Risk-rated Economic Return Analysis for Field-grown Southern Highbush Blueberry in Georgia

Southern highbush blueberry has become an important fruit crop in Georgia. Due to price and yield fluctuations, varieties produced and sold, location, target market, timing of production, and cultural methods, profit margins are difficult to determine. First-year establishment and maintenance cost of growing southern highbush blueberry in Georgia in high-organic-matter (greater than 3%) spodic-type soils was estimated by Fonsah et al. (p. 571) at $9586/acre. The base-budgeted net risk-rated returns over total cost of production was $64,560/acre.

Impact of Root Ball Conditions on Growth of Cape Plumbago in a Landscape

Gardeners and landscape professionals often manipulate root balls when installing landscape plants to promote root development or to correct circling roots. Vyapari et al. (p. 486) evaluated the effect of root ball conditions and determined that root ball slicing is not beneficial during landscape establishment of cape plumbago. Results of the study were based on canopy growth, root biomass, and shoot biomass production. Root ball slicing did not stimulate root or shoot growth, and may be a wasteful practice. Bypassing root ball manipulations may save time and money for the landscape industry.

Evaluation of Carambola Varieties in Puerto Rico

There is a scarcity of published information describing yield performance of carambola grown in the tropics and subtropics. Goenaga (p. 604) evaluated nine carambola varieties at three locations in Puerto Rico during 4 years of production. Overall, varieties were highly adaptable to the diverse environments in which they were planted. Significantly higher yields of marketable fruit were obtained at Isabela (Oxisol) and Juana Diaz (Mollisol). ‘B-17’ had high production of marketable fruit, high marketable yield, and significantly higher soluble solids concentrations than the rest of the varieties at all locations.

Liverwort Control in Greenhouse and Nursery Crops

Liverwort is a common weed in greenhouse and nursery production throughout the U.S. Newby et al. (p. 496) evaluated herbicides in Alabama and Oregon for liverwort control in container crops. Across both regions, no herbicide treatment consistently provided effective control. In Alabama, flumioxazin and oxadiazon were most effective, while oxyfluorfen + oryzalin was effective in only a few experiments. In Oregon, oxyfluorfen + oryzalin was the most consistent and effective treatment. Across both regions, quinoclamine provided some preemergence liverwort control, although for a shorter period of time than the most effective granular preemergence herbicides.

Resistance of Azalea Varieties to Colletotrichum acutatum

Azalea is susceptible to anthracnose caused by C. acutatum. Bertetti et al. (p. 501) investigated the susceptibility of 70 evergreen azalea varieties to this pathogen. Plants were artificially inoculated by spraying leaves with a spore and mycelium suspension. The average number of spots/leaf was evaluated for each variety. ‘Addy Wery’, ‘Fior di Pesco Cavadini’, ‘Geisha Orangerot’, ‘Kermesina’, ‘Orion’, ‘Palestrina’, and ‘Snow’ developed severe anthracnose symptoms. ‘Conversation Piece’, ‘Eikan’, and ‘Martha Hitchcock’ showed moderate susceptibility. Sixty of the tested varieties were resistant to C. acutatum.

Relationships between Leaflet N:K Ratio and Yield of Pecan

Regression analysis of linear and curvilinear relationships between leaflet nitrogen:potassium ratio and in-shell yield of pecan identified associations relevant to orchard nutrition management. Wells and Wood (p. 473) report that a decline in southeastern U.S. pecan yield was associated with high N:K ratios in the ON year. They suggest that pecan orchards should be managed so that an N:K ratio of 2:1 is maintained to maximize pecan yields in the Southeast.

Prohexadione-calcium Affects Shoot Growth But Reduces Efficacy of GA₄₊₇ When Applied to ‘Stayman’ Apple

‘Stayman’ is an apple variety that is prone to skin cracking. In experiments conducted over five growing seasons (Miller, p. 523), multiple preharvest sprays of GA₄₊₇ reduced cracking significantly in ‘Stayman’ in 3 years. Prohexadione-calcium (PCa) applied postbloom consistently reduced the growth of ‘Stayman’ trees, but generally reduced the effectiveness of GA₄₊₇ applied to suppress fruit cracking. PCa, with few exceptions, increased fruit cracking. Fruit cracking also increased when a spray adjuvant was included with the postbloom PCa spray. Results of this study suggest caution in the use of PCa to suppress shoot growth in bearing ‘Stayman’ apple trees.

Miniwatermelon Varieties Perform Consistently at Diverse Locations in the Southeastern U.S.

Eighteen miniwatermelon varieties and experimental hybrids (cultigens) were evaluated in field locations in the southeastern United States. Hassell et al. (p. 608) found that eight cultigens were consistently among the highest yielding, and that four cultigens were consistently among the lowest yielding. They also found five cultigens that provided consistently high soluble solids readings at each location. Dark seeds were found in all cultigens at one or more locations. Rind thickness and fruit shape did not appear to be influenced by test site.

Cold, Dry Storage Alleviates Seed Dormancy of Native Lanceleaf Tickseed

Production of pre-variety germplasm of native wildflower seeds has risen dramatically in response to the demand for site- or region-specific ecotype seeds for restoration and roadside plantings. One challenge facing seed producers is seed dormancy, which can be quite variable. Norcini and Aldrich (p. 505) reported that cold (59 °F), dry storage was more effective than warm (90 °F), dry storage in breaking dormancy of an ecotype of lanceleaf tickseed. However, warm, dry storage was more effective than or as effective as cold, dry storage in breaking seed dormancy of ecotypes of florida tickseed, goldenmane tickseed, and leavenworth's tickseed.

Influence of Plant Density on Yield and Fruit Quality of Greenhouse-grown Galia Muskmelons

Galia muskmelon is the primary melon produced in Mediterranean countries for export to Europe. Galia varieties were developed under desert conditions in northern Israel. In Florida, high humidity and rainfall dictate that Galia muskmelons must be produced within protected structures. Optimum plant densities must be identified to achieve the greatest yield and fruit quality. Rodriguez et al. (p. 580) report that maximum returns were realized in a Mediterranean-style greenhouse at a density of 3.3 plants/m². Galia muskmelons are a promising a potential new crop for southern U.S. greenhouse growers.

European Red and White Wine Grape Varieties Produce Quality Fruit in Idaho's Snake River Valley

Wine grape production, and its associated agribusiness and tourism, is increasing rapidly in Idaho's western Snake River Plain. The diverse topography of this region provides numerous production mesoclimates with an opportunity to optimize fruit quality through variety site selection. Shellie (p. 595) compared the phenology, yield, fruit composition, and vegetative growth of 23 red and 6 white wine grape varieties over multiple seasons in Idaho to other national production regions. The author suggests using relative heat unit accumulation and frost incidence of an intended planting site with these performance results to guide variety selection.

Fertigation with Calcium Nitrate Does Not Increase the Growth of Pecan Seedlings

Pecan seedlings typically produce limited top growth in their first year in the nursery, slowing the production of grafted trees. Conner (p. 491) attempted to increase the growth of first-year pecan seedlings by fertigating with varying amounts of calcium nitrate every 2 weeks throughout the growing season. Seedling growth was unaffected by low rates of nitrogen (N) and the highest rate of N reduced growth. It appears that the N needs of first-year pecan seedlings can be met by a preplant application of 50 lb/acre N applied as 10N–4.4P–8.3K.

Leaf Surface Temperature as a Tool to Detect Infection of Geranium by Water Molds before Symptom Development

Many greenhouse ornamentals grown under optimum conditions will not exhibit disease symptoms until late in the production cycle. Omer et al. (p. 532) used a non-destructive procedure to detect early response to infection by measuring changes in leaf temperature in geranium plants exposed to Pythium ultimum, a common water mold in greenhouses. Changes in leaf temperature were noticeable 2 weeks after inoculation, whereas disease symptoms were not detected until 3 weeks after inoculation. Detection of changes in leaf temperature following exposure to pathogens could be used with other tests, as a predictor of disease stress before the appearance of symptoms.

Iowa's Ornamental Horticulture Industry Has Measurable Impact on the State's Economy

A 2004 survey reported by Haynes et al. (p. 513), estimated the economic impact of Iowa's ornamental horticulture industry and allied sectors at $538.2 million. Although size and type of businesses varied, a majority of survey respondents were small, family-owned businesses with one location, fewer than 10 employees, and in business less than 6 years. A majority of survey respondents reported few factors that could limit their future business success, and most felt they were stronger than their competitors in the areas of customer perception of product quality and service, and ability to meet customer needs.

Matriconditioning Is a Cost-effective Seed Enhancement Technique for Warm-season Turfgrasses

Poor seed germination is a fundamental limitation in establishing successful lawns. One approach for improving germination and seed performance in the field is matriconditioning, a postharvest seed enhancement technique using solid carriers. In this issue, Hacisalihoglu (p. 480) examined the effectiveness of matriconditioning on three economically important warm-season turfgrasses: bahiagrass, bermudagrass, and centipedegrass. Matriconditioning increased germination percentage and speed, while having no adverse effects on seed storage. This work suggests that matriconditioning is an appropriate choice for enhancement of warm-season turfgrass seeds.

Use of Special Pollenizers for Seedless Watermelon Production

Seedless (triploid) watermelon market share has recently increased to nearly 80% of the U.S. watermelon market. Triploid watermelons do not produce viable pollen and require pollination from seeded (diploid) watermelons. These diploid plants must be included in the same field as the triploids. The use of newly developed special pollenizer varieties allows acreage to be planted only with seedless watermelons with no dedicated space for seeded pollenizers. Freeman et al. (p. 518) evaluated multiple special pollenizers and differences in performance were observed among the varieties. There are several varieties that performed similarly and should provide acceptable seedless watermelon yields.

Comparison of Fruit Quality and Consumer Preferences among Three Cold-climate Strawberry Production Systems

Strawberry growers who market their crop through pick-your-own sales need to consider how production practices affect the customer's picking experience. Stevens et al. (p. 586) evaluated three perennial strawberry production systems for consumer preference. They found that consumers preferred the cold-climate plasticulture system in the first bearing year, but preferred another raised-bed system (advanced matted row) in the second season. A majority of consumers (63%) indicated they would be willing to pay more to pick fruit from their favorite system. Appearance of fruit and ease of harvest were the factors with the highest correlation to overall enjoyment of the picking experience.

Postharvest Decline Symptoms and Shelf Life of Vegetative Annual Varieties Following Simulated Shipping

Starman et al. (p. 544) characterized postharvest decline symptoms of 21 vegetative annuals grown in small containers. They found some symptoms in common, while other symptoms and shelf life varied among varieties of a species. Lower-leaf chlorosis, internode elongation, flower senescence, bud abortion, and flower-color fading were key symptoms. By 2 weeks postharvest, 8 varieties had abscised all flowers and 12 varieties were no longer of marketable quality. The authors indicated that these plants, when grown in small containers, should not be held in a retail market for more than 1 week if consumers are to receive a high-quality plant.

Blanketflower Responses to Plant Growth Regulators

Blanketflower is fast-growing and can quickly reach a cumbersome size for handling and shipping. Hammond et al. (552) applied two different plant growth regulators to ‘Torch Flame’ and a native Florida ecotype to reduce pedicel elongation and final production size. When applied as a spray, uniconazole had no effect on ‘Torch Flame’ plants; but when applied as a drench, growth indices were reduced by 12% to 30% without delayed flowering. When treated with ethephon spray, ‘Torch Flame’ plants were 15% to 25% more compact than untreated controls, but flowering was delayed. The Florida ecotype did not respond to uniconazole or ethephon treatments, regardless of the application rate, number, or method.

Minimum Water Content Determined for Cut Flower Production in Big Bend Bluebonnet

A greenhouse study was conducted to evaluate the growth and cut flower production of big bend bluebonnet in response to water stress (Niu et al., p. 557). Similar numbers of cut racemes per plant were obtained among substrate moisture contents of 33%, 25%, and 20% but was lower in 15% and 12%. Growth and dry weight of the plants in 15% and 12% moisture contents were lower compared to the other treatments. For maximum growth and cut flower production, plants should be irrigated at substrate moisture content of 25% or greater.