Horticulture Commons^™

Estimating Leaf Area In Velvetleaf (Limnocharis Flava) And Kangkong (Ipomea Aquatica): A Precise And Non-Destructive Approach For Wetland Vegetables, Anggrika Riyanti, Benyamin Lakitan, Momon Sodik Imanudin, Muhammad Yazid

Jurnal Kultivasi

Developing a leaf-area estimation model for vegetable cultivars in wetlands is essential to optimizing agricultural cultivation practices. This study aims to develop a non-destructive model for leaf area estimation in wetland vegetable cultivars (velvetleaf (Limnocharis flava) and kangkong (Ipomoea aquatica)) using regression-based models. The plants were cultivated in a wetland system. Measurements of leaf length and width were taken on all leaves of each plant, using the product of length and width (L×W) as predictor. The regression models for estimating leaf area were adjusted from linear, zero-intercept linear, quadratic, and power. The optimal model was evaluated using the determination coefficient …

Growth And Yield Response Of Shallots To Npk, Nk, And Humic Acid Under Different Mycorrhiza Application, Alfu Laila, Endang Sulistyorini

Jurnal Kultivasi

One strategy to increase shallot production is the utilization of microorganisms in the soil, such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), which is applied together with fertilizer. This research aimed to investigate the effects of different nutrient inputs and mycorrhizal association on the growth and yield of shallots. This study used a split-plot design with three replications as blocks. The main plot included four treatments: no nutrient inputs, NPK fertilizer, NK fertilizer, and humic acid, while the subplot involved the mycorrhiza application (with or without). The measured variables included growth (plant height and number of leaves) and yield (fresh weight and …

Silage Sorghum Variety Trial: Broome 2023-2024 Wet Season, Carla Milazzo, Aimee Grieves, Christopher Ham, Geoff Moore

Grain and other field crops research reports

Seven sorghum varieties suitable for silage production were planted at the start of the wet season when high temperatures and increasing day length promoted rapid growth.

Late maturing varieties were the highest yielding – producing up to 44 t/ha dry matter over 125 days.

Metabolisable energy content increased as plants matured to the soft dough growth stage, to 8.5 MJ/kg dry matter, falling short of the target 10 MJ/kg for high liveweight gains in cattle.

Training Turfgrass For Drought Resilience, Kelly Kopp, Jerry L. Goodspeed

All Current Publications

Utah’s semi-arid climate always makes efficient irrigation essential, but never more so than during a drought. In many communities, outdoor landscape irrigation represents the largest share of residential water use during the summer months. At the same time, research and Utah State University (USU) Extension observations have consistently shown that lawns across the state are often overwatered, leading to shallow root systems and increased vulnerability to heat and drought stress. Adjusting irrigation practices during drought not only conserves water but also improves the long-term health and resilience of turfgrass systems.

Attempts To Increase Ear Height And Reduce Tillering In Sweet Corn, Charlie Rohwer, Jesen Hosch

Midwest Vegetable Trial Reports

Sweet corn is a major crop in Minnesota. Fresh-market growers supply seasonal produce, and the processing industry grows >80,000 acres. The hybrids grown for each use are different, but both fresh-market and processing growers are interested in ear height; too low, and mechanical or manual harvest is more difficult. Tillering is another trait of interest to growers, as it is thought that tillers reduce yield or interfere with harvest. To address these issues, we studied practices that may reduce tillering or increase sweet corn ear height. Elevated population reduced tillering, and so did two applications of Proliant™ plant growth regulator. …

Creating Sustainable School And Home Gardens: Gardening With Native Plants, Kathy Cabe Trundle, Lawrence Krissek

All Current Publications

Native plants form the foundation for healthy local and regional ecosystems. By adding native plants to your gardening and landscape plans, you will contribute to nature’s best hope for the soil health, habitat resilience, and biodiversity we need for a brighter, more sustainable future.

Arkansas Cotton Variety Tests 2025, F. Bourland, J. Gann, B. Lovelady, B. Guest Jr, J. Mcalee, L. Martin, Z. Treadway, C. Henderson

Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Series

The primary goal of the Arkansas Cotton Variety Tests is to provide unbiased data regarding the agronomic performance of cotton varieties and advanced breeding lines in the major cotton-growing areas of Arkansas. This information helps seed companies establish marketing strategies and assists producers in choosing varieties to plant. These annual evaluations will then facilitate the inclusion of new, improved genetic material in Arkansas cotton production. Adaptation of varieties is determined by evaluating the lines at five University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture research sites (Manila, Keiser, Judd Hill, Marianna, and Rohwer). The tests at Rohwer were abandoned due to undefined …

Genome Wide Association Study (Gwas) On Different Economic Traits And Epigenetic Stability Of Sweetpotato In Louisiana, Ajay Dhungana

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Sweetpotato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam] is a globally important food, feed, and industrial crop, yet its improvement is constrained by a complex hexaploid genome, clonal propagation, and susceptibility to multiple diseases. In Louisiana, production is threatened primarily by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. batatas (Fusarium wilt) and Ceratocystis fimbriata (Black rot). Furthermore, the in vitro propagation methods essential for disease-free planting material and germplasm conservation can introduce epigenetic instability that undermines clonal fidelity. This dissertation integrates genome-wide association studies (GWAS), genotype by environment interaction (GEI) and DNA methylation profiling to dissect resistance mechanisms and assess epigenetic stability in Louisiana sweetpotato …

Creating Sustainable School And Home Gardens: Creative Ways To Store Seeds, Aurora Hughes Villa, Kaitlin U. Campbell, Rita Hagevik, Kathy Cabe Trundle

All Current Publications

Seed saving, the practice of collecting and preserving seeds from plants (e.g., vegetables, herbs, and flowers), allows them to be planted in future seasons. It’s commonly used by home gardeners, farmers, and seed stewards. This fact sheet provides information on seed storage, cultural and historical connections, seed rematriation, creative ways to store seeds, and creative uses for seeds. Many resources are included.

Broccoli Yield Following Varying Ratios Of Barley And Pea Cover Crop Mixtures, Jesen Hosch, Charlie Rohwer

Midwest Vegetable Trial Reports

While cover crops can provide a variety of services to farmers, there is debate about the benefit of cover crop mixtures compared to monocultures. A barley monoculture, a pea monoculture, and varying ratios of a barley-pea cover crop mixture were planted in spring before broccoli and under-fertilized with nitrogen. Though both broccoli yield and head weight had a positive relationship with the percent peas in a mixture, a fallow control was similar to all treatments but the barley monoculture, which resulted in the lowest yield and head size.

The Do-It-Yourself Guide To Backyard Drip Irrigation, Jaydee Gunnell, Taun Beddes, Burdette Barker

All Current Publications

This guide promotes efficient backyard drip irrigation as a vital strategy for water conservation in Utah, the third-driest state in the U.S. It explains evapotranspiration (ET), drip system components, and provides formulas to calculate a plant’s water needs. The guide provides practical advice on converting traditional irrigation systems to drip systems, particularly in flower beds and around shrubs and trees. By implementing drip irrigation, homeowners can contribute to water conservation while enhancing the health of their landscapes.

Seeds Of Change - Building Community And Resilience With Plant Guilds, Roslynn Mccann, Liliane Dionne, Kevin White

All Current Publications

The goals of this Grade 6 living systems/biodiversity curriculum are to highlight Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) contributions to science, technology, and sustainable agriculture, with a focus on relational worldviews, permaculture practices, and respect for Mother Earth. Students will conduct plant experiments, learn Indigenous stories, make corn husk dolls, create a recipe, and enjoy eating their soup creation.

Sunflower Cut Flower Production In Utah, Calee Garn, Alison Bingham, Melanie Stock, Claudia Nischwitz

All Current Publications

Sunflower is low-maintenance, full-sun crop that is well-adapted to Utah’s hot and dry conditions. Single-stem cultivars are most popular for cut flower production. This fact sheet provides information on sunflower production, including cultivars, site preparation, germination, irrigation, pests, and disease, nutrient management, harvest and storage, postharvest bed management, and economics.

Spatial Variability Of Nitrates And Nitrogen Mineralization Kinetics And Their Effects In Long-Term Tillage Systems, Bibash Rokaya

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Nitrogen (N) and water management are essential for water quality protection and crop production. However, soil N and water are spatiotemporally variable. Soil water spatial dependencies are described in the literature with known associations with preferential flows among other factors. In contrast, a knowledge gap exists on the spatial dependence of soil N mineralization kinetics. We hypothesize that soil N mineralization kinetics and soil water have distinct and cross-correlated spatial characteristics among soil management practices and climatic regions. For the field study, we measured soil-N mineralization kinetics, volumetric water content (VWC), and a suite of soil properties along ~70 m …

2025 Late-Season Bell Pepper Production In High Tunnels, Lewis Jett

Midwest Vegetable Trial Reports

Bell peppers (Capsicum annuum) are widely grown as an open-field vegetable crop in West Virginia.  There is limited production of bell peppers in high tunnels.  However, the high tunnel protected microenvironment may accelerate maturity and improve quality of colored bell peppers for late-season bell peppers.  Late season peppers have high market value since open-field production has completed by the first frost in mid-October.  The objective of this research was to evaluate 7 bell pepper cultivars planted within a high tunnel in early August for late fall harvest in West Virginia in 2025.   The bell peppers were once-over harvested …

Wayne E. Sabbe Arkansas Soil Fertility Studies 2025, Nathan A. Slaton

Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Series

Rapid technological changes in crop management and production require that the research efforts be presented in an expeditious manner. The contributions of soil fertility and fertilizers are major production factors in all Arkansas crops. The studies described within will allow producers to compare their practices with the university’s research efforts. Additionally, soil-test data and fertilizer sales are presented to allow comparisons among years, crops, and other areas within Arkansas.

Evaluation Of 18 Broccoli Cultivars For Summer Harvest In Southwest Michigan In 2025, Ben Phillips

Midwest Vegetable Trial Reports

A broccoli cultivar trial was planted at the Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center (42.081985, -86.354087, Benton Harbor, Michigan). Bejo (BJ), Rijk Zwaan (RZ), Sakata (SK), and Tozer (TZ) seed companies donated 18 broccoli cultivars for plastic mulch-bedded hand harvest. Overall, the trial quality was good for collecting data on stressed plants from both heat and fertility.

Evaluation Of 9 Cauliflower Cultivars For Summer Harvest In Southwest Michigan In 2025, Ben Phillips

Midwest Vegetable Trial Reports

A cauliflower cultivar trial was planted at the Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center (42.081985, -86.354087, Benton Harbor, Michigan). Bejo (BJ), Rijk Zwaan (RZ), Sakata (SK), and Tozer (TZ) seed companies donated nine cauliflower cultivars for plastic mulch-bedded hand harvest. Overall, the trial demonstrated poor growth in cauliflower before heading amidst high heat, resulting in small plants, small heads and poor head quality.

Vines In The Landscape: Goldflame Honeysuckle, Saroj Burlakoti, Youping Sun, Shital Poudyal

All Current Publications

Goldflame honeysuckle is a moderately growing vine with a mature height of 10–15 feet and can spread around 3–6 feet in a single growing season. It grows well on fences, arbors, and trellises; however, canopy coverage is usually sparse and may not be suitable as a privacy screen. The vine grows well in full sun and well-drained soil, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies throughout the blooming season. It is hardy in USDA zones 5–9. Unlike Japanese honeysuckle (L. japonica), Goldflame honeysuckle is non-invasive and does not aggressively spread by runners.

Using Preliminary Consumer Insight To Enhance The Perceived Quality Of A New Apple Cultivar (Malus Domestica Borkh. Cv. Anabp 01) With A View To Maximizing Crop Utilisation, Kristen Kennison, Steele Jacob, Karyn Reeves, Kevin Lacey, Dario Stefanelli

Horticulture Research Articles

The visual appearance of a new apple cultivar is of foremost importance for consumer attraction and fruit purchase. A new Australian apple (“ANABP 01”) has a unique burgundy colored skin which can range from red to dark burgundy during fruit maturation. This study investigates consumer likability and purchase of “ANABP 01” apples with similar eating quality characteristics with four different skin colors being Red, Light Burgundy (LB), Burgundy (B) and Dark Burgundy (DB). During testing, panelists liked all classes of apple colors, giving high scores for their visual, textural and flavor characteristics. Panelists rated the color of B and DB …

Vines In The Landscape: Virginia Creeper, Saroj Burlakoti, Youping Sun, Shital Poudyal

All Current Publications

Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) is a vigorous and aggressive deciduous vine in the grape family (Vitaceae), known for its rapid growth, dense foliage, and striking fall color. Some landscapers consider this plant a nuisance because of its aggressive growth, potential damage to weak structures, and difficulty in removing, but others love it for its potential for erosion control, rapid coverage, fall color, and as a bird and pollinator habitat.

Yield And Size Of Direct-Seeded Onions In Southern Minnesota With Three Row Arrangements, Charlie Rohwer, Jesen Hosch

Midwest Vegetable Trial Reports

Dry bulb onions are a minor crop in Minnesota, grown mostly by small-scale market farmers. Most onions are grown as transplants, likely due to the shorter growing season and easier weed control. We undertook a study to understand yield potential of four direct-seeded (unpelleted) onion varieties, and the impacts of between-plant spacing at a single population on onion yield, size, and size variability. Four onion varieties were seeded on 9 April using a Jang JP6 push seeder in one of three row arrangements: four evenly-spaced rows, two double-rows, or three rows with seeds scattered in the middle row. All were …

Evaluation Of 10 Pickling Cucumber Cultivars For Machine Harvest In Michigan’S Thumb In 2025, Saltanat Mambetova, Ben Phillips

Midwest Vegetable Trial Reports

Michigan is the leading producer of pickling cucumbers in the United States in both processed production and total acreage. This trial evaluated parthenocarpic pickling cucumbers varieties at the Saginaw Valley Research and Extension Center in Frankenmuth, Michigan, a major production area for pickling cucumbers. Ten parthenocarpic (seedless) varieties were included in the trial and were donated by Bejo (BJ), Nunhems (NU), PanAmerican (PA), and Rijk Zwaan (RZ) seed companies. Growing conditions during the trial were generally favorable. Yield results showed that half of the evaluated varieties exceeded the generally accepted yield benchmark of 250 bushels per acre. Quality data were …

Weather Conditions Associated With Citrus Canker Incidence Caused By Aw Strain In The Lower Rio Grande Valley Of South Texas, Amit Sharma, Teresa Patricia Feria-Arroyo, George Yanev, Madhurababu Kunta

School of Integrative Biological & Chemical Sciences Faculty Publications

Citrus canker, caused by bacterium Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri (Xcc), affects the citrus industry by making the fruit unmarketable due to unsightly lesions on the fruit. Citrus canker caused by a relatively new AWstrain of Xcc was reported on the citrus trees in the residential areas of the Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV) of South Texas. Xcc AW has a limited host range, predominantly affecting limes and a few other citrus species. Previous work has reported prevailing environmental conditions that influence the incidence and spread of the citrus canker caused by the Asiatic A strain. However, no information is available …

Grow Your Own Microgreens, Stephen Beck

All Current Publications

This fact sheet reviews the steps and materials needed to grow microgreens, such as radish, broccoli, sunflower, or pea shoots. Microgreens are fast and easy to grow and a healthy addition to your diet.

Evaluation Of 14 Round Tomato Cultivars In Southwest Michigan In 2025, Ben Phillips

Midwest Vegetable Trial Reports

A round tomato cultivar trial was planted at the Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center (42.081985, -86.354087, Benton Harbor, Michigan). Bejo (BJ), Enza Zaden (EZ), North Carolina State University (NCSU), PanAmerican (PA), and Sakata (SK) seed companies donated 14 cultivars for plastic mulch-bedded hand harvest. Overall, the trial quality was good, with periods of high heat slowing ripening.

Evaluation Of Eight Parthenocarpic Slicing Cucumber Cultivars And Four Production Systems In Southwest Michigan In 2025, Ben Phillips

Midwest Vegetable Trial Reports

In the machine-harvested pickling cucumber system, parthenocarpic (parth) varieties make up about 50% of the market, and is growing. The seed cost is higher, but this is offset by not needing to contract or truck bees and an increased yield when planted at half the population of standard varieties. Additionally, they hold their shape and size better when moisture and temperatures fluctuate, reducing docked payments from graders. In pickling cucumbers, a breakeven yield is approximately 250 bushels per acre with a plant population of 30,000 plants per acre. Plant populations can play a strong role in economic viability, as demonstrated …

Insecticide Resistance Testing In Cluster Caterpillar (Spodoptera Litura) From Population Across Wa, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Horticulture factsheets

A study by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) was undertaken with the aim to better manage insecticide resistance in the cluster caterpillar (Spodoptera litura). Cluster caterpillar is an endemic armyworm species in WA, particularly in the State’s north, which affects a wide range of host plants including table grapes, capsicums, aubergine, cow peas, mung beans, maize, cotton and asparagus. The work was undertaken in response to field reports, from northern Western Australian horticultural regions, that some commonly used insecticides no longer provide adequate control, raising concerns that resistance has developed to some insecticides.

Root-Knot Nematodes In Western Australian Horticulture, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Horticulture factsheets

Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne species, RKN) are unsegmented round worms which are usually invisible to the naked eye, but the galls they produce in infested plant roots are often easy to spot. RKNs are plant-parasitic with a broad host range, which includes vegetables, field crops, tree and vine fruits, ornamentals, pastures and some weed species.

Root-knot nematodes reduce yields of many horticulture crops, including carrot, potato, sweet potato, tomato, capsicum, pumpkin, zucchini, avocado, grapes and lettuce. RKNs favour the sandy soils common throughout the south-west of Western Australia’s (WA’s) horticultural area.

Carbon Source-Induced Changes In The Transcriptional Landscape Of Novacetimonas Hansenii, Bashir A. Akhoon, Jordan Corley, Jia W. Tan, Roberta Magnani, Rachel R. Schendel, Andrew Lipton, Carlos M. Rodriguez Lopez, Kendall R. Corbin

Horticulture Faculty Publications

Novacetimonas hansenii is a model organism for bacterial cellulose (BC) production, a biopolymer with broad industrial applications. To better understand its carbon source-dependent metabolism, we conducted the first time-resolved transcriptomic analysis of N. hansenii ATCC 23769 grown on five carbon sources (glucose, fructose, mannitol, galactose, and sucrose) across five time points (24–120 h). Glucose, fructose, and mannitol supported growth and efficient BC production, whereas galactose and sucrose resulted in poor yields, likely due to limited transport and enzymatic capacity. Solid-state NMR revealed that cellulose crystallinity and polymorphism were carbon source-dependent, with reduced bcsD expression correlating with lower crystallinity. Transcriptomic profiling …