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Abstract
Apple (Malus domestica Borkh.), blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.), and juice grape (Vitis labrusca L.) growers in selected Michigan counties were surveyed to determine the major sources of technical information used in their decisionmaking for seven production practices; whether a common pattern of information sources exist among the seven technologies within each grower group; and whether patterns of information sources among different grower groups are similar within each technology. Major information sources averaged across the seven production practices in order of importance to each grower group were: apple growers—Michigan State Horticultural Society (MSHS) annual meetings, local growers, Cooperative Extension Services (CES) agents, CES bulletins, and agribusiness representatives; blueberry growers—Michigan Blueberry Growers Association (MBGA) members-MBGA representatives, MBGA handbooks and local growers, and independent blueberry growers-CES agents, local growers, and CES bulletins; grape growers—National Grape Cooperative (NGC) members-local growers, CES agents, NGC newsletters and NGC representatives, and, independent juice grape growers—local growers and CES agents. Information sources used by growers for each practice were discussed. Chemical-requiring technologies, such as fertilizer use, weed control, pest control, growth regulator use, and disease control had similar ranking patterns for information sources within each industry.
are critical for optimizing cut flower production against regional constraints ( Ortiz et al., 2012 ; Wien, 2009 ). Surveys of growers emphasize this need with season extension, control of bloom timing, and cultivar selection as the top
Abstract
In the article “Use of Farming Systems Research Extension (FSR/E) Methods to Identify Horticultural Research Priorities in The Gambia, West Africa”, by G.O. Gaye, Isatou Jack, and John S. Caldwell (HortScience 23(l):21–25, February 1988), the authors wish to make the following acknowledgment: “The work reported herein was done under the Gambia Agricultural Research and Development Project of the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of The Gambia; the United States Agency for International Development; and the Univ. of Wisconsin. We express our appreciation to these institutions for their support.”
Minimal processing of green onions (Allium cepa × A. fistulosum) involves trimming and removing damaged leaves, cutting of roots, and removal of the compressed stem. If the stem tissue is completely removed with the roots, the white inner leaf bases may extend, or “telescope,” during storage. Storage at 0 °C greatly retards extension growth, but storage at 5 °C results in unacceptable extension rates. To maintain high quality and to extend the shelf life of intact and minimally processed green onions, the potential benefits of heat treatments and controlled atmosphere storage were evaluated. Atmospheres of 0.1% to 0.2% O2 or 0.1% to 0.2% O2 containing 7.5% to 9.0% CO2 at 5 °C were the CA conditions that best maintained visual appearance and prolonged shelf life to more than 2 weeks in both intact and cut onions. No CA treatment completely controlled “telescoping” at 5 °C. Several heat treatment combinations (52.5 and 55 °C water for 4 and 2 min, respectively) of the white inner leaf bases were effective in controlling “telescoping” of cut green onions stored at 5 °C. The effective heat treatments resulted in higher average respiration rates during 12 days, but did not affect the visual quality or shelf life of the cut green onions. Total soluble sugars decreased in intact or cut green onions, but concentrations were maintained in heat -treated onions. Thiosulfinate concentrations did not vary importantly during 14 days at 5 °C, except for a reduction in heat-treated onions not stored under CA.
, especially with crops that are less well known and currently underused. We also identified interests and needs for outreach activities related to horticulture. Land grant-type extension programs have had limited documented effectiveness in some parts of
Side Research and Extension Center in Five Points in the San Joaquin Valley (5 Mar. to 15 May and 8 May to 10 July 2012), UC Desert Research and Extension Center in El Centro in the Imperial Valley (7 Mar. to 9 May and 9 May to 2 July 2012), and USDA
Vavilov’s Law of Homologous Series indicates that heritable variation for a given trait will occur in different species based on parallel selection. The conclusion comes from Vavilov’s study of extensive collections and careful attention to phenotypic variation across taxa. The same examination of variation can be applied to traits using the power of genetic and genomic resolution, because parallel traits would be expected to be governed by the same genetic loci, and perhaps even common mutations. In this review, these concepts are applied to two central traits—the control of “shattering” of kernels in cereals and in the control of photoperiodic flowering. One of the strengths of the law is that it can make predictions about traits and perhaps the genes or genomic regions that control them. With respect to genetic variation, the occurrence and physical location of genes associated with kernel retention may be predicted. Many grains share mutations, such as the Sh 1 gene, which were selected in parallel. Selection of the Sh1 gene led to higher yields due to better kernel retention. While the genes affected are often the same, the types of mutations are not, implying convergent selection. Flowering time is governed by multiple loci, so variation may be attributed only to a few candidates, yet because of the number of regulators the predictive power of the law is lower. The modern application of the Law of Homologous Series is that it allows basic researchers or plant breeders to make predictions about the genes controlling key traits, although the genetic basis of variation is likely not conserved.
Abstract
Telelecture programming was attempted to better manage time and travel expenditures. Since January, 1974. I have delivered almost all multi-session programs via telelecture.
The effect of Ca on breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) postharvest storage was investigated. Mature-green breadfruits were hand-harvested in Blanchisseuse, Trinidad, dipped in 0%, 2%, 5%, and 10% CaCl2-2H2O solutions for 0.5, 1.0, 3.0, 6.0, and 12.0 hours, and stored at 16C for 9 days. Calcium content was shown to increase in both peel and pulp with increasing concentration and length of treatment. The 5% and 10% Ca treatment had a detrimental effect on color and texture as determined by sensory evaluation. The 2% treatment delayed fruit softening, particularly for 3-, 6-, and 12-hour dips. At the end of storage, total soluble solids content was affected little by the treatments, while pectin solubilization was delayed. Breadfruit shelf life was extended from 4 to 9 days with 2% treatments. Peel browning remains the limiting factor for storage.