Search Results
Abstract
Polynomial, monomolecular, logistic, and Gompertz growth curves were evaluated for their suitability as mathematical models for germination data. Germination of hulled or leached creosote bush [Larrea tridentata (DC.) Cov.] mericarps were used in the evaluation. The Gompertz model gave the best fit. Germination curves and germination rate curves gave similar patterns of response to results obtained by other methods, which suggests the Gompertz model may have application in germination data analysis. Hulling improved germination over leaching intact mericarps. Nine hours was the optimum leaching duration for intact mericarps.
Abstract
Procedures are described to mechanize partially harvesting, cleaning, and pretreat-ment of guayule achenes. Achenes are harvested with a vacuum insect net and cleaned by a series of screening, threshing, and forced air separations, then treated to overcome seed coat impermeability in a semiautomatic system that presoaks, treats with 0.5% sodium hypochlorite, and rinses. Achenes may be sown immediately or dried for storage. Procedures outlined involve commercially available equipment with a minimum of custom construction and are adaptable to small or large operations.
Although water conservation programs in the arid southwestern United States have prompted prudent landscaping practices such as planting low water use trees, there is little data on the actual water use of most species. The purpose of this study was to determine the actual water use of two common landscape tree species in Tucson, Ariz., and water use coefficients for two tree species based on the crop coefficient concept. Water use of oak (Quercus virginiana `Heritage') and mesquite (Prosopis alba `Colorado') trees in containers was measured from July to October 1991 using a precision balance. Water-use coefficients for each tree species were calculated as the ratio of measured water use per total leaf area or per projected canopy area to reference evapotranspiration obtained from a modified FAO Penman equation. After accounting for tree growth, water-use coefficients on a total leaf area basis were 0.5 and 1.0 for oak and mesquite, respectively, and on a projected canopy area basis were 1.4 and 1.6 for oaks and mesquites, respectively. These coefficients indicate that mesquites (normally considered xeric trees) use more water than oaks (normally considered mesic trees) under nonlimiting conditions.