bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Various Irrigation Regimes on Tree Growth, Water Use, and Mineral Nutrients of `Fuji' and `Gala' Apples
Authors: Fallahi* Esmaeil
Published: February 2019

Effects of seven different irrigation systems for `Fuji' and two irrigation systems for `Gala' on five rootstocks on tree growth, water use, and mineral nutrients were studied. All forms of drip system used significanly less water than sprinkler systems. Patial root drying sprinkler system used 50% less water than full sprinkler. Application of partial root drying drip at 50% rate of full drip was not sufficient and trees had to receive 75% of full drip to survive. Trees under full sprinkler used about 28 inches of water while those with drip used less than 8 inches of water during the 2003 growing season. Leaf minerals, particularly N and K were affected by irrigation systems. Trees with buried drip required less water than those with above-ground drip system. Calculation of water requirement on a tree-use basis provided an excellent guide for irrigation.
Groundcover Management Systems Influence Soil Microbial Community Composition in an Apple Orchard
Authors: Yao* Shengrui , Merwin Ian A. , Thies Janice E. , Abawi George S.
Published: February 2019

An apple (Malus domestica cv. Empire on M9/MM111 rootstock) orchard groundcover management systems (GMSs) study has been underway since 1992 in Ithaca, N.Y. Four GMS treatments are applied each year in 2-m wide tree-row strips: Pre-emergence herbicides (Pre-H: diuron + norflurazon + glyphosate); Post-emergence herbicide (Post-H: glyphosate); mowed-sod (Grass); and composted hardwood bark mulch (Mulch) treatment. The soil (silty clay loam) physical and chemical conditions have been monitored continuously. In May and Sept. 2003, we sampled topsoil beneath trees in each GMS and used PCR-DGGE combined with sequencing to characterize soil microbial community composition. Mulch had more culturable soil bacteria than the Pre-H treatment. Soil in Grass plots had the most culturable soil fungi. Soil microbial respiration rates were higher in Mulch than Grass and herbicide GMSs. Surface vegetation in the Grass and Post-H plots strongly influenced soil bacterial community composition. In Principal Component Analyses, Post-H and Grass treatments comprised one variance cluster, and Pre-H and Mulch treatments another. The soil fungal community was less diverse (fewer DGGE bands) than the bacterial community, and was less affected by GMS. Treatments with more surface vegetation (Post-H and Grass) also had more free-living and phytonematodes than Pre-H and Mulch. A total of 47 clones from 12 DGGE bands yielded 31 unique DNA sequences. Of these, 15 were novel sequences with no matches in the GenBank (NCBI) database. Another 10 (27 clones) could be matched with known fungal species at 96-100% identity. The primer pair used, ITS1F/ITS2, amplified a considerable number of Basidiomycetes and Ascomycetes, but there was no amplification for Zygomycetes and Oomycetes.
The Response of Potted Orchids to Sequential Postemergence Herbicide Applications in Hawaii
Authors: DeFrank* Joe , Leary James J.K.
Published: February 2019

Two experiment were conducted in 1999 and 2000 to determine the response of orchid cultivars, grown as potted plants, to postemergence herbicides. In a film covered commercial nursery in Pahoa, four orchid cultivars were exposed to five sequential herbicide applications. The cultivars used were: Emma White (Dendrobium), Wildcat Blood Ruby, Volcano Queen (both Oncidiums), and SuFun Beauty (Vanda). The herbicides evaluated in this experiment were diuron and clopyralid applied at the anticipated (1×), 2×, and 4× use rate. Spray applications were made directly to crop foliage using a spray to wet application. The first application was applied on 11 Nov. 1999 with sequential applications made at 20-, 208-, 73-, and 69-day intervals for a total of five sprays. Orchid dry weight accumulation was not significantly reduced and all cultivars responded in a similar way. “Emma White” was the only cultivar to express abnormal growth to clopyralid in the form of J-shaped flower spikes and deformed flowers. The other three cultivars did not show any noticeable injury in response to any of the spray applications. A follow up experiment was conducted on the dry leeward coast of Oahu in a commercial saran house. Diuron was the only herbicide evaluated at one and four times the anticipated labeled use rate. The first application was made on 27 Apr. 2000 with sequential applications made at 50-, 21-, 70-, and 66-day intervals for a total of five sprays. The orchids selected for this experiment included nine Dendrobiums and one Vanda. Treatments were made directly to plant foliage using a spray to wet application. Whole plant dry weight accumulation of the 10 cultivars responded in a similar way and no herbicide treatment reduced dry weight accumulation in comparison to untreated plants.
A Comparison Between Two Species of Nematode (Steinernema carpocapsae and Steinernema feltiae) Applied through a Foliar Spray to Control Leafminer (Liriomyza trifolii) in Dendranthema grandiflora
Authors: Stever* Daniel D. , Rice Bob
Published: February 2019

The use of beneficial nematodes as part of integrated pest management strategies is increasing especially for the control of soil inhabiting arthropods, however few studies have been published evaluating the efficacy of foliar applications for control of leafminer (Liriomyza trifolii). The objective of this study was to determine the more effective species of commonly used Steinernema (S. carpocapsae, S. feltiae) in the control of leafminer (Liriomyza trifolii). Greenhouse cut flower stocks of Dendranthema grandiflora grown in raised beds were infected with a well-established population of L. trifolii. Plants were treated with a coarse aqueous spray containing commercial preparations of each of the two nematode species at a rate of 1 million nematodes/5 square meters and a water control. Treatments were replicated three times in a randomized block design. Two days after treatment, larvae of L. trifolii were removed from the leaves and examined for parasitism.
Effects of Postharvest Delay before Application on Responses of Apple to 1-MCP
Authors: Watkins* Chris B. , Nock Jacqueline F.
Published: February 2019

Most information about the effects of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) on apple fruit that is available in the literature involves its application immediately after harvest. However, depending on the storage facility, fruit may be treated within a few days of harvest, especially if destined for rapid CA storage, or after longer time periods. We have investigated the effects of: 1) 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8 d delays before 1-MCP treatment on `McIntosh', `Cortland', `Jonagold', `Empire' and `Delicious' apple quality stored in air for 2 and 4 months, and in CA for 4 and 8 months; and 2) 1, 7, 14, and 21 d delays on `Cortland', `Jonagold', `Empire' and `Delicious' apple quality stored in CA for 5 months. `McIntosh' and `Empire' apples were harvested at two maturities. Our data show that responses of apple cultivars to 1-MCP can be affected by delay treatments, but that within each cultivar, these effects vary according to harvest maturity, storage type, and length of storage.
Heat-shock Treatments Alter the Kinetics of Ion Leakage from Chilled Tomato Pericarp Tissue
Authors: Saltveit* Mikal
Published: February 2019

Heat-shock induced chilling tolerance in excised discs of tomato fruit pericarp tissue significantly alter the kinetics of chilling-induced ion leakage from the discs into an aqueous isotonic mannitol solution. Pericarp discs were excised from mature-green tomato fruit, trimmed of locular material to 5-mm thickness, held overnight (ca. 16 h) at 20 °C and then subjected to various heat-shock (45 °C) treatments before being chilled at 2.5 °C for up to 30 days. Two discs were immersed in 20 mL of 0.3 m mannitol in a 50-mL plastic centrifuge tube and the conductivity of the aqueous solution periodically measured. The tube was capped and frozen at -20 °C. Total conductivity was measured once the tube had warmed to 20 °C with shaking. The percent ion leakage was calculated as the percent of total, and subjected to an analysis to partition rates of leakage into symplastic and apoplastic components. The symplastic component was not affected by the heat-shock treatment, while the apoplastic component showed reductions consistent with reduced chilling-induced damage to the cellular membrane. The protective heat-shock treatments also significantly increased the tissues resistance to fungal infection.
Rapid In Vitro Propagation of Aruncus `Misty Lace', a New Heat-tolerant, Dwarf, Hybrid Goatsbeard
Authors: Wetzstein* Hazel Y. , Armitage Allan M. , Hirsch Gwen N. , Anderson Stephanie L.
Published: February 2019

Tissue culture is a useful means to clonally propagate new ornamental plant selections, particularly when plant material is limited and/or conventional propagation methods are ineffective. An efficient in vitro multiplication protocol was established to propagate a new goatsbeard hybrid (Aruncus dioicus, × A. aethusifolia). The hybrid is of interest because it exhibits a dwarf habit, delicate white flower panicles and fern-like leaves, yet is tolerant to heat and humidity. Experiments were conducted to evaluate explant type (nodes, stems, leaves, and floral parts), disinfestation procedures, and media formulations including varying concentrations of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and naphthalene acetic acid (NAA). Rapid plant regeneration was obtained with a shoot organogenesis system using a half strength Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 4.4 μmol BAP, 0.54 μmol NAA, 30 g·L-1 sucrose, and 3.0 g·L-1 GelGro. Studies compared the performance and yield of plants rooted using different in vitro and ex vitro methods. Ex vitro rooting of shoots during greenhouse acclimatization under mist was most effective. Regenerated plants exhibited uniform and rapid growth, and performed well in greenhouse and field evaluations.
Determination of Proanthocynidins in Fresh Grapes
Authors: Sciarappa* William J. , Wu Qing-Li , Wang Ming-Fu , Simon James
Published: February 2019

Medical benefits derived from grape extracts and red wine have been recently documented. In these regards, fresh grapes were collected from six Italian table grape varieties grown at the Rutgers Fruit Research and Extension Center in Cream Ridge, N.J. These samples were analyzed for proanthocynidins (PACs) which are the nutraceutical compounds considered to be bioactive in grapes. Seeded red grapes, seedless red grapes, seeded purple grapes and seedless green table grapes were also purchased from a New Jersey supermarket and analyzed for PACs. An LC/ESI-MS analytical method under low CID level of 20% was used to quantitate the PACs. Separated proanthocynidins (PACs) were individually analyzed and determined by their molecular ion peaks under positive ion mode, and led to the identification of dozens of proanthocynidins (PAC). Using HPLC/ESI-MSD, the proanthocyanidin monomers, (+)-catechin (C), (-)-epicatechin (EC), (-)-catechin gallate (CG), and (-)-epicatechin gallate (ECG) in these fresh grape samples were quantified under MRM mode. These identified catechins are the same phytochemicals that exist in green tea which is renowned for these same healthful components. This research revealed that the total concentration of PAC monomers in the six fresh table grape samples from New Jersey grown grapes ranged from 0.009% to 0.04%, which is much higher than that found in the four fresh table grape samples purchased from supermarket that contained concentrations from trace level to 0.005%. While the New Jersey grown grapes could not be directly compared to the supermarket grapes, this study provides a base-line data of expected PAC levels from standard supermarket grapes, and shows that these Italian grape varieties grown in New Jersey were rich in PACs.
The Effect of Interrupting Short Day Cycles with Day-length Extension on Floral Bud Initiation in Strawberry (Fragaria × ananasa)
Authors: Davidson* Victoria L. , Kopsell Dean A. , Pollard James E.
Published: February 2019

Experiments were conducted to investigate the potential effect on floral bud initiation in strawberry (Fragaria × ananasa, cv. Chandler) by interrupting inductive short day cycles with a day-length extension treatment. Vegetative plants were exposed to 10-, 15-, or 20-day cycles of inductive short days in growth chambers. After receiving an inductive short day treatment plants were transferred to a greenhouse where they were exposed to non-inductive long days, which stimulated panicle elongation. Dissections of apical meristems immediately following each cycle of short days revealed that cycles of 20 days resulted in detectable floral bud formation. After 15 days in the greenhouse, all short day treatments had initiated floral buds. In the greenhouse, under long days, subsequent flowering in cohorts of plants which had previously received inductive short days showed a positive correlation between interruption of short days with day length extension and reduction in the number of floral buds initiated on earliest emerging panicles. These results suggest potential for manipulation of floral bud induction and potentially fruit size in Chandler, and perhaps other cultivars by interruption of a cycle of inductive short days with a day length extension treatment.
Effect of a Synthetic Fabric Row Cover on Soil Moisture Content, Growth and Fruiting of Young Sweet Cherry Trees (Prunus avium L. cv. `Regina'/Gisela 6)
Authors: Nunez-Elisea* Roberto , Cahn Helen , Caldeira Lilia , Seavert Clark
Published: February 2019

A `Regina'/Gisela 6 sweet cherry orchard was planted in April 2001 to evaluate a row cover (RC) made of black, woven polypropylene fabric, in water conservation. Trees were trained to a central leader and planted at 3 m x 5.4 m. Soil water content and tree growth variables were compared for trees growing with or without a 2.4 m-wide RC. Irrigation of all trees replenished approximately 80% of weekly evaporation rate. Trees with RC maintained consistently higher (30% to 40%) soil moisture content at 30 cm depth than non-RC trees. In Spring 2003, trees in RC had significantly larger trunk cross sectional area (34%), height (7%), total wood length (65%), total number of branches (20%) and number of 1-year-old-shoots (45%) compared to trees with no row cover. Length of 1-year-old wood for trees in RC was two-fold that of non-covered trees. In Summer 2003, RC had no clear effect on bloom time, intensity or duration. Fruit yields were light and not affected by RC, but fruit size was slightly larger for trees in RC. Although trees were not fertilized, foliar nitrogen content was significantly higher and leaf green color was notably darker green for trees with RC. During Spring and Summer 2003, soil temperatures under RC at 5-cm and-10 cm depths were generally 1 °C to 2 °C warmer than in non-covered ground. The RC did not affect air temperature at 10 cm and 30 cm above ground. It is speculated that RC promoted tree growth by a combined increased available soil moisture and warmer root temperatures, which favor root development and nutrient uptake, particularly in the absence of competing weeds. Increased branching in trees with RC is unclear. It is possible that light quality above RC triggers developmental changes resulting in increased vegetative budbreak.
The Relationship Between the Content of Pear's Stone Cells and Pulp Quality
Authors: Li Xiaogang , Jin Ling , Jiang* Zhongchun , Teng Nianjun , Sheng Baolong
Published: February 2019

The freezing method combined with enzymolysis was used to determine the content of stone cells of 70 pear varieties for the purpose of identifying the relationship between the content of stone cells and pulp quality. The results demonstrated that the content of stone cells was strongly correlated with pear quality. The majority of the stone cells in all the varieties had diameters of 0.25-0.5 mm; the weight of the stone cells with diameters in this range differed significantly among pear varieties. In addition, the varieties with a higher content of stone cells contained a higher content of coarse pulp than the varieties with a lower content of stone cells.
Environmental and Management Factors Affecting Carrot Cracking
Authors: Hartz* T.K. , Johnstone P.R. , Nunez J.J.
Published: February 2019

Cracking of carrot (Daucus carota L.) roots during harvest and handling is a serious problem for the commercial industry, particularly for `cut and peeled' products. Thirty commercial fields of cv. `Sugar Snax' in California were surveyed over the period 2000-03. Soil texture was determined, and soil and crop nutrient status, air temperature and soil moisture were monitored. In 10 fields the effect of excessive N fertilization was investigated; 90-180 kg·ha-1 N was sidedressed in addition to the growers' N regime. At one site a comparison of 10 cultivars was conducted to determine the root cracking sensitivity of commercial cultivars suitable for the cut and peeled market. In all fields roots were hand harvested, with undamaged roots 18-24 mm in diameter selected for study. Roots were cooled to 5 °C and subjected to an impact test to rate cracking sensitivity. Fields varied widely in root cracking sensitivity, with 4% to76% of roots cracked in the impact test. Cracking sensitivity was positively correlated with the % silt and clay in soil, and with air temperature in the final month of growth. Irrigation management had no consistent effect on cracking sensitivity. N application in excess of the growers' N regime did not increase carrot yield, but increased root cracking sensitivity by an average of 30%. Root cracking varied among cultivars from 10% to 49%. However, when the periderm was peeled from roots before impact testing, incidence of cracking declined to 2% or less in all cultivars. Periderm strength or flexibility is apparently the dominant factor in carrot cracking sensitivity, and environmental and management variables that affect cracking sensitivity must do so by affecting the periderm structure.
Glucosinolate Concentrations in Differentially Irrigated Cabbage (Brassica oleracea L., Capitata Group)
Authors: Radovich T.J.K. , Kleinhenz* M.D. , Streeter J.G.
Published: February 2019

Glucosinolates are secondary plant products of the Brassicaceae that may influence vegetable flavor and human health. Soil moisture levels and plant water status are thought to influence cabbage head glucosinolate levels. However, no information is available on the effect of irrigation timing relative to plant developmental stage on glucosinolate concentrations in cabbage. To address these gaps in the literature, cabbage (cv. Bravo) was grown in 2002 and 2003 at The Ohio State Univ., Ohio Agricultural Research and development Center in Wooster, Ohio. The four irrigation treatments, arranged in a RCB design, were: 1) irrigation throughout development [no stress (NS)], 2) irrigation only during head development [frame stress (FS)], 3) irrigation only during frame development [head stress (HS)], and 4) no irrigation [frame and head stress (FHS)]. Irrigation was supplied via drip tape and scheduled by the hand-feel method. Differential soil moisture levels among treatments were confirmed with gypsum block, time domain reflectometry (TDR) and gravimetric measurements. Analyzed across years, irrigation timing significantly affected total glucosinolate concentrations, with levels 36% greater in cabbage not irrigated during head development (HS, FHS) relative to cabbage receiving irrigation during head development (NS, FS). Concentrations were highest (29.4 mmol·kg-1) and lowest (19.4 mmol·kg-1) in FHS and FS cabbage, respectively. Irrigation effects were greater in 2002, when air temperatures were higher and rainfall and relative humidity lower than in 2003. We conclude from the data that head development is the critical stage at which irrigation should be applied in order to influence cabbage glucosinolate levels at maturity.
Effect of Planting Configuration, Spring Cover Crop, and Reservoir Tillage on Onion
Authors: Hatterman-Valenti* Harlene , Hendrickson Paul
Published: February 2019

Field trials were initiated near Carrington and Absaraka, N.D., on a Heimdal clay loam and a Spottswood sandy loam, respectively to evaluate onion grade and yield in response to planting configuration, spring cover crop, and reservoir tillage. Results from the Carrington and Absaraka locations during 2002 and 2003 showed that colossal-sized onion was the largest grading size obtained (Carrington, 2003) and that the greatest number of colossal onion were from the bed configuration that had a reservoir tillage treatment. The coarser soil texture at Absaraka allowed for spring and fall formed raised bed comparison (2003) in which the fall formed raised bed tended to have greater yields and more marketable onion. Planting configuration resulting in the greatest total yield varied among locations and years but generally increased with reservoir tillage. Soil moisture and temperature monitoring during the early growing season did not differ greatly. However, differences in soil water potentials at the 6“ depth were observed during the last part of the growing season. Cover crop results indicated that a row of canola planted between onion rows for wind erosion protection will reduce onion yields even when ample water is available through routine irrigation. Herbicides for broadleaf control were not applied until onion had two true-leaves due to label restrictions. This delay enabled the canola to grow beyond the recommended stage for broadleaf control and to quickly outgrow the herbicide injury.
Photoprotective Mechanisms of Grape Leaves (Vitis labrusca L. cv. Concord) in Relation to Iron Supply
Authors: Smith* Brandon , Cheng Lailiang
Published: February 2019

One-year-old `Concord' grapevines (Vitis labrusca L.) were fertigated twice weekly for 11 weeks with a complete nutrient solution containing 1, 10, 20, 50 or 100 μmol iron (Fe) from ferric ethylenediamine di (o-hydroxyphenylacetic) acid (Fe-EDDHA). Leaf total Fe content did not increase in response to Fe supply, however both “active” Fe (extracted with 2, 2'-dipyridyl) and chlorophyll (Chl) content increased as applied Fe increased. At the lowest active Fe level, leaf absorptance and maximum PSII efficiency (Fv/Fm) were slightly decreased, and non-photochemical quenching was significantly greater. PSII quantum efficiency decreased curvilinearly as active Fe content decreased. On a Chl basis, the xanthophyll cycle pool size, lutein, and beta-carotene increased curvilinearly as active Fe decreased, and neoxanthin increased at the lowest Fe level. Activities of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, monodehydroascorbate reductase, dehydroascorbate reductase, and glutathione reductase followed a similar trend and increased under Fe deficiency, when expressed on a Chl basis. Antioxidant metabolites also increased in response to Fe limitation. On a Chl basis, ascorbate (AsA), dehydroascorbate (DAsA), reduced glutathione (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) content was greater at the lowest active Fe levels. We did not find a difference in the ratio of AsA to DAsA or GSH to GSSG. In conclusion, both photoprotective mechanisms, xanthophyll cyle-dependent thermal dissipation and the ascorbate-glutatione antioxidant system, are enhanced in response to iron deficiency to cope with excess absorbed light.
Heat Stress Responses of Four Herbaceous Ornamentals Differing in Heat Tolerance
Authors: Natarajan* Seenivasan , Kuehny Jeff S.
Published: February 2019

The demand for new and/or improved herbaceous annuals and perennials continues to increase, making information on production and viability of these plants a necessity. In Louisiana and the Southern U.S., one of the greatest impediments to production of marketable herbaceous plants and their longevity is high temperature. Herbaceous plants have various stages of vegetative growth and flowering; high temperatures during these developmental stages can have a tremendous impact on plant metabolism, and thus plant growth and development. The goal of this research was to better understand the differences between heat tolerant (HT) and heat sensitive (HS) species and cultivars at various high temperatures in terms of whole plant growth, flowering, photosynthesis, carbohydrate content, electrolyte leakage, chlorophyll content and plant small heat shock proteins (HSP) expression levels. Salvia splendens Vista Series (HT), Sizzler series (HS); Viola witrokiana `Crystal Bowl Purple' (HT), `Majestic Giant Red Blotch' (HS), F1 Nature Series (HT) and F1 Iona Series (HS); Gaillardia × grandiflora `Goblin' (HT) and Coreopsis grandiflora `Early Sunrise' (HS) were grown from seed in growth chambers under 25/18 °C (day/night) cycles. Plants at 4, 6, and 8 weeks after germination were subjected to different high temperature treatments of 25 (control), 30, 35, 40, and 45 °C for 3 h. Results show that there was a significant difference in net photosynthesis, electrolyte leakage, soluble carbohydrate content and HSP levels between HT and HS cultivars. Effects of high temperature on plant growth, chlorophyll content, and number of days to flower, flower size, and marketable quality were also significantly different.
Physiological Mechanism and Genotypic Variation in Drought Tolerance of Processing Carrots
Authors: Lada* Rajasekaran , Stiles Azure , Pettipas Christine
Published: February 2019

Processing carrots are mainly grown under rain-fed conditions in Nova Scotia, and thus become vulnerable to frequent periods of drought. Prolonged drought results in significant reductions in the yield and quality of carrot crops. Resistance to water deficit is gene controlled and it is essential to identify the genotypes that withstand water stress. It is equally important to understand the physiological mechanism(s) that contribute to drought tolerance. Physiological measurements were made on eight carrot varieties exposed to natural drought in a controlled greenhouse. Measurements were made on net photosynthesis, soil moisture, relative water content, membrane injury index, xylem pressure potential, and stem elongation. Overall, the slicer variety Bergen sustained normal plant functions under drought stress better than any of the other varieties. Bergen maintained stem elongation, photosynthetic activity, membrane function, and relative water content under droughted conditions. Another study was conducted to identify carrot varieties that are naturally resistant to drought. A mass screening of 85 slicer, dicer, and cut and peel varieties was conducted under greenhouse conditions. Two-week-old seedlings were exposed to gradual water deficit and observed for visual symptoms of wilting each day as soil moisture declined. Each variety was assigned a wilting score based upon the number of days it withstood drought (min = 1, max = 5). The dicer variety, Prodigy, was the only variety to score a 5 indicating the most drought resistance. Other varieties that withstood drought well were `Caropak', `Interceptor', `Oranza', and `Berlanda'. Varieties such as KC713126, Cello712113, and Cello711411 were more sensitive to water deficit and began to wilt 8 days after drought was imposed.
Monitoring Wetland Mitigation of Nutrient Contaminants from Container Nursery Offsite Drainage
Authors: Taylor* Milton D. , Klaine Stephen J. , Whitwell Ted
Published: February 2019

Container-grown plants from commercial nurseries require large amounts of water and nutrients during their production cycle resulting in substantial runoff contaminated with nitrogen and phosphorus. Thus, mitigation of nutrients from exiting runoff water is a serious concern for horticultural concerns. Wight Nurseries of Monrovia Growers, Cairo, Ga., has installed 3.77 ha of planted wetlands to receive direct runoff in excess of recapture needs from a 48.6 ha drainage basin and excess water diverted from adjacent watersheds. Water flows though trench drains between wetland cells and eventually into stilling ponds before it is allowed to exit the property. Water flow through the wetlands ranges from 1.6 million to 2.2 million liters per day. Two years of monitoring data indicates strong seasonal differences in nitrate and nitrite nitrogen removal efficiencies. Nitrogen removal between April and November averaged 93.3% while removal during winter months averaged 44.1%. Nitrite was not found in wetland discharge water samples. Nitrogen as nitrate in discharge water varied from 0.05 ppm to 4.3 ppm, well below drinking water quality standards, and was below 0.6 ppm between June and November except in September during construction activity. Orthophosphate phosphorus removal was highly variable with highest removal during late spring, averaging 33.6%, and some removal during early fall, averaging 13.8%. However, there was a significant net export of phosphorus from the wetlands during winter months and during periods of low vegetative growth. Phosphorus levels ranged between 0.9 and 1.9 ppm. While there is currently no legal water quality standard, these levels are above the generally accepted level of 0.01 ppm for preventing downstream eutrophication.
Physiological and Morphological Responses of Some Iranian Commercial Grapevine Cultivars to Water Stress
Authors: Talaie* Alireza , Rabiei Vali , Ebadi Ali
Published: February 2019

Grapevine under arid and semi-arid are subjected to low soil water availability, accompanied by high levels of temperature and severe transpiration in the summer period. In spite of their deep root system, severe water stress may occur during that period. Therefore, study of morphological and physiological responses of grapevine cultivars to water stress, especially during the different phenological stages, are necessary. The effect of water deficit stress on morphological and physiological responses of four Iranian grapevine cultivars (Vitis vinifera L. cvs. Bidaneh Sephid, Yaghooti Shiraz, Khoshnav, and Siaveh) were studied. This investigation was conducted as a factorial experiment in a complete randomized block design with four replications. In this study, 1-year-old own rooted vines were planted outdoor in plastic bags. Water stress was begun 115 days after bud break and contained for 2 months. Some vegetative and biochemical characters of leaves were evaluated; photosynthesis and gas exchange was measured. The results of analysis of variance indicated that water deficit stress decreased total dry weight, root dry weight, leaf area, non soluble carbohydrate concentration, and chlorophyll content. The reduction of leaf area in `Yaghooti Shiraz' and total dry weight and root dry weight in `Bidaneh Sephid' were higher than two other cultivars. Under water deficit stress condition, the soluble carbohydrate concentration and proline content in grapevine cultivars increased. Net photosynthesis and gas exchange rate were markedly reduced in water deficit stressed vines.
Determination of Pollen Parentages of Mandarin Seedlings Using AFLP Markers and Implications for Seedless Mandarin Production in California
Authors: Chao* C. Thomas , Devanand Pachanoor S.
Published: February 2019

Acreages of `Nules' Clementine and `Afourer' mandarin have increased rapidly in California. One way to produce seedless mandarins is using Navel oranges or Satsuma mandarins as buffer to prevent cross-pollination. In order to determine the number of necessary buffer rows or spacing to prevent cross-pollination, we used AFLP markers to determine the pollen parentages of `Nules' and `Afourer' seedlings from two sites. The AFLP markers were able to identify Clementine as pollen parents of 26.6% (25/94) of the `Afourer' seedlings from one site. The pollen of Clementine was able to travel across minimum of 32 rows to pollinate `Afourer' mandarins. We found 12.73% (14/110) of the `Afourer' seedlings at the east side of the site were progenies of `Minneola' tangelo. Pollen of `Minneola' was able to travel across minimum 94 rows to pollinate `Afourer' mandarins. 12.73% (14/110) of the `Afourer' seedlings at the east end of the site were progenies of Clementine. Pollen of Clementine was able to travel minimum 54 rows to pollinate the `Afourer' mandarin at the east end of the site. The AFLP markers also identified `Afourer' mandarin as pollen parents of almost all `Nules' seedlings (98.63%, 72/73) at a second site. The pollen of `Afourer' was able to travel across minimum of 74 acres of empty ground from the east or minimum of 91 rows of Navel (128 acres) from the north to pollinate `Nules' Clementine. The results showed how far can compatible pollens traveled to cause seeds in mandarins in California. The implication from the results in seedless mandarin production in California is discussed.
Somatic Embryogenesis in Centella asiatica, a Valuable Medicinal Plant
Authors: Joshee* Nirmal , Biswas Bipul K. , Yadav Anand K.
Published: February 2019

Centella asiatica L. (Apiaceae family), also called `Indian Pennywort,' is a prostrate, faintly aromatic, and stoloniferous perennial herb with long petiolated leaves. In the Ayurvedic medicine, it is reputed as a nervine tonic along with antibacterial, antifeedant, antileprotic and wound healing properties. Centella contains glycosides, indocentelloside, brahmoside, and asiaticoside. Its leaves are rich in carotenoids and vitamins B and C. In vitro culture techniques which offer a viable tool for mass propagation of plants have recently become increasingly popular for conservation of rare, endangered and threatened medicinal plants germplasm. Centella tissue culture has been reported to experience high incidences of microbial contamination which drastically reduces survival of explants. Thus, the main purpose of this study was to develop an efficient micropropagation technique for Centella asiatica to reduce explant contamination and rapidly disseminate superior clones for research and production. Here we present induction and further development of somatic embryos, using Centella stolons as explants. Somatic embryos were induced in response to 2,4-D shock on MS medium. Initially, somatic embryos appeared as highly nodular callus and eventually developed into somatic embryos that exhibited globular, heart shaped and cotyledonary stages. After auxin shock, cultures were regularly transferred to MS basal medium where somatic embryos completed various developmental stages and then germinated to give rise to new plantlets. In this presentation, we will demonstrate complete protocols for the successful sterilization of Centella explants prepared from plants that had abundance of fungal and bacterial contamination.
Effects of Media and Mycorrhizal Inoculants on Osha (Ligusticum porteri) Rooting
Authors: Sondeno Bennett J. , Panter* Karen L.
Published: February 2019

Osha (Ligusticum porteri) is a Rocky Mountain native used as a medicinal herb. Studies are underway to commercially propagate and produce the plant. In an attempt to increase rooting success of crown cuttings taken from osha, five different media were used in conjunction with three commercial mycorrhizal inoculants and a control. Field soil and a pre-mixed commercial product were tested in combinations of 100/0, 75/25, 50/50, 25/75, and 0/100 percent by volume. Each of three commercially-available mycorrhyzal inoculants were tested with each media. Crown cuttings of osha were taken and stuck on 29 Aug. 2003 and were placed on a greenhouse mist bench. Data were taken on days to rooting. Results showed no differences among the media or the inoculants and no interactions were present. There was no benefit in decreased days to rooting with additions of mycorrhizae. There were no responses to different media.
Natural Plants Treatment for Ovarian Cysts in Women Without Surgery
Authors: Olapade* Ebenezer Oluwafemi , Olapade Ebenezer Oluwafemi , Olapade Clement Akinlayo Oluwadayomi , Olapade Christiana Oluwabusayo , Olapade John Babajide
Published: February 2019

Women normally have two ovaries as part of their reproductive organs. The ovaries function by secreting the important reproductive hormone—estrogen which regulate the monthly menstrual cycle at puberty. Each ovary also produce the eggs that carry the female gametes required to fuse with the male sperm cells in the formation of foetus. One of the abnormalities of the ovaries that had been long recognized is the development of sacs with membranous wall enclosing fluid, semi-solid matter or altered blood described as ovarian cyst which alter the size of the ovaries and make them larger. This abnormality usually disorganize the regular monthly cycles along with other complications including pains and infertility in women. The causes for the development of ovarian cysts are not clearly understood while surgical operation had been the most popular method of treatment. There is ethno-medicinal evidence for the treatment of ovarian cysts in Nigeria which dates back to more than one hundred years This paper describes how 274 of clinically confirmed cases of ovarian cysts in women between the ages of 22-52 years were treated successfully without surgery at the NARL specialist clinic, Ibadan, Nigeria in the last 16 years (1988-2004) using natural plant medicines made with the fiber of Cocos nucifera and a few other tropical plants. The implications of this finding are discussed.
Extended Shelf Life in Transgenic `Galia' Melon (Cucumis melo L. var. reticulatus Ser.)
Authors: Nunez-Palenius* Hector , Cantliffe Daniel , Klee Harry , Huber Donald
Published: February 2019

`Galia' is a high-quality muskmelon cultivar that is grown in green-houses or tunnels to maximize fruit yield and to help improve fruit quality. Maximum fruit quality and flavor are achieved when `Galia' are harvested at maturity. This however leads to reduced firmness and short shelf life. In vitro regeneration and transformation of `Galia' melon is a strategy that can be used to increase fruit shelf life. Melon cotyledons were transformed with the ACC oxidase gene in antisense orientation according to the protocol described by Nunez-Palenius et al. (2001, 2003). Experiments were conducted to compare fruit quality parameters between transgenic (TT) and wild type (WT) fruits from plants grown in greenhouse conditions. The melon plants were grown using commercial growing practices that included pruning and training to one vertical stem and the use of soilless media and drip fertigation. Wild type fruits were harvested at 37, 42, and 50 days after pollination (DAP), whereas transgenic fruits were harvested at 42, 50, and 56 DAP. TT fruits were harvested with that delaying period since their ripening process was slower than WT. Thirteen preharvest parameters were evaluated in transgenic and wild type fruits. Wild type and transgenic weight, lenght, width, soluble solids, tritatable acidity, pH, firmness, flesh thickness, seed cavity size and seed number parameters were not significantly different. Ethylene production and ACC oxidase from 42 DAP wild type fruits were greater than from transgenic fruits. Transgenic (ACC oxidase) galia melon fruits had a delayed fruit ripening process compared with wild type fruits.
AFLP Analysis of Genetic Relationships among Container-grown Anthurium Cultivars
Authors: Devanand Pachanoor S. , Chao* C. Thomas , Chen Jianjn , Henny Richard J.
Published: February 2019

Anthurium is the largest genus in the family Araceae, consisting of about 1000 species. Anthuriums are valued for their colorful spathes and traditionally used as cut flowers. With the introduction of compact cultivars through breeding, a series of container-grown cultivars have been released and widely produced as flowering foliage plants. However, limited information is available about genetic relatedness among these container-grown cultivars. This study analyzed genetic relationships of 58 cultivars using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers with near infrared fluorescence labeled primers. Forty-eight EcoR I + 2/Mse I + 3 primer set combinations were screened from which six primer sets were selected and used in this investigation. Each selected primer set generated 94 to 115 scorable fragments. A total of 647 AFLP fragments were detected of which 401 were polymorphic (67%). All cultivars were clearly differentiated by their AFLP finger-prints. A dendrogram was constructed using the unweighted pair-group method of arithmetic averages (UPGMA) technique and a principal coordinated analysis (PCA) was used to analyze the relationships. The 58 cultivars were divided into three clusters; clusters I, II, and III had 40, 10, and 8 cultivars, respectively. Most commonly grown cultivars were positioned in cluster I, where had Jaccard similarity coefficients among them ranged from 0.7 to 0.98. Eighteen of the 40 shared Jaccard similarity coefficient of 0.8 or higher, indicating that genetic diversity for cultivated container-grown Anthurium is needed.
Gene Expression Analysis a Cold Responsive Gene from Poncirus trifoliata during Acclimation and Deacclimation
Authors: Robbins Adriana , Jia Ying , Louzada* Eliezer
Published: February 2019

In Texas, the freezes of 1951 and 1962 together killed 125,000 acres of citrus trees and the freeze of 1983 killed 40,000 acres. The low temperature is one of the most important abiotic stresses to be understood and manipulated molecularly. Cold hardiness is found in the deciduous citrus relative, trifoliate orange, which can withstand temperatures as low as -26 °C when it is cold acclimated. Exposure of the cold hardy trifoliate orange plants to temperature from 28 °C to -5 °C enabled us to isolate and characterize one novel citrus low temperature gene (clt) with two transcripts, called clt-a and clt-b from leaves and twigs. Clt-a was produced when plants were subjected to low temperatures (starting at 10 °C), while cltb was constitutively expressed. Both clt-a and clt-b have the same open reading frame of 165 nucleotides and encodes a small protein of 54 amino acid. However, clt-a has an additional 98 bp nucleotides at the 3'-untranslated region (UTR), which is absent in clt-b. Expression analysis using relative quantitative RT-PCR demonstrated that clt-a is expressed exclusively at low temperatures, while clt-b is expressed constitutively (expression verified from 2 °C to -5 °C). In the process of deacclimation from -1 °C to 28 °C, the clt-a transcript degraded dramatically after 2 °C and was completely absent at 28 °C, while the clt-b transcript remain stable. When the acclimated plant was taken from -1 °C to room temperature, the clt-a gene degraded within 2 hours. Moreover, when acclimated plant was continuously exposed at -1 °C for 20 days, both transcripts clt-a and clt-b remained stable. Involvement of alternative splicing in transcript stability will be discussed.
Short interfering RNAs are Associated with Virus Resistance in a Woody Perennial Fruit Tree (Prunus domestica)
Authors: Hily Jean-Michel , Scorza* Ralph , Ravelonandro Michel
Published: February 2019

We have shown that high-level resistance to plum pox virus (PPV) in transgenic plum clone C5 is based on post-transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS), otherwise termed RNA silencing (Scorza et al. Transgenic Res. 10:201-209, 2001). In order to more fully characterize RNA silencing in woody perennial crops, we investigated the production of short interfering RNA (siRNA) in transgenic plum clones C3 and C5, both of which harbor the capsid protein (CP) gene of PPV. We used as a control, plum PT-23, a clone only transformed with the two marker genes, NPTII and GUS. We show in the current report that C5 constitutively produces two classes of siRNA, the short (21-22 nucleotides) and long (≈27 nucleotides) species in the absence of PPV inoculation. Transgenic susceptible clone C3 and the control clone PT-23, when healthy, produce no siRNA. Upon infection, these clones produce only the short siRNA (21-22 nt). This siRNA production suggests that plum trees naturally respond to virus infection by initiating PTGS or PTGS-like mechanisms. This study also suggests that high-level virus resistance in woody perennials may require the production of both the short and long size classes of siRNA, as are produced by the resistant C5 plum clone.
Using Bilingual Flip-charts to Train Fresh Produce Field and Packinghouse Workers
Authors: Reyes Luz M. , Osborne Dennis , Ward Donn R. , Sanders* Douglas C.
Published: February 2019

One key to protecting the nation's food supply is training packinghouse and field workers in food safety principles. Southern producer/packers are typically grower/packers. Such producers usually are seasonal, have their own packinghouse operation and are small scale. They use migrant and seasonal labor. Also worker training, sanitary practice and facilities are either somewhat limited or completely lacking in such operations. Further, the use of seasonal and migrant labor dictates the use of Spanish language interpreters for training. These trainers are in marked shortage. To help meet this need for trainers and training materials we developed a bi-lingual (Spanish/English) “flip chart” GAPs training aid. It contains 48 charts explaining food safety principles to be considered in the field and in the packing operation. These educational materials can be used by small farmers, growers and packers for training sessions. Such material is particularly useful in preparing for third-party audits.
Grapefruit-Drug Interaction: Levels of Furocoumarin in Different Varieties
Authors: Girennavar* Basavaraj , Bhat Narayan , Brodbelt Jennifer , Pikulski Michael , Jayaprakasha G.K. , Patil Bhimanagouda S.
Published: February 2019

Grapefruit juice contain furanocoumarin derivatives which are known to interact with various drugs such as felodipine, leading to the increased bioavailability. Due to very low concentrations of furocoumarin in grapefruit juice, isolation of these compounds has been a challenge to researchers. Five grapefruit (Citrus paradisi Macf.) varieties such as `Marsh White', `Duncan', `Rio Red', `Orange Flesh', and `Mexican Red' were harvested and analyzed. Samples were extracted successively three times with ethyl acetate until all furocoumarins were extracted. The dried extract was reconstituted in methanol and used for quantification using high-performance liquid chromatography. Furanocoumarins were quantified by gradient elution with methanol and water as mobile phase with a flow rate of 1.1 mL/min at 240 nm. The concentrations of bergamottin, dihydroxybergamotin (DHB) and dimer of DHB were shown to distinctly differ among varieties. Red colored grapefruit showed lower concentrations of the furocoumarins compared to white colored grapefruit. Among the five varieties, `Rio Red' grapefruit contain lower concentrations of bergamottin and DHB. Further studies are continued to quantify other dimers and commercial varieties. Knowledge of furocoumarin levels in grapefruit may eventually help the consumer to make decision about eating grapefruit and/or drinking juice while taking certain medications.
Engaging Students in the Higher Order of Thinking and Communication
Authors: Kamp-Glass* Marihelen
Published: February 2019

Students of today have been raised on 20 second sound bytes, video games, multiple choice and true false exams, extra credit, and over extended parents It is difficult to engage most of them in a two minute conservations. They have not been taught the skill of cognitive thinking. We as professors need to help them reach that higher level of oral and written communitation. This can be done through adding discussion in the class room, on a field trip, or in an e-College or Blackboard venue. This presentation is abou how good discussions must be prepared in advance, how to lead a purposefully discussion and other way to promote their cognitives skills.