bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Foliar Applications of GA4+7 Reduce Flowering in Highbush Blueberry
Authors: Black Brent L. , Ehlenfeldt Mark K.
Published: February 2019

Precocious varieties of highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) may overcrop during the first few seasons in the fruiting field, adversely affecting plant establishment. Reducing or preventing bloom in the nursery and during establishment would be beneficial in preventing early cropping and reducing the risk of infection by pollenborne viruses. We investigated the efficacy of foliar applications of GA4+7 for suppressing flower bud initiation in blueberry. One-year-old rooted cuttings of ‘Bluecrop’ were obtained from a commercial nursery and established in 11-L pots at the Philip E. Marucci Blueberry and Cranberry Research Center, Chatsworth, N.J. Three separate experiments were conducted over three seasons with ‘Bluecrop’ (and ‘Duke’ in 2005) highbush blueberry where foliar applications of GA4+7 were made at concentrations ranging from 50 to 400 mg·L−1 a.i., with timing treatments ranging from 7 July to 15 Sept., with 10 replicate plants per treatment. Floral and vegetative buds were counted the following spring. In the first study, the greatest degree of flower bud suppression resulted from applications at 400 mg·L−1 repeated weekly from 7 July to 1 Sept. However, these treatments also reduced total vegetative bud number and plant height. In the two subsequent studies, the largest treatment effect resulted from three weekly applications in late August and early September, where flower bud numbers were suppressed by 70% to 85% for ‘Bluecrop’ and 95% for ‘Duke’ while total vegetative growth was unaffected.
Effect of 2,4-D and CPPU on Triploid Watermelon Production and Quality
Authors: Huitrón Maria Victoria , Diaz Manuel , Diánez Fernando , Camacho Francisco , Valverde Antonio
Published: February 2019

Pollination is one problem with intensive seedless watermelon (Citrullus lanatus Thunb.) production under unfavorable environmental conditions (low solar radiation and temperature) due to the lowered activity of pollinating insects, such as the bee (Apis mellifera L.). An alternative to overcome these problems is the use of plant growth regulators. For this reason, experiments were conducted for 2 years in plastic greenhouses in the fields of Almeria, southwestern Spain, to evaluate the production and quality of ‘Reina de corazones’ triploid watermelon grafted onto RS841 rootstock (Cucurbita maxima × Cucurbita moschata). Two phytoregulators were used for the development of the ovary: 1-(2-chloro-4-pyridyl)-3-phenylurea (CPPU) and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). Concentrations of CPPU evaluated were 50, 100, 150, and 200 mg·L−1. An application of 0.6 mL was applied to each ovary in addition to 4, 6, 8, or 12 mg·L−1 of 2,4-D to the foliar mass at a proportion of 1000 L·ha−1. Results showed that the production and number of fruit obtained with CPPU treatments were similar to what is obtained by using bees for fruit pollination. Maximum production was reached at concentrations of 100–200 mg·L−1. Average production was 32% to 83% higher than results from 2,4-D at 8 mg·L−1. The number of fruit per plant was 33% to 35% higher as well. In the first assay, a positive correlation was also observed between production and CPPU concentration. CPPU treatments had a lower accumulation of sugars than those with 2,4-D; nevertheless, both treatments showed values of commercially acceptable soluble solids.
Capturing Consumer Preferences and Interests in Developing a State Plant Promotional Program
Authors: Wehry Rebecca H. , Kelley Kathleen M. , Berghage Robert D. , Sellmer James C.
Published: February 2019

Two separate studies using intercept survey methodology were conducted to define the components of a state plant promotional program—Pennsylvania Gardener Selects (PGS)—based on consumer preference and appeal. The first study, conducted 6 and 7 Mar. 2003 at the Philadelphia Flower Show in Philadelphia, Pa., involved 243 Pennsylvanians. Objectives were to define current gardening-related shopping habits, sources of gardening information, motives and limitations for pursuing gardening, and history of purchasing other Pennsylvania products. Responses were analyzed using cluster analysis to identify consumer–gardener segments that would potentially purchase PGS plants. Three distinct consumer segments were generated: “Novice Gardeners” (consumers with limited experience in gardening), “Casual Gardeners” (consumers with limited confidence in their gardening knowledge), and “Avid Gardeners” (consumers who express great interest in gardening). “Avid Gardeners” exhibited a greater level of interest in purchasing plants evaluated for Pennsylvania (average response, 6.5; based on a scale of 1 to 7, where 1 is very unlikely and 7 is very likely), with 73% indicating that they had purchased Pennsylvania products; hence, they were a potential market for PGS plants. The second study, conducted 8 to 10 Mar. 2004 at the Philadelphia Flower Show involved 250 Pennsylvanians. Objectives for this study were to define consumer brand and product preferences, including container colors for the PGS program, plant tag style/color, and retail price (based on a scale of 1 to 7, where 1 is very unlikely to purchase and 7 is very likely to purchase), as well as brand attributes these consumers valued. Responses were analyzed using conjoint analysis. Participants awarded the highest utilities to the white container with a black-and-white PGS logo (0.1149), keystone-shaped tag with color image and PGS logo (0.1099), and a retail price of $1.98 (0.4751). Spearman's rho was used to identify relationships among existing and related brand attributes. Correlations between participants’ response to brand attributes, including locally grown, ideal for local conditions, quality assurance, and independent testing program, as well as plant guarantee and publication with gardening tips, suggest that promotional materials should emphasize and include these qualities. Results from these studies indicate that there is interest in a state plant promotional program for Pennsylvania. To use resources wisely, consumers classified as “Avid Gardeners” would be the most appropriate to target first. To attract consumer attention and encourage purchasing at a retail outlet, containers and plant tags should have distinctive colors, and brand attributes and resulting consumer benefits should be emphasized on promotional materials.
Molecular Detection and Prevalence of Citrus Viroids in Texas
Authors: Kunta Madhurababu , da Graça J.V. , Skaria Mani
Published: February 2019

Viroids are graft- or mechanically transmissible agents, disseminated through budding. Biological indexing of commercially important citrus cultivars grown in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas showed that many are infected with citrus viroids. Most of these trees carried more than one viroid. In most cases, the infected trees are asymptomatic carriers because sour orange, the predominant rootstock used in Texas, does not show symptoms of viroid infection. Detection of viroids through biological indexing on sensitive indicator plants followed by sequential polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (sPAGE) is the gold standard but is time-consuming and requires plants to be kept at optimum conditions. A conditional use of reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) provides an efficient and alternative detection of viroids for use in the Texas virus-free citrus budwood certification program. RT-PCR could be useful in Texas to help expedite the evaluation for the presence of viroids before conducting the final biologic indexing. Using RT-PCR, we could detect, clone, and sequence full-length viroids of Citrus exocortis viroid (CEVd), Hop stunt viroid (HSVd) (both cachexia and noncachexia variants), Citrus viroid-III (Citrus dwarfing viroid), and Citrus viroid-IV (Citrus bark cracking viroid) from a collection of viroid-inoculated grapefruit plants. The source plants were previously shown to be viroid-infected by biological indexing on Etrog citron plants. Based on our results, RT-PCR can be a conditional substitute for biological indexing of mother trees in foundation blocks and shoot tip-grafted trees in the virus-free budwood program. A positive RT-PCR result has a serendipitous value because those trees can be discarded from the pool before expensive biological indexing.
Fumigation of Stored Pome Fruit with Hexanal Reduces Blue and Gray Mold Decay
Authors: Sholberg Peter L. , Randall Paul
Published: February 2019

Stored apples and pears are subject to blue and gray mold decay incited by Penicillium expansum and Botrytis cinerea respectively. Hexanal, a C6 carbon aldehyde, used as a vapor provided effective control of both blue and gray molds in laboratory experiments on apple slices. A preliminary trial with ‘Anjou’ pears in bins showed that hexanal was not corrosive and could reduce gray mold in pears stored for 7 months. However details on the correct procedure for fumigating pome fruit were lacking, and further studies were needed to develop a reliable fumigation strategy. In trials with inoculated fruit, hexanal inactivated conidia of B. cinerea contaminating the pear surface when used at a rate of 2 mg·L−1 for 24 hours or 4 mg·L−1 for 18 hours. It was less effective on ‘Gala’ apples inoculated with conidia of P. expansum, but reduced blue mold decay to low levels at 15 ºC. On the other hand, hexanal increased gray and blue molds when used after wounds were made in inoculated fruit. The use of a preharvest treatment with cyprodinil (0.62 g·L−1) reduced both blue and gray molds in wounds with or without hexanal fumigation. Thus a strategy for controlling postharvest decay was developed by which fruit were treated 2 weeks before harvest with cyprodinil, followed by fumigation with hexanal immediately after harvest. The use of this strategy on ‘Anjou’ pears produced the highest number of mold-free fruit in 2003 and the least amount of gray and blue mold decay in 2003 and 2004 on pears stored for 4 months. Wounded apples only developed 1% rot compared with 10% in the control, indicating that hexanal fumigation of stored apples reduced contamination. Monitoring hexanal during fumigation showed that hexanal concentration declined slowly over a 24-hour period and could accurately be described by a third-order polynomial equation. Hexanal fumigation at low rates (2–3 mg·L−1) was not phytotoxic and improved aroma in ‘Anjou’ pears and ‘Gala’ apples with no harmful effects on apple or pear firmness, pH, titratable acidity, or soluble solids.
Preharvest Peroxyacetic Acid Sprays Slow Decay and Extend Shelf Life of Strawberries
Authors: Narciso J.A. , Baldwin E.A. , Plotto A. , Ference C.M.
Published: February 2019

Strawberry is an important fruit crop in Florida. Yearly losses can be attributed to pre- and postharvest decay incited by Botrytis cinerea P. Micheli ex Pers. and postharvest decay resulting from primarily Rhizopus stolonifer (Ehrenb. ex Fr.) Vuillemin. In this study, the sanitizer peroxyacetic acid (100 μL·L−1) was sprayed on flowers and developing strawberries 1, 2, and 3 d preharvest. Most of the time, fruit sprayed 3 days before harvest had significantly less decay than fruit sprayed 1 day preharvest or not sprayed when stored at 18 °C. Strawberries sprayed in the field with peroxyacetic acid and then coated postharvest with 1% chitosan coating had reduced decay compared with fruit only treated preharvest with peroxyacetic acid (PAA) for up to 12 days in storage. Sensitivity of B. cinerea hyphae and conidia to PAA was shown by the presence of a zone of inhibition using the disc assay method.
Storage Does Not Influence Steryl Glucoside Concentration in Cycas micronesica Seeds
Authors: Marler Thomas E. , Lee Vivian , Shaw Christopher A.
Published: February 2019

The concentration of two steryl glucosides and their sterol precursors were measured in gametophyte tissue of Cycas micronesica K.D. Hill seeds before and after two storage treatments. For one study, intact 14-month-old seeds were stored at room temperature for 10 months. For the second study, cleaned (sarcotesta tissue removed) 22-month-old seeds were sown in perlite propagation beds, and ungerminated seeds were harvested after 14 months. Concentration of the steryl glucosides and sterols in the gametophyte tissue did not differ between the fresh seeds and the seeds after storage. The function of these metabolites is not known, but their unexpected stability for up to 14 months of storage indicates they are not metabolized during storage and may be vital during germination and early seedling growth. Implications on human exposure to their neurotoxic effects from gametophyte flour ingestion are discussed.
Tall Fescue Rooting as Affected by Deficit Irrigation
Authors: Fu Jinmin , Fry Jack , Huang Bingru
Published: February 2019

Deficit irrigation is increasingly used to conserve water, but its impact on turfgrass rooting has not been well documented. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of deficit irrigation on ‘Falcon II’ tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) root characteristics in the field using a minirhizotron imaging system. The experiment was conducted on a silt loam soil from the first week of June to mid-Sept. 2001 and 2002 using a mobile rainout shelter under which turf received applications of 20%, 60%, or 100% of actual evapotranspiration (ET) twice weekly. Neither soil water content (0 to 25 cm) nor tall fescue rooting between 4.1- and 50.1-cm depths was affected by irrigation at 60% compared with 100% ET. Despite consistently lower soil water content, tall fescue irrigated at 20% ET exhibited an increase in root parameters beginning in July or August. Tall fescue subjected to 20% ET irrigation had greater total root length and surface area on two of five monitoring dates in 2002 compared with that receiving 100% ET. Evaluation of tall fescue rooting by depth indicated that root proliferation at 20% ET was occurring between 8.7- and 36.3-cm depths. As evaluated under the conditions of this experiment, turfgrass managers using deficit irrigation as a water conservation strategy on tall fescue should not be concerned about a reduction in rooting deep in the soil profile, and irrigation at 20% ET may result in root growth enhancement.
‘Golden Hills’ Pistachio
Authors: Parfitt Dan E. , Kallsen Craig , Maranto Joseph , Holtz Brent
Published: February 2019

‘Golden Hills’ is a new female pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) cultivar released by the California Agricultural Experiment Station in 2005. The nuts mature uniformly and are harvested 2–4 weeks earlier than ‘Kerman’. In-shell nut yields in the first 4 years are equal to those of ‘Kerman’, but the percentage of edible split nuts is higher. ‘Golden Hills’ flowers earlier than ‘Kerman’ and has not demonstrated symptoms of insufficient chilling in Kern Co. or in Madera Co., Calif. It appears to be a good early maturing cultivar, with uniform harvest period and little navel orangeworm infestation.
Dry Rot of Rutabaga Caused by Fusarium avenaceum
Authors: Peters Rick D. , Barasubiye Tharcisse , Driscoll Joanne
Published: February 2019

The rutabaga, also known as the swede turnip, is grown on ≈2000 ha in Canada. During the spring of 2006, a grower in Prince Edward Island noticed an advanced level of decay in his stored rutabagas (cv. Thompson Laurentian). About 80% of the stored crop was affected. Lesions on the surface of affected roots were circular to ovate and ranged in size from 10 to 50 mm. The lesions were light brown, with dark borders and some concentric zones evident near the perimeter of the affected tissue. Root tissue within the lesions was shrunken and often wrinkled. Sectioning the root through the lesion revealed an internal advancing dry rot, with an irregular border and cavities that contained white mycelium. Isolation from diseased tissues yielded fungal cultures, which were determined to be Fusarium avenaceum using morphological and molecular criteria. Successful completion of Koch's postulates determined that F. avenaceum was indeed the causal agent of rutabaga dry rot. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of F. avenaceum causing disease in rutabaga in Prince Edward Island, and likely only the second observation of its occurrence in North America. Dry rot, incited by F. avenaceum, may need to be considered as part of the spectrum of postharvest pathogens of rutabaga.
Investigating Parentage and Hybridity of Three Azaleodendrons Using Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism Analysis
Authors: Contreras Ryan N. , Ranney Thomas G. , Milla-Lewis Susana R. , Yencho G. Craig
Published: February 2019

Morphological analysis historically has been used to determine parentage of unknown hybrids. This can be difficult when potential parents have similar appearance, as in the case of three azaleodendron cultivars, Rhododendron L. ‘Fragrans’, ‘Fragrans Affinity’, and ‘Fragrant Affinity’. These cultivars are similar in name and appearance, and all are purported hybrids of R. catawbiense Michx. or R. ponticum L. and R. viscosum (L.) Torr. Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis was conducted to determine whether the cultivars are synonyms or distinct clones and to elucidate the parental species. The three cultivars, suspected to be hybrids between taxa in subgenera Hymenanthes (Blume) K.Koch (evergreen rhododendrons) and Pentanthera (G.Don) Pojarkova (deciduous azaleas), and related taxa from each subgenus were evaluated using 31 AFLP primer combinations. Genetic similarity, calculated using Jaccard's coefficient, among the hybrids ranged from 53% to 71%, indicating that they are distinct cultivars and not a single clone. Genetic similarity was highest between the hybrids and R. ponticum among the evergreen rhododendrons, and R. viscosum among the deciduous azaleas. A dendrogram generated using the genetic similarity matrix grouped taxa into their respective subgenera, with the three cultivars nested intermediately between subgenera but more closely with subgenus Hymenanthes and particularly R. ponticum, suggesting it is the evergreen rhododendron parent. Furthermore, principle components grouped R. ponticum more closely with the hybrids and there were 18 AFLP fragments unique to R. ponticum and the hybrids. However, no unique AFLP bands were shared exclusively among the hybrids and the purported deciduous azalea parent, R. viscosum, suggesting that the original azalea parents may have been hybrids.
Water Uptake by Older Roots: Evidence From Desert Succulents
Authors: North Gretchen B. , Baker Evan A.
Published: February 2019

Desert succulents are renowned for their rapid recovery of shoot function after periods of drought as a result of shoot succulence, root–shoot interactions, and key root properties. Near the base of the shoot, the proximal (generally older) roots appear to play a major role in the rapid uptake and delivery of water, especially after a period of soil drying when the rest of the root system has a lower hydraulic conductance. In all of the cacti, agaves, and yuccas examined to date, hydraulic conductance for the proximal root zone is unexpectedly high. Substantial water uptake by older roots of cacti is associated with much higher axial (xylem) hydraulic conductance in proximal than in distal root regions. For agaves and yuccas, proximal roots have other anatomical and physiological traits that enhance water uptake near the shoot base. Despite suberization (waxiness) of external root tissues in the proximal region, internal cell layers appear more characteristic of young root regions with living cortical cells and a high proportion of unsuberized passage cells in the endodermis. Both features may be related to the existence of a contractile root zone possessed by all members of the Agavaceae surveyed to date. Passage cells in the endodermis and aquaporins (protein water channels) in the metabolically active cortex expedite radial water transport. The radial swelling that accompanies longitudinal root contraction may also help maintain root-to-soil contact that would otherwise be diminished in dry soil. Modifications that increase axial and radial hydraulic conductance in the proximal root region suggest that water uptake by older roots is critical to the success of desert succulents.
Communication by Plant Growth Regulators in Roots and Shoots of Horticultural Crops
Authors: Malladi Anish , Burns Jacqueline K.
Published: February 2019

Plant growth regulators (PGRs) play important roles in the way plants grow and develop. Myriad processes important to horticultural crops are regulated by PGRs. Changes in the presence, balance, and distribution of PGRs communicate developmental, stress-related, or environmental cues that alter growth. Short-distance communication involves changes in biosynthesis or metabolic conversion, whereas longer-distance communication may also require export and translocation of PGRs, their precursors or metabolites. Examples are presented that demonstrate PGR communication between roots and shoots in horticultural commodities. For example, increased duration and intensity of flooding stress can result in synthesis of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC), precursor of the PGR ethylene, in roots. ACC transported to the shoot through the transpiration stream is converted to ethylene and causes leaf epinasty. Roots sense the onset of water stress and can communicate the need to close leaf stomata by altering abscisic acid (ABA) levels in the shoot. Daylength and temperature regulate synthesis and transport of gibberellins, which promote stem elongation and stolon formation and inhibit tuberization in potato. Outgrowth of axillary buds following the decapitation of the apical meristem is dependent on synthesis and transport of cytokinin from root to the axillary buds as well as the balance of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) cytokinin, and additional messengers. Current research in the field of long-distance communication within plants is uncovering novel messengers and altering our view of the central roles for PGRs in such signaling.
Target Region Amplification Polymorphism (TRAP) as a Tool for Detecting Genetic Variation in the Genus Pelargonium
Authors: Palumbo Rose , Hong Wai-Foong , Wang Guo-Liang , Hu Jinguo , Craig Richard , Locke James , Krause Charles , Tay David
Published: February 2019

Pelargonium was a priority genera collected by the Ornamental Plant Germplasm Center (OPGC) until a recent reorganization. To preserve genetic diversity for future breeders, OPGC collects heirloom cultivars, breeding lines, and wild species. The current Pelargonium collection at OPGC consists primarily of cultivars originating from P. ×hortorum and P. ×domesticum. Target region amplification polymorphism (TRAP) has the advantage of producing a large number of markers through use of sequence information that is already available. Our first goal was to determine the feasibility of TRAP for the analysis of this large collection, so that in the future the most diverse genotypes may be retained. To achieve this goal, we first modified existing DNA extraction techniques to account for the high levels of phenolic compounds present in some Pelargonium species by combining several washes to remove the phenolics with the addition of high levels of antiphenolic compounds. Second, we evaluated the TRAP procedure using the DNA isolated from 46 accessions. For 44 accessions, one or two primer combinations generated enough fragments to discriminate each of the accessions, and similar clades were produced by cluster analysis of the polymorphic fragments amplified by different primer combinations. All the scorable fragments were polymorphic, for one primer combination there were 148 markers from one image and the other produced 160 markers on two images. These results demonstrate that TRAP is an effective method for molecular characterization of ornamental collections.
Identification of Resistance to Peppery Leaf Spot among Brassica juncea and Brassica rapa Plant Introductions
Authors: Wechter W. Patrick , Farnham Mark W. , Smith J. Powell , Keinath Anthony P.
Published: February 2019

Brassica leafy greens (Brassica juncea L. and Brassica rapa L.) represent one of the most economically important vegetable crop groups in the southeastern United States. In the last 10 years, numerous occurrences of a leaf-spot disease on these leafy vegetables have been reported in several states. This disease, known as peppery leaf spot, is now causing serious crop losses and has been attributed to the bacterial phytopathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. maculicola (Psm). To date, it appears that all cultivars of the Brassica leafy greens are susceptible, and available pesticides for control of this disease appear unable to reduce the disease to acceptable levels. Thus, we undertook a search for potential resistance to this disease among accessions of B. juncea and B. rapa included in the U.S. Plant Introduction (PI) collection. In greenhouse trials, we screened commercial cultivars and 672 U.S. PIs (226 B. juncea and 446 B. rapa) for resistance to Psm with artificial inoculation. Although severity of disease symptoms was significantly different among inoculated accessions, no acceptable levels of resistance were found in any of the more than 400 B. rapa accessions tested. Only two B. juncea accessions (PI 195553 and G 30988) of 226 tested had acceptable levels of resistance that might prove economically useful.
Genetic Diversity and Discrimination of Chimonanthus praecox (L.) Link Germplasm Using ISSR and RAPD Markers
Authors: Zhao Kai-Ge , Zhou Ming-Qin , Chen Long-Qing , Zhang Donglin , Robert Gituru Wahiti
Published: February 2019

Chimonanthus praecox (wintersweet) is endemic to China. It has been cultivated there for more than 1000 years as a garden, potted, and cut-flower plant. Many cultivars have been developed during its long history of cultivation, and recently many germplasms were collected in Wuhan and Nanjing, China. The identification and genetic relationship of these resources were studied based mainly on morphological traits. In the current study, intersimple sequence repeat markers (ISSR) and random amplified polymorphic DNA markers (RAPD) were used for the first time to investigate 72 wintersweet clones from the two regions. Eleven ISSR primers amplified 115 bands, 90 (78.26%) of which were polymorphic. Nineteen RAPD primers amplified 165 bands, 105 (63.63%) of which were polymorphic. Either ISSR or RAPD markers were sufficient to distinguish all the clones surveyed. A Dendrogram based on Jaccard's similarity coefficients indicated that the distribution pattern of the 72 clones was coherent with their geographical origins. Most of the genetic variation (85.68% with ISSR data; 86.75% with RAPD data) occurred among clones within each region. However, the difference between Wuhan and Nanjing groups is statistically significant (ΦST = 0.143, P < 0.001, with ISSR data; ΦST = 0.132, P < 0.001, with RAPD data). Morphological variation and classification of wintersweet cultivars were also discussed compared with the genetic relationship based on ISSR and RAPD markers. This is the first report of the partitioning of genetic variability within and between different cultivated wintersweet regions, and it provides useful baseline data for optimizing sampling strategies in breeding. These results are important for future genetic improvement, identification, and conservation of Chimonanthus praecox germplasm.
Solanum habrochaites Accession LA1777 Recombinant Inbred Lines Are Not Resistant to Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus or Tomato Mottle Virus
Authors: Momotaz Aliya , Scott John W. , Schuster David J.
Published: February 2019

Cultivated tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) accessions have been susceptible to the whitefly-transmitted begomoviruses Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) and Tomato mottle virus (ToMoV) that can cause serious crop damage. S. habrochaites accession LA1777 has been reported to be resistant to TYLCV. To locate putative virus resistance genes, 89 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) previously developed from LA1777 in a tomato background, LA1777 and the susceptible RIL parent E6203, were screened against the begomoviruses TYLCV and ToMoV. An initial study showed 18 RILs had less disease severity to TYLCV or ToMoV. Eight RILs had S. habrochaites alleles at TG27 (restriction fragment length polymorphism marker) on chromosome 1, three RILs had S. habrochaites alleles at TG202 on chromosome 7, and one RIL had S. habrochaites alleles at both marker loci. The RILs with these regions were intercrossed in 10 different cross combinations and F2 seeds were then obtained. The F2 progenies were inoculated separately with both viruses and then evaluated in the field. The F2 plants with less disease severity were selected, but most did not have the markers from the hypothetical resistance regions. The F3 progenies were then inoculated and rated for disease severity to both viruses. None of the F3s demonstrated any increased level of resistance, even if derived from F2s homozygous for the target regions from both chromosomes. All plants from every cross combination were susceptible for both TYLCV and ToMoV, suggesting that there is no begomovirus resistance in the LA1777 RIL population. Some limitations of capturing all genes in an RIL population derived from an outcrossing accession are discussed.
Influence of Fertigation in ‘Manzanilla de Sevilla’ Olive Oil Quality
Authors: Morales-Sillero Ana , Jiménez R. , Fernández J.E. , Troncoso A. , Beltrán G.
Published: February 2019

We report the results of a study carried out in a ‘Manzanilla de Sevilla’ olive orchard near Seville, Spain, where the influence of different fertigation treatments on oil chemical composition was considered. Four treatments were established: control (no fertilizer) and T200, T400, and T600 in which each tree, respectively, received 200, 400, or 600 g N per irrigation season of a 4N–1P–3K complex fertilizer applied daily from 1999 to 2003. Results shown here correspond to the last 2 years of the experiment, 2002 and 2003. Fruits were sampled at the beginning of ripeness at the “green” stage. Fruit water content increased with the amount of fertilizer, probably because of the increase of potassium in the pulp. Oil content was unaffected by the treatments, but oil yield increased with the fertilizer dose in 2003 as a result of the number of fruits per tree. Polyphenol content, which is related to antioxidant oil capacity, K225 (bitterness), and oxidative stability were lower in the oils made from trees receiving greater fertilizer doses. The monounsaturated fatty acid content, in particular oleic acid, decreased with increasing amounts of applied fertilizers, whereas polyunsaturated fatty acids, in particular linoleic acid, increased with it.
Bigtooth Maples from Selected Provenances Effectively Endure Deficit Irrigation
Authors: Bsoul Emad , St. Hilaire Rolston , VanLeeuwen Dawn M.
Published: February 2019

Although bigtooth maple (Acer grandidentatum Nutt.) is an ornamental plant that might thrive in managed landscapes in arid and semiarid regions, little information on the drought tolerance of bigtooth maples appears to be available. We studied water relations, plant development, and carbon isotope composition of bigtooth maples indigenous to New Mexico, Texas, and Utah that were field-grown in New Mexico using a pot-in-pot nursery production system. Plants were maintained as well-irrigated controls or irrigated after the weight of pots decreased by 35% due to evapotranspiration. Bigtooth maples subjected to drought had more negative predawn leaf water potentials (−0.76 MPa) than the plants in the control treatment (−0.64 MPa). Drought did not affect midday leaf water potential of seed sources. Trees native to the Lost Maples State Natural Area in Vanderpool, TX (designated LMP5), had the greatest leaf area (1236 cm2) among plants from all sources, while those native to Logan Canyon in Cache County, UT (designated UW2), had among the smallest leaf area (216 cm2). Leaf area ratio (LAR) was highest in plants from LMP5 (24.23 cm2·g−1), which suggests that they have potential for more carbon assimilation than the other plants tested. Plants from LMP5 had the highest leaf area/xylem diameter ratio (135 cm−2·mm−1). This ratio was 5.8 times higher than that of UW2, which had among the lowest leaf area/xylem diameter ratios. The high leaf area/xylem diameter ratio of LMP5 plants relative to UW2 plants indicates that LMP5 plants had a larger surface area of tissues that transpire relative to those that transport water. Treatment did not affect stomatal conductance (g
S) or transpiration, but g
S and transpiration were positively correlated for both drought-stressed (r
2 = 0.801) and well-irrigated plants (r
2 = 0.759). Plants from New Mexico (designated DS) had the lowest transpiration rate (2.32 mmol·m−2·s−1), lowest g
s (52.1 mmol·m−2·s−1), largest xylem diameter (11 mm), and had among the largest shoot dry weight (DW) and plant height. Plants did not differ either among sources or between treatments in the ratio of variable to maximal fluorescence (mean = 0.64), relative water content (averaged 57%), specific leaf weight, stem DW, root DW, and plant DW. Carbon isotope discrimination (Δ) averaged −26.53‰ and did not differ among plant sources or irrigation treatments. This suggests that Δ might not be effective in screening bigtooth maples for drought tolerance. Low transpiration rate, g
S, and high shoot dry weight in DS plants and traits, such as a high LAR in plants from LMP5, suggest that plants selected from these provenances might effectively endure deficit irrigation.
Quality Assessment and Yield of Baikal Skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) Grown at Multiple Locations
Authors: Zheljazkov Valtcho D. , Cantrell Charles L. , Ebelhar M. Wayne , Coker Christine , Evans William B.
Published: February 2019

Baikal skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) is an important medicinal plant with proven bioactivity. Commercially available products in the United States containing extracts or derivatives from this plant species have been shown to lack consistency of chemical composition and bioactivity. In the United States, these issues could be solved through domestic production of skullcap. The hypothesis of this study was that Baikal skullcap grown in the Mississippi climate would accumulate sufficient bioactive flavonoids, baicalin, and baicalein in the roots to justify domestic production, and that shoots of these plants might also contain the flavonoids of interest. A replicated field experiment was conducted at four locations in Mississippi (Beaumont, Crystal Springs, Stoneville, and Verona) to test the hypothesis. The concentration of the main flavonoid, baicalin, in the roots ranged from 8.1% to 15.6%, whereas the concentration of baicalein varied from 0.2% to 1.2%. The flavonoid concentrations in the roots were similar to that of commercially available skullcap roots, and to concentrations reported in the literature. Chrysin was detected in the roots from one location. Furthermore, the flavonoids apigenin, baicalein, baicalin, chrysin, and scutellarein were detected and quantified in the skullcap shoots. Overall, yields of dry roots tended to increase from southern to northern locations. This is the first report on flavonoid accumulation in Baikal skullcap roots and shoots grown in the United States. The results from this study are promising and suggest that 1) Baikal skullcap grown in Mississippi accumulates similar amounts of baicalein and baicalin to skullcap grown in other regions and can provide up to 128 kg·ha −
1 of baicalin and up to 2.32 kg·ha−
1 of baicalein; 2) flavonoid concentration in Baikal skullcap roots and shoots, yields, and mineral concentration of roots might depend on climatic and growing conditions; and 3) Baikal skullcap could be developed as a high-value crop for Mississippi and possibly other regions of the United States. Further research is needed on skullcap production methods and economic feasibility.
Phototaxis of Fungus Gnat, Bradysia sp. nr coprophila (Lintner) (Diptera: Sciaridae), Adults to Different Light Intensities
Authors: Cloyd Raymond A. , Dickinson Amy , Larson Richard A. , Marley Karen A.
Published: February 2019

Multiple-choice experimental arenas, with sample compartments, were used to assess the response of fungus gnat, Bradysia sp. nr. coprophila (Lintner) (Diptera: Sciaridae), adults to varying light intensities in environmentally controlled walk-in chambers. Each sample compartment contained a yellow sticky card (2.5 × 2.5 cm) to capture fungus gnat adults. Under conditions of darkness, fungus gnat adults migrated randomly with no significant differences among the six sample compartments. Fungus gnat adults were observed to positively respond to light intensities less than 0.08374 μmol·m−2·s−1. In addition, adults responded to light intensities that were below the detection threshold of a photosynthetically active radiation light sensor. A higher percentage of fungus gnat adults (22% to 39%) were captured on yellow sticky cards in the sample compartments that were closest to a directional light source compared with sample compartments that were located further away from the light source (2% to 9%). Fungus gnat adults exhibited a significant response when exposed to two distinct ranges of light intensities (0.12 to 0.26 versus 0.87 to 1.02 μmol·m−2·s−1) with adults significantly more attracted to the highest light intensities (0.87 to 1.02 μmol·m−2·s−1). The results obtained in this study indicate that fungus gnat adults are positively phototactic, and as light intensity increases, they display a preference for those higher light intensities. It is possible that modifications in light intensity may be a feasible management strategy for alleviating problems with fungus gnats in greenhouses.
Effect of Time After Harvest on Stem Scar Water Absorption in Tomato
Authors: Smith S.M. , Scott J.W. , Bartz J.A. , Sargent S.A.
Published: February 2019

Fresh market tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.) handled through dump tanks and flumes at packinghouses can absorb water via stem scar tissues. This water uptake can lead to internalization of various hazardous bacteria, including Erwinia carotovora (Jones), the causal agent of bacterial soft rot. Studies were conducted to determine if the interval between harvest and water immersion affected water uptake for ‘Florida 47’ and ‘Sebring’, cultivars with high and low water uptake, respectively. Fruit were held for 2, 8, 14, and 26 hours after harvest for the fall season and 2, 4, 6, 8, and 14 hours for the following spring season before water immersion. Mature green fruit were weighed, submerged in water for 2 min and then reweighed to determine water uptake. During the submergence, air pressure was applied such that the fruit were exposed to a static water-head equivalent to 1.3 m. In the fall season ‘Sebring’ fruit absorbed significantly less water than ‘Florida 47’ fruit at 8 and 26 hours after harvest. In the spring season fruit of ‘Sebring’ absorbed significantly less water than ‘Florida 47’ at all times after harvest, confirming results of previous studies. In the fall season, the time interval between harvest and treatment did not affect water uptake for either cultivar. By contrast, in the spring season fruit absorbed significantly greater amounts of water at 2 hours as compared with 4, 6, 8, and 14 hours after harvest, whereas similar amounts of water were absorbed at 4–14 hours after harvest. Therefore, to minimize the tendency of fruit to absorb water, packinghouse managers should hold freshly harvested fruit for at least 4 hours before immersing them in the dump tank.
In Vitro Germplasm Conservation of Habanero Pepper (Capsicum chinense Jacq.)
Authors: Montalvo-Peniche María del C. , Iglesias-Andreu Lourdes G. , Mijangos-Cortés Javier O. , Nahuat-Dzib Sara L. , Barahona-Pérez Felipe , Canto-Flick Adriana , Santana-Buzzy Nancy
Published: February 2019

To determine the effect of different nitrogen sources and osmotic regulators on minimal growth of Habanero pepper (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) germplasm for in vitro conservation, different concentrations of nitrate, sucrose, mannitol, and sorbitol were evaluated. The micropropagation system based on Santana-Buzzy et al. (2006) culture medium was modified in its nitrate concentrations: reduced to 50% and increased to 150%, and osmoregulators were added to the basal culture media: sucrose (6% and 8%), mannitol (2%, 4%, and 8%), or sorbitol (2%, 4%, and 8%). The apical meristems of germinated plants were cultivated in the different treatments for 35 weeks without subculture. Results have demonstrated that mannitol at 2% had the better effect on minimal growth of the plantlets and did not affect the plant physiology and quality. The plantlets remained small in size, turgent, with green leaves and stems and looked like normal plants until to the end of the evaluation period. Changes in nitrogen media concentration did not prove to be adequate for conserving because they affected the plantlet quality (they became chlorotic). The presence of sorbitol and high osmolite concentrations induced minimal growth but reduced the plant quality. Sucrose at mid or low concentrations did not induce minimal growth.
Proliferation-rate Effects of BAP and Kinetin on Banana (Musa spp. AAA Group) ‘Basrai’
Authors: Muhammad Aish , Rashid Hamid , Hussain Iqbal , Naqvi S.M. Saqlan
Published: February 2019

The effect of benzylaminopurine (BAP) and kinetin alone and in combination with indole 3-acetic acid (IAA) on shoot proliferation of ‘Basrai’ (Musa spp., AAA group) was investigated. Shoot tips (4–6 mm) were excised from field-grown suckers to initiate the cultures. Concentrations of BAP and kinetin ranged from 0.0 to 8.0 mg·L−1 each on solid or in liquid MS medium. When liquid medium was used, cultures were agitated continuously on an orbital shaker moving at 40 rpm. Three subculture regimes were employed; after each subculture, the number of shoots regenerated from each explant was counted. The results showed that the multiplication rate was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) dependent upon cytokinin type, its concentration, and type of medium used. The maximum number of shoots regenerated from a single shoot tip was achieved in liquid MS medium containing 4.0 mg·L−1 BAP. There was no significant difference between liquid and solid medium when kinetin was used; however, kinetin at 4.0 mg·L−1 or above yielded significant results as compared with the control and lower kinetin concentrations. The results demonstrated that 4.0 mg·L−1 BAP with 1.0 mg·L−1 IAA in liquid medium was best for shoot multiplication and shoot height during micropropagation of ‘Basrai’.
Germination of Phlox pilosa L. Seeds Is Improved by Gibberellic Acid and Light but Not Stratification, Potassium Nitrate, or Surface Disinfestation
Authors: Madeiras Angela M. , Boyle Thomas H. , Autio Wesley R.
Published: February 2019

The effects of warm stratification and cold stratification, gibberellin-3 (GA3) concentration, potassium nitrate concentration, light, and duration of surface sterilization on the germination of downy phlox (Phlox pilosa L.) seeds were studied. Germination after 21 days (G21), days to 50% germination (T50), and number of days between 10% and 90% final germination (T90–T10) were calculated for each treatment. Total germination percentage was most significantly improved by cold stratification at 5 ± 2 °C for 10 weeks after warm stratification at 20 °C for 2 weeks; however, a substantial amount of germination occurred during the prestratification period, thus resulting in a crop with poor uniformity. A total of 10 mg·L−1 GA3 significantly improved the G21, T50, and T90–T10 values. Although GA3 concentration and duration of cold stratification period interacted significantly when the two were combined, the additive effects of GA3 and cold stratification did not significantly improve G21 values over those obtained with GA3 alone nor were T50 values improved over those obtained with cold stratification alone. Potassium nitrate did not influence the T50 and T90–T10 values and improved G21 only slightly. Light was found to be necessary for germination. Surface sterilization with 10% bleach decreased the growth of fungi on seeds but had no significant effect on the germination responses of P. pilosa seeds. Application of GA3 at 10 mg·L−1 is a promising method for improving seed germination in perennial Phlox species.
Chemical and Physical Properties of Douglas Fir Bark Relevant to the Production of Container Plants
Authors: Buamscha M. Gabriela , Altland James E. , Sullivan Dan M. , Horneck Donald A. , Cassidy James
Published: February 2019

A 1-year survey on the chemical and physical properties of Douglas fir [Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirbel) Franco] bark was conducted with the following objectives: 1) to document baseline chemical and physical properties of Douglas fir bark (DFB) that have relevance to production of container plants; 2) to determine the effect of DFB age on its chemical and physical properties; and 3) to document the consistency of those properties throughout the year. In June, August, October, and Dec. 2005, and February and May 2006, fresh and aged DFB samples were collected from two primary DFB suppliers (bark sources) for Oregon nurseries: source A offers a bark screened to 0.95 cm or less (fine) and source B screened to 2.2 cm or less (coarse). Samples were analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), essential plant macro- and micronutrients, bulk density, particle size distribution, and substrate moisture characteristic curves. Air space (AS), container capacity (CC), and solids were determined as a percent of container volume. Nonamended fresh and aged DFB contains appreciable extractable amounts of all measured plant macro- and micronutrients, except N. In general, the aging process reduced pH; and increased EC, and extractability of phosphorous, calcium, magnesium, boron, iron, and aluminum. Uniformity of DFB chemical properties throughout the year was affected by bark source and less so by age. In terms of physical properties, aged DFB had lower AS and higher CC compared with fresh DFB. Average differences in AS and CC between fresh and aged DFB within a source were 8% or less. Similar to chemical properties, uniformity of DFB physical properties was more affected by bark source than age.