Articles tagged with Horticulture
Researchers found that plants in university classrooms improved students' course and instructor evaluation scores, particularly for those in windowless rooms. The study also showed increased motivation and reduced stress among students, suggesting a positive impact on academic performance.
A recent study published in HortScience found that some popular indoor plant species release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the environment. The study identified 23 VOCs emitted by four plants: Peace Lily, Snake Plant, Weeping Fig, and Areca Palm.
A new apple cultivar called WineCrisp has been introduced after 25 years of research, offering a highly productive late-season red apple with a firm texture and dark red color. The fruit is resistant to fungal disease apple scab, reducing costs for growers and promoting environmental sustainability.
A study published in HortTechnology found that consumers' floral purchase decisions are driven by sensory hedonics for men and emotion conditioning for women. Consumers from rural areas prioritize curiosity fulfillment and monetary worth, while urban consumers value emotion conditioning.
The new muscadine grape 'Delicious' has been introduced with exceptional taste and texture, making it well-suited for fresh fruit consumption. Preliminary trials have shown that the flavor of its wine is equal to that of popular cultivar 'Carlos', offering potential for wine production.
A new red raspberry cultivar, 'Moutere', has been developed in a planned breeding program at The New Zealand Institute of Plant and Food Research Limited. This variety is characterized by high yields of large, uniform size, bright red berries suitable for early season consumption.
A study by Clemson University researchers found that creeping bentgrass on golf putting greens can recover from winter damage caused by foot and equipment traffic. The study suggests that full recovery should be expected by summer, allowing course managers to minimize lost revenue and extend play during the winter months.
A study published in HortScience found that Midwestern black raspberry cultivars harvested from different production sites exhibit varying levels of antioxidants. The research suggests that fruit ripeness at harvest and regional differences in soil temperatures may contribute to these variations.
Researchers found that indoor plants can remove up to 80% of formaldehyde from the air within 4 hours. The study also showed that aerial parts of plants absorb more formaldehyde during the day, while roots and soil microorganisms contribute to nighttime absorption.
The new blackberry 'Natchez', developed by the University of Arkansas, produces large fruit with an exceptional glossy finish. It has exceeded postharvest performance in most years and is recommended for commercial shipping production.
A team of researchers has developed a new method to analyze grape shapes using digital technology, which enables faster and more accurate breeding of elongated grapes. The study, led by Dr. John R. Clark, uses a special application of the SigmaScan technology to measure the area of each grape and calculate its shape.
A study found that automation and mechanization improved worker productivity and earnings in the nursery and greenhouse industries. Continuous skill improvements and year-round workforce availability are essential for sustaining industry growth.
A study by Seong-Hyun Park and Richard H. Mattson found that hospital patients with plants in their rooms had fewer intakes of pain medication and more positive physiological responses. Patients interacted with the plants, such as watering and pruning, indicating a therapeutic benefit.
A survey of employers highlights the importance of technical knowledge, practical application, and problem-solving skills for landscaping and horticulture students. Web-based case studies utilizing technology provide students with practical experience in solving complex scenarios.
Researchers tested two flame retardants on Douglas-fir and Fraser fir trees, finding no benefit to quality or life; in fact, chemical retardants sped up drying process and made trees more flammable.
A recent study by Ahmad Sattar Khan and Dr. Zora Singh found that combining modified atmosphere packaging with 1-methylcyclopropene can extend the storage life of Japanese plums to up to seven weeks. This breakthrough will allow fruit producers to export plums for longer periods, reducing losses and improving market availability.
A study by Charles F. Forney found that low temperatures and high relative humidity are key to extending the shelf life of fresh cranberries. Storage conditions between 0-7°C and 75-82% relative humidity resulted in up to six months of marketable fruit, offering benefits for growers and consumers.
Research found that high users of campus green spaces rated their overall quality of life higher and had better cognitive abilities. Most students (90%) were frequent users of green space.
Researchers found that olive varieties can thrive in moderate saline water irrigation, contrary to concerns about toxicity. The study showed significant differences in growth, yield, and oil parameters among tested cultivars.
A study by researchers at the US Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service found that certain romaine and 'crisphead' lettuce cultivars can stay fresh for longer when packaged using modified-atmosphere packaging. This innovation has the potential to improve shelf life, quality, and sales of pre-cut salads and lettuce.
The American Society for Horticultural Science has released three new lilac cultivars with names 'Betsy Ross', 'Old Glory' and 'Declaration', paying tribute to US history. These new varieties boast unique traits such as abundant fragrant flowers, disease-tolerant foliage and a showy, fragrant floral display.
A study published in HortScience found that employees in offices with live plants and window views reported higher job satisfaction and overall life quality. The research suggests that adding green spaces to office environments can increase employee happiness and productivity.
The American Society for Horticultural Science has introduced a new variety of pumpkin called 'Orange Bulldog', which is resistant to viruses and suitable for Halloween carving. Developed by researchers at the University of Georgia, this new breed offers bright orange color and an open cavity making it ideal for ornamental fall displays.
Researchers found that a mixture of 70%-80% Kentucky bluegrass and 30%-20% perennial ryegrass provides the best results for football fields. Planting in late summer also yields superior turf quality compared to spring plantings.
The new 'Raider Amethyst' prairie verbena is a water-conserving wildflower bred to provide compact, dependable color in drought-tolerant landscapes. It reduces urban water usage by utilizing potable water-efficient plants like Raider Amethyst.
A two-year study at PSU found that cooperative learning activities outperformed traditional classroom teaching methods in improving learning outcomes and developing higher-level skills. Students reported improved teamwork, communication, and problem-solving abilities, while instructors noted increased student participation.
A two-year study found that cooperative activities enhanced students' higher-level skills, such as application of concepts and analysis, compared to traditional lecture methods. Students also developed valuable real-world skills, including communication, conflict resolution, and time management.
Researchers at Public University of Navarra study the response of four grape varieties to hydric stress, finding that recovery of photosynthetic activity varies by variety. The study aims to inform suitable land irrigation policies for each variety, improving wine production.