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Dry farming has been defined as rainfed crop production in a climate with more than 20 inches of annual precipitation, but where most precipitation falls outside the growing season. Dry farming is garnering interest in the western United States because it allows farmers to produce crops despite a lack of access to irrigation or water rights or to eliminate the infrastructure, labor, and energy costs of irrigation systems. Sites have differing suitability for dry farming, and some sites that can be farmed with irrigation will perform poorly when dry-farmed. To determine site factors associated with dry farmyield and fruit quality, trials of 'Early Girl' tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and 'North Georgia Candy Roaster' winter squash (Cucurbita maxima) were conducted at 17 participant farms in the Willamette Valley in Oregon, USA, in 2018 and 2019. The mean blossom-end rot (BER) incidence was higher in the Willamette Valley than in coastal California; this was probably because of the Willamette Valley's hotter and drier climate. Increasing the available water-holding capacity of soil, total available water (available water-holding capacity of the soil plus in-season rainfall), native productivity rating, soil pH (0-6 inches and 24-36 inches), soil nutrient concentrations (0-6 inches and 24-36 inches), and in-season rainfall were positively associated with at least one measure of tomato or winter squash yield, fruit number, or average fruit weight. An earlier planting date was positively associated with winter squash total yield and total fruit number in 2019. The waterlimited yield potential (the total yield potential if water was the only limiting factor) for 20-ft2/plant plots was estimated to be 2.2 tons/acre per inch for tomato and 2.8 tons/acre per inch for winter squash. In 2019, high-density plantings (20 ft2/plant) had higher tomato and winter squash mean total yields, mean total fruit numbers, and mean tomato unblemished yield than low-density plantings (40 ft2/plant). In 2019, planting tomato at 20 ft2/plant decreased the mean BER incidence by 15.6% when compared with planting tomato at 40 ft2/plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biobased sprayable mulch (BSM) films are a potential alternative to herbicides, polyethylene plastic mulch film, and hand weeding for specialty crops. We developed a series of BSM films using locally available biomaterials [including corn (Zea mays) starch, glycerol, keratin hydrolysate, corn gluten meal, corn zein, eggshells, and isolated soy (Glycine max) protein] and tested their effects on weeds and crop yield during a total of seven greenhouse or field trials between 2017 and 2019 in Nebraska, USA. Application rates of BSM films applied in pots (greenhouse), planting holes in plastic film (field), or bed tops (field) ranged from 0.9 to 18.2 L⋅m−2; they were applied before and after the emergence of weeds. Weed control efficacy was variable, and results of greenhouse pots were rarely replicated under field conditions. Increasing the viscosity of the final suspension tested [BSM7; a mix of corn starch (72.8 g⋅L−1), glycerol (184.7 mL⋅L−1), keratin hydrolysate (733.3 mL⋅L−1), corn zein (19.8 g⋅L−1), and isolated soy protein (19.8 g⋅L−1)] reduced weed biomass by more than 96% in field-grown kale (Brassica oleracea var. sabellica) when applied to bare soil bed tops before or after weed emergence, but kale yield in treated plots was not different from the weedy control. The results demonstrated the potential for postemergence applications of BSM films, which increase application timing flexibility for growers. Further research is needed to explore the effects of BSM films on soil properties and crop physiology and yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to difficulty in monitoring insect pests, applications of insecticides are frequently conducted on a calendar schedule. However, seasonal variability in pest populations leads to these calendar schedules sometimes being inaccurate. Threshold-based insect management strategies, including use of thresholds with conventional pesticides and with use of organic pesticides only, were compared with a conventional calendar approach for yield, management cost, and production value of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). Effect of cultivar was considered by inclusion of the long season cultivar Celebrity and the short season cultivar Early Girl Bush. These factors were compared for spring and fall seasons during two production years. Greatest total and marketable yields were obtained from use of conventional pesticides according to action thresholds. Use of organic insecticides according to thresholds did not affect yields in comparison with a calendar-based approach. Proportion of fruit rated unmarketable was greater with use of organic insecticides due to reduced efficacy and residual of control. Production costs for the organic threshold-based approach were greater due to increased number of insecticide applications required. Gross margin for both conventional and organic thresholdbased insect pest management was greater than for the conventional calendar method. Increased economic return for conventional threshold-based management was due to increased yields. Increase in return for organic threshold management was based on premiums received for organically grown tomatoes. Adoption of conventional threshold-based insect pest management by small-scale producers has the potential to increase production efficiency and value, as well as increase environmental sustainability of production. Economic feasibility of organic production requires access to markets willing to pay significant premiums for organic produce. Further research to evaluate economic and yield impacts of production practices for small-scale farms is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drawbacks of traditional synthetic fertilizer led us to explore a biologically based (bio-based) alternative. Our objective was to quantify the efficacy of wastewater-grown algae pellets and pastes harvested from rotating algal biofilm systems as fertilizers for three crops, 'Honeycomb' marigold (Tagetes patula L.), 'Beefsteak' tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), and 'Ambrosia' sweet corn (Zea mays L.). Factorial experiments were designed for each crop with fertilizer type (algae pellets, algae paste, a synthetic controlled-release fertilizer, or a commercially available bio-based fertilizer from wastewater treatment) and substrate (commercial or custom-made) as factors. Shoot growth, shoot nutrient concentration, and substrate pH and electrical conductivity (EC) were affected by fertilizer, substrate, or their interaction. Algae pellets and paste supplied nutrients to all three species effectively, increasing shoot size, dry weight, perceived health, and nutrient concentrations compared with unfertilized controls. Notwithstanding some variability among crops, performance of algal materials was similar to that of the synthetic fertilizer and better than that of the commercial bio-based fertilizer. As a bio-based fertilizer that supplies plants with recycled nutrients sequestered from wastewater, wastewater-grown algae can reduce the impacts of mineral nutrition management in container-crop production by partially supplanting synthetic fertilizer use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 1999, West Virginia University (WVU) established an organic farming systems project with a market garden section consisting of 32 plots measuring 16x25 ft arranged in a completely randomized design. Sixteen of these plots were managed as high-input and 16 as low-input plots. High-input plots received 10 tons/acre per year of dairy manure and a rye-vetch (Secale cereale and Vida villosa) cover crop during each winter season since the inception of the experiment in 1999. Fertility in low-input plots was managed solely with an annual rye-vetch cover crop while bo th treatments also received 5 tons/acre of mixed species hay used as mulch in 2 of every 4 years. A 4-year rotation of crops, green bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), zucchini (Cucurbitapepo), tomato (Solatium lycopersicum), green pepper (Capsicum annuum) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa) in the Fabaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Solanaceae and Asteraceae families was established in 1999 and has been m aintained ever since. Soil organic matter (SOM) in the upper 6 inches of the soil profile (4.4% in 1999) has remained unchanged in low-input plots at 5.2% in 2004 and 5.4% in 2014, the year following transition and most recent data collection, respectively. During this same time period, significant increases in SOM from 6.4% in 2004 to 8.7% in 2014 were observed in high-input plots. Bulk density was lower in high-input plots than low-input plots in 2014. Despite these improvements in soil quality, high-input plots showed very high levels of phosphorus and potassium. Over the duration of the experiment, yearly manure application increased yields by 22% in all crops combined; however, individual crops responded quite differendy. The yield was 9%, 25%, 24% and 24% higher in high-input plots than in low-input plots for tomato, pepper, zucchini and green bean, respectively. Manure application in addition to green manures and hay mulch incorporation was found to result in significant economic returns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of culture media on growth and proliferation of 'Earsakul' dendrobium (Dendrobium) protocorm-like bodies (PLBs) were evaluated in a twostep culture. After culturing on each of the four first step media for 4 months and on each of the four second step media for 4 months, the greatest total PLB fresh weight, increase in number of PLBs and growth rates were obtained when using Vacin and Went medium 1 (VW1) in both culture steps compared with those in 15 other medium combinations. Starting from 0.5 g of PLBs, culturing on VW1 for 8 months achieved a total of 415.25 g of PLBs, a multiplication rate of 830-fold. The supplementation of tomato (Solatium lycopersicum) and substitution of 'Horn Thong' banana [Musa acuminata (AAA group)] with 'Khai' banana [ M. acuminata (AA group)] in this new medium promoted growth and proliferation of dendrobium PLBs 2.4-fold over the control medium, suggesting its usefulness in commercial micropropagation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of native arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) Glomus sp. 1, Glomus sp. 2, Glomus clarum and Glomus intraradices on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L. Var., amalia) was evaluated under controlled conditions by means of growth variables (height, stem diameter, number of leaves, flowers and fruits, dry aerial and underground biomass and fresh mass of fruits) and the mycorrhizal variables (colonization, visual density, quantification of endophyte, external mycelium and spores). The strains Glomus sp. 1 and Glomus intraradices were the most efficient, with harvest index values of 65 and 56.3% and fruit fresh weight of 166.7 and 131.8 g, respectively. It is emphasized that the fungal strain Glomus sp. 1 always presented lower values than strain Glomus intraradices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field study was conducted in 2010 and 2011 to determine the suitability of Earth-Kind® production principles for home vegetable gardening. Earth-Kind® production encourages water and energy conservation, and reduction of fertilizer and pesticide use. Seven vegetable cultivars [Sweet Banana and bell pepper (Capsicum annuum); Celebrity and Juliet tomato (Solanum lycopersicum); Spacemaster cucumber (Cucumis sativus); Ichiban eggplant (Solanum melongena); Spineless Beauty zucchini (Cucurbita pepo)] were grown in mushroom compost (MC) or city compost (CC). Both composts were incorporated preplant into the soil with shredded wood mulch placed over them. In each year, nitrogen (N) fertilizer (15.5N-0P-0K from calcium nitrate) was applied preplant to CC plots to bring initial soil fertility levels similar to MC plots. No additional fertilizer was applied during the growing season. Drip irrigation was supplemented weekly. One application each of neem oil and pyrethrin (organic insecticides) and chlorothalonil (synthetic fungicide) was applied before harvest in 2010, but none was applied in 2011. Results indicated that Earth-Kind® technique could be effectively implemented in a home vegetable garden. MC is better suited for Earth-Kind® vegetable production than CC for some vegetables. Banana pepper, bell pepper, and zucchini had twice the yield in MC plots when compared with CC plots. No yield differences (P > 0.05) were observed between composts for tomato, eggplant, or cucumber. With proper irrigation and soil preparation practices such as addition of compost and mulch, Earth-Kind® vegetable gardening techniques can be used for selected vegetable crops without additional N fertilizer or pesticides. Furthermore, Earth-Kind® vegetable gardening can be successful as long as the home gardener understands that low yields may result from using this production method. However, often the home gardener is more concerned about producing vegetables using sustainable, environmentally friendly methods than maximizing yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Darbo tikslas - palyginti puslaidininkinių lempų, sudarytų iš raudoną ir mėlyną šviesą emituojančių diodų, ir aukšto slėgio natrio lempų šviesos poveikį pomidorų daigams, auginamiems skirtinguose substratuose. Objektas - pomidorų hibridas 'Magnus'. Tyrimui naudoti skirtingi substratai: durpės bei vermikulito ir durpių substratas (santykis 3 : 2). Tyrimams naudotos lempos, sudarytos iš raudonos 665 nm ir mėlynos 451 nm bangos ilgių šviesą emituojančių diodų (LED). Mėlynos sudedamosios dalies fotonų srauto tankio dalis buvo 9 proc. nuo bendro 200 µmol cm-2 s-1 lempos fotonų srauto tankio. Kontroliniai augalai auginti po aukšto slėgio natrio lempomis (HPS). Tyrimo metu buvo palaikomas 16 val. fotoperiodas, 22/18 ± 2 °C dienos/nakties temperatūra ir 60-70 proc. santykinė oro drėgmė. Nustatyta, kad raudonos ir mėlynos spektro dalies šviesą emituojantys diodai (LED) vermikulito ir durpių substrate mažino pomidorų daigų aukštį, augalai suformavo mažiau lapų, jų plotas, žalia ir sausa masė buvo mažesni, augalai lėčiau vystėsi, tačiau buvo nustatytas didesnis chlorofilo a ir b kiekis, palyginti su po aukšto slėgio natrio (HPS) lempomis augintais daigais. Tyrimo pabaigoje šie augalai pasiekė V organogenezės etapą ir suformavo mažiau žiedų. HPS lempų šviesa skatino pomidorų daigų augimą ir vystymąsi, žiedynas pasiekė VII organogenezės etapą. Galima teigti, kad puslaidininkiniai šviesos šaltiniai bei vermikulito ir durpių substratas lėtina pomidorų daigų vystymąsi, tačiau daigai užauga neištįsę, kompaktiški ir kokybiški. The experiments were carried out at the phytotron complex of Plant Physiology Laboratory of the Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry. The objective of our studies was to evaluate the effects of blue and red LED components on tomato transplant cultivation grown in different peat and vermiculite - peat substrates. The transplants of tomato hybrid 'Magnus' F1 were grown in phytotron chambers. The day/night temperature up to germination was 22-18 °C, and a 16 h photoperiod was maintained. Solid-state lighting lamps containing 665 and 451 nm light-emitting diodes (LEDs) were used in the experiments. The total photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) was 200 µmol cm-2 s-1, the blue component composed 9% of the total PPFD. Control tomato transplants were grown under the illumination of high-pressure sodium lamps (HPS). Substrate treatment: peat substrate and peat substrate with vermiculite (3 : 2 ratio). Our investigations revealed that under irradiation of red 665 nm and blue 451 nm light-emitting diodes the tomato transplants grown in vermiculite - peat substrate were smaller, had a smaller leaf area, the number of leaves, the hypocotyl diameter and the length, fresh and dry weight, but simulated chlorophyll a and b content. Their development was slower (V organogenesis stage) as compared to the transplants cultivated under high-pressure sodium (HPS) lamps (VII stages). Finally, our results show that the light-emitting diodes and vermiculite - peat substrate inhibit the development of tomato transplants. The tomato transplants are not elongated, compact and of high quality. These lamps may be more useful for supplemental lighting in greenhouse conditions where the total lighting flux contains background natural lighting. Therefore, these studies will be continued. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A top coat is a lightweight substrate component used in seed germination. The seeds are typically placed on a substrate such as peat and then the seeds are covered with a layer of the top coating substrate. The top coat serves to maintain adequate moisture around the seeds and to exclude light. Vermiculite and cork granulates (1 mm) were used as top coat substrates for seed germination to determine if cork granulates could be successfully used as an alternative to vermiculite. The cork granulates had a bulk density of 0.16 gem-3, which was higher than that of vermiculite that had a bulk density of 0.12 gcm-3. Cork granulates had an air-filled pore space of 22.7% (v/v), which was higher than vermiculite which was 13.2%. The water-holding capacity of vermiculite was 63.4% (v/v), which was higher than that of cork granulates that was 35.1%. Seeds of 'Rutgers Select' tomato (Solatium lycopersicum), 'Dazzler Lilac Splash' impatiens (Impatiens walleriana), 'Orbital Cardinal Red' geranium (Pelargonium x bortorum), 'Better Belle' pepper (Capsicum annuum), and 'Cooler Grape' vinca (Catharantbus roseus) were placed on top of peat and covered with a 4-mm top coating of either vermiculite or cork granulates. For tomato, impatiens, and vinca, days to germination were similar between seeds germinated using vermiculite and granulated cork as a top coat. Days to germination of geranium and pepper were significantly different with geranium and pepper seeds coated with cork granulates germinating 0.7 and 1.5 days earlier than those coated with vermiculite. For tomato, impatiens, and geranium, the number of seeds germinating per plug tray was similar between the top coats. Number of seeds germinating per tray for pepper and vinca were significantly different. Pepper had an average of 2.8 more seeds germinating per tray, and vinca had an average of 2.4 more seeds germinating per tray if seeds were germinated using granulated cork vs. vermiculite. For all species, dry shoot and dry root weights were similar for seedlings germinated using cork and vermiculite top coats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One method of plant freeze protection involves the application of compounds that promote freeze avoidance or tolerance. FreezePruf, a commercially available product recently marketed to improve both freeze avoidance and tolerance, contains polyethylene glycol, potassium silicate, glycerol, silicone polyether surfactant, and a bicyclic oxazolidine antidessicant. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the protection level provided by FreezePrufusing laboratory-based methods involving plants and plant parts from species capable and incapable of low-temperature acclimation. FreezePruf did not lower the freezing temperature of pepper (Capsicum annuum) seedlings, celosia (Celosia argentea) seedlings, detached tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) leaves, or postharvest tomato fruit. Spray application of the putative cryoprotectant did not increase the freeze tolerance of bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) crowns or stolons. It is possible that a greater level of protection could be achieved with other species or different experimental protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigation was carried out at the LRCAF Institute of Horticulture in 2012. The aim of this experiment was to evaluate delayed sowing time influence on tomato yield and quality. The object of investigation was tomato variety -- 'Tamina'. It's a medium early, indeterminate type variety, growing up till 2 meters in height with mid-sized (75 g) fruits. Tomato seeds were sown at four different times (29-03-2012; 05-04-2012; 04-12-2012 and 19-04-2012) in heated greenhouse. On the 5th of June tomato seedlings were planted in natural soil in polyethylene non-heated greenhouse as a second culture. The experiment was conducted in three replications. Harvesting field area was 2.1 m². Dry matter and soluble solids content of tomato fruit were determined at the LRCAF Institute of Horticulture in Biochemistry and Technology Laboratory, applying non-destructive Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIR). The results showed that the earliest sown tomatoes had the earliest yield, but time between germination and the first yield was 3 days longer in comparison with latest sowing tomatoes. Tomatoes sown on the 29th of March and on the 5th of April stood out with the highest total and marketable yields. Tomato sowing time delay gradually increased the amount of non-marketable yield and non-marketable amount of fruits. The earliest sown tomatoes had the largest fruits and sowing delay had negative effect on fruit size. Sowing time also influenced the amounts of dry soluble solids and soluble solids content in tomato fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Farmers view weed management and the risk of lower yields as barriers to transition from conventional to organic agriculture. The 3 years of transition before organic certification can be used to implement strategies to suppress weeds and improve soil fertility. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effects of five organic transition strategies on soil quality, weed suppression, and yield of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and potato (Solanum tuberosum) in the first year of organic production. The transition strategies included a tilled fallow, nontreated weedy, high diversity prairie mixture, smother crops, and vegetable rotation. Subplots with and without compost application were also included. Transition strategies affected weed density and biomass in the first organic year with the prairie strategy being the most suppressive of monocotyledonous weeds before potato. Compost application increased plant available nutrients and soil organic matter (OM). The quantity of plant available phosphorus was greatest in the fallow transition strategy (55 mg.kg-1) when compost was applied, while percent soil OM was highest in the prairie (3.2%) and nontreated (3.1% ) strategies in comparison with the other strategies. Compost application increased yields of potato and tomato with transition strategy affecting the number and weight of cull potato tubers. The selection of transition strategies before conversion to organic agriculture affected weed pressure, soil quality, and crop production in the first certified organic year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the potential impact of food safety outbreaks on domestic shipments, imports, and prices of the produce industry. Moreover, the compliance costs associated with new food safety standards were also estimated. Three case studies were analyzed to assess these potential impacts: the muskmelon (Cucumis melt) outbreak of Mar.-Apr. 2008, the spinach (Spinacea oleracea) outbreak of Sept. 2006, and the tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) outbreak of June-July 2008. The results demonstrate that the costs incurred by producers because of food safety outbreaks in produce are far greater than preventing such incidents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY. In the United States, overhead irrigation is common to apply water and dissolved nutrients to vegetable transplants during greenhouse production. Overhead irrigation allows for the control of salt accumulation in the growing medium because excess water can leach salts out of the container. Alternatively, subirrigation saves labor and improves water use efficiency, but soluble salts can accumulate in the upper profile of the containers. Consequently different sets of fertilizer and electrical conductivity (EC) guidelines are required for overhead and subirrigation systems. The objective of this project was to determine the influence of fertilizer concentration and irrigation method (subirrigation vs. overhead irrigation) on the growth of several vegetable transplant crops intended for retail sale. Seedlings of collards ( Brassica oleracea var. acephala 'Vates'), kale ( B. oleracea var. acephala 'Nagoya Mix'), lettuce (Lactuca sativa 'Buttercrunch'), pepper (Capsicum annuum 'Sweet Banana'), and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum 'Sweet 100') were transplanted into 4-inch-diameter containers and grown in a greenhouse for 4 weeks. Irrigation was provided via ebb and flow benches (subirrigation) or hand-watering (overhead irrigation). Plants received a complete fertilizer solution provided at a concentration of 50, 100, 200, 350, and 500 mg.L 1 nitrogen (N). The treatments resulting in maximum shoot dry weight (DW) for overhead irrigated plants were 100 mg-L-1 N for pepper, 200 mg. L1 N for tomato, and 350 mg.L 1 N for collards, kale, and lettuce. Irrigation method and fertilizer treatment significantly affected fresh weight (FW) and DW for kale, lettuce, and pepper. For kale and lettuce, regression analysis indicated that maximum DW was reached at a lower fertilizer concentration with overhead irrigation than subirrigation. The treatments resulting in maximum DW for subirrigated plants were 200 mg.Lq N for kale, lettuce, pepper, and tomato and 350 mg.L 1 N for collards. Reducing fertilizer concentration was an effective method for controlling plant height for all crops we examined except for 'Sweet Banana' pepper. However, in many cases height control via nutritional limitation comes at substantial expense to other growth parameters. Our results suggest that, in some cases, fertilizer concentration guidelines for overhead irrigation can be reduced when growing vegetable transplants with subirrigation due to reduced leaching of nutrients and greater potential for accumulation of fertilizer salts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meloidogyne incognita is a sedentary endoparasitic nematode, with total penetration and gall-forming; it has a wide geographical distribution and causes significant agricultural losses. Recently, organic fertilizers and compounds such as chitin have been used in the suppression of plant pests and diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of applying cattle manure vermicompost, and its enrichment with chitin, on the infection of M. incognita in tomato plants var. Hayslip under greenhouse conditions. For this purpose, plants were inoculated with 5000 units of eggs+second stage juveniles per pot and were compared with controls grown in soil without organic amendment or chitin. The evaluation was carried out 60 days afterwards: the shoot and root fresh weight, shoot dry weight, total population in root and soil nematodes, root knot index (INR), rate of egg masses (IMH), the nematode reproduction factor (FR) and functional-groups numbers (fungi, bacteria and actinomycetes) were measured. The addition of vermicompost to soil caused an increase in the variables of shoot fresh and dry weight and fresh root weight: the higher the percentage of vermicompost, the higher the increase; likewise, the application of vermicompost reduced the number of nematodes both in root and soil. The application of chitin accentuated these results by bringing about the lowest reproduction factor of M. incognita, with a value of 3.76 for the dose of vermicompost+50% chitin, whereas in the control this factor had a value of 93.20. The application of chitin as sole amendment affected only the soil fungi population, while the actinomycetes population increased in the amended treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Bragantia is the property of Instituto Agronomico de Campinas and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Mixtures were evaluated from natural raw materials in different proportions and in the following order: coconut fiber (Cocos nucifera), melina sawdust (Gmelina arborea) and Coope Victoria compost, for use as substrate for tomato seedlings hybrid FBM-17. Mixtures were made of coconut fiber and melina sawdust in different proportions (30%, 40% and 50% of each material), for a total of 9 treatments; the compost was added to complete 100%. Variables assessed were germination percentage at 7 days after sowing (das) and transplantable plants percentage at the 27 das in each useful plot. Also, in ten randomly selected seedlings within each useful plot (the 27 das) were evaluated: seedling height, stem thickness, root dry weight, aerial part dry weight, rate root/aerial part and adobe quality. Of all the treatments, the highest values for the variables evaluated were obtained in the three treatments where melina sawdust proportion was 30%, along with treatment of 40% coconut fiber + 40% melina sawdust + 20% compost Coope Victoria; among them, the substrate which tended to give better results in all variables was the 30-30-40 mix. The lowest values for the variables evaluated were obtained in the treatment where was not included compost in the mix (50-50-0), except for the variables germination percentage and ratehip root/aerial part. The inclusion of compost in the mixture of the substrate favored obtaining satisfactory values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Bragantia is the property of Instituto Agronomico de Campinas and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Influence of growth regulators on seed germination energy and biometrical parameters of vegetables was investigated at the Lithuanian Institute of Horticulture in 2007. The seeds of cucumber 'Krukiai' F1, red beet 'Joniai', radish 'Babtų žara', tomato 'Arvaisa' F1 were soaked in the solutions of growth regulators Biojodis, Biokal 01, Bioforce, Agronom effect, Inzar, Oksichumat, Penergetic p. Control - the seeds soaked in water. After soaking seeds were sown into multicell flats, in which plants were grown for 30 days in greenhouse. It was established seed germination energy and seedling biometrical measurements (plant height, weight, leaf number, leaf area) were carried out. Plant growth regulators Oksichumat, Agronom effect, Bioforce, Penergetic p positively influenced seed germination energy of radish, tomato and the growth and development of cucumber, red beet, tomato and radish seedlings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of our studies was to investigate effect of solid-state short-wavelength sources of blue light in combination with high-pressure sodium lamps for growing of vegetable seedlings. Cucumber hybrid 'Mandy', tomato hybrid 'Cunero' and sweet pepper cultivar 'Reda' were used for investigation. There was compared growing of vegetable seedlings under high-pressure sodium lamps ‟SON-TAgro„ (PHILIPS) and under these lamps supplemented by blue light solid-state illuminators with LHXL-LR3C(Lumileds Lighting, USA) light-emitting diodes (447 nm). It was established that vegetable (cucumber, tomato, sweet pepper) seedlings were lower. Supplemental blue light during growing of vegetable transplant accelerated formation of flower buds. Significant after-effect of supplemental blue light on vegetable yield was not established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of our studies was to evaluate growth, development and yielding of tomato in greenhouse, which transplants were grown under various combinations of light-emitting diodes illumination. Tomato transplants were grown in phytotron chambers. System of five high-power solid-state lighting modules with the main 447, 638, 669 and 731 nm LEDs were used in the experiments. Supplemental LEDs of different wavelength were used in particular modules: LI - without additional LEDs, L2 -380 nm, L3 -520 nm, L4 -595 nm, L5 -622 nm. The similar photon flux density (PFD) in all modules was maintained by regulating PFD of 638 nm LEDs. Tomato seedlings were transplanted to peat substratum and grown in greenhouses. It was established that significant effect of illumination using different LEDs combination on growth and development of tomato hybrid 'Raissa' F1 transplants remained about one month after moving tomato to greenhouses. After-effect on photosynthesis pigments system of tomatoes in greenhouses lasted two weeks. Neither of light-emitting diodes combination had significant effect on early tomato yield. Yellow light, supplemental for the main LEDs combination, used for transplant illumination, decreased total tomato yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At the Lithuanian Institute of Horticulture in 2006-2008 tomato hybrid `Kassa' was grown in greenhouse "Multi Rovero 640 TR" covered with double polymeric film and the influence of plant density on dry matter accumulation in leaves and fruits, on early and total yield was investigated. Tomato was grown in different densities: 2,5 plant m-2, 3,1 plant m-2 (5 plant in the rockwool), 3,1 plant m-2 (4 plant in the rockwool, but each fourth plant had a lateral shoot). During investigation there was measured plant height, established leaves areas, dry matter content in tomato leaves and fruits. Tomatoes, which were grown at sparse intervals accumulated more dry matter in their leaves and fruits. Plant spacing influences the earliness of investigated tomato hybrids and affect yield size. Tomatoes, which were grown at sparse intervals, produced the biggest early and total yield, but average weight of these hybrids was smaller. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The dynamic fluctuations of CO2 concentration in the tissue culture growth chamber after transplantation of petunia, chrysanthemum and tomato plantlets were recorded with a real-time control system to determine the critical CO2 concentration levels of 35μll−1 at which CO2 enrichment is needed. The experimental data showed that the tissue-cultured plantlets of petunia, chrysanthemum and tomato had the same CO2 concentration dynamics. The results indicated that CO2 enrichment was proper on the second day after transplantation. Petunia plantlets were used to conduct experiments under PPFD of 80μmolm−2 s−1, and CO2 concentrations of 350±50μll−1, 650±50μll−1 and 950±50μll−1 as well as medium moisture contents of 60%, 70% and 80%, with the result that plantlets grew better under CO2 concentration of 650±50μll−1 than under the other two concentrations with all the different media water contents. Three media water contents under the same CO2 concentration produced plantlets with the same quality. The impacts of CO2 concentrations on plantlets are more important than those of the media water contents. Sugar-free tissue culture, as compared with the conventional culture, showed that CO2 enrichment to 350±50μll−1 can promote the growth of the cultured plantlets. Sugar-free tissue culture produced healthy plantlets with thick roots, almost equivalent to the common plantlets. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The marketing period of nursery-raised bedding plant seedlings is limited by the loss of aesthetic quality associated with undesirable growth and/or excess moisture loss during storage and handling. Long-lasting synthetic analogs of abscisic acid (ABA) (8'-methylene ABA methyl ester and 8'-acetylene ABA methyl ester) were evaluated for their potential use in controlling growth and extending the marketing period of seedlings of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum), snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus), and nasturtium (Tropelaum majus). ABA analogs, applied as root-dips, slowed moisture use and reduced seedling growth in a dosage-dependent manner with no significant phytotoxic effects over the short term. The nature and duration of the responses of the three test crops to the ABA analog treatments were similar. ABA analogs were more effective at reducing moisture use by tomato seedlings than regular ABA and also had fewer negative effects on plant appearance. Before ABA analogs can be recommended for commercial-scale use, their impact on long-term performance needs to be determined, along with an evaluation of their cost and safety relative to other plant growth retardants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crop growth simulation models have been mainly developed to simulate final yield reliably. Thus, a main challenge in these models is the definition of a stable method for expressing the growth of harvested organs (e.g., fruit, seed, tuber, etc.). Generally, two approaches have been used: growth rate analysis of harvested organs [yield growth rate (YGR)] and analysis of harvest index (HI) increase over time (dHI/dt). This work aims to: 1) examine whether YGR and dHI/dt increase linearly over much of growing period, and 2) compare the two growth indices in terms of stability across a number of treatments, in order to identify which is the best indicator of harvest-organ growth. This analysis has already been performed for a large number of field crops, including wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), soybean [Glycine max L. (Merr.)], and pea (Pisum sativum L.), but it has never been attempted in crops where final yield is not simply seeds. In this study, YGR and dHI/dt performances for tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill.), potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), and eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) were compared using 21, 18, and 4 datasets, respectively. Results indicated that both descriptors of harvest-organ growth increased linearly for most of the growth period, whilst the comparison among the two variables in terms of stability showed that, although a direct statistical test failed, dHI/dt was more suitable to describe harvest-organ growth (smaller coefficient of variability) under a large range of crop management conditions (e.g., irrigation, sowing date, planting density, and water salt concentration). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wind, touching, and/or mechanical stress can restrict stem elongation. Removal of the registration of the growth retardant daminozide for use on edible crops increased interest in thigmotropic inhibition of stem elongation to control plant height in greenhouse crops, as well as a general desire by growers to decrease chemical inputs for floriculture crops. Since stem elongation varies diurnally, the question arises as to whether wind inhibition of stem elongation varies over a 24-hour period. Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) 'MoneyMaker' and cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus) 'Imperial Pink' seedlings were placed under each of 10 wind perturbationtreatments [applied for different: durations and at different times during a 24-hour period; wind speed (perpendicular to the media) at seedling level was 30 km·h-1 (18.6 mph)] for 30 days. Data were collected on plant height and leaf number on days 1 and 30. The effect of wind on stem elongation differed with species; wind treatments restricted stem elongation more on cosmos than tomato (53% and 20%, respectively, across treatments). Tomato elongation was most restricted when seedlings received wind all day, all night, or all day and night. Within short-term treatments, internode length was least when tomato seedlings received a mid-day wind treatment. Cosmos elongation was most restricted when seedlings received a wind treatment all day or all night. Within short-term treatments, cosmos internode elongation was most restricted with early- and mid-day wind treatments. Data here suggest wind effects on elongation vary diurnally. In addition, the magnitude of wind effects on elongation varied with species and was greatest during the beginning of the day on cosmos, which mirrors when stem elongation is most sensitive to temperature fluctuations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nightshade weeds in California processing tomato fields were studied to determine if visible and near-infrared (400 to 2500 nm) reflectance spectroscopy could be used to discriminate nightshade weeds from tomato plants. Optical absorbance data in the 2120 to 2320 nm region gave the best classification rate between weeds and tomato (100%) using narrowband hyperspectral models and canonical discriminant analysis. Narrowband hyperspectral models in the visible region also gave good classification performance (95% accuracy); however, broadband color-based models were only 75% accurate. The effect of reduced analog to digital conversion resolution on classifier performance was also studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ten tomato varieties, i.e. Cencara, Daniella, Elena, Ibiza, Lemon Boy, Lucy, Melody, Perfecto, Raf and Rondello, were studied over two consecutive years by GC and GC-sniffing for their differences in flavour composition. Precautions were taken to avoid differences due to the growth conditions and stage of matu-rity. The aroma profiles obtained from dilutions of the extracts confirm the importance of most compounds previously reported as being key flavour compounds in tomatoes. Moreover, they outline a greater number of other key compounds which had not been identified or reported as such in the literature. Among them, 2-methoxyphenol, eugenol, decanal and geranylacetone were identified. Among 39 compounds quantified, 27 were found to permit discrimination between varieties both in 1992 and 1993. Six varieties were characterised in both years by specific flavour compositions. The differences between varieties is due to particular relative amounts of volatile compounds arising from the metabolism of aliphatic amino acids and carotenoids. Volatile compounds arising from each metabolic processes were found to be highly correlated with each other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fertilizer material costs, particularly nitrogen (N), have increased substantially over the past 5 years. Increased costs, along with increased awareness of the impact of fertilizer leaching on the environment in humid regions, have increased interest in use of slow-release fertilizer (SRF) or controlled-release fertilizer (CRF) materials. The goals of SRF and CRF use are that no nutrient should be limiting for crop uptake, there should be improved nutrient uptake efficiency, and nutrient-leaching potential should be reduced. These considerations are particularly important for crops grown on sandy soils with relatively low nutrient and water holding capacities. Release rates of biodegradable, or slow-release materials, such urea formaldehyde, isobutylidene diurea, and methylene urea are proportional to soil microbial activity and are therefore soil temperature dependent. These materials are N sources and depend on soil biological activity, thus, soil temperature during specific crop growth phenology must be considered and release may be delayed by soil fumigation. Whereas CRFs depend on diffusion through coatings and not biodegradation, both are soil moisture and temperature dependent. Examples of coated materials are sulfur-coated urea, polymer-coated urea, and polymer/sulfur-coated urea. The advantage of these materials is that leachable fertilizer elements other than N can be incorporated within the coating. However, this comes at an increased cost. The use of any single or combination of these materials depends on time of year, the length of crop cycle and crop nutrient demand patterns, and the use of soil fumigants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports that elemental sulphur has been studied as an induced antifungal substance in plant defense. Identification of elemental sulphur as the only inorganic phytoalexin produced by many different taxa; Description of the production of elemental sulphur in disease-resistant genotypes; Occurrence of transient increases in sulphate, glutathione and cysteine in tomato xylem.

Israel's Ministry of Health has decided that Heinz ketchup does not meet the minimum standards to be labeled as such. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

It is "tomato seasoning" [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In a prospective, multi-center, case-control study involving 194 cases with newly diagnosed prostate cancer and 317 controls, results indicate inverse associations between tomato/tomato products and garlic intake and risk of prostate cancer. After adjusting for potential confounders, the highest tertile of consumption of tomato/tomato products was associated with a 67% reduced risk of prostate cancer, compared with the lowest tertile. Similarly, garlic consumption was associated with a 42% reduced risk of prostate cancer. On the other hand, dietary fat and red meat intake were positively associated with prostate cancer risk. Thus, the authors conclude, "Our study supports the hypothesis that total fat may increase PC risk and tomatoes/tomato products and garlic may protect patients against PC." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a study involving 80 patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP) and 20 healthy subjects, low plasma lycopene concentrations were found to be quite prevalent in patients with CP. 85% of patients were found to have at least one carotenoid deficiency and 27.5% were found to have more than 4 carotenoid deficiencies. CP patients with vascular disease were found to have even lower concentrations of lycopene as compared to CP patients without vascular disease. All subjects with low lycopene concentrations were given 40 g/d tomato paste (containing approximately 24 mg lycopene), and after 8 (+/-2) months, lycopene concentrations increased from 67.5 to 121 microg/l. The authors point out that patients with CP may suffer from malabsorption of carotenoids, but despite this, "it is possible to increase lycopene plasma concentration by increasing heated tomato consumption." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solanum habrochaites S. Knapp and D.M. Spooner accession LA1777 have reported resistance to the sweetpotato whitefly (SPWF), Bemisia tabaci (Genn.). An interspecific F2 population of 171 plants between tomato [Solanum lycopersicum L. (formerly Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.)] and LA1777 was bioassayed against adult SPWF in a greenhouse using clip cages. A selective genotyping analysis was used with 11 resistant and 10 susceptible plants to locate resistance genes by testing them with molecular markers spanning most of the tomato genome at about 10-cM intervals. Markers in four regions were found to be associated with resistance, where three of them showed significantly strong associations and one showed a weak association through chi-square and analyses of variance. However, through quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis using molecular markers, all four regions were identified as major QTLs with logarithm of odds (LOD) values of 4.87 to 5.95. The four QTLs were identified near the markers TG313 on chromosome 10, C2_At2g41680 on chromosome 9, TG523/T0408 on chromosome 11, and TG400/cLEG-37-G17 on chromosome 11. Multiple regression analysis produced similar results as above with fixed effects of single loci as well as interaction among some of the QTLs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a case-control study involving 438 breast cancer cases and 438 matched controls, results indicate greater intake of fruits and vegetables may be associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer. Diet information was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. After adjusting for potential confounders, total vegetable and fruit intakes were inversely associated with breast cancer risk, where the highest quartiles of vegetable and fruit intakes were associated with 72% and 47% reduced risks of breast cancer, respectively, compared with the corresponding lowest quartiles of intake. Additionally, intakes of dark green leafy vegetables, cruciferous vegetables, carrots and tomatoes, banana, watermelon/papaya/cantaloupe, vitamin A, carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, and fiber intake were independently inversely associated with breast cancer risk. Thus, the authors of this study conclude, "These data indicate that greater intake of vegetables and fruits is associat ed with a decreased risk of breast cancer among Chinese women residing in Guangdong." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 77 healthy adults, supplementation with 30 mg/d purified lycopene for a period of 8 weeks was found to significantly decrease urinary 8-hydroxy deoxoguanosine (8-OHdG) - a marker of oxidative stress. Subjects (aged 40 years or older) were randomized to receive either 0 mg, 6.5 mg, 15 mg, or 30 mg per day lycopene for 8 weeks, while adhering to a lycopene-restricted diet. All subjects who received any dose of lycopene were found to have significant increases in plasma lycopene levels, but only those who received 30 mg/d lycopene were found to have a significant decrease in oxidative stress, indicated by the decrease in 8-OHdG. These results suggest that supplementation with 30 mg/d purified lycopene for at least 8 weeks may reduce DNA oxidative damage in otherwise healthy adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abstract of the article "Lycopene-Rich Treatments to Modify Noneosinophilic Airway Inflammation in Asthma: Proof of Concept," by L. G. Wood, M. L. Garg et al is presented.

An abstract of the study "Tomato Juice Decreases LDL Cholesterol Levels and Increases LDL Resistance to Oxidation," by M. L. Silaste et al, which discusses atheroprotective effects of increased dietary intake of tomato products, is presented.

The article presents an abstract of the study "Diet, Wheeze, and Atopy in School Children in Menorca, Spain," by L. Chatzi, M. Torrent, et al, which showed that high intake of fruity vegetables may lower the risk of wheeze, while high intake of fish may lower the risk of atopy.

An abstract of the article "Intake of Fruits, Vegetables, and Soy Foods in Relation to Breast Cancer Risk in Korean Women: A Case-Control Study," by M. H. Do and S. S. Lee is presented.

The article presents an abstract of the study "Combinations of Tomato and Broccoli Enhance Antitumor Activity in Dunning r3327-h Prostate Adenocarcinomas," by K. Canene-Adams and colleagues, which showed that including tomato and broccoli in the diet may reduce the risk of prostate tumor growth.

The article discusses the role of tomato extract in preventing cardiovascular disease, referencing the study "Effects of Tomato Extract on Platelet Function: A Double-Blinded Crossover Study in Healthy Humans," by N. O'Kennedy et al.

Sixteen tomato [Solanum lycopersicum L. (syn. Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.)] genotypes (inbred lines or hybrids) were tested against five Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) deBary isolates to characterize race specificity of late blight resistance transferred to tomato from Solanum pimpinellifolium L. [syn. Lycopersicon pimpinellifolium (L.) Mill.] accession L3708. The effects of plant genotype, isolate, genotype × isolate, and isolate × replication interactions were highly significant (P = 0.001). Set of four sister lines fixed for late blight resistance (CU-R lines) exhibited full and equal resistance to the five pathogen isolates tested. In contrast, the heterozygous F1 hybrids, created by crossing the resistant CU-R lines with a susceptible parent, were resistant to US-11; partially resistant to US-17, NC-1, and DR4B; and susceptible to US-7. Differential responses were also observed across pathogen isolates on a set of resistant sister lines (CLN-R lines), which also were bred from L3708. The CLN-R lines were resistant to the DR4B, NC-1, and US-11 isolates, but showed significant disease-affected areas and sporangium numbers following inoculation with either US-7 or US-17. Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis confirms that both CU-R and CLN-R are homozygous for the Ph-3 gene derived from L3708. Since progeny tests also confirmed that the CLN-R lines are fixed for their level of resistance, these results suggest that late blight resistance in the CU-R lines is not controlled by Ph-3 alone, and that at least one additional gene conferring late blight resistance is missing from the CLN-R lines. Results of genetic tests of the (CU-R × CLN-R) F1 and a (CU-R × CLN-R) F2 population with the pathogen isolate US-17 strongly support a model in which resistance of the CU-R lines requires genes in addition to Ph-3. The implications of this information in breeding for late blight resistance and using of the resulting resistant lines or hybrids are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents an abstract of the study "Effects of Olive Oil and Tomato Lycopene Combination on Serum Lycopene, Lipid Profile, and Lipid Oxidation," by K. D. Ahuja et al, published in a 2006 issue of the "Nutrition" journal.

Presents an abstract of the study "Effect of a Tomato-Based Drink on Markers of Inflammation, Immunomodulation, and Oxidative Stress," by P. Riso, F. Visioli, et al, published in the 2006 issue of "Journal Agricultural Food Chemistry."