bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
(11) How Small Growers Can Help Vegetable Crops Survive Hurricanes: Tips We Didn't Want to Learn
Authors: Roe Nancy E. , Parmenter Darrin M.
Published: February 2019

The Atlantic hurricane season stretches from June to November, and the vegetable growing season in South Florida begins in August. This means that pre-plant, planting, and early harvesting operations are performed during hurricane season. Three major hurricanes striking our area during two consecutive growing seasons have helped to teach us how to give vegetable crops the best chance of survival. On a 4-ha farm growing diversified vegetable crops, there have been clear differences in crop survival. Tiny seedlings of most crops were generally killed by driving rains and strong winds. However, 7- to 10-cm-tall transplants in plastic cell trays survived surprisingly well when placed on the ground in an area that did not flood and was protected from flying debris. During the hurricane with the highest winds, large plants, such as tomatoes and squash, were defoliated. Even plants that survived defoliation and regrew were injured, so they were vulnerable to diseases later in the season. It actually appears to be best not to stake crops in extremely high winds. Staked and tied tomatoes often broke off at the top string. In winds of over 90 knots, unstaked eggplants fared best of any mature crops. They fell over immediately and, lying on the ground, were protected from the high winds. After the storm passed, they were pulled upright, staked and tied, and produced excellent yields. Sweet corn also fell over, but, over a period of a week, gradually returned to about a 45° angle where it produced about 30% of the normal yield. Of course, each hurricane has different characteristics; what works in one may not be the best during others. We are, however, hoping not to have a chance to learn more about how crops survive hurricanes.
(12) Influence of Single and Biculture Cover Crops with or without Synthetic Nitrogen on Leaf Area Index and Above Ground Biomass Yields of Sweet Corn
Authors: Whitehead Wayne F. , Singh Bharat P.
Published: February 2019

During the 2004–05 growing season, a study was conducted to determine effect of cover crop, their mixture and fertilizer N rates on above ground biomass (AGB) yields, and Leaf Area Index (LAI) of Bt sweet corn. The following cover crop nitrogen fertility treatments were applied using randomized complete-block design with three replications: 1) fall-0 N, fallow; spring-0 N, 2) fall-0 N, abruzzi rye; spring-0 N, 3) fall-0 N, hairy vetch; spring-0 N, 4) fall-0 N, abruzzi rye+hairy vetch; spring-0 N, 5) fall-0 N, fallow; spring-101 kg N/ha, 6) fall-0 N, abruzzi rye; spring-101 kg N/ha, 7) fall-0 N, hairy vetch; spring-101 kg N/ha, 8) fall-0 N, abruzzi rye+hairy vetch; spring-101 kg N/ha, 9) fall-0 N, fallow; spring-202 kg N/ha, 10) fall-0 N, abruzzi rye; spring-202 kg N/ha, 11) fall-0 N, hairy vetch; spring-202 kg N/ha, and 12) fall-0 N, abruzzi rye+hairy vetch; spring-202 kg N/ha. In Spring 2005, `Attribute BSS0977' bi-color (BC) supersweet (sh2) corn seeds were field planted. AGB yields were collected during harvest week while LAI was recorded at tasseling (6/27), silking (7/8) and one week after harvest (7/25). Hairy vetch; spring-101 kg N/ha produced highest LAI at tasseling (2.18), silking (2.73), and one week after harvest (2.57). Lowest LAI at tasseling (1.12) and silking(1.60) were produced by abruzzi rye; spring-0 N with fallow; spring-0 N producing lowest LAI (1.40) one week after harvest. Maximum AGB fresh (40.5 Mg/ha) and dry weight (12.1 Mg/ha) yields were produced by hairy vetch; spring-101kg N/ha, while minimum AGB fresh (9.6 Mg/ha) and dry weight (3.6 Mg/ha) yields were produced by abruzzi rye; spring-0 N. Results imply LAI at each growth stage and AGB yields of this BCsh2 corn variety are best supported by hairy vetch supplemented with N at 101 kg/ha.
(16) Delayed Harvesting Results in Firmer Fall-sown Onions
Authors: Kamal Neel , Cramer Christopher S.
Published: February 2019

Onions grown in New Mexico currently are hand-harvested. In order to remain competitive and to lower production costs, growers will need to harvest onions mechanically. The current recommendation for harvest time is when 80% of onion tops have fallen. The objective of this study was to measure several bulb quality traits when bulbs were harvested at four different stages. Twelve short- and intermediate-day onion cultivars of different maturities were sown during Sept. 2004 in Las Cruces, N.M. Bulbs were harvested at four stages of physiological maturity: 20% tops down (TD), 80% TD, 1 week after 80% TD, and 2 weeks after 80% TD. After curing, data on harvest date, bulb diameter, height, firmness, number of growing points, average center diameter, fleshy scale number, and thickness were collected. For most traits, no differences existed among the different treatments. For the earliest-maturing cultivars, the maximum bulb firmness and number of scales were observed when bulbs were harvested 2 weeks after 80% TD. For later-maturing cultivars, the maximum number of scales was observed 1 week after 80% TD, while the maximum bulb firmness was observed at 2 weeks after 80% TD. For latest-maturing cultivars, bulbs harvested at 1 week after 80% TD were firmer than bulbs harvested at other times. For later-maturing cultivars, average scale thickness was greatest when bulbs were harvested 2 weeks after 80% TD. From this work, a delayed harvest of 1 to 2 weeks after 80% TD resulted in firmer bulbs with more scales.
(76) Photoperiod, Irradiance, and/or Cool Temperature Effects on Mamillopsis senilis, Echinopsis Hybrid, and Trichocereus Hybrid Growth and Flowering
Authors: Erwin John , Gesick Esther , Dill Ben , Rohwer Charles
Published: February 2019

The impact of photoperiod, irradiance, and/or cool temperature on flowering and/or dormancy in Mamillopsis senilis and Echinopsis and Trichocereus hybrids was studied. Two- to 3-year-old plants (180 plants of each type) were grown for 4 months under natural daylight (DL) conditions (August–November) in a greenhouse maintained at 26 ± 2 °C. Plants were then placed in either of two greenhouses: a cool temperature house (5 ± 2 °C; DL), or a lighting treatment house (22/18 ± 1 °C day/night temperature, respectively). The lighting treatment house had eight light environments: 1) short day (SD; 8 h; 0800–1600 hr); 2) SD+25–35 μmol·m-2·s-1; 3) SD+45–50 μmol·m-2·s-1; 4) SD+85–95 μmol·m-2·s-1; 5) DL plus night interruption lighting (NI; 2200–0200 hr; 2 μmol·m-2·s-1 from incandescent lamps); 6) DL+25–35 μmol·m-2·s-1 (lighted from 0800–0200 hr); 7) DL+45–50 μmol·m-2·s-1; and 8) DL+85–95 μmol·m-2·s-1. Supplemental lighting was provided using high-pressure sodium lamps. Plants were placed in the cool temperature house for 0, 4, 8 or 12 weeks before being placed under lighting treatments. All plants received lighting treatments for 6 weeks and were then placed in a finishing greenhouse (DL; 22 ± 2 °C). Data were collected on approximate day when growth resumed, the date when each flower opened (five only), total flower number per plant, and how long each flower stayed open (five only). Whether species exhibited dormancy and what conditions, if any, broke that dormancy was identified. Species were also classified into photoperiodic, irradiance, and vernalization response groups with respect to flowering.
(77) Effects of Photoselective Shadecloths on Flowering of Potted Orchids
Authors: Kobayashi Kent D. , Mersino Edwin F.
Published: February 2019

Increasing flower production and manipulating the flowering season of potted ornamental plants would help provide a competitive edge for floriculture producers in Hawaii. Photoselective shadecloths that modify the light spectrum may be an approach to achieve these aims. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of photoselective shadecloths on the flowering of potted orchids. At the University of Hawaii Magoon Facilities (Oahu), two kinds of orchids were grown in a saranhouse in chambers built with PVC pipe covered with the four shadecloths—black (control), gray (diffusive), red, and blue—each providing 30% shading. With M-10973 Rhv. Herbert Kurihara `Flori' orchid plants, more buds and flowers were produced under the black and red shadecloths than the other two shadecloths. The black and red shadecloths resulted in similar earlier starting dates of bud appearance (4 Aug.2005) and flower appearance (4 Aug. 2005). Whereas, under the blue shadecloth, bud appearance (18 Aug. 2005) and flower appearance (31 Aug. 2005) were delayed. Under the black and red shadecloths, flowering ended earlier (27 Oct. 2005). When flower production resumed, new spikes were produced earliest under the red shadecloth (1 Dec. 2005). No new spikes were produced under the black shadecloth. For M-10878 Colmanara Sphacetante `Evelyn' AM/AOS orchid plants, spike formation occurred later than with the M-10973 plants. Spike formation occurred on the same date for all shadecloth treatments (10 Feb. 2006), with similar numbers of spikes. Thus, photoselective shadecloths influenced flowering, but their effects varied with the orchid.
(79) Direct Bulblet Regeneration from Mature Embryo: A Rapid, Efficient and Genotype-independent In Vitro Morphogenesis Pathway for Preservation of Endangered Wild Populations of Fritillaria imperialis and Fritillaria persica
Authors: Mohammadi-Dehcheshmeh Manijeh , Khalighi Ahmad , Ebrahimie Esmaeil , Sardari Manoochehr , Naderi Rohangiz
Published: February 2019

Wild populations of Fritillaria sp. have dramatically decreased in Iran because of pest overflow and continual grazing. Previous studies have shown that Fritillaria cannot rapidly and efficiently propagate by traditional methods. In vitro tissue culture techniques have shown high potential for micropropagation of endangered plants. The use of bulb-scale pieces for tissue culture can result in the destruction of the endangered parent plant. Fritillaria is a heterozygous plant in which the genetic content of each embryo is different from others, even on the same plant. In this study, mature embryos of F. imperialis and F. persica were used as explant for the first time. Embryos were extracted from seeds and cultured on B5 medium supplemented with various combinations of BAP (0, 0.1, 1 mg/L), NAA (0, 0.4, 4 mg/L), and IAA (0, 0.4, 4 mg/L). Embryo explant showed low genotype dependency between different heterogenous and heterozygote populations of both F. imperialis and F. persica. The best response of bulblet regeneration in both F. imperialis and F. persica was obtained from 1 mg/L BAP + 0.4 mg/L NAA+4 mg/L IAA and direct organogenesis pathway, with 15 bulblets per explant for F. imperialia and 20 for F. persica. Because of the large number of embryos in a plant and their different genetic contents, established in vitro propagation by using embryo explant in this study can provide broad genetic resources and variations. As explained above, in vitro protocols can play a major role in rescuing F. imperialis and F. persica from extinction.
(83) Production Systems for Marigold in a Tobacco Transplant Greenhouse
Authors: Niedziela Carl E. , Emerson Stephen A. , Yang Guochen
Published: February 2019

Plug seedlings of Tagetes erecta L. `Gold Coin Mix' were planted in four production systems (harvest lugs, lay-flat bags, pots, and polystyrene trays) on 5 May 2005. Production systems were randomized in a Latin-square design with four replications of each system. Each treatment plot was 0.7 m × 1.1 m. Planting density was 31 plants/m2. The harvest lugs were 55 cm × 37 cm × 16 cm. The lay-flat bags were 114 cm × 30 cm × 3 cm. The pots were 25-cm bulb pans. The polystyrene trays were 67 × 34 × 5 cm and contained 32 square cells. All of the containers were filled with the same tobacco germination media. The plants in the harvest lugs, lay-flat bags, and pots were irrigated on alternate days with 150 mg·kg-1 N from 20N–4.4P–16.6K. The plants in the polystyrene trays were floated on a solution of 150 mg·kg-1 N from 20N–4.4P–16.6K. Float solutions were monitored and adjusted weekly for volume and fertilizer concentration. Individual stems were harvested at the appropriate stage of development for market. The fresh weight, stem length, and dry weight of individual stems were recorded. The rate of growth and maturation differed between production systems and locations in the greenhouse. Detailed results will be presented.
(117) Grape Cultivar Preference and Organic Control of Japanese Beetles (Popillia japonica)
Authors: Gu Sanjun , Pomper Kirk
Published: February 2019

Feeding by Japanese beetles (JB) can damage grape leaves and result in a loss of vine leaf area, thus reducing both yield and fruit quality. The objectives of this study were to determine if there was a grape cultivar feeding preference by JBs and whether application of organic feeding deterrents to leaves would reduce damage by JBs. Eleven American and hybrid grape cultivars were evaluated in a choice feeding study in cages, where 15 JBs per vine were introduced for 48 hours. The number of leaves damaged by JBs varied by cultivar. `Chardonel' (43%) had fewer damaged leaves than `Seyval' (78%), `Edelweiss' (74%), `Norton' (63%), and `Vignoles' (63%). The leaf area lost by feeding varied by cultivar, with `Lacrosse' (15%) showing the least damage and `Seyval' the most (40%). In another JB choice feeding study with organic feeding deterrents, Surround (at label rate) and Neemix 4.5 [at high label rate (A) or doubled high label rate (B)] were compared to a water control with `Chardonel', `Traminette', and `Vignoles' grapes. Surround and Neemix 4.5 applied at level A reduced the number of damaged leaves compared to the control; however, Neemix 4.5 at level B showed similar damage to the control. Loss of leaf area due to feeding of JBs was greatest on vines treated with Neemix 4.5 at level B and least on those treated with Surround, although this loss of leaf area was not significantly different between the two Neemix 4.5 treatments. Vines treated with Surround had the least leaf area loss, followed by the control, Neemix 4.5 at level A, and Neemix 4.5 at level B.
(118) Selection of Pollinators for `Pam' Muscadine Grape
Authors: Ren Zhongbo , Lu Jiang , Xu Xia
Published: February 2019

`Pam' is a popular muscadine grape (Vitis rotundiforia) used for the fresh fruit market. It is characterized with large berry, nice appearance, good texture and flavor, and high disease resistance. This cultivar, however, requires pollinators because it is pistillate. To select a better pollinator for this pistillate cultivar, a 2-year study was conducted at Florida A&M University in 2003 and 2005. Fresh pollen of muscadine grape `Alachua', `Nesbitt', and `Noble' was used for pollination. `Nesbitt' pollen resulted in 100% of the pollinated clusters setting fruits in both years, while pollination with `Alachua' yielded 70% (2003) to 87% (2005) of fruiting clusters, and `Noble' pollen yielded 72% (2003) and 97% (2005) fruiting clusters, respectively. Fruit numbers per fruiting cluster also varied among pollen sources. `Alachua' pollen resulted in 7.2 (2003) and 8.1 (2005) fruits per cluster, while `Nesbitt' produced 10.1 (2003) to 10.5 (2005) fruits per cluster, and `Noble' produced 8.3 (2003) and 9.0 (2005) berries per cluster. Open pollinated `Pam' had 100% clusters set fruits, averaging about 11 fruits per cluster in both seasons. No difference of berry size was observed among fruits produced from different pollen sources. Both sugar contents and acids levels were a little bit higher in 2005 than that in 2003. However, no differences of sugar content and acid level were found among the fruits derived from different controlled pollen sources. These data suggested that `Nesbitt' is a better pollinator than `Alachua' and `Noble' for `Pam' muscadine grape.
(119) Mycorrhizal Effects on Grape Acclimation
Authors: Burrows Rhoda , Fennell Anne
Published: February 2019

Grape growers are interested in production systems that are ecologically sustainable. The positive effect of colonization by arbuscular-mycorrhizal (AM) fungi on water and nutrient uptake, and thereby plant growth, is well-documented, at least in greenhouse studies. However, we have only limited data on how this complex association between grapes and these fungi might affect entry into winter dormancy, a factor crucial to vine survival in the northern great plains. To test this relationship, we rooted cuttings of grape genotypes Vitis riparia and an F1 selection of `Seyval' × V. riparia in a soil mix containing either inoculum of the AM Glomus intraradices, or a control. These cuttings were then used in growth chamber, greenhouse, and field experiments. The inoculated rooted cuttings were successfully colonized; no significant differences were observed among treatments in initial cutting vigor, budbreak, or leaf number. In the field and greenhouse, periderm development (an indicator of entry into dormancy) occurred earlier in AM-inoculated plants, regardless of genotype. Growth chamber-grown plants did not display differences in the first year, but, after a dormancy cycle, buds from inoculated plants survived lower temperatures in freezing tests compared to controls.
(122) Productivity of `Superior Seedless' Grafted on Rootstocks Harmony and Freedom for Table Grape
Authors: Valenzuela-Ruiz Manuel de Jesus , Robles-Contreras Fabián , Macias-Duarte Rubén , Grijalva-Contreras Raul Leonel
Published: February 2019

Grapes are one of the more important fruit crops in northwest Mexico, mainly dedicated for the production of table grape, with the most important cultivar being `Superior Seedless'. The shortage and high cost of extraction of the water, infestation of nematodes, and salinity, are the main problems that limit the production in the region. The objective of the present investigation was to determine the productivity of `Superior Seedless' grafted on the rootstocks Harmony and Freedom. The present study was carried out in the INIFAP-Caborca Research Station in 2005, and consisted of 15 plants for treatment grafted to each rootstock. We used `Superior Seedless' in their own foot as control; watering was under a drip-irrigation system, and we used a completely randomized statistical design, where each plant was the experimental unit. Statistical differences were not observed in production among the two rootstocks (Freedom and Harmony), which yielded 2225 and 2112 boxes/ha, respectively (boxes of 10 kg) and an average of 1000 boxes/ha over the control. The quality (berry size and cluster weight) of the fruit on both rootstocks was superior to the control. They were no differences in the sugar content and the phonological stages (bud-break, flowering, and harvest time). In both rootstocks, we obtained 100% nematode control, a 35% savings of water consumption, and a 40% savings in fertilizer use.
(123) Performance of Muscadine Grape (Vitis rotundifolia Michx) Cultivars in Mississippi
Authors: Stringer Stephen J. , Marshall Donna A. , Spiers James M. , Sampson Blair J.
Published: February 2019

Muscadines are grapes indigenous to the Southeastern United States, and they are highly prized for their unique fruity flavors. Factors including skin color, berry size, skin thickness, flower type, productivity, etc., vary among muscadine grape cultivars, making some cultivars more desirable for fresh market while others are better suited for processing and prodction of juice, jelly, and wine. A muscadine grape research vineyard was established in McNeil, Miss., in 1992 containing 37 named cultivars and numerous breeding lines. Performance of these cultivars was evaluated in 2001–2003 and results of these trials are presented.
(208) Effects of Temperature During Seed Development in Lactuca sativa and Helianthus debilis
Authors: Contreras Samuel , Tay David , Bennett Mark A.
Published: February 2019

Among the factors affecting germinability of a seed lot are the environmental conditions under which the seeds are produced. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of temperature during seed development on seed quality of two Asteraceae species. Seeds of lettuce cv. Tango and Helianthus debilis cv. Vanilla Ice and sp. cucumerifolius were produced in a greenhouse under one of two treatments: i) hot (27, 40, and 20 °C temperatures average, max, and min, respectively), and ii) cool (23, 33, and 18 °C temperatures average, max, and min, respectively). In both species, heavier seeds were produced under the cool conditions and no differences were observed in standard germination. In lettuce, germination percentage and rate were both affected by increased levels of exogenous ABA concentrations and reduced water potential (PEG solutions), and, in both cases, seeds from cool treatments were more affected. Germination at 30 °C and constant light was higher for seeds from the hot treatment. Lettuce seed showed a strong light requirement for germination. However, seeds from the hot treatment gave better dark germination at 13 and 19 °C. Seeds of H. debilis did not required light for germination, and the germination percentage and rates were evaluated at 13, 21, and 29 °C. For both lines, seeds from each treatment behave similarly; however, the germination of H. debilis cv. Vanilla Ice at 29 °C was higher when seeds were produced in the hot conditions. The results showed that temperature during seed development affected aspects of seed quality that are not detectable by the standard germination, but by germination at suboptimal conditions. Within the Asteraceae family, differences varied among and within species.
(209) Development of Germinability and Desiccation Tolerance in Lettuce Seeds
Authors: Rabara Roel , Contreras Samuel , Tay David , Bennett Mark A. , McDonald Miller B.
Published: February 2019

Germinability and desiccation tolerance are important attributes that seeds acquire during their development. The timing in the expression of these characteristics is important to understand how environmental conditions affecting the mother plant influence seed quality. Lettuce plants (cv. Tango) were cultivated in the greenhouse. Seed germination, under light and darkness, was evaluated in fresh and dry seeds at 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, and 17 days after flowering (DAF). Desiccation was performed ≈1 h after harvest by placing the seeds at 25 °C and ≈53% RH. The seed moisture level after desiccation decreased from ∼14% for 3 DAF seed to ∼7% for 7 DAF seed, and then remained constant until the last sampling. Seeds achieved maximum dry weight (physiological maturity) at ∼13 DAF. Germination of fresh seeds increased from 0% at 3DAF to ∼80% at 5 DAF, reaching 100% at 7 DAF. Dry seeds did not germinate when they were 3 or 5 DAF. Seeds at 7 DAF had ∼10% germination and at 9 DAF ∼100%. When germinated in the dark, an increase in germination from 0% in fresh seeds at 3 DAF to 50% germination at 5 DAF was observed. However, seeds at 9 DAF had dark germination values that decreased to 0% and increased again to ∼70% germination at 13 DAF. Dry seeds had no dark germination until 7 DAF, with variable and low germination (below 20%) until 11 DAF, then germination reached a maximum of ∼55% at 13 DAF and decreased to below 10% at 17 DAF. According to these results, lettuce seed germinability and desiccation tolerance were reached sooner than physiological maturity. In the dark, germination of fresh seeds presented a curve with two peaks suggesting that, depending on the seed developmental stage, two different physiological mechanisms restrict dark germination.
(62) Salinity and Growing Medium Affected Growth and Morphology of Gaillardia aristata
Authors: Niu Genhua , Rodriguez Denise S.
Published: February 2019

Gaillardia aristata Foug. is a hardy, drought-tolerant perennial found throughout much of the United States. Little information exists on the salt tolerance of this plant when grown in various growing media. A study was conducted to characterize the response of G. aristata to three salinity levels (0.8, 2.0, or 4.0 dS/m) and four growing media: 1) 100% perlite; 2) 1 perlite: 1 Sunshine mix No. 4 (v/v); 3) 100% Sunshine mix No. 4; or 4) 1 Sunshine mix No. 4: 1 composted mulch (v/v). The type of medium influenced the dry weight of roots but not shoots, while salinity significantly influenced the dry weight of both shoots and roots. The dry weight of shoots was higher in plants irrigated with tap water (0.8 dS/m) compared to those irrigated with saline solution at 2.0 or 4.0 dS/m except for those grown in 100% Sunshine mix. The ratio of root to shoot dry weight was not influenced by salinity, but was highest in the plants grown in 100% perlite. Both medium and salinity affected plant height. Elevated salinity reduced plant height. Plants were taller when grown in 100% perlite and in 1 Sunshine mix: 1 composted mulch. However, plants had fewer lateral shoots when grown in 100% perlite or 1 Sunshine mix: 1 composted mulch. Some of the flower buds aborted when grown in 100% Sunshine mix or 1 perlite: 1 Sunshine mix compared to none in plants grown in 100% perlite or 1 Sunshine mix: 1 composted mulch. These results indicate that growth and morphology of G. aristata were affected by not only salinity, but also the type of medium.
(63) Effect of Fertilization on Growth of Ornamental Lotus in Containers
Authors: Tian Daike , Tilt Ken , Woods Floyd , Sibley Jeff , Dane Fenny
Published: February 2019

Little research is reported on container production of ornamental lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.). In this study, fertilization has a critical impact on growth index of lotus `No.7', a numbered clone, in 29 liter (7.5 gallon) containers. Compared to the control treatment (zero fertilization), 1–3 tsp. (4g/tsp.) of 20-10-20 (Pro·Sol) applied every 20 days significantly increased plant height (1.3–1.6 times), fresh biomass (2.4–3.3 times), emerging leaf number (1.9–2.7 times), flower number (2.4–2.7 times), and propagule number (1.3–1.5 times). There was a quadratic response as growth parameters increased with increasing fertilizer rates. Growth indices increased linearly from 0–2 tsp. and then leveled as fertilizer rates reached 3 tsp. No difference was recorded in flower number and plant height for 1–3 tsp. fertilizer treatments. Absorption of nutrition increased with fertilization concentration, an absorption peak value appeared between 13 July and 2 Aug. For 1-3 tsp. treatments, nitrogen is nearly 100% absorbed by lotus every 20 days. However, there is some residue for P and K, especially in 3-tsp. treatment in the earlier and later growth season. Analysis of young leaf tissue indicated that macronutrients N, P, K, and dry mass increased, but Ca decreased with increasing fertilizer rates. In tuber tissue, K, Na, and dry mass increased, while Ca and Fe content decreased. The most efficient rate of fertilizer for 7.5 gallon container production of `No.7' lotus was 2 tsp. per 20 days. Although soluble fertilizer also stimulated proliferation of algae growth in the early growth stage of lotus, this problem dissipated as emerging leaves shaded the water surface.
(64) Effect of Backfill Composition on Posttransplant Root Growth of Kalmia latifolia L.
Authors: Wright Amy N. , Wright Robert D. , Browder Jake F. , Jackson Brian E.
Published: February 2019

Posttransplant root growth is critical for landscape plant establishment. The Horhizotron provides a way to easily measure root growth in a wide range of rhizosphere conditions. Mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia L.) plants were removed from their containers and planted in Horhizotrons in a greenhouse in Auburn, Ala., and outdoors in Blacksburg, Va. Each Horhizotron contained four glass quadrants extending away from the root ball, and each quadrant within a Horhizotron was filled with a different substrate (treatment): 1) 100% pine bark (Pinus taeda L., PB), 2) 100% soil, 3) a mixture of 50 PB: 50 soil (by volume), or 4) 100% soil along the bottom of the quadrant to a depth of 10 cm (4 inches) and 100% PB layered 10 cm (4 inches) deep on top of the soil. Root growth along the glass panes of each quadrant was measured biweekly in Auburn and weekly in Blacksburg. Roots were longer in all treatments containing pine bark than in 100% soil. When pine bark was layered on top of soil, roots grew into the pine bark but did not grow into the soil. Results suggest that amending soil backfill with pine bark can increase posttransplant root growth of container-grown mountain laurel.
(66) Modeling Lime Reaction in Horticultural Substrates
Authors: Fisher Paul R. , Huang Jinsheng , Argo William R.
Published: February 2019

Limestone is incorporated into horticultural substrates to neutralize substrate acidity, increase pH buffering capacity, and provide calcium and magnesium. Limestones differ in their rate of pH change, equilibrium pH, and proportion of unreacted “residual”? lime. In horticulture, lime reactivity is currently measured empirically in batch tests, whereby limestone is incorporated into a batch of substrate and pH change is measured over time. Our objective was to develop a quantitative model to describe reaction of lime over time. The lime reaction model predicts the substrate-pH based on lime acid neutralizing capacity, lime type (calcitic, dolomitic, or hydrated), lime particle size distribution, application concentration, and the non-limed pH and neutralizing requirement (buffering) of the substrate. Residual lime is calculated as the proportion of lime remaining following gradual neutralization of the substrate acidity (by subtraction of reacted lime from total applied lime).
(22) Effect of Biculture Legume-Cereal Cover Crops on Kernel Weight and Yields of Sweet Corn Grown with or without Synthetic Nitrogen
Authors: Whitehead Wayne F. , Singh Bharat P.
Published: February 2019

The goal of this study was to compare the effect of leguminous and non-leguminous cover crops alone or in mixture with fertilizer nitrogen rates on kernel weight, ear number, and yield of Bt sweet corn. The following fall-spring fertility treatments were applied using randomized complete-block design with three replications: 1) fall-0 N, fallow; spring-0 N, 2) fall-0 N, abruzzi rye; spring-0 N, 3) fall-0 N, hairy vetch; spring-0 N, 4) fall-0 N, abruzzi rye+hairy vetch; spring-0 N, 5) fall-0 N, fallow; spring-101 kg N/ha, 6) fall-0 N, abruzzi rye; spring-101 kg N/ha, 7) fall-0 N, hairy vetch; spring-101 kg N/ha, 8) fall-0 N, abruzzi rye+hairy vetch; spring-101 kg N/ha, 9) fall-0 N, fallow; spring-202 kg N/ha, 10) fall-0 N, abruzzi rye; spring-202 kg N/ha, 11) fall-0 N, hairy vetch; spring-202 kg N/ha, and 12) fall-0 N, abruzzi rye+hairy vetch; spring-202 kg N/ha. In Spring of 2005, `Attribute BSS0977' bi-color (BC) supersweet (sh2) corn seeds were field planted. Total unhusked ear yield and ear number were harvested 74 days after planting, while kernel weight was measured from three randomly chosen ears. Maximum kernel fresh weight (111.6 g/ear), ear number (101,773/ha) and total yield (17.3 Mg/ha) were produced by hairy vetch; spring-101 kg N/ha. Minimum kernel fresh weight (23.0 g/ear) and ear number (51,485/ha) were produced by fallow; spring-0 N, while minimum total yield (2.2 Mg/ha) was produced by abruzzi rye; spring-0 N. Results indicate that hairy vetch supplemented with N at 101 kg/ha is most effective in supporting kernel fresh weight, ear number and yield of this BCsh2 corn variety.
(25) Effects of Saline Irrigation Timing on the Physiology and Marketable Yield of Bell Peppers Growing in Mulch or Nonmulch Conditions
Authors: Morales Dagobiet , Stewart Katrine A.
Published: February 2019

The effect of applying saline water (2.5 dS·m-1) via a drip irrigation system at different growth stages of mulched or nonmulched bell peppers (Capsicum annuum L. var. Red Knight) was investigated under greenhouse conditions. The study 6 × 2 factorial was arranged as a randomized complete-block design. The six irrigation treatments were: 1) control—nonsaline water throughout growth; 2) saline irrigation throughout growth; 3) saline irrigation from transplanting until formation of the first fruit set; 4) saline irrigation from transplanting until appearance of the first flower and from first harvest to final harvest; 5) saline irrigation from appearance of the first flower until first harvest; and 6) saline irrigation from fruit set until final harvest. A measurement of stomatal conductance (gs), transpiration (E), and photosynthesis (A) rates was performed during vegetative growth, at flowering, at fruit set, and during fruit growth and development. Mulched plants had higher photosynthetic rates than nonmulched plants, although values were only significant for treatments 2, 3, 5, and 6. In addition, nonmulched plants were slower to recover after periods of saline irrigation than mulched plants. Mulched plants had significantly greater yields than nonmulched plants regardless of irrigation treatment. Saline irrigation when applied throughout growth or from fruit formation until harvest reduced marketable yields by 38% and 45% compared with the control plants.
(30) Effects of Fungicides and Cultivar Resistance for Phytophthora capsici Control in Bell Pepper Production
Authors: Stieg Jamie R. , Walters S. Alan , Bond Jason P. , Babadoost Mohammad
Published: February 2019

Management strategies for Phytophthora blight (caused by Phytophthora capsici) in bell pepper production are limited and there is no single method that will consistently provide adequate control. Twelve bell pepper cultivars (including four marketed as resistant/tolerant to P. capsici) were transplanted into a P. capsici-infested field and were managed with or without fungicide applications. The fungicide applications consisted of: i) Mefenoxam (Ridomil Gold EC, 1.2 L/ha) at transplant; and ii) a spray application of Dimethomorph (Acrobat, 0.45 kg/ha) + Copper (Tenn-Cop, 3.6 L/ha) alternated with Manganese ethylenebisdithiocarbamate (Maneb, 2.8 kg/ha) + Copper (Tenn-Cop; 3.6 L/ha) at 10- to 14-day intervals. Regardless of cultivar, the standard fungicide program reduced the incidence of Phytophthora blight and resulted in greater yields and farm-gate revenues when compared to the no fungicide program. Across all cultivars, total farm-gate revenues per hectare were $6,773 and $3,674 for the standard fungicide program and the no fungicide program, respectively. For P. capsici-tolerant cultivars, farm-gate revenues improved with the use of the standard fungicide program by $1,316, $4,427, and $5,447 per hectare for `Aristotle X3R', `Revolution', and `Alliance', respectively, compared to no fungicide applications. Furthermore, farm-gate revenue for P. capsici-resistant `Paladin' was improved by $3,240 per hectare when a standard fungicide program was used. Results indicate that although plant resistance is an important component of a P. capsici bell pepper management program, the use of recommended fungicides could improve disease control and increase farm-gate revenues.
(31) Growth Response and Fruit Yield of Solanum integrifolium to Growing Medium and Fertility under Reduced Irradiance and Long-day Photoperiod
Authors: Egilla Jonathan N.
Published: February 2019

Four-week-old seedlings of Scarlet eggplant (Solanum integrifolium Poir.), a short-day fruiting vegetable, were grown for 20 weeks in a greenhouse (G/H) from 14 Mar. to 2 Aug. 2005. Mean daily photosynthetic photon flux in the G/H was about 480, 349 and 71 μmol·m–2·s–1 above-, within canopy; and at pot level, respectively in July. Seedlings were grown either in Turface® (fritted clay) or fine sand. Fertilizer treatment consisted of 5 g Osmocote® (18% N-6% P2O5-12% K2O) per pot, plus 100 mL of Peat-lite® (15% N-16% P2O5-17% K2O) solution at 200 mg·L-1 of N twice weekly, or Peat-lite only. Seedling growth (plant height, leaf number) during the first 12 weeks in both growing media was similar regardless of fertilizer treatment. The number of lateral shoots (not fruit number, FRN) increased from early fruit set (week 14) until termination (week 20), but there were no significant (P = 0.05) growing media or fertilizer treatment effects. While root dry mass was similar in both growing media, shoot dry mass was significantly (P < 0.0001) increased in fritted clay. Conversely, FRN and fruit dry mass (FDM) were, respectively, 8- and 11-fold greater in sand compared with fritted clay. Fertilizer treatment had no significant (P = 0.05) effect on both FRN and FDM either in fritted clay or sand. These trends indicate that S. integrifolium can produce limited amounts of fruit under the long daylength conditions of the summer at reduced irradiance, but factors determining shoot growth may have significant influence on fruit yield under this condition.
(33) Evaluation of Salad Crop Growth under Environmental Conditions for Space Exploration using Mixed Crop Versus Monoculture Hydroponic Systems
Authors: Edney Sharon L. , Richards Jeffrey T. , Sisko Matthew D. , Yorio Neil C. , Stutte Gary W. , Wheeler Raymond M.
Published: February 2019

The development of a crop production system that can be used on the International Space Station, long-duration transit missions, and lunar or Mars habitats, has been a part of NASA's Advanced Life Support (ALS) research efforts. Crops that can be grown under environmental conditions that might be encountered in the open cabin of a space vehicle would be an advantageous choice. The production efficiency of the system would be enhanced by growing these crops in a mixed-crop arrangement. This would also increase the variety of fresh foods available for the crew's dietary supplementation. Three candidate ALS salad crops, radish (Raphanus sativus L. cv. Cherry Bomb II), lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. cv. Flandria), and bunching onion (Allium fistulosum L. cv. Kinka) were grown hydroponically as either monoculture (control) or mixed-crop within a walk-in growth chamber with baseline environments maintained at 22 °C, 50% RH, 17.2 mol·m-2·d-1 light intensity and a 16-h light/8-h dark photoperiod under cool-white fluorescent lamps. Tests were carried out at three different CO2 concentrations: 400, 1200, and 4000 μmol·mol-1. Weekly time-course harvests were taken over 28 days of growth, and fresh mass, dry mass, and harvest index were determined. Results showed that none of the species experienced negative effects when grown together under mixed-crop conditions compared to monoculture growth conditions under the range of environmental conditions tested.
(287) Factors Affecting In Vitro Proliferation and Regeneration of Birch Species
Authors: Dai Wenhao , Castillo Cielo , Magnusson Victoria
Published: February 2019

In vitro shoot cultures for two birch species, Asian white birch (Betula platyphylla) and paper birch (Betula papyrifera), were initiated from shoot tips of mature trees and maintained in MS (Murashige and Skoog) medium containing 3% sucrose and 5–10 μM (micromolar) benzyladenine (BA). The effect of such factors as genotype, basal medium, and plant growth regulator (PGR) on proliferation was investigated. Shoots were proliferated in both MS and woody plant medium (WPM) supplemented with different concentrations of thidiazuron (TDZ), BA, and kinetin (Kin). Two birch species responded differently to these factors. In general, more shoots were proliferated in WPM than in MS medium. The maximum proliferation rate of Asian white birch was achieved by being cultured in WPM containing 4–8 μM TDZ, while paper birch gave rise to the maximum proliferation rate in WPM supplemented with 20 μM BA. Interactions between genotype and medium or cytokinin were found. Shoots produced on media with TDZ had thick stems and small, dark green leaves. Microshoots can be rooted both in vitro and ex vitro with or without IBA treatment. Plants were regenerated from leaf tissues of Asian white birch. Adventitious shoots regenerated when in vitro leaves were cultured on WPM supplemented with 10–20 μM BA with 2-week dark treatment. The effect of genotype, PGR, and culture condition on in vitro regeneration of birch species is being tested.
(289) Development of a Technique to Screen for Transgenic Guayule
Authors: Liesenbein William J. , Ray Dennis T.
Published: February 2019

Guayule is a desert shrub that has been researched extensively for the purpose of developing it into a commercially viable source of high quality, hypoallergenic latex and rubber. Traditional breeding techniques have dramatically increased rubber yields, but genetic engineering techniques have the potential to increase rubber concentration in each plant while accelerating the development time of high-yielding guayule lines. Development of techniques to measure the flow of pollen from transgenic to non-transgenic plants is necessary to learn how to limit potential contamination of the environment due to transgene escape. Thus, the purpose of this work was to develop the methodology to quickly screen for transgenic seedlings. Guayule lines AZ 101, AZ-2, and N6-5, which were transformed with plasmids containing the NPTII gene that confers kanamycin resistance, were planted in a field surrounded by border rows and satellite plots of non-transgenic guayule. Seeds of known transgenic and non-transgenic guayule (controls) and seed collected from the non-transgenic plants were germinated and treated with an aerosol solution containing kanamycin at concentrations of 200, 300, and 400 mg·L-1. Kanamycin caused seedlings to develop blotchy yellow leaves at all concentrations. Kanamycin at 300 mg·L-1 was determined to be ideal for its time-to-symptom development and its lack of symptom severity found when treated at 400 mg·L-1. Plants showing kanamycin resistance or kanamycin damage were confirmed using PCR.
(290) Analysis of Genetic Diversity in Selected Cornus Species Using SSR Markers
Authors: Wang Xinwang , Trigiano Robert N. , Windham Mark T. , DeVries Renae , Rinehart Timothy A. , Spiers James M. , Scheffler Brain
Published: February 2019

The genus Cornus consists of many species, of which C. florida, C. kousa, C. mas, and C. stolonifera are four main ornamental species in North America, Asia, and Europe. For example, over 200 cultivars of C. florida alone have been developed for the nursery industry. Microsatellite loci, or SSR, are useful markers for studying genetic diversity and for creating linkage maps of the various species. The objective of this study was to investigate the genetic diversity between these four Cornus species and eight hybrids. Evaulation of the diversity will be useful in assessing the selection pressure of breeders and/or genetic drift of these dogwood cultivars/lines. Fifteen SSR primer pairs were selected to examine 56 Cornus cultivars and/or lines of the four species and hybrids. The study included 28 C. florida cultivars and lines, 15 C. kousa cultivars and lines, four C. stolonifera cultivars, one cultivar of C. mass and eight hybrids between various Cornus species. An exceptionally high level of diversity was detected among the 56 entries in both the number and size range of SSR alleles. A total of 95 alleles with an average of 7.8 alleles per loci were detected among these 56 genotypes. These selected Cornus cultivars and/or lines could be clustered into four to six subgroups. Some Cornus species were integrated into other species groups, suggesting gene flow between species via the breeding or evolution. SSR markers can contribute to the exploitation of genetic diversity for existing Cornus germplasm. For further study, examination of more SSR loci could explain more completely the diversity among these Cornus cultivars and lines.
(297) Expression Analysis of a Peach-1,3-glucanase Gene, PpGns1, in Response to Various Phytohormones and Chemical Elicitors
Authors: Schaefer Scott , Gasic Ksenija , Korban Schuyler
Published: February 2019

Peach shoots were grown in vitro for 0, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h on a basal medium containing one of several phytohormones or chemical elicitors, including abscisic acid (ABA), indolebutyric acid (IBA), indoleacetic acid (IAA), kinetin, gibberellic acid (GA3), aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC), methyl jasmonate (MeJ), and salicylic acid (SA). Northern blot analysis was conducted using the 3' end of a peach-1,3-glucanase gene, PpGns1, used as a probe. Variations in levels of PpGns1 expression patterns were observed for each of the treatments. Shoots treated with ABA displayed high levels of transcripts at 12 and 24 h, followed by a sharp decline at 48 h. Shoots treated with ACC displayed a steady increase in transcripts throughout the 48 h period. The synthetic auxin IBA displayed a steady increase in mRNA accumulation for the first 24 h followed by a sharp decline at 48 h. Shoots treated with kinetin displayed low levels of transcripts after 24 h, while GA3 did not induce any accumulation of PpGns1 transcripts. Both SA and MeJA induced steady mRNA accumulation in peach shoots over the entire 48-h period. Induction of PpGns1 in response to SA, MeJ, and ACC also resulted in observed necrotic lesions on peach shoots, thus suggesting a different defense mechanism response.
(153) Impact of Variety and Production Method on Yield and Quality of Organically Grown Watermelon
Authors: Davis Angela R. , Webber Charles L. , Perkins-Veazie Penelope , Collins Julie , Russo Vincent M.
Published: February 2019

Cultural practices have been reported to affect quality and phytonutrient content of watermelon. Knowing which varieties perform best under various production systems, and how these systems affect quality, yield, and phytonutrient content, is imperative to ensure high quality and yield. There is limited information on how watermelon [Citrullus lanatus var. lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai] varieties perform when grown with organic practices. Production characteristics of six watermelon varieties from certified organic seed sources were compared under high-(black plastic and mechanical cultivation for weed control) and low-input (no-till) organic culture. The high-input method utilized black plastic mulch and mechanical cultivation for weed control. The low-input utilized no-till planting. `Triple Star' was the most productive seedless variety in terms of number of fruit and marketable yield when data were combined across locations. `Early Moonbeam' produced the largest number of fruit, and the smallest fruit, of the seeded varieties. `Allsweet', a seeded variety, had the best marketable yield due to its larger size. `Triple Star' had the best quality (lycopene and °Brix content) when data were combined across locations. Among the seeded varieties, `Allsweet' had the best quality at both locations; however, average lycopene content on a per-fruit basis under low input production was not significantly different when compared to `Sugar Baby'. High-input production methods almost doubled the number of fruit produced for all varieties, producing greater yields, and heavier average fruit weights, but lower °Brix and lycopene content compared to the low-input production method.