bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CHILLING INJURY AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF MAIZE LEAF EPICUTICULAR WAX
Authors: Jennings Paul H. , Ishii N. , Rufner R.
Published: February 2019

Chlorotic bands across sugarcane leaves were first described as symptoms of cold chlorosis in 1926 and later described in sorghum and maize. The injury develops after exposure of seedlings to temperatures in the 0°C to 12°C range. The severity of injury in maize seedlings may be reduced by high relative humidity during the post-chilling period suggesting a temperature induced water stress. An early visible chilling response is the appearance of a glazed area in the region in which the chlorotic band will develop. This area of the young expanding maize leaf was studied with scanning electron microscopy(SEM). Maize seedlings were grown for 6 days at 24°C with a 15/9 h light/dark cycle. Plants were chilled at 10°C for 9 h during the 7th dark period and leaves sampled 39 h after the end of chilling. SEM photomicrographs revealed a gradient of epicuticular wax deposition from the tip to the base of the leaf. In the region of chill-induced chlorotic band formation, the control leaves exhibited a greater amount of wax deposition than the chilled leaves. It is suggested that the reduced epicuticular wax in a band across the chilled leaves might lead to a water stress resulting in chlorosis and eventually developing into the typical necrotic band.
THE EFFECTS OF THE INTERACTION BETWEEN LIGHT AND EXOGENOUS ABSCISIC ACID ON COLD ACCLIMATION OF `ALASKA' PEA SEEDLINGS.
Authors: Tignor Milton E. , Weiser Russell L.
Published: February 2019

Alaska peas (Pisum sativum `Alaska') were germinated in the dark at 25C. After three days, when the shoots were approx. 1.5 cm, treatments were initiated. ABA, at 10-4M, was exogenously applied through the root solution. The control peas remained in distilled water. All treatments involving the application of ABA were applied under green safe light. Light treatments were applied using overhead fluorescent lights for designated timed intervals (0 to 20 min) over 3 days. A methanol bath was then used to induce freezing stresses from 0 to -9C. The combination treatment of light and ABA had the lowest LT50 (more cold tolerant) followed by light, dark, and dark with ABA (least cold tolerant). Extensin levels, plant growth, and stem bendability were also recorded.
EFFECT OF FERTILITY SOURCE AND LIME ON THE PERFORMANCE OF HYDROPHILIC POLYMERS USED WITH SEVEN FOLIAGE PLANT SPECIES.
Authors: Conner Melinda S. , Klingaman Gerald
Published: February 2019

Studies were undertaken to compare plant growth and water use in a new commercially produced media that contained a hydrophilic polymer combined with a traditional peat-lite media. Rooted cuttings of nephytis, spathiphyllum, parlor palm, pothos, corn plant, `Dallas' fern, and gold dust dracaena were planted into 15cm plastic pots containing either a peat-lite media or the media with hydrophilic polymer. Both mediums were amended with 2.4 kg/m3 gypsum and then treatments of 0, 1.5, or 3 kg/m3 of dolomitic limestone were added. Plant height, width, growth index, top fresh weight and dry weight were measured. Preliminary tests indicated that the media with the hydrophilic polymer performed better with slow-release fertilizer than a constant liquid fertilization program. Plant growth appeared to be optimum at the 0 or 1.5 kg/m3 rate of dolomite. Plants grown in the media with the hydrophilic polymer produced plants of comparable quality to those in the peat-lite media.
“TIFBLUE' BLUEBERRY BUDBREAK BY H2CN2 AT DIFFERENT DORMANCY STAGES
Authors: Saad M.R. Mohd. , Weiser Russell L.
Published: February 2019

`Tifblue' Blueberries (Vaccinium ashei) have poor or delayed budbreak in warm growing regions due to a lack of chilling temperatures. Hydrogen cyanamide(H2CN2) is known to break dormancy in buds. We tested the response of `Tifblue' blueberry buds to concentrations of hydrogen cyanamide at different dormancy stages with respect to budbreak and phytotoxicity. Blueberry bud sticks were harvested during the growth season at three week intervals. H2CN2 (0.05, 0.125, 0.25, 0.5 M), hot water (47C) and a control (distilled water at 0C) were used. Treated bud sticks were forced to break under light at 18-26C. Flower and leaf buds broke after 10-14 days. H2CN2 above 0.25 M was highly phytotoxic to flower buds, but not leaf buds. H2CN2 at 0.125 M was most effective in breaking flower and leaf buds at all dormancy stages. ABA and polyamine levels in buds shall be analyzed.
PROPAGATION OF PECAN BY LAYERING
Authors: Abou-Taleb S. , Wood B.W. , Fouad M.M. , Yates I.E.
Published: February 2019

At present, a clonal rootstock for pecan is unavailable. Studies were initiated to evaluate the effectiveness of air-layering, stooling and trench layering techniques for propagation and field survival of clonal pecan rootstocks and to obtain an estimation of the relative responsiveness of genotypes.

These studies demonstrated that clonal rootstocks and scion materials can be produced for pecan genotypes by either of the air-layering, stooling, or trench layering techniques. Survival and health of clones were generally best from ramets produced by the stooling and trench layering methods if girdling plus IBA is used to induce rooting. Of the three methods evaluated, stooling would appear to be the most practical method of producing rootstock materials since it produces the most healthy clones, although its yield per tree is probably a little less than that of trench-layering. The influence of the `girdling plus IBA' treatment on overall physiology of the rooted shoot appears to be relatively minor when compared to that of the `check'.
MEASUREMENT OF RELATIVE HUMIDITY IN IN VITRO CULTURES
Authors: Safadi Farida , Hughes Harrison , Zerbi Giuseppe
Published: February 2019

Research involving acclimatization of in vitro plantlets by reducing the relative humidity (RH) in vitro requires a suitable method for monitoring RH in the culture vessels. In this research we describe a method for measuring the RH dynamically in the culture vessels, based upon thermocouple psychrometry. Thermocouple junctions (.003 mm gauge) were used with a wet cotton thread on the wet bulb junction inserted from the side of the jar. Aspiration was provided by tiny fans run by miniature motors left outside the vessels. Pre-calibrated aspirated and non-aspirated experiments showed realistically reduced RH in the cultures covered with caps which allowed for gas exchange. The aspirated procedure resulted in greater precision. This procedure with some refinement could be a useful method for monitoring RH in in vitro cultures.
SHOOT ORGANOGENESIS FROM CAMBIAL DISC EXPLANTS OF PEAR.
Authors: Bell Richard L.
Published: February 2019

Discs of cambial tissue were excised from actively growing shoots of `Bartlett' pear, and explanted directly on regeneration induction media. The basal medium was 1/2 strength MS macro-nutrients, MS micro-nutrients and organics, 8 g/l agar, and 30 g/l sucrose. Phytohormone treatments consisted of a factorial design of NAA (0 and 5μM) and TDZ (1, 2, 3, 4, and 5μM). After 4 weeks incubation in the dark, the explants were transferred to auxin-free media with identical concentrations of TDZ. There was an absolute requirement for auxin in the induction medium, as all discs on auxin-free initial media died without callusing. Maximum shoot regeneration 4 weeks after transfer to expression media was obtained with an initial medium containing 5μM NAA and 3μM TDZ, from which 30% of the explants produced one or more adventitious shoots. This rate of regeneration is similar to that obtained in some experiments with in vitro leaf explants, and provides an alternative system for regeneration of pear.
ENHANCEMENT OF SHOOT REGENERATION BY PARACHLOROPHENOXY ISOBUTYRIC ACID (PCIB) IN LEAF CULTURES OF IPOMOEA SPECIES IN THE SECTION BATATAS.
Authors: Kobayashi Ruth S. , Bouwkamp John C. , Sinden Stephen L.
Published: February 2019

Use of wild species for in vitro sweetpotato improvement has been limited, in part, by the lack of suitable regeneration systems for these species. Shoot regeneration in 4 closely related species, I. batatas, I. cordatotriloba, I. trifida and I. triloba, were evaluated. Callus was initiated using methods described by Otani and Shimada (1988). Calli were transferred to regeneration media containing 17.75 uM BAP and 0, 1, 10 and 100 uM PCIB. Organogenesis was enhanced by the presence of PCIB. With I. cordatotriloba calli grown on media with 10 uM PCIB, a 2-fold increase in the percentage of calli exhibiting shoot regeneration was observed as compared to calli grown on media with BAP alone. A significant increase in the average number of shoots per callus was also observed. The other species examined appeared to be less sensitive than I. cordatotriloba to the PCIB treatments.
MICROPROPAGATION OF MUSA ON A STATIONARY LIQUID MEDIUM
Authors: Harris Joan P.
Published: February 2019

In vitro growth of banana, Musa sp., using a modified Murashige and Skoog liquid medium was compared with the same formulation solidified by the addition of agar. Plants grown on the stationary liquid weighed more and had a higher multiplication rate. The best volume of liquid and number of plants per vessel were determined.

Four hundred plants grown in liquid media were studied for one year after planting in the field. Flowering occurred at 7 months and harvesting 3 months later. The mutation rate observed was below 5%.
IN VITRO CULTURE OF IMMATURE TAXUS EMBRYOS
Authors: Hu Ching-yeh , Wang Lee , Wu Bernard
Published: February 2019

Embryo culture can by-pass yew (Taxus) seed dormancy and produce large population of seedlings to be screened for the anticancer drug, taxol, production. Immature linear embryos from seeds of T. baccata, T. brevifolia. T. cuspidata, and T. media were dissected and cultured. B5 medium supported the best embryonic growth during the initial two week's culture for T. cuspidata and T. baccata. T. brevifolia grew faster on MS medium. Weak embryo dormancy was encountered in T. brevifolia and T. cuspidata from the mature seeds but not from the immature ones. No embryonic growth had been observed in T. media dissected from mature seeds due to strong dormancy. Developing embryos were subsequently transferred to 1/2X B5 medium for germination. Rooting percentage in the mature seed derived T. brevifolia embryos increased from 12.5 to 63.6 when 30 μM GA3 was added to the initial medium. Several hundreds of seedlings of T. baccata. T. brevifolia and T. cuspidata had been acclimatized to the greenhouse conditions. The taxol content of resultant T. cuspidata seedlings was 0.027% (dry weight), while that of T. brevifolia obtained from the wild twig was 0.030%.
UNIQUE FEATURE OF KOREAN FRUIT GROWING WITH SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON PERSIMMONS, ORIENTAL PEARS, JUJUBE, AND DWARF APPLES
Authors: Kim Yong-Koo
Published: February 2019

As Korea is located 33-38° latitude in north hemisphere, her capacity availing deciduous fruit growing is enough in allowing successful production of persimmon, oriental pear, jujube and dwarf apple. There are two kind of persimmons, sweet and astringent, and the majority of persimmon production is the sweet one owing to the higher price and consumer preferences. Astringent persimmons are dried after peeling and served as a traditional, popular fruit punch in Korea. The most popular oriental pear cultivar in Korea is Shinko (`Niitaka'), occupying 38% of the total pear growing area. This cultivar is extending its popularity in world trade with 4,361 tons of fruits exported to Taiwan, Singapore, USA, Netherlands, etc. The future of oriental pear is quite promising along with the increasing acknowledgement of its crispness among westerners as well as oriental people living abroad. Production status of jujube and dwarf apple, mostly `Fuji' and `Tsugaru' on M.26 rootstock, will be presented with describing merits and problems of their production.
FLORICULTURAL INDUSTRY IN KOREA AND VALUABLE ORNAMENTAL PLANTS NATIVE TO KOREA
Authors: Lee Jong-Suk , Kim Ki-Sun
Published: February 2019

In spite of its rapid growth in recent years, the floricultural industry in Korea is rather small with respect to total acreage and number of growers engaged, product value, international trade, and production facilities and technics involved. The production status will be introduced with slides. Nevertheless, variable climatic conditions of the temperate zone such as the distinctive 4 seasons favor the prosperous growth of a variety of vegetation throughout the Korean peninsular. Thus, it has been wellknown that many ornamental plants native to Korea have good potentials for horticultural use. The morphological characteristics of a few selected plants will be introduced along with slides. These plants include Aster spp, Iris spp, Gentiana soabra, Chrysanthemum zawadski, Pulsatilla koreana, Cymbidium spp, Calanthe spp, Dendrobium moniliforme, Abeliophyllum distichum, Ardisia spp, Hibiscus syriacus, and many others.
UNIQUE FEATURES OF UTILIZATION OF HORTICULTURAL CROPS IN KOREA
Authors: Lee Seung Koo
Published: February 2019

Kimchi is a kind of a spicy fermented pickle, and there are many varieties of kimchi depending on processing methods, seasons, and the availability of certain vegetables. Kimchi contains good amounts of nutrients and stimulates the appetite. The taste of kimchi is attributed to the unique blending and fermentation of ingredients. Detailed information about kimchi preparations and raw materials will be discussed. Various utilization methods of other horticultural products unique in Korea will be outlined. Types of processing include the salting, drying, and fermenting of fruits and vegetables. Soysauce, soybean paste, and red pepper paste are the important fermented products which will be summarized. Different types of traditional foods in Korea will also be introduced.
Nutrient Accumulation and Tipburn in NFT-grown Lettuce at Several Potassium and pH Levels
Authors: Bres Wlodzimierz , Weston Leslie A.
Published: February 2019

`Buttercrunch', `Grand Rapids', and `Summer Bibb' lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) seedlings were grown with the nutrient film technique (NIT). The influence of two K concentrations (150 and 225 mg·liter-1) and four solution pH levels (5.0, 5.5, 6.0, and 6.5) on lettuce tipburn was investigated in four experiments. Additionally, the influence of pH on foliar nutrient concentration was examined. Even though tipburn was observed in `Buttercrunch' and `Summer Bibb' lettuce, neither K nor pH level consistently affected tipburn incidence. No tipburn was observed in `Grand Rapids'. Solution pH generally did not affect concentration of total N and NO3-N in lettuce tissue. Increasing the pH increased K concentration and resulted in increased proportions of K compared to Mg or Ca. Although the influence of solution pH on P, Ca, and Mg concentration was significant, nutrient accumulation differences were not reflected in lettuce fresh-weight differences. The influence of K solution concentration and pH on lettuce yield was not significant. Tipburn incidence in NIT-produced lettuce appears to be primarily affected by environmental conditions maintained during greenhouse growth.
Cytological Mechanism of 2n Microscope Formation in Garden Asparagus
Authors: Camadro E.L.
Published: February 2019

Microsporogenesis was studied in 42 randomly chosen Fz plants of garden asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L. cv. UC 157) (2n = 2x = 20) that had been previously screened for production of pollen of heterogeneous size. At the tetrad stage, the average frequencies of tetrads, triads, and dyads were 58.9%, 15.4%, and 25.9%, respectively. Dyads and triads originated from the lack of chromosome migration toward opposite poles at anaphase II in either one or both cells of a microsporocyte, followed by the absence of cytokinesis in telophase II. The resulting 2n microspores were, therefore, genetically equivalent to second meiotic division restitution products. The observation that all plants examined produced 2n microspores in high frequencies is taken as an indication that the modified meiosis in these plants is under genetic control.
Plant Regeneration of Pampas Grass from Immature Inflorescences Cultured in Vitro
Authors: Robacker C.D. , Corley W.L.
Published: February 2019

A micropropagation system to obtain plants from inflorescences of pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana Schult. `Pumila') was developed. Factors examined included developmental stage of inflorescence cultured and growth regulator combinations and concentrations that support explant establishment, shoot regeneration, and rooting. Immature inflorescences ≈300 mm long formed many shoot primordia when initially cultured on Murashige and Skoog basal medium containing 4.5 μm 2,4-D and 8.9 μm BA and subcultured to medium with 0.4 μm 2,4-D and 4.4 μm BA. Thereafter, monthly transfer to a medium without growth regulators yielded about three shoots per tube per month for more than 6 months. Most shoots rooted spontaneously and were easily hardened to greenhouse conditions. Field-tested plants flowered within 2 years and nearly all appeared identical to the parent cultivar. With this technique, several thousand plants can be obtained from a single inflorescence in 1 year. Chemical names used: N -(phenylmethyl)-1 H -purine-6-amine (BA); (2,4-dichlorophenoxy)acetic acid (2,4-D).
Eight New Somatic Hybrid Citrus Rootstocks with Potential for Improved Disease Resistance
Authors: Louzada Eliezer S. , Grosseti Jude W. , Gmitter Frederick G. , Nielsen Beatriz , Chandler J.L. , Deng Xiu Xin , Tusa Nicasio
Published: February 2019

Protoplast culture following polyethylene glycol-induced fusion resulted in the regeneration of vigorous tetraploid somatic hybrid plants from eight complementary parental rootstock combinations: Citrus reticulata Blanco (Cleopatra mandarin) + C. aurantium L. (sour orange), C. reticulata (Cleopatra mandarin) + C. jambhiri Lush (rough lemon), C. reticulata (Cleopatra mandarin) + C. volkameriana Ten. & Pasq. (Volkamer lemon), C. reticulata (Cleopatra mandarin) + C. limonia Osb. (Rang-pur), C. sinensis (L.) Osb. (Hamlin sweet orange) + C. limonia (Rangpur), C. aurantium (sour orange) + C. volkameriana (Volkamer lemon) zygotic seedling, C. auruntium hybrid (Smooth Flat Seville) + C. jambhiri (rough lemon), and C. sinensis (Valencia sweet orange) + Carrizo citrange [C. paradisi Macf. × Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf.]. Diploid plants were regenerated from nonfused callus-derived protoplasts of Valencia sweet orange and Smooth Flat Seville and from nonfused leaf protoplasts of sour orange, Rangpur, rough lemon, and Volkamer lemon. Regenerated plants were classified according to leaf morphology, chromosome number, and leaf isozyme profiles. All somatic hybrid plants were tetraploid (2n = 4× = 36). One autotetraploid plant of the Volkamer lemon zygotic was recovered, apparently resulting from a homokaryotic fusion. These eight new citrus somatic hybrids have been propagated and entered into field trials.
Evapotranspiration and Leaf Extension Rates of 24 Well-watered, Turf-type Cynodon Genotypes
Authors: Beard J.B. , Green R.L. , Sifers S.I.
Published: February 2019

Cultivar selection is one method used for the conservation of irrigation water. The primary objective of this research was to evaluate the evapotranspiration (ET) rates of 24 well-watered, turf-type bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.) genotypes under field conditions and established on a fritted clay root zone contained in plastic minilysimeter pots. A secondary objective was to correlate ET rate to leaf extension rate, a potential rapidly assessed predictor of the amount of leaf surface area present for ET. ET rates were determined by the water-balance method. Both the overall ET and leaf extension rate differed significantly among genotypes. ET rates were not correlated with leaf extension rates in individual years. Our data indicated a potential for water savings based on bermudagrass cultivar selection that was similar to the reported potential water savings based on warm-season turfgrass species selection.
Temperature Requirements for the Storage and Germination of Delphinium × cultorum Seed
Authors: Carpenter William J. , Boucher Joseph F.
Published: February 2019

Delphinium seed germination was about equal in light or darkness. Seed total germination percentages were highest and about equal at constant 15 or 20C and alternating (12 h) 10/20C, 15/25C, or 20/30C. The most rapid and uniform germination generally occurred at constant 20C. Storing seeds dry at 2C for 3 weeks before germination reduced the days to 50% of final germination (T50) and between 10% and 90% germination (T90 - T10) but did not increase total germination. The seeds had only limited desiccation tolerance, with `Magic Fountains Lavender' having declining germination percentages at moisture contents below 7.0% and `Magic Fountains Lilac' below 6.7%. Seeds tolerated storage at low, nonfreezing or subzero temperatures, but cultivar responses differed. `Magic Fountains Lavendar' had progressively lower germination percentages as storage temperatures declined from 5 to –20C, while `Magic Fountains Lilac' germination increased. The relative humidity (RH) and temperature that delphinium seed received during long-term storage influenced germination. Germination after seed storage at 5C was higher, earlier, and more uniform than after 15 or 25C storage. The highest total germination percentages occurred following seed storage at 5C and 30% to 50% RH, the shortest T50 from 35% to 55% RH, and shortest spans (T90 - T10) from 25% to 50% RH.
Restricting Overhead Irrigation to Dawn Limits Growth in Container-grown Woody Ornamentals
Authors: Beeson R.C.
Published: February 2019

Elaeagnus pungens Thunb., Ligustrum japonicum Thunb., Photinia ×fraseri `Red Top', and Rhododendron sp. `Fashion' (azalea) growing in 10.4-liter containers were irrigated only at dawn with overhead impact sprinklers or pulse-irrigated three or four times each day with a drip system. Plant water potential was measured diurnally each week for 24 weeks, and growth was measured at the end of the growing season in December. Overhead irrigation resulted in less growth of all species than plants maintained near 100% container moisture with pulse irrigation. With the exception of photinia, more growth was associated with significantly lower daily accumulated water stress. Water stress of overhead-irrigated plants was generally not severe enough to cause stomata1 closure.
A HYDROPONICS NUTRIENT SOLUTION BASED ON COMMERCIAL FERTILIZER'
Authors: Ready Kathleen M. , Barker Allen V.
Published: February 2019

Many people want to use hydroponics in production of plants but often are hobbyists with limited access to the reagents necessary to formulate a nutrient solution. Several readily available commercial fertilizers and chemicals with tomato-(Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) as the test plant were used to develop a nutrient solution. A 20-8.8-16.6 IN-P-K) general purpose fertilizer was added (1 g/liter) to deionized water to make a basic solution. This solution was fortified with slow-release fertilizer (approx. 17N-2.6P-8.5K with Ca, Hg, and minor elements) at 1 g/liter added directly to hydroponics vessels. Tomato developed severe foliar symptoms of Ca deficiency in this medium. Addition of CaSO4 or CaCO3 at 0.5 or 1 g/liter to give a solid phase of these chemicals in the vessels prevented development of symptoms of Ca deficiency; however, plants now showed symptoms of Mg deficiency. Addition of MgS0 at 0.25 g/liter to the basic solution prevented symptoms o Mg deficiency. Analyses confirmed that leaf N, P, K, Ca, and Mg were sufficient.

This solution was as good as Hoagland's No. 1 solution for growth of tomato, marigold, and cucumber and was better than Hoagland's solution for growth of corn and wheat.
CARBON DIOXIDE TREATMENTS FOR CONTROL OF GREENHOUSE WHITEFLY ON POINSETTIAS
Authors: Han Susan S. , Nobel Jennifer
Published: February 2019

Whitefly infestation of poinsettias arises frequently from cuttings that were infested at the start of the season. Experiments were conducted to investigate the feasibility of using short-term elevated CO2 to eliminate whiteflies on cuttings prior to planting. Results indicated that adult greenhouse whiteflies (Trialeurodes vaporarium) are highly susceptible to an elevated level of CO2. All adult whiteflies are killed after exposure to 25% or 50% CO2 for less than 10 hours. Eggs, however, are more resistant than adults where 80% survived 10-hr of 50% CO2 treatment. Tests on poinsettia cuttings demonstrated that prolonged exposure to elevated CO2 resulted in the development of toxic symptoms soon after the treatments. Tolerance of 'Lilo' exceeded that of 'Supjibi', revealing differences in susceptibility of the two cultivars to the elevated CO2 treatment. Believing that the reduction in O2, rather than the elevation of CO2, was the main cause of mortality, we are currently testing the effects of hypoxia on survival of whiteflies.
THE EFFECTS OF TEMPERATURE, OXYGEN AND CARBON DIOXIDE ON TIE STORAGE QUALITY OF `YORK IMPERIAL' APPLES
Authors: Greene George M. , Barden Cynthia L. , Lehman-Salada Laura
Published: February 2019

York Imperial is an important processing apple cultivar in the mid-Atlantic region and is often stored for up to eleven months. This experiment was designed to further examine the optimum CA storage conditions for this cultivar. Six orchards were used as statistical blocks. The factorial experiment was set up with 2 temperatures (0 and 2C), 2 oxygen (1 and 2%) and 3 carbon dioxide concentrations (2,3.5 and 5%). Sample size was 20 fruit at all analysis periods (at harvest, 4, 6, and 8 months). The apples were stored in a recirculating CA research facility and evaluated for firmness, soluble solids and weight loss. In the overall statistical analysis, orchard blocks, harvest dates and storage times significantly influenced all 3 quality parameters. Differences between blocks at harvest were substantial with firmness ranging from 9.5 to 11.3 kg and the soluble solids ranging from 12.8 to 14.8%. At the third storage removal (8 months), low oxygen increased firmness and decreased weight loss during storage while at the lower temperature, apples were firmer, had higher soluble solids and less weight loss than at the higher temperature. Although statistically significant, the differences may not be commercially important Block differences were generally maintained throughout storage.
CANOPY MANIPULATION EFFECTS ON VEGETATIVE AND REPRODUCTIVE GROWTH OF “TITAN” RED RASPBERRY
Authors: Fernandez Gina E. , Pritts Marvin P.
Published: February 2019

The objective of this experiment was to determine the effects that altering the probable source-sink relationships would have on subsequent growth and yield components under field conditions. The balance between vegetative and reproductive growth was altered by imposing light stress (shading) on various growth phases, or removing primocanes, floricanes or fruit. Removal of primocanes significantly increased yield the year of removal. However, if primocane removal coincided with canopy shading, this increase in yield was not achieved. Overall, a significant negative correlation existed between 1991 and 1992 yields. Treatments with high yields in 1991 had low yields in 1992, and visa verca. This evidence-suggests that: 1) primocanes and floricanes are competing for light, not photosynthates during the flowering and fruiting period and 2) altering the balance of vegetative and reproductive growth one year had a significant effect on growth the subsequent year.
TISSUE-CULTURE AND PROTOPLAST ISOLATION IN ASPARAGUS DENSIFLORUS L.
Authors: Benmousea Mustapha , Desjardine Yves
Published: February 2019

We have developed tissue culture and protoplasts isolation protocols for Asparagus densiflorus in order to use this genetic material in the breeding of Asparagus officinalis. For tissue-culture of A. densiflorus, the conditions which optimize the induction and the production of callus are a full MS medium with 1 mg/L of both pCPA and BAP and 0.5 mg/L of thiamine. HCL in the dark. on this medium, we obtained a friable white callus. Indirect organogenesis was obtained if pCPA was omitted from the medium. Replacement of the plant growth regulators by 2,4-D and Kinetin produced a hard and compact callus which did not differentiate. Protoplast have been isolated from 10 days old friable callus. cell wall was digested with 0.3% macerase, 1% cellulase and 0.8% rhozyme for a period of 16h at a temperature of 27°C in a CPW medium. Protoplast yield was 2 ×106 protoplasts/g callus. osmolarity of the digestion solution was 0.8 M provided with a mixture of glucose (0.6 M) and mannitol (0.2 M). cells were then plated at a density of 1 × 105 cells per ml. Microcolonies formed on a 1/2 MS medium with 0,5 mg/L NAA and ZEA and 1 g/L glutamine in the dark.
OPTIMAL GROWTH, RAPID ACCLIMATIZATION AND SHIPPING OF CATTLEYA ORCHID IN SINGLE USE SEALED MEMBRANE VESSELS
Authors: Dellevigne Laura A. , Adelberg Jeffrey W. , Vergano Peter
Published: February 2019

Three-dimensional polypropylene enclosures have been fabricated for the in vitro culture and ex vitro growth of Cattleya orchid propagules. The enclosures consist of: 1) microporous polypropylene membrane for nutrient transfer between liquid media and the growing tissue. 2) molded polypropylene side wall sized for growth of Cattleya orchid plants and flanged to allow heat seals with membranes, and 3) polypropylene membrane(s) top member for light and gaseous transmission. Three commercial clones of Cattleya have been sealed into these enclosures and grown for eight months on unmended MS medium. Contaminated liquid media was effectively isolated from the propagules within the sealed enclosures, and following a bleach treatment with sterile rinses, propagules were returned to aseptic culture. Greenhouse growth of plant tissues in these enclosures will be discussed. Optimization for growth of Cattleya has begun with studies of gas, light and temperature regimes within the sealed enclosures and a comparison of growth on two different nutrient formulations.
GREENHOUSE TOMATOES - CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS OF A GROWING INDUSTRY IN MISSISSIPPI
Authors: Snyder Richard G.
Published: February 2019

Production of greenhouse tomatoes, while not new to Mississippi, has increased in the past 4 years to an industry of noteworthy size. This specialized industry in Mississippi has faded in and out of popularity over the years, as new growers have sometimes been stimulated by greenhouse supply companies looking for prospective customers. Often, rumors of incredibly high yields, consistently high demand and price, and minimal problems with pests and culture have encouraged novice growers to start in such a big way as to make it impossible to pay off their debts.

With strong support from the Extension Service and the Experiment Station in Missiippi, the number of grown has increased from a handful to 71, utilizing 224 free-standing or gutter-connected greenhouse bays, occupying 12 acres under plastic. This has placed Mississippi within the top 10 greenhouse vegetable producing states in the U.S. and has helped to build a $1.8 million industry. University support has taken the form of: 1) monthly Vegetable Press Newsletter, 2) annual Greenhouse Tomato Short Course each April, 3) Greenhouse Tomato Handbook (1992). 4) organized Greenhouse Tours. 5) a greenhouse tomato production video now in the planning stage, and 6) excellent support by Plant Pathologists and Entomologists.

To support these growers, most of whom are new to greenhouse tomatoes, a number of culturally based experiments have been performed at the Truck Crop Branch Experiment Station. These have included evaluation of heating systems, media, varieties, biological control, fog cooling, and bumblebee pollination.
EXPERIMENTSTO ESTABLISH KIWANO (CUCUMIS METULIFERUS L.) AS A SPECIAL TY CROP FOR MISSOURI
Authors: Marsh Dyremple B. , Maledy Steve
Published: February 2019

Efforts to produce specialty crops by Missouri farmers have been met with varying success. This success is reduced by the lack of established cultural practices necessary for the economic production of these crops. Ten kiwano plant introductions obtained from the Central Regional Plant Introduction Station in Ames, Iowa, were planted in the greenhouse. Seedling vigor was determined by shoot length, shoot dry weight, and number of leaves produced. Uniform seedlings from each accession were transplanted in the field with within row spacings of 0.9 m and 1.3 m. Seedling vigor varied significantly between accessions. Yields of field grown kiwano were affected by plant spacing, with the closer spaced plants having the higher yields. Plant spacing had no effect on fruit color, fruit length, or fruit width. Incidents of fusarium wilt were prevalent at both plant spacings.
HOME COMPOSTING: A STATE-WIDE INTERAGENCY INITIATIVE
Authors: McLaurin WJ. , Wade G.L.
Published: February 2019

In response to national Cooperative. Extension Service initiative and Georgia's Solid Waste Management Acts, eight state agencies and University of Georgia personnel joined forces to demonstrate simple and effective home composting concepts in a workshop format. Attended by over 550 participants, a series of ten workshops were held in selected locations throughout the state. These workshops were designed to instruct local volunteers to teach appropriate waste management practices concerning home composting and how home composting can help meet the state mandated 25% landfill reduction goal, what costs are involved, how to establish a community education program, and where to obtain technical assistance.

During the daylong workshop, participants heard presentations on five important aspects of the role of composting in community waste management--the legislative/environmental mandate., the composting process, equipment/site requirements, curbside waste reduction, and start-up for local programs in home composting.

As the first state-wide home composting educational project, it serves as a model for other state-wide initiatives targeting waste management concerns, and creates appropriate impetus for community waste management action throughout the state.
HORTICULTURE EDUCATION AT THE 1ST GRADE LEVEL
Authors: Bush E.W. , Fennel A.W. , Young W.A. , Raiford T.J.
Published: February 2019

To promote both learning and horticulture, a 5 year pilot program was implemented with a collaborative effort between the Louisiana State University Horticulture Department and the University Laboratory School. The objective of this program was to develop a hands-on approach to learning which fostered self-discovery and a positive perception of horticulture. First graders were able to experiment in both the greenhouse and in the field with instruction in the classroom. Among the many concepts that the children were Introduced to, they benefitted most from being able to participate and observe the process from seeding to harvesting enabling them to work with the different types of seeds, media, and fertilizers. In the classroom, horticulture was Integrated in every subject of the first grade class. For example, the students learned math by measuring and counting the produce then making charts to report their findings. The result of the program was that the children did in fact obtain a positive perspective of horticulture while developing an awareness of the process of growth and development of horticultural crops. The first grade class received a national award for donating their produce to the local food bank in Baton Rouge.
TEXAS POTATO GROWERS OPTIMIZE NITROGEN MANAGEMENT
Authors: Roberts Roland E. , Hickey Michael G.
Published: February 2019

Texas processing potato growers want high tuber yield and soluble solids with optimal nitrogen (N) fertilization to avoid leaching N into underground water. A 3-year on-farm study demonstrated petiole and soil testing methods for N enabling growers to apply N at rates and times for maximum yield with acceptable specific gravity. For example, a FL-1553 crop received 160 N kg/ha in irrigation water spread over 126-day season. Sampling every 2 weeks from early vegetative stage to harvest showed petiole N of 22,000 ppm on day 40; 6,000 ppm on day 54; 3,000 ppm on day 68; 7,000 ppm on day 96; and 2,000 ppm by day 110. At harvest total tuber N = 1.12%; tuber specific gravity = 1.081 (17.1 % FritoLay solids); and processor acceptable yield = 304 q/ha. The crop removed nearly all applied N.
INFLUENCE OF SEED PREPARATION AND PLANTING DATE ON DAMPING-OFF OF WATERMELON
Authors: Hall Melvin R. , Summer Donald R.
Published: February 2019

Primed, germinated, and untreated seeds of three watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum & Nakai] cultivars were planted in March and April of 1990 and 1991 to evaluate damping-off incited by Pythium irregulare and Rhizoctonia solani AG-4. One week after seeding in 1990, plant stand was greater from primed and germinated than untreated Seeds in noninfested soil and greater from primed than germinated or untreated seeds in soil infested with P. irregulare. Neither germinated nor primed seeds improved plant establishment in soil infested with R. solani AG-4. Early plant stand was greater from the April than the March planting in each year. Plant establishment was more consistent from 'Crimson Sweet' than 'Jubilee' or 'Charleston Gray', but cultivar differences in response to P. irregulare or R. Solani AG-4 were not detected. Primed watermelon Seeds may enhance stand establishment in soil infested with P. irregulare when soil temperature at planting is suboptimal to optimal for watermelon seed germination and growth.
AIR AND MEDIA TEMPERATURE INFLUENCE GROWTH AND QUALITY OF CUT FLOWER SNAPDRAGON.
Authors: Quarrels Jesse R. , Newman Steven E.
Published: February 2019

Greenhouse studies of cut flower snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus L.) using two night air and two root-zone temperatures were conducted to determine the effects on growth and quality of four cultivars in two response groups [`Cheyenne' and `Rainier White' (group II) and `Tampico' and `Potomac' (group III)]. The group II cultivars were the earliest to harvest, but at the expense of quality. Grades of first, extra, and fancy only were harvested. Group III cultivars were harvested with all grades; first, extra, fancy and special. Group II cultivars generally had weaker stems and were of lower dry weight. Night air temperature had the greatest effect on days to harvest. Harvest date was reduced more than 14 days, but at the expense of quality and dry weight. Root-zone heating decreased quality of the group II cultivars at either night air temperature. but reduced quality of the group Ill cultivars only at high night temperatures. Root-zone heat and high night air temperature reduced the number of days to harvest, also at the expense of quality. The majority of high quality stems were from group Ill cultivars harvested from rooms with low night temperatures without root-zone heat.
SUPPLEMENTAL CALCIUM AND UNICONAZOLE INLFUENCE GROWTH OF `GUTBIER V-14 GLORY' POINSETTIAS.
Authors: Newman' Steven E. , Quarrels Jesse R.
Published: February 2019

The objective of this study was to determine the influence of uniconazole and calcium applied as a drench or foliar spray to `Gutbier V-14 Glory' poinsettias'. Uniconazole was drenched into half of the plants at 6 mg/pot. Calcium was applied weekly as either a spray, drench, or a combination of both at 350 ppm Ca. Uniconazole reduced plant height, bract dry weight, and plant dry weight. Bract dry weight from plants not treated with uniconazole and received calcium as a spray was less than from those plants that received either no supplemental calcium or calcium as a drench. Calcium improved the appearance of plants treated with uniconazole.
Improving Sweetpotato Starch Digestibility for Animal Feeding
Authors: Zhang Dapeng , Collins Wanda W. , Belding Suzanne
Published: February 2019

Eight sweetpotato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.] clones were evaluated for the digestibility of their starch in animals with a simple in vitro screening method. Starch digestibility varied significantly among clones. After dry-heat treatment at 100C for 30 minutes, digestibility of the most heat-sensitive clone increased only 37.8%. Excellent repeatable results were obtained with a simple weight-loss method. This assay procedure can be used as a screening method in breeding digestible sweetpotatoes for animal feed.
Supplemental Light Quality Affects Budbreak, Yield, and Vase Life of Cut Roses
Authors: Roberts G.L. , Tsujita M.J. , Dansereau B.
Published: February 2019

Rosa ×hybrida `Samantha' plants were grown under high-pressure sodium (HPS) lamps, HPS lamps fitted with blue gel filters to reduce the red to far-red (R:FR) ratio, or metal halide lamps. R: FR ratios were 1:0.95, 1:2, and 1:0.26 for HPS; filtered HPS, and metal halide, respectively. Although the R: FR ratio for metal halide was 3.5 times higher than for HPS, the total energy from 630 to 750 nm was 2.8 times lower. At a nighttime supplemental photosynthetic photon flux of 70 to 75 μmol·m-2.s-1, plants under HPS and metal halide lamps produced 49 % and 64% more flowering shoots, respectively, than those under filtered HPS (averaged over two crop cycles). The quality index for flowers under HPS, metal halide, and filtered HPS was 25.0, 23.3, and 18.5, respectively. Vase life was 10 to 11 days, regardless of treatment.
Using a Phytophthora- specific Immunoassay Kit to Diagnose Raspberry Phytophthora Root Rot
Authors: Ellis M.A. , Miller S.A.
Published: February 2019

A commercially available serological assay kit (flow-through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, Phytophthora F kit) was compared to a culture-plate method for detecting Phytophthora spp. in apparently diseased (phytophthora root rot) and apparently healthy red raspberry (Rubus idaeus subsp. strigosus Michx.) plants. During 4 years of testing, 46 tests were conducted on apparently diseased roots. All diseased plants gave a strong positive reaction, a result indicating that Phytophthora spp. were present. Of the 46 plants that tested positive, Phytophthora spp. were recovered from all but one using a selective medium for Phytophthora and the culture-plate method. When the same test was conducted on 27 apparently healthy plants, all had a negative reaction for the presence of Phytophthora except one sample, which had a slight positive reaction. No Phytophthora spp. were isolated from any apparently healthy plants. Our results indicate that the serological test kit enables rapid, dependable, on-site diagnosis of raspberry phytophthora root rot.
Moisture Affects Cowpea and Okra Seed Emergence and -Growth at Low Temperatures
Authors: Marsh Lurline
Published: February 2019

The effect of moisture content on the emergence and development of `Pinkeye Purple Hull' and MN 13 cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] and `Clemson Spineless' okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] seeds was investigated in a 3-year field study. Moisture content, ranging from 8% to 52%, was obtained by combining seeds, vermiculite, and varying volumes of water in sealed polyethylene packets and incubating them at 22C for 3 days. High moisture promoted the emergence of MN 13, did not significantly affect that of `Pinkeye Purple Hull', and decreased that of `Clemson Spineless' seeds. Percent seed emergence 22 days after planting averaged 17 % for `Clemson Spineless' and 15% for `Pinkeye Purple Hull' seeds, but was 44% for MN 13. High moisture generally promoted early harvest of MN 13 and increased root dry weight but did not affect fresh-pod yield significantly.
An Empirical Protocol for Indirect Measurement of Leaf Area Index in Grape (Vitis vinifera L.)
Authors: Grantz David A. , Williams Larry E.
Published: February 2019

Leaf area development and canopy structure are important characteristics affecting yield and fruit quality of grapevines. Trellising systems and wide row spacing are common viticultural practices that violate key assumptions of currently available indirect methods of leaf area determination. We have developed a protocol for using a commercially available instrument to determine leaf area index (LAI) indirectly in a trellised vineyard. From knowledge of plant spacing, leaf area per vine can be calculated as required. A derived calibration equation resulted in a near 1:1 relationship (y = 0.00 + 1.00 X; r2 = 0.998) between actual and indirectly determined LAI over a range of LAI induced by irrigation treatments. The protocol involved covering 75% of the sensor with a manufacturer-supplied field of view delimiter and masking data from the outer three (of five) concentric radiation sensors. The protocol could form the basis for a general measurement technique, but may require local calibration.
14C-Photosynthesis Partitioning in Avocado Trees as Influenced by Shoot Development
Authors: Whiley Anthony W. , Schaffer Bruce
Published: February 2019

The influence of shoot age on 14C partitioning in potted avocado (Persea americana var. americana Mill.) trees was determined. The oldest leaf of actively growing shoots and the youngest leaf of previously matured shoots were exposed to 14CO2 18 and 34 days after budbreak (DABB) of new shoots. At these times, treated leaves had a positive net CO2 assimilation rate and, therefore, were considered to be net C exporters. Sixteen days after 14C exposure, separate plant tissues were harvested, dried, weighed, and oxidized. The percentage of 14C in each tissue was determined by liquid scintillation spectrometry. Photoassimilates were translocated acropetally and basipetally from all treated leaves. However, at 18 DABB, developing leaves of actively growing shoots seemed to be the strongest sink for C assimilated by the oldest leaf of these shoots, whereas the roots were the strongest sink for C assimilated by the youngest leaf of the previously matured shoots. By 34 DABB, roots were the strongest sink for C assimilated by leaves of new and previously matured shoots. These data are useful in developing improved management strategies for controlling phytophthora root rot (incited by Phytophthora cinnamomi Rands) in avocados by systemic phosphonate fungicides translocated in the photoassimilate pathway. Thus, phosphonates should be applied after shoots have matured and most of the canopy is in a quiescent state for maximum translocation to the roots.
Physical Impedance Retards Top Growth of Tomato Transplants
Authors: Samimy Cyrus
Published: February 2019

Two-week-old `Ohio 8245' tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) seedlings were subjected to physical impedance by placing a sheet of Plexiglas on the shoots for 15 hours a night for 12 consecutive nights. This treatment reduced stem length by 21% and increased stem diameter by 20% compared to nontreated plants. Stems of treated seedlings were considered sturdier than those of nontreated seedlings since the treated seedlings remained erect for 28 to 33 days after impedance ended and the stems of control seedlings did not. Forty-four days after impedance ended, stems of treated plants were 18% shorter and 9% thicker than those of nontreated plants. The results showed that tomato seedlings subjected to impedance developed growth characteristics that are desirable in transplants.