ASHS Press Releases

Hot Weather Raspberries Heat Up the Competition

Friday, 08 March 2013 13:32

Berries grown in hot, dry climate have higher antioxidant capacity than supermarket varieties

Six cultivars of primocane raspberries were grown in a hot, dry climate and compared for their antioxidant and phenolic content. 'Autumn Bliss' had the highest oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and phenolic content over time, whereas 'Caroline' had the lowest ORAC and phenolic content when fresh. Other analyses showed that antioxidant capacity and total phenolic content of the ripe berries varied between cultivars and showed no significant change after common consumer storage methods.

Tomatoes Need Blue Light

Friday, 08 March 2013 13:27

Study finds cherry tomatoes more robust when grown under blue-hued LEDs

Scientists evaluated cherry tomato seedlings grown under dysprosium lamps and six light-emitting diode light treatments. Compared to the control, net leaf photosynthesis was increased significantly under blue, red and blue, and red, blue, green light and reduced under red, orange, and green treatments. Leaf thickness and length of palisade tissue cells significantly increased under blue, red and blue, and red, blue, green lights. Results suggested blue light is essential for growth of cherry tomato plants.

Modified Switchgrass Promising for Use as Nursery Substrate

Friday, 08 March 2013 13:25

Alternative to pine bark proves effective when amended with compost, sphagnum moss

Switchgrass, a perennial grass being developed for its biofuel potential, was tested for effectiveness as a raw material for use as a nursery container substrate. Researchers evaluated the influence of elemental sulfur, sphagnum moss, and municipal solid waste compost as amendments for reducing switchgrass pH. Sphagnum moss and MSC together at 20% and 10%, respectively, were effective at reducing substrate pH and buffering against change while improving the physical properties of switchgrass substrates.

Calla Lily Stands up to Salt

Friday, 08 March 2013 13:30

Higher saline levels in irrigation water don’t compromise plant quality

A study determined how moderate salinities imposed by NaCl affect calla lily growth, including flower production and developmental timing such as emergence and flowering. Calla lilies exposed to 25-mM NaCl treatment with an irrigation water electrical conductivity (EC) approximately twice the recommended amount had no significant reduction in biomass or flower number compared with the control, showing that irrigation water with a higher EC can be used without sacrificing calla lily quality.

Irrigation Methods Compared for Highbush Blueberry Plants

Friday, 08 March 2013 13:25

Drip irrigation outshines microsprays, sprinklers in water use efficiency

A study of northern highbush blueberry determined the effects of three irrigation methods on growth and water requirements of uncropped plants during the first two years after planting. Drip irrigation at 100% evapotranspiration produced the most growth, requiring at least 42% less water than needed (for maximum growth) with microsprays and 56% less water than needed with sprinklers. Results proved that irrigation water use efficiency was significantly higher with drip than with the other methods.

Novel Method Determines Plant Saline Tolerance

Friday, 08 March 2013 13:21

Culturing excised root tips proves good model for early detection of salt stress

A study examined degrees of salt stress tolerance in species of the genus Prunus. Researchers studied the responses of isolated roots to salt stress in vitro in controlled culture conditions. Among other findings, the team discovered a significant inverse correlation between salt tolerance and starch accumulation in the maturation zone of root tips. The authors recommend the use of excised root cultures for rapid, early detection of salt stress tolerance in plants.

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ASHS Press Releases

Hot Weather Raspberries Heat Up the Competition

Berries grown in hot, dry climate have higher antioxidant capacity than supermarket varieties

Tomatoes Need Blue Light

Study finds cherry tomatoes more robust when grown under blue-hued LEDs

Modified Switchgrass Promising for Use as Nursery Substrate

Alternative to pine bark proves effective when amended with compost, sphagnum moss

Calla Lily Stands up to Salt

Higher saline levels in irrigation water don’t compromise plant quality

Irrigation Methods Compared for Highbush Blueberry Plants

Drip irrigation outshines microsprays, sprinklers in water use efficiency

Novel Method Determines Plant Saline Tolerance

Culturing excised root tips proves good model for early detection of salt stress

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