bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MATURITY VARIATION BETWEEN COORDINATES ON A PEACH
Authors: Horton B. D.
Published: February 2019

Peach (Prunus persica, L. Batsch) cultivars vary in the percent of marketable stage fruit from a once-over harvest. Maturity stages are difficult to separate. The difficulty might be related to non-uniform ripening characteristics of the fruit. A method was developed to estimate the variability in maturity at 16 coordinates around the peach. Peaches were sampled at 5 maturity stages: 1) about 1/2 final-swell size; 2) 90% final-swell size; 3) and 4) marketable, and 5) soft ripe. Stages were separated by color chips #1 and #2, #3 and #5 (marketable), or #6. Pared flesh firmness was measured with a modified penetrometer plunger (4.47mm diameter tip 11mm long). Force (F) ranged from about 3 to 45 N. Soluble solids (SS) ranged from 10 to 13% from a 1cm3 cylinder adjacent to the puncture made by the penetrometer. Force and SS from five replications of 2 cultivars indicate that the apex and cheeks are the firmest and highest in SS for most stages tested. Reported correlations of F on the cheek with the yellow ground color or sweetness within marketable fruits are negative. However, correlations in this experiment ranged from R2 = 0 to 0.18 for the green to ripe stages.
EFFECTS OF CROP LOAD AND HARVEST ON APPLE RIPENING
Authors: Autio Wesley R. , Greene Duane W.
Published: February 2019

Studies were conducted in 1989 to determine the effects of crop load and percent harvested on apple ripening. Twenty-seven `Golden Delicious' trees were selected and partitioned into 9 blocks. The crop load on one tree in each block was adjusted to 3.4, 6.9, or 15.0 fruit cm-1 trunk circumference in late June. Internal ethylene was measured in 6-fruit samples taken from each tree on 25 Sept., 2, 9, and 16 Oct. Increasing crop load had a significant linear effect on delaying ripening. Approximately 11 days separated the ripening of fruit from the 3.4 fruit cm-1 and the 15.0 fruit cm-1 treatments. In a second experiment, 18 `McIntosh' trees with similar crop load were partitioned into 6 blocks. Forty percent of the crop was harvested from 1 tree and 80% from another in each block on 7 Sept. Internal ethylene was measured on 7, 14, 21, and 28 Sept. Increasing the portion of the crop initially harvested linearly delayed subsequent fruit ripening. Approximately 6 days separated the ripening of fruit from the control and the 80%-removal treatments.
NOTCHING TECHNIQUES TO INCREASE BRANCHING OF YOUNG APPLE TREES
Authors: Greene Duane W. , Autio Wesley R.
Published: February 2019

A series of experiments were initiated to evaluate the influence of notching on improving lateral branching of young apple trees. Buds on 2-year-old wood of `Redspur' Delicious/MM.111 were notched at 2-week intervals from 6 weeks before bloom to 2 weeks after. Notching increased lateral branching cubically with the greatest response occurring when notching was done 2 to 4 weeks before bloom. Bud break occurred equally well and shoots grew comparably when `Redcort'/M.7 were notched at the tip, middle, or base. Bud break and shoot growth from unnotched buds was greatest at the tip, intermediate in the middle and least at the base. Limbs of `Spygold'/M.7 were spread to a 45 degree angle then one bud from each 1-year-old shoot was notched at either the top, side or on the bottom of the shoot. Notching increased lateral branching from all bud positions, but the greatest response was from buds notched at the top and least from those located at the bottom of a branch. Buds of `Marshall McIntosh' were notched on either 1 or 2-year-old wood. Notching increased lateral branching more on 2-year than on 1-year old wood.
EFFECTS OF FRUIT STAGE AND DURATION OF FEEDING ON STRAWBERRY MALFORMATION CAUSED BY THE TARNISHED PLANT BUG.
Authors: Handley David T. , Pollard James E.
Published: February 2019

Greenhouse experiments were designed to study conditions affecting strawberry malformation caused by the tarnished plant bug (TPB). Duration of blossom exposure to TPB affected the type of malformation. Exposure at anthesis for 8 hours caused visible deformity. Exposure for 48 hours caused some apical seediness, the malformation most commonly associated with TPB. Continuous exposure to TPB usually caused blossom death. Increased exposure to TPB caused a higher percentage of nonviable achenes per strawberry. Some effects appeared to be cultivar-dependent. Honeoye strawberries were less likely to show apical seediness than Redchief strawberries, but were more likely to experience blossom death. Malformation was also affected by strawberry development stage at the time of TPB feeding. Feeding at prebloom caused blossom death. Feeding at petal fall or achene seperation resulted in fruit malformation, about half of which was apical seediness. Feeding at pink receptacle stage caused little visible damage.
ETHYLENE EVOLUTION BY FRUITS OF TOMATO STRESSED BY AMMONIUM NUTRITION
Authors: Barker Allen V.
Published: February 2019

Studies were made of ethylene evolution by `Heinz 1350' tomato fruits from plants that had received nitrogen nutrition from ammonium or nitrate salts in soil-based media. Fruits of plants receiving ammonium nutrition had higher ammonium concentrations, higher occurrences of blossom-end rot, and higher rates of ethylene evolution than fruits from nitrate-grown plants. Fruits showing blossom-end rot had higher ammonium concentrations and higher rates of ethylene evolution than normal fruits only if the plants received ammonium nutrition. Ethylene evolution increased as fruits from nitrate-grown plants ripened but without a concurrent increase in ammonium concentrations in the fruits. Ammonium accumulation in fruits apparently induces blossom-end rot and enhances ethylene evolution, but ammonium accumulation does not appear to be a naturally occurring phenomenon in ripening fruits or in fruits that have blossom-end rot arising from other casual factors.
EFFECT OF SOIL-APPLIED POLYMER AND NITROGEN APPLICATION ON CAULIFLOWER GROWTH
Authors: Orzolek Michael D. , Scott Robert A.
Published: February 2019

“Majestic” cauliflower plants were transplanted into furrows with either a polymer alone or in combination with ammonium nitrate. The polymers were banded in the furrow at planting time at 16.9, 33.7 or 67,4 kg/ha with or without a concurrent application of nitrogen at 44.9 kg/ha. The cauliflower received at least 1.2 cm water from an overhead irrigation system immediately after transplanting. Checks were both watering as plants were set in the field and water with a 12-48-8 starter fertilizer. Highest total yields were recorded when polymers were applied alone in the furrows. The addition of 44.9 kg/ha of the nitrogen generally decreased total marketable yields, head weight and plant weight. Soil samples were taken in the treatment rows after crop harvest. One of the polymer materials reduced soil pH by an average of 0.4 units and decreased the percent saturation of calcium from 90% to 70%.
Medium Nutrient Extraction with the Pour-through and Saturated Medium Extract Procedures for Poinsettia
Authors: Wright Robert D. , Grueber Kevin L. , Leda Carol
Published: February 2019

The relationship between medium nutrient levels extracted with the pour-through (PT) and the saturated medium extract (SME) procedures was investigated. These procedures were used as indicators of plant nutrient uptake and growth of poinsettia, Euphorbia pulcherrima Wind. ex. Klotzch. The medium nutrient levels and electrical conductivity associated with optimal plant growth were about two times greater for PT than for SME. The pH values were similar for both procedures. Regression analysis of the relationship between applied and extracted nutrient levels gave higher R2 values for the SME, although the relationship for PT was acceptable. Both procedures provided an acceptable and similar correlation between the level of NO3-N extracted and the level of N absorbed by the plants. The results demonstrate the utility of both PT and SME as indicators of the nutritional status of a greenhouse medium.
Floral Supplier Service Levels to Retail Florist and Mass Market Customers
Authors: Prince Thomas L. , Tayama Harry K. , Grabner John R.
Published: February 2019

A survey analysis of retail florists in the Midwestern United States and floral mass marketers, nationally, profiled the level of service provided by their primary floral suppliers on 10 service characteristics. There is substantial variability in service levels provided to retail florists and mass marketers by suppliers. The greatest variability in service levels was for services relative to maintenance of product quality, product availability, communications/order information, product discounts, and product labeling. Retail florists perceived higher levels of service relative to delivery speed and order/delivery reliability than mass marketers. Mass marketers perceived higher levels of service from suppliers relative to communications/order information and product labeling, compared to retail florists. The service profiles provide floral suppliers management information for the development of service programs targeted for specific customer segments.
Sweetpotato Growth and Nitrogen Content Following Nitrogen Application and Inoculation with Azospirillum
Authors: Mortley Desmond G. , Hill Walter A.
Published: February 2019

The influence of Azospirillum inoculation on sweetpotato Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.] was evaluated in combination with fertilizer N rates of 0, 40, and 80 kg·ha-1. Plants were inoculated with 5 ml of the inoculant at 2, 4, and 6 weeks after transplanting. Inoculation increased total and marketable yield by 12% and 17%, respectively, in 1984 and 5% and 22%, respectively in 1985. Higher storage root yields were accompanied by lower foliage yields, which suggested the inoculant may enhance storage root growth at the expense of foliage growth on soils with low to moderate N levels (40 to 80 kg·ha-1). Storage root N (1984 and 1985) and leaf N (1985) were higher for 40 kg N/ha with inoculation than with inoculation alone (treatments 4 vs. 2), which suggested that Azospirillum plus fertilizer N increased the N content of the plants.
Isolation and Characterization of a Chemical from Tomato Apices that Stimulates Plant Growth
Authors: Wang Yichun , Wert Violet , Nair Muraleedharan , Ries Stanley
Published: February 2019

A methanol: water extract of tomato (Lycopersion esculentum Mill.) apices increased the growth of the alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. The active substance from the dried shoot apices was purified by C18 flash column and high performance liquid chromatography. The purified extract enhanced the growth of tomato, corn (Zea mays L.), and rice (Oryza sativa L.) seedlings at concentrations less than 1.0 mg·liter-1. With Chlamydomonas, the purified extract increased cell division 111% at 0.1 mg·liter-1 and chlorophyll content 23% at 10 mg·liter-1 in 18 hours. Nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectroscopy indicated that the purified fraction was a mixture of compounds having sugar moieties. Analysis by thin layer chromatography showed that the fraction was ninhydrin positive and more polar than the known plant hormones studied.
Skin Color in `Newtown' Apples Treated with Calcium Nitrate, Urea, `Diphenylamine, and a Film Coating
Authors: Meheriuk M.
Published: February 2019

`Newtown' apples (Malus domestics Borkh.) treated weekly with urea at 10 g·liter-l or Ca(NO3)2 at 7.5 g·liter-1 for 5 consecutive weeks from late August were greener at harvest and during storage than comparable control fruit. A postharvest dip in Nutri-Save, a polymeric coating, was better for retention of skin greenness than a dip in diphenylamine and both gave greener apples than control (nondipped) fruit. Fruit treated with Ca(NO3)2 displayed lesions that were larger and more numerous than typical bitter pit in the control fruit.
Measurement of Tomato Fruit Firmness
Authors: Jackman R.L. , Marangoni A.G. , Stanley D.W.
Published: February 2019

Flat-plate compression, constant area compression, and puncture tests were examined for their sensitivity in differentiating the firmness of previously chilled (6C, 85% RH, 15 days) and nonchilled mature-green tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill cv. Caruso) fruit during 10 days of ripening at 22C. Firmness, as measured by each of the three methods, progressively decreased (P < 0.001) with ripening. Previously chilled tomatoes were initially softer (P < 0.01) than nonchilled tomatoes, as measured by puncture of whole fruit and constant area compression of pericarp tissue sections, but not by flat-plate compression of whole fruit. Flat-plate compression was therefore found to be a relatively insensitive method by which to measure differences in tomato firmness that are characteristic of slightly chilling-injured fruit.
Medium Overlays for Improved Hardening of Micropropagated Potatoes
Authors: Crane Jennifer , Hughes Harrison
Published: February 2019

Plantlets of Solarium tuberosum L. `Russet Burbank', `Sangre', and `Centennial Russet' were grown in vitro from nodal cuttings. A medium overlay was used to reduce the humidity of the in vitro environment. This treatment was tested for its effect on plant growth and on the rate of water loss from detached leaves. The latter was assayed as indicative of hardening and consequent survival of plantlets once removed from in vitro culture. The paraffin medium overlay reduced the rate of water loss from detached leaves of cultured plantlets, but also reduced root growth.
Plant Recovery from Sweetpotato Somatic Embryos
Authors: Chée Raymond P. , Schultheis Jonathan R. , Cantliffe Daniel J.
Published: February 2019

Plant formation from somatic embryos in response to BAP, NAA, and sucrose was studied in sweetpotato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.]. A maximum of 15% embryos at the torpedo stage of development formed plants of agar-solidified basal medium containing 3% sucrose and no growth regulators. The percentage of embryos forming shoots was increased to 53% by 4 μm BAP, but BAP reduced whole plant formation and promoted callusing at the root axis end of embryos. The frequency of plant development was increased to 38% by adding 0.1 μm NAA to the basal medium. Reducing sucrose concentration to 1.6% in basal medium increased the frequency of plant development to 32%. Chemical names used: 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP; α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA).
LANDSCAPE AND TURFGRASS FIELD DAYS AT NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY
Authors: Powell M. A.
Published: February 2019

A very successful project at N. C. State University began in 1983, with the first N. C. Landscape and Turfgrass Field Day. The Field Day is co-sponsored with the N. C. Landscape Contractors Association and the Turfgrass Council of North Carolina. The Field Day is an excellent opportunity for industry to visit with faculty and observe research projects and extension demonstrations. Over the years the attendance has grown to over 1200 paid attendees. The Field Day is actually divided into four separate functions: 1) Educational Field Day, 2) Product and Equipment Field Day, 3) Turf Workshops, and 4) Construction Workshops. The Extension and Research projects benefit financially from this endeavor. Any projects from the Field Day are given back to the University. This typically is about $4000.00. The Field Day is held the third Wednesday in May, rain or shine.
EXAMINATION OF JUVENILITY IN GAILLARDIA PULCHELLA
Authors: Bourke Kathleen M. , Lyons Robert E.
Published: February 2019

Gaillardia pulchella is an annual wildflower with ornamental potential native to the South and Southern West part of the U. S. This experiment attempted to further describe the long day (LD) flowering requirement, approximate the length of the juvenility phase, and characterize apical events during floral initiation. Plants were transferred from short day to LD at various leaf numbers and the time to first flower was recorded from the onset of LD. A quadratic response described the data and indicated that a minimum of 19-20 expanded leaves were needed to flower most rapidly (49 days) once placed in LD. Histological results characterizing apical events will also be discussed.
THE STEPHEN F. AUSTIN STATE UNIVERSITY ARBORETUM: DEVELOPING AN EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH POTENTIAL
Authors: Rankin R. , Creech D. L.
Published: February 2019

Horticultural enrollments have fallen since the late 1970's and faculties are scrambling to find new ways to creatively finance educational and outreach programs. The Stephen F. Austin State University Arboretum was sanctioned by the administration in March, 1987. Eight acres of land that lie on LaNana creek are directly associated with the Agriculture building and horticultural facility. Gardens that feature a wide range of rare, unusual, and untested landscape plants are being developed by students, volunteers, and a mix of outside monies. The history of a City/SFASU project to develop a three mile LaNana Creek trail will be described. A cooperative effort with the Herb Society of Deep East Texas, a 121-acre conservancy easement project, and Asian vegetable studies are currently under the arboretum umbrella.
QUALITY STANDARDS FOR CHRISTMAS TREES: HARMFUL OR HELPFUL?
Authors: Lindstrom Orville M. , Florkowski Wojciech J.
Published: February 2019

It is more important than ever to produce a quality Christmas tree because of increasing competition in the Christmas tree market. Grade standards are intended to reflect quality, as defined by the consumer, to the grower. The USDA revised a set of voluntary standards for Christmas trees effective October 30, 1989. The existence of different grade standards cause the existence of several prices that correspond to each grade. The price differentials among grades should reflect the quality or desired consumer attribute. Therefore, a description of a grade that is not reflective of that desired by the consumer can lead to missallocation of resources by producers resulting in economic losses. The new USDA standards did not include consumer opinion information into the new standards, therefore, we feel these standards are more applicable to producer-wholesale transactions, and not that of the producer-consumer. It was found that over 75% of surveyed growers in Georgia sold almost 80% of their trees as choose and cut, not wholesale. Consumer demand will drive the Christmas tree market and, therefore, consumer preferences need to be incorporated into the grade standards.
BRANCHING AND VEGETATIVE GROWTH MODIFICATION OF PHOTINIA X FRASERI WITH EXOGENOUS PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS
Authors: Owings Allen D. , Newman Steven E.
Published: February 2019

Four rates of seven plant growth regulators were foliar-applied to 11.4 liter containers of Photinia × fraseri after initial root establishment. Growth regulators studied were uniconazole, paclobutrazol, dikegulac-sodium, ancymidol, 6-BA, GA4+7 and, 6-BA + GA4+7. Six months after application, plant height, plant width, growth index, and number of lateral and terminal branches were recorded.

Applications of uniconazole (30 mg a.i./liter), 6-BA alone or in combination with GA4+7, and dikegulacsodium stimulated lateral branching. The number of lateral branches increased linearly as paclobutrazol rates increased from 60 to 180 mg a.i./liter. Growth index decreased with increasing application rates of uniconazole and paclobutrazol, while the growth index of photinia treated with other growth regulators wasn't affected by application rate. Plant height was increased in GA4+7 treated plants.
EFFECT OF GROWTH REGULATORS ON TWO PYRACANTHA COCCINEA CULTIVARS
Authors: Henderson Janet C. , Nichols Thomas H.
Published: February 2019

Pyracantha coccinea `Lalandei' and `Kasan' were treated with a foliar application of 25, 50 or 100 mg/l uniconazole, 3000 mg/l chlormequat, a soil drench of 0.25, 0.50 or 1.00 mg/container of uniconazole, or 30 mg/container chlormequat. Heights of plants receiving foliar applications of uniconazole were significantly lower than untreated plants in both cultivars. Uniconazole soil drenches also reduced plant height in both cultivars, but differences were not apparent until 8 weeks after treatment. Chlormequat treatments had little effect on plant growth. At harvest, stem dry weight was significantly lower in both cultivars with uniconazole soil drenches and in `Lalandei' treated with 50 and 100 mg/1 and in `Kasan' treated with 100 mg/1 as a foliar application. There was also a tendency for leaf area to increase with uniconazole foliar applications.
MOLYBDENUM SOURCES FOR POINSETTIAS
Authors: Sanderson Kenneth C.
Published: February 2019

`Annette Hegg Brilliant Diamond' poinsettias were directly rooted and grown in 1 sphagnum peat moss:l perlite medium treated with six treatments of Mo and a check. The treatments were: 1) 0.2 ppm Mo liquid weekly, 2) 3.0 mg Mo plaster-of-Paris tablet, 3) 0.6g per liter liquid STEM once, 4) 0.6 kg per m3 Micromax incorporated (Preplant), 5) 3.3 kg per m3 Perk incorporated, 6) 3.0 kg per m3 Esmigran incorporated, 7) 1.2 kg per m3 FTE 503, and 8) check (untreated). Plant height and foliar Mo, N, and Mn were affected by Mo treatments. Untreated plants were shorter than plants receiving Mo treatments. Weekly liquid Mo treatments (10.0 ppm) yielded plants with the highest foliar Mo content and differed from all other treatments. FTE 503 plants (4.2 ppm Mo) differ from other Mo treatments and check plants (1.4 ppm Mo). Liquid Mo plants (6.1% N) had the highest N content and differed from all treatments except Perk (5.8% N) and Micromax (5.8% N) and Micromax (5.8% N). plants. Perk-treated plants (155 ppm Mn) contained more Mn than other plants, whereas check plants (48.4 ppm Mn) and Mo tablet plants (38.4 ppm Mn) contained the least Mn content. Bract number, plant spread and Fe content were unaffected by Mo treatments.
POTASSIUM RATE AND MOISTURE STRESS: CHANGES IN LEAF WATER RELATIONS OF `BONFIRE' SALVIA
Authors: Eakes D. Joseph , Wright Robert P. , Seller John R.
Published: February 2019

Leaf water relations and gravimetric water loss as influenced by K rate (25, 75, 150, 300, 450 and 600 ppm) and moisture stress conditioning (MSC - exposing plants to 4 sub-lethal dry down cycles) were determined for salvia (Salvia splendens `Bonfire'). K rate and MSC had a synergistic effect on leaf osmotic potentials. Osmotic potentials at both full and zero turgor decreased with increasing K rate and MSC. Differences between MSC and no-MSC plant osmotic potentials increased as K rate increased. Active osmotic adjustment with increasing K rate and MSC resulted in increased cellular turgor potentials. Both high K rates and MSC reduced plant gravimetric water loss on a unit leaf area basis.
ACCUMULATION OF SOLUBLE SALTS AS AFFECTED BY EBB AND FLOOD SUBIRRIGATION
Authors: Perches Mario , Wilkerson Don
Published: February 2019

Ebb and Flood systems provide an efficient means of sub-irrigating greenhouse crops. However, substrate accumulations of soluble salts can limit plant growth.

Two treatment irrigation regimes, consisting of 1.70 EC and 0.86 EC, were applied to 7.0 cm pots filled with a standard peat:perlite growing medium. Treatment solutions were changed weekly. All containers were irrigated daily and substrate EC levels measured weekly in the upper, middle, and lower 2.33 cms of the container.

Following 6 weeks of observation, mean EC substrate levels ranged from 1.23 mmhos/cm to 4.42 mmhos/cm. Significant differences occurred between the upper and middle/bottom portions of the container. There was also a significant interaction between treatment irrigation regimes, substrate layer and week.

In both treatment regimes, salt accumulations in the middle and bottom layers of substrate were within acceptable levels for plant production.
NATURE OF HYDR0PHILIC POLYMERS AND THEIR EFFECT ON SOIL PROPERTIES
Authors: Wang Yin-Tung
Published: February 2019

The rate of full hydration for several hydrophilic polymers differed greatly (starch-based polymers > propenoate-propenoamid copolymer > polyacrylamide). Maximum water retention in distilled water varied from over 500 g to 57 g of water per of different dry materials. All polymers retained less water in the presence of metal ions or fertilizers, with substances releasing Fe+2 being the most detrimental. Potting media containing a polyacrylamide polymer reached maximum water retention after 6 irrigations, while those with Micromax (micronutrient source) required 10 irrigations to reach maximum hydration. The water-holding capacities of the media declined after repeated fertilization. Medium bulk density, total watet retention, and water retention per unit volume of medium were increased by the incorporation of the polymer, regardless of the presence of Micromax. Non-capillary porosity in medium amended with Micromax progressively decreased as the amount of the polymer increased, but remained unchanged in medium without Micromax. Repeated wet-dry cycles resulted in decreased water retention and increased non-capillary pore space of the media.
COLD HARDINESS OF TWELVE SEEDLIMG POPULATIONS OF BLACKBERRIES
Authors: Bourne Timothy F. , Moore James N.
Published: February 2019

Cold hardiness was evaluated in twelve seedling populations of tetraploid blackberry, in 1988 and 1989. Seedling populations resulted from crosses made between nine parents of three different categories of cold hardiness. Viability testing of xylem, phloem, and bud tissues were conducted following exposure of tissues to a low temperature estimated to kill one-half of all tissues. Tissues were rated as alive if green and dead if any browning of tissue was seen.

Significant population effects (P<.05) were seen for xylem and bud survival in 1988 and for xylem, phloem, and bud survival in 1989. Results were similar for the two years, although there was a greater discrimination between populations for xylem and phloem survival in the second year. The four populations having `Darrow' as a parent consistently showed greater survival than the other eight lines. The six populations which had `Brison' as one parent showed consistently poor survival with the exception of one resulting from a cross of `Brison' × `Darrow'. This population showed consistently good hardiness, indicating that dominance effects may play a role in cold hardiness of blackberries.
One-Sided Shift Trellising Addresses Harvest, Pest Management and Cultural Problems in Rubus
Authors: Stiles Herbert D.
Published: February 2019

Static-V trellis increases raspberry yield, but fruiting shoots grow toward its center making harvest difficult. Shading causes early leaf abscission and it favors fungus diseases inside the V. Static training of floricanes and primocanes to opposite sides of a V trellis prevents neither harvest difficulty, nor primocane injury during harvest. In 1988-89 harvest difficulties were reduced by bloom-time shifting of floricanes on a V-trellis. Over 90% of fruiting shoots were oriented to the trellis ' exterior, but primocane shading and early leaf abscission continued. The 'bent fence' trellis was designed and tested in 1989. It shifts floricanes from horizontal orientation to an upright position on one side of a V-shaped trellis, thus retaining outward display of fruiting shoots and achieving unobstructed display of primocanes on the opposite side. Harvest efficiency, disease reduction, accurate deposition of pesticides, avoidance of solar injury (sun scald), and adaptation of mechanical pest control procedures are potentiated by this system. It also reduces impediments to studies of carbohydrate partitioning, photosynthetic efficiency, yield efficiency, and intraplant competition.
INLUENCE OF MULCH AND IN-GROUND AMENDMENTS ON ROOT WEIGHT AND DISTRIBUTION OF RABBITEYE BLUEBERRIES.
Authors: Creech D.L. , Martindale C. , Rankin R.
Published: February 2019

Brightwell and Climax plants were established in March, 1987, under the following above-ground treatments: 1) polyfabric weed barrier, 2) a 6 cm deep, 1-meter wide strip of continuous bark, and 3) zero. Below-ground treatments included, 1) 19 liters peatmoss, 2) 19 liters pine bark, 3) a continuous bark strip, tilled in, and 4) zero. A randomized complete block design was utilized with above-ground treatments as main plots and in-ground. treatments as split plots. After three years, plants under polyfabric had higher above-ground dry weights, growth indexes, plant height, root dry weights and root lengths than plants under continuous bark or zero. In the deep, coarse, easily-leached sand, all roots were very shallow (0-20cms) and concentrated along the drip line and in organic matter fractions. There were no significant differences between in-ground treatments.
INFLUENCE OF GIBBERELLIC ACID AND FUNGICIDE EXPERIMENTS ON YIELD, QUALITY AND DISEASE CONTROL OF `CHENIN BLANC' GRAPES IN -SOUTHEAST TEXAS.
Authors: Wilson Iva Suzanne , McEachern George Ray , Hanna J Dan
Published: February 2019

Gibberellic acid and fungicide experiments were conducted in 1988 and 1989 to examine their effect on yield, quality and disease control of 'Chenin Blanc' grapes in Southeast Texas. Gibberellic acid applied 7 and 14 days prior to bloom at 2.5 and 5.0 ppm reduced the number of berries per cluster in 1988 and 1989. The 2.5 ppm rate reduced berries and increased yield. The GA treatments also reduced bunch rot at harvest. Benomyl + Manzate fungicide treatments were superior to Nova and control in reducing bunch rot.
EFFECT OF APPLYING N THROUGH THE DRIP IRRIGATION SYSTEM ON PECAN TREE YIELD
Authors: Worley Ray E. , Daniel J.W. , Dutcher J.D. , Harrison K.A.
Published: February 2019

Nitrogen at rates of 112 or 224 kg·ha-1 was applied to nonirrigated and drip irrigated mature pecan trees for 9 years. Some irrigated trees received 224 kg·ha-1 N either all broadcast or ½ through the drip irrigation. Other drip irrigated trees received only 112 kg·ha-1 all through the drip irrigation system. Fertigation was in 4 equal monthly doses beginning April 1. Irrigation increased yield for 2 years for Schley and 3 years for Stuart. Nut size was increased by irrigation in 6 years for Schley and 8 years for Stuart. Applying ½ N through the irrigation system caused no detrimental effect on yield or nut quality. The lower rate of N all applied through the drip irrigation system gave yield and nut quality as good as the higher rate either all broadcast or ½ broadcast and ½ fertigated.
EFFECTS OF EVAPORATIVE COOLING ON GRAPE BUD HEAT SUMMATION AND ONTOGENY
Authors: Lipe William N. , Baumhardt R. Louis , Wendt C.W. , Rayburn David
Published: February 2019

The major production risk for grapes on the Texas High Plains is freeze injury to buds and wood due to deacclimation brought about by warm periods in late winter. Delaying plant development by any means would reduce risk from injury. Reducing cumulative heat summation between rest and bloom has resulted in delayed bloom on peaches but internal rest is not expressed in grapes. An evaporative cooling system using microsprinklers was applied to a Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard during Jan.-April 1989. The system provided a 25 second wetting period at 3 minute intervals anytime air temperatures exceeded 10° C. Bud temperatures were monitored continuously with a data logger and correlated to cumulative budbreak and plant development. Significant bud cooling was achieved and by normal budbreak cooled buds lagged uncooled buds by 72% in degree days. A similar lag in budbreak was recorded early with some cooled buds breaking 3 weeks after most uncooled buds were open. Cooled plants continued to lag uncooled plants at bloom and even at harvest where oBrix and pH were lower and total acids higher from cooled plots.
MAXIMIZING WATER USE EFFICIENCY OF EVAPORATIVE COOLING SYSTEMS USED TO DELAY GRAPE BUDBREAK
Authors: Baumhardt R. Louis , Lipe W. N. , Rayburn David , Wendt C. W.
Published: February 2019

Mild temperatures during late winter have caused early budbreak in grapes which resulted in freeze injury and significant crop losses in 1980 and 1988. Evaporative cooling of grapevines with microsprinklers when the air temperature exceeded 10 °C (50 °F) used 100 liters/min/hectare of treated grapes (11 gallons/min/acre) and delayed budbreak for a period of 7 to 10 days. Methods of reducing the amount of water used while not reducing the cooling were evaluated. The average hourly difference between wet and dry bud temperatures, measured with thermocouples, were summed during the system operation time and compared as a function of air temperature, wind speed, global radiation, and relative humidity limits. Limiting the cooling system operation time as a function of air temperature, wind speed, or global radiation reduced cooling efficiency by approximately a one to one ratio. Limiting system operation to humidities less than 60% reduced the amount of water used by 33%, with only a 9% reduction in cooling efficiency. By changing the wetting interval employed in this research from 25 seconds every three minutes to 25 seconds every four minutes, total water conservation would increase to 50% with insignificant changes in cooling efficiencies. These system modifications would reduce water application requirements to 50 liters/min/hectare of grapes (5.5 gallons/minute/acre).
A NEAR INFRARED INSTRUMENT FOR THE NONDESTRUCTIVE DETERMINATION OF SOLUBLE SOLIDS IN MELONS
Authors: Dull Gerald G. , Leffler Richard G. , Birth Gerald S.
Published: February 2019

An instrument based on near infrared (NIR) reflectance techniques is described which is capable of determining nondestructively the percent soluble solids in whole honeydew, cantaloupe and watermelon samples. It utilizes a tilting interference filter technology for wavelength scanning and a silicon detector/amplifier for the detection of radiation which has penetrated through inner melon flesh. The standard error of prediction is of the order of 1.2 percent soluble solids for honeydew melons when compared with a standard refractometer analysis.
POSTHARVEST STORAGE CONDITIONS INFLUENCE SUGAR LEVEL AND RATE OF CARBOHYDRATE CONVERSION DURING PUREEING OF SWEET POTATOES
Authors: Wilson Paul W. , Picha David H. , Aselage John M.
Published: February 2019

Changes in fructose, sucrose, and glucose were investigated in cured roots of `Beauregard', `Jewel' and `Travis' sweet potatoes stored at 15°C and 1.5°C for 8 wk. Samples of 6 roots each in triplicate were analyzed at 2 wk intervals. At each interval, samples were also heated for 5, 10, 20 or 40 min. at 100°C to determine changes in rate of maltose conversion. Roots stored at 15°C displayed gradual or no increase in sugars over the 8 wk. Roots stored at 1.5°C increased more rapidly in sugars, especially fructose, over the same time. `Jewel' had the greatest increase in the sugars when stored at 1.5°C. There was no consistent pattern of maltose conversion in roots stored at 15°C over the 8 wk storage time. Roots stored at 1.5°C displayed a reduction in ability to convert starch to maltose upon heating. Less maltose was produced with increasing time of storag at 1.5°C. `Beauregard' and `Jewel' changed the most, while `Travis' changed only slightly.
SENSORY ATTRIBUTES OF JUICE PROCESSED FROM APPLES TREATED WITH CALCIUM CHLORIDE PRIOR TO STORAGE.
Authors: Porting Robert J. , Sams Carl E. , Conway William S. , Collins Jimmie L. , Penfield Marjorie P.
Published: February 2019

`Golden Delicious' and `Red Rome' apples were pressure infiltrated (69 kPa for 2 or 4 min) at harvest with 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4%, and 0, 2, 4, 6 or 8% CaCl2 solutions (w/v), respectively, and placed in 0°C storage. Juice was extracted from the apples after 0, 2, 4 or 6 months in storage. Sensory evaluation of the juice was conducted to determine if CaCl2 concentration affected color, off-flavors, suspended particles or overall acceptability of the juice. Juice color was judged lighter with increased CaCl2 in both cultivars. Detection of off-flavors decreased as CaCl2 was increased in juice from `Red Rome'; whereas, off-flavors increased as CaCl2 was increased in `Golden Delicious' juice. CaCl2 treatments decreased suspended particles in both cultivars. As CaCl2 was increased overall acceptability of juice from `Red Rome' increased, while acceptability of juice from `Golden Delicious' decreased.
FUSARIUM LATERITIUM CAUSES SWEETPOTATO CHLOROTIC LEAF DISTORTION.
Authors: Clark C. A. , Valverde R. A. , Wilder-Ayers J. A. , Nelson P. E.
Published: February 2019

Symptoms of chlorotic leaf distortion (CLD) develop on vigorously growing sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas) plants during sunny weather. They include chlorosis and twisting of young, expanding leaves and the appearance of white material on the adaxial leaf surfaces. The white material consisted of extramatrical fungal mycelia and Fusarium macroconidia. Fusarium lateritium Nees was isolated from surface-sterilized vine segments, leaf primordia, apical meristems, flower parts and true seeds of plants with CLD. Meristem-tip-culture-derived plants (mericlones) did not develop symptoms when grown for extended periods under disease-conducive conditions in the greenhouse. The fungus was not isolated from mericlones or other plants which had remained symptomless in the greenhouse but was isolated from lower nodes of symptomless plants from growers' fields. Symptoms developed on 84% of 185 mericlones of nine sweetpotato genotypes inoculated with F. lateritium isolated from CLD-affected plants. The pathogen was reisolated only from inoculated mericlones.
LONG-TERM EFFECT OF SOIL SOLARIZATION ON CONTROLLING ROOT-KNOT NEMATODES IN SWEETPOTATO
Authors: Stevens C. , Khan V. A. , Tang A. Y. , Bonsi C. K. , Wilson M. A.
Published: February 2019

A three year study involving solar heating of soil (soil solarization) with clear polyethylene mulch demonstrated for two years, control of root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne incognita). The population of M. incognita was reduced >90% in the 0-30cm depth of solarized soil. The number of eggs per gram root recovered and the root gall index from `Georgia-Jet' sweetpotatoes were reduced (92-98%) by soil solarization. Growth and yield were enhanced in solarized soil. The beneficial effects of solarization was observed in the second year following two additional cropping cycles of collard greens and sweetpotatoes.
WHITE ASPARAGUS PRODUCTION WITH OPAQUE PLASTIC ROW COVERS
Authors: Makus D. J. , Gonzalez A. R.
Published: February 2019

Black and white plastic row covers were established over field-grown `Jersey Giant' asparagus on 10 Mar 89. Season soil temps in uncovered, white, and black plastic treatments were 17.4, 15.9, and 16.8°C, respectively. Night air temp under plastics was about 1.4°C higher than no plastic. Day temps under black plastic were typically >10° higher than no cover. Temps under white plastic were intermediate. Spears were cut for 7 weeks beginning on 27 March. Black plastic improved early yield only at the third cutting week. There was no consistent plastic cover effect on spear diameter. Marketable and total yield were improved with the use of plastics. Spear number/ha was not affected. Spear weight (after trimming to 15 cm length) was greater when grown under plastic, whereas spear length was reduced. There were no differences between treatments in spear fiber, but spears grown under plastic covers had higher soluble solids and nitrates, and lower ascorbate, protein and phenolic levels than did uncovered spears. Very little chlorophyll and carotenoids were produced in the absence of light, but there was a color intensity difference between spears grown under the two different plastics.
EFFECT OF CHANNEL DEPTH ON YIELD OF SWEET POTATOES GROWN HYDROPONICALLY
Authors: Morris C. , Mortley D. , Loretan P. , Bonsi C. , Hill W.
Published: February 2019

The potential of the sweet potato as a food source for future long-term manned space missions is being evaluated for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Controlled Ecological Life Support System (CELSS) Program. Several experiments have shown that the sweet potato can be grown hydroponically. However, an evaluation of the NASA fan-shaped Biomass Production Chamber (BPC) channel was initiated to determine if channel depths influenced the yield of hydroponically grownsweet potatoes. Three channel depths were studied, 5 cm (2 in) standard NASA BPC channel, 10 cm (4 in) channel and 15 cm (6 in) channel. The experiment consisted of one replication. The results show that channel depth does effect the yield of storage roots. The 15 cm depth channel provided the most consistent yield with all channels having significantly different fresh storage root yields in the replicate.
PHOTOMORPHOGENIC GROWTH OF WATERMELON AS INFLUENCED BY LIGHT TRANSMISSION THROUGH ROW COVER MATERIALS
Authors: Friend Heather H. , Decoteau Dennis R.
Published: February 2019

Alterations in spectral distribution as affected by selective light transmission of row cover materials were evaluated for effects on early watermelon (Citrullus lanatus cv. Sugar Baby) growth and development. Selected commercially available row covers were analyzed for light transmission properties. Results suggest that row cover materials function as selective light filters and influence parameters of light that can affect plant morphogenesis. Clear polyethylene row covers caused little variation in transmitted PAR (photosynthetically active radiation) and photomorphogenic light (FR/R and blue light). White polyethylene row covers decreased the transmitted PAR and blue light but had no effect on the FR/R ratio. Watermelon plants grown under a white polyethylene row cover with a greater FR/R ratio of light were taller (longer stems) and had longer petioles than plants grown under a clear polyethylene row cover with a smaller transmitted FR/R ratio.
PERFORMANCE OF A WIDE RANGE OF ASIAN VEGETABLES AT TWO LOCATIONS IN EAST TEXAS
Authors: Anderson J. , Creech D.
Published: February 2019

The population of U.S. Asians will increase by 41% and reach 12 million by the year 2000. Chinese cabbage, Pak Choi, Daikon, and Bitter melon have moved out of the ethnic market and are now in mainstream outlets. This study targeted a diverse range of cool and warm-season crops. Besides those listed above, this study evaluated varieties of Asian greens, Chinese brocolli, Allium, edible soybeam, melon, squash, cucumber, edible Chrysanthemum, amaranth, winged bean, yard-long bean, and edible soybean. A randomized complete block design was utilized, with three replications of row length, varying from 10 to 33 feet, depending on species tested. Direct seedlings of cool-season crops in February and September, 1989 resulted in good market quality and yield of many varieties. Work in 1990 will focus on width of the market window, market information, and grower access to markets.
THE USE OF LOW RATES OF CLOMAZONE ON WATERMELON
Authors: Hohlt H. E. , Wilson H. P. , Hines T. E.
Published: February 2019

During 1989, clomazone (Command) was applied pretransplant or preemergence to transplanted and seeded watermelon (Citrullus lanatus, cv. Charleston Gray), respectively. Rates of 280, 414, and 560 g ai·ha-1 (0.50, 0.75, 1.0 pt/A) clomazone were applied to a Bojac sandy loam. Plots were rated for percentage weed control 21 DAT. Control of common lambsquarters [Chenopodium album (L.)], large crabgrass [Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop.], and smooth pigweed (Amaranthus hybridus L.) increased with rate although smooth pigweed control was low. A significant phytotoxic injury characterized by bleaching and reduced growth occurred at all rates on melon transplants. No significant phytotoxicity occurred in seeded plots 35 DAT. Vine length (cm) was recorded 42 DAT. Vine length was reduced significantly at the 560 g·ha-1 rate in transplants. Vine length of seeded watermelons was not significantly affected.
BELL PEPPER GROWTH AND PRODUCTION AS INFLUENCED BY END-OF-DAY SUPPLEMENTAL LIGHT-PRIMING OF TRANSPLANTS
Authors: Decoteau Dennis R. , Friend Heather H.
Published: February 2019

The influence of end-of-day (EOD) supplemental light-priming on pepper (Capsicum annuum cv. Keystone Resistant Giant No. 3) transplants was investigated for possible residual growth effects on subsequent plant growth and fruit production. Greenhouse grown pepper transplants were fluorescent light-primed for one hour prior to dusk for three weeks in 1988 and four weeks in 1989 and then transplanted to the field. EOD fluorescent light-priming of pepper plants reduced the height, leaf area, dry weight, fruit number, and fruit weight as compared to non-treated plants prior to first harvest. EOD fluorescent light-priming of pepper transplants had little effect on early and total fruit production. These results suggest that EOD fluorescent light-priming of transplants that affect early pepper growth in the field have little residual influence on subsequent fruit production.
LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF SOIL SOLARIZATION ON THE GROWTH RESPONSE AND SOIL FERTILITY OF COLE CROPS
Authors: Stevens C. , Khan V. A. , Lu J. Y. , Tang A. Y. , Hiltbold A. E.
Published: February 2019

Partial steam and chemical sterilization of soil rich in organic matter increased the soil nutrients, little information exists with regard to the effect of soil solarization (SS) in this regard. A study was established to determine the effects of SS in combination with wheat residue and subsequent crop residue on increased growth response (IGR) of cole crops and soil fertility for two years. SS for 90 days increased K+, P, Ca++ and Mg++ 3 times more within five months after SS. The SS effect released higher levels of total N in the soil. However, increase levels of N was lower than that required for maximum IGR of collard. The IGR of cole crops without fertilizers was higher in SS plots as compared to bare soil. The IGR of collard was evident almost two years after SS.
INFLUENCE OF FERTILIZER PLACEMENT UNDER PLASTIC ON YIELD AND NUTRIENT UPTAKE OF TRANSPLANTED TOMATOES.
Authors: MORTLEY DESMOND , KHAN V. , BONSI C. , RHODEN E.
Published: February 2019

Fertilizer placement under plastic was studied on 2 tomato cultivars (`TI-130' and `Floradade') during 1989. Treatments were 1, 2 or 3 increments of fertilizer broadcast, banded, broadcast/banded of banded with 1 or 2 sidedressings and a check. Fertilizer applied was NPK at 135-90-84 kg·ha-1 as a ammonium nitrate, triple superphosphate and muriate of potash, 10cm to each side of the plants and 10cm deep. Vine, total, marketable and early yields for lower rates either Br or Ba were as good as those of the full rate Br or Ba with 2 sidedressings (Ba/SD2). Leaf N, P, K, Ca and Mg for `TI-130' were not affected by placement. The Ba/SD2 placement Increased leaf N for `Floradade' but leaf Ca was reduced in all treatments vs the check. Leaf Mn was increased markedly by placements involving broadcasting at all rates.
INFLUENCE OF SEVERAL RATES OF POTASSIUM FERTILIZER ON TUBER AND SOIL CONTENT AND YIELD OF SOLANUM TUBEROSUM
Authors: Wilson Mack A. , Aide Michael
Published: February 2019

Potatoes (Solantum tuberosum) were grown on a Lilbourn sandy loam entisol in Charleston, Missouri, with varying rates of potassium fertilizer. Four rates of murate of potash (KCl) were used; 0, 196, 392 and 582 Kg-K/HA. Potassium was measured in tuber and soil by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The amount of soil potassium was apparently high. Although potassium content in the two cultivars of potatoes, `Norchip' and `Atlantis' was slightly higher (2.3-3.7) as compared to another researcher's data (2%). Obviously, the need for potassium fertilizer for vegetable crops is related to the supplying ability of the soil. Tuber yields (Kg/HA) were higher with added rates of potassium fertilizer than the control, and the results were significant. Yields (Kg/HA) of `Atlantis' were significantly higher than `Norchip.'