bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Graft Angle and Its Relationship to Tomato Plant Survival
Authors: Bausher Michael G.
Published: February 2019

Growing transplants that can withstand the rigors of open-field production is imperative for the successful adoption of grafting in large-scale commercial fields and especially for those who seek to adopt this technology as an alternative to soil fumigation. This study examines the relationship of tensile strength to graft angle and plant survival. Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) seedlings of ‘FL-47’ and ‘Rutgers’ were used as scions on ‘Roma’ rootstock under greenhouse and healing chamber conditions. Scions were grafted at angles of 20°, 45°, and 70°. After a period of 10 days, the plants were severed near ground level and subjected to pull force analysis. Pull force of the graft increased significantly with the increased graft angle. Pull force between the 20° vs. 70° angles increased significantly as well as those of 45° vs. 70° grafts (P ≤ 0.001). Increase in graft angle resulted in greater survival of grafted plants from 79% (20°), 81% (45°), and 92% (70°). Fifteen commercial rootstocks grafted at 70° had survival percentage rates between 97% and 100%. These studies demonstrate that the angle can significantly impact graft integrity and plant survival.
Nitrogen Management of Greenhouse Pepper Production: Agronomic, Nutritional, and Environmental Implications
Authors: Yasuor Hagai , Ben-Gal Alon , Yermiyahu Uri , Beit-Yannai Elie , Cohen Shabtai
Published: February 2019

Producers of horticultural products face new and growing standards regarding food quality and safety as well as environmental responsibility and sustainability. The objective of this research was to reduce environmental pollution by increasing nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in vegetables without negatively affecting fruit yield or quality. Bell pepper was used as a case study for intensive vegetable cropping. Pepper cultivars with different vegetative vigor were drip-irrigated with solutions containing 9.2, 56.2, 102.3, and 158.5 mg·L−1 nitrogen (N). Fruit yield, quality, and nutritional value were measured. Nitrogen balance was determined by quantifying N in soil and in plant tissues. Maximum yields were found when peppers were irrigated with 56.2 mg·L−1 N. Nitrogen concentrations of 102.3 and 158.5 mg·L−1 N loaded 400 and 800 kg·ha−1 N into the environment, respectively, whereas for the 56.2 mg·L−1 N concentration, N was almost completely taken up and used by the plants. Nitrogen treatments had no significant negative effect on pepper fruit physical or chemical quality parameters including sugar content and acidity. Reduced N application did not affect nutritional quality components of the pepper fruit such as β-carotene and lycopene content or total antioxidant activity. The vigorous cultivar used N more efficiently. The results demonstrate how the environmental impact of intensive agriculture can be minimized without harming fruit yield or quality by reducing N application level and adopting cultivars with improved N use efficiency.
Fruit Size Affects Physiological Attributes and Storage Disorders in Cold-stored ‘Royal Gala’ Apples
Authors: Lee Jinwook , Mattheis James P. , Rudell David R.
Published: February 2019

‘Royal Gala’ apple [Malus sylvestris (L.) Mill var. domestica (Borkh.) Mansf.] fruit can be susceptible to the development of postharvest disorders such as flesh breakdown and cracking (splitting) during and after cold storage. The objective of this research was to investigate fruit size and 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) treatment effects on fruit physiological attributes and incidence and severity of storage disorders in ‘Royal Gala’ apples held in cold storage. In 2011, fruit segregated at harvest into two groups based on size (120 to 175, 250 to 350 g/fruit) were stored in air at 0.5 °C for 6 months and then at 20 °C for 7 days. In 2012, fruit were sorted into four groups (less than 200, 200 to 240, 241 to 280, and greater than 280 g/fruit), treated with 0 or 1 μL·L−1 1-MCP for 12 hours, and then stored in air at 0.5 °C for 3 or 6 months. Storage disorders were only detected at 6 months, regardless of 1-MCP treatment. In both control and 1-MCP-treated fruit, flesh breakdown incidence increased with fruit size, whereas severity was less associated with size. The progression of flesh breakdown developed in overall cortex tissue of control fruit but only detected in the stem-end tissue of 1-MCP-treated fruit. Internal ethylene concentration (IEC) decreased and CO2 production increased with increased fruit weight; however, 1-MCP-treated fruit had low IEC regardless of weight. Cortex tissue lightness (L*) increased with fruit size irrespective of tissue localization (stem end, equatorial, calyx end) at harvest. During 6 months’ storage, L* decreased with increased fruit size in controls but not 1-MCP-treated fruit. Fruit fresh weight loss increased with fruit size and storage duration, more so in controls when compared with 1-MCP-treated fruit. Furthermore, fruit circumference increased during storage with fruit size only for control fruit. These physical changes are associated with susceptibility of large fruit to flesh breakdown more so than small fruit. Reduced flesh breakdown incidence, progression of symptoms from the stem end into the cortex, and symptom severity in 1-MCP-treated fruit may indicate flesh breakdown is related to fruit ripening and senescence.
Evaluation of Organic Amendments and Flaming for Weed Control in Matted-row Strawberry
Authors: Miller Timothy W. , Libbey Carl R. , Maupin Brian G.
Published: February 2019

Propane flaming and organic amendments were evaluated for usefulness in matted-row strawberry (Fragaria ×ananassa Duch.). Flaming was used once before transplanting ‘Hood’ strawberry (PRETR), twice before transplanting (PRETR + PRETR), or once before and once after transplanting (PRETR + POSTR) and compared with rototilling before transplanting in 2000–02. Organic amendments tested across flame treatments included corn gluten meal (CGM) at two rates, wheat gluten (WG), and mustard seed meal (MSM) with high or low glucosinolate content, and herbicides included oxyfluorfen, pendimethalin, and a combination of oxyfluorfen + pendimethalin. Amendments/herbicides were applied immediately POSTR in Year 1 and again to established plants in late winter of Year 2. All plots were weeded by hand after weed evaluations were completed and weeding hours recorded. The trial was conducted twice: Iteration 1 and Iteration 2. Effect of flaming on grass and broadleaf weed ratings was brief during Year 1 of both iterations, with only slight differences observed in June and no differences by September. Total weeding time was reduced 12% by flaming PRETR once compared with rototilling in Iteration 1 and was reduced 10% by all flame treatments in Iteration 2. Rototilling reduced total berry yield and average individual fruit weight compared with flaming treatments in Iteration 1; there was no significant effect of flame on strawberry yield or individual fruit weight in Iteration 2. Organic amendments did not reduce weeding time in Iteration 1 compared with the nontreated control, although weeding time was increased 18% by CGM at 487 kg·ha−1 compared with synthetic herbicide treatments. In Iteration 2, total weeding time was reduced 14% for the two pendimethalin treatments and for high-glucosinolate MSM compared with nontreated control plots. First-year strawberry leaf area was reduced by oxyfluorfen + pendimethalin compared with nontreated strawberries (802 and 1086 cm2/plant, respectively) and was generally increased with organic amendments. Strawberry yield in Iteration 1 was increased ≈14% by CGM at 974 kg·ha−1 and WG and low-glucosinolate MSM compared with nontreated strawberry. Oxyfluorfen and oxyfluorfen + pendimethalin reduced strawberry yield by ≈20% and average individual fruit weight by ≈9% (14.8 and 14.5 g/fruit) compared with nontreated strawberry (16.1 g/fruit); high-glucosinolate MSM also reduced average individual fruit weight to 14.8 g/fruit. There were no significant effects of amendments/herbicides on strawberry yield parameters in Iteration 2.
Quantitative Analysis of Generations for Inheritance of Fruit Yield in Watermelon
Authors: Kumar Rakesh , Wehner Todd C.
Published: February 2019

There is a large genetic diversity for fruit size and yield in watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai var. lanatus]. Current cultivars have high fruit quality but may not be the highest yielders. This study was designed to estimate variance components and heritability of fruit yield (Mg·ha−1), fruit count (th·ha−1), and fruit size (kg/fruit) in a cross involving high-yielding ‘Mountain Hoosier’ with low-yielding ‘Minilee’. Six generations (PaS1, PbS1, F1, F2, BC1Pa, and BC1Pb) were developed and tested in Summer 2008 at two locations in North Carolina. Discrete classes were not observed within the F2 segregating population. The actual distribution of the F2 population for fruit yield, fruit count, and fruit size deviated from the normal distribution. ‘Mountain Hoosier’ had higher parental and backcross variance than ‘Minilee’. High F2 variance for fruit yield indicated large phenotypic variance. There was a larger environmental variance than genetic variance associated with the yield traits. Estimates of broad- and narrow-sense heritability were low to medium. A large number of effective factors indicated polygenic inheritance for fruit yield and fruit size. Gain from selection for yield is amendable by selection. As a result of this complex inheritance, selection based on individual plant selection in pedigree method may not be useful for yield improvement in this population. Hence, a selection scheme based on progeny testing using replicated plots, perhaps at multiple locations, is recommended.
Grafted Watermelon Root Length Density and Distribution under Different Soil Moisture Treatments
Authors: Miller Gilbert , Khalilian Ahmad , Adelberg Jeffrey W. , Farahani Hamid J. , Hassell Richard L. , Wells Christina E.
Published: February 2019

Delineating the depth and extent of the watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thumb.) Matsum. & Nak.] root zone assists with proper irrigation management and minimizes nutrient leaching. The objective of this 3-year field study was to measure root distribution and root length density of watermelon (cv. Wrigley) grafted on two different rootstocks (Lagenaria siceraria cv. ‘FR Strong’ and Cucurbita moschata × Cucurbita maxima cv. Chilsung Shintoza) and grown under three soil moisture treatments. Irrigation treatments tested were: no irrigation (NI), briefly irrigated for fertigation and early-season plant establishment; minimally irrigated (MI), irrigated when soil moisture in top 0.30 m of soil fell below 50% available water capacity (AWC); well irrigated (WI), irrigated when soil moisture in top 0.30 m of soil fell below 15% (AWC). Root length density (RLD) was measured from 75-cm-deep soil cores at two locations three times per growing season and a third location at the end of the season. Cores 1 and 2 sample locations were 15 cm to the side of each plant: Core 1 on the same side as the drip tape and Core 2 on the opposite side. At the end of the season, Core 3 was taken 15 cm outside of the bed in bare ground. RLD was significantly greater in the 0- to 30-cm soil depth and dropped dramatically below 30 cm; it was not significantly affected by irrigation treatment or rootstock. Core 1, next to the drip tape, had greater RLD than Core 2, 30 cm from drip tape, but only at the later sampling dates. Roots were found in Core 3 at all depths, but the RLD was significantly less than that measured in Cores 1 and 2. These findings suggest that the effective root zone depth for watermelon is 0 to 30 cm and that the particular scion/rootstock combinations tested in this study do not differ in root system size or location.
Implications of Mating Behavior in Watermelon Breeding
Authors: Kumar Rakesh , Dia Mahendra , Wehner Todd C.
Published: February 2019

Understanding the natural mating behavior (self- or cross-pollination) in watermelon is important to the design of a suitable breeding strategy. The objective of this study was to measure the rate of self- and cross-pollination in watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai] using the dominant gene Sp (Spotted leaves and fruit) as a marker. The experiment consisted of two studies and was a split plot in a randomized complete block design with 3 years (2009 to 2011) and four locations (Clinton, Kinston, Oxford, Lewiston, NC). For the intercrossing study, whole plots were the two spacings (1.2 × 0.3 m and 1.2 × 0.6 m) with four replications in 2010. For the inbreeding study, whole plots were two equidistant spacings (3 × 3 m and 6 × 6 m) with four replications in 2009 to 2011. Cultivars Allsweet and Mickylee were subplots within each whole plot. In the inbreeding study, spacing and year had a significant effect on the rate of self-pollination, which was moderate (47% and 54%, respectively) when watermelon plants were trained in a spiral and spaced 3 × 3 m or 6 × 6 m apart. Spacing and cultivar did not have a significant effect on cross-pollination in the intercrossing study. Closely spaced watermelon plants (1.2 × 0.3 m and 1.2 × 0.6 m) had low natural outcrossing rate (31% and 35%, respectively) and was not adequate to intercross families. However, breeders should consider the amount of self-pollination in watermelon to calculate the estimates of component of genetic variances.
Asian Germplasm Influences on American Berry Crops
Authors: Hummer Kim E. , Ballington James R. , Finn Chad E. , Davis Thomas M.
Published: February 2019

Asian germplasm has significantly contributed to berry crops in America in several ways. The American wild octoploid species [Fragaria chiloensis (L.) Mill. and F. virginiana Mill.], and subsequently, the cultivated strawberry (F. ×ananassa Duch. ex Rozier), have benefitted from Asian heritage in the evolutionary time scale. Second, breeders have combined Asian germplasm in crosses for improved fruit cultivars. Third, Asian temperate fruit species have been collected from wild stands in their native ranges, imported, and in some cases improved and are now cultivated in the West or throughout the world. The objectives of this article were to 1) describe evolutionary contributions of Asian species to the American strawberry genome; 2) present examples of breeding Asian species (Rubus L. subgenus Idaeobatus) into cultivated raspberries; and 3) give examples of two Asian fruit species that have been recently introduced and cultivated or that could be developed for cultivation in the United States.
Development of Downy Mildew-resistant Cucumbers for Late-season Production in the Northeastern United States
Authors: Holdsworth William L. , Summers Carly F. , Glos Michael , Smart Christine D. , Mazourek Michael
Published: February 2019

Cucurbit downy mildew, a disease caused by the oomycete pathogen Pseudoperonospora cubensis (Berk. & Curt.) Rostov., is a serious threat to cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) production worldwide and can result in 100% yield losses in affected environments. In the last decade, strains of the pathogen have overcome the resistance of commercial cultivars in the United States, and currently no cultivar has robust resistance to the disease. This lack of resistance has been especially problematic for cucumber growers seeking to capture the late-season market, when downy mildew is ubiquitous throughout Eastern and Great Lakes production environments. Our objectives were to identify sources of resistance genes and to introgress these genes into high-quality, high-yielding breeding material. Using the moderately resistant cucumber cultivars Marketmore 97 and Ivory Queen as well as the Cornell-developed cultivars Platinum and Salt & Pepper, we have developed lines with excellent disease resistance. In a trial of 27 lines that included Cornell breeding material and the most resistant cultivars and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) accessions identified in previous studies, the Cornell breeding line DMR-NY264 had the highest level of downy mildew resistance and the highest yields under disease pressure. In New York, plants of DMR-NY 264 produced fruit until frost without fungicide application.
A Rapid Greenhouse Screening Method to Identify St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) Accessions Resistant to Colletotrichum gloeosporioides
Authors: Michel Vincent V. , Debrunner Nicole , Simonnet Xavier
Published: February 2019

Anthracnose is a major production constraint for st. john’s wort (Hypericum perforatum L.) caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (Penz.). A greenhouse screening method based on mortality was developed to eliminate accessions susceptible to anthracnose in the early stage of breeding for resistant cultivars. The mortality of 22 accessions of st. john’s wort artificially inoculated with a strain of C. gloeosporioides was highly correlated between three greenhouse experiments (r = 0.799 to 0.923), even when done at two different places. The response of the greenhouse screening was equally highly correlated to the mortality in the field tested at two sites naturally infested with C. gloeosporioides (r = 0.700 to 0.865) but less well correlated with the mortality at a third field site (r = 0.495 to 0.672). Yield of st. john’s wort was highly correlated with mortality (r = –0.747 to –0.846) at all three field sites, but a significant interaction between accession and site was observed. Therefore, an improvement of anthracnose resistance of st. john’s wort should be based on a greenhouse screening of seedlings followed by multiple-site field testing of adult plants.
Mechanical Harvesting of Table Olives: Harvest Efficiency and Fruit Quality
Authors: Zipori Isaac , Dag Arnon , Tugendhaft Yizhar , Birger Reuven
Published: February 2019

Table olives are traditionally harvested manually. However, a shortage of agricultural workers and high labor costs have prompted the search for mechanical solutions. Mechanical harvesting of four cultivars of green table olive—Manzanilla, Hojiblanca, Souri, and Nabali Mouhassan—was compared with manual picking in terms of harvest efficiency and final product quality. Mechanical harvest methods were: trunk shaking with and without simultaneous rod beating and with and without the application of an abscission agent. Olives were immersed in a diluted NaOH solution in the field, transported to the processing plant, and subjected to commercial procedures processing. Application of an abscission agent resulted in inconsistent fruit-detachment force values and did not affect harvest efficiency. Mechanical harvest with rod beating reached high harvest efficiencies of 80% to 95%, whereas the elimination of rod beating significantly reduced harvest efficiency. Final product quality of the mechanically harvested ‘Hojiblanca’, ‘Souri’. and ‘Nabali Mouhassan’ was similar to that of their manually picked counterparts, whereas that of cv. Manzanilla was inferior to those picked manually. High harvest efficiencies can be obtained using trunk shakers and simultaneous rod beating but final product quality of the mechanically harvested olives depends on variety. In some, mechanical harvesting can be used safely; in others such as cv. Manzanilla, further work is required to obtain a good-quality final product.
Phloem Production in Huanglongbing-affected Citrus Trees
Authors: Brodersen Craig , Narciso Cody , Reed Mary , Etxeberria Ed
Published: February 2019

Citrus greening disease [Huanglongbing (HLB)] is the most significant and widespread threat to the citrus industry in recent history. A bacterium [Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas)] vectored by the Asian citrus psyllid is the presumed causal agent of the disease, which results in the collapse of phloem tissue, leading to decreased productivity, chlorotic leaves, and bitter, misshapen fruit. Once infected, trees never fully recover and there currently is no cure, although foliar nutrient sprays and intensive irrigation appear to slow tree decline in some situations. Despite phloem necrosis in older tissue, new vegetative and reproductive growth occurs. Our current understanding of phloem collapse in citrus resulting from HLB is based on anatomical reports of trees in different stages of decline and does not explain the persistence of growth. Here, we present data that show new phloem cells are produced during the periodic flushes of vegetative growth and their subsequent collapse and plugging over a 6-month period. Cellular activity within the cambium and the ray parenchyma was diminished in HLB-affected petioles, suggesting an important link in the carbohydrate transport pathway is missing. Because of the short window of time during which the phloem appears healthy, the weeks immediately before and after the spring and summer flush are of critical importance for the management of citrus health.
In Vitro Propagation and Detection of Somaclonal Variation in Phalaenopsis gigantea as Affected by Chitosan and Thidiazuron Combinations
Authors: Samarfard Samira , Kadir Mihdzar A. , Kadzimin Saleh B. , Saud Halimi M. , Ravanfar Seyed Ali , Danaee Mahmoud
Published: February 2019

Protocorm-like bodies (PLBs) multiplication is one of the most preferable in vitro methods to increase the number of orchids that produce very few seeds or seeds that are not able to germinate. In the present study the effects of chitosan and thidiazuron (TDZ) combinations on multiplication, differentiation, and genetic stability of Phalaenopsis gigantea PLBs were investigated using different media. Initial PLBs were cultured in solid New Dogashima (ND) medium and Vacin and Went (VW) medium supplemented with different concentrations of chitosan (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 mg·L–1) and TDZ (0, 0.1, and 0.5 mg·L–1). The highest mean number of PLBs (353 PLBs) was observed in ND medium with 10 mg·L–1 chitosan and 0.1 mg·L–1 TDZ combination after 20 weeks of culture. Some PLBs differentiated into mature PLBs with a profusion of leaves on the apical region, and tiny plantlets started to develop after 10 weeks of culture. The highest mean number of shoots was observed in VW supplemented with 10 mg·L–1 chitosan and 0.5 mg·L–1 TDZ (16 shoots). Intersimple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers were used to determine the genetic fidelity among mother plant and PLBs obtained from each subculture stage of solid ND medium supplemented with 10 mg·L–1 chitosan and 0.1 mg·L–1 TDZ (the optimal treatment for PLB proliferation). Dissimilarity of 5% occurred between the mother plant and PLBs obtained after 16 weeks of culture. The range in the similarity coefficient varied from 0.80 to 1.0, and only 20% dissimilarity occurred between mother plant and PLBs after 20 weeks of culture.
Effect of Controlled-release and Soluble Fertilizer on Tomato Production and Postharvest Quality in Seepage Irrigation
Authors: Carson Luther C. , Ozores-Hampton Monica , Morgan Kelly T. , Sargent Steven A.
Published: February 2019

Florida best management practices include the use of controlled-release fertilizers (CRFs), which are soluble nutrients coated with a resin, polymer, sulfur, or a polymer covering a sulfur-coated urea. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of three CRFs (coated, homogenized NH4NO3 and urea, and coated KNO3) rates in a hybrid CRF/soluble nitrogen fertilizer (SNF) system and two SNF rates [University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Science (UF/IFAS) and grower standard] on seepage-irrigated fall tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) yields, leaf-tissue nitrogen (LTN) concentration, postseason soil nitrogen (N) content, and postharvest fruit quality. Treatments of 112, 168, and 224 kg·ha−1 CRF N plus 56 kg·ha−1 SNF for total N of 168 (CRF112/SNF56), 224, and 280 kg·ha−1 were compared with IFAS (224 kg·ha−1) and grower standard (280 kg·ha−1) of pre-plant SNF. Tomatoes were planted on 29 Aug. 2011 and 3 Sept. 2012 on polyethylene mulch. Air temperature averaged 23.0 and 22.6 °C for the 2011 and 2012 fall seasons with 33.4 and 37.4 cm of rainfall, respectively. Soil temperatures ranged from 15.2 to 40.1 °C in 2011 and 13.6 to 36.6 °C in 2012. Leaf tissue N concentration exceeded the UF/IFAS-recommended sufficiency range for all treatments and sample dates, except CRF112/SNF56 at the last sample date of 2012. There were no differences in extra-large and total marketable yield at first harvest nor in total extra-large yield (three harvests combined) among treatments in 2011; however, total marketable yield for UF/IFAS, CRF112/SNF56, 168/SNF56, and 224/SNF56 was greater than that of the grower standard. In 2012, CRF112/SNF56 and CRF168/SNF56 had the greatest first harvest extra-large and total yield, but there were no differences between season total marketable yields. No differences between treatments were found for total N remaining in the soil postseason in 2011 or 2012. The grower standard, UF/IFAS, and CRF112/SNF56 were firmer at red ripe (less fruit deformation) in 2011, but there were no differences in 2012. In 2011, CRF112/SNF56 and CRF224/SNF56 were rated highest in red color among the treatments, and in 2012 there were no differences. A hybrid system containing lower and equal N rates (112 to 168 kg·ha−1 CRF N and 56 kg·ha−1 SNF56) compared with UF/IFAS-recommended rates produced comparable marketable yield and fruit quality.
Screening Onion Plant Introduction Accessions for Tolerance to Onion Thrips and Iris Yellow Spot
Authors: Cramer Christopher S. , Singh Narinder , Kamal Neel , Pappu Hanu R.
Published: February 2019

Iris yellow spot is an economically important disease of onion that reduces bulb size and yield and is difficult to control. The disease is spread by Thrips tabaci (onion thrips) and disease symptoms are exacerbated by hot, dry climatic conditions that also favor rapid thrips multiplication and make control programs less effective. Currently, no onion cultivar is resistant to the disease and/or thrips. Certain onion foliar characteristics have shown nonpreferential feeding activity by thrips and may be the first step in developing Iris yellow spot (IYS)-tolerant onion cultivars. Seventy-five onion PI accessions from the U.S. germplasm collection were evaluated for leaf color, waxiness (bloom), and axil pattern; thrips number per plant; and IYS disease severity under conditions that favored thrips and disease buildup. Plants of PI 289689 were less attractive to thrips and had a lower number of thrips per plant than plants of most other accessions. These plants were rated as having light green to green-colored foliage and a relatively low amount of epicuticular leaf wax. Plants of PIs 239633 and 546192 generally exhibited less severe IYS disease symptoms than those of other accessions. Individual plants, that exhibited less leaf area exhibiting IYS disease symptoms, were selected at bulb maturity from 22 different accessions with PI 546140 producing the largest number of selected bulbs. Physiological plant development, environmental conditions, and tolerance to plant stress may influence the degree of disease symptom expression. Further work that examines the role of plant maturity and host plant tolerance to stress with respect to disease expression is needed.
Amygdalin Content in Kernels of Several Almond Cultivars Grown in Turkey
Authors: Yildirim Adnan Nurhan , Akinci-Yildirim Fatma , Polat Mehmet , Şan Bekir , Sesli Yılmaz
Published: February 2019

Amygdalin is a bioactive compound used in the traditional treatment of some diseases, and it is toxic to humans and animals when it is consumed excessively. It is abundantly found in the kernels of almond cultivars, especially in bitter ones. In the study, the amygdalin contents of the kernels of 15 commercial almond cultivars (Prunus amygdalus L.) were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for 2 consecutive years. The seeds of the cultivars were obtained from the Fruit Research Institute, Isparta, Turkey. Results indicated that amygdalin concentrations of the cultivars were significantly different (P < 0.05) for 2 years. The levels amygdalin ranged from 0.443 g·kg–1 to 1.866 g·kg–1 in 2008 and from 0.250 g·kg–1 to 2.200 g·kg–1 in 2009. As the average of 2 years, the highest concentration of amygdalin was determined in ‘Supernova’ (1.458 g·kg–1) and the lowest concentration was determined in ‘Masbovera’ (0.370 g·kg–1).
Ultraviolet Radiation Affects Intumescence Development in Ornamental Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas)
Authors: Craver Joshua K. , Miller Chad T. , Williams Kimberly A. , Bello Nora M.
Published: February 2019

Intumescences are a physiological disorder characterized by hypertrophy and possibly hyperplasia of plant tissue cells. Ultimately, this disorder results in the death of the affected cells. Previous observations and research suggest that the quality and quantity of light to which plants are exposed may be a factor in development of the disorder. The purpose of this study was to assess the preventive effect of ultraviolet-B (UVB) radiation on intumescence development in ornamental sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas). Two sweetpotato cultivars, Sidekick Black and Ace of Spades, were grown under light treatments consisting of 1) normal greenhouse production conditions; 2) supplemental UVB lighting; 3) supplemental UVB lighting with Mylar® sleeves over the lamps to block UVB radiation; and 4) control lighting with full spectrum lamps. Treatments were administered for 2 weeks, and the experiment was repeated twice. ‘Ace of Spades’ was highly susceptible to intumescence development, whereas ‘Sidekick Black’ was much less susceptible to the disorder. For ‘Ace of Spades’, the addition of UVB radiation significantly reduced the number of leaves affected with intumescences when compared with plants grown under the other light treatments; this UVB effect was not apparent for ‘Sidekick Black’. Furthermore, there was no evidence for reduced plant growth under UVB light in either cultivar, but side effects from the radiation included leaf discoloration and deformities. This study indicates a cultivar-specific effect of UVB light in preventing intumescence development on ornamental sweetpotato, therefore suggesting a potential genetic component in intumescence susceptibility. These results provide further insight in better understanding intumescence development and how to prevent the disorder.
Effect of Field Fungicide Applications on Storability, Physicochemical, and Nutraceutical Content of Muscadine Grape (Vitis rotundifolia Michx.) Genotypes
Authors: Barchenger Derek W. , Clark John R. , Threlfall Renee T. , Howard Luke R. , Brownmiller Cindi R.
Published: February 2019

A major limiting factor in fresh-market muscadine grape (Vitis rotundifolia Michx.) commercialization is fruit deterioration during storage. Research on table grapes has shown that field fungicide applications increase storability, but little is known of their effect on muscadines. The effect of field applications of fungicides on physicochemical attributes during postharvest storage and nutraceutical content at date of harvest was evaluated on five muscadine cultivars (Nesbitt, Southern Jewel, Summit, Supreme, and Tara) and four breeding selections from the University of Arkansas Fruit Breeding Program in 2012 and 2013. There were two field treatments (no fungicide and fungicide). For the fungicide treatment, alternating applications of two fungicides were applied to the vine at 14-day intervals during berry maturation. Fruit was harvested and physicochemical attributes including berry volume, titratable acidity (TA), pH, soluble solids (%), color (L, chroma, and hue), firmness (force to penetrate berry skins and flesh), storage weight loss (%), and unmarketable fruit (%) were evaluated every 7 days for 3 weeks. Whole muscadine berries were analyzed for nutraceutical content only for the date of harvest. As a result of less decay, less weight loss, and greater firmness during storage, AM 27, ‘Southern Jewel’, and ‘Supreme’ had the highest potential for postharvest storage, whereas AM 01, AM 15, and ‘Tara’ had the least potential. Nutraceutical content varied by genotypes; overall AM 27 had the highest nutraceutical content [sum of anthocyanins, total phenolics, flavonols, resveratrol, and oxygen radical absorbane capacity (ORAC)], whereas ‘Supreme’ and AM 28 had the lowest. Total anthocyanins were only found in the black genotypes and total phenolics and resveratrol were unaffected by fungicide treatment. Total ellagitannins varied among the fungicide treatments. Total flavonols were generally greater in the no fungicide treatments, whereas ORAC was generally greater with fungicide treatments. Year of study and genotype were determined to be major contributors as sources of variation. Although field fungicide applications did not affect all postharvest attributes and nutraceutical components, differences among genotypes and fungicide treatments did occur.
Storage Humidity and Temperature Affect Dormancy Loss and Viability of Tanglehead (Heteropogon contortus) Seeds
Authors: Baldos Orville C. , DeFrank Joseph , Kramer Matthew , Sakamoto Glenn S.
Published: February 2019

Tanglehead (Heteropogon contortus) is a drought- and fire-tolerant native Hawaiian grass that possesses seed dormancy on shedding. Although a dry after-ripening period is known to break dormancy, specific storage conditions to optimize this are not known. This study examined the effects of storage temperature and equilibrium relative humidity (eRH) on tanglehead seed dormancy loss and viability. Fresh seeds harvested in Mar. and Oct. 2011 were stored for 30 days in three eRH levels (12%, 50%, and 75%) and then incubated for 0, 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months at three temperatures [10, 20 (ambient in laboratory), and 30 °C]. The eRHs were maintained during incubation by sealing seeds in airtight packages. Seed germination and tetrazolium tests were conducted after each incubation period to determine dormancy loss and seed viability. Analysis of germination and seed viability data indicated a significant interaction among eRH, storage temperature, incubation period, and seed harvest month. Storage at 12% eRH and 30 °C for 12 months optimized dormancy loss of tanglehead seeds. Seeds remained viable in all eRH and temperature combinations except those stored at either 75% eRH and 20 °C or 75% eRH and 30 °C. In these treatment combinations, significant seed deterioration and loss of viability were recorded. Harvest time (i.e., harvest month) within the year also affected the rate of dormancy loss of seeds. March-harvested seeds achieved maximum dormancy loss 3 months earlier than seeds harvested in October.
Effects of Post-véraison Water Deficit on ‘Pinot noir’ Yield and Nutrient Status in Leaves, Clusters, and Musts
Authors: Schreiner R. Paul , Lee Jungmin
Published: February 2019

‘Pinot noir’ grapevines were grown in a pot-in-pot system using a red-hill-soil where volumetric soil water content (θv) was carefully controlled. Four-year-old vines were supplied with one of two irrigation regimes (wet or dry) between véraison and fruit maturity and the experiment was repeated over 2 years. From véraison to harvest, vines in the wet treatment received irrigation whenever θv approached ≈15% maintaining leaf water potential (Ψleaf) above –1.0 MPa. Vines in the dry treatment received irrigation when θv approached 11% to 12% and experienced significant water stress (Ψleaf ≈–1.4 MPa) before water was re-supplied. Vines were destructively harvested at véraison and at fruit maturity to determine biomass and nutrient content in the current season’s above-ground tissues. Fruit yield, maturity indices, and must nutrient composition were measured at maturity. Irrigation did not influence vine growth in either year nor did it influence yield or fruit maturity indices. Irrigation also had no influence on leaf, whole cluster, or must mineral nutrient concentrations. Vine growth, yield, and nutrient status in leaves and musts varied by year. Vegetative growth was greater in 2007 than 2008, whereas yield and cluster weights were greater in 2008. Also in 2008, whole clusters obtained a greater proportion of dry matter and nutrients after véraison when differing irrigation treatments were imposed. Nonetheless, irrigation did not affect must chemical composition. These findings suggest that periodic post-véraison water deficits that are moderate to severe have little effect on berry nutrient and sugar accumulation in ‘Pinot noir’ cropped at typical levels for this variety.
Mining Simple Sequence Repeat and Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Markers in a Transcriptomic Database of Wintersweet (Chimonanthus praecox)
Authors: Liu Daofeng , Ma Jing , Yang Jianfeng , Nguyen Tien V. , Liu Huamin , Huang Renwei , Sui Shunzhao , Li Mingyang
Published: February 2019

Wintersweet is a woody ornamental plant and has a long history of human cultivation. Few molecular markers have been characterized and remain scant in wintersweet. This study aimed to mine simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from the transcriptomic database of wintersweet. A total of 3972 SSRs and 97,060 putative SNPs/indels (92,307 SNPs and 4753 indels) were identified in this data set. This study marks the highest number of SSR and SNP markers discovered to date from wintersweet by using transcriptome sequencing data. These identified markers will provide a useful source for molecular genetic studies such as genetic diversity and characterization, association mapping, and map-based gene cloning in wintersweet.
Using Cucurbita Rootstocks to Reduce Fusarium Wilt Incidence and Increase Fruit Yield and Carotenoid Content in Oriental Melons
Authors: Zhou Xianzhi , Wu Yufen , Chen Sheng , Chen Yang , Zhang Weiguang , Sun Xintao , Zhao Yijie
Published: February 2019

Oriental melon (Cucumis melo var. makuwa Makino) is a fruit with distinctive characteristics that is grown in Fuzhou, China. Fusarium wilt disease management remains a major challenge in the production of this fruit. Here, we performed seven field trials at four locations in Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China, to evaluate the control of fusarium wilt and yield of Oriental melons grafted on two Cucurbita rootstocks [Shengyan Tianzhen (SYTZ) and Nanzhen No. 1 (NZ1)]. During the growing seasons of 2008 to 2011, Oriental melons grafted on SYTZ and NZ1 exhibited dramatically reduced incidences of fusarium wilt disease and increased yields compared with nongrafted Oriental melons. Disease was only recorded in Trial 3 at Hongwei (2009), where plants grafted on SYTZ and NZ1 exhibited 1.05% and 1.1% infection, respectively. In the other six field trials, wilting was not observed at all. In comparison, the incidence of the disease in nongrafted Oriental melons ranged from 45.0% to 100.0%. The use of Cucurbita rootstocks improved the qualitative and quantitative carotenoid profiles, increasing lutein levels (12.7 and 10.8 μg·g−1 of fresh weight, respectively) and ζ-carotene and phytofluene amounts in fruit samples from SYTZ- and NZ1-grafted plants. In particular, the Liyu/NZ1 combination significantly increased β-carotene content ≈4-fold compared with nongrafted samples. In conclusion, Cucurbita rootstocks provided acceptable protection of Oriental melon cv. Liyu against fusarium wilt and improved the productivity and quality of fruits.
Effect of Plant Age and Acibenzolar-S-methyl on Development of Downy Mildew of Basil
Authors: Patel Jaimin S. , Zhang Shouan , Costa de Novaes Maria I.
Published: February 2019

Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) is an important annual culinary herb grown in the United States. Recently, basil production was drastically affected by downy mildew caused by Peronospora belbahrii, a recently discovered foliar disease of basil in Homestead, FL. The disease has spread to more than 30 states in the United States causing significant losses to basil growers. As a result of the recent emergence of the disease, limited management tools are available for control of downy mildew, and it is critical for growers to apply management measures at appropriate times. This study was designed to evaluate 2- to 7-week-old basil plants for their susceptibility to downy mildew. Another objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of a pre-inoculation application of acibenzolar-S-methyl (ASM) for control of downy mildew. The results suggested that 2- to 3-week-old basil was more susceptible to downy mildew than 4- to 7-week-old plants. The area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) was smaller for 5- to 7-week-old ASM-treated basil plants than for 2- to 4-week-old ASM-treated basil plants. This study indicated that 2- to 3-week-old basil plants need to be protected, and ASM should be applied before pathogen infection on 5- to 7-week-old plants to reduce downy mildew to a greater extent.
Fruit Abscission in Rabbiteye Blueberry in Response to Organ Removal and Mechanical Wounding
Authors: Vashisth Tripti , Malladi Anish
Published: February 2019

Fruit abscission in blueberry (Vaccinium sp.) occurs at the pedicel/peduncle junction (PPJ). Growth regulators such as methyl jasmonate (MeJa) and ethephon accelerate the progression of abscission at this zone. It is not known whether the abscission zone at the PPJ is sufficient to perceive and respond to these growth regulator applications or if the fruit and leaf tissues are required to elicit these responses. Furthermore, the effects of injury to the fruit and leaves on fruit detachment responses have not been previously reported in blueberry. In this study, the requirement of the fruit and leaves to respond to MeJa and ethephon applications was investigated through organ removal treatments in rabbiteye blueberry. Removal of the fruit or the fruit and leaves on the branch followed by MeJa application delayed the progression of abscission at the PPJ suggesting that the fruit tissue is required only to accelerate the progression of fruit detachment in response to MeJa. Interestingly, the extent of fruit/pedicel detachment in response to ethephon applications was higher in the organ removal treatments compared with the control indicating that the PPJ was sufficient to perceive and respond to ethephon and that wounding caused by organ removal synergistically enhanced fruit abscission in response to ethephon. Mechanical wounding of the fruit by removing the distal half of the berry resulted in accelerated fruit detachment at the PPJ. Detachment of non-injured fruit was unaffected by mechanical wounding of adjacent fruit. These data suggest that wounding generates a local signal capable of accelerating fruit abscission at the PPJ. This information may have implications for fruit retention or drop in response to injury to the fruit as caused by herbivore feeding or as a result of insects and pathogens.
Changes in Microbial Biomass, Activity, Functional Diversity, and Enzyme Activity in Tree Peony (Paeonia suffruticosa) Garden Soils
Authors: Huang Xiangdong , Xue Dong , Xue Lian
Published: February 2019

To understand the effects of tree peony (Paeonia suffruticosa) on soil microbiological and biochemical properties, soil samples were collected from tree peony growing sites with 3 growth years and four tree peony cultivars as well as from an adjacent wasteland in a tree peony garden at Luoyang, Henan Province of China. With the development of the tree peony garden ecosystem, soil microbial biomass carbon (Cmic), basal respiration (Rmic), Cmic as a percent of soil organic C (Cmic/Corg), and enzyme activities first increased and then decreased. For the tree peony cultivars Yao Huang and Dou Lu, Cmic, Rmic, Cmic/Corg, catalase, invertase, cellulose, proteinase, and phosphatase decreased after 5 years of growth, whereas urease decreased after 12 years. For the cultivars Er Qiao and Shou An Hong, catalase, proteinase, and phosphatase decreased after 5 years, whereas Cmic, Rmic, Cmic/Corg, invertase, cellulose, and urease decreased after 12 years. Biolog analysis indicated that the average well color development and microbial functional diversity were significantly greater at the 5-year sites than in the wasteland but decreased significantly as growth continued. The growth duration of tree peony had a greater effect on soil microbial communities than did tree peony cultivar.
Controlled-release Fertilizer Application Rates for Container Nursery Crop Production in Southwestern Ontario, Canada
Authors: Agro Erin , Zheng Youbin
Published: February 2019

Region-specific trials examining optimum controlled-release fertilizer (CRF) rates for the Canadian climate are limited. This study was conducted to determine an optimum range of CRF application rates and the effect of the application rate on growth, nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) losses of six economically important container-grown woody ornamental shrubs using typical production practices at a southwestern Ontario nursery. Salix purpurea ‘Nana’, Weigela florida ‘Alexandra’, Cornus sericea ‘Cardinal’, Hydrangea paniculata ‘Bombshell’, Hibiscus syriacus ‘Ardens’, and Spiraea japonica ‘Magic Carpet’ were potted in 1-gal pots and fertilized with Polyon® 16N-2.6P-10K (5–6 month longevity) incorporated at rates of 0.8, 1.2, 1.7, 2.1, and 2.5 kg·m−3 N in 2012. The experiment was repeated for the 2013 growing season with rates of CRF incorporated at 0.05, 0.35, 0.65, 0.95, and 1.25 kg·m−3 N. Plant performance (i.e., growth index) and leachate electrical conductivity (EC) and pH were evaluated once every 3 to 4 weeks during the respective growing seasons. The amount of N and P lost to the environment was determined for the 2012 growing season. The interaction between nutrient supply rate and target species affected most response variables. Although higher levels of fertilization produced larger plants and had the potential to decrease production time, increased losses of N and P and higher EC leachate values occurred. Results of this study indicate that an acceptable range of CRF application rates can be used for each species depending on the production goals, i.e., decreased production time, maximum growth, or decreased nutrient leachate. Overall, the highest acceptable CRF rates within the optimal range were: 1.25 kg·m−3 N for Spiraea; 1.7 kg·m−3 N for Hydrangea; 2.1 kg·m−3 N for Cornus; and 2.5 kg·m−3 N for Weigela, Salix, and Hibiscus. The lowest acceptable rates within the optimal range were: 0.35 kg·m−3 N for Hibiscus; 0.65 kg·m−3 N for Cornus, Weigela, Salix, and Spiraea; and 0.80 kg·m−3 N for Hydrangea.