pepper ‘Mitla’. Increasing the number of plants in proximity to each other can cause competition for water, sun, and nutrients and it is expected that plant development would possibly be detrimentally affected. For cayenne, jalapeño, paprika
subsequent assessments of regrowth after harvest. Therefore, the ability to estimate flower number as a primary component of yield before harvest via rapid, nondestructive, and reproducible means would be beneficial as a research tool. Digital image analysis
). We were interested in assessing the heritability of heat stress tolerance traits—number of flowers, number of fruit per cluster, and fruit set (measured as a percentage)—in two tomato populations derived from crosses between heat-tolerant and heat
bud break, abnormal flower development, and reduces leaf area and flower number ( Carew et al., 2000 ; Erez, 1987 ). Furthermore, dormancy may restrict elongation of lateral shoots after bud break, resulting in rosette-like growth ( Erez, 1999
Greenhouse studies were conducted to determine the efficacy of two granular systemic insecticides, acephate (Pinpoint 15G) and imidacloprid (Marathon 1G), against western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis Pergande) on Transvaal daisy (Gerbera jamesonii H. Bolus ex. Hook. f). These studies were arranged in a randomized complete-block design with four blocks and four treatments per block. Two rates of acephate (0.75 g/16.5-cm pot and 1.0 g/16.5-cm pot) and one rate of imidacloprid (1.3 g/16.5-cm pot) were used in two studies. Plants were artificially inoculated with five adult western flower thrips at the prebloom stage. Plants were evaluated each week for flower quality (1 = complete injury or flower distortion to 5 = no injury), thrips density per flower, and number of plants flowering in each plot. Both studies showed that the acephate treated plants had the best flower quality, lowest numbers of thrips, and greatest number of plants flowering compared to imidacloprid and the check. These studies demonstrate that granulated acephate exhibits some activity in flower tissue and may assist growers in managing western flower thrips in floricultural crops.
Abstract
Thirty-six peach and nectarine [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] cultivars were evaluated for flower bud number (flower buds/node) over 2 years. Cultivar, year, and year × cultivar effects were highly significant. Cultivars released from California breeding programs generally had fewer flower buds than those from eastern U.S. programs, suggesting that selection for cropping consistency in eastern breeding programs has resulted in release of cultivars with many flower buds. Variance component estimates from this study and from 2 years of sampling trees of ‘Redhaven’ indicates that sampling over years and increasing the number of shoots sampled per tree is warranted. Variability among trees within cultivar was low.
question of whether flower vigor and quality as expressed in differences in flower size and degree of female development influence fruit production in pomegranate. Flower and/or ovary size have been shown to impact final fruit size in a number of crops
Abstract
Eleven cultivars of Vaccinium ashei Reade in a 10-year-old planting were compared for number of flowers per inflorescence and for percentage of the flowers that set fruit on bagged and open-pollinated branches. Mean flower number per cluster ranged from 7.6 for ‘Bluegem’ to 5.3 for Florida-M. Mean percentage of fruit set on open-pollinated branches ranged from 75% for ‘Southland’ to 36% for ‘Tifblue’. On branches bagged to exclude bees, the range was from 21% for ‘Beckyblue’ to 3% for Tifblue.
Four sweet potato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.] cultivars responded differently to growth regulator application for number of flowers produced, percentage capsule set, and number of seeds produced. Gibberellic acid, 2,4-D, and BA application resulted in the highest number of flowers by `Jewel', `Shore Gold', and `Vardaman) plants, respectively. Application of GA3 to `Jewel', 2,4-D or ethephon to `Shore Gold', and BA to `Vardaman' produced the highest number of seeds. Grafting to rootstock of Z. carnea Jacq. spp. fistulosa (Mart. ex Choisy) D. Austin increased flower numbers, percentage capsule set, and number of seeds in all cultivars. The effects of growth regulators and grafting were additive for flower numbers, percentage capsule set, and number of seeds. Chemical names used: N-(phenylmethyl)-1H-purin-6-amine (BA), (2,4-dichlorophenoxy) acetic acid (2,4-D), (2-chloroethyl) phosphoric acid (ethephon), and (1α, 2β, 4a α, 4b β, 10)-2,4a,7-trihydroxy-1-methy1-8-methylenegibb-3-ene-1,10-dicarboxylic acid 1,4a-Iactone (gibberellic acid; GA3).
Abstract
Gibberellic acid (GA3) was applied to Zantedeschia elliottiana (W. Wats.) and Z. rehmannii (Engl.) (yellow and pink calla lily) at 0, 50, 100, 500, or 1000 ppm, either as a preplant rhizome 10-min soak or as a foliar spray. Soaking rhizomes in 500 ppm GA3 prior to planting increased number of flowering shoots and flowers per shoot. Leaves on treated plants were narrower, but length was unaffected. Flower height was not affected. Foliar sprays did not alter any measured parameter. A preplant GA soak may be useful in the production of Zantedeschia as flowering potted plants. Chemical name used: (1α, 2β, 4aα, 4bβ, 10β)-2,4a,7-trihydroxy-1-methyl-8-methylenegibb-3-ene-1,10-dicarboxylic acid 1,4a-lactone (GA3).