Researchers quantify water usage of landscape plants in arid environments to inform irrigation practices. The study found that mature trees become more water efficient, reducing the need for turfgrass, and that removing turfgrass can lead to significant water savings.
Researchers evaluated 14 experimental bermudagrasses for resistance to fall armyworm damage, identifying a few promising genotypes that are comparable to the industry standard 'TifTuf'. These new genotypes may offer an alternative to environmentally unsound insecticides and help reduce turfgrass damage.
Consumer awareness and information type significantly impact pollinator-friendly plant purchases. A study found that positive information from trusted sources increases willingness to buy, while neutral or negative info has little effect. Trusted sources include universities, major media outlets, and government agencies.
A study found that threshold-based insect management strategies, including conventional and organic pesticides, resulted in greater economic returns for small-scale tomato producers. Organic thresholds did not affect yields but had higher costs due to increased pesticide applications.
A study screened 13 sweet pepper varieties for organic farming conditions, identifying top performers like Aristotle X3R and Gridiron for fancy and early yield. The results showed that organic bell peppers are a viable option, offering higher prices due to their popularity and economic importance.
Researchers found that using a leaching fraction test can justify the amount of irrigation applied and provide a way to monitor irrigation efficiency. The study also showed that small daily adjustments to evapotranspiration-based scheduling programs are not beneficial for saving water compared to adjustments made every 1 to 3 weeks.
A study published in the American Society for Horticultural Science journal HortTechnology found that simply gazing at an indoor plant can reduce psychological stress in office workers. The researchers discovered that even passive involvement with plants, such as having a plant on their desk, contributed to significant anxiety reduction.
Some native plant species can grow aggressively, outcompeting other native species and forming dense monocultures, resulting in ecosystem disruptions. Excessive growth of aquatic plants can inhibit water movement and negatively impact flood control operations.
A literature review found five woody species native to Oklahoma that have become invasive in other regions, causing harm to biodiversity. The study suggests prioritizing conservation efforts based on a species' benefits or harm to the environment.
A study assesses landscape plants using consumers' activity levels, revealing four quadrants: actively immersive, passively immersed, actively absorptive, and passively absorptive. This segmentation can improve marketing efforts for plant producers, wholesalers, and retailers.
Researchers explore controlled environment agriculture as a means to address urban food systems, offering advantages such as year-round crop production and reduced energy consumption. The study highlights the potential for controlled environments to increase food security and support local economies.
A study found that certain bulbs can persist in warm-season lawns, providing nutrition for pollinating insects. Five bulbs persisted for multiple years, including crocus and grape hyacinth, which attracted pollinators. The researchers suggest incorporating proven forage sources into landscapes to support pollinator health.
Researchers discovered that chinampas, a raised field system on artificial islands, can provide fresh produce year-round with low irrigation needs. The system's high productivity and sustainability make it an attractive solution for modern megacities.
Researchers have released a new cross-bred hazelnut cultivar, 'PollyO', which boasts high nut yield and resistance to eastern filbert fungal blight. The variety has been recommended for areas with similar climates and is well-suited for baked goods and chocolate products.
A study by Texas State University researchers found that horticultural community service programs significantly reduced recidivism rates. The research suggests that participation in these programs can provide a sense of purpose and meaning, leading to a successful transition back into society.
A study compared phenolic profiles of 'Brown Snout' juice and cider apples harvested by hand or machine, finding similar quality at reduced labor costs. The results suggest that over-the-row machine harvesting offers a cost-effective option for commercial sustainability in cider apple operations.
Researchers Gary Bachman, Christine Coker, and Patricia Knight solved the mystery of the Long Beach red radish's disappearance through investigative work. The rediscovery may lead to the restoration of this once-prominent vegetable as a significant economic force in truck cropping.
The study reveals that high tunnels can increase yield, enhance shelf life, and improve crop quality, but also pose challenges such as added labor and time requirements. Farmers perceive the ability to differentiate products based on higher quality and premium pricing as a key attractive opportunity.
A study analyzed green industry firms' online marketing adoption rates, finding that smaller businesses invest more in online ads after initial hesitation. The investigation highlights the need for education programs to help green industry businesses integrate online advertising into daily operations.
Researchers used plug-and-play temperature controllers to create controlled-environment chambers from standard chest freezers, enabling the detailed observation of developmental rates in response to different temperatures. The study found a clear temperature-dependent effect on budbreak and seed germination, allowing for expanded resea...
The study reveals that the main perceived production problem is insect management, followed by crop timing and disease management. The survey also highlighted common postharvest issues such as temperature management, hydration, and flower food management, with hydration and vase life being the top concerns.
A recent study investigated the desirability and practicality of producing snack peppers with low seed count. The findings revealed that true breeding pepper lines with reduced fruit seed count exhibited significantly reduced seed count, making them more suitable for specialty markets.
Researchers evaluated diverse carrot germplasm for salinity tolerance and identified a wide range of phenotypic variations. The study found that many cultivated carrots are saline-sensitive during germination but some wild and cultivated accessions exhibit high salt tolerance.
Researchers found that LED lighting generally outperforms HPS lighting in greenhouse production, producing higher-quality flowers with potential economic benefits. The study suggests LED technology is capable of replacing HPS for supplemental lighting in cut gerbera production during darker periods.
Researchers identified over 200 heritage apple cultivars planted in Wyoming's homesteads and orchards from the late 19th century. These historic trees continue to produce fruit despite harsh conditions, suggesting they could be used for breeding programs to improve drought- and cold-tolerance.
Researchers found that specific antioxidants are associated with particular colors of tomato fruit, suggesting a balance between these compounds. The study's results support the use of genotypes with different-colored fruit in breeding programs to increase antioxidant levels in commercial cultivars.
A study reveals key insights into breeding and distribution practices in the turfgrass industry, aiming to address growing environmental concerns. Researchers identified primary parties influencing breeders' decisions and challenges they face when developing target traits.
A study found that chelated calcium improves leaf mechanical strength in poinsettias, enhancing their resistance to physical damage. This treatment is recommended for stock plants to improve postharvest quality during shipping and propagation.
Researchers discovered that growing littoral zone species like arrow arum, blue-eyed grass, golden club, and lemon bacopa using standard containers, substrates, and controlled-release fertilizer can provide high-quality plants with good growth. These methods can benefit large-scale plant production and bolster ecosystem improvements.
The Slide Hammer Seeder is a low-cost tool that allows precise planting of small-seeded species, including insectary plants and novel vegetables. It can significantly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of growing these crops, reducing the need for pesticides.
A multinational review of peppers/chilis (Capsicum species) explores various aspects, including taxonomy, genetic resources, cytogenetic studies, and capsaicinoid biosynthesis. The crop's global production, cultivation, and economic value are also examined.
The article reviews the challenges, needs, and opportunities of strawberry growers across the US, highlighting increasing use of protected culture strawberry production. Key findings also discuss pest control, labor availability, and consumer demand for year-round availability.
A study examines how landscape plants contribute to greenhouse gas emissions during production and use, with life cycle assessment revealing the dominant contributor is equipment use. Modifying activities in landscape plant production can reduce carbon footprint and promote environmentally friendly behavior.
A recent study by Kansas State University found that only a small percentage of horticultural businesses are selling live plants online through platforms like Amazon. The study highlights the challenges faced by these businesses, including strict seller requirements and cost-prohibitive fees.
A survey of horticultural employees found that knowledge of beneficial plants for pollinators is a weak topic, highlighting the need for specialized education and training. The researchers recommend more-detailed labeling of pollinator food plants to benefit customers seeking pollinator-friendly options.
Researchers found that dogs can effectively sniff out infected avocado trees well in advance, providing a potential solution to the devastating impact of laurel wilt disease on the industry. The study's results show that dogs can detect agricultural diseases like laurel wilt with high accuracy, even in harsh weather conditions.
A recent study by Melinda Knuth of Texas A&M University explores the importance of efficient water usage in landscaping and horticulture. The research suggests that relying on recycled water can help conserve this diminishing resource, ultimately benefiting both human life and plant growth.
A study published in HortTechnology has found that bad posture can increase loads by 50% on the lower back and double on the shoulders, leaving people susceptible to chronic injuries. The researchers used 3D optical tracking equipment to analyze the movement of gardeners undertaking routine tasks.
Researchers found that strip tillage systems with rowcovers had lower yields than plasticulture systems, mainly due to specialized equipment needs and weed pressure. Rowcovers reduced insecticide applications but had no significant impact on yield in both systems.
A recent study provides recommendations for harvesting and storing specialty cider apples to minimize production costs without compromising juice quality. The study showed that mechanically harvested apples stored for 2-4 weeks had lower yield losses than hand-harvested apples, but may be more prone to rot.
A new study reveals a niche market opportunity for locally cultivated lotus rhizomes in the US, with participants preferring stir-fry over other preparations. The research suggests potential demand for fresh lotus rhizomes among health-conscious individuals.
Researchers found that high-intensity light treatment significantly increases anthocyanin content in rough bluegrass, comparable to or greater than many common fruits and vegetables. This study suggests using turfgrasses like rough bluegrass as a sustainable source for anthocyanin extract production.
A study found that campus composting programs effectively raise students' knowledge of composting and environmental issues. The programs also promote a more internal locus of control, encouraging students to take action towards solving future environmental problems.
Researchers found that pairing cool-season cash crops like onion, broccoli, and lettuce with warm-season cover crops can alleviate challenges in midscale organic production. The study suggests that these rotations can produce high-value certified organic vegetables while maintaining soil organic carbon.
A 12-year field experiment in Nova Scotia found optimal fertilizer rates of 35 kg·ha-1 N, 40 kg·ha-1 P, and 30 kg·ha-1 K to maximize floral bud number, berries per stem, and berry yield. Higher fertilizers rates increased net profits by $490/ha.
A study by the University of Georgia compared handheld and mobile data technologies for analyzing natural turfgrass sports fields. The results showed that mobile devices were more reliable for measuring penetration resistance, while handheld devices offered advantages in terms of affordability and abundance.
Researchers recommend combining dry-injection technology with modified traditional hollow-tine aerification programs for growing healthy ultradwarf bermudagrass putting greens. The optimal combination improves soil physical properties, such as bulk density and water infiltration.
A study found that medium and high crop loads resulted in higher total polyphenol content in cider. Meanwhile, low crop loads led to lower yeast-assimilable nitrogen concentrations in apple juice. These findings suggest optimal management strategies for orchard managers to improve cider quality.
Researchers found that compost can establish growing media pH similar to limestone, reducing the need for peatmoss and limestone. Compost provides supplemental nutrition, suppresses disease-causing organisms, and can be used as a limestone substitute for pH establishment.
Researchers developed a study to determine physical dormancy breaking mechanisms of uhaloa seeds, which can be achieved through manual and mechanical scarification, dry heat exposure, or hot water immersion. The optimal protocol is using an electric drum scarifier with 80-grit sandpaper for 15-30 seconds to achieve high germination rates.