bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self-incompatibility in Echinacea purpurea
Authors: Stephens Loren C.
Published: February 2019

Progenies derived from self-pollination and parent–offspring backcrosses of Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench accession PI 631307 revealed that a sporophytic self-incompatibility (SI) system was operating in this germplasm. Offspring of progenies from the original accession were self-incompatible, but most self-pollinations resulted in some self-seed set. One seedling from such a self-pollination was reciprocally crosscompatible with its parent, proving that a sporophytic SI system was operational. The F3BC1 progeny could be classified into two offspring groups. The first group of two seedlings was reciprocally compatible with its seed parent but reciprocally incompatible with its pollen parent based on stigma collapse of the seed parent florets 2 to 4 days after pollination. The second offspring group of three seedlings was reciprocally incompatible with its seed parent but reciprocally compatible with its pollen parent. Seed set data were in agreement with classification by stigma collapse in seven of 10 backcrosses, including in several reciprocally compatible backcrosses that provided further proof of a sporophytic SI system. Additionally, a χ2 test showed that the data fit a sporophytic SI model with S allele dominance operating in pollen and pistil. Assuming that S allele dominance is widespread within Echinacea purpurea, it should be possible to produce inbred lines by making successive generations of full-sib crosses.
Potential Sources of Resistance to Cucurbit Powdery Mildew in U.S. Plant Introductions of Bottle Gourd
Authors: Kousik Chandrasekar S. , Levi Amnon , Ling Kai-Shu , Wechter W. Patrick
Published: February 2019

Powdery mildew (Podosphaera xanthii) can cause severe damage to cucurbit crops grown in open fields and greenhouses. In recent years, there has been an increased interest in the United States in grafting watermelon plants onto various cucurbit rootstocks. Bottle gourd plants (Lagenaria siceraria) are being used throughout the world as rootstocks for grafting watermelon. Although gourd plants are beneficial, they may still be susceptible hosts to various soilborne and foliar diseases. Bottle gourd plant introductions (PI) resistant to diseases and pests can be a valuable source of germplasm in rootstock breeding programs. We evaluated 234 U.S. PIs of L. siceraria for tolerance to powdery mildew in two greenhouse tests. Young seedlings were inoculated by dusting powdery mildew spores of melon race 1 on the cotyledons. Plants were rated 2 weeks after inoculation using a 1 to 9 scale of increasing disease severity. Although none of the L. siceraria PIs were immune to powdery mildew, several PIs had significantly lower levels of powdery mildew severity compared with susceptible watermelon cultivar Mickey Lee. The experiment was repeated with 26 select PIs on whole seedlings and cotyledon disks. Significant variability in the level of resistance to powdery mildew on plants within PI was observed. Moderate resistance in several PIs to powdery mildew was confirmed. PI 271353 had consistently lower ratings in the various tests and can be considered the most resistant to P. xanthii race 1 among the L. siceraria accessions evaluated in this study. A few other PIs with moderate resistance to powdery mildew included PI 271357, PI 381840, and PI 273663. These results suggest that novel sources of resistance could be developed by careful selection and screening of several of the PIs with moderate resistance described in our study.
Characterization and Identification of Tunisian Olive Tree Varieties by Microsatellite Markers
Authors: Rekik Imen , Salimonti Amelia , Grati Kamoun Naziha , Muzzalupo Innocenzo , Lepais Oliver , Gerber Sophie , Perri Enzo , Rebai Ahmed
Published: February 2019

In the Mediterranean basin, a large number of olive varieties are present. This poses a series of problems concerning germplasm characterization and management. In addition, there is a problem arising from the existence of homonyms and synonyms. This makes cultivar identification very difficult and complex. Microsatellites or simple sequence repeat (SSR) are locus-specific codominant markers showing a high degree of polymorphism and multiple alleles per locus. Their high informativeness makes them the markers of choice in genetic diversity studies. This work presents the results of molecular characterization and identification of 20 Tunisian olive varieties using 10 SSR markers. All the SSR amplification products were sequenced to determine the number of repeats and the range of allele size. The number of alleles per SSR varied from three to six and the average heterozygosity rate ranged from 30% to 95%. Hierarchical classification of varieties base on similarity measures and clustering was globally consistent with the grouping of varieties by end use and phenotypic characteristics. The result is that varieties having the same name were found to have a clonal relationship. Paternity analysis showed also clone relationships between varieties not known to be related.
Heritability Estimates for Micronutrient Compositionof Sweetpotato Storage Roots
Authors: Courtney M. , Mcharo M. , La Bonte D. , Gruneberg W.
Published: February 2019

Iron and zinc are micronutrients essential to the human diet but are in deficient supply to many in the tropics. Fortifying the micronutrient content of staple crops like sweetpotato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.] would go far in alleviating this intractable problem. This article presents estimates of broad-sense heritability for iron and zinc content in sweetpotato roots using a technique based on full-sibling families. Among individual genotypes, iron and zinc concentration varied by a fourfold and sixfold difference, respectively, whereas dry matter concentration showed a threefold variation. Family mean estimates varied significantly for the three traits. High broad-sense heritability for iron (H = 0.74), zinc (H = 0.82), and dry matter concentration (H = 0.93) were obtained among full-sibling families. These results suggest that traditional breeding strategies like mass selection could improve the micronutritional value of sweetpotato and that true sweetpotato seed, which has no international phytosanitary restrictions on transfer, can be used to quickly estimate heritability.
Effect of Saline Water Irrigation on Growth and Physiological Responses of Three Rose Rootstocks
Authors: Niu Genhua , Rodriguez Denise S. , Aguiniga Lissie
Published: February 2019

Salt-tolerant landscape plants are needed for arid and semiarid regions where the supply of quality water is limited and soil salinization often occurs. This study evaluated growth, chloride (Cl) and sodium (Na) uptake, relative chlorophyll content, and chlorophyll fluorescence of three rose rootstocks [Rosa ×fortuniana Lindl., R. multiflora Thunb., and R. odorata (Andr.) Sweet] irrigated with saline solutions at 1.6 (control), 3.0, 6.0, or 9.0 dS·m−1 electrical conductivity in a greenhouse. After 15 weeks, most plants in 9.0 dS·m−1 treatment died regardless of rootstock. Significant growth reduction was observed in all rootstocks at 6.0 dS·m−1 compared with the control and 3.0 dS·m−1, but the reduction in R. ×fortuniana was smaller than in the other two rootstocks. The visual scores of R. multiflora at 3.0 and 6.0 dS·m−1 were slightly lower than those of the other rootstocks. Rosa odorata had the highest shoot Na concentration followed by R. multiflora; however, R. multiflora had the highest root Na concentration followed by R. odorata. All rootstocks had higher Cl accumulation in all plant parts at elevated salinities, and no substantial differences in Cl concentrations in all plant parts existed among the rootstocks, except for leaf Cl concentration in R. multiflora, which was higher than those in the other two rootstocks. The elevated salinities of irrigation water reduced the relative chlorophyll concentration, measured as leaf SPAD readings, and maximal photochemical efficiency of photosystem II (PSII) and minimal fluorescence (Fo)/maximum fluorescence (Fv/Fm), but the largest reduction in Fv/Fm was only 2.4%. Based on growth and visual quality, R. ×fortuniana was relatively more salt-tolerant than the other two rootstocks and R. odorata was slightly more salt-tolerant than R. multiflora.
Chlorophyll Assessment and Sensitive Wavelength Exploration for Tea (Camellia sinensis) Based on Reflectance Spectral Characteristics
Authors: Li Xiao-li , He Yong
Published: February 2019

A nondestructive method for the determination of chlorophyll index for the tea plant based on reflectance spectral characteristics was investigated. Spectral data were collected from 184 samples with a spectroradiometer in a field experiment. Multivariate analysis techniques, including partial least squares (PLS) and multiple linear regression (MLR), were used for developing calibration models for the determination of chlorophyll index of the tea plant. The best calibration model was achieved using the PLS technique with a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.95, a se of prediction of 3.40, and a bias of 1.9e−06. When the model was used for predicting the unknown samples, good performance was also obtained with r of 0.91, se of calibration of 4.77, and bias of 0.02. Sensitive wavelengths were selected through loading analysis of latent variables in the optimal PLS model, and the validity of these wavelengths was proved by MLR and statistical analysis. Three fingerprint wavelengths (488, 695, and 931 nm) were determined and could potentially be used for developing a simple, low-cost, and efficient instrument for the measurement of chlorophyll index. The results proved the feasibility of reflectance spectra for measurement of chlorophyll index of the tea plant.
Floating Rowcovers Improve Germination and Reduce Carrot Weevil Infestations in Carrot
Authors: Rekika Djamila , Stewart Katrine A. , Boivin Guy , Jenni Sylvie
Published: February 2019

A lightweight agrotextile floating rowcover (10 g·m−2) designed for insect control was evaluated for its potential to reduce carrot weevil [Listronotus oregonensis (Le conte)] damage and to improve germination and carrot (Daucus carota L.) yield. The floating rowcover had no effect on total emergence and spread on emergence time but decreased emergence time by 0.5 day. Although floating rowcovers generally increased fresh weight of carrot leaves and roots during early development, no effect was detected late in the season and at harvest time. Carrot weevil damage of uncovered plants was 0.4 tunnels per root in 2006 and 2.0 tunnels per root in 2005. In both years, covering carrots with a floating rowcover for a period of 35 days after sowing reduced carrot weevil damage by 65% to 75%. In most years with low or medium carrot weevil infestation, the use of a rowcover could eliminate the use of insecticide to control this pest.
Temperatures and Cold Damage to Small Fruit Crops Across the Eastern United States Associated with the April 2007 Freeze
Authors: Warmund Michele Renee , Guinan Patrick , Fernandez Gina
Published: February 2019

An unprecedented freeze occurred between 4 and 10 Apr. 2007, causing extensive crop loss across a large area of the United States. This event occurred late in the spring and temperatures were unusually low for an extended period. Low-temperature injury on small fruit plants was reported in 21 states. Missouri and Arkansas experienced the highest estimated percentages of crop loss of grape (Vitis spp.), strawberry (Fragraria ×ananassa Duch.), blueberry (Vaccinium spp.), and blackberry (Rubus subgenus Rubus Watson). Kentucky and Tennessee also reported high percentages of small fruit crop loss. Temperatures preceding the freeze event in the affected region were unusually warm and many of the crops were at a more advanced stage of growth than they would have been under more usual conditions. Although frost/freeze warnings were issued, the terminology used by different weather forecasters was inconsistent. Growers used various cold protection methods, but these were generally ineffective because of the stage of plant development and/or the advective nature of the freeze. Actual grape and blueberry crop losses may not be known for several years because of secondary injury to plant tissues from various pathogens.
Grafting Methods for Watermelon Production
Authors: Hassell Richard L. , Memmott Frederic , Liere Dean G.
Published: February 2019

Vegetable grafting is most common in European and Asian countries where crop rotation is no longer an option and available land is under intense use. Grafting is an alternative approach to reduce crop damage resulting from soilborne pathogens and increase plant abiotic stress tolerance, which increases crop production. We discuss and outline four grafting methods that are available for vegetable production in cucurbits: tongue approach grafting, hole insertion grafting, one cotyledon grafting, and side grafting.
Variation for Fruit Morphological Characteristics in a Capsicum chinense Jacq. Germplasm Collection
Authors: Jarret Robert Lawrence , Berke Terry
Published: February 2019

Mature fruit of 330 accessions of Capsicum chinense Jacq. from the USDA/ARS Capsicum germplasm collection were characterized for fruit length, width, weight, and color. Mean fruit length was determined to be 47 mm with a range from 7.9 mm to 113.7 mm. Mean fruit width was 21.17 mm with a range of 6.18 mm to 40.0 mm. Mean fruit weight was 6.31 g with a range of 0.18 g to 22.7 g. Distributions of all characteristics were positively skewed. Distributions of fruit length, fruit weight, and fruit length/width failed the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test for normality. The distribution for fruit width was normal. Ninety-two percent of the accessions examined were elongate. Mature fruit colors included red, orange, yellow, brown (chocolate), and cream. The germplasm collection contained primarily pendent larger-fruited cultivated forms of the species, but also contained upright small-fruited primitive and semipendent transitional forms. These data define the variability for mature fruit characteristics within this germplasm collection and provide a baseline against which future introductions/acquisitions can be compared. Additional sampling of the gene pool might be expected to substantially enhance the genetic variability within the primitive forms of this species.
Growth Pattern and Phenological Stages of Early-maturing Peach Trees Under a Mediterranean Climate
Authors: Mounzer Oussama H. , Conejero Wenceslao , Nicolás Emilio , Abrisqueta Isabel , García-Orellana Yelitza V. , Tapia Luis M. , Vera Juan , Abrisqueta Jose M. , Ruiz-Sánchez Maria del Carmen
Published: February 2019

The phenological stages of early-maturing peach trees were described using the traditional nomenclature of Baggiolini and according to the BBCH General Scale. The heat requirement of each stage was calculated as growing degree hours (GDH) and growing degree days (GDD). The annual growth pattern of trunk, shoot, and fruit was also studied. After dormancy breaking involving 225 chilling units, this early peach cultivar required ≈6244 GDH to reach full bloom and 27106 GDH before the fruit could be harvested. In the case of GDD, the heat requirements were 329 and 1246 for full bloom and fruit harvest, respectively. According to plant growth measurements, shoot growth lasted ≈7 months with a significant increase in the growth rate after fruit harvest reaching a maximum value in July. Trunk growth followed a similar annual pattern as that of the shoots but with its maximum rate occurring ≈30 days latter. Fruit growth, which lasted an average of 89 days from full bloom to harvesting, took place under mild climatic conditions (10 Feb. to 10 May) coinciding with only 30% of the total annual shoot length. This pattern of reproductive and vegetative growth pointed to the interest of redirecting regulated deficit irrigation practices in early-maturing cultivars toward postharvest water-saving strategies, but only to the extent that any limitation of shoot and trunk growth does not adversely affect the productivity of the following year.
Halosulfuron Tank Mixtures and Adjuvants for Weed Control in Pumpkin Production
Authors: Kammler Katie J. , Walters S. Alan , Young Bryan G.
Published: February 2019

Field studies were conducted to evaluate postemergence combinations of halosulfuron plus sethoxydim or clethodim with various adjuvants for effects on jack-o-lantern pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.) injury and yields and control of large [Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop.] and smooth crabgrass [D. ischaemum (Schreb. ex Schweig.) Schreb. ex Muhl.]. Halosulfuron caused 27% and 14% pumpkin injury at 28 d after postemergence treatment (DAPT) in 2004 and 2005, respectively. Tank-mixing sethoxydim or clethodim with halosulfuron did not increase pumpkin injury compared with halosulfuron alone. Pumpkin injury from sethoxydim and clethodim alone at 28 DAPT ranged from 19% to 23% in 2004, but was only 7% to 8% in 2005. The addition of oil-based adjuvants to halosulfuron did not affect pumpkin injury compared with using a nonionic surfactant (NIS). The tank mixture of halosulfuron and sethoxydim did not affect crabgrass control regardless of adjuvant. However, the addition of halosulfuron to clethodim plus NIS reduced control of crabgrass from 89% to 77% at 28 DAPT. Crabgrass control was unaffected by the addition of halosulfuron to clethodim with crop oil concentrate (COC) or a NIS/COC blend. None of the herbicide treatments provided pumpkin yield (fruit no./ha) similar to the weed-free control. The pumpkin yield of treatments using postemergence herbicides was at least 50% less than the weed-free treatment. These low pumpkin yields were most likely the result of the combination of pumpkin injury from the herbicide applications and insufficient weed control.
Sensitivity of Five Container-grown Nursery Species to Chlorine in Overhead Irrigation Water
Authors: Cayanan Diane Feliciano , Zheng Youbin , Zhang Ping , Graham Tom , Dixon Mike , Chong Calvin , Llewellyn Jennifer
Published: February 2019

Phytotoxic responses of five container-grown nursery species (Spiraea japonica ‘Goldmound’, Hydrangea paniculata ‘Grandiflora’, Weigela florida ‘Alexandra’, Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Summer Wine’, and Salix integra ‘Hakura Nishiki’) to chlorinated irrigation water and critical free chlorine thresholds were evaluated. Plants were overhead-irrigated with water containing 0, 2.5, 5, 10, and 20 mg·L−1 of free chlorine for 6 weeks. The following measurements were used to assess the treatments: visual injury, growth, leaf chlorophyll content index, leaf chlorophyll fluorescence, leaf net CO2 exchange rate, and stomatal conductance. All species exhibited one or more signs of chlorine injury, including foliar necrotic mottling, foliar necrosis and chlorosis, decreased plant height, and increased premature abscission of foliage with species varying in sensitivity to free chlorine concentrations of irrigation water. The results indicated that the critical free chlorine threshold of S. japonica, H. paniculata, W. florida, and S. integra was 2.5 mg·L−1 and 5 mg·L−1 for P. opulifolius. Our results suggested that irrigation water containing free chlorine less than 2.5 mg·L−1 should not adversely affect the growth or appearance of ornamental woody shrubs.
An Introduction to Light-emitting Diodes
Authors: Bourget C. Michael
Published: February 2019

Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are semiconductor devices that produce noncoherent, narrow-spectrum light when forward voltage is applied. LEDs range in wavelength from the UVC band to infrared (IR) and are available in packages ranging from milliwatts to more than 10 W. The first LED was an IR-emitting device and was patented in 1961. In 1962, the first practical visible spectrum LED was developed. The first high-power (1-W) LEDs were developed in the late 1990s. LEDs create light through a semiconductor process rather than with a superheated element, ionized gas, or an arc discharge as in traditional light sources. The wavelength of the light emitted is determined by the materials used to form the semiconductor junction. LEDs produce more light per electrical watt than incandescent lamps with the latest devices rivaling fluorescent tubes in energy efficiency. They are solid-state devices, which are much more robust than any glass-envelope lamp and contain no hazardous materials like fluorescent lamps. LEDs also have a much longer lifetime than incandescent, fluorescent, and high-density discharge lamps (U.S. Dept. of Energy). Although LEDs possess many advantages over traditional light sources, a total system approach must be considered when designing an LED-based lighting system. LEDs do not radiate heat directly, but do produce heat that must be removed to ensure maximum performance and lifetime. LEDs require a constant-current DC power source rather than a standard AC line voltage. Finally, because LEDs are directional light sources, external optics may be necessary to produce the desired light distribution. A properly designed LED light system is capable of providing performance and a lifetime well beyond any traditional lighting source.
Development of an Efficient Plant Regeneration System for the Selenium-hyperaccumulator Astragalus racemosus and the Nonaccumulator Astragalus canadensis
Authors: Hung Chiu-Yueh , Xie Jiahua
Published: February 2019

A method of in vitro plant regeneration for both the selenium-hyperaccumulator Astragalus racemosus ‘Cream Milkvetch’ and the nonaccumulator Astragalus canadensis ‘Canadian Milkvetch’ was developed with two induction media, M1 and M2. The M1 and M2 contain Murashige and Skoog basal medium plus vitamins, 8.07 μm
N-(2-chloro-4-pyridyl)-N′-phenylurea, 2.5% (w·v−1) sucrose, 0.7% (w·v−1) agar (pH 5.7), and 0.89 μm or 3.12 μm a-naphthaleneacetic acid, respectively. In vitro cultures were initiated on these two types of media with three types of explants: cotyledons, hypocotyls, and roots. More than 93% of cultured explants from both species could form calli or calli with shoots. With regard to shoot formation, A. canadensis could produce multiple shoots from all types of explants more efficiently than A. racemosus. The highest shoot induction was approximately three shoots per explant in A. racemosus, whereas A. canadensis could reach ≈10 shoots per explant. M1 could induce more shoots than M2 no matter what type of explant was used, but the overall induction rates were no significant difference. Among the three types of explants used, the cotyledons were the best explants for shoot induction in A. canadensis, whereas hypocotyls were the best in A. racemosus. In A. racemosus, shoots could also be obtained from calli on the rooting medium containing Murashige and Skoog basal plus vitamins, 2.84 μm indole-3 acetic acid, 2.5% (w·v−1) sucrose, and 0.7% (w·v−1) agar (pH 5.7). Approximately 43% of A. canadensis shoots and 19% of A. racemosus shoots could be rooted on the rooting medium.
Substrate pH Affects Nutrient Availability in Fertilized Douglas Fir Bark Substrates
Authors: Altland James E. , Buamscha M. Gabriela , Horneck Donald A.
Published: February 2019

An experiment was conducted to determine how pH and nutrient availability in douglas fir bark (DFB) substrates respond to lime and sulfur (S) rates. The treatment design was a two-by-nine factorial arrangement with two substrate types and nine pH-altering amendments. The two substrates were 100% DFB or 75 DFB:15 sphagnum peatmoss:10 pumice (by volume). Substrate pH-altering amendments included elemental S amended at either 0.6 or 2.4 kg·m−3; calcium carbonate amended at 0.6, 1.5, and 5.9 kg·m−3; calcium hydroxide amended at 4.4, 8.9, or 23.7 kg·m−3; and a nonamended control. All substrates were amended by incorporating 0.9 kg·m−3 Micromax micronutrients before potting and topdressing 8 g/pot of 14N–4.2P–11.6K Osmocote controlled-release fertilizer after potting. A group of controls was also maintained for each substrate that received no fertilizer amendment (no S, lime, Micromax, or Osmocote). Four containers of each treatment were randomly selected and harvested 4 and 8 weeks after potting. Amendment with S decreased pH with increasing rate, whereas both lime types increased pH with increasing rate. The two substrates in general responded similarly to S and lime amendments, although there were some significant effects and interactions caused by substrate type. Ammonium-N and NO3-N both decreased exponentially with increasing substrate pH, whereas water-extractable phosphorus decreased linearly with increasing pH. Water-extractable potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sodium responded quadratically to increasing pH by initially decreasing and then increasing. The micronutrients boron and iron decreased with increasing pH, whereas DTPA extractions of manganese, zinc, and copper initially increased and then decreased over the range of observed pH.
Creeping Bentgrass and Perennial Ryegrass Seedling Tolerance to Bispyribac-sodium
Authors: Dernoeden Peter H. , McDonald Steven J. , Kaminski John E.
Published: February 2019

Establishing creeping bentgrass [Agrostis stolonifera L. (CBG)] and perennial ryegrass [Lolium perenne L. (PRG)] from seed can be hampered by competition from annual bluegrass (Poa annua L.). Bispyribac-sodium (BPS) is a postemergence annual bluegrass herbicide that may have applications for use when establishing these grasses. This field study was undertaken to determine if BPS could be applied safely to CBG and PRG seedlings. Ethofumesate (ETHO) was applied sequentially (840 + 840 g·ha−1 a.i.) and served as a standard. In 2004, BPS was applied once (49, 74, 111, and 148 g·ha−1 a.i.) or sequentially (49 + 49 and 74 + 74 g·ha−1 a.i.) to CBG and PRG seedlings 4 weeks after emergence in Maryland. In 2004, BPS discolored CBG and PRG and reduced PRG cover, whereas ETHO reduced CBG cover but was not injurious to PRG. In 2005, a single (148 g·ha−1 a.i.) and sequential (25 + 25, 49 + 49 and 74 + 74 g·ha−1 a.i.) applications of BPS were made to CBG and PRG 2 and 4 weeks after seedling emergence (WASE) in Maryland and Connecticut. Treatments applied 2 WASE generally resulted in more injury when compared with applications made 4 WASE. In Maryland in 2005, CBG only sustained long-term loss of cover when treated 2 WASE with 148 g·ha−1 a.i. of BPS. The PRG was more sensitive to BPS and 148 g·ha−1 a.i. applied once and sequential treatments 49 g·ha−1 a.i. or greater applied 2 and 4 WASE generally caused the greatest loss in PRG cover. Conversely, CBG was severely injured by all BPS treatments and ETHO in Connecticut. In PRG, only 25 + 25 g·ha−1 a.i. of BPS and ETHO in both timings did not cause a loss in cover in Connecticut or Maryland. High levels of precipitation and probably other unknown factors may have enhanced the phytotoxicity observed in Connecticut. Ethofumesate generally was safer than BPS for use on PRG seedlings.
Impact of Reuse Water on Golf Course Soil and Turfgrass Parameters Monitored Over a 4.5-Year Period
Authors: Lockett Anne M. , Devitt Dale A. , Morris Robert L.
Published: February 2019

Population growth and water limitations in the southwestern United States have led to golf courses in many communities to be encouraged or mandated to transition to reuse water for irrigation purposes. A monitoring program was conducted on nine golf courses in the Las Vegas valley, NV, for 4.5 years to assess the impact of reuse water on soil–turfgrass systems {bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.], perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), bentgrass (Agrostis palustris Huds.)}. The nine courses selected included three long-term reuse courses, three fresh water courses, and three courses expected to transition to reuse water during the monitoring period. Near-surface soil salinity varied from 1.5 to 40.0 dS·m−1 during the study period with the highest peaks occurring during summer months and on long-term reuse irrigated fairways. Although soil salinity at several depths on fairways and greens increased after transition to reuse water, this did not lead to a systematic decline in leaf xylem water potential (ΨL) or color. When the data were grouped as fresh, transition, or reuse irrigated, soil salinity on reuse courses were statistically higher (P < 0.05) than fresh and transitional courses, yet plant response on reuse courses was not statistically different (P > 0.05) than that observed on fresh courses. The fact that summertime plant parameter values often declined under lower salinity levels and the electrical conductivity of the irrigation water was rejected as a significant variable in all backward regression analysis to describe plant response indicated that management differed significantly from course to course. We conclude that proper irrigation management, based on a multitiered feedback system (soil–plant–atmospheric monitoring), should be able to maintain favorable salt balances and plant response as long as irrigation volumes are not restricted to where deficit irrigation occurs.
Irradiance from Distinct Wavelength Light-emitting Diodes Affect Secondary Metabolites in Kale
Authors: Lefsrud Mark G. , Kopsell Dean A. , Sams Carl E.
Published: February 2019

The use of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for plant production is a new field of research that has great promise to optimize wavelength-specific lighting systems for precise management of plant physiological responses and important secondary metabolite production. In our experiment, hydroponically cultured kale plants (Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala D.C.) were grown under specific LED wavelength treatments of 730, 640, 525, 440, and 400 nm to determine changes in the accumulation of chlorophylls, carotenoids, and glucosinolates. Maximum accumulation, on a fresh mass basis, of chlorophyll a and b and lutein occurred at the wavelength of 640 nm, whereas β-carotene accumulation peaked under the 440-nm treatment. However, when lutein was measured on a dry mass basis, maximum accumulation was shifted to 440 nm. Sinigrin was the only glucosinolate to respond to wavelength treatments. Wavelength control using LED technology can affect the production of secondary metabolites such as carotenoids and glucosinolates with irradiance levels also a factor in kale. Management of irradiance and wavelength may hold promise to maximize nutritional potential of vegetable crops grown in controlled environments.
Use of Pulp Mill Ash as a Substrate Component for Greenhouse Production of Marigold
Authors: Bi Guihong , Evans Williams B. , Fain Glenn B.
Published: February 2019

Pulp mill ash was evaluated as a substrate component in the production of greenhouse-grown French marigold (Tagetes patula L. ‘Janie Deep Orange’). Peat-based substrates (75:10:15 by volume blend of peatmoss, vermiculite, and perlite) amended with 0% to 50% (by volume) pulp mill ash were compared with a standard commercially available substrate. With the exception of an unfertilized control, each substrate blend contained 5.93 kg·m−3 14N–6.2P–11.6K (3- to 4-month release) and 0.89 kg·m−3 Micromax. Substrates containing higher volumes of ash had finer particles, less air space, and more waterholding capacity than the commercial substrate. Bulk density increased with increasing ash volume, and substrate containing 50% ash had 120% greater bulk density than the commercial substrate. Substrates containing ash generally had higher pH and electrical conductivity (EC) than the commercial substrate with substrate pH and EC increasing with increasing ash volume. In general, marigold plants grown in peat-based substrates with the addition of 0% to 50% ash had similar growth indices, flower dry weights, numbers of flowers, and SPAD values as plants grown in commercial substrate; however, plants grown in substrates containing 30% to 50% ash had lower shoot dry weights or root quality ratings than plants grown in commercial substrate. Plant growth index, shoot dry weight, and root quality rating decreased with increasing ash volume.
Analysis of Trials with Complex Treatment Structure Using Multiple Contrast Tests
Authors: Schaarschmidt Frank , Vaas Lea
Published: February 2019

Experiments with complex treatment structures are not uncommon in horticultural research. For example, in augmented factorial designs, one control treatment is added to a full factorial arrangement, or an experiment might be arranged as a two-factorial design with some groups omitted because they are practically not of interest. Several statistical procedures have been proposed to analyze such designs. Suitable linear models followed by F-tests provide only global inference for main effects and their interactions. Orthogonal contrasts are demanding to formulate and cannot always reflect all experimental questions underlying the design. Finally, simple mean comparisons following global F-tests do not control the overall error rate of the experiment in the strong sense. In this article, we show how multiple contrast tests can be used as a tool to address the experimental questions underlying complex designs while preserving the overall error rate of the conclusions. Using simultaneous confidence intervals allows for displaying the direction, magnitude, and relevance of the mean comparisons of interest. Along with application in statistical software, shown by two examples, we discuss the possibilities and limitations of the proposed approach.
Physical and Psychological Health Conditions of Older Adults Classified as Gardeners or Nongardeners
Authors: Park Sin-Ae , Shoemaker Candice A. , Haub Mark D.
Published: February 2019

The objective of this study was to compare the physical and psychological health conditions and leisure-time activities, particularly physical activities (PAs), of older gardeners and nongardeners. Fifty-three older adults were recruited from the community of Manhattan, KS. Three groups were classified based on results from the Community Healthy Activities Model Program for Seniors questionnaire: active gardeners (n = 11) classified as gardeners that met the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) PA recommendation through gardening; gardeners (n = 14) classified as gardeners that did not meet the CDC's PA recommendation through gardening; and nongardeners (n = 28). Overall physical and mental health conditions were determined with the Short-Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36), hand function (hand strength and pinch force) was determined by dynamometers, and bone mineral density (BMD) was determined by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Active gardeners were significantly different from gardeners and nongardeners in physical health (P ≤ 0.05) on SF-36. There were no differences in mental health among the three groups, but all groups had scores higher than the U.S. general population. Active gardeners + gardeners had greater hand strength and pinch force than nongardeners. There was no difference in BMD among the groups, but all subjects had higher scores than the standard BMD value for their age. The only significant difference of caloric expenditure in leisure-time PAs among the groups was gardening (P < 0.001). In conclusion, gardening can be a useful strategy to meet the CDC's PA recommendation. In addition to the health benefits linked to regular PA, this study showed that gardening promotes hand strength, pinch force, and overall physical health.
Methods of Constructing a Pine Tree Substrate from Various Wood Particle Sizes, Organic Amendments, and Sand for Desired Physical Properties and Plant Growth
Authors: Jackson Brian E. , Wright Robert D. , Barnes Michael C.
Published: February 2019

The use of freshly harvested and processed pine trees as a container substrate for greenhouse and nursery crop production is a relatively new concept, and fundamental knowledge of the construction of a pine tree substrate (PTS) for optimal physical properties is insufficient. Therefore, this research was conducted to determine the influence of mixing PTSs produced with different wood particle sizes and adding other amendments to PTS on substrate physical properties and plant growth compared with traditional substrates. Coarse pine wood chips produced from 15-year-old loblolly pine trees (Pinus taeda L.) were ground in a hammermill fitted with either a 4.76-mm screen or with no screen (PTS-NS) allowing a fine and a coarse particle PTS to be produced. Increasing proportions of the finer (4.76-mm) PTS to the coarser PTS (PTS-NS) resulted in increased container capacity (CC) and shoot growth of ‘Inca Gold’ marigold (Tagetes erecta L.). In another study, PTSs were manufactured in a hammermill fitted with different screen sizes: 4.76, 6.35, 9.54, or 15.8 mm as well as PTS-NS. After being hammermilled, each of the five PTSs was then amended (by mixing) with 10% sand (PTS-S), 25% peatmoss (PTS-PM), or left unamended. Pine tree substrates were also produced by adding 25% aged pine bark (PB) to pine wood chips before being ground in a hammermill with each of the five screen sizes mentioned (PTS-HPB). These five substrates were used unamended as well as amended with 10% sand after grinding (PTS-HPBS). Control treatments included peat-lite (PL) and 100% aged PB for a total of 27 substrates evaluated in this study. Container capacity and marigold growth increased as screen size decreased and with the additions of peatmoss (PTS-PM) or hammering with PB (PTS-HPB) to PTS. Container capacity for all substrates amended with peatmoss or PB was within the recommended range of 45% to 65% for container substrates, but only with the more finely ground PTS-4.76-mm resulted in marigold growth comparable to PL and PB. However, when the PTS-NS was amended by mixing in 25% peat or hammering with 25% PB, growth of marigold was equal to plants grown in PL or PB. In a third study, hammering PTS-NS with 25% PB followed by the addition of 10% sand increased dry weight of both azalea (Rhododendron ×hybrida ‘Girard Pleasant White’) and spirea (Spiraea nipponica Maxim. ‘Snowmound’) resulting in growth equal to plants grown in 100% PB. This work shows that amending coarsely ground PTS with finer particle PTS or with other materials (peatmoss, aged PB, or sand) can result in a substrate with comparable physical properties such as CC and plant growth compared with 100% PL or PB.
Isolation and Characterization of Polymorphic Microsatellite Markers in Calocedrus macrolepis Kurz (Cupressaceae)
Authors: Liao Sheng-Xi , Mi Xian-Jie , Liu Ai-Zhong , Li Kun , Yang Zhen-Yin , Tian Bo
Published: February 2019

The Chinese Incense-cedar (Calocedrus macrolepis Kruz), an important wood and ornamental tree, is native to southwest China and also in northern Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar. As a result of ecological degradation in these areas, Chinese Incense-cedar was considered a vulnerable species according to the criteria of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. In the current report, we developed and characterized 13 novel microsatellite markers for this species using the protocol of fast isolation by amplified fragment length polymorphism of sequences containing repeats. Polymorphism of each locus was assessed in 36 individuals from nine geographical populations. The number of alleles per locus ranged from two to nine with an average of 6.08. The observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.0000 to 1.0000 and from 0.1549 to 0.8912 with averages of 0.6688 and 0.6815, respectively. Four of the 13 loci were significantly deviated from Hardy-Weinberg expectations. No significant linkage disequilibrium was detected. These polymorphic microsatellite markers would be useful tools for investigating genetic population structure and diversity to establish conservation strategy for this interesting and vulnerable species.
Purchase Drivers of Canadian Consumers of Local and Organic Produce
Authors: Campbell Benjamin L. , Lesschaeve Isabelle , Bowen Amy J. , Onufrey Stephen R. , Moskowitz Howard
Published: February 2019

In recent years, the new trend for local and organic produce has transformed the landscape of fruit and vegetable purchasing. To this effect, “local” and “organic” logos have become the norm in many retail outlets. To examine the effects of different “local” and “organic” logos on Canadian consumers, a consumer survey was used to identify preferences for various external attributes and to identify consumer segments within the buyers of both local and organic purchasers. Our results indicate that the “Foodland Ontario” logo has the largest effect on likelihood of purchase and also increases willingness to pay within the overall sample. Furthermore, there are gender, region, and income differences associated with the likelihood of purchase and willingness to pay given various logos. Through this study, three consumer segments were identified, “Confident in Produce Produced in Ontario,” “In Organic We Trust,” and “Socially Responsible Locavores,” each of which has their own preferences for external characteristics.
End-of-day Far-red Light Quality and Dose Requirements for Tomato Rootstock Hypocotyl Elongation
Authors: Chia Po-Lung , Kubota Chieri
Published: February 2019

Plant morphology control is a critical technique in commercial greenhouse transplant production. Light treatment at the end of the day affects a phytochrome-regulated response affecting plant height among other characteristics and has been studied by biologists for many years. Recognizing the need to produce long hypocotyls in vegetable grafting, effects of end-of-day far-red (EOD-FR) light on tomato rootstock hypocotyl elongation were investigated. Two commercial rootstock cultivars, Aloha (Solanum lycopersicum) and Maxifort (S. lycopersicum × S. habrochaites), were used for the experiments examining responses to EOD-FR light quality [red to far-red ratio (R/FR)] and EOD-FR light dose in a greenhouse environment. In the EOD-FR light quality experiment using ‘Aloha’ seedlings, incandescent light (R/FR = 0.47) induced significant hypocotyl elongation (20%) compared with the untreated control. Incandescent light with a spectral cut filter (reducing R/FR to 0.05) induced a greater hypocotyl elongation (44%) than unfiltered light, confirming the importance of use of light with a lower R/FR (or purer FR) light source in EOD-FR treatments. In the experiment on EOD-FR light dose–response, hypocotyl elongation of both ‘Aloha’ and ‘Maxifort’ was increased by increasing FR intensity as well as FR treatment duration at a lower dose range. The dose saturation curve of hypocotyl length was well described using a Michaelis-Menten-type model with FR dose (in mmol·m−2·d−1) as an independent variable. The model-based estimation of 90% saturating FR light dose for ‘Aloha’ and ‘Maxifort’ was 5 to 14 mmol·m−2·d−1 and 8 to 15 mmol·m−2·d−1, respectively, although practical near saturation dose seems to be 2 to 4 mmol·m−2·d−1 for both cultivars. None of the EOD-FR treatments affected plant dry weight, stem diameter, or plastochron index. Hence, elongation was achieved without compromising growth and development. EOD-FR was shown to be an effective non-chemical means allowing transplant propagation industry to produce long hypocotyls for grafting use.
Trends in Soil Quality Under High Tunnels
Authors: Knewtson Sharon J.B. , Janke Rhonda , Kirkham M.B. , Williams Kimberly A. , Carey Edward E.
Published: February 2019

Growers have indicated that changes in soil quality under production in high tunnels is an important problem, but these have not yet been quantified or critically assessed in the central Great Plains of the United States. We conducted surveys of grower perceptions of soil quality in their tunnels (n = 81) and compared selected soil quality indicators (salinity and particulate organic matter carbon) under high tunnels of varying ages with those of adjacent fields at sites in Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Iowa in the United States. Fourteen percent of growers surveyed considered soil quality to be a problem in their high tunnels, and there were significant correlations between grower perceptions of soil quality problems and reported observations of clod formation and surface crusting and to a lesser extent surface mineral deposition. Grower perception of soil quality and grower observation of soil characteristics were not related to high tunnel age. Soil surface salinity was elevated in some high tunnels compared with adjacent fields but was not related to time under the high tunnel. In the soil upper 5 cm, salinity in fields did not exceed 2 dS·m−1 and was less than 2 dS·m−1 under 74% of high tunnels and less than 4 dS·m−1 in 97% of high tunnels. The particulate organic matter carbon fraction was higher in high tunnels than adjacent fields at 73% of locations sampled. Particulate organic matter carbon measured 0.11 to 0.67 g particulate organic matter per g of the total carbon under high tunnels sampled. Particulate organic matter carbon in the soil was also not correlated to age of high tunnel. Soil quality as measured in this study was not negatively impacted by use of high tunnel structures over time.
Germination and Seedling Growth of Desmanthus illinoensis and Desmodium canadense in Response to Mechanical Scarification
Authors: Olszewski Michael W. , Young Courtney A. , Sheffield Joel B.
Published: February 2019

Illinois bundleflower [Desmanthus illinoensis (Michx.) MacMill. ex B.L. Rob. & Fernald] and showy ticktrefoil [Desmodium canadense (L.) DC.] are legumes native to North America used during meadow restoration efforts. However, insufficient or slow germination or reduced emergence may result attributable to seedcoat-mediated reductions in permeability to water. The objective of this research was to determine the effectiveness of a single-speed electric scarifier lined with 40-grit sandpaper for increasing germination and seedling growth of two native legumes. Seeds of Illinois bundleflower and showy ticktrefoil were mechanically scarified for 3, 6, or 12 s before they were subjected to germination and vigor testing. After scarification, final germination percentage (FGP), germination rate, and uniformity at multiple temperatures (15, 20, and/or 20 to 30 °C) were improved for Illinois bundleflower. However, FGP decreased for showy ticktrefoil, whereas germination rate and uniformity increased. For both species, there was a decline in FGP with longer scarification durations. Illinois bundleflower seed subjected to scarification and accelerated aging (AA) had higher FGP than non-scarified seed subjected to AA (59% and 6%, respectively), whereas both scarified and non-scarified seed of showy ticktrefoil subjected to AA had low FGP (11% and 18%, respectively). Mechanical scarification increased electrical conductivity (EC) of leachates for both species, but scarified showy ticktrefoil seed subjected to AA resulted in the highest EC compared with all other treatments, indicating a reduction of vigor. Evaluation of a seedling grow-out test 3 weeks after sowing confirmed that emergence was enhanced after 3 s of mechanical scarification of Illinois bundleflower seed but that scarification of showy ticktrefoil seed decreased emergence and increased the number of abnormal seedlings. Mechanical scarification resulted in peripheral damage and seed tissue obliteration of both species as indicated by viewing with a stereomicroscope. We conclude that scarifier limitations caused excessive physical damage of showy ticktrefoil. For Illinois bundleflower, however, mechanical scarification using an electric scarifier increased emergence from 18% (non-scarified seed) to 77% after 3 s of scarification and FGP from 32% (non-scarified seed) to 87% after 3 s of scarification. Compared with responses from non-scarified Illinois bundleflower seeds, scarification treatment also resulted in 24% faster germination and 37% more uniformity.