Horticulture Commons^™

Native Maintenance Booklet, Plaster Creek Stewards

Print Materials

Your new garden is an ecological haven for pollinators. By replacing grass with native plants, you will be providing food and a resilient habitat for bees, butterflies, birds, and so much more. Many of our native insects rely on these native plants to survive and reproduce, and many birds rely on these insects to reproduce and feed their young. By bringing these plants back into our yards, we are giving them a huge helping hand. This booklet provides details on maintaining Michigan native landscapes, including recommended maintenance schedules, identifying native plants versus weeds, and garden advocacy suggestions.

Evaluation Of The Global Durum Panel (Triticum Turgidum Ssp. Durum) For Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus Resistance, Winter Survival, And Seed Characteristics, Megan Engel

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

The majority of durum wheat (Triticum turgidum spp. durum; AABB; 2n=4x=28) is predominantly grown in the northern Great Plains of the United States, and is used in the production of semolina, a coarse flour that makes pasta and couscous. Durum has been widely regarded for being more tolerant to abiotic stress, due to its ability to withstand drought and high temperatures. In this thesis, we conducted greenhouse, field, and lab studies, for the traits wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV), winter survival, and single kernel characteristics of the Global Durum Panel version 2 (GDPv2 n = 976), a panel …

Genetic And Soil Influences On The Grapevine Rhizosphere Microbiome, Lauren M. Quackenbush

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

In vineyard cropping systems, the rhizosphere microbiome arises through recruitment and filtering of the bulk soil microbiome shaped over time by soil carbon and nitrogen, climate, pH and historical legacies of vineyard management. The recruitment and filtering steps occur under the genetic influences of rootstock and scion that together drive variability in rhizosphere microbiome diversity and composition.

This study compares rhizosphere microbiomes of four Pinot Noir blocks under two rootstocks (101-14 and 420A) and four scions (777, 828, Calera, Mt. Eden). Core microbiomes were consistent across all replicates. The most abundant bacterial phyla were Actinobacteriota, Proteobacteria, and Acidobacteriota …

Addressing Agricultural Mulch Challenges In Specialty Crop Production, Caleb David Wehrbein

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

Agricultural mulches are an essential yield-boosting tool in modern specialty crop production that provide weed suppression, temperature modulation, and moisture conservation functions. Polyethylene plastic mulches are the most widely used agricultural mulch but are not sustainable given their pollutive effect on the environment and challenges associated with recycling. In order to move towards a more sustainable industry, plastic mulch use in agriculture should become more efficient or replaced with more environmentally friendly alternatives. Biodegradable mulches may be a suitable alternative to plastic mulch, but they are often less durable and prematurely degrade in field conditions. Considering this, my dissertation research …

Arkansas Cotton Variety Tests 2024, 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 System Division of Agriculture research sites (Manila, Keiser, Judd Hill, Marianna, and Rohwer). The 2024 tests at Keiser were adversely affected …

Identifying Herbicides To Manage Weeds In A Buckwheat Cover Crop And For The Control Of Volunteers, Taylor Randell-Singleton, Hannah E. Wright-Smith, Lavesta C. Hand, Jenna C. Vance, A. Stanley Culpepper

Horticulture Faculty Publications and Presentations

Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) is a fast-growing plant that quickly produces a dense groundcover. The utilization of buckwheat as a cover crop in vegetable production could be beneficial to Georgia producers, however for successful adoption, weed control in the cover crop coupled with control of buckwheat volunteers must be achievable. A preemergence (PRE) and a postemergence (POST) experiment were each conducted three times in Ty Ty, GA (2020-2021) addressing these objectives. In the PRE study, acetochlor at 0.56 lb ai acre(-1) injured buckwheat up to 16% without negatively influencing growth, suggesting potential for use in buckwheat for weed control. Flumioxazin, fomesafen, …

Preserving Trees During And After Lawn Removal, Miles Becker, Shital Poudyal

All Current Publications

Utah is one of the driest states in the United States. Outdoor irrigation accounts for approximately 65% of its municipal and industrial water use. As the state grapples with water scarcity, lawn or turf removal to reduce irrigation has become a prominent strategy to promote more water-efficient landscaping practices. The nonfunctional turf targeted for removal often surrounds trees and shrubs. Improper or careless lawn removal can damage tree roots and lead to tree decline or death. This fact sheet provides guidance on how to protect trees while removing turf.

Creating Sustainable School And Home Gardens: Organic Pest Management, Ruby Mohr, Kathy Cabe Trundle, Rita Hagevik

All Current Publications

This fact sheet on organic pest management outlines sustainable gardening practices that promote ecological balance and biodiversity. It defines organic pest management as a proactive method, using natural insecticides like sulfur and neem oil, along with unique pest control strategies such as beer traps and cinnamon repellents. Additionally, it highlights plants like mint and marigolds that repel harmful pests while attracting beneficial insects. By implementing these approaches, gardeners can protect crops sustainably, enhance soil health, and reduce reliance on synthetic pesticides, thus supporting a healthier food system.

Creating Sustainable School And Home Gardens: Using Drones To Enhance Garden Projects, Douglas Weber, Rita Hagevik, Kathy Cabe Trundle

All Current Publications

This fact sheet explores using drones to enhance garden projects at home and in schools. It covers the benefits of drones, such as monitoring garden health, planning layouts, and assessing plant conditions through advanced imaging technologies. Additionally, it outlines essential factors to consider when selecting a drone, including cost, battery life, camera quality, and local regulations. Tips for safe operation and effective usage are also provided, as well as fun facts about drones.

Morphological Characterization, Pollen Viability, And Germinability Evaluation Of Two Plumeria Species In The University Of The Philippines Los Baños, Darel Kenth S. Antesco, Maria Charito E. Balladares, Alangelico O. San Pascual, Pablito M. Magdalita, Fernando C. Sanchez Jr

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

The genus Plumeria, locally known as kalachuci, is a popular ornamental tree belonging to the Apocynaceae family. The University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) maintains a collection of Plumeria trees scattered across its campus; however, the origin of these trees remains unclear due to a lack of proper documentation. This study conducted morphological characterization and pollen analysis to provide information for further research. Results revealed the presence of 2 Plumeria species in the campus. P. obtusa has a linear leaf shape with acute tips and revolute margins while P. rubra has a lanceolate leaf shape. Additionally, P. …

Nebline, March/April 2025

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Be Groundwater Aware in Your Day-to-Day Life! Becky Schuerman

National Groundwater Awareness Week, March 9-15, 2025

National Nutrition Month: Food Connects Us, Alyssa Havlovic

Recipe of the Month: Wild Vegetable Salad, Alyssa Havlovic

Prepare Your Landscape’s Spring Game Plan, Sarah Browning

Garden Guide: Things to Do This Month, Mary Jane Frogge

2025 GROBigRed

Embracing the Puddle: The Joy of Rainy Day Outdoor Play, Hayley Jackson Perez

Agronomic Practices to Reduce Nitrate Losses to Groundwater, John Nelson

Ethan & Morgan Gabel Attend National 4-H Congress

4-H Horse Teams at Nationals

Teen Council 4-H’ers Team Up to Lead Overnight Lock-in

Heart of …

Evaluate A Personal-Sized Seedless Watermelon Grown In High Tunnels, Wenjing Guan

Midwest Vegetable Trial Reports

Growing personal-sized seedless watermelons in high tunnels is not a common practice in the U.S. However, as high tunnel adoption increases and farmers gain experience in using them for specialty crop production, there is a need to evaluate nontraditional crops to improve crop rotation within these structures. In this study, we evaluated the performance of a personal-sized seedless watermelon grown in a high tunnel system. This seedless watermelon cultivar was selected because of its thin rind, tender flesh, and high sugar content. The combination of these fruit traits may make it particularly attractive for local food markets. Additionally, we compared …

Citrus Fruits Maturity Parameters 2025-2026, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Viticulture research reports

Under Biosecurity and Agricultural Management (Agricultural Standards) Regulations 2013 Part 5.

Wayne E. Sabbe Arkansas Soil Fertility Studies 2024, 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.

Arkansas Soybean Research Studies 2023, Jeremy Ross

Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Series

The 2023 Arkansas Soybean Research Studies includes research reports on topics pertaining to soybean across several disciplines from breeding to post-harvest processing. Research reports contained in this publication may represent preliminary or only data from a single year or limited results; therefore, these results should not be used as a basis for long-term recommendations.

Several research reports in this publication will appear in other University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station publications. This duplication is the result of the overlap in research coverage between disciplines and our effort to inform Arkansas soybean producers of the research …

Arkansas Soybean Performance Tests 2024, J. F. Carlin, R. D. Bond, T. C. Swanson, J. C. Mccoy

Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Series

Soybean variety and strain performance tests are conducted each year in Arkansas by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s Arkansas Crop Variety Improvement Program. The tests provide information to companies developing varieties and/ or marketing seed within the state and aid the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service in formulating variety recommendations for soybean producers.

Effect Of Buckwheat And Silage Tarps On Sweetpotato Between-Row Weed Control, Emmanuel G. Cooper, Stephen L. Meyers, Katherine Jennings, Ashley Adair, Kevin D. Gibson, William G. Johnson

Department of Horticulture & Landscape Architecture Faculty Publications

Field studies were conducted on certified organic land in Lafayette and Vincennes, IN, in 2023 to determine the impact of different between-row weed control methods on weed suppression and sweetpotato yield. Between-row treatments consisted of organic buckwheat (108 kg ha−1) broadcast seeded immediately after sweetpotato transplanting followed by silage tarping from 3 wk after transplanting (WATr) through harvest, organic buckwheat (108 kg ha−1) broadcast seeded 3 WATr and terminated 7 WATr, and cultivation as a grower standard. Weed density at 6 WATr was 0, 184, and 162 plants m−2 for the silage tarping, living mulch buckwheat, and cultivation treatments, respectively. …

Starter Transplant Solutions Do Not Improve Cabbage Yield In High-Fertility Soil, Charlie Rohwer, Jesen Hosch

Midwest Vegetable Trial Reports

Starter fertilizers, generally high in phosphorus, are often used when transplanting vegetable crops. However, many small-scale vegetable growers have very high soil phosphorus levels, and phosphorus may be unnecessary in such conditions. Alternatively, enhanced soil microbial activity at transplant may help to make the soil phosphorus more available to the transplants. We tested this by using molasses or high-P fertilizer in the transplant solution when planting cabbage into high-fertility soil. Results indicate no benefit to cabbage from any transplant solution in high-fertility conditions, and detrimental effects from the large amount of molasses used.

Evaluation Of Cantaloupes For High Tunnels, Lewis Jett

Midwest Vegetable Trial Reports

Cantaloupes (Cucumis melo) have potential as a double crop for high tunnel in West Virginia Ten cantaloupe cultivars were evaluated in a high tunnel in 2024 at the WVU Organic Horticulture Farm in Morgantown, WV. The cultivars were established as transplants and planted on black plastic mulch on May 10, 2024. Each cultivar was replicated three times in a randomized complete block experimental design. Harvest commenced approximately 60 days after transplanting and fruit weight and quality attributes were measured. ‘Sugar Cube’ and ‘Savor’ were the highest yielding personal-size melons while ‘Athena’ and ‘Ambrosia’ were the highest yielding >1 …

Starting Vegetable Seeds Indoors: Iii. Germination, Wesley Crump, Taun Beddes, Michael Caron, Milena Oliveira

All Current Publications

This third fact sheet in this series of four guides you through the actual process of starting seeds indoors. The materials you choose may not precisely match those mentioned here. However, the variables and processes discussed are still applicable.