bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Growing Environmental Stewards: The Overall Effect of a School Gardening Program on Environmental Attitudes and Environmental Locus of Control of Different Demographic Groups of Elementary School Children
Authors: Aguilar O.M. , Waliczek T.M. , Zajicek J.M.
Published: December 2018

The objectives of this study were to examine an interdisciplinary and experiential approach to environmental education by use of a youth gardening program for third through fifth grade students. In addition, this study evaluated the gardening program's effectiveness on promoting positive environmental attitudes and a high environmental locus of control with children. A questionnaire was developed from three existing instruments and was used to collect information concerning environmental attitudes, locus of control as it related to environmental actions, and demographic information of respondents. No statistically significant differences were found on either variable in comparisons of experimental and control group responses. However, students from both groups exhibited positive environmental attitudes. Demographic comparisons indicated that children with previous gardening experience scored significantly higher on the environmental attitude and environmental locus of control statements when compared with children without gardening experience. Girls scored significantly higher than boys on environmental attitude and environmental locus of control scores. Caucasians scored significantly higher when compared with African-Americans and Hispanics on environmental attitude scores, and Caucasians scored significantly higher when compared with African-Americans on environmental locus of control scores.
Capillary Mats for Maintenance of Plants in the Retail Nursery
Authors: Schuch Ursula K. , Kelly Jack J. , Teegerstrom Trent
Published: December 2018

Capillary mats and overhead sprinkler irrigation were used in a simulated retail environment to maintain annual and perennial plants in containers for various time periods during summer and winter. Combining the results from both seasons, four species with dense canopies had larger canopy sizes when maintained on the capillary mats, three species requiring more drainage had larger canopies with overhead irrigation, and five species were unaffected by irrigation systems. Substrate electrical conductivity was higher for some species in winter for plants on capillary mats, conserving fertilizer compared with overhead irrigation. Most species tolerated either irrigation system well. Water application was 71% less in summer and 62% less in winter to maintain plants on capillary mats compared with overhead irrigation. An economic analysis compared the investment required for setup and maintenance of plants in a retail situation using hand watering, overhead sprinkler, or capillary mat irrigation. The partial budget indicates that capillary mats are a labor-saving alternative to hand watering in a retail nursery and will compensate for the higher initial investment within less than 1 year. The overhead sprinklers are the most cost-effective system of the three because of less costly initial set-up and maintenance than the capillary mats; however, they are not a true alternative to hand watering in a retail situation because they interfere with customer traffic and worker activities.
Producer Preferences for Migrant Labor and the Wage, Hours, and Gross Sales Effects in Alabama's Horticulture Industry
Authors: Bellenger Moriah , Fields Deacue , Tilt Kenneth , Hite Diane
Published: December 2018

Nursery, greenhouse, and sod production remains very labor-intensive, and a large portion of the agricultural labor force is made up of migrant workers. As a result of the perishable nature of horticultural goods, a skilled and accessible labor supply is imperative for continued industry growth and stability. Using 2004 survey data, this study uses log-linear regression analysis to examine the effects of migrant labor on wages, hours, and gross sales in Alabama's horticulture industry. A binomial probit model is added to measure producer decisions to hire migrant workers. The presence of migrant workers is found to raise average wages within green industry firms but exhibits no significant effects on hours and sales. The binomial probit model indicates that producer concerns may have some influence on their decision to hire migrant workers. Producers who perceive government regulations as a threat to their industry are less likely to hire migrant workers. This indicates that there may be a greater level of government regulation associated with hiring migrant workers when compared with local workers. Concerns for lack of professionalism appear to raise the demand for migrant rather than local workers.
Estimated Costs and Investment Analysis of Producing and Harvesting Muscadine Grapes in the Southeastern United States
Authors: Carpio Carlos E. , Safley Charles D. , Poling E. Barclay
Published: December 2018

This study estimates and compares the production costs and profitability of muscadine grape (Vitis rotundifilia) production under the single-wire (SW) and the Geneva double curtain (GDC) trellis systems with and without drip irrigation. Profitability analysis revealed that muscadine grape production can be a profitable venture. Irrigated muscadine grape vineyards were shown to be more profitable than nonirrigated vineyards. The comparison of the GDC trellis system and the SW trellis system indicates that the GDC trellis system is more profitable. Returns to land and management from muscadine grapes grown under the GDC system were found to be less sensitive to changes in prices and yields than the returns from muscadine grapes grown under the SW trellis system. Net returns from irrigated systems were also found to be less sensitive to variations in prices and yields than nonirrigated systems. The estimated total costs of establishing (Years 0–3) a muscadine grape vineyard were between $9783/acre and $15,065/acre depending on the production system used. For the GDC production system, which was the most profitable production system, the estimated return to land and management was $447/acre. Cash flow analysis demonstrated that the payback period for this system can be achieved in the 10th year, whereas the net present value of the investment was estimated at $4484 and the internal rate of return was estimated at 9.6%.
European Chafer Grub Feeding on Warm-season and Cool-season Turfgrasses, Native Prairie Grasses, and Pennsylvania Sedge
Authors: Bughrara Suleiman S. , Smitley David R. , Cappaert David
Published: December 2018

Six grass species representing vegetative and seeded types of native, warm-season and cool-season grasses, and pennsylvania sedge (Carex pensylvanica) were evaluated in the greenhouse for resistance to root-feeding grubs of european chafer (Rhizotrogus majalis). Potted bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon), buffalograss (Buchlöe dactyloides), zoysiagrass (Zoysia japonica), indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans), little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea), and pennsylvania sedge grown in a greenhouse were infested at the root zone with 84 grubs per 0.1 m2 or 182 grubs per 0.1 m2. The effects on plant growth, root loss, survival, and weight gain of grubs were determined. Survival rates were similar for low and high grub densities. With comparable densities of grubs, root loss tended to be proportionately less in zoysiagrass and bermudagrass than in other species. European chafer grubs caused greater root loss at higher densities. Grub weight gain and percentage recovery decreased with increasing grub density, suggesting a food limitation even though root systems were not completely devoured. Bermudagrass root weight showed greater tolerance to european chafer grubs; another mechanism is likely involved for zoysiagrass. Variation in susceptibility of plant species to european chafer suggests that differences in the ability of the plants to withstand grub feeding damage may be amenable to improvement by plant selection and breeding.
Comparative Performance of Air-induction and Conventional Nozzles on an Axial Fan Sprayer in Medium Density Apple Orchards
Authors: McArtney S.J. , Obermiller J.D.
Published: December 2018

A series of experiments was undertaken to compare the performance of an axial fan air blast sprayer equipped with air induction (AI) or conventional (C) nozzles in medium density apple (Malus ×domestica) orchards. Performance was compared by assessing 1) spray coverage within the canopy at four levels of across-row wind speeds, 2) ground deposits from airborne drift under still conditions, and 3) biological efficacy of a postbloom thinning spray and a seasonal “high-risk” fungicide program where thiophanate methyl was not included. Spray coverage was reduced by up to 50% with increasing across-row wind speeds, the most dramatic reductions occurring between 0 and 4 mph and at heights greater than 8 ft in the canopy. AI nozzles resulted in a 2-fold increase in spray coverage in the canopy of trees in the row immediately adjacent to the sprayer compared with C nozzles regardless of across-row wind speed. AI nozzles resulted in significantly less airborne drift compared with C nozzles under still conditions in an open field and within a mature ‘Cripps Pink’/ ‘M.7’ orchard planted in rows 20 ft apart. Sprayer efficiency, measured as the proportion of total spray volume that was intercepted by the tree canopy, was higher for an airblast sprayer fitted with AI nozzles (38%) than for C nozzles (26%). The efficacy of a postbloom thinning spray (100 ppm benzyladenine plus carbaryl at 1 lb/100 gal) applied to ‘Morgan Spur Red Delicious’/‘M.111’ trees planted at a between-row spacing of 15 ft was slightly greater when applied with AI nozzles compared with C nozzles. However, application of a “high-risk” fungicide program with AI nozzles resulted in a higher incidence of fruit with flyspeck (Zygophiala jamaicensis) at harvest compared with C nozzles. These inconsistencies were related to the combined effects of nozzle type, orchard row spacing, and canopy density on spray deposition on trees in the second row from the sprayer or to possible effects of nozzle type on droplet density on the target. AI nozzles should provide equivalent or possibly improved coverage and biological efficacy compared with C nozzles in well-managed orchards planted at distances of 18 ft or less between rows. However, when orchard rows are spaced greater than 18 ft apart, AI nozzles will result in reduced spray coverage and chemical efficacy compared with C nozzles because of a reduction in spray carry-over to adjacent rows as a result of reduced airborne drift.
Optimum In-row Distances for Potato Minituber Production
Authors: Santos Bielinski M. , Rodriguez Persio R.
Published: December 2018

Two field trials were conducted in the Dominican Republic to determine the influence of in-row distances on ‘Granola’ potato (Solanum tuberosum) minituber yield and economic returns. Seedlings generated from in vitro microtubers were transplanted in open-field raised beds at in-row distances of 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, and 0.40 m to compare their minituber yield. In-row distances affected potato minituber weight and number per hectare and per plant. Increasing in-row distances from 0.20 to 0.40 m produced a significant decline on minituber weight per hectare (from 12.6 to 8.7 t·ha−1, respectively). Minituber weight per plant increased linearly with in-row distances, improving from 195 g/plant at 0.20 m to 269 g/plant at 0.40 m. Minituber number per hectare declined linearly as in-row distances increased from 0.20 to 0.40 m, with values ranging between 425,000 and 119,000 minitubers/ha. Maximum values for the number of minitubers per plant were found with 0.20 and 0.25 m, with an average of 6.5 minitubers/plant. However, as distances between plants increased to 0.30 m or farther, the average values decreased to 5 minitubers/plant or less. The results demonstrated that the in-row distances of 0.20 and 0.25 m between plants were the most appropriate from the horticultural standpoint. However, the partial budget analysis reflected that the 0.25 m spacing had the highest marginal return rate among the treatments.
An Effective Post-sown Priming Method to Improve Emergence from Lettuce Seeds at High Temperature
Authors: Takahata Ken , Mine Yoko , Karimata Atsukiyo , Miura Hiroyuki
Published: December 2018

A study was conducted to improve the seedling emergence rate of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) seeds at high temperatures using a convenient postsown priming method. Seeding mixtures adjusted to 35%, 45%, or 55% moisture content were sown with lettuce ‘Patriot’ in cell trays. Postsown priming was performed at 20 °C for 1 day and at 30 °C for 3 or 5 days. After the treatment, trays were moved to an emergence room kept at 32.5 °C, a temperature assumed to be typical of non-air-conditioned rooms in nurseries. Emergence of nonprimed controls was 9% to 16% after 2 days in the emergence room and was 59% to 75% on day 6. In contrast, seedling emergences on day 2 were 95%, 76%, and 78% to 79% in 55% moisture at 20 °C for 1 day, 55% moisture at 30 °C for 3 days, and 45% to 55% moisture at 30 °C for 5 days, respectively. Therefore, the treatment with 55% moisture at 20 °C for 1 day appeared most effective; however, post-sown priming with 55% moisture at 30 °C for 3 days or 45% to 55% moisture at 30 °C for 5 days may be more practical due to lower temperature-control costs.
Long-term Effects of Sod Competition on Peach Yield
Authors: Glenn D. Michael , Newell Michael J.
Published: December 2018

Excessive vegetative growth in peach (Prunus persica) causes canopy shading that reduces fruit bud initiation in the canopy interior and increases pruning costs and time. Sod competition can reduce pruning but may also reduce yield. The objective of the present study was to measure the effects of increased sod competition [2- vs. 8-ft-wide vegetation-free areas (VFA)] on yield and quality of irrigated peach. Total pruning weight was reduced by sod competition in the first 4 of 7 cropping years. Subsequent years indicated no effect on vegetative growth due to sod competition. Annual increase in trunk cross-sectional area was reduced by sod competition in the first year of cropping and unaffected in subsequent years. Canopy development was reduced by sod competition in the first 2 years of cropping, which increased photosynthetically active radiation transmission through the canopy and increased fruit red color in the first year. The width of the VFA did not alter the relationship between total fruit number and total yield in any year; however, the total number of fruit per tree was reduced in all years and total yield was reduced in 6 of 7 years. Results suggest that dormant season pruning was removing a higher percentage of the crop bearing wood from the 2-ft VFA compared with the 8-ft VFA treatment, resulting in reduced yield per unit of dormant pruning. This indicates that pruning practices must be modified to leave more bearing wood in mature trees to maintain yield potential when sod competition is used to control vegetative growth.
Release Rates of Soluble and Controlled-release Boron Fertilizers
Authors: Broschat Timothy K.
Published: December 2018

The relative release rates of boron (B) from nine soluble and controlled-release B fertilizer sources were determined in sand leaching columns at 21 °C. Solubor was almost completely leached from the sand within 5 weeks. Boric oxide released the majority of its B within 7 weeks, whereas Dehybor provided B for up to 13 weeks. Granubor release rates were linear through ≈12 weeks. The five products containing calcium or sodium calcium borates released B much more slowly, with probertite and ulexite being the most rapid followed by B32 G, colemanite, and B38 G. B38 G released only ≈40% of its B content during the 104-week leaching study. The rapid release and high B concentrations associated with Solubor suggest a greater potential for phytotoxicity with this source than other slower-release sources.
A Competitive Market Analysis of the United States Shiitake Mushroom Marketplace
Authors: Gold Michael A. , Cernusca Mihaela M. , Godsey Larry D.
Published: December 2018

Shiitake mushrooms (Lentinus edodes) have many nutritional and medicinal benefits. The cultivation of log-grown shiitake mushrooms encourages forest farming and can be an opportunity for farmers interested in developing an additional enterprise. In 2006, the University of Missouri Center for Agroforestry conducted a nationwide survey of shiitake mushroom producers to analyze the U.S. shiitake mushroom industry by taking into consideration the forces that influence competition based on Porter's five forces model. Shiitake mushrooms are grown primarily as a side business, especially those produced exclusively outdoors. Indoor production on sawdust generates higher income than outdoor production on logs, but log production is more suitable for a small-scale operation in an agroforestry setting. Barriers to entry are created by relationships in the market, economies of scale, and the learning curve effect. Although there are a limited number of spawn suppliers in the market, they produce quality inoculum and maintain good relationships with shiitake mushroom producers. The majority of respondents sell their shiitake mushrooms locally. Gourmet restaurants, farmers markets, and on-farm outlets are the main markets for shiitake mushrooms. Trends in demand are increasing and prices are high. Shiitake mushrooms can be replaced with other common or gourmet mushroom types, but also have their own identity for numerous nutritional and medicinal properties. Competition for log-grown shiitake mushrooms arises from shiitake mushrooms produced on sawdust and from imports. To successfully survive in the market, firms create competitive advantages through quality, customer service, and consistent supply. Barriers to success in the shiitake mushroom business include demanding work requirements, the need for a serious commitment to produce and market shiitake mushrooms, a 1-year time lag between investment and a return on investment, and insufficient production and marketing information. Grower associations, universities, and state and federal agencies must join their efforts to fund and support shiitake mushroom research and industry development.
Undergraduate Research: A Bridge to Graduate Education in Agricultural Biotechnology for Hispanics
Authors: Louzada Eliezer S. , Sonia de Rio Hilda , Abell Allison J. , Peltz Gerson , Persans Michael W.
Published: December 2018

Hispanics lag behind all other U.S. ethnic groups in education, and are especially poorly represented in science careers. Undergraduate research is an efficient method to attract undergraduate students to science, and many universities are taking advantage of this; however, much still needs to be done to fully explore its potential. In 2000, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, in collaboration with the University of Texas at Brownsville and the University of Texas Pan-American, initiated a undergraduate research internship program in citrus biotechnology to channel Hispanic undergraduate students into graduate education. To date, 51 internships have been provided, and 20 students have been channeled into graduate school, including four at the doctoral level. Most were first-generation college students.
Evaluation of Commercial Banana Cultivars in Southern Georgia for Ornamental and Nursery Production
Authors: Krewer Gerard , Fonsah Esendugue Greg , Rieger Mark , Wallace Richard , Linvill David , Mullinix Ben
Published: December 2018

Bananas (Musa spp.) are a popular ornamental plant in the southern United States; however, only a few cultivars, such as Lady's Finger and Orinoco, are grown in Georgia. Thirty-three primarily commercial cultivars of bananas were grown for 2 years near Savannah, Georgia, to determine their suitability for ornamental and nursery production, and for 3 years for fruit observations. Most plants were grown from tissue culture plugs. They were given rates of fertilization used for commercial banana fruit production. Most cultivars produced 10 to 14 leaves and grew to heights of 1.5 to 2.0 m. Some displayed desirable ornamental characteristics such as pink-tinted pseudostems, colorful flowers, and large graceful leaves. Some of the most attractive tall-growing cultivars were Belle, Ice Cream, Kandarian, Manzano, Saba, and 1780. Some of the most attractive medium-height cultivars were Dwarf Namwah, Dwarf Orinoco, Goldfinger, Raja Puri, and Super Plantain. In the short category, the cultivars Dwarf Nino, Gran Nain, Kru, and Sum X Cross were among the most attractive ornamentals. Many of the cultivars flowered and began producing fruit in late summer, although only ‘Raja Puri’, ‘Sweetheart’, and ‘1780’ produced palatable fruit before frost in November. Cultivars were also rated for their ability to produce suckers that could be used for nursery production. In year 2, ‘Manzano’ and ‘1780’ produced more than six high-quality suckers for nursery propagation. Potential income for these cultivars was over $60 per plant. For the planting as a whole, sales of suckers at a field day averaged $7 per plant in year 2, and $17 per plant in year 3.
Collard Cultivar Evaluations in Northern Florida
Authors: Olson Stephen M. , Freeman Joshua H.
Published: December 2018

Nine collard (Brassica oleracea acephala group) cultivars were evaluated on six experiments over 4 years to determine how well they performed with respect to yield, plant weight, and bolting tolerance. Experiments covered spring, fall, and winter seasons to determine if one cultivar would be useful for all conditions. ‘Top Pick’, ‘Flash’, and ‘Blue Max’ were found to be the best performing cultivars with respect to yield and plant weight. In general, the hybrid cultivars outperformed the open-pollinated cultivars. Only during one experiment were the cultivars subjected to environmental conditions favorable for bolting, but there were no significant differences in incidence of bolting among the cultivars. Although top-performing cultivars were hybrids, the cost associated with hybrid seed must be considered.
Citrus Tree Removal Method Does Not Affect Performance of Reset Trees
Authors: Futch Stephen H. , Graham James H. , Duncan Larry W.
Published: December 2018

Florida citrus groves of sweet orange (Citrus sinensis), tangerines (Citrus reticulata), and grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) experience an annual tree loss of 3% to 4% due to various causes of tree decline. Commonly used tree removal methods in Florida include “pushing,” which lifts most of the root system completely out of the soil, or “clipping,” which shears the tree off above the soil line leaving the tree stump and root system in place. Several operational and economic advantages and disadvantages exist for both tree removal systems. There are also potential problems with citrus resets that can occur due to foot rot (Phytophthora nicotianae) and citrus nematodes (Tylenchulus semipenetrans) that remain in the soil after tree removal. To investigate reset tree performance after “pushing” versus “clipping,” a study was conducted in three groves representative of three production regions in Florida to compare the impact of tree removal method on the pest/pathogen status and growth of resets over a period of 4 years. Based on the findings, tree removal by “pushing” or “clipping” appears to have minimal effect on subsequent pest and pathogen status and performance of citrus resets. Therefore, the method of tree removal should depend primarily on operational and economic considerations.
Effects of Flowering and Foliage Plants in Hospital Rooms on Patients Recovering from Abdominal Surgery
Authors: Park Seong-Hyun , Mattson Richard H.
Published: December 2018

Using various medical and psychological measurements, this study performed a randomized clinical trial with surgical patients to evaluate if plants in hospital rooms have therapeutic influences. Ninety patients recovering from an appendectomy were randomly assigned to hospital rooms with or without plants. Patients in the plant treatment room viewed eight species of foliage and flowering plants during their postoperative recovery periods. Data collected for each patient included length of hospitalization, analgesics used for postoperative pain control, vital signs, ratings of pain intensity, pain distress, anxiety, and fatigue, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Form Y-1, the Environmental Assessment Scale, and the Patient's Room Satisfaction Questionnaire. Patients in hospital rooms with plants and flowers had significantly fewer intakes of postoperative analgesics, more positive physiological responses evidenced by lower systolic blood pressure and heart rate, lower ratings of pain, anxiety, and fatigue, and more positive feelings and higher satisfaction about their rooms when compared with patients in the control group. Findings of this research suggested that plants in a hospital environment could be noninvasive, inexpensive, and an effective complementary medicine for patients recovering from abdominal surgery.
Using a Bud Volume Index with the Top-Stop Nipper to Control Leader Growth of Fraser Fir Christmas Trees
Authors: Rutledge M. Elizabeth , Frampton John , Hinesley L. Eric , Blank Gary
Published: December 2018

The Top-Stop Nipper (TSN), a four-bladed, hand-held tool developed for reducing leader growth of Christmas trees, was used as a wounding technique to reduce leader growth of Fraser fir (Abies fraseri). A regression model, based on an apical bud volume index (average bud diameter squared × length), was used to predict the number of nips to apply to each leader to yield a target length of 25 to 36 cm. Treatments included control trees (0 nips) and one to seven nips per leader. Nips were applied in May at budbreak. In an earlier study, increasing the number of nips decreased leader elongation when randomly applied to trees without regard to the size of the apical bud. In this study, when the number of nips increased with increasing bud volume index, leader growth was similar among all TSN treatments. Bud density (per unit length) on the 2006 leader increased with the number of nips applied to the 2005 leader. Results might be useful for growers who want to produce dense trees with minimal shearing or for growers who choose to leave a longer leader to produce a more open, “European-style” tree during a shorter rotation time.
Evaluation of Griffith Buck Roses for Resistance to Black Spot
Authors: Mueller Daren S. , Gleason Mark L. , Howell Nicholas P. , Moran Edward M.
Published: December 2018

Recently, roses (Rosa spp.) that require relatively little maintenance have gained in popularity in the United States. One group of these roses is the Griffith Buck roses, which were selected to survive the extremely cold winters of the north-central United States. Many of these roses were rated qualitatively as having disease resistance when they were released, but their resistance levels to black spot (Marssonina rosae) have not been quantified, compared with each other, or rated against other resistant or susceptible roses. In a field trial in Iowa in 2005 and 2006, 24 Griffith Buck roses that were originally described as disease resistant were compared with susceptible and resistant control cultivars for susceptibility to black spot. No fungicides were applied in either year. Plants were rated five times each year for black spot incidence, and also to assess overall plant appearance. Griffith Buck roses ‘Carefree Beauty’, ‘Aunt Honey’, ‘Honeysweet’, ‘Earthsong’, and ‘Pearlie Mae’ had significantly less black spot than many of the other cultivars. In addition, these cultivars also remained attractive and could be used in low-maintenance landscapes in the north-central United States, even under moderate black spot pressure.
Human Hair as a Nutrient Source for Horticultural Crops
Authors: Zheljazkov Valtcho D. , Silva Juan L. , Patel Mandar , Stojanovic Jelena , Lu Youkai , Kim Taejo , Horgan Thomas
Published: December 2018

Two pot experiments were conducted to evaluate noncomposted hair byproduct as a nutrient source for container-grown crops. Lettuce (Lactuca sativa ‘Green Leaves’) and wormwood (Artemisia annua ‘Artemis’) were grown in a commercial growth substrate amended with 0%, 2.5%, 5%, or 10% by weight hair waste or controlled-release fertilizer (CRF) or were watered with a complete water-soluble fertilizer (WSF). After harvest, yellow poppy (Glaucium flavum) was grown in the pots and substrate that previously grew wormwood, and feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) was grown in the pots and substrate previously containing lettuce. The 5% hair treatment and the commercial fertilizer rates were calculated to provide the same amount of nitrogen (N) during production of lettuce and wormwood based on 50% N availability from hair. Yields in treatments containing hair or CRF or watered with WSF were higher than in the untreated control. The highest lettuce and wormwood yields occurred with CRF followed by WSF and 5% and 10% hair treatments. However, yield of yellow poppy was higher in the hair treatments than yields in inorganic fertilizer treatments or in the untreated control. Feverfew yields did not differ among fertility treatments, but yields in fertility treatments were higher than those of control. Lettuce leaf moisture content was lower, but soluble solids were higher in plants in the hair waste treatments than in the WSF or CRF treatments. Total phenolics in lettuce did not differ among treatments. Total aerobic and coliforms plate counts were similar for all samples, averaging 6.0 and 1.2 log cfu/g, respectively. Results from this study suggest that noncomposted hair waste could be used as a nutrient source for container-grown plants. Hair waste should not be used as a single nutrient source for fast-growing plants because of the time needed for degradation of the hair before release of plant nutrients.
Field Performance of Aliphatic-aromatic Copolyester Biodegradable Mulch Films in a Fresh Market Tomato Production System
Authors: Ngouajio Mathieu , Auras Rafael , Fernandez R. Thomas , Rubino Maria , Counts James W. , Kijchavengkul Thitisilp
Published: December 2018

Removal and disposal of polyethylene mulch in vegetable production represents a high economic and environmental cost to society. This study was conducted in 2006 and 2007 at Michigan State University to test the field performance of new biodegradable mulches using ‘Mountain Fresh Plus’ tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) as a model crop. Treatments included two biodegradable mulches (black and white), each with two thicknesses (35 and 25 μm). A conventional low-density polyethylene (LDPE) mulch of 25 μm was included as a control (a mulch commonly used by vegetable growers). Data loggers were installed 2 cm into the soil under the various mulches to record soil temperature. The experiment used a randomized complete block design with four replications. The mulches were used on a raised bed, drip irrigation system. Mulch degradation, soil temperature, tomato growth, weed density, and biomass were assessed during the seasons. Tomatoes were harvested at maturity and were fruit graded according to market specifications. Results indicate that soil temperature under the biodegradable mulches was greater than that under the LPDE mulch during the first week. Starting the second week, soil temperature dropped gradually under all the biodegradable mulches. The drop in temperature was greatest with the white mulch. Due to premature breakdown of the white mulches, weed pressure was high, resulting in smaller plants with low yield in 2007. Tomato growth, yield, and fruit quality from the black mulch was equivalent to that in the LDPE mulch. Future studies will optimize biodegradability of the mulches and test mechanical laying of the black mulch under commercial production.
The Impact of Horticultural Responsibility on Health Indicators and Quality of Life in Assisted Living
Authors: Collins Claudia C. , O'Callaghan Angela M.
Published: December 2018

This study used quantitative and qualitative methods to investigate the impact of indoor gardening on elderly residents of a low-income assisted living facility over a 4-week period. Mastery, self-rated health, and self-rated happiness were pre-, post-, and post-post measured to evaluate whether a short-term introduction of indoor gardening that involved individual plant-care responsibility would improve these measures that are predictive of health and quality of life. Eighteen residents participated in four 2-hour interactive horticulture classes taught by a social horticulturist and a sociologist. Class members showed a significant increase in mastery, self-rated health, and self-rated happiness. The results of this study indicate that a basic horticultural activity, as simple as learning how to maintain a houseplant and taking individual responsibility for one, can have a short-term positive impact on the quality of life and on primary indicators of future health outcomes of older adults residing in assisted living facilities.
Can Older Gardeners Meet the Physical Activity Recommendation through Gardening?
Authors: Park Sin-Ae , Shoemaker Candice , Haub Mark
Published: December 2018

The objective of this study was to investigate if older gardeners meet the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and American College of Sports Medicine physical activity (PA) recommendation of at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity PA on most days of the week through gardening. The heart rate of 14 gardeners (five women, nine men) aged 63 to 86 years was continuously measured through radiotelemetry, during gardening. Oxygen uptake and energy expenditure were measured through indirect calorimetry using a submaximal graded exercise test in a laboratory. To determine how long the subjects gardened and the kinds of gardening tasks performed, an observational study was conducted by two trained observers, and weekly logs were completed by the subjects. To investigate the subjects physical and mental health conditions, the Short-Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) was used. Gardening was determined to be moderate intensity (3.8 ± 1.4 metabolic equivalents) PA. The subjects' average gardening time during the observational study was 53 minutes. The subjects reported gardening an average of 33 hours in a typical week in May and almost 15 hours in a typical week in June and July. Results from the SF-36 indicated that the subjects were physically and mentally healthy. In conclusion, healthy older gardeners can meet the PA recommendation from their daily gardening and it may be a factor leading to good physical and mental health.
Root Substrate pH, Electrical Conductivity, and Macroelement Concentration of Sphagnum Peat-based Substrates Amended with Parboiled Fresh Rice Hulls or Perlite
Authors: Gachukia Mary M. , Evans Michael R.
Published: December 2018

Substrates were formulated by blending parboiled fresh rice (Oryza sativa) hulls (PBH) or perlite with sphagnum peat (peat) to produce root substrates (substrates) that contained 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, or 60% (by volume) PBH or perlite with the remainder being peat. After 0 (initial mixing), 4, or 8 weeks in a greenhouse environment, samples were taken and pH, electrical conductivity (EC), nitrate (NO3−), ammonium (NH4+), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) were determined. As the amount of PBH or perlite in the substrate was increased, the pH increased. After 0 and 8 weeks, the pH of substrates containing up to 30% PBH or perlite had a similar pH. However, the rate of pH increase at these sampling times was higher than that of perlite so that substrates containing 40% or more PBH had a higher pH than equivalent perlite-containing substrates. At the week 4 sampling period, all substrates containing PBH had a higher pH than equivalent perlite-containing substrates. For all sampling times, the difference in pH between equivalent PBH and perlite-containing substrates was not high enough to be of practical significance. For all sampling times, EC increased as the amount of perlite was increased. Depending upon sampling time, the EC decreased or remained unchanged as the amount of PBH was increased. For all sampling times and substrates, EC was within acceptable ranges for unused substrates. Substrates containing PBH had higher NO3− levels than equivalent perlite-containing substrates. The NH4+ level of the substrates decreased as the amount of PBH or perlite was increased. The levels of NO3− and NH4+ were within acceptable ranges for unused substrates. Substrate P and K increased as the amount of PBH in the substrate was increased, but the concentration of P and K remained unchanged or decreased as the amount of perlite was increased. None of the differences between equivalent PBH and perlite-containing substrates was high enough to be problematic with respect to crop production and all of the chemical parameters were within acceptable ranges for unused root substrates.
Secondary Macro- and Microelements in Sphagnum Peat-based Substrates Amended with Parboiled Fresh Rice Hulls or Perlite
Authors: Evans Michael R. , Gachukia Mary M.
Published: December 2018

Substrates were formulated by blending parboiled fresh rice (Oryza sativa) hulls (PBH) or perlite with sphagnum peat (peat) to produce root substrates (substrates) that contained 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, or 60% (by volume) PBH or perlite with the remainder being peat. After 0, 4, or 8 weeks in a greenhouse environment, samples were taken and calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sulfur (S), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and boron (B) were determined. At all sampling times, substrates containing PBH had higher Ca concentrations than perlite-containing substrates. At all sampling times, Ca concentration decreased as the amount of perlite or PBH was increased, but the Ca concentration decreased at a higher rate in perlite-containing substrates than in PBH-containing substrates. After 0 weeks, perlite-containing substrates had higher Mg concentrations than equivalent PBH-containing substrates, but the opposite was true after 4 weeks. After 8 weeks, perlite- and PBH-containing substrates had similar concentrations of Mg. At all times, Mg concentration decreased as the amount of perlite or PBH was increased. Perlite substrates had higher concentrations of Fe than equivalent PBH substrates, and as the amount of perlite or PBH was increased, the amount of Fe decreased. PBH-containing substrates had higher concentrations of Mn than equivalent perlite-containing substrates, and as the amount of PBH was increased, the amount of Mn increased. Cu concentrations were significantly affected by sampling time, but at all sampling times, PBH-containing substrates had similar or higher Cu concentrations than equivalent perlite-containing substrates. Perlite substrates had higher concentrations of Zn than equivalent PBH substrates, and as the amount of perlite was increased, the amount of Zn increased. S and B were not significantly affected by substrate component or time. Secondary macro- and microelement concentrations of all substrates were within recommended levels for greenhouse crops except for Mn. Mn concentrations were within recommended ranges at up to 50% PBH. In most cases, PBH would be used at levels lower than 50%, but in cases where more than 50% PBH were used in the substrate, proper pH management may be important to prevent excessive Mn availability.
Optimum Planting Dates for Intercropping Cucumber, Squash, and Muskmelon with Strawberry
Authors: Santos Bielinski M. , Esmel Camille E. , Slamova Silvia , Golden Elizabeth A.
Published: December 2018

Three separate field trials were conducted to determine the most appropriate planting dates for intercropping cucumber (Cucumis sativus), summer squash (Cucurbita pepo), and muskmelon (Cucumis melo) with strawberry (Fragaria ×ananassa), and their effect on ‘Strawberry Festival’ strawberry yields. ‘Straight Eight’ cucumber, ‘Crookneck’ summer squash, and ‘Athena’ muskmelon were planted every 15 days from 25 Jan. to 23 March. None of the three intercropped species affected strawberry yield up to 60 days before the end of the season on 25 March. Cucumber yield responded quadratically to planting dates, rapidly increasing from 25 Jan. to 23 Feb. and declining afterward. Warmer temperatures favored summer squash yield, with the highest yields when planted on 23 Feb. or later. Muskmelon yields decreased as air temperatures increased, and the best planting dates were between 25 Jan. and 9 Feb. In summary, cucumber and summer squash seemed to be favored by planting under warmer temperatures, whereas muskmelon thrives under cooler weather.
Seasonal Applications of a Pyraclostrobin and Boscalid Mixture Do Not Impact Same-year Peach Fruit Quality Attributes
Authors: Schnabel G. , Crisosto C.H.
Published: December 2018

Quinone outside inhibitor (QoI) fungicides can improve the yield and quality of cereal crops in the absence of disease pressure through the so called “greening effect,” but little is known about the potential beneficial effects on deciduous tree fruit crops. In a multiyear and multicultivar study carried out in South Carolina (2005 and 2006) and California (2006), we examined the potential influence of the QoI fungicide pyraclostrobin on antioxidant activity and commercially important peach (Prunus persica) fruit quality attributes, including fruit size, coloration, firmness, soluble solids concentration, and yield. Experimental orchards were sprayed according to commercial guidelines to manage insect pests and diseases. A pyraclostrobin + boscalid mixture was applied up to five times per season starting 1 week after the physiological stage of “shuck off” until 1 to 2 weeks before harvest. Fruit size was measured weekly between “shuck off” and harvest, whereas the other fruit quality attributes were determined at harvest. Results indicate no consistent impact of the pyraclostrobin + boscalid mixture on same-year fruit size development or other fruit quality attributes in orchards with no or very little disease pressure. To our knowledge, this is the first in-depth evaluation of the potential effects of a QoI fungicide on commercially important tree fruit quality attributes.
Socioeconomic Impact of Automation on Horticulture Production Firms in the Northern Gulf of Mexico Region
Authors: Posadas Benedict C. , Knight Patricia R. , Coker Randal Y. , Coker Christine H. , Langlois Scott A. , Fain Glenn
Published: December 2018

Using results of a socioeconomic survey of nurseries and greenhouses, Tobit regression analysis was used to estimate empirical models to measure the socioeconomic impact of automation or mechanization on annual gross sales, annual employment, and workers' earnings, safety, and retention. The survey was conducted among 87 randomly selected nurseries and greenhouses located in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama, from Dec. 2003 to Mar. 2005. About 20% of all the identified major tasks were performed by workers in nurseries and greenhouses with some form of mechanization or automation. Regression results showed that nurseries and greenhouses that experienced higher levels of sales also demonstrated higher levels of automation or mechanization. The employment impact of automation or mechanization was neutral, indicating that any improvement in automation or mechanization did not necessarily lead to a reduction, but instead to a more efficient use of labor by nurseries and greenhouses. Improvements in automation or mechanization resulted in higher total workers' earnings reported by participating nurseries and greenhouses. Further Tobit regression results showed that automation or mechanization had neutral effects on the length of training period, workers' safety, and retention rates and enabled nurseries and greenhouses to hire less-skilled workers.
Field Performance of Cut Flower Rose Cultivars in Mississippi
Authors: Sloan Crofton , Harkness Susan S.
Published: December 2018

Rose (Rosa) cultivars from two breeders, Meilland Star and W. Kordes Söhne, were planted in field beds at Verona, Mississippi, to evaluate cut flower production potential. Seventeen cultivars of an outdoor cut flower series of roses from W. Kordes Söhne and nine cultivars of the Romantica series from Meilland Star were planted in adjacent field beds. The number of stems produced per plant and stem length were measured to assess the field production potential of cut flower stems in Mississippi. Based on 2 years of assessment, the best performing W. Kordes Söhne roses were ‘Fantasia Mondiale’, ‘Masquerade’, and ‘Pinguin’, averaging three to 12 stems/plant per month that were at least 30 cm long, and the best Meilland Star cultivars for outdoor cut flower production were ‘Frederic Mistral’, ‘Michelangelo’, ‘The McCartney Rose’, and ‘Traviata’, averaging three to 20 stems/plant per month that were at least 30 cm long. These cultivars performed well during the heat of the Mississippi summer.
Early-ripening Grapevine Cultivars for Dry-on-vine Raisins on an Open-gable Trellis
Authors: Fidelibus Matthew W. , Christensen L. Peter , Katayama Donald G. , Ramming David W.
Published: December 2018

‘Diamond Muscat’, ‘DOVine’, ‘Fiesta’, and ‘Selma Pete’ grapevines (Vitis vinifera) were evaluated to determine their suitability for making dry-on-vine (DOV) raisins on an open-gable trellis. The experiment was a split-plot, with training system, head, bilateral, or quadrilateral cordons as the main plot, and grapevine cultivar (Diamond Muscat, DOVine, Fiesta, or Selma Pete) as the subplot. Yield components, fruit composition, and raisin yield and quality were evaluated annually. Vine training style did not affect fruit composition, or raisin yield or quality, but vines trained to quadrilateral cordons produced more clusters on renewal shoots than head-trained vines. ‘DOVine’, ‘Fiesta’, and ‘Selma Pete’ produced about 4.75 tons/acre of raisins, ≈10% more than ‘Diamond Muscat’. ‘Diamond Muscat’ vines produced the most clusters on renewal shoots, an undesirable trait, and the most clusters per vine. ‘Fiesta’ matured later than the other cultivars, therefore it had the lowest soluble solids, the poorest raisin grades, and the highest field moisture at harvest. ‘Selma Pete’ grapes matured as early, or earlier, than the grapes of other cultivars, they had among the highest soluble solids and raisin grades, and the raisins generally dried well. Thus, ‘Selma Pete’ grapevines had the best overall performance of the cultivars tested.
Effects of Nutrients Applied to Turf on Runoff and Leachate
Authors: Harrison Scott A.
Published: December 2018

A paucity of data exists on the water quality impacts of fertilizer nutrients used for turfgrass management. The primary macronutrients N and P have been shown to cause the eutrophication of surface water bodies, and excessive nitrate (NO-3) concentrations in drinking water have been linked to methemoglobinemia in infants. Several studies have indicated that runoff quantities from high-quality turf areas are minimal; therefore, nutrient transport by this mechanism should not be a major concern. The leachability of N is favored by the presence of soluble forms in permeable soils receiving rainfall or irrigation in excess of field capacity. Most of the factors contributing to this condition are manageable. However, a wide range of turfgrass types, uses, and management expertise make it difficult to generalize the overall impact of turfgrass fertilization on water resources. While research has demonstrated the ability to minimize nutrient loading, characterization of nonresearch sites is critical to gain a legitimate understanding of environmental impacts. Once developed, best management practices can be effective only if understood and adopted by applicators.