Life Sciences Commons^™

No-Till Pumpkin And Winter Squash After Winter Rye Cover Crop, Northern Indiana, 2020, Elizabeth Maynard

Midwest Vegetable Trial Reports

No-till planting of pumpkin into a killed winter rye cover crop is a system used by growers in a number of states, including Indiana. Advantages mentioned by producers in addition to soil health benefits from the cover crop include cleaner pumpkins at harvest, and in rainy seasons, less mud in the field making a more pleasant experience for customers who pick pumpkins right from the field. This paper reports on a project to develop a workable no-till system at a university research farm that can be used for demonstration and in future research to better understand and improve production practices. …

The Uniform Soybean Tests: Northern Region 2020, Guohong Cai, Adam Brock

Uniform Soybean Tests Northern Region

The purpose of The Uniform Soybean Tests is to critically evaluate the best of the experimental soybean lines developed by federal and state research personnel in the U.S. and Canada, for their potential release as new varieties. A test is established for each of ten maturity groups. Uniform Test 00 includes maturity Group 00 strains adapted to production in the northern fringe of the present area of soybean production. Uniform Tests 0 through IV include later maturing strains adapted to locations progressively further south in the North Central States and areas of similar latitude. Each year new selections are added …

2020 Seedless Pickling Cucumber Variety Trial, Ben Phillips, Hilda Mcshane

Midwest Vegetable Trial Reports

A pickling cucumber variety trial was planted at the Saginaw Valley Research and Extension Center (43.399097, -83.694497, Frankenmuth, Michigan). Bejo (BJ), Nunhems (NU), and Rijk Zwaan (RZ) seed companies donated parthenocarpic (seedless) varieties for mechanical once-over harvest.

Gcn5: The Quintessential Histone Acetyltransferase, Vikki M. Weake

Department of Biochemistry Faculty Publications

In this Special Issue, we bring together many of the original researchers involved in the initial studies to identify and characterize Gcn5, together with leaders from the field who have contributed to our understanding of this quintessential histone acetyltransferase. First, Jim Brownell and David Allis describe the discovery of Gcn5 [8], followed by Brittany Albaugh and John Denu who highlight key structural and catalytic attributes of Gcn5 as the defining member of the Gcn5-related N-acetyltransferase (GNAT) protein superfamily [15]. Next, Michael Sack and colleagues describe a protein that is closely related to Gcn5, Gcn5L1, which lacks intrinsic histone acetylation activity …

Identification And Characterization Of Edible Cricket Peptides On Hypertensive And Glycemic In Vitro Inhibition And Their Anti-Inflammatory Activity On Raw 264.7 Macrophage Cells, Felicia Hall, Lavanya Reddivari, Andrea M. Liceaga

Department of Food Science Faculty Publications

Recent studies continue to demonstrate the potential of edible insects as a protein base to obtain bioactive peptides applicable for functional food development. This study aimed at identifying antihypertensive, anti-glycemic, and anti-inflammatory peptides derived from the in vitro gastrointestinal digests of cricket protein hydrolysates. After sequential fractionation, the protein digest subfraction containing the lowest molecular weight (<0.5 kDa), hydrophobic (C18) and cationic peptides (IEX) was found responsible for the most bioactivity. The cationic peptide fraction significantly reduced (p < 0.05) α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activity in vitro, and also inhibited the expression of NF-κB in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. A total of 28 peptides were identified with mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) and de novo sequencing from the potent fraction. Three novel peptides YKPRP, PHGAP, and VGPPQ were chosen for the molecular docking studies. PHGAP and VGPPQ exhibited a higher degree of non-covalent interactions with the enzyme active site residues and binding energies comparable to captopril. Results from this study demonstrate the bioactive potential of edible cricket peptides, especially as ACE inhibitors.

Response Of Pepper And Tomato To Six Nitrogen Rates, Ron G. Goldy

Midwest Vegetable Trial Reports

A surprising lack of statistical difference was found for most metrics measured. Similar total yield was found across all fertilizer levels tested for tomato, and for the 100 to 300 pounds nitrogen/acre for peppers, only the 350 pound/acre level had lower total yield. Pepper plant height was stunted by higher nitrogen levels. This lack of differences may indicate that the important factor in nitrogen (and perhaps other nutrients) application is not in how much is applied, but more on how it is applied, especially in conjunction with how the plants are irrigated.

Evaluation Of 19 Specialty Pepper Cultivars In Southwest Michigan, Ron G. Goldy

Midwest Vegetable Trial Reports

All entries evaluated proved to have commercial potential in their category for production in Southwest Michigan. Pepper types with sufficient entries were subjected to statistical analysis for entries within that type. Significant statistical differences were found for the traits evaluated with lunchbox-types showing the largest differences while jalapeno entries showed the least.

Yield Of Eight Summer Squash Varieties In Southwest Michigan, Ron G. Goldy

Midwest Vegetable Trial Reports

The seven zucchini squash evaluated ranged in total yield from 1432 to 1798 half-bushels/acre. All seven entries were statistically similar in total yield, however differences were found in yield of small, medium, large, and cull fruit. Each entry has commercial potential in Southwest Michigan, especially if they have virus tolerance. One yellow squash (Blonde Beauty) was also in the trial but not included in statistical evaluation.

Performance Of 20 Bell Pepper Cultivars In Southwest Michigan, Ron G. Goldy

Midwest Vegetable Trial Reports

Differences in all traits measured were found in the 20 entries. Total yield ranged from 745 to 1125 – 1.25-bushel cartons/acre, a range that is somewhat lower than expected due to late planting and high temperatures shortly after transplanting and during fruit maturation. Four entries, 10374 (PanAmerican Seeds), 10868 (PanAmerican Seeds), USAP17699 USAgri Seeds), and Regulator (Enza Zaden) stood out as strong possibilities for growers to plant for commercial production.

The Drosophila Dbf4 Ortholog Chiffon Forms A Complex With Gcn5 That Is Necessary For Histone Acetylation And Viability, Eliana F. Torres-Zelada, Robert E. Stephenson, Aktan Aksoy, Benjamin D. Anderson, Selene K. Swanson, Laurence Laurence Florens, Emily C. Dykhuizen, Michael P. Washburn, Vikki M. Weake

Department of Biochemistry Faculty Publications

Metazoans contain two homologs of the Gcn5-binding protein Ada2, Ada2a and Ada2b, which nucleate formation of the ATAC and SAGA complexes respectively. In Drosophila melanogaster, there are two splice isoforms of Ada2b: Ada2b-PA and Ada2b-PB. Here we show only the Ada2b-PB isoform is in SAGA; in contrast, Ada2b-PA associates with Gcn5, Ada3, Sgf29 and Chiffon forming the Chiffon Histone Acetyltransferase (CHAT) complex. Chiffon is theDrosophila ortholog of Dbf4, which binds and activates the cell cycle kinase Cdc7 to initiate DNA replication. In flies, Chiffon and Cdc7 are required in ovary follicle cells for gene amplification, a specialized form of DNA …

The Gcn5 Complexes In Drosophila As A Model For Metazoa, Eliana F. Torres-Zelada, Vikki M. Weake

Department of Biochemistry Faculty Publications

The histone acetyltransferase Gcn5 is conserved throughout eukaryotes where it functions as part of large multi-subunit transcriptional coactivator complexes that stimulate gene expression. Here, we describe how studies in the model insect Drosophila melanogaster have provided insight into the essential roles played by Gcn5 in the development of multicellular organisms. We outline the composition and activity of the four different Gcn5 complexes in Drosophila: the Spt-Ada-Gcn5 Acetyltransferase (SAGA), Ada2a-containing (ATAC), Ada2/Gcn5/Ada3 transcription activator (ADA), and Chiffon Histone Acetyltransferase (CHAT) complexes. Whereas the SAGA and ADA complexes are also present in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, ATAC has only been …

Role Of Gut Microbiota In Anti-Colitic Effects Of Color-Fleshed Potatoes, Lavanya Reddivari, Shiyu Li, Tianmin Wang, Mary Kennett, Jairam Vanamala

Department of Food Science Faculty Publications

The prevalence of ulcerative colitis (UC), a chronic inflammatory bowel disease, is on the rise with ∼700,000 patients in the US alone in 2018. Gut bacterial dysbiosis plays an important role in ulcerative colitis. We have recently shown that anthocyanin-containing potatoes exert anti-inflammatory activity in colitic mice. However, no information is available on whether gut bacteria play a role in the anti-colitic activity of color-fleshed potatoes. This study examined the anti-colitic activity of red/purple-fleshed potatoes in mice with intact and antibiotic-ablated microbiome.

Maize Flavan-4-Ols And Anthocyanins Alleviated Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis In Mice Via Intestinal Barrier Function Restoration, Binning Wu, Shiyu Li, Haotian Chang, Ruth Anderson, Surinder Chopra, Lavanya Reddivari

Department of Food Science Faculty Publications

This study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of anthocyanins and flavan-4-ols (precursor of phlobaphenes) within a whole-food matrix against dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis using four maize near-isogenic lines (NILs) that differ only in a single class of flavonoids. The four NILs are A (lacks anthocyanins and phlobaphenes), B (phlobaphenes +), C (anthocyanins +) and D (anthocyanins + and phlobaphenes +).

On-Site And External Energy Harvesting In Underground Wireless, Usman Raza, Abdul Salam

Faculty Publications

Energy efficiency is vital for uninterrupted long-term operation of wireless underground communication nodes in the field of decision agriculture. In this paper, energy harvesting and wireless power transfer techniques are discussed with applications in underground wireless communications (UWC). Various external wireless power transfer techniques are explored. Moreover, key energy harvesting technologies are presented that utilize available energy sources in the field such as vibration, solar, and wind. In this regard, the Electromagnetic(EM)- and Magnetic Induction(MI)-based approaches are explained. Furthermore, the vibration-based energy harvesting models are reviewed as well. These energy harvesting approaches lead to design of an efficient wireless underground …

Pumpkin Cultivar Evaluation For Eastern Minnesota 2019, Annie Klodd, Rod Elmstrand

Midwest Vegetable Trial Reports

This trial compared the performance of 32 pumpkin varieties, including new cultivars and cultivars commonly grown in Minnesota, under minimal-till conditions in east-central Minnesota. Yield, average fruit weight, fruit weight variability, tons per acre, fruit per acre, and handle length were evaluated and reported for each variety.

Evaluation Of ‘Mortgage Lifter’ Tomato For High Tunnel Production, Lewis Jett

Midwest Vegetable Trial Reports

The ‘Mortgage Lifter’ tomato has historical roots in West Virginia and central Appalachia. The strain which is most often associated with West Virginia is the ‘Radiator Charlie Mortgage Lifter’ which is a red to pink beefsteak slicing tomato (Figure 1). In 2018, several heritage tomato varieties were evaluated within high tunnels in West Virginia. High Tunnels significantly improved yield and quality of all varieties, and ‘Mortgage Lifter’ had marketable yields comparable to hybrid tomato cultivars. Wholesale marketing high tunnel tomatoes is usually not profitable but concentrating on unique, heritage varieties with high flavor for direct marketing is the best strategy …

2019 Seedless Pickling Cucumber Variety Trial, Ben Phillips

Midwest Vegetable Trial Reports

A pickling cucumber variety trial was planted at the Saginaw Valley Research and Extension Center (43.399097, -83.694497, Frankenmuth, Michigan). Bejo (BJ), Nunhems (NU), and Rijk Zwaan (RZ) seed companies donated parthenocarpic (seedless) varieties.

2019 Standard-Size And Personal-Size Triploid Watermelon Variety Evaluation In Indiana, Wenjing Guan, Dennis Nowaskie, Thomas D H Haseman, Dan Egel

Midwest Vegetable Trial Reports

Indiana is one of the major watermelon production states in the U.S. Forty standard-size seedless watermelon varieties and 17 personal-size varieties were evaluated in southwest Indiana in 2019. Yield and quality information of the varieties were discussed.

Cantaloupe And Specialty Melon Variety Evaluation In Indiana, Wenjing Guan, Dennis Nowaskie, Petrus Langenhoven, Daniel S. Egel

Midwest Vegetable Trial Reports

Thirty melon varieties including traditional eastern-type cantaloupe, non-slip muskmelon, honeydew, and other specialty type melons were evaluated in a field trial at the Southwest Purdue Agricultural Center (SWPAC) in Vincennes, IN in 2019. Yield and fruit quality attributes including fruit size, total soluble solids, firmness, etc., were recorded. This study identified promising melon cultivars for growing under Midwest open-field conditions.

Asparagus Cultivar Trial – Selinsgrove, Pa, Carl Cantaluppi

Midwest Vegetable Trial Reports

This paper reports on yields of three asparagus varieties in Pennsylvania harvested one year after planting one-year-old crowns.

2020 Standard-Size And Personal-Size Triploid Watermelon Variety Evaluation In Indiana, Wenjing Guan, Dan Egel, Dennis Nowaskie, Thomas D H Haseman

Midwest Vegetable Trial Reports

Indiana ranks sixth in harvested watermelon acreage in the US. A total of 6,500 acres of watermelons were planted in Indiana in 2019 with a total production value of $35 million (USDA 2020). Variety selection based on yield, disease resistance and fruit quality are some of the key decisions in watermelon production. The objective of this study is to provide watermelon producers, as well as seed companies, with the updated information on the performance of watermelon varieties grown in Indiana. Thirty standard-size triploid watermelons and 12 personal-size triploid watermelons were evaluated at Southwest Purdue Agricultural Center in the watermelon season …

Spring Black Rot-Resistant Cabbage Cultivar Evaluation, Chris Smigell, John Strang, John Snyder

Midwest Vegetable Trial Reports

No abstract provided.

Summer Squash Variety Evaluation For Early-Season Production In High Tunnels, Wenjing Guan

Purdue Fruit and Vegetable Research Reports

This is a compilation of 12 research trial reports from four land-grant universities in the Midwestern United States. Crops include cantaloupe, pickling cucumber, pepper, potato, pumpkin, summer squash and zucchini, sweet corn, tomato, and watermelon. Somecrops were evaluated in high tunnels or hoophouses. Most trials evaluated different cultivars or varieties. One report addressed plant spacing for sweet corn and one addressed soil block for production of tomato seedlings. A list of vegetable seed sources and a list of other online sources of vegetable trial reports are also included.

Supersweet Sweet Corn Cultivar Evaluation For Northern Indiana, 2019, Elizabeth Maynard

Purdue Fruit and Vegetable Research Reports

This is a compilation of 12 research trial reports from four land-grant universities in the Midwestern United States. Crops include cantaloupe, pickling cucumber, pepper, potato, pumpkin, summer squash and zucchini, sweet corn, tomato, and watermelon. Somecrops were evaluated in high tunnels or hoophouses. Most trials evaluated different cultivars or varieties. One report addressed plant spacing for sweet corn and one addressed soil block for production of tomato seedlings. A list of vegetable seed sources and a list of other online sources of vegetable trial reports are also included.

Cantaloupe And Specialty Melon Variety Evaluation In Indiana, Wenjing Guan, Dennis Nowaskie, Petrus Langenhoven, Dan Egel

Purdue Fruit and Vegetable Research Reports

This is a compilation of 12 research trial reports from four land-grant universities in the Midwestern United States. Crops include cantaloupe, pickling cucumber, pepper, potato, pumpkin, summer squash and zucchini, sweet corn, tomato, and watermelon. Somecrops were evaluated in high tunnels or hoophouses. Most trials evaluated different cultivars or varieties. One report addressed plant spacing for sweet corn and one addressed soil block for production of tomato seedlings. A list of vegetable seed sources and a list of other online sources of vegetable trial reports are also included.

Fall Broccoli Production In High Tunnels, Wenjing Guan

Purdue Fruit and Vegetable Research Reports

This is a compilation of 12 research trial reports from four land-grant universities in the Midwestern United States. Crops include cantaloupe, pickling cucumber, pepper, potato, pumpkin, summer squash and zucchini, sweet corn, tomato, and watermelon. Somecrops were evaluated in high tunnels or hoophouses. Most trials evaluated different cultivars or varieties. One report addressed plant spacing for sweet corn and one addressed soil block for production of tomato seedlings. A list of vegetable seed sources and a list of other online sources of vegetable trial reports are also included.

2019 Standard-Size And Personal-Size Triploid Watermelon Variety Evaluation In Indiana, Wenjing Guan, Dennis Nowaskie, Thomas D H Haseman, Dan Egel

Purdue Fruit and Vegetable Research Reports

This is a compilation of 12 research trial reports from four land-grant universities in the Midwestern United States. Crops include cantaloupe, pickling cucumber, pepper, potato, pumpkin, summer squash and zucchini, sweet corn, tomato, and watermelon. Somecrops were evaluated in high tunnels or hoophouses. Most trials evaluated different cultivars or varieties. One report addressed plant spacing for sweet corn and one addressed soil block for production of tomato seedlings. A list of vegetable seed sources and a list of other online sources of vegetable trial reports are also included.

Summer Squash Variety Evaluation For Early-Season Production In High Tunnels, Wenjing Guan

Midwest Vegetable Trial Reports

Crops that can set fruit without pollination have an advantage for early-season high tunnel production. With a diverse fruit shape and color, summer squash is a valuable crop providing diversity, especially for the early farmers market. Six selected summer squash cultivars that are either indicated as parthenocarpic cultivar in seed catalogs or showed high capability to set fruit without pollination in the previous study were evaluated in a high tunnel trial in spring 2018 at the Southwest Purdue Agricultural Center, Vincennes, IN.

2020 Cantaloupe Variety Evaluation In Southern Indiana, Wenjing Guan, Dan Egel, Dennis Nowaskie, Thomas D H Haseman

Midwest Vegetable Trial Reports

Indiana ranks sixth in cantaloupe production in the US. A total of 1,800 acres of cantaloupes were planted in Indiana with a production value of $8.6 million in 2018. Melon produced in Indiana is primarily eastern-type cantaloupes. Recently, extended shelf life varieties have been developed and are becoming attractive in the eastern market. This report compared the yield and quality of seven cantaloupe varieties grown in southern Indiana.

A presentation of this trial is available at https://mediaspace.itap.purdue.edu/media/MVTR+2020+cantaloupe+variety+evaluation+in+southern+Indiana/1_pyaa792t

2020 Pumpkin Variety Trial, Nathan R. Johanning

Midwest Vegetable Trial Reports

In 2020, the University of Illinois Extension conducted an observational pumpkin variety trial in southern Illinois at the Southern Illinois University Belleville Research Center, in Belleville, IL. The trial was a single replication including 54 pumpkin and winter squash varieties divided into 2 categories: Specialty and Jack O’Lantern. Specialty Pumpkins included anything of “carving size” and colors other than orange (white, red, blue, warted, etc.) and included some large specialty pumpkins (over 25 lb) The Jack O’Lantern pumpkins were also grouped as Medium (under 25 lbs) and Large (over 25 lbs). Pumpkins were grown in a no-till, transplanted system, double …