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The Internet has become a valuable tool in education in the traditional classroom. Although electronic publications and other visual information in the form of PowerPoint presentations, with or without streaming video, have proven very effective in disseminating information, these forms lack interaction with clientele. Horizon Wimba software circumvents this limitation by allowing interaction between presenter and remote audience as well as between individual students while the lecture is in progress. This Web-based tool was evaluated in two Extension programs, Master Gardener and county agent trainings. With both types of audience, evaluations showed high satisfaction and effectiveness of the delivery of information. Evaluations also showed that Master Gardeners who use the Internet on a regular basis considered the Web-delivered interactive lecture format similar to face-to-face interaction. Master Gardeners who do not use the Internet on a regular basis listed that Web-delivered interactive training could be used as a supplement to traditional face-to-face interaction. County agents were very comfortable with the format and indicated high interest in participating in future trainings via the Internet.
Geogenanthus Ínca' is a new cultivar introduced the foliage plant industry which shows promise in interior plantscaping. The objectives of this study were twofold; to examine the effects of ancymidol and flurprimidol on G. `Inca' growth and determine if plant growth retardant (PGR) application could improve postharvest performance. Four weeks before attaining marketable sizes, the plants were drenched with ancymidol or flurprimidol at 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, or 1.5 mg (a.i.). Plants were then placed in interior-evaluation rooms under 12 μmol·m–2·s–1. Ancymidol or flurprimidol reduced plant height, width, growth index and total leaf area, total dry weight and shoot to root ratio of Geogenathus `Inca'. Flurprimidol increased the deposition of insoluble carbohydrates (starch) and altered the pattern of starch deposition; higher starch content was found in stem tissue compared to foliage tissue. The effects of ancymidol or flurprimidol persisted in the postharvest environment. After 4 months under low irradiance, PGR-treated plants exhibited higher quality, i.e., compact stature and reduced leaf and shoot necrosis. This research has potential significance for the foliage plant industry and it showed that a single drench application at label recommended rates of ancymidol or flurprimidol late in the production cycle can produce desired growth control of Geogenanthus `Inca' in the postharvest environment. Plants retain aesthetic characteristics for extended period thus necessitating lower replacement rate.