tao , Jiang Zan- Li , Zhu Lei
Published: December 2018

The conventional open discectomy is the gold standard for treating extruded lumbar disc herniation, especially in highly migrated lumbar disc herniation. Endoscopic spine surgery is known to be very challenging and technically demanding, in particular for highly migrated disc herniation. However, several studies have reported numerous effective techniques with results approximatively equal to conventional open surgeries or mini-open surgery. In the last few years, an increased number of endoscopic spine surgical techniques have been proposed in order to overcome various issues encountered in traditional endoscopic spine surgery. Nevertheless, surgical approach selection for treating extruded lumbar disc herniation is based on aspects such as anatomical structures, availability of surgical instruments, surgeon’s experience, and the disc herniation location. Advances in endoscopic visualization and instrumentation, as well as an increased demand for minimally invasive procedures, have led to the popularity of Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy (PELD). PELD is a recent and advanced technique among other minimally invasive spine surgeries (MIS). It includes various kinds of surgical techniques to treat lumbar disc herniation and aims to offer a safe, less invasive surgical procedure for lumbar disc space decompression and removal of nucleus pulposus.
Withdrawal Notice: Sweet and Sour Corrosion of 304 Stainless Steel in Oilfield Environment by Polarization, Impedance, XRD and SEM Studies
Authors: Paul Subir , Sarkar Sulagna
Published: December 2018

The article has been withdrawn upon the request of the editor of the journal Innovations in Corrosion and Materials Science (ICMS).

Bentham Science apologizes to the readers of the journal for any inconvenience this may have caused.

BENTHAM SCIENCE DISCLAIMER: It is a condition of publication that manuscripts submitted to this journal have not been published and will not be simultaneously
submitted or published elsewhere. Furthermore, any data, illustration, structure or table that has been published elsewhere
must be reported, and copyright permission for reproduction must be obtained. Plagiarism is strictly forbidden, and by submitting
the article for publication the authors agree that the publishers have the legal right to take appropriate action against the
authors, if plagiarism or fabricated information is discovered. By submitting a manuscript, the authors agree that the copyright
of their article is transferred to the publishers if and when the article is accepted for publication.
Mindfulness-Based Smoking Cessation Enhanced With Mobile Technology (iQuit Mindfully): Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Spears Claire Adams , Abroms Lorien C , Glass Carol R , Hedeker Donald , Eriksen Michael P , Cottrell-Daniels Cherell , Tran Binh Q , Wetter David W
Published: December 2018

BACKGROUND

Mindfulness training shows promise for improving smoking cessation and lapse recovery, and between-session mobile health messages could enhance treatment engagement and effectiveness. Personalized, in-the-moment text messaging support could be particularly useful for low-income smokers with fewer smoking cessation resources.

OBJECTIVE

This pilot study examined the feasibility of a text messaging program (iQuit Mindfully) as an adjunct to in-person Mindfulness-Based Addiction Treatment (MBAT) for smoking cessation.

METHODS

A total of 71 participants were randomly assigned to MBAT (n=33) or iQuit Mindfully (n=38; MBAT + between-session text messages); of these, 70% (50/71) were African American, and 61% (43/71) had an annual household income of US $30,000 or less. All participants received 8 weekly therapist-led group counseling sessions, nicotine patches, and self-help materials. Outcomes were feasibility (attrition, engagement, and participants’ ratings), participants’ feedback regarding the text messaging intervention, and smoking cessation (assessed in person).

RESULTS

Strong retention was achieved (76% [54/71] at the end of treatment, and 89% [63/71] at 1-month follow-up). In the iQuit Mindfully group, engagement was high (88% [29/33] indicated reading all or most texts, and 89% [34/38] engaged in interactive texting), and participants provided positive ratings (on a 1-10 scale, average rating for recommending the program to others was 8.4 [SD 2.5]). Participants indicated benefiting from the texts (eg, appreciating encouraging reminders, coping strategies, and social support) and suggested improvements (eg, more personalization). Overall, biochemically confirmed smoking cessation rates were 22% (12/55) at the end of treatment and 19% (12/62) at 1-month follow-up, with no differences between conditions. Living below the poverty level predicted worse cessation outcomes at 1-month follow-up among participants receiving in-person only treatment (P=.03) but not among those receiving iQuit Mindfully.

CONCLUSIONS

Text messaging appears to be a feasible and acceptable modality for supporting mindfulness-based smoking cessation treatment. The availability of 24/7 text messaging might be particularly helpful for low-income smokers who have access to fewer cessation resources and experience significant day-to-day barriers to quitting.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03029819; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03029819
Mental state, psychoemotional status, quality of life and treatment compliance in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Babenko Alina Y , Mosikian Anna A , Lebedev Denis L , Khrabrova Elizaveta A , Shlyakhto Evgeniy V
Published: December 2018

Aim:
To identify correlations between quality of life (QoL), emotional and mental state in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and to evaluate its contribution in prediction of compliance.
Materials & methods:
 The T2DM patients aged 18–75 years with at least 12 weeks of stable hypoglycemic therapy were included to this cross-sectional study. We used Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) for mental state assessment, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) for anxiety and depression level and EQ-5D for QoL. Compliance level was self-reported by patients.
Results:
 The QoL positively correlates with MMSE score (p < 0.0001) and negatively with HADS anxiety (p < 0.0001) and depression (p < 0.0001) levels. The MMSE score is higher (p < 0.0001), and both HADS levels are lower (p < 0.01) in patients with higher compliance level.
Conclusion:
Cognitive function and psychoemotional state in T2DM patients are important for treatment compliance and QoL and are to be corrected whenever possible.
Reformar a escola para reformar a vida: Walter Benjamin, formação e juventude
Authors: Jarek Márcio
Published: December 2018

O artigo apresenta alguns aspectos da juventude do pensador Walter Benjamin (1892-1940). Esse período foi marcado pela recepção de uma proposta pedagógica que visava “reformar a vida” reformando, para isto, a escola e a cultura juvenil. Benjamin foi influenciado por essa proposta ao estudar em um colégio reformista em Haubinda e teve a figura do pedagogo progressista Gustav Wyneken (1875-1964), diretor da instituição, como sua primeira referência. Desse período restaram marcas que acompanharam a obra do filósofo, sobretudo aquelas que relativas à peculiaridade de sua crítica da cultura e pautadas nas noções de vida, de experiência e de formação.
Element accumulation capacity of Vaccinium myrtillus from Montenegro: Comparison of element contents in water and ethanol extracts of bilberry plant parts
Authors: Brasanac-Vukanovic Snezana , Tadic Vanja , Blagojevic Nada , Vukasinovic-Pesic Vesna , Djurdjic Sladjana , Stankovic Milica , Mutic Jelena
Published: December 2018

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L., Ericaceae) is a rich source of different mineral elements that are important as essential trace elements, or that can be potentially toxic, depending on their concentration. The contents of sixteen elements: the major (Al, Ca, Fe, K and Mg) and trace elements (As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cu, Cr, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sr and Zn) in roots, stems, leaves and fruits of bilberry and the corresponding soil substrate were determined in order to investigate element mobility and availability in soil. Soil was subjected to sequential extraction procedure as proposed by the Community Bureau of Reference in order to fractionate acid-soluble/exchangeable, reducible, oxidizable and residual fractions. Analysis of water and ethanol extracts of bilberry aerial parts revealed a significant transfer of elements during the extraction procedure, with corresponding extraction coefficient values of up to 95.12%. Results showed that bilberry fruits could serve as a good dietary source of essential elements for humans, especially Mn and Cu.