bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-density Planting System with Nursery Plants by Cutting of Tomato
Authors: Yang Seung-Ku , Choi Kyong-Ju , Chung Soon-Ju , Kim* Wol-Soo
Published: February 2019

In order to cultivate tomato of the first fruit cluster harvest a lot of nursery plants were required as much as 75,000 to 100,000 plants per hectare in green house in Korea. Therefore, it needs too many expenses to buy tomato seeds. This study was carried out to confirm the possibility of alternative use of the tomato cuttings instead of tomato seedlings of two varieties. The cutting materials of each node were taken from the suitable transplanting tomato seedling nursery plants in commercial green house. Four to five nodes of seedling nursery plants were cut into plug tray with 50 to 128 cells, 23 to 80 mL/cell in cell capacity. At 5 days after cutting rooting was initiated and the rooted plants could be transplanted as cutting nursery plants. The cutting nursery plants of Rockusanmaru and Momotarou-yoku varieties were planted to the perlite media in hydroponics bench in green house with 111,110 plants/ha (90 cm × 10 cm) in planting density at 8 May 2002. The matured fruits were harvested from 9 July through 26 July 2002. The number of harvested fruits was 2.9 to 3.3 for the two varieties. The fruit weight was 138 to 153 g for `Rockusanmaru', and 127 to 146 g for `Momotarou-yoku'. The cutting nursery plants of `Rockusanmaru' showed higher fruit yields as much as 51.5 tons/ha than that of seedlings as 40.3 tons/ha. There was a similar result in `Momotarou-yoku'. The duration from cutting to harvest of first fruit cluster was required 89 to 105 days, as well as 63 to 79 days from field planting to harvest. In conclusion the cultivation with tomato cutting nursery plants was considered as better effects in shorter periods in nursery raising and higher yields in comparison to conventional cultivation with seedlings.
The Economical Management of Recirculation Solution and Development of Automatic Controlling Program for Hydroponics
Authors: Soh* Jae-Woo , Lee Yong-Beom
Published: February 2019

Experiments were carried out to determine nutrient management system for butterhead lettuce `Omega' and leaf lettuce `Grand Rapids' in nutrient film technique (NFT), and to develop a rapid and reliable program for recirculation solution. The effects of controlling solutions with UOSL (Leaf Lettuce solution of the Univ. of Seoul, Korea; NO3 -N 10.55, NH4 -N 1.02, P 2.0, K 6.7, Ca 3.5, Mg 2.0, SO4 -S 2.0 me·L-1; Fe 2.0, Cu 0.1, B 0.5, Mn 0.3, Zn 0.3, Mo 0.05 ppm) were studied by greenhouse with managing by distilled water (DW), managing pH and EC (CM), managing by nutrient solution analysis (MN), managing by nutrient solution with leaf analysis (ML). The CO2 assimilation, transpiration rate, relative chlorophyll contents, leaf color, fresh weight and dry weight were highest in MN control in the butterhead `Omega' and in MN and ML control in the leaf lettuces `Grand Rapids'. The highest relative growth rate (RGR) was in MN ML in the butterhead `Omega' but those wasn't in the leaf lettuce `Grand Rapids'. Calculation program of adjustable solution was based on the main works by Visual Basic 5.0. The developed program could select an automatic and passive process considering the type of fertilizers, run-off rate, nutrient concentration, and water volume, for calculation. All of them were done successfully by the fast and precise calculation program.
Effect of Different Heat Periods on Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. melonis Survival and Viability
Authors: Ballinas-Cano Roney , Farias-Larios Javie , Orozco-Santos Mario , López-Aguirre* J. Gerardo , Sánchez-Arevalo Emilio
Published: February 2019

Soil solarization is used for soil born pathogens control, as a result of temperature increase in soil, around 10 °C higher than in not solarized soils. In Mexico, is mostly used to decrease cost to control of different diseases that affect to melon crop, one of them is caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. melonis (L & C) Snyder & Hansen, which is characterized by wilt and yellowing in melon plants. The objective of this assay was to evaluate the effect of heat on infective capacity of F. oxysporum f. sp. melonis in melon plants and its reproduction capacity after to be under different periods of heat under laboratory conditions. Isolated was taken from melon plants from Carmelitas Ranch in the Colima Municipality. Inoculation was 1 × 10-6 conidia concentration. Cloth bags, with 20 g of inoculated soil, were introduced at 9 cm depth in metallic pots (16 cm diameter and 18 cm depth) containing 4 kg of not inoculated soil during 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 h, with 6 replications. After each period, 1 g was taken from the cloth bags used in heat treatments, later was diluted in 50 mL of distillated water, and petri dishes containing PDA, were inoculated with 1 mL from that dilution and inoculum viability was registered at 96 h after incubation. Parameters evaluated were: mycelium growth, propagule number, and conidia number. Results showed a positive effect to control of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. melonis, in treatments with a higher heat period, respecting to the control. Is necessary to evaluate this technique under field conditions during summer season.
Effect of Soil Solarization on Wilt by Fusarium in Muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) in Western Mexico
Authors: Orozco-Santos Mario , Farias-Larios Javier , López-Aguirre* J. Gerardo , Sánchez-Arévalo Emilio , Molina-Ochoa Jaime
Published: February 2019

In Central Pacific region, Mexico, are cultivated around 17,000 ha of cucurbitaceous. This crops are affected by wilt, this disease is caused by Fusarium oxysporum (F.o.) Schlechtend. Some farmers are using resistant varieties to this disease, but resistance is different to each cultivar. Soil fumigation is other way to control this pathogen. Soil solarization is a new alternative for Fusarium oxysporum control. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of soil solarization on Fusarium oxysporum for wilt control in muskmelon crop in Colima State. The experiment was carried out under field conditions, using Cantaloupe melon (Cucumis melo L.) Cv. Ovation, in Ixtla-huacán municipality during November-December. Clear plastic was used (thickness 110). Evaluation of solarization periods were 0, 10, 20, and 30 days. Experimental design was full random blocks, with four replications. Evaluated variables were: soil temperature at 5-,10-, and 20-cm soil depth, propagule number of Fusarium oxysporum in soil, wilt incidence and yield. For determine Fusarium oxysporum survival, a strain isolated from infected plants was used. Fungi was introduced in cloth bags, containing 10 gr of sterile sand with 10 mL of a suspension of 19,000 conidia/mL. Later were introduced four cloth bags per treatment at 5-,10-, and 20-cm soil depth. When plants were harvested, was taken the sick plants percentage. Results shown that soil solarization periods had not an effect on the propagule number at the soil depth for the solarization periods. Also soil solarization had not and effect on plant yield. Is necessary to do the same experiment during different season, as June-July or September-October, to have a higher soil temperature and humidity.
Interactive Effects of K and B on Tomato Shoulder Check, a Quality Defect in Fresh Market Tomato
Authors: Huang* Jinsheng , Snapp Sieglinde
Published: February 2019

Potassium (K) and boron (B) nutrition play an important role in control of tomato quality. To evaluate the interactive effects of K and B on yield and fruit quality in fresh market tomatoes, two-year field experiments were conducted in 2002 and 2003 in Southwest Michigan, using the industry standard cultivar `Mountain Spring' and recommended practices for irrigated, staked fresh market production. Six treatments evaluated three fertilizer regimes applied during fruit development (1N:1K, 1N:2K and 1N:3K) and two weekly B foliar sprays (none and 300 mg·L-1 B) at fruit set stage. Increasing K concentration in the fertilizer increased K content in both leaf and fruit tissue, but reduced calcium content in leaf tissue. 1N:3K fertilizer treatment increased tomato shoulder check incidence. The overall total percent shoulder check defect was 32.7%, 33.5% and 38.2% for 1N:1K, 1N:2K and 1N:3K fertilizers, respectively. Weekly B foliar spray increased both tomato marketable yield and fruit quality. Less shoulder check incidence was obtained with a foliar B spray. Boron foliar spray also increased K content in fruit tissue for 1N:1K and 1N:2K treatments. The 1N:2K plus B foliar spray is recommended for improving tomato yield and quality.
Segregation of Resistance to Root-knot Nematodes in a Vitis Nesbittiana Hybrid Population
Authors: Boyden* Laurie E. , Cousins Peter
Published: February 2019

Development of rootstocks resistant to root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) is a priority in grape breeding. The N allele, present in Harmony and Freedom rootstocks, confers resistance to N-avirulent strains of Meloidogyne. Extensive planting of rootstocks containing N has led to the development of N-virulent nematode strains, prompting a search for new resistance alleles. A seedling population derived from Vitis nesbittiana Comeaux was evaluated to investigate the genetic control of nematode resistance in this species. Hybridization with easily propagated rootstock selections will be required to utilize nematode resistance found in V. nesbittiana, a native of Mexico. The female parent of the population was 161-49C, a V. riparia × V. berlandieri hybrid rootstock. 161-49C does not contribute nematode resistance to its progeny. The male parent was V. nesbittiana DVIT 2236.12, an accession held in the U.S. National Plant Germplasm system. Nematode resistance of the 161-49C × V. nesbittiana DVIT 2236.12 population was assessed in greenhouse pot culture. Seedling roots were stained in an eosin-Y solution six weeks after inoculation with 1500 N-virulent M. arenaria juveniles. Resistance classes of seedlings were determined by assessing the degree of galling and number of egg masses per root system. Segregation in the seedling population was consistent with a 1:1 ratio of resistance to susceptibility, indicating that the V. nesbittiana accession is heterozygous for a dominant allele conferring resistance to N-virulent root-knot nematodes. The genetic relationship between this allele and the N allele has yet to be determined.
Physiological and Microbiological Characteristics of Fresh-cut Cucumber Stored in CA/MAP in Relation to High CO2 Atmosphere
Authors: Izumi* Hidemi , Tachibana Moritoshi , Yamamoto Chika , Nagano Mio
Published: February 2019

Fresh-cut cucumber slices were stored at 10 and 20 °C in high CO2 controlled atmospheres (5%, 10%, and 20%) or in MAP of OPP non-perforated and perforated with 50 micro m pores (P-plus) films. In CA storage, respiration rates and surface yellowing of slices were reduced by high CO2 atmospheres at 10°C, but increased with increasing CO2 levels at 20 °C. Counts of mesophiles, psychrotrophs and coliform group on slices stored at 10 °C were not affected by high CO2, except lactic acid bacteria, which the counts increased when stored in 20% CO2. At 20°C, all bacterial counts were higher with slices in 10% or 20% CO2 than those in air or 5% CO2. For MAP study, the used films were non-perforated OPP films (1170 mL/m2/day/atm, O2 permeability) and P-plus films having high (51000 and 74000 mL/m2/day/atm for storage at 10 and 20 °C, respectively) and low (17000 and 51000 mL/m2/day/atm for storage at 10 and 20 °C, respectively) O2 permeability. Cucumber slices were stored in MAP for 7 days at 10 °C and 2 days at 20 °C. The CO2 accumulated to 17.5% and 30% and O2 depleted to 2.5 and 3% at 10 and 20°C, respectively, in the non-perforated OPP film packages. Ethylene accumulated only in non-perforated OPP films at both temperatures. Growth of coliform group at 20 °C and lactic acid bacteria at 10 and 20 °C was greater in slices packaged in non-perforated OPP films than in P-plus films, while growth of mesophiles and psychrotrophs was similar in any packaging films. At the end of storage period, the bacteria isolated frequently from cucumber slices were Enterobacteriaceae and plant pathogenic bacteria. Lactic acid bacteria such as Leuconostoc citreum were detected on slices in non-perforated OPP films.
Postharvest Application of Riboflavin Enhances Red Color in Strawberry
Authors: Dale Adam , Prigozliev Stoyan , Chu* George , Kermasha Selim
Published: February 2019

`Seascape' strawberries were harvested and treated with various concentrations of riboflavin and placed on a lab bench for 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4 days, respectively, in a cold room at 4 °C. After each day, samples were taken and stored in a freezer at -20 °C until they were evaluated for anthocyanins content. Both exogenously applied riboflavin and storage time increased cyaniding 3-glucoside and pelargonidin 3-glucoside in the strawberry fruits. This result indicates that riboflavin could be used to increase red color in strawberries destined for processing as well as be included as a vitamin supplement in the processed products.
Somaclonal Variation in Coreopsis grandiflora `Domino'
Authors: Trader* Brian W. , Gruszewski Hope A. , Barclift Norman I. , Veilleux Richard E. , Scoggins Holly L.
Published: February 2019

Coreopsis grandiflora (tickseed) regenerates readily from leaf segments allowing the possibility to exploit somaclonal variation as a means to develop novel phenotypes. We used true leaves from in vitro seedlings of Coreopsis grandiflora `Domino' grown on MS basal medium as explants in a series of experiments to evaluate the effect of media, leaf explant orientation, and genotype on shoot regeneration. Genotype accounted for most of the variation with two particular seedlings regenerating freely and eight others generally recalcitrant. From these two seedlings, designated E2 and H2, shoots were regenerated and acclimated to the greenhouse over a period of weeks. Once the plants had established (≈6 weeks after acclimatization) they were vernalized by moving them to a lighted bench (12-h photoperiod) in a walk-in cooler at 4 °C .On transfer back into the greenhouse, the plants flowered within a few weeks; 15 of 175 somaclones were selected based on distinct differences in flower orientation and appearance. The selected somaclones were propagated by division and transplanted to the field in May 2002 in a randomized complete-block design with three-plant plots and three replications, to determine if the novel characteristics persisted through an additional propagation cycle. In the field, plant height, leaf dimension, flowering, and flower dimensions were scored in June-July 2003. Significant differences were found between somaclones and the original E2 and H2 similarly propagated seedlings for desirable (more petals per flower, greater flowering, shorter plants), undesirable (less flowering, smaller flowers), and neutral (narrower leaves, taller plants) traits.
OASIS: Organic Vegetable Production Teaching Endeavor and Community Supported Agriculture Venture
Authors: Falk Constance L. , Pao Pauline , Cramer* Christopher S.
Published: February 2019

In January 2002, an organic vegetable garden on the New Mexico State Univ. (NMSU) main campus was initiated to expose students to organic production practices and agricultural business management. The project named, OASIS (Organic Agriculture Students Inspiring Sustainability), is funded by a USDA Hispanic Serving Institution Grant and operated as a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) venture. Students enroll in an organic vegetable production class during spring and fall semesters to help manage and work on the project. The CSA model of farming involves the sale of shares to members who receive weekly allotments of the farm's output. The objectives of the project are to provide students with a multi-disciplinary experiential educational opportunity, to investigate the feasibility of small scale organic drip irrigated farming in the Chihuahuan desert, to demonstrate the CSA model to the local community, to trial vegetable varieties, and to provide a site where faculty can conduct research or student laboratory exercises. This is the first organic vegetable garden on the NMSU main campus, the first organic vegetable production class, and the first CSA venture in southern New Mexico. The project has grown about 230 varieties of vegetables, herbs, and flowers in the first two years of production, and has grossed at total of $32,000 in revenues from both years on 2/3 of an acre of land. In the first year, 32 members purchased 18.5 full share equivalents, and in 2003, 69 members purchased 39.5 full share equivalents.
Enhancing Students' Learning of High Technology in Horticulture
Authors: Kobayashi* Kent D.
Published: February 2019

How do we enhance students' learning experience and help them be aware of current and emerging technology used in horticulture? An undergraduate course on “Computer Applications, High Technology, and Robotics in Agriculture” was developed to address these needs. Its objectives were to familiarize students with the ways computers, high technology, and robotics are used in agriculture and to teach students how to design, build, and run a robot. The diverse topics included computer models and simulation, biosensors and instrumentation, graphical tracking and computer scheduling, new methods in plant ecology, automation and robotics, Web-based distance diagnostic and recommendation system, GIS and geospatial analysis, and greenhouse environmental control. An individual speaker presented one topic each week with students also visiting some speaker's labs. The students did active, hands on learning through assignments on computer simulations (STELLA simulation language) and graphical tracking (UNH FloraTrack software). They also built, programmed, and ran robots using Lego Mindstorms robotic kits. The course was evaluated using the Univ.'s CAFE system. There were also open-ended questions for student input. On a scale of 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree), mean scores of the 20 CAFE questions ranged from 3.71 to 4.75 with an overall mean of 4.22. When comparisons to other TPSS courses were possible, this course had a higher mean score for four out of seven questions. Course evaluations indicated this special topics course was important and valuable in helping enhance the students' learning experience.
Multimedia Instrument for Greenhouse Education: Establishing Potential Clientele
Authors: Tignor* Milton E. , Giacomelli Gene A. , Irani Tracy A. , Kubota Chieri , McMahon Margaret J. , Wilson Sandra B. , Heleba David A.
Published: February 2019

Currently, in the United States, the greenhouse industry covers more than 15,000 acres and is supported by a diverse number of firms with employee expertise that includes greenhouse manufacturing, engineering, irrigation, horticulture, IPM, sales, marketing, and business management. The growing greenhouse industry continues to be in need of highly trained undergraduates that have mastered an amalgam of scientific and business concepts necessary to be competitive in today's agricultural marketplace. Using a multidisciplinary approach we are creating a multimedia instrument for utilization in a variety of greenhouse related courses. This instrument ultimately will be available on the web for anyone to access. To ensure that our vision matches need, we have reviewed the courses offered throughout the United States at 1862, 1890, and 1994 land grant institutions. Course information collected includes; college, Dept., title, level, description, website (if available) and instructor e-mail (if available). Interestingly, there are at least 84 courses offering some aspect of greenhouse science in the U.S. Most are offered in Colleges of Agriculture or Engineering, but are housed in 17 diverse Dept.s. Examples include Dept.s of Horticulture; Agronomy and Horticulture; Agricultural Biosystems and Engineering; Plant, Soil, and Entomological Science; and Horticulture, Forestry, Landscape & Parks. This information will be utilized to focus the instructional design phase of the multimedia instrument, to contact current course instructors for feedback, and to frame future development of the resource.
Integrating Horticulture into Middle School Science Curriculums to Satisfy Educational Standards
Authors: Karsh* Kathryn L. , Bush Edward W. , Lindstedt Dianne M. , Blanchard Pam B.
Published: February 2019

Louisiana requires schools to address designated educational standards at specific grade levels. Science is a challenging subject at the middle school level. A hands-on approach has been proven more effective than traditional classroom teaching. A program was developed by a cooperative effort between Louisiana Sea Grant and the LSU AgCenter Dept. of Horticulture within the Coastal Roots Nursery Program. Eight lesson plans were designed to meet 16 standards and 275 students in four schools. Pre- and post-test were given to each grade in addition to the Children's Attitude Toward Environment Scale (CATES). Additional pre- and post-test were given to classes not participating in the program. The evaluations tested both short and long term memory on material contained in the lesson plans. The data was analyzed by school, sex, and grade level.
Development of an Air Quality Learning and Demonstration Center at the Arboretum at Penn State
Authors: Skelly John M. , Davis Don D. , Decoteau* Dennis R.
Published: February 2019

An Air Quality Learning and Demonstration Center has been developed within the Arboretum at Penn State Univ.. The Center provides opportunities where students (of all ages) and teachers (grade-school through to classes within the Univ.) can learn about air quality as one of our most important natural resources. A seasonally interactive display of air quality monitoring instrumentation, self guided walkways through gardens of air pollution sensitive plant species, innovative techniques for demonstrating the effects of air pollutants on plants, displays of recent research findings, industry supported displays of pollution abatement technologies, and a teaching pavilion are within the Center. A Pennsylvania Dept. of Environmental Protection air quality monitoring station with ozone, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon dioxide, PM < 2.5 u mass and speciation samplers, and a complete meteorological station provide data on the immediate environmental parameters. These data are relayed to an LCD crystal display board that has been mounted on the outside of the monitoring building; visitors are able to see the various measures of the air quality on a real time basis. Pannier type fiberglass display panels provide understandings of the various facets of air pollution formation and transport phenomena, air quality monitoring methods, the functions of open-top chambers, foliar symptoms expressed by pollution sensitive plants within the bioindicator gardens, and the impacts of pollution on agricultural and forested ecosystems. Handicapped accessible walkways lead visitors throughout the Center to the Teaching Pavilion that easily accommodates 80 persons. The pavilion is equipped with drop down curtains, electric power, and internet connections.
Using Dreamweaver and WebCT to Support an Online Horticulture Course
Authors: Osborne* Dennis J. , Sanders Douglas C. , Hicks Leigh Jay , Petherbridge Donna
Published: February 2019

The software package Macromedia Dreamweaver™ and learning management system WebCT™ are becoming de facto standards used to develop university distance education courses. NC State Univ. adopted these tools as part of its extensive support program for creating new distance courses, transforming existing classroom presentations into distance courses or upgrading existing distance courses. While production tools are becoming standardized, a “standard” course framework does not exist because most faculty believe that “no other course is like mine”. However, initial course placement online and course maintenance thereafter would be facilitated if a standardized course framework could be adopted and widely implemented. We developed such a framework, readily adaptable to many courses, by using the Libraries feature in Dreamweaver™ to create a model for easy navigation and standard course formatting for distance courses. Library items can be easily changed for use in different courses, and the entire framework can then be uploaded into WebCT™ for delivery to students. The model is used for several graduate level horticulture courses at NC State Univ.. Using this framework will allow any faculty member to easily fit his or her course into a replicable framework.
Cultivars Suitable for Watermelon Rind Pickles
Authors: Gusmini* Gabriele , Schultheis Jonathan , Wehner Todd
Published: February 2019

Salted or sweet pickles made from the rind of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) fruit are commonly produced in North America, Europe, and Asia. Among growers and food processors, there is an increasing interest in identifying cultivars suitable for industrial production of watermelon rind pickles. Cultivars for pickling should have a thick, white rind (mesocarp). The objective of our study was to evaluate adapted watermelon cultivars for use in pickling. We measured rind thickness of cultivars in eight North Carolina trials conducted in 1995 to 2002. The top three cultivars for rind thickness (22 to 24 mm) were Jubilee, Arriba and Charleston Gray (seeded), and Fantastik, Sweetheart and Triple Crown (seedless). Cultivars with the thinnest rind (7 to 8 mm) were Emperor, Scarlet Trio, Tri-X-464 and Carnival.
Evaluation of Altered Cucumber Plant Architecture as a Means to Reduce Phytophthora Fruit Rot
Authors: Ando* Kaori , Grumet Rebecca
Published: February 2019

Phytophthora capsici fruit rot is an increasingly serious disease affecting cucumber production throughout the Eastern U.S. The absence of genetically resistant cultivars and rapid development of fungicide resistance makes it imperative to develop integrated disease management strategies. Cucumber fruits which come in direct contact with the soil-borne pathogen are usually located under the canopy where moist, warm conditions favor disease development. We sought to examine whether variations in plant architecture traits that influence canopy structure or fruit contact with the soil make conditions less favorable for disease development. As a `proof of concept' to test whether an altered canopy could facilitate P. capsici control, we tested the effect of increased row spacing and trellis culture on disease occurrence in the pickling cucumber `Vlaspik.' Trellis plots indicated that removal of fruit contact from soil reduced disease occurrence. Currently available variation in plant architecture was tested using nearly-isogenic genotypes varying for indeterminate (De), determinate (de), standard leaf (LL), and little leaf (ll) traits. Although differences were observed in peak mid-day temperatures under the different canopies, there were not differences in disease occurrence among the genotypes. A collection of 150 diverse cucumber accessions identified to serve as a representative sample of the germplasm, was observed for possible variation in plant architecture. Variation was observed for an array of traits including main stem length, internode length, leaf length and width, and number of branches. Interesting types that may allow for more open canopies include reduced branching habit and compact/bushy growth.
Heritability Patterns of Elastic and Viscoelastic Components of Tomato Firmness Derived from Intra- and Interspecific Genetic Backgrounds
Authors: Stommel John R. , Abbott* Judith A. , Francis David , Camp Mary J.
Published: February 2019

Tomato fruit firmness is a key quality component of tomatoes produced for processing applications. Fruit firmness is generally considered a quantitatively inherited trait. Pericarp firmness of modern tomato cultivars is believed to be derived from a fairly narrow genetic background and is the result of the cumulative effort of numerous breeders over many years. Despite inferior phenotypes, wild species contain loci that can substantially increase tomato fruit quality. In the current study, inheritance of fruit firmness in firm and ultra-firm processing tomato germplasm developed from transgressive segregants of interspecific Lycopersicon esculentum × L. hirsutum and intraspecific L. esculentum crosses was characterized. Large-fruited breeding lines that varied in fruit firmness from soft to firm were identified for genetic analyses. A six-parent diallel of these advanced breeding lines was developed for field trials over multiple locations. Fruit firmness in the resulting 36 lines was determined by measuring fruit elastic properties during fruit puncture and compression. Following loading for compression, stress relaxation was recorded for 15 s. A three-parameter model was used to fit the relaxation curves. There was little correlation between firmness (maximum force) and the three relaxation parameters, i.e., firmness measured the elastic component and the relaxation parameters measured the viscous portions of the texture. General and specific combining ability for firmness derived from the respective genetic backgrounds was determined. Genetic variance components for fruit firmness were estimated using a diallel analysis and narrow sense heritability was measured using parent-offspring regression.
Assessing Genetic Variability of Pelargonium Species Using PCR-based TRAP Markers
Authors: Hong Wai-Foong , Bai Chang-Qing , Broe Michael , Hu Jinguo , Krause Charles , Tay* David , Wang Guo-Liang
Published: February 2019

Pelargonium is one of the important flower crops in USA. It is a priority genus for conservation at the USDA Ornamental Plant Germplasm Center (OPGC). It belongs to Geraniaceae family and comprises of about 280 species. To understand the genetic variation of the Pelargonium collection at OPGC, the PCR-based TRAP (target region amplified polymorphism) marker system which was newly developed in sunflower was used in this study. Twelve sets of primers were used to fingerprint 46 accessions representing 21 commercial P. hortorum, 17 scented geraniums and 8 other unidentified Pelargonium taxa. About 150 DNA bands could be detected in each primer and accession combination. Cluster analysis showed that molecular data was highly correlated with the phenotypes. Cultivars with similar morphological traits were clustered together. These results demonstrated that the TRAP system is a useful technique for the characterization and classification of Pelargonium collections.
Plant Regeneration from Leaf of Streptocarpus × hybridus Voss. Cultured In Vitro
Authors: Cantor* Maria , Pop Rodica , Pop Ioana
Published: February 2019

The Streptocarpus is propagated ease vegetatively from leaf cuttings all year round, but is grown on a very limited scale commercially in Romania. Successful protocol for direct shoot regeneration from in vitro Cape primrose (Streptocarpus × hybridus Voss.) leaf explants has been developed. The ease of tissue culture propagation can promote Streptocarpus production and facilitated the rapid introduction of this new species. Adventitious shoot regeneration was inducted in vitro on MS basal medium, using different concentration of NAA (1, 1.5, 2 mg·L-1) and cyokinin TDZ (0.1, 0.5, 1 mg·L-1). High frequency regeneration was obtained from leaves when cultured in the media supplemented with 1 mg·L-1 NAA plus 0.5 mg·L-1 TDZ and the percent of regeneration resulted is between 70% to 100%. Complete plantlets were acclimatized and successfully transplanted to glasshouse conditions. The total duration of the cycle from leaf explants through complete plantlets was 10 weeks.
Morphogenetic Response of Lilium michiganense to Four Auxins In Vitro
Authors: Ault* Jim , Siqueira Sandy
Published: February 2019

Shoot, root, and callus induction were examined in the North American lily, Lilium michiganense, in response to treatment with four auxins. Seed from controlled crosses were aseptically excised from slightly immature capsules and cultured in vitro on Murashige and Skoog basal medium and vitamins with 30 g/l sucrose, 7.0 g/l agar, and a pH = 5.7. Seed were maintained at 20 °C with a 14-h photoperiod. After 5.0-5.5 months, leaves and roots were removed from seedlings, the bulbs transversely sectioned, then the bulb sections cultured cut-surface down on the identical medium supplemented with 0.0, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, or 8.0 μm dicamba, picloram, K-NAA, or 2,4-D. PGRs were added to medium prior to autoclaving except dicamba which was dissolved in 50% ethanol and added after medium autoclaving. 16 explants were utilized for each treatment. The experiment was conducted three times. Morphogenetic response (# of shoots produced, % of explants forming roots, and % of explants forming callus) was tabulated 4 months after treatment. Shoot formation was promoted by treatment with dicamba, picloram, and K-NAA in comparison to the control (2.5 shoots/explant). Shoot formation varied significantly in response to individual dicamba, picloram, and 2,4-D concentrations. A maximum of 7.9 shoots per explant was promoted by 4.0 μm K-NAA and 1.0 μm dicamba, respectively. Root and callus formation also varied significantly between auxin treatments. Root formation was inhibited by dicamba, picloram, and 2,4-D treatments in comparison with the control (100% rooting); callus formation was promoted by dicamba, picloram, and K-NAA treatments in comparison with the control (15% callusing).
Study of Some Morphological and Quantitative Properties in Native Olive Genotypes of Kermanshah Province, Iran, Using Cluster Analysis and Determining Their Seed Germination Percentage
Authors: Talaie* Alireza , Akrami Rasoul
Published: February 2019

The objective of this study was the identification of existing olive trees in eight regions of Kermanshah province and investigation of their fruit, seed, and leaf characteristics in order to be used in the olive production industry of Iran. The germination ability of olive seed in field and nursery were also studied. In this research, 61 genotypes were identified and their characteristics were studied. It was found out that the present genotypes of Kermanshah showed different vegetative and reproductive growth based on the climatic and topographic conditions. This was verified by cluster analysis of the genotypes of different regions, which showed clearly their far and close relations. It was found out that some of the genotypes in the region spite of their appearance differences have same origin and most probably should be considered as the same genotype. The results also showed that favorable seed bed, planting depth and scarification of the seeds have positive effects on their germination while scarification of the seeds without other treatments had no significant effect on the seed germination.
Effects of Fruit Cluster Size and Shoot Type on Selected Pecan Characteristics
Authors: Rohla* Charles T. , Smith Michael W. , Maness Niels O. , Reid William R.
Published: February 2019

Whole fruit clusters were collected from three shoot types: terminal and lateral shoots without secondary growth, and shoots with secondary growth. Fruit per cluster was counted and nuts were individually weighed, shelled and graded. Return bloom of the same shoots was measured. Results indicated that cluster size of lateral bearing shoots was negatively related to next year's average kernel weight, nut weight, and kernel percentage. However, only kernel percentage was related to cluster size on terminal bearing shoots, and none of these parameters were related to cluster size on shoots with secondary growth. Cluster size and total kernel weight per shoot were positively related for the three shoot types. Return bloom of terminal shoots was negatively related to cluster size, but cluster size did not affect return bloom of the other shoot types.
Manual and Chemical Inducement of Sylleptic Shoots in Apple in the Fruit-tree Nursery
Authors: Tojnko Stanislav , Cmelik* Zlatko , Strikic Frane
Published: February 2019

The ability of various treatments to induce sylleptic shoot development of nursery trees of the apple `Jonagold' and `Golden Delicious' on root-stock M.9 was investigated. The leader management techniques were: removal of sub-terminal leaves, removal of sub-terminal leaves with application of 0.25% Paturyl 10 WSC (6-benzyladenine), and treatment with 0.25% Paturyl 10 WSC (two times at 24 days interval); application of 20% Promalin (GA4+7) two times in 9 days interval; and control; starting when scion length was 75 cm. Removal of sub-terminal leaves increased total branch length, but not stimulated the lateral branching. Treatments with Paturyl resulted in the lower tree height, in the higher number of branches, and in the greater branch length. Removal of sub-terminal leaves in combination with Paturyl increased the lateral shoot number even more than treatment only with Paturyl. Promalin increased branching, but had little influence on the total branch length. In addition, Promalin decreased branch crotch angles.
Effect of Rhodopseudomonas p. on Tree Growth and Fruit Quality of `Niitaka' Pear
Authors: Na Yang-Key , Na Kwang-Chul , Kim Byeong-Sam , Choi Kyong-Ju , Shin Gil-Ho , Kim* Wol-Soo
Published: February 2019

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of Rhodopseudomonas p., which isolated from domestic soil on the density of microorganism in soil, leaf and SSC in pear (Pyrus pyrifolia) fruit. The solution of Rhodopseudomonas p. was sprayed over canopy and fertigated around trunk in 12-year-old `Niitaka' pear with Y-training system. The spray and fertigation were performed 11 times at 15-day intervals from 22 Apr. to 22 Sept. with 200 times diluted solution (v/v). The width and length of treated leaf was increased by 1.4 mm and 0.9 mm compared to them of control. There was no difference in chlorophyll a content between treatments. The treatment increased SSC relatively to control by 0.7% and fruit firmness by 0.29 higher but there was no difference fruit weight. Hinter `L' value was higher by 3.5 and Hunter `a' lower by 0.2 compared to control so fruit color was more clean than control. In fertigation treatment, the density of microorganism and fluorescent bacteria in soil showed increasing tendency compared to control but the opposite in bacteria. These results suggested that the spray and fertigation of Rhodopseudomonas p. solution improve SSC and color of pear fruit.
Effect of Soluble Calcium and IBA Treatments on Fruit Characteristics and Browning of Blossom End Part in `Fuyu' Sweet Persimmon
Authors: Kim* Wol-Soo , Kim Young
Published: February 2019

Sweet persimmon, `Fuyu', is the major cultivar for MA storage, but browning of blossom end part (BBEP) and darkening are occurring during storage and decrease fruit qualities in fresh fruit markets in Korea. The symptom of BBEP of fruit started to occur on the blossom end part and spread to the middle and stem end part. These fruits lose their marketable values. Calcium has very important role in cell membrane in physical and physiological. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of soluble Ca treatments of fertigation (FG) and foliar application (FA) on soil properties, tree growth and fruit quality and on the occurrence of BBEP. Ca content was high in Ca FA and Ca + IBA FG compared to other treatments. This increase might affect the soil pH, and so pH followed the same pattern of Ca content in soil. In leaves and fruits, Ca content was much higher in Ca Ca FA and Ca + IBA, Ca FG, respectively. Ca content in fruit parts showed stem end part “middle part” blossom end part. In fruit quality, fruit firmness, soluble solid content and fruit weight did not show any tendency in treatments. The occurrence rate of BBEP was very low 14% in Ca FA and 20% in Ca FG than 50% in control. These results showed that Ca content in soil, leaves and fruits was increased by soil FG and FA and the increased Ca content in blossom end part have a negative relationship with BBEP in sweet persimmon.
Malformed Fruits in `Niitaka' Pear Influenced by Pruning Strength, GA and Mepiquat Treatment
Authors: Kim* Wol-Soo , Jo Jung-An
Published: February 2019

This study was carried out to observe the effects of the pruning strength and the growth regulator on shoot growth and fruit shape in Pyrus pyrifolia cv. Niitaka. GA paste (GA) was known as a promoter of malformed fruits, but Mepiquat as an inhibitor. Light pruning treatment, of which removed the half of lateral shoots, decreased leaf area, weight, thickness, and the length of shoots and internodes in comparison to severe pruning. The occurrence of calyx perpetual fruit (CPF) in fruitlet stage was higher about 45% in severe pruning than in light pruning. Light pruning decreased malformed fruit by 10% compared to severe pruning at harvest stage, but there was no difference in soluble solid content of fruits between two treatments. Also light pruning decreased fruit weight. GA paste treatment on 50 days after full bloom significantly increased fruit weight, but Mepiquat decreased. In treatment of Mepiquat and GA the occurrence of malformed fruit was 31.3% and 35%, respectively and the index of symmetry was higher than control. Therefore, these results suggested that the light pruning has a positive effect on the production of symmetry fruit.
1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) Application Influences Citrus Juice Color and Vitamin C Concentration in Postharvest Storage
Authors: Dou* Huating , Coates Gary A.
Published: February 2019

Influence of 1-MCP application in citrus fruit juice color and vitamin C concentration was determined for `Fallglo' tangerines, `Valencia' oranges, and white `Marsh' grapefruit. MCP was applied at 500 μL·L-1 for `Fallglo', and 1000 μL·L-1 for `Valencia' oranges and `Marsh' grapefruit at 75 °F for 7 hours in a container of 3' × 3' × 3.5' dimension. After three months storage at 40 °F and 93% relative humidity, vitamin C concentration in juice (mg/100 mL) was higher in MCP treated than non-treated `Valencia' oranges (37.1 vs. 30.6) and `Fallglo' tangerines (26.9 vs. 24.0). No difference was found in vitamin C concentration from `Marsh' grapefruit juice either treated (27.9) or non-treated (28.7) with MCP. Forty percent of vitamin C concentration was lost from one month after packing to the third month in storage for white `Marsh' grapefruit. Vitamin C loss was much slower for tangerines in comparison to grapefruit in postharvest. Juice color was not influenced by the MCP application for `Valencia' oranges while Hue and Chroma were improved in treated fruits for `Fallglo' tangerines and `Marsh' grapefruit compared to non-treated fruits. Applying MCP before degreening reduced vitamin C degradation 6 weeks after packing but not at 12 weeks for `Fallglo' tangerines. However, fruit color was improved at 6 and 12 weeks of storage. These results are important for postharvest quality management of citrus fruit and juice.
A Summary of Physiological Processes or Disorders in Fruits, Vegetables and Ornamental Products that are Delayed or Decreased, Increased, or Unaffected by Application of 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP)
Authors: Watkins* Chris , Miller William B.
Published: February 2019

The discovery and subsequent commercialization of 1-MCP has resulted in intense research interest around the world. A web site (http://www.hort.cornell.edu/mcp/) has been developed which provides a summary of the effects of 1-MCP on climacteric (18 species) and non-climacteric (6) fruits, vegetables (13), fresh cut produce (5), cut flowers and pot plants (more than 50 species has been created. The site is updated on a regular basis. For edible crops, most citations are available for apple (32 citations) and banana (21 citations). The ornamental literature is much less concentrated, and most crops are represented by a single citation. For all commodities, the majority of research has been focused on quality responses of the various products to 1-MCP, although increasingly 1-MCP is being used to investigate physiological and biochemical events associated with development, ripening and/or senescence.
Large-scale Application of 1-Methylcyclopropene Results in Extended Marketable Shelf Life and Persistence of the Full-ripe Condition of Commercially Handled Banana Fruit
Authors: Stanley* Daniel , Huber Donald
Published: February 2019

Banana production is geographically isolated from consumer markets in temperate regions. This disparity has prompted study of ethylene antagonists such as 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) to extend marketable shelf life. Banana fruit (Musa acuminata v. Cavendish) were treated with ethylene (100 ppm) in sea containers (24 h,14.4 °C, 90% RH). After venting, one container was provided with 300 ppb 1-MCP (12 h, 15 °C). Controls were maintained in similar containers without 1-MCP. After treatments, ripening was monitored at 18 °C. Color was graded from values of 2 (green) to 7 (yellow, with sugar spots). During storage at 18 °C, control fruit remained within the color range of 4 to 6 (considered the most marketable) for 3 d compared with 6 d for 1-MCP-treated fruit. The time to reach stage 7 occurred at 8 and 13 d, respectively, in control and 1-MCP treated fruit. Sugar spots occurred after 6 to 7 d for both control and 1-MCP-treated fruit. Thereafter, incidence diverged significantly, with 1-MCP-treated fruit remaining below 10% for 11 d and control fruit exceeding 30% by 10 d. Through the first 5 d, firmness (initially 75 N) declined at comparable rates in both treatments, with control fruit declining to 20 N after 15 d. 1-MCP-treated fruit remained near 40 N throughout storage. Ripening variability did not differ within the treatments. Informal sensory analysis showed that some participants preferred the taste and firmness properties of 1-MCP-treated fruit while others preferred the lower firmness of traditionally ripened fruit. The sweetness of treated fruit was only slightly lower than that of control fruit, yet was still considered acceptable. Work in progress is addressing sugar transformations in 1-MCP-treated banana fruit.
Evaluation of Methanethiol and Dimethyl Disulfide in the Homogenate Fractions of Fresh and Frozen Broccoli Tissues
Authors: Tulio* Artemio Z. , Ueda Yoshinori , Yamanaka Hiroyuki , Imahori Yoshihiro , Chachin Kazuo , Tulio* Artemio Z.
Published: February 2019

The emission of methanethiol (MT) and dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) from homogenate fractions of fresh and frozen broccoli tissues was analyzed using gas chromatography coupled with flame photometric detector after incubating for 2 h at 30 °C in a water bath. Both sulfur compounds were detected in the headspace of the residue fraction of fresh broccoli but not frozen tissues. Only DMDS was formed in the filtrate and supernatant fractions of fresh tissues but their emission was also suppressed in frozen tissues. Phosphate buffer treatment reduced the amount of MT formed on the residue of fresh tissues, whereas treatment of enzyme co-factor, pyridoxal phosphate, and its substrate, S-methyl-L-cysteine sulfoxide, in the residue fraction of frozen broccoli did not induce the formation of MT except for DMDS. Both compounds were also inhibited in the residue fraction of the fresh tissues by aminooxyacetic acid, a potential inhibitor of pyridoxal phosphate-dependent enzymes, indicating that these objectionable odors were produced upon the action of cysteine sulfoxide lyase. This enzyme, which yielded strong activity in the residue upon extraction with buffer containing Triton X-100, is highly likely to be a bound enzyme. Inhibition of MT and DMDS in frozen broccoli tissues is likely attributed to the retardation of the enzyme action due in part to the loss of the co-factor and its substrate, and owing to the solubility of MT and its affinity to gaseous condition.