bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Prevalence of Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL) Producing Gut Bacterial Flora Among Patients in Dr. Soetomo Hospital and Primary Health Centre in Surabaya
Authors: Naelasari Dian Neni , Koendhori Eko Budi , Dewanti Linda , Sarassari Rosantia , Kuntaman K
Published: December 2018

The extended-spectrum b-lactamase (ESBL) producer bacteria until now were mostly identified in hospital environment. The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence of ESBL-producing gut flora and distribution of ESBL encoding genes between hospitalized patient in Tropical Wards of Dr. Soetomo Hospital and patient from a primary health centre (PHC) as community environment in Surabaya. Thiry rectal swab samples from hospital of Dr. Soetomo patients and from PHC (60 samples in total) were collected for this study. Samples were screened in MacConkey agar supplemented with 2 mg/L of cefotaxim, incubated at 37ºC for 24 hours. Then the growing colony were confirmed with Disk Diffusion Synergy test (DDST) for diagnosis of ESBL producer. The identified ESBL producers were then identified the bacteria species by biochemical method. ESBL gene were detected by PCR with specific primers. The results showed that there was not difference of positif nuber of ESBL-producing bacteria gut floral between patients of Dr.Soetomo Hospital, 25/30 (83.3%) and PHC, 11/30 (36.7%) (p=1). The pattern of ESBL gene distributions among samples from hospital showed that SHV was 12%, TEM was 36%, and CTX-M was 80%, and from PHC were SHV 18.2%, TEM 27,3% and CTX-M 81,8%. Statistical analysis showed that the pattern was not significantly different among hospitals and PHC samples as shown by SHV gene (p=0,631), TEM (p= 0.715), and CTX -M (p=1). From each ESBL gene, the dominant genes that found producing ESBL were the CTX-M genes followed by TEM and SHV genes. The prevalence of ESBL producersin intestinal flora of both the hospital (83,3%) and the PHC (36,7%) was very high. There was not significant difference between the prevalence of ESBL producer in gut flora of hospitalized patients compared to PHC. There was found other patterns of ESBL gene combinations in the hospital of SHV+CTX-M genes, TEM+CTX-M, SHV+TEM+CTX-M genes and PHC, the combination pattern of SHV+CTX-M, TEM+CTX-M.
The Efficacy of Psidium guajava Linn Leaf Extractsfrom Selangor Region Against Gram-Positive and Gram-Negative Bacteria
Authors: Zuhaira S , Nizam Noorhaniz Mohd , Ridzuan PM
Published: December 2018

Antibiotic is a type of medication that helps in fighting bacterial infection. Treating bacterial infections in clinical setting become more complicated and costly due to drug resistance. This study was conducted to determine the antibacterial potential of Psidium guajava Linn leaf extracts against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. P. guajava Linn leaf was obtained from Research Orchards at University Putra Malaysia (UPM). Leaves were extracted using three types of extracts; hot, cold and methanol extract. Freeze dried was used in this study and temperature was set at -104°C for 24 hours. Antibacterial testing was determined using disc diffusion and well diffusion method. Antibacterial activity was evaluated by measuring the inhibitory zone of the tested bacteria. Phytochemical analysis was conducted by adding few drop of diluted NaOH (Sodium Hydroxide) solution to detect the active flavanoid from leaves extract. Antimicrobial activity showed all extracts were effective against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Phytochemical analysis of P. guajava Linn leaf extracts showed the methanol extract indicating the presence of tannins, phenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, glycosides and saponins. Results showed that P. guajava Linn leaf was effective against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and pythochemical analysis also exhibited a few active compounds that were determined. P. guajava Linn leaf had potential natural product that may be used for further analysis in the future research.
Recent Advance and Future Progress of GaN Power Semiconductor Devices Used in PV Module Integrated Converters
Authors: Rodríguez-Benítez Oscar Miguel , Ponce Silva Mario , Hernández González Leobardo , Aqui-Tapia Juan Antonio , Claudio Sánchez Abraham , Calzada-Lara Gabriel , Cortés-García Claudia
Published: December 2018

Power semiconductor devices are essential from the operation point of view, size, efficiency and cost, these components are used in a myriad of applications, providing features that make them an important part of the system in which they are operating. This document analyzes and compares the basic structure, properties, design aspects, as well as temperature performance, stability and switching losses, present in devices on silicon (Si), silicon carbide (SiC) and new generation devices fabricated in gallium nitride (GaN) applied in renewable energy systems. The main objective is determinate the viability of the new generation components, which present a superior performance in view of an increase in efficiency, conductivity, decreases in switching losses, lower resistances and parasitic capacitances as well as higher operating frequency range. Therefore demonstrating the GaN components are a strong and viable candidate to solve some of the problems present in renewable energy systems.
Succession and Vegetation-Soil Relationship in Quarries of Southeastern Mexico
Authors: Valdez-Hernández Mirna , Gil-Medina Rossana , López-Martínez Jorge Omar , Torrescano-Valle Nuria , Cabanillas-Terán Nancy , Islebe Gerald Alexander
Published: December 2018

Open pit mining is a common activity in the Yucatan peninsula for the extraction of limestone. This mining is known under the generic name of quarries, and regionally as sascaberas (sascab=white soil in Mayan language). These areas are characterized by the total removal of the natural vegetation cover and soil in order to have access to the calcareous material. The present study shows the composition and structure of the vegetation in five quarries after approximately ten years of abandonment, and the conserved vegetation near to each one of the quarries in southeastern Quintana Roo. Using a canonical correspondence analysis (CCA), the distribution of the species was determined in relation to the edaphic variables: soil depth, percentage of organic matter (OM), cationic exchange capacity (CEC), pH and texture. 26 families, 46 genera and 50 species were recorded in the quarries and 25 families, 45 genera and 47 species were recorded in the conserved areas. The dominant species in the quarries belong to the families Poaceae, Fabaceae, Rubiaceae and Anacardiaceae. The quarries with higher values of OM (1.63%), CEC (24.05 Cmol/kg), depth (11 cm) and sand percentage (31.33%) include the following species like Lysiloma latisiliquum, Metopium brownei and Bursera simaruba which are commonly found in secondary forests. On the other hand, quarries with lower values of OM (0.39%), CEC (16.58 Cmol/kg) and depth (5.02), and higher percentage of silt (42.44%) were dominated by herbaceous species belonging to the Poaceae family and by Borreria verticillata, which are typical in disturbed areas of southeastern Mexico. In all cases, the pH was slightly alkaline due to the content of calcium carbonate (CaCO3), characteristic of the soils of the region. The edaphic variables are significantly correlated with the development and distribution of vegetation, and with the structure of the communities.
Highly Sensitive Voltammetric Glucose Biosensor Based on Glucose Oxidase Encapsulated in a Chitosan/Kappa-Carrageenan/Gold Nanoparticle Bionanocomposite
Authors: Jaffrezic-Renault Nicole , Rassas Ilhem , Braiek Mohamed , Bonhomme Anne , Bessueille François , Raffin Guy , Majdoub Hatem
Published: December 2018

In this work, an enzymatic sensor, based on a bionanocomposite film consisting of a polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) [Chitosan/kappa-carrageenan] doped with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) encapsulating glucose oxidase (GOD) deposited on a gold electrode (Au) for glucose sensing, is described. Using the electrocatalytic synergy of AuNPs and GOD as a model of enzyme, the variation of the current (µA) as a function of the log of the glucose concentration (log [glucose]), shows 3 times higher sensitivity for the modified electrode (283.9) compared to that of the PEC/GOD modified electrode (93.7), with a detection limit of about 5 µM and a linearity range between 10µM and 7mM. The response of the PEC/AuNPs/GOD based biosensor also presents good reproducibility, stability and negligible interfering effects from ascorbic acid, uric acid, urea and creatinine. The applicability of the PEC/AuNPs/GOD based biosensor was tested in glucose-spiked saliva samples and acceptable recovery rates were obtained.
Sigma Phase: Nucleation and Growth
Authors: Fonseca Gláucio , Mendes Priscila , Silva Ana
Published: December 2018

Duplex Stainless Steels (DSS) and Superduplex Stainless Steels (SDSS) are an important class of stainless steels because they combine the benefits of austenite and ferrite phases, resulting in steels with better mechanical properties and higher corrosion resistance. Due to these characteristics are widely employed in various industries. However, the appearance of deleterious phases in their microstructure impairs the properties of DSS and SDSS. Among the deleterious phases, the main one is the sigma phase (σ), which can be nucleated when the steel is exposed to the temperature range between 650 °C and 900 °C, reducing its toughness and resistance to corrosion. In a previous work, Fonseca and collaborators used two descriptors of the microstructural path to analyze the formation of sigma phase (σ), SV, interfacial area per unit volume between sigma phase and austenite, and <λ>, mean chord length of sigma, both in function of the VV, volume fraction of sigma, known in the literature as microstructural partial path (MP). In this work, the contiguity ratio is applied for the first time to describe the microstructural path in the study of sigma phase precipitation in SDSS. The contiguity ratio showed that the distribution of the ferrite/sigma boundaries is homogeneous. Thus, it is reasonable to infer that one has a uniform distribution of sigma phase nuclei within the ferrite. About the kinetics of sigma phase formation, the DSS can be described by the classical JMAK equation, whereas for the SDSS, the kinetics tends to follow the Cahn model for grain edge nucleation. Finally, we present the 3D reconstruction of the sigma phase in SDSS. The results demonstrate that the sigma phase nucleates at the edges of the ferrite/austenite interfaces. Moreover, the sigma phase grows consuming the ferrite, but it is not fully interconnected.
Epidimiologic Features of Brucellosis in Stavropol Region
Authors: Rusanova D. V. , Lyamkin G. I.
Published: December 2018

Analysis of many-years brucellosis morbidity in Stavropol region in 2001-2007 showed epidemiological situation to be tense, thus the deterioration of epizootiological and epidemiological conditions as regards brucellosis could be expected. Epidemiological zoning of Stavropol region according to the rate of risk of population infectioning with brucellosis allowed to discriminate territories with different degree of epidemiological danger. These data could be used during next 2-3 years for evaluation of brucellosis epidemiological situation while carrying out epidemiological analysis.
Ethiology and Immunopathogenesis Peculiarities of Ixodic Tick-Borne Borreliosis
Authors: Bicketov S. F. , Firstova V. V. , Lyubimov I. I.
Published: December 2018

The characteristics of tick-borne borreliosis agents and borrelia reservoir hosts and vectors are presented in the article. Considered is participation of ticks' saliva components and superficial spirochete antigens in the mechanisms of mammals infectioning with borrelia. Immunopathogenesis of tick-borne borreliosis is described. The available methods of diagnostics and vaccine prophylaxis of tick-borne borreliosis are evaluated.
Properties of Pandemic Influenza Virus Strains Isolated in the Territory of Russia
Authors: Onischenko G. G. , Agafonov A. P. , Demina O. K. , Sergeev A. A. , Ternovoy V. A. , Shishkina L. N. , Bormotov N. I. , Kabanov A. S. , Skarnovich M. O. , Shikov A. N. , Sementsova A. O. , Shestopalov A. M. , Shpynov S. N. , Stavskiy E. A. , Drozdov I. G.
Published: December 2018

The first cases of the disease caused by pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza virus in the territory of the Russian Federation were registered at the end of May, 2009. 3 strains of pandemic (H1N1)2009 influenza virus were isolated from patients. Properties of the strains isolated in the territory of Russia were studied in comparison with those of two reference strains A/California/04/2009(H1N1) and A/California/07/2009(H1N1)v. Analysis of primary gene sequence and examination of biological properties of the strains isolated in the territory of Russia suggested their close relationship with A/California/04/2009(H1N1)v and A/California/07/2009(H1N1)v strains.
‘Sierra Sweet’ Fresh Market Tomato
Authors: Jones R. A. , Millett A. H.
Published: December 2018

‘Sierra Sweet’ is an attractive, fresh market tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) developed for high soluble-solids content in ripe fruit, an important contributor to tomato flavor. ‘Sierra Sweet’ has value as a germplasm source for enhanced soluble solids and multiple disease resistance as well as a parent in the production of commercial hybrids.
Regeneration from Perennial Ryegrass Callus Tissue
Authors: Torello William A. , Symington A. G.
Published: December 2018

Roots and shoots of ‘Yorktown II’ perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) were regenerated from callus tissue on half-strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) or half-strength Gamborg B-5 media without addition of growth regulators. Optimum shoot formation occurred using a B-5 basal medium with 0.1 mg/liter 6-benzylamino purine (BA) while 0.1-0.5 mg/liter 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) enhanced root development. Callus maintained with 10 mg/liter 2,4-D had less potential for regeneration than callus maintained with 5 mg/liter.
Enhancement of White Mold Avoidance and Yield in Dry Beans by Canopy Elevation
Authors: Fuller Peter A. , Steadman James R. , Coyne Dermot P.
Published: December 2018

Increasing the amount of artificial support with wire fencing placed under the canopy of furrow-irrigated ‘Great Northern Valley’ dry beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) significantly decreased severity of white mold [Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) deBary] and increased seed yield.
Postharvest Changes in Fruit Composition of Annona atemoya during Ripening and Effects of Storage Temperature on Ripening
Authors: Wills R. B. H. , Poi A. , Greenfield H. , Rigney C. J.
Published: December 2018

Respiration and ethylene production were determined daily on fruit of A. atemoya Hort. stored at 20°C from preclimacteric to postclimacteric stages. At 5 stages, fruit were analyzed for water, sugars, starch, organic acids, Vitamin C, thiamin, titratable acidity, pH, and total soluble solids. The major changes during ripening were a continuous decrease in starch, a continuous increase in fructose and glucose, an increase in sucrose to a maximum at the climacteric, an increase in malic acid early in the climacteric rise, and a decrease in Vitamin C after the climacteric. Eating quality was optimal 2 days after the climacteric and the levels of protein, fat, dietary fiber, ash, sodium, potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, riboflavin, niacin, α-carotene, β-carotene, cryptoxanathin, energy content, and edible portion were determined at this stage. Fruit were stored at temperatures from 0° to 25°. The safe range of storage temperature was between 15° and 25° with 20° being the optimum for the development of eating quality but with 15° giving the longest delay in ripening. Storage at lower temperatures gave rise to symptoms typical of chilling injury.
Susceptibility of Peach Tree Pruning Wounds to Fungal Gummosis as Affected by Time of Pruning
Authors: Reilly Charles C. , Okie W. R.
Published: December 2018

Four-year-old trees of ‘Redglobe’ peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] were pruned on 1 Mar. and again on 15 Aug. 1982 and the pruning wounds inoculated with spore suspensions of Botryosphaeria dothidea [(Moug. ex. Fr.) Ces & de Not. (B. ribis Gross & Dugg.)]. Spring-pruned trees were susceptible to invasion for only the first week after pruning as determined by visual gum ratings and reisolation rates. Summer-pruned trees were susceptible for a similar period, but fungal isolation frequency was much lower than for the spring-pruned trees. A benomyl-captan spray immediately after summer pruning reduced both gumming and isolation frequency.
Translocation of Photosynthetic Products from Source Leaves to Aligned Juice Segments in Citrus Fruit
Authors: Koch K. E.
Published: December 2018

Translocation of 14C-photosynthetic products from source leaves to fruit segments in direct vertical alignment to them was examined in ‘Hamlin’ sweet orange [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck] and ‘Marsh’ grapefruit (Citrus paradisi Macf.). A single source leaf nearest (or next nearest) to a fruit was exposed for 1 hour to 14CO2 and then flushed with ambient air for 5 hours. Source, path, and sink tissues were separated and fruit was longitudinally quartered with respect to source-leaf attachment position. About 20% of the total 14C-photosynthate was translocated into the fruit within 6 hours. The quarter aligned directly to the source leaf was allocated 77% and 85% of these assimilates in sweet oranges and grapefruit, respectively.
The Impact of Community Gardens on Numbers of Property Crimes in Urban Houston
Authors: Gorham M.R. , Waliczek T.M. , Snelgrove A. , Zajicek J.M.
Published: December 2018

Research has suggested that city environments with more green space may have lower crime levels. For this pilot study, 11 established community gardens in Houston, TX, were selected and mapped using ArcGIS 9.1 software. The numbers of property crimes reported in the 2005 crime data from the Houston Police Department surrounding the community garden areas at a distance of 1/8 mile were then tallied and mapped for the areas. The numbers of crimes were evaluated alongside demographic data from the 2000 U.S. Census. Statistical comparisons were made between community garden areas and randomly selected city areas that were within a 1-mile area surrounding each garden. Initial results of paired t tests indicated no statistically significant differences between the mean number of crime occurrences in community garden areas and the mean number of crimes in randomly selected areas. Results from a linear regression analysis also indicated that the presence of a community garden was not a predictor of a lower crime rate for a neighborhood. Adjustments were then made by removing randomly selected areas that were demographically least like their respective community gardens. Results from further analysis indicated that there were no crime number differences between the community garden areas and the randomly selected areas. However, interviews conducted with community garden representatives showed that community gardens appeared to have a positive influence on neighborhoods, with residents reporting neighborhood revitalization, perceived immunity from crime, and neighbors emulating gardening practices they saw at the community gardens.
Influence of Plant Density and Cultivar on Mini Triploid Watermelon Yield and Fruit Quality
Authors: Walters S. Alan
Published: December 2018

Mini triploid (seedless) watermelons (Citrullus lanatus) are a growing segment of the U.S. watermelon market due to their small, one-serving size. Although mini triploid watermelons were first released and commercially grown about 6 years ago, little information is available for optimum planting densities that are needed to achieve the greatest percentage of marketable fruit in the 3- to 8-lb range. In 2006 and 2007, the fruit grade distribution response to six plant densities (2489, 3111, 4149, 6223, 8297, and 12,446 plants/acre) of four mini watermelon cultivars (Betsy, Petite Treat, Valdoria, and Vanessa) was measured at the Southern Illinois University Horticulture Research Center in Carbondale. ‘SP-1’ was used as the in-row pollenizer at 25% of the total planting. Although all cultivars responded similarly to the plant densities evaluated, ‘Vanessa’ provided the greatest fruit number and weight per acre, and percentage of fruit in the mini grade, compared with the other cultivars. Marketable mini triploid watermelon yield dramatically increased with closer in-row spacings. At lower plant densities (wider in-row spacings), a greater proportion of icebox-sized fruit (>8 lb) was produced, and the amount of marketable, mini-sized fruit (3–8 lb) declined. The grade distribution of mini triploid watermelon numbers and weights were the greatest at the highest plant density evaluated [0.5 ft in-row spacing (12,446 plants/acre)], with about 80% of the total yield in the mini grade. The greatest net revenues were also obtained at this high density. This study indicated that it is critical for producers of mini triploid watermelons to recognize the dramatic impact that plant density has on marketable fruit yield (3–8 lb). Growers of mini triploid watermelons will see a drastic improvement in revenues with closer in-row spacings compared with the approximate 2 ft in-row spacings currently used (about 4000 plants/acre). The increased cost of higher plant densities are more than offset by the greater return on investment.
Evaluation of ‘AU-Performance’ Watermelon for Its Response to Virus Inoculation
Authors: Murphy John F. , Dane Fenny
Published: December 2018

The watermelon (Citrullus lanatus var. lanatus) ‘AU-Performance’ was developed for resistance to multiple fungal pathogens and the plant virus, zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV). A greenhouse-based evaluation was carried out to determine the response of ‘AU-Performance’ to inoculation with three important cucurbit (Cucurbitaceae) viruses in the genus Potyvirus: papaya ringspot virus (PRSV), watermelon mosaic virus (WMV), and ZYMV. The evaluation included the resistant parent (PI595203), the susceptible parent (‘AU-Producer’), and varieties AU-Allsweet and Charleston Gray. Each of the three viruses systemically infected ‘AU-Performance’ with 100% infection and development of characteristic systemic symptoms. The susceptible parent (‘AU-Producer’), ‘AU-Allsweet’, and ‘Charleston Gray’ responded similarly with 100% infection and systemic symptoms. In contrast, the resistant parent (PI595203) was resistant to WMV and ZYMV; however, PRSV-inoculated plants developed a systemic infection with accompanied symptoms and high levels of PRSV accumulation in noninoculated leaves. PI595203 was shown in previous studies to be resistant to PRSV. We show in this report that under greenhouse conditions and application of virus by mechanical inoculation, ‘AU-Performance’ was not resistant to infection by the three potyviruses.
Biology of Palms and Implications for Management in the Landscape
Authors: Hodel Donald R.
Published: December 2018

Comprising a natural and distinctive group, palms (Arecaceae) differ from other woody plants in their structure and growth features that require or offer unique and sometimes advantageous landscape management opportunities. Although palms are a mostly tropical group that lacks dormancy and cold tolerance, there are numerous species possessing sufficient cool or cold hardiness to be suitable for landscaping in subtropical and even some temperate areas. The habit of palms is largely dependent on the number of stems and the length to which they elongate. There are solitary or multistemmed palms and tree or shrub palms. Regardless of habit, there is typically only one growing point or apical meristem per palm stem. Thus, multistemmed palms may be especially versatile landscape subjects because in many instances, one is able to control height and density by judicious removal of stems. The uniquely constructed palm stem, with growth restricted to its extremities (leaves and inflorescences distally, roots proximally, and wholly the product of primary growth), is composed largely of numerous, dispersed, hard, fibrous-sheathed, vascular bundles embedded in a matrix of water- and carbohydrate-storing parenchyma cells. Often likened to a steel-reinforced concrete column and offering tremendous strength and resiliency, palm stems lack a peripheral vascular cambium and, thus, capability for secondary growth, meaning they do not thicken much once they elongate vertically and there is no ability to repair damaged tissue. Thus, care should be taken when performing horticultural tasks to avoid making wounds (which are permanent, unsightly, and potential entry sites for pests and diseases) and damaging the sole apical meristem. A palm's total photosynthetic and reproductive efforts are concentrated into relatively few but large organs (leaves and inflorescences respectively), offering a unique opportunity to capture an entire year's worth of potential leaf, flower, and fruit litter before it falls into the landscape. The palm root system is adventitious and composed of numerous, small- to medium-sized, nonwoody roots. All primary roots are of a more or less constant diameter and arise independently from an area at or near the base of the stem called the root initiation zone. Because of these root system characteristics and the ability of their trunks to store water and carbohydrates, palms are relatively easy to transplant—even large specimens with small root balls—resulting in instant, mature landscapes.
Managing Plant–Parasitic Nematodes in Established Red Raspberry Fields
Authors: Walters Thomas W. , Pinkerton John N. , Riga Ekaterini , Zasada Inga A. , Particka Michael , Yoshida Harvey A. , Ishida Chris
Published: December 2018

The efficacy and phytotoxicity of postplant treatments to control root lesion nematodes [RLN (Pratylenchus penetrans)] and dagger nematodes [DN (Xiphinema bakeri)] in red raspberry (Rubus idaeus) were evaluated in four field studies, each conducted over 1 to 3 years. Spring spray applications of oxamyl or fosthiazate reduced RLN and DN population densities for up to 2 years, but fall oxamyl sprays and spring drip-applied oxamyl applications were not effective. Oxamyl application rate determined the duration of nematode suppression. Two spring applications of oxamyl at 2 lb/acre provided more than 2 years of suppression, while two spring applications of 0.8 lb/acre suppressed nematodes for only 1 year. Spring oxamyl applications reduced ‘Nootka’ fruit yield for one season, but did not affect ‘Willamette’ yield. Fall spray-applied fenamiphos, fall and spring spray-applied DiTera (a fermentation product of the fungus Myrothecium verrucaria), fall drip-applied 1,3-dichloropropene, and spring shallow-incorporated abyssinian mustard (Brassica carinata) seed meal suppressed RLN briefly (less than 6 months) or not at all.
Strawberry Cultivar Injury After Two Contrasting Minnesota Winters
Authors: Yao Shengrui , Luby James J. , Wildung David K.
Published: December 2018

As part of our hardy strawberry (Fragaria ×ananassa) breeding program, winter hardiness of 15 strawberry cultivars was evaluated in the field after Winter 2005–2006 and a test Winter 2006–2007 with no snow cover at Grand Rapids, MN. After the snow-covered Winter 2005–2006, plant stand (percent leaf coverage for the designated area for each plot) increased for all cultivars in the mulched treatment and some cultivars in the unmulched treatment with slight decreases only for several cultivars in the unmulched treatment. However, after Winter 2006–2007, the plant stands of all cultivars drastically decreased in both mulched and unmulched treatments. ‘Clancy’, ‘Evangeline’, and ‘L'Amour’ were the three most sensitive cultivars among the 15 cultivars tested. ‘Kent’, ‘Mesabi™’, ‘Cavendish’, and ‘Brunswick’ were the highest yielding cultivars for both 2006 and 2007 in the mulched treatment. In the unmulched treatment, ‘Brunswick’, ‘Mesabi™ ’, ‘Cavendish’, ‘Sable’, and ‘Kent’ were the top yielding cultivars after Winter 2006–2007. During Winter 2005–2006, with 20 to 30 cm snow cover throughout the season, the 5- and 10-cm soil temperatures remained constant at ≈30 to 31.5 °F in both mulched and unmulched treatments. In contrast, during Winter 2006–2007, there were 16 and 24 days (consecutive) in February below 18 °F at 5-cm soil depths for mulched and unmulched treatments, respectively, which probably led to the severe winter damage. Although straw mulch afforded the plants some protection, snow cover is critical to the survival of strawberries in northern Minnesota and other areas with similar weather conditions.
Design and Implementation of a Soil Matric Potential-based Automated Irrigation System for Drip Irrigating Fraser Fir
Authors: Nzokou Pascal , Gooch Nicholas J. , Cregg Bert M.
Published: December 2018

Irrigation of fraser fir (Abies fraseri) in Christmas tree production is gaining importance in the upper midwestern United States because of the intensive planting of this species out of its natural range. However, current scheduling practices rely on empirical observations with no monitoring of soil moisture and no use of automated irrigation system. The goal of this project was to design, construct, and implement a tensiometer-based automated irrigation system for fraser fir Christmas tree plantations that would (1) use existing technologies, (2) apply water based on changes in soil moisture content, (3) provide operational flexibility, and (4) interface with a computer for system changes, data collection, and system modifications. Soil tensiometers equipped with 4- to 20-milliampere transducers were installed at two drip-irrigated tree farms. Water on demand was controlled by soil moisture tension levels that triggered the stimulation of a relay wired to solenoids delivering irrigation water to the various treatments. The system functioned according to the design as expected. However, several issues associated with the need for regular maintenance of tensiometers, computer programming, and system wiring created some challenges regarding the reliability and transferability of similar system to commercial facilities.
Remote Sensing Techniques for Assessing Water Deficits and Modeling Crop Response
Authors: Kanemasu E. T. , Asrar G. , Yoshida M.
Published: December 2018

Water availability and temperature are 2 primary environmental parameters that frequently limit plant growth. The effects of these factors are difficult to separate; however, this paper will be directed primarily at water deficit. Plant responses to water deficit have been difficult to model because of different response times involved and the problem of quantifying water deficit (severity vs. duration). For example, response times for cell enlargement and leaf abscission are much different and yet their direct effects on transpiration and photosynthesis may be the same. Transpiration and photosynthesis are key processes in crop yield models. Transpiration is an energy-consuming process, which is strongly controlled by leaf area and stomatal conductance. Photosynthesis, on the other hand, is a quantum-requiring process, which is dependent to a large extent upon the interception of visible light and the diffusive conductance of CO2. Solar radiation provides both energy for transpiration and quanta for photosynthesis.
Effects of Various Horticultural Activities on the Autonomic Nervous System and Cortisol Response of Mentally Challenged Adults
Authors: Lee Min-Jung
Published: December 2018

The objective of this study was to examine how horticultural activities, such as pressing flowers, planting, creating flower arrangements, and making topiaries, affect stress relief for patients who are mentally challenged. Two experiments were conducted in this study. In Expt. 1, the heart rate variation (HRV) of 30 mentally challenged people from the Daegu Rehabilitation Center (Daegu, South Korea) was measured. The pressed flower group and the planting group showed a significant improvement (P < 0.01) in the sd of the normal–normal interval HRV measurements (SDNN), which improved from 42.37 to 45.54 ms. The planting group's SDNN and low frequency (LF) significantly improved from 38.68 to 45.49 ms and from 5.87 to 6.58 ms, respectively, at P < 0.05. A significant improvement in total power (TP) and high frequency (HF) at P < 0.01 was also observed; results changed from 6.90 to 7.46 ms and from 4.76 to 5.28 ms, respectively. The flower arrangement group displayed a significant difference in LF (from 5.26 to 5.89 ms) at P < 0.05. Finally, the topiary group showed a significant difference in TP (from 6.72 to 7.23 ms) at P < 0.05. In Expt. 2, the cortisol levels of 20 mentally challenged people from the P Residential Home (Yeongcheon, South Korea) were measured. Compared with the baseline measurement, the pressed flower group displayed a significant decrease in cortisol density from 4.66 nmol·L−1 on day 1 to 4.64 nmol·L−1 on day 7; however, no significant difference was observed on day 4. The planting group showed a significantly decreasing difference (3.08 nmol·L−1) in cortisol density (8.84 nmol·L−1) on day 7 compared with day 4 of planting activities. Finally, the topiary group continued to show a significant decrease (from 9.98 to 7.0 nmol·L−1) in cortisol density at each cortisol collection after the first day of topiary activities. It was concluded that indoor horticultural activities have an effect on mentally challenged people's stress relief. In particular, planting activities were effective for this relief.
Ultraviolet Fluorescence to Identify Navel Oranges with Poor Peel Quality and Decay
Authors: Obenland David , Margosan Dennis , Smilanick Joseph L. , Mackey Bruce
Published: December 2018

Navel oranges (Citrus sinensis) were sorted into four groups under ultraviolet illumination in commercial packinghouse black light rooms based upon the amount of fluorescence visible on each fruit to determine if fluorescence was predictive of peel quality. The groups corresponded to fruit with 1) little or no fluorescence (group 0), 2) low fluorescence (group 1), 3) moderate fluorescence (group 2), and 4) large fluorescent areas (group 3) that were indicative of developing decay lesions. Identification and elimination of group 3 fruit in black light rooms is a common practice now, but the other groups pass through these rooms. Six tests were conducted over a 2-year period during different times in the mid to late navel orange season. Fruit were visually evaluated for peel quality within 24 hours of their initial segregation into fluorescence groups and again following 3 weeks of storage at 15 °C. Peel quality assessment was based upon commercial grading practices, and the fruit were placed into fancy, choice, juice, or decay classes. Fruit with low to no peel fluorescence (groups 0 and 1) had numerous fancy-grade fruit and few juice- and decay-grade fruit in comparison with the other two groups. In contrast, fruit with moderate fluorescence (group 2) were of poor peel quality. In the initial evaluation, this group had 28% fewer fancy fruit and 19% more juice fruit than did group 0. During storage, group 2 fruit declined markedly in quality and numerous fruit of group 2 in the choice and juice classes decayed; the percentage of decayed fruit increased from 1% initially to 29% after 3 weeks of storage. Navel oranges in group 3, with numerous and obvious fluorescent decay lesions, mainly consisted of either juice grade or decayed fruit; 70% of group 3 decayed after 3 weeks. In addition to removing fluorescing fruit that have obvious indications of decay (group 3), it would be advantageous to remove or otherwise recognize that fruit with moderate levels of fluorescence (group 2) are also of lower quality and that they should not be selected for long storage or distant transport. Their identification may be most practical with an automated system using machine vision and ultraviolet illumination.
Application of Brushing for Growth Control of Tomato Transplants in a Commercial Setting
Authors: Latimer Joyce G. , Thomas Paul A.
Published: December 2018

Brushing 2-week-old `Sunny' tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) seedlings, grown in a commercial production greenhouse, for a period of 5 weeks reduced transplant growth and improved plant appearance. Brushing reduced stem length 37% and leaf area 31% relative to nontreated control plants. Plants were darker green in color, stockier, easier to handle, and tougher (exhibited less breakage) than nontreated plants.
Introducing Storage Concepts to Growers in Less-developed Countries
Authors: Grierson W.
Published: December 2018

Under most circumstances, some type of storage, from ephemeral to long-term, is an asset in the marketing of horticultural products. However, attempts to transfer developed country (DC) storage technology to the less-developed countries (LDCs) can be futile unless two conditions are met: 1) There must be a prior extension program to introduce the concept of what produce storage involves and what benefits can be expected from its proper use; and 2) the storage techniques introduced must be appropriate for the area. In many circumstances it may be necessary to start with very simple “old-fashioned” methods. Stages of development in LDCs are described, together with suggestions as to appropriate storage methods for each stage and how to prepare for them.
A Planting Template for Plug Flats
Authors: Marr Charles W.
Published: December 2018

Seedlings are established in small growing containers to reduce cost of greenhouse space, while improving crop uniformity. These seedlings often are referred to as plugs. Vacuum seeders are used by larger growers to seed many flats per season (Bakos, 1983); however, individual growers, producing plants for their own use, may not be able to justify expensive seeding equipment. Several moderately priced vacuum seeders are available (Bartok, 1988). They consist of a metal tray with small drilled holes to hold the seed in place when a vacuum is applied to the tray from an external source. However, several problems with them exist. Seeds must be free of extraneous materials that might clog the small holes. A slight jarring of the plate, especially when the plate is turned upside down over the seed flat, may cause seeds to dislodge, resulting in unplanted cells in each flat. Also, different sizes of seeds and flats require completely different seeding plates and plate holders. A small grower may choose to seed flats by hand by placing seeds individually in each cell. This is feasible only for large-sized seeds or with pelleted seed. A simple, inexpensive, non-vacuum alternative design is presented and evaluated.
A Laboratory Exercise to Demonstrate Embryo Rescue
Authors: Goldy Ron G. , Moxley Dana F.
Published: December 2018

A laboratory exercise is outlined and discussed for embryo culture of bean, corn, and pea embryos. Fresh, inexpensive material is generally available for these crop species throughout the year. The exercise gives students experience in embryo excision and exposure to some benefits of embryo rescue. Embryos from the three species are identified easily and can be removed without magnification, and data can be obtained within 3 weeks after culture. Further investigations using embryos are suggested.
Using Writing in Horticultural Education
Authors: Berghage R.D. , Lownds N.K
Published: December 2018

Writing is an integral part of a career in horticulture. Most successful horticulturists write not only in communicating with peers, but also in keeping extensive journals or records of their activities. These tasks use different writing skills. Writing in horticulture classes should reflect, encourage, and provide practice in both types of writing. Assignments should reflect the students' career choices and provide writing practice in an appropriate genre.
Scheduling Woody Plants for Production and Harvest
Authors: Beeson R.C.
Published: December 2018

Growth characteristics and marketing of woody ornamentals prevent crop scheduling common in floriculture crops. However, many tasks in the production of woody ornamentals require coordination with the season and/or physiological state of the species. Since most woody ornamental nurseries produce many species or cultivars, a variety of tasks occur concurrently. This review highlights the major tasks required during production for most species of woody plants. The physiological and environmental factors that dictate or influence scheduling are discussed.
Effect of NH4NO3 Level on Philodendron Root Development in Vitro
Authors: Sriskandarajahi S. , Skirvin R.M.
Published: December 2018

Extensive root development was observed on Stage 2 `Red Emerald' philodendron shoots grown on standard multiplication medium consisting of Murashige and Skoog salts and vitamins with 6-benzylaminopurine (BA, 0.2 mg·liter-1. Root development was suppressed significantly when the level of NH4NO3 was doubled from standard levels (lx, 1650 mg·liter-1) to 3300 mg·liter-1 (2×). A higher level of NH4NO3 (3×, 4950 mg·liter-1) was detrimental to shoot growth and proliferation. This information may be useful for commercial propagators who wish to suppress root development at the shoot multiplication stage.
Sequential Cropping for Vegetable Production using Microirrigation on Sandy Soils in Southwestern Florida
Authors: Stanley C.D. , Csizinszky A.A. , Clark G.A. , Prevatt J.W.
Published: December 2018

Combinations ofvarious vegetable crop species grown in multiple-cropping sequences using microirrigation on a sandy soil were evaluated for production potential and changes in normal cultural management An initial fall-season fresh-market tomato crop was followed immediately by a winter-season crucifer crop (cauliflower, broccoli, or cabbage), which was followed by a spring-season cucurbit crop (cucumber, zucchini squash, or muskmelon). Studies were conducted over a 3-year period in southwestem Florida. Results showed that when cropping sequences were compared on a basis of a derived relative value index (RVI), the sequence of tomato-cauliflower-zucchini squash significantly outperformed other sequences. Several management concerns particular to the production system (crop residue removal and interference, plastic mulch deterioration and damage, and weed control) were identified and discussed. The potential savings when cropping sequences are compared to individual crop production resulted in net savings (dollar savings less additional production costs) that ranged from $565 to $1212/acre ($1396 to $2993/ha) and $614 to $1316/acre ($1516 to $3251/ha) for the 1986-87 and 1988-89 seasons, respectively.
Establishment of Vegetables in the Field
Authors: Orzolek M.D.
Published: December 2018

Optimization of crop production can be accomplished only if successful stand establishment is achieved first, since each plant contributes to the total crop yield. Reduction of plant populations after planting will reduce yield and/or quality, even though plants compensate to some degree for stand losses. Successful stand establishment is achieved if factors that affect establishment are known, evaluated, and modified appropriately at the time of field planting. The factors that affect stand establishment are biotic and/or abiotic. Biotic factors are generally pathogens that attack plants as parasites, while abiotic factors are the environmental and physical conditions to which the plant or seed is exposed at the time of planting. Abiotic factors can be classified under three headings: soil, planting requirements, and environmental stress.
Benzyladenine in the Priming Solution Reduces Thermodormancy of Lettuce Seeds
Authors: Cantliffe D.J.
Published: December 2018

When lettuce seeds are imbibed and subjected to high temperature for periods of 72 h or more, dormancy known as thermodormaney is induced. Priming of three cultivars of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) seeds in 1% (w/v) K3 P O4 for 20 h in the dark reduced thermodormaney. Addition of 100 mg 6-benzyladenine (BA)/liter to the priming solution increased germination in petri dishes at 35C in `Green Lakes' from 65% in seeds that were primed without BA, to 92% when BA was added to the priming solution. In `South Bay' these percentages were 24% and 86%, respectively. Seedling emergence was improved in other lots of `Green Lakes' and `Montello' using soilless mix.
Pollination of English Walnuts: Practices and Problems
Authors: Krueger William H.
Published: December 2018

English walnut (Juglans regia, L.) is a monoecious species bearing staminate and pistillate flowers separately on the same tree. Walnuts are generally self-fruitful, cross-compatible and dichogamous, having incomplete overlap of pollen shed and female receptivity. It is this characteristic which led to the recommendation that about 10% of the trees in a commercial planting be a cultivar with a pollen shed period overlapping pistillate flower receptivity of the main cultivar. Excessive pollen load has been implicated in the `Serr' cultivar in pistillate flower abortion (PFA), the loss of the female flowers early in the season before fruit drop due to lack of pollination. PFA can be reduced and yield improved in `Serr' orchards by reducing pollen load. This can be accomplished by pollinizer removal, or catkin removal at the beginning of pollen shed by mechanical shaking. In years of significant bloom overlap between staminate and pistillate bloom, PFA can be further reduced and yield improved by removing `Serr' catkins. PFA occurs to a lesser extent in other cultivars such as `Chico', `Chandler', `Vina' and `Howard'. This information has led to the reevaluation of pollinizer recommendations. Research focused on optimum pollinizer levels in `Chandler', a cultivar of increasing importance to the California walnut industry, has been inconclusive. Lack of pollinizers may impact yields to a greater extent in the in the northern San Joaquin Valley and Sacramento Valley than in the southern San Joaquin Valley. In any case the previously recommended 10% appears to be excessive. Two to three percent is probably adequate to limit losses due to lack of pollination without resulting in excessive PFA, and is currently being recommended by extension farm advisors and specialists. Factors to consider when determining the number of pollinators to plant include: cultivar susceptibility to PFA, walnut pollen load in the area and local pollination and fruit set experiences.
Phytotoxicity of the Systemic Insecticide Imidacloprid on Tomato and Cucumber in the Greenhouse
Authors: Ebel Robert C. , Wallace Byron , Elkins Charles
Published: December 2018

Imidacloprid is a long-term systemic insecticide that is currently labeled under the trade name Marathon (imidacloprid, 1-[(6-chloro-3-pyridyl)methyl-4,5-dihydro-N-nitro-1-H-imidazol-2-amine, 1% granular on fritted clay, Bayer Corp., Kansas City, Mo.) for ornamental crops grown in greenhouses. The company that markets Marathon is seeking to expand its label to greenhouse-grown vegetable crops, although the rates they plan to label have not yet been divulged. Marathon was applied to cucumber (Cucumis sativus L. `Turbo') and tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. `Rutgers') at 0, 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, and 1 tsp (0, 5, 10, 20, 30, and 40 mg a.i.) per 4.5-inch (550-mL) pot. Both species developed phytotoxicity symptoms of leaf chlorosis of the oldest leaves and distorted growth and marginal necrosis of newer leaves within 1 week after application. By the end of the experiment, even the lowest rate caused phytotoxicity symptoms. The symptoms were similar in appearance to Ca deficiency but cucumber foliar analysis revealed no difference in Ca, Zn, Fe, or Co across imidacloprid rates, however, Mg and B decreased whereas K and Mn increased linearly across imidacloprid rates. P, Cu, and Mo varied quadratically with 1/2 tsp (20 mg a.i.) per pot having the lowest P and Mo, and Cu increasing at the higher rates. These data indicate that imidacloprid can alter plant nutrition. The rates of imidacloprid applied here are not recommended for use on greenhouse-grown cucumber and tomato under similar growing conditions as in this study.