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Artichokes Grow Big in Texas

Thursday, 10 November 2011 11:00

Researchers recommend best practices for commercial production in water-limited regions

Marketable yield, yield components, quality, and phenolic compounds of artichoke heads were investigated in response to three irrigation regimes and four nitrogen rates under subsurface drip irrigation. Results showed that irrigation was more effective than N management for optimizing artichoke yield. Time of harvest had the largest effect on artichoke nutritional quality, followed by deficit irrigation. The study will help introduce artichoke cultural practices into commercial production in water-limited regions of the southern United States.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.