Researchers found that soy flour, a plant-derived biostimulant, improves broccoli plant growth and nutrient uptake when used as a seed coating. The study showed enhanced biomass, plant height, leaf area, and chlorophyll content in soy flour-coated seeds compared to non-coated controls.
A low-dose application of nonionic surfactant applied directly to seed as a component of a seed treatment significantly increases seed germination rate and synchrony. Under deficit irrigation conditions, this coating promotes seedling emergence and plant growth, offering potential for water conservation in urban landscapes.
New triploid flowering pear cultivars show substantial reduction in fertility, making them suitable for infertile options and reducing naturalization concerns. The study demonstrates that selection of highly infertile triploid cultivars can be an effective way to control self-sowing and plant invasions.
Planting angle, cordon height, and bud selection significantly impact canopy establishment in UFO trees. Effective practices can increase grower success and reduce crop load potential, optimizing labor efficiency and uniformity.
Researchers found that flowering ornamentals can provide critical biological services such as pollination and biological controls. The study identified 74 commercially available annual and perennial plant species that attracted a diverse population of pollinators and beneficial insects, including hoverflies, skippers, and native bees.
Research on grafting tomatoes in high tunnels found that grafted plants yielded significantly more than nongrafted controls, with yield increases ranging from 18% to 126%. The effect of scion shoot removal was not as consistent, but some trends suggest that rootstock vigor plays a role.
Researchers found that transplanting fertilizers with phosphorus and using non-reflective plastic mulches can significantly boost tomato yields in clay loam soils. The study's results support the use of these practices for local gardeners and commercial growers in Minnesota, particularly during short growing seasons.
A study by the American Society for Horticultural Science found that gardening significantly improves physical and cognitive functions in older women. Participants showed reduced waist circumference, improved aerobic endurance, and enhanced hand dexterity. In contrast, those who did not garden experienced increased depression symptoms.
Researchers found grafting increases watermelon yield by 2.4-2.6 times compared to nongrafted plants, with higher fruit quality including thicker rind and more soluble solids. The technique appears highly recommendable for Chilean growers despite initial costs.
A study by Wortman et al. recommends using perlite mixed with coco coir or vermiculite and synthetic fertilizer to maximize strawberry yield in vertical, hydroponic systems. The results showed that cultivars like Florida Radiance, Monterey, Evie 2, Portola, and Seascape were among the highest-yielding in at least one site-year.
Researchers found that end-of-day far-red and blue light treatment alleviate intumescence injury in tomato seedlings. High blue photon flux ratio during the photoperiod also mitigates intumescence injury, with a synergistic effect observed when combined with EOD-FR light.
Researchers found that a nitrate-based fertigation strategy in semiclosed soilless systems improves water use efficiency and limits nutrient loss. The study showed that this approach can prolong nutrient solution recirculation without detrimental effects on plant growth.
Researchers studied miracle fruit's flowering behavior, revealing six distinct stages of flower development and pollination ecology. The study suggests the fruit is insect-pollinated and recommends further research on pollinator identification.
Researchers from Iowa State University have developed effective propagation protocols for swamp tupelo (Nyssa biflora) and black gum (Nyssa sylvatica), a native Nyssa species. The study found that cold stratification enhances speed and uniformity of germination, while extracts of fruit pulp inhibit seed germination.
Increasing nitrogen concentrations significantly impact purslane's carotenoid and chlorophyll content. Researchers found that higher nitrogen levels increased chlorophyll and beta-carotene levels in the plant.
A study has determined that anaerobic soil disinfestation (ASD) is an effective and sustainable method for controlling weeds and nematodes in fresh-market tomatoes. ASD was found to provide comparable or higher fruit quality and mineral content compared to traditional chemical soil fumigation methods.
A new study explores using colorants to maintain turf color throughout dormant periods. Colorants applied to zoysiagrass at various volumes showed an increase in persistence of green color, with the highest volume providing color for up to 167 days.
A study found that applying mulching materials after soil remediation and reseeding can restore perennial ryegrass in 6 weeks after diesel and hydraulic fluid spills. The combination of peat pellets, mulching, and remediation with humic amendment resulted in the best turfgrass green density.
A study recommends planting lachenalias in November, December, January, or February to produce healthy compact plants. Soaking bulbs in flurprimidol at a concentration of 30 mg·L-1 can also enhance plant appearance and marketing quality.
A study on sole-source LEDs found that increasing light intensity and quality negatively impacts nutrient content in Brassica microgreens. Growers can use the data to select beneficial lighting practices.
A 2-year field study evaluated the effects of winter treatments on 'Tifway' bermudagrass, finding that annual ryegrass maintained acceptable levels of green cover with fall colorant application. Overseeding reduced spring transition of bermudagrass by 40-50% compared to untreated and colorant-treated plots.
A study found that fertilizing artichokes with low nitrogen levels improves root growth and reduces yield losses after transplantation. The researchers also discovered that fertigation systems can help minimize transplant shock in globe artichokes grown in semiarid regions.
A new study recommends using residual fertilizer to give plants staying power and add value for consumers. Controlled-release fertilizers proved to be more effective in maintaining plant performance beyond the production phase.
Researchers tested cool-season turfgrass cultivars under evaluated UV-B conditions, revealing differences in growth rates and color. Coarse-textured grasses outperformed finer-textured ones, with some varieties exhibiting reduced tiller production and significant color loss.
The study found that mesh screens provide cost-effective pest control for organically grown peppers, excluding insects including beneficial and pest species. The researchers recommended lighter colored, and/or wider meshes to allow entry of sunlight and beneficial species.
A new study found that an ebb and flow subirrigation system can control plant height and alleviate salt stress in poinsettia. The method, known as partial-saturation ebb and flow watering, achieves partial saturation of the root medium, reducing water uptake and sodium accumulation.
Citrus greening disease huanglongbing (HLB) severity impacts citrus peel and fruit mechanical properties. HLB-symptomatic fruits are softer and more prone to preharvest fruit drop, while severely symptomatic trees experience higher postharvest pressure damage.
Researchers compared bioplastics with biofabrics, finding that biofabrics increased soil moisture and suppressed weed emergence. Biofabrics also showed better durability and decomposition properties than bioplastics.
Research finds that sweet cherry varieties differ in their susceptibility to skin cracking due to variations in cell wall properties. The study suggests that cell wall physical properties account for the differences in cracking susceptibility among cultivars.
Continuous LED light significantly decreases nitrate content in preharvest lettuce, increasing nutrient contents. Researchers found that RB LED light was more effective than white LED light in facilitating lettuce growth, leading to enhanced free-radical scavenging activity and increased phenolic compound concentrations.
Researchers found orange peel jessamine and mexican hummingbird bush to be the most salt-tolerant, while eastern red columbine was the most salt-sensitive. The study expands planting options for landscapes using reclaimed or recycled water.
A study by researchers found that continuous spectrum LED lamps, specifically designed for horticultural use, outperform conventional white LEDs in terms of plant response and energy efficiency. The results showed a 26% increase in energy efficiency and significant increases in vegetative growth when light intensity was increased.
A biofeedback system has been developed to control photosynthetic lighting in controlled environment agriculture, allowing for efficient use of light by plants. The system successfully adjusted light levels based on the physiological performance of plants, achieving a wide range of energy conversion rates and reducing energy costs.
The new apricot variety 'Goshen Gold' has been introduced as a suitable alternative to the popular 'Patterson' cultivar. It features a semispreading habit, vigorous growth, and improved fruit characteristics such as increased sugars and better color stability.
Field studies show that automated thinners increase plant size and uniformity, leading to larger plant and heart weight compared to hand-thinning methods. The technology optimizes in-row spacing, allowing growers to increase crop yields.
Researchers used a new device to measure how plants take in and transport water, finding that substrates containing wood have no impact on root water uptake. The study provides insight into plant performance and adaptability to environmental conditions.
A new study assesses the impact of Rutgers University's Organic Land Care Certificate Program on landscaper attitudes and practices. Survey results show significant reductions in synthetic fertilizer use and pesticide application, with a focus on holistic landscape management.
Researchers have successfully cloned Terbinicarpus valdezianus, a species of cactus endemic to Northern Mexico threatened by habitat loss. The in vitro cloning method proved effective, with high shoot proliferation and root development rates.
A study by Hannah Swegarden and colleagues identifies four heirloom dry bean cultivars with high yield stability as ideal for local organic production in Minnesota. Heirloom varieties like 'Lina Sisco's Bird Egg' and 'Peregion' showed relatively high yields, making them a viable marketing option for small-scale producers.
A recent study published in HortScience provides new recommendations to increase the stock of blight-resistant American chestnut trees. Genetic engineering is proposed as a solution, with the addition of one gene, oxalate oxidase, protecting the tree from the fungus. The study also examined optimized propagation protocols using activat...
Researchers studied Agave species' response to saline soils and found two species, A. parryi and A. weberi, to be relatively tolerant to high levels of salinity. These findings suggest that cultivating these species in semiarid regions could increase production and address dwindling water reserves.
Researchers found that certain mandarin hybrid/rootstock combinations display significantly greater growth and cropping under high huanglongbing pressure. These scion/rootstocks showed increased tolerance to the disease, which could lead to commercially viable fruit production.
Researchers found that substituting up to 100% of peatmoss with pecan wood chips in greenhouse substrates reduces leaching fractions and increases substrate pH, while also providing a positive opportunity for using the product.
Researchers found that asparagus rhizome traits, specifically water content and metabolite levels, are key indicators of freezing tolerance. The study tested three cultivars, with Guelph Millennium proving to be the most tolerant, suggesting that adapting to colder climates may depend on optimizing rhizome characteristics.
Scientists have developed a genetically modified lime that produces anthocyanins, resulting in unique leaf pigmentation, flower coloration, and fruit pulp colors. The discovery opens up opportunities for new citrus fruits, ornamental plants, and potentially health-beneficial fresh produce.
A study by Chenping Xu and Beiquan Mou found that spinach can be improved in nutritional value through cultural practices that impose either low fertilizer levels or slight salt stress. This approach resulted in only moderately or slightly reduced yield, while also increasing antioxidant capacity.
The Seed Your Future initiative, launched by Longwood Gardens and ASHS, aims to educate students and parents about the importance of horticulture as a career path. With over 150 partner organizations, the program seeks to raise $10 million to promote careers in horticulture.
Researchers have identified blueberry cultivars with genetic resistance to Phytophthora cinnamomi, a soilborne pathogen causing root rot. The most resistant cultivars include 'Aurora', 'Legacy', and 'Reka', while susceptible ones are 'Bluetta' and 'Bluecrop'.
A study evaluated organic trailing blackberry production practices, recommending weed mat management to increase production and profits. Soil pH, organic matter content, and macronutrient concentrations were affected mainly by year and weed management strategy.
A new study in HortScience evaluated high-yielding lettuce cultivars for subtropical regions, finding 'Fu San', romaine lettuce 'Jhih Li Wo', and leaf lettuce 'Bai Yeh Wo' as suitable for summer production. The researchers developed a new cultivar called Taoyuan No.3, with improved temperature tolerance and late bolting characteristics.