bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carrot Yield, Quality, and Storability in Relation to Preplant and Residual Nitrogen on Mineral and Organic Soils
Authors: Westerveld Sean M. , McDonald Mary Ruth , McKeown Alan W.
Published: December 2018

The Nutrient Management Act (NMA) established in the province of Ontario in 2002 has prompted a re-evaluation of nitrogen (N) management practices. However, N management research in Ontario is currently outdated. The experiment in this 3-year study was designed to establish the yield response of carrot (Daucus carota) to N fertilization on mineral and organic soils and identify the relative yield effects of preplant and residual soil N. In 2002, N was applied at 0%, 50%, 100%, 150%, and 200% of recommended N application rates in Ontario as ammonium nitrate (organic soil: 60 kg·ha-1 preplant; mineral soil: 110 kg·ha-1 split 66% preplant/33% sidedress). Experimental units were split in half in 2003 and 2004, and N was applied to one half in 2003 and both halves in 2004 to identify the effects of residual N from the previous season on yield. Crop stand, yield, and quality were assessed at harvest, and storability was assessed by placing carrots into cold storage for 6 months. Nitrogen application rate had no effect on the yield, quality, or storability of carrots grown on organic soil. On mineral soil there were no effects of applied N in the first year of the 3-year study. In the second and third year on mineral soil, yield increased in response to increasing N, up to 200% and 91% of the recommended application rate, respectively, based on the regression equations. Yield declined above 91% of the recommended application rate in the third year due to a decrease in stand at higher N application rates. There were no effects of N on carrot quality or storability on mineral soil. On mineral soil, residual N from the 2002 season had more effect on yield at harvest in 2003 than N applied in 2003. This major effect of residual soil N on yield provides an explanation for the lack of yield response to preplant N application in previous studies conducted in temperate regions. These results indicate that there is no single N recommendation that is appropriate for all years on mineral soil. Assessing the availability of N from the soil at different depths at seeding is recommended to determine the need for N application.
Root-zone Alcohol Is an Effective Growth Retardant for Paperwhite Narcissus
Authors: Miller William B. , Finan Erin
Published: December 2018

Ethanol was demonstrated to reduce unwanted floral scape and leaf elongation of `Ziva' paperwhite narcissus (Narcissus tazetta) when plants were grown with traditional pebble culture. Root-zone ethanol concentrations of 1% to 5% (v/v) were effective in reducing height without visible phytotoxicity to the roots. Various ethanol sources, including gin, vodka, whiskey, schnapps, rum, and tequila, were equally effective in reducing growth when supplied at 4%; peppermint schnapps caused somewhat more growth inhibition, providing a safe, effective, and organic method for amateurs to control height of this popular flowering bulb. Beer and wine (white or red) were unsuitable for this use at 4% alcohol concentration.
Assessing the Preparedness of Postsecondary Graduates Entering the Landscape Contracting Industry
Authors: Beidler Kory M. , Iles Jeffery K. , Nusser Sarah M. , VanDerZanden Ann Marie
Published: December 2018

Industry input can assist postsecondary institutions as they strive to provide relevant knowledge and skill-building exercises for the professional development of their students. Using a mail questionnaire, we invited landscape contracting decision-makers to comment on the efficacy of landscape contracting curricula at colleges and universities. The population of Associated Landscape Contractors of America 2003 online member list (2049 companies) was organized into four strata based on company size. A stratified random sample of 400 companies was selected. We received 137 completed questionnaires (35% response rate). Most of the population was either satisfied or extremely satisfied (52%) with college graduates recently hired; only 8.1% of the population was dissatisfied or extremely dissatisfied. When respondents were asked to consider four knowledge categories, a majority (53%) said recent graduates were deficient in business knowledge, followed by construction (25.1%), horticultural (9.6%), and design (5.1%) knowledge. When respondents were asked to rate the importance of topics that could be taught in undergraduate landscape contracting programs, business topics (personnel management, estimating and bidding, and clientele management) were identified as their top three choices. The population also named three business-related skills (client relationships, time management, and managing employees) among the five most important skills for landscape contracting professionals. Despite the stated importance of business knowledge and training, 68.3% of the population said when hiring for an entry-level landscape contracting position, they prefer candidates with strong horticultural skills over those with strong business skills. These results suggest landscape contracting firms would welcome a postsecondary-trained work force with improved business skills; however, this business training should not come at the expense of horticultural course work and experience.
Experiential Education Employed to Demystify Food Irradiation as a Viable Technology for Food Industry Professionals
Authors: Laminack Janet , Dainello Frank , Vestal Tom A. , Wingenbach Gary
Published: December 2018

Research shows that food irradiation is a safe food technology effective in reducing pathogenic microorganisms, prolonging shelf life, and controlling pests, such as mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata), to avoid quarantine. The purpose of this research was to study the effectiveness of a professional development program designed with a variety of experiential education strategies targeting food industry regulators, extension agents, and others in the food industry. A short course employed experiential education components, such as presentations by experts in food irradiation technology, tours of food irradiation facilities, group activities, and a taste-test of irradiated produce and meat. Data were collected that assessed participants' knowledge, perceptions, and concerns about food safety and food irradiation, using Likert-type scales. The short course produced significant knowledge gains. Respondents' perceptions of food safety and food irradiation issues were improved significantly as a result of participation in the short course. Also, respondents' perceived knowledge and understanding of food safety, food irradiation, and the technology behind food irradiation improved significantly upon completion of the short course.
Summer Cover Crops and Soil Amendments to Improve Growth and Nutrient Uptake of Okra
Authors: Wang Qingren , Li Yuncong , Klassen Waldemar
Published: December 2018

A pot experiment with summer cover crops and soil amendments was conducted in two consecutive years to elucidate the effects of these cover crops and soil amendments on `Clemson Spineless 80' okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) yields and biomass production, and the uptake and distribution of soil nutrients and trace elements. The cover crops were sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea), cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), velvetbean (Mucuna deeringiana), and sorghum sudangrass (Sorghum bicolor × S. bicolor var. sudanense) with fallow as the control. The organic soil amendments were biosolids (sediment from wastewater plants), N-Viro Soil (a mixture of biosolids and coal ash, coal ash (a combustion by-product from power plants), co-compost (a mixture of 3 biosolids: 7 yard waste), and yard waste compost (mainly from leaves and branches of trees and shrubs, and grass clippings) with a soil-incorporated cover crop as the control. As a subsequent vegetable crop, okra was grown after the cover crops, alone or together with the organic soil amendments, had been incorporated. All of the cover crops, except sorghum sudangrass in 2002-03, significantly improved okra fruit yields and the total biomass production (i.e., fruit yields were enhanced by 53% to 62% in 2002-03 and by 28% to 70% in 2003-04). Soil amendments enhanced okra fruit yields from 38.3 to 81.0 g/pot vs. 27.4 g/pot in the control in 2002-03, and from 59.9 to 124.3 g/pot vs. 52.3 g/pot in the control in 2003-04. Both cover crops and soil amendments can substantially improve nutrient uptake and distribution. Among cover crop treatments, sunn hemp showed promising improvement in concentrations of calcium (Ca), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), boron (B), and molybdenum (Mo) in fruit; magnesium (Mg), Zn, Cu, and Mo in shoots; and Mo in roots of okra. Among soil amendments, biosolids had a significant influence on most nutrients by increasing the concentrations of Zn, Cu, Fe, and Mo in the fruit; Mg, Zn, Cu, and Mo in the shoot; and Mg, Zn, and Mo in the root. Concentrations of the trace metal cadmium (Cd) were not increased significantly in either okra fruit, shoot, or root by application of these cover crops or soil amendments, but the lead (Pb) concentration was increased in the fruit by application of a high rate (205 g/pot) of biosolids. These results suggest that cover crops and appropriate amounts of soil amendments can be used to improve soil fertility and okra yield without adverse environmental effects or risk of contamination of the fruit. Further field studies will be required to confirm these findings.
The Economic Impact of the Green Industry in the United States
Authors: Hall Charles R. , Hodges Alan W. , Haydu John J.
Published: December 2018

The United States environmental horticulture industry, also known as the Green Industry, is comprised of wholesale nursery and sod growers; landscape architects, designers/builders, contractors, and maintenance firms; retail garden centers, home centers, and mass merchandisers with lawn and garden departments; and marketing intermediaries such as brokers and horticultural distribution centers (re-wholesalers). Environmental horticulture is one of the fastest growing segments of the nation's agricultural economy. In spite of the magnitude and recent growth in the Green Industry, there is surprisingly little information regarding its economic impact. Thus, the objective of this study was to estimate the economic impacts of the Green Industry at the national level. Economic impacts for the U.S. Green Industry in 2002 were estimated at $147.8 billion in output, 1,964,339 jobs, $95.1 billion in value added, $64.3 billion in labor income, and $6.9 billion in indirect business taxes, with these values expressed in 2004 dollars. In addition, this study evaluated the value and role of urban forest trees (woody ornamental trees); the total output of tree production and care services was valued at $14.55 billion, which translated into $21.02 billion in total output impacts, 259,224 jobs, and $14.12 billion in value added.
Flurprimidol Substrate Drenches and Foliar Sprays Control Growth of `Blue Champion' Exacum
Authors: Whipker Brian E. , McCall Ingram , Krug Brian A.
Published: December 2018

Flurprimidol was applied as a foliar spray (12.5, 25.0, 37.5, 50.0, or 62.5 mg·L-1) or as a substrate drench (0.015, 0.03, 0.06, 0.12, or 0.24 mg/pot a.i.) to determine its efficacy on `Blue Champion' exacum (Exacum affine). Flurprimidol substrate drenches were more consistent in controlling plant growth than foliar sprays. Substrate drenches of 0.03 mg/pot a.i. or foliar sprays ≥50 mg·L-1 resulted in smaller plant heights and diameters than the untreated control. With the use of flurprimidol, exacum growers have another plant growth regulator (PGR) available to control excessive growth.
Hyacinth Height Control Using Preplant Bulb Soaks of Flurprimidol
Authors: Krug Brian A. , Whipker Brian E. , McCall Ingram
Published: December 2018

Eight experiments were conducted to develop height control protocols for greenhouse-forced hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis) bulbs. `Pink Pearl' hyacinth bulbs were treated with flurprimidol preplant bulb soaks to determine optimal timing of treatment, soak duration, quantity of bulbs that could be treated before the solution lost efficacy, bulb location of solution uptake, and if higher concentrations of flurprimidol can be used to overcome stretch that occurs with extended cold treatment. No difference in height control occurred when bulbs were soaked in flurprimidol the day of, 1 day before, or 7 days before potting; therefore, growers can treat bulbs up to 1 week before potting with no difference in height control. All preplant bulb soak durations of 1, 5, 10, 20, or 40 min controlled plant height. Any soak durations ≥1.3 min resulted in similar height control, which would provide growers with a flexible time frame of 2 to 40 min in which to soak the bulbs. When 1 L of 20 mg·L-1 flurprimidol solution was used repeatedly over 20 batches of five bulbs, solution efficacy was similar from the first batch to the last batch, indicating the soak solution of flurprimidol can be used repeatedly without loss of efficacy. Soak solution temperature was also tested to determine its effect on flurprimidol and paclobutrazol uptake. Temperature of the soak solution (8, 16, or 24 °C) had no effect on flurprimidol and only at a temperature of 8 °C was the efficacy of paclobutrazol lower. Postharvest heights of `Pink Pearl' hyacinths were similar whether only the top, bottom, or the entire bulb was soaked. Control provided by flurprimidol, paclobutrazol, or uniconazole preplant bulb soaks varied among the three hyacinth cultivars Delft Blue, Jan Bos, and Pink Pearl, so growers will have to conduct their own trials to determine optimal cultivar response to preplant bulb soaks. Also, `Pacino' sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) were treated with residual soak solution of flurprimidol to determine if substrate drenches could be used as a disposal method. Fresh and residual solutions of flurprimidol (1.18, 2.37, or 4.73 mg/pot a.i.) applied to `Pacino' sunflowers were similar in their efficacy of controlling height, which would enable growers to avoid disposal problems of residual soak solutions.
Challenges and Opportunities for Extension Educators Involved in Best Management Practices
Authors: Simonne Eric H. , Ozores-Hampton Monica
Published: December 2018

With the development and implementation of best management practices (BMP), extension educators are facing a new and unexpected combination of challenges and opportunities. Because the BMP mandate requires a combination of research, demonstration, and outreach, it may affirm the relevance of the land grant mission in the 21st century, engage universities in interagency alliances, and help rediscover the wonders of the proven extension method. The extension approach to water and nutrient management needs to shift from “pollute less by applying less fertilizer” to “pollute less by better managing water.” Applied research is leading to advances in areas such as nutrient cycles and controlled-release fertilizers. At the same time, universities need to walk a fine line between education and regulation, address perennial issues of overfertilization, and consider the reformulation of recommendations that are now used in a quasi-regulatory environment. A combination of education, consensus, and novel approaches is needed to adapt the rigor of research to a multitude of growing conditions and risks of nutrient discharge in order to comply with U.S. federal laws and restore water quality.
Adapting Nitrogen Fertilization to Unpredictable Seasonal Conditions with the Least Impact on the Environment
Authors: Tremblay Nicolas , Bélec Carl
Published: December 2018

Weather is the primary driver of both plant growth and soil conditions. As a consequence of unpredictable weather effects on crop requirements, more inputs are being applied as an insurance policy. Best management practices (BMPs) are therefore about using minimal input for maximal return in a context of unpredictable weather events. This paper proposes a set of complementary actions and tools as BMP for nitrogen (N) fertilization of vegetable crops: 1) planning from an N budget, 2) reference plot establishment, and 3) crop sensing prior to in-season N application based on a saturation index related to N requirement.
Development of a Year-round Student Organic Farm and Organic Farming Curriculum at Michigan State University
Authors: Biernbaum John A. , Ngouajio Mathieu , Thorp Laurie
Published: December 2018

How do you teach community supported agriculture (CSA) principles, small-scale organic farming, and local food issues at a major land grant university and develop related small-scale farming research and outreach? You create a place and opportunities for students, staff, and faculty to work together with the soil and plants to raise food in a non-classroom farm setting. After several years of discussion and obtaining funding, the Michigan State University (MSU) Student Organic Farm (SOF) CSA started in May 2003 with 25 memberships and increased to 50 after 1 year. The farm allows experiential learning of CSA management, crop selection, scheduling, maintenance, harvest, and organic farming methods. The CSA helps many MSU students and faculty see the value of supporting local organic food systems. With more than 3 years of experience working with students to run the SOF and the CSA, we are in the process of developing an organic farming certificate program. A total of 40 credits will include 12 months on campus plus a 16-week on-farm internship. The program has three major components: 1) organic farming courses with seven one-credit courses; 2) horticultural crop production courses with eight courses for a total of 15 credits; and 3) approximately 20 credits of experiential course work combined with classroom and independent learning.
Organic Educational Opportunities at the University of Minnesota: The Role of a Student-run Organic Farm
Authors: Markhart Albert H.
Published: December 2018

Although the number of students in conventional production agriculture is declining, there is increased interest and opportunity in growing organic fruits and vegetables. Land grant universities need to invest in resources to develop curricula and hands-on opportunities to attract students from varied backgrounds who may currently be enrolled in a number of non-agricultural majors. At the University of Minnesota the student organic farm Cornercopia has successfully attracted students from 12 different majors to plan, plant, harvest, and market organic produce. The enthusiasm, interest, experiential learning, and public relations were well worth the land, faculty, and staff time.
Porcine Hemoglobin Hydrolysate as a Biostimulant for Lettuce Plants Subjected to Conditions of Thermal Stress
Authors: Polo Javier , Barroso Rubén , Ródenas Jesús , Azcón-Bieto Joaquín , Cáceres Rafaela , Marfà Oriol
Published: December 2018

The effects of different kinds of biotic and abiotic stress on crops can be lessened through exogenous application of different biostimulant products. Although some of these products come from enzymatic hydrolysates derived from animal remains, the literature does not contain references to the use of enzymatic hydrolysates obtained from animal hemoglobin, specifically porcine blood. With the aim of evaluating the effectiveness of a product obtained from the enzymatic hydrolysis of porcine hemoglobin (PHH) as a biostimulant that lessens the effects of thermal stress, two experiments were carried out in which lettuce plants (Lactuca sativa) were subjected to short-term episodes of intense cold and heat. After these episodes, different doses of the PHH product were administered into the growing medium. Moreover, in the heat episode experiment, one group of plants was first subjected to a heat episode and then administered a commercial biostimulant with the aim of comparing its efficacy with the PHH product. The biometric measurements carried out on the lettuce plants several days after being subjected to the episodes of cold and heat and then either administered or not administered the indicated treatments show that at the highest tested dose, the PHH product promoted a reaction that lessened the harmful effects caused by the intense cold and heat treatments.
Survival of Phytophthora ramorum Compared to Other Species of Phytophthora in Potting Media Components, Compost, and Soil
Authors: Linderman Robert G. , Davis E. Anne
Published: December 2018

Phytophthora ramorum, while thought to be primarily an aboveground pathogen, can be introduced into soilless potting media in the nursery industry as sporangia or chlamydospores and remain undetected while disseminated geographically. Inoculum of this pathogen, both North American (A-2 mating type) and European (A-1 mating type) isolates, was used to infest potting media components or soil, using either sporangia, chlamydospores produced in vermiculite culture, or dry infected `Nova Zembla' rhododendron (Rhododendron sp.) leaf pieces. Vermiculite chlamydospore/oospore inoculum of P. citricola, P. cactorum, and P. citrophthora were included for comparison. Survival was determined monthly by leaf disc baiting or direct plating on selective medium. Results indicated that P. ramorum survived in most media components or soil for up to 6 months when introduced as sporangia, or up to 12 months as chlamydospores. However, it was not detected at all from infected rhododendron leaf pieces by either detection method. These results show that P. ramorum can survive in potting media if introduced as sporangia or chlamydospores, and accordingly the pathogen could be disseminated geographically without being detected visually.
Effect of Water Stress on Ginsenoside Production and Growth of American Ginseng
Authors: Lim Wansang , Mudge Kenneth W. , Lee Jin Wook
Published: December 2018

We determined the effect of moderate water stress on the growth of american ginseng (Panax quinquefolium), and on concentrations of six major ginsenosides (Rg1, Re, Rb1, Rc, Rb2, and Rd). Two-year-old “rootlets” (dormant rhizome and storage root) were cultivated in pots, in a cool greenhouse (18.3 ± 2 °C). Pots were watered either every 5 days (control) or every 10 days (stress), repeatedly for 8 days. Soil volumetric water content was measured during the last 10 days of the experiment for both treatments. Leaf water potential, measured on the last day of the experiment, was -0.43 MPa for the control and -0.83 MPa for the stress treatment. Drought stress did not affect above-ground shoot or root dry weight. Initial rootlet fresh weight (covariate) had a significant effect on the concentration of ginsenosides Re, Rb1, Rc, and Rb2. Drought stress increased the concentration of ginsenosides Re, Rb1, and total ginsenoside concentration.
Natural Mulches Are Not Very Effective for Weed Control in Onions
Authors: Boyhan George E. , Hicks Ray , Hill C. Randell
Published: December 2018

This study was undertaken to evaluate natural mulches for weed control in organic onion (Allium cepa) production where current practices rely on hand-weeding or plastic mulch. Three experiments were conducted over 2 years, with two experiments conducted on-farm in different years and one experiment conducted on-station. Treatments consisted of hand-weeding or mulches of wheat (Triticum aestivum) or oat (Avena sativa) straw, bermudagrass hay (Cynodon dactylon), compost, and needles of slash pine (Pinus elliottii) and longleaf pine (P. palustris). All of the mulches with the exception of compost tended to lodge in the onion tops due to their close spacing. Wheat straw and bermudagrass hay reduced plant stand and yield. Compost settled well around the onion plants and initially smothered weeds, but over time the compost treatment became very weedy. Pine needle mulch (referred to as pine straw in the southeastern U.S.) showed the most promise with less stand loss or yield reduction, but did tend to lodge in the tops. None of these mulches were acceptable compared to hand-weeding.
Good Agricultural Practices in Australia and Southeast Asia
Authors: Premier Robert , Ledger Scott
Published: December 2018

Quality assurance (QA) in the horticultural industry has become well established in Australia; on-farm hazard analysis critical control point (HACCP)-based plans have been adopted due to pressures from supermarkets and other buyers, including fresh markets. Supermarkets' own systems and more general QA systems have been used by growers to meet these new requirements. Two QA systems, Freshcare and Safe Quality Food, have been introduced across the country with moderate success. A review of quality assurance parameters such as chemical residues and microbiological contaminants suggest that these QA systems have achieved some level of assurance. Local pressures, however, are not the only concern when it comes to QA. International demand for safe quality fruit and vegetables has meant that QA systems now need to be designed to satisfy export requirements. In addition to food safety, international demands must also address the environment and workers' health and safety. Many Southeast Asian governments have taken the initiative and developed country-specific QA systems to satisfy export markets and that are suitable for their farmers to use. Countries with schemes in place include Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Singapore, with other countries, such as the Philippines and Brunei Darussalam, in the process of introducing schemes. This presentation will discuss the status of QA systems in Australia and Southeast Asia, including the pressures behind their establishment, and the major differences between them. The presentation will also focus on the attempt by Southeast Asian governments to address a uniform standard through the development of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) good agricultural practice (GAP), a GAP standard suitable for use by all 10 ASEAN member countries.
A Chainstore Approach to Food Safety and Emerging Pathogens
Authors: Parker Richard
Published: December 2018

Pathogen control is of prime importance in the retail food industry. The Howard E. Butt Grocery Co. (HEB) instituted a testing program for Escherichia coli in 1997. Although not all strains of E. coli are harmful; it was chosen as a test organism because of the ease of assay and it is indicative of the potential presence of other pathogens. By the second quarter of 2000, HEB had reduced percentage of samples with E. coli from 15% to less than 5%. This was done with testing and producer educational programs to improve the safety of produce sold by HEB. Food suppliers to HEB must meet product safety and quality standards. HEB won the International Association for Food Protection's Black Pearl award in 1994, and was the first retailer to integrate hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP) into their seafood markets. HEB's sampling program helped reduce E. coli levels in sprouts [alfalfa (Medicago sativa), bean (Phaseolus aureus), and radish (Raphanus sativus) sprouts], white mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus), and limes [persian lime (Citrus aurantifolia) and key lime (C. latifolia)], as well as in the prepared product, pico de gallo [a mixture of chopped tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum), pepper (Capsicum annuum), onion (Allium sativa), and cilantro (Coriandrum sativium)]. Incidence of E. coli in lettuce (Lactuca sativa) was related to the season of the year. E. coli levels varied with the crop, but generally better growers had lower E. coli regardless of crop. Country of origin has some effect on the incidence of E. coli, while organic vs. conventional production had little, if any, influence.
United Kingdom and European Approach to Fresh Produce Food Safety and Security
Authors: Monaghan James M.
Published: December 2018

Recent European outbreaks of Salmonella thompson and S. newport have been associated with salad rocket (Eruca vesicaria ssp. sativa) and head lettuce (Lactuca sativa), respectively. These cases emphasize the need for good agricultural and manufacturing practices for fruit and vegetables that are to be consumed raw, and the potential for large outbreaks related to fresh produce that is distributed widely. In contrast to North America, legislation in the United Kingdom (U.K.) and Europe has moved responsibility for fresh produce food safety away from government and into the supply chain. In the U.K. it is the retailers, notably Marks and Spencer with the Field to Fork codes of practice, who are driving the food safety agenda through the development of their own standards. It is retailer technologists who have been the main motivators and educators of suppliers to apply risk management to limiting or preventing microbial contamination of fresh produce.
Endowment Strategies for the University of Delaware Botanic Garden through Case Study Analysis
Authors: Stephens Matthew , Steil Aaron , Gray Melody , Hird Abby , Lepper Sonya , Moydell Edward , Paul Julie , Prestowitz Catherine , Sharber Casey , Sturman Treenen , Lyons Robert E.
Published: December 2018

The University of Delaware Botanic Garden (UDBG), located in Newark, is in transition, moving from its initial founding as a public garden by dedicated faculty and a volunteer group to an organized and efficient entity with widely recognized achievements and reputation. To make this leap, UDBG is faced with the particular need for an endowment to fund its operations, staff, and collections to continue future success. An endowment will provide a steady source of monetary support to operate and maintain UDBG. This study was conducted to discover the best endowment strategies based on the experience of four other public gardens associated with universities. These interviews were compiled and compared. The resulting recommendations for UDBG are based on the following five areas: organizational structure, planning, current strategies, the endowment, and the donor. The insights into how all five of these areas affect endowments may also be beneficial to other university public horticulture entities seeking to build an endowment.
Rotary Hoe Cultivation in Sweet Corn
Authors: Leblanc Maryse L. , Cloutier Daniel C. , Stewart Katrine A.
Published: December 2018

A 2-year study was conducted to assess sweet corn (Zea mays) susceptibility to mechanical weeding using a rotary hoe at preemergence to six-leaf stages of corn development and at different combinations of stages. Three sweet corn cultivars: early (`Quickie'), mid (`July Gem'), and late season (`Sensor') were seeded at two sowing dates. The experiment was conducted in a weed-free environment. In general, sweet corn could be cultivated with the rotary hoe at least once without yield reduction from preemergence to the six-leaf stage. Cob numbers were reduced and maturity delayed after three or four cultivations with the rotary hoe. The rotary hoe could be an effective tool in controlling weeds in an integrated weed management approach or for organic sweet corn production since it cultivates both within and between the rows. The rotary hoe, which covers a large area in a short time, can be used at later growth stages, extending the time period during which it can be used without damaging the crop and reducing yield.
Wireless Data Acquisition and Control Systems for Agricultural Water Management Projects
Authors: Shukla S. , Yu C.Y. , Hardin J.D. , Jaber F.H.
Published: December 2018

Continuous monitoring of hydraulic/hydrologic data for managing water for horticultural crops has been a challenge due to factors such as data loss, intensive resource requirements, and complicated setup and operation. The use of state-of-the-art wireless spread spectrum communication technology and wireless data acquisition and control (WDAC) systems for agricultural water management is discussed in this paper. The WDAC technology was applied to a research project where lysimeters were used for water quantity and quality studies for vegetables. Two types of WDAC networks, master–slave and peer-to-peer WDAC networks, are discussed. The WDAC system linked the wireless dataloggers to a network to make real-time data available over the Internet. The use of WDAC made it possible to collect real-time data and control the experiment (e.g., frequency of data collection) remotely through the Internet. The WDAC system for the lysimeter study was compared to a commonly used manual system with regard to potential instrument damage, data loss, ease of data collection and analyses, and total cost of monitoring. The advantages of the WDAC include: reduced equipment losses from natural disasters (e.g., lightning), improved equipment maintenance, reduced data loss from faulty equipment, higher project personnel efficiency, and real-time involvement by a dispersed team. The total cost of the WDAC system ($65,750) was about half that of the manual system ($130,380). The WDAC system was found to be an effective tool for agricultural water management projects.
Tolerance of Hardy Ferns to Selected Preemergence Herbicides
Authors: Fain Glenn B. , Gilliam Charles H. , Keever Gary J.
Published: December 2018

Hardy ferns are widely grown for use in the landscape. The 1998 National Agricultural Statistics Services census of horticulture reported production of hardy/garden ferns at 3,107,000 containers from over 1200 nurseries. There is little research on herbicide use in hardy ferns, and herbicides that are labeled for container production are not labeled for use on hardy ferns. Studies were conducted to evaluate the tolerance of variegated east indian holly fern (Arachniodes simplicior `Variegata'), tassel fern (Polystichum polyblepharum), autumn fern (Dryopteris erythrosora), rochford's japanese holly fern (Cyrtomium falcatum `Rochfordianum'), and southern wood fern (Dryopteris ludoviciana), to applications of selected preemergence applied herbicides. Herbicides evaluated included selected granular or liquid applied preemergence herbicides. Spray-applied herbicides were pendimethalin at 3.0 or 6.0 lb/acre, prodiamine at 1.0 or 2.0 lb/acre, isoxaben at 1.0 or 2.0 lb/acre, and prodiamine + isoxaben at 1.0 + 1.0 lb/acre. Granular-applied herbicides were pendimethalin at 3.0 or 6.0 lb/acre, prodiamine at 1.0 or 2.0 lb/acre, oxadiazon + prodiamine at 1.0 + 0.2 or 2.0 + 0.4 lb/acre, oxyfluorfen + oryzalin at 2.0 + 1.0 or 4.0 + 2.0 lb/acre, trifluralin + isoxaben at 2.0 + 0.5 or 4.0 + 1.0 lb/acre, oxadiazon at 4.0 or 8.0 lb/acre, and oxadiazon + pendimethalin at 2.0 + 1.25 or 4.0 + 2.5 lb/acre. The greatest reduction in growth of autumn fern was observed with the high rates of oxadiazon, oxadiazon + pendimethalin, and oxadiazon + prodiamine. Reductions in rochford's japanese holly fern growth were most severe when plants were treated with the high rate of trifluralin + isoxaben resulting in a 66% and 72% decrease in frond length and frond number, respectively. There were also reductions in frond length and number of fronds when treated with the high rate of oxadiazon + pendimethalin. There were no reductions in frond numbers on tassel fern with any herbicides tested. However, there were reductions in frond length from four of the 10 herbicides evaluated. The most sensitive fern to herbicides evaluated in 2004 was variegated east indian holly fern with reductions in frond length and number of fronds with four of the 10 herbicides tested. Southern wood fern appeared to be quite tolerant of the herbicides tested with the exception of the high rate of oxadiazon. Granular prodiamine proved to be a safe herbicide for all species tested in both 2004 and 2005. In 2005 all plants from all treatments were considered marketable by the end of the study. The durations of both studies were over 120 days giving adequate time for any visual injury to be masked by new growth. However, there was significant visual injury observed on the rochford's japanese holly fern treated with isoxaben at 60 and 90 days after treatment, which might reduce their early marketability.
Effects of Mulch Types and Concentrations of 1,3-Dichloropropene plus Chloropicrin on Fumigant Retention and Nutsedge Control
Authors: Santos Bielinski M. , Gilreath James P. , Motis Timothy N. , von Hulten Marcel , Siham Myriam N.
Published: December 2018

Field trials were conducted to: 1) determine the effect of mulch types and applied concentrations of 1,3-dichloropropene + chloropicrin (1,3-D + Pic) on fumigant retention; and 2) examine the influence of mulch films and 1,3-D + Pic concentrations on purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus) control. 1,3-D + Pic concentrations were 0, 600, 1000, and 1400 ppm, and mulch types were white on black high-density polyethylene mulch (HDPE), white on black virtually impermeable film (VIF-WB), silver on white metalized mulch, and green VIF (VIF-G). Regardless of the initial 1,3-D + Pic concentrations and mulch types, fumigant retention exponentially decreased over time. When 1400 ppm of 1,3-D + Pic were injected into the soil, 1,3-D + Pic dissipation reached 200 ppm at 3.2, 2.9, 2.2, and 1.5 days after treatment (DAT) under VIF-G, VIF-WB, metalized, and HDPE mulches, respectively. At 5 weeks after treatment (WAT), HDPE mulch had the highest purple nutsedge densities among all films. The treatments covered with VIF-G had purple nutsedge densities <5 plants/ft2, regardless of the applied fumigant concentration, while VIF-WB and metalized mulch reached this weed density with 696 ppm of the fumigant. In contrast, 1186 ppm of 1,3-D + Pic were needed to reach this weed density with HDPE mulch. Correlation analysis showed that mulch fumigant retention readings at 3 DAT effectively predict purple nutsedge densities at 5 WAT (r ≤ –0.94). These findings proved that 1,3-D + Pic activity on purple nutsedge can be improved with the use of more retentive films, which cause longer fumigant retention, thus improving efficacy. Growers might elect reducing 1,3-D + Pic rates to compensate for the relatively higher cost of fumigant-retentive mulches, without losing herbicidal activity.
Northern Field Production of Leaf and Romaine Lettuce using a High Tunnel
Authors: Rader Heidi B. , Karlsson Meriam G.
Published: December 2018

A high tunnel environment was evaluated for production of leaf (`Two Star') and romaine (`Parris Island Cos') lettuce (Lactuca sativa) in a northern location (lat. 64°49'N). Ten plantings were made 1 week apart from May to August. Averaged over the season, the air temperature was 1.5 °C and the soil 0.8 °C higher in the high tunnel than the field. `Two Star' planted on 3 Aug. and harvested on 16 Sept. produced higher yield (P < 0.001) in the tunnel. Head weight was 195 ± 12 g in the tunnel and 99 ± 8 g in the field. For the 13 July-planted `Two Star' lettuce, the field produced significantly (P < 0.001) more at 202 ± 21 g/head than the 135 ± 29 g/head in the tunnel. The three consecutive field plantings of 1, 8, and 15 June resulted in higher `Parris Island Cos' yields than corresponding plantings in the high tunnel. Head weights for harvests on 11, 18, and 25 July were 457 ± 60, 476 ± 65, and 478 ± 25 g under field conditions and 354 ± 46, 331 ± 52, and 312 ± 14 g in the high tunnel. `Two Star' was observed less prone to bolting than `Parris Island Cos'. Although a high tunnel did not generally support increased productivity in this study, the added protection resulted in high quality lettuce with limited necessary preparation and marketing loss in comparison to the field-grown lettuce.
Iodine Staining Does Not Indicate Harvest Maturity of `Ananasnaya' Hardy Kiwifruit Berries
Authors: Fisk Connie L. , Zhao Yanyun , Strik Bernadine C.
Published: December 2018

Iodine staining of starch was explored as a harvest index for hardy kiwifruit (Actinidia arguta). Weekly from 2 Sept. to 14 Oct. 2005, the cut surfaces of 20 halved fruit were dipped in an iodine solution and the staining intensity was measured using digital photography and color analysis. Harvest date had a significant effect on percent soluble solids and each of the color readings (L*, a*, b*, and chroma) before and after staining. Fruit harvested later in the season had less starch and thus were lighter in color. However, an observable color difference was only visually apparent weeks after commercial harvest is recommended based on percent soluble solids. Therefore, while the technique can distinguish the conversion of starch to sugar in hardy kiwifruit berries, it cannot be used as a harvest index.
Consumers Prefer Low-priced and Highlycopene-content Fresh-market Tomatoes
Authors: Simonne Amy H. , Behe Bridget K. , Marshall Maurice M.
Published: December 2018

Fresh and processed tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) consumption has increased 40% in the United States over the last two decades. Through better breeding, fresh tomatoes now are marketed in different forms, sizes, colors, and flavors. However, little published information exists concerning consumer demand, preference, and demographic characteristics related to fresh tomato consumption. Taking advantage of a high percentage of Internet use in the U.S., two web-based surveys were released to approximately 6000 e-mail addresses reaching people in every region of the U.S. The surveys contained a total of 61 questions, including 50 digital images of five types of tomatoes (cherry, grape, cluster, plum, and regular slicing) with combinations of three additional factors (price, lycopene content, and production style) and demographic information. Among 389 respondents, 76% preferred and purchased slicing tomatoes in the 4 weeks prior to the survey. These were followed by grape/mini-pear (42%), plum (36%), cluster (27%), cherry (25%), and yellow slicing tomatoes (4.4%). Overall, production method (organic vs. conventional) had low relative importance in comparison to price and tomato type. However, younger participants (<age 38 years) placed more importance on production method. Participants between ages 39 and 57 years were the most price-sensitive, and female were less sensitive than males. Younger participants (<age 38 years) were less price-sensitive and placed more importance on the other attributes (production method, lycopene content, and tomato type).
Educational Needs and Customer Service Practices of Retail Stores That Sell Pesticides in Illinois
Authors: Czapar George F. , Curry Marc P. , Cloyd Raymond A.
Published: December 2018

A survey of 936 retail stores was conducted in Illinois to help understand how pest management recommendations are made, identify current sources of information, and assess educational needs. Overall response rate was 43%, and significant differences in the level of employee training, educational materials used, and customer referrals were noted among lawn and garden stores, home improvement centers, hardware stores, and general merchandise stores. While 72% of lawn and garden centers assigned specific employees to make pesticide recommendations, only 39% of hardware stores identified a specialized employee. Over 80% of lawn and garden centers referred customer questions to extension or Master Gardeners, while less than 20% of general merchandise stores made similar referrals. Improving customer service was the most important potential outcome of additional employee training, followed by improving the ability of sales staff to explain product labels. Reducing potential liability was identified as an important training outcome by 68% of home improvement centers. Fact sheets were identified by 60% of respondents as being very useful to store employees, while programs at educational centers were identified by less than 20% of respondents as being very useful. Retail stores that sell pesticides represent an important source of pest control information and product recommendations for the average homeowner. As store employees become more knowledgeable about integrated pest management, this should improve their ability to make recommendations and ultimately increase consumer safety.
Production and Quality Evaluations of Processing Carrots
Authors: Brandenberger Lynn , McGlynn William , Wells Lynda , Bostian Bruce , Payton Mark
Published: December 2018

Root yield and quality were evaluated in 15 carrot (Daucus carota) cultivars for use in processing. Marketable yield varied between the fall and spring production seasons for seven of the 15 cultivars with the highest yields recorded in the fall. ‘C 8771’ and ‘Heritage’ had the highest yields in Fall 2003. ‘Bremen’ and ‘Neptune’ were the highest yielding in Spring 2004. Root length was longest in the fall for a majority of cultivars with ‘PS 103397’ being the longest in the fall and ‘Pipeline’ longest in the spring. Forking of roots did not vary significantly for either season. Field color ratings were taken to indicate color differences between the interior core and cortex of the roots. ‘Florida’, ‘Heritage’, ‘Kamaran’, and ‘C 8771’ had consistently less difference between the core and cortex colors. Based on consistent yield and color uniformity, the authors would recommend the use of ‘C 8771’ and ‘Kamaran’ for both spring and fall production seasons in Oklahoma and the use of ‘Heritage’ and ‘Florida’ for fall production.
Good Yields of Common Purslane with a High Fatty Acid Content Can Be Obtained in a Peat-based Floating System
Authors: Cros Víctor , Martínez-Sánchez Juan José , Franco José Antonio
Published: December 2018

Interest in cultivating common purslane (Portulaca oleracea) as a food crop has grown since its identification as an exceptionally rich source of bioprotective substances considered essential for normal human growth, health promotion, and disease prevention. However, little is known about the suitable cultural systems, substrates, and irrigation systems for common purslane's commercial production. In this study, we examined the effects of various substrates in a floating system on common purslane's yield and fatty acid content during 2003 and 2004. We carried out three experiments using peat, vermiculite, coir, perlite, and mixtures of peat and perlite (3:1 and 1:1 v/v). In 2003, highest yields were obtained in plants grown in either peat (1806 g·m−2) or vermiculite (1982 g·m−2) and far exceeded those grown in coir (1254 g·m−2) or perlite (834 g·m−2). In 2004, plants grown in peat or 3 peat:1 perlite mixture yielded the best (2000 g·m−2), whereas the lowest yields were obtained in plants grown in either coir or perlite (534 and 601 g·m−2, respectively). Plants grown in peat substrate had the highest total fatty acid content, alpha-linolenic acid, and linoleic acid, whereas the highest proportion of alpha-linolenic acid to total fatty acids was obtained in plants when grown in either coir or perlite.