bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
641 Preliminary Evaluation of Organic Desert Vegetable Production Systems
Authors: Galadima A. , Sanchez C.A. , Palumbo J. , Tickes B. , Matheron M. , McGiffen M.
Published: February 2019

Experiments were conducted during 1998–99 seasons to evaluate the potential for organic vegetable production in the low desert of the southwestern United States. The experimental design included three summer management options [fallow, cowpea (Vigna sinensis), and sudangrass (Sorghum vulgare)] in factorial combination with alternative production systems, which included organic and conventional systems. The crops cultivated were iceberg lettuce (Lactuca sativa L) during the fall–winter period and melons (Cucumis melo Reticulatus Group) during the spring. The organic plots were managed with strict adherence to California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) guidelines. Summer cover crop management seemed to influence the early growth and N uptake of lettuce, but had no final effect on yield and quality. The organic production system resulted in lower yields and inferior product quality compared to the conventional system. Generally, disease and weeds were not limiting factors, although labor costs for weed control would be slightly higher in organic plots. Insects, primarily aphids (various types) and thrips (Frankliniella Occidentalis Perancle), and fertility, primarily N, were factors limiting yield and quality in organic systems. Control of whiteflies (Bemisia argentifoli) was the limiting factor for melons. Studies during 1999–2000 are focused on overcoming the challenges of the insect and fertility management in organic systems.
645 Foliar Symptomology and Tissue Concentrations of Nutrient Deficient Ornamental Cabbage Plants
Authors: Gibson James L. , Whipker Brian E. , Pitchay Dharmalingam S. , Nelson Paul V. , Campbell C. Ray
Published: February 2019

Elemental deficiencies of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, and B were induced in `Osaka White' ornamental cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. acephala L.) plants. Seedlings were planted in 4.7-L plastic containers and fertilized with a complete modified Hoagland's solution or this solution minus the element that was to be investigated. Plants were harvested for tissue analysis as well as dry weight when initial foliar symptoms were expressed and later under advanced deficiency symptoms. Root architecture was also recorded for the plants treated with the solutions. The containers were replicated three times for each of the two harvests and were randomized in a complete-block design. Deficiency symptoms for all treatments were observed within five weeks. The most dramatic expression of foliar symptoms occurred with N (a purplish tinge on underside of lower foliage leading to necrotic margins on the mature leaves), P (elongated internodes and a purplish tinge on underside of mature leaves), K (compact internodes with chlorotic lower foliage leading to necrotic patches on the leaf margins and blade), Fe (bright yellow upper foliage leading to a bleach white appearance), Ca (complete meristem necrosis with lower foliage becoming chlorotic then necrotic), and B (deformed young leaves and fully expanded leaves becoming thick, leathery, and brittle). The dry weight of plants treated with solutions not containing N, P, Ca, Fe, or B was significantly lower when compared to the control. Foliar tissue concentration data will assist plant tissue analysis laboratories in establishing foliar symptom standards for grower samples.
660 Production of Therapeutic Proteins in Transgenic Plants and Viral Vectors
Authors: Hammond John
Published: February 2019

Transgenic plants and plant viruses have potential advantages over other production systems for therapeutic proteins. 1) Plants are not susceptible to human and animal pathogens, such as viruses that can contaminate mammalian and avian cell lines used for production of many vaccines. Recent experiences of “mad cow” disease and theories of the possible origin of HIV from monkey cell lines have highlighted the need for increased product safety. 2) There are established protocols for preparing naturally occurring pharmaceuticals from plants. 3) Unlike bacteria, plants recognize the same glycosylation signals as other eukaryotic expression systems such as mammalian, insect, or yeast cell cultures and can thus produce glycosylated proteins. Although there are differences between plants and other eukaryotes in the types of sugar residues added to glycosylated proteins, it has been demonstrated several times that plant-produced proteins have similar stability and bioequivalence of function and that antigenicity is similar. 4) Plants can produce high yields; a single transgenic plant could yield as much human glucocerebrosidase as 500 placentae. We expressed an epitope from HIV-1 on the surface of bean yellow mosaic potyvirus (BYMV) coat protein (CP); protein produced in transgenic plants is recognized by a human monoclonal antibody that neutralizes most HIV-1 isolates. Epitope-modified BYMV-CP can be recovered from transgenic plants by incorporation into BYMV virions following infection of the transgenic plants. Modified virions display the HIV-1 epitope in a semi-regular array that should stimulate the immune system to a greater degree than free subunits. HIV epitope-bearing BYMV has been used to immunize mice to assess the immune response.
668 The ASHS/People-To-People Mission to China
Authors: Maynard Donald N.
Published: February 2019

The Citizen Ambassador Program was initiated in 1956 when President Dwight D. Eisenhower founded “People to People.” His vast perspective as a military and governmental leader led him to believe that individual citizens reaching out in friendship to the people of other nations could make a significant contribution to world understanding. From 14–28 Aug. 1998, ASHS took part in the “People-to People Mission to China.” Our delegation was composed of six ASHS Members and two guests. Delegates were from Canada and Brazil and the United States. After meeting in Los Angeles for a final briefing, the delegation departed for Hong Kong, where we immediately boarded a flight to Beijing. Our China experience began in Beijing, then on to Hangzhou, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong. All of these locations are in the densely populated eastern portion of China. (China has approximately the same area as the United States, but it has 1.25 billion people compared to only 270 million in the U.S.) Our time at each location was about equally divided between professional and cultural activities. Our Chinese horticultural colleagues were enthusiastic and well-trained. As in the United States, the quality of the facilities and the equipment varied somewhat among locations. Operating funds, never sufficient for research and maintenance of facilities, commonly were supplemented by sale of horticultural products.
672 Modelling Nutrient Use by Tree Crops, Development of a Computer-based Fertilization Program
Authors: Brown Patrick H.
Published: February 2019

The aim of this research was to determine the seasonal patterns of N demand and uptake in mature almond trees and to use this information to develop an integrated computer model to guide fertilization management. To this end sequential whole tree excavations were conducted at 5 stages during a 15-month period. At each harvest date, five entire mature trees were excavated and partitioned into leaves, root, trunks, and branches. Samples were then analyzed for total nutrient content and differences in nutrient content between sequential harvests, which represents tree nutrient demand and tree nutrient uptake. Infromation on seasonal N uptake dynamics and total yearly N demand has now been integrated into a user-friendly interactive computer program that can be used to optimize N fertilizer management. The details of this program will be discussed. In summary, the determination of N fluxes in almond demonstrates that the majority of N uptake and demand occurs from late February through to early September and that the primary demand for N is for nut fill and nut development. N demands can therefore be predicted by estimating yield and can be applied during the periods of greatest N uptake from the soil which occurs during nut development. By timing N applications with periods of greatest demand, and matching N application rates with crop load we provide growers with a tool that will encourage maximum efficiency of use of N fertilizers. Maximum efficiency of use will result in a minimization of N loss from the orchard system.
674 Horticultural Aspects of Phytochemicals in Small Fruits: Introduction to the Workshop
Authors: Takeda Fumiomi
Published: February 2019

Small fruits, such as strawberries and blueberries, are rich in phytonutrients and regarded to have high human health-functional bioactivities. In this workshop, 1) the horticultural and environmental factors affecting antioxidant levels in small fruit, 2) fruit volatiles as related to postharvest shelf life and quality, 3) changes in non-volatile fruit constituents, and 4) olfactometric analyses and consumer perception of these value-added fruit constituents will be discussed. In addition, novel detection methods for fruit- and microbial-derived aromas to address the food safety issues will be discussed.
677 Fruit Quality and Non-volatile Constituents in Small Fruits
Authors: Perkins-Veazie P.
Published: February 2019

Small fruit share several general characteristics. A significant source of starch is missing in strawberry, blueberry, cranberry, raspberry, blackberry, and grapes; thus, sugars accumulated at time of harvest represent the maximum amount of sweetness available. Total non-volatile acids decrease or stay the same, depending on the fruit. Immature small fruit are astringent, due to the presence of a variety of phenolic compounds that are diluted, metabolized, or immobilized in mature fruit. Ripeness can be determined by obvious changes in color, coinciding with or prior to fruit softening. Berry color is governed by the loss of chlorophyll and the accumulation of water soluble flavanoids and anthocyanins, rather than through accumulation of fat-soluble carotenoids. Environmental changes, especially temperature and rainfall, affect sugars, acidity, and color while storage conditions are more likely to affect color and acidity.
678 How To Participate in the Fulbright Experience (and a Brief Summary of My Recent Fulbright Experience at Africa University, Zimbabwe)
Authors: Griffis John L.
Published: February 2019

For more than 50 years, the Fulbright Scholar Program has offered U.S. faculty, professionals, teachers, and students the opportunity to conduct research, teach, or study abroad and to make a major contribution to global understanding. The purpose of the program is “...to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries...and thus to assist in the development of friendly, sympathetic, and peaceful relations between the United States and other countries of the world.” There are more than 700 competitive Fulbright awards in more than 120 countries available each year. The majority are for lecturing or combined lecturing/research, although some research-only awards are also available. Eligibility for awards as well as an overview of available opportunities will be discussed. Application procedures and techniques useful in securing awards will also be presented. I received a Fulbright award to lecture in horticulture at Africa Univ. in Zimbabwe during 1997, and will provide a brief summary of my Fulbright experience.
685 Junior Master Gardener Programs in Minnesota
Authors: Meyer Mary Hockenberry
Published: February 2019

Development of a new children's horticulture curriculum, the Junior Master Gardener program, from Texas A&M Univ. has lead to several youth projects in Minnesota. In Chisago County, Minn., Master Gardeners have instructed 4-H leaders who taught weekly sessions to elementary age children. Older teens have been leaders in this project as well. In Hennepin County, Minn., the program has been used by teachers and Master Gardeners in a formal classroom setting. Additional programs in Anoka, Rice, Winona, and Washington Counties, Minn., have used this curriculum. Leaders say the strengths of the program are the extensive and detailed list of projects, the impact on the local community when children do the service component, and children's learning of the scientific concepts that are the basis of the program. Cost of the materials and distribution are negative features. Further program examples will be highlighted and detailed at this workshop.
690 Development of New PGRs from a University Perspective
Authors: Greene Duane W.
Published: February 2019

Plant growth regulators that are made available to University researchers usually come with an indication of biological activity, based upon in-house work by chemical companies. Often a practical use of the PGR is suggested. The PRG is applied at a range of concentrations at a timing that is appropriate to get the desired response. Undesirable side effects are noted. Follow up experiments are designed, usually altering concentration, time of application, or formulation, to maximize a response or to overcome and alleviate undesirable side effects. If the PGR is labeled, refinements for its use and grower recommendations are prepared. Critical in the development process is communication and interaction among researchers and industry personnel. This is exemplified by the exchange of ideas, sharing of data, and brain-storming that has occurred over the past 25 years at the Northeast Plant Growth Regulator Working Group meetings. Budget reductions and down sizing of programs at the University have forced researchers to depend more upon grant-in-aid support from companies. Several case studies will be presented to show the commercial development of some PGRs, including: Accel, cultar, Apogee, and ReTain. The evolving role of researches in the development of PGRs will be discussed.
693 Practical Applications of Citrus Protoplast Technology
Authors: Grosser Jude W.
Published: February 2019

Citrus protoplast technology has advanced to where several practical applications in variety improvement and plant pathology are routine. We will report on progress in the following areas: somaclonal variation—`Valencia` and `Hamlin' sweet orange protoclones have been selected for improved juice color, higher soluble solids, seedlessness, and altered maturity dates; somatic hybridization for scion improvement—allotetraploid breeding parents have been created from numerous combinations of elite parental material, and are now being used as pollen parents in interploid crosses to produce seedless triploid varieties; somatic hybridization for rootstock improvement—numerous somatic hybrids combining complementary rootstock germplasm are under commercial evaluation and several look promising for wide adaptation, improved disease resistance, and tree size control; transformation—an alternative protoplast-based transformation that utilizes EGFP for selection has been developed; virus resistance assays—a protoplast-based assay is being used to screen varieties and candidate sequences for resistance to citrus tristeza virus at the cell level, saving time and greenhouse space.
697 Promotion and Marketing Strategies: Keep Them Coming Back For More
Authors: Miles Carol A.
Published: February 2019

New foods have been introduced to the North American populations from many world cultures in both planned and unplanned situations. Success of such crops will depend on the acceptance of the consumers. Growers and retailers must educate customers about these new crops in order to ensure that the customer comes back for more. The different strategies that can be used successfully in the process of education, marketing, and promotion, including developing recipe cards, brochures, newspaper and magazine press releases, and talks and presentations to local and regional groups, will be discussed.
Development of a Multi-state Fruit Weed Extension Position
Authors: Monaco Thomas J. , Mitchem Wayne
Published: February 2019

Tree fruit researchers and extension specialists from North Carolina (NC), South Carolina (SC), and Georgia (GA) have been collaborating informally for many years. There has been a desire to formalize some of these arrangements, and in late 1998 planning was intiated to develop an extension specialist position to cover orchard and vineyard floor management in NC, SC, and GA. Wayne Mitchem, who had this responsibility for NC as well as serving as the coordinator for the regional IR-4 field research center at NCSU, presented us with the opportunity to create a three-quarters time extension specialist position dealing solely with the management of weeds in tree fruits and vineyards on a regional basis. The proposal was presented to Extension Directors from NC, SC, and GA in Oct. 1998, and over the following 6 months a memorandum of understanding was developed among the three states to establish the position. The position is located in NC at the Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center, Fletcher, and each of the states agreed to share equally in funding the salary. None of the three states had this expertise in their faculty and if the position were not created, we would have had a void in this important aspect of orchard and vineyard maintenance. In addition to weed manangement, the position will have responsibilty for conducting residue trials for the IR-4 program as it pertains to the labeling of minor use pesticides for tree fruits and vineyards.
Effects of SoilRich on growth of Leucaena leucocephala and Hibiscus rosa sinensis
Authors: Al-Badawy Ahmed A. , Hussien El-Sayed H.
Published: February 2019

In a randomized complete-block design, two separate experiments were conducted to study the response of lead tree Leucaena leucocephala and Hibiscus rosa sinensis to the application of the organic fertilizer, SoilRich. Seedlings of both species were grown in pots filled with growing media containing sandy soil and SoilRich. SoilRich was added at the rates of 0%, 5%, 10%, or 15% (v/v). The obtained results indicated that the application of SoilRich significantly increased plant height, stem elongation, branch number, shoots fresh and dry weights, and enhanced root growth of both Leucaena leucocephala and Hibiscus rosa sinensis. Total nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium percentages in the shoots were increased in both species as the applied rate of SoilRich was increased. SoilRich treatments increased the water holding capacity of the soil. Moreover, they increased organic matter, total nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium percentages in the soil. The application of SoilRich at 15% gave the best results.
Oklahoma Proven—A Statewide Marketing and Evaluation Program
Authors: Anella Louis B. , Schnelle Michael A. , Maronek Dale M.
Published: February 2019

Oklahoma Proven (OKP) is a plant promotion and evaluation program designed to help consumers choose plants appropriate for Oklahoma gardens. Aiding consumers with plant selection will lead to greater gardening success, enthusiasm, and increased sales for Oklahoma green industries. There are two major facets to the program: marketing, coordinated by Dr. Lou Anella, and evaluation, coordinated by Dr. Michael Schnelle. Plants to be promoted by OKP will be selected by an OKP executive committee based on recommendations from an OKP advisory committee comprised of industry professionals, cooperative extension specialists and educators, Oklahoma Botanical Garden and Arboretum affiliate members, and Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture faculty. Plants chosen for OKP must meet the following selection criteria: appropriate for gardens throughout the state of Oklahoma; readily available in the trade; limited input required, i.e. few pest or disease problems, tolerant of Oklahoma's diverse soil types and weather conditions; noninvasive; can be profitably produced. The OKP Advisory Board selected the following OKP Selections for 2000: Taxodium distichum; Spiraea japonica `Magic Carpet'; Verbena canadensis `Homestead Purple'; and Scaevola aemula. Promotional materials, such as posters and signs, will be available just after the first of the year, and the promotional push will begin in early March. Posters and signs will be distributed to retailers throughout the state free-of-charge and pot stakes and hang tags will be sold to wholesalers as a means of generating income for the Oklahoma Proven program. OKP plants will also be promoted through the television show “Oklahoma Gardening,” extension newsletters, and the press.
Preliminary Observations on Particle Film and Mycorrhizae Use in Tomato Production
Authors: Makus D.J.
Published: February 2019

Kaolin cover sprays and mycorrhizal inoculation of tomatoes at transplanting were evaluated for their efficacy in improving tomato plant water status and agronomic performance in a supraoptimal, semiarid environment. Seven-week-old `Heatmaster' tomato plants (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) were transplanted with or without a vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal inoculant (Gomes intaradices Schenk & Smith) on 19 Feb. 99 into a Raymondville clay loam soil in Weslaco, Texas (lat. 26°12′). One-half of the inoculated and one-half of the uninoculated plants were sprayed between 16 Mar. and 1 June with seven applications of the kaolin-based particle film “Surround.” The trickle-irrigated plots were 5.6 m2 in size and treatments replicated four times in a RCB design. Commercial cultural practices were followed, but no fungicides were used. Results indicated that mycorrhizal inoculation tended to accelerate fruit maturation and that particle film applications delayed fruit development relative to the control treatment. Mycorrhizal (only) treated plants had the highest yields at the second (of eight) harvests compared to the other treatments. There were no significant differences between treatments in leaf temperature, diffusive resistance, transpiration rate, water potential, and soil profile moisture, except between sampling dates. Fruit mineral nutrients, pigments, dry matter, average weight, total marketable and total season yields were not significantly affected by any treatment. When fruits were sectioned into proximal and distal halves, 10 out of the 14 nutrients measured, in addition to dry matter, and total carotenoids were higher in the distal end.
Effect of Temperature, Photoperiod, and Pretreatment Growing Condition on Floral Induction in Spring-bearing Strawberry
Authors: Zhang Xiuren , Himelrick David G. , Woods Floyd M. , Ebel Robert C.
Published: February 2019

`Chandler' strawberry plants (Fragaria Xananassa Duch.) were greenhouse grown under natural lighting and then placed into growth chambers at two constant temperatures of 16 and 26 °C and 2 daylengths of 9 h (SD) and 9-h photoperiod (NI) which was night interrupted with 3 hours of incandescent radiation at 30-45 μmol·s-1·m-2 PAR. Plants were given different numbers of inductive cycles in growth chambers and then moved to the greenhouse. Flowering and growth were monitored. Flowering was completely inhibited at 26 °C, regardless of pretreatment growing conditions such as pot sizes and plant ages, photoperiod, and inductive cycles. At 16 °C, SD promoted floral induction compared to NI under all inductive cycles except a 7-day induction. The minimum number of inductive cycles required at 16 °C for floral induction was dependent on photoperiod and prior greenhouse treatment. Flowering rate was also affected by greenhouse treatment, photoperiod, and inductive cycles. Runner production was affected by photoperiod and temperature × inductive cycle.
Dwarfism in Rabbiteye Blueberry
Authors: Noffsinger S.L. , Draper A.D. , Gupton C.L.
Published: February 2019

Although southern highbush (Vaccinium sp.) is replacing rabbiteye (Vaccinium ashei L.) blueberry, rabbiteye will continue to be grown on marginal soils of the southeastern United States. Dwarfism or short, compact growth habit is a trait that could be used to reduce labor costs in rabbiteye blueberry production. Parental backgrounds, and flowering and fruit traits were studied in seven Mississippi (MS) and five Georgia (T) selections. Six of the MS selections are available for propagation and bloom late enough that cold damage should not be a problem. Four (MS63, MS454, MS546, MS891) of the six have acceptable fruit quality and will be used in breeding. Ethel and MS134 were the only known dwarf ancestors, with Ethel, Myers, Black Giant, and Tifblue (Ethel × Clara) dominating the parental background. Based on the variation in growth habit and ancestries, it would appear that Ethel has several genes for dwarfism and multiple allelic interactions are involved, similar to what Garvey and Lyrene found (1987). Future breeding will include crosses of MS63, MS454, MS546, and MS891 with germplasm outside of the common ancestors, to broaden the genetic base of the dwarf rabbiteyes.
Yield and Economic Return Estimates for Eight Blueberry Cultivars Grown in Kentucky
Authors: Woods Tim , Wolfe Dwight , Brown Gerald R.
Published: February 2019

Yield data from a highbush blueberry planting established in 1993 at the Univ. of Kentucky Research and Education Center, Princeton, Ky., was collected over a 5-year period for eight cultivars. The economic impact of yield of each cultivar was calculated for each cultivar using a net present value model based on prevailing market prices and costs of production. These returns were compared across cultivars and an assessment of the economic potential for Kentucky growing conditions was considered. `Duke' and `Sierra' produced the most fruit over the 5-year period of this study. `Duke' was also the earliest ripening cultivar in the planting, with 14.3% of `Duke's fruit ripening during the first week of June. Sunrise also ripened early, with 7.7% of its fruit ripening during the first week of June. Picking for the other cultivars (`Sierra', `Bluecrop', `Blue Gold', `Toro', `Nelson', and `Patriot'), began during the second week of June and was finished for all cultivars by the end of the fourth week of June. An exception was `Nelson', which was picked through the first week of July. Despite relatively low yields observed in the first year of production, `Duke' had the highest net present values for the assumed 12-year life of the planting. The ranking of the other seven cultivars from highest to lowest in terms of their respective net present values was: `Sierra', `Blue Gold', `Bluecrop', `Toro', `Nelson', `Sunrise', and `Patriot'.
Genome Mapping in Citrullus Lanatus Populations Segregating for Fusarium Wilt Resistance
Authors: Hawkins Leigh K. , Dane Fenny , Kubisiak Tom , Rhodes Bill , Jarrett Bob
Published: February 2019

A linkage map was constructed of the watermelon genome using F2 and F2:3 populations segregating for resistance to race 1 and 2 of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum (FON 1 and 2). Sixty-four percent of the RAPD primers used in the parents and F1 detected polymorphism. In the F2, 143 polymorphic bands were scored, 60% of which exhibited the expected 3:1 segregation ratio. A 113 cM linkage map was constructed using Mapmaker version 3 and LOD of 4. DNA pools of Fusarium wilt resistant or susceptible F2:3 lines were created and bulked segregant analysis was used to detect molecular markers linked to FON 1 or FON 2 resistance. Four individuals per line were used to confirm linkages and construct an F2:3 linkage map. One large linkage group was detected in both generations. A large proportion of the RAPD and SSR markers were unlinked and many showed segregation distortion. Single-factor ANOVA for each pairwise combination of marker locus and resistance or morphological trait was conducted. RAPD markers with putative linkages to FON 1 and FON 2 and several morphological traits were detected.
Effect of Nitrogen Source and Bed Architecture on Yield of Southernpea Cultivars `Quickpick', `Texas Pinkeye', and `Mississippi Pinkeye'
Authors: Cushman Kent E. , Horgan Thomas E.
Published: February 2019

Mississippi growers produce southernpea for the fresh market on raised beds using 20 to 30 lb/acre nitrogen. This study compared conventional production practices to alternative approaches in a 3 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement in a randomized complete-block design with four replications. Three cultivars of southernpea, `Quickpick' (QP), `Texas Pinkeye' (T × PE), and `Mississippi Pinkeye' (MsPE), were planted into either raised or flat beds using either 30 lb/acre ammonium nitrate without seed inoculation or no ammonium nitrate with Rhizobium seed inoculation. QP and T × PE were harvested with a one-row Pixall harvester and MsPE was hand harvested. All plots were harvested at the mature-green stage. Yields were reduced due to drought conditions during pod fill. MsPE was hand harvested only once due to dry conditions and less-than-ideal yields. QP produced significantly greater yield (1208 lb/acre) than T × PE (962 lb/acre) or MsPE (981 lb/acre). The two nitrogen treatments were not significantly different. QP and T × PE were not affected by bed architecture, but MsPE on raised beds yielded significantly more than on flat beds. As with a similar study in 1998, also under nonirrigated conditions, MsPE had a significantly greater shellout than QP or T × PE. There were no significant interactions for yield or percent shellout.
Potential for Carrot Production on Georgia Mountain Soils
Authors: Kelley William Terry
Published: February 2019

Carrots (Daucus carota L.) have become an economically important vegetable crop for Georgia. Currently the harvest season extends from December through May. One possibility for extending the harvest season would be to produce carrots in the cooler mountain area of Georgia during the summer months. This study was undertaken to examine the potential for fresh-market carrot production on Georgia mountain soils and to evaluate which varieties of carrots might be most suitable for this area. Ten commercially available carrot varieties were direct seeded into a Transylvania clay loam soil on 28 May 1999 in Blairsville, Ga. Plots consisted of three twin rows of carrots each 20 feet in length. The twin rows were each three inches apart and there were 20 inches between each set of twin rows. Each plot was replicated four times. Base fertilizer of 20 pounds of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorous were incorporated into the plots prior to seeding. Sidedress applications of 15 pounds each of N, P, and K were applied at 3-week intervals throughout the season. Recommended pest control practices were applied. A three-foot section of the center twin row was harvested on 23 Sept. 1999. The varieties `Pacific Gold' and `Topnotch' produced the highest marketable yield; however, all yields were below acceptable levels. Percent marketability was <60% for all varieties. Percent stand was extremely variable due to variability in seed size. All carrots had severe nematode damage although a nematicide was used preplant. The length of season for spring-planted carrots was too long for the life of the nematicide at the rate and method applied. Late summer–planted carrots would likely be a more viable option for this area.
Metam Sodium Use in Vidalia Sweet Onions
Authors: Torrance Reid , Langston David , Sumner Don
Published: February 2019

Metam sodium has been evaluated on onions in Georgia since the mid-1980s for control of various soil pathogens in the production of transplants. Observations also indicated excellent weed control activity. Further work showed significant growth response of transplants, 90% or better weed control, and efficacy of Phoma terrestris, Fusarium, and Pythium. Results were better in comparison studies than found with methyl bromide, chloropicrin, and other fumigation combinations. This led to use of the product in field production of dry bulb onions. Seven years of studies revealed an average yield increase of 190 bushels per acre over the control, even where Phoma terrestris levels were minimal. Today, almost all transplant production includes the use of metam sodium and field use is beginning to be used by growers. With limited crop rotation being practiced in the Vidalia onion belt, metam sodium will continue to play a major role in controlling the ever-increasing levels of Phoma terrestris and maintaining profitability in onion production in Georgia.
Effect of Scion-rootstock Combinations on Premature Fruit Drop in Mango
Authors: Predner D. , Cedeno-Maldonado A.
Published: February 2019

Studies were conducted to determine the effect of scion-rootstock combinations on premature fruit drop. Ten-year-old trees of the varieties Parvin and Tommy Atkins grafted on Eldon, Malda, Colombo Kidney, Julie, and Cuban were used. The number of prematurely dropped fruits was counted weekly for eight consecutive weeks after flowering. A smaller fruit drop index was observed when Parvin was grafted on Malda, Julie, and Cuban than when grafted on Colombo Kidney. There was no significant difference in fruit drop index between Eldon and Colombo Kidney. Fruit drop index was greater in Parvin than in Tommy Atkins.
ReTain™ Improves Fruit Firmness in Postharvest Storage of Peach
Authors: Taylor K.C.
Published: February 2019

For peach fruit to withstand the rather vigorous postharvest handling during the packing and shipping process, growers pick them fairly early when they are very firm. Yet they soften very quickly, giving them a shelf life of generally 5–15 days. It may be desirable to allow fruit to remain on the tree longer, allowing them to increase in size, while improving in flavor and color. The fact that aminoethoxyvinyl glycine (AVG), ReTain™, interferes with ethylene synthesis was borne out by findings that AVG applications prior to harvest delayed ripening, increased fruit removal force in apple, and reduced preharvest drop. Seven-day preharvest application of 50 g AVG/100 gal to two peach varieties increased firmness from 12% to 54% and moved 7% of the harvest to a date 3–7 days after AVG treatment. The additional time to peak harvest may indicate that the fruit can hang on the tree for a longer period, allowing additional time for fruit expansion. Preliminary indications are that only a 2% to 4% size increase can be achieved. However, this appears to be enough to move 5% to 7% of the fruit into the next ring size.
Species Responses to Accelerator Grower vs. Black Plastic Containers
Authors: Arnold Michael A.
Published: February 2019

Five species of trees, Fraxinus velutina Torr., Pistacia chinensis Bunge, Platanus occidentalis L., Quercus virginiana Mill., and Ulmus parvifolia Jacq., were first grown in 0.45-L conventional black plastic liner containers, then transplanted to 25-L black plastic containers and grown to a marketable size. The same species were grown in similar-size, open-bottom, air-root pruning, cylindrical, aluminum (Accelerator) containers filled with the equal volumes of media. Plant growth characteristics, root-zone temperatures, and media moisture status were measured. Growth of Q. virginiana was reduced in Accelerator liner containers compared to conventional black plastic liners. Accelerator liners did eliminate circling and deflection of roots at the bottom of the liner containers. Growth of U. parvifolia, F. velutina, and Q. virginiana were similar in the larger 25-L Accelerator and black plastic containers, while growth of P. chinensis and P. occidentalis were greater in Accelerator containers than in conventional black plastic containers. Root-zone temperatures, particularly at the periphery of the rootball, were significantly reduced on warm days in Accelerator containers compared to those in black plastic containers. Media in Accelerator containers were slightly drier than that in black plastic containers.
Leaf Nitrogen Status on Yield and Quality of Roses
Authors: Cabrera Raul I.
Published: February 2019

The establishment of critical tissue N levels for greenhouse rose production has been primarily based on visual symptoms of N deficiency, with relatively less consideration to yield parameters. This work examined the relationship between rose leaf N concentration and flower yield and quality. Container-grown `Royalty' rose plants were irrigated for 13 months with complete nutrient solutions containing N concentrations of 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 220 mg·L–1. Optimum flower and dry biomass yields, stem length, and stem weights were obtained in plants irrigated with 90 mg·L–1 N. Leaf N concentrations increased asymptotically with N applications, stabilizing at N concentrations >90 mg·L–1. Time of the year had an effect on overall leaf N concentrations, with higher values observed in the winter, and lower values in the summer. Leaf N concentrations were linearly, and significantly, correlated with leaf chlorophyll content and leaf color attributes (hue, chroma, and value). Quadratic relationships between leaf N concentration and rose plant yields were observed only for the second half of the experimental period, and depicted an apparent, and striking, plant control over tissue N status. In addition, these relationships indicated that optimum plant yields were possible during spring and summer with leaf N concentrations below the recommended critical level of 3% (as low as 2.4% to 2.5%). These results suggest that leaf N concentration per se is not a dependable indicator of rose productivity.
Ornamental Cabbage and Kale Cultivar Comparison Study: Growth Characteristics and Response to Daminozide and Uniconazole Sprays
Authors: Gibson James L. , Whipker Brian E.
Published: February 2019

Twenty-six ornamental cabbage and kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala L.) cultivars were transplanted into 20.8-cm (8-inch) pots in Fall 1998 to classify their foliage traits and determine their response to the plant growth regulator (PGR) daminozide. Daminozide foliar sprays were applied at 0, 2500, or 5000 mg·L–1 (ppm) 3 weeks after potting. Two cultivars treated with 2500 mg.L-1 and eight cultivars treated with 5000 mg·L–1 were significantly smaller in height when compared to the nontreated plants. Using the Range/lsd formula, the vigor of the cultivars was classified by height. Foliage characteristics were described and cultivars of ornamental cabbage, notched ornamental kale, and curly ornamental kale were selected based on the shortest number of days until a significant center color change and the largest center color diameter. In Fall 1999, recommended cultivars selected in 1998 were treated with daminozide at 5000 mg·L–1 or uniconazole at 5 mg·L–1 14 days after potting, plus a nontreated control. All cultivars responded similarly to the PGRs with greater control being observed with daminozide with a smaller plant height of 13% as compared to 6% for uniconazole. For effective height control, PGR applications to ornamental cabbage and kale should be applied 2 weeks after potting.
A Clonal Testing Program for Loblolly Pine Plantation Forests
Authors: Wise Farrell C. , Jones Rodney O.
Published: February 2019

Forest products companies would like to grow clonal plantations of superior loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) to improve fiber yields. Feasibility depends on developing efficient propagation techniques and finding superior clones. Horticultural stem-cutting propagation methods and micropropagation techniques are being coupled to test, preserve, multiply, and ultimately deploy clones. Outstanding clones are being found through a series of field tests; each beginning with a superior full-sibling cross from a 40-year-old breeding program. Clones are first screened for rooting ability, and the top 25% to 35% of clones are then established on four sites. Since maintenance of juvenile phase tissue is critical to perpetuating high rooting rates and fast subsequent growth, each clone is preserved as a set of serially propagated hedges and as cold-stored microshoots. As field tests age, better-performing clones are multiplied gradually. Large-production stock blocks of juvenile hedges consequently may be established from both rooted cuttings and microshoots as soon as field tests end. Clones producing large numbers of long branches have been noted for their potential value as fast-growing ornamentals. Since such characters are opposite those desirable for forestry, these clones would need to be preserved, multiplied, and marketed separately from clones for plantation forests.
Quantification of Quercetin in Onion (Allium Cepa) after Domestic Processing
Authors: Lombard Kevin A. , Peffley Ellen , Thompson Leslie , Geoffriau Emmanuel , Morris Jay
Published: February 2019

The flavonol quercetin has been reported as having many health benefits, including a reduction in the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, stroke, and some types of cancer. The overall content of quercetin in onion was examined in four yellow varieties (`Rio Rita', `RNX 10968', `Predator', and `Tamara') and one red variety purchased at a local grocery store. Each bulb was quartered, with one quarter saved as a control and the other three quarters subjected to three cooking treatments that simulated common domestic processing methods of preparing onion. The treatments included sautéing in sunflower oil for 5 minutes at 93 °C, baking for 15 min. at 176 °C, and boiling for 5 minutes in distilled water. Samples were frozen in liquid nitrogen, ground to a fine powder, blended with 80% EtOH, and filtered for quercetin extraction. The filtrate was then analyzed with a spectrophotometer (uv 374 nm). Quercetin concentrations were obtained in mg quercetin/kg fresh weight of tissue by regressing spectrophotometer readings onto a standard curve. Significant differences between varieties were found when examining fresh samples alone with the red variety containing the highest content of quercetin. Results of cooking showed that sautéing produced an overall 27% gain in quercetin concentration (significantly higher than the fresh control), baking produced an overall 4% gain in concentration (insignificant from the fresh control), while boiling produced an overall 18% loss in quercetin concentration (significantly lower than the fresh control).
Quantification of Watermelon Lycopene Content and Correlation with Colorimetric Measurements
Authors: Perkins-Veazie P. , Collins J.K.
Published: February 2019

The red flesh of watermelon contains lycopene, a pigment with antioxidant properties that help prevent certain types of cancers. This experiment was done to determine cultivar variation in lycopene content, and the effectiveness of colorimetric measurements for predicting lycopene content. Ten ripe melons per cultivar of hybrid, open-pollinated, and triploid types were selected from field plantings at Lane, Okla. Melons were cut transversely and color measured with a colorimeter at three heart and three locule sites, in a counterclockwise rotation starting at the ground spot. For lycopene content, a 100-g sample of heart tissue was removed, extracted with a hexane-acetone-ethanol mixture, and lycopene concentration measured spectrophotometrically at 503 nm. Lycopene content varied among cultivars, from 33.96 μg·g–1 in `Crimson Sweet' to 66.15 μg·g–1 in `Crimson Trio'. Chroma and “a” colorimeter values were highly correlated with lycopene content (P < 0.001). Linear and quadratic regression of lycopene against colorimeter values yielded an R2 of 0.55. Results indicate that, like tomatoes, watermelon cultivars vary widely in lycopene content. Colorimeter readings did not adequately predict lycopene values.
Improving the Prediction of Processing Pea Maturity Based on the Growing-degree Day Approach
Authors: Bourgeois Gaétan , Jenni Sylvie , Laurence Hélène , Tremblay Nicolas
Published: February 2019

The heat-unit system, involving the sum of daily mean temperatures above a given base temperature, is used with processing pea (Pisum sativum L.) to predict relative maturity during the growing season and to schedule planting dates based on average temperature data. The Quebec pea processing industry uses a base temperature of 5 °C to compute growing-degree days (GDD) between sowing and maturity. This study was initiated to verify if the current model, which uses a base temperature of 5 °C, can be improved to predict maturity in Quebec. Four pea cultivars, `Bolero', `Rally', `Flair', and `Kriter', were grown between 1985 and 1997 on an experimental farm in Quebec. For all cultivars, when using a limited number of years, a base temperature between 0.0 and 0.8 °C reduced the coefficient of variation (cv) as compared with 5.0 °C, indicating that the base temperature used commercially is probably not the most appropriate for Quebec climatic conditions. The division of the developmental period into different stages (sowing until emergence, emergence until flowering, and flowering until maturity) was also investigated for some years. Use of base temperatures specific for each crop phase did not improve the prediction of maturity when compared with the use of an overall base temperature. All years for a given cultivar were then used to determine the base temperature with the lowest cv for predicting the time from sowing to maturity. A base temperature from 0 to 5 °C was generally adequate for all cultivars, and a common base temperature of 3.0 °C was selected for all cultivars. For the years and cultivars used in this study, the computation of GDD with a base temperature of 3 °C gave an overall prediction of maturity of 2.0, 2.4, 2.2, and 2.5 days based on the average of the absolute values of the differences for the cultivars Bolero, Rally, Flair, and Kriter, respectively.
High Electrical Conductivity and Radiation-based Water Management Improve Fruit Quality of Greenhouse Tomatoes Grown in Rockwool
Authors: Chrétien Simon , Gosselin André , Dorais Martine
Published: February 2019

In order to improve fruit quality under the Northern climatic growing conditions prevailing in Quebec, Canada (lat. 47°N, long. 71°W), a greenhouse tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. cv. Blitz) spring production experiment was conducted using several irrigation regime and electrical conductivity (EC) levels. The irrigation regime treatments were a function of the global solar radiation, with three thresholds applied to each EC treatment. The irrigation thresholds (KJ·m–2) were 1) 468, 2) 540, and 3) 612. Two EC treatments were used: 1) control EC (2.0 to 3.5 mS·cm–1) and 2) 30% higher EC than the control (2.6 to 4.6 mS·cm–1), which was raised by adding NaCl to 12 mmol·L–1. Plant water potential in summer and in the fall and plant growth after 6 months were not affected by irrigation or EC treatments. Raising the EC increased the Na content of reproductive and vegetative parts and decreased the N concentration of the vegetative parts. The highest EC improved fruit quality by reducing the incidence of fruit cracking. Although marketable yields were not affected by EC (P = 0.09) or irrigation regime (P = 0.08) treatments, higher EC during March to September increased (P ≤ 0.01) the proportion of Class 2 fruit by reducing fruit size.