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Blue honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea) is a circumpolar species complex with representatives in Europe, Asia, and North America. Although honeysuckles (Lonicera spp.) from Eurasia have a history of invasiveness in North America, farmers and homeowners are interested in growing nonnative blue honeysuckle hybrids because of their edible blue fruits. To assess whether these cultivars and closely related native blue honeysuckles (Lonicera caerulea subsp. villosa) might have similar growth and fecundity, we planted five nonnative cultivars of blue honeysuckle and five native genotypes in a common garden in Orono, ME, USA, along with invasive red-fruited honeysuckles [Tatarian honeysuckle (Lonicera tatarica) and European fly honeysuckle (Lonicera xylosteum)] for comparison. Rooted cuttings were planted into a field plot in Jun 2016 and fully maintained during the first season; thereafter, maintenance consisted of weeding once annually. Seventy-three percent of native blue honeysuckle plants survived to the end of the study, whereas survival and growth of nonnative cultivars were more robust. In 2021, nonnative cultivars had an average height of 81 cm and width of 86 cm, which were 2.8 times the height and 2.9 times the width of surviving native plants. The estimated canopy volumes of nonnative blue honeysuckles were an average of 20 times those of their native counterparts. The bloom periods of native and nonnative blue honeysuckles overlapped considerably. However, only seven of the 22 living native plants produced fruits in 2021, with an average of three fruits per plant among them. In contrast, nearly all plants of the nonnative cultivars produced fruits, with an average of 616 fruits per plant. In comparison, the red-fruited invasives had an average of 9739 fruits per plant. Native blue honeysuckles produced very few seeds, whereas nonnative cultivars had an average of 13,918 seeds per plant, which was approximately one-fourth the number produced by invasive red-fruited honeysuckles. We concluded that native and nonnative genotypes of blue honeysuckle differ strikingly in survival, growth, and production of fruits and seeds. However, invasive red-fruited honeysuckles grew faster with higher fecundity than nonnative blue honeysuckles in our full-sun landscape. Because bloom times overlapped substantially between native and nonnative blue honeysuckles, the potential for gene flow to occur from planted cultivars into native populations merits consideration. Several possible explanations of differences in performance among blue honeysuckles include hybrid vigor of cultivars or shallow rooting or poor adaptability of native genotypes to the environment of the common-garden trial. Our results, which demonstrated that nonnative blue honeysuckles are likely to be distinct from their native relatives in terms of competitiveness and fecundity, suggest that caution is warranted during the introduction and cultivation of agricultural genotypes.

The nursery industry produces and sells plants for landscape and environmental purposes and represents a major sector within the US agricultural industry. In recent years, the nursery industry has undergone rapid growth as a result of various factors, including increased demand from housing development and pandemic-fueled interest in home horticulture. As with any industry, the nursery industry must adapt to changes in societal trends to sustain growth. In the wake of unprecedented societal and supply chain issues stemming from the global coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, the American Society for Horticultural Science Nursery Crops Professional Interest Group gathered experts in various disciplines to provide their opinions and insights into the future of the nursery industry, focusing specifically on the changes and challenges the nursery industry will face in the coming decade. Nursery crop specialists spanning the United States identified three primary areas that will steer the future momentum of the nursery industry: consumer trends, natural resources, and labor. Six experts were selected to represent these areas in a workshop held Jul 2022 at the American Society for Horticultural Science Annual Conference in Chicago, IL, USA. This article was developed to disseminate to the greater scientific community the discussions held and insight shared during that workshop.

In an effort to mitigate the environmental impact of chemical fertilizers, plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) have emerged as a more sustainable alternative. Streptomyces saraceticus 31 (‘SS31’), a new strain of biocontrol bacteria, was inoculated into rhizosphere soils of ‘Benifuji’ grape to evaluate its impact on grape roots and berries. The results indicated significant improvements in soil fertility, with higher levels of organic matter, phosphorus, potassium, and nitrate nitrogen compared with those of the controls. Moreover, ‘SS31’ application elicited a notable reduction in soil pH levels, along with a substantial augmentation in the enzymatic activities of both phosphatase and invertase. The grapes treated with ‘SS31’ exhibited a notable increase in the number, length, surface area, and volume of fine roots in both 0- to 10-cm and 10- to 20-cm soil profiles. The application of ‘SS31’ resulted in the observation of greater diameter, lower density, and larger lumen area, along with increased specific hydraulic conductivity in the vessels of roots with 1- to 2-mm diameters. Despite a slight reduction in berry weight compared with that of the controls, ‘Benifuji’ grape berries displayed higher total soluble solids and lower total titratable acidity after ‘SS31’ application. Furthermore, ‘SS31’ treatment elevated the levels of volatile compounds in berries, especially fatty acid-derived compounds. A network analysis revealed a robust positive correlation between the observed improvements in grape berry quality and the morphology as well as the hydraulic conductivity of the grape fine roots. In conclusion, these findings suggest that ‘SS31’ has the potential to enhance grape root function by expanding the root absorption area and facilitating water transportation. This, in turn, may improve the flavor and aroma of ‘Benifuji’ grape berries.

The excessive use of chemical fertilizers in agriculture not only causes a decrease in soil fertility but also has negative effects on the environment, natural resources, and human health. Therefore, environmentally friendly practices, such as the use of organic fertilizers (OFs) and plant biostimulants that increase yield and fruit quality can be effective in solving these problems. In the present research study, we investigated the impact of using an OF alone and in combination with as a biostimulant different doses of humic acid (HA) on plant growth parameters, yield, fruit characteristics, and leaf mineral nutrient concentrations in plants of the Monterey and Albion strawberry varieties. As a result of this study, we determined that the combined application of the OF and HA increased the yield, fruit quality, plant growth, and nutritional elements in the crop compared with using the OF alone. In addition, the Monterey variety plants treated with OF and HA (5.0 L·ha⁻¹) in T₃ offered the best results among the different treatment groups and varieties. With this treatment, we obtained the highest total yield (262.42 g/plant), fruit weight, total soluble solids (TSS), and TSS/acid ratio, as well as increased growth parameters, and mineral nutrient concentrations in leaves. These results are hopeful for enhancing organic strawberry production.

Turfgrass seed, a living organism, is facing more stringent trade regulations compared with nonliving products. We applied multiple empirical approaches to explore the impact of these regulations on trade flows in grass seeds. We constructed a series of novel variables to measure these regulations, such as environment regulation stringency, pre-shipment inspections, market conditions, and product requirements. Our results showed that nontariff trade measures had substantial impacts on the trade of grass seeds. These measures sometimes worked as barriers to trade and at other times worked as catalysts for trade.

In temperate climates, aquaponic producers must use artificial lighting; however, purchasing light-emitting diode (LED) grow lights can be cost-prohibitive. Two aquaponic trials evaluated low-cost LED lighting for the growth of bibb lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. capitata). In trial 1, seven low-cost LED lights were screened and compared with a high-end LED grow light. The three best-performing lights in terms of total plant biomass produced (grams) and total plant biomass per unit of electricity (grams per square meter per kilowatt-hour) were more intensively evaluated in trial 2. These lights included Spider Farmer SF-2000 [SPI ($300)], Fluence RAZRx [FLU ($364)], Designers Fountain 6-Light 5000 K LED High Bay Light [DES ($100)], and the control NeoSol DS [NEO ($1400)]. After 17 days, lettuce grown under NEO achieved higher (P ≤ 0.05) total biomass (939 g) than DES (812 g). There were no differences (P > 0.05) in the average individual plant weights in any treatment. Plant production efficiency (grams per square meter per kilowatt-hour) was higher in DES than NEO (P ≤ 0.05) but was not different from SPI and FLU (P > 0.05). Results indicate that low-cost LEDs are a viable option for producers looking to reduce investment costs while maintaining adequate plant growth. To further describe potential cost savings for producers, a partial budget analysis evaluated the net change in profits and benefit/cost ratio (BCR) of the experimental lights. All showed improved economic results compared with the control (NEO). These studies indicate that low-cost LED lights can support similar plant growth, at higher energy efficiencies, with better economic viability than more expensive grow lights.

Farmers in the high desert are challenged by a short growing season and slow crop establishment of warm-season vegetables. Yet an increasing demand for local produce in nearby urban areas presents an opportunity to diversify farms while adapting to climate uncertainty. Vegetable rootstocks can confer advantages under biotic and abiotic stress conditions, but information on which and how melon rootstocks can improve management does not exist for high desert and short-season regions. Commercial, squash-hybrid rootstocks (i.e., Cucurbita maxima × C. moschata) were grafted with a common scion (Cucumis melo cv. Sarah’s choice). Nine rootstocks in 2021 and four selected rootstocks in 2022 were evaluated in four field trials (two per year) in northern Nevada at two distinct locations. Melon grafting did not consistently increase crop performance in the high desert, and it was influenced by location and year. Throughout the initial half of the harvesting period, grafted plants tended to produce more melons, irrespective of location or year, offering a potential appeal for melon growers operating in shorter growing seasons. However, a slight reduction in fruit quality (i.e., °Brix) was observed in some grafted plants compared with the ungrafted control. The benefits of grafting melons onto squash hybrids in high desert conditions remain uncertain and may depend on microenvironment and farming practices that affect crop establishment, such as mulching effects on soil temperature.

We investigated the growth dynamics of hydroponic lettuce (Lactuca sativa) driven by the influence that potassium (K⁺) has on crop growth. This study aimed to determine whether increased K⁺ concentrations under different daily light integrals (DLIs) in a hydroponic system will boost growth of greenhouse lettuce. This study was conducted within a controlled glass greenhouse environment with varying DLIs achieved by integrating an adaptive lighting control system over a 16-hour photoperiod. We used three K⁺ treatments of 200, 400, or 600 mg⋅L⁻¹ K⁺ and six DLI lighting treatments of 11.1, 12.9, 14.6, 15.9, 16.9, and 17 mol⋅m⁻²⋅d⁻¹. We found that increasing K⁺ did not increase shoot dry weight, leaf area, or specific leaf area with increasing DLIs. Although K⁺ and DLI had an interacting effect on the root dry weight fraction, leaf chlorophyll content, and quantum yield of photosystem II, the K⁺ treatments did not increase or decrease with increasing DLIs. The influencing factor was DLI, which led to increases in shoot dry weight and leaf area, whereas a decrease in specific leaf area was observed with increasing DLIs. Ultimately, adding supplemental concentrations of K⁺ did not enhance lettuce growth, nor did these effects show any increase with increasing DLIs.

Perennial ornamental grasses are often recommended for rain gardens, but few data support their use. We conducted two experiments to evaluate the ability of ornamental grass cultivars to grow while subjected to cyclical flooding, submergence, and drought typical of rain gardens. Our objectives were to determine the effects of cyclical flood and drought (Expt. 1) and submergence depth and duration (Expt. 2) on grass growth and survival. Seven cultivars were evaluated during greenhouse trials, including Pixie Fountain tufted hairgrass [Deschampsia cespitosa (L.) P. Beauv.], Northwind switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.), Red October big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii Vitman), Purpurascens Chinese silvergrass (Miscanthus sinensis Andersson), Blue Heaven^® little bluestem [Schizachyrium scoparium (Michx.) Nash], Blonde Ambition blue grama grass [Bouteloua gracilis (Kunth) Lag. ex Griffiths], and Karl Foerster feather reed grass [Calamagrostis ×acutiflora (Schrad.) DC]. During Expt. 1, grasses underwent four cycles of flooding duration (2 days or 7 days) followed by drought (drying to volumetric soil water contents of 0.14 or 0.07 cm³·cm⁻³). During Expt. 2, grasses were cyclically submerged at 15 or 30 cm above the soil surface for 2, 4, or 7 days, followed by floodwater removal and drainage for 2 days before being resubmerged. Cyclical submergence continued until the 7-day submergence treatments completed four cycles. Both experiments were replicated in a full factorial randomized complete block design. Controls were included in both experiments. Plants were measured to determine plant height, shoot count, visual damage rating, shoot dry weight, and root dry weight. Floodwater chemistry and soil reducing conditions were measured during Expt. 2. Chinese silvergrass and switchgrass survived cyclical soil flooding/drought and submergence for 7 days at a depth of 30 cm while maintaining acceptable foliar damage. All grasses survived cyclical flood and drought when the soil volumetric water content was maintained at 14%, suggesting they can withstand periodic soil flooding as long as the water is not too deep. As water depth and duration increased from 4 days to 7 days, little bluestem, blue grama grass, and feather reed grass experienced significant foliar damage. Tufted hair grass and big bluestem experienced significant foliar damage when submerged for 2 days. Our results showed that perennial ornamental grasses can tolerate cyclical flood and drought and periodic submergence, but that plant conditions and survival vary, which can inform strategic plant placement within rain gardens, bioretention basins, and other stormwater management systems.