bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variance Components and Heritability of Nut and Kernel Traits in Almond1
Authors: Kester D. E. , Hansche P. E. , Beres V. , Asay R. N.
Published: August 2022

Means and variance components were estimated for genotype, environment (year), and genotype-year interactions for 28 nut and kernel traits of almond (Prunus amygdalus Batsch). The analysis involved over 2,500 genotypes and 20 years of observations. Estimates of heritability were obtained for 19 traits. The latter analysis involved some 100 families. The genetic component of variance and heritabilities tended to be large for shell type, size, shape, double kernels, bitterness, and crease. Year and genotype-year effects were large for quality factors such as shell and kernel color, callus, shriveling, pubescence, grade, blanks, smoothness, gumminess, and broken and split kernels.
Effects of Age, Position, and Fruiting Status on Mineral Composition of ‘Tonnage’ Avocado Leaves1
Authors: Koo R. C. J. , Young T. W.
Published: August 2022

As leaves of ‘Tonnage’ avocado (Persea americana Mill.) increased in age, N, P, and K contents decreased, while Ca, Mg, Mn, Cu, Zn, and Fe contents were higher. A comparison of leaves from 1st and 2nd flushes showed similar trends reflected in leaf age. The basal leaf was lower in P but higher in Ca, Mg, and Cu when compared with the terminal leaf of the same twig. Only N and Cu contents were different when leaves from fruiting and nonfruiting twigs were compared. Practical application of the data in sampling avocado leaves is discussed.
The Influence of Greenhouse Environmental Factors on Forcing Dahlia variabilis Willd.1
Authors: Durso Marcia , De Hertogh A. A.
Published: August 2022

Dutch-grown tuberous-rooted dahlias, ‘Kolchelsee’ and ‘Park Princess’, were forced from January to June in 1975 and 1976. In all experiments, plant height was controlled by applying 0.5 mg/pot of ancymidol 2 weeks after planting.

Fertilization was essential and an application of one of several slow-release formulations of Osmocote or weekly applications of 20N—8.8P—16.6K (200 ppm N) as a soluble fertilizer produced high quality plants which flowered in approximately 70 days. The highest quality plants and best height control was obtained with 25°C day and 16° night temperatures. Flowering was delayed at 24/12° day/night temperatures, and although flowering was accelerated at 28/17° and 29/20° day/night temperatures plant quality was adversely affected.

Natural spring photoperiods which increased from 10 to 14 hours were optimal for forcing. Long days given either as a 16-hour photoperiod or as a 4-hour night break delayed flowering slightly. Dahlias grown under an 8-hour photoperiod flowered the earliest but not all plants flowered. Dahlias required high light intensities during forcing. Under 50% shading plants were too tall for pot plant use even after treatment with ancymidol.
The Effects of Tillage Systems on the Performance and Elemental Absorption by Selected Vegetable Crops1
Authors: Knavel Dean E. , Ellis John , Morrison John
Published: August 2022

A three-year study was conducted with cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.), sweet corn (Zea mays L.), tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) and pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) under no-tillage (NT) and conventional tillage (CT) systems. Plant stand of cucumber was less in NT than in CT in 1973 and 1974, but the tillage system had no effect on cucumber plant stand in 1975 when a cover crop was used. Plant stand of NT sweet corn was less than CT in 1973, but equal to that of CT in 1974 and 1975. Tillage system had no effect on survival of tomato and pepper plants. Total yields of NT cucumber were lower than CT in 1974 because of lower plant stand in NT than in CT plots. However, lower NT tomato yields in 1973 and 1974 and NT pepper yields in each of the 3 years was attributed to greater reinfestation and competition of weeds in NT than in CT plots. NT sweet corn yields were as good or better than CT yields. Nutrient uptake varied with cropping system and sampling time. Generally, CT crops had more nitrogen but less phosphorus than NT crops. Calcium was higher in CT cucumber plants early in the 1973 and 1974 seasons but less than that in NT plants at the last sampling dates in 1974 and 1975. The other crops were less consistent than cucumber in calcium uptake. Potassium varied with cropping system and sampling date, while magnesium was not affected by cropping systems.
In Vitro Propagation of Tomato by Shoot Apical Meristem Culture1
Authors: Kartha K. K. , Champoux S. , Gamborg O. L. , Pahl K.
Published: August 2022

A procedure has been developed to regenerate plants in high frequency from meristems of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. cv. Starfire). Shoot apical meristems isolated from 7-day-old seedlings were aseptically cultured on a Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with varying concentrations of cytokinins and auxins under defined environmental conditions. Benzyladenine (BA) or zeatin (Z) at various concentrations from 0.1 to 10 µm induced shoot differentiation in high frequency. All levels of BA or Z in conjunction with indoleacetic acid (IAA) also induced shoot differentiation. Whole plant regeneration occurred in media with hormone concentrations as follows: 1) BA and naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) in the range of 0.1 to 1.0 µm, 2) 10 µm Z in conjunction with 1.0 µm NAA or vice-versa and 3) 10 µm IAA.
Effects of Soil Water Levels on Components of Growth and Yield in Peas1
Authors: Miller D. G. , Manning C. E. , Teare I. D.
Published: August 2022

Greenhouse grown peas (Pisum sativum L. cv. Alaska) were irrigated at 4 levels with constant water conditions and with 2 water levels varied at 3 physiological stages of growth. At constant water levels total dry matter, seed yield, seed size, number of seeds per plant, plant height, watering level, and water used were positively related. Number of nodes per plant remained constant in all treatments but internode length varied in relation to water level and scheduling. Maintaining a high watering level during pod filling or flowering resulted in highest seed yields. Plant height was significantly reduced with decreasing water levels for constant water regimes At variable water regimes taller plants were evident when water was high during flowering to early pod filling.
Elemental Composition of Sludge-fertilized Chrysanthemums1
Authors: Kirkham M. B.
Published: August 2022

Chrysanthemum plants (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat. cv. Bright Golden Anne) were grown for 84 days in plastic pots containing media treated with inorganic fertilizers or liquid sewage sludge, added at a rate of 50, 100, or 200 ml/week, to determine if sludge could be used as a fertilizer. Plants grown with sludge at all application rates had higher N and lower K concentrations compared to plants grown with inorganic fertilizers. Leaf concentration of P, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu, Cd, Ni, and Pb of plants grown with 50 ml sludge/week were similar to plants receiving inorganic fertilizers. As sludge application rate increased, leaf concentrations of Fe and Cu increased of plants grown in media consisting of all sand or all peat and Zn increased in leaves of plants grown in the standard greenhouse media (1 soil: 1 sand:l peat, by volume). Sludge-treated media had a higher pH and extractable Cu concentration, and a lower extractable K concentration, than media without sludge. Plants receiving 50 ml sludge/week grew as well as plants grown with inorganic fertilizers.
Low Pressure (Hypobaric) Storage of Mangos1
Authors: Spalding Donald H. , Reeder William F.
Published: August 2022

‘Irwin’, ‘Tommy Atkins’, and ‘Kent’ mangos (Mangifera indica L.) softened (ripened) with less decay at 21°C in air under normal pressure, and had a higher percentage of acceptable fruits, if they had been stored for 3 weeks at 13°, 98-100% relative humidity, and an atmospheric pressure of 76 or 152 mm Hg rather than at normal atmospheric pressure. ‘Keitt’ mangos softened similarly whether stored at low or normal pressure. Low pressure storage extended shelf life: mangos stored at 152 mm Hg required 3-5 days longer to soften after storage than similar fruits stored at 760 mm Hg. Softening times were similar for mangos of the same cultivar stored at 76 and 152 mm Hg.
Azide as a Broadspectrum Soil Treatment for Vegetable Crops1
Authors: Skroch W. A. , Monaco T. J. , Konsler T. R. , Shoemaker P. B.
Published: August 2022

Azide as NaN3 or KN3 impregnated on clay granules gave excellent control of yellow nutsedge (Cypetus esculentus L.) compared to methyl isothiocyanate combined with chlorinated C3 hydrocarbons (Vorlex) or a non-hand weeded control. Nematode control was obtained with all treatments. Significant yield responses from the use of azide were obtained with all crops.
The Effect of Storage Relative Humidity on Calcium Uptake by ‘Spartan’ Apple1
Authors: Lidster P. D. , Porritt S. W. , Eaton G. W.
Published: August 2022

Low relative humidity (73%–80%) and high relative humidity (94%) lowered the initial rate of calcium penetration from postharvest dip into the tissues of ‘Spartan’ apple fruits (Malus domestica Borkh.). Moderate storage relative humidity (87%) resulted in the most rapid initial uptake of calcium by the tissues. The effect of humidity on calcium movement into the fruit tissue decreased with time in storage.
Anatomical Differences Associated with Inherent Carpel Separation along Ventral Sutures in Pickling Cucumber1
Authors: Miller J. C. , Morey P. R.
Published: August 2022

Anatomical examination of 1-day preanthesis ovaries of pickling cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) showed that, at this stage of development, structural characteristics were not associated with propensity of cultivars for carpel separation. However, at a later stage of development, just before visible separation occurs (4 cm diameter fruits) varietal propensity for separation was associated with large cell size along ventral carpel structures, cell collapse, and the formation of microscopic cavities. Morphological studies showed that in cultivars with a strong tendency for carpel separation, the splitting of ventral carpel surfaces began at an earlier stage of fruit development than in cultivars with only a moderate tendency for separation.
Anatomy of Lettuce Tissue Affected by Three Physiological Disorders1
Authors: Ilker Y. , Kader A. A. , Ilker R. , Morris L. L.
Published: August 2022

Anatomical studies of 3 physiological disorders of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L., cv. Climax) i.e., russet spotting (RS), brown stain (BNS), and rusty brown discoloration (RBD) showed that these disorders differ in their location and sequence of symptom development. RS produces well-defined, localized, spot-like lesions that may start either in the epidermis or in the mesophyll. In advanced stages of RS, the vascular tissue may also show discoloration and the mesophyll cells collapse, resulting in pit-like depressions. BNS lesions are restricted to the epidermis and may cover a large area. All the cells in a given lesion become discolored, with greater discoloration intensity at the periphery rather than the center of the lesion. RBD symptoms start in the epidermis and in advanced stages expand to mesophyll cells. RBD affected areas exhibit a mosaic-like pattern of discoloration.
Association between Soluble Solids/Acid Content and Days from Full Bloom of ‘Golden Delicious’ Apple Fruits1
Authors: Hammett Larry K. , Kirk H. J. , Todd H. G. , Hale S. A.
Published: August 2022

Fruit pH, inflection pH, soluble solids, % acid content at the inflection point pH and % acid content at pH 8.1 were found not to be correlated with days from full bloom in North Carolina ‘Golden Delicious’ apple fruits (Malus domestica Borkh.). The ratio of soluble solids to % acid content at pH 8.1 was highly correlated with days from full bloom.
Translocation of Ethephon in Beans and Peas1
Authors: Kwong Francis Y. , Lagerstedt H. B.
Published: August 2022

Translocation of (2-chloroethyl) phosphonic acid (ethephon) was studied in 14-day old bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv. Black Valentine) and 7-day old pea seedlings (Pisum sativum L. cv. Alaska). Both foliar and root applications of ethephon caused abscission of the primary leaves and stem terminals, promotion of lateral bud growth, and stem enlargement in bean plants. With pea seedlings, the typical triple responses, normally caused by ethylene, were observed. When 14C-ethephon was applied to the primary leaves of bean plants, recovery of evolved 14C-labelled ethylene, from other parts of the plant, was obtained within 1 hour. Radioautography of the plant showed accumulation of radioactivity in stem tips and nodal regions. The translocated material was identified by instant thin layer chromatography (ITLC) to be ethephon. It is concluded that ethephon translocates readily throughout the plant and accumulates in rapidly growing sinks.
Heritabilities of Seven Sweet Potato Root Traits1
Authors: Jones Alfred
Published: August 2022

Forty-five plants of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) taken randomly from the second cycle of a mass-selection population, and 25 open-pollinated progeny from each were used to estimate heritabilities (h2) of 7 root traits: root weight, 0.25 ± 0.13; intercellular space (IS), 0.70 ± 0.14; percent of dry matter (DM), 0.65 ± 0.12; sprouting, 0.39 ± 0.14; flesh oxidation, 0.24 ± 0.13; flesh color, 0.53 ± 0.14; and cortex thickness, 0.25 ± 0.13. IS was distributed normally with mean and mode of about 7%. DM had a bimodal distribution with mean 28.8 and modes of 27 and 31%. At least 2 genetic systems were apparently involved in expression of DM; one was associated with orange flesh and the other, with white flesh. This is the first report of the h2 for IS, DM, and sprouting.
Relation of Pear Seedling Size to Length of the Juvenile Period1
Authors: Zimmerman Richard H.
Published: August 2022

The age at which flowering began and the stem diameter at various ages were recorded for more than 9,000 pear seedlings planted in orchards at Beltsville. The juvenile period for individual seedlings varied from 2 to 10 years, with a number of seedlings still not flowering after 8 to 10 years. An overall negative correlation of stem diameter with length of the juvenile period was found. Within planting years, this relation was significant only in certain years; within progenies, the relation was significant less than half the time; within a specific cross repeated in different years, the relation varied considerably from year to year. Stem diameter can be successfully used as a preselection criterion for early flowering (short juvenile period) only when these two characteristics are significantly correlated. Since this condition does not exist in most crosses under the growing conditions at Beltsville, stem diameter is not a valid predictor of early flowering.
Ethephon-induced Defoliation and Delay of Spring Growth in Cornus stolonifera Michx.1
Authors: Fuchigami L. H.
Published: August 2022

The effectiveness of (2 chloroethyl)phosphonic acid (ethephon) in inducing defoliation and in delaying spring bud growth of red-osier dogwood was related to the time of application. Plants treated with ethephon before they matured were not effectively defoliated. Mature plants were effectively defoliated and ethephon’s effectiveness increased progressively at subsequent treatment dates. Ethephon treatments applied on September 29, October 6 and 13, delayed spring bud break by 7, 5, and 3 days respectively. Hand defoliation on the same dates induced identical delays in spring growth.
Comparison of Harvest Methods of Rabbiteye Blueberries1
Authors: Austin M. E. , Williamson R. E.
Published: August 2022

Fruits of rabbiteye blueberry (Vaccinium ashei Read cv. Tifblue) were harvested by hand and an overrow mechanical harvester for 2 years. Machine harvest increased ground loss of marketable fruit over hand harvest. Hand-harvested fruit were 29 to 37% firmer than machine-harvested fruit. When held for 7-11 days at 15.5°C, machine-harvested fruit had more than twice the amount of soft and unmarketable fruit than hand-harvested fruit. Pruning rabbiteye blueberry plants increased the harvesting efficiency of the machine.
Some Anatomical Considerations in the Study of Cucumber Fruit Texture1
Authors: Goffinet Martin C.
Published: August 2022

Standardized raw fruits of 6 texturally different pickling cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) genotypes and 1 parthenocarpic slicing genotype were compared for several pericarp features: total radial thickness, % of fruit radius (% pericarp), overall average parenchyma cell size and number within the pericarp radius, as well as gradient in parenchyma cell size along this radius. Texture-related rank positions were devised and assigned genotypes for each pericarp feature. These were compared to rank positions assigned these genotypes for several textural components, based on machine-measured scores. Correlation analysis showed a strong relationship between ranking genotypes for texture and ranking them for average cell number but not for texture and any of the other pericarp features. The slicing genotype deviated from the very uniform pickling genotypes in having a significantly thicker pericarp, greater % pericarp, and greater cell size across the pericarp radius.
Susceptibility of Crown Tissues of ‘Catskill’ Strawberry Plants to Low-temperature Injury1
Authors: Marini R. P. , Boyce B. R.
Published: August 2022

The viability of freeze-stressed Fragaria × ananassa Duch. cv. Catskill strawberry crown tissues was evaluated using triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) reduction and oxidative browning. Both tests showed the medulla tissue to be the most susceptible to low-temperature injury, while vascular tissue was least susceptible. TTC reduction appears to be negatively related to tissue browning, and both provide similar results pertaining to tissue viability.
The Influences of Nitrogen on Pepper Transplant Growth and Yielding Potential of Plants Grown with Different Levels of Soil Nitrogen1
Authors: Knavel Dean E.
Published: August 2022

Pepper transplants grown with 240 or 300g N/m3 were the tallest, and subsequently the highest yielding when grown to maturity with 155 kg/ha soil N. At 100, 210 or 265 kg N/ha, transplants grown for 6 weeks with N level of 300g/m3 were the highest yielding. The optimum level of leaf N for 6 week-old transplants is approximately 3.7% dry wt.
The Influence of Potassium Applications and Nematocides on the Potassium Nutrition of ‘Valencia’ Orange Trees on Replant Citrus Soil1
Authors: Fouche P. S. , Bester D. H. , Veldman G. H.
Published: August 2022

Soil application of K2SO4 with a nematocide, Aldicarb, significantly increased the level of K and fruit size of ‘Valencia’ orange trees (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck) growing on soils previously planted to citrus. Foliar applications of KNO3, KCl, and K2SO4 were less effective. Aldicarb, where applied singly every third year, only controlled the citrus nematode Tylenchulus semipenetrans Cobb for one year following it's application.
Effects of Chilling, Calcium Cyanamide, and Bud Scale Removal on Bud Break, Rooting, and Inhibitor Content of Buds of ‘Zinfandel’ Grape (Vitis vinifera L.)1
Authors: Iwasaki Kazuo , Weaver Robert J.
Published: August 2022

Cuttings from grapevines sprayed with a calcium cyanamide (Ca N-C≡N) mixture broke rest 14 days after their bases were placed in water at 25°C. By 40 days after the beginning of the experiment there was 90% budbreak. Maximum rooting was attained 57 days after the cuttings were placed in water at 25°. Control cuttings did not break rest or produce roots during the experiment, which lasted 100 days. Results similar to those of the control were obtained from cuttings stored at 0° for 3 days or 1 week. After 2 weeks at 0°, some control buds broke and some roots grew, but greater budbreak and root growth occurred in plants that had received the chemical treatment. When cuttings were removed from storage after 4, 8 or 12 weeks, there was little difference in budbreak or root growth between control and treated cuttings. Free ABA in untreated bud meristems (buds without scales) initially dropped and then rose again after 2 weeks of storage. With treated bud meristems the drop for free ABA was less after the beginning of storage than in control buds. In bud scales there was an increase in free ABA after the beginning of storage, especially with calcium cyanamide-treated cuttings. The bound ABA in bud meristems dropped markedly in the first 3 days of storage, both in control and treated cuttings. There was much less bound ABA in the bud scales than in the bud meristems, especially at the beginning of storage. When bud scales were removed, both budbreak and rooting were more rapid than in cuttings with intact buds.
Characterization of Mechanical Stress Dwarfing in Chrysanthemum1
Authors: Beyl C. A. , Mitchell C. A.
Published: August 2022

Elongation growth of Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat. cv. May Shoesmith was inhibited by daily shaking with an automated mechanical device. The dwarfing effect was more pronounced if plants were shaken at 0800 than at 1600 or 2400 hours. The longer the duration of stress, the greater the growth inhibition. Thirty seconds to 2 minutes of stress per day were required for significant dwarfing, with saturation of the effect at 4 to 5 minutes. Four-minute treatments 2 to 4 times daily maximized the stress response. Node number, fresh weight, and dry weight were reduced by shaking, but dry-to-fresh weight ratio was increased. Reciprocity applied to the stress responses in that one 4-minute stress per day had the same growth-retarding effect as four 1-minute stresses. Shaking did not significantly affect flower bud initiation, flower size, or floral keeping quality.
Influence of Nitrogen and Length of Growing Season on Yield and Size Distribution of Table Beets1
Authors: Hipp Billy W.
Published: August 2022

Field studies were conducted under subtropical conditions to determine the influence of N on yield and size distribution of table beets (Beta vulgaris L.) at various dates of harvest. Beet yield was essentially a function of growth time with no response to N when the growing season was <86 days but application of 112 kg N/ha increased yield by 55.8% when the growing season was 140 days. Nitrogen did not influence size distribution of beets when growing season was short but N application increased beet size when growing season was long.
Abscisic Acid and Apple Seed Dormancy1
Authors: Balboa-Zavala Orlando , Dennis F. G.
Published: August 2022

c,t-Abscisic acid (ABA) was identified in methanol extracts of mature apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) seeds by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and concentrations of both free and base-hydrolyzable (bound) ABA in immature and mature seeds were quantified by electron capture gas chromatography. Immature embryos failed to germinate regardless of time of sampling unless seed coats were removed. Germination of excised embryos reached a maximum in early August, then gradually declined to nil in mid-September. Although ABA content of the embryonic axes rose sharply at maturity, the rise occurred only after germination capacity declined. Premature defoliation reduced ABA content of the axes, but did not prevent the induction of embryo dormancy. ABA content of mature seeds declined during stratification at both 5° and 20°C, with maximum differences occurring in the embryonic axis, but dormancy was broken only at 5°. Induction of secondary dormancy by high temperature (27°) was accompanied by a slight decline in ABA content of whole seeds.
Effect of Four Nitrogen Levels on Soil, Soil Solution, and Tissue Nutrient Levels in Three Container-grown Ilex Cultivars1,2
Authors: Gilliam C. H. , Wright R. D.
Published: August 2022

High correlation coefficients were found between plant growth (dry weight accumulation) and both leaf N content and soil solution nitrates, while low correlation coefficients were found between soil nitrates and plant growth of 3 holly cultivars, Ilex crenata Thunb. cvs. Helleri and Rotundifolia and Ilex cornuta Lindl. et Paxt. cv. Burfordi, grown in 3 liter container at 200, 300, 400 and 500 ppm nitrogen. Shoot growth of ‘Helleri’ and ‘Burfordi’ was not increased by N levels higher than 300 ppm, while 400 ppm was optimal for ‘Rotundifolia.’
Eucalyptus Tree Growth Control by Inhibitors Applied as Sprays, Injection, Cut Painting or Trunk Banding1
Authors: Hield H. , Boswell S. B. , Hemstreet Stuart
Published: August 2022

Painting of inhibitors on pruning cuts reduced growth only in the area proximal to treatment in Eucalyptus globulus Labill. Sprays of 0.2 to 0.3% 1-propylphosphonic acid (NIA 10656) or injection of 8 ml of 10% tech grade NIA 10656 gave shoot growth reduction for 1 year. Ethyl hydrogen 1-propylphosphonic acid (EHPP, NIA 10637) showed responses similar to NIA 10656. Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), EHPP, NIA 10656 and amonium ethyl carbamoylphosphonate (Krenite) all showed certain growth regulator responses when painted on pruning cuts. Inhibitors applied in an asphalt carrier to cuts were more effective than similar applications in a water carrier. Application of 6, hydroxy-3-(2H) pyridacinone (MH), trifluromethyl sulfonamido-p-acetotoluidide (Sustar), NAA and EHPP combination, or methyl 2-chloro-9-hydroxyfluorene-9-carboxylate (chlorfluernol methyl ester, principal active ingredient in Maintain CF 125) were tested as trunk bark bands for reduction in terminal shoot growth. The Maintain CF 125 product diluted with an equal amount of diesel oil and applied in a band equal to the trunk diameter of E. camaldulensis Denhardt effected a reduction in terminal growth 11 months after banding. Maintain CF 125 applied at full product strength (12.5%) or diluted equally with water and the other inhibitors tested did not cause growth reduction.
Pistillate Flower Development and Fruit Growth in Some English Walnut Cultivars1
Authors: Lin Joseph , Shabany Bijan , Ramos David
Published: August 2022

The time of initiation of pistillate flowers was determined for each of 7 cultivars of walnut (Juglans regia L.). Flower formation (flattened apex) was evident during the first 2 weeks of June for ‘Chico’, ‘Vina’, ‘Serr’, ‘Tehama’, and ‘Pedro’ and mid-July for ‘Hartley’ and ‘Franquette’. Initiation of floral parts also occurred at different times depending on the cultivar. Pistil development began in February for ‘Chico’ and in April for ‘Franquette’. Fertilization occurred throughout April for most of the cultivars, but in the middle of May for ‘Franquette’.
Response of Vegetable Crops to Phosphorus Concentrations in Soil Solution1
Authors: Nishimoto Roy K. , Fox Robert L. , Parvin Philip E.
Published: August 2022

The response of 9 vegetable crops to P concn in the soil solution was determined in field studies on soils with a relatively high capacity for immobilizing P. Adjusted P concentration in the soil solution ranged from 0.003 ppm, doubling at each level, to 1.6 ppm. Most crops produced maximum yields at 0.2 to 0.3 ppm P in soil solution, although transplanted head cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. Capitata Group) and sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam) produced maximum yields at 0.04 and 0.1 ppm, respectively. At suboptimal P concentration in soil solution, crop response varied greatly. Sweet potato produced about 70% of maximum yield, while lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) produced about 1% of maximum yield. P levels in plant tissue at 95% of maximum yields ranged from 0.3% in lettuce to 0.7% in Chinese cabbage (Brassica campestris L. Pekinensis Group).
Seasonal Changes in Rootability and Rooting Substances of Picea glauca Cuttings1
Authors: Tognoni F. , Kawase M. , Alpi A.
Published: August 2022

Cuttings of Picea glauca (Moench) Voss rooted poorly from October to January and improved thereafter with the best rooting in April. The acidic fraction of methanol extract from P. glauca showed root-promoting activity by the mung bean cuttings bioassay and growth inhibiting activity by the wheat coleoptiles bioassay. Both activities were strongest in November. There was no apparent causal relationship between the acidic fraction and the rooting of P. glauca cuttings. The activity of water soluble rooting substance(s) was high in October, dropped suddenly in November, and rose slowly after November and rapidly after March. There was an apparent parallel correlation between the rooting of P. glauca cuttings and the activity of water soluble rooting substance(s). The acidic root-promoting growth inhibitor was purified with paper chromatography, column chromatography, thin-layer chromatography, and gas-liquid chromatography, and its major component was tentatively identified as abscisic acid.
Effect of Fruit Ripeness when Picked on Flavor and Composition in Fresh Market Tomatoes1
Authors: Kader Adel A. , Stevens M. Allen , Albright-Holton Marjorie , Morris Leonard L. , Algazi Margaret
Published: August 2022

Composition and sensory characteristics were investigated to determine the effect of ripeness at picking on fresh market flavor of ‘Cal Ace’ (1974, 1975, 1976) and ‘Cherry’, ‘Calmart’, and ‘Early Pak 7’ (1976) tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.). Tomatoes picked at earlier stages of ripeness and ripened at 20°C were evaluated by panelists as being less sweet, more sour, less “tomato-like” and having more “off-flavor” than those picked at the table-ripe stage. Objective tests showed these fruits had less sugars and reduced ascorbic acid, and varied significantly in volatile composition. The magnitude of these differences varied greatly among the cultivars. In ‘Cal Ace’ the “off-flavor” characteristic was largely correlated with a volatile compound (peak 43) but in other cultivars seven other volatile compounds also appeared to play a role.
Nitrogen and Potassium Nutrition of Giant Cavendish Banana in Hawaii1
Authors: Warner Robert M. , Fox R. L.
Published: August 2022

‘Giant Cavendish’ (‘Williams Hybrid’) banana (Musa acuminata Colla) was grown at the Waimanalo Research Station on Oahu, Honolulu, in 8 blocks with 48 mats per block. Nitrogen was applied as a continuous gradient across the width (6 mats) of each block. Potassium applications varied continuously over the length (8 mats) of the block. A 10 cm wide strip of leaf lamina was secured on a monthly schedule from each side of the midrib at the widest point of the 3rd fully unfurled leaf of (nonbearing) shoots which received the 4th level of N and the 5th level of K. Mats from which these samples were taken were designated as control mats, with the amount and frequency of fertilization applied sufficient to maintain them at about 2.6% N and 3.2% K. Other mats were fertilized on the same schedule as the control mats. Amounts of fertilizer applied were always in a fixed ratio, both greater than and less than the control mats. A leaf sample was secured from each shoot of each mat soon after the flower bud had emerged. The 3rd full-sized leaf below the inflorescence was sampled. Leaf N levels were associated with banana yield. Yields approached maximum at about 2.8% N. Amounts of N fertilizer required were increased greatly by a heavy infestation of Cyperus rotundus L. This weed decreased yields independently of its competitive effects for N. There were few indications of a K deficiency under the conditions of this trial, although heavy K fertilization was required to maintain leaf K at 3.2% in the control mats. The results of K fertilization suggest that surface application is not a very effective means of supplying K to banana plants. The general pattern of K uptake indicated that banana was utilizing K from the subsoil. Suspected incipient sulfur deficiency was not confirmed.
Apple Fruit Explant Responses in vitro and Textural Characteristics of the Derived Tissue Cultures1
Authors: Wallner Stephen J.
Published: August 2022

Explants of apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) fruit cortex were used to establish tissue cultures of ‘Lodi’, ‘Golden Delicious’, and ‘York Imperial’ harvested at various stages of maturity. Cell division and initial callus formation occurred in all cases and was not affected by fruit age. However, the capacity to produce callus which survived subculture declined in later stages of development, especially for ‘Golden Delicious’. Although somewhat variable, callus of ‘Lodi’ and ‘York Imperial’ was generally soft and that derived from ‘Golden Delicious’ tended to be friable or hard. The texture of the callus was not related to the age of the fruit from which it was obtained. The degree of cell separation in suspension culture was not entirely consistent with the textural characteristics exhibited on solid medium. There was no striking change in the extent of cell separation during development in suspension culture.
Effect of Moisture Stress on Leaf Anatomy and Water-use Efficiency of Peas1
Authors: Manning C. E. , Miller D. G. , Teare I. D.
Published: August 2022

Soil moisture levels maintained at 100 to 80%, 80 to 60%, 60 to 40%, and 40 to 20% of field capacity were examined from the third node stage to maturity for influence upon water-use efficiency and development of water-conducting and -controlling elements of peas (Pisum sativum L.). Water-use efficiency was positively correlated with moisture regime, plant height, leaf area, and seed yield. Thickness of the leaf blade was significantly less in plants grown at 100 to 80% and 40 to 20% than in those grown at 80 to 60% and 60 to 40% of field capacity, and appeared to be regulated by the size of the palisade and spongy mesophyll cells of the peas. Intercellular air spaces and substomatal cavities of plants grown at 40 to 20% of field capacity were much reduced and had less xylem area and fewer xylem elements in the primary vascular bundle than plants in the other treatments. The cross sectional diameter of the xylem was correlated with water-use efficiency. Stomatal density increased with increasing soil moisture stress. Upper leaflets in the plant canopy had more stomata per unit area than did the lower leaves. Within a leaflet the abaxial surface had more stomata per unit area than did the adaxial surface and stomatal density did not vary between the tip, middle or base positions.
The Ripening Pattern of ‘Delicious’ Apples in Relation to Position on the Tree1
Authors: Farhoomand M. B. , Patterson M. E. , Chu C. L.
Published: August 2022

Ethylene production of 470 ‘Hi-Early Red Delicious’ apples harvested from primary, secondary, tertiary, etc., branches of 4 uniform trees of Malus domestica Borkh. was measured to determine pattern of ripening in relation to fruit position on the tree. Considerable variation was noted between and within branches. Some fruits showed surprisingly high ethylene (about 200 ppm at 155 days and up to 500 ppm at 160 days after full bloom) while others measured less than 5 ppm. Regression analysis revealed a linear trend between primary branches from base to apex of the tree. Delayed ethylene production of fruits below terminal shoots suggests ripening regulators in shoot tissue are interacting to delay ethylene synthesis.
Year Around Flowering of Double Bougainvillea: Effect of Daylength and Growth Retardants1
Authors: Criley Richard A.
Published: August 2022

A short daylength of 8 hours was significantly more effective than daylengths of 14 to 14.5 hours in the early and continued initiation of inflorescences of Bougainvillea glabra Choisy cv. Carmencita. There was no statistically significant effect of 3 growth retardants, (2-chloroethyl)-trimethylammonium chloride, (Chlormequat), succinic acid-2,2-dimethylhydrazide, (daminozide), or α-cyclopropyl-α-(4-methoxyphenyl)-5-pyrimidinemethanol, (ancymidol), upon the enhancement of flowering in this double cultivar. There was little variation in the number of nodes to the first inflorescence when the plants were grown outside under full sunlight, but some delay was encountered as the days lengthened for plants grown in a shaded greenhouse. Flowering was low during the summer months for the greenhouse-grown plants and only slightly higher for the outdoor plants. Short daylengths (9 hours) with full sun produced the most floriferous plants. It is suggested that growth retardants may not be needed, given proper culture and daylength control, in a program of year around flowering.
Effects of Potassium and Phosphorous Fertilization on Quality of Sweet Potatoes1
Authors: Constantin Roysell J. , Jones L. G. , Hernandez Travis P.
Published: August 2022

Potassium applications from 0 to 140 kg/ha at 4 locations had more influence on quality of sweet potatoes than P applications of 0 to 73.9 kg/ha as an average of years and locations. As the rate of K but not P applications increased, percent dry matter decreased. K and P applications reduced protein content and firmness of canned roots. K slightly increased the crude fiber content (dry wt basis) of the roots, whereas P applications had no affect on fiber content. K and P fertilization had no influence on carotenoid content (fresh or processed), percent splitting of canned roots, or crude fiber content (fresh weight basis). Year and location effects were noted for some of the quality variables studied. Most of the differences observed were of low magnitude, thus had little effect on the overall quality of sweet potatoes. The most outstanding effect was the reduction in dry matter content due to K applications.
Effect of CO2 Treatment on Storage and Shelf Life of Sweet Peppers1
Authors: Wang C. Y.
Published: August 2022

Exposure of sweet peppers (Capsicum annuum L.) to 30% CO2 for 6 days at 13°C immediately after harvest retarded wall softening and ripening in air at 13° but caused the subsequent development of severe calyx injury and decay at 20°. Slight to moderate calyx injury was induced by a 6-day exposure to 20% CO2. Severity of the injury was greater when the CO2 was used with 3% O2 as compared to 21% O2. Injury was not induced by a 6-day treatment with 10% CO2. When stored at 13°, quality of peppers with this treatment was superior after 10 days, but inferior after 20 days to that of peppers kept continuously in an atmosphere of 5% CO2 and 3% O2. Benefits obtained from the 3-day elevated CO2 treatment (10 to 30%) were nullified after 10 days’ storage at 13°. Ethylene production was greatly inhibited in high CO2 atmospheres but rose immediately after transfer to air. Red color development, chlorophyll degradation, and ascorbic acid accumulation were retarded only in the presence of high CO2.
Selecting an Experimental Design for Pressure Testing Apples1
Authors: Saltveit Mikal E.
Published: August 2022

Procedures are presented for incorporating the estimated variances from an experimental population into the calculation of parameters required to design experiments which will be able to detect specified mean differences among treatments within the population. Relationships between the estimated variances and the number of replicates per treatment and the number of apples per replicate were investigated using theoretical populations constructed from pressure test data from ‘McIntosh’ and ‘Jonathan’ apples (Malus domestica Borkh.). Analysis of these populations showed that the number of apples per replicate and replicates per treatment can be more efficiently reduced by selecting uniform populations than by attempting to further reduce errors associated with the operator or equipment. Four pressure tests per apple resulted in the optimal reduction in the estimated variance of the replicate mean; a sensitive factor in determining the values of design parameters. Estimated variances decreased with storage time. Therefore, experimental designs constructed on the basis of analyzed preliminary pressure tests will be adequate for the duration of storage experiments in which the variability of the population is not increased by the treatments.
Development of Citrus Bud Explants in Culture1
Authors: Altman A. , Goren R.
Published: August 2022

Morphological changes during development of cultured citrus explants (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck cv. Shamouti) were observed with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Prophylls of resting buds, covered with epidermal hairs, were closely appressed until the growth of a new shoot; they then expanded. The addition of 10-5m 6-benzylaminopurine to the medium resulted in the formation of several adventitious buds, surrounded by multiple prophylls, in the axil of the petiole. Abscission of the petiole from the explant involved formation of a separation zone with no evidence of new dividing cells, or active cell division and formation of callus tissue in the abscission zone.
The Performance of 29 Mandarins and Mandarin Hybrids in South Texas1
Authors: Wutscher H. K. , Shull A. V.
Published: August 2022

Twenty-nine mandarins (Citrus reticulata Blanco) and mandarin hybrids on sour orange (C. aurantium L.) rootstock were grown for 10 years. At the first 6 harvests, ‘Orlando’ tangelo was most productive, followed by ‘Pearl’, C52-36-6, 6-5-15, and ‘Fairchild’. Hybrids 6-12-26, C52-84-35, and ‘Minneola’ produced the largest fruit. About half the selections had small fruit (fruit circumference <22 cm); 16 selections lacked attractive exterior color. ‘Minneola’, ‘Orlando’, and ‘Page’ fruit contained more than 60% juice; only 5 selections had less than 50%. Total soluble solids were never below 10% and were usually 11% or higher. Four selections had acids below 0.70% and 6 were above 1.0%, with ‘Lee’ being lowest and C52-84-35 highest. All Brix acid ratios were above 9:1. Ten selections had 30 or more seeds/fruit; only 3 had 15 or less, including satsuma with 4 seeds/fruit. Very few of the selections appear promising under the South Texas environment.
Effect of a Pinolene-base Antitranspirant on Fruit Growth, Net Photosynthesis, Transpiration, and Shoot Growth of ‘Golden Delicious’ Apple Trees1
Authors: Weller S. C. , Ferree D. C.
Published: August 2022

Sprays of 0.5% poly-1-p-menthen-8-9-diyl (Vapor Gard), an antitranspirant, decreased fruit size but had no influence on russet or fruit quality of field-grown ‘Golden Delicious’ apple (Malus domestica Borkh.). Laboratory experiments in growth chambers with potted ‘Golden Delicious’ apple trees indicated that: 1) Vapor Gard at concentrations of 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0% tended to decrease net photosynthesis (Pn) and transpiration (Tr) for 1 to 7 days under optimum soil moisture conditions; 2) under conditions of low soil moisture, 2.0% Vapor Gard sprays reduced Pn and Tr significantly, but did not reduce symptoms of injury from moisture stress; and 3) Vapor Gard did not affect shoot growth over a 21-day period.
The Influence of Cultivar on Drained Weight and Can Corrosion in Processed Apricots1
Authors: Drake S. R. , Nelson J. W. , Toyama T. K.
Published: August 2022

Unpeeled and peeled ‘Rival’ and ‘Tilton’ apricots (Prunus armeniaca L.) were canned at 2 levels of vacuum and headspace. Differences in the canned product were significant between cultivar, peeling treatment and vacuum in the drained weights, dissolved Sn content of the syrup, corrosion of the cans and clearness of the syrup. ‘Rival’ apricots had less drained weight loss, reduced amounts of Sn, less visual corrosion, and a clearer syrup than ‘Tilton’ apricots. Peeling the apricots increased drained weight loss and Sn content, and reduced the clearness of the syrup. Low vacuum increased Sn content, visual corrosion and clearness of the syrup, and reduced drained weight loss.
Rehardening of Peach Fruit in Cold Storage1
Authors: Werner Reni A. , Hough L. Fredric , Frenkel Chaim
Published: August 2022

Fruit of peach (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch) exhibited rehardening when returned to low-temperature storage after softening at room temperature. Rehardening was progressively more pronounced as the temperature decreased. The process occurred in either air or nitrogen atmosphere. The softening of the fruit that occurred normally at room temperature was accompanied by a decline in protopectins and a concomitant increase in water-soluble pectic fraction. By comparison, the rehardening of the fruit at low temperatures was accompanied by little or no change in pectic substances. The results suggest that rehardening is not related to the metabolic changes associated with fruit ripening.
Field Plot Techniques for Selecting Increased Once-over Harvest Yields in Pickling Cucumbers1
Authors: Smith O. S. , Lower R. L.
Published: August 2022

Three harvest methods and 3 plot sizes for estimating yields in pickling cucumbers (Cucumis sativus L.) were examined. The correlation between dollar values for a simulated once-over harvest and successive harvest were low (r < .16). Correlation between once-over harvest value and fruit number was .84, while correlation between once-over harvest value and mature fruit number was only .36. The correlation of .84 was high enough to warrant use of fruit number as a primary trait in selection for increased value. Use of fruit number as an estimate of yield would eliminate the grading and weighing processes needed to compute value. An efficient plot size for estimating mean differences between lines was 3.6m2.
Evaluation of Postharvest Handling Methods for Transcontinental Truck Shipments of Cut Carnations, Chrysanthemums, and Roses1
Authors: Halevy A. H. , Byrne T. G. , Kofranek A. M. , Farnham D. S. , Thompson J. F. , Hardenburg R. E.
Published: August 2022

The longevity and quality of flowers experimentally shipped from California to Maryland by refrigerated trucks for 4–5 days were comparable with or better than simulated air-shipped flowers when properly handled. Flowers shipped by air are usually not refrigerated in transit. Best results with ‘White Sim’ carnations (Dianthus caryophyllus L.), ‘Albatross’ standard chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat) and ‘Cara Mia’ roses (Rosa hybrida L.) were obtained when flowers were pretreated after harvest with a chemical solution for 16 hours, precooled prior to shipment and shipped in insulated boxes. Preshipment pulsing of carnations and chrysanthemums increased longevity and bloom diameter. Pulsing of ‘Cara Mia’ roses extended longevity and prevented “bent neck.” Chrysanthemums and roses benefited from ice in the box even with good refrigeration but carnations did not. Carnations and chrysanthemums cut at a tight bud stage suffered much less than open blooms from heat stress conditions during handling of flowers.
Postharvest Handling Methods for Bird-of-paradise Flowers (Strelitzia reginae Ait.)1
Authors: Halevy Abraham H. , Kofranek Anton M. , Besemer Seward T.
Published: August 2022

Pulsing of cut bird-of-paradise flowers greatly enhanced the longevity and floret opening of both unstored and stored flowers. Best results were obtained by pulsing tight flowers with 10% sucrose, 250 ppm 8-hydroxyquinoline citrate and 150 ppm of citric acid for 2 days at 22°C. Flowers cut at a very tight stage (4−5 days before commercial cutting stage) can be opened successfully in the same solution. Best storage temperature is 8°C. Flowers can be stored for up to 1 month without losing quality, if pulsed before storage and if the blooms are dipped in a fungicide solution (benomyl or 2-(4-thiasolyl)-benzimidazide (TBZ) at 200 ppm). Flowers can also be stored at a tight stage and then opened in the pulsing solution after storage.
Changes in Dry Matter, Protein and Non-protein Nitrogen during Storage of Sweet Potatoes1
Authors: Purcell A. E. , Walter W. M. , Giesbrecht F. G.
Published: August 2022

The percentages of dry matter (DM), protein (N × 6.25), and nonprotein nitrogen (NPN) were determined periodically during storage for ‘Centennial’ and ‘Jewel’, and the selection NC-317 sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam. Percent DM decreased and % protein increased with storage time, but the changes were significant only for ‘Centennial’ and ‘Jewel’. NPN in ‘Centennial’ and ‘Jewel’ decreased during the first part of storage (14-15 weeks), then increased. NPN in NC-317 changed more slowly. In a second test with ‘Jewel’, changes were followed in the amounts of DM and protein, expressed as % of the original amounts. Both dry matter and protein were lost during storage and the rate of loss was about twice as fast for DM as for protein. The apparent increase in % protein during storage in the first test was attributed to a faster rate of loss in DM than in protein.