bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cutting Propagation Efficiency of Lowbush Blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium Ait.) Depending on the Conditions of Media and Cutting
Authors: Lee* Jun Gu , Lee Jong Nam , Lee Eung Ho , Lee Byoung Yil
Published: February 2019

Lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium Ait.) have some potential agricultural benefits for soil covering and high nutritive antioxidant fruit production in highland of South Korea. As a preliminary research step to introduce and to rapidly propagate the lowbush blueberry in South Korea, we evaluated the cutting propagation efficiency under several cutting conditions. The pH of peatmoss media were adjusted to five target values of 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, and control with air-slaked lime. Peat-moss were mixed with perlite at five levels of volume ratios in separate experimental design. The cuttings were also prepared with the three cutting regions from mother stock shoots and the number of nodes per cutting. The rooting of V. angustifolium cuttings initiated at 50 days after cutting in nursery bed, and at 70 days after cutting, shallow root ball were developed by 0.5 cm diameter. The rooting rate and root ball development were favorable in the pH 4.5 and nonadjusted control (pH 4.15) while the mixed ratio of perlite did not affect on rooting efficiency ranging from 30% to 50% mixed treatment. Terminal and intermediate region from newly developed shoot performed higher cutting efficiency compared to the basal region, and four to six nodes per each cutting showed favorable shoot growth and root ball development compared to the 2-node cutting. Thus the cutting of upper shoot region having four to six nodes in acidic peatmoss nursery containing 30% to 50% perlite might be suitable preliminary screened conditions. The cutting propagation efficiency of the five lowbush blueberry clones were also evaluated depending on the summer and early spring cutting.
Effects of Wood-chip Mulch on Growth and Productivity of `Apache' Blackberry
Authors: Rom Curt R. , McAfee* Jason
Published: February 2019

`Apache' blackberry planted in 3-m plots spaced at 0.6 m between plants were maintained either with or without waste municipal wood chip mulch and grown for 5 years. Plots received similar weed control, pest management, and irrigation. All plots were annually hedged at 1.35-m height twice during midsummer to encourage branching. Fruit were harvested beginning in the second season after a season of establishment. Annual yield in the mulched plots was 15% greater, average fruit size was 4% larger, and cumulative yield was 9% greater in the mulched plots compared to nonmulched control plots. In two seasons, average berry soluble solids content of fruit from mulched plots was slightly, but not significantly higher. Annual primocane number was 33% greater, floricane number 41% greater, floricane dry weight after harvest was 15% greater, and average plant height before summer pruning was 24% taller in mulched plots compared to nonmulched plots. Mulch significantly reduced weeds within the plots.
Soil pH Affects Growth and Nutrient Content of Grapes
Authors: Kering Maru K. , Kaps* Martin L.
Published: February 2019

The grape cultivars Vidal blanc, a French-American hybrid, and Norton, primarily Vitis aestivalis, were transplanted to 19-L pots with soil amended to pH 4.5, 5.9, 7.2, and 8.5. The soil was a mixture of coarse sand and a silty clay loam in the proportion 2 to 1. The experiment was a randomized complete block with two treatments (cultivar, soil pH) and six replications. The objectives of the experiment were to determine vegetative growth and nutrient content of the two cultivars at varying soil pH, and the soil pH within those tested that optimized growth. Vidal blanc was superior to Norton in all growth measurements after 94 days. At pH 7.2 and 8.5, significant reductions in shoot length; leaf area; and leaf, shoot and root dry weights occurred for Norton but not for Vidal blanc. Trends toward lower P, Mg, Fe, and MN and higher B occurred at pH 8.5. Foliar symptoms of Mg and Fe deficiency were noticed for Norton at this elevated pH but not for Vidal blanc. The pH range 5.9 to 7.2 for Norton and 7.2 to 8.5 for Vidal blanc appeared to optimize growth for these two cultivars.
Screening Carotenoid Content in Seeded and Seedless Watermelon Fruit
Authors: Perkins-Veazie* Penelope , Collins J.K. , Roberts Warren
Published: February 2019

Watermelons contain the carotenoids b-carotene, phytofluene, lycopene, and lutein. These carotenoids play an important role in plant oxidative protection and may serve to protect humans against oxidative assaults. Of the carotenoids, lycopene is the predominant pigment in red-fleshed melons (30-130 μg·g-1), b-carotene is present in small amounts (1-14 μg·g-1), and other carotenoids are present in minute amounts (1-3 μg·g-1). Seventy varieties were screened for lycopene content using scanning colorimetry, spectrophotometry, and HPLC techniques, and grouped as low, medium, high, or very high in lycopene. Pink-fleshed heirloom varieties such as Sweet Princess and Black Diamond contained low amounts of lycopene (<40 μg·g-1). A number of seeded and seedless varieties had medium amounts of lycopene (40-60 μg·g-1). Varieties in the high category (60-80 μg·g-1) were primarily seedless types, although `Dixie Lee', an open-pollinated, seeded variety had 69 μg·g-1, indicating that high lycopene content is not restricted to hybrid or seedless melon germplasm. Six selections were found to be very high in lycopene (>80 μg·g-1), including the minimelon Hazera 6008 (Extazy). Total carotenoids and carotenoid profiles were determined by HPLC for 23 varieties in 2003. Both seeded and seedless type melons had varieties high in bcarotene, lycopene, and total carotenoids. These results indicate that commercial watermelon varieties have a wide range in lycopene and b-carotene content, and that most commercially important varieties are high in lycopene and total carotenoids, providing important sources of phytonutrients to the human diet.
Antioxidant Detection in Berry Samples from Alaska
Authors: Leiner Roseann , Smyth Abraham , Candler Rudy , Holloway* Patricia S.
Published: February 2019

Berries and vegetables can be sources of beneficial phytochemicals that may have antioxidant activity in the human diet. Information on type and quantity of phytochemicals may open new crop opportunities for berries and vegetables harvested in Alaska. A method was developed for detecting ascorbic acid and eight phenolic acids on an HPLC instrument using a reverse phase Merck Chromolith C18 column. The method used UV absorbance detection at 280nm to separate a standard solution of the following nine phytochemicals: ascorbic acid, gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, p-hydroxyphenylacetic acid, caffeic acid, syringic acid, p-coumaric acid and ferulic acid. The mobile phase was a mixture (3.5% to 14% gradient) of organic solvent (5 parts acetonitrile: 2 parts methanol) and aqueous solvent (2 mmol aqueous trifluoroacetic acid - TFA) at a flow rate of 2 mL/min. In 2003, over 60 samples of berries and 60 samples of baby greens were extracted and analyzed. Plant samples were extracted by blending 10-20g of frozen plant tissue with 5 parts TFA. The extracts were centrifuged, diluted 4:1 and filtered (0.2 μm). Chromatograms from HPLC analysis for all samples were complex in peak size and number. Chromatograms for six extracts of high bush cranberries, Viburnum edule, exhibited intense peaks that indicate the presence of caffeic acid, based on retention times. Chromatograms for seven extracts of rose hips, Rosa acicularis, exhibited peaks that indicate the presence of ascorbic acid, based on retention times. Gallic acid and p-hydroxybenzoic acid are apparent minor components in the leaves of some baby greens. This research will continue in 2004 with more plant samples and further method development for detection of other phytochemicals.
Effect of Temperature and Salinity on the Germination of Lagurus ovatus L.
Authors: Carreño Santiago , Conesa Encarnación , Franco* José Antonio , Martínez-Sánchez Juan José
Published: February 2019

Lagurus ovatus is an annual grass typical of sandy coastal soils, wide-spread in southern Europe. The color and texture of the inflorescence have such features that give good qualities as dry flower. In this work we have studied the germination capacity of Lagurus ovatus in different conditions of temperature, light and salinity. Seeds harvested in of the province of Murcia (Southeast of Spain) were tested in germination chambers with constant temperatures (5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 °C) and combined temperatures (20/30, 15/25, 10/20 and 5/15 °C). For each treatment, the photoperiod was 12 hours and total darkness. The results showed that total darkness was required to germination and the highest germination were obtained with constant temperatures of 10°C (90%) and 15°C (66%). Temperatures above or below reduced significantly the final germination. With alternate temperatures, the highest values were recorded when at least for 12 hours the temperature was 10 °C or 15 °C (5/15, 10/20 and 15/25 °C) 87%, 93%, and 88% respectively. Once calculated the optimum temperature a salinity experiment was carried out to determine how this parameter affected germination. The assay was carried out at 10/20 °C. The seeds were watered with a NaCl2 solution of: 0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15 and 17.5 dS·m-1. The greatest germination was obtained in non-saline control (88%) and its was linearly reduced with increases in salinity to 10 dS·m-1 (4%). No germination was registered from 12.5 to 17.5 dS·m-1. When non-germinated seeds were transferred to distilled water after the exposure to salinity, rates of germination were very high in all cases. This work was supported by the CICyT of Spain (project AGL2000-0521).
Effect of Photoselective Shadecloth and Plastic Film on Growth of Chrysanthemums under Supplemental Lighting
Authors: Kobayashi* Kent D.
Published: February 2019

Controlling plant height is an important practice in the ornamental plant industry. With high cost of growth regulators and concern about their environmental aspects and health of workers, alternative ways of controlling growth may be advantageous. Objective was to determine effect of photoselective shadecloth and plastic film on growth of `Barbara', `Shasta', and `Chesapeake' mums under supplemental lighting. In experiment 1, `Barbara' plants (two and four weeks old) were placed under either wide spectrum fluorescent lamps and incandescent light bulbs (control) or lights covered with photoselective shadecloth. In experiment 2, 3-week-old `Shasta' and `Chesapeake' plants were placed under lights or lights covered with photoselective plastic film. Effect of shadecloth differed with age of `Barbara' plants. For 1-month-old plants placed under lights, stem diameter, stem dry weight, and root dry weight were reduced under shadecloth compared to control. No differences were observed for plant height, pot height, leaf number, leaf area/plant, and leaf dry weight. For 2-week-old plants, leaf number, leaf area/plant, leaf dry weight, and stem dry weight were less under shadecloth than control. No effects on plant height, pot height, stem diameter, and root dry weight were observed. Plastic film reduced plant height and pot height for `Shasta' and `Chesapeake' plants and reduced stem dry weight and total plant dry weight for `Shasta'. No differences were seen for other growth measurements. This study indicated photoselective shadecloth did not control height of `Barbara' and its effect on growth was influenced by plant age. Photoselective plastic film controlled height of `Shasta' and `Chesapeake' and offers an alternative method for growth control of mum plants.
Soil Organic Matter Content Effects on Apple Root Dynamics
Authors: Stefanelli* Dario , Sorrenti Giovambattista , Perry Ronald L.
Published: February 2019

Soil organic matter is a critical component which is fundamental in plant growth. Several soil factors are influenced by organic matter such as slow release of nutrients, increased water holding capacity, improved soil physical characteristics and improved environment for soil microorganisms. The aim of this work is to investigate the physical effect of organic matter content in the soil on apple root growth and development. Twenty five two-year old apple trees (Malus domestica, Borkh) cv. `Buckeye Gala' on M.9 NAKB 337 rootstock were planted in completely transparent acrylic boxes. Plants have been grown in a green house to avoid external rain in a complete randomized design. Trees were planted in a sandy-mix soil amended with soil high in organic matter, “muck”, at four incremental levels. Treatments compared were a control (sandy soil with 0% organic matter) and 1%, 2%, 4% and 8% soil organic matter. The amount of water applied by automatic drip irrigation was comparable for all the treatments to avoid high fluctuation of soil moisture on root dynamics. All treatments have been fertilized with the same amount of mineral fertilizer to avoid the nutrition effect on root dynamics. Digital photos of roots were taken to study their dynamics every one to two weeks during a period of five months. Roots have been highlighted with Photoshop and then analyzed with WinRhizo to measure root length, area, lifespan and dynamics. At the end of the growing period plants have been harvested and fresh and dry weight was evaluated to asses the root/shoot ratio. The effects of the treatments on root length, area, lifespan and dynamics, and root/shoot ratio will be discussed.
Annual Flower Response to Simulated 2,4-D and Dicamba Spray Drift
Authors: Hatterman-Valenti* Harlene
Published: February 2019

Greenhouse studies were conducted to evaluate simulated drift injury to annual bedding plants. Dahlia, gazania, geranium, marigold, petunia, and salvia in the early stages of flowering were sprayed with either 2,4-D (dimethylamine salt) or dicamba (diglycolamine salt) at rates one-fifth, one-tenth, or one-twentieth the lowest labeled rate of for turfgrass. Interactions between species by time, species by treatments, and treatments by time were significant for visual injury. Species sensitivity from most sensitive to least sensitive was marigold > dahlia ≫ geranium = petunia > gazania = salvia. Dahlia was more sensitive to dicamba than 2,4-D while the opposite was true for marigold. Petunia flower initiation was reduced as dicamba or 2,4-D rate was increased. The duration of the trial may have limited flowering differences among treatments with the remaining species. Dahlia loss of apical dominance as an injury response was greater with dicamba than 2,4-D. Typical injury symptoms for dahlia included stem, leaf, and petiole epinasty along with multiple shoot growth. Gazania injury included slight leaf rolling and leaf stretching. Geranium injury included leaf curling and fewer flowers per cluster. Marigold injury included leaf node swelling and stem wall rupture with massive cellular proliferation. Petunia injury included stem and pedicel epinasty, curling of the outer portion of the corolla, and lower flower production. Salvia injury included stunting, slight flower stem curvature, and partial dieback of the terminal raceme.
Water Conservation Systems and Strategies for Poblano Pepper Production
Authors: Leskovar* Daniel I. , Moore Darrin J. , Johnson Libbie , Loaiza Julio , Piccinni Giovanni
Published: February 2019

Regulations restricting water use, competition for water with large urban sector, coupled with extreme high temperatures have placed a large strain on farming areas in south Texas. In addition, consumer demand for healthy vegetables has increased. The objective of this work was to determine yield and fruit quality to deficit irrigation rates and irrigation systems on poblano pepper cv. Tiburon. In 2002, an experiment was conducted at the TAES-Uvalde with a Center pivot using three irrigation rates, 100%, 80%, and 60% evapotranspiration rates (ETc). Transplants were established on beds 1.0 m apart with plants within rows 45 cm apart. In 2003, we compared production efficiency of four irrigation systems in a urban-rural environment near San Antonio. Beds were 0.9 m (single-row) or 1.8 m (double-row) between centers. Irrigation systems were: 1) furrow irrigation with one line/single beds, 2) subsurface drip (SDI)-no mulch, with one line/single bed, 3) SDI-no mulch, with two lines/double bed, and 4) SDI-white mulch with two lines/double bed. In 2002, summer ratooning of the spring-planted crop under deficit irrigation (<100% ETc) allowed a fall crop with a 2.0 fold yield increase, larger fruit size (greater than 10 cm length) and significantly lower defects caused by sunburn or blossom end rot compared to summer production. In 2003, SDI-white mulch had a 2.4-fold yield increase and 760 mm water savings compared to furrow. Fruit vitamin C content was not affected by irrigation, however, mature red fruits had a 3.6 fold increase compared to mature green fruits. Combining deficit irrigation with ratooning we were able to produce marketable poblano fruits. Additional water savings and increased yield were demonstrated by SDI technology.
Changes in Reclaimed Water Use in Florida
Authors: Parsons* Larry R.
Published: February 2019

Florida is one of the larger producers of reclaimed water in the U.S., and use of this water has increased greatly in the past ten years. The objective of this study is to compare changes in reclaimed water use by different entities over the past several years. From 1986 to 2002, total reuse treatment capacity and flow in Florida increased by 221% and 183%, respectively. In the 1980s, reclaimed water was considered to be an urban disposal problem, and cities encouraged use of this water by giving it away for no charge. Because it was free, agricultural irrigation became the largest user of reclaimed water in the mid-1990s and is still one of the larger users. From 1992 to 2002, overall agricultural land area irrigated with reclaimed water increased by 77%. Land area of edible crops irrigated with reclaimed water increased during that period but remained relatively constant around 6070 ha after 1996. Irrigation of other crops increased to 9800 ha. Golf course irrigation increased by 212% to 20,476 ha while residential irrigation increased around 8147% to 33,373 ha during this period. Total flow to ground water recharge and industrial uses increased by 125% and 424%, respectively. While agricultural irrigation is still a large user of this water, other uses such as golf course, residential, groundwater recharge, and industrial are becoming more important. Some cities are no longer willing to provide this water to agriculture for no charge as competition from other entities increases. Agriculture may have to pay for the water, use less water, or develop other water sources.
Physiological Response of Carambola Trees to Soil Water Depletion in Krome Soils
Authors: Al-Yahyai* Rashid , Schaffer Bruce , Davies Frederick S.
Published: February 2019

The effect of soil water depletion on plant water potential and leaf gas exchange of carambola (Averrhoa carambola L. cv. Arkin) in Krome very gravelly loam soil was studied in an orchard and in containers in the field and in a greenhouse. The rate of soil water depletion was determined by continuously monitoring soil water content with multi-sensor capacitance probes. Stem water potential and leaf gas exchange of carambola in containers were reduced when the soil water depletion level fell below 50% (where field capacity = 100%). Although there was a decrease in the rate of soil water depletion in the orchard as the soil dried, soil water depletion did not go below an average of 70%. This was presumably due to sufficient rainfall and capillary movement of water in the soil. Therefore, soil water content did not decline sufficiently to affect leaf gas exchange and leaf and stem water potential of orchard trees. A decline in soil water depletion below 40% resulted in a concomitant decline in stem water potential of the container trees in the field and greenhouse to below -1.0 MPa. Stomatal conductance, net CO2 assimilation, and transpiration declined significantly when stem water potential was below -1.0 MPa. The reduction of net CO2 assimilation and transpiration was proportional to the decline in stomatal conductance of container trees in the field and greenhouse. Thus, soil water depletion in Krome very gravelly loam soil must be less than 50% before water potential or leaf gas exchange of carambola is affected. Based on these results, irrigation scheduling should be based on physiological variables such as stem water potential and stomatal conductance or the amount rather than the rate of soil water depletion.
Gypsum Effect on Performance of American Ginseng
Authors: Lee* Jin Wook , Mudge Kenneth W. , Lim Wansang , Lardner Joseph
Published: February 2019

Woods cultivation of North American ginseng (Panax quinquefolium L.) can generate income for forest land owners and decrease collection pressure on wild populations of this increasingly scarce forest herb. For woods cultivation, supplemental calcium by soil application of gypsum (CaSO4 2H2 O) is often recommended, but the effects of this practice on soil characteristics, plant growth and quality of American ginseng are not well characterized. In a greenhouse pot culture experiment, 3-year-old seedlings were treated with 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4 Mt/ha gypsum and grown for 12 weeks. Gypsum application decreased soil pH slightly and elevated soil electrical conductivity and available soil calcium. Tissue levels of calcium were not affected by gypsum treatment but a significant increase in both shoot and root dry weight occurred. Total ginsenosides, which are the pharmacologically active components of ginseng, were increased slightly in roots but not in shoots of plants treated with 4 Mt/ha gypsum. Rb1, the most abundant ginsenoside in roots, was elevated in roots of plants treated with 3 Mt/ha gypsum. Ginsenoside Rg1 was elevated in shoots of plants treated with 2 Mt/ha gypsum. Regardless of gypsum treatment, qualitative differences (relative concentrations of different ginsenosides) between roots and shoots were observed.
Development of Linkage Maps for Pecan Using Fluorescently Labeled Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism Markers
Authors: Beedanagari* Sudheer , Conner Patrick
Published: February 2019

Pecan, [Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) C. Koch], is a member of Juglandaceae family and is one of the most important nut crops produced in the United States. The objective of this study is to generate the first genetic linkage maps for pecan. Maps were constructed for the cultivars `Elliot' and `Pawnee' using the double pseudo-testcross mapping method whereby a separate linkage map is made for each parent using markers heterozygous in that parent. First generation maps consisted primarily of randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. We have now used fluorescently labeled amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers to produce more complete maps. In the development of the AFLP markers, 64 primer combinations were originally screened to find the most informative combinations. Ten primer combinations were then chosen to produce markers for the maps. The maps currently consist of approximately 100 RAPD and 100 AFLP markers on each cultivar map. `Pawnee' is a high quality commercial pecan cultivar with a very early ripening date. `Elliot' possesses high levels of resistance to pecan scab, caused by the fungus Cladosporium caryigenum. The maps will be used to find markers linked to scab resistance genes and other traits of interest to the breeding program.
Effect of the Combination of MCP and Sanitizer on Storage Life of Fresh-cut Cilantro
Authors: Kim* Ji Gang , Luo Yaguang , Tao Yang , Gross Kenneth C.
Published: February 2019

The effects of 1-methylcyclopropene (MCP), sanitizer and their combination on ethylene action, microbial growth and storage life of fresh-cut cilantro were studied. Fresh cilantro was treated with 1.5 μL·L-1 MCP for 18 hours at 10 °C. The treated and nontreated cilantro leaves were cut and washed in water, chlorine, and mixed solution of sodium chlorite and citric acid (SANOVA). Samples were dried, packaged with 29.2μmol·kg-1 Pa s oxygen transmission rate films, and stored for 14 days at 5 °C. Results indicated that MCP affected respiration rate of fresh-cut cilantro and the headspace gas composition (O2 and CO2) of sample packages. The combined treatment had lower tissue electrolyte leakage and ethanol concentration, and delayed color changes during storage. SANOVA and the combination of MCP and SANOVA were effective in reducing aerobic microbial population and coliform population. Samples treated with MCP and SANOVA had good quality with high overall quality score at the end of storage.
Temperature and Genotype Affect Anthocyanin Concentrations in Lettuce (Lactuca sativa)
Authors: Gazula* Aparna , Kleinhenz Matthew D. , Scheerens Joseph C. , Ling Peter P. , Streeter John G.
Published: February 2019

In addition to their physiological and metabolic roles, anthocyanin (Antho) levels in lettuce contribute to visual and nutritional value-based assessments of crop quality. Although 7 genes are now thought to help regulate Antho synthesis, deposition and/or degradation in lettuce, the genetic and abiotic controls of Antho levels remain less well characterized in lettuce than other plants. Previous greenhouse studies demonstrated that Antho levels in diverse lettuce varieties are a function of temperature and lighting regimen. Here, three strongly related Lolla Rossa-type varieties (`Lotto', `Valeria', and `Impuls') varying in the number of genes controlling intensity of anthocyanins were subjected to differential temperature conditions in growth chambers to better discern the independent and interactive effects of temperature (T) and variety (V) on Antho levels. Fifteen day-old seedlings were placed into one of three chambers maintained at 20 °C day/night (D/N), 30 °C/20 °C D/N or 30 °C D/N. Antho levels were measured in leaf tissue collected 30 d after transplanting. The entire experiment was replicated twice. Although significant, the T x V interaction resulted from differences in the magnitude, not direction, of the change in Antho concentrations among varieties with changes in T. This suggests that T was a main driver of Antho levels in this study. Regardless of V, Antho concentrations were highest, moderate and lowest after growth at 20 °C D/N, 30 °C/20 °C D/N and 30 °C D/N, respectively. Likewise, regardless of T, Antho levels followed the pattern `Impuls' (three genes) > `Valeria' (two genes) > `Lotto' (one gene). Correlations among instrumented and human eye-based evaluations of color are also being tested in samples from both studies.
Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) Yield Comparisons of Managed Buffelgrass (Pennisetum ciliare L.) Living Mulch Systems to a Conventional Monoculture Bare Ground System in Hawaii
Authors: Leary James J.K. , DeFrank* Joe
Published: February 2019

Two long-term field experiments were conducted from 1998 to 2000 to compare the yields of marketable eggplant in a buffelgrass living mulch system to a conventional monoculture bare ground system. The initial experiment compared the yields in the conventional treatment to living mulch treatments, that were chemically suppressed at three levels of sethoxydim applied at 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 kg·ha-1 a.i. Regression analysis did not reveal a significant linear response of eggplant yield to increasing levels of sethoxydim. The average cumulative yield of the three living mulch treatments, 130 days after transplant (DAT), was 4,296 kg·ha-1 compared to 2,079 kg·ha-1 for the conventional treatment. The higher yield in the living mulch treatments was due to a mite infestation that was much more pronounced in conventional plots. In the follow-up experiment, three different living mulch management (mechanical suppression, chemical suppression, and untreated) treatments were compared to a conventional monoculture bare ground treatment. There was no mite infestation affecting this experiment and cumulative yields of marketable fruit at 159 DAT were 5,362, 4,521, 4,155, and 2,535 kg·ha-1 for conventional bare ground, mechanical suppression, chemical suppression and untreated living mulch treatments, respectively. Orthogonal comparisons showed that the yields from the conventional treatments were not significantly different from the suppressed living mulch treatments. However, the eggplant yields from the unmanaged living mulch treatments were significantly reduced in comparison to the conventional and also the suppressed living mulch treatments.
Mapping of Major Carrot Color Genes an Expression of Carotenoid Biosynthetic Genes
Authors: Just* Brian J. , Simon Philipp W.
Published: February 2019

While the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway has been studied several horticultural and agronomic crops, very little information exists for this conserved pathway in carrot, a primary source of dietary carotenoids. Though orange carrots are the most familiar color to Western consumers, yellow, red, and white carrots also exist and have been historically important. Modern carrot breeders are showing renewed interest in these unusual color phenotypes. Beta- and alpha-carotene are the primary pigments in orange carrot roots. Yellow carrots accumulate xanthophylls (oxygenated carotenes), red carrots accumulate lycopene (the precursor to alpha- and beta-carotene), and white carrots accumulate no detectable pigments. Differences between these phenotypes are usually monogenic or oligogenic. Our research has focused on identifying putative genes for carotenoid biosynthetic enzymes in the carrot genome, mapping them, and examining expression patterns in various tissues and carrot root pigment phenotypes. We are using this information to create a carrot pigment biosynthesis function map incorporating biosynthetic enzymes, major carrot color genes, and gene expression information.
Response of Grafted and Non-grafted Melon Plants to High Boron and Salinity Levels
Authors: Edelstein* Menahem , Ben-Hur Meni , Cohen Ron , Burger Yosef , Ravina Israela
Published: February 2019

Excess of boron and salinity in soil and irrigation water can limit the production of melons (Cucumis melo). A greenhouse study was conducted in order to compare the responses of grafted and non-grafted melon plants to combinations of high levels of boron and salinity. Boron levels were 0.25, 0.8, 2.5, 5.0, 10.0 mg·L-1 and salinity levels were 1.8 and 4.6 dS·m-1. Foliar injury caused by boron was more severe in the non-grafted than in the grafted plants. Likewise, boron accumulation in leaf tissue from non-grafted plants was higher than in grafted plants. High salinity led to decreased boron accumulation in the leaves. Fruit yield was decreased only at a boron concentration of 10 mg·L-1, and the decrease in grafted plants was smaller than that in non-grafted plants. A negative correlation was found between boron accumulation in leaves and fruit yield. The results showed that melon plants grafted on Cucurbita rootstock are more tolerant than non-grafted ones to high boron concentrations, and this can probably be explained by the decrease in boron accumulation caused by the rootstock.
Use of Time-lapse Video to Demonstrate Plant Growth Regulator (PGR) Responses
Authors: Woolard* Derek D. , Fugiel Judy , Silverman F. Paul , Petracek Peter D.
Published: February 2019

Tables, graphs, and photographs can effectively convey detailed results of a PGR experiment. However, we have observed that demonstrating PGR treatment effects by time-lapse video creates a strong impact on both scientists and non-technical audiences. Time-lapse video also provides a method for obtaining a continuous visual record that can be used to establish the precise chronology of a slow process. Recent advances in notebook computers, inexpensive digital cameras (e.g. 3Com HomeConnect™), and time-lapse software (e.g. Picture WorkLive™) allow scientists and teachers to inexpensively prepare time-lapse videos. Important considerations for the production of quality time-lapse videos include: 1. treatment effects should be substantial, consistent, and visible, 2. digital camera images should be clear, 3. lighting should be constant and provide adequate brightness and proper color, 4. camera movement such as those due to vibrations should be minimal, 5. camera placement should simplify composition. Time-lapse videos of PGR treatment effects will be shown, and methods of production will be discussed.
Using Personal Digital Assistants and Electronic Forms to Collect and Rapidly Summarize Field Data
Authors: Villordon* Arthur , Franklin Jason , LaBonte Don
Published: February 2019

The use of handheld computers such as personal digital assistants (PDAs) represents a feasible method of automating the transfer of files to computers for archiving and statistical analysis. Data collected using the PDA can be transferred directly to a database program on a desktop computer, virtually eliminating errors associated with the reentry of manually collected data. These devices are highly portable and can be housed in protective cases, enabling data collection even in inclement environments. The availability of handheld database programs that permit the development of electronic forms further makes the PDA a viable data collection platform for scientific research. These database applications not only allow novice users to develop customized forms that facilitate the recording of alphanumeric data; these applications also synchronize directly with current desktop-based database and spread-sheet applications. We used Microsoft Access database tables, along with Visual CE, a PocketPC database application, to generate electronic forms for collecting data from research trials conducted in 2003. To facilitate comparison with manual data collection, we also recorded observations using “pen and paper” methods. We found no differences between both methods in the length of time required to enter observations. However, the PDA transferred the data to a computer 600% faster relative to the manual reentry method. Using the handheld computer, field data was immediately available for compilation and statistical analysis within minutes of completing the data gathering process, at the same time ensuring the integrity and continuity of the files.
Development of a Web-Accessible GIS Database as a Tool for Sweetpotato Germplasm Collection Activities in East Africa
Authors: Villordon* Arthur , Gichuki Simon , Kulembeka Heneriko , Jeremiah Simon C. , LaBonte Don
Published: February 2019

Africa represents a unique secondary site of genetic diversity for the sweetpotato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.]. Despite the genetic resources available for sweetpotato breeding and cultivar selection, regional conflicts and adverse weather in the last two decades have accelerated the risk of germplasm loss, particularly in East and Central Africa. A cooperative research project is currently underway to assess genetic diversity as well as help conserve sweetpotato germplasm in East Africa. One of the tools that are currently being used is a web-accessible GIS database that enables access to spatial and temporal data by project investigators and other stakeholders. Although proprietary methods are available for delivering GIS data through web interfaces, these methods often require expensive licensing agreements. The use of ALOV Map, a freely available Java® application for publishing vector and raster maps, along with basemaps and other thematic maps downloaded from publicly accessible web sites, helped provide the framework for a web-accessible GIS database. DIVA-GIS, a free desktop based GIS software was used to generate shapefiles as well as preview files prior to uploading. This demonstrates that the availability of publicly available software requiring minimal or flexible licensing costs provide a cost-effective alternative to institutions that are considering access to GIS databases via a web-accessible interface. We describe procedures, software, and other applications that we used to develop a publicly accessible web interface to a GIS database of sweetpotato germplasm collections in Kenya and Tanzania.
Preliminary Results on the Application of Surround WP on Apple Productivity, and Fruit Quality
Authors: Garcia* M. Elena , Berkett Lorraine P. , Bradshaw Terry
Published: February 2019

A new biopesticide has been commercially available to apple growers since 2001 in the kaolin clay-based product. This material meets Federal standards for use in organic crop production as a potential replacement for some insecticides that manage key apple insect pests. Initial research indicated that kaolin might have non-target impacts such a reduction in canopy temperature. However, most of the research on non-target effects, such as impacts on fruit quality, has been conducted in warmer, semi-arid environments. These potential impacts may not be beneficial in cooler orchard environments. The objectives of this 3-year study are to determine potential non-target effects of Surround WP application in the relatively cool and moist climate of the Northeast on `McIntosh'/M.26 apple tree productivity, and fruit quality. In 2001, preliminary data were collected and are included in these results. Treatments include: (1) Surround beginning at green tip plus fungicides; (2) Surround beginning at green tip without fungicides; (3) Surround beginning at petal fall plus fungicides; (4) IPM; and (5) Nontreated control. In 2001, the control treatment received fungicides. For 2002 and beyond, the protocol was amended to remove fungicides treatments. Data analysis indicate significant differences in treatments for several of the variables measured (fruit weight, percent drop, yield efficiency, starch index, soluble solids, fruit packout, and insect and disease damage). However, some of these differences might be due to the high incidence of scab in the treatments that received no fungicides and not due to the effect of Surround. There were no significant differences in other variables measured such as thinning, fruit color, and spur diameter.
Preserving Color in `Michigan Purple' Potatoes
Authors: van Rooyen* Elzette , Beaudry Randolph
Published: February 2019

The objective of this study was to evaluate preharvest fertilizer application and postharvest storage temperature and duration as they affect the intensity and stability of color in red and purple potato cultivars during storage. `Michigan Purple', `Dakota Rose', and `Chieftain' were stored at 4 °C and hue angle (h°) was measured weekly. The initial `Michigan Purple' h° of 1.1° changed to 23.2° after 18 weeks of storage (a shift in h° from 350° to 30° changes from purple to red) while the initial hue angle of 18.5° and 34.1° for red-skinned cultivars, `Dakota Rose' and `Chieftain', changed to 27.2° and 43.2°, respectively. Hence, the degree of color shift was greater in `Michigan Purple' although all the cultivars in this experiment underwent significant color change during storage. Hue angle of `Michigan Purple' tubers stored at 4°, 10°, and 20 °C for 8 weeks changed 19.4°, 12°, and 14.2° toward the redder h°, respectively. Thus, the color of `Michigan Purple' tubers changed the least at 10°C. Hue angle of `Michigan Purple' tubers fertilized with 180 lbs/acre slow-releasing nitrogen, 180 lbs/acre nitrogen, 270 lbs/acre nitrogen, and 2.5 lbs/acre poultry manure was measured after 5 weeks at 4 °C. Hue angles were 0.92°, 11.65°, 3.99°, and 1.34°, respectively. The hue of the first three treatments differed significantly from one another, but the hue of the potatoes treated with 180 lbs/acre slow-releasing nitrogen and 2.5 lbs/acre poultry manure did not differ. Preharvest factors like plant nutrition can influence tuber color in storage and `Michigan Purple' tuber color is particularly sensitive to storage temperature.
Seasonal Flowering of Heliconia ×rauliniana
Authors: Criley* Richard A.
Published: February 2019

As part of a research study on growth and flower production of 20 commercial heliconia cultivars, plants were established at the Waimanalo Research Farm (Oahu) of the Univ. of Hawaii in July 1999. This report focuses on Heliconia ×rauliniana. Five plants in 7.6 L pots were planted at spacings of 2.5 M in row, with between row spacings of 3 M. Beginning a month later, newly emerged shoots were tagged every four weeks. At flowering, the shoots were harvested and leaf counts made. The information derived from the data include time frame from shoot emergence to flower, rate of shoot production, percentage of shoots from each tag date that flowered and the periodicity of flowering in a two year period. The range of times from shoot emergence to harvest was 208 to 450 days. In the first 12 months following planting, the average cumulative new shoot production since planting was 77 shoots per plant, while more than 58 inflorescences per plant were produced from the tagged stems for a 75% productivity rating. H. X rauliniana evidenced periodic flowering behavior, with peak flowering in the April to June period, that suggested it is a short-day plant for flower initiation.
Exposure of the Shaded Side of Apple Fruit to Full Sun Leads to Up-regulation of Both the Xanthophyll Cycle and the Ascorbate-glutathione Cycle
Authors: Ma Feng wang , Cheng* Lailiang
Published: February 2019

About 80 days after full bloom, well-exposed fruit on the south part of the canopy of mature Liberty/M.9 apple trees were randomly assigned to one of the following two treatments. Some fruit were turned about 180 degrees to expose the original shaded side to full sun whereas the rest served as untreated controls. On day 0, 1, 2, 4, 7, and 10 after treatment, fruit peel samples were taken from the original shaded side of the treated fruit and both the sun-exposed side and the shaded side of the control fruit at midday to determine photosynthetic pigments and enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. Maximum photosystem II efficiency of the original shaded side decreased sharply after 1 day exposure to full sun, and then gradually recovered to a similar value of the sun-exposed side of the control fruit by day 10. The shaded side of the control fruit had much lower xanthophyll cycle pool size and conversion and antioxidant enzymes and soluble antioxidants of the ascorbate-glutathione cycle than the sun-exposed side. In response to full sun exposure, xanthophyll cycle pool size of the original shaded side increased, reaching a similar value of the sun-exposed side by day 10. Ascorbate peroxidase, monodehydroascorbate reductase, dehydroascorbate reductase, and glutathione reductase and total pool size and reduction state of both ascorbate and glutathione of the original shaded side all increased to the corresponding values found in the sun-exposed side of the control fruit over a 10-day period. It is concluded that both xanthophyll cycle and the ascorbate-glutathione cycle in the original shaded side are up-regulated in response to fullsun exposure to minimize photo-oxidative damage and contributes to its re-acclimation to full sun.
Genetic Relationship of Ornamental Peach Using Amplified Fragments Length Polymorphism (AFLPs) Fingerprints
Authors: Hu* Dongyan , Zhang Zuoshuang , Zhang Donglin , Zhang Qixiang
Published: February 2019

Ornamental peach (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch) is native to China. The ornamental value of peach is gaining popularity for its use in urban landscape and everyday gardens. However, the genetic relationship among ornamental peach cultivars is not clear, which limits the further studies of its molecular systematic. A sample of 51 cultivars of ornamental peach, originated from P. persica and Prunus davidiana, had been studied by using AFLPs. All samples were collected from China, Japan, and the US. A total of 275 useful markers between 75 to 500 base pairs were generated from 6 EcoRI/MseI AFLP primer combinations. Among them, 93% of bands were polymorphic markers. Total markers for each cultivar ranged form 90 to 140, and the average number of markers for each cultivar was 120. Two distinguished clad generated from PAUP-UPGMA tree. P. davidiana, as a species, was apparently an out-group to P. persica, which implied that P. davidiana was far away genetically from ornamental peach (P. persica). Within P. persica clad, 15 out of 17 upright ornamental peach cultivars in this study were grouped to one clad, which indicated cultivars that with upright growth habit had close genetic relationship. Five dwarf cultivars were grouped to one clad, with 81% bootstrap supported. The genetic relationships between these five dwarfs were much closer than any other cultivars, and showed that they probably derived from the similar gene pool. The results demonstrated that AFLP are powerful markers for revealing genetic relationships in ornamental peach. The genetic relationships among ornamental cultivars established in this study could help future ornamental peach germplasm identification, conservation, and new cultivars development.
Expression and Cellular Localization of dab 5-1, a Delayed Abscission Mutant, in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Robertson* Amber L. , Kusner Karianne M. , Patterson Sara E.
Published: February 2019

Abscission, an active process resulting in the removal of an organ from the main body of a plant, occurs naturally in response to pathogens, disease, or when the plant part is no longer needed. Several delayed abscission mutants have been identified from the Univ. of Wisconsin T-DNA tagged mutant populations in Arabidopsis thaliana. One of the identified mutants, dab 5-1, is characterized by a delay in abscission causing the floral organs to remain attached past position ten; however, all other plant functions are normal. dab 5-1 has been thought to be involved in the secretory pathway. The present study was conducted to further characterize dab 5-1 expression at the cellular, tissue, and organelle levels using reporter gene constructs, light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and RT PCR. dab 5-1 expression was found in the roots, root tips, cotyledons, meristem, abscission zone, and anthers. Early abscission can lead to loss in yield and quality and we believe that understanding genes such as DAB5 will ultimately lead to crop improvement.
Mist, Vapor Pressure Deficit, and Cutting Water Potential Influence Rooting of Stem Cuttings of Loblolly Pine
Authors: LeBude* Anthony V. , Goldfarb Barry , Blazich Frank A.
Published: February 2019

Producing high quality rooted stem cuttings on a large scale requires precise management of the rooting environment. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of the rooting environment on adventitious root formation of stem cuttings of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.). Hardwood stem cuttings of loblolly pine were collected in Feb. 2002 from hedged stock plants and stored at 4 °C until setting in Apr. 2002. One hundred stem cuttings per plot in each of two replications received 45, 61, 73, 102, 147, or 310 mL·m-2 of mist delivered intermittently by a traveling gantry (boom) system. Mist frequency was similar for all treatments and was related inversely to relative humidity (RH) within the polyethylene covered greenhouse. Rooting tubs in each plot were filled with a substrate of fine silica sand, and substrate water potential was held constant using soil tensiometers that activated a subirrigation system. Cutting water potential was measured destructively on two cuttings per plot beginning at 0500 hr every 3 hh until 2300 hr (seven measurements) 7, 14, 21, or 28 days after setting. During rooting, leaf temperature and RH were recorded in each plot to calculate vapor pressure deficit (VPD). Cutting water potential and VPD were strongly related to mist application. Cutting water potential was also related to VPD. Rooting percentage had a linear and quadratic relationship with mean cutting water potential and VPD averaged between 1000 and 1800 HR. Eighty percent rooting occurred within a range of values for VPD. Data suggest that VPD can be used to manage the water deficit of stem cuttings of loblolly pine to increase rooting percentage. These results may be applicable to other species and to other rooting environments.