bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Growth of Chrysanthemum with Ground Automobile Tires Used as a Container Soil Amendment
Authors: Bowman Daniel C. , Evans Richard Y. , Dodge Linda L.
Published: February 2019

A study was conducted to determine the potential for using ground automobile tires as a container medium amendment. Rooted cuttings of chrysanthemum [Dendranthema × grandiflorum (Ramat.) Kitamura] were planted in 1.56-liter pots containing 1 sand:2 sawdust (v/v) or media in which coarsely or finely ground particles of rubber substituted for 33%, 67%, or 100% of the sawdust. Amendment with the coarse material decreased total porosity and container capacity and increased air-filled porosity and bulk density relative to the sawdust control. Amending the medium with the fine material did not appreciably alter total porosity, container capacity, or bulk density, but did increase air-filled porosity. Plant height, fresh weight, dry weight, and number of open flowers were reduced significantly in rubber-amended media compared to sawdust controls. Rubber amendment reduced shoot tissue concentrations of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and Cu, but increased Zn as much as 74-fold over control values. There was no accumulation of other heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb) or Na in the tissue due to rubber amendment. This study demonstrates that ground tires might be used as a component of container media in the production of greenhouse chrysanthemums. However, growth reductions and the potential for Zn toxicity may limit the usefulness of ground tires as a substitute for conventional organic amendments.
Growth and Water Relations of Kentucky Coffee Tree in Protective Shelters during Establishment
Authors: Kjelgren Roger
Published: February 2019

Growth and water relations of Kentucky coffee tree [Gymnocladus dioica (L.) K. Koch] whips in translucent tubelike shelters were investigated. In a container study, 1.2-m-high shelters were placed over whips following transplanting, then diurnal microclimate, water relations, and water use were measured. Shelter air temperature and vapor pressure were substantially higher, and solar radiation was 70% lower, than ambient conditions. Sheltered trees responded with nearly three-times higher stomatrd conductance than nonsheltered trees. However, due to substantially lower boundary layer conductance created by the shelter, normalized water use was 40910 lower. In a second experiment, same-sized shelters were placed on whips following spring transplanting in the field. Predawn and midday leaf water potentials and midday stomatal conductance (g,) were monitored periodically through the season, and growth was measured in late summer. Midday gs was also much higher in field-grown trees with shelters than in those without. Sheltered trees in the field had four times greater terminal shoot elongation but 40% less stem diameter growth. Attenuated radiation in the shelters and lower specific leaf area of sheltered trees indicated shade acclimation. Shelters can improve height and reduce water loss during establishment in a field nursery, but they do not allow for sufficient trunk growth.
Bark- and Peat-amended Spent Mushroom Compost for Containerized Culture of Shrubs
Authors: Chong Calvin , Cline R.A. , Rinker D.L.
Published: February 2019

Four deciduous ornamental shrubs [`Coral Beauty' cotoneaster (Cotoneaster dammeri C.K. Schneid); Tartarian dogwood (Cornus alba L.); `Lynwood' forsythia (Forsythia × intermedia Zab.); `Variegata' weigela (Weigela florida Bunge A.D.C.)] were grown in trickle-fertigated containers. There were eight media consisting of 25% or 50% sphagnum peat or composted pine bark, 25% sand, and the remainder one of two sources of spent mushroom compost; four media with 509″ peat or bark mixed with 50% spent mushroom compost; and a control medium of 10070 pine bark. Initially, higher than desirable salt levels in all compost-amended media were leached quickly (within 2 weeks of planting) and not detrimental to the species tested. Unlike cotoneaster, which showed no difference in growth (shoot dry weight) due to medium, dogwood, forsythia, and weigela grew significantly better in all compost-amended media than in the control. Growth of these three species was 20% greater in peat-based than in bark-based, compost-amended media. Dogwood and forsythia grew slightly more (+8%) with spent mushroom compost based primarily on straw-bedded horse manure than with one based on a blend of straw-bedded horse manure, wheat straw, and hay. The addition of sand (25%) to a mixture of 50% peat or bark and 25 % spent compost produced a medium with minimal compaction.
Nutrient Concentrations, Growth, and Yield of Tomato and Squash in Municipal Solid-waste-amended Soil
Authors: Ozores-Hampton M. , Bryan H.H. , Schaffer B. , Hanlon E.A.
Published: February 2019

The effects of municipal solid waste (MSW) materials on growth, yield, and mineral element concentrations in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) (1991 and 1992) and squash (Cucurbita maxima Duch. Ex Lam.) (1992 and 1993) were evaluated. Agrisoil compost (composted trash), Eweson compost (co-composted trash and sewage sludge), or Daorganite sludge (chemically and heat-treated sewage sludge) were incorporated into calcareous limestone soil of southern Florida. The control had no MSW material added to the soil. The effect of MSW on crop growth, yield, and mineral element concentrations varied considerably between years for tomato and squash. In 1991, tomato plants grown in soil amended with Eweson or Daorganite had a greater canopy volume than plants in the control treatment. Tomato plants grown in Daorganite had greater total fruit weight (1991) than plants in Agrisoil and more marketable fruit (1992) than control plants. In both years, tomato plants in Agrisoil had higher root Zn concentrations than plants in the other treatments. In 1992, tomato plants in Eweson had lower root Mn concentrations than plants in the other treatments, whereas Mg concentrations in the roots were higher in the Daorganite treatment than in Eweson. Tomato plants in Agrisoil had higher Pb concentrations in the roots than plants in all other treatments. In 1991, leaves of tomato plants in Agrisoil had lower Ca concentrations than leaves of plants in the control treatment. In 1992, leaf Zn concentrations were greater for tomato and squash in Agrisoil than in the control or Daorganite. In 1992, canopy volume and yield of squash were greater for plants in Daorganite than for plants in the control and other MSW treatments. Although canopy volume and total squash fruit weight did not differ among treatments in 1993, plant height was greater for squash plants in the MSW treatments than for those in the control. In 1993, leaf Mg concentrations were greater for squash grown in Daorganite than for plants in the control or Agrisoil. In 1993, fruit Cd concentration was higher for plants with Eweson than for plants in the control or Agrisoil. However, the fruit Cd concentration in squash grown in Eweson compost (1.0 mg/kg dry weight) was far below a hazardous level for human consumption. Our results indicate that amending calcareous soils with MSW materials can increase growth and yield of tomato and squash with negligible increases in heavy metal concentrations in fruit.
Cultivar, Flower Stage, Silver Thiosulfate, and BA Interactions Affect Performance of Potted Miniature Roses
Authors: Cushman Lisa Chen , Pemberton H. Brent , Kelly John W.
Published: February 2019

Experiments were conducted to study the interaction of cultivar, flower stage, silver thiosulfate (STS), and BA on flower senescence and leaf abscission in greenhouse-grown potted miniature roses. Plants of Rosa L. `Meijikatar' (Orange Sunblaze) and `Meirutral' (Red Sunblaze) were sprayed with several concentrations of STS and BA in factorial combination. In winter, plants were sprayed with STS at 0 or 2 mm and BA at 0, 0.02,0.04,0.11,0.22, or 0.44 mm In spring, flowers at three stages of development were sprayed with STS at 0,2, or 3 mm, and BA at 0, 0.02, 0.04, 0.22, or 0.44 mm One day after treatment in both experiments, plants were placed in darkness at 16C for 4 days to simulate shipping, and then they were evaluated in a controlled environment at 21C. Poststorage floral longevity (PSFL) was longer for `Meirutral' than for `Meijikatar' plants, regardless of chemical treatment or flower stage. Flowers that were in the bud stage (stage 1) before simulated shipping lasted longer than flowers showing color (stages 2 and 3), regardless of cultivar or chemical treatment. Combinations of STS and BA did not increase PSFL compared to STS alone. Plants treated with 2 or 3 mm STS exhibited longer PSFL than nontreated plants; however, 2 and 3 mm were about equally effective. STS at 4 mm was phytotoxic in a preliminary experiment. Applying BA alone did not affect PSFL, but did improve postharvest flower opening on `Meijikatar' plants about the same as STS applied alone. The large flowering cultivars represented by `Meijikatar' and `Meirutral' appear to be nonresponsive to BA. A star-shaped malformation was induced on `Meijikatar' and `Meirutral' plants by simulated shipping and was not prevented by STS or BA. Chemical name used: N-(phenylmethyl) -1H-purin-6-amine (BA).
Response of Brassica oleracea L. to Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius)
Authors: Elsey K.D. , Farnham M.W.
Published: February 2019

The relative resistance of 18 cultivars of Brassica oleracea L. to attack by the sweetpotato whitefly [Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius)] was studied in screen cage (spring), field (autumn), and laboratory tests. The B. oleracea entries consisted of six types, including 16 green and two red cultivars. Cabbage (Capitata Group) and broccoli (Boytrytis Group) were less infested than other crops in a screen cage test, with kale, collard (Acephala Group), and brussels sprouts (Germmiter Group) experiencing relatively high and kohlrabi (Gongtlodes Group) intermediate infestations. Relative ranking of crops was similar in an autumn field study, with the exception of brussels sprouts, which had an intermediate level of infestation. Differences in numbers of whiteflies among cultivars within crops were negligible or inconsistent, except that red cultivars of brussels sprouts (`Rubine') and cabbage (`Red Acre') were much less infested than green cultivars. In a laboratory test, differences of whitefly oviposition and nymphal survival and development were small, indicating that nonpreference factors, rather than antibiosis, are the best explanations for differences in the numbers of whiteflies among the B. oleracea cultivars that were tested,
Seasonal Variations in Fig (Ficus carica L.) Leaf Nutrient Concentrations
Authors: Brown Patrick H.
Published: February 2019

Concentrations of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, B, Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mn in mature commercial fig (`Calimyrna'; `Sari Lop') leaves are presented throughout the growing season. These data can be used as preliminary norms for the interpretation of tree nutrient status for high-yielding commercial fig orchards. In comparison with other deciduous tree crops growing in the same regions {almond [Prunus amygdalus Batsch syn. P. dulcis (Mill) D.A. Webb], walnut (Juglans regia L.), peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch]}, productive fig trees have relatively low leaf N, P, and K concentrations (2.1%, 0.1%, and 1.0% dry weight, respectively) in July, although tissue Mn and Ca concentrations often exceed those typically found in other deciduous species growing in the same soils. Seasonal variations in fig leaf nutrient concentrations are similar to those of other tree crops. Marked declines in tissue K and N concentrations toward the end of the season may indicate a need for supplemental N and K fertilization in highly productive orchards. The potential for K deficiency in fig also is indicated by the generally lower leaf K concentrations in the low-vigor orchards examined.
Herbicide Programs for Large Crabgrass and Goosegrass Control in Kentucky Bluegrass Turf
Authors: Johnson B. Jack
Published: February 2019

Low rates of preemergence herbicides were applied with postemergence herbicides as sequential applications or as tank-mixed applications for large crabgrass [Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop.] and goosegrass [Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn.] control in Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.). In 1991, a higher percentage of large crabgrass control (83%) was obtained in late August from sequential applications of oxadiazon at 2.2 kg·ha-1 applied in early March and followed by fenoxaprop at 0.20 kg·ha-1 in June than when oxadiazon (62%) or fenoxaprop (11%) was applied alone. During this period, sequential applications of oxadiazon at 2.2 kg·ha-1 and monosodium salt of MAA (MSMA) at 2.2 kg·ha-1 achieved 79% control of large crabgrass, while the control was at ≤46% when MSMA or fenoxaprop was applied to plots previously treated with pendimethalin at 1.7 kg·ha-1 or dithiopyr at 0.28 kg·ha-1. There was no advantage from sequential applications of preemergence and postemergence herbicides for large crabgrass control in 1992, when compared with postemergence herbicides applied alone. Large crabgrass control in late August was higher over 2 years from tank-mixes of pendimethalin at 1.7 kg·ha-1 with fenoxaprop at 0.14 kg·ha-1 (80%) than when pendimethalin (28%) or fenoxaprop (55%) was applied alone at the same rates. The control was also higher from tank-mixes of pendimethalin at 1.7 kg·ha-1 with MSMA at 2.2 kg·ha-1 (92%), when compared with MSMA (77%) alone. The response was similar from tank-mixes of dithiopyr at 0.28 kg·ha-1 with fenoxaprop at 0.14 kg·ha-1 (98%) or with MSMA at 2.2 kg·ha-1 (98%), when compared with dithiopyr applied alone (81%) at the same rate. Quinclorac applied alone at 0.84 kg·ha-1 controlled large crabgrass as effectively as when applied to plots previously treated with preemergence herbicides or when applied tank-mixed with preemergence herbicides. None of the preemergence herbicides applied at low rates with postemergence herbicides (fenoxaprop, MSMA, or quinclorac) controlled goosegrass. Chemical names used: S,S-dimethyl 2-(difluoromethyl)-4-(2-methylpropyl)-6-(trifluoromethyl)-3,5-pyridinedicarbothioate (dithiopyr); (±)-2-[4-[(6-chloro-2-benzoxazolyl)oxy]-phenoxy]propanoic acid (fenoxaprop); 3-[2,4-dichloro-5-(1-methylethoxy)-phenyl]-5-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-(3H)-one (oxadiazon); N-(1-ethylpropyl)-3,4-dimethyl-2,6-dinitrobenzen-amine (pendimethalin); and 3,7-dichloro-8-quinoline-carboxylic acid (quinclorac).
Floral Development and Flower Longevity in Rhipsalidopsis and Schlumbergera (Cactaceae)
Authors: Scott Deirdre , Han Susan S. , Boyle Thomas H.
Published: February 2019

Eight Easter cactus (Rhipsalidopsis Britt. & Rose) cultivars and five Holiday cactus (Schlumbergera Lem.) cultivars were used to study postanthesis floral development and individual flower longevity. Floral aging was characterized by desiccation of the perianth and ovary, and was generally followed by abscission of the entire flower from the phylloclade. Petal turgor was maximal during early development when petal color was most intense. Petal color became less intense in the later stages of development. Flower longevity ranged from 7 to 12 days and from 4 to 6 days for the Rhipsalidopsis and Schlumbergera, respectively. This study demonstrates that significant genetic variation occurs within Rhipsalidopsis and Schlumbergera for flower longevity.
Inheritance of Albinism in Banana and Plantain (Musa spp.) and its Significance in Breeding
Authors: Ortiz Rodomiro , Vuylsteke Dirk R.
Published: February 2019

Few genetic markers are available in Musa spp. as a result of a lack of inheritance studies. Full-sib diploid (2n = 2x = 22) plantain-banana hybrids of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture were selfed or outcrossed with other diploid bananas, one of which is an improved selection from Central America. Three populations having albinos (complete lack of chlorophyll in any plant tissue) were produced. The segregation ratios for albinism suggested that this deleterious trait is controlled by one or two recessive alleles. The small sample sizes (a problem inherent in the low reproductive fertility of cultivated parthenocarpic Musa) in two of these three populations did not allow for conclusiveness between the one or two genes model. However, a distinction was possible with the third population, consisting of 64 seedlings, of which four were albinos. The segregation ratio for albinism fit the 15:1 ratio (χ2 = 0.07, P = 0.79) and not the 3:1 ratio (χ2 = 11.02, P < 0.01), suggesting that albinism in Musa spp. is under the genetic control of at least two independent recessive alleles with complementary gene action. This finding also demonstrates that deleterious recessive alleles are present in the cultivated AAB plantain gene pool and in cultivated and advanced AA banana breeding populations. The latter suggests that population improvement through phenotypic recurrent selection for agronomic traits might be based on the elimination of deleterious recessive genes.
Container Size Alters Root Growth of Western Black Cherry as Measured via Image Analysis
Authors: Oddiraju Venu G. , Beyl Caula A. , Barker Philip A. , Stutte Gary W.
Published: February 2019

Microcuttings of three western black cherry (Prunus serotina var. virens Ehrh.) phenotypes obtained from seedling trees with profuse or scant root systems were grown in two container sizes to examine the early effects of root constraint. Because manual methods to estimate root length and other characteristics are time consuming and subjective, an image analysis hardware and software system (image capture and analysis system) was used to classify and measure the roots. There was a significant effect of clone on fine-root surface area, coarse: fine root ratio, and root dry weight (P ≤ 0.05), but root characteristics (profuse or scant root development) of the parent material were absent in the vegetative propagules from these lines. Container size had no significant effect on coarse- or fine-root surface area but did reduce coarse: fine root ratio (P ≤ 0.05). A threshold effect of container size on root dry weight was detected (P ≤ 0.1).
Early Performance of Two Apple Cultivars in Three Training Systems
Authors: Ferree David C.
Published: February 2019

In 1987, `Smoothee Golden Delicious' (`Smoothee') and `Lawspur Rome Beauty' (`Lawspur') apple (Malus domestica Borkh,) trees were planted and trained as central leaders or palmette leaders on M.7 and Mark rootstocks or were planted as slender spindles on Mark rootstocks. `Smoothee' trees were larger and had consistently greater yields and production per unit trunk cross-sectional area (TCA) than `Lawspur' trees. Slender spindle trees had lower early yields per tree and TCA but had greater cumulative yields per hectare than trees in the other training systems. In the fifth and sixth growing seasons, `Smoothee' trained as palmette leaders tended to have higher yields per hectare then central leader trees. Training system had little influence on `Lawspur' tree yields. Limb bending in 1989 increased flower density in 1989 and 1990. Cumulative yield per hectare increased 11% as a result of limb bending of trees on Mark rootstock, but bending had no influence on trees on M.7 rootstock. `Smoothee' on Mark had higher cumulative yields per hectare with the palmette leader and central leader than either `Smoothee' on M.7 in either training system or any combination with `Lawspur'.
Seed Dimension and Weight of Selected Rubus Species
Authors: Hummer Kim E. , Peacock Derek N.
Published: February 2019

Many lesser-known wild Rubus species from Ecuador, the People's Republic of China, and North America have been obtained on recent U.S. Dept. of Agriculture plant-collecting expeditions. In this study, the seed size of 43 Rubus species was measured. An 80-fold range in seed weight was observed within the genus. Asian species in the subgenera Idaeobatus and Malachobatus had the lightest seed, ranging from 0.3 mg (R. eustephanus Focke ex Diels) to 1.2 mg (R. coreanus Miq.). The seeds of ≈80% of the species examined weighed <2 mg. Seeds of European species in the subgenera Idaeobatus and Rubus (formerly Eubatus of Focke) ranged from 1.3 to 3.0 mg. The South American Orobatus included several of the heaviest-seeded species. Rubus megalococcus Focke (subgenus Rubus) had the heaviest and largest seed weighing 24.2 mg. Seed weight was not related to ploidy level in wild species. Seed weight and length were positively correlated. Seed flatness was not related to seed length. Several of the smaller-seeded Asian species, such as R. minusculus A. Lev. & Van., R. hirsutus Thunb., and R. eustephanus, had more drupelets per fruit than did those of larger-seeded species. This heritable trait may be useful in breeding for increased fruit size.
Growth of Immature Peach Embryos in Response to Media, Ovule Support Method, and Ovule Perforation
Authors: Pinto Alberto C.Q. , Rogers Suzanne M. Dethier , Byrne David H.
Published: February 2019

The influence of medium formulation, methods of ovule support, and ovule perforation on in vitro growth of immature peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] embryos (4.0 to 8.7 mm long) was investigated. Maximum embryo dry weights were attained with vermiculite support, ovule perforation, and 10% sucrose in the medium. At high sucrose levels, all three tested media (Monnier, modified Murashige and Skoog, or modified Stewart and Hsu medium) performed similarly. Adding IAA and kinetin to culture media did not enhance embryo growth. Using the vermiculite support system, small embryos of early maturing peach cultivars, obtained at fruit maturity, were cultured successfully and used as maternal parents in breeding programs. Chemical name used: indole acetic acid (IAA).
A Micropropagation System for Hazelnuts (Corylus Species)
Authors: Yu Xiaoling , Reed Barbara M.
Published: February 2019

A micropropagation system was developed for hazelnut cultivars. Grafted greenhouse-grown plants produced many more viable explants than upper branches of mature field-grown trees. Shoots from grafted greenhouse-grown plants collected March through July and suckers of mature field-grown trees collected in July produced the most growing explants (46% to 80%). Three- to five-fold multiplication was obtained after 4 weeks of culture on NCGR-COR medium supplemented with 6.7 μm BA and 0.04 μm IBA. Roots were produced on 64% to 100% of shoots grown on half-strength NCGR-COR mineral salts and 4.9 μm IBA for 4 weeks. Ex vitro rooting by a brief dip in 1 or 5 mm IBA was equally successful. Transplant survival was 78% to 100%. Chemical names used: N6-benzyladenine (BA); indole-3-butyric acid (IBA).
Evaluating the Market Potential for Sweetpotato Production in Southeastern Missouri
Authors: Wollo Wesseh J.
Published: February 2019

A market window technique was used to evaluate the market potential for sweetpotato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.] production in southeastern Missouri. Weekly prices were averaged over 5 years in real terms and were used to identify market windows in St. Louis and Chicago. The results indicate that sweetpotatoes may be a profitable production alternative in southeastern Missouri.
Improved Method for Quantifying Capsaicinoids in Capsicum Using High-performance Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Collins Margaret D. , Wasmund Loide Mayer , Bosland Paul W.
Published: February 2019

An improved high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for analysis of capsaicinoids in dried Capsicum fruit powder, involving changes in extraction, mobile phase, flow rate, and excitation and emission spectra and resulting in reduced analysis time, increased sensitivity, and safety, is reported. Extraction of Capsicum fruit powder using acetonitrile proved to be the best capsaicinoid extractor in the shortest time interval. Solvents used for HPLC separation and quantification of capsaicinoids include methanol and water at 1 ml·min–1 flow rate. Instrument sensitivity is enhanced by altering the fluorescence detector excitation and emission wavelengths. Two analytical methods have been developed. One method determines total amount of heat units in 7 minutes, while the other provides total amount of heat units as well as separation of all present major and minor capsaicinoids in 20 minutes. These improved techniques provide inexpensive and rapid methods for quantitative and qualitative analysis of capsaicinoids in Capsicum fruit samples along with good sensitivity and no interference or confounding peaks.
Biotic, Edaphic, and Cultural Factors Associated with Strawberry Black Root Rot in New York
Authors: Wing Katherine B. , Pritts Marvin P. , Wilcox Wayne F.
Published: February 2019

Blackening and decay of roots in association with plant stunting are common in perennial strawberry (Fragaria ×ananassa Duch.) plantings worldwide; this syndrome is commonly referred to as black root rot (BRR), although its causal agent(s) are not well characterized. We conducted a New York field survey that measured many physical and cultural factors in healthy and diseased fields to identify those most strongly associated with BRR. Factors significantly correlated with BRR symptoms were soil compaction, fine soil texture, absence of raised beds, high application rates of the herbicide terbacil, advanced age of planting, nonuse of the fungicide metalaxyl, and cumulative years of strawberry monoculture. Populations of Pratylenchus spp. were not associated with poor root health. The data suggest that most factors that compromise root growth may predispose strawberry plants to infection by site-specific BRR pathogens. Chemical names used: 3-tert-butyl-5-chloro-6-methyluracil (terbacil); N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)-N-(methoxyacetyl) alanine methyl ester (metalaxyl).
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS UPDATE: PLANT VARIETY PROTECTION ACT AMENDMENTS
Authors: Strachan Janice M.
Published: February 2019

The Plant Variety Protection (PVP) Act provides intellectual property rights to new varieties of seed-reproduced plants. Eligible varieties must demonstrate that they are uniform, stable, and distinct from all other varieties. In 1991 the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) adopted a new Convention. As a member of UPOV, the United States needed to amend the PVP Act to conform to the 1991 UPOV Convention. Amendments to the PVP Act were signed by President Clinton on 6 Oct. 1994, and will become effective on 4 Apr. 1995. Among other changes, these amendments will provide protection to tuber-propagated varieties and first-generation hybrids. An overview of the amendments and a comparison of rights granted under PVP and plant patents will be presented.
PRELIMINARY LOCALIZATION OF IPTASE IN TRANSGENIC NICOTIANA
Authors: Rogers Gregory S. , Frett John J.
Published: February 2019

Nicotiana transformed with the isopentenyl transferase (ipt) gene from Agrobacterium tumefaciens was fixed in 1% gluterdehyde and 4% formaldehyde for 1 h. Grids were treated with polygonal anti-IpTase antibody raised in rabbits and visualized with 10 nm protein-A-labeled colloidal gold. Initial localization was performed on Nicotiana transformed with the ipt gene under the control of the 35S promoter from cauliflower mosaic virus. Colloidal gold was found throughout the cell, including the cell wall, vacuole, and rough ER. Cell wall and vacuole labeling appears to be due to nonspecific binding and is greatly reduced by a BSA block. Colloidal gold label on rough ER provides preliminary evidence that translation occurs here rather than on free polysomes. General reaction throughout the cell indicates cytoplasmic activity of the enzyme. Future research will attempt to localize IPTase in wild-type Nicotiana and in plants transformed with the ipt gene under the control of the hsp 70 heat shock promoter.
COMPARISON OF FISH HYDROLYSATE AND INORGANIC FERTILIZERS FOR LOWBUSH BLUEBERRY
Authors: Smagula John M. , Dunham Scott
Published: February 2019

A commercial lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium Ait.) field deficient in leaf N and P was used to compare organic and inorganic fertilizers. In a RCB design with eight replications of 12 treatments, experimental plots received 33.6 or 67.2 kg·ha-1 rates of N (urea), P (23% phosphoric acid), N + P (DAP), N + P + K (5-10-5), or N + P + K (fish hydrolysate, 242). Fertilizer containing N alone was as effective in raising N leaf concentrations as those containing N and P. However, leaf P concentrations were raised more by fertilizer providing N and P than only P. Fish hydrolysate fertilizer was as effective as 5-10-5 in raising leaf N, P, and K concentrations in prune and crop year leaf samples. At the 67.2 kg·ha-1 rate, fish hydrolysate, N, NP and NPK increased stem length, N and NP increased flower bud density and fish hydrolysate, N and NPK increased yield compared to the control.
UPDATE ON MICROPROPAGATION OF PACHYSANDRA PROCUMBENS MICHX.
Authors: Kitto S.L.
Published: February 2019

Pachysandra procumbens, the Allegheny spurge, is a native herbaceous perennial. Microcuttings were maintained in liquid MS medium in Magenta boxes with membrane rafts. A preliminary study looked at 1,2.5,5, and 10 mg BA/liter and 0 and 1 mg NAA/liter. Shootscultured with 5 or 10 mg BA/liter and no NAA produced significantly more axillary shoots. When shoots were cultured on media containing 5,10, 15, 20, or 25 mg BA/liter, trend analysis indicated significant linear and quadratic trends. Shoots proliferated similarly when cultured with 5 to 20 mg BA/liter. Non-fully expanded shoots proliferated significantly better compared to fully expanded shoots. After 6 weeks, microcuttings dipped in 500 or 1000 ppm IBA (50% ethanol) had produced significantly more roots of greater length compared to the control. Sixteen weeks after potting, rooted microcuttings potted in MetroMix 500, Promix BX, or a nursery mix (60% pine bark, 20% peat, 20% stone dust) had initiated significantly more shoots.
PLANT MORPHOLOGY AND FLOWERING PHENOLOGY OF LIMA BEANS GROWN AT HIGH TEMPERATURES IN THE GREENHOUSE
Authors: Frett John , Kee W. Edward , Redcay Stephen
Published: February 2019

Lima bean yields are lower in Delaware than in other lima-bean-producing states. One of the factors that contributes to the low production is the high temperatures that occur during production. Six commercial varieties of lima beans, both fordhook and baby lima bean types, were grown in a glass greenhouse at either 25C or 35C daytime temperatures to screen for heat tolerance. Plants grown at high temperature were typically shorter and more bushy than plants grown at 25C. Few, if any, buds, flowers, or early pods remained on plants at harvest if the plants were grown at 25C, while plants grown at 35C were still producing buds and flowers. Lima bean yields were generally reduced at 35C. The magnitude of the effect on yield ranged from `F1072', which had a 100-fold decrease in yield, to `Early Thorogreen', which demonstrated a slight increase in yield in response to increased temperatures.
THE EFFECTS OF MECHANICAL CONDITIONING ON FIELD PERFORMANCE OF TOMATO TRANSPLANTS
Authors: Garner Lauren C. , Bjorkman Thomas
Published: February 2019

Stretching is a problem in high-density transplant production. Mechanical conditioning provides good height control for many crops, but there may be adverse effects on field performance. Mechanical conditioning was applied to processing tomatoes (Ohio 8245) grown in #288-deep flats (=2000 plants/m2) using two methods, brushing and impendance. Brushing was applied by gently stroking the plant canopy with a Styrofoam planter flat 20 times back and forth every morning. The impeded plant canopy was compressed slightly by apiece of Plexiglas suspended overnight. The treatments were applied from canopy closure until transplanting to the field. At transplanting, brushed plants were 31% (1993) and 12% (1994) shorter than control plants, and impeded plants were 25% (1993) and 24% (1994) shorter than control plants. In both years, the caliper of impeded transplants was significantly larger than that of both the control and brushed plants. There was also no reduction in dry weight and no noticeable difference in plant quality between treatments. The treatments did not affect the speed at which the plants recovered from transplant shock or the rate at which they grew in the field. Within 5 weeks after transplanting, there were no significant differences between treatments in biomass, leaf area estimates, stem caliper, flowering, early set, or field yield, despite differences in size at transplanting. Therefore, both brushing and impendance result in sturdy, high-quality transplants without adversely affecting establishment or yield.
DETERMINING THE EXTINCTION POINT OF SPINACH CULTIVARS FOR STORAGE IN LOW-OXYGEN ATMOSPHERE
Authors: Ko Nathanee P. , Watada Alley E. , Schlimm G. Donald V. , Bouwkamp John C
Published: February 2019

The extinction point (EP) of spinach cultivars was determined to identify the minimum O2 concentration that can be used for modified-atmosphere storage of spinach. EP was based on respiratory quotient (RQ) and appearance quality during storage. Oxygen consumption decreased as O2 concentration was lowered from 2.0% to 0.1%; whereas CO2 production decreased as O2 concentration was lowered from 2.0% to 0.5%, but not below 0.5%. The RQ was close to 1 in oxygen atmospheres of 2.0% to 0.4% and exceeded 1 at 0.2% or less. No alcohol production was noted at 0.2% or less O2, but deterioration of leaves occurred at these low-O2 atmospheres. Since the EP is slightly below 0.4% O2, the concentration of O2, should not be allowed to go below 0.5% for successful modified-atmosphere storage of spinach.
ALLEVIATION OF CHILLING INJURY IN CUCUMBERS AND ZUCCHINI SQUASH BY METHYL JASMONATE
Authors: Wang Chien Yi
Published: February 2019

Cucumbers (Cucumis sativus L.) and zucchini squash (Cucurbita pepo L.) were pressure-infiltrated (82.7 kPa for 3 min) with methyl jasmonate (MJ) in aqueous suspension and then stored at a chilling temperature of 5C. Control fruit were infiltrated with distilled water and handled in a similar manner. Treatment with MJ delayed the onset and reduced the severity of chilling injury symptoms in both cucumbers and zucchini squash. Analysis of polyamines in zucchini squash showed that putrescine increased with time in storage at 5C, while spermidine and spermine decreased during the same period. MJ treatment did not have an appreciable effect on putrescine, but the treated fruit maintained higher levels of spermidine and spermine than the control fruit throughout storage at 5C.
STRUCTURAL DETERMINANTS REQUIRED FOR IDENTIFICATION OF ACC TRANSPORT-RELATED MEMBRANE PROTEINS
Authors: Saftner Robert A.
Published: February 2019

The ethylene precursor, 1 -aminocyclopropane- 1 -carboxylic acid (ACC), is actively transported across the tonoplast of plant cells, impacting cellular compartmentation of ACC and ethylene biosynthesis. To identify potential photoaffinity probes for identifying ACC transport-related membrane proteins, the effects of over 70 ACC and other amino acid analogs on ACC uptake into isolated maize vacuoles were investigated. Only relatively nonpolar, neutral amino acid stereoisomers of L-configuration were strong inhibitors of ACC transport. Group additions, substitutions, or deletions at the carboxyl, (x-amino and the Pro-(R) methylene, or hydrogen moieties essentially eliminated transport inhibition, whereas side-chain substitutions remained antagonistic. The kinetics of ACC and neutral L-amino acid analogs tested were competitive. The results indicate that the ACC transport system can be classified as a neutral L-amino acid carrier having a relatively high affinity for ACC and other nonpolar amino acids. The results also suggest that the carrier interacts with the carboxyl, alpha-amino, and Pro-(R) groups and the side chain of substrate amino acids. Based on these findings, potential photoaffinity probes of the ACC transport system have been identified.
STRAWBERRY VARIETY YIELDS AND SUSCEPTIBILITY TO TARNISHED PLANT BUG AND STRAWBERRY BUD WEEVIL
Authors: Handley D.T. , Schupp M.A.
Published: February 2019

Twelve strawberry varieties established in matted row plots in 1993 were treated with insecticides for tarnished plant bug and strawberry bud weevil or left untreated during 1994. Honeoye and Cavendish had the highest yields of marketable fruit. Oka, Jewel, Chambly, and Kent also had relatively high yields. Lateglow, Blomidon, Seneca, NY 1424, Settler, and Governor Simcoe had lower yields than the other varieties. Tarnished plant bug populations were very small during the 1994 season and the injury levels observed were relatively low. Feeding pressure on the plants may have been too low for all differences in susceptibility between varieties to be expressed. Governor Simcoe, Cavendish, and Oka had the lowest injury levels. Kent, Lateglow, and Seneca had the highest levels of injury. Insecticide sprays significantly reduced injury for all varieties except Cavendish and Governor Simcoe. The number of flower buds killed by strawberry bud weevil differed very little between varieties and spray treatments. No obvious differences in susceptibility to this injury were observed in this trial.
THE IMPORTANCE OF α AND β-GALACTOSIDASE IN TOMATO FRUIT RIPENING
Authors: Starrett David A. , Gross Kenneth C.
Published: February 2019

Antisense technology has shown that neither polygalacturonase nor pectin methylesterase alone are responsible for tomato fruit softening, leading to the likelihood that other enzymes or factors are important. Our laboratory recently found that α and β-galactosidase from avocado fruit solubilized tomato fruit pectin in vitro. Previously, Pressey (Plant Physiol. 1983,71:132) found that the activity of one of three α-galactosidase isozymes from tomato fruit increased during ripening and was capable of degrading cell wall galactan, suggesting a role for the enzyme in fruit softening. Increased β-galactosidase activity was observed in a number of other fruit during ripening. In the present study, NaCl extraction of tomato pericarp yielded relatively high levels of cc- and β-galactosidase activity. At least two isozymes of each were resolved during Mono-Q HPLC α-Galactosidase was further purified by additional Mono Q and Superose 12 gel filtration HPLC. Gel filtration and SDS-PAGE yielded an apparent molecular weight of 44 kD. The partially pure α-galactosidase had a specific activity of 294 μmol product/min per mg protein, a Km of 317 μm, a pl of 5.0, and a pH optimum of 5.5. Activity was inhibited 67% by α-d-galactose. Preliminary results show that β-galactosidase can also be purified by the same techniques. Following further purification, the isozymes will be sequenced and cloned. A second approach being used in an attempt to identify cDNA clones for the α- and β-galactosidase genes from tomato fruit involves using heterologous cDNA clones from guar (Overbeeke et al., 1989; Plant Molecular Biology 13:541-550) and carnation (Raghothama et al., 1991; Plant Molecular Biology 17:61-71), respectively, to screen a ripening tomato fruit cDNA library. Basic molecularbiological techniques will be used to elucidate the role of these enzymes in tomato fruit ripening.
INFLUENCE OF PLANTING DATE, PLANTING SYSTEM, PLANT TYPE, AND MULCH COLOR ON `ALLSTAR' AND `CHANDLER' PRODUCTIVITY IN STRAWBERRY PLASTI-CULTURE
Authors: Fiola Joseph A. , Lengyen Robert J.
Published: February 2019

High-density, annual, strawberry production systems (“plasti-culture”) have shown high productivity under New Jersey conditions; however, cultural practice and variety research is needed to increase profitability. The system includes raised beds, plastic mulch, trickle irrigation, and double-row 12 × 12-inch plant spacing. Polypropylene floating rowcovers were applied in December and removed in early April when flowers were visible under the cover. Treatments included comparisons of plugs and dormant crowns of the cultivars Chandler and Allstar, planted at multiple planting dates, on white or plastic mulch, in “matted-row” (single row at 18-inch spacing; peg runners through plastic) or high-density production systems. The plug plants were superior to dormant crowns. Black plastic was best all planting dates with plugs; `Allstar' performed best on black on the early planting dates, while `Chandler' preferred the white for the early planting dates. Both `Allstar' and `Chandler' had commercially profitable yield, fruit weight, and quality. “Matted-row” system on plastic is high-yielding but labor-intensive. Late-summer plugs on black plastic is best overall.
PERCEPTION AND ADOPTION OF IPM TACTICS BY LANDSCAPE CONTRACTORS IN CENTRAL NEW JERSEY
Authors: Smith-Fiola Deborah C. , Way Robert G.
Published: February 2019

The landscape/nursery/turfgrass industry is the largest agricultural industry in New Jersey, as well as one of the highest users of pesticides. In the lawn-care industry alone, more than 906,000 lbs of active ingredient of pesticides was used in 1990. Landscape Integrated Pest Management (LIPM) tactics have been commercially proven to reduce pesticide usage; however, adoption of LIPM has been slow. In 1993-94, a survey of 425 landscape contractors, arborists, groundskeepers, nurserymen, and turfgrass professionals was taken to determine attitudes toward adoption of LIPM tactics. Business changes, marketing, customer perceptions, educational needs, and attitudes toward alternative control tactics were assessed. Results show that the majority of landscapers are interested in LIPM for personal reasons, to reduce their own contact with pesticides. Contractors favor pesticide products that are cost effective and proven as opposed to environmentally “safe.” Concerns inhibiting LIPM adoption include potential customer dissatisfaction, recovering monitoring costs, and inadequate control. Challenges lie ahead in pest identification and control education, marketing programs, delays in profits, and writing bids.
FERTILIZATION VALUE OF THREE ORGANIC RESIDUES AS AN AMENDMENT TO MEDIA USED TO PRODUCE CONTAINER-GROWN WOODY ORNAMENTAL PLANTS
Authors: Bouden Mondher , Rioux Jaaues-Andre , Duchesne Isabelle
Published: February 2019

The agricultural valorization of waste, rich in organic matter and minerals, is one of the best economical and ecological methods of disposal. This study was carried out to evaluate the release of mineral elements restrained in fresh bio-filters, composted sewage sludges, and composted de-inking sludges, and their effects on growth of Physocarpus opulifolius `Nanus' produced in containers. The physical and chemical analysis of the organic residues proved that the fertilization value of composted sewage sludges was greater than the other residues. Moreover, the granular characteristics of fresh biofilters and composted de-inking sludges were finer than composted sewage sludges. Each organic residue was combined, in proportion of 10%, with peatmoss, composted conifer bark, and fine crushed gravel. The regular leaching of container medium showed that the composted sewage sludges release a higher quantity of major mineral elements. Physocarpus opulifolius `Nanus' plants were larger than those plants grown in the control substrate (without residue). The results obtained in media containing fresh bio-filters or composted de-inking sludges were similar to those obtained in the control substrate.
USE OF 1H-NMR TO DETERMINE GRAPE BUD WATER STATUS DURING THE PHOTOPERIODIC INDUCTION OF DORMANCY
Authors: Fennell Anne , Wake Carol , Molitor Paul
Published: February 2019

Changes in tissue water content have been correlated, with varying success, with changes in freezing tolerance and dormancy in woody perennials. Recent studies indicate that changes in the state of water are more strongly correlated with dormancy than are changes in bulk water content. In this study, traditional destructive methods of monitoring tissue water content and dormancy were compared with measurements using nondestructive in situ proton nuclear magnetic resonance 1H NMR to determine plant water status. These studies were designed to determine whether changes in bud water status are correlated with dormancy and can be used as a reliable indicator of the onset of dormancy. Two-year-old Vitis riparia plants were subjected to short-day (SD, 8 h daylight) or long-day (LD, 15 h daylight), dormancy-inductive or noninductive treatments, respectively. Bud water was monitored at 2, 4, and 6 weeks of photoperiod treatments. SD treatments promoted a rapid onset in bud dormancy. Water content was not different in SD or LD treatments after 2 weeks. However, it did decrease over 6 weeks in both treatments, but SD treatments promoted a more rapid decrease in water content. The nondestructive 1H NMR methods give comparable measures of water content and provide a measure of bud water status. There were shorter T1 relaxation times in the 2-, 4-, and 6-week SD treatments. The SD treatment T2 relaxation times were shorter in the 4- and 6-week SD treatments only. Changes in the T1 and T2 relaxation times indicated changes in bud water status are correlated with the onset of dormancy.
THE INFLUENCE OF C: P RATIO ON THE BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY OF MSW
Authors: Brown Kimberly H. , Bouwkamp John C. , Gouin Francis R.
Published: February 2019

Optimum conditions for composting encourage and maintain the growth of microorganisms. Aerobic conditions must be maintained along with a 30 C: 1 N ratio and appropriate moisture levels. Our research found that P along with C and N are primary nutrients required by the microorganisms involved in composting. Phosphorus is a very important component of ATP and ADP, which drive most biochemical processes and are therefore necessary to all energy-driven processes. Results of this experiment show that MSW treatments with a minimum of 120 C: 1 P result in significantly higher temperatures during the composting process; lower final C: N ratios; greater volume reduction; and more available N in the final product. Emphasis of ongoing research is to determine appropriate C: P levels.
PERICLINAL CHIMERAS COMPOSED OF LYCOPERSICON PERUVIANUM AND L. ESCULENTUM DEMONSTRATE THAT S-LOCUS ASSOCIATED PROTEINS AND SELF-INCOMPATIBILITY CAN BE UNCOUPLED
Authors: Chawla Bindu , Bernatzki Robert , Marcotrigiano Michael
Published: February 2019

Lycopersicon peruvianum is a wild species of tomato that exhibits gametophytic self-incompatibility (S), wherein the SI response is controlled by the genotype of the pollen. Cultivated tomato (L. esculentum) is a self-compatible species. Assisted by phenotypic markers, periclinal graft chimeras between these two species have been obtained. Fruit set analysis following breeding demonstrated that the available five chimeras (PPE, PEE, PEP, EPP, and EEP) are able to accept pollen from L. peruvianum, suggesting that there is a failure of the SI response. SI response is known to be dependent on S-locus associated proteins. These proteins are present in the style, which is mainly derived from the L1 and L2 layers of meristem. RNA analysis of the style tissue using a cloned S-locus cDNA as a probe showed that, except for EEP, all chimeras expressed the S-allele. This was also confirmed by SDS-PAGE analysis of stylar proteins that were present in variable amounts depending on the periclinal combination. Thus, the breakdown of SI is not associated with the lack of expression of the S-locus. Further work is being conducted to understand the nature of this breakdown.