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Abstract
To simulate the developmental sequence of the Easter lily flower (Lilium longiflorum Thunb. ‘Nellie White’), flower buds from 4.5 cm to 16 cm (anthesis) were cut from field-grown plants on a single date. Fresh weight increased with bud length and was highest at anthesis, whereas dry matter reached a maximum of 1.6 g when buds were 14 cm long. The percentage of dry matter declined from 16% in the smallest bud to only 9% at anthesis. Respiration rates, both per bud and per unit dry weight, increased with bud size, reaching peak values of 3.0 mg CO2 · bud-1 · hr-1 and 1.8 mg CO2 · g-1 dry wt · hr -1 at anthesis before declining to a markedly lower rate. From these data, the total dry matter needs of flowers on field-grown plants were estimated.
Uniconazole was applied as a drench or spray to six hybrid lily (Liliurn sp.) cultivars. Spray application was generally more effective than drench in reducing shoot elongation rate in the first few weeks, and then the efficacy decreased and was less effective than the drench at later stages of plant development. At flowering, a uniconazole drench at 0.1 mg/pot was ineffective for height reduction in `Bravo', `Juliana', and `Sunray' lilies. At higher rates, uniconazole drench was similar to spray in reducing shoot growth in `Bravo' and 306-1 but less effective than spray in `Juliana', `Star Gazer', and `Sunray' lilies. Uniconazole spray reduced plant height at flowering in all the lilies compared to control plants. Days to flower was not affected in `Bravo', `Juliana', and `Sunray' but was increased in `Star Gazer', 306-1, and 306-2 by uniconazole spray treatments. Flowering duration was decreased only in 306-1 by uniconazole spray at 0.2 mg/pot. Chemical name used: (E)-1-(4-chlorophenyl) -4,4 -dimethyl-2-(l,2,4 -triazol-1-yl)-1-penten-3 -ol (uniconazole).
Abstract
Addition of rhizbitoxin analogs to holding solutions extended vase life of bulbous iris flowers (Iris xiphium L), daffodils (Narcissus pseudo-narcissus L.) and chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat). Sodium benzoate also increased vase life of daffodils butnot of irises and chrysanthemums. Isopentenyl adenosine delayed senesence of irises but not of chrysanthemums. None of the chemicals tested extended the vase life of roses (Rosa hybrida L). Ethylene production in rose petal tissue was reduced by rhizobitoxine analogs indicating that roses do not have a rhizobitoxine-resistant ethylene producing system. Results suggested that either roses are sensitive to low levels of ethylene or their senescence is triggered by factors other than ethylene.
The sweetpotato weevil is the single most critical insect pest of the sweetpotato worldwide. While male weevils can be lured to traps using a synthetic female pheromone, crop losses are not adequately reduced since damage is caused by the larvae arrising from eggs laid by female weevils in the storage roots. Identification of a female attractant could greatly enhance the control of the insect. The leaves and storage roots are known to emit volatiles that attract the female and in the following tests, we demonstrate that feeding by female weevils stimulates the synthesis of a volatile attractant which attracts additional females to the root. Undamaged, artificially damaged, and female weevil feeding damaged periderm were tested in dual-choice and no-choice olfactometers. Volatiles from feeding damaged roots were significantly more attractive than undamaged and artificially damaged roots. To test whether the volatile attractant was of weevil or root origin, volatiles were collected in MeCl2 after removal of the weevils and fractionated on a megabore DB-1 capillary column using a GC fitted with a TC detector. Fractions were collected from the exit port and their activity index (AI) determined using dual choice and no choice olfactometry. The active fraction was ascertained and active components identified via GC-MS.
Using the sweetpotato as a model, we identified precursors of critical flavor volatiles by fractionating, based upon solubility, raw roots into major groups of constituents. Volatile thermophyllic products from the individual fractions were analyized and compared to those from non-extracted root material. Volatile components were seperated and identified using GC-MS and quantified using internal standard methodology. Mechanisms of synthesis of flavor volatiles via thermophyllic reactions will be discussed, as will postharvest treatments that can modulate eventual aromatic properties of cooked plant products.
Percentage of fruiting uprights, fruit set, number of fruit per upright, and flower bud formation of `McFarlin' and `Stevens' cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.) were reduced by removal of old leaves, new leaves, or both on the upright. Results varied slightly, based on which leaves were removed, time of removal, cultivar, year, and bog site. Percentage of fruiting uprights, flowers and fruit per upright, and fruit set were higher on uprights with a terminal bud size >1 mm in diameter in September than for those <1 mm in diameter. Effects were cultivar and site dependent. Terminal bud size of `McFarlin' was negatively related to the subtending number of fruit and positively related to leaf fresh weight of the upright.
Abstract
In the article “Respiration and Weight Changes of Easter Lily Flowers during Development” by Yin-Tung Wang and Patrick J. Breen [HortScience 19(5):702-703] the captions for the 2 graphs were reversed
Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy detected early large increases in fluid leakage from zucchini squash (Cucurbita pepo L.) subjected to a chilling temperature (5C). The increase in fluid leakage (principally water) was found after 1 day at 5C, while surface pitting was detected only after 3 days of storage at 5C. Prestorage temperature conditioning at 15C for 2 days greatly diminished the fluid leakage measured by FTIR spectroscopy after 1 day of storage at 5C. Measuring fluid leakage using FTIR spectroscopy seems to be a promising technique to detect the early onset of chilling injury.
The effect of silicon (Si) foliar applications on metabolic changes and powdery mildew infection in strawberry plants were determined. Silicon was used in the forms of potassium (K) and sodium (Na) salts. Foliar sprays containing 0, 250, 500, 750, and 1000 ppm of Si were applied. Strawberry plants showed no difference in response to the K or Na salts of Si during the seven weeks of experimental period. Plants treated with potassium and sodium silicate showed reduced severity of powdery mildew, increased chlorophyll content, and increased plant growth. Potassium and sodium silicate treatments also induced metabolic changes such as an increase in citric acid and malic acid levels, and a decrease in fructose, glucose, sucrose, and myoinositol content. The treated tissues also had higher ratios of (18:2 + 18:3)/18:1 in glycolipids and phospholipids and elevated amounts of membrane lipids in leaves and petioles. These results suggest that Si has beneficial effects on strawberry plants and may serve as an alternative to fungicides for controlling powdery mildew.