plants destined for display on the iPad ® or other high-resolution tablet screen, we recommend using photographs of the highest possible resolution, but certainly not less than 200 × 200 pixels. We cannot specify a minimum photograph resolution because
Abstract
The growth retardants ancymidol, flurprimidol, and chlormequat chloride were incorporated into plaster of paris tablets and compared to drenches on various plants. Ancymidol tablets were as effective as drenches in controlling height and increasing racemes of Clerodendrum thomasoniae Balf. (southern bleeding heart). Drenches of ancymidol and flurprimidol reduced the height of Lilium longiflorum Thunb. (Easter lily) more than tablets; flurprimidol reduced Lilium height more than ancymidol. Tablets reduced the height of Euphorbia pulcherrima Willd. ex Klotzsch (poinsettia) cvs. Topstar and V-14 Glory, but not C-1 Red. Ancymidol drenches produced shorter ‘C-1 Red’ and ‘V-14 Glory’ plants than tablets. Tablets reduced bract diameter more than drenches. Flurprimidol tablets produced the smallest bracts. Chemical names used: α-cyclopropyl-α-(4-methoxyphenyl)-5-pyrimidinemethanol (ancymidol); α-(1-methylethyl)-α-[4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]-5-pyrimidinemethanol (flurprimidol); 2-chloro-N,N,N-trimethylethanaminium chloride (chlormequat chloride); butanedioic acid mono(2,2-dimethylhydrazide) (daminozide).
Abstract
Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) seedlings emerged from vermiculite tablets but did not survive in warm weather plantings (maximum daytime air temperature >32°C) under irrigated desert conditions. Final plant stands of 90% were obtained with modified seed tablets containing activated carbon and nutrient P in cool weather (maximum daytime air temperature <26°C).
Economic and aesthetic losses from deer browsing of ornamental plants in nurseries and landscapes has increased significantly during recent years. This, according to wildlife specialists, is primarily due to hunting restrictions in urban areas. There are numerous so-called “deer repellents” on the market, but most are foliar applied and can be washed off or diluted with rain or irrigation. This study evaluated the effect of a systemically absorbed deer repellent tablet, Repellex (trademarked product), on deer browsing of containerized ornamental plants. A foliar applied counterpart, Repellex liquid, was also evaluated. The 1.5-gm tablets are a 14–2–2 fertilizer containing denatonium benzoate, lactose, ammonium phosphate, hydrous magnesium, and potassium sulfide. Two to eight tablets, depending on the size of the container, are placed adjacent to the root ball of the plant and 2 inches below the media surface at time of transplant. Gumpo azalea, Indian hawthorne, daylily, and Manhattan Euonymus were used for the study. Plants treated with tablets were held 6 to 8 weeks, according to manufacturer recommendations, under nursery conditions, then transported to deer-holding pens at the Whitehall Forest Research Station at the Univ. of Georgia. The pens, 1/2- to 1 acre in size, contained seven to 12 deer, depending on the study. Growth measurements initially and at weekly intervals were used to assess the degree of deer browsing. Results varied by plant species. Generally, the tablets were ineffective in preventing deer browsing when compared to the control. The foliar applied liquid was effective in reducing deer for up to 6 weeks when compared to the control. Plants treated with a tablet at time of propagation and two additional tablets when transplanted were browsed to the container within 2 days of deer exposure.
Abstract
Paclobutrazol drenches were more effective in retarding chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum × morifolium ‘Charm’) plant height than paclobutrazol incorporated in plaster-of-paris tablets, injected hydrogels, and gelatin capsules applied at the same rate (0.5 mg a.i./15-cm pot) in three experiments. Capsules containing paclobutrazol also controlled plant height effectively in all three experiments. Drenches consistently reduced plant area, whereas a 50-ppm paclobutrazol spray did not. Paclobutrazol tablets, gels, and capsules reduced plant area in two of three experiments. Drenches were the only treatment to reduce flower number per plant. Chemical name used: β-[(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]-α-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole-1-ethanol (paclobutrazol).
Table grapes cvs. Flame Seedless, Black Monukka and Canadice were fumigated with 2 levels of Deccodione smoke tablets for 30 minutes. Grapes were packed in TKV lugs with Botrytis inoculum planted among the clusters and stored at 0° C for up to 9 weeks. Size of smoke particles was determined. Fruit was evaluated at weekly intervals for decay and quality parameters. Deccodione residues on fruit were determined and found to be within acceptable limits set for this chemical. It was possible to store the grapes for up to 4 weeks at 0° C in good condition. Beyond this period effect of fumigation was lost. There was no bleaching of pigments around the capstem as is seen with sulfur dioxide fumigation. Storage for prolonged periods will necessitate increasing the dose of Deccodione tables and/or repeating the fumigation.
Abstract
‘Mrs. G.G. Gerbing’ azaleas (Rhododendron L.), grown 12 months in a 2 pine bark : 1 Canadian peat : 1 sand (by volume) medium in 3-liter containers and fertilized with Woodace 14N-1P-2K compressed fertilizer tablets, had greater shoot and root dry weights if the medium was not amended with dolomitic limestone, compared to plants grown in the medium amended with dolomitic limestone at 3 kg/m3. Shoot and root dry weights were not different for plants grown with or without a superphosphate (9% P) amendment at 3 kg/m3 in combination with or without the dolomitic limestone amendment. Growing-medium Mn levels were greater (0.5 ppm) without the dolomitic limestone amendment, than with the amendment (0.06 ppm), whereas P levels were similar with or without the dolomitic limestone amendment. On day 60, growing-medium P levels were greatest (10 ppm) for the superphosphate-amended medium without dolomitic limestone and decreased to 0.5 ppm on day 300. Tissue P levels were not different with or without the superphosphate amendment in combination with or without dolomitic limestone.
Fruit of table grape cvs. Black Monukka, Flame Seedless, Thompson Seedless and Himrod were fumigated with 2, 4 and 6 Deccodione tablets for 30 minutes in a fumigation chamber. Fruit was brought to the cold rooms and stored at 32 F and high relative humidity for upto 10 weeks. Decay control index, freshness of stems and bleaching around the capstem were recorded at 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 weeks of storage. Size of the smoke particles was determined using an electrical aerosol analyzer.
Fruit was kept in good condition by fumigation with 6 smoke tablets upto 10 weeks. Lower doses failed to control the decay. No bleaching around the capstems commonly associated with sulfur dioxide fumigation was noticed. Majority of the smoke particles were between 0.18 and 0.32 micrometers. Fumigation with Deccodione tablets could be a viable alternative to sulfur dioxide fumigation.
Abstract
Fertilization of field grown roses, R. hybrida cv. Christian Dior, in south Florida with fertilizer packets and tablets was compared with a proven plastic mulch method of reducing fertilizer losses. Flower yields for the 3 methods were similar during the first 9 months of the study. In the second year, comparatively low yields were obtained with tablets, and the highest yields with the plastic mulch. The packets gave intermediate results, with 5 packets providing acceptable yields. Twenty-one months after placement, the tablets contained 56, 56, and less than 0.1% of their original N, P, and K, respectively. Nitrogen release at this time appeared comparatively slow. Considerable variation in nutrient content existed among packets 21 months after placement, with an average of 17, 33, and 38% of the original N, P, and K, respectively, being found. The packets still appeared to be releasing fertilizer at that time.
Abstract
Coated and raw (uncoated) lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) seed obtained from commercial sources were subjected to 6 storage conditions (ranging from 21° C, 90% relative humidity (RH) to 5°, 40% RH) for a period of 3 years. Four types of packaging material differing in moisture-barrier properties were used. Samples were removed periodically for moisture and germination tests. Under poor storage conditions, coated seed deteriorated more rapidly than the raw seed controls. Under favorable storage conditions, both coated and raw seed retained full viability for the 3 years.