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Landscape Architecture Survey: Is Plant Knowledge Passé?

Thursday, 10 November 2011 10:49

Seasoned professionals say experience is still the best teacher for new grads

A study evaluated attitudes and perceptions of practicing landscape architects in the southeastern United States with regards to the importance of horticultural knowledge. While seasoned practitioners in the residential design market said they had a favorable opinion of their own plant knowledge, they felt that recent graduates in landscape architecture have insufficient knowledge of plants. The authors say the study shows a continued need for both formal and informal extended education classes for the profession.

New Eco-friendly Foliar Spray Provides Natural Anti-freeze

Thursday, 10 November 2011 10:53

Biodegradable solution enhances plants’ innate cold-resistance

A new, biodegradable foliar/floral spray that increases plant resistance to both cold damage and cold mortality has been introduced to the commercial market. The spray improved cold tolerance by approximately 2°F to 9°F, depending on the variety of plant and the duration/ intensity of frost or freeze. Use of the non-toxic spray could add the equivalent of approximately 0.25 to almost 1.0 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone to the cold hardiness rating of plants.

Growstones Ideal Alternative to Perlite, Parboiled Rice Hulls

Thursday, 10 November 2011 10:55

Substrate made from waste glass performs well in greenhouse applications

A study determined the properties of an aggregate produced from ground waste glass and compared the component with perlite and parboiled rice hulls. Experiments determined how Growstones affected root substrate properties and evaluated plant growth in different substrates. Results showed that Growstones had an air-filled pore space (AFP) higher than that of both peat and perlite, and that Growstones added to peat at a concentration of at least 15% increased AFP of the peat-based substrate.

Accelerating Adoption of Agricultural Technology

Friday, 04 November 2011 12:25

Survey assesses barriers to technology implementation for tree fruit professionals

A research initiative designed to accelerate technology adoption by tree fruit professionals included an information technology survey. The survey was created to better understand concerns and design effective outreach methods for the industry, specifically issues related to barriers to technology implementation. Researchers said the survey results will help the project team better address grower concerns and uncertainty on a regional and national level, and improve technology adoption speed and rates in agricultural industries.

Imbedding Microchips in Ornamental Shrubs

Tuesday, 14 June 2011 16:08

Scientists introduce aesthetically advanced method for tagging, tracking roses

A new technology was introduced to imbed identification chips in rose canes. Researchers designed and tested a method for imbedding rose plants with radiofrequency identification microchips, then tracked the tagged plants using a database. The findings suggest that rose plants can be safely tagged with a microchip as early as the nursery phase without negative effects on plant appearance. The technology supports a variety of educational and research applications.

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.