Digital Commons Network^™

Balancing Root-Zone Oxygenation And Rhizosphere Stability: The Impact Of Aeration And Hypoxia On Hydroponic Plant Growth, Christian D. Baker

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

As the global population and food demand continue to increase, growers must look to innovative and sustainable methods for plant cultivation. Hydroponics is a popular method of sustainable plant cultivation where plant roots are suspended over a liquid nutrient solution. Hydroponics uses less water compared to traditional agriculture because there is no evaporation or solution runoff. It also maximizes land use, requires fewer pesticides and herbicides, and enables year-round cultivation in controlled environments. However, indoor hydroponic systems rely on artificial lighting, which has higher energy costs than traditional farming methods. Optimizing growing conditions is therefore critical to ensure long-term economic …

Quantifying Plant Competition Across Heterogeneous Landscapes, Anne E. Schiffer

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Plant species require resources, such as water, light, and nutrients, and develop characteristics to compete for these limited resources. Multiple plant species can coexist in a given community if they vary their characteristics to acquire resources at different temporal or spatial scales. For example, neighboring plants coexist when they take up water in the soil at different times of the year or soil depths. Alternatively, neighboring plants with similar characteristics may compete strongly for a limited resource. However, when a plant population is growing or shrinking, it can be difficult to determine if population changes are due to resource limitation …

Do Pasture And Crop Management Practices Affect Silt Loam Soil?, Kelley R. Turner, Iin Handayani

Scholars Week

Agricultural management systems control soil quality in varying degrees. Information on the effect of farming systems on silt loam soil in Kentucky is still limited. This study evaluated the effect of different farm management systems (pasture vs crop production) on selected soil quality indicators in Western Kentucky. There were six agricultural fields used for this study. Two rotational cattle fields, one horse pasture using stall waste as fertilizer, one horse pasture using traditional fertilizer, a rotational soybean field and a monoculture corn field. Four disturbed and undisturbed soil samples were collected from the topsoil of each field (total of 24 …

Synergistic Applied Biochar And Zinc Improves Morphophysiological Growth, Antioxidant Defense, Osmolyte Accumulation, Nutrient Homeostasis, And Grain Biofortification Of Wheat Under Drought Stress, Yu Jiuli, Rizwan Munir, Mohammad Khalid-Al-Sadoon, Hamad S. Al-Otaibi

Turkish Journal of Botany

Water deficiency is a critical abiotic stress that negatively affects agricultural productivity and product quality. Biochar (BC) is an effective amendment for improving crop yields and mitigating the adverse effects of stress conditions. Zinc (Zn) also plays a crucial role in plant growth and stress tolerance. Nevertheless, the role of combined BC and Zn in mitigating the adverse effects of drought stress (DS) remains unclear. This study determined the impacts of combined BC and Zn on wheat growth and its functioning under DS. The study comprised well-watered (WW) at 100% field capacity (FC) and DS conditions (50% FC), cross-combined with …

Evaluation Of The Potential Use Of Biogenic Zno Nanoparticles Synthesized Via Salvia Fruticosa Mill. As A Nanopriming Agent On Seedling Growth In Einkorn, Emmer, And Bread Wheat Seedlings, Yüksel Durakli, Eli̇f Yüzbaşioğlu, Eda Dalyan, Namik Akçay, Gökhan Algün

Turkish Journal of Botany

In this study, the potential use of biogenic zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) as nanopriming agents in different wheat species was investigated. ZnO NPs were synthesized using aqueous extracts of Salvia fruticosa Mill. and applied as nanopriming agents to evaluate seedling growth in diploid einkorn, tetraploid emmer, and hexaploid bread wheat. The structural, morphological, and elemental characteristics of ZnO NPs were determined using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The biogenic ZnO NPs synthesized were homogeneously distributed on the surface, with a mean particle size of 27 nm. ZnO NP-based nanopriming positively affected the growth of einkorn, …

Phylogenetic Placement Of Kudrjaschevia (Lamiaceae), An Endemic Genus Of Central Asia, Alexey Astashenkov, Vera Cheryomushkina, Kobil Bobokalonov, Emma Dowhower, Tuncay Di̇rmenci̇, Ferhat Celep, Ozan Şentürk, Chunlei Xiang, Abdelmonaim Homrani Bakali, Bryan T. Drew

Turkish Journal of Botany

The mountains of Central Asia are a major region of global biodiversity, but the flora of this area remains understudied relative to other temperate biodiversity hotspots. Among the region’s broad floristic diversity, the Lamiaceae (mint family) is a conspicuous component. Within Lamiaceae, Nepeta L. (subtribe Nepetinae) is one of the most species-rich genera in Central Asia. The genus Kudrjaschevia Pojark., comprising six species endemic to Central Asia and primarily restricted to Tajikistan, has long been considered closely allied with Nepeta, yet its phylogenetic placement has not previously been examined using molecular data. Here, the phylogenetic position of Kudrjaschevia within Nepetinae …

Quantitative Trait Loci Mapping Of Resistance To Fusarium Oxysporum F. Sp. Dianthi Race 2 In Carnation Using Genotyping By Sequencing-Derived Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms, Ayşe Serpi̇l Kaya, İlknur Polat, Mehmet Uğur Kahraman, İlker Kurbetli̇, Görkem Sülü, Emi̇ne Gümrükçü, Köksal Aydinşaki̇r, İbrahi̇m Çeli̇k, Aytül Yildirim

Turkish Journal of Botany

The most important pathogen causing root and crown rot disease in carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) cultivation worldwide is Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. dianthi (Prill and Delacr.) (Fod), and its prevalence in production areas varies between 39% and 72%. Moreover, chemical management is becoming more difficult day by day due to the development of resistance to many fungicides. The use of resistant varieties in cultivation is one of the most important control methods against diseases. Although there are many races, race 2 is the most common. Herein, it was aimed to perform quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping to control resistance to Fod …

It Takes A Village -- An Homage To Florida's Ecosystems And Biodiversity, Noah R. Bastien

PANDION: The Osprey Journal of Research and Ideas

It Takes a Village is a drawing highlighting the biodiversity of Florida's native wildlife. The included species encompass plants, animals and fungi found in Floridian ecosystems. The swamp panel is an homage to the Florida Highwaymen, and several of the chosen species hold personal symbolism to my upbringing in central Florida and time spent with my grandparents on the Indian River in Brevard County. The species depicted in the drawing are as follows (from left to right, top to bottom): the grey triggerfish (Balistes capriscus), Florida mangroves (Rhizophora mangle), tropical water-clover (Marsilea ancylopoda), Florida …

Swallowtail Plant And Appalachian Tiger Swallowtail, Lillian G. Witherspoon

PANDION: The Osprey Journal of Research and Ideas

This mixed-media, artistic representation displaying both the Swallowtail Plant and the Appalachian Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly visualizes the shared similarities in both pattern and shape. Christia obcordata, commonly known as the Swallowtail Plant or Butterfly Plant, gets its name from its wing-shaped foliage and burgundy stripes that resemble the swallowtail butterfly.

Measuring And Comparing Soil Microbial Decomposition Of Oenothera Biennis Leaves Vs. Stems, Aaron Espinoza, Gabby Hays, Siver Mussa, Timothy Oluwole, Darlene Panvini

Science University Research Symposium (SURS)

Measuring and Comparing Soil Microbial Decomposition of Oenothera biennis Leaves vs. Stems

Authors: Aaron Espinoza, Gabby Hays, Siver Mussa, Timothy Oluwole, and Dr. Darlene Panvini

Our project focuses on the decomposition rates of Morning Primrose (Oenothera biennis) leaves vs. stems. Studying decomposition provides insight into the health of an ecosystem by considering how microbial interactions and nutrient cycling impact soil quality. Our main question was whether soil microbes preferred leaves of Oenothera biennis over stems due to leaves being easier for microbes to digest. To test this, we gathered Oenothera biennis and split the plants into groups of leaves …

Cycad Health Assessment For Sustainable Collection Management, Lo'ren N. Kyles

Sustainability Conference

Aulacaspis yasumatsui , the Asian cycad scale, is a threat to cycads and causes the plants to decline. This study evaluated pest presence and ecological factors at Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens Florida. Surveys on 28–29 September and 23 October 2026 recorded 27 cycads: Zamia integrifolia (n = 11), Z. furfuracea (n = 11), Cycas revoluta (n = 2), C. rumphii (n = 2) and Encephalartos hildenbrandtii (n = 1). Attributes of the plants, the transparency of the canopy and the distance to paths were recorded. In the follow-up, one leaf was analyzed from each of five non-Zamia specimens. A 5 …

Aginnovation South: Strategic Roadmap Initiatives (2020-2026), Gary A. Thompson

Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences Faculty Publications and Presentations

This report documents the major organizational initiatives undertaken by agInnovation South between 2020 and 2026. Rather than serving as a chronology of meetings or annual activities, it highlights the initiatives, partnerships, and collaborative efforts that strengthened the association and expanded regional research capacity across the Southern Land-grant system. Many began as conversations among the membership, matured through strategic planning and engagement, and ultimately resulted in partnerships, multistate projects, professional networks, organizational resources, and new opportunities for collaboration. The report is intended to preserve institutional knowledge while providing context for future leaders and members as they build upon these efforts.

Understanding The Adaptability Of Wild Thyme And Lavender Using Temperature, Leslie De Leon, Elizabeth Reyes, Lillian Mitchell, Harris Memon, Darlene Panvini

Science University Research Symposium (SURS)

Green roofs are partially or completely covered with vegetation and provide several ecosystem services, including stormwater management, reducing the heat island effect, supporting biodiversity, and providing aesthetic value. Our research investigated how surface temperature affects the growth of two perennial plants, Wild Thyme and English Lavender, under green roof conditions. We hypothesized that both species would adapt well to temperature fluctuations because of their drought-tolerant and low-maintenance characteristics. For this study, we utilized Wild Thyme (Thymus serpyllum) and English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia). Wild Thyme is a low-growing ground cover that tolerates drought and varying environmental …

Enhancing Salinity Tolerance In Black Soybean Genotypes Through Synergistic Rhizobacterial Inoculation, Fairus Hisanah Hibatullah

Scholars Week

Soil salinity is a major environmental constraint that limits soybean productivity by disrupting plant growth, nutrient uptake, and biological nitrogen fixation. Beneficial microorganisms have emerged as a sustainable approach to improve crop tolerance to saline conditions. This study aimed to identify the most salt-tolerant black soybean phenotype and evaluate the individual and combined effects of symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria (SNFB) and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) under salinity stress. This study consisted of two stages, the first identified the most salt-tolerant black soybean phenotype (BS 87, BS 99, and BS 114), and the second evaluated the effects of symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria, plant …

Abundance And Richness Of Wild Bees On Organically Managed Lavender Farms, Joseph S. Wilson, Nicolas Landel, Maxence Sarie, Tyler M. Wilson, Jacob Young, Lindsey Topham Wilson, Matthew L. Forister

Biology Faculty Publications

Wild bees are important pollinators in agricultural systems, yet patterns of wild bee abundance and diversity in commercial lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) fields remain poorly characterized. We conducted a preliminary, observational assessment of wild bee abundance and species richness across organically managed lavender fields, including both certified organic and non-certified fields following organic practices, in Provence, France, between 2022 and 2024. Standardized 15-min collections were used to compare wild bee and managed honey bee activity during 66 sampling events, while additional non-standardized collections were used to characterize and qualitatively compare the taxa present in the different field settings. Wild …

Towards Transparency In Sampling For Plant Xylem Water Isotope Studies: Current Practices And New Perspectives, Magali F. Nehemy, Hannes P.T. De Deurwaerder, Ginevra Fabiani, Gregory R. Goldsmith, W. Jesse Hahm, Danielle Hudson, Suzanne Jacobs, Huai Jianjun, James Knighton, Marco M. Lehmann, Pedro A. M. Leite, Kevin Li, Min Li, Xiuqiang Liu, Aline Meyer Oliveira, Yunpeng Nie, Natalie Orlowski, Daniele Penna, María Poca, Ricardo Sánchez-Murillo, Hongxiu Wang, Mingyi Wen, Lixin Wang, Seth E. Younger, Giulia Zuecco, Scott T. Allen

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research

Xylem water isotope values are widely used to trace plant water sources. However, the sampling decisions that precede extraction are rarely fully reported in isotope studies, limiting reproducibility and cross comparisons. A survey of 42 researchers across five continents, complemented by a virtual community workshop, revealed substantial methodological diversity: only 51% maintain standard operating procedures, with variation in organ selection among respondents (branches 73.8%, stems 64.3%, roots 35.7%), sapwood-heartwood separation (63.2% separate), bark removal (59% always) and transport conditions (56% ice packs vs. 39% ambient). From the surveyed researchers, 77.5% adapt sampling strategies to their extraction system, but these adaptations …

Floras, Manuals, & Checklists Of The Vascular Plants Of North America: A Bibliography, James P. Smith Jr

Botanical Studies

No abstract provided.

The Weed Flora Of California: A Checklist, James P. Smith Jr

Botanical Studies

No abstract provided.

Vascular Plants With Medicinal Properties, James P. Smith Jr

Botanical Studies

No abstract provided.

Updated Records And Confirmed Colonies Of The Asian Needle Ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Brachyponera Chinensis) In Mississippi, Joseph A. Macgown, Kaitlin M. Baudier, Santos Portugal

Midsouth Entomologist

No abstract, this is a short communication.

Creating Sustainable School And Home Gardens: Gardening Indoors, Rita Hagevik, Kathy Cabe Trundle

All Current Publications

Extending your growing season is a great way to produce more food earlier in spring, later in fall, or even during winter. One of the best ways to do this is to use indoor gardening and greenhouse systems, which let you grow plants beyond what is possible outdoors or alongside outdoor growing. This guide focuses on soil-based indoor gardening.

From Signals To Sinks: Integrating Nutrient Signaling And Root Architectural Traits To Enhance Sink Strength And Drought Adaptation In Sweetpotato, Marissa B. Barbosa

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

In sweetpotato, successful storage root (SR) initiation requires the establishment of sink strength in competent ARs capable of attracting and utilizing photoassimilates. Sucrose synthase (SuSy), a key enzyme involved in sucrose cleavage and carbon partitioning, is recognized as a marker of sink strength in competent ARs; however, the signals regulating its induction during SR initiation remain unclear. This work tested the hypothesis that declining phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) availability enhance sink strength in competent ARs through increased SuSy activity and investigated root system architecture (RSA) traits associated with adaptation to episodic drought. Greenhouse experiments evaluated SuSy responses …

Weedy Vascular Plants Of The United States, James P. Smith Jr

Botanical Studies

No abstract provided.

Growing South Dakota (Fall 2026), College Of Agriculture, Food And, Environmental Sciences

Growing South Dakota (Publication of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences)

[Page] 2 Support from donors helping set SDSU dairy graduates above the rest
[Page] 4 A decade of impact: Celebrating 10 years of cow-calf, swine education and research facilitates
[Page] 8 98-year-old donor keeps decades-long scholarship going in honor of late husband
[Page] 11 Looking back at Michele Dudash's tenure in academia
[Page] 12Giving students opportunities, experience to build their futures
[Page] 16 A Jackrabbit's journey in growing agricultural leadership
[Page] 18 Building South Dakota's next generation of rural veterinarians
[Page] 19 Conservation: A family affair
[Page] 20 South Dakota Water Resources Institute finds solutions to South Dakota's water challenges …

Silverleaf Nightshade (Solanum Elaeagnifolium) Undergoes Guild-Specific Transcriptomic Reprogramming Against Chewing Versus Piercing Sucking Herbivory, Arunsaikumar Karrem, Matthew Terry, Jagdish Jaba, Rupesh R. Kariyat

School of Integrative Biological & Chemical Sciences Faculty Publications

Solanum elaeagnifolium (silverleaf nightshade, SLN) is a globally invasive perennial weed with reproductive plasticity and complex defence systems that significantly impact crop yields by invading fields of staple, commercial and ornamental crops. Despite being a host to multiple insect herbivores, the molecular programming enabling its rapid adaptation to defend against diverse feeding guilds remains poorly resolved. Here, we report a comprehensive de novo transcriptomic assembly and comparative analysis of S. elaeagnifolium challenged by two distinct herbivores: the piercing-sucking generalist cowpea aphid, Aphis craccivora and the chewing specialist tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta. Differential gene expression analysis revealed a massive difference …

Keys To The Families Of Vascular Plants In Northwestern California, James P. Smith Jr, John O. Sawyer Jr

Botanical Studies

No abstract provided.

A Checklist Of Vascular Plants Endemic To California, James P. Smith Jr

Botanical Studies

No abstract provided.

An Annotated List Of The Native And Naturalized Grasses Of Hawaii, James P. Smith Jr

Botanical Studies

No abstract provided.

The Grasses Of Oklahoma, James P. Smith Jr

Botanical Studies

No abstract provided.

Poisonous And Mechanically Injurious Grasses, James P. Smith Jr

Botanical Studies

No abstract provided.