Comparison of Melon Grafting Methods

Optimizing grafting procedures and producing high-quality grafted seedlings are important for reducing production costs of grafted melons. Guan and Zhao (p. 706) compared four grafting methods with and without root excision using ‘Athena’ muskmelon grafted onto ‘Strong Tosa’ hybrid squash rootstock. The non-cotyledon method caused decline of the grafted plants. Although root excision was unsuccessful with the tongue approach method, it did not affect graft quality and growth of plants grafted with the one-cotyledon and hole-insertion methods. Without root excision, plant growth characteristics did not differ among the three grafting methods.

Bermudagrass Plants Identified with DNA Markers

In the U.S. transition zone, turf bermudagrasses have been increasingly used on sports fields; however, accurate varietal identification is challenging. Using simple sequence repeat DNA markers, Fang et al. (p. 714) reported that the favored bermudagrass on the Oklahoma State University (OSU) Baseball Field was one single plant that was different from 26 commercially available clonal varieties. They also reported that three OSU bermudagrass breeding lines were different from all the tested commercial varieties. These four distinct bermudagrass plants have potential to be released as new varieties if they demonstrate superior turf quality traits and adaptation over time.

Hybrid Bemudagrass Morphology Predicts Wear Tolerance

When developing new turfgrass varieties for high-traffic areas, breeders would benefit from a list of foliar morphological characteristics associated with increased wear tolerance. Kowalewski et al. (p. 725) evaluated the wear tolerance of four hybrid bermudagrasses with differing morphological characteristics. Regression analysis determined that dark green color index had a negative correlation to wear tolerance. Dark green color index had the strongest correlation to wear tolerance of the characteristics assessed. Leaf length and width were inversely correlated to wear tolerance. Percent green turf cover was directly, or positively correlated with wear tolerance.

Measurement Scale for Children's Gardening Efficacy

Garden programs may be an effective setting to promote nutritious diet and physical activity among children; however, the measurement scales used to evaluate the effectiveness of such programs require assessment. Geller et al. (p. 731) tested the psychometric properties of a scale targeting children’s self-efficacy and proxy efficacy for gardening, physical activity, and fruit and vegetable consumption. Participants (N = 969) were 4th and 5th grade students attending elementary-level after-school programs in Kansas. The final measurement model demonstrated impressive factorial validity, discriminant validity, criterion validity, and measurement invariance across subgroups based on gender, grade-level, and body mass index.

Adaptability of Juneberry Varieties

Juneberry production is a relatively new venture for possible commercialization in North Dakota. Ardayfio and Hatterman-Valenti (p. 747) conducted an experiment to evaluate how well juneberry varieties primarily selected by Canadian nurseries were adapted to North Dakota environmental conditions. They identified 'Martin' and 'Thiessen' as high-yielding varieties with the largest fruit and uniform fruit ripening suitable for commercial production out of the 11 varieties evaluated, including a native conservation plant. 'Parkhill' was another high-yielding variety recommended for you-pick operations due to its extended fruit-ripening period.

Benchgraft Type and Rootstock on Grapevines

Dormant and green-growing grape benchgrafts produced on two different rootstocks were evaluated by Bettiga (p. 752) over an 8-year period after planting at a site that had persistent afternoon wind during the growing season. The use of dormant benchgrafts or a more vigorous rootstock hastened the development of the vines permanent structures and promoted earlier cropping potential in the plants. Selection of benchgraft type and rootstock should be based on the site conditions to promote the optimum early vine development.

Row Cover and Compost Strategies in Organic Muskmelon

Managing bacterial wilt (spread by cucumber beetles) and using compost properly are issues faced by organic muskmelon farmers. Sánchez et al. (p. 762) evaluated different timings of row cover removal for suppressing bacterial wilt and two rates of compost application to manage plant nutrients while maximizing yield in Pennsylvania, Iowa, and Kentucky. In Kentucky only, row covers suppressed bacterial wilt incidence compared to not using row covers. Row covers generally increased marketable yield in all locations, but optimal timing of removal varied. Compost application fit well with row cover use. Results suggested that the lower rate of application was adequate.

Green Roof Substrate Formulated from Local Materials

Substrates are among the most expensive components of a green roof system. Thus, it is best to formulate green roof substrates from locally available materials. Ntoulas et al. (p. 774) tested several locally available inorganic and organic materials that included pumice, crushed tiles and bricks, clinoptilolite zeolite, thermally treated clay, peat, and composts from various organic sources in Greece. Based on several analyses, an optimal green roof substrate was formulated from pumice, thermally treated clay, and zeolite at a volumetric proportion rate of 65%:15%:5%, respectively. The remaining 15% should be occupied by grape marc compost.

Overwintering of Container-grown Fountain Grass

Fountain grass is one of the most popular ornamental grasses, but winter survival during nursery production has proved problematic. Harris et al. (p. 791) investigated the effects of substrate moisture level, fertilizer rate, and protective cover on survival and vigor of the straight species and two varieties, Hameln and Little Bunny. They report that variety selection, low fertility rates, and protective cover can help minimize winter losses.

Organic Highbush Blueberries Provide Economic Opportunities

Production and consumption of highbush blueberries has increased worldwide since the early 1990s. Demand for organic blueberries has also increased, which has strengthened the organic highbush blueberry industry in Washington State. Washington is a national leader in organic blueberry production and presents a unique opportunity to contrast statewide regional differences with respects to climate, production, and marketing opportunities. DeVetter et al. (p. 796) summarize these differences and highlight both the opportunities and challenges that this industry faces.

Green Industry Continues Large Contributions to U.S. Economy

The green industry contributed $196 billion in output or sales, $121 billion in gross domestic product (GDP) and 2.04 million fulltime and part-time jobs to the U.S. economy in 2013, as reported by Hodges et al. (p. 805). The largest sectors were landscape services (1.11 million jobs), nursery and floriculture production (240,809 jobs), and retail garden stores (217,798 jobs). Industry contributions represented 1.11% of total U.S. employment. GDP contributions averaged $382 per capita. Results are presented for all states and regions. Although growing slowly in recent years, the industry remains an important contributor to national, state, and local economies.

Pesticide-free Sweetpotato Variety Trial in a Cool Climate

Sweetpotatoes normally require a long, hot growing season to attain high yields. However some varieties may be suitable for cool climates with short growing seasons. Wees et al. (p. 815) evaluated 15 varieties in Quebec, Canada. The best marketable yields (18–25 t·ha^-1) were obtained with the orange-fleshed varieties Beauregard, B94-24, and Evangeline, the white-fleshed Murasaki-29, and the yellow-fleshed Georgia Jet and GJ2010, although the latter two had many culls. ‘Evangeline’ and ‘Covington’ had the highest soluble solid content. Despite the absence of pesticides in the trial, there were very few pests or diseases.