bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Study of Pollination and Fruit Set and Determination Suitable Pollinizers for Two Iranian Commercial Apple Cultivars Golab Kohanz and Shafiabadi
Authors: Talaie* Alireza , Ershadi Ahmad , Vezvaei Ali
Published: February 2019

In order to study pollination and fruit set and determine the best pollinizers for two Iranian apple cultivars, Golab Kohanz and Shafiabadi, experiments were conducted during two years. Different pollen sources including pollen of cultivars Golab Isfahan, Golab Kohanz, Mashhad Nouri, Shafiabadi and also open pollination were used. Pollen sources had significant effects on fruit set, fruit weight, diameter, shape, dry weight, total soluble solids (TSS), sugar and seed contents in cv. Golab Kohanz. Trees pollinated by pollen of Shafiabadi had highest fruit set, fruit weight, diameter, shape, dry weight, TSS., sugar, and seed content. Pollen sources significantly affected fruit set, fruit weight, diameter, shape, and seed content in cv. Shafiabadi. The highest fruit set, fruit weight, diameter, and seed content was resulted from flowers pollinated by Golab Kohanz. Golab Kohanz and Shafiabadi had 3.3% and 0.5% fruit set from self pollination, respectively, and seemed to be completely incompatible. Fruit resulted from self pollination were generally small and of low quality. Regardless to fruits obtained from pollination, different pollen sources had small effects on fruit quality. The results indicated that cvs. Shafiabadi and Mashad Nouri are the best pollinizers for Golab Kohanz and Golab Kohanz was superior pollinizers for Shafiabadi.
Correlation of Basal Node and Cluster Numbers in Grapevines
Authors: Cousins* Peter
Published: February 2019

The grapevine shoot consists of nodes without clusters (inflorescences) basal to a zone in which leaf-opposed clusters are found at the nodes. Beyond the cluster zone leaf-opposed tendrils are borne at the nodes. The numbers and possible relationship of basal nodes and clusters are important in grapevine breeding and improvement. Basal node number influences cluster placement within the canopy, which relates to light penetration to the fruit and fruit maturation and to application of cultural practices, including harvest and cluster treatments. Cluster number is a primary yield component. Basal node and clusters numbers were counted on ten primary shoots each of forty grapevine (Vitis) accessions. The accessions analyzed are cultivars and wild species collections held in the United States National Plant Germplasm System. The correlation coefficient of the number of basal nodes and number of clusters was calculated using the means of the ten observations per accession. Basal node and clusters numbers were negatively correlated; the correlation coefficient was -0.763, which is significant (P <0.001). The negative correlation of basal node and cluster number has implications for grapevine improvement.
Effects of Storage Conditions on Postharvest Qualities in Garlic Bulbs (Allium sativum L.)
Authors: Choi Sun-Tay , Bae* Ro-Na , Chung Dae-Sung , Lee Seung-Koo
Published: February 2019

To investigate quality changes of garlic associated with cultivars and storage conditions, northern type `Seosan' and sub-tropical type `Daeseo' garlics were stored at controlled atmosphere (O2 3%, CO2 5%, -1 ± 1°C) condition, low temperature (-1 ± 1°C), and room temperature (20 ± 5°C). The rate of sprouting, weight loss, enzymatic pyruvic acid content, and degree of greening in crushed garlic were determined during storage. The rate of sprouting was higher in `Daeseo' than in `Seosan' garlic in all storage conditions. Sprouting was effectively suppressed in low temperature and controlled atmosphere storage. Weight loss in `Daeseo' garlic was higher than in `Seosan' garlic. Enzymatic pyruvic acid (EP) contents increased for 3 months storage period, and then decreased gradually as the storage period was prolonged at room or low temperatures. However, EP content decreased dramatically during storage under CA condition in both cultivars. When garlic bulbs were crushed, greening appeared in the garlic stored at low temperature for more than one month. However, greening did not occur in the crushed garlic bulbs stored in CA condition.
Suppression of Ethylene Responsiveness Prolongs Cucumber Fruit Shelf Life in the Presence and Absence of Exogenously Applied Ethylene
Authors: Lima Luiz , Hurr* Brandon , Huber Donald
Published: February 2019

Ethylene induces postharvest problems in many fruits, including members of the Cucurbitaceae. The effects of ethylene and its antagonist 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) were studied on cucumber fruit, a cucurbit harvested immature. Beit Alpha cucumbers (cv. Manar) were harvested and exposed to 0.5 or 1.0 μL·L-1 1-MCP prior to exposure to ethylene at 10 μL·L-1 at 15 °C. Fruit exposed to ethylene exhibited significant quality loss upon exposure to ethylene, including epidermal yellowing, a 40% reduction in firmness and, following longer exposure (6 d), epidermal sloughing and placental watersoaking. After 8 d, cucumbers exhibited a 75% reduction in firmness and acute pathogen incidence. Control fruit (no ethylene, no 1-MCP) were visually acceptable but firmness had declined 30% compared with initial values. Fruit exposed to 1-MCP were resistant to applied ethylene, with firmness declining 10 (1.0 μL·L-1 1-MCP) to 20% (0.5 μL·L-1) during storage for 14 d at 15 °C. Firmness of fruit treated with 1-MCP at 1.0 μL·L-1 was 28% higher than controls receiving only air, suggesting that ethylene production contributes to softening of cucumber during storage. The softening and watersoaking of fruit treated with ethylene was accompanied by downshifts in pectin mol mass. Fruit exposed to 1-MCP showed significantly reduced mol mass downshifts. The data indicate that cucumber show a PCD response to ethylene that is largely prevented by suppression of ethylene perception. The response of cucumber to ethylene parallels that for other cucurbits, and provides additional information that the benefits of 1-MCP extend beyond application to climacteric fruits.
Increased Flower Longevity in Petunia with Male Sterility
Authors: Smith* Alan G. , Gardner Nicole , Zimmermann Elizabeth
Published: February 2019

Flower longevity is an important character in many ornamental crops. The processes of pollination and fertilization can cause senescence of the petals through the action of ethylene or its precursors. Preventing the production of pollen and therefore pollination could delay the senescence of petals. We tested whether male-sterility would increase flower longevity in petunia. The gene consisted of a stamen-specific promoter isolated from a Lycopersicon esculentum gene driving the expression of a barnase. Barnase is a RNase that is cytotoxic. The gene was introduced into `Lavender Storm' and `Purple Wave' petunia by Agrobacterium- mediated gene transfer. Five independent transgenic lines of both cultivars were regenerated, rooted, and grown in a greenhouse. All lines showed complete male-sterility as measured by the lack of detectable pollen. Two transgenic lines and a non-transformed control of each cultivar were propagated vegetatively and the flower longevity of each genotype was determined in a greenhouse experiment. There were two treatments: no pollination or pollination with cross-compatible pollen. All sterile genotypes that were not pollinated had increased flower longevity relative to pollinated sterile flowers or either treatment of male fertile (non-transformed) genotypes. These results indicate an application for sterility in the production of petunia flowers with increased longevity. Male and female sterility may be applicable in other ornamental crops where pollination or fertilization is a trigger to petal senescence.
Actigard Reduces Anthracnose on Field-grown Strawberry
Authors: Shuman* Joel L. , Bratsch Anthony D.
Published: February 2019

Anthracnose fruit rot (AFR) and crown rot can cause severe economic losses on susceptible `Chandler' and `Camarosa' strawberry in Virginia: `Sweet Charlie' and `Bish' are moderately resistant to resistant. Actigard (acibenzolar-S-methyl), an inducer of systemic acquired resistance, has been effective at reducing black spot and speck on tomato, blue mold on tobacco, and fire blight on apple. The objective of this study was to determine if Actigard, when spray-applied to field-grown strawberry, can reduce AFR better than or equal to several registered fungicides. Four varieties (VAR) (Chandler, Camarosa, Sweet Charlie, and Bish) were treated with four fungicides (FUNG) (water control, azoxystrobin, chlorothalonil, and actigard). Experimental design was a split plot with FUNG as the main plot and VAR as the split plot with four replicates. Standard annual hill system practices were used throughout. Plots were inoculated three times throughout the harvest season with a conidia: water solution of 1 × 106 conidia per mL. Plots were treated with FUNG on a 14-day schedule from bloom to end of season. Plots were visually assessed for anthracnose and fruit were harvested 2× weekly and weighed into four categories: marketable, cull, fruit with anthracnose, and fruit with other diseases. Environmental conditions were conducive for anthracnose development: extended periods of rain and high relative humidity. Plots treated with water control had more AFR, other fruit rots, and higher overall disease ratings than those treated with a compound. Plots treated with actigard had the same level of AFR as did those treated with azoxystrobin. `Chandler' and `Camarosa' had considerably more AFR than `Sweet Charlie' and `Bish' had the least amount over all FUNG.
Vine Vigor and Fruit Characteristics of Muscadine Grapes
Authors: Ren* Zhongbo , Lu* Jiang , Xu* Xia
Published: February 2019

Muscadine grape industry in the southeastern United Sates is expanding in recent years. To provide necessary information for the growing industry, 50 muscadine grape cultivars were evaluated for vigor and fruit characteristics at Florida A&M Univ., Tallahassee, Fla. Vine vigor was measured by winter pruning weight and varied from 5.4 lb/vine to 35.7 lb/vine. Among these cultivars, Triumph, Summit, and Tara were the least vigorous, while `Carlos', `Fry Seedless', and `Gold Isle' produced the most pruning weight. Dry scar ranged from 60.6% (Darlene) to 97.7% (Dixie Red). Among the most important table grapes, `Nesbitt', `Alachua', `Jumbo', `Fry', `Triumph', and `Scarlete' showed more than 70% of dry scars. Fruit rot ranged from 0.3% (Gold Isle) to 31.8% (Dixie Land). `Noble', `Scarlet', `Nesbitt', and `Carlos' were the important cultivars with less than 5% rotted fruits. Commercial fruit index were different significantly among the cultivars, ranged from 45.5% to 96.4%. Higher commercial fruit index of table grapes were found with `Magnolia', `Rosa', `Scarlet', and `Tara', while `Dixie Land' (45.5%) was the least. Seeds per fruit varied among the cultivars, ranging from 2.4 to 4.9. Fewer fruit seeds were found in `Fry' and `Nesbitt', while `Granny Val', `Senoria', `Darlene' and `Triumph' had more seeds per fruit than the others. Seed size also differed among the cultivars. `Sugar Pop' had the largest seeds (0.144 g/seed), which was twice as the size of the smallest seeds of `Welder' (0.056 g/seed). Fruit soluble solids content (SSC) ranged from 11.7% to 16.9% among the cvs. evaluated. Higher SSCs were found in `Welder', `Fry Seedless', `Scarlet', and `Cowart', while `Senoria' and `Jumbo' had relatively low SSC.
Foliar Urea Application in the Fall Affects Both Nitrogen and Carbon Storage in Young `Concord' Grapevines Grown Under a Wide Range of Nitrogen Supply
Authors: Xia* Guohai , Cheng Lailiang
Published: February 2019

One-year-old `Concord' vines were fertigated with 0, 5, 10, 15, or 20 mm N in a modified Hoagland's solution for 8 weeks during summer. Half of the vines fertigated at each N concentration were sprayed with 3% foliar urea twice in late September while the rest served as controls. Four vines from each treatment combination were destructively sampled during dormancy to determine the levels and forms of N and carbohydrates. Nitrogen fertigation during the summer only slightly increased vine N concentration whereas foliar urea application in the fall significantly increased vine N concentration. In response to foliar urea application, concentrations of both free amino acid-N and protein-N increased, but the ratio of protein N to amino acid N decreased. Arginine was the most abundant amino acid in free amino acids and proteins, and its concentration was linearly correlated with vine N concentration. Concentrations of total non-structural carbohydrates (TNC) decreased slightly in response to N supply from fertigation. Foliar urea application in the fall significantly decreased TNC concentration at each N fertigation level. Starch, glucose and fructose decreased in response to foliar urea applications, but sucrose concentration remained unaffected. Approximately 60% of the carbon decrease in TNC caused by foliar urea application was recovered in proteins and free amino acids. We conclude that free amino acids account for a larger proportion of the N in vines sprayed with foliar urea, but proteins remain as the main form of N storage. In response to foliar urea application, part of the carbon from TNC is incorporated into proteins and free amino acids, leading to a decrease in the carbon stored in TNC and an increase in the carbon stored in proteins and free amino acids.
Disecantes Product Use in the Raisin Grape Production
Authors: de Jesus Valenzuela-Ruiz Manuel , Grijalva-Contreras* Raul Leonel , Robles-Contreras Fabian , Macias-Duarte Ruben
Published: February 2019

The Caborca, Sonora, region, is the main producing zone of raisins grape in Mexico, with a surface of 5000 ha. Nevertheless although that produce raisins of excellent quality, it is frequent that during the drying time, some rain ocurre and cause loses in yield up to a 30% and the quality is affected. The objective of this study was the evaluation of several chemical disecantes agents to reduce the drying time of the raisins grape. This study was carry in the INIFAP Caborca. We evaluate eleven treatments containing diferent concentrations of Metil Oleate, Potassium Carbonate, Potassium Sorbate and combinations of these products, a mesh and the control were included, these applications were made immediately after cut the grape, once it was tended on the bed. The results indicate that the best treatment were the mixture made from Metil Oleate plus Potassium Carbonate at 4% both products followed by the same mixture at 2%, those treatments reduced the drying time in a 50% and 35 % respecively. When using the mesh the drying time was extend, it need 4 days more than the control, since its total time of drying was 21 days. It is important to note that the treatments that contain the mixture of metil oleate and potassium carbonate and the mesh not presented rotting problems, during the drying stage.
Organic Options for Managing Weeds in Highbush Blueberries
Authors: Sciarappa* William J. , Pavllis Gary C.
Published: February 2019

Weeds are especially problematic in highbush blueberry which has a long establishment period, shallow-fibrous roots, and poor competitive ability in obtaining water, nutrients and sunlight. Commercial approaches in certified organic blueberry fields compared horticultural management methods in two New Jersey sites. The trials utilized both new and established blueberry blocks having trickle or overhead irrigation. Commercial methods investigated included rotary cultivation, mowing, propane flaming, cover crops, landscape fabric, and various mulches. Mulch comparisons included pine bark mulch, hardwood mulch, coffee grinds, cocoa grinds, municipal leaf mulch, and composted tea leaves. 3' × 12' plots were replicated 4 times in 4 adjoining rows. Applications of 3-4 inches of these mulches within the crop row to a new planting of Duke highbush blueberry have provided a combined weed control level of ca. 95% without landscape fabric and ≈98% with landscape fabric during 2003. Walkway weed suppression in new plantings was achieved with the establishment of two types of fine leafed turf fescues and monthly mowings. Bare ground percentage decreased from 80% to <2% within one year's time as these fine fescues gradually out-competed annual weeds for space. These fescue cover crops increased ground coverage from 8% to >95% over the seven month growing season. Such varieties were selected because they have good germination, require little water, use limited nitrogen and can squeeze out weeds through allelopathy. Applied research studies indicate that several suitable methods can be utilized for effective weed management in organic highbush blueberry production systems.
Virulence of Native and Exotic Entomopathogenic Nematodes (Rhabditida: Steinerematidae, Heterorhabditidae) Against Larvae of the Agave Weevil, Scyphophorus acupunctatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Molina-Ochoa* Jaime , Hueso-Guerrero Eva Judith , Lezama-Gutiérrez Roberto , Farías-Larios Javier , Radillo-Juárez Francisco , García-Berbe Abraham , Fallad-Chávez Jalil
Published: February 2019

The agave weevil (Scyphophorus acupunctatus Gyllenhal) (AW) is widely distributed and is severe pest of plants in the Order Liliales, Familiy Agavaceae, such as Agave tequilana, A. fourcroydes, A. sisalana, A. sp., Polianthes tuberosa, and Yucca sp. Some of these species have importance as ornamental, medicinal, fragrant essence, and raw fiber. AW is controlled with insecticides, but insecticides are unable to reach the larvae in the galleries where the larvae borrows the agave crowns. Galleries are cryptic habitats where the entomopathogenic nematodes are able to infect instars of the AW. Recently, Hueso-Guerrero, and Molina-Ochoa (2004) reported the occurrence of native steinernematid nematodes naturally infecting the AW larvae. Virulence of isolates and strains of steinernematid and heterorhabditid nematodes against AW larvae was determined under laboratory conditions. Three native steinernematid isolates obtained from naturally infected AW larvae (A1, A2, and A3) were bioassayed a concentration of 100 nematodes/mL and petri dish (60 × 10 mm) arenas. Native isolates were isolated from AW larvae attacking agave crowns. Other strains evaluated were: S. carpocapsae All and Mexican, S. riobrave, and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora NC2. Native steinernematid isolates caused 100% mortality, however exotic strains caused mortality ranges between 90%, and 40%. Steinernema carpocapsae All strain, S. riobrave, H. bacteriophora NC2, and S. carpocapsae Mexican strains caused 90%, 60%, 50%, and 40% mortality, respectively. Results suggest that native steinernematid isolates, and S. carpocapsae All strain have potential as biological control agents against the AW weevil.
Flowering and Inflorescence Development of Lachenalia aloides `Pearsonii' as Influenced by Bulb Storage and Forcing Temperature
Authors: Roh* Mark
Published: February 2019

The effect of bulb storage and forcing temperatures on growth, flowering, and inflorescence development and the death of inflorescence (blast) of Lachenalia aloides Engl., `Pearsonii' was investigated. Following development of about 5 florets, bulbs were stored at 10, 12.5, 15, 20, and 25 °C for 15, 30, or 45 days and forced in greenhouses at 17/15 °C and 21/19 °C. Flowering was accelerated, and leaf length and floret number were reduced, when bulbs were stored at 10, 12.5, or 15 °C for 45 days compared to storing at 20 or 25 °C. Flowering was further accelerated by forcing at 17/15 °C compared to 21/19 °C. When bulbs were stored at 10, 15, 20, or 25 °C for 4 weeks and grown in greenhouses at 17/15 °C, 21/19 °C, 25/23 °C, and 29/27 °C, the incidence of inflorescence blast was increased when bulbs were stored at 10 and 15 °C and forced at 25/23 °C compared to low temperatures. Bulbs were forced in greenhouses maintained at 18/16 °C, 22/20 °C, or 26/24 °C for 12 weeks. During forcing, plants were subjected to constant or alternating forcing temperatures at 4-week intervals. Inflorescence blast occurred when the temperature was 26/24°C during the first 4 weeks after potting. Storing Lachenalia bulbs at 10° to 15 °C before potting then forcing at 17/15 °C accelerated flowering and produced quality plants with short leaves and floral stems. Inflorescence development during bulb 10 °C treatment and inflorescence blast that occurred after only 3 days of 35 °C was demonstrated using scanning electron microscopy and magnetic resonance imaging techniques.
Performance of Poinsettia Cultivars Evaluated in 2003
Authors: Catanzaro* Christopher , Kamake Haval , Bhatti Sarabjit
Published: February 2019

Twenty-one commercially introduced or trial cultivars of poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima Willd. ex Klotzsch) supplied by Dummen USA or Ecke were grown at the TSU main campus farm during Autumn 2003. Ten plants of each cultivar were potted in 6-inch standard containers and grown from rooted cuttings to finished plants according to industry cultural practices in a glass greenhouse. Plant heights were recorded weekly. The date on which anthers began to shed pollen (flowering date) was recorded to calculate response time after initiation of short days. Also recorded on the flowering date were final plant height and two measurements of plant width and inflorescence width. Most cultivars finished within two weeks of the predicted response time of 7.5-9 weeks. However, flowers of `Infinity Red', `Merlot', `Mirage', and `Premium Marble' shed pollen especially late. Flower structures aborted on `Prestige', `Elegance Hot Pink' and `Premium Hot Pink'. Most cultivars were relatively compact at finish date. `Twister', `EuroGlory', and `Coco 2000 White' were particularly small, with average heights of 28-30 cm and average widths of 17 cm or less. `Spotlight Dark Red' was tallest (37cm) and widest (41cm), and also had the widest inflorescences (26 cm). Quality issues observed on some cultivars included low inflorescence number, excessive bract overlap, bract burn, bract reversion, high height to width ratio, and low plant vigor. Cultivars with overall high quality performance included `Premium Red', `Infinity Red', `Spotlight Dark Red', `Coco 2000 Red', and `Freedom', which all scored highly in the consumer preference survey conducted at the end of the study.
Integrating ISO 14000 Environmental Management Standards into Intensive Ornamental Plant Production Systems
Authors: Lea-Cox* John D.
Published: February 2019

Environmental and human safety regulations are now an inevitable part of horticultural crop production. For most businesses, worker training and the subsequent collection and administration of data required for reporting purposes is often regarded as an economic burden. There are few systematic models that firstly provide an ecompassing approach to this business requirement, but more importantly which provide resources that simplify and perhaps automate the reporting of data to any significant degree. A good environmental management system (EMS) should provide a framework to systematically plan, control, measure and improve an organization's environmental performance and assessment. Significant environmental improvements (and cost savings) can be achieved by assessing and improving management and production processes, but only if the data are collected and analyzed quickly and easily. Many times, growers do not realize the relationship between their improved environmental performance and other key EMS benefits, such as reduced liability, better credit ratings, enhanced employee performance, improved customer relations, marketing advantages together with improved regulatory compliance. The International organization for Standardization (ISO) 14001 series is the most widely accepted international standard for EMS. Growers in most states in the US are required to document their use of pesticides and other agrochemicals that can impact human health, and in some states are also required to to document and monitor their applications of water and nutrients, in an effort to environmental pollution. This paper will illustrate the key elements of environmental management systems and how this can be integrated into production management using process management software.
“The Summit”: Strategic Planning the Future of Ag and Natural Resource Programs for Extension in North Carolina
Authors: Sanders* Douglas C. , Crickenberger Roger , Dunham Billy , Jones Edwin J. , O'Sullivan John M.
Published: February 2019

Most administrators regard strategic planning as a structured process to produce fundamental decisions and actions shaping and guiding what their organization is, does, and why it does it. A concerted focus on the future is usually involved in the effort. In North Carolina, all Extension Agriculture and Natural Resource Agents, Specialists, Directors and State Staff recently utilized such a structured process in a 3-day conference entitled “The Summit”. The success of this strategic planning process can be measured by the degree to which the process lead to strategic management within NCCE. The Summit used a framework that fully explored forces affecting or impeding strategic thinking. That framework was a day of laying groundwork and with various keynote speakers helping to set the stage; a day of stakeholder direction and attendee active listening and debate; and a day of group reflection. The results of this conference were chronicled in “White Paper” written by a team representing all major in-house stakeholders. While many of the usual problems affecting Extension were reviewed, stakeholder input to both administration and staff is re-shaping the way NCCE uses resources and directs programs. Ten recommendations came out Action te Such an outcome is strategic management, and the framework of The Summit may allow other similar organizations to also have successful strategic planning meetings.
Simple Teaching Tools for Verifying Hand Washing Skills
Authors: Lamberts* Mary , McAvoy Eugene , Olczyk Teresa , Gilreath Phyllis
Published: February 2019

U.S. agricultural producers are required to provide varying amounts of safety training to their employees depending on the nature of their operation(s). Hand washing is an integral part of several types of safety training including pesticide safety education, the Worker Protection Standard and Microbial Food Safety of Fruits and Vegetables. Generally instructions are to “wash thoroughly,” though some employees are told they should wash for 20 seconds. An easy way to get growers to “buy into” methods that verify hand washing is to include such demonstrations as part of pesticide safety education programs and workshops that grant Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for the renewal of pesticide applicator licenses. It is important that the demonstrations be highly visual so participants actually experience the difficulty in removing a contaminant from hands even though they have performed “thorough” hand washing. It also allows them to observe the ease of cross contamination from soiled hands. Once growers see how easy and inexpensive it is to do this type of training, they are being encouraged to use these demonstrations with various types of employees: mixer-loaders and other handlers, harvesting crews, packinghouse employees, and even field workers who routinely handle plants and may be spreading diseases. Details on different methods of training and grower reactions will be presented.
Response of Small Farmers in Missouri to a Specialty Crop Survey
Authors: Wollo* Wesseh J. , Marsh Lurline , Jones Rufus
Published: February 2019

Specialty crop production has the potential to diversify traditional crop agriculture and improve profits. The primary purpose of this research was to determine the number of small farmers in Missouri who grow crops other than the traditional crops (soybeans, corn, wheat, cotton), and to identify issues they face in their production. A survey questionnaire consisting of fifteen questions was sent to 401 small farmers in Missouri in Fall 2002. The response was a 27% return rate. Most (77%) of the respondents grew tomato and many (50%) used irrigations. Among those who did not grow the nontraditional crops, 46% cited lack of interest as the reason while 32% cited lack of labor. The reasons given by 80% of respondents who at one time grew nontraditional crops but stopped, were lost interest, profit, and insufficient labor. Many respondents also grew herbs and other specialty vegetables in addition to the nontraditional crops. Garlic and chives were grown by 19% of respondents. Most (80%) respondents who grew specialty crops were interested in seminars, workshops or field days on their production, marketing or financing. Among respondents who grew nontraditional crops but stopped, 39% cited drought as the reason while 25% cited insects. These results indicate that small farmers of specialty crops in Missouri need training and information, to profitably produce the nontraditional crops.
Weed Seedbank Community Composition in a 35-Year-Old Tillage and Rotation Experiment
Authors: Sosnoskie* Lynn Marie , Cardina John , Herms Catherine Papp , Kleinhenz Matthew
Published: February 2019

Community composition of the soil seedbank were characterized 35 years after the implementation of a long-term study involving cropping sequences (continuous corn, corn-soybean, corn-oat-hay) and tillage systems (conventional-, minimum- and no-tillage). Germinable seeds within the top 10 cm of soil in early spring were identified and enumerated in 1997, 1998 and 1999. Species diversity, which was characterized by richness (S), evenness (E) and the Shannon-Weiner index (H'), was significantly influenced by crop rotation rather than tillage. Generally, diversity measures were greatest in the corn-oat-hay sequences as compared to the corn-soybean rotations and the corn monoculture. Species richness and H' typically declined with increasing soil disturbance (no-tillage > minimum-tillage > conventional-tillage), whereas E increased with more intense tillage. A synthetic importance value (RI), incorporating both density and frequency measures, was generated for each species in each plot. Multiresponse permutation procedures (MRPP) were used to examine differences in weed community composition with respect to management system for all three years. Results suggest that the weed seed community in a corn-oat-hay rotational system differs substantially, in structure and composition, from communities associated with continuous corn and corn-soybean systems. No tillage systems were significantly different in composition as compared to conventional tillage and minimum tillage treatments. Crop sequence and tillage system are important cultural methods of shifting weed species number and diversity, and therefore, community structure. Manipulation of these factors could help to reduce the negative impact of weeds on crop production.
Molecular Heterogeneity of the Chalcone Synthase Intron in Petunia Species
Authors: Griesbach* Robert , Beck Ronald
Published: February 2019

The genetic distance for three Petunia species was determined based upon an intron in the chalcone synthase gene. The sequence of the intron was obtained for P. integriflolia ssp. integriflolia var. depauperata, P. integriflolia ssp. integriflolia Torres ecotype, P. altiplana and P. littoralis. These species are very closely related and believed by some taxonomists to be part of a large single species complex. In all the taxa, the intron contained multiple repeated and inverted sequences. The P. integriflolia ssp. integriflolia Torres ecotype intron differed from the P. integriflolia subsp. integriflolia var. depauperata intron in 3 of 930 nucleotides. While, the P. littoralis intron differed from the P. integrifolia subsp. integrifolia var. depauperata intron in 15 of 930 nucleotides. As compared to the P. integrifolia subsp. integriflolia var. depauperata intron, the intron in P. altiplana intron was longer (1125 bp), had a section of 338 nucleotides with a completely different sequence, and differed by 27 of 787 nucleotides in the common sequence.
Effect of Prohexidione-Ca and IBA on Establishment and Yield of Green-Top Bare-root Strawberry Transplants
Authors: Duval* John R. , Golden Elizabeth , Reekie Julia , Hicklenton Peter
Published: February 2019

Bare-root transplants received from high latitude nurseries for Florida production have limited root systems, very long petioles and wilt soon after planting. Further dessication occurs when leaves come in contact with black plastic mulch used in the annual production system. Conventional irrigation practices for the establishment of bare-root transplants of strawberry consist of overhead water application for at least 8 hours/day for 10-14 days after planting. Plant growth regulators (PGRs) have been used to modify the growth characteristics of many plants species. A split-block experiment was implemented at the GCREC-Dover, Dover Fla., to determine the effect of the use Prohexidione-Ca (PC) and IBA [(indole-3) butyric acid] on growth, yield and establishment of strawberry. Main blocks consisted of over head establishment irrigation for 4, 8, and 12 days, and sub-plots consisted of treatments of PC applied in the nursery at a rate of 62.5 mg·L-1 2, 4, or 6 weeks before digging, PC applied in the nursery at 31.25 mg·L-1 2 weeks before digging, a root dip of transplants in 100 mg·L-1 IBA just prior to transplanting. The experiment was conducted for four growing seasons. Data were recorded for marketable yield, number of marketable berries (>10g), and disease incidence. Significant differences were detected for duration of establishment irrigation and growth regulator treatment. No interaction was shown between establishment irrigation and growth regulator treatment.
Effect of Shading and Water Stress on Growth of `Campbell Early' Grape (Vitis hybrid)
Authors: Son In-Chang , Park Jae-Hyuk , Kim* Seon-Kyu
Published: February 2019

Three-year-old `Campbell Early' grapevines were subjected to 4 levels of shading (0, 30, 60, and 90%) combined with 3 levels of soil moisture content (12, 34.6, and 100 kPa), and their growth responses were examined. Increase in shoot length of vines grown without soil water stress (12 kPa and 34.6 kPa) and light stress (non-shading and 30% shading) was higher than those grown under 100 kPa and heavy shading. Leaf number showed a gradual increase in proportion to decreasing shading and increasing light level, showing some overgrowth with 30% shading. Leaf area increment of vines with sufficient soil moisture (12 kPa) was the highest, but 30% shading reduced the rate by one half. Chlorophyll content of vine leaves grown under 12 kPa or 34.6 kPa increased regardless of shading level, but that of 30% shading became more important after 30 days. The qP and qN values of vines grown under 12 kPa and 34.6 kPa decreased with the shading level, and under 100 kPa, even non-shading vines showed a drastic decrease. When grown under 12 kPa, photosynthetic rate of non-shaded vines was higher than shaded vines, but when water-stressed, that of non-shaded vines showed a sharp decrease. Increasing shading and water stress level resulted in decrease of sucrose and starch content and increase of reducing sugar.
Peach Latent Mosaic Viroid Reduces Tree Growth and Affects Fruit Quality in Peach
Authors: Reighard* Gregory , Ouellette David , Brock Kathy , Nguyen Duy
Published: February 2019

`Coronet' peach on Lovell rootstock was planted near Clemson, S.C., in Dec. 1995 in 4 rows (= reps) 6.1 meters apart with trees 2.2 meters apart in-row. Trees were trained to a Kearney-V. In the 2nd leaf (Aug. 1997), `Ta Tao 5' buds were grafted to half (= 6-tree plot) the trees in each row. These trees received 2 `Ta Tao 5' chip buds infected with Peach Latent Mosaic Viroid (PLMVd) per scaffold at ≈0.75 to 1.15 m above ground. Dot blot hybridization confirmed that the chip buds successfully (100%) inoculated the treated trees, whereas the controls tested negative. Data collected in 2003 included bloom date, tree size, dormant and summer pruning times, fruit maturity date, fruit yield, mean fruit weight, skin color, soluble solids, flesh firmness, titratable acidity, and pH. Flowering and fruit maturity were delayed by ≈4 days in PLMVd-inoculated (PI) trees. PI trees produced larger fruit, but yield was 23% less than that of non-inoculated trees. Both fruit size and yield had been larger in PI trees in previous years. There were no differences in yield efficiency in 2003, but PI trees were 26% smaller in trunk cross-sectional area and 9% shorter. PI trees took 34% and 23% less time to dormant and summer prune, respectively and had 34% and 28% less wood removed by dormant and summer pruning, respectively than control trees. PLMVd increased fruit firmness, and PLMVd fruit lost firmness at a much slower rate. PLMVd did not significantly affect skin color, but PLMVD fruit were slightly less red. Soluble solid levels were higher in PLMVd fruit than control fruit during the first harvest, but were lower by the last harvest. Acidity was significantly higher and the soluble solids to acidity ratio significantly lower in PLMVd fruit. Control fruit had a slightly higher pH.
Crop Load Effects on Subsequent Peach Floral Development, Pistil Size at Anthesis and Fruit Size at Maturity
Authors: Johnson* Holly A. , Weinbaum Steven A. , DeJong Theodore M.
Published: February 2019

The effects of low and high crop loads in 2002 on floral development (Summer 2002), pistil size at anthesis (Spring 2003), and subsequent season fruit size at maturity (Summer 2003) were studied. Trees were all thinned to the same crop load in 2003. Three peach cultivars (Elegant Lady, O'Henry and Fairtime) with different ripening times (mid-July, mid-August, and early-September, respectively) were used to assess the effects of current season crop on floral development for the subsequent season. Based on previous literature, we reasoned that the maximum competition for carbohydrates between maturing fruit and developing buds is likely to occur at fruit maturity, especially under heavy crop loads. In 2003, individual fruit were harvested and weighed at maturity. In all three cultivars, a heavy crop load reduced the percentage of floral buds initiated and delayed floral differentiation. A heavy crop load also reduced pistil size at anthesis and fruit size at maturity in the subsequent season. These data support the practice of vigorous pruning to annually renew fruiting wood in peach to minimize the influence of crop in the previous season on the subsequent season's fruit and maintain large fruit sizes.
Stomatal Control by Both Abscisic Acid in the Bulk Leaf Tissue and Leaf Environment: A Test of a Model of Stomatal Conductance to Leaf Environment Coupled with an Abscisic Acid-based Model
Authors: Bauerle* William L. , Toler Joe E.
Published: February 2019

A multiplicative model of stomatal conductance was developed and tested in two functionally distinct ecotypes of Acer rubrum L. (red maple). The model overcomes the main limitation of the commonly used Ball-Berry model by accounting for stomatal behavior under soil drying conditions. It combined the Ball-Berry model with an integrated expression of abscisic acid-based control mechanisms (gfac). The factor gfac = exp(-β[ABA]L) incorporated the stomatal response to abscisic acid (ABA) concentration in the bulk leaf tissue [ABA]L into the Ball-Berry model by down-regulating the slope and coupled physiological changes at the leaf level with those of the root. The stomatal conductance (gs) down regulation is pertinent in situations where soil drying may modify the delivery of chemical signals to leaf stomates. Model testing results indicated that the multiplicative model was capable of predicting stomatal conductance under wide ranges of soil and atmospheric conditions in a woody perennial. Concordance correlation coefficients (rc) were high (between 0.59 and 0.94) for the tested ecotypes under three different environmental conditions (aerial, distal, and minimal stress). The study supported the use of the gfac factor as a gas exchange function that controlled water stress effects on gs and aided in the prediction of gs responses.
Effect of Selected Growth Stimulators on the Yield of Cilantro
Authors: Morales-Payan* J. Pablo , Stall William M.
Published: February 2019

Field experiments were conducted in Citra, Fla., to determine the effect of acetylthioproline (AP, 250 mg·L-1), gibberellic acid (GA3, 50 mg·L-1), triterpenic acid (TTA, 300 mg·L-1), a commercial glycine-rich complex of free amino acids and short-chain peptides (ACP, 1500 mg·L-1), and two commercial cytokinin-rich seaweed extracts (CST and CTR, both at 30 mg·L-1) on the yield of cilantro (Coriandrum sativum). Aqueous solutions of the AP, ACP, GA3, CST, CTR, and TTA were sprayed on the leaves of cilantro at 15 and 30 days after crop emergence (DAE). Fresh and dry cilantro shoot yields were determined after harvest (60 DAE). No toxicity was apparent from the treatments. For any given treatment, fresh and dry shoot yields were positively correlated. TTA did not significantly affect cilantro yield. GA3, AP, and ACP increased fresh cilantro yield by 23%, 19%, and 16%, respectively, as compared to control plants. When CST or CTR were applied, fresh cilantro yield was 12% higher than in control plants.
Evaluating Rosemary Cultivars for Use as Christmas Tree-shaped Topiaries
Authors: Warnock* Daniel , Voigt Charles
Published: February 2019

Greenhouse production of rosemary, Rosemarinus officinalis, as small potted Christmas tree topiaries for holiday sales have become necessary for many companies marketing to large retail outlets. Topiaries must be sheared multiple times to obtain an acceptable Christmas tree shape. Cultivars vary in physical attributes suggesting that they may respond differentially to mechanical shearing during production. This study assessed 16 rosemary cultivars for their potential as potted Christmas tree shaped topiaries. Beginning July 2001, rosemary plants derived from vegetative propagation of shoot tips were grown in a greenhouse with temperatures set at 73/65 °F day/night. Plants were pinched immediately after transplant and provided high fertility and maximum light. From August to October, plants were pruned monthly for a total of three shearing events. The crop was considered mature on the targeted market date of 5 Dec. Final plant quality was visually assessed using a 1 to 5 scale that accounted for plant-to-pot ratio, canopy density, foliage quality, taper, and overall appeal with one point being removed for each factor not meeting industry expectations. The cultivars varied in their performance as Christmas tree shaped topiaries with most being unacceptable. Many of these cultivars had minimal basal branching, perhaps due to selection for use as standard ball shaped topiary performance. Six of the cultivars, `Athens Blue Spire', `Taylor's Blue', `Herb Cottage', `Golden Rain', `Shady Acres', `Rex', and `302100', were suitable for commercial use having visual ratings ranging from 3.8 to 4.5. We suggest that these cultivars be examined for additional attributes that may enhance their performance as Christmas tree shaped topiaries.
Can Agricultural Biotechnology Help Guava Growing in Temperate Climate
Authors: Biswas* Bipul K. , Joshee Nirmal , Yadav Anand K.
Published: February 2019

Guava (Psidium guajava L.), also called `apple of tropics,' is immensely nutraceutical and horticulturally important. Being a tropical plant, it cannot stand temperatures below 25° F and needs frost protection to grow in temperate regions. To adapt in cold climate, cold hardy guava cultivars are needed. Conventional ways are uneconomic in time and efforts. Still, transgenic plants developed using biotechnological approaches of tissue culture and rDNA technology, appear to have great potential. Thus, protocols for in vitro propagation of guava were developed via organogenesis and somatic embryogenesis using nodal explants from mature trees and young zygotic embryos, respectively. Nodal explants induced multiple shoots when cultured on MS medium fortified with KIN, BAP and Ad.S. Adding a (NO3)2 to medium was useful to prevent in vitro shoot tip browning of adventitious shoots. Rocker liquid culture greatly increased growth of multiple shoots compared to the agar-based medium. It appears to be a good tool for woody plant tissue culture. Induction of somatic embryos in guava was also achieved on MS medium supplemented with IAA auxin. About 80% to 90% somatic embryos germinated normally. To achieve Agro-bacterium-mediated gene transfer in guava, on-going co-cultivation of organogenic tissues of guava is to optimize protocols for freeze tolerance gene (CBF1, CBF2, CBF3) transfer. Plasmid vectors containing selectable markers (nptII gene for antibiotic selection and GUS reporter gene as scorable gene mediated selection), with CaMV 35S promoter gene has been introduced into guava tissues and the resultant plants showed antibiotic resistance. Details of the experimental procedures and up-to-date results will be discussed.
Total Phenolic and Flavonoid Contents of Organically and Conventionally Grown Lettuce, Collards and Chinese Cabbage
Authors: Zhao* Xin , Young Janice E. , Carey Ted , Wang Weiqun
Published: February 2019

Organic vegetables have been suggested to produce higher levels of phytochmemicals, which play active roles in disease prevention. We measured total phenolic and aglycone flavonoid (apigenin, kaempferol, luteolin, and quercetin) contents in leaves of organically- and conventionally-grown lettuce (`Kalura' and `Red Sails'), collards (`Top Bunch') and Pak Choi (`Mei Qing') greens during spring and summer trials, using the Folin assay and HPLC, respectively. Postharvest changes in phenolic contents of organic and conventional lettuce were also investigated after 17-day storage at 4 °C. Production system did not cause a significant difference in total phenolic levels of lettuce and collards in either trial, but total phenolics were significantly higher in organic Pak Choi in the summer trial, possibly due to greater flea beetle damage in the organic plots. Organic production did not affect the aglycone flavonoid levels of lettuce and collards in the spring trial except that apigenin increased in organic samples. In the summer trial, however, concentrations of kaempferol, luteolin and quercetin tended to increase in organic lettuce and collards; only luteolin showed promising increase in Pak Choi. Species and cultivars both had significant effects on total phenolic and flavonoid contents. After 17-day storage, total phenolic content significantly increased in both organic and conventional lettuce although the concentrations of aglycone flavonoids remained relatively constant. Total phenolic content was higher in organic `Red Sails' at a marginal significance level after storage, while it did not differ between organic and conventional `Kalura'. We noted a dominant presence of glycoside flavonoids in lettuce before and after storage, which warrants further study.