bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PREEMERGENT WEED CONTROL IN CONTAINER-GROWN LANDSCAPE PLANTS
Authors: Klett James E. , Staats David
Published: February 2019

Herbicides were applied to container grown landscape plants and evaluated on the basis of weed control, phytotoxicity, and effect on plant growth. Three preemergent herbicides were applied including: Oxadiazon (Ronstar) at 4.54 and 9.08 kg/ha, Oxyfluorfen + Oryzalin (Rout) at 3.41 and 6.81 kg/ha and Oryzalin (Surflan) at 2.27 and 4.54 kg/ha. There was also a weedy and non-weedy control. The plant species included: Syringa vulgaris (Common Lilac), Wisteria sinensis (Chinese Wisteria), Phlox paniculata (Garden Phlox) and Dahlia hybrid (Garden Dahlia). They were all grown in number one containers in a media of soil, spaghnum peat moss, and plaster sand (1:2:1 by volume). All herbicides tested controlled weeds effectively with no phytotoxicity except with Phlox paniculata. Oryzalin resulted in a phytotoxic effect on Phlox paniculata at both the 1x and 2x rates.
IDENTIFICATION OFVOLATILE COMPOUNDS RESPONSIBLE FOR OFF-ODORS PRODUCED BY BROCCOLI STORED IN ANAEROBIC CONDITIONS
Authors: Forney Charles F. , Mattheis James P. , Austin Rodney K.
Published: February 2019

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L., ltalica Group) produces severe off-odors when it is stored under anaerobic conditions which can develop in modified atmosphere packages. The compounds responsible for these off-odors, which render the broccoli unmarketable, were produced after sealing 50 g of fresh broccoli florets in glass pint jars held at 15C. Twenty-four hours after sealing oxygen concentration dropped to around 0.5% and remained at this concentration for 6 days. Volatile compounds found in the head space of the jars were identified using gas chromatography with flame photometric and mass spectroscopic detection. Volatile compounds produced were identified as methanethiol, hydrogen sulfide, dimethyl disulfide, acetaldehyde, acetone, ethanol, and ethyl acetate. Methanethiol was detected 48 hours after sealing and appears through olfactory evaluation to be the primary compound responsible for the objectionable odor.
EVALUATION OF YIELD AND YIELD COMPONENTS OF CORN, BEANS AND POTATO IN A TRIPLE CROP INTERCROPPING SYSTEM AT LOW SOIL NITROGEN
Authors: Gondwe W.T. , Wien H.C.
Published: February 2019

The response of corn, beans and potato was evaluated in a 3 crop intercropping system at constant population density of corn (37,050 plants/ha) and three densities of beans (66,000 132,000 200,000 plants/ha) and potato (13,000, 36,000, 44,000 plants/ha) at low soil nitrogen in 2 seasons. Intercropping at the highest plant densities of beans and potatoes reduced the yield of corn, beans and potatoes by 65, 80 and 51 per cent respectively and produced a land equivalent ratio (LER) of one. The LER increased with decrease in the density of companion crops up to 1.24, indicating that intercropping at lower densities was more beneficial than monocultures. Increasing the density of beans and potatoes reduced corn height, leaf width and size of ears as well as leaf N, P and K. In beans the number of pods per plant was reduced while seeds per plant and seed weight were constant. In potatoes tuber size and numbers per plant declined.. The results indicate that the triple crop density which maximizes yield and income should not exceed 2/3 of optimum bean and potato sole crop densities.
INFLUENCE OF ENDOGENOUS CALCIUM ON POST-PROCESSING TEXTURAL QUALITY OF PICKLING CUCUMBER FRUIT
Authors: Fernandes Regina , Widders Irvin , Uebersax Mark
Published: February 2019

Sand culture experiments were conducted in controlled environments to determine the effects of endogenous fruit Ca concentration on tissue firmness and the rates of softening following fresh-pack processing of pickling cucumbers. Fruit Ca status was modified by exposing the cucumber plants to 0.01, 0.1, 10, and 20 mM Ca in the nutrient solutions from fruit set to harvest. Ca concentrations were measured in pericarp and endocarp tissue. Spears were 4.5 cm diam. fruit were fresh-pack processed in 0, 5 or 20 mM CaCl2 solutions. Tissue texture during incubation at 46°C was measured at 0, 5 and 20 days using a shear press (TMS-90, Food Tech. Corp.). Pericarp tissue Ca concentrations were positively correlated with tissue firmness immediately following fresh-pack processing. High endogenous Ca levels, however, were correlated with high rates of pericarp softening during accelerated aging. Refrigeration extended the Ca effect on texture for 3 weeks following processing.
SEQUENTIAL VEGETABLE CROPPING UNDER VARIOUS TILLAGE SYSTEMS
Authors: Kelley William Terry , Coffey David L.
Published: February 2019

Three cropping sequences and three tillage systems were evaluated for increasing returns on small farms under reduced tillage. The sequences were spring 'Packman' broccoli followed by 'Sunny' tomatoes, spring broccoli/tomatoes/fall broccoli, and tomatoes/fall broccoli. Each sequence was grown conventionally tilled with no winter cover, conventionally tilled with a wheat winter cover and no-till transplanted directly into killed wheat. The study was conducted at Knoxville, TN (elev. 251m, Greeneville, TN (elev. 400m) and Crossville, TN (elev. 549m) during 1989 and 1990. Experiments were arranged in a strip plot design with sequences stripped across tillage treatments. No. 1 tomato yield was reduced in no-till at Greeneville (1989). Percentage of No. 1 tomatoes was not affected by tillage but the tomato-broccoli system produced a greater percentage at Greeneville (1990). Percentage of cull fruit was greater in Knoxville (1990) for conventional/no cover. A tomato-broccoli sequence produced more cull fruit at Knoxville (1990) and Greeneville (1989). Broccoli head size and subsequent yield and value was generally greater at most environments in conventionally tilled plots. Sequence generally had little affect on broccoli production.
PLANT AGE AT CATFACE INDUCTION DETERMINES SEVERITY OF THE DISORDER
Authors: Wien H.C. , Turner A.D.
Published: February 2019

In a preliminary experiment, tomatoes were induced to catface by a temperature treatment of 2 weeks at 16/10C (day/night), starting at the 6-leaf stage. Fruits of the second and third, but not the first cluster showed catface symptoms. If catfacing induction could be further delayed by growing transplants in a non-inducing environment until most flower primordia have been initiated, plants might escape the disorder. In 2 field trials, plants were greenhouse-grown for 33, 47, or 61 days, and induced to catface by a GA3 foliar spray (15 ul·1-1) at transplanting. Catfacing was significantly increased by GA, sprays (23 vs 11% of all fruits in 1989, 22 vs 8% in 1990). In both years, there was a highly significant interaction between plant age and catfacing incidence, with high levels for young and medium-aged, but lower levels for old GA-treated transplants. Marketable yields were highest for youngest and medium-aged plants in 1989 and 1990, respectively. Old plants were checked in growth after transplanting and produced lowest yields in both years. Avoiding catfacing by use of old transplants thus has doubtful practical value.
PRODUCTION OF SOMATIC HYBRIDS BETWEEN LYCOPERSICON HIRSUTUM AND L. ESCULENTUM.
Authors: Montagno T.J. , Jourdan P.S. , Berry S. Z.
Published: February 2019

Unilateral incompatibility has limited the direction of crossing between L. esculentum and L. hirsutum; the latter can only serve as the pollen parent. In an attempt to introduce the L. hirsutum cytoplasm into L. esculentum, thirty-three somatic hybrid plants have been regenerated following four separate fusions between leaf protoplasts of L. hirsutum PI 126445 and etiolated hypocotyl protoplasts of L. esculentum (`OH7870', `OH832', and `OH8245'). A 33% PEG solution supplemented with 10% DMSO was used as the fusogen. Selection of fusion products was based on treatment of L. hirsutum protoplasts with 1 mM iodoacetic acid and non-regenerability of the L. esculentum genotypes. Hybridity was initially confirmed by intermediate morphology, including leaf shape, type of trichomes, flower shape, stigma placement, and fruit size and color. Isozyme analysis for GOT, PGM, and 6-PDH verified hybridity. Six of the hybrids produced viable seed upon selfing. At least some of the hybrids contained chloroplast DNA from L. hirsutum, indicating that the wild species cytoplasm may be present in these plants.
ISOZYME VARIATION AND GENETICS IN ASPARAGUS OFFICINALIS
Authors: Brettin Thomas S. , Sink Ken C.
Published: February 2019

We have used isozyme techniques (SGE) to assess variation and begin construction of a genetic map of the Asparagus officinalis genome. Isozyme extraction buffers, electrophoretic buffer systems, and isozyme stability during storage were evaluated. Isozyme expression under different environmental conditions was also examined. Thirty-four enzymes were evaluated for their usefulness as genetic markers in A. officinalis. Of these 34, 13 had sufficient activity and resolution on the gels for isozyme analysis. Of the 13 enzyme systems resolved, polymorphisms were observed in aconitase, endopeptidase, malate dehydrogenase, phosphoglucomutase, and shikimate dehydrogenase. Segregation of putative alleles is presented for ACON, END, MDH, PGM and SKDH isozymes. Co-segregation data showed linkage between a SKDH locus and a PGM locus. The isozyme analysis also included Asparagus densiflorus `Sprengeri' and revealed that aspartate aminotransaminase, endopeptidase, and triosephosphate isomerase would be potentially useful for verification of cell fusion products between the two species.
ORGANIC MATTER INCORPORATION AND IRRIGATION RATES FOR BEDDING PLANTS
Authors: Lohr Virginia I. , Pearson-Mims Caroline H.
Published: February 2019

The effect of organic matter addition and irrigation rates on the growth of bedding plants was found to vary with species. Marigold and sweet alyssum were field-grown with or without added peat moss under normal or 50 percent reduced irrigation.

Regardless of organic matter treatment, marigolds with reduced irrigation were shorter than those with normal irrigation. Under normal irrigation, adding organic matter had no effect on height. Under reduced irrigation, incorporating organic matter was beneficial to marigolds: plants in these plots were 10% taller than plants under reduced irrigation without added organic matter.

Sweet alyssum, a relatively drought-tolerant plant, was wider under reduced than under normal irrigation. It did not benefit from added organic matter: plants grown with added organic matter were 17% narrower than those without added organic matter, regardless of irrigation level. Blanket recommendations to add organic matter to conserve water should be avoided.
THE SPANISH FRUIT GERMPLASM NETWORK
Authors: _ _
Published: February 2019

The Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Agrarias (INIA) has initiated in 1990 a Fruit Germplasm Project. The diversity of climates in Spain has made recommendable to scatter the different basic collections in different places, taking as a starting point the collections already existing at the different regional research centers across Spain. The species included in the Project are: almond, apple, apricot, banana, cherimoya, cherry, grape, hazelnut, mango, olive, peach, pear, prune and walnut. Details on these collections, their curators and the locations will be presented on the poster.
ENVIRONMENTAL LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT
Authors: Knox Gary W. , Gilman Edward F. , Brown Sydney Park
Published: February 2019

Environmental Landscape Management (ELM) is an extension education program developed to promote resource conservation and environmental protection through appropriate landscape design and maintenance practices. Use of ELM practices by Florida home owners and landscape professionals will conserve energy and water, recycle yard wastes, and reduce inputs of fertilizers and pesticides. Site analysis and appropriate landscape design and plant selection are inherent components of ELM. Guidelines for ELM integrate irrigation, fertilization, pest control, recycling of yard wastes and other cultural practices to result in a holistic approach to landscape management.

Five videos, 3 slide sets, 20 newspaper releases, and a 45-page booklet, The Florida Environmental Landscape Guide, have been produced to support ELM. This information also will be available on CD-ROM in each county extension office.
PRECODEPA: A MULTI-COUNTRY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM TO IMPROVE THE RESEARCH-EXTENSION INTERFACE FOR POTATO PRODUCTION IN THE TROPICS
Authors: del Cid Alvaro , Ortiz Ramiro , Valenzuela H.R.
Published: February 2019

PRECODEPA was formed with the purpose of coordinating research and extension to improve small-farm potato production. The program involves 9 countries in North, Central America and the Caribbean with the cooperation of the International Potato Center (CIP). Research and extension work was planed based on identified bottlenecks. Work was coordinated when similar bottlenecks were identified in different regions and/or countries. The project strategies emphasized the following: training of personnel to coordinate the work between extension and research; development of integrated pest management (IPM) practices; technology generation and validation trials on farmers' fields, and market development for commercialization purposes. The success of this unique program should serve as a model for similar agricultural projects in the future.
LEAF ANATOMY OF MICROPROPAGATED GRAPE AFFECTED BY REDUCED WATER POTENTIAL
Authors: Dami Imed , Hughes Harrison
Published: February 2019

Grape cv. Valiant was micropropagated in an MS medium with and without 2% (W/V) of polyethylene glycol (PEG, MW 8000). Leaf anatomy of control (in vitro, no PEG), treated (in vitro, PEG), field grown and greenhouse grown plants were compared under light microscopy. Cell size, palisade layer formation, relative intercellular air space and apparent chloroplast number varied between the leaves of control and PEG treated (high osmoticum) plantlets. These leaf characteristics in the high osmoticum medium appeared more similar to the leaves of the greenhouse and field grown plants. Leaves from control plantlets contained cells of larger size, lacked normal palisade layer formation, greater intercellular pore spaces and fewer chloroplasts. Leaves of PEG treated plantlets had smaller cells, a more defined palisade layer, reduced intercellular pore spaces and greater number of chloroplasts. Leaves of greenhouse and field grown plants had small cells, a well-defined palisade layer, least intercellular pore space and greatest number of chloroplasts. These results demonstrate that a high osmoticum medium may be used to induce more normal leaf development.
SHORT-AND LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF SOURCE MANIPULATION IN SOUR CHERRY (Prunus cerasus L.)
Authors: Layne Desmond R. , Flore J.A.
Published: February 2019

A series of experiments were conducted with one-year-old potted sour cherry trees to evaluate the effects of source reduction (removal of 70% of the expanded leaves = Defol.) or source enhancement (continuous illumination = C.L.) on source leaf gas exchange. There was a significant increase in net CO2 assimilation (A) and stomatal conductance (gs) of Defol. within one day in contrast to the non-defoliated control (Cont.). Defol. had lower daily dark respiration rates (Rd) and higher A values throughout the 14 h diurnal photoperiod than Cont. Defol. had daily assimilation rates 50% higher than Cont. in as early as 3 days. One month later, specific leaf weight, leaf chlorophyll and A was higher in Defol. Non-defoliated plants were also placed under either a 14 h photoperiod (Cont.) or a 24 h photoperiod (24h). A of 24h was reduced from Cont. by 50% after one day. The diurnal response of A in Cont. was removed when plants were put in C.L. Following 7 days in C.L., 70% defoliation of 24h plants resulted in a complete recovery from photosynthetic inhibition within 48 hours. The short-term effects of source manipulation on photochemical and carboxylation efficiencies, photorespiration and stomatal limitations will also be addressed.
TOPOCLIMATIC EFFECTS ON SPRING FREEZE CHARACTERISTICS AND PEACH PHENOLOGY
Authors: Logan Joanne , Searcy Michael J.
Published: February 2019

Peach production in Tennessee has suffered a decline in the past decade due to late and severe spring freezes. East Tennessee is an area of diverse topography. It may be possible to use topoclimate exposure to ameliorate the low temperatures in spring and therefore lessen the damage to peach buds. Exposure also may also influence the accumulation of chill units and growing degrees, therefore affecting the stage of peach bud development when the freeze occurs. Five automated weather stations were located in topoclimatically different areas of a peach orchard in Dandridge, Tennessee, from September, 1990 to May, 1991. Hourly chill units (base 6.1 °C) and growing degrees (base4.4 °C) were calculated. Twigs from peach trees close to each weather station were forced every three days to determine the date of completion of rest. Hourly freeze data were collected from each weather station. Preliminary results on the effects of topoclimate on spring freeze characteristics, accumulation of chill units and growing degrees, and peach phenology will be presented.
METHODS FOR PRODUCING GRAFT CHIMERAS IN VITRO
Authors: Chen Huey-Jen , Swartz Harry Jan
Published: February 2019

Several authors report the synthesis of periclinal chimeras generated from graft unions of Solanaceous plants grown in the greenhouse. As this technique requires shoot organogenesis, in vitro conditions are necessary to adapt this technique to woody species. We now report several in vitro techniques necessary to mimic the in vivo graft chimera process. These include rootstock/scion preparation, micrografting and shoot organogenesis from graft unions. Zeatin and auxins have been helpful in preparing graftable material and for increasing the percentage successful grafts. A shorter exposure to organogenic medium containing thidiazuron resulted in greater percentage shoot regeneration from graft unions. Thorny/thornless Rubus and 'Liberty'/'Golden Delicious' or 'Gala' Malus (color) markers are being used to determine the percentage of these regenerants which are chimeral.
MICRONUTRIENT TOXICITY IN SEED GERANIUM PELARGONIUM × HORTORUM BAILEY
Authors: Lee Chi Won , Pak Chun Ho , Choi Jong Myung
Published: February 2019

Micronutrient toxicity symptoms of seed geranium (Pelargonium × hortorum Bailey) `Ringo Scarlet' were experimentally induced by using 9 different concentrations of B, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo and Zn in the fertilizer solution. Plants of 3-4 true leaf stage grown in peat-lite mix were constantly fed for 5 weeks with nutrient solutions containing 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 mM of each micronutrient. The control solution contained 20 uM B, 0.5 uM Cu, 10 uM Fe, 10 uM Mn, 0.5 uM Mo and 4 uM Zn. Visible foliar toxicity symptoms developed when the nutrient solution contained 2, 0.5, 5, 1, 0.25, and 0.5 mM, respectively, of B, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, and Zn. Reduction in dry matter yield was evident when 1 mM B, 2 mM Cu, 3 mM Fe, 2 mM Mn, 0.5 mM Mo, and 1 mM Zn were used in the fertilizer solution. Leaf chlorophyll contents decreased as Cu and Mn levels increased. Elevated levels of Fe increased tissue chlorophyll contents.
INFLUENCE OF HIGH TEMPERATURE AND EXPOSURE TIME ON NITRIFICATION IN A PINE BARK MEDIUM
Authors: Walden Ronald F. , Wright Robert D.
Published: February 2019

Pine bark-filled containers periodically fertilized with a (NH4)2SO4 solution were heated from 21°C to one of 5 temperatures (28°, 34°, 40°, 46°, or 52°C) for a daily exposure duration of 1, 2, 4, 6, or 24 hours. Medium solution extracts were analyzed for NH4-N and NO3-N every 5 days for 20 days. Treatment temperature of at least 40°C and a daily exposure duration of 24 hours was necessary to inhibit nitrification, thereby increasing NH4-N concentration in the medium solution. Similar increase in NH4-N was found for a 2 hr/day exposure to 46°C, with further increases in NH4-N at longer exposure times. By day 10, the maximum level1 of NH4-N concentration in medium extracts was found after a 1 hr/day exposure to 52°C. Decreases in medium solution NO3-N concentration generally coincided with the increases in NH4-N. Results indicate that high container temperatures may increase the ratio of NH4-N to NO3-N in the medium solution of plants fertilized with predominantly ammoniacal N.
PROGRESS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF A MENTHA GERMPLASM COLLECTION
Authors: Chambers Henrietta L. , Reed Barbara M. , Postman Joseph D. , Hummer Kim
Published: February 2019

Approximately 450 accessions representing 40 taxa from around the world, including 77 advanced breeder selections and 54 F1 hybrids are maintained at the repository in Corvallis. Most of the clones came from the collection of M. J. Murray of the A. M. Todd Company, Kalamazoo, MI. Others were received from the former USDA/ARS mint breeding program in Corvallis which ended in 1981. Data on origin, morphology, pedigree, oil analysis, fertility and chromosome number was provided with many of the accessions. We have confirmed the identity of the clones utilizing many of these features. We are actively seeking unrepresented germplasm. Chromosomes from pollen mother cells or root-tip cells are currently being counted. Nomenclature changes reflecting recent research have been made. Many clones have been indexed for viruses. Infected clones are treated with thermotherapy and meristem culture to produce virus-negative replacements. An in vitro backup collection is maintained in cold storage. Iniation of in vitro cultures has been complicated by internal bacterial contamination in some clones. Research to eliminate this problem is in progress. Cuttings and in vitro cultures of Mentha germplasm are available to researchers worldwide.
A VERSATILE NEW TACTIC FOR FRUIT TREE MICROGRAFTING
Authors: Obeidy Ahmed A. , Smith M.A.L.
Published: February 2019

Micrografting is an effective technique for elimination of viruses, early diagnosis of grafting incompatibilities, rejuvenation of mature tissue, and bypassing the juvenile phase in fruit trees. Current micrografting procedures are difficult, impractical, expensive, and generally result in an inefficient rate of successful graft production. In order to alleviate some of these limitations, a unique apparatus was designed to splice the in vitro-derived scion and rootstock together during the micrografting process. The dual-layer device was constructed with a pliant outer layer to facilitate manipulation during the grafting of micro-scale plants, and a delicate, absorbent inner layer to cushion the plant tissue and retain hormones and other compounds. These chemicals are slowly released at the grafting zone to alleviate oxidation and enhance callus formation at the cut surface of scion and rootstock. After healing, it is easy to remove the grafting apparatus from the grafted plant without damaging the tissues. This apparatus may be used to unite a scion and a rootstock with different stem diameters. Shoot-tip cultures of `McIntosh' and `M-7' apple and `North Star' sweet cherry, and in vitro seedlings of lemon, orange and grapefruit were used as a source of in vitro scions and rootstocks. Successful graft unions were developed, and the grafted plants were transplanted into the greenhouse environment Micrografted plants were sectioned to determine the anatomical characteristics of the graft union.
RECRUITING STUDENTS BY MARKETING HORTICULTURE
Authors: Balbach Margaret
Published: February 2019

Introductory Horticulture at Illinois State University is approved for inclusion in the University Studies Program. This program is comprised of courses whose content is considered of general importance to the educated layperson, rather than to the specialist in the field. Departments may use the University Studies Program as a means of attracting students to the field. This has been done with fair success with Introductory Horticulture. Because the course must provide personal enrichment, be broad in scope, offer a systematic design for further learning, and assure a breadth of knowledge and understanding, this course has been designed to focus on the economies of the various horticultural industries, how they are related to the socioeconomic history of the various regions of the country and how the marketing of horticultural products and enterprises affects the personal life of individuals. Acceptance of this approach has been two-fold: first: student evaluations are positive, a steady enrollment has been maintained, and the course has steadily provided 10% to 15% of new Horticulture students, and second: the University Studies review committee has twice affirmed the “tenure” of Introductory Horticulture in spite of increasingly stringent guidelines that discourage many traditional science courses.
Cold Protection of Leatherleaf Fern Using Crop Covers and Overhead Irrigation in Shadehouses
Authors: Stamps Robert H.
Published: February 2019

Four spunbonded crop covers were evaluated for use with and without irrigation for cold protection of leatherleaf fern [Rumohra adiantiformis (Forst.) Ching]. Heavier and less porous covers provided the most protection when used without over-the-crop irrigation. However, differences in cover weight and porosity did not affect temperatures under covers when over-the-crop irrigation was applied. Damage to immature fronds was decreased by 75% to 99% when the covers were used alone and by 98% to 99% when the covers were used with over-the-crop irrigation. Covers had no effect on frond vase life.
Response of Peach Seedlings to Root-zone Temperature and Root-applied Growth Regulators
Authors: Tagliavini M. , Looney N.E.
Published: February 2019

Root and shoot growth of peach seedlings was strongly suppressed when the roots were held at 8 to 10C. Shoot and root dry weights and root volume increased linearly with increasing root-zone temperature (RZT) to 22C. GA3 at 5.7 μm (2 ppm) added to the aerated full nutrient solution reversed the effect of low RZT on shoot elongation but inhibited root growth at all RZTs. Paclobutrazol (PBZ) (6.8 × 10-3μm) (2 ppb) inhibited shoot elongation at all RZTs and shoot dry weight at 16 and 22C. However, PBZ had no effect on root dry weight accumulation at any RZT. The shoot growth-promoting effect of GA3, relative to control plants, disappeared at higher RZTs, but GA3 reversed the growth-inhibiting effect of PBZ at all RZTs. PBZ increased mean root diameter at all RZTs and significantly increased root volume at 22C. These results show that growth of peach seedlings is profoundly influenced by a cool root-zone environment. The plant growth regulator effects suggest that seedling roots play an important role in whole-plant gibberellin physiology. Some possible implications for fruit production are discussed. Chemical names used: gibberellic acid (GA3); β -[(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]- α -(1,1-dimethylethyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole-1-ethanol(paclobutrazol,PBZ).
Pyracantha coccinea `Kasan' and `Lalandei' Response to Uniconazole and Chlormequat Chloride
Authors: Henderson Janet C. , Nichols Thomas H.
Published: February 2019

Pyracantha coccinea M.J. Roem. `Kasan' and `Lalandei' were treated with a soil drench of 30 mg a.i. chlormequat chloride per container or 0, 0.25, 0.50, or 1.00 mg a.i. uniconazole per container or with a foliar application of 3000 mg a.i. chlormequat chloride/liter or 0, 25, 50, or 100 mg a.i. uniconazole/liter. Chlormequat chloride applied as a drench did not affect growth of `Kasan' or `Lalandei' until 17 weeks after application, when `Kasan' was taller and `Lalandei' shorter than untreated plants. `Kasan' plants drenched with chlormequat chloride had more leaves with greater total leaf area and higher leaf and stem dry weights than untreated plants. However, area per leaf, root dry weight, and root: shoot ratio were not affected by the chlormequat chloride drench. In `Lalandei', the chlormequat chloride drench did not affect any of these criteria, except stem dry weight. Foliar applications of chlormequat chloride had little effect on either cultivar. Height of `Kasan' and `Lalandei' decreased with increasing uniconazole rates for both application methods. Area per leaf increased in `Kasan' but decreased in `Lalandei' receiving a drench applied to the medium. Foliar and drench applications of uniconazole both resulted in decreased stem dry weight of both cultivars. Chemical names used: 2-chloro-N,N,N-trimethylethanaminium chloride (chlormequat chloride); (E)-1-(p-chlorophenyl)-4,4-dimethyl-2-(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)-1-penten-3-ol (uniconazole).
Effect of Broomrape (Orobanche spp.) Infection on Sugar Content of Carrot Roots
Authors: Schaffer A.A. , Jacobsohn R. , Joel D.M. , Eliassi E. , Fogelman Miriam
Published: February 2019

The soluble sugar content of mature carrot roots (Daucus carota L. cv. Ti-To, Nantes type) grown in broomrape-infested or noninfested soil was measured. Orobanche aegyptiaca Pers. (Egyptian broomrape) and O. crenata Forssk. (crenate broom-rape) decreased the total sugar content similarly. Sucrose was the primary sugar in noninfected roots and its level was greatly reduced in infected roots. Concentrations of sucrose were higher in the cortex than in the core; broomrape infection reduced sucrose concentration in both portions of the root. Even broomrape-infected roots with a healthy appearance (acceptable size and color) had a greatly reduced sucrose content. These results show that broomrape infection can reduce carrot root quality even when the visual appearance of the root is not affected.
Fruit Set and Enlargement in Fertilized and Unfertilized Olive Ovaries
Authors: Rapoport Hava F. , Rallo Luis
Published: February 2019

Fruit set and enlargement were compared for fertilized and unfertilized olive (Olea europaea L.) ovaries, the latter obtained by flower emasculation and bagging to prevent pollination. In the control population, the timing of abscission coincided with the onset of ovary expansion following fertilization. In the emasculated population, ovary expansion was only slight, and abscission was substantially delayed. Separation of the ovaries by size using graduated screens provided a useful tool for the evaluation of ovary growth.
Evaluations and Correlated Responses for Resistance to Chloramben Herbicide in Cucumber
Authors: Staub Jack E. , Knerr Larry D. , Weston Leslie A.
Published: February 2019

The U.S. cucumber germplasm collection (753 accessions) and U.S. adapted processing cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) inbreds and hybrids were surveyed for response to 6.7 kg ae/ha of chloramben. Nine plant introductions (PI 165952, 173892, 179676, 275411, 277741, 279464, 279465, 436609, and 482464) were classified as tolerant to chloramben, based on percentage and rate of field emergence and seedling vigor. All adapted strains evaluated were susceptible to chloramben injury. The chloramben-tolerant accessions (C0) were subjected to two cycles of recurrent half-sib family selection that resulted in 11 C2 families. These families, a susceptible adapted line (WI 2870), and the resistant PI 436609 were evaluated in the field (6.7 kg ae/ha) and laboratory (0.0, 0.01, and 0.0001 M) for response to chloramben challenge. Significant (P = 0.05) differences between families were observed for percentage emergence and phytotoxicity ratings. Correlations between emergence and phytotoxicity ratings at two dates were low (r2 = -0.32 and – 0.05). Significant (P = 0.05) interfamily differences were also recorded for percentage germination, hypocotyl length, primary root length, and number of lateral roots in the laboratory. Correlated responses between these growth variables were high (r2 = 0.78 to 0.84), but correlations between field and laboratory observations were low (r2 = -0.31 to 0.24). We hypothesize that the genetic response to chloramben challenge under laboratory conditions depends on the concentration of the chemical administered. Chemical name used: 3-amino-2, 5-dichlorobenzoic acid (chloramben).
Dark–Light Treatments Influence Induction of Tomato Anther Callus
Authors: Jaramillo J. , Summers W.L.
Published: February 2019

Three tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) cultivars were studied to determine the effect of nine dark-light regimes on anther callus initiation and growth. Prophase I (leptotene) stage anthers of `L-680A', `Licato', and `Ailsa Craig' were plated on Doy's basal medium 1 and provided with 2 to 10 weeks of dark treatment. After each dark period, each plate was transferred to a 16-hour photoperiod for the duration of the 10-week experiment. At this time, the number of anthers producing calli and the diameter of the calli produced were recorded. Callus number and diameter increased as the dark period duration increased. Callus diameter peaked at 8 weeks of dark treatment for `Ailsa Craig' and `Licato', whereas `L-680A' calli continued to grow over the entire 10-week dark treatment. Although the number and size of callus may continue to increase past 8 weeks of dark incubation, callus quality and appearance decreased noticeably during this period. For each additional week of dark period exposure, 7% more of the plated anthers produce callus, and callus diameter increases by 0.27 mm (12% of total growth). -
Effects of Air Quality on Growth, Yield, and Quality of Watermelon
Authors: Snyder Richard G. , Simon James E. , Reinert Richard A. , Simini Michael , Wilcox Gerald E.
Published: February 2019

Watermelon, Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum & Nakai cv. Sugar Baby, were grown in the field as a fall crop in open-top chambers (OTC) in southwestern Indiana with either charcoal-filtered (CF) or nonfiltered (NF) air. Ozone and sulfur dioxide were continuously monitored in OTC and ambient air. There was a significant decrease in marketable yield by weight (19.9%, P = 0.05), percentage of marketable fruit by number (20.8%, P = 0.10), and total yield by weight (21.5%, P = 0.05) from plants grown in the NF air treatment compared with those grown in CF air. Ozone-induced foliar injury was significantly greater on plants grown under NF conditions. Ambient concentrations of 03 in southwestern Indiana caused foliar injury (P = 0.10) and significant yield loss to a fall crop of watermelons.
Genetic Factors and in Vitro Manipulations Influence Seed Dormancy in Cucumber
Authors: Ali Nawab , Skirvin Robert M. , Splittstoesser Walter E. , Harry David E. , George William L.
Published: February 2019

Seed lots with the genetic background of `Baroda' and `Marketer' cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) containing all possible combinations (DF Df, Dfdf, dfdf) of df (which increases dormancy) and Df (wild type) were used. Dormancy was not solely due to the genotype dfdf and clear effects of genetic background were apparent. The df allele in the homozygous state induced a strong dormancy in `Baroda', but the Df gene could not restore normal germination. However, Df did reduce the dormancy period to 85 days. In `Marketer', df did not delay germination. Any treatment (puncturing, removal, cutting) that damaged the inner integument allowed `Baroda' dfdf to germinate, indicating an intact integument was essential for maintaining dormancy in this cultivar. All `Baroda' dfdf embryonic axes without the cotyledons germinated in 5 days. `Baroda' dfdf seeds with intact integuments imbibed adequate water to germinate but remained dormant, suggesting that the effect of the integument on dormancy was not related to imbibition.
A Comparison of Priming Agents for Tomato and Asparagus Seeds
Authors: Frett J.J. , Pill W.G. , Morneau D.C.
Published: February 2019

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) and asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) seeds were primed for 1 week in –0.8 MPa (20C, dark) polyethylene glycol 8000 (PEG), synthetic seawater (INO), or combinations of Ca+2, K+, or Na+ with Cl−,

, , or ) and then were placed in 0.5-fold Hoagland solution at 20C for germination. Priming did not affect percentage germination of tomato seeds; but asparagus germination increased from 85% in untreated seeds to 90% due to priming. All priming treatments reduced the time to 50% germination (G50) of both species but reduced the time between 10% and 90% germination (G10-90) of only tomato seeds. Salt solutions gave lower G50 values than PEG for tomato seeds but did not provide this advantage for asparagus seeds. The G50 and G10-90 of tomato seeds were lower after priming with nitrate salts than with other salts, but the reductions were greatest with sodium nitrate. The G50 of asparagus seeds was lowered with nitrate salts, but the G10-90 was unaffected.
Germination and Seedling Emergence of Primed Tomato and Asparagus Seeds under Adverse Conditions
Authors: Pill W.G. , Frett J.J. , Morneau D.C.
Published: February 2019

Seeds of `Ace 55' tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) and `Mary Washington' asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) were primed in -0.8 MPa (20C, 1 week, dark) polyethylene glycol 8000 (PEG), synthetic seawater (INO), or NaNO3. Primed seeds of both species had a higher percentage of germination than untreated seeds only at 10C in nonsaline (– 0.05 MPa) medium, while in saline medium (– 0.6 MPa) priming increased the percentage of germination of tomato seeds at 10 and 30C, and of primed asparagus seeds at 10 and 20C. Sodium nitrate was superior to PEG or IN0 for priming tomato seeds since it resulted in fewer days to 50% germination and higher final germination percentage in saline media at all temperatures. IN0 was a satisfactory alternative to PEG or NaNO3 for priming asparagus seeds since priming agent had little or no effect on germination. Seedling emergence from NaNO3-primed seeds of both species sown in a seedbed provided saline (– 0.39 MPa) irrigation was faster than from untreated dry-sown seeds. In the saline seedbed, priming increased final emergence percentage (FEP) from asparagus seeds, provided they were not subsequently dried, but had no effect on the percentage emergence of tomato seeds. Fluid-drilling primed or germinated seeds of either species enhanced seedling establishment in the saline seedbed by reducing time to 50% emergence and/or increasing FEP relative to primed, dried-b&k or untreated seeds.
Field Performance of Sweet Corn Seed Bio-primed and Coated with Pseudomonas fluorescens AB254
Authors: Callan Nancy W. , Mathre Don E. , Miller James B.
Published: February 2019

In field experiments, bio-priming and coating with Pseudomonas fluorescens AB254 consistently protected sweet corn (Zea mays L.) seeds from preemergence damping-off caused by Pythium ultimum Trow. The bio-priming seed treatment was evaluated under various disease pressures and with seeds of three sweet corn genotypes: shrunken-2 supersweet (sh-2), sugary enhancer (se), and sugary (su). While no damping-off occurred in the su sweet corn, bio-priming protected sh-2 and se sweet corn seeds at a level equivalent to that obtained by treatment with the fungicide metalaxyl. Biopriming increased seedling height of all three sweet corn genotypes at 4 weeks post-planting. Coating of sweet corn seeds with P. fluorescens AB254 provided an equivalent degree of protection from damping-off under all but the most severe conditions.
Planting Medium Effects on Forced Swaziland- and Dutch-grown Hippeastrum Hybrids
Authors: De Hertogh A.A. , Tilley M.
Published: February 2019

The Swaziland-grown Hippeastrum bulbs `Summertime' and `Sun Dance' reached the market and flowering stages of development in fewer days than the Dutch-grown bulbs `Apple Blossom' and `Red Lion'. `Sun Dance' was the quickest flower and `Red Lion' the slowest. The effects of the planting medium on days to market and flowering were variable and no medium appeared to be the best for this criterion. `Summertime' and `Red Lion' produced longer leaves at flowering than `Apple Blossom' and `Sun Dance'. Three media that led to the production of the longest leaves, a desirable trait, were: Sunshine no. 4, Fafard 3-B, and Sunshine Post-Harvest. `Apple Blossom' was the tallest cultivar followed by `Sun Dance', `Red Lion', and `Summertime'. Effects of the planting medium on total plant height were variable. The overall plant quality ratings for use as potted plants ranged from 3.4 to 3.8 out of 4 for `Summertime', `Sun Dance', and `Red Lion'. `Apple Blossom' was rated 3.0 because it was tall and had short leaves. It would be suitable as a cut flower. Regardless of the planting medium used, `Apple Blossom' lost the greatest amount of old basal roots. Consequently, it produced many new basal roots. The planting medium had variable effects on old and new basal roots and secondary root growth, depending on the cultivar. Based on all the flowering criteria and the rooting responses, the best media for all cultivars as potted plants were Fafard 3-B and Sunshine Mix no. 4. Fafard no. 2 was best for cut-flower usage since it produced taller plants with a good root system.
The Effect of Brushing on the Growth and Quality of Field-grown Root Crops
Authors: Latimer Joyce G. , Johjima Tomio , Fukuyama Yuhji
Published: February 2019

Shoots of field-grown plants of European radish (Raphanus sativus L. `Comet'), Japanese radish (daikon) (R. sativus L. `Mino-wase'), and Asian turnip (Brassica rapa L. `Hinona') were brushed twice daily, 40 cycles (back-and-forth strokes equal one cycle), for 8 (short-term) or 13, 21, or 14 days (long-term), respectively. European turnip (B. rapa L. `Hikari-kabu') plants were grown in a raised bed in an uncovered plastic house and were brushed for 9 or 21 days. Short-term brushing reduced root dry weight and the root: shoot dry weight ratio (R: S) of European radish, whereas the treatment increased these measurements for Asian turnip and European turnip. Short-term brushing had no effect on growth of Japanese radish plants, but increased root dry weight gain by both turnip cultivars, thereby increasing their R: S ratios. Lung-term brushing reduced root dry weight gain and the R: S ratio of European radish and root dry weight of Asian turnip but had no effect on these measurements for the other crops. Long-term brushing reduced cracking of European radish roots, thereby resulting in a higher proportion of oblong (medium quality) roots. Consequently, the percentage of marketable-quality roots of European radish was increased by brushing. Lung-term brushing increased the percentage of medium-sized roots of Asian turnip at the expense of large-sized roots. Brushing had no effect on root quality of European turnip.
Production of Some Odor-active Volatiles by `McIntosh' Apples following Low-ethylene Controlled-atmosphere Storage
Authors: Yahia Elhadi M.
Published: February 2019

The effectiveness of some poststorage treatments in enhancing the flavor components of low-ethylene controlled-atmosphere (LCA) stored `McIntosh' apples (Malus domestica Borkh.) was investigated. Fruits were stored for 9 months in LCA at 3.3C and then exposed to air at 20C and to air, simulated LCA, 100% O2, or light at 3.3C for up to 4 weeks. Respiration and ethylene production indicated that apples were still in the early stage of ripening after 9 months of storage in LCA. Gas chromatographic analysis for 13 odor-active volatiles revealed the presence of eight. Air at 20C after LCA significantly increased the production of some odor volatiles, while light for up to 3 weeks only slightly increased their concentration. Poststorage exposure to air or 100% O2 at 3.3C for up to 4 weeks was not effective in enhancing volatile formation.
Postharvest Response of Two Strawberry Cultivars to Foliar Application of CaCl2
Authors: Chéour F. , Willemot C. , Arul J. , Makhlouf J. , Desjardins Y.
Published: February 2019

The objective of this study was to compare the effects of the foliar application of CaCl2 on the shelf life and Ca content of the fruit of the strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) cultivars Kent and Glooscap, which differ in fruit firmness. Calcium was applied repeatedly, 3 days, 3 and 6 days, or 3, 6, and 9 days before harvest at 0, 10, or 20 kg·ha-1. Calcium treatment influenced amounts of free sugars and organic acids, color, texture, and disease development during storage in air at 4C. Calcium application had more effect on the fruit of the softer `Glooscap', which contained relatively low levels of Ca at the time of treatment. Calcium content of the fruit appeared to depend mainly on the ability of the plant to accumulate and distribute Ca.
Two Putative Cryoprotectants do not Provide Frost and Freeze Protection in Tomato and Pepper
Authors: Perry Katharine B. , Bonanno A. Richard , Monks David W.
Published: February 2019

A commercially available cryoprotectant (50% propylene block copolymer of polyoxyethylene, 50% propylene glycol; trade name FrostFree) and an antitranspirant (96% di-1-p-menthene, i.e., pinolene, a terpenic polymer, 4% inert; trade name Vapor Gard) were evaluated for their ability to protect `Pik Red' tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) and `Keystone Resistant Giant #3' pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) plants during frost and freeze occurrences in the field. Tests were conducted during four spring and two fall seasons. Protection from these products was not observed under field conditions when minimum air temperature reached -3.5C and -l.0C on separate occasions. Yields for treated and untreated plants were similar. Neither cryoprotectant injured the foliage in the absence of cold events.
Selective Removal of Floral Buds from Camellia with Ethephon
Authors: Woolf Allan B. , Clemens John , Plummer Julie A.
Published: February 2019

Six concentrations of ethephon were applied to plants of `Donation' and `Anticipation' Camellia (L.) at two times (late summer and autumn) and three times (late summer, autumn, and midwinter) of the year, respectively. Abscission of leaves and floral and vegetative buds was determined. Sensitivity to ethephon varied markedly among plant organs. Greater sensitivity of floral buds indicated that ethephon could be used to selectively remove these with minimal abscission of other plant organs. Proportion of abscised organs varied with cultivar and time of application. Chemical name used: (2-chloroethyl)phosphonic acid (ethephon).
Spontaneous Tetraploid Melons
Authors: Nugent Perry E. , Ray Dennis T.
Published: February 2019

Since 1968, three spontaneous 4× melons (Cucumis melo L.) plants were discovered in our field or greenhouse plantings. Two were found in the cultivar Planters Jumbo and one in the virescent marker C879-52. Each of these 4× plants had rounded cotyledons, shorter internodes, thicker stems and leaves, more hairs, and smaller fruits, with larger stem and blossom scars, than their 2× counterparts. Also, their flowers, pollen grains, stomates, and seeds were larger. The discovery of a 4× virescent plant in 1987 allows easier germplasm transfer between ploidy levels. Morphological characteristics of 2× and 4× melons will allow identification without need for chromosome counts.
Sulfur Nutrition Affects Nonstructural Water-soluble Carbohydrates in Onion Germplasm
Authors: Randle William M.
Published: February 2019

Sixty onion (Allium cepa L.) entries were evaluated for nonstructural water-soluble carbohydrates (NWSC) under high (4.0 meq·liter-1) and low (0.1 meq·liter-1) S nutrition. Significant differences were detected among entries for sucrose, fructose, glucose, total fructans, total NWSC, and soluble solids content (SSC). Sucrose, total fructans, and SSC were highly correlated with total NWSC although deviant NWSC concentration was detected. Since a significant S × entry interaction was found for all NWSC concentrations tested. selection should be conducted at S concentrations indicative of targeted production areas.