bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Snap Bean Plant Responses to Zinc Sulfate and Manganese Sulfate Fertilization on Tile-drained Calcareous Glacial Till Soils
Authors: MacDonald George E. , Peck Nathan H. , Barnard John
Published: January 2019

Effects of lateral movement of soil from tile lines based on soil and plant analysis, plus the effects of applications of ZnSO4 and MnSO4 on the concentrations of Zn, Mn, and other elements in the leaf blades of snap bean plants (Phaseolu vulgaris, var. humilis cv. Bush Blue Lake-47) and on the yield of snap bean pods at harvest were determined. Snap beans were grown across the tile lines and fertilized with five rates of ZnSO4 and MnSO4 fertilizers applied in a band at planting time. The soil decreased in pH and Ca and Mn content and increased in organic matter and Zn with distance from the tile lines. The leaf blades decreased in concentration of Ca and increased in concentrations of Mg, Zn, and Mn with distance from the tile lines. High rates of Zn and Mn fertilizers were required to obtain medium concentrations of Zn and Mn in plants grown over or near the tile lines. Concentrations of 24 to 30 μg of Zn per gram dry weight and 60 to 90 μg of Mn per gram dry weight in the leaf blades of the snap bean plants were adequate for highest yield of pods. Zinc sulfate at a rate of 0.5 to 0.7 g of Zn/m2 produced the highest yield of pods at a distance of 3 m from the tile lines. Applied together, ZnSO4 and MnSO4 produced a yield response similar to application of only ZnSO4. Twenty years after installation of the tile lines, the effects of the tile lines on soil and leaf analysis and yield of pods of snap beans plants extended 2 to 3 m in each direction from the tile lines, indicating that the soil moved laterally.
External and Internal Blotchy Ripening and Fruit Elemental Content of Trickle-irrigated Tomatoes as Affected by N and K Application Time
Authors: Dangler James M. , Locascio Salvadore J.
Published: January 2019

Tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) were grown on polyethylene-mulched beds of an Arrendondo fine sand during two seasons to evaluate the effects of trickle irrigation-applied N and/or K, percentages of trickle-applied nutrient(s) (50%, 75%, and 100%), and schedules of nutrient application (variable, 2% to 12.5% of total amount weekly, or constant, 8.3% of the total amount weekly) on the occurrence of fruit external and internal blotchy ripening and fruit mineral nutrient concentration. Trickle-applied fertilizer was injected into the irrigation water weekly during the first 12 weeks of each season. External and internal blotchy ripening were less severe with trickle-applied N supplied as N + K or N than with preplant-applied N. Trickle-applied N + K or N resulted in higher fruit concentrations of N, P, K, Ca, and Mg than with all preplant-applied N. Internal fruit quality improved slightly as the trickle-applied percentage of N and/or K increased from 50% to 100%, but significant differences in exterior quality were not obtained. Internal fruit quality was higher early in the season than late in the season during both years, but this response was not associated with fruit elemental concentration. The weekly schedule of nutrient injection had no significant effect on fruit quality or fruit elemental concentration. Highest yields of high-quality fruit were obtained with 50% trickle-applied N + K.
Cyclic Cold Stresses before Transplanting Influence Tomato Seedling Growth, but Not Fruit Earliness, Fresh-market Yield, or Quality
Authors: Dufault Robert J. , Melton Regina R.
Published: January 2019

Tomato seedlings (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. `Sunny') were exposed to cyclic cold stress at 2 ± 1C, then to 29 ± 6C in a greenhouse before being transplanted to the field. Cold-stressed seedlings were transplanted when the risk of ambient cold stress was negligible. In the first year of a 2-year study, transplants were exposed to 2C for 3, 6, or 12 hours for 1, 3, or 6 days before field planting. In the second year, transplants were exposed to 2C for 6, 12, or 18 hours for 4, 7, or 10 days before field planting. In the first year, cold stress generally stimulated increases in seedling height, leaf area, and shoot and root dry weights but decreased chlorophyll content. In the second year, all seedling growth characteristics except leaf area and plant height were diminished in response to longer cold-stress treatment. In both years, earliness, total productivity, and quality were unaffected by any stress treatment. Therefore, cold stress occurring before transplanting has a negligible effect on earliness, yield, or quality.
Physical Properties of Container Media and Relation to Severity of Phytophthora Root Rot of Rhododendron
Authors: Ownley B.H. , Benson D.M. , Bilderback T. E.
Published: January 2019

One-year-old Rhododendron L. `Nova Zembla' were grown in four container media infested with Phytophthora cinnamomi Rands. The media (all v/v) were pine bark, 3 pine bark:1 sand, 3 pine bark:1 peat, and 1 peat: 1 sand: 1 soil. After 20 weeks, plants were evaluated for root rot symptoms and the total porosity, air space, moisture-holding capacity, and bulk density were determined for all media. All media provided adequate moisture-holding capacity for container production of rhododendron in noninfested media. Shoot fresh weight in noninfested media was positively correlated with bulk density and water (percent by volume) held in the 1.0- to 5.0-kPa matric tension range and negatively correlated with total porosity and air space. Root rot severity was greatest in peat: sand: soil, intermediate in pine bark: peat, and least in pine bark and pine bark: sand. Root rot severity was negatively correlated with total porosity and air space and positively correlated with bulk density and water (percent by volume) held in the 5.0- to 10.0-kPa matric tension range.
Lime and Phosphorus Effects on American Ginseng: II. Root and Leaf Ginsenoside Content and Their Relationship
Authors: Konsler T.R. , Zito S.W. , Shelton J.E. , Staba E.J.
Published: January 2019

Soil-applied dolomitic limestone and fertilizer affected the level of certain root and leaf ginsenosides in 4-year-old American ginseng (Panax quinquefolium L.); however, ginsenoside accumulations in the roots and in the leaves often were not similar. Root and leaf ginsenoside production tended to differ in its response to soil fertility (SF) factors and root tissue nutrient (RN) elements. Leaf ginsenoside production was more often correlated with SF factors and RN elements than that of root ginsenosides, the response of both ginsenoside sources was greater to RN than SF status. Leaf ginsenoside content was positively correlated with the SF factors and RN elements to a greater degree than that of root ginsenosides. Leaf ginsenoside production was more often affected by the same chemical element in the soil and in root tissue than that of root ginsenosides. There was no correlation between the level of any ginsenoside measured in root tissue and the same ginsenoside in leaf tissue.
Banding P to Improve Fertilizer Use Efficiency of Lettuce
Authors: Sanchez C.A. , Swanson S. , Porter P.S.
Published: January 2019

Five field experiments were conducted from 1986 to 1989 to compare broadcast and band P fertilization of crisphead lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) on Histosols. Rates of P were 0, 50, 100, 200, and 300 kg P/ha applied broadcast or banded. Broadcast P was surface-applied and disked into the soil 1 day before bedding and planting. Banded P was placed in strips 8 cm wide, 5 cm below the lettuce seeds at planting. Lettuce yields were significantly(P < 0.01) increased by P rate in all experiments. However, significant rate-by -placement interactions indicated that response of lettuce to P varied by placement. Lettuce yields were generally optimized with a band P rate one-third of that required with broadcast placement. Analysis of soil samples collected in the lettuce bed after fertilization indicated that banded P increased available P in the lettuce root zone compared to broadcast fertilization. Lettuce leaf P concentration increased with P rate and generally was greater when P was banded. The critical concentration of P in lettuce leaf tissue at the six- to eight-leaf stage was 0.37%. Banding P fertilizer did not reduce the availability of other essential nutrients, as indicated by tissue analysis.
Electrolyte Leakage and Protoplasm Viability of Pummelo Mesocarp Tissue as Influenced by Exogenous GA3
Authors: Nolte Kurt D. , Nothnagel Eugene A. , Coggins Charles W.
Published: January 2019

Studies were conducted to determine whether certain physiological effects of gibberellic acid (GA3) on the peel of citrus fruits may be attributed to GA3 interaction with cellular membranes. Excised mesocarp tissue from pummelo [Citrus maxima (Burm.) Merrill] fruits was analyzed for electrolyte and K+ release over time in varying concentrations of GA3. Electrolyte leakage and K+ efflux was significantly reduced (up to 30%) when tissue was incubated in the presence of GA3. GA3 improved the viability of mechanically isolated protoplasts during 72 hr of storage at 7C, as shown by the use of fluorescein diacetate. These results suggest that some of the GA3-elicited responses in citrus fruits may be membrane related.
Lipoxygenase Activity of Hypodermal- and Middle-mesocarp Tissues from Netted Muskmelon Fruit During Maturation and Storage
Authors: Lester Gene
Published: January 2019

Lipoxygenase (LOX) activity was assayed on hypodermal- and middle-mesocarp tissues from netted muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) fruit 10, 20, 30, and 40 days postanthesis and after 12 days of storage at 4 or 21C. Highest LOX activity was obtained using a phosphate buffer at pH 7 and 20C. LOX activity was detected only in hypodermal-mesocarp (hypodermic) tissue at 30 days postanthesis, and activity increased with fruit age and storage temperature. Antioxidants, which inhibit LOX, were detected only in hypodermic tissue from 10 through 30 days postanthesis fruits. Linoleic plus linolenic free fatty acids, substrates for LOX, in hypodermic tissue had declined at 30 days postanthesis, as did plasma membrane integrity, and both continued to decline in association with increased LOX activity.
Nonenzymatic Release of Intact Protoplasts from Mature Pollen of Bean
Authors: Weaver M.L. , Breda V. , Gaffield W. , Timm H.
Published: January 2019

A nonenzymatic technique using dilute salt solutions effected rapid release of viable protoplasts from mature bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) pollen. Protoplasm release started within 30 sec and was completed within 5 min in solutions of 0.02 to 0.06 m NaCl, or KCl, pH 6 to 9. The degree of release could be altered by changing the concentrations and ratios of CaCl2 and H3BO3 and by adding sucrose to either solidified or aqueous salt media. The surface of nonenzymatically released protoplasts was partially digested by short-time exposure to a mixture of cell wall-degrading enzymes and then examined by scanning electron microscope.
Stigmatic Surface Degeneration and Inhibition of Pollen Germination with Selected Pesticidal Sprays during Receptivity in Pecan
Authors: Wetzstein Hazel Y.
Published: January 2019

Commercial pesticide formulations of triphenyltin hydroxide, benomyl plus triphenyltin hydroxide, and phosalone completely inhibited pollen germination of pecan [Carya illinoensis Wangenh C. Koch] when incorporated in in vitro germination media at one-fourth to one times the recommended rates. Scanning electron microscopic evaluations of spray effects on receptive stigmatic surfaces showed varying degrees of injury, ranging from minor surface wrinkling with triphenyltin hydroxide to severe collapse and degeneration of stigma papillae with phosalone treatments. Controlled pollinations 1 hour after pesticide sprays resulted in an inhibition of pollen germination and tube growth. Water sprays followed by pollination resulted in normal pollen adherence, hydration, and germination. Chemical names used: methyl[1-[(butylamino)carbonyl]-1H-benzimidazol-2-yl]carbamate (benomyl); S-[(6-chloro-2-oxo-3-(2H)-benzoxazolyl)methyl] 0,0-diethyl phosphorodithioate (phosalone).
Inheritance of Resistance to Head Smut Disease in Corn
Authors: Ali Akhtar , Baggett James R.
Published: January 2019

The inheritance in corn (Zea mays L.) of resistance to head smut disease incited by Sphacelotheca reiliana (Kuhn) Clinton was studied in the field on crosses of resistant dent corn line N6 with two susceptible sweet corn (su1) inbred lines. Disease incidence in the resistant parent (Pr) was 0% to 4%, and 83% to 96% in the susceptible parent (Ps). Predisposition of seedlings by clipping just above ground level increased percent infected in progeny populations by as much as 4-fold, but did not affect disease incidence in the, parents. At the lower disease incidence of unclipped plots, the F1, F2, and BCr means were close to the mean of Pr, suggesting dominance of resistance. At the high disease incidence of clipped plots, the relationship of parent and progeny means “suggested additive inheritance. Epistasis was also generally present with a higher level indicated for unclipped plots. Inheritance was concluded to be quantitative. Reciprocal differences were observed only in backcrosses. In the F2 and BCs populations, plants grown from dent (Su1) seed were lower in disease incidence than plants grown from su1 seed.
Somatic Embryos Derived from Cotyledons of Cucumber
Authors: Cade Rebecca M. , Wehner Todd C. , Blazich Frank A.
Published: January 2019

Two studies were conducted to test the effects of various tissue culture media on somatic embryogenesis from cotyledon tissue of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). The two best media for embryo initiation were Murashige and Skoog (MS) salts and vitamins containing either 1 or 2 mg 2,4-D/liter and 0.5 mg kinetin/liter. In the second study, embryos developed more normally. More plantlets developed when tissue was removed from the initiation medium after 3 weeks and transferred to MS containing 1 mg NAA/liter and 0.5 mg kinetin/liter for 3 weeks, rather than leaving the embryos on a medium containing 2,4-D. Histological evidence indicated that the embryos were multicellular in origin. Charcoal in the maturation medium inhibited embryo development. Chemical names used: (2,4-dichlorophenoxy) -acetic acid (2,4-D); N-(2-furanylmethyl)-lH-purine-6-amine (kinetin); 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA).
Plant Population Influences Yield Variability of Cabbage
Authors: Stoffella Peter J. , Fleming Mike F.
Published: January 2019

Cabbage [Brassica oleracea L. (Capitata Group) cv. Bravo] transplants were grown on raised beds at Fort Pierce, Fla., during Fall 1987 and 1988. Plants were spaced at 8, 15, 23, 30, and 38 cm within rows or populations equivalent to 123,000, 61,500, 41,000, 30,800, and 24,600 plants/ha. Individual root weights, total plant weights, and core length increased linearly as within-row spacing (WRS) increased in both experiments. Untrimmed head weights, trimmed head weights, head height, head width, and core width increased quadratically as WRS increased in both experiments. Head shape and core index did not differ among WRS in either experiment, except for a quadratic increase in the head height: bead width ratio (head shape) as WRS increased in the 1988 experiment. Coefficients of variability (cv) for most measured variables decreased as WRS increased, indicating a reduction in plant-to-plant variation. Optimum marketable cabbage head size (>1 kg) and lower plant-to-plant variation (cv < 20%) were obtained at WRS of 23 cm or wider. However, trimmed cabbage yields decreased linearly as WRS increased in both experiments. In this study, a lower plant population (WRS > 23 cm) was more conducive to a once-over cabbage harvest since plant-to-plant variation in head size and other yield and quality characteristics was reduced.
Response of Seed Carrot to Various Water Regimes. II. Reproductive Development, Seed Yield, and Seed Quality
Authors: Steiner J.J. , Hutmacher R.B. , Mantel A.B. , Ayars J.E. , Vail S.S.
Published: January 2019

Seed yield and quality of carrot (Daucus carota var. sativa DC.) were influenced by a wide range of water application regimes and levels. Irrigation treatments were imposed beginning at the time of extension of the primary umbel and extending throughout the reproductive development period. The three application regimes used were: 1) a high-frequency, low water deficit treatment [100% of daily accumulated crop evapotranspiration (ETc)]; 2) a series of five low-frequency (irrigated after 30 mm of accumulated ET,) application treatments with a range of water deficits from moderate to minimal (40% to 120% of ETc applied); and 3) a series of three treatments that had rapidly developing water deficits applied by terminating irrigation at 7, 5, and 2 weeks before harvest after being grown under low-stress conditions. Pure live seed (PLS) yield was optimized by different treatments within each of the three application regimes. Maximum yields were achieved with short-term (2-week) rapidly developing water deficits near harvest, moderate deficit irrigation with 60% to 80% of ETc applied after 30 mm of ETc, or with a low water deficit, high-frequency application. Seed germination percentage decreased as the amount of applied water increased. This effect was more pronounced in the later-developing umbel orders. However, seed quality measured as seedling root length was improved with increasing water application.
Effects of Daminozide, Paclobutrazol, and Uniconazole Treatments on `McIntosh' Apples at Harvest and Following Storage
Authors: Elfving D.C. , Lougheed E.C. , Chu C.L. , Cline R.A.
Published: January 2019

Foliar daminozide (DZ) applications to `McIntosh' apple trees (Malus domestics Borkh.) increased fruit color, reduced preharvest drop, resulted in greater firmness at harvest and after air storage, delayed starch hydrolysis, and reduced fruit ethylene production at harvest and after storage. Foliar paclobutrazol (PBZ) reduced preharvest drop and flesh firmness loss if applied within 5 weeks after full bloom (WAFB). Later applications had no effect. PBZ did not influence the progress of starch hydrolysis or ethylene production at harvest but reduced poststorage ethylene production in one season. Stem-cavity browning and brown core were increased by PBZ applied at 5 and 9 WAFB in 1987. In 1988, fruit soluble solids content (SSC) was reduced by a double application of PBZ and by uniconazole (UCZ). UCZ had little effect on `McIntosh' fruit other than the reduction in SSC. PBZ applications were less consistent in their effects than DZ. Chemical names used: butanedioic acid mono(2,2-dimethylhydrazide) (daminozide); ß-[(4-chlorophenyl) methyl]-α- -(l,l-dimethylethyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole-1-ethanol (paclobutrazol); ß-[(4-chlorophenyl)methylene]-α-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole-1-ethanol (uniconazole).
Tolerance of `Valencia' Oranges to Controlled Atmospheres, as Determined by Physiological Responses and Quality Attributes
Authors: Ke Dangyang , Kader Adel A.
Published: January 2019

`Valencia' oranges [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck] tolerated up to 20 days of exposure to 0.5%, 0.25%, or 0.02% O2, at 5 or 10C followed by holding in air at 5C for 7 days without any detrimental effects on external and internal appearance. Oranges stored in 0.5%, 0.25%, or 0.02% O2 had lower respiration rates, but higher resistance to CO, diffusion and higher ethanol evolution rates than those stored in air at 10C. Similar, but less pronounced, effects of the low O2 atmospheres were observed at O and SC. Respiration rates, internal CO2 concentrations, and ethanol evolution rates were generally higher at 10C than at 0C, while resistance to CO2 diffusion was lower at the higher temperature. `Valencia' oranges kept in 60% CO2 at 5C for 5 to 14 days followed by holding in air at 5C for 7 days developed slight to severe injury that was characterized by skin browning and lowered external appearance scores. Juice color, soluble solids content, pH, titratable acidity, and ascorbic acid content were not significantly influenced by either the low O2 or the high CO2 treatments. However, these treatments increased ethanol and acetaldehyde contents, which correlated with the decrease in flavor score of the fruits. Ethanol content of the oranges transferred to air following low 02 treatment correlated with CO2 production rate of the fruits at the transfer temperature and was related to ethanol evolution and probably production rates after the transfer.
Development of Oxygen Concentration Gradients in Flesh Tissues of Bulky Plant Organs
Authors: Rajapakse Nihal C. , Banks Nigel H. , Hewett Errol W. , Cleland Donald J.
Published: January 2019

Steady-state oxygen diffusion in flesh of apples (Malus domestics Borkh. cvs. Braeburn and Cox's Orange Pippin), Asian pears (Pyrus serotina Rehder. cvs. Hosui and Kosui), and nectarines [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch. cvs. Red Gold and Sunglo] was studied using a nondestructive method at 20C. Fruit flesh was found to exert a significant resistance to O2 diffusion resulting in measurable O2 gradients between tissues immediately beneath the skin and those at the fruit center for all these fruits. The magnitude of these O2 gradients varied between crops and cultivars and depended on the respiration rate and on effective O2 diffusivity in fruit flesh (De). Values of Dc varied with the cultivar and were broadly consistent with intercellular space volume. The range of De values obtained suggested that 02 diffusion in fruit flesh takes place in a combination of series and parallel modes in the intercellular space and fluid/solid matrix of the flesh. The results imply that O2 diffusivity in flesh tissues must be taken into consideration in the determination of critical external O2 level in controlled/modified atmosphere (CA/MA) storage.
Effects of Photoperiod and Temperature on Rate of Node Development in Indeterminate Bean
Authors: Yourstone K.S. , Wallace D.H.
Published: January 2019

The plastochron index was used to compare the effects by daylength, mean temperature, and diurnal temperature fluctuation, on the rate of node development of five indeterminate common bean (Phaseolas vulgaris L.) genotypes grown in eight growth chamber environments. Regression analysis described temporal trends in the plastochron index. Regression curves for the various genotype—environment combinations were compared using canonical variates analysis. At a constant 17C, extending daylength from 12 to 14 or 16 hr had no effect on rate of node development. The rate of node development increased at a constant 23C when daylength was lengthened from 12 to 14 or 16 hr. The increase in rate of node development was more pronounced in genotypes with higher photoperiod sensitivity, as measured by delay of flowering. Temperature rise from 17 to 23 to 29C also increased the rate of node development, with genotypes again exhibiting differential response. Diurnal fluctuation of 6C about a mean of 23C had the same node development rate as a constant 23C.
Combining Ability for Plant and Fruit Traits of Interspecific Blueberry Progenies on Mineral Soil
Authors: Erb W.A. , Draper A.D. , Galletta G.J. , Swartz H.J.
Published: January 2019

Data from a four-parent diallel, involving one highbush (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) clone and three interspecific hybrids grown on mineral soil unamended with organic matter, were analyzed to determine combining ability effects for six traits: plant size, berry size, the number of days between flowering and fruiting (# DBF&F), the ratio of total fruit weight to canopy volume (TFW: CYV), days to fruit ripe, and yield. General combining ability effects were significant for all characters tested, except yield and berry size in 1984. Specific combining ability effects were significant for plant size in 1983, #DBF&F in 1984, TFW: CYV in 1984, and berry size in 1985. Vigorous and productive highbush cultivars can be developed for mineral soils by using the interspecific clones from this study and their selected recombinant to combine the genes for plant vigor with the high-quality fruit traits of highbush cultivars.
Tomato Anther Callus Production: Solidifing Agent and Concentration Influence Induction of Callus
Authors: Jaramillo J. , Summers W.L.
Published: January 2019

Anthers from. three tomato cultivars, `L-680A', `Ailsa Craig', and `Licato', were plated on DBM1 medium solidified with one of four solidifying agents, Bacto-agar, Gelrite, Noble agar, or Phytagar, to evaluate their ability to promote initiation and growth of tomato anther callus. The optimum concentration of each solidifying agent was compared with a liquid control. Optimum levels of the various solidifying agents were (in g·liter-1) Phytagar, 5; Gelrite, 3; Noble agar, 6 and Bacto-agar, 8. Both the number and diameter of calluses were affected by type of solidifying agent and anther genotype. Significant interactions were also found between tomato cultivars and solidifying agent. Noble agar produced good results with `L-680A' and `Ailsa Craig', but not with `Licato'. Bacto-agar reduced the number and size of callus by 38% when compared with the liquid treatment and by 42% when compared with the best agar treatment (Noble agar).
Quality of Canned `Ruddy' Kidney Beans as Influenced by Planting Date, Harvest Time, and Length of Storage before Canning
Authors: Forney A.K. , Halseth D.E. , Kelly W.C.
Published: January 2019

Four planting and harvest dates yielded 16 lots of `Ruddy' red kidney beans (Phaseofus vulgaris L.) that were canned immediately after harvest in the fall and from storage in January and April. Late planting resulted in a high percentage of acceptable beans, but time of harvest had little effect on subsequent canning quality. The most important defect was transverse splitting from the hilum. Hilum splits, drained weight, cooked weight, and seed size were all negatively correlated with acceptability. Seed size was the most important factor determining quality, with the smallest seeds exhibiting the fewest splits. Length of storage had significant but small effects on canned seed quality.
`Valencia' Orange Fruit Yield with Ambient Oxidant or Sulfur Dioxide Exposures
Authors: Olszyk D.M. , Kats G. , Morrison C.L. , Dawson P.J. , Gocka I. , Wolf J. , Thompson C.R.
Published: January 2019

Three-year-old `Valencia' orange [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck] trees were exposed to air pollutants for 4. years in open-top field chambers to determine the chronic effects of ambient oxidants (primarily ozone) or sulfur dioxide (SO2) on fruit yield and quality and tree growth. Ozone concentrations averaged 0.012,0.040, and 0.075 ppm for 0800 to 2000 hr during April to October for filtered, half-ambient, and full ambient oxidant chambers. Sulfur dioxide was applied continuously at 0.09 ppm. Oxidant and SO2 effects were only marginally significant, as there was considerable variability in response among individual trees and between years. Across two “on” production years, yields were 31% lower with ambient oxidants, 11% lower with half-ambient oxidants, and 29% lower with sulfur dioxide compared to filtered air. Number of fruit per tree was reduced by ambient oxidants and SO2. Individual fruit weights were reduced by ambient oxidants, but no other fruit quality characteristics showed definite responses to ambient oxidants or SO2. Ambient oxidants had no effect on yield or quality of fruit during one “off' production year. Neither ambient oxidants nor SO, affected tree growth.
Seed Moisture and Transplant Management Techniques Influence Sweet Corn Stand Establishment, Growth, Development, and Yield
Authors: Waters Luther , Burrows Rhoda L. , Bennett Mark A. , Schoenecker John
Published: January 2019

A series of experiments exploring the effect of seed moisture and transplant management techniques was conducted with sh2 and su sweet corn (Zea mays L.). The use of seed and transplants in a progression of developmental stages from dry seed to moistened seed to 14-day-old transplants showed that moistened seed had no impact on plant `growth and development. Use of transplants generally had little impact beyond decreasing percent survival and plant height. Increasing the age of transplants reduced the time to maturity and harvest. Increasing the size of the transplant container (paper pot) decreased the time to harvest for younger seedings, but had no other effects. Premoistened seed were successfully held at 10C for up to 72 hours without damage following moisturization. Delays in irrigation of up to 2 days after planting moistened seed had no detrimental effects on sweet corn emergence and growth.
Flowering of Aeschynanthus `Koral' at Fluctuating and Constant Temperatures
Authors: Whitton Brooks , Healy Will , Roh Mark
Published: January 2019

Stock plants of Aeschynanthus `Koral' were grown with irradiances of 120 or 240 μmol·s-1·m-2 at 18/17, 24/17, or 30/17C (day/night) under 12-hour thermo- and photoperiods. Tip cuttings from stock plants grown at 18/17C flowered earlier than those from stock plants grown at 24/17 or 30/17C when cuttings were forced in a glasshouse under natural days (23/18 C). No cuttings from stock plants grown at 30/17C reached the visible bud stage after 86 days, while 93% of the cuttings forced at 18/17C did reach the visible bud stage. A. `Koral' plants were grown at 18, 24, or 30C in a factorial combination of temperatures at 12-hour thermo- and photoperiods (100 μmol·s-1·m-2). After 8 weeks, only plants grown at 18/18C had visible buds. After 18 weeks, plants grown at 24/24 or 24/18C had visible buds after having unfolded =2.5 times as many leaves as plants grown at 18/18C. Rapid flowering of A. `Koral' is promoted by constant 18C under a 12-hour photoperiod.
Mycorrhizal Species, Root Age, and Position of Mycorrhizal Inoculum Influence Colonization of Cotton, Onion, and Pepper Seedlings
Authors: Afek U. , Rinaldelli E. , Menge J.A. , Johnson E.L.V. , Pond E.
Published: January 2019

The length of time required for vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhiza (VAM) colonization, the effect of root age, and the position of VAM inoculum with respect to the root system were tested on cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), onion (Allium cepa L.), and pepper (Capsicum annuum L.). Colonization of onion by Glomus deserticola began 3 days after inoculation and reached 50% of the total root length after 21 days. Colonization by G. mosseae and G. intraradices began after 12 days and attained 15% and 37%, respectively, after 21 days. In cotton, colonization with G. deserticola and G. intraradices began 12 days following inoculation and increased to 20% and 18%, respectively, after 21 days. Colonization of cotton by G. mosseae was poor. In pepper, colonization with G. deserticola, G. mosseae, and G. intraradices began 3, 6, and 6 days after inoculation and, after 21 days, reached 60%, 13%, and 10%, respectively. In a second experiment, rapid colonization by G. deserticola took place in 3-day-old onion seedlings and increased to 51% 3 days after inoculation. Ten- and 17-day-old seedlings were far less responsive to VAM colonization but became highly infected at 30 days when new roots were produced. In a third experiment, inoculum placement 3 cm below seeds at planting in the field was the most effective for promoting colonization of cotton and onion by VAM. In fumigated field soil, mycorrhizae increased cotton growth an average of 28% when inoculum was applied below seeds compared to one- or two-sided band applications. Even in nonfumigated field soil, inoculum placed 3 cm below the seed and inoculum placed in a band at one side 2 weeks after planting significantly increased cotton growth. In onion, mycorrhizal inoculation improved growth in fumigated soil when it was placed below the seed, but did not stimulate growth in nonfumigated soil.
Hydrophilic Polymers—Their Response to Soil Amendments and Effect on Properties of a Soilless Potting Mix
Authors: Wang Yin-Tung , Gregg Lori L.
Published: January 2019

The levels of hydration of several hydrophilic polymers (hydrogels) varied greatly. Starch-based polymers had the fastest rate of hydration (<2 hours), followed by a propenoate-propenamide copolymer. Polyacrylamide materials required 4 to 8 hours to become fully hydrated. Maximum water retention in distilled water varied from 400 to 57 g of water per gram of dry material. All hydrogels retained less water in the presence of metal ions or fertilizers in the soaking solution, with substances releasing Fe+2 being the most detrimental. After exposure to fertilizers and ions, the water-holding capacity of a polyacrylamide with a high degree of cross linkage, but not that of hydrogels of the other structures, was fully recovered by subsequently soaking in distilled water. Pots amended with a polyacrylamide polymer but without Micromax (a micronutrient source) reached maximum water retention after six irrigations, while those with Micromax required 10 irrigations to reach peak water retention. The amounts of water being held in pots decreased after repeated fertilization. Medium volume increased with increasing levels of the polyacrylamide Supersorb C (0, 2, 4, or 6 g/pot). Micromax incorporated in medium amended with Supersorb C caused a depression in volume. Medium bulk density, total water retention, and water retention per unit volume of medium were increased by the incorporation of the hydrogel, regardless of the presence of Micromax. Noncapillary porosity measured at container capacity in medium amended with Micromax progressively decreased as the amount of hydrogel increased, but remained unchanged in medium without Micromax. Repeated drying and dehydration of the medium resulted in reduced water retention and increased noncapillary pore space.
Activities of Catalase and Pentose Phosphate Pathway Dehydrogenases during Dormancy Release in Nectarine Seed
Authors: Hu Hening , Couvillon Gary A.
Published: January 2019

The activities of catalase and of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6PGDH), the two key enzymes in the pentose phosphate pathway (ppp), were measured in the seeds of Prunus persica (L.) Batsch var. nectarina Maxim `Nectarine 7'. The seeds were subjected to three imbibition treatments: 1) continuous 24C; 2) continuous 4C; and 3) application of thiourea (TU)/gibberellic acid (GA) at various concentrations to seed held at 24C then subsequently chilled at 4C. Treatments of continuous 24 or 4C indicated that catalase, G6PDH, and 6PGDH exhibited significant activity increases only when the seeds obtained germination potential, which occurred in the seeds chilled for 7 weeks at 4C. Seeds held at 24C did not germinate and showed little change with time in G6PDH and 6PGDH activity. There was only a slight increase in catalase activity beginning 3 weeks following treatment initiation and a decrease in activity following 13 weeks of treatment. Thiourea treatment resulted in an inhibition of catalase activity and a stimulation of G6PDH, but had no effect on 6PGDH activity. However, no correlation between enzymic activity and seed germination was found. The results strongly questioned the role of the ppp and catalase activity in dormancy control as previously hypothesized.
Age, Growing Temperatures, and Growth Retardants Influence Induction and Length of Dormancy in Malus
Authors: Hauagge Roberto , Cummins James N.
Published: January 2019

Apple seedlings have a shallow dormancy, as has been observed in many other species. The length of bud dormancy in high-chilling-requirement seedlings does not reflect their genetic constitution well if dormancy is induced before they are 200 days old. Seedling populations sprayed with paclobutrazol and/or ethephon displayed bud dormancy periods resembling those of older populations of similar genetic constitution. Terminal bud formation and dormancy could not be induced by continuously exposing apple seedlings to low temperature (8 ± 1C) and short photoperiod, even after extended periods. Stomate operation may not be completely functional under these conditions. Terminal bud formation was induced by holding apple seedlings above 20C. Additional exposure to low temperature (8 ± 1C) induced leaf fall. These findings suggest the existence of an active regulatory factor that induces terminal bud formation and dormancy and is either turned on or synthesized above 15 to 17C. Chemical names used: β- [(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]- α -(1,1-dimethylethyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole-1-ethanol(paclobutrazol);(2-chloroethyl)phosphoric acid (ethephon).
Flooding, Leaf Gas Exchange, and Growth of Mango in Containers
Authors: Larson Kirk D. , Schaffer Bruce , Davies Frederick S.
Published: January 2019

The effect of flooding on container-grown `Tommy Atkins' mango (Mangifera indica L.) trees on two rootstock, and on container-grown seedling `Peach' mango trees, was investigated by evaluating vegetative growth, net gas exchange, and leaf water potential. In general, flooding simultaneously reduced net CO2 assimilation (A) and stomatal conductance (gs) after 2 to 3 days. However, flooding did not affect leaf water potential, shoot extension growth, or shoot dry weight, but stem radial growth and root dry weight were reduced, resulting in larger shoot: root ratios for flooded trees. Mortality of flooded trees ranged from 0% to 45% and was not related to-rootstock scion combination. Hypertrophied lenticels were observed on trees that survived flooding but not on trees that died. The reductions in gas exchange, vegetative growth, and the variable tree mortality indicate that mango is not highly flood-tolerant but appears to possess certain adaptations to flooded soil conditions.
Control of Annual Weedy Grasses in a Bentgrass Green with Treatment Programs of Tri-calcium Arsenate
Authors: Callahan Lloyd M. , Shepard Dennis P.
Published: January 2019

A creeping bentgrass (Agrostis palustris Huds. `Penncross') green was treated with flowable tri-calcium arsenate (Ca-Ars) in increment levels of 17 or 34 kg·ha-1 in 12 multiple treatment date programs. Treatments were made over 4 years to determine effectiveness of initial applications and accumulated residues in controlling annual bluegrass (Poa annua var. annua L.) and large crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis L. Scop.) and to evaluate the phytotoxicity to the bentgrass. Multiple treatments of Ca-Ars at increments of 17 or 34 kg·ha-1 effectively controlled annual bluegrass and large crabgrass when cumulative application amounts totaled at least 136 kg·ha-1. Excellent control of annual bluegrass was achieved by timing treatments and soil residue buildup totals to coincide with the major germination and regrowth period of late winter to early spring. Optimum timing included treatments during the fall and spring. This treatment sequence also gave excellent control of crabgrass. Sustained control of both weeds was achieved when continued low level follow-up applications totaled >136 kg·ha-1. Penncross bentgrass appeared tolerant of Ca-Ars treatments totaling as high as 272 kg·ha-1. Arsenic apparently influenced thatch accumulation by killing earthworms.
Heat Stress Enhances Phytophthora Root Rot Severity in Container-grown Chrysanthemums
Authors: MacDonald J.D.
Published: January 2019

Cuttings of Dendranthema ×grandiflorum `Paragon' were used as a model system to assess the effects of root heating on disease severity. Roots were exposed to single episodes of heat stress, after which they were inoculated with zoospores of Phytophthora cryptogea Pethyb. & Laff. Root damage resulting from heat stress, or heat stress plus Phytophthora, was quantified 5 to 7 days after treatment. Roots of hydroponically grown plants, immersed for 30 min in aerated, temperature-controlled nutrient solutions, were severely damaged at 45C or above. Relatively little phytophthora root rot developed on inoculated plants exposed to 25 or 35C, but infection was severe in roots heated to 40C. Plants grown in potting mix were exposed to heat stress by plastic-wrapping the containers in which they were growing and placing them in heated water baths until roots achieved desired temperatures for 30 min. This system heated roots more slowly than in the hydroponic experiments, and 45 and 50C were less damaging. The amount of Phytophthora-induced root damage was insignificant in containerized plants heated to 25 or 35C, but was highly significant in those heated to 40C or higher. In field experiments, plants were positioned so their containers were either fulIy exposed to the late afternoon sun or heavily shaded to prevent sun exposure. The root zones of sun-exposed pots heated to 45 to 47C, while those of shaded pots never exceeded 34 to 36C. There was a large, highly significant increase in phytophthora root rot severity in the sun-exposed pots compared to shaded plants. These experiments showed that temperatures of 40C or higher, which commonly occur in container-grown plants exposed to solar radiation, can predispose chrysanthemum roots to severe Phytophthora infection.
Forcing Characteristics of Easter Lily Bulbs Exposed to Elevated-ethylene and -carbon Dioxide and Low-oxygen Atmospheres
Authors: Prince Timothy A. , Cunningham Maria S.
Published: January 2019

Exposure of bulbs of Easter Lily (Lilium longiflorum Thunb.) to a maximum of 2 μl ethylene/liter during vernalization delayed flowering by 5 to 7 days and decreased the number of flower buds. Ethylene exposure for 5 days at 21C after vernalization accelerated shoot emergence and flowering by up to 3 days. No floral or plant abnormalities were observed after bulb exposure to ethylene. Exposure to atmospheres with 0%, 0.5%, or 1% O2 at 21C for up to 2 weeks before or 10 days after vernalization did not “significantly impair subsequent bulb forcing. Storage in 1% 02 at 21C for 1 week before vernalization resulted in nearly one additional secondary bud initiated per plant. Exposure to up to 15% CO2 at 21C for up to 2 weeks before or 10 days after vernalization did not significantly impair subsequent forcing.
Storage Temperature and Duration Affect Quality and Post-storage Recovery of Vegetative Dendranthema ×grandiflorum
Authors: Rajapakse Nihal C. , Reed David Wm. , Kelly John W.
Published: January 2019

Experiments were conducted to evaluate Dendranthema × grandiflorum (Ramat.) Kitamura cv. Bright Golden Anne quality and post-storage growth following storage in the range of 5 to 35C, initial soil water levels (60%, 80%, 100%), and durations (0 to 8 days). Transpiration rate showed a quadratic relationship with storage temperature. Initial soil water content had little effect on transpiration rate in dark storage environments. The lowest transpiration rate was observed in plants stored at 15 or 20C. Amino acid (AA) leakage and post-storage growth were well-correlated. Plants stored at or above 25C became etiolated during storage, while storage at 15C or below did not cause etiolation. Temperatures at or below 15C did not affect subsequent growth rate of chrysanthemum plants. Storage at 20C and above caused a reduction in post-storage growth rate following 2 days of storage.
Inheritance and Linkage of Thirteen Polymorphic Isozyme Loci in Diploid Blueberry
Authors: van Heemstra M.I. , Bruederle L.P. , Vorsa N.
Published: January 2019

Diploid populations and progenies of controlled crosses of blueberry, Vaccinium section Cyanococcus, were analyzed by starch gel electrophoresis for nine enzyme systems, aconitase (ACO), aldolase (ALD), alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), glyceraldehyde-3 -phosphate dehydrogenase (G-3-PDH), isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH), leucine aminopeptidase (LAP), malate dehydrogenase (MDH), 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6-PGD), and phosphoglucose isomerase (PGI). Allozyme variants indicated the existence of three alleles at Ace-1, Ald, G-3-pdh-2, and Mdh-2; four alleles at Mdh-3 and 6-Pgd-2; five alleles at Aco-2, Idh, Lap-1, and 6-Pgd-1; six alleles at Adh-2 and Pgm-2; and nine alleles at Pgi-2. In addition, a null allele was found at Lap-1. In the majority of progenies, the inheritance patterns for each of these loci were consistent with mendelian laws for single gene control. Forty-seven pairs of loci were tested for independent assortment revealing two linked pairs, Pgi-2/Lap-1 and Pgm-2/6-Pgd-2, which appeared to represent two independent linkage groups.
Carbohydrate Levels and the Development of Fruit in Cranberry
Authors: Birrenkott Brian A. , Henson Cynthia A. , Stang Elden J.
Published: January 2019

Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait. cv. Searles) vegetative tissue was analyzed at various stages of development to determine carbohydrate levels under field and greenhouse conditions and to identify the carbohydrates. Except during dormancy, cranberry uprights in the field had the highest concentration of carbohydrates (soluble and starch) at early blossom, when the lower flowers were at anthesis. As early flowers developed into fruit and upper flowers were at or just beyond anthesis, uprights had lower carbohydrate concentrations. As fruit growth slowed, soluble carbohydrate levels increased and were highest at dormancy. Upright shoot tissue produced the previous year and trailing woody stems followed the same trend as the current season's growth but had consistently lower soluble carbohydrate levels at each growth stage. Starch levels were low in current growth and did not change appreciably with fruit development. Starch was primarily stored and subsequently depleted in the previous season's upright growth and trailing woody stems. Tissue from the greenhouse was generally higher in carbohydrates than was field-grown tissue. Fruit developed from 53% of the flowers under greenhouse conditions, compared to 38% in the field. Insufficient carbohydrate levels may be responsible for the low fruit set observed in the field. Sucrose, glucose, fructose, raffinose, and stachyose were present in cranberry vegetative tissue.