bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome relationships and LTR-retrotransposon diversity in three cultivated Capsicum L. (Solanaceae) species
Authors: Assis Rafael de , Baba Viviane Yumi , Cintra Leonardo Adabo , Gonçalves Leandro Simões Azeredo , Rodrigues Rosana , Vanzela Andre
Published: October 2019

Background: Plant genomes are rich in repetitive sequences, and Transposable Elements (TE, mobile fraction) are the most accumulated of them. This mobile fraction can be divided into Class I (retrotransposons) and Class II (transposons). Retrotransposons that are transposed using an intermediated RNA and accumulate in a “copy-and-paste” way have been screened in three completely sequenced genomes of peppers (Solanaceae family). The goal of this study was to understand the genome relationships among Capsicum annuum , C. chinense and C. baccatum , based on a comparative analysis of function, diversity and the chromosome distribution of TE lineages in the Capsicum karyotypes. Due to the great commercial importance of pepper in natura , as a spice or as an ornamental plant, these genomes have been widely sequenced, and all the assemblies are available in the SolGenomics group. These sequences have been used to compare all repetitive fractions from a cytogenomic point of view.
Results: The qualification and quantification of LTR-RT families are contrasted with molecular cytogenetics data, and the results show a strong genome similarity between C. annuum and C. chinense , compared to C. baccatum . The Gypsy superfamily is more abundant than Copia , especially for Tekay/Del family members, including a high representation in C. annuum and C. chinense . On the other hand, C. baccatum accumulates more Athila/Tat sequences. The FISH results show retrotransposons differentially scattered along chromosomes, with the exception of CRM family sequences, which mainly have a proximal accumulation associated with heterochromatin bands.
Conclusions: The results confirm a close genomic relationship between C. annuum and C. chinense in comparison to C. baccatum, displaying only centromeric GC-rich bands associated with the accumulation of CRM elements, whereas terminal and subterminal AT- and GC-rich bands do not correspond to the accumulation of the retrotransposons in the three Capsicum species tested here.
Whole genome sequencing of Borrelia miyamotoi isolate Izh-4: reference for a complex bacterial genome
Authors: Kuleshov Konstantin V. , Margos Gabriele , Fingerle Volker , Koetsveld Joris , Goptar Irina A. , Markelov Mikhail L. , Kolyasnikova Nadezhda M. , Sarksyan Denis S. , Kirdyashkina Nina P. , Shipulin German A. , Hovius Joppe W. , Platonov Alexander E.
Published: October 2019

Background The genus Borrelia comprises spirochaetal bacteria maintained in natural transmission cycles by tick vectors and vertebrate reservoir hosts. The main groups are represented by a species complex including the causative agents of Lyme borreliosis and relapsing fever group Borrelia . Borrelia miyamotoi belongs to the relapsing-fever group of spirochetes and forms distinct populations in North America, Asia, and Europe. As all Borrelia species B. miyamotoi possess an unusual and complex genome consisting of a linear chromosome and a number of linear and circular plasmids. The species is considered a relatively new human pathogen and an increasing number of human cases are being described in the Northern hemisphere. The aim of this study was to produce a high quality reference genome that will facilitate future studies into genetic differences between different populations and the genome plasticity of B. miyamotoi . Results We used multiple available sequencing methods, including Pacific Bioscience single-molecule real-time technology (SMRT) and Oxford Nanopore technology (ONT) supplemented with highly accurate Illumina sequences, to explore the suitability for whole genome assembly of the Russian B. miyamotoi isolate, Izh-4. Plasmids were typed according to their potential plasmid partitioning genes (PF32, 49, 50, 57/62). Comparing and combining results of both long-read methods (SMRT and ONT), we determined that the genome of the Izh-4 consisted of one linear chromosome, 12 linear and two circular plasmids. Whilst the majority of plasmids had corresponding assembly fragments in the Asian B. miyamotoi isolate FR64b, there were only four that matched plasmids of the North American isolate CT13-2396, indicating differences between B. miyamotoi populations. Several plasmids, e.g. lp41, lp29, lp23, and lp24, were found to carry variable major proteins. Amongst those were variable large proteins (Vlp) subtype Vlp-α, Vlp-γ, Vlp-δ and also Vlp-β. Phylogenetic analysis of common plasmids types showed the uniqueness in Russian/Asian isolates of B. miyamotoi compared to other isolates. Conclusions We here describe the genome of a Russian B. miyamotoi clinical isolate, providing a solid basis for future comparative genomics of B. miyamotoi isolates. This will be a great impetus for further basic, molecular and epidemiological research on this emerging tick-borne pathogen.
The Future of the Field: Highlighting Graduate Student Work in Ukrainian Studies
Authors: Pickett Nathaniel Ray
Published: October 2019

Guest editor's introduction to the special thematic section "Platforma: New Frontiers in Ukrainian Studies."
Language Use and Language Attitude among Ukrainian Canadians on the Prairies: An Ethnographic Analysis
Authors: Halko-Addley Ashley , Khanenko-Friesen Natalia
Published: October 2019

Utilizing an ethnographic perspective and oral history interviews, the article examines Ukrainian language usage among Ukrainian Canadians in Western Canada based on a content analysis of one hundred extended “life histories” recorded in Saskatchewan and Alberta in 2002-03 for the project Sociocultural Change amongst the Ukrainian Canadians on the Prairies: An Oral History. The discussion here focuses on language use and language attitude among the English-speaking participants. This article considers the entire project data but focuses on a pre-selected sample of ten interviews and examines the correlation between language attitude and community participation. It is asserted that increased community participation brings about changes in the attitudes held by Ukrainian Canadians toward the Ukrainian language in Western Canada. The authors argue that the use of the Ukrainian language in Western Canada unfolds within two domains of cultural practice—habitual and performative, and two functions of language use are identified and discussed—practical/pragmatic and symbolic/ideological.
Shouldn’t, Wouldn’t, Couldn’t? Analyzing the Involvement of Oligarchs’ Philanthropy Foundations in the Ukrainian Protests of 2013-14
Authors: Söderbaum Hanna
Published: October 2019

This article analyzes the agency of wealthy businessmen-politicians’ philanthropy foundations during the Ukrainian Maidan protests of 2013-14 in which crowdfunding and grassroots mobilization constituted key distinctive features. As the role of these philanthropy foundations remains obscure, this article aims to bridge this gap in our knowledge of Ukrainian politics and society. The protesters strived to achieve social change and democratization similar to what was being purported by wealthy businessmen-politicians’ foundations during the years leading up to the protests. However, since the protesters specified one particular aim as “de-oligarchization,” the involvement of these organizations is puzzling. What did these foundations do at this critical point? To what extent can their actions or inactions be explained by the institutional and framework constraints of the foundations, the strategies of the wealthy businessmen-politicians behind the foundations, and the lack of the foundations’ legitimacy in the eyes of the civic sector activists? The analysis covers different types of foundation and is based on semi-structured interviews involving the foundations’ representatives, think-and-do tank analysts, and Maidan activists, over the years 2011 to 2017. The findings show that the organizational entities were largely directed by their respective founders. This indicates a dependence of the philanthropic organization on the political affiliation of the founder, rather than on the framed ambition of the foundation. Similar to the impact of philanthropic organizations in other institutional contexts, the impact of philanthropy foundations on the Maidan social movement proved marginal. Since oligarchs could not be invisible during the political turmoil, they tried to retain a position from which they could deny responsibility for specific actions. The logic of commitment compensation and the logic of flexibility advanced by Markus and Charnysh proved useful for analyzing the strategies of these businessmen-politicians.
Review of Oleksandr Shyshko. To Get Ukraine: A Report from Inside the Country, for Those Looking On from the Outside.
Authors: Henzelmann Martin
Published: October 2019

Book review of Oleksandr Shyshko. To Get Ukraine: A Report from Inside the Country, for Those Looking On from the Outside. Translated by Huw Davies, Glagoslav Publications, 2015. 252 pp. €19.99, paper.
Review of Marci Shore. The Ukrainian Night: An Intimate History of Revolution.
Authors: Zychowicz Jessica
Published: October 2019

Book review of Marci Shore. The Ukrainian Night: An Intimate History of Revolution. Yale UP, 2017. xxiv, 296 pp. Maps. Dictionary of Translatable and Untranslatable Words. Notes. $26.00, cloth.
Review of Serhiy Bilenky. Imperial Urbanism in the Borderlands: Kyiv, 1800-1905.
Authors: Baumann Fabian
Published: October 2019

Book review of Serhiy Bilenky. Imperial Urbanism in the Borderlands: Kyiv, 1800-1905. U of Toronto P, 2018. xxii, 490 pp. Maps. Illustrations. Tables. Chart. Notes. Selected Bibliography. Index. $95.00, cloth.
In Vitro Rooting Vitis Single-node Cuttings
Authors: Basinger Ashley , Durham Richard
Published: October 2019

Current propagation techniques for grapevine rootstocks involve rooting cuttings from dormant or actively growing canes and require relatively large amounts of propagation wood. We report an alternative method involving high-frequency, in vitro rooting of single-node cuttings that can be used when limited amounts of plant material are available. Propagation material was taken from greenhouse-grown plants of Vitis arizonica, V. treleasei, and V. treleasei interspecific hybrids (with V. acerifolia, V. arizonica, and/or V. doaniana) collected from the wild in New Mexico. Shoots were cut into one-node sections and surface sterilized in 25% commercial bleach for 10 minutes followed by three rinses in sterile water. The cuttings were placed on media containing half-strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) salts, MS vitamins, 20 g·L-1 sucrose, 2 g·L-1 phytagel, pH 5.8. The cuttings were incubated at 27 °C under a 16-hour photoperiod. Vitis vinifera `Cabernet Sauvignon' and `Chardonnay' were also rooted under similar conditions. All genotypes investigated rooted, but with varying frequency. Particular selections from the genotypes collected from the wild rooted at high frequency (>84% of cuttings rooted), while 66% of `Cabernet Sauvignon' and `Chardonnay' cuttings rooted. Plants were successfully established in the greenhouse. In vitro rooting of single-node cuttings appears to be a valid alternative for grapevine propagation.
Applying Conservation Horticulture to Save Hibiscus dasycalyx, the Neches River Rose Mallow
Authors: Parish Dawn , Creech D.
Published: October 2019

In 1995, the SFA Arboretum initiated a “three Rs”—rescue, research, and reintroduction—endangered plants program, a conservation horticulture strategy that links the Arboretum with the goals of the Texas Parks and Wildlife, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, and other conservation agencies. The program includes two tiers of activity: 1) a 1-acre endangered plants theme garden in the SFA Arboretum for germplasm studies and educating the public, and 2) “introduction” research plots at Mill Creek Gardens, a 119-acre conservation easement 6 miles west of Nacogdoches, Tex. This paper reports on an “introduction” study of one of the most endangered endemics in East Texas, the Neches River rose mallow, Hibiscus dasycalyx. A randomized complete-block design with three blocks and four plants per replication was established in Dec. 1995, in a full-sun wetland planting at Mill Creek Gardens. Two mulching regimes (with and without) and four rates of slow-release 13-13-13 were applied at planting and again in Mar. 1996. Data collected in 1996 and 1997 included number of stems, flowering, and the weight of all aboveground growth harvested after the first frosts in both years. After 2 years, 1) 80% survival across all treatments with losses primarily in the wettest portions of the plots, 2) mulch influences are nonsignificant, and 3) plant response to slow-release fertilizer is significant with medium and high rates favored for “at-planting” application.
The Use of Interactive Television in Graduate Education
Authors: Storey J. Benton
Published: October 2019

Interactive television was successfully used in the fall semester, 1997, to teach a graduate course on nutrition of horticultural plants to resident students at TAMU—College Station and distance education students at TAMU—Commerce, TAMU—Texarkana, and Tarleton State Univ. These campuses are connected with fiber-optic telephone lines, which constitutes the Trans-Texas Video Conference Network. This medium was used by county extension agents, who are working toward graduate degrees, to progress toward graduation and a higher salary. The lab portion of the course was taught on the College Station campus, but distance sites received only the lecture portion with an option to come to College Station in the summer to take the lab as a separate 1-hour, week-long course.
Performance of New Muscadine Cultivars and Selections in Mississippi
Authors: Gupton Creighton L. , Smith Barbara J.
Published: October 2019

Eight cultivars, including five recent releases, five selections from the Florida AES, and 16 selections from the Georgia AES were planted in the muscadine germplasm working collection at McNeil, Miss., in 1992. All cultivars and one replication of the selections were evaluated in 1997. None of the new cultivars yielded as much as `Fry', the standard fresh fruit cultivar. The percent dry picking scar of `Dixie' and `Fry' was low. `Tara', `Polyanna', and `Fry' produced the largest berries. Percent soluble solids was lowest in `Fry', `Nesbitt', and `Alachua' but highest in `Dixie' berries. `Fry', `Alachua', and `Polyanna' had the lowest and the other cultivars did not differ in number of seed per berry. One selection, 33-1-4, appeared to have the qualities of a potential cultivar. Incidence and severity of berry rots were generally low.
Recovery of Declined Pear Tree Vitality through Grafting with Scions from a Vigorous Cultivar
Authors: Lin Hsin-Shan , Lin Jia-Shing
Published: October 2019

Taiwan, located in subtropic regions, naturally is not an ideal region for temperate-zone fruit trees' production due to the supra-optimum temperature, heavy rainfall, and higher relative humidity in summer and insufficient chilling in winter. Higher relative humidity and temperature in summer and autumn months cause excessive vegetative growth, resulting in poor flowerbud initiation and formation. Typhoon invasions result in the severe damage of twigs as well as the loss of quality and yield of fruits. In order to overcome these natural barriers, Hengshan (Pyrus serotina Rehd.) pear has been selected as a major cultivar for lowlands in Taiwan. It has low-chilling requirement and higher temperature tolerance. Branches of Hengshan are pulled and tied to a horizontal wire net to adapt to the environmental status. This trellis system enhances flowerbud initiation through the retardation of vegetative growth. It also induces numerous water shoots. Scions from high-chilling cultivars grown at a high altitude on mountains are grafted onto water shoots of Hengshan pear trees. The system has been successful in the production of both high-chilling pears in June and the Hengshan pears in August, and has made production of both pears an important industry in Taiwan. Heavy load and trellis systems, however, result in hastening the senescence of Hengshan trees. Vitality of trees could be restored by grafting scions from a vigorous cultivar, P. koehnei, onto the terminal position of the branches. The practice resulted in several advantages including: 1) uniform growth of branches, 2) redistribution of water shoots, 3) inducing formation of calluses on old damaged trunks, 4) quick recovery of mealybug-damaged branches, 5) rejuvenation of branches, and 6) termination of dormancy.
Effects of Amisorb on Muskmelon and Bell Pepper
Authors: Baker Jeffrey T. , Dainello Frank J. , Earhart D. Ron
Published: October 2019

The active ingredient of a product known as “AmiSorb” is carpramid, a long-chained polyaspartate polymer. This product is currently being marketed as a soil or irrigation water applied nutrient absorption enhancer for vegetable crops. Our objective was to evaluate the growth, yield, and leaf photosynthetic responses of muskmelon (Cucumis melo L., `Caravelle') and bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L., `Enterprise') to a range of carpramid application rates under well irrigated and fertilized conditions. Carpramid solutions were applied at concentrations of 0, 200, 400, 600, and 800 mL·L-1 (0 to 0.18 mL per carpramid plant) in both greenhouse and field experiments. Biomass of individual plant parts and leaf area were measured at weekly intervals during the greenhouse experiment by destructive sampling. Light saturated leaf photosynthetic rates as a function of both carpramid treatment as well as leaf position on the vine were measured for muskmelon in the field experiment. Final yield was determined for both muskmelon and bell pepper in the field experiment. None of the plant response variables were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) affected by carpramid treatment in either the greenhouse or field experiments. Leaf photosynthetic rates increased from the youngest leaf on the vine to the sixth leaf, counting basipetally. We conclude that further research under nutrient deficient conditions may be warranted for this product.
Web-based Tool for Diagnosing Cucurbit Disorders
Authors: Lineberger Dan , Dainello Frank , Jackman John , Miller Marvin
Published: October 2019

Plant problems often are diagnosed by comparing the problem in hand to a set of color photographs of known symptoms. Color photographs are expensive and time consuming to publish and distribution of books and pamphlets is costly. Delivery of high resolution color photographs of common plant disorders via the World Wide Web is a cost-effective alternative. A web-based diagnostic resource has been created to assist problem identification of cucurbit disorders including nutritional, disease, and insect problems. The diagnostic tool consists of arrays of high resolution, color images grouped by similarity of appearance. The image arrays are clickable image maps, and the user is provided with increasingly detailed information and larger images as images are selected. At the final selection, the user is presented with a full screen image and text information describing the identity and control recommendations for the problem illustrated. This tool is intended to allow experienced diagnosticians to confirm a problem diagnosis, and to aid less experienced individuals in making proper diagnoses.
Metering Nonuniform Vegetable Seed
Authors: Parish Richard L. , Bracy Regina P.
Published: October 2019

Selecting the proper seeder setup to effectively meter a given seed lot can be very difficult for a vegetable grower, especially if the seed lot is not graded for size uniformity. A belt-type seeder should be able to effectively singulate the seeds if the seeds are spherical and uniform because the holes are specifically sized. Seeds that are not graded for size uniformity may not be singulated effectively by a belt-type seeder. A vacuum-type seeder should be able to uniformly meter a wider range of seed sizes better than a belt-type seeder since the holes in the seed plate must only be smaller than the smallest seeds in the lot. Seed lots (graded and ungraded) of two cultivars of turnip (Brassica rape L. Rapifera group) were metered with a belt seeder using belts with holes 6/64 inch (2.4 mm) or 7/64 inch (2.8 mm) in diameter or with a vacuum seeder. Neither the belt nor vacuum seeder resulted in satisfactory singulation with any of the seed lots. With the larger [7/64 inch (2.8 mm)] belt holes, there were excessive incidences of multiple seeds per drop. With the smaller [6/64 inch (2.4 mm)] belt holes, multiple drops and missed seed were both excessive. The vacuum seeder also resulted in excessive misses and multiples.
Watermelon Foliage and Yield Relationships
Authors: Roberts Warren , Duthie J.A. , Edelson J.V. , Shrefler J.W.
Published: October 2019

Watermelon vines and foliage are often damaged or restricted by mechanical operations, diseases, and insects. There is little information to indicate the optimal ratio of plant foliage to fruit. Most watermelon fruits are produced near the plant crown, and thus some farmers believe that extensive foliage is nonessential for fruit production. Experiments have been conducted with watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (cvs. Sangria, Crimson Trio, and Scarlet Trio)] in Oklahoma to determine the relationship between soil surface area covered by foliage (foliar area) and fruit yield. Watermelon plants were planted on 4-m row centers, and were either pruned to allow a foliar area that was 1, 2, 3, or 4 m wide, or were physically confined to the same foliar area by redirecting the branch tips back into the row toward the base of the plant. There was a linear increase in yield as foliar area increased with both `Sangria' and `Scarlet Trio', but not necessarily with `Crimson Trio'. Within a given foliar area, pruning the foliage and confining the foliage to a similar area produced similar effects on fruit yield. A second experiment was conducted to determine the effect on plant yield when the vines were physically moved, as occurred with the confined area treatments. In this study, physically moving the vines did not reduce yield as compared to vines that were not moved.
Effect of Irrigation and Berm on Growth of Peach Trees during Establishment
Authors: McCraw B.D. , Carroll Becky
Published: October 2019

Long-term success in peach production requires the best possible site, but the ideal site is difficult to find. Risk of crop loss to spring freeze dictates that trees be on high ground. As a result, the best site available may have less than optimum soil. Effects of irrigation on peach tree growth are well documented. Raised beds have been used in other crops to insure adequate water drainage away from roots of crop plants. Results from larger beds or berms in combination with irrigation on peaches have been reported in Ohio, but little information is available for the southeast production region. In this study, berms on a Teller Fine Sandy Loam soil were constructed with a road grader in Oct. 1993. The berms were 55.8 cm high, 61 cm wide at the top, and sloped ≈30° to a base width of 4.3 m. `Flameprince'/Lovell trees were planted in Mar. 1994, 6.1 m between rows and 5.5 m between trees in rows. The experiment was a split-plot design with four replications and three trees per treatment replication. Treatments consisted of no irrigation, 40% or 80% pan evaporation (PE) replacement in combination with berm or flat planting surface. Irrigation was supplied by means of emitters which applied 3.7 L per hour. Two emitters per tree were located in the row 45.7 cm either side of the tree trunk. During the first 4 years there was no significant difference between 40% and 80% PE irrigation treatments. Likewise, no significant interactions occurred. Tree trunk caliper, canopy area, and height were greater in irrigated plots and the same or greater from trees in flat plots in all cases.
The NE-183 Project: Multidisciplinary Evaluation of New Apple Cultivars—A Preliminary Report from Arkansas
Authors: Rom Curt R. , Allen R. Andy , Johnson Donn T. , McNew Ronald
Published: October 2019

The NE-183 project was established in 1993 and the first trial planted in 1995 with the objective of evaluating new apple cultivars for horticultural, pest and disease resistance, and qualitative characteristics. Arkansas (AR) is the southernmost location for the initial planting. The following cultivars are in AR trial: `Arlet', `Braeburn', `Cameo', `Creston', `Enterprise', `Fortune', `Fuji', `Gala Supreme', `Ginger Gold', `GoldCrisp', `Golden Delicious', `Golden Supreme', `Goldrush', `Honeycrisp', `NY75414-1', `Orin', `Pristine', `Sansa', `Shizuka', `Suncrisp', `Sunrise', and `Yataka'. Bloom of `Braeburn', `Yataka', `Orin', `Gold Supreme', `Fortune', and `Enterprise' were early and may be exposed to annual spring frosts. The following cultivars ripened in July or August and may be too early for southern markets: `Pristine', `Sunrise', `Sansa', `Ginger Gold', `Arlet', `Honeycrisp', `Golden Supreme', and `Orin'. The following cultivars were very precocious and had yields >7.5 kg/tree in the third growing season: `Fuji', `Enterprise', `Creston', `Golden Delicious', `Ginger Gold', `Suncrisp', and `Goldrush'.
Production of Landscape-sized Annuals Using Five Media
Authors: Knight Patricia R. , Anderson John M. , Parks Ralph A.
Published: October 2019

The influence of media on plant growth was investigated for five annual species. Uniform 164-cm3 liners of Tagetes erecta `Discovery Orange', Impatiens wallerana `Accent Orange', Melampodium paludosum `Showstar', Scaevola aemula `New Wonder', and Petunia axillaris `Surfinia White' were planted into 2.8-L containers on 4 Apr. 1997. The experiment was terminated after 90 days. Media included Metro-Mix 366 peat or coir, Metro-mix 700 peat or coir, and 4 pine bark : 1 sand (by volume, amended with 1.2 kg.m-3 dolomitic limestone). Plants were top-dressed with 9 g Osmocote Plus 15-9-11. Substituting coconut coir for peat moss in commercial media reduced Petunia 90 DAT foliar color ratings, Impatiens shoot dry masses, and Melampodium and Scaevola root ratings. Utilization of pine bark did not influence foliar color ratings of Tagetes, Melampodium, Petunia, or Scaevola 90 DAT. Utilization of pine bark reduced shoot dry masses of Impatiens, Melampodium, and Scaevola, and root ratings of Melampodium and Tagetes.
Assessment of the Native Plants Market in the Southeastern United States
Authors: Waterstrat Janet , Deeds Jacquelyn , Harkess Richard L.
Published: October 2019

Recent trade journals and magazines report a widespread and increasingly popular trend encouraging the use of native plants in the landscape. A random sample of 528 Southern Nurserymen's Association 1996 members were surveyed to determine 1) if they had perceived the trend reported in trade and consumer publications towards the selection of native plants, and 2) if there are consistencies in demographic characteristics and aspects of advertising plans among the respondents. Forty-two percent of those surveyed responded. Respondents perceived an overall interest in native plants higher in 1996 than in 1991. Almost half of the respondents had increased quantity and variety of native plants in response to their perceptions; 28% had not responded in any way. Plant professionals who had responded to the perceived trend did not differ significantly from those who had not on selected demographic characteristics. Selected aspects of advertising did not differ significantly except for the extent to which consumer magazines were used as references for marketing strategies.
The Use of Recycled Waste Paper as an Al Source for Blue-flowering Hydrangea
Authors: Ryan K.M. , Edwards J.H. , Gilliam C.H. , Keever G.J.
Published: October 2019

Blue color development in Hydrangea macrophylla is usually accomplished by applying Al as an alum drench. Drenches are applied during forcing 10–14 days after transplanting at a rate of 17,500 mg·L-1. Cultivars Blue Wave and Nikko Blue were used to evaluate if the Al contained in waste paper can provide the necessary Al for blue flower development. Two waste paper forms, pelletized and crumble, were used as surface mulches and as media amendments. The amendments were incorporated into the media at transplanting and mulches were applied either at transplanting or 28 days later. Alum drenching was initiated at transplanting as a control. Leachates were collected weekly using the VTEM. Total Al, electrical conductivity, and pH were determined on all samples. All waste paper treatments resulted in pink flowers in both cultivars. Leachate pH, from plants in this test, was >6.5. Aluminum concentration was greater than the 15 mg·L-1 Al needed for blue color development in flowers, but Al concentration decreased with time. Control of pH at the waste paper surface and in the media is critical for increasing the availability of labile Al for uptake by hydrangea.
Retaining Quality in Cut Watermelon: Effects on Sanitizing Wash, Storage Time, and Storage Temperature
Authors: McGlynn William G. , Reilly Siobhan
Published: October 2019

Watermelons were dipped in either 1000 ppm sodium hypochlorite solution or in deionized water, dried, then cut into chunks of ≈83 × 152 × 51 mm. These were sealed into plastic containers and stored at either 2, 4, or 8 °C. Samples were removed after 3, 7, and 10 days for microbial and quality tests. Chlorine dip reduced average aerobic plate counts by ≈3 log cycles and average coliform counts by nearly 2 log cycles. This may have significant implications for food safety and off-flavor development. The difference in microbial counts persisted for ≈7 days. No clear effect from storage temperature was seen. A trend for lower temperatures to preserve red hue was observed in objective color tests. Texture tests revealed a trend for all melons to become firmer during storage. No clear patterns with respect to storage temperature or sanitizing dip were seen.
Cell Wall Hydrolases in Association with Pasty Texture Development in Peach Fruit
Authors: Wang Xinhua , Chrz Donna , Maness Niels
Published: October 2019

The Stonyhard peach fruit mutation has been used to study softening and textural changes during ripening. Without ethylene exposure, firmness of Stonyhard remains fairly constant at room temperature. When exposed to 1 or 100 ppm C2H2 for 48 hours, fruits soften at a rate consistent with control fruit (`Cresthaven') to a similar firmness. However, 1 ppm—treated fruit attains a normal juicy texture, while 100 ppm—treated fruit attains a pasty texture. Control fruit softened to a normal juicy texture with either ethylene treatment. Cell wall endopolygalacturonase (endo-PG) was not detectable in Stonyhard fruit without C2H2 exposure; it increased at a rate similar to control fruit when exposed to 1 ppm C2H2, and was double that of 1 ppm for fruit exposed to 100 ppm for up to 48 hours. Low levels of endo-PG were detected in control fruit not exposed to C2H2; 1 ppm treatment led to a normal increase, which was comparable to that in Stonyhard. However, endo-PG in 100 ppm—treated fruit was very similar to that of 1 ppm for up to 24 hours, though high levels of endo-PG were observed at 48 hours. Attainment of the pasty texture in 100 ppm—treated Stonyhard fruit may have been related to release of large quantities of pectic polysaccharides as a result of the sudden increase in endo-PG activity. Work was supported by USDA grant 96-34150-2540 and the Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station.
Stock and Snapdragon as Influenced by Greenhouse Covering Materials and Supplemental Light
Authors: Dansereau B. , Zhang Y. , Gagnon S. , Xu H.L.
Published: October 2019

We examined effects of single-layer glass and double-layer antifog polyethylene films on growth and flowering of stock (Matthiola incana L.) and snapdragon (Antirrhinum majalis L.) in a 3-year period. Stock produced more buds/spike with shorter but thicker stems under single-layer glass and under antifog 3-year polyethylene, and showed higher photosynthetic capacity (Pc) under single-layer glass than under other covers regardless of light regimes. Similarly, growth and flowering of snapdragon were significantly better under single-layer glass than in polyethylene houses. A supplemental light of 60 μmol·m-2·s-1 accelerated flowering by 20 to 25 days, improved flower quality, and eliminated differences in plant growth and quality of snapdragon between covering treatments. The Pc of stock was lower under all polyethylene covers than under single-layer glass. Among the three antifog polyethylene films, a slightly higher Pc was measured for plants under antifog 3-year polyethylene. However, there was no difference among covering treatments in the net photosynthetic rate (PN) at low light level (canopy level). Supplemental lighting reduced Pc of stock leaves, especially under single-layer glass, and diminished differences in Pc among covering treatments. Dry mass was more influenced by larger leaf area caused by higher leaf temperature than by PN. Overall, antifog 3-year polyethylene was a good covering material when both plant quality and energy saving were considered.
Chrysanthemum Flowering in a Blue Light—supplemented Long Day Maintained for Biocontrol of Thrips
Authors: Stack Philip A. , Drummond Francis A. , Stack Lois Berg
Published: October 2019

The application of supplemental blue light in greenhouse chrysanthemum production is part of a biological control strategy to enhance reproduction of Orius insidiosus Say, a natural predator of the western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis Pergande. Two greenhouse experiments were conducted to determine the influence of a blue light—supplemented long day on flowering and vegetative growth in three cultivars of the short-day plant Dendranthema ×grandiflora (Ramat.) Kitamura. In Expt. 1, two cut chrysanthemum cultivars (`Manatee Iceberg' and `Naples') were exposed to: a) 9-hour ambient light and 15-hour artificial blue-biased (400-500 nm) light at two blue light intensities (3.6 or 7.0 μmol·m-2·s-1); b) 9-hour ambient light and 15-hour artificial broad spectrum light at a broad spectrum intensity of 3.6 μmol·m-2·s-1; c) 9-hour ambient light maintained with black cloth; or d) an ambient short day. Under a continuous photoperiod, flower initiation in both cultivars in the lower intensity blue light was not significantly different from that in short-day regimes. However, in both blue light intensities, flower size and dry mass were significantly less than in the short-day regimes. Increasing the dose of blue light decreased flower dry mass in `Naples' by 60% and in `Manatee Iceberg' by 72%. Plants were shorter with less vegetative mass in the short-day regimes. In Expt. 2, `Naples' and the pot chrysanthemum `Boaldi' were exposed to a) 9-hour ambient light and 6-hour artificial blue-biased (400-500 nm) light at four blue light intensities (0.4, 0.7, 1.6, or 3.5 μmol·m-2·s-1); b) 9-h ambient light maintained with black cloth; or c) an ambient long day. For both cultivars, in all blue light regimes, neither flower dry mass nor vegetative dry mass differed significantly from those in the short-day regime. The results indicate that exposing D. grandiflora to a blue light—supplemented long day at blue light intensities <3.5 μmol·m-2·s-1 does not adversely affect flower initiation and development.
Postharvest Handling of Cut Heuchera sanguinea Engelm. Flowers: Effects of Sucrose and Silver Thiosulfate
Authors: Han Susan S.
Published: October 2019

Postharvest quality of cut Heuchera sanguinea Engelm. `Splendens' and `Bressingham' was significantly improved and vase life significantly increased by pulsing the inflorescences with 4 mm silver thiosulfate (STS) for 4 hours followed by placing the stems in vase solutions containing 0.5% sucrose and 200 mg·L-1 8-hydroxyquinoline citrate. Under these conditions, nearly all of the buds (>92%) on inflorescences harvested with ≈2% to 3% open flowers developed to anthesis, in comparison with 26% to 28% of the controls. Sucrose concentrations higher than 1% were detrimental and resulted in stem toppling. Treatment with 4 mm STS for 4 hours delayed bud and flower abscission, but longer treatment times resulted in blackening and shriveling of the flower buds. With the absence of sucrose in the vase solutions, flower buds on STS-treated inflorescences did not continue to develop. Ethylene is probably involved in the natural senescence of the flower buds, since exogenous ethylene induced rapid flower abscission, and senescence was delayed by treatment with STS.
In Vitro Adventitious Shoot Formation on Cotyledons of Pinus pinea
Authors: González María Victoria , Rey Manuel , Tavazza Raffaela , La Malfa Stefano , Cuozzo Luigi , Ancora Giorgio
Published: October 2019

Plant regeneration was obtained from adventitious buds induced in isolated cotyledons of Italian stone pine (Pinus pinea L.). The best results for bud induction were obtained by using half-strength LePoivre medium with 4.5 μM 6-benzyladenine for 30 days. Shoot elongation was achieved in the same medium without growth regulators but with the addition of 0.5% activated charcoal. The induction medium was the best also for shoot multiplication, but it was necessary to include subcultures on elongation medium. The slow elongation rate of adventitious shoots remains the greatest obstacle to multiplication. Root formation (15%) after 5 months was observed when shoots were cultured on elongation medium for long periods.
The Impact of Severity and Time of Tipping and Hedging on Performance of Primocane-fruiting Blackberry in a Tunnel
Authors: Strik Bernadine C. , Buller Gil
Published: October 2019

Summer pruning systems were compared for ‘Prime-Jan’® primocane-fruiting blackberry (Rubus subgenus Rubus) grown in a fully closed, plastic covered tunnel in Aurora, OR. Individual canes were soft-tipped (by removing 0.10 m) or hard-tipped (removing 0.45 m) to a 1-m height on each of four dates in 2008 and 2009. On average, canes that were hard-tipped produced more branches and had more fruit/cane than soft-tipped canes. Canes that were tipped early (22–27 June) produced more fruit/cane than those tipped later (7–24 July). When canes were hard-tipped early in the season, the number of fruit/cane was increased threefold compared with soft-tipping canes early. In contrast, when plots were hedged to 1-m tall lightly (“soft” hedge removing 0.10 m) on 22–27 June or more severely (“hard” hedge, removing 0.45 m) on 29 June–2 July, using shears, there was no significant effect on yield/plot. The hard-hedge treatments may have performed better if they had been done earlier or at the same time as the soft-hedge treatments; this would only have been possible if canes had been cut back (hedged) to a shorter height than 1 m. Hard hedging, done ≈1 week later than soft hedging, delayed the fruiting season by 10–14 days. Fruit harvest continued until early to mid-November. Daily average air temperature in the closed tunnel was 2–7 °F warmer than the outside and fruit were protected from autumn rainfall. Hard-tipping individual canes, by hand, or hedging primocanes mechanically early in the season shows promise in this crop for maximizing economic returns.
Plant Characteristics and Growth Parameters of Vegetable Pigeon Pea Cultivars
Authors: David Ojwang J. , Richard Nyankanga O. , Japheth Imungi , Modesto Olanya O.
Published: October 2019

Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) is an important crop in dry land and semiarid regions and is a supplementary source of dietary protein for the economic resource-constrained farmers. The aim of this research was to evaluate growth parameters of 12 vegetable pigeon pea cultivars at two locations in eastern Kenya. The number of days from planting to flowering, plant height, primary and secondary branches, and pod length and width were quantified in experimental plots in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Significant differences (P < 0.01) in days to 50% and 70% flowering (DTF) and plant maturity (DTM), respectively, were recorded among cultivars at both locations. The average plant height was significantly (P < 0.05) greater at Kiboko than at Kambi ya Mawe. The number of DTF and DTM were also greater at Kiboko than at Kambi ya Mawe site, because of supplemental irrigation. Similarly, mean pod length and width at Kiboko location exceeded that at Kambi ya Mawe by 6% and 8%, respectively. Positive and significant (P < 0.05) correlation coefficients between grain yield and pods per plant were observed, indicating that pod number is a useful indicator of yield potential of vegetable pigeon pea. The cultivars ICEAP 00068, ICEAP 00540, ICEAP 00554, ICEAP 00902, KAT 60/8, and MZ 2/9 were identified for high-yield potential under rain-fed conditions, whereas ICEAP 00902, ICEAP 00068, ICEAP 00557, ICEAP 00554, KAT 60.8, and MTHAWAJUNI showed the greatest potential when supplemental water applications were made. The cultivars KAT 60/8, ICEAP 00068, ICEAP 00554, and ICEAP 00902 were suitable for production under both rain-fed conditions and additional water applications. Yield potential of pigeon pea in the dry regions can be greatly enhanced by using cultivars with good plant growth characteristics and shoot density.
Paclobutrazol Drench Activity Not Affected in Sphagnum Peat-based Substrates Amended with Pine Wood Chip Aggregates
Authors: Owen W. Garrett , Jackson Brian E. , Whipker Brian E. , Fonteno William C.
Published: October 2019

Processed pine (Pinus sp.) wood has been investigated as a component in horticultural substrates (greenhouse and nursery) for many years. Specifically, pine wood chips (PWC) have been uniquely engineered/processed into a nonfiberous blockular particle size, suitable for use as a substrate aggregate. The purpose of this research was to determine if paclobutrazol drench efficacy is affected by PWC used as a substitute for perlite in a peat-based substrate. Paclobutrazol drench applications of 0, 1, 2, and 4 mg/pot were applied to ‘Pacino Gold’ sunflower (Helianthus annuus); 0.0, 0.25, 0.50, and 1.0 mg/pot to ‘Anemone Safari Yellow’ marigold (Tagetes patula); and 0.0, 0.125, 0.25, and 0.50 mg/pot to ‘Variegata’ plectranthus (Plectranthus ciliates) grown in sphagnum peat-based substrates containing 10%, 20%, or 30% (by volume) perlite or PWC. Efficacy of paclobutrazol drenches for controlling growth of all three species was unaffected by substrate composition. We concluded that substituting PWC for perlite as an aggregate in peat-based substrates should not reduce paclobutrazol drench efficacy, variability in PWC products indicates that efficacy should be tested before large-scale use. The variability results from wood components not being engineered and processed the same across manufacturers, meaning that they are often incapable of improving/influencing the physical and chemical behavior of a substrate similarly.
Pine Wood Chips as an Alternative to Perlite in Greenhouse Substrates: Nitrogen Requirements
Authors: Owen W. Garrett , Jackson Brian E. , Whipker Brian E. , Fonteno William C.
Published: October 2019

Processed pine wood (Pinus sp.) has been investigated as a component in greenhouse and nursery substrates for many years. Specifically, pine wood chips (PWC) have been uniquely engineered/processed into a nonfiberous blockular particle size, suitable for use as a substrate aggregate. In container substrates, nitrogen (N) tie-up during crop production is of concern when substrates contain components with high carbon (C):N ratios, like that of PWC that are made from fresh pine wood. The objective of this research was to compare the N requirements of plants grown in sphagnum peat–based substrates amended with perlite or PWC. Fertility concentrations of 100, 200, or 300 mg·L−1 N were applied to ‘Profusion Orange’ zinnia (Zinnia ×hybrida) and ‘Moonsong Deep Orange’ marigold (Tagetes erecta) grown in sphagnum peat–based substrates containing 10%, 20%, or 30% (by volume) perlite or PWC. Zinnia plant substrate solution electrical conductivity (EC) was not influenced by percentage of perlite or PWC. Perlite-amended substrates fertilized with 200 mg·L−1 N for growing zinnia, maintained a constant EC within optimal levels of 1.0 to 2.6 mS·cm−1 from 14 to 42 days after planting (DAP), and then EC increased at 49 DAP. In substrates fertilized with 100 and 300 mg·L−1 N, EC levels steadily declined and then increased, respectively. Zinnia plants grown in PWC-amended substrates fertilized with 200 mg·L−1 N maintained a constant EC within the optimal range from 14 to 49 DAP. Marigold substrate solution EC was only influenced by N concentration and followed a similar response to zinnia substrate solution EC. Zinnia and marigold substrate solution pH was influenced by N concentration and generally decreased with increasing N concentration. Plant growth and shoot dry weight were similar when fertilized with 100 and 200 mg·L−1 N. According to this study, plants grown in PWC-amended substrates fertilized with 100 to 200 mg·L−1 N can maintain adequate substrate solution pH and EC levels and sustain plant growth with no additional N supplements. Pine wood chips are engineered and processed to specific sizes and shapes to be functional as aggregates in a container substrate. Not all wood components are designed or capable of improving/influencing the physical and chemical behavior of a substrate the same. On the basis of the variability of many wood components being developed and researched, it is suggested that any and all substrate wood components not be considered the same and be tested/trialed before large-scale use.
Gibberellic Acid Shows Promise for Promoting Flower Stem Length in Four Field-grown Cut Flowers
Authors: Bergmann Ben A. , Dole John M. , McCall Ingram
Published: October 2019

Increasing cut stem length and reducing crop production time are producers’ goals for numerous cut flower species. One or both of these aims was met in several field-grown cultivars through foliar application of gibberellic acid (GA3), but effectiveness varied by cultivar, application rate, and timing. Of the 13 cultivars tested, stem length was increased in nine cultivars [Toreador Red celosia (Celosia argentea), Camelot White foxglove (Digitalis purpurea), Imperial Giants Pink Perfection larkspur (Larkspur hybrids), Compliment mix lobelia (Lobelia hybrids), Nippon Taka ornamental pepper (Capsicum annuum), Amazon Neon Duo and Bouquet Purple sweet william (Dianthus hybrids), Summer Pastels yarrow (Achillea millefolium), and Benary’s Giant Scarlet zinnia (Zinnia elegans)], and time to harvest was decreased in four cultivars [High Tide White ageratum (Ageratum houstonianum), lobelia, ornamental pepper, and zinnia], when GA3 was applied as a foliar spray. Concentrations of 400, 800, and 1600 mg·L−1 GA3 were most effective. Application of GA3 resulted in malformed or smaller flowers or lighter green foliage in foxglove, lobelia, sweet william, and zinnia. In most cases, only one application was tested, and greatest response to GA3 was observed during 3–6 weeks post application. Gibberellic acid did not influence stem length in three cultivars [High Tide White ageratum, Aurora Deep Purple delphinium (Delphinium hybrids), and Column Lilac Lavender stock (Matthiola incana)], and decreased flower stem length in one cultivar (High Tide Blue ageratum). Four cultivars were identified as good candidates for further research given their promising responses to GA3 treatments.