bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chilling Tolerance in Cucumber Seed Selections from China
Authors: Jennings Paul H. , Fitzpatrick Ann
Published: February 2019

Four cucumber seed lines obtained from the Inst. of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China, were tested for chilling tolerance. Comparisons were made with `Poinsett 76', a commercially available cultivar from the United States. Seeds germinated at 25°C were exposed to 2°C for time periods up to 108 hr. Root injury was assessed by measuring subsequent root growth at 25°C at 72 hr after the chill. Electrolyte leakage measurements were taken on roots excised immediately after the chill. Total seedling root length and electrolyte leakage studies showed significant tolerance to chilling in the selections from China as compared to `Poinsett 76'. `Poinsett 76' seedling roots began to show stress after 72 hr of chill and were irreversibly damaged, with abortion of root tips, after 96 hr at 2°C. The China seed selections were more tolerant to a 96-hr chill and even at exposure times up to 108 hr only began to approximate chilling effects exhibited by `Poinsett 76' at 72 hr of treatment.
Effect of Humidity, Temperature, and Scarification during Storage on Seed Germination of Lupinus havardii and L. texensis
Authors: Vasquez Katherine L. , Mackay Wayne A.
Published: February 2019

Lupinus havardii and L. texensis are two commercially important species of lupines (bluebonnets) in Texas. There is no current information for the storage requirements of these two bluebonnet species seeds. A study was undertaken to examine the effects of relative humidity, temperature, and scarification on seed germinability. Seeds of the two bluebonnet species were stored under five relative humidity treatments (11%, 23%, 52%, 75%, and 95%) and two temperature treatments (3°C or 22°C) either scarified or nonscarified in factorial combination. Seed samples were removed monthly. Nonscarified seed were scarified and all seed were placed in a seed germination chamber and germinated in petri dishes containing moistened filter paper. All samples of seed stored under 95% relative humidity were lost to seed-borne contamination. Germinability of scarified seed of both species decreased within 5 months in the 22°C/75% RH treatment. Other treatments had no effect on germinability during 7 months of seed storage.
Humic Acid Promotion of Root Development on Euphorbia pulcherrima Cuttings
Authors: Smith James N. , Evans Michael R.
Published: February 2019

Vegetative 6-cm Euphorbia pulcherrima `Freedom' cuttings were placed in black 200-ml bottles containing humic acid solutions, nutrient solutions, or deionized water. Humic acid solutions were prepared using Enersol SC (American Colloid, Arlington Heights, Ill.). Concentrations of 500, 750, and 1000 mg/L humic acid were compared to solutions containing mineral element concentrations equivalent to those contained in humic acid solutions. After 4 weeks, 88%, 75%, and 88% of cuttings had rooted in the 500, 750, and 1000 mg/L humic acid solutions, respectively. Cuttings placed in nutrient controls or deionized water failed to form roots after 4 weeks. Average root fresh mass was 175, 80, and 72 mg for cuttings placed in 500, 750, and 1000 mg/L humic acid solution, respectively. Average number of roots formed per cutting ranged from 21 in the 500-mg/L solution to 6 in the 1000-mg/L solution. Average lengths ranged from 26 mm in the 500-mg/L to 12 in the 1000-mg/L solution. As humic acid concentration increased, average root fresh mass, average number of roots, and the length of the longest root significantly decreased.
Date of Collection and Rooting Environment Affect Propagation of Erect Blackberries by Floricane Cuttings
Authors: Lopez-Medina Jose , Moore James N.
Published: February 2019

In an early study we reported the feasibility of propagating erect blackberries by floricane cuttings obtained during winter pruning. But how soon during the dormant season can the stem cuttings be collected? And, is a mist system really needed to promote rooting? Experiments were conducted to address these questions. Stem cuttings of `Arapaho', `Choctaw', and `Shawnee' blackberries were collected on two dates, 15 Nov. and 15 Dec. 1996, stuck in peat-perlite mix, and placed in two rooting environments, with and without intermittent mist. Data was recorded on 15 Jan. 1997. Percentage of cuttings rooted was affected by the cultivar-by-date and cultivar-by-environment interactions. Values of 98%, 88%, and 75% were observed for cuttings taken on 15 Dec. of `Choctaw', `Arapaho', and `Shawnee', respectively, while only 19%, 17%, and 45%, respectively, for cuttings of 15 Nov. Intermittent mist promoted higher rooting (85% vs. 31% without mist) and lower death of cuttings (4% vs. 45% without mist) only of `Shawnee'. Greater number of cuttings died when taken on 15 Nov. (21%) than on 15 Dec.(6%). These findings suggest that accumulation of chilling units is an important factor to take into consideration when propagating blackberries by floricane cuttings.
Influence of Potassium and pH on the PG-mediated Hydrolysis of Pectin in Tomato Fruit Cell Wall
Authors: Chun Jong-Pil , Huber Donald J.
Published: February 2019

The catalytic capacity of tomato polygalacturonase (PG) toward soluble pectic polymers is in excess of activity expressed in vivo; however, in vitro assays of PG have traditionally been performed under conditions (pH 4.0 to 4.5, 150 mM NaCl) that likely do not reflect the apoplastic environment of ripening tomato fruit. In this study, hydrolysis of pectin by purified tomato PG (isozyme 2) was examined in response to K+ (the predominate apoplastic cation) and over the pH range from 3.0 to 6.0. In the presence of K+, PG activity toward polygalacturonic acid measured reductometrically increased nearly 3.5-fold from pH 4.0 to pH 5.5. In the presence of Na+, activity decreased 90% over the same pH range.

PG-mediated degradation of cell wall from mature-green fruit showed divergent hydrolytic patterns in response to pH and K+. At pH 4.5 in the presence of K+ (as KCl), catalysis resulted in both solubilization and extensive depolymerization of cell wall pectin, with oligomers accounting for a significant portion of the hydrolysis products. At pH 5.5, the total quantity of wall pectin released in response to PG2 was similar to that at pH 4.5; however, oligomer production was strongly suppressed at the higher pH. At pH values favoring extensive depolymerization, low mol mass products were produced at 5 mM K+ and increased to a maximum at 100 mM K+. At higher pH, hydrolysis patterns were not affected by [K+]. pH and ionic effects may contribute to the distinctive patterns of pectin hydrolysis observed for different fruits.
Effects of Temperature on the Development of Asiatic Lilies
Authors: Steininger J. , Pasian C.C.
Published: February 2019

Temperature effects the rate of development of Lilium (Asiatic hybrid). The long-term objective is to evaluate thermal units as a tool for crop timing. The objective of this work was to determine Lilium base temperature (Tb). One-hundred-ninety plants of two cultivars (`Butter Pixie' and `Horizon') were used. Phenological observations were made on plants during six plantings over a 2-year period. Developmental stages observed were: shoot visible out of the soil (SV), visible flower bud (BV), and open flower (OF). The two cultivars were grown in four different greenhouse compartments with settings at 13, 18, 24 and 27°C, respectively. During periods of extreme outdoor temperatures, actual temperature deviated from the settings. Actual temperatures were constantly monitored with copper-constantan thermocouples and stored in a datalogger. Rates of development were calculated as the inverse of the numbers of days to complete a given phenological phase. Tb values were obtained by calculating the x-interception of the linear regression describing rate of development as a function of mean air temperatures. Tb for `Butter Pixie' and `Horizon' for the entire growth cycle (SV through OF) were 0.4°C and 2.0°C respectively. The production cycle can be divided into two phases: SV–BV and BV–OF. For `Horizon', Tb for these phases were 1.4 and 1.9°C respectively. For `Butter Pixie', these Tb were 2.4 and –1.0, respectively. More observations of development at mean temperatures higher than 27°C and lower than 13°C are necessary in order to increase confidence on the obtained Tbs.
Comparison of Container Placement Patterns for Maximizing Greenhouse Space Use
Authors: Will Elizabeth , Faust James E.
Published: February 2019

A model was developed that will calculate the maximum number of containers that can be placed in a specified area. There are basically three patterns of container placement. First, “square” placement involves placing pots in parallel rows in both directions so that any four pots form a square. The other two methods involve staggered patterns in which any three containers form a triangle. In the “long staggered” pattern, the long rows are parallel to the long dimension of the bench or floor space, while in the “short staggered” pattern, long rows are parallel to the short dimension of the bench. Comparisons of spacing patterns were made using a range of greenhouse/bench dimensions and container sizes. In most cases, a staggered arrangement allowed a significant increase in the number of containers fitting on a bench as compared to square placement. For example, when 6-inch pots are placed pot-to-pot in an 8 × 50-foot greenhouse section or bench, “short staggered” or “long staggered” arrangement of containers permitted 10.4% to 11.9% more containers over that allowed by a square pattern. In general, the larger the bench or greenhouse section, the greater the benefit of staggered spacing. The difference between short and long staggered was usually less than 3%, and depended on the specific space dimensions. This model can be easily entered into a spreadsheet for growers to perform their own calculations.
Leaf Wetness Data Logger Use In Greenhouse Applications
Authors: Collins D. Clay , Newman Steven E.
Published: February 2019

The Leaf Wetness Data Logger (LWL) and accompanying Logbook software were designed by Spectrum Technologies Inc. as a low-maintenance tool to aid in disease prediction and spray scheduling for outdoor field-grown crops. The LWL mimics leaf surface moisture represented as a value between 0 (dry) and 15 (wet). We explored an expanded use of the LWL to large-scale commercial greenhouses for the purpose of humidity control and disease prevention. Data were collected over 15 days in a commercial hydroponic tomato production greenhouse and repeated. Results indicated that leaf wetness, as determined by the LWL, increased during irrigation periods, with cumulative effects dependent on daily irrigation requirements and climate. Irrigation was controlled by the climate control computer in response to cumulative radiation intensity. By analyzing leaf wetness in correlation with climatic conditions, more adequate irrigation scheduling may be implemented, reducing the risk of disease spread and infection.
The Simulation and Optimization of Greenhouse Microclimate for Energy-efficient Production
Authors: Li L-Y. , Lieth J.H.
Published: February 2019

Greenhouse crop production involves high rates of energy input to implement a greenhouse microclimate that results in high productivity levels, correct crop timing, and desired product specifications. Producing quality crops while maintaining low energy consumption is achievable through improved crop management and environment control strategies. In this study, greenhouse crops and their microclimate were treated as an integrated system that was driven by solar radiation and external energy input. A set of simulation models were developed to describe the greenhouse climate, the crop, and their dynamic interactions. The temperature and light regimes were simulated using the greenhouse energy budget under typical weather patterns. The crop model simulated growth and development of several ornamental greenhouse crops. Coupling the crop model with the greenhouse energy model resulted in a system that allows determination of optimal strategies for crop management and environmental control. This greenhouse/crop system can be used to assist growers with formulating strategies of greenhouse production management.
Response of Poinsettias to Paclobutrazol in Paint Applications
Authors: Pasian Claudio C. , Struve Daniel K.
Published: February 2019

The effectiveness of a paclobutrazol/paint mix in controlling growth of poinsettia plants (Euphorbia pulcherrima) cultivars Freedom Red and Angelica Red was evaluated. Plants were grown in containers whose interior walls were coated with a flat latex impregnated with varying concentrations of paclobutrazol: 0, 5, 20, 80, 100, 150, 200, and 300 mg·L–1 (0. 0.032, 0.128. 0.512, 0.64, 0.96, 1.28, and 1.92 mg a.i. per container, respectively). As a comparison, one treatment consisted of plants drenched with 118 ml/container of a paclobutrazol solution at 3 mg·L–1.

Plants grown in containers with the paint–paclobutrazol mix were shorter than the control plants. Treatments involving concentrations of 100 mg·L–1 or more (even as much as doubled or tripled) did not produce proportionately shorter plants. Root dry weights of plants in all treatments were not significantly different. However, the length of roots touching the internal surface of the container decreased with increasing growth regulator concentrations. This may help explain why doubling concentrations of growth regulator-in-paint does not produce proportionately shorter plants: roots start absorbing the growth regulator as soon as they touch the wall of the container. As a consequence, all root elongation is reduced, resulting in less root-growth regulator contact and less growth regulator uptake. More measurements of root length and root area are required in order to proof this hypothesis. When paclobutrazol concentrations were higher than 100 mg·L–1, some bracts showed evidence of “crinkling.”
Rapid Production of Sweetpotato Cuttings under Controlled Environment: CO2 Enrichment and Cutting Preparation Affected the Growth and Production Rates
Authors: Kozai T. , Yoshinaga K. , Kubota C.
Published: February 2019

Sweetpotato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.] has been cultivated and recognized as an important crop in many countries, including Japan. Leafy node cuttings originated from virus-free, micropropagated mother plants are widely used for propagation of sweetpotato. In the present study, plant growth and cutting propagation rates as affected by atmospheric CO2 concentration and cutting preparation (single- or multi-node cutting) were investigated. Cuttings of `Beniazuma' sweetpotato were hydroponically cultured with or without carbon dioxide enrichment (CDE) under controlled greenhouse environment. Carbon dioxide concentration inside the greenhouse was either 1000 μmol·mol–1 with CDE or 300 μmol·mol–1 without CDE. Air temperature and relative humidity were maintained at 30 ± 1C and 80 ± 10%, respectively. Growth and development rates of the cuttings were analyzed on 20th day after start of the experiment. CDE enhanced fresh and dry weights per cutting. Propagation parameters (fresh and dry weights per single mother vine, leaf development rate, and cutting propagation rate) were greater when started from single-node cuttings than from multi-node cuttings, either with or without CDE. Shoot tip removal reduced leaf development and cutting propagation rates, but it did not affect the fresh and dry weights.
Transplant Quality as Affected by Temperature, Light Intensity, and Photoperiod during Storage
Authors: Kubota C. , Seiyama S. , Sakami K. , Kozai T.
Published: February 2019

Storage techniques to hold the seedlings for several weeks prior to shipping/transplanting have been required for the successful management in plug seedling production. During storage, it is required to suppress growth and development of the seedlings as well as to preserve their transplant quality. Illumination during storage has been shown to be important for storage of high-quality transplants. In the present experiments, eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) plug seedlings, which were ready for transplanting after 3 weeks of growth under 28/20C photo-/dark period temperature, 330 μmol·m–2·s–1 photosynthetic photon flux (PPF), and 16-hr photoperiod per day, were stored for 3 to 4 weeks under combinations of different temperatures, PPF, and photoperiods. Storage air temperature affected elongation of the seedlings during 3 weeks of storage. Continuous illumination at a PPF close to the light compensation point maintained dry weight of the seedlings unchanged during storage and kept the high percent survival after storage. Storage in darkness reduced the dry weight during storage and, thus, the percent survival after storage. PPF and photoperiod were shown to be important factors in the preservation of transplant quality and suppression of growth of the seedlings during storage.
New Cultivars of Korean Mountain Ash (Sorbus alnifolia) and Its Mass Propagation in Vitro
Authors: Shim Kyung Ku , Ha Y.M. , Lee J.B. , Byun K.O. , Youn Y. , Noh E.R. , Park H.R.
Published: February 2019

New cultivars, `SKK 1' and `SKK 2', of Korean mountain ash (Sorbus alnifolia) that had superior morphological features as woody landscape plants were selected from 5000 seedlings of Sorbus alnifolia. Two clones with genetic variation were selected from 1983 to 1994 as landscape plants with large leaf and unique tree form: `SKK 1', which had large leaf and flower, and `SKK 2', with semi-weeping tree form. New selected cultivars of S. alnifolia were successfully grafted and inherited their mother characteristics. Sorbus alnifolia was difficult to propagate by cutting. Therefore, in vitro propagation methods might be used to propagate the superior cultivars. Shoots with apical and axillary buds were excised from 1-year-old seedlings. The explants were cultured on WPM supplemented with 0.5 mg/L BA. Shoots formed from initial cultures were subcultured at ≈4-week intervals onto the same media. To know the best hormone concentration in shoot multiplication, 0.1–3.0 mg/L of BA and 0.1–1.0 mg/L of zeatin were added to each WPM and MS media. The best shoot proliferation and elongation were obtained on MS medium with 1.0 mg/L BA from the whole shoot with the callus-like tissue, whereas the worst results were obtained from shoot tip. A 13-fold proliferation rate was achieved every 4 weeks.
Interspecific Hybridizations in the Family Hamamelidaceae
Authors: Pooler Margaret R. , Dix Ruth L.
Published: February 2019

Interspecific hybridizations among members of the genus Hamamelis (the witchhazels) and Corylopsis were carried out in 1993, 1994, 1995, and 1996 at the U.S. National Arboretum. Specifically, crosses involving the native witchhazel (H. vernalis and H. virginiana) and the Asian taxa (H. mollis, H. japonica, and H. × intermedia) were attempted in order to combine the ornamental qualities of the Asian species with the adaptability and fall blooming characteristics of the native species. Additionally, C. platypetala, a hardy species with small inflorescences, was crossed with C. himalaica, which has large showy inflorescences but is less hardy. Approximately 50 seedlings resulting from these crosses have been analyzed using randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers to verify interspecific hybridization. Based on these assays, we report the first incidence of controlled interspecific hybridization between the Asian and native witchhazel taxa.
Inheritance of Male Sterility in Impatiens wallerana
Authors: Lee Jaemin , Ewart Lowell C.
Published: February 2019

Most seed produced impatiens today are F1 hybrids. The seed of F1 hybrids is produced by hand-emasculation of the seed parent or the use of some types of male sterility system. The male sterility systems used in impatiens breeding have never been reported, and is proprietary information of seed companies. The objective of this study was to investigate the types of male sterility involved in impatiens. Eighteen inbreds and 14 hybrids were investigated. One sterile inbred line was selected and crossed with several inbred fertile lines for inheritance analysis. The F1 progenies were all fertile, and backcrossed to the sterile parent. The F2 and backcross populations indicate that the inheritance is controlled by a single recessive ms gene. Information concerning with a possibility of cytoplasmic-nuclear gene interaction will be discussed.
Procedures for the Determination of Lipase Activity and Percent Trivernolin in Vernonia galamensis spp. galamensis using Gas Chromatography
Authors: Sieberg M.A. , Stumpf D.K. , Ray D.T.
Published: February 2019

Vernonia galamensis spp. galamensis is a short-season oilseed plant naturally producing an epoxy fatty acid, vernolic (cis-12, 13-epoxy-cis-9, 10-octadecenoic) acid. Trivernolin, a triglyceride with three vernolic acid moieties, is the highestquality oil produced by vernonia. Industrial interest in vernonia oil includes use for metal coating and as a non-volatile oil in paint. Seed lipase causes production of free fatty acids (FFA) from triglycerides (TG) in preand post-crushed seeds, thereby decreasing the quality of vernonia oil. Consequently, production of FFA can be used as a measure of lipase activity. Our research has developed a technique for detecting the production of FFA and the accompanying diand monoglycerides. We are able to quantify FFA in relation to total seed lipid. FFA were measured at time of crushing and at selected time intervals thereafter. This allowed us to assess FFA in intact seeds and in seeds that have been crushed with the lipase able to hydrolyze the TG. Significant differences were found between accessions for all times tested. This procedure was developed to enable us to screen plants in our breeding program for seed lipase activity. We are also screening our germplasm for triglyceride composition to select those plants producing the highest percentage of trivernolin. We will use this data to describe the genetics of both traits.
Influence of Fertility on Plant Growth and Postharvest Quality of Pot Sunflowers
Authors: Dasoju Shravan K. , Whipker Brian E.
Published: February 2019

Pot sunflowers (Helianthus annuus cv. `Pacino') were fertigated on ebband-fl ow benches with 100 or 200 mg·liter–1 of N to determine the influence of fertility level on plant growth and postharvest quality in interior conditions. The fertilization rates were held constant from potting until day 45, then the fertilization rates were continued, decreased, or ceased on day 45 and day 55, giving a combination of nine fertilization subtreatments. At bloom, the number of days from potting to flowering, plant height, plant diameter, flower diameter were recorded, and the root medium of five replicates per treatment were analyzed to determine the nutrient status. Five replicates of each treatments also were moved into interior conditions with artificial lighting and were graded 5, 10, and 15 days after moving to evaluate the postharvest quality. There was no significant difference among fertilizer treatments for the number of days to flower, plant height, or flower diameter. Plants fertilized with 100 mg·liter–1 N from potting until day 45, in combination with a ceasing of fertilization on day 55, had significantly better plant grades when compared to plants grown with 200 mg·liter–1 N. Plants fertigated with 100 mg·liter–1 N also had a longer postharvest life and the number of days before the flowers wilted were significantly longer. Good-quality plants with longer postharvest life were produced with 100 mg·liter–1 N and by terminating fertilization 55 days after potting.
Response of Three Poinsettia Cultivars to Root Media Containing Coal Bottom Ash
Authors: Gibson James , Bearce Bradford C.
Published: February 2019

Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima Willd. Ex Klotsch) cultivars `Dynasty Red', Nutcracker Pink', and `Annette Hegg Topwhite' were planted in 15-cm azalea pots containing peat: vermiculite (1:1, v:v) in which coal bottom ash sieved through 6-mm mesh was mixed in proportions of 0%, 25%, or 50% by volume. Planting date was 23 July 1996, and pinch date was 25 Aug. Harvest date at anthesis was 16 Dec. Plant heights of all cultivars were increased in the ash media. L, a, and b, values measured with a Minolta CR-200 chroma meter differed very slightly among ash levels within cultivars. Mean per plant bract cluster count was very similar among ash levels and cultivars. Mean diameter of largest bract cluster was increased above that of 0% coal ash plants for `Topwhite' plants in 50% coal ash media. Mean per plant dry weights of all three cultivars were increased over those of control plants in both 25% and 50% coal ash media. Media pH increased with increase in ash, while EC tended to decrease. Media available Ca increased with ash increase, while Mg decreased and the same pattern was noted for leaf tissue Ca and Mg. This was probably due to release of Ca from the ash, which contains about 10% Ca oxides. Tissue levels of Ca and Mg were within acceptable ranges; however, K levels also declined in plant tissue to suboptimal levels with plants in ash media.
High Soluble Salts Affects Water Loss and Bract Necrosis of Poinsettia
Authors: Bible Bernard B. , McAvoy Richard J.
Published: February 2019

`Angelika White' poinsettias (Euphoria pulcherrima Willd.ex. Klotzch) were grown hydroponically with modified Hoagland's solution concentrations of 2 or 8 mS·cm-1. The 8-mS·cm–1 rate was imposed by proportionate increases in Ca(NO3)2, KNO3, and MgSO4. Water use, whole plant fresh mass, and pan evaporation were measured gravimetrically twice weekly over a 2-week period beginning 12 Oct. 1995. Poinsettia leaf water loss (g H2O/dm2 of estimated leaf area per day) was 0.30 and 0.22 times pan evaporation (g H2O/dm2 of pan area per day) for the plants in the 2 and 8 mS·cm–1 solutions, respectively (a 25% reduction in water loss for plants in the 8 mS·cm–1 solution), as compared to plants in the 2 mS·cm–1 solution. At initial anthesis, a reciprocal transfer of plants between the 2 and 8 mS·cm–1 solutions was used to investigate the time when plants were sensitive to high soluble salts for bract necrosis. Other plants were maintained throughout the experiment in the 2 and 8 mS·cm–1 solutions. On 15 Jan. 1996, plants were harvested and total lamina surface of leaves and bracts, number of necrotic bracts, and dry mass of leaves, bracts, stems, and roots were recorded. The results indicated that exposure to high soluble salts (8 mS·cm–1) prior to anthesis significantly increased the percent incidence of bract necrosis and decreased root growth. The smaller the root dry mass as a percent of total plant dry mass the greater the incidence of bract necrosis (Y = 0.0972X2 – 3.78X + 38.7, r2 = 0.69).
Plant and Pinch Number for Alternative Hanging Basket Crops Affect Quality and Scheduling
Authors: Starman Terri Woods , Williams Millie S. , Faust James E.
Published: February 2019

The objective was to determine the optimum number of plants and the number of pinches required to market a basket for hanging basket production using alternative floriculture species. The number of plants per pot varied from one to four, and the number of manual pinches per basket ranged from 0 to 2. Several species were evaluated in spring of 1996 and heat tolerance was assessed throughout the summer. Plugs (50–95 plugs per flat) were transplanted into 25-cm hanging baskets in a 22/18°C (venting/night temperature set points) glasshouse. Three to four plants were necessary for Scaevola aemula `Fancy Fan Falls' and Evolvulus glomeratus `Blue Daze' to produce a marketable basket. One plant per pot was sufficient for Abutilon hybrid `Apricot', Portulaca oleraceae `Apricot', and Tibouchina `Spanish Shaw' without sacrificing quality; however, an additional 1 to 3 weeks production time was needed in comparison to the four plants per pot treatment. Abutilon and Portulaca required one pinch, while Tibouchina did not require pinching. All plants × pinch combinations produced quality baskets with Sutera cordata `Mauve Mist' and Diascia hybrid `Ruby Fields'; therefore, production methods should be based on growers' scheduling and cost analysis. Abutilon, Evolvulus, Portulaca, Scaevola, and Tibouchina performed well in hanging baskets throughout the summer. Two species in the trial, Orthosiphon stamineus `Lavender' and Tabernamontana coronaria, displayed upright growth habits and would be best for uses other than hanging basket production.
Cell-pack Size and Spacing Requirements for the Transplanted Floral Meadow
Authors: Hahne Kathryn S. , Harkess Richard L.
Published: February 2019

The Transplanted Floral Meadow is a culture technique designed to provide an herbaceous planting of continuous seasonal bloom beginning about 1 month after transplanting to the landscape. The technique requires little or no maintenance once the plants have become established. The meadow consists of a seed mix of annual flowers that are started in the greenhouse in mixed plugs and transplanted to the landscape. In this study, plugs of the annual transplanted floral meadow seed mix were started by broadcasting the seed mix over flats of standard nursery cell-packs filled with a commercial growing medium. The plugs were grown in the greenhouse and transplanted to plots 4 weeks after sowing at 30 × 30-, 30 × 45-, or 30 × 60-cm spacing. The plug sizes used were 801, 1801, 804, or 1804 cell-packs. The plugs were transplanted to 2.25-m2 plots with three replications, each plot being a replication. Plug size and spacing were evaluated based on the rate of canopy closure measured biweekly as the amount of photosynthetically active radiation penetrating the canopy. Close transplant spacing with large plug sizes provided the quickest site coverage. The 1801 and 801 plug sizes provided the greatest species diversity. The 1804 plug size reduced the number of seedlings present at the time of transplanting and did not cover the site until late in the season. The 801 and 1801 plug sizes at 30 × 30or 30 × 45-cm spacing resulted in the best floral display. The results of this research will be used to standardize the transplanted floral meadow technique for use as a new product in the nursery trade.
Yield and Quality of `Anna' Apple Trees (Malus domestica L.) in Response to Foliar Application of Ascobine and Citrine Fertilizers
Authors: Ahmed F.F. , Akl A.M. , Gobara A.A. , Monsour A.E.M.
Published: February 2019

The beneficial effect on yield and quality of `Anna' apple fruits for the application of ascobine at 0.1% and citrine at 0.6% was studied during 1995 and 1996. Results showed that two citrine sprays at start of growth and 30 days later of ascobine at 0.1% or citrine at 0.6% were of material promotion effect on yield, fruit weight, total soluble solids, and total sugars, while reducing the total acidity. Both fertilizers were equally very effective in all the studied characters. The most striking and promising treatment was the application of ascobine at 0.1% or citrine at 0.6% twice during the growing season; i.e., growth start at 30 days later.
The Beneficial Effects of Biofertilizers for `Red Roomy' Grapevines (Vitis vinifera L.): 1. The Effect of Growth and Nutritional Status
Authors: Ahmed F.F. , Akl A.M. , El-Morsy F.M. , Ragab M.A.
Published: February 2019

Four biofertilizers (active dry yeast, phosphorene, rhizobacterium, and nitrobein) were used to fertilize `Red Roomy' grapevines. Growth and nutritional status of the vines as affected by such fertilizers during 1995 and 1996 were studied. Results showed that fertilizing the vine with all biofertilizers caused a material improvement in shoot length, leaf area, and cane thickness, and effectively enhance the nutritional status of the vines. The favorable effects of such fertilizers were in the following descending order: phosphorene, rhizobacterium, nitrobein, and active dry yeast. A great increase on growth and nutritional status of `Red Roomy' grapevines occurred as a result of supplying the vines with phosphorene or rhizobacterium as good, new biofertilizers.
Lactic Fermentation of Carrot Root Shred under Low Oxygen
Authors: Kato-Noguchi Hisashi
Published: February 2019

Glycolysis has been shown to accelerate in many plant species, and the glycolytic pathway was considered to replace the Krebs cycle as the main source of energy when O2 becomes limiting. The increase in glycolytic flux is accompanied by the accumulation of glycolytic end products, including ethanol and lactate. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) has been isolated from several plant sources; however, there is very little work reported on LDH induction during anaerobiosis and no information is available on the long-term effect of low O2 atmosphere on lactic fermentation in carrot (Daucus carota L.) roots. To understand the regulation of metabolism of lactic fermentation, carrot root shreds were stored under a continuous flow of 0.5% and 2% O2 (balance N2), or air at 5°C and 15°C. The concentration of lactate and the activity of LDH increased rapidly, reached peaks after 2 days, and then gradually decreased. The maximum increase level of LDH was 2.8-, 2.1-, 2.0-, and 1.6-fold; that of lactate was 5.6-, 3.8-, 2.9-, and 2.6-fold for 0.5% O2 at 15°C and 5°C, and 2% O2 AT 15°C and 5°C, respectively, compared with corresponding air control. These results indicate that the lactic fermentation was more accelerated in 0.5% O2 than 2% O2 atmosphere, and more accelerated at the higher storage temperature than the lower one. However, ethanol accumulation, which was found in the carrots under the same low-O2 atmosphere, was much more than lactate accumulation. Thus, carrot roots possess LDH, which appears under low-O2 atmosphere, but lactic fermentation may be a minor carbon flux compared to ethanolic fermentation.
The Relationship between Ca Uptake and Firmness in Cucumber Fruit
Authors: Park S.W. , Chi S.H.
Published: February 2019

During nutrient solution culture of cucumber, paclobutrazol (PBZ) promoted the Ca uptake and accumulation of cucumber fruit, but significantly inhibited the shoot growth. In the medium and stem parts of the smaller cucumber fruits treated by PBZ, Ca uptake and accumulation were vigorous but in the blossom part did not do so. PBZ was effective in the maintenance of firmness in the smaller fruits. PBZ was an effective growth regulating chemical for Ca uptake of cucumber plant and storability of cucumber fruit. This Ca accumulated in cucumber fruit reduced loss of firmness during postharvest ripening, but led to the decrease of marketable fruit per plant, as well as productivity. To solve this problem, the direct application of Ca was conducted after anthesis. Foliar treatment of Ca on leaf area around fruit was ineffective in Ca uptake, but its direct application on fruit itself increased the concentration of Ca in fruit. The cucumber fruit that Ca was accumulated by direct application maintained the firmness longer after harvest.
Surface Energies of Tomato and Bell Pepper Cultivars
Authors: Cisneros-Zevallos L. , Saltveit M.E. , Krochta J.M.
Published: February 2019

Fruit processing treatments, such as osmotic dehydration, washing, aqueous dips and coatings applications, and even microbial adhesion, depend critically on the surface energy of surfaces. Knowledge of these values can be used as reference targets for treatment formulations when complete wetting is necessary. Unripened and ripened tomato cultivars, `Ace' and `Castlemart', and bell pepper cultivars `California Wonder' and `Garden Sunshine' were characterized by color, firmness, and soluble solids, and evaluated for their surface energy. Calculated surface energy was obtained using Fowkes' equation by measuring contact angles of a series of pure surfactants of different HLB values on the fruit surface and by comparing with a reference paraffin surface of 25.5 dynes/cm. Results indicated that surface energies were similar between both types of fruits, while there were differences between maturity stages for tomato fruits. Surface energy in all cases was lower than 30 dynes/cm, indicating the hydrophobic nature of the epicuticular surface of the fruits tested.
High-temperature Short-time Thermal Processing of Bean Flour to Remove Raw Bean Flavor
Authors: Smith D.A. , Metz M.L. , Cuppett S.L.
Published: February 2019

Dry edible beans (Phaseolis vulgaris) represent an inexpensive way to incorporate protein into the diet as a food ingredient, but beans contain unpleasant flavors and several anti-nutritional factors that limit their use without first processing with long heat treatments. `Great Northern' bean flour was processed using either static or specially designed dynamic (continuous) processing methods. The dynamic process treated flour slurries at temperatures up to 124°for 20 sec. The slurries were quick-frozen and freeze-dried after frozen storage periods of 0, 8, 24, 120, or 504 hr. The flours were analyzed for sensory properties, emulsifying activity, foaming properties, and trypsin inhibition. The heat treatments improved sensory attributes of the flour. The foam capacity and foam stability decreased in heat-treated flours. Trypsin inhibitor activity was at a minimum level immediately following thermal processing, but increased with time in frozen storage prior to drying. Minimal thermal processes cannot be relied upon to inactivate trypsin inhibitors.
Production of Cowpea Green Pods for Processing
Authors: Gonzalez A.R. , Smith D.E. , Mauromoustakos A. , Davis M.
Published: February 2019

A study was conducted to evaluate the possibility of producing and processing immature cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) green pods by using the same technology used for green beans (Phaseolus vulgaris). The cowpea cultivar Bettersnap developed for green pod production and the green bean cultivars Benton and OSU-5402 were produced under the same cultural conditions. `Bettersnap' yielded less than 0.5 ton/ha, while `Benton' and `OSU-5402' produced about 2.5 ton/ha in once-over simulated mechanical harvest. `Bettersnap' had long vines and dense foliage, which resulted in plants with more width and less erectness than `Benton', the predominant green bean cultivar. Uneven pod setting and long pods (23.8 cm) in `Bettersnap' constitute potential problem for mechanical harvest. Canned cowpea pods of sieves 2 and 3 had darker green color, smaller seeds, and higher shear value, fiber content, and sloughing than green bean pods. Our study indicates that there is a need to develop cultivars with high yield potential and concentrated pod setting adapted to mechanical harvest with pods containing less fiber and less tendency to sloughing.
Interactive Effects of Light and CO2 on Photosynthesis and Growth of Brassica spp.
Authors: Kossowski Jan M. , Wolfe David W.
Published: February 2019

Long- and short-term physiological responses of pak choi (Chinese cabbage, Brassica campestris cv. `Hypro') to elevated CO2 and light environments were evaluated in the series of growth chamber experiments. Plants were grown hydroponically (Nutrient Film Technique) at 25/18°C (day/night) temperature, a 16-h photoperiod, and at three CO2 levels (350, 700, 1400 ppm) and two light levels (200 and 400 μmol·m–2·s–1 PPFD). Relative to 350-ppm CO2 treatment, the final total plant dry mass in low light increased by 37% and 38% at 700 and 1400 ppm CO2, respectively. In high light the increase was 7% and 13% at 700 and 1400 ppm CO2, respectively. Light response curves showed a positive CO2 effect on light compensation point, a slight increase in quantum yield and increase in maximum Pn rates at elevated CO2. Carbon dioxide response curves (measured at saturating PPFD of 1600 μmol·m–2·s–1) showed no effect of growth light treatment on the CO2 compensation point, but a 20% to 30% higher maximum Pn rate at saturating CO2 in plants grown at the higher light level. Overall, the highest Pn rates and the highest plant dry mass at final harvest were found in plants grown at the 400 μmol·m–2·s–1 PPFD and 1400 ppm CO2. Relative beneficial CO2 effects, however, were the most pronounced in low light conditions.
Partnering of U.K. and Kentucky Division of Forestry in Woody Plant Education
Authors: Witt M.L. , Fountain W.M. , Geneve R.L. , Olszowy D.L.
Published: February 2019

America the Beautiful and Urban and Community Forestry grant programs, part of the expanded Forestry Title of the 1990 Farm Bill, authorized funding to encourage citizen involvement in creating and supporting long-term and sustained urban and community forestry programs. U.K. Woody Ornamental scientists and the KY Division of Forestry Urban Forestry Coordinator planned and implemented the following educational programs to this end: 1) comprehensive training manual on Managing Trees in the Urban Environment, including a guide for the care and protection of trees, grant application, and managing of volunteers; 2) three publications on small, medium-sized, and large trees for urban spaces; 3) interactive hypertext version of tree selector publications; 4) statewide workshops on Trees in Communities; 5) annual statewide Urban Forestry Short Course; 5) Plant Health Care and Hazard Trees workshops for arborists. The comprehensive program brings city planners, government personnel, public work's personnel, arborists, builders and developers, horticulturists and landscape architects, tree board members, homeowners' associations, Master Gardeners, and other community volunteers together to support quality programming for preservation and enhancement of valuable natural resource of trees.
1996 Ornamental Research Program of IR-4
Authors: Frank J. Ray
Published: February 2019

More than 14,000 ornamental research trials have been conducted in this program since 1977. This extensive research program has led to more than 4900 label registrations for fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, nematicides, and plant growth regulators. During 1996 alone, 890 ornamental label registrations were obtained. This cooperative program is conducted by federal and state workers in cooperation with the green industry,including growers of floral, forestry, nursery, and turf crops. Registrations are also developed for the commercial landscape and the interior plantscape.
Early Flowering Pollenizers for Improved Yield and Quality of Gynoecious Pickling Cucumbers
Authors: Wehner Todd C.
Published: February 2019

Most gynoecious hybrid cucumbers (Cucumis sativus L.) grown in the U.S. require pollination for proper fruit set. Early flowering pollenizers may help yield, earliness, or quality. Two experiments were run to measure the value of early pollenizers using fields isolated from other cucumbers by at least 1 km. The first experiment used `Armstrong Early Cluster' and `Sumter' as the early and normal pollenizer, with 30 and 35 days to flower, respectively. Gy 2, Gy 3, Gy 4, and Gy 14 were used as the gynoecious pickling cucumbers. The experiment was run in 2 years (1994, 1995) and seven locations in North Carolina with two pollenizers and the four gynoecious inbreds. There were four replications of plots within each whole plot to help control variability inherent in an experiment where treatments are in separate fields. The second experiment had only 1 year (1996), but the same seven locations, four replications, and four gynoecious inbreds, but only one pollenizer (`Sumter') planted at the same time, or 2 weeks earlier than the gynoecious lines. Plots were harvested once when 30% of the fruits were >50 mm diameter. None of the differences in either experiment were significant (F-ratio test, 10% level). Therefore, it does not appear that use of early flowering pollenizers in blends with gynoecious pickling cucumbers will have a large effect on the yield, earliness, or internal quality of the crop.
Barriers to Gene Transfer in an Interspecific Cucurbita Cross
Authors: Robinson R.W.
Published: February 2019

Cucurbita ecuadorensis is a valuable source of multiple virus resistance. It is resistant to zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV), papaya ringspot virus (PRSV), watermelon mosaic virus, tobacco ringspot virus, squash mosaic virus, and cucumber mosaic virus (CMV). Its virus resistance can be transferred to squash and pumpkin, but sterility barriers must be overcome. The cross Cucurbita maxima× C. ecuadorensis can readily be made, and there is no need for embryo culture. Pollen fertility of the hybrid is somewhat reduced, but sufficient for producing F2 seed. Segregation for sterility occurs in the F2, but selection can be made for fertile plants that are homozygous for virus resistance. Cucurbita ecuadorensis is much more distantly related to C. pepo than to C. maxima, and there are more formidable barriers in this interspecific cross. The cross is very difficult to make with some C. pepo cultivars, but other cultivars are more compatible. Viable seed were not produced, but hybrid plants were obtained by embryo culture. Although both parents were monoecious, the hybrid was gynoecious. Male flower formation was induced by treating the hybrid with Ag or GA, but they were male-sterile. F2 seed was not obtained, but backcross seed was easily produced by using the interspecific hybrid as the maternal parent in crosses with C. pepo. The most refractory barrier was achieving homozygosity for ZYMV resistance. Disturbed segregation occurred in succeeding generations and the progeny of most resistant plants segregated and were not uniform for resistance. This and other barriers to interspecific gene exchange were overcome and a summer squash variety homozygous for resistance to ZYMV, PRSV, and CMV is being released this year.
Response of Mamey Sapote (Pouteria sapota) Fruits to Postharvest Exogenous Ethylene Applications
Authors: Diaz-Perez Juan C. , Bautista S. , Arenas M. , Evangelista S. , Arce R.
Published: February 2019

There are very few postharvest studies about the mamey sapote fruits. The lack of appropriate harvest indexes for this crop result in fruits having a wide variability in maturity after harvest. Fruit skin shows no apparent changes in color as maturity progresses. Another complication results from harvesting the fruit with long poles, which restricts the harvester from touching the fruit to evaluate fruit softening. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of exogenous ethylene applications to fruits on increasing the uniformity of fruit maturity. Fruits were harvested every 2 weeks over a 4-month period. Fruit harvest was initiated 8 weeks before the estimated ripening day. Fruits were treated by immersion for 1 min in an ethephon solution at 0, 500, or 1000 mg·liter–1 and stored at 20°C (65% RH) for 4 or 8 days. After the storage period, fruits were analyzed for fruit firmness, color (external and internal), pH, titratable acidity, soluble solids content, ascorbic acid, and starch. Postharvest exogenous applications of ethylene stimulated postharvest ripening of the mamey sapote fruits. Ripening was associated to fruit softening, a change in pulp color from a pale pink to an intense pink color, and an increase in SSC. Fruit response to exogenous ethylene applications was small in immature fruits and increased as fruits approached the ripe stage, and decreased again in over-ripe fruits. In conclusion, postharvest applications of ethylene increased both fruit earliness and maturity uniformity in fruits.