Search Results
Abstract
Pregerminated (PG) chile pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) seed was fluid-drilled in gels on three dates (early to late spring). Plants grown from PG seed emerged earlier than those from dry seed, and plant growth was enhanced (including earlier flowering), but the fruit yields were not affected. In the first planting date in cold soils, PG slowed emergence and the hypocotyls tended to coil within the gel. In a companion test, pre-soaking seed improved emergence, growth, and yield compared to plants from dry seed. Adding P to the soaking solution enhanced emergence, early plant growth, and plant P, but decreased fruit yields. Phosphorus added to the gel water of hydration increased seedling growth, but did not significantly affect fruit yields.
Abstract
Experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of fresh and aged conifer barks on galling by the root-knot nematode [Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid and White) (Chitwood)] on tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) roots. Fresh bark (stored at sawmill) exhibited significant nematicidal activity (reduced galling) when used as a medium component [50% or 75% with sand (v/v)]. Galling on tomatoes grown in aged bark (used as a culturing medium for tomatoes for 5 years) was extensive. When 10% or 20% fresh conifer bark was mixed into beds, galling was less extensive on tomato roots than on roots from tomatoes grown in an unamended medium. The nematicidal property of conifer bark diminished during long-term use. Increases in medium pH, which occurred during continuous cropping, could have contributed to the reduced nematicidal activity with time.
Abstract
Experiments were conducted in 1979 and 1980 to evaluate anticrustant (H3PO4 and Nalco 2190) effects on stand establishment, growth, and yield of chile pepper (Capsicum annuum L.). While plant stands and fruit yield were not increased by applying H3PO4 over the seeded row in 1979, hypocotyl stress of germinants was reduced. Stands and P content in 1980 were not increased by H3PO4 or Nalco 2190 treatments 1 month after emergence, but plant height was increased significantly by both anticrustants. Yields of fresh green chile peppers were not enhanced by treatments. While germinant stress could be reduced by using anticrustants, it was concluded that a factor other than crusting was limiting chile seedling growth in southern New Mexico.