bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Timing is Crucial for Plug Seedling Substrate Testing
Authors: Compton Amy J. , Nelson Paul V.
Published: December 2018

Many plug seedling growers complain about the inadequacy of substrate testing as a measure of nutritional status because results are too variable. We conducted two experiments to test a model system of sampling substrate at a set time after fertilization. Petunias (Petunia×hybrida Hort. ex Vilm. var. multiflora `Primetime White') were grown in 288-cell plug trays. Six fertilizer regimes were used consisting of a factorial arrangement of three fertilizer cycles (at each, every other, and every third irrigation) and two leaching fractions (0% and 20%). Fertilizer or water was applied at 0900 HR daily, and then 24 hours later in Expt. 1, and 1 hour later in Expt. 2, substrate solutions were sampled and analyzed. Samples taken after waterings were used to assess the dilution and leaching effects of water on substrate nutrient concentrations. In Expt. 2, additional substrate samples were taken at various hours after fertilizing to test the effect of plant depletion of the substrate. Substrate nutrient concentration curves constructed from data drawn at a fixed time after fertilizations, but not after waterings, were logical and could be interpreted. When data from a fixed time after fertilizations and waterings were plotted together, the curves could not be interpreted. Data from samples taken at various hours after fertilization in Expt. 2 revealed large reductions in concentrations, often after only 4 hours. Overall, leaching and dilution effects from watering in combination with the increased time span from fertilizing to sampling resulted in nutrient concentrations that could not be interpreted. Substrate testing can be effective for plug seedling production, but samples need to be taken 1 to 2 hours after fertilizations.
A User-oriented Approach to the Design of a Knowledge-based System for Winter Freeze Protection of Peaches and Nectarines
Authors: Willett Michael J. , Andrews Preston K. , Proebsting Edward L.
Published: December 2018

The techniques of task analysis and task allocation were applied to the problem of decision support system development in tree fruit production. The task of midwinter freeze protection of peach and nectarine [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] flower buds was chosen as the model system. Sixty-five tasks and subtasks were identified as necessary components of the freeze-protection activity at the testing and subsequent management activity levels. Of these, 45 were done exclusively in the orchard where we wished to focus our efforts to benefit the broadest group of growers. Of these 45 tasks or subtasks, 13 were judged suitable for computerization. These 13 tasks were prioritized in order of importance to growers through a self-administered mail survey that asked how often they would use a computer to perform each task. Based on a 77% rate of return, peach and nectarine growers indicated that they were most likely to use a computer to monitor weather forecasts for general weather and freeze alerts, monitor real-time orchard temperatures, and estimate critical temperature ranges for flower-bud damage. This close interaction also produced additional design and use information for the proposed knowledge-based system, such as data presentation requirements, the presence of a variety of farming styles that often determined how the critical temperature data were produced and used, and the challenges of developing suitable validation data for the users.
Implications of an Analysis of Job Newsletter Content, Readership, and Perceived Value for Student Advisement and Curriculum Development
Authors: Arnold Michael A. , Townsend Christine D.
Published: December 2018

Recipients of a monthly horticultural job opportunities newsletter and firms or organizations listing positions in the newsletter were surveyed to determine the perceived value of the newsletter as a job search and recruitment tool, respectively. Survey information was used to develop a profile of the individuals and organizations using the newsletter. Original position descriptions on which the briefer newsletter listings were based were used to develop a profile of the industry segment, degree and/or experience requirements, geographic location, and starting salaries and benefits of positions listed from January 1993 to December 1994. While the newsletter generated contact between prospective employees and employers, only 20% of the prospective employees received job offers by responding to newsletter listings. The newsletter was valued more by individual recipients as a job search tool than by institutional recipients or private industry as a recruitment tool. Starting salaries of listed positions were comparable to those previously reported in industry and academic surveys. Foreign language skills and previous work experience were requested more frequently than above-minimum (typically 2.00) grade point averages or completion of government or industry certification programs. Landscape-related disciplines constituted most BS or BA positions listed, whereas advanced degree positions were distributed more evenly over horticulture-related disciplines. Data supported the inclusion of internship programs and foreign language requirements in horticulture curricula.
Reducing Sweet Cherry Damage in Postharvest Operations
Authors: Thompson James F. , Grant Joseph A. , Kupferman Eugene M. , Knutson Jerry
Published: December 2018

Damage (pitting and bruising) to sweet cherries during packing line operations was evaluated in a 3-year study conducted in California, Washington, and Oregon. A large percentage of cherries sampled before packing developed damage symptoms (28% in 1992 and 35% in 1993 and 1994), suggesting that damage is imparted during growing, harvest, or transport to the packing house. Packing line operations caused an average of 39% pitting and 10% bruising. The greatest damage was imparted by cluster cutters (20% pitting) and shower type hydrocoolers (19% pitting). Results from this study demonstrate that packing line damage can be reduced by slowing fruit speed in cluster cutters, operating cluster cutters at high fruit-throughput rates, and reducing water drop height in shower hydrocoolers.
Bell Pepper Yields Not Affected by Stand Deficiencies or Replanting
Authors: Bracy Regina P.
Published: December 2018

Field studies were conducted in Spring 1991, 1992, and 1993 to determine if stand deficiencies of 10%, 20%, or 30% affected bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) yield and fruit size. Subsequent replanting to a 100% stand and timing of replanting also were evaluated for effects on fruit yield. Stand deficiencies of up to 30% and replanting to a complete stand 2 or 3 weeks after initial transplanting did not affect yield per acre and average weight per fruit of bell pepper plants grown on polyethylene-mulched beds during 3 years of tests. Bell pepper plants grown in 10%, 20%, or 30% deficient stand had greater marketable yield per plant than plants grown in 100% stand. Replanting to a complete stand 3 weeks after initial transplanting decreased early marketable yield and production per plant over replanting 2 weeks after initial transplanting.
In-row Spacing Affects Machine-harvested Jalapeno Pepper
Authors: Motsenbocker Carl E. , Buckley Blair , Mulkey William A. , Boudreaux James E.
Published: December 2018

Field studies were conducted in 1991 and 1992 to evaluate the effect of in-row spacing on machine-harvested jalapeno pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) yield and plant characteristics. In 1991, `TAM Mild Jalapeno-1' (TAMJ1) and `Jalapeno-M' (JM) were planted at 4-, 8-, 12-, and 16-inch (10-, 20-, 30-, 40-cm) in-row spacings and, in 1992, TAMJ1 was planted at 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-inch (7.5-, 15-, 22.5-, 30-cm) spacings. Total marketable yield increased linearly for JM (in 1991), while the yield response was quadratic for TAMJ1 in 1992 with narrower in-row spacing. Total marketable yield for JM (1991) and TAMJ1 (1992) was highest for the narrowest spacing, 4 and 3 inches, respectively. Red fruit yield of both cultivars in 1991 increased linearly with narrower spacing. In 1992 there were no differences in red fruit yield among in-row spacings. Plants lodged more at wider spacings. In-row spacings as narrow as 4 inches may increase marketable yield of machine-harvested jalapeno pepper.
Irrigation Systems Alter Distribution of Roots, Soluble Salts, Nitrogen, and pH in the Root Medium
Authors: Morvant Jaime K. , Dole John M. , Allen Earl
Published: December 2018

Pelargonium hortorum Bailey `Pinto Red' plants were grown with 220 mg·L−1 N (20N-4.4P-16.6K) using hand (HD), microtube (MT), ebb-and-flow (EF), and capillary mat (CM) irrigation systems. At harvest, root balls were sliced into three equal regions: top, middle, and bottom. A negative correlation existed between root medium electrical conductivity (EC) and N concentration to root number such that the best root growth was obtained with low medium EC and N concentrations. EF root numbers were greatest in the middle region. The two subirrigation systems (EF and CM) had higher average root numbers than the two surface-irrigation systems (HD and MT). For all irrigation systems, root numbers were lowest in the top region. In general, less difference in medium soluble salt and N concentrations existed between regions for surface-irrigated than for subirrigated root balls. Soluble salt concentration was lowest in the bottom and middle regions of EF and the bottom region of MT and CM. For subirrigation, the highest medium soluble salt and N concentration was in the top region. For all systems, pH was lowest in the bottom region. Plant growth for all irrigation systems was similar. EF and MT systems required the least water and EF resulted in the least runoff volume.
Using Dithiouracil and Ribavirin to Eliminate Cymbidium Mosaic Virus during Micropropagation of `Uniwai Mist' Dendrobium Orchid
Authors: Porter Katrina G. , Kuehnle Adelheid R.
Published: December 2018

Our objective was to develop a virucide-based method to eliminate cymbidium mosaic virus from infected dendrobium protocorm-like bodies during micropropagation. We tested two virucides—dithiouracil and ribavirin. The best treatments for recovery of virus-negative tissue and subsequent plant development were 0.1 mm ribavirin or 0.2 mm dithiouracil in liquid medium for 5 or 6 weeks followed by culture on solid medium with 0.1 mm ribavirin or 0.1 mm dithiouracil, respectively. Most propagules transferred to solid medium were virus-free at 17 weeks on ribavirin, with up to 100% free of virus after 32 to 38 weeks on ribavirin or dithiouracil. Virus loss among protocorm-like bodies cultured without virucides ranged from 0% to 37%. Most plants remained free of virus 2.5 years after chemotherapy and flowered normally.
Physical Characteristics of Mulches and Their Impact on Crop Response and Profitability in Muskmelon Production
Authors: Brandenberger Lynn , Wiedenfeld Bob
Published: December 2018

Using polyethylene mulches has increased earliness, yields, and fruit quality in muskmelon, resulting in their extensive use for melon production with numerous commercial products. However, two problems are associated with polyethylene use: removal and disposal following production. Organic mulches are potential alternatives but, in this study, resulted in significantly lower soil temperatures than all other treatments and generally had lower yields. Soil temperature, yield, fruit size and percent soluble solids were increased by polyethylene mulches compared to bare soil. Crop response differences between polyethylene mulches were not significant for most characteristics measured. There were significant differences in durability and ease of removal of polyethylene mulches. Based our results, durability and ease of removal are the main characteristics on which to base selection. Proper mulch selection can reduce removal costs and enable commercial producers to leave a mulch in place for the production of a second crop.
A Multilayer Soilless System for Greenhouse Tomato Production Pioneered in Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
Authors: Yuxian Xing , Xiufeng Wang , Papadopoulos Athanasios P.
Published: December 2018

A new multilayer soilless culture system for greenhouse tomato production is described. Experiments over two spring seasons and one winter season demonstrated faster plant growth rate, higher dry matter productivity, higher fruit yield, and better fruit quality with the multilayer soilless culture system compared to the traditional soil-based culture system. The multilayer soilless culture system is suggested as a replacement of the soil-based production system to achieve significant yield improvement in greenhouse tomato production.
Melon (Cucumis melo L.) Fruit Nutritional Quality and Health Functionality
Authors: Lester Gene
Published: December 2018

This article examines the nutritional quality and human health benefits of melons, specifically, muskmelon or cantaloupe (Cucumis melo L. var. reticulatus Naud.) and honeydew melon (Cucumis melo L. var. inodorus Naud.) types. Melons are naturally low in fat and sodium, have no cholesterol, and provide many essential nutrients such as potassium, in addition to being a rich source of beta-carotene and vitamin C. Although melons are an excellent source of some nutrients, they are low in others, like vitamin E, folic acid, iron, and calcium. Since the U.S. diet is already high in fat and protein content, melons should be included in everyone's diet, along with five to eight servings per day of a variety of other fruit and vegetables, to ensure adequate nutrition, promote individual health, and reduce one's risk of cancer and certain other chronic diseases.
Health Benefits of Wine and Grape Juice
Authors: Blevins Janice M. , Morris Justin R.
Published: December 2018

There has been a nationwide explosion of interest in consumption of red wine following a “60 Minutes” television segment entitled “The French Paradox.” The paradox was due to the fact the French consume more fat, smoke more, and exercise less than Americans and still have fewer heart attacks. A study of 12,000 male British doctors showed that moderate drinkers had the lowest death rates and the lowest vascular death rates compared to nondrinkers or heavy drinkers. The consumption of wine has been shown to provide healthful benefits, such as reducing cholesterol and decreasing cardiovascular disease. A comprehensive literature review of the latest scientific information on this subject is presented in this review.
Evaluation of a Bulk Planting System for Low-cost Seeding of Cabbage
Authors: Porter Wayne C. , Parish Richard L.
Published: December 2018

Cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. Capitata) was direct-seeded with a precision seeder or with a bulk seeder. Treatments with the bulk seeder consisted of blending viable, hybrid cabbage seed with nonviable, open-pollinated seed at several ratios to reduce the cost of planting hybrid seed. The study demonstrated that farmers with small acreages can obtain equivalent net income per acre using bulk seeders compared to using more expensive precision seeders. The study also showed that the additional cost per acre of a precision seeder is small compared to other input costs (for the acreage assumptions used here). Low percentages of hybrid seed in the bulk seeder (10% to 50%) were not economical. Precision seeding to a stand reduced the need for thinning labor and resulted in equivalent yields and net income.
Multiple Location Differences in Growth of Red Maple `October Glory'
Authors: Sibley Jeff L. , Ruter John M. , Eakes D. Joseph
Published: December 2018

Acer rubrum `October Glory' has grown well in field studies across the southeastern United States. However, there is limited information on container production for this cultivar. Our objective was to evaluate first-year growth of container-grown `October Glory' at three locations with dissimilar climates in Georgia and Alabama. Rooted cuttings were planted in no. 3 containers at one location in Apr. 1995. Trees were transported the second week of June to Blairsville, Ga.; Auburn, Ala.; and Tifton, Ga. Trees were grown for 6 months until dormant and were harvested at the end of December. Location had no impact on final plant height increase (Blairsville, Auburn, and Tifton, 59.8, 53.0, and 60.2 cm, respectively). Increases in stem diameter and shoot dry mass were greatest at Tifton (8.4 mm, 17.5 g) and least at Blairsville (6.3 mm, 9.2 g), with Auburn similar to both locations (6.8 mm, 12.2 g). Root dry masses and root: shoot ratios were greatest in Tifton (17.2 g, 0.967), with no differences between Blairsville (4.9 g, 0.508) and Auburn (7.0 g, 0.641). Despite climatic dissimilarities, among locations, producers of container-grown `October Glory' could expect similar growth during the first year throughout Georgia and Alabama.
A New Method of Applying Imidacloprid to Potted Plants for Controlling Aphids and Whiteflies
Authors: Pasian Claudio C. , Struve Daniel K. , Lindquist Richard K.
Published: December 2018

The effectiveness of two application methods of the insecticide imidacloprid in controlling 1) melon aphids (Aphis gossypii Glover) on `Nob Hill' chrysanthemum (Dendranthema ×grandiflora Ramat) plants and 2) silverleaf whitefly (Bemisia argentifolii Bellows & Perring) on `Freedom Red' poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima Wild.) were compared. Plants were grown in containers with their interior covered by a mixture of flat latex paint plus several concentrations of imidacloprid (0, 10, 21, 42, and 88 mg·L−1), or treated with a granular application of the insecticide (1% a.i.) according to label recommendations. All imidacloprid treatments effectively reduced aphid survival for at least 8 weeks. The two most effective treatments were the granular application (10 mg a.i.) and the 88-mg·L−1 treatment (0.26 mg a.i). All imidacloprid treatments effectively reduced whitefly nymph survival. The 42- and 88-mg·L−1 treatment and the granular application (1% a.i.) were equally effective in reducing nymph numbers in lower poinsettia leaves. None of the plants given treatments with paint exhibited any phytotoxicity symptoms. These results suggest the possibility of a new application method for systemic chemicals with the potential of reducing the release of chemicals to the environment. Paint and imidacloprid mixes are not described in any product label and cannot be legally used by growers. Chemical name used: 1-[(6-chloro-3-pyrimidil)-N-nitro-2-imidazolidinimine (imidacloprid)
Instrumented Sphere Used to Identify High-impact Areas on Grapefruit Packing Lines in Texas
Authors: Shellie Krista C.
Published: December 2018

An instrumented sphere (IS) was used to identify high-impact areas on seven grapefruit (Citrus paradisi Macf.) packing lines in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. The packing-line unit operations having the greatest percentage of high impacts were 1) the sizer, 2) when #2 fruit were separated by hand at the grading table, 3) when fruit were dumped from the harvest bin onto the packing line, and 4) when fruit dropped into a collection bin at the end of the packing line. The number of high impacts and the amount of cushioning in high-impact areas varied among the seven packing sheds. The amount of red dye visible on the surface of fruit collected from the end of each shed's packing line did not correspond with each shed's percentage of high impacts or with incidence of decay during fruit storage. The severity of impacts and degree of cushioning provided in these Texas packing sheds were comparable to that reported for 39 Florida packing houses. This study illustrates the usefulness of the IS for enhancing individual packing-line operations and for comparing individual shed performance to packing-line operations in other agricultural production regions.
Using an On-line UV-C Apparatus to Treat Harvested Fruit for Controlling Postharvest Decay
Authors: Wilson C L. , Upchurch B. , Ghaouth A. El , Stevens C. , Khan V. , Droby S. , Chalutz E.
Published: December 2018

An apparatus was designed to deliver low-dose UV-C light to the surface of fruit on a processing line and tested for its control of postharvest decay. It consisted of a row of UV-C emitting lamps mounted on a frame above a conveyer belt that transported the fruit. The dosage of the UV-C light delivered to the fruit surface was regulated by varying the speed of the conveyor belt. Postharvest decay after 28 days storage of `Empire' apples was reduced 52% relative to the untreated checks when the fruit were conveyed at 6.2 m·min−1 (1.38 kJ·m−2 dose) under the UV-C apparatus. Factors affecting the practical application of UV-C irradiation of fruit for controlling postharvest decay are discussed.
Two Computer-based Diagnostic Systems for Diseases, Insect Pests, and Physiological Disorders of Citrus and Selected Tropical Fruit Crops
Authors: Thomas Michael B. , Crane Jonathan H. , Ferguson James J. , Beck Howard W. , Noling Joseph W.
Published: December 2018

The TFRUIT·Xpert and CIT·Xpert computerbased diagnostic programs can quickly assist commercial producers, extension agents, and homeowners in the diagnosis of diseases, insect pest problems and physiological disorders. The CIT·Xpert system focuses on citrus (Citrus spp.), whereas the TFRUIT·Xpert system focuses on avocado (Persea americana Mill.), carambola (Averrhoa carambola L.), lychee (Litchi chinensis Sonn.), mango (Mangifera indica L.), papaya (Carica papaya L.), and `Tahiti' lime (Citrus latifolia Tan.). The systems were developed in cooperation with research and extension specialists with expertise in the area of diagnosing diseases, disorders, and pest problems of citrus and tropical fruit. The systems' methodology reproduces the diagnostic reasoning process of these experts. Reviews of extension and research literature and 35-mm color slide images were completed to obtain representative information and slide images illustrative of diseases, disorders, and pest problems specific to Florida. The diagnostic programs operate under Microsoft-Windows. Full-screen color images are linked to symptoms (87 for CIT·Xpert and 167 for TFRUIT·Xpert) of diseases, disorders, and insect pest problems of citrus and tropical fruit, respectively. Users can also refer to summary documents and retrieve management information from the Univ. of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences extension publications through hypertext links. The programs are available separately on CD-ROM and each contains over 150 digital color images of symptoms.
Effects of a Vocational Horticulture Program on the Self-development of Female Inmates
Authors: Migura Melanie M. , Whittlesey L.A. , Zajicek J.M.
Published: December 2018

The main objective of this study was to determine the effects of a vocational horticulture program on the self-development of female inmates in a federal prison camp (FPC) in Bryan, Texas. Subjects were sampled from the inmate population of FPC-Bryan and assigned to two groups. Group A was comprised of 36 inmates participating in the Master Gardener program and Group B, the control group, was comprised of 26 inmates who were not participants in the Master Gardener program. A confidential 55-item survey was administered in a pretest-posttest fashion and contained questions from Rotter's (1966) Internal-External Control of Reinforcement Scale and the Multidimensional IE Scale (Gurin et al., 1969), Pugh's (1992) Prison Locus of Control Scale, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (Rosenberg, 1965), and the Satisfaction With Life Scale (Diener et al., 1985). No significant differences were found between the pre- or post-tests of the Master Gardener and control groups. In addition, no significant differences were found for generalized internal-external locus of control and situation specific internal-external locus of control when pretest and posttest mean scores were compared within each group. However, Master Gardener and control participants significantly increased their self-esteem and global life satisfaction scores between the pre- and post-tests. Due to the high occurrence of research subjects reporting a history of drug or alcohol abuse, the pre- and posttest mean scores of drug or alcohol abusers and nonabusers participating in the Master Gardener program were compared. No significant differences as a result of participation in the Master Gardener program were found for nonabusers for all variables tested and for generalized internal-external locus of control and global self-esteem for drug or alcohol abusers. Substance abusers did significantly increase their situation specific internal-external locus of control and their global life satisfaction while participating in the Master Gardener program.
The Influence of Activity-based Environmental Instruction on High School Students' Environmental Attitudes
Authors: Campbell Amy N. , Waliczek T.M. , Bradley J.C. , Zajicek J.M. , Townsend C.D.
Published: December 2018

As human pressures on the environment increase and as conflicting demands on education become focused, schools have a greater responsibility to educate children to care for their environment. Results from this study demonstrated that students who were involved in the actual propagation and restoration of ecosystems, and who had positive experiences in doing so, were more likely to have positive environmental attitudes.
Master Gardeners International Corporation—A Success Story
Authors: Price Mary S.
Published: December 2018

Since its establishment in 1988, Master Gardeners International has served as a clearinghouse for the exchange of information about Master Gardening, providing support to Master Gardeners, cooperative extension, the gardening public, and the horticultural industry.
The Washington State University Master Gardener Program: Cultivating Plants, People, and Communities for 25 Years
Authors: Bobbitt Van
Published: December 2018

After a quarter of a century, the Washington State University (WSU) Master Gardener (MG) program is a huge success. WSU and the citizens of Washington have been well served by MGs. In 1995, 2904 WSU MGs volunteered 101,335 hours and served >314,000 citizens. WSU's investment in MGs creates thousands of grassroots educators that leverage the resources of the university.
Utah's Davis County Master Gardener Program
Authors: Amundsen Debbie , Drost Dan , Varga William
Published: December 2018

The Davis County Master Gardener program is unique in several ways. The program includes 3 years of training and volunteer service. The first year's training, taught each year, covers general gardening principles, while the two advance classes, offered in alternate years, focus on fruit and vegetables and ornamentals and landscape design. The program is also unique in that it is based at the Utah State University Botanical Gardens. In addition to working with horticulture extension programs, Master Gardeners can get hands-on experience working in the gardens. Many specialize and become local resident experts in particular gardening areas.
Prison Inmates Become Master Gardeners in South Carolina
Authors: Polomski Robert F. , Johnson Kay M. , Anderson Judy C.
Published: December 2018

The first prison-based Master Gardener (MG) program in South Carolina was piloted at a minimum security prison for men and women in Columbia in 1991. Since then, 130 inmates have become certified MGs at 7 South Carolina Department of Corrections institutions. Certification is awarded after the inmates complete 40 hours of training provided by grounds maintenance staff, county extension agents, and MGs. Besides offering green-industry job skills, successfully completing the program offered inmates a sense of academic accomplishment and sparked their interest in horticulture.
Advanced Master Gardener-Tree Steward: Training to Enhance Community Volunteerism
Authors: Day Susan D. , Dorn Sheri T. , Relf Diane , Harris J. Roger
Published: December 2018

The Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) Advanced Master Gardener-Tree Steward (AMGTS) program provides advanced training in leadership development and arboriculture to MG volunteer educators so they may expand the influence of extension through leadership in community forestry. A statewide survey of agents, MGs, and foresters served as the basis for developing the training package, which was funded in part by the Virginia Department of Forestry. According to a statewide survey, 70% of VCE MGs and extension agents with MG programs would like to be involved in community tree programming, while only 26% was currently involved. Typically, agents cited limited staff and volunteer resources as the primary factors in restricting program expansion. Furthermore, 90% of municipal foresters indicated they would like to work with trained volunteers. The AMGTS program simultaneously answers the desire of MGs to expand their role in the community landscape and the need of VCE to expand its outreach with increasingly limited resources. AMGTS training, guided by a 10-unit resource book, integrates technical and program management expertise to foster volunteer pride and self-sufficiency. This allows MG tree stewards to coordinate much of their own training and recruit and manage non-MG volunteers to whom they can provide limited training for specific projects, thus allowing program expansion without additional staff. The training is designed for delivery by knowledgeable professionals in the local community, such as arborists, horticulturists, college professors, extension specialists, MGs, and others who can provide quality training following the program guidelines.
Influence of Place Packing or Tray Packing on the Cooling Rate of Palletized `Anjou' Pears
Authors: Faubion Dana F. , Kader Adel A.
Published: December 2018

Tightly stacked pallets of wrapped, place-packed `Anjou' pears cooled slower than those that were tray packed. Half-cooling times ranged from 2.0 to 15.7 days for wrapped, place-packed pears vs. 1.7 to 7.4 days for tray-packed pears. More time was required to remove heat from the middle than from the top or bottom of the pallets in both packaging systems; however, the difference in temperature between the middle and the top or bottom of the pallet was greater for a longer period of time when pears were wrapped and place packed. The large range in temperature within a pallet illustrated that a pallet is not a uniform unit. A change in how fruit are packed can dramatically change how fruit cool within a pallet. Accumulation of carbon dioxide and ethylene in slower-cooling boxes suggests that tray packing can enhance `Anjou' quality by facilitating faster product cooling.
Broadcast versus Band Fertilizer Applications on Vegetable Crops
Authors: Parish R.L. , Bracy R.P. , Morris H.F.
Published: December 2018

A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of banding or broadcasting fertilizer on yield and quality of turnip (Brassica rapa L. Rapifera group), sweetcorn (Zea mays var. rugosa Bonaf.), and cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. Capitata group). Preplant fertilizer was applied broadcast before bedding, broadcast after bedding, or banded after bedding. Sidedress applications were broadcast or banded on the beds. Differences in plant size and vigor were noticed early in the season in the spring turnip crop, with the growth in the broadcast-and-bed treatment appearing superior. The yield at first harvest and total yield were lower for turnip grown with the bed-and-broadcast treatment. No differences in yield of cabbage or sweetcorn resulted from the treatments. Few differences in turnip stem-to-leaf ratio were noted due to fertilizer treatment. Few differences in yield due to sidedress method were noted with any of the crops. Analysis of soil samples in a grid pattern across the beds showed that the location of the fertilizer after the broadcast-and-bed treatment was similar to the placement of the banded fertilizer. Since broadcasting can be done with a faster, wider applicator, growers could reduce costs by broadcasting fertilizer and obtain yields that are at least equivalent to the yields obtained by banding the fertilizer.
Factors Affecting Propagation of Clematis by Stem Cuttings
Authors: Erwin John E. , Schwarze D. , Donahue R.
Published: December 2018

Effect of media type, cultivar, and indole-3 butyric acid (IBA) application on Clematis spp. stem cutting rooting was studied. Cutting survival across all treatments was highest on `Comtesse de Bouchard' and `Gypsy Queen' cuttings and lowest on `Jackmani' cuttings. Cutting survival was greatest in perlite and lowest in peat-perlite-vermiculite. IBA application increased `Jackmani' cutting survival only. Time of root emergence was longest on `Jackmani' and least on `Gypsy Queen' cuttings across treatments. Root emergence occurred first in sand and perlite and last in peat-perlite across treatments. Root dry mass on cuttings from `Jackmani' and Clematis viticella purpurea plena elegens plants were unaffected by medium type. In contrast, root dry mass on `Comtesse de Bouchard' cuttings was highest in perlite and root dry mass on `Gypsy Queen' cuttings was highest in sand, perlite, and peat-perlite-vermiculite. The best media for propagating clematis were sand and perlite. Benefits to rooting cuttings in sand or perlite were similar, except rooting cuttings in perlite resulted in higher cutting root dry mass.
Selecting Species to Develop a Field-grown Wildflower Sod
Authors: Johnson Anne Marie , Whitwell Ted
Published: December 2018

Twenty-nine annual and perennial wildflower species were evaluated for sod development based on ratings for appearance, root mat density, and stability following undercutting and storage and performance after replanting. Species selection was based on the lack of a large taproot, adaptability to the southeastern climate, flowering period, and potential for surviving root undercutting. Species were seeded in fall and spring, and leaf area and root mass samples were compared. Wildflower sod was undercut at a 5 cm (2 in) depth in March (fall-seeded plots) and May (spring-seeded plots) and then stored on clear plastic for 7 weeks and replanted. Fall-planted species had a higher survival rate than spring-planted species. Species selected for sod development were Achillea millefolium L., Chrysanthemum leucanthemum L., Coreopsis lanceolata L., Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt., Gaillardia aristata Foug., Monarda citriodora Cerv. ex Lag., Rudbeckia hirta L., and Verbena tenuisecta Briq. To reduce damage to aerial growth during harvesting, paclobutrazol, daminozide, and uniconazole were tested on eight greenhouse-grown wildflower species. Uniconazole had limited growth control over Rudbeckia hirta, Monarda citriodora, Coreopsis lanceolata, and Coreopsis tinctoria.
Selecting Species to Produce Wildflower Seeds
Authors: Johnson Anne Marie , Whitwell Ted
Published: December 2018

Twenty-nine annual and perennial wildflower species were evaluated for commercial seed production potential in South Carolina. Species selection was based on adaptability to southeastern conditions and potential for use in wildflower sod. Potential for seed production was based on seed maturation ratings, percent germination 4 to 6 weeks after harvest, and yield. Individual species were seeded into I-m2 plots (3.3 ft2), on 7 Oct. Seeds were collected, clcaned, and counted, and total seed yield (lb) was calculated based on seed germination and weight of 100 seeds. Species with potential for production were Hesperis matronalis L. (2605 lb/acre), Monarda citriodora Cer. ex Lag. (1247 lb/A), Silene armeria L. (1122 lb/acre), Bidens aristosa (Michaux) Britton. (41 lb/acre), Centaurea cyanus L. (823 lb/acre), Coreopsis tinctoria Nutall (185 lb/acre), Gypsophila elegans L. (120 lb/acre), Ipomopsis rubra (L.) (2301 lb/acre) Wherry, and Rudbeckia hirta L. (500 lb/acre).
Comparing Sod Strength Parameters of Warm-season Turfgrasses Using a Hydraulically Driven Sod Strength Machine
Authors: Goatley J.M. , Smith D.B. , Gerard P.D. , Coats G.E.
Published: December 2018

Research was conducted to evaluate the performance of a hydraulically driven turfgrass sod strength machine equipped with a force transducer to measure various strength parameters. The most commonly reported strength parameter, peak force (PF), continued to provide the quickest and easiest measurements of sod strength. Calculations of work involving the continuous measurement of sod strength over the duration of the stretch did not consistently improve the information provided by the PF measurement. Changes in sod bed pull speeds altered the calculations of work, whereas pull speed changes generally had little effect on force measurements, an important consideration for sod strength measurement devices that have limited control of sod bed pull speed. The unit was marginally successful in distinguishing sod strength differences between St. Augustinegrass [Stenotaphrum secundatum (Walt.) Kuntze.] treated with various levels of pyridine herbicides. The device also provided strength parameters that distinguished the relative strengths of four warm-season turfgrass sods.
Consumers Prefer Red Poinsettia Cultivars
Authors: Behe Bridget K. , Redman Paul B. , Dole John M.
Published: December 2018

Consumer flower-color preferences are of interest to market researchers, plant producers, and retailers because this information can help them to anticipate accurately the sales product mix. Our objective was to determine consumer bract-color preferences for 47 poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima Willd. ex Klotzsch) cultivars. Visitors (124) to the Franklin Park Conservatory in Columbus, Ohio, rated `Sonora', a red cultivar, highest (4.6 of 5.0) of any cultivar. Nine of ten highest rated cultivars were red. We compared the ratings of poinsettia buyers with those of nonpoinsettia buyers and found only one difference: nonpoinsettia buyers rated `Jingle Bells III', a marble cultivar, higher (4.3) than poinsettia buyers (3.8). We also compared consumers who had purchased a red poinsettia to those who had purchased nonred colors and found that red poinsettia buyers rated `Sonora' higher (4.9) than nonred poinsettia buyers (4.5). Men rated `Red Elegance' higher (3.7) than women (3.3), whereas women rated `Freedom White' higher (3.1) than men (2.4). We found few differences between men and women, buyers and nonbuyers, and nonred buyers and red buyers, which may indicate a relatively homogeneous market that does not greatly differentiate among poinsettia bract color.
The Chalkboard-less Classroom
Authors: Needham Douglas C.
Published: December 2018

Classrooms are radically changing across United States campuses. Rooms that were once dominated by bright lights, chalkboards, and overhead projectors, are being transformed into multimedia “master classrooms,” complete with task lighting, video projectors, visualizers, laserdisc and videotape players, soft boards, and computers. What are these pieces of equipment, how much do they cost, and how can they be implemented into a horticultural curriculum? Computer hardware and software empowers today's educator with a multimedia development studio on his or her desktop to create simple slide presentations or complex, interactive multimedia applications. However, it is not multimedia itself, any more than it was the chalkboard, that makes a powerful, educational presentation, rather it is the educator's creativity, use of instructional methods, and delivery.
Southeastern Tomato Growers Adopt Integrated Pest Management
Authors: Bauske Ellen M. , Zehnder Geoffrey M. , Sikora Edward J. , Kemble Joseph
Published: December 2018

Multidisciplinary integrated pest management (IPM) teams from seven states in the southeastern United States (Alabama, North Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee) met to develop standards for adopting IPM in fresh-market tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) production. Teams were composed of growers, private consultants, extension personnel, and faculty. IPM practices available for use on tomatoes in the southeastern United States were identified and a survey to assess the current level of adoption of IPM practices was developed. The survey also allowed growers to identify insect, disease, and production problems; beneficial technology and research developments; and other information relevant to IPM adoption. In northern Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, and South Carolina, IPM adoption by tomato growers was classified as medium or high on >75% of the fresh-market tomato acreage surveyed. It appears these states may have met the federal mandate for IPM adoption. Tomato producers listed early blight, late blight, bacterial spot, bacterial speck, and bacterial wilt as the main disease problems; tomato fruit worm, thrips, and aphids as the primary insect problems; and poor weather conditions, government regulation, and labor as their primary production problems. Twenty-six percent of the producers throughout the region felt that the development of insect- and disease-resistant varieties would be most helpful to increase production.
Plant Growth Stimulator Effects on Post-transplant Growth and Flowering of Petunia and Impatiens Plugs
Authors: van Iersel Marc
Published: December 2018

Various growth stimulators have been reported to improve plant growth. Some of these are formulated to improve root growth, which would be particularly beneficial for reestablishing transplants. Three commercially available plant growth stimulators—PGR IV (MicroFlo, Lakeland, Fla.), Roots2 (Lisa Products Corp., Independence, Mo.), and Up-Start (The Solaris Group, San Ramon, Calif.)—were tested to quantify their effect on post-transplant growth of petunia (Petunia × hybrida Hort. Vilm.-Andr.) and impatiens (Impatiens wallerana Hook.f.) seedlings and to assess their value for the greenhouse industry. Seedlings were transplanted from plug flats into larger 5.6-fl oz (166-cm3) containers and treated with 1.1 fl oz (31 mL) of growth stimulator per plant (22 fl oz/ft2). Applications were made immediately after transplant. None of the treatments affected root mass at any time. Up-Start (2 fl oz/gal) increased final shoot dry mass by ≈20% compared to the control plants. The increase in shoot growth by Up-Start most likely is caused by the fertilizer it contains. Up-Start also increased flowering of petunia from 34 to 40 days after transplant. PGR IV (0.5 fl oz/gal) and Roots2 (1.28 fl oz/gal) did not affect dry mass of the plants. PGR IV increased the number of flowers of petunia and impatiens, but this effect occurred well after the plants were marketable. Roots2 caused a small delay in early flowering and an increase in late flowering of petunia but had no effect on flowering of impatiens. Since the effects of the growth stimulators was either due their fertilizer content (Up-Start) or occurred after the plants would have been sold (PGR IV, Roots2), none of the growth stimulators appears to be beneficial for bedding plant producers.
Effects of Soil Amendments and Tillage on Vesicular-Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungus Colonization of Citrus
Authors: Nemec S.
Published: December 2018

Three sites (A-C) were prepared for citrus groves in Florida from 1985 to 1986. Nine soil amendments applied at either one or two rates were deep-tilled 3.9 to 4.9 ft (1.2 to 1.5 m) deep and 4.9 ft (1.5 m) wide in the row before planting. Maximum treatment rates were limestone 50,000 at lb/acre (56 000 kg·ha−1), phosphoclay at 80,000 lb/acre (89 600 kg·ha−1), humate at 77,612 lb/acre (86 912 kg·ha−1), shrimp waste at 73,052 lb/acre (81 805 kg·ha−1), peat at 250,000 lb/acre (280 000 kg·ha−1), bentonite clay at 73,051 lb/acre (81 805 kg·ha−1), mined gypsum at 2000 lb/acre (2240 kg·ha−1), calcium humate at 2000 lb/acre (2240 kg·ha−1), and phosphogypsum at 10,000 lb/acre (11 200 kg·ha−1). Deep-tilled controls and a no-till control were established at sites A and B and a deep-tilled control at site C. A fourth grove (site D) was planted in 1970 and included the treatments surface tillage (ST), deep tillage (DT), and DT plus lime (DTL) at 45,407 lb/acre (50,848 kg·ha−1). Mycorrhizal fungus infection was found in roots in 1987 at sites A and B and in 1989 in site C. Fungus infection ranged from 6% (no-till control) to 64% at site A, 64% to 81% at site B, and 15% to 47% at site C. At all sites, amendments did not increase percentage infection and vesicle and hyphae ratings significantly over the deep-tilled control. At site A, percentage infection in the limestone treatment was the highest (64%) and was significantly higher than infection in phosphogypsum, peat, and the no-till control treatments. No treatment had a suppressive effect on infection. Mycorrhizal infection in roots was high (94% to 95%) at site D but did not differ significantly between treatments.
Bloom Thinning of `Loadel' Cling Peach with a Surfactant: Effects of Concentration, Carrier Volume, and Differential Applications within the Canopy
Authors: Southwick Stephen M. , Weis Kitren G. , Yeager James T. , Rupert Michael E. , Hasey Janine K.
Published: December 2018

In 1994, we established that a surfactant, Armothin (AR), reduced fruit set when applied as 3% and 5% AR at 100 gal/acre with a Stihl mistblower to `Loadel' clingstone peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch]. In 1995 we compared 3% AR at volumes of 100 and 200 gal/acre (935 and 1870 L.ha-1, the volumes most commonly used by tree fruit growers in California) applied with commercial airblast sprayer; overthinning resulted with the latter. In 1996, we applied 3% AR at 100 gal/acre and 1% AR at 200 gal/acre. In 1995, differential applications of 3% AR at 100 gal/acre (two-thirds of the material applied to either the upper or lower canopy) reduced fruit set in the upper canopy in proportion to the amount of chemical applied (twice as much fruit set reduction with twice as much chemical); fruit set in the lower canopy was reduced by an equal amount regardless of amount of chemical used. Salable yields, equivalent to those obtained by hand thinning, and improved fruit size were achieved with all treatments of 3% AR at 100 gal/acre in 1995 with a 76% reduction in hand thinning. Following a low-chill winter (1995-96) with a protracted bloom, flower bud density (return bloom) was significantly greater in 1995 AR-treated trees. In 1996, treatment with AR did not result in fruit set reduction due to the protracted bloom and poor weather conditions before and after bloom. Nonetheless, 1% AR at 200 gal/acre applied in 1996 increased salable yield and increased final fruit mass. Return bloom in 1997 was equal among 1996 treatments.
Evaluation of ethylene inhibitors for postharvest treatment of Gypsophila paniculata L.
Authors: Newman Julie P. , Dodge Linda L. , Reid Michael S.
Published: December 2018

Commercial floral products with claimed anti-ethylene effects were evaluated for their efficacy in promoting postharvest longevity of gypsophila (`Perfecta', `Gilboa', and `Golan' baby's breath, Gypsophila paniculata L.). These products were applied according to label directions and compared to a laboratory preparation of silver thiosulfate (STS) prepared as a short pulse treatment and as an overnight treatment; they were also compared to the new anti-ethylene gas, 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP). After these pretreatments, the flowers were exposed to ambient air or to 0.7 ppm ethylene gas for 36 hours; other flowers received a simulated shipping treatment. Products containing adequate concentrations of silver consistently extended the display life of gypsophila. Products with low concentrations of silver (<10 ppm) or containing aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG) offered no more protection than treatments without anti-ethylene compounds. Overnight treatments with STS were as effective as short pulse treatments. Although 1-MCP pretreatment helped prevent the effects of ethylene on flowers that were open at the time of pretreatment, it provided no protection for buds that opened subsequently. There were no marked differences in ethylene sensitivity among three gypsophila cultivars.