Plant Sciences Commons^™

A Utah-Native Plant Can Be Used To Promote Low-Impact Landscaping, Macie Booth

Research on Capitol Hill

Ceanothus velutinus Douglas ex Hook. (snowbrush ceanothus) is a native evergreen species that possesses significant potential for use in urban landscapes. Ceanothus velutinus fixes nitrogen in symbiosis with nitrogen-fixing actinobacteria and plays an important soil-building role. However, it is unclear how to effectively induce nodules in C. velutinus using soil containing Frankia bacteria. The purpose of this study was to understand plant growth and nodulation of C. velutinus in different soilless substrates. Ceanothus velutinus seedlings were transplanted in cone-shaped containers with calcined clay, peat moss, or perlite and inoculated with 30 ml of native soil containing Frankia bacteria. Seedlings were …

Inducing Reversions Between Asexual And Sexual Reproductive Strategies In Daphnia, Alex Braeger

Research on Capitol Hill

We are testing the effects of numerous treatments (both chemical and non-chemical) on crustaceans, with the goal of controlling the male to female ratio and the method of reproduction they use (sexual or asexual).

High Tunnel Greenhouse Produces Higher Cut Flower Yields In Utah, Maegen Lewis

Research on Capitol Hill

• Utah State University is performing research to develop management guidelines for cut flower production.
• High tunnels, simple inexpensive greenhouses, moderate temperatures. This allows cut flowers to be grown despite unfavorable conditions.
• Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus) and sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus) were selected as cool season annual crops to evaluate high tunnel benefits during cool spring temperatures.
• Research will be used to develop crop management guidelines for cut flower growers in Utah.

Decreasing Blue Light From Led Increases Growth In Four Diverse Species, Boston Swan

Research on Capitol Hill

Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) facilitate research into the effects of light quality and quantity because of their narrow band wavelength and the ability to control the quantity of light output.

•Light Quantity: Light intensity, measured as µmols m2s-1 •Light Quality: Light wavelength, measured as nm, indicates light color.

In some crops, decreasing blue light (400-500 nm) has been shown to increase growth. For this research, I studied four crops; kale, lettuce, tomato and cucumber. These crops were chosen because of commercial interest in light sensitivity.

The system included 16 chambers with eight unique spectral outputs (Table 1).

Water Use Of Kentucky Bluegrass Varieties, Shawn Foster

Research on Capitol Hill

• With drought so prevalent in the West, water use on urban landscapes is being closely scrutinized with up to 60% of urban water use directed to landscape irrigation-primarily our lawns.
• Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) is widely used because of its soft texture, attractive color, and ability to recover from intensive use.
• More water-efficient varieties of Kentucky bluegrass may result in less irrigation yet maintain quality and function of the turf.