bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
APPLICATION OF MODIFIED ATMOSPHERE PACKAGING AND HUMIDITY CONTROL TO EXTEND THE STORAGE LIFE OF GRAPE VARIETIES GROWN IN EASTERN UNITED STATES - A COMPARATIVE STUDY
Authors: Elboudwarej Albert F. , Herner Robert C.
Published: February 2019

In 1987, 1988, and 1989, the behavior of four different table grape varieties including Alden, Concord, Himrod, and Vanessa were studied during storage at 0°C.

The first objective of our study was to determine the behavior of table grapes in modified atmosphere packages in terms of general acceptance. After three years of experimenting with these three films we were able to obtain a modified atmosphere of about 3% O2 and 10-15% CO2 at 0°C using a 3 mil thickness LDPE.

Our second objective was to use moisture absorbents as a means of reducing the relative humidity inside the void volume of a package by the inclusion of different desiccants in the package to establish a desirable relative humidity.

Examining different storage characteristics, our data showed that `Himrod', `Vanessa', and `Concord' grape clusters stored in the presence of KNO3 and KCl had better quality compared to grape clusters stored in the presence of other sorption compounds or controls with no sorbants.
INFLUENCE OF MODIFIED LIGHT QUALITY ON DENDRANTHEMA GRANDIFLORA TZVELEV. GROWTH
Authors: Rajapakse Nihal C. , Kelly John W.
Published: February 2019

The use of light quality as an alternate method for controlling ornamental plant growth was evaluated using copper sulfate solutions as optical filters, The light passed through CuSO4 solutions had high red/far-red (R/FR) ratio. Plant height and average internode length were significantly reduced by high R/FR light. Plants grown under high R/FR light had smaller leaves and a lower total leaf area but had thicker leaves, as indicated by specific leaf weight, than the control plants. Fresh and dry weights of leaves, stems and roots were reduced by high R/FR light. Dry matter accumulation in leaves was increased by high R/FR light while it was reduced in stems. Exogenous gibberellic acid (GA) application partially overcame the height reduction under high R/FR light indicating that GA biosynthesis maybe affected by light treatment. Results suggests alteration of light quality could be used in controlling ornamental plant growth as an alternate method to conventional chemical growth regulator applications.
EFFECT OF PREPLANT BULB SOAK WITH UNICONAZOLE ON GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF EASTER LILY
Authors: Wilfret Gary J.
Published: February 2019

Plant growth and flower development of Easter lilies (Lilium longiflorum) were evaluated for 3 years (1988-90). Bulbs of cvs. Ace and Nellie White were soaked preplant in solutions of uniconazole at cones. of 0 to 5 ppm at durations of 1 to 5 minutes and compared to bulbs soaked in ancymidol at 5 to 40 ppm. Time of bulb soak had no effect on amount of solution absorbed and on growth and flower development. Plant height from bulbs soaked in water alone was variable among the 3 years, ranging from 56 to 70 cm for Nellie White and 55 to 89 cm for Ace. Ancymidol concs. of 5, 10, 20, and 40 ppm retarded plant height 10.8, 14.5, 33.8, and 46.2%, respectively. Uniconazole solutions at 0.625, 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, and 20 ppm produced Nellie White plants 16.7, 70.4, 56.8, 46.9, 39.3, and 30.8% of the height of the water soaked bulbs, respectively. Response of Ace to similar uniconazole concentrations was slightly less. High uniconazole concentration (> 5 ppm) delayed flowering time and reduced the number of floral buds which developed. Variability among plants within uniconazole treatments was large and would not be acceptable commercially.
EFFECT OF MID-SUMMER FOLIAR BORON SPRAYS ON QUALITY OF `DELICIOUS' APPLE FRUIT
Authors: Peryesa Frank J. , Drake Stephen R
Published: February 2019

Fruit growers and shippers have suggested that excessive rates of boron (B) in foliar nutrient sprays may reduce quality of stored apples. Foliar B sprays were applied by handgun in mid-July to bearing apple trees (Malus domestica Borkh. cv. Starking) at rates of 0, 11.3,22.6 g B/tree. Fruits of uniform size (220 g) were analyzed for B content at harvest and for quality indices at harvest, after 10 days ripening postharvest, after 3 months refrigerated air storage, and after 8 days ripening poststorage. Whole fruit B concentration was directly proportional to B application rate. At all sampling times fruit firmness, soluble solids, titratable acidity, and internal and external color parameters were independent of whole fruit B concentration. Fruit disorders were unrelated to treatment except for internal breakdown after 8 months refrigerated air storage, which was positively related to whole fruit B concentration. Increases in fruit B were relatively greater in the core tissue, suggesting that some of the applied B entered the fruit through the tree vascular system.
THE EFFECT OF PULSED EXCIMER LASER RADIATION ON CONTROL OF IN VITRO CULTURE CONTAMINATION AND THE GROWTH OF HEDERA CANARIENSIS.
Authors: Al-Juboory Karim H. , Williams David J. , Nayfeh M.H.
Published: February 2019

This study was initiated to investigate the effect of pulsed XeCL excimer laser radiation (308 nm) at 25 and 50 pulses per second at radiation levels of 0, 100 mJ, 200 mJ, and 300 mJ on microorganism contamination of in vitro cultures of Heder a canariensis. Explants were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 8 mg/BA and 0.2 mg/NAA. The medium was adjusted to pH 5.7. The cultures were maintained for 16-hours photoperiods at 25.5°C. One day following transfer the explants were treated with pulsed excimer laser radiation. The percentage of contamination was reduced by laser radiation treatments. The effect of 5 0 pulses of radiation was found to increase the petiole length, leaf blade width, and leaf number of explants.
CHARACTERATION OF AIR MOVEMENT PATTERNS AND VELOCITY EFFECIS ON PLANT DEVELOPMENT IN A GROWTH CHAMBER
Authors: Korthals” R.L. , Knight S.L. , Christianson L.L.
Published: February 2019

Chrysanthemum, wheat, and soybean were grown in a growth chamber to study the effects of airflow direction, velocity, and turbulence on vegetative growth. These three plant species were chosen to examine how plants with different leaf architectures and morphology are influenced by varying air velocity and pattern. A hot wire anemometer accurate to ±0.025 m s-1 and capable of responding to 50 khz turbulent velocity fluctuations was used to characterize the environment in a growth chamber under three different experimental conditions: <0.50 m s-1 horizontal velocity, >1.00 m s-1 horizontal velocity, and <0.50 m s-1 vertical velocity. Plants were grown under the three different treatments for five weeks with plant height, width, stem diameter, and node number, and fresh and dry weights of leaves, stem, and roots determined at three internals throughout each experiment. Tire variation in plant development resulting from the different treatments has practical implications for using ventilation to aid in controlling plant growth and development.
REGENERATION OF PLANTS FROM STORED WITLOOF CHICORY FOR SELECTION OF DESIRABLE STORAGE TRAITS
Authors: Mohamed-Yasseen Yasseen , Splittstoesser Walter E.
Published: February 2019

A micropropagation procedure was developed to regenerate plants via tissue culture from explants of harvested and stored French endive (Cichorium intybus L. Witloof). The procedure permits the rescue of French endive germplasm that shows resistance to postharvest physiological disorders and diseases. The procedure was used successfully to regenerate plants which showed resistance to different undesirable marketable traits.. Under a long day photoperiod, a high percentage of the explants produced flowers in vitro. Thidiozuron was used successfully to regenerate plants from small leaf explants.
ISOLATION OF VEGETABLE SEEDS BY SEMI-PERMEABLE MEMBRANE DURING MATRICONDITIONING
Authors: Khan Anwar A. , Maguire James D.
Published: February 2019

Recently we have shown that the performance of vegetable seeds can be enhanced by matriconditioning in the presence of fixed amounts of chemically inert carriers, such as Micro-Cel™E and Zonolite™ Vermiculite, and water (Khan et al. National Symp. Stand Estab. Hort. Crops, p.19, 1990). This procedure, however, does not allow separation of seeds from the carrier during seed conditioning. This problem has been overcome by enclosing the seed in a semi-permeable membrane and placing the seed-membrane system in contact with the carrier and water (or test solution). By this means, the equilibrium moisture content, needed for seed conditioning is attained readily. This procedure allows conditioning of large amounts of seeds and eliminates the contamination of seeds from the carrier. The application of this procedure in seed enhancement within the seed industry will be discussed.
LOW-OXYGEN TREATMENT OF PREGERMINATED IMPATIENS SEEDS TEMPORARILY SUPPRESSES RADICLE ELONGATION
Authors: Polking Gary F. , Gladon Richard J. , Koranski David S.
Published: February 2019

Generation of pregerminated seeds at a central facility and subsequent mechanical sowing at a remote facility require that radicle elongation during shipment be minimized. Low-oxygen treatments were applied to pregerminated `Super Elfin Salmon Blush' impatiens seeds to suppress radicle growth during a subsequent one-day simulated shipping period in air. In the first experiment, O2 concentrations of 0, 3, 7, 10, 13, and 20% were applied for 24 and 48hr. The 0% O2/24-hr and the 0% O2/48-hr treatments held the radicle length close to the desired length of 1.0mm, but both of these treatments decreasad 7-day hypocotyl length and percentage normal seedlings, when they were compared with the control treatment (untreated pregerminated seeds) In the second experiment, O2 concentrations of 0, 1, 2, 3, 7, and 20% were applied for 24 and 48hr. Five treatments (0, 1, and 2% O2/24-hr and 0 and 1% O2/48-hr) held the radicle to a length <1.0mm. Of these five treatments, only the 2% O2/24-hr treatment resulted in recovery parameters (7-day hypocotyl length and percentage normal seedlings) that compared with those of the control treatment.
THE EFFECT OF ROW COVERS ON THE YIELD OF THREE TOMATO CULTIVARS
Authors: Reiners Stephen , Nitzsche Peter J.
Published: February 2019

Three tomato varieties were evaluated for early and total yield using row covers. Tomatoes were planted three weeks earlier than the normal planting date and row cover treatments included; 1) slitted, clear polyethylene 2) floating, spunbonded, polypropylene and 3) bare, no row cover. `Pilgrim', `Celebrity' and' Mountain Pride' were selected as early, mid-season and late varieties, respectively. Row covers were removed after three weeks at which time a second planting was made, representing the normal planting time. Slitted, clear, polyethylene row covers significantly increased early yields in all varieties as compared to the bare treatment. In addition, clear row covers resulted in higher early yields in `Pilgrim' and `Mountain Pride' than floating row covers. Despite row covers over `Celebrity' and `Mountain Pride', early yields were still not as great as the `Pilgrim' cultivar without any row cover.
INFLUENCE OF TWO CO2SOURCES ON SOIL pH AND ABOVE GROUND CO2 LEVELS
Authors: Cahn H. K. , Moore F. D. , Hughes H. G.
Published: February 2019

Carbon dioxide concentrations measured within and above a strawberry plant (Fragaria × ananassa) canopy were significantly higher during enrichment with carbonated water or 900 kg CO2 ha-1 hr-1 applied as gas. Both sources were applied to the base of the plants through drip irrigation tubing under a black polyethylene mulch (0.025 mm) covering or over bare unmulched soil. Mulch affected the concentrations at the top of the strawberry canopy differently for the two sources of CO2 enrichment. Carbonated water was found to reduce the pH of the calcareous soil at the research site (pH 8.2) during and between irrigations. The greatest single pH reduction was 2.6 pH units during irrigation measured in mulched soil; significant soil pH reductions were detected as long as 28 days after irrigation underneath the mulch. Soil pH “duration” below pH 7.4 was 70% greater considering mulch and carbonated water vs. no mulch and carbonated water irrigation.
TRANSFORMATION OF ORANGEMINT (MENTHA CITRATA, EHRH) WITH AGROBACTERIUM TUMEFACIENS
Authors: Berry Christine , Van Eck J. , Kitto S. , Smigocki A.
Published: February 2019

Orangemint leaf disks were infected with three strains of Agrobacterium tumefaciens: A281, a hyper-virulent strain containing plasmid pTiBo542; C58, a strain containing nopaline Ti plasmid pTiC58; and A136, a derivative of C58 lacking the nopaline Ti plasmid. After a 24 or 48 hr cocultivation, leaf disks were placed on a medium containing MS salts and vitamins, 2% sucrose, and 200 μgm l-1 cefotaxime. Callus formed only on those leaf disks infected with A281. Five callus lines (R-12, -71, -73, -81, -83) were putatively transformed based on succinopine production. Definitive transformations were confirmed via DNA slot blot analysis. All callus lines assayed (R-11. -12, -41, -73, -83) hybridized to a 7.7 KB fragment from the T-DNA region.
VARIABILITY IN FOURTH DERIVATIVE LEAF SPECTROSCOPY OF FRAGARIA SPP. AND ITS RELATIONSHIP TO PHOTOSYNTHESIS
Authors: Chen Chuhe , Cameron J. Scott , Klauer Stephen F.
Published: February 2019

Accumulated attendance and fourth-derivative spectra were measured using intact leaf samples at mom temperature for 80 genotypes of four Fragaria species. Attendance peak wavelength and amplitude data of all samples was pooled and yielded 25 common bands for Fragaria. Of these, 14 chlorophyll bands and two phototransformed bands were consistent with French's (1972) model.

Peak wavelengths and amplitudes which represent major bands in F. chiloensis and F. × ananassa spectra were also determined separately. While peak wavelengths of the two species were identical, variation was noted in peak amplitude. The signals of the bands at Cb640, Cb649, Ca670, Ca673, Ca675-676, Ca684 and Ca693 in F. chiloensis were significantly stronger than those in F. × ananassa. Ca677 and Ca695 were stronger in F. × ananassa.

The greatest difference among Fragaria species was found in the amplitude of Ca693. The amplitude of this peak was greatest in F. chi/oensis (0.0025) and smallest in F. virginiana (-0.0005), The cultivated hybrid of these two species, F. × ananassa, was intermediate (0.0008), Preliminary evidence suggests that certain genotype-specific spectral characteristics may relate directly to observed differences in photosynthetic biology among these species.
SPARKLEBERRY × BLUEBERRY CROSSES
Authors: Lyrene Paul
Published: February 2019

Diploid blueberry (Vaccinium section Cyanococcus) was pollinated in a greenhouse in 1981 with pollen from sparkleberry (V. arboreum, Section Batodendron). Cyanococcus parents included V. darrowi, diploid V. corymbosum, and various intra-sectional diploid hybrids. Forty one vigorous seedlings showing characteristics of both sections were selected from a field nursery when 2 ½ years old. Some of these plants flowered heavily in subsequent years, and several were more than 3 m tall by 1990. Although the F1 hybrids had very low fertility, some open-pollinated progeny were obtained. Some of these were vigorous, fruitful when open-pollinated in the field, and intermediate between V. arboreum and Cyanococcus in many features. Six of the best progeny from open-pollination of the F1's were used in greenhouse crosses. Some branches were self-pollinated and some were pollinated with pollen from tetraploid V. corymbosum -based cultivars. Two of the 3 selfed plants had a high percent fruit set (277 fruit from 441 flowers). Four of the six plants pollinated with pollen from tetraploid V. corymbosum cultivars had high percent fruit set (452 fruit from 793 flowers). Flowers of the open-pollinated progeny of the F1 hybrids were much larger than those of the F1 `s. This, along with the fruitfulness after 4× pollination, suggests that at least some of the open-pollinated progeny are tetraploid. These hybrids give hope that sparkleberry genes can be used to improve highbush cultivars.
LEACHATE LEVELS OF NH4+, NO3- AND P FROM NEPHROLEPIS `GREEN VALLEY' DUE TO FERTILIZER SOURCE, IRRIGATION LEVEL AND TIME.
Authors: Conover C. A. , Poole R. T.
Published: February 2019

Leaching of N into ground water has become a major pollutant in several areas of the U.S. The potential for regulation of environmental plant producers is increasing, but limited information is available on cultural management. This factorial experiment tested a liquid and a slow release fertilizer source at 3 irrigation levels (100, 200 or 300 ml/20 cm pot/2 times/wk) for NH4+, NO3- and P found in leachate collected weekly for 12 weeks. Plant quality and fresh weight for all treatments was similar, but large variations occurred in NH4+, NO3- and P levels in leachate due to irrigation level. Increasing irrigation level from 100 to 300 ml twice weekly resulted mainly in linear increases of NO3- present in leachate, with levels as high as 159 mg/l observed near the end of the production cycle. NH4+ levels were most affected by irrigation and highest early in the experiment, but were generally lower than 1 mg/l. P levels ranged from 1.4 to 16.0 mg/l in leachate with responses to fertilizer source and irrigation mainly during the first 6 weeks.
DEVELOPMENT OF A NUTRIENT SOURCE FOR SUSTAINING LOW CONCENTRATIONS IN GREENHOUSE SUBSTRATES
Authors: Williams Kimberly A. , Nelson Paul V.
Published: February 2019

A sustained release nutrient source suitable for maintaining steady, low (1 mM) N concentrations in the soil solution was sought as a component to be used in a system for reducing nutrients in the effluent of an open greenhouse cropping system. Several nutrient sources were evaluated as a N source incorporated singly in a medium of 1 sphagnum peat moss: 1 vermiculite and used to produce Chrysanthemum × morifolium `Sunny Mandalay'. All nutrients except N were applied additional to the sources tested. Sources tested included specific non-viable bacterial (B) and fungal (F) organisms from commercial biotechnological production lines, a microbial sludge mixture (S) from waste-water treatment, poultry waste-methane generator sludge (PS), mico-Osmocote (O), unsteamed bonemeal (BM), poultry feather meal (FM), and three-yeer aged pine needles (PM) at rates from 0.15 to 1.3 kg N·m-3. Based on periodic vacuum extracted soil solution analyses, leaf analyses, and plant growth, the efficacy of sources was in the order B, O> BM> S> PS> F, FM> PN. The 3 best sources provided sufficient N for 6 weeks; however, growth parameters did not differ from a complete liquid fertilization control until after 9 weeks. N in soil solution from the bacterial cells was at weeks 1, 3, 5, and 7: 142, 200, 73, and 3, mg·l-1, respectively.
PECAN TREE GROWTH, PRODUCTION, AND NUT QUALITY RESPONSES TO WATER STRESS
Authors: Garrot D.J. , Kilby M.W. , Fangmeier D.D. , Husman S.H.
Published: February 2019

Pecan tree (cv. “Western Schley”) water stress was numerically quantified with the crop water stress index (CWSI). The CWSI was used to schedule irrigation at increasing water stress levels to correlate the effects of water strees on tree growth, production, and nut quality from 1987 to 1989. Highest growth increases, production, and nut size were attained at lower water stress levels (CWSI = 0.08 to 0.14 units). Even moderate increases in water stress (CWSI>0.20 units) decreased pecan tree growth and production, and significantly reduced nut size (P=0.01). A significant difference (P=0.05) in nut quality was measured only in 1988. Depending on yearly climatic variation, the amount of irrigation water required to maintain the CWSI below 0.14 units in the same orchard varied 44% over three years. The CWSI is a viable tool to assess pecan water stress.
FLOODING TOLERANCE IN SPINACH (Spinacia oleracea L.)
Authors: Fiely M.B. , Morelock T.E.
Published: February 2019

Spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) varies in tolerance to saturated soil conditions. Plant vigor was assessed for plants flooded in autoclaved and nonautoclaved field soil. Decline of vigor was more rapid for plants flooded in nonautoclaved field soil, indicating that flooding tolerance may be influenced by soil borne pathogens.
ESTIMATION OF VARIANCE COMPONENTS AND HERITABILITY FOR FLOWERING TIME AND CUT-FLOWER YIELD FOR THE DAVIS POPULATION OF GERBERA USING RESTRICTED MAXIMUM LIKELIHOOD (REML)
Authors: Yu Yiran , Harding James , Famula Thomas
Published: February 2019

Additive genetic components of variance and narrow-sense heritabilities were estimated for flowering time and cut-flower yield for generations 8-13 of the Davis population of gerbera, using the least squares (LS) and restricted maximum likelihood (REML)

methods. Estimates of heritability for flowering time were 0.54 and 0.50 using REML and LS, respectively, indicating a close agreement between the two methods. However, estimates of heritability for cut-flower yield were 0.30 and 0.46 from REML and LS. This may result from the fact that cut-flower yield was selected in each generation; flowering time was not. Realized heritability for cut-flower yield was estimated to be 0.26 which agreeded more closely with the heritability estimated from REML. The advantages of REML, and its applications in the estimation of components of genetic variance and heritability of plant populations are discussed.
ANALYSIS OF POTENTIAL AND STABILITY ACROSS ENVIRONMENTS OF NINE APPLE ROOTSTOCKS IN THEIR INFLUENCE ON GROWTH AND YIELD
Authors: Olien William C. , Ferree David C. , Bishop Bert L.
Published: February 2019

Nine apple rootstocks grafted with `Starkspur Supreme Delicious' were evaluated in 19 states over 9 to 10 years by the NC 140 Regional Project as a randomized complete block with 10 replications in each site. Effects on trunk cross-sectional area (TA), cumulative yield per tree (Yc), and cumulative yield efficiency (YEc=Yc/TA) were evaluated. Rootstock differences in mean potential (mean performance at the mean site) and environmental stability (slope across sites) were compared by analysis of rootstock performance within a site linearly regressed on mean performance of all rootstock in that site. MAC 24 had the highest mean potential of Yc and TA with lowest stability, giving this rootstock the highest Yc and TA in best sites, and lowest in poor sites. M.27 EMLA was the opposite, having low potential and high stability in Yc and TA. In YEc, M.27 EMLA and MAC9 had high potential and low stability, while OAR1, M.7 EMLA, and especially MAC 24 were the opposite. YEc of Ott.3 and M.26 were average in both respects. M.9 had high potential YEc with average stability. M.9 EMLA was unique in having both high potential and high stability of YEc.
ETHYLENE PRETREATMENT ALLOWS EARLY HARVEST OF CARAMBOLA
Authors: Sargent Steven A. , Brecht Jeffrey K.
Published: February 2019

Carambolas (Averrhoa carambola L., cv. Arkin) ware harvested at colorbreak (CB) and light green (LG) ripeness stages, commercially packed and cooled. The next day the fruit were treated as: Control (ungassed): CB, LG; Ethylene pretreatment (ETH) @100ppm: LC for 1, 2 or 3 days at 20°C or 25°. After pretreatment the fruit were stored at 5°. After 1, 2, 3, 4 weeks, 10 fruit from each treatment ware removed from storage and placed at 20°. Fruit color and decay were rated daily until 80% of the fruit in each treatment reached the yellow ripeness stage, at which time external color, total soluble solids (TSS), pH and total titratable acidity (TTA) were determined. Carambolas harvested at the LG stage can be ripened to good quality with ETH pretreatment. For two weeks storage at 5°, 2 days ETH are necessary at 20° or 25° to initiate ripening. For three weeks storage, 3 days ETH are required at 20°, and 2 or 3 days ETH are required at 25°. Fruit stored four weeks were of fair quality. LG with slower ripening initiation developed chilling injury during storage; the fastest initiation had the best color but the shortest marketing life. Fruit harvested CB had slightly higher TSS than ETH-treated LG but pH and TTA were similar.
CROP GENETIC RESOURCE CONSERVATION AND THE THREAT POSED BY THE LOSS OF PUBLIC SECTOR PLANT BREEDING PROGRAMS
Authors: Merrick Laura C.
Published: February 2019

Collections of crop genetic resources have been assembled and evaluated as part of plant breeding efforts and in that capacity have served as the foundation for genetic improvement of crops. Most of these collections have been held at public sector institutions, including both federal and state agricultural experiment stations. However, recent changes have occurred in government agricultural research policies and funding structure which have lead to a decline in public sector breeding programs. Breeders retire and are not replaced or, for other reasons, programs are discontinued. The loss of the breeding programs maybe adversely affecting the status of the associated germplasm, if no means are provided for continued conservation of the collections. The results of a nationwide survey to assess the number and status of crop germplasm collections associated with public sector plant breeding programs and the relationship of those collections to the National Plant Germplasm System will be discussed. Recommendations will be made in regard to coordination of activities to ensure conservation of the germplasm held in plant breeders' collections.
INTERPRETING FRUIT GROWTH: PROBLEMS AND POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS
Authors: Lakso Alan N.
Published: February 2019

Fruits of different species grow in different patterns (such as the “double sigmoid” of stone fruits and grapes or the apparent single sigmoid of apples), and each has periods of cell division followed by periods of only cell expansion. It should not be expected that one mathematical growth description would hold for all species, or even at all times of the season for one species. Perhaps hybrid growth models need to be developed, although specific questions asked about fruit growth may be satisfactorily answered with models of only parts of the fruit growth period of interest.
OVERVIEW OF MUNICIPAL COMPOSTING
Authors: Kashmanian Richard
Published: February 2019

For an increasing number of communities across the U. S., their question is no longer, “should we compost?” Rather, their question has become, “what should we compost, and how?” This paper will present information on the experience of various communities and comporting facilities in the collection, processing, and marketing of various compostable organic solid materials.
Gibberellic Acid Reverses Effects of Excess Paclobutrazol on Geranium
Authors: Cox Douglas A.
Published: February 2019

Paclobutrazol (PBZ) was applied to `Mustang' geranium (Pelargonium × hortorum L.H. Bailey) as a single growth-medium drench at 0.06 mg a.i./pot or as a single foliar spray at 100 mg·liter-l when the plants had three to four expanded true leaves (34 days after sowing). At these rates, PBZ caused excessive growth suppression but plants flowered earlier than untreated controls. A single foliar spray of gibberellic acid (GA) at 100 mg·liter-l applied 0 (same day), 7, 14, or 21 days after PBZ reversed the growth suppression caused by PBZ. Plants treated with GA30 or 7 days after PBZ were as tall or taller and flowered at the same time as or later than the untreated (no PBZ, no GA3) controls. Plants treated with GA, 14 or 21 days after PBZ were shorter and flowered earlier than untreated controls but were taller than plants treated with PBZ alone. Response to GA3 was similar whether PBZ was applied as a drench or as a spray. Chemical name used: (+)-(R*,R*)-β([4-chlorophenyl]methyl)-α-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-1 H -1,2,4-triazole-1-ethanol (paclobutrazol).
Ethylene, Simulated Shipping, STS, and AOA Affect Corolla Abscission of New Guinea Impatiens
Authors: Dostal Diana L. , Agnew Nancy Howard , Gladon Richard J. , Weigle Jack L.
Published: February 2019

Exposure to exogenous ethylene (C2H4) caused corolla abscission of New Guinea impatiens (Impatiens × hawkeri `Sunfire'). Abscission varied with time of exposure and C2H4 concentration. Ethylene at ≥ 1 μl·liter-1 and exposure times of 4 or more hours caused 80% to 100% corolla abscission. Simulated shipping of untreated control plants caused ≈ 65% corolla abscission. Plants pretreated with silver thiosulfate (STS) and (aminooxy)acetic acid (AOA) and subsequently exposed to simulated shipping were not different from one another, and both treatments reduced corolla abscission to ≈ 20% when applied at 1.0 mm. Plants pretreated with STS and exposed to `exogenous C2H4 showed 0% abscission, whereas plants pretreated with AOA showed no reduction in abscission when compared with control plants.
Nitrogen Source and Concentration, Growing Medium, and Cultivar Affect Longevity of Potted Chrysanthemums
Authors: Roude Nadia , Nell Terril A. , Barrett James E.
Published: February 2019

Chrysanthemums `Bright Golden Anne' and `Iridon' [Dendranthemum ×grandiflorum (Ramat.) Kitamura] were grown with N concentrations of 1.3, 2.6, or 5.2 kg N/m' of water during the crop cycle from either Osmocote slow-release 14N-6.2P-11.6K or 12.4N4.4P-14.lK or Peters soluble 20N-4.4P-16.6K. Plants were moved to simulated interior rooms at flowering to evaluate effects of the treatments on longevity. `Bright Golden Anne' longevity was not affected by fertilizer source, but `Iridon' longevity was reduced when Peters soluble fertilizer was applied at 2.6 and 5.2 kg N/m3 of water, whereas N concentration did not affect longevity when the slow-release Osmocote fertilizer was used. In an additional study, `Tip', `Copper Hostess', and `Iridon' were grown in three soil media using 1.3, 2.6, or 5.2 kg N/m' of water using Peters soluble 20N-4.4P-16.6K fertilizer from time of planting until flowering. Longevity increased as N concentration decreased when chrysanthemums were grown in Metro Mix 350, whereas N concentration had no significant effect on chrysanthemums grown in Vergro Klay Mix or a peat-perlite-sand mix. `Tip' showed significant in. creases in longevity as N concentration decreased.
Heritability of Leucostoma persoonii Canker Resistance among Diverse Peach Genotypes
Authors: Chang Loong S. , Iezzoni Amy , Adams Gerald
Published: February 2019

Heritability and the genetic and environmental variance components of resistance to the canker-causing pathogen Leucostoma persoorrii were estimated in a population of diverse peach (Prunus persica L.)-genotypes. Disease resistance was measured as the length of necrotic tissue, i.e., canker length, following artificial inoculation in the field. Genetic and environmental variations were partitioned as variance components of the linear statistical model. Heritability was estimated by regressing average performance of seedlings on performance of their maternal parent. The genetic variance was highly significant, and the heritability for canker necrotic length was relatively high (0.72), suggesting that it should be possible to select L. persoonii -resistant individuals within the population.
Plant Spacing Influences Yield and Linear Growth Rate of Sweetpotatoes Grown Hydroponically
Authors: Mortley D.G. , Loretan P.A. , Bonsi C.K. , Hill W.A. , Morris C.E.
Published: February 2019

The effects of within-channel spacings (WCS; 13, 18, 25 cm) and between-channel spacings (BCS; 13, 25,38 cm) on yield and linear growth rate of sweetpotatoes [Ipomoea batalas (L.) Lam.] grown by use of the nutrient film technique (NFT) were evaluated. Storage root count, fresh and dry weights, and linear growth rate, expressed as root area, declined linearly in response to decreased BCS, while fresh and dry foliage weight decreased linearly and quadratically as spacing was reduced within the growth channels. Neither linear growth rate on a canopy area basis nor the edible biomass index was significantly affected by WCS or BCS.
Freesia hybrida Respond to Ancymidol, Cold Storage of Corms, and Greenhouse Temperatures
Authors: Wulster George J. , Gianfagna Thomas J.
Published: February 2019

Growth and flowering of Freesia hybrida Bailey for the container-plant market can be controlled chemically using growth retardants and environmentally by cold storage of corms at 5C for 2 to 6 weeks before planting. Corms stored at 5C for 4 weeks flowered 20 days earlier than corms not stored at 5C. Preplant 5C storage of corms also reduced leaf and flower height. An ancymidol soil drench (3 mg) reduced leaf height and flower height by more than 50% and delayed flowering by 9 days. Combining growth regulator application with cold storage of corms produced the greatest reduction in leaf height and flower height. Moreover, plants flowered earlier than controls when corms were stored for at least 4 weeks, regardless of growth regulator treatment. Chemical name used: α-cyclopropyl-α- (4-methoxyphenyl) -5-pyrimidine methanol (ancymidol).
Galls Induced by Diplolepis spinosa Influence Distribution of Mineral Nutrients in the Shrub Rose
Authors: Bagatto G. , Zmijowskyj T.J. , Shorthouse J.D.
Published: February 2019

Mineral nutrient levels in tissues of the domestic shrub rose (Rosa rugosa Thunb.) were examined following gall induction by the cynipid wasp Diplolepis spinosa (Ashmead). Higher levels of Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn, and Ni were found in the galls, leaves protuding from the galls, and stems to which galls are attached than were found in normal stems and leaves, indicating that cynipid galls alter the nutritional status of their hosts. Cynipid galls must be removed or controlled because the stress they cause will increase the vulnerability of roses to attack by other pestiferous insects.
Growth of Honey Locust Seedlings during High Root-zone Temperature and Osmotic Stress
Authors: Graves William R. , Wilkins Lorna C.
Published: February 2019

Growth of honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos var. inermis Willd.) seedlings was studied during exposure to reduced osmotic potential (ψπ) and high temperature in the root zone. Half-sib plants were cultured in solution. Root-zone temperature was increased from ambient (23C) to 35C for 0, 6, 12, or 24 hours·day -l. Within each temperature treatment, solution ψπ of -0.05, – 0.10, and – 0.20 MPa were maintained by additions of polyethylene glycol (PEG) 8000. Root and shoot dry weights decreased with increasing exposure to 35C among seedlings in -0.05-MPa solution and decreased for seedlings in - 0.10- and - 0.20-MPa solutions in all temperature regimes. Growth of epicotyls displayed similar trends, but epicotyls of plants in -0.20-MPa solution were longest with 6 hours·day-l at 35C. Significant interactions between effects of temperature and osmotic regimes indicated that water-stressed honey locust seedlings are relatively insensitive to elevated root-zone temperatures. However, related studies showed that PEG caused reductions in growth that could not be explained by decreases in ψπ and suggested that responses of honey locust to PEG differed from those when drought was imposed by withholding irrigation in an aggregate medium.
Orchard Floor Management Practices Influence Elemental Concentrations in Young Pecan Trees
Authors: Goff William D. , Patterson Michael G. , West Mark S.
Published: February 2019

Nutrient status of young pecan [Carya illinoensis (Wangenh.) C. Koch] trees grown under eight combinations of orchard floor management and irrigation was determined by leaf and soil analyses. Orchard floor management practices were weedy-unmowed, weedy-mowed, weed control with herbicides, and weed control by disking, with trees either irrigated or nonirrigated. The element most affected by treatment was K. Mean leaf K for the two sample years was significantly (P < 0.01) lower in the weedy plots (0.56% K) than in those where weeds were controlled (0.76% K), suggesting a highly competitive effect of weeds for K with young pecan trees. Weed competition also suppressed leaf Ca and Mg, but presence of weeds or sod resulted in higher soil pH and higher leaf Zn. Leaf concentrations of N, P, B, Cu, and Fe were not significantly affected by the treatments.
Pruning Effects on the Cold Hardiness of `Haggerston Gray' Leyland Cypress and `Natchez' Crape Myrtle
Authors: Hayns C.L. , Lindstrom O.M. , Dirr M.A.
Published: February 2019

The effects of late summer, fall, and winter pruning on the cold hardiness of × Cupressocyparis leylandii (A.B. Jacks. and Dallim.) Dallim. and A.B. Jacks. `Hag gerston Gray' (Leyland cypress) and Lagerstroemia L. `Natchez' (crape myrtle) were determined. Pruning in late summer through early winter significantly reduced the cold hardiness of both taxa. The maximum difference in cold hardiness between pruned trees and controls for × Cupressocyparis leylandii `Haggerston Gray' in October, December, January, and February was 3, 3, 2, and 6C, respectively. The maximum difference in cold hardiness between pruned plants and controls for Lagerstroemia `Natchez' in December, January, and February was 3, 4, and 2C, respectively. Early spring pruning of Leyland cypress and late winter or early spring pruning of crape myrtle are suggested from these data.
`Rotundifolia' Holly Growth and Nitrogen Accumulation Influenced by Supraoptimal Root-zone Temperatures
Authors: Yeager Thomas H. , Harrison Rebecca H. , Ingram Dewayne L.
Published: February 2019

Ilex crenata Thunb. `Rotundifolia' grown in sand culture with the root zone at 40C for 6 hours daily had smaller root and shoot dry weights after 6 weeks than plants grown with root zones at 28 or 34C. Root and shoot N accumulation (milligrams N per gram of dry weight) decreased when root-zone temperatures were increased from 28 to 40C and plants were fertilized twice dally with either 75, 150, or 225 mg N/liter. Nitrogen application rates of 150 or 225 mg·liter-1 resulted in increased root and shoot N accumulation for plants grown with root zones at either 28, 34, or 40C compared with the 75 mg N/liter treatment. Increased N fertilization rates did not alleviate reduced plant growth due to the high root-zone temperature.
In Vitro and Macropropagation of the Wildflower Dyssodia pentacheta (D. C.) Robins
Authors: Zimmerman Thomas W. , Davies Fred T. , Zajicek Jayne M.
Published: February 2019

Dyssodia pentacheta, a prostrate-growing perennial Texas wildflower with potential for use in low-maintenance landscapes, was propagated in vitro and by stem cuttings under mist. Optimum rooting for IBA-treated semihardwood terminal stem cuttings (3 to 30 mm IBA) and in vitro-grown nodal segments (30 to 100 mm IBA) occurred after 4 weeks under an intermittent mist system. A 300-mm IBA basal dip was lethal to macroand microcuttings. In vitro, D. pentacheta produced more shoots per nodal explant on Woody Plant Medium (2 g Gelrite/liter) with 1 to 10 μ m BA than with combinations of BA and 0.5 μm NAA. After shoot proliferation, the shoots were subculture twice and grown on growth regulator-free medium. When maintaining D. pentacheta in vitro on media devoid of plant growth regulators, 1% sucrose was more effective than 2% for promoting shoot growth and suppressing apparent production of phenolics. Chemical names used: N-(phenylmethyl) -1H-purin-6-amine (BA); 1H-indole-3-butyric acid (IBA); 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA).
Daylength, Cold Storage, and Plant-production Method Influence Growth and Flowering of Asclepias tuberosa
Authors: Albrecht Mary Lewnes , Lehmann Jerald T.
Published: February 2019

Greenhouse- and field-produced plants of Asclepias tuberosa L., butterfly flower, were forced in the greenhouse under various daylengths to produce flowering plants for the florist industry. Examined were post-production cold storage temperature (4.5 and 10C) and period (12, 14, and 16 weeks), forcing daylength (9, 13, 15, or 17 hours), plant-production scheme (greenhouse- vs. field-produced), and planting depth (exposed crowns or crowns planted 1.3 cm below the medium surface). When forced under a 9-hour daylength, blind shoots and aborted flower buds were prevalent. When daylengths exceeded 13 hours, using night interruption, the time to produce a marketable plant was reduced from 71 days to 61 days for 18-month-old greenhouse-produced plants. Daylength of 17 hours delayed flowering of field-produced liners by 15 days in comparison to those forced under 13-hour daylength. Greenhouse-produced plants stored at 10C did not sprout when brought into the forcing greenhouse held at 17/25C (night/day). Field-produced plants, when greenhouse-forced, had fewer flowers per inflorescence (88 to 94 flowers) than greenhouse-produced plants (79 to 87 flowers).
Comparative Evapotranspiration Rates of Tall Fescue Cultivars
Authors: Bowman D.C. , Macaulay L.
Published: February 2019

Comparative evapotranspiration (ET) rates of 20 cultivars of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) were measured over 7 days in a greenhouse study. Small but significant differences in ET rates existed between the cultivars grown under nonlimiting water and nutrient conditions on day 1 following mowing. Greater differences had developed after 7 days of growth, with ET ranging from a low of 10.0 mm·day-1 for `Shortstop' to a high of 13.5 mm·day-1 for `Alta'. Day 7 ET was positively correlated (r = 0.82) with clipping dry weight. Six of the tall fescue cultivars were selected for a subsequent experiment to determine the stability of relative rankings for ET over time. Although average ET varied by up to a factor of two among five dates, the rankings were nearly identical for the five dates and were consistent with the rankings in the first experiment.
Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium Fertility Regimes Affect Tomato Transplant Growth
Authors: Melton Regina R. , Dufault Robert J.
Published: February 2019

Tomato (L.ycopersicon esculentum Mill.) seedlings were nutritionally conditioned with solutions containing factorial combinations of N at 25, 75, and 225 mg·liter -1, P at 5, 15, and 45 mg·liter-1, and K at 25, 75, and 225 mg·liter -1 to determine the effect of nutritional regimes on tomato transplant growth and quality. As N increased from 25 to 225 mg·liter-1, fresh shoot weight, plant height, stem diameter, leaf number, leaf area, shoot and root dry weights, and total chlorophyll increased. Nitrogen accounted for the major source of variation. Phosphorus effects were significant only in 1988; Pat 45 mg·liter-1 increased fresh shoot weight, plant height, stem diameter, leaf number, and leaf area in comparison to 5 and 15 mg·liter -1. Potassium did not significantly influence any of the growth variables measured in the study. For quality transplant production, nutrient solutions should contain at least N at 225 mg·liter-1, P at 45 mg·liter-1, and K at 25 mg·liter-1.
Growth of Containerized Eastern Redcedar Amended with Dolomitic Limestone and Micronutrients
Authors: Wright Robert D. , Hinesley L. Eric
Published: February 2019

Eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana L.) seedlings were grown in 1986 through 1988 in pine bark container media with various levels of dolomitic limestone and micronutrients. Supplemental micronutrients reduced shoot growth, especially in the absence of limestone, and root growth was greatest when neither limestone nor micronutrients were added. Including at least 3.0 kg limestone/m3 in the medium was beneficial, not only as a source of nutrients, but also as a buffer against potentially toxic effects of excess micronutrients.
Preemergent Herbicide Safety in Container-grown Ornamental Grasses
Authors: Neal Joseph C. , Senesac Andrew F.
Published: February 2019

Preemergent herbicide phytotoxicity was evaluated for six species of container-grown ornamental grasses: beach grass (Ammophila breviligulata Fern.), pampas grass [Cortaderia selloana (Schult. & Schult. f.) Asch. & Graebn.], tufted hair grass [Deschampsia caespitosa (L.) Beauvois.], blue fescue [Festuca ovina cv. glauca (Lam.) W.D.J. Koch], fountain grass [Pennisetum setaceum (Forssk.) Chiov.], and ribbon grass (Phalaris arundinacea cv. picta L.). Herbicides included isoxaben, metolachlor, MON 15151, napropamide, oryzalin, oxadiazon, pendimethalin, prodiamine, and trifluralin; the granular combination products of benefin plus trifluralin; and oxyfluorfen plus pendimethalin. Metolachlor, granular or spray, and oryzalin severely injured all species tested, except beachgrass, which was not injured by metolachlor granule. Napropamide injured pampas grass, fountain, grass, blue fescue, and tufted hair grass, but was safe on ribbon grass and beach grass. Pendimethalin, prodiamine, trifluralin; MON 15151, isoxaben, oxyfluorfen plus pendimethalin, and benefin plus trifluralin were safe on all six species. Chemical names used: N-butyl-N-ethyl-2,6-dinitro-4-(trifluoromethyl)benzenamine(benefin);N-[3-(1-ethyl-1-methylpropyl)5-isoxazolyl]-2,6-dimethoxybenzamide(isoxaben);2-chloro-N-(2-ethyl-6-methylphenyll-N-(2-methoxy-1-methylethyl)acetamide (metolachlor); S,S-dimethyl 2-(difluoromethyl)-4-(2-methylpropyl)-6-(trifluoromethyl)-3,5-pyridinedicarbothioate(MON 15151);N,N-diethyl-2-(l-naphthalenyloxy)propanamide (napropamide); 4-(dipropylamino)-3,5-dinitro-benzenesulfonamide (oryzalin); 3-[2,4-dichloro-5-(1-methylethoxy)phenyl]-5-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-(3H)-one (oxadiazon); 2-chloro-1-(3-ethoxy-4-nitrophenoxy)-4-(trifluoromethyl) benzene (oxyfluorfen); N-(1-ethylpropyl)-3,4-dimethyl-2,6-dinitrobenzenamine (pendimethalin); N3,N3-di-n-propyl-2,4-dinitro-6-(trifluoromethyl)-m-phenylenediamine (prodiamine); 2,6-dinitro-N,N-dipropyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)benzenamine (trifluralin).
Verification through Pollen Incompatibility Studies of Pedigrees of Sweet Cherry Cultivars from Vineland
Authors: Tehrani Ghassem , Lay William
Published: February 2019

Pedigrees of Wit', `Venus', `Viscount', `Vogue', and `Viva' sweet cherry cultivars (Prunus avium L.) were confirmed with pollen-incompatibility studies. `Hedelfingen', the maternal parent of the last four cultivars, was assigned previously to Incompatibility Group VII (S4S5); however, it was shown that Vineland `Hedelfingen' belongs to Group `O' (Universal Donors) rather than VII. Thus, the parentage of the above cultivars, with the exception of `Vic', is correct as reported when these cultivars were named. `Vie' pedigree is incorrect and it belongs to Group `O' rather than the previously assigned XIII. `Valera' also belongs to Group `O' and the existence of Group XIV (S1S5), with `Valera' as its only representative cultivar, could not be confirmed.
Micropropagation of Eucalyptus Species
Authors: Le Roux J.J. , Van Staden J.
Published: February 2019

Two cold-tolerant species (Eucalyptus macarthurii Deane et Maiden and E. smithii R.T. Baker), a cold-tolerant hybrid (E. macarthurii×E. grandis Hill ex Maiden), and E. saligna Sm. were propagated in vitro from nodal explants collected from field-grown seedlings and from clonal hedges. Shoot growth was initiated on modified Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing BA at 0.1 mg·liter-1. Modified MS medium with BA (0.2 mg·liter-1) and NAA (0.01 mg·liter-1) was most effective in promoting shoot proliferation. Root initiation was achieved on half-strength modified MS medium with 2 mg IBA/liter. Rooted plants were hardened and established in the field. Chemical names used: N-(phenylmethyl)-1EZ-purin-6-amine (BA); 2-(1-naphthyl)acetic acid (NAA); 1H-indole-3-butyric acid (IBA).
CuCO3-painted Containers and Root Pruning Affect Apple and Green Ash Root Growth and Cytokinin Levels
Authors: Arnold Michael A. , Young Eric
Published: February 2019

CuCO3 at 100 g·liter-1 in a paint carrier applied to interior container surfaces effectively prevented root deformation in container-grown Malus domestica Borkh. and Fraxinus pennsylvanica Marsh. seedlings. CuCO3 treatments nearly doubled the number of white unsuberized root tips in both species. CuCO3 treatment increased some measures of root and shoot growth before and after transplanting to larger untreated containers. Root pruning at transplanting tended to reduce root and shoot fresh and dry matter accumulation in F. pennsylvanica seedlings and shoot extension in M. domestica seedlings. In some cases, root pruning of M. domestics at transplanting from CuCO3-treated containers increased root growth compared to unpruned CuCO3-treated and untreated seedlings. Changes in growth induced by CuCO3 and root pruning were not related to changes in trans -zeatin riboside-like activity in the xylem sap of-apple.