Yield Continues to Increase in Cucurbit Crops
Gusmini and Wehner (p. 9) reviewed yield data for the major cucurbit crops in the United States for 1951–2005. Yield increased for all crops over time, except for processing cucumber where yields reached a plateau by the end of the 1990s. Both plant breeding and improved horticultural practices may have contributed to these trends. However, it is difficult to weigh the contribution of genetic improvement over advancement in cultural practices. The trends highlighted by the authors are not predictive of the future, but an analysis of a very positive past for American production of cucurbits crops.
V45 Harvester May Improve Quality of Fresh-market Machine-harvested Rabbiteye Blueberries
Takeda et al. (p. 130) evaluated the V45 harvester on “V-shaped” blueberry plants in southern Georgia. Cane damage was minimal. Internal fruit damage and skin splitting in rabbiteye blueberries harvested by V45 was less than by conventional harvester. In southern highbush blueberries, V45 detached fewer blue fruit and too many immature and stemmed fruit for current commercial use. The V45 harvester has the potential to mechanically harvest some rabbiteye blueberries with quality approaching that of hand-harvested fruit.
Peach Fruit Quality Improved by Postharvest Application of Calcium Chloride and Moisture Barrier
Peach fruit firmness is an important attribute for growers in the southeastern U.S. shipping to distant markets. Lysiak et al. (p. 100) applied a dip of 2% calcium chloride (CaCl2) solution to fruit at a68 °F and stored treated and control fruits in containers covered by polyethylene bags. Dipped fruit retained firmness better than control fruit, largely maintained the soluble solids content, and increased the soluble solids : titratable acid ratio. Covering fruit with bags reduced weight loss. The treatment of CaCl2 and polyethylene cover is inexpensive, practical, and approved for use in food production and distribution.
Early Season Gibberellic Acid Applications Advance Apple Harvest Maturity
Apple growers struggling with alternate bearing need cost-effective options to help manage floral initiation. Gibberellins applied before heavy crop years can help diminish return bloom, but may have unintended side effects on the current season's crop. Schmidt et al. (p. 39) found that commercial GA4+7 reduced flowering in ‘Honeycrisp’ and ‘Cameo’, but also significantly increased maturity of ‘Honeycrisp’ in the year of application.
Consumers Rank Factors Considered in the Selection of Landscape Service Providers
A sampling of homeowners in the Philadelphia metropolitan area who had recently purchased landscape installation or maintenance services ranked eight factors relevant to their selection and purchase of such services. When analyzed by frequency of response and by an average mean ranking of factors, McCoy et al. (p. 148) found that “quality of work” was the most important factor, followed by “cost,” and “types of services offered.” Results were minimally influenced by respondent's level of education, the dollar amount spent on services provided, and the market value of their home.
Differential Fruit Size Distribution of Watermelons in Response to Plasticulture
Plasticulture has been used to enhance growth and yield of horticultural crops and for season extension in cooler climates, but the effect on fruit quality has been overlooked. Arancibia and Motsenbocker (p. 45) investigated the response of two watermelon varieties (‘Sangria’ and ‘Crimson Jewel’) to three colored plastic mulches and spunbonded rowcover in Louisiana. Early and total marketable yield increased in all treatments in comparison to bare ground, but the distribution of fruit among three size categories varied between varieties and by treatment.
Ground Pine Tree Container Substrates Require Extra Fertilizer for Plant Production
A pine tree substrate (PTS) produced from 100% ground, non-composted, loblolly pine trees can be a suitable substitute for peat moss as a greenhouse substrate. Wright et al. (p. 111) demonstrated that approximately 100 ppm more nitrogen in the irrigation water is required for equal growth of chrysanthemum in PTS compared to growth in a peat moss substrate. The cost of the extra nitrogen is more than offset by the less expensive PTS, which can be produced locally where loblolly pine is grown.
Parents Note Increased Awareness of Kids after Exposure to Gardening Curriculum
The positive influence of horticulture on children has prompted the development of many garden-based curricula, including the Growing in the Garden (GITG) curriculum designed by Iowa State University Extension for use in kindergarten through third grade classrooms. In a survey of 78 parents of first-graders (60.2% response rate), Hilgers et al. (p. 18) report that parents noticed an increased awareness and interest in science and the environment after participating in three lessons from the GITG curriculum. Factors such as socioeconomic status, ethnicity, and gender did not influence outcomes.
Turfgrass Tolerance to Traffic Stress May Be Associated with Leaf Antioxidant Activity
Traffic stress causes turfgrass injury. Han et al. (p. 139) investigated responses of japanese zoysiagrass, tall fescue, and kentucky bluegrass to three levels of traffic stress during the growing season under simulated soccer traffic conditions. Traffic stress reduced leaf water content, shoot density, chlorophyll, and antioxidant peroxidase (POD) activity, and increased electrolyte leakage. More traffic tolerance in japanese zoysiagrass was associated with more POD activity, less electrolyte leakage, and higher shoot density, suggesting that antioxidant defense may be involved in turfgrass tolerance to traffic. Selection of species with more antioxidant activity may be an effective approach to improve traffic tolerance.
Brassica Cover Crops Improve Nutrient Cycling, Suppress Weeds, and Increase Onion Yield
Cover crops may help improve vegetable production under short-term crop rotation systems. Wang et al. (p. 68) evaluated effects of four brassica and sorghum-sudangrass cover crops on nutrient cycling, weed suppression, and onion yield on a muck soil with high organic matter in Michigan. All cover crops recycled significant amount of nutrients after onion harvest and reduced weed density during the subsequent onion season. Oilseed radish and yellow mustard increased onion stand establishment and marketable yield. This study suggests that brassica cover crops could provide multiple benefits if incorporated into short-term onion rotations.
Juneberry Growth Reduced by Weed Control Methods
Physical weed control often is the only option for new or niche crops that have high value but limited acreage potential. Mulches eliminate weeds, but does weed elimination result in optimum crop growth? Willard and Hatterman-Valenti (p. 75) compared the efficacy of several physical and chemical weed control methods and their effect on the growth of newly transplanted juneberry seedlings. Woven landscape fabric, flax straw mulch, and wheat straw mulch generally provided the best reduction in weed numbers, but also reduced juneberry growth compared to the hand-weeded control, which had weeds removed three times during the growing season.
Novel Technique to Produce Out-of-season Cherimoya Increases Profits
Low prices in main season and high fruit perishability threaten the profitability of cherimoya cultivation in Spain. Soler and Cuevas (p. 24) describe a novel technique to overcome this threat by delaying harvest. Their procedure, based on the capacity of cherimoya trees to develop flowers in new growth after shoot tipping and defoliation, resulted in new flowers formed 2 months later than typical blooming dates. Hand pollination of these flowers produced high-quality cherimoyas in winter when they are in great demand. Accurate management of hand pollination is essential for the success of this technique.
Newspaper Mulches Suppress Weeds in Organic Cucumbers Grown in High Tunnels
Managing weeds is cited as the number one production issue on organic farms. Sánchez et al. (p. 154) compared shredded newspaper, sheets of newspaper, and straw against a no-mulch control (hand weeded once) to determine the ability of the mulches to suppress weeds and influence the yield of four cucumber varieties. This study was conducted in high tunnels under organic management. Weed populations were highest in control plots and lowest with shredded newspaper. Sheets of newspaper degraded the most, followed by shredded newspaper, and straw. Yields were not affected by mulch treatment, indicating weed populations remained below yield-depressing levels regardless of treatment.
Survey of Wintercreeper Euonymus Production Practices
Nursery growers across the U.S. who produce wintercreeper euonymus were surveyed to determine whether production practices differ between growers who experience anthracnose and those who do not. Boyer et al. (p. 158) found that nurseries use a wide variety of cultural practices to produce quality plants for sale, but plant culture was similar between nurseries that experience anthracnose problems on wintercreeper euonymus and those that do not.
University Information Ranks High with Gardeners
Gardeners often obtain information from friends and garden centers, but Meyer and Foord (p. 162) found that that gardeners rank university information as significantly more knowledgeable, trustworthy, unbiased, and expert, than information from garden centers. Garden centers ranked significantly higher for these traits than home stores. Gardener's interest by topic ranked annuals, perennials, and containers number one, followed by trees and shrubs.
Bacterial Wilt Threatens Edible and Ornamental Gingers in Hawaii
The bacterial wilt pathogen Ralstonia solanacearum race 4 causes severe economic losses to the edible ginger industry in Hawaii. Long-term survival of the pathogen and its potential spread to other ginger species were investigated by Paret et al. (p. 90). Red, pink, white, yellow, shampoo, kahili, beehive, spiral, and shell gingers; red ginger lily, siam tulip, white turmeric, and globba species were highly susceptible. The pathogen survived in the root zone of edible ginger plants and was recovered from effluent water for 120 to 180 days after introduction into the potting medium.
Optimum Fertilizer Rates for Field Citrus Nurseries
Citrus trees often are produced in field nurseries, although this worldwide trend will likely change to greenhouse nursery production in the future. Determination of optimum nitrogen levels may increase tree size and reduce the potential for nitrogen leaching. Davies and Zalman (p. 29) applied six nitrogen rates to newly budded ‘Hamlin’ orange seedlings in a field nursery. Maximum trunk diameter and dry weight were observed at an annual rate of 708 lb/acre in each of two seasons. Very high rates (>1418 lb/acre annually) decreased tree size and potentially could contribute to groundwater pollution.
Transplanting Medicinal Herbs Increases Yield Potential
Supplementing small farm production of agronomic and vegetable crops with herb cultivation may enhance economic sustainability in rural areas. Kleitz et al. (p. 116) grew five medicinal plants (calendula, catnip, lemon balm, stinging nettle, and globemallow) from seed or transplants in southern and northern desert climates of New Mexico to evaluate stand establishment and yield potential of these herbs. Transplanting increased establishment and yield of lemon balm, catnip, stinging nettle, and globemallow. Calendula established well from seed or transplants. Transplanted catnip and lemon balm showed the best potential as alternative crops at both locations.
Laboratory Exercises Provide an Inexpensive Introduction to Gel Electrophoresis
One of the most frequently used tools in plant biotechnology is gel electrophoresis. Trigiano et al. (p. 177) developed two exercises that demonstrate the principles of gel electrophoresis and DNA fingerprinting in middle/high school and university laboratories with minimal expense and equipment. Beginning students explore this fascinating process using common food dyes, and more advanced students work with the ITS region of DNA. Both the food dye and DNA experiments are amenable to a forensic “who done it?” scenario. Detailed instructions and an online slide presentation are provided for preparing all reagents and conducting the experiments.
