bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flavonoid Quantification in Onion by Spectrophotometric and High Performance Liquid Chromatography Analysis
Authors: Lombard Kevin A. , Geoffriau Emmanuel , Peffley Ellen
Published: February 2019

Direct spectrophotometric determination of quercetin content in onions (Allium cepa L.) was investigated as a possible alternative to high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. Quercetin content in five onion varieties was monitored at 362 nm and quantified using simple spectrophotometric and HPLC methods. HPLC revealed that 3,4'-Qdg and 4'-Qmg comprised up to 93% of total flavonol content detected in the studied varieties. These major quercetin conjugates combined (3,4'-Qdg + 4'-Qmg) and total flavonol conjugates quantified by HPLC correlated closely with spectrophotometer values. Correlation coefficients were 0.96 (P < 0.0001) for 3,4'-Qdg + 4'-Qmg and 0.97 (P < 0.0001) for total flavonol conjugates in onion. Simple spectrophotometric procedure proved to be a valid, efficient, and cost-effective method for the quantification of total quercetin in onion. Chemical names used: quercetin-3,4'-O-diglucoside (3,4'-Qdg); quercetin-4'-O-glucoside (4'-Qmg).
Temperature Conditioning and Container Size Affect Early Season Fruit Yield of Strawberry Plug Plants in a Winter, Annual Hill Production System
Authors: Bish Eric B. , Cantliffe Daniel J. , Chandler Craig K.
Published: February 2019

The demand for plug transplants by the Florida winter strawberry (Fragaria ×ananassa Duch.) industry may increase as water conservation during plant establishment becomes more important and the loss of methyl bromide fumigant makes the production of bare-root transplants more problematic. A study was conducted during the 1995-96 and 1996-97 seasons to determine the effect of container size and temperature conditioning on the plant growth and early season fruit yield of `Sweet Charlie' strawberry plants. Plants in containers of three sizes (75, 150, and 300 cm3) were grown in one of two temperature-controlled greenhouses (35 °C day/25 °C night or 25 °C day/15 °C night) for the 2 weeks just prior to transplanting into a fruiting field at Dover, Fla. Plants exposed to the 25/15 °C treatment had significantly higher average root dry weights at planting in 1995 and 1996 than did plants exposed to the 35/25 °C treatment. Plants exposed to the 25/15 °C treatment also had higher average fruit yields than the plants exposed to the 35/25 °C treatment (48% and 18% higher in 1995-96 and 1996-97, respectively). The effect of container size on plant growth and yield was variable. Plants propagated in the 150- and 300-cm3 containers tended to be larger (at planting) than the plants propagated in the 75-cm3 containers, but the larger container sizes did not result in consistently higher yields.
Growth and Macronutrient Accumulation of Chasmanthium latifolium (Michx.) Yates and Hakonechloa macra Makino 'Aureola' in Response to Temperature
Authors: Harvey Michael P. , Brand Mark H.
Published: February 2019

Optimum growing temperatures were determined for Hakonechloa macra Makino 'Aureola' and Chasmanthium latifolium (Michx.) Yates, two shade-tolerant ornamental grasses found naturally in regions differing in temperature conditions. Plants were grown in four growth chambers at average daily temperatures of 13, 19, 25, and 31 °C for 12 weeks. After the treatment period, plants were destructively harvested to quantify growth and shoot tissue concentrations of N, P, K, Ca, and Mg. Optimal growth occurred at an average daily temperature of 25 °C for both grasses, but Hakonechloa was better able to tolerate lower temperatures. Hakonechloa died at 31 °C, while Chasmanthium growth was only slightly reduced at this temperature. Nutrient concentrations in shoot tissue for both species increased with increasing temperatures up to the temperature supporting optimal growth. At 13 and 19 °C, the concentrations of most nutrients were higher for Hakonechloa than for Chasmanthium, possibly reflecting the greater growth (higher nutrient demand) of Hakonechloa at lower temperatures. When compared on a per plant basis at each grasses' optimum temperature for growth, Chasmanthium has a much greater demand for nutrients than Hakonechloa, reflecting the greater growth potential of Chasmanthium.
Sennoside Yields in Tinnevelly Senna Affected by Deflowering and Leaf Maturity
Authors: Ratnayaka H.H. , Meurer-Grimes B. , Kincaid D.
Published: February 2019

Manual deflowering and leaf maturity were evaluated for effect on the yields of the bioactive sennosides A and B in Tinnevelly senna (Cassia angustifolia Vahl). Deflowering increased sennoside A and B concentration (percent dry weight) in leaves by 25%, the total leaf dry mass by 63%, and the harvest index by 22%, with the result that the sennoside A and B yield (grams) per plant doubled in response to deflowering. During the same time, net photosynthesis remained consistently lower in the deflowered plants. Youngest leaves had the greatest sennoside A and B concentration. A clone raised from cuttings of one seedling had lower sennoside A:B ratio than the plants raised from the seedlings. Although crop type and possibly environmental conditions influenced the sennoside A:B ratio, deflowering and leaf maturity had no effect. The sennoside A and B concentrations in the dried leaves of deflowered plants harvested in 1.5-hour intervals appeared to increase during the course of the day. Deflowering, harvesting of young leaves, and harvesting time of day constitute promising component technologies for field investigations.
Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Assessment of Ornamental Trees Grown in Tennessee Field Soils
Authors: Klingeman W.E. , Augé R.M. , Flanagan P.C.
Published: February 2019

Mycorrhizal symbiosis, a natural association between roots and certain soil fungi, can improve growth and increase stress resistance of many nursery crops. Field soils of four middle Tennessee and two eastern Tennessee nurseries were surveyed for their mycorrhizal inoculum potential (MIP), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) concentrations, and soil pH. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, which colonized seedlings of a Sorghum bicolor trap-crop, were recovered from all soils. Tissue samples were taken from young roots of three economically important tree species grown in nursery field soils: red maple (Acer rubrum L. `October Glory'), flowering dogwood (Cornus florida L. `Cherokee Princess'), and Kwanzan cherry (Prunus serrulata Lindl. `Kwanzan'). AM fungi, regardless of soil type, soil pH, or P or K concentration, had colonized young roots of all three species. Unless interested in establishing exotic mycorrhizae, ornamental nursery producers in Tennessee do not need to supplement field soils with these beneficial fungi.
Comparing Three DNA Extraction Procedures for Cost, Efficiency, and DNA Yield
Authors: Lickfeldt D.W. , Hofmann N.E. , Jones J.D. , Hamblin A.M. , Voigt T.B.
Published: February 2019

An efficient deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) extraction procedure that yields large quantities of DNA would provide adequate DNA for a large number of different analytical procedures. This study was conducted to compare three DNA extraction procedures for cost, time efficiency, and DNA content while extracting DNA from Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.). Three students at the Univ. of Illinois with varying levels of DNA extraction experience conducted DNA extractions using Plant DNeasy™ Mini Kits, Plant DNAzol® Reagent, and a PEX/CTAB buffer. Costs varied significantly with cost (US$) per DNA sample of $3.04 for the DNeasy™ method, $0.99 for the DNAzol® method, and $0.39 for the PEX/CTAB extraction. The DNAzol® method was the fastest; although extracting 2.8 ng less DNA than the DNeasy™ method, it did not require the use of hazardous organic solvents, and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were satisfactory for DNA fingerprinting of Kentucky bluegrass cultivars. The PEX/CTAB method, which did not include a tissue homogenization step, did not have reproducible banding patterns due to miniscule and inconsistent quantities of DNA extracted, or possibly due to inadequate purification. The investigator with the least DNA extraction experience was the slowest, while extracting 75% more DNA. All three methods are easily adapted to laboratories having personnel with different levels of experience. The DNAzol® Reagent method should save time and money, with reproducible results when many individual plant samples need to be identified. Chemical names used: potassium ethyl xanthogenate (PEX); cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB)
Comparative Cold Tolerance in Diverse Turf Quality Genotypes of Perennial Ryegrass
Authors: Ebdon J.S. , Gagne R.A. , Manley R.C.
Published: February 2019

Turf loss from freezing injury results in costly reestablishment, especially with turfgrasses such as perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) having poor low-temperature tolerance. However, no studies have been conducted to investigate the relative importance of low-temperature tolerance and its contribution to turfgrass quality (performance) in northern climates. The objective of this research was to compare critical freezing thresholds (LT50) of 10 perennial ryegrass cultivars representing contrasting turf-quality types (five high- and five low-performance cultivars). Cultivar selection was based on turfgrass quality ranking (top and bottom five) from the 1997 National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP) trial conducted at the Maine (Orono) location. Ten freeze-stress temperatures (-3 to -21 °C) and a nonfrozen control (5 °C) were applied to 5-month-old plants. Acclimated (AC) plant material maintained in an unheated polyhouse during the fall and winter in Massachusetts was compared to nonacclimated (NA) plant material (grown at 18 °C minimum in a greenhouse). Low-temperature tolerance was assessed using whole-plant survival and electrolyte leakage (EL). Estimates of LT50 were derived from fitted EL and survival curves using nonlinear regression. High-performance cultivars were able to tolerate significantly lower freeze-stress temperatures indicated by less EL and greater survival compared to low-performance cultivars. The EL method had good predictive capability for low-temperature survival. Acclimated tissues and high-performance cultivars had significantly flatter EL curves and lower mortality rates. These results underscore the importance of selecting cold-tolerant perennial ryegrass genotypes for adaptation to northern climates.
Marketable Yields of Fresh-market Tomatoes Grown in Plastic and Hairy Vetch Mulches
Authors: Abdul-Baki Aref A. , Teasdale John R. , Goth Robert W. , Haynes Kathleen G.
Published: February 2019

The use of mulches in vegetable production is undergoing a radical change away from high-input, nonrenewable resources, such as plastic, to the use of high-residue organic mulches from cover crops. The purpose of this study was to compare the marketable yield of various fresh-market tomato genotypes when grown under plastic and hairy vetch mulches. In 1996 and 1997, 12 fresh-market tomato genotypes were evaluated for yield on the North Farm of the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC), MD in a randomized split-plot design. Tomatoes were grown in conventional tillage plastic mulch (PM) and no-till hairy vetch mulch (HVM). Early blight, caused by Alternaria solani Sor., developed naturally in the plots both years and was recorded over time. All 12 genotypes were susceptible to early blight. Area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) was calculated for each plot. AUDPC was similar both years. However, the year × mulch and year × mulch × genotype interactions were significant for AUDPC. Adjusting yields for AUDPC had a minimal effect on the data. Overall, yields were similar in PM and HVM both before and after adjusting for AUDPC. However, the mulch × genotype interaction was significant. The yield of eight of the genotypes was significantly higher in the HVM than in the PM system both years, ranging from 12% to 57% higher in 1996 and 10% to 48% higher in 1997. There was no yield difference for one genotype in HVM as compared to PM. The yield in the remaining three genotypes was either higher under HVM than PM or there was no difference. As yields from the HVM system are greater than or equal to yields in the PM system, soil compaction is reduced and nitrogen inputs are lower. The no-till HVM system is at least as good, and often better, than the conventional tillage PM system.
Effect of Soilless Potting Media and Water Management on Development of Fungus Gnats (Diptera: Sciaridae) and Plant Growth
Authors: Olson Denise L. , Oetting Ronald D. , van Iersel Marc W.
Published: February 2019

Coconut coir dust is being marketed as a soilless medium substitute for sphagnum peat moss that inhibits fungus gnat (Bradysia sp.) development. However, little information is available on the effects of coconut coir dust on Bradysia sp. In a laboratory study we examined the effect of substituting coconut coir dust for peat moss, with or without a food source, on the development of fungus gnats. An average of less than one adult emerged when 20 fungus gnat eggs were provided with pure or sterilized peat moss or coconut coir. A significantly higher number of adults (11.5-13) emerged when a food source of 1 g of yeast was added to either soilless potting medium type. The adults required up to 10 fewer days to emerge when food was provided, compared to sterilized and pure media, except for the pure peat moss. In a greenhouse study examining the effects of coir and peat at different textures and different moisture levels on fungus gnat survival, there were significant differences at the different levels of moisture. There was a higher population of larvae in the coarse medium containing peat. In the coir-based media, the fine-textured medium had the highest population level of fungus gnats. There were no significant effects on fungus gnat populations among the different levels of moisture within a medium type. However, there was a tendency for lower populations in the most moist and the driest media and the highest survival in the media that were maintained at 52.5% moisture. Plant growth was best in the media with the lowest number of fungus gnats (coarse coconut coir dust-based and fine and medium peat-based media). These results suggest that it is possible to select growing media that minimize fungus gnat populations, while optimizing plant growth. However, contrary to claims made by growing media producers, coconut coir dust does not necessarily inhibit fungus gnat development.
Runner Plant Cold Storage Reduces Verticillium dahliae Infection of Nursery Origin in Strawberry
Authors: Shaw Douglas V. , Gordon Thomas R. , Larson Kirk D.
Published: February 2019

Strawberry runner plants from the cultivar `Selva' (Fragaria ×ananassa Duch.) were produced using three nursery treatments in each of three years: propagation in soil fumigated with a mixture of 2 methyl bromide: 1 chloropicrin (w/w) at 392 kg·ha-1, propagation in fumigated soil but using planting stock inoculated prior to nursery establishment with a conidial suspension of Verticillium dahliae (106 conidia/mL), and propagation in nonfumigated soil naturally infested with V. dahliae. Runner plants were harvested and stored at 1 °C for 6, 18, or 34 days prior to establishment in fruit production trials. No significant differences were found between runner plants grown in naturally infested soil and runner plants obtained from artificially inoculated mother plants for V. dahliae infection rates detected by petiole isolation immediately prior to transplanting, the percentage of plants visibly stunted due to disease during the following production season, and seasonal yield compared with corresponding noninfected controls. Cold storage of runner plants for 18 or 34 days, produced using either natural or artificial inoculation systems, reduced the initial percentage of infected plants by 42% to 61% and the percentage of stunted plants during the following fruit production season by 43% to 57%, compared with plants from corresponding nursery treatments given only 6 days post-nursery cold storage. Yields for inoculated plants with 6 days cold storage were 16% to 20% less than those for uninoculated controls, whereas yields for inoculated plants with 18 or 34 days of storage were 3% to 9% less than the respective controls. Most of the cold storage effects on initial infection rate, stunting, and yield were realized at the 18 days of storage treatment. A reduction in the fraction of V. dahliae infected plants due to cold storage, suggests either a direct effect of cold storage on the disease organism or stimulation of secondary resistance mechanisms in the plant. Chemical name used: trichloronitromethane (chloropicrin).
Streptomycin Applications to Control Walnut Blight Disease Can Prevent Fertilization and Increase Fruit Drop
Authors: Polito V.S. , Pinney K. , Buchner R. , Olson W.
Published: February 2019

We investigated the basis for fruit drop in walnut (Juglans regia L.) following bloom period applications of streptomycin as a potential control treatment for walnut blight, a bacterial disease incited by Xanthomonas campestris pv. juglandis (Pierce) Dye. Experiments were conducted on streptomycin-treated field plots of `Vina' walnut. Four streptomycin treatments were applied at different times relative to anthesis. Fruit from all treatments grew similarly for four weeks following anthesis when high levels of fruit abscission began to occur in the treatment sprayed during the bloom period. Microscopy revealed that in this treatment ovules failed to develop normally, and neither embryo nor endosperm developed. The pattern of fruit development and timing of fruit drop following streptomycin treatment at bloom is similar in all ways to that of unpollinated walnut flowers where growth appears normal until abscission occurs 3 to 5 weeks after anthesis. Pollen germination and pollen tube growth were inhibited in the bloom-period treatments. Pollen germination in vitro was not affected by addition of streptomycin to a germination medium. If streptomycin were to be used in a walnut blight control program, application timed to coincide with the period of pistillate bloom and pistillate flower receptivity should be avoided.
Comparing Chitin-urea to Other Materials for Control of Northern Root-knot Nematode on Paprika Pepper
Authors: Kahn Brian A. , Damicone John P. , Jackson Kenneth E. , Motes James E. , Payton Mark E.
Published: February 2019

Nine nematicide treatments were evaluated from 1993 through 1995 in field experiments on paprika pepper (Capsicum annuum L.). Materials tested included a chitinurea soil amendment and six chemicals: fosthiazate, carbofuran, aldicarb, oxamyl, fenamiphos, and 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D). Stands at harvest were increased relative to the control by chitin-urea, fosthiazate, and 1,3-D, but only fosthiazate increased marketable fruit yield relative to the control. Aldicarb reduced preharvest nematode populations relative to the control, but aldicarb did not result in a significant fruit yield increase. Chitin-urea was the only treatment to produce a net increase in nematode counts from preplant to preharvest in all three years. Although fosthiazate was promising, nematicide treatments were of limited benefit under the conditions of these studies. Chemical names used: (RS)-S-sec-butyl O-ethyl 2-oxo-1,3-thiazolidin-3-ylphosphonothioate (fosthiazate); 2,3-dihydro-2,2-dimethyl-7-benzofuranyl methylcarbamate (carbofuran); 2-methyl-2-(methylthio)propionaldehyde O-(methylcarbamoyl)oxime (aldicarb); methyl N′N′ -dimethyl-N-[(methylcarbamoyl)oxy]-1-thiooxamimidate (oxamyl); ethyl 3-methyl-4-(methylthio)phenyl(1-methylethyl) phosphoramidate (fenamiphos).
Modified-atmosphere Packaging Improves Keeping Quality of Charentais-type Melons
Authors: Rodov Victor , Horev Batia , Vinokur Yakov , Copel Azica , Aharoni Yair , Aharoni Nehemia
Published: February 2019

Modified-atmosphere (MA) packaging using bag-in-box Xtend® liners extended the postharvest life of nonnetted Charentais-type muskmelons (Cucumis melo L., Cantalupensis Group, cv. Luna) by delaying over-ripening: excessive softening, change of rind color, decreased soluble solids, and the development of postharvest pathogens. The most delayed fruit ripening was achieved by an atmosphere of 13-14 kPa CO2 and 7-10 kPa O2, even though ethylene concentrations were as much as 120 μL·L-1. Charentais fruit stored in this atmosphere at 6 to 7 °C maintained marketable quality for 12 days plus additional 3 days at 20 °C. In contrast, lifespan under commercial conditions in air did not exceed 3-5 days at 10 to 11 °C plus 3 days at 20 °C. The recommended MA was achieved by using the liners with low microperforation level (total perforation area 25 × 10-5 percent of the film surface), 8-9 fruit of total weight ≈5 kg per liner. MA packaging of Charentais melons makes possible their transportation from Israel to Europe by sea instead of air.
An Improved Method for Examining Meiotic Chromosomes in Musa L.
Authors: Adeleke Martina T.V. , Pillay Michael , Okoli Bosa E.
Published: February 2019

Meiotic studies in Musa L. have been hampered by: 1) time-consuming efforts required to find the correct stages of cell division; 2) rigidity of the microsporocyte cell wall that makes preparation of smears difficult; and 3) poor staining of prophase chromosomes. This study describes an improved technique to examine meiosis in Musa. The procedure involves dissection of microsporocytes from the anthers, centrifugation to obtain large number of microsporocytes, enzymatic digestion of cell walls and treatment of cells with acetic-alcohol that results in spontaneous bursting of the protoplasts and release of chromosomes. Previous meiotic studies in Musa used acetocarmine that stained only highly condensed metaphase and anaphase chromosomes easily but not the relaxed prophase stages. In this study, we found that silver nitrate, Giemsa and Leishmans' stain were also effective for staining Musa chromosomes. Silver staining was most effective for the less contracted prophase chromosomes. By providing an improved procedure to examine all the meiotic stages in Musa, this technique will be useful to develop pachytene karyotypes, characterize new hybrids and identify nuclear restitution mechanisms that are important in breeding schemes.
Identification of Date Cultivars in California Using AFLP Markers
Authors: Cao Boyang R. , Chao Chih-Cheng T.
Published: February 2019

Polymorphisms of 21 date cultivars (Phoenix dactylifera L.) in California were determined by amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis with near infrared fluorescence labeled primers. Four primer sets were used to detect polymorphisms. Based on the UPGMA-cluster analysis of 328 polymorphic bands, the majority of the cultivars was separated into two major groups. Cultivars Abada, Amir Hajj, Ashrasi, Bentamoda, Boyer No. 11, Deglet Beida, Horra, Javis No. 1, Khadrawy, and Thoory belonged to group I. Cultivars Badrayah, Dayri, Halawy, Haziz, Khir, Medjool, Sayer, and Zahidi belonged to group II. Cultivars Barhee and Deglet Noor were further separated from groups I and II. `Hayany' was distinct from all other date cultivars tested. These results demonstrated that AFLP markers could efficiently identify individual date cultivars. The information will be useful for future date germplasm collection and facilitated selection of diverse parents for cross hybridization in a breeding program.
Genotype and Plant Density Affect Watermelon Grown for Seed Consumption
Authors: Edelstein Menahem , Nerson Haim
Published: February 2019

The effects of plant spacing (5,000-40,000 plants per hectare) on watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai] production for seed consumption were evaluated in two breeding lines, 203 and 239-4, and in the standard cultivar Malali in three field experiments in northern Israel. The two breeding lines produced more, but smaller fruits than did `Malali', resulting in nearly double the seed yield per unit area. Seed size was not affected by fruit size, unless fruit size was <500 g. The total number of fruits per unit area was the most important component in determining seed yield. Increasing the plant population increased the seed yield in all three accessions. Breeding and agricultural practices that maximize fruit number per unit area are expected to be most beneficial in maximizing the yield of watermelon grown for seed consumption.
Performance of 'Seyval Blanc' Grape in Four Training Systems Over Five Years
Authors: Ferree D. , Steiner T. , Gallander J. , Scurlock D. , Johns G. , Riesen R.
Published: February 2019

Own-rooted 'Seyval Blanc' vines were evaluated over 5 years in the following training systems: bilateral cordon, bilateral cordon sylvos (sylvos), upright cordon-spur pruned, and upright cordon-cane pruned. Vines in all systems were spaced 1.8 x 2.7 m and were shoot thinned to 40 shoots and cluster thinned to one cluster per shoot. Cumulative yields over 5 years of the upright cordon systems were higher than vines in the sylvos system. Average weight of cane prunings was higher in the upright cordon vines than in all other systems. Vines trained to the sylvos system had more canopy gaps, less Botrytis bunch rot, and higher juice soluble solids than other systems in some years. The chemical constituents of the must and wine or evaluation by tasting showed little influence of training system.
Prevernalization Daily Light Integral and Vernalization Temperature Influences Flowering of Herbaceous Perennials
Authors: Niu Genhua , Heins Royal , Cameron Arthur , Carlson William
Published: February 2019

The influence of daily light integral (DLI) before vernalization and vernalization temperature and duration on growth and flower development was determined for seed-propagated perennials Aquilegia ×hybrida Sims `Remembrance', Coreopsis grandiflora Hogg ex Sweet `Sunray', and Lavandula angustifolia Mill. `Hidcote Blue'. Seedlings were grown under two DLIs (4 or 14 mol·m-2·d-l) for 5 weeks before being vernalized at -2.5, 0, 2.5, or 5 °C for 2,4,5, or 8 weeks. `Remembrance' and `Sunray' plants were vernalized in the dark, while `Hidcote Blue' plants were vernalized in light at 5 to 10 μmol·m-2·s-l for 9 hourslday. After vernalization, plants were forced under a 16-h photoperiod in the greenhouse at 20±2 °C. `Remembrance' plants flowered uniformly when vernalized at 0 to 2.5 °C for 2 weeks or longer, and flower number, plant height, time to visible bud or to flower were generally not influenced by vernalization temperature or duration. No `Sunray' plants flowered without vernalization, and only a low percentage flowered with 4-week vernalization. Compared with low DLI, a 14 mol·m-2·d-1 before vernalization delayed flowering by 7 to 20 days in `Remembrance', but there were no substantial differences in flowering characteristics of `Sunray'. `Hidcote Blue' plants were best vernalized in the light at 5 °C for 8 weeks to obtain rapid and uniform flowering and the highest number of inflorescences. Flowering and survival percentages of `Hidcote Blue' were much lower for plants at 14 mol·m-2·d-l DLI compared to 4 mol·m-2·d-1.
Earthworm Castings as a Substrate Amendment for Chrysanthemum Production
Authors: Hidalgo Pablo R. , Harkess Richard L.
Published: February 2019

Earthworm castings (vermicompost) were evaluated as a substrate amendment for chrysanthemum [Dendranthema ×grandiflora (Ramat.) Kitam.] `Miramar' production. Vermicompost produced from sheep, cattle, and horse manures were mixed at different ratios with 70 peatmoss: 30 perlite (v/v) to create 12 substrates. The 70 peatmoss: 30 perlite mix at 100% and Sunshine® Mix 1 were used as control substrates. The bulk density, percentage of pore space, and water holding capacity increased as vermicompost content increased while the percentage of air space decreased. At 100% vermicompost, water holding capacity and bulk density were greatest in vermicompost from sheep manure. Plants grown in mixtures of 50% vermicompost from sheep had a greater growth index at harvest, foliar area, number of flowers per pot, and dry weight and fewer days for flower development than plants grown in other substrates. Vermicompost from sheep manure added at 50% by volume was most effective as a substrate amendment for chrysanthemum production.
Strip Tillage for Sweet Corn Production: Yield and Economic Return
Authors: Luna John M. , Staben Mary L.
Published: February 2019

Two strip tillage systems for sweet corn production were compared to conventional tillage systems in western Oregon. A power take-off rotary tiller configured to till six rows per pass was used in 1997 and 1998; a shank/coulter strip tillage machine was used in 1999 and 2000. A paired t test experimental design was used in field-scale, on-farm research with eight replications in 1997-98 and 12 replications in 1999-2000. Sweet corn was harvested using the participating growers' corn pickers and yield was determined. A subset of the participating growers recorded types of machinery and labor for tillage operations and total costs were computed for each tillage system. The rotary strip tillage system produced 900 kg·ha-1 greater corn yields (P = 0.11) than conventional tillage. The shank/coulter strip tillage system produced yields comparable to conventional tillage (P = 0.95). The rotary strip tillage system reduced total tillage costs by an average of $38.50/ha compared to conventional tillage (P = 0.03) and reduced machinery operating time by 0.59 h·ha-1 (P = 0.01). The shank/coulter strip tillage system reduced tillage costs by $36.50/ha compared to conventional tillage (P = 0.003) and reduced machinery operating time by 0.47 h·ha-1(P = 0.001). Slugs damaged corn in several strip tillage fields requiring the use of slug bait to prevent economic damage. Herbicides used in conventional tillage systems were generally effective in the strip tillage systems. Mechanical cultivation with standard cultivating equipment was more difficult in some of the strip tillage fields with heavy cover crop residue.
Fescue Sod Suppresses Young Pecan Tree Growth
Authors: Smith Michael W. , Cheary Becky S. , Carroll Becky L.
Published: February 2019

Newly planted pecan (Carya illinoinensis Wangenh. C. Koch) trees were grown for 3 years in a tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Shreb. CV. Kentucky 31) sod with vegetation-free circles 0, 0.91, 1.83, 3.66, or 7.32 m in diameter. Trees were irrigated to minimize growth differences associated with water competition from fescue. There were no differences among treatments in total shoot growth after 1 year, but trunk growth was increased by vegetation-free areas. During the second year, trees with a 0.91-m-wide vegetation-free area had twice as much shoot growth, and trunks were twice the size of those without a vegetation-free zone. The third year, trees with a 0.91-m-wide vegetation-free circle had 403% more new shoot growth, and trunks were 202% larger than those without a vegetation-free zone. Cumulative shoot growth was up to 559% greater with vegetation control. Tree growth was similar with a 1.83- or 3.66-m-wide vegetation-free circle, and trees in both treatments were larger than trees with 0- or 0.91-m-wide vegetation-free zones. Extending the vegetation-free zone to 7.32 m wide was not advantageous.
Corn-based Extracts to Manage Weeds and Provide Nitrogen in Matted-row Strawberry Culture
Authors: Dilley Craig A. , Nonnecke Gail R. , Christians Nick E.
Published: February 2019

The number of herbicides available for use in strawberry (Fragaria×ananassa Duch.) production is limited. Corn gluten hydrolysate (CGH) is a water-soluble extract of corn gluten meal (CGM), a by-product of corn wet-milling. Both CGH and CGM have been shown to inhibit root development of seedlings and can provide nitrogen (N). Four weed control and/or N- containing products were studied: CGH, CGM, urea (46N-0P-0K), and urea applied with DCPA at 8.4 kg·ha-1 a.i. Treatments were applied at N rates of 0, 9.8, 19.5, and 29.3 g·m-2. The 0 g·m-2 of N treatment served as the control. During the 1995 establishment season, all treatments were applied in June, July, and August. Treatments were applied in July and August during the 1996, 1997, and 1998 growing seasons. Dicot and monocot weed number and weed shoot dry weights were determined ≈30 days after both July and August treatments. Strawberry yield data were collected in June. Leaf N data were collected during the first week of July, before renovation. When CGH was applied in July, dicot weed number in August decreased in one of four years, but CGH never affected the number of monocot weeds. CGM application in July, reduced the number of dicot weeds found in plots in Aug. 1995 and 1998. Urea had no effect on dicot weed number from 1995 to 1997. However, in 1998, dicot weed number was reduced by as much as 79% as the rate of urea increased. In all study years, dicot weed number was reduced between 86% and 97%, for the high rate of DCPA + urea, compared with control plots. With few exceptions, rate of N had no effect on leaf N or yield. CGH exhibited limited potential as a natural weed control product; it reduced dicot weed number in one year, but did not affect the number of monocot weeds in any year. Strawberry yield in plots receiving CGH showed a linear increase in one year (1998), but did not show an increase in the other 2 years. Chemical name used: dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate (DCPA)
Temperature and Propylene Effects on Ripening of Green and Black 'Conservolea' Olives
Authors: Nanos George D. , Agtsidou Elizabeth , Sfakiotakis Evangelos M.
Published: February 2019

Ripening of detached mature-green and black-ripe olives (Olea europaea L., cv. Conservolea) was studied during storage at 0, 5, 10, or 20 °C in air or air plus 100-200 μL·L-1 propylene. Green olive skin h° remained unchanged after 24 days at 0 or 5 °C in air or air + propylene, while olives partially lost their green color at 10 °C and developed purple color at 20 °C together with a substantial flesh softening. Propylene partially delayed flesh softening only at 10 °C. Respiration of green and black olives increased with storage temperature. Black olives had higher respiration rate than green olives. Propylene had no substantial effect on green or black olive respiration rate, except for an increase in respiration and ripening rates of green olives kept at 20 °C. Ethylene production rate of air- or air + propylene-treated green olives was almost undetectable. Black olives had higher ethylene production rate than green olives and this rate significantly increased with storage temperature. Addition of propylene had only minor effect on ethylene production of black olives. No climacteric respiratory rise or autocatalytic ethylene production was observed in green and black olives.
Significant Variation Exists Among Laboratories Measuring Onion Bulb Quality Traits
Authors: Havey Michael J. , Cantwell Marita , Jones Meriel G. , Jones Richard W. , Schmidt Norman E. , Uhlig John , Watson J.F. , Yoo Kil Sun
Published: February 2019

Onion pungency is a major quality attribute with many consumers demanding less pungent onions. In recent years, some growers and retailers have attempted to measure pungency of onions produced in different regions to guarantee a desired level of pungency. However, there are few data on the variability among laboratories using standardized protocols to estimate relative levels of pungencies. Onion cultivars were grown in replicated trials at three locations. Random samples of bulbs from each experimental unit were harvested and shipped to at least three cooperating laboratories, each of which measured soluble solids content (SSC) and pungencies using the same techniques. As expected, cultivars and environments showed significant (P < 0.001) differences. For all three trials, laboratories were a highly significant source of variation (P < 0.024 to 0.001) for measurements of SSC and pungency. Therefore, one cannot make recommendations on relative pungencies of the same lots of onions measured by different labs. The onion research community must identify specific procedures to reduce variation among laboratories to develop a more repeatable standardized assay for the measurement of onion pungency.
Polysomaty in Cymbidium
Authors: Fukai Seiichi , Hasegawa Atsushi , Goi Masanori
Published: February 2019

Nuclear DNA content in various parts of Cymbidium plants was measured by flow cytometry. Two types of Cymbidium, protocorm-like body (PLB)-propagated epiphytic hybrids and rhizome-propagated terrestrial C. kanran Makino demonstrated polysomaty. Small shoots on PLBs of Cymbidium hybrids showed two peaks (2C and 4C) while PLBs showed four peaks, estimated to be 2C, 4C, 8C, and 16C. Roots and floral organs excluding ovaries of hybrids were highly polysomatic as were the rhizomes and roots of C. kanran. The patterns of polysomaty development were organ and developmental stage specific. Young leaves taken from in vitro plants are suitable material for determining the ploidy levels of Cymbidium plants by flow cytometry.
Use of Digital Images for Evaluation of Factors Responsible for Visual Preference of Apples by Consumers
Authors: Cliff Margaret , Sanford Katherine , Wismer Wendy , Hampson Cheryl
Published: February 2019

This research used digital images to explore some of the factors responsible for consumer preference of visual characteristics of apples (Malus ×domestica Borkh.). The images systematically varied in color and shape (Expt. A: 9 images) and type, shape, and background color (Expt. B: 10 images), while keeping apple size constant. Visual assessments of the apple images were collected from 144 consumers (Expt. A) and 165 consumers (Expt. B) in British Columbia (BC), Nova Scotia (NS), and New Zealand (NZ) using balanced incomplete block designs. Canadian consumers (BC and NS) preferred red apples over green or yellow. NZ consumers liked equally red and green apples, and preferred both to yellow apples. At all locations, consumers in Expt. A significantly preferred round and conical shaped apples to oblong apples. When the combined effects of type, shape, and background color were evaluated, NZ consumers rated the striped, round apples the highest, and least preferred both round and oblong, blush-type apples with yellow backgrounds. NS consumers tended to prefer blush apples regardless of type and background color, and BC consumers were more accepting of a range of apple types, shapes, and background colors.
Diallel Analysis of In Vitro Culture Traits in the Genus Lycopersicon
Authors: Pratta Guillermo , Cánepa Lilians N. , Zorzoli Roxana , Picardi Liliana A.
Published: February 2019

Estimates of genetic variability for in vitro culture traits among the genus Lycopersicon and evaluation of the gene effects involved in callus production and shoot formation were achieved. Five parents including wild and cultivated tomato genotypes and their nonreciprocal 10 possible hybrid combinations were assayed. The callus percentage (C = number of cultures that only produced callus× 100/total number of cultures), the regeneration percentage (R = number of cultures that differentiated into shoots or primordia × 100/total number of cultures) and the productivity rate (PR = total number of shoots/total number of cultures) of each genotype were calculated 45 days after culture initiation. Diallel analysis revealed genetic variability for in vitro culture response. Wild genotypes contributed to a reduction in callus production and an increase in shoot formation while the cultivated genotypes either had an opposite effect or did not modify the expression of culture traits. Hybrids had the lowest callus production and highest shoot formation percentage. Additive gene effects were mainly involved in the expression of C and R, while both additive and nonadditive gene effects were involved in expression of PR.
Preplant Monoammonium Phosphate Fertilizer and Compost Affects the Growth of Newly Planted 'Macoun' Apple Trees
Authors: Moran Renae E. , Schupp James R.
Published: February 2019

'Macoun'/Budagovsky 9 apple (Malus ×domestica Borkh.) trees were planted in May 1998 in one of four preplant treatments that were soil incorporation of: 1) control, no phosphorus (P); 2) 90 g P per tree; 3) 128 kg compost per tree; and 4) 90 g P and 128 kg compost per tree. Preplant addition of P had no effect on soil organic matter, P, magnesium (Mg), and calcium (Ca) in the first three seasons after planting, but lowered soil potassium (K) in the second season. Foliar nutrients, tree growth and flowering were also not affected by P. The addition of compost increased soil organic matter and P in the first season after planting, and pH, K, Mg, and Ca in the first three seasons. The addition of compost increased foliar nitrogen and K in all three seasons, and decreased foliar Mg in the first season. Compost incorporation increased shoot length in the first season, trunk cross-sectional area in the first two seasons, tree height and the number of growing points in third season, and flowering in the third and fourth seasons. Compost addition was more effective than P fertilization for increasing tree growth during the establishment years.
Mulches and Biosolids Affect Vigor, Yield and Leaf Nutrition of Fertigated High Density Apple
Authors: Neilsen G.H. , Hogue E.J. , Forge T. , Neilsen D.
Published: February 2019

`Spartan' apple (Malus×domestica Borkh.) trees on M.9 (T337) rootstock were planted in April 1994 at 1.25 m × 3.5 m spacing. Seven soil management treatments were applied within a 2-m-wide strip centered on the tree row and arranged in a randomized complete-block experimental design. Treatments included a weed-free strip (check) maintained with four annual applications of glyphosate; surface application of 45 t·ha-1 of Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD) biosolids applied in 1994 and again in 1997; mulches of shredded office paper; alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) hay; black woven polypropylene; and shredded paper applied over 45 t·ha-1 GVRD-and Kelowna-biosolids applied in 1994 and 1997. All experimental trees were fertigated with phosphorus (P) in the first year and with nitrogen (N) annually. Cumulative yield for the first five harvests was higher for trees subjected to any soil management treatment relative to check trees. Maximum cumulative yield, exceeding check trees by 80%, was measured for trees grown with a shredded paper mulch with or without biosolids application. Trees from the three shredded paper treatments were the only ones significantly larger than check trees after six growing seasons. No increases in leaf nutrient concentration were consistently as sociated with improved tree performance. Notable effects included increased leaf P concentration associated with biosolids application, increased leaf K concentration after alfalfa mulch application and temporary increases in leaf Zn and Cu concentration associated with application of biosolids high in Zn and Cu. Use of both mulches and biosolids amendments benefits growth of trees in high density plantings despite daily drip irrigation and annual fertigation.
Field Resistance to Bemisia tabaci in Cucumis melo
Authors: Boissot N. , Lafortune D. , Pavis C. , Sauvion N.
Published: February 2019

The whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) B-Biotype is a major pest on cucurbits in the Caribbean islands. Five field trials were conducted to identify resistance among 80 genotypes of Cucumis melo L. from diverse geographic origins. We focused on resistant rather than tolerant genotypes by counting adults on the abaxial side of two leaves of each plant at least three times in each trial, and larval density of under leaf disk samples at least twice in each trial. On the basis of insect density, three Indian accessions, PI 414723, PI 164723, and 90625, and one Korean accession, PI 161375, had field resistance. On those accessions, we observed 3.6 to 6 times fewer adults than on the most susceptible genotypes (`AR Top Mark' or `Délice de Table') and 11 to 29 times fewer larvae than on `AR Top Mark' or B66-5. Those levels of resistance may be sufficient to significantly reduce pesticide use in Guadeloupe (Lesser Antilles) where B. tabaci populations are lower than in the Southern United States or in the Mediterranean Basin. Higher levels of resistance are needed for genetic control, and may be achieved by a combination of different partial resistance genes.
Cold Tolerance Evaluation in a Diallel among Open-pollinated Sweet Corn Cultivars
Authors: Revilla P. , Hotchkiss J.R. , Tracy W.F.
Published: February 2019

Many sweet corn hybrids germinate poorly and have low seedling vigor in cold soils. Sources of cold tolerance and an understanding of its inheritance would benefit sweet corn production. Our objective was to determine the genetics of cold tolerance among open-pollinated progenitors of modern sweet corn. Six open-pollinated sweet corn cultivars were used as parents of a diallel. The 15 crosses plus reciprocals, parents, and checks were evaluated in cold chambers. Growing conditions were 14 hours with light at 14 °C, and 10 hours without light at 10 °C. Days to emergence, percent emergence, shoot dry weight, and root dry weight were recorded. The experiment was repeated in the greenhouse under warm conditions. Variation for cold tolerance was present among the crosses and cultivars. The variation was primarily due to general combining ability (GCA) effects, with specific combining ability (SCA) effects and reciprocal effects being significant for seedling dry mater. `Howling Mob' had significant favorable GCAs for all cold tolerance traits and resulted in the most cold-tolerant hybrids. `Country Gentleman' and `Stowell's Evergreen' were the slowest emerging parents. Days to emergence under cold conditions was not correlated to days to emergence under warm conditions. The correlations between root weight (cold) and root weight (warm) and shoot weight (cold) and shoot weight (warm) were significant, positive, and relatively large. In this material it appears that seedling vigor under warm conditions could be used to predict seedling size under cold conditions.
Rooting and Establishment of Bunchberry Stem Cuttings as Affected by Propagation Date, K-IBA, Rooting Duration, and by Division or Cuttage
Authors: Haynes Janine G. , Smagula John M. , Cappiello Paul E.
Published: February 2019

Stem cuttings were harvested in April from four clones of containerized bunchberry(Cornus canadensis L.) forced in the greenhouse and in June from the same four clones growing in the field. April cuttings that had produced rhizomes by transplant time produced the greatest mean number and weight of shoots during the first growing season compared to April cuttings without rhizomes, June cuttings with rhizomes, or June cuttings without rhizomes. In a second study, cuttings and single-stem divisions were taken in July; divisions produced a greater mean number of shoots than did stem cuttings when compared at the end of Oct. A third study evaluated the effect of K-IBA application to lateral buds on subsequent rhizome production, and the effect of cutting node number (two vs. three nodes) on root or rhizome development. Treating lateral buds with K-IBA was not inhibitory to rhizome formation and elongation. Compared to two-node cuttings, three-node cuttings produced greater mean rootball size, rhizome number, and rhizome length; nearly twice as many of the three-node cuttings formed rhizomes as did two-node cuttings. A fourth study showed that cuttings rooted for 5 or 6 weeks in a mist enclosure generally exhibited greater shoot and rhizome production by the end of the first growing season than cuttings rooted for 8 or 9 weeks. This was despite the finding that cuttings rooted for longer durations (8 or 9 weeks) possessed larger rootballs and greater rhizome numbers at transplant time compared to cuttings rooted for shorter durations (5 to 6 weeks). Chemical name used: indole-3-butyric acid (K-IBA).