Researchers tested eggplant irrigation rates and found that moderate watering can reduce nitrogen leaching and maintain fruit yields. The study suggests a potential to lower current irrigation rates without negatively impacting crop performance.
Researchers have successfully used digital imaging to measure pyrethrum flowers before harvesting, detecting 88% of flowers compared to manual recognition. This automated system allows for faster and easier image collection, enabling greater plot areas to be sampled for yield estimation.
New research reveals that irradiation can effectively treat blueberries and grapes without compromising fruit quality. The study showed that irradiation at 400 Gy maintains blueberry and table grape quality sufficiently to meet transportation needs for overseas markets.
Researchers found that foliar applications of kaolin at 2.5% and 5% controlled approximately 80% of the whitefly population in bean crops. Kaolin also improved plant physiology, reducing transpiration by 40% and increasing leaf chlorophyll content by 43%.
A new study found that manure applications in high-input greenhouse environments can lead to significant nitrogen accumulation and loss, potentially resulting in economic losses. The research suggests reevaluating the role of manures to balance economic benefits with environmental risks.
A comprehensive resource for willow cultivars has been compiled, featuring 854 cultivar epithets with accompanying information. The checklist is expected to serve a diverse constituency of users and promote the effective utilization of germplasm in horticulture and ecosystem services.
A study by Rob Kuper found that people prefer landscapes with green colors and moderate complexity, especially during winter. Landscape designers can use evergreen trees, colorful berries, or plants that emerge early to create year-round visual appeal.
A study by Michigan State University found that scheduling irrigation according to plants' daily water use can reduce water applications by 22-28% and runoff volume by 36-67%, while decreasing nutrient loads. The technique also shows no negative impact on plant growth, offering a sustainable solution for nursery producers.
A study compared 35 basil cultivars and two hydroponic systems, finding that plant performance is more closely related to the choice of cultivar than the system used. Basil fresh weights varied significantly among cultivars, with some producing moderate-high yields.
A study by Purdue University researchers found that LED lighting did not negatively affect greenhouse tomato fruit quality and demonstrated a potential alternative to overhead HPS supplementation. Physicochemical measurements showed slight variation among fruits grown under different lighting regimes.
Researchers found biochar produced from tomato crop green waste can be used as a substrate for soilless hydroponic tomato production. The study showed that tomatoes grown in biochar-based substrates had similar growth, yield, and fruit quality to those in pine sawdust.
Scientists evaluated nine spring and six fall crop cultivars for suitability as baby-leaf salad greens in the Pacific Northwest. Pak choi 'Joi Choi' and Mustard 'Komatsuna' showed high marketable weight, quick harvest time, and good weed competitiveness.
Researchers found that both greenhouse and field bed production environments can produce marketable stems with varying stem length and caliper. The study recommends optimal conditions for bulb storage, forcing temperatures, and planting densities to maximize productivity and quality of cut pineapple lily stems.
Research using eye-tracking technology reveals that alternative production methods positively influence purchasing behavior, while price and limited space are common barriers. The study provides valuable recommendations for plant producers and retailers to improve indoor foliage plant sales.
Researchers found that wider in-row spacings and row configurations with three- or four-row setups result in higher yields and better marketable cabbage heads. In-row spacings between 30-35 cm are recommended for early plantings, while 25-cm spacing is more productive for later plantings.
Refrigeration and blanching are detrimental to tomato aroma quality, impacting key contributors. Common kitchen practices not only affect consumer complaints but also alter volatile compound production.
Researchers have identified three food-grade colorants that can replace Citrus Red No.2 (CR2) in citrus fruit treatment. Annatto extract was found to be the most successful replacement, producing a stable 'dark orange' color in treated peels.
A participatory breeding program assisted organic tomato growers in identifying key plant traits needed for optimal production, with flavor as the top priority. The program also revealed differences in fruit quality characteristics between organic and conventional growers, highlighting the importance of disease resistance and nutrition...
Homeowners with smart irrigation controllers are generally satisfied, but experience challenges with SMS-based systems. A tutorial may not be sufficient to increase familiarity with the devices.
Researchers found that rockweed substrate drenches significantly improved postharvest shelf life of petunia and tomato transplants. In contrast, foliar sprays showed no effect on drought tolerance. The study recommends using seaweed extracts as a substrate drench to enhance plant growth.
Comparing conventional, compost, and organic strawberry production systems reveals positive net returns and significant reductions in negative environmental impacts. The nonfumigated compost system and organic system show considerable reductions in acute and chronic human health risks, as well as groundwater pollution risk.
Research reveals that 'Honeycrisp' apple size and soluble solids content significantly impact consumers' willingness to pay. Growers can increase prices by optimizing fruit size, while maintaining acidity levels to command higher prices.
Researchers have found a way to extend bananas' shelf life by up to 1-2 days through postharvest application of lysophosphatidylethanolamine (LPE). This natural phospholipid treatment maintains membrane integrity, reduces respiration and slows starch breakdown, making the fruit firmer and thicker.
Researchers discover cultural practices that can increase sweetpotato production in semiarid regions of the Pacific Northwest. The study found that varying soil water tension irrigation treatments led to improved yields and longer vine lengths.
A study by researchers at National Taiwan University found that consumers purchase fresh flowers for gifts primarily due to the economic, social, and expressive values of the flower. The study revealed that financial capability does not influence the likelihood of givers purchasing fresh flowers as gifts.
New study recommends four rhizoma peanut selections for ornamental use, with potential benefits including increased canopy cover duration and reduced maintenance needs. The plant's ability to thrive in both full sun and shaded conditions makes it a viable turf alternative.
A study published in HortScience has identified optimal conditions for managing conservation nurseries in Guam, focusing on three endangered tree species. Moderate shade maximizes seedling emergence percentage and velocity for Elaeocarpus joga and Tabernaemontana rotensis, while deep shade enhances growth for Serianthes nelsonii.
Researchers found that a reduced early season irrigation schedule improves water efficiency in Georgia's humid climate while maintaining pecan tree health. The study showed a 38% reduction in irrigation water use with no significant impact on pecan quality or yield.
A study found that simulated seawater flooding significantly reduced growth of sensitive vegetable seedlings. Salt-tolerant varieties like spinach, eggplant, and tomato showed less damage, with some experiencing a 43-67% reduction in photosynthetic rate after two weeks.
Researchers found that supplemental lighting with red and blue LEDs can increase anthocyanin synthesis and pigmentation of lettuce crops, leading to improved color and increased market value. This cost-effective practice allows growers to manipulate leaf color in 5-7 days without negatively affecting growth or morphology.
A new study reveals that malic acid is the primary cause of sweet cherry cracking, even at low water uptake levels. The researchers found that artificial juices composed of malic acid or five abundant osmolytes reproduce the effect on fruit cracking.
A six-year study found that using narrow vegetation-free strips under trees can reduce damage from hemipteran insects, increasing tree growth and fruit yield. Supplemental irrigation also showed benefits in three of five years, with trees grown with irrigation having larger trunk cross-sectional areas.
Researchers at Purdue University found that LED sole-source lighting is comparable to or better than traditional supplemental lighting for growing high-quality bedding plant seedlings. The study suggests using LEDs with a specific blue light spectrum can promote compact, desirable plant growth.
Researchers found sandwich systems, combining living mulch with modified tillage, improve soil conditions, decrease pests, and increase biodiversity. The system showed the most promise by eliminating vegetative cover competition and increasing soil respiration.
A study by Utah State University found that high tunnels, low tunnels, and supplemental heating increase yields and raise income for strawberry growers. The most profitable method was a high tunnel system alone, which generated an estimated net income of $1943.57 per year.
Container-grown plant researchers developed a formula to evaluate irrigation capture in ornamental plants, revealing factors that affect CF, including plant size, growth habit, and sprinkler type. This knowledge can aid growers in adjusting irrigation rates and reducing water use.
A new study from Iran recommends treatments of hot water with calcium to extend storage life and improve quality in kiwifruit. The research evaluated the effect of hot water combined with Ca solution treatments on qualitative characteristics of kiwifruit during cold storage, showing that these treatments significantly suppressed color ...
A study found that controlled-release fertilizers can reduce the environmental impact of landscape palms by limiting nitrogen and phosphate application. Areca palms, in particular, showed growth comparable to traditional fertilization methods when using a 0-0-16 fertilizer formulation.
A study found that controlled irrigation treatments at lower substrate moisture content levels can produce high-quality plants with equal shelf life, while reducing water usage. Researchers used Angelonia angustifolia and discovered the benefits of reduced irrigation for retail settings.
A new study found that groundcover management systems can improve soil organic matter and reduce bulk density in organically managed apple orchards. The research suggests that using green compost or commercial fertilizer with these systems can increase plant-available water and meet National Organic Program goals.
Experiments show that living mulch can reduce broccoli yields, with reduced effects when organic fertilizer is added.
Researchers recommend specific strawberry cultivars for challenging conditions in the US Southwest. The study evaluated 16 varieties and found that 'Wendy', 'Brunswick', and 'Honeoye' are tolerant to high-pH soil, while others like 'Allstar' and 'Chandler' are sensitive.
Researchers found that controlled water deficit can effectively regulate stem elongation in poinsettias, reducing the need for plant growth retardants. The study also showed that prolonged water deficit application reduced bract area, highlighting the importance of avoiding this practice during periods of bract elongation.
Researchers found that liquid corn and fish fertilizers are good options for organic blackberry production, meeting plant nutrient needs except for calcium and boron. The fertilizers were effective in delivering nutrients through the drip system, but regular flushing was recommended to prevent emitter clogging.
A study published in HortScience found that hydrolyzed fish fertilizer is an economically feasible nitrogen source for growing organic vegetables, even when yields are reduced. The authors concluded that the premium price and resultant profit associated with organic products can offset the yield reductions.
A study by American Society for Horticultural Science researchers recommends specific water content thresholds for improved irrigation management in Gardenia jasminoides. The results show that applying water only when needed leads to efficient irrigation with minimal leaching, resulting in better plant growth and root establishment.
The study recommends seeding mixtures with a higher proportion of perennial ryegrass (PRG) to speed initial establishment, while maintaining a balance between PRG and Kentucky bluegrass (KBG). The recommended ratios vary depending on the region's climate and weed pressure, suggesting a more tailored approach for Midwest lawns.
High-density planting in sweet cherry orchards can produce significant yields by the second and third year after planting. The study found that specific cultivars combined with ultra-high-density planting systems result in high production and better fruit quality.
Younger basil plants (2-3 weeks old) are more susceptible to downy mildew than older plants. Applying a fungicide like acibenzolar-S-methyl before pathogen infection can significantly reduce disease severity in older plants.
A new non-destructive device called the mini-Horhizotron measures plant root growth in greenhouse production, allowing for effective study of treatment and substrate effects. The device provides valuable insight into root growth and development, enabling researchers to investigate factors influencing root growth in container production.