bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
(142) Evaluating Student Attitudes toward an Interdisciplinary Professional Master Degree Specializing in Landscape Water Conservation as Compared to a Conventional MS Degree
Authors: Myers-Roche Cathy , Kjelgren Roger
Published: February 2019

Interdisciplinary graduate degrees are becoming increasingly popular, filling both employer needs as well as student goals. The Plants and Soils Department at Utah State University offers an interdisciplinary master of professional studies in horticulture (MPSH) degree program specializing in urban landscape water conservation. The MPSH is a one calendar year degree consisting of a small group cohort with a strong emphasis on communication and policy development geared toward creating and managing water conservation programs. Core to this model is what personality type is drawn to an MPSH degree compared to the traditional, research-based master of science degree. We are comparing the personality types of 16 students in the MPSH to 15 students in, or having completed, the traditional MS degree program by using the Myers-Briggs test (MBTI), Strong Interest Inventory (SII) test, and key informant surveys. Basic MBTI personality categories in extroversion/introversion, sensing/intuition, thinking/feeling and judging/perceiving are being evaluated by comparison in contrast as well as consistency across the two degree types. Key informant surveys quizzed individual preference regarding the two degrees. Preliminary inspection of survey, MBTI and SII results indicate a definite link between type of graduate program and basic personality trait. Students in or having completed the traditional MS degree program that indicated a preference for the MPSH degree shared the same personality types as those in the MSPH program. These preliminary results suggest that an interdisciplinary professional degree in horticulture focused on a particular topic can appeal to horticultural undergraduates that might not otherwise consider a graduate degree.
(143) Development of an Online Certificate Program in Landscape Horticulture
Authors: Midden Karen Stoelzle , Henry Paul , Boren Amy
Published: February 2019

Online courses are easily accessible and have the potential to attract and recruit a diversity of students. The instructors [also the principal investigators (PIs)] of an online certificate program in landscape horticulture have completed the first of a 3-year project in an effort to provide landscape horticulture courses, including an option for a certificate, to traditional and nontraditional students. The certification, consisting of 20 credit hours, will be the first of its type in Illinois offered by an institution of higher education. The program is aimed toward traditional college students who may need additional college credit, and nontraditional students who are pursuing certification out of interest in career goals or needing continuing education. The Chicago Botanic Garden, a cooperator in this project, has been a driving force for creation of this program and feels that there is a substantial demand among its clientele. It is being funded by the SIUC Office of the Provost and Vice Chancellor Distance Learning Grant. Year one of this project focused on review and revision of curriculum material of six existing courses taught by the PIs. The PIs are working closely with the university's instructional support for the courses to be delivered by WebCT. To date, the “Appreciation of Landscape Design” course has received the most emphasis in the conversion. This poster session will summarize the project to date and projected benefits of this online program.
(145) Integrating Video, Interactive Animations, Images, and Assessment toward an Expandable Instructor Resource for Greenhouse Education
Authors: Tignor Milton E. , Wilson Sandra B. , Hightower Lisa S. , Fitz-Rodriguez Efren , Giacomelli Gene A. , Kubota Chieri , Rhoades Emily , Irani Tracy A. , McMahon Margaret J. , Laing Andrew N. , Heleba David A. , Greenleaf Sarah M.
Published: February 2019

Using a multidisciplinary approach, we are creating an instrument for utilization in a variety of greenhouse related courses. We now have over 3 hours of edited and titled video segments that were obtained at different locations by the same videographer. The greenhouse businesses in Arizona, Vermont, Ohio, and Florida were chosen due to their unique business strategies, level of computerization, type of greenhouse construction, management philosophies, and climate challenges. Individual video segments are based on nine topics that were covered at each location including computers, structure, plant life cycle, and labor. The videos have been placed on a streaming media server and will be burned to a DVD. An interactive Flash-based greenhouse environment simulator is nearly complete. This instrument allows students to model greenhouse environments based on climate data from each of the four video locations. Additionally, a searchable digital repository has been established that will allow other participants to submit materials for educational use. This open source software (DSpace) has an integrated distribution license which streamlines compliance with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. Several hundred high quality images have already been uploaded, described and tagged. Learning assessment tools based on numerical self-evaluation and verification narratives are also being developed in conjunction with the multimedia tools. We have created a database of all the greenhouse courses at 1862, 1890, and 1994 institutions and hope to build a community of teachers that will utilize and contribute to the multimedia greenhouse collection. This community has already grown to include two international greenhouse experts who contributed interactive software for educational use.
(149) Arizona Farm Safety Day
Authors: Wright Glenn C. , Poe Stephen E.
Published: February 2019

Arizona Farm Safety Day has been held annually since 2000 as an attempt to educate students and farm workers (pesticide applicators, tractor and equipment operators, irrigators, and field workers) in farm safety. Our programs have emphasized tractor safety, pesticide safety, ATV safety, electrical safety, and firearms safety. The all-day events have been held in Yuma and in Safford, Ariz., and most of the attendees are high school students. Agriculture students from six to eight high schools typically participate. The agenda is determined by consulting with local agriculture leaders. Attendees have the opportunity to attend a 4-hour training session in the morning. Subjects taught at these sessions might include reading a pesticide label, sprayer calibration, wearing proper protection, avoiding spray drift, tractor safety, and farm safety. At least one of these sessions is an outdoors “hands-on” session. Individual participants receive up-to-date information and literature, a certificate of completion, CEUs, CCA credits, a hat, and a lunch. Spanish translation is available at each session. In the afternoon, a tractor driver safety course and equipment demonstration is typically held. In the course, selected representatives from local farms or local youth get a chance to demonstrate their tractor and ATV driving and safety skills for recognition and awards. Plaques and trophies are awarded to the winners. Additionally, there is an equipment demonstration. Attendees are tested before and after the event.
(97) Screening Pythium sp. Associated with Greenhouse Crops in Colorado for Mefanoxam Resistance
Authors: Fishell Miriam , Pottorff Laura
Published: February 2019

Research was conducted on the fungus-like organism Pythium to observe its sensitivity to the fungicide Subdue MAXX, active ingredient mefanoxam. Pythium is a plant pathogen that causes root and crown rot in plants that are exposed to extensive soil moisture and poor drainage. This study, conducted on Pythium isolated from Colorado greenhouse crops, began in Apr. 2004. Symptomatic tissues from bedding plants and perennials were placed on selective media (P10VP). Resulting isolations of Pythium were transferred to cornmeal agar amended with the recommended low and high label rates of mefanoxam. Mycelia growth was monitored for 72 hours. Pythium sp. showing 20% growth on amended mefanoxam agars, compared to the control growth, were considered resistant to mefanoxam. Results from this study showed that about 64% of the Pythium sp. isolated from greenhouse crops in Colorado are resistant to mefanoxam. Data compiled from greenhouse integrated pest management surveys in Colorado show a high dependence on the use of mefanoxam. Research and screening for mefanoxam-resistant Pythium sp. will continue to provide Colorado growers with effective control solutions for this pathogen.
(459) Preliminary Evaluation of 17 Satsuma Mandarin (Citrus unshiu Marco.) Cultivars in the Coastal Region of California
Authors: Chao ChihCheng T.
Published: February 2019

The citrus industry in California is changing, and growers are planting more easy-peeling, seedless, and nice-tasting mandarins. Our industry tries to develop new early- and late-season mandarin cultivars to be competitive in the global mandarin market. Seventeen satsuma mandarin (Citrus unshiu Marco.) cultivars were top-worked onto 4–6 Valencia orange [C. sinensis (L.) Osbeck] as interstocks and Carrizo citrange [C. sinensis (L.) Osbeck × Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf.] as rootstocks in 30 May 2001 near Santa Paula, Calif. All trees set the first crop in Fall 2003. Fruit maturity of all cultivars was measured based on °Brix level, percent acid, and S:A ratio on a weekly basis since the first week of Sept. 2004. Five cultivars, `Armstrong', `Kuno Wase', `Miyagawa', `S9' and `Xie-Shan' (`Wakiyama'), are very early- or early-season cultivars. A small-scale degreening experiment with 72 h treatment of 0.5 mg·L–1 ethylene with fruit harvested on 6 Oct. 2004 also showed the rind color of all five cultivars could be enhanced nicely. `Miyagawa' had very intense internal orange flesh color visible in the second week of Sept. 2004, comparing with other cultivars. All these five cultivars could potentially become early-season, completely seedless, and easy-peeling satsuma cultivars in California. `Miyagawa' and `Xis-Shan' could potentially be harvested as early as from late September to early October in the central coastal region and from late August to mid-September in the San Joaquin Valley. Both cultivars should command a high price when there is no seedless mandarin in the market.
(464) Temperature Relationships in a Mature Orange Orchard between Areas with or without a Partial Permanent Cover Crop
Authors: O'Connell Neil V. , Kallsen Craig E. , Snyder Richard L. , Sanden Blake L. , Giboney Paul W. , Freeman Mark W.
Published: February 2019

Many citrus growers are hesitant to plant cover crops, particularly perennial types, because of possible increased frost hazard. To quantify the increased risk, temperature relations over a 3-year period were compared between areas in a `Valencia' orange orchard with and without a partial perennial cover crop. The partial perennial cover crop consisted of a mowed perennial planting along the double drip line hoses, and an annually fall-replanted unirrigated strip of groundcover in the middle between the tree rows. This partial perennial cover crop increased the frost hazard compared to uncultivated bare ground even when wind machines were operating.
(100) Use of Raw and Composted Paper Mill Sludges, Municipal Waste Composts, and Other Waste Ingredients in Container Nursery Substrates
Authors: Chong Calvin , Purvis Peter
Published: February 2019

Plug-rooted liners of deutzia (Deutzia gracilis), dogwood (Cornus alba `Argenteo-marginata'), forsythia (Forsythia×intermedia `Lynwood Gold'), and ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius) were grown in 6-L containers. There were 36 different treatment substrates formulated in factorial combinations: two types of paper mill sludge (raw or composted) each at three rates (25%, 33%, or 50%, by volume) mixed with one of three sources of municipal waste compost (cities of Guelph, Toronto, or Waterloo; 25%, 33%, or 50%), and the remainder consisting of one of two base supplements (pine bark or 1-year-old wood chips; 50%, 33%, or 0%). The containers were trickle-irrigated and fertilized with a controlled-release fertilizer. Dogwood (no treatment interaction and responding only to the main effect of compost sources) grew equally well with Toronto and Waterloo composts, but less well with the Guelph compost. Ninebark tended to grow better with Toronto compost, intermediate or similar with Waterloo compost, and least with Guelph compost. Forsythia grew equally well in all bark-based substrates, regardless of sludge type and rate or compost source. With wood-chip-based substrates, however, forsythia grew better with Waterloo than with Guelph compost, and better with raw than with composted sludge when mixed with Toronto compost. Deutzia responded similarly to most substrates, but grew marginally better with raw than with composted paper sludge when Waterloo or Toronto compost was present. Despite these differences in species responses, all plants were of marketable size at the end of the season. There was no sign of nutrient toxicity or deficiency due to any of the substrates.
(101) Fertilizer Source Affects Nitrogen and Phosphorus Levels in Leachate from Container-grown Quercus phellos L. and Magnolia virginiana L.
Authors: Fare Donna C.
Published: February 2019

Environmental concerns with nitrogen and phosphorus use at container nurseries and the subsequent effects of nutrient-laden irrigation effluent prompted this study. Bare root liners of willow oak (Quercus phellos L.) and sweetbay magnolia (Magnolia virginiana L.) were grown in #5 containers during year one and repotted into #15 containers during year two using 100% pine bark or pine bark: peat substrate (4:1 by volume). Two fertilizer sources, Osmocote 19N–2.2P–7.5K (19–5–9) or Harrell's 17N–2.2P–10.0K (17-5-12), were included in the container substrate in a fluoropolymer bag with 17 g N in each #5 container and 63 g N in each #15 container. Using a split plot design with fertilizer and media as subplots, a cyclic irrigation regime consisting of three irrigation applications spaced one hour apart was compared to a traditional irrigation regime with one irrigation application that equaled the total volume applied in the cyclic regime. Fertilizer source influenced cumulative amounts (mg/year) of ammonium-N, nitrate-N and orthophosphate in the container leachate. Nitrate-N and ammonium-N from Harrell's 17N–2.2P–10.0K fertilizer were each ≈20% higher in the container leachate from sweetbay magnolia than Osmocote 19N-2.2P-7.5K fertilizer. In the case of the willow oak, the differences were 32% and 19%, respectively. Orthophosphate averaged about 65% greater in leachate from both sweetbay magnolia and willow oak containers when grown with Osmocote compared to Harrell's fertilizer. At the end of year two, height and caliper growth were similar among treatments with both species.
(105) Holding Bareroot Colorado Spruce Trees in a Gravel Bed
Authors: Tripepi Robert R. , George Mary W. , Lloyd John E.
Published: February 2019

Field-grown conifers are usually discarded if their root balls break during digging, but using an alternative holding system until the root systems recover could reduce production losses. The objective of this study was to determine if a gravel bed could be used as a holding treatment for 1.5- to 1.8-m-tall Colorado spruce (Picea pungens) trees that had soil removed from their root systems in the spring. Root systems from 12 trees were washed free from pine bark mulch and soil before the trees were randomly assigned to a gravel bed. One bed held a mixture of 88% pea gravel (1-cm minus), 2% Turface®, and 10% silica sand (by volume). The other bed contained a mixture of 90% basalt gravel (1.2-cm) and 10% sand. Trees were grown in the gravel beds for 5 or 6 months before height increases were determined. If the terminal leader died on the tree, the next highest lateral branch was measured for its increase in length. All trees survived and actually grew a little during the summer after removing all the soil from their root systems. Several trees suffered slight needle burning at the ends of random branches, but the damage appeared minimal. Tips of several small branches randomly located around the canopies on several trees died back, and up to 10 cm of the terminal leaders on about half the trees died back. Height increases were similar among the different trees grown in the two types of gravel, with the mean increase in height being 8.9 cm. The trees regenerated many roots in both types of gravel. In fact, new roots formed all over the root systems and encased large amounts of gravel, making its removal difficult. This study demonstrated that gravel beds can be used to help 1.8-m tall Colorado spruce trees recover from severe root losses.
(106) Improved Root Growth of Corkbark Fir and Pinyon Pine Seedlings Grown in a Gravel Bed
Authors: Tripepi Robert R. , George Mary W.
Published: February 2019

Seedlings of several conifer species can be difficult to transplant, with the problem often related to poor root regeneration. The objective of this study was to determine if corkbark fir (Abies lasiocarpa arizonica) seedlings or pinyon pine (Pinus edulis) seedlings would produce more root growth when grown in a Missouri gravel bed growing system compared to field soil. The 3–0 fir seedlings and 4–0 pine seedlings were planted in a gravel bed in mid-April. The gravel bed was 3 m × 3.7 m and was filled with a mixture of 60% pea gravel (1 cm minus), 30% Turface®, and 10% silica sand (by volume). A field bed 3 m × 3.7 m in size was also prepared. Fir seedlings were harvested in September and October, but pinyon pine seedlings were harvested only in October due to their poor transplant survival. Plant heights, stem diameters, and root volumes, as well as root and shoot dry weights, were determined at harvest. Of all the measured growth parameters for both species, only root dry weights and root volumes were significantly different. In particular, fir seedlings grown in the gravel bed produced at least 30% more root dry weight and 74% more root volume than those planted in field soil whether plants were harvested in September or October. Likewise, pine seedlings grown in gravel produced at least 37% more root dry weight and 86% more root volume than those grown in soil. In addition, only 10.6% of the pine seedlings planted in soil survived transplanting, but 23.3% of those grown in the gravel bed survived. This study demonstrated that corkbark fir and pinyon pine seedlings grown in a gravel bed produced larger root systems than those planted into field soil, and the gravel bed also improved pinyon pine seedling survival after transplanting.
(279) Morinda citrifolia In Vitro Seminal Germination, Callus and Organogenesis Induction
Authors: Tanabe Michael J. , Wakida Nicole
Published: February 2019

Noni, Morinda citrifolia, is receiving a lot of attention for its potential medicinal effects. Hawaii is an ideal growing environment for this plant, where it has been used for many purposes, including medicinal ones, by ancient Polynesians. Currently, there is a rapidly developing noni industry in the state of Hawaii. Propagation of this plant is almost exclusively by seeds, and germination generally requires a couple of months without preconditioning or about a month if mechanically scarified. We developed an in vitro protocol that significantly improves percent germination rate by altering incubation temperature and the in vitro culture basal medium. Germination time was decreased to 4 days when the embryo was extracted and exposed to 31 °C. A basal medium containing 1/2 Murashige and Skoog (M&S) salts was the most effective in reducing germination time and increasing percent germination. Stem pieces obtained from in vitro-propagated seedlings produced callus when explanted in 1/2 M&S containing various levels of naphthalene acetic acid (NAA). The most effective treatment was 0.5 μm NAA and the least effective treatment was 2 μm NAA. Treatments without NAA did not produce callus. Calli treated with 4.40 μm 6-benzylaminopurine (BA) or 8.80 μm BA were the most effective in promoting caulogenesis. We also demonstrated that the number of first generation seedlings produced from each embryo could be increased by treatment with 8.80 μm BA.
(282) In Vitro Indirect Organogenesis of Leucocoryne purpurea, an Ornamental Geophyte Species Endemic to Chile
Authors: Torres Luis Humberto Escobar , Muñoz Eduardo Alejandro Olate , Jordan Miguel , Gebauer Marlene
Published: February 2019

Callus induction (CI) and later shoot induction (SI) were studied in Leucocoryne purpurea, a native and endemic Chilean geophyte species. Basal leaf portions (BL), bulb basal plate (BP), and root tips (RT) from in vitro plants were used as explants. Treatments for CI included all three explants and media containing different sources and concentrations of auxins and cytokinins as plant growth regulators (PGRs). Plant material was initiated on MS basal medium (Murashige and Skoog, 1962), supplemented with vitamins, 30 g·L-1 sucrose, 6.0 g·L-1 agar and pH adjusted to 5.7 before autoclaving. The experiments were carried on a growth chamber at 24 ± 1.5 °C. CI cultures were maintained in darkness for 16 weeks, and SI for 12 weeks in a 16-hour photoperiod. BL and RT explants did not respond to any of the CI treatments. BP explants cultured on MS basal medium without PGRs also did not produce any callus. The average frequency of callus induction for BP was 78% and the average fresh weight of callus was 10.06 g/explant after 16 weeks of culture. Best treatment for CI was BP cultured on 4.52 μm 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) in combination with 0.45 μm 6-benzyladenine (BA), when they were compared to 2,4-D alone or picloram as auxin source. After 16 weeks of culture, calli were transferred to SI medium, supplemented with three different concentrations of thidiazuron (TDZ), either intact or subdivided (150 mg/explant). SI treatments had a greater and significant response when the callus came from a CI medium containing auxin and cytokinin combined, in comparison to those coming from a CI medium containing auxins only.
(283) Petal Color Changes in Carnation Plants Transformed with an Antisense DFR and a CHI Gene
Authors: Hwang Kyung Hee , Min Byung Hwan , Shin Haki , Ahn Byung Joon
Published: February 2019

To produce transgenic carnation plants expressing modified flower colors, cultivars of red-flowering carnation (`Desio' and `Garnet') were transformed with a antisense DFR gene encoding dihydroflavonol-4-reductase, and yellow-flowering carnations (`Pallas' and `Keumbyul') were introduced with a CHI gene encoding chalcone synthease isomerase. Explants of leaves, stems, and shoot tips were inoculated with Agrobacterium and grown overnight in induction broth supplemented with 0.2 mm acetosyringone. The cocultures of carnation explants were maintained in the light at 24 °C on one-half strength MS medium solidified with 0.3% Gelite and supplemented with 1.0 mg·L-1 BA for 10 days, and then were transferred to a selection medium containing 250 mg·L-1 cefotaxime/carbenicillin, 500 mg·L-1 kanamycin. They were subcultured every 2 weeks for over six times and regenerated. In `Garnet' and `Desio' carnation cultivars, a total of 146 plants was transformed with anti-sense DFR gene in pGA748/LBA4404. In yellow flowering cultivars `Pallas' and `Keumbyul', transformed with CHI gene in pGA748/LBA4404, 20 putative transformants obtained. The introduction of the transgenes were confirmed through PCR and flower color changes. Rates of phenotypic expression of the transgene, antisense DFR gene, vary among the transformants such as lighter pigmentation or chimeric discoloration, more prominently in outer petals of the flowers. Transgenic plants of chi gene bloomed flowers of lighter yellow petals in general. The most prominent phenotypic changes were discoloration of red strips on petals, which are typical characteristics of the cultivars.
(175) In Vitro Regeneration of Cladrastis kentukea
Authors: Hadziabdic Denita , Trigiano Robert N. , Garton Stephen , Windham Mark T. , Klingeman William E.
Published: February 2019

Axillary buds from a single Cladrastis kentukea tree were initially cultured on two media, woody plant medium (WPM) and Murashige and Skoog (MS) containing 0, 1, 2, or 4 μm 6–benzylaminopurine (BA). Cultures were transferred to fresh media every 4 weeks. Elongated shoots were harvested after 39 weeks and transferred to half-strength MS medium supplemented with the following concentrations of IBA: 0, 3, 30, 100, and 300 μm for 3 d, then returned to half-strength MS without growth regulators. Explants exposed to 300 μm of IBA produced significantly more roots (75%) compared to explants exposed to other treatments. Fifty-four and 45% of the microshoots rooted when exposed to 100 and 30 μm IBA, respectively. Only 4% of the microshoots rooted when exposed to 3 μm IBA and none of the control microshoots rooted. Although the 300 μm treatment yielded the most rooted plantlets, there was significantly higher terminal meristem abortion compared to other treatments. There were no statistical differences between the numbers of roots and total root length among all treatments. Additionally, all microshoots that rooted had lenticels, suggesting that presence of lenticel cambial activity can possibly improve rooting abilities of selected microshoots. Rooted microshoots were gradually acclimatized to nonsterile environment.
(195) Evaluation of Solid Artificial Media on Lettuce Seedling Growth and Anchorage
Authors: Montgomery Jill A. , Wien H. Chris
Published: February 2019

A study was conducted to compare three sterile, commonly used soil-less media (Agrifoam™ and Oasis™, growth foams, and Grodan™, an expanded rockwool substrate) to determine which media characteristics favor seedling development and establishment in hydroponic systems. These media were studied during days 7–10 of the seed germination stage, when one often observes with the use of foam media the occurrence of “pop-outs,” a disorder in which actively growing roots do not penetrate and spiral on the media surface causing the root tip to die. High percentages of pop-outs cause poor seedling stand, and discourage the use of soilless media for seedling germination. Pop-outs were more frequently observed in Agrifoam (50%) compared to the other media, with Oasis intermediate (15%), and Grodan least affected (>5%). Both physical and chemical characteristics were analyzed to isolate the causes of pop-outs. Oasis and Agrifoam both have higher water retention, and pop-outs increased as the water content of the foam increased. High soluble salts, particularly high magnesium in the root zone, produced roots that were “burned” and did not grow. When magnesium salts in concentrations equivalent to that found in Agrifoam were added to Grodan (control substrate), the number of pop-outs increased. The roots were stunted with little or no root hairs, resembling roots when grown in Agrifoam. We conclude that the high incident of pop-outs in Agrifoam, and to a lesser extent, in Oasis, is caused by high-medium water content and toxic levels of magnesium ions in solution.
(197) Effect of the Number of Fruit per Plant on Production of Dried Seed and Fruit Yield in Pumpkin
Authors: Lee Sang Gyu , Park Dong Kum , Park Kyung Sup , Heo Yun Chan , Jang Yoon Ah , Ko Kwan Dal , Lee Chiwon W.
Published: February 2019

The fruits of pumpkin are good material for soup and a very popular side dish in Korea. The purpose of this study was to investigate how number of fruit set per plant (2, 3, or 4 fruit) affected production of dried seed and fruit yield. `Golden Delicious' (GD) and hull-less (HL) pumpkins were planted 60 cm apart in 200-cm rows. Production of dried seed per hectare (11,000 plants) were 1985, 2193, and 2074 kg, respectively, at 2-, 3-, and 4-fruit set per plant for GD. The fruit yield per hectare (11,000 plants) was 58,360 kg for 2-fruit set treatment, 74,680 kg for 3-fruit set, and 73,240 kg for 4-fruit set per plant for GD. The production of dried seed per hectare (11,000 plants) was 535, 603, and 545 kg, respectively, for 2-, 3-, and 4-fruit set per plant for HL. The fruit yield per hectare (11,000 plants) was 28,200 kg for 2-fruit set treatment, 44,660 kg for 3-fruit set, and 39,200 kg for 4-fruit set per plant for HL. The highest production of dried seed and fruit yield were for 3-fruit set per plant for GD and HL. Differences in production for dried seed and fruit yield, as influenced by number of fruit set per plant, were also characterized.
(198) Growth and Development of Watermelon Plants Grafted onto Citrullus Rootstocks Selected for Disease Resistance at Two Temperature Regimes
Authors: Huh Yun-Chan , Kim Du-Hyun , Lee Sang-Gyu , Park Kyoung-Sub , Park Dong-Kum , Woo Young-Hoe , Lee Jung-Myung
Published: February 2019

Growth response of `Sambok Honey' watermelon grafted onto different rootstocks, including four Citrullus rootstocks and three other cucurbitaceous rootstocks, was evaluated at low and normal temperature regimes. Marked reduction in plant growth rate was observed in plants grown at low temperatures as compared to those grown at normal or optimal temperatures. Relative growth reduction rates were 40% to 48% for vine length, 39% to 51% for total leaf area, 37% to 60% for shoot fresh weight, and 50% to 79% for shoot dry weight, respectively. Watermelon rootstock PI 482322 showed comparable plant growth as the most popular rootstock (Shintozwa pumpkin) even at low temperatures. `Sambok Honey' watermelon grafted onto watermelon hybrids `PI 271969 × PI 296341' and `PI 271769 × Calhoun Gray', showed comparable plant growth as FR Dantos bottle gourd rootstock. Index of growth ability at low temperature (IGALT), which was calculated on the basis of reduced rate of vine length, dry weight, and leaf area, was comparatively high in C. martinezii, Shintozwa, PI 482322, and `PI 271769 × PI 296341' rootstocks (50% or higher) and lowest in own-rooted `Sambok Honey' or in watermelon plants on `Knight' rootstock. Watermelon hybrids `PI 271969 × PI 296341' and `PI 271769 × Calhoun Gray' exhibited better or at least comparable growth at low temperatures as compared to `FR Dantos', thus confirming the feasibility of using watermelon rootstocks even in winter greenhouse conditions.
(199) Effect of Soil Amendments and Mulching on the Incidence of Fusarium Wilt and Cantaloupe Yield in the Pacific Central Region of Mexico
Authors: Orozco-Santos Mario , Farías-Larios Javier , Molina-Ochoa Jaime , López-Aguirre José Gerardo
Published: February 2019

Melon wilt (MW) is one of the main diseases affecting the cucurbitaceous crops in the Pacific Central region of Mexico. The use of resistant varieties is the most effective strategy to reduce the damage caused by MW; however, variety performance depends on the fungal race occurring in the field. The use of fungicides, such as benzimidazols and methyl bromide, is a common practice, but there are contamination concerns, and a search is on for alternatives to diminish the negative effects on the agro-ecosystem. The aim was to determine the effect of the application of soil amendments and mulching on the incidence of MW, and on melon yield. Soil amendments incorporated were: rice straw (3 t·ha-1); compost 1, prepared with chicken and bovine manure, and banana and orange wastes (5.7 t·ha-1); compost 2, prepared with bovine and horse manure, coconut wastes and grasses (8 t·ha-1), vermicompost (3 t·ha-1), and a control. All treatments were established using transparent mulching during 21 days. The number of MW propagules in amended soils were similar at 5, 10, and 20 cm deep, but the percentage of diseased plants was higher (4.5%) in the control, which could be caused by the incidence of other fungi propagules, perhaps antagonistic, that contributed in diminishing the MW when compared with the control. The fruit weights and fruit sizes were not different between treatments on small (21–30 sizes), medium (15–18 sizes), and large (9–12 sizes), but total fruit numbers were 1.15-, 1.07-, 0.99-, and 1.09-fold higher when compared with the control. The application of soil amendments affected the antagonistic fungal populations even when it did not affect the cantaloupe yield. We suggest that soil amendments will improve soil fertility and increase melon yields, and studies are currently running.
(202) Microclimate and Reference Crop Evapotranspiration in High Tunnels and Open Field during Summer Lettuce Production
Authors: Zhao Xin , Carey Edward E.
Published: February 2019

High tunnels, unheated greenhouses, have been shown to be a profitable season-extending production tool for many horticultural crops. Production of cool-season vegetables during hot summer months can be achieved using shaded high tunnels. Microclimate in high tunnels and open field was monitored during summer trials of leaf lettuce, in which unshaded tunnels and shaded tunnels (39% PAK white shadecloth) were used, respectively, in 2002 and 2003. Wind speed was consistently lower in high tunnels. Compared to open field, daily air temperature was about 0.7 °C higher in unshaded high tunnels, and 0.5 °C lower in shaded high tunnels. Relative humidity was slightly lower in unshaded tunnels, but tended to increase in shaded tunnels, in comparison to the open field. When using shadecloth, soil temperature was lowered by 1∼3 °C and the leaf surface temperature was significantly reduced by 1.5∼2.5 °C. In shaded high tunnels, PAR light dropped by at least 50% relative to the outside, where the maximum PAR light intensity reached 1800 μmol·m-2·s-1. Overall, shaded high tunnels resulted in higher quality lettuce, with less bolting and bitterness. Reference crop evapotranspiration (ET0) was estimated from meteorological data on a daily basis using the FAO-56 method. ET0 was lowest in shaded high tunnels, and highest in the open field. Relatively lower ET0 in high tunnels indicated a likely lower water requirement and therefore improved water use efficiency compared with the open field.
(206) Control Methods for Mexican Bean Beetle (EpilachnavarivestisMulsant) Infestations on Snap Bean (PhaseolusvulgarisL.) Crops
Authors: Fess Tiffany , Verlinden Sven
Published: February 2019

Three different control methods, row cover, staggered plantings, and the release of a parasitic wasp, Pediobiusfoveolatus, were used to test effectiveness at controlling Mexican bean beetle (MBB) infestations on snap beans. The study consisted of six plots, on five different farms in the Morgantown, W. Va. area, three with and three without the application of the control methods. Releases of 15 adults and 100 larvae during flowering of the bean crop occurred at each plot. Weekly counts of the three MBB life stages, parasitized MBB larvae, and bean yields were taken. The results showed that the release of the parasitic wasp maintained the MBB populations below economic thresholds throughout the growing season. The average yield from plots that received wasp treatments was 34.2 kg, compared to 15.2 kg harvested from untreated plots. Plots that received row cover treatments were shown to be slightly more effective than staggered plantings at controlling MBB populations. Row cover plots yielded an average of 15.3 kg, in comparison to the 11.8 kg yield from untreated plots, while staggered plantings in treated plots yielded 9.5 kg, compared to 6.0 kg from untreated plots. End of season MBB populations in treated plots consisted of 75 adults, 57 pupae, 275 larvae, and 94 parasitized larvae compared to untreated populations, 98 adults, 214 pupae, 420 larvae on average. In conclusion, increased yields can likely be correlated to decreased MBB populations, indicating the release of P. foveolatusas a viable option for control of MBB, especially in organic systems.
(207) Productivity and Fruit Quality in European Cucumber under Greenhouse Conditions in Northwest Mexico
Authors: Grijalva-Contreras Raul Leonel , Macias-Duarte Rubén , Robles-Contreras Fabián , Valenzuela-Ruiz Manuel de Jesus
Published: February 2019

Mexican production of vegetables under greenhouse conditions has been increased notably during the last year to about 1500 ha. The main crop in greenhouse production is tomato, but european cucumber is a potential crop due to high yield and quality, with a good price in the marketplace and a short growing season. The objective of this trial was to evaluate eight european cucumber varieties and to choose those with high yield and fruit quality, and disease resistance. The experiment was carried out at the experimental station (INIFAP-CIRNO). Greenhouse conditions were: polyethylene (8.0 mL), without temperature control; natural ventilation; and soil with electrical conductivity of 1.22 dS·m-1 and pH 7.96. Sowing date for seed was 15 Oct. 2004. Plant density was 3.78 plants per m2. The harvest period was 26 Dec. 2004 to 11 Mar. 2005, with an average of 10 cuttings. Varieties with highest yield were `Imanaol', `Bermejo', `Dominica', and `Kalunga', with 18.9, 15.2, 14.8, and 14.3 kg·m2, respectively. Fruit quality was excellent in all varieties; however, `Imanaol' had the highest percentage of size and fruit number. The main insect pest during the year was white fly (Bemissiasp.) and the most important disease was powdery mildew (Erishipecichoracearum).
(209) Rooting Response of Grafted Seedlings of Hot Peppers (Capsicumannuum)
Authors: Lee Hee-Ju , Lee Sang-Gyu , Lee Jung-Myung
Published: February 2019

Increasing numbers of vegetables are being grafted in recent years and many different grafting methods, as well as grafting aids, have been developed and practiced among farmers as well as commercial plug seedling producers. For solanaceous crops, such as tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants, splice grafting at very young stages of development is recommended. Several types of grafting machines and/or robots are now available for commercial use. The presence of roots often slows down and reduces the efficiency of robot or machine grafting. Therefore, grafting with root-removed rootstocks is frequently used for grafting, mostly because of the grafting efficiency, especially in cucurbitaceous crops. The feasibility of producing grafted pepper plug seedlings using root-removed rootstock was investigated. After grafting, the seedlings were placed in pot soil in cell trays, usually 128-cell trays, and then placed in a conditioning room for subsequent rooting and graft union formation. Young pepper cuttings readily rooted in pot soils and the use of rooting substances greatly accelerated the speed of rooting. Even though rooting was delayed a few days in grafted seedlings, normal rooting took place in all graft combinations.
(212) Gas Exchange and Antioxidant Properties of Two Spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) Cultivars of Contrasting Morphology
Authors: Barbarin Alexis M. , Williams Frank J. , Bettmann Greg T. , Hauber Donald P. , Ratnayaka Harish H.
Published: February 2019

'Knowledge of constitutive levels of gas exchange and antioxidant properties under unstressed conditions is critical for elucidating their potential roles in stress tolerance, planning cultural practices, and evaluating nutritional quality of vegetable crops. This greenhouse study reports gas exchange, photosystem II efficiency, and pigment and antioxidant profiles of two spinach cultivars [SpinaciaoleraceaL., cvs. Bloomsdale Long Standing (Bloomsdale) and Hybrid Tyee (Tyee)] with contrasting morphology. `Bloomsdale', the cultivar with more compact stature and larger leaves, had 47% greater photosynthesis (Pnet) than `Tyee'. Stomatal conductance (gs) and transpiration (E) were 94% and 46% greater in `Bloomsdale' than `Tyee', respectively. However, photosystem II efficiency (Fv'/Fm') was only 8% greater in `Bloomsdale' than `Tyee'. Instantaneous water use efficiency was similar in both cultivars. `Bloomsdale' had nonsignificantly greater concentrations of chlorophylls a and b, lutein, β-carotene and violaxanthin than `Tyee'. Both cultivars had similar, marginal α-tocopherol concentrations (<0.1 ng·g-1 FW). However, `Tyee' had a greater chlorophyll a:b ratio which, combined with lower gs and E, suggests a possible advantage for `Tyee' over `Bloomsdale' under relatively dry and high light conditions. Further studies must be conducted to compare nutritional quality of the two cultivars, based on constitutive levels of pigments and antioxidants. Greater gas exchange activity in `Bloomsdale' than `Tyee' appears to be due more to CO2 acquisition/metabolism than photosystem II efficiency or concentrations of pigments and antioxidants.
(366) Bloom Delay and Fruit Thinning of Blueberry with Soybean Oil
Authors: Deyton Dennis , Sams Carl E. , Ballington Jim R. , Cummins John
Published: February 2019

Trials were conducted in 2004 to compare the effects of soybean oil formulations and concentrations on flowering and fruit thinning of rabbiteye and southern highbush blueberries. Mature `Climax' bushes near Spring City, Tenn., were sprayed to runoff on 10 Feb. with water, or 9% soybean oil in the formulations TNsoy11, TNsoy12, TNsoy13, TNsoy14, or Golden Natur'l (GN). In a second trial, 3-year-old `Legacy' southern highbush plants at Spring Hill, Tenn., were sprayed on 11 Feb. with 0%, 6%, 9%, 12%, and 15% GN. A similar trial was sprayed on 5 Mar. at Fletcher, N.C., using young plants of various Southern highbush cultivars. Each formulation of soybean oil (9%) delayed bud development and flower anthesis of `Climax' bushes. Bloom opening on `Legacy' bushes was delayed by 2 to 6 days with sprays of ≥9% GN, with higher concentrations causing more delay. However, flower bud mortality of `Legacy' plants was greater when sprayed with the higher oil concentrations. `Legacy' plants sprayed with 0%, 6%, and ≥9% oil had 0%, 30% and ≥70% bud mortality, respectively, at 36 days after treatment. `Legacy' plants sprayed with 12% and 15% oil sprays had an estimated 24% and 13%, respectively, of a crop load compared to the estimated 100% crop load on control plants. Flower bud development, flower bud mortality, crop load and berry size (across cultivars) of Southern highbush cultivars at Fletcher were not affected by oil treatments. Results were variable among trials, perhaps due to factors such as cultivars, timing of application (date), maturity of plants, environmental conditions, etc. There is potential for soybean oil formulations to be used as a chemical thinner as well as to delay blooming.
(367) Symptom Expression of Mixed Virus Infections in `Chickasaw' Blackberry
Authors: Bray Mark M. , Clark John R. , Gergerich Rose C.
Published: February 2019

Latent infection of Blackberry yellow-vein associated virus (BYVaV) in `Chickasaw' blackberry has been reported. However, plants with characteristic leaf symptoms, such as vein yellowing, chlorotic mottling, and oak-leaf patterns, have tested positive for BYVaV using reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Experiments were initiated to determine if the symptoms expressed in BYVaV infected `Chickasaw' were caused by mixed virus infections. BYVaV, a recently identified crinivirus, was evaluated for synergistic interactions with Tobacco ringspot virus (TRSV), Tomato ringspot virus (ToRSV), and Raspberry bushy dwarf virus (RBDV). `Chickasaw' blackberry plants infected with BYVaV (single infection) were used as receptor plants to establish mixed virus infections with TRSV and ToRSV transmitted by nematodes and RBDV transmitted by bottle grafts. Characteristic symptoms of multi-virus infection will be presented and discussed.
(368) Effect of Four Weed Management Systems on Soil Quality in June-bearing Strawberry Production
Authors: Dilley Craig , Nonnecke Gail
Published: February 2019

Sustainable strawberry production depends on effective weed and soil management. Alternative weed management strategies are needed because few herbicides are registered for use in matted-row strawberry culture. Soil analyses are often measured in terms of chemical and physical properties alone. Measuring biological indicators of soil quality that are sensitive to changes in the environment can enhance these analyses. The experiment compared the effects of four weed management systems on weed growth, soil quality properties, and strawberry yield, growth, and development. Treatments were killed-cover crop mixture of hairy vetch (Viciavillosa) and cereal rye (Secalecereale); compost + corn gluten meal + straw mulch; conventional herbicide; and methyl bromide soil fumigation. Results indicated that there were no differences in percentage of weed cover or number of strawberry runners between the four weed management treatments in the planting year (July or Aug. 2004). The soil quality parameters, infiltration rate, soil bulk density, earthworm number, and total porosity were similar for all treatments. Plots that received the straw mulch treatment had a soil volumetric water content 20% higher and air-filled porosity that was 26% higher than the average of other treatments. Although treatment plots received similar N, leaf nutrient analysis showed that plants receiving the straw mulch + corn gluten meal treatment had a similar amount of total N when compared to the conventional and methyl bromide treatments, but was 21% higher than the killed-cover crop treatment.
(372) Water Requirements of High bush Blueberry Cultivars Planted at Normal and High Density Spacings
Authors: Bryla David , Strik Bernadine
Published: February 2019

Many growers in the Pacific Northwest are planting blueberry fields at higher densities to improve yields and increase the number of berries harvested per acre in the first few years after planting. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of high-density planting on blueberry water requirements. Although close spacing reduces individual plant size, we expected that plants spaced closer together would require more irrigation per unit land area than those spaced further apart due to increased canopy coverage within rows. The study utilized a 5-year-old planting of highbush blueberry, consisting of three cultivars, `Duke', `Bluecrop', and `Elliott', planted at 0.5- and 1.2-m in-row spacings. Plant water use was calculated from changes in soil water content measured using TDR probes for shallow depths and a neutron probe and access tubes for deeper depths. Stem water potentials were also measured periodically using a pressure chamber to determine how well irrigation was meeting crop water demands throughout the season. Surprisingly, plants spaced 0.5 m apart required only slightly more water than those spaced 1.2 m apart. They did, however, require more frequent irrigations due to their smaller root systems, especially during fruit filling. Water use by each cultivar increased during fruit filling and then rapidly decreased after harvest. `Duke' required the most water among cultivars, using 5–10 mm/day from mid-May to mid-August, while `Elliott' required the least, using 3–5 mm/day.
(373) Use of Calcium Foliar Feed Fertilization to Reduce Rain-related Splitting in Rabbiteye and Southern Highbush Blueberry
Authors: Marshall Donna A. , Spiers James M. , Curry Kenneth J.
Published: February 2019

Calcium is commonly known to affect the developmental processes of many plants, and its role as a major nutrient has been interpreted in terms of its interaction with components of the cell wall and membrane. A 2-year study was conducted to assess the affects of calcium foliar feed fertilization applied at bloom and throughout floral development on the reduction of rain-related splitting in blueberries. Foliar-applied calcium at 0.2% or 0.9% concentration did not successfully decrease splitting in blueberries to a statistical and, more importantly, an economically significant level. Calcium sprays also had no adverse affects on the fruit firmness, quality, or calcium concentrations within the fruit.