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Abstract
Global radiation on cloudless days within apple trees varied considerably. At most times on any day absorption of global radiation was dependant on solar zenith angle and was greatest between 1 and 2m from the tree tops. Measurements of penetrating global radiation were similar whether made on E-W or N-W tracks and differed little in trees on M.26 and M.7 except deep in the canopy where energy levels were lower in the latter.
Attenuation of infra-red radiation was less than visible resulting in higher levels of infra-red relative to visible deep in the canopy.
Apples from trees on M.7 had less red color than those on M.26 but the amount of red color formed was positively correlated with global radiation. At the same global radiation fruit color was better on M.26 than on M.7. This may, in part, be a rootstock or tree training effect. An estimated minimum energy of 250 cal cm-2 day-1 was necessary for the initiation and maintenance of red color in apples.
Seventy-six Cucurbita pepo L. cultivars and breeding lines were evaluated under field conditions for infestation levels and defoliation (leaf area consumed by beetles) by adult diabroticite beetles in 1992 and 1994. Striped and spotted cucumber beetles, Acalymma vittatum (F.) and Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi Barber, respectively, were most common, but some western and northern corn rootworms, D. virgifera virgifera LeConte and D. barberi Smith and Lawrence, respectively, also were present. In general, pumpkin, delicata, acorn winter squash, scallop, and yellow straightneck summer squash types were the least infested and defoliated. Caserta/yellow, zucchini, caserta/zucchini, caserta, and precocious yellow straightneck types were the most infested and defoliated. The number of beetles per plant was correlated (r ≥ 0.72) with leaf defoliation and proportion of plants infested, indicating that beetle infestation is a good predictor of damage. The cultivars and breeding lines that were the least infested and defoliated can be used in breeding programs to develop desirable genotypes with reduced beetle preference. Conversely, those genotypes that were highly preferred have potential as trap crops for these beetle pests.