estimated for each predetermined group, based on the districts of collection. Further, an indirect estimate of the level of gene flow ( N m ) between the two populations and districts of collection was calculated using the formula: N m = 0.25 (1 – F ST
Plant population density and its effects on crop yield and quality have been studied on numerous vegetable crops during the past 30 years [e.g., pickling cucumber ( Cucumis sativus ) ( Cantliffe and Phatak, 1975 ), zucchini ( Cucurbita pepo
populations than self-pollinated species such as annuals ( Hamrick and Godt, 1996 ). The mode of pollination, wind vs. insect, and the mode of seed dispersal also contribute to gene flow within and among populations. Given the extensive distribution of C
Phenotypic comparison of plant populations within and among species is crucial for genetic research and plant breeding. Major hindrances of these comparisons include disparity among techniques used and types of data reported for each trait
An important element of the social horticulture program at the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension has been the creation of school gardens to enhance educational efforts for children in Las Vegas. Since 2002, a variety of methods has been employed to train teachers and administrators in using gardens, and this has resulted in establishment of successful gardening programs. Southern Nevada has experienced a 400% population increase in 25 years. Results of surveys of area stakeholders between 2000 and 2002, Clark County elementary school staff in 2001, and Clark County school principals in 2004, indicate a desire to incorporate gardens in schools, but concerns about establishing and maintaining them persist. Furthermore, apprehension about trying to garden under challenging climatic conditions characteristic of the Mojave Desert is expressed frequently, as is hesitation about using gardens to enhance the school curriculum in at-risk schools. When offered training in use of gardens, however, a majority of principals surveyed responded positively. They also expressed interest in tracking the educational and social impacts of gardens on students and faculty. This article reports on results of community stakeholder meetings and surveys of Clark County schools, as well as the methods that are being used to create a school gardens program in the most rapidly growing metropolis in the United States.
Vegetable soybeans (Glycine max), the same species as field-dried soybeans, have similar production requirements and good market potential for commercial producers in upper midwestern United States. Five vegetable soybean cultivars were tested for yield and quality characteristics and to assess the necessity of field irrigation during 2003 and 2004 in North Dakota. Cultivars of different maturity dates were evaluated for stand densities, pod production, seed weight, and marketable yield. Total marketable yields varied between the years, ranging from 5773 to 10,118 lb/acre. Lower yields in 2003 were attributed to significantly lower population stands caused by poor germination conditions. `Envy', the earliest maturing cultivar, produced a significantly smaller seed size, while `Sayamusume' produced a greater seed size than the other cultivars both years. `Butterbean', `IA1010', and `IA2062' yielded greater percentages of three-bean pods than the other two cultivars each growing season. Irrigation did not increase the marketable pod yield or the quality variables examined each season; thus it appears that rainfall during the growing season may be adequate for vegetable soybean production in this region.
nutrients. Continued state population growth, recent droughts, saltwater intrusion, uncertainties associated with climate, and water conservation regulations have prompted growers to seek alternative production practices that conserve water, reduce the risk
., 2005 ; Qi et al., 2011 ). Ginsenosides Rg1, Re, and Rb1 are higher than ginsenosides Rc, Rb2, and Rd in wild american ginseng populations ( Assinewe et al., 2003 ; Lim et al., 2005 ; Schlag and McIntosh, 2006 ). However, the composition and contents
localized cultivar needs. Relatively large collections of peach accessions have been maintained in stone fruit breeding programs around the world, as demonstrated in reviews, cultivar releases, and/or population genetics studies using those accessions; for
Bearded iris ( Iris × hybrida Hort.), characterized by a thick and bushy “beard” on three falls (lower petals), refers to the large artificial hybrid population in the Iris genus. They have extraordinary prevalence and great commercial value as