ASHS Press Releases

How Exposure to Irregular Light Affects Plant Circadian Rhythms

Thursday, 10 November 2011 10:46

Study outcomes could translate to energy savings for greenhouse operations

A study of chrysanthemum investigated plants’ circadian responses to interruptions in light cycles. Plants were exposed to irregular supplemental light breaks during the night; results showed a correlation between circadian-regulated processes and plant growth. Leaves and stems grew faster in plants grown in short days with irregular light breaks during the night compared with plants grown in a climate with a consecutive long light period. The findings could contribute to energy savings in production greenhouses.

Asparagus Benefits from X-ray Treatment

Thursday, 10 November 2011 10:41

Irradiation with low-dose x-ray extends shelf life, reduces bacteria in fresh cut asparagus

Experiments to determine the effect of low-dose x-ray irradiation on asparagus found that the treatment significantly reduced aerobic bacteria and mold/yeast populations and helped to maintain sugar (glucose and fructose) levels. Researchers said that irradiation also temporarily increased Phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) activity. The study results showed that x-ray treatment can enhance consumer safety and extend shelf life by decreasing the number of viable microorganisms on fresh-cut asparagus.

Improved Rainwater Harvesting System Promising

Thursday, 10 November 2011 10:35

Ridge–furrow–ridge system proves efficient, economical method for agricultural production

A new ridge–furrow–ridge rainwater-harvesting (RFRRH) system with mulches was tested in a study using purple coneflower. Experiments determined the effect of the system with or without covering with two different polyethylene mulches and with or without supplemental irrigation. In comparison with the control, the mulch-covered RFRRH system significantly increased yield and reduced time needed for weed control. The system also enabled simple supplemental irrigation with minimal ridge erosion.

New Pink Fancy-leaved Caladium Debuts

Thursday, 10 November 2011 10:43

‘UF-172’ ideal for use in large containers and landscapes

Plant breeders introduced a new fancy-leaved caladium characterized by leaves with large, attractive pink blotches. ‘UF-172’ is ideal for use in large containers and landscapes. The variety performed well in container forcing and landscape use, and sprouts earlier than other existing commercial cultivars. The new caladium is projected to be popular with growers, retailers, consumers, and landscapers.

Thermotherapy Rids Azaleas of Deadly Fungal Disease

Thursday, 10 November 2011 10:38

Simple hot water treatment provides effective disease control

Cuttings of 12 azalea cultivars were submerged in 50°C water before propagation, then submerged in a subsequent experiment for 20, 40, 60, and 80 minutes. A third experiment evaluated leaf damage caused by hot water submersion or by leaf removal for the effect on root development and leaf count on rooted cuttings of two cultivars. All cultivars were tolerant of submersion long enough to eliminate binucleate Rhizoctonia species from stem and leaf tissue.

Computerized Tool Takes a Bite Out of Traditional Apple Testing

Friday, 04 November 2011 12:31

New pentrometer provides accurate crispness data for apple breeding programs

To measure the crispness of apples without relying on human test panels, researchers used a computerized penetrometer to assess firmness and texture of apple varieties and compared the results with sensory data from an expert panel. The scientists found a significant correlation between the penetrometer crispness value and the sensory crispness value and concluded that data from the test instrument was more useful than data from either a standard penetrometer or acoustic resonance test alone.