Search

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of weed placement on the growth of container-grown ornamental plants. Additionally, it also assessed the safety of applying herbicides beneath and on the slits of air-pruning containers using four common container-grown ornamental plants. The study was divided into three experiments, with uniform liners of pentas (Pentas lanceolata (Forssk.) Deflers) and golden dewdrop (Duranta erecta L.) in the first experiment and pentas in the second. The weed seedlings, consisting of either ageratum (Ageratum houstonianum Mill.) or eclipta (Eclipta prostrata L.), were positioned in one of three locations within the container, either directly beside the rootball of the ornamental plant, 2.5 cm away from the rootball, or inside the drain hole of the container. The third experiment involved four ornamental species, which were utilized to assess the safety of herbicide application either beneath or on the slits of air-pruning containers. The overall results of the first two experiments revealed that weeds growing either at the center or the sides of the ornamental plant rootball had significant competitive effects on the growth of the ornamental species. In case of the third experiment, no herbicide injury was observed on the ornamental species, with a minor decrease in the growth of loropetulam (Loropetalum chinensis 'Ruby'). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Systena frontalis (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is a serious insect pest in nursery production. Insecticides are an important control tactic for S. frontalis adults to reduce economic losses associated with its injury. Because densities and activity of S. frontalis adults are influenced by many biotic (e.g., adult emergence timing) and abiotic (e.g., fluctuating temperatures) factors in the nurseries, it is challenging to reliably determine the efficacy and residual activity of insecticides under field conditions. Thus, the objective was to determine the residual activity of common and alternative insecticides on adult S. frontalis under semi-field conditions. Field-collected S. frontalis adults were exposed to 0-, 7-, 14-, and 21-d-old, field-aged residue of 13 insecticides applied on panicled hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata Siebold) shoots and maintained in the field. The fresh residues of tetraniliprole, cyclaniliprole, and sulfoxaflor + spinetoram were the most effective against S. frontalis adults, whereas only tetraniliprole and cyclaniliprole elicited evidence of efficacy when their residues were aged for a week. Fourteen- and 21-d-old residues of tetraniliprole were still effective on S. frontalis adults and reduced the injury. Based on the results, tetraniliprole, cyclaniliprole, and sulfoxaflor + spinetoram were effective for immediate management, cyclaniliprole can provide short-term efficacy, and tetraniliprole provides longer-term efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Measuring the physical and chemical parameters of substrates in the cells of nursery containers during production is difficult. Monitoring these parameters, however, is required for optimizing the use of substrates and their components in nursery production, specifically important in the progressive reduction in the use of peat. A new solution—leachate tables—for those studies is presented. The leachate tables enable the collection of liquid samples draining from individual cells in nursery containers during long-term irrigation and fertilization. During our 2-month-long experiment, changes in the physical and chemical parameters of the substrate were analyzed, as well as the process of accumulation of elements fed to the substrate via fertilizer and irrigation water. It was found that, due to the different cell volumes, filling the containers with the substrate under the same parameters of vibration and initial moisture resulted in different fractions of the substrate ending up inside the cells. In the smaller cells, the larger diameter fraction was dominant, and in the larger cells, the smaller fraction was dominant. This may have influenced the differences in air and water capacity of the substrate in cells of different volumes and confirmed the need for the selection of individual vibration parameters for the containers. In addition, over time, the granulometric composition of the substrate in the containers changed. Along with the systematic administration of elements via fertilization from the sprinkler ramp, their leachate content increased as a result of increased leaching from the substrate. With time, the physical parameters of the substrate in the cells stabilized, which may have affected the accumulation and leaching of elements during irrigation and fertilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of weed placement on the growth of container-grown ornamental plants. Additionally, it also assessed the safety of applying herbicides beneath and on the slits of air-pruning containers using four common container-grown ornamental plants. The study was divided into three experiments, with uniform liners of pentas (Pentas lanceolata (Forssk.) Deflers) and golden dewdrop (Duranta erecta L.) in the first experiment and pentas in the second. The weed seedlings, consisting of either ageratum (Ageratum houstonianum Mill.) or eclipta (Eclipta prostrata L.), were positioned in one of three locations within the container, either directly beside the rootball of the ornamental plant, 2.5 cm away from the rootball, or inside the drain hole of the container. The third experiment involved four ornamental species, which were utilized to assess the safety of herbicide application either beneath or on the slits of air-pruning containers. The overall results of the first two experiments revealed that weeds growing either at the center or the sides of the ornamental plant rootball had significant competitive effects on the growth of the ornamental species. In case of the third experiment, no herbicide injury was observed on the ornamental species, with a minor decrease in the growth of loropetulam (Loropetalum chinensis ‘Ruby’).

Weed management in container plant production is a serious problem and remains one of the most expensive and time-consuming aspects of the industry. Weeds cause severe reductions in crop growth due to the limited growing environment characteristic of container plant production. The container nursery industry relies heavily on a limited number of preemergence herbicide options. The use of herbicides as the primary means to manage weeds has resulted in some negative consequences such as high chemical costs, leaching, runoff, and concerns with recycling irrigation water. Additionally, nursery growers are shifting their focus toward different nonchemical weed management strategies because many ornamental plants are very sensitive to preemergence herbicides. One such method is using organic mulch to control weeds in container plant production. Mulching is the foundation of a nonchemical weed management protocol and acts as the first line of defense against weeds. Organic mulches used in container plant production include rice hulls, pine bark, wood chips, wood shavings, coconut coir, nut (peanut, pecan) shells, oyster shells, cacao bean hulls, pelletized newspaper, recycled newspaper, pine straw, and other materials; material selection often depends on the availability of the product. The objective of this manuscript is to provide a comprehensive review of existing research on the utilization of various mulch materials as a weed management tool in container plant production. Additionally, it aims to highlight any critical knowledge gaps and provide suggestions for possible future research.

Systena frontalis (F.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is a serious pest of ornamental shrubs in containerized ornamental plant nurseries in the central and eastern United States. Adult S. frontalis cause numerous shot holes on foliage, rendering ornamental plants unmarketable. Growing media in plant containers is an overwintering site of S. frontalis , but the extent to which adults emerging from the growing media can damage the plants is unclear. Experiments were conducted on panicled hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata Siebold) in Georgia, North Carolina, and Virginia nurseries in the spring of 2021 and 2022 to answer this question. The treatments were (i) canopy caged, (ii) whole-plant caged, and (iii) noncaged hydrangea plants. In all 3 states, beetle abundance and feeding damage found on caged (whole plant) and noncaged plants were significantly greater than those on plants where only the canopy was caged. In most sites and years, beetle abundance and feeding damage were not significantly different between the noncaged plants and those where the canopy and containers were caged, suggesting that the majority of S. frontalis emerged from the growing media and the majority of damage suffered by the hydrangea plants were caused by beetles emerging from the containers. Because growing media contributed to a significant proportion of the S. frontalis population in a nursery, treatment targeting larvae in the growing media should be a critical component of a holistic management plan against S. frontalis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to determine how topdressing or incorporating fertilizer with stratified or mulched substrates could affect the growth of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis 'Snow Queen', a popular ornamental plant, and the growth of liverwort (Marchantia polymorpha) and bittercress (Cardamine flexuosa), two common nursery weed species. Five different substrate treatments were evaluated, which included three stratified substrates composed of pine bark screened to a small (0.63–1.27 cm), medium (≤1.90 cm), and large (0.96–1.90 cm) particle size and two industry-standard substrates that were either mulched with rice hulls or remained unmulched. All treatments were then fertilized via either topdressing or incorporating a controlled-release fertilizer (CRF). Bittercress control was highest in mulched containers, followed by those stratified using the medium pine bark, and its growth increased overall in topdressed vs. incorporated containers regardless of substrate or mulch treatment. All the stratification treatments resulted in a decrease in liverwort coverage compared to the industry standard treatment, but topdressing generally increased liverwort coverage compared with incorporating fertilizer. In conclusion, both topdressing and incorporation appear to be compatible with fertilizer placement methods with substrate stratification from a crop production standpoint; however, weed growth may increase if fertilizer is topdressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The amount of irrigation and fertilization should be considered first for the production and standardization of high-quality H. syriacus L. seedlings using container seedlings. This study was conducted to investigate the optimal conditions suitable for container cultivation of hibiscus by analyzing growth and physiological responses according to the control of irrigation and fertilization. Therefore, in this study, H. syriacus L. for. Haeoreum (3-year-old hardwood cutting propagation), a fast-growing, was transplanted into a 40 L container. The irrigation amount per container was adjusted (0.2, 0.3 and 0.4 ton/yr/tree), and the amount of fertilizer applied (0, 69.0, 138.0 and 207.0 g/yr/tree). The growth rate according to the irrigation-fertilization treatment was higher in the 0.3 ton-138.0 g/yr/tree irrigation-fertilization treatment (p < 0.001). Total biomass yield and seedling quality index (SQI) were highest in the 0.3 ton-138.0 g/yr/tree irrigation-fertilization treatment (p < 0.001). The higher the fertilization concentration, the faster the flowering and the longer the flowering. The photosynthetic capacity of H. syriacus L. was reduced in bare root seedling cultivation and container-non-fertilized treatment. The chlorophyll fluorescence response was also affected by bare root cultivation and containerized seedling cultivation fertilization. Nutrient vector diagnosis showed "nutritional suitability" in the 0.3 ton-138.0 g/yr/tree treatment. Overall, containerized seedling cultivation was superior in growth, photosynthetic performance, photochemical efficiency, and nutrient storage capacity compared to bare root cultivation. These results be expected to contribute not only to the industrial production of excellent container seedlings of H. syriacus L. but also to the production of other woody plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To reduce the usage of inorganic fertilizers and to protect the soil environment, a new approach was implemented. This approach incorporated using 'special substrate & a little inorganic fertilizer' to study the growth of sour pomelo seedlings. There were 7 treatments, all had processed substrates, and 6 with different ratios of fertilizers as the test group and one as a control (CK), which only had processed substrate. From the experiment we discovered that all the test groups are better than CK on majority of the indicators, and W3(N:P2O5=1:0.25) was more efficient for container seedlings of sour pummelo in many aspects. For the growth parameters of W3, the average leaf area was 22.04 cm2 and the average of leaf number 26.20; for the physiological indicators, the content of chlorophyll is 62.39 SPAD, the content of soluble sugar 4.49 mg/g and the content of soluble protein 10.95 mg/g, all the different treatments of W3 were nearly significant or highly significant levels when compared to the CK (18,6 cm2, 9.6, 51.68 SPAD; 2.77 mg/g and 7.05 mg/g). Moreover, we find that the treatment which is combined with two or more fertilizers is better than the treatment with one fertilizer, so we suggest that we should choose the fertilizer ratio of N:P2O5:K2O=1:0.25 as the optimum combination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Measuring the physical and chemical parameters of substrates in the cells of nursery containers during production is difficult. Monitoring these parameters, however, is required for optimizing the use of substrates and their components in nursery production, specifically important in the progressive reduction in the use of peat. A new solution—leachate tables—for those studies is presented. The leachate tables enable the collection of liquid samples draining from individual cells in nursery containers during long-term irrigation and fertilization. During our 2-month-long experiment, changes in the physical and chemical parameters of the substrate were analyzed, as well as the process of accumulation of elements fed to the substrate via fertilizer and irrigation water. It was found that, due to the different cell volumes, filling the containers with the substrate under the same parameters of vibration and initial moisture resulted in different fractions of the substrate ending up inside the cells. In the smaller cells, the larger diameter fraction was dominant, and in the larger cells, the smaller fraction was dominant. This may have influenced the differences in air and water capacity of the substrate in cells of different volumes and confirmed the need for the selection of individual vibration parameters for the containers. In addition, over time, the granulometric composition of the substrate in the containers changed. Along with the systematic administration of elements via fertilization from the sprinkler ramp, their leachate content increased as a result of increased leaching from the substrate. With time, the physical parameters of the substrate in the cells stabilized, which may have affected the accumulation and leaching of elements during irrigation and fertilization.

Frequent inventory data of container nurseries is needed by growers to ensure proper management and marketing strategies. In this paper, inventory data are estimated from aerial images. Since there are thousands of nursery species, it is difficult to find a generic classification algorithm for all cases. In this paper, the development of classification methods was confined to three representative categories: green foliage, yellow foliage, and flowering plants. Vegetation index thresholding and the support vector machine (SVM) were used for classification. Classification accuracies greater than 97% were obtained for each case. Based on the classification results, an algorithm based on canopy area mapping was built for counting. The effects of flight altitude, container spacing, and ground cover type were evaluated. Results showed that container spacing and interaction of container spacing with ground cover type have a significant effect on counting accuracy. To mimic the practical shipping and moving process, incomplete blocks with different voids were created. Results showed that the more plants removed from the block, the higher the accuracy. The developed algorithm was tested on irregular- or regular-shaped plants and plants with and without flowers to test the stability of the algorithm, and accuracies greater than 94% were obtained.

Systena frontalis (F.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is a serious insect pest species of container ornamental plant nurseries, widespread in the central and eastern United States. Adults feeding causes shotholes and skeletonization to the foliage of affected plants, which can reduce aesthetic value, and marketability of the ornamental plants. This paper reviews the biology and current management approaches used against S. frontalis in ornamental plant nurseries in the United States. Information gathered from the cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.) production system is included where they are appropriate and supplementary to the discussion. The paper also discusses the research, extension, and economic questions prioritized by the stakeholders dealing with S. frontalis problems in the container nurseries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to determine how topdressing or incorporating fertilizer with stratified or mulched substrates could affect the growth of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘Snow Queen’, a popular ornamental plant, and the growth of liverwort (Marchantia polymorpha) and bittercress (Cardamine flexuosa), two common nursery weed species. Five different substrate treatments were evaluated, which included three stratified substrates composed of pine bark screened to a small (0.63–1.27 cm), medium (≤1.90 cm), and large (0.96–1.90 cm) particle size and two industry-standard substrates that were either mulched with rice hulls or remained unmulched. All treatments were then fertilized via either topdressing or incorporating a controlled-release fertilizer (CRF). Bittercress control was highest in mulched containers, followed by those stratified using the medium pine bark, and its growth increased overall in topdressed vs. incorporated containers regardless of substrate or mulch treatment. All the stratification treatments resulted in a decrease in liverwort coverage compared to the industry standard treatment, but topdressing generally increased liverwort coverage compared with incorporating fertilizer. In conclusion, both topdressing and incorporation appear to be compatible with fertilizer placement methods with substrate stratification from a crop production standpoint; however, weed growth may increase if fertilizer is topdressed.

The amount of irrigation and fertilization should be considered first for the production and standardization of high-quality H. syriacus L. seedlings using container seedlings. This study was conducted to investigate the optimal conditions suitable for container cultivation of hibiscus by analyzing growth and physiological responses according to the control of irrigation and fertilization. Therefore, in this study, H. syriacus L. for. Haeoreum (3-year-old hardwood cutting propagation), a fast-growing, was transplanted into a 40 L container. The irrigation amount per container was adjusted (0.2, 0.3 and 0.4 ton/yr/tree), and the amount of fertilizer applied (0, 69.0, 138.0 and 207.0 g/yr/tree). The growth rate according to the irrigation-fertilization treatment was higher in the 0.3 ton-138.0 g/yr/tree irrigation-fertilization treatment (p < 0.001). Total biomass yield and seedling quality index (SQI) were highest in the 0.3 ton-138.0 g/yr/tree irrigation-fertilization treatment (p < 0.001). The higher the fertilization concentration, the faster the flowering and the longer the flowering. The photosynthetic capacity of H. syriacus L. was reduced in bare root seedling cultivation and container-non-fertilized treatment. The chlorophyll fluorescence response was also affected by bare root cultivation and containerized seedling cultivation fertilization. Nutrient vector diagnosis showed “nutritional suitability” in the 0.3 ton-138.0 g/yr/tree treatment. Overall, containerized seedling cultivation was superior in growth, photosynthetic performance, photochemical efficiency, and nutrient storage capacity compared to bare root cultivation. These results be expected to contribute not only to the industrial production of excellent container seedlings of H. syriacus L. but also to the production of other woody plants.

In order to improve the quality of Castanopsis kawakamii seedlings and cultivate the high-quality seedlings of Castanopsis kawakamii, the effects of di任erent cultivation substrates and seedling containers on the seedling emergence rate and seedling growth of Castanopsis kawakamii were studied. The seeds of Castanopsis kavuakamii which were stored and after germination were selected as the research object. Then, the experiments were carried out by using different cultivation substrates of 70% mountain red soil+30% Chinese fir sawdust (Al), 100% forest, topsoil (A2), 50% mountain red soil+50 % coarse river sand (A3), and selecting different containers of non-woven nutrition bag (Bl), plastic nutrition bowl (B2), and field seedbed (B3) as the control for the sowing of Castanopsis kawakamii. The results showed that： (1) The germination rates of Castanopsis kawakamii seeds treated with the three cultivation substrates (Al, A2 and A3) were all high, and the average germination rates of seeds were 92. 8%, 92.0% and 91.7%, respectively. However, the seedling growth of Castanopsis kawakamii treated with the three different substrates was sign辻icantly different. The seedling growth of Castanopsis kawakamii treated with Al was the highest, followed by A2, and was the lowest when treated with A3, among which, the average seedling height of Castanopsis kawakamii in the Al treatment was 18. 3 cm, the average ground diameter was 0. 32 cm, the average length of main root was 26. 0 cm, and the average number of lateral roots was 6. 2. (2) The seedling emergence rate and seedling growth of Castanopsis kawakamii sown in the two kinds of containers of non-woven nutrition bag (Bl) and plastic nutrition bowl (B2) were sign迁icantly different from that sown in the field seedbed (B3). The seedling emergence rate, seedling height, ground diameter and lateral root growth were the highest in the Bl treatment, with an average seedling emergence rate of 93. 5%, average seedling height of 2. 2 cm, average ground diameter of 0. 32 cm and average number of lateral roots of 6. 1, followed by the B2 treatment, and were the lowest in the B3 treatment. But the length of main root was the highest sown in the field seedbed, and the average length of main root was 36. 7 cm. Therefore, it. was a better substrate to select the 70% mountain red soil+30% Chinese fir sawdust (Al) for the sowing and seedling cultivation of Castanopsis kawakamii. Moreover, it. was easy to obtain the materials, and the preparation was simple, which was easy to be popularized in the seedling production. While selecting the non-woven nutrition bag (Bl) for the sowing and seedling breeding of Castanopsis kawakamii, it was easy to form many and developed lateral roots, which was more conducive to the growth of Castanopsis kauuakamii seedlings, and the seedlings sown in the non-woven nutrition bag didn't need to remove the bag for afforestation, which was conducive to improve the survival rate of afforestation, and easy to be popularized in the forestry production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water absorbing geocomposite (GC) consisting of SAP, geotextile and internal skeleton is a novel method of superabsorbent polymer (SAP) and fertilizer application. Roots can overgrow the geotextile and thus obtain access to water. The objective of the experiment was to determine the effect of the geocomposite on the growth of container-grown Brunnera macrophylla. The geocomposite was used as a multi-compound fertilizer (Insol® U) carrier and compared with soluble fertilizer (SF) and controlled-release fertilizer (CRF). The doses of fertilizers were calculated to cover the equal N supply: 0.36 and 0.72 g plant−1. The geocomposite positively influenced the plant traits after 8 and 16 weeks of cultivation. The number of leaves increased by 42% and 60% and the biomass of the above-ground parts of plants increased by 260% and 340% in comparison to plants treated with other fertilizers. The effect of the fertilization rate on plants was weakly pronounced, but a positive influence of a higher dose and the GC combined on all the examined traits of Siberian bugloss plants was detected.

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of the geocomposite (GC) on macronutrient uptake of container-grown Brunnera macrophylla and substrate properties. The GC consists of super-absorbent polymer (SAP), internal skeleton and non-woven geotextile. It was designed to retain water in the soil in a form available for plants, by roots overgrowing the geotextile to access water. The GC was soaked in a multi-compound fertilizer (Insol® U) and compared with soluble fertilizer (SF) and controlled-release fertilizer (CRF). The fertilizer rates were calculated to cover the equal N supply: 0.36 and 0.72 g N plant−1. Nitrogen uptake of Brunnera cultivated with the geocomposite was approximately twice and three times as high as that of plants fertilized with SF and CRF, respectively. Exceptionally high N content was observed in plants cultivated with the GC-0.72 g N plant−1. The use of the GC also enhanced the accumulation of K and P, while CRF strongly reduced their content in plants. Distinct relations could be observed in the case of Ca accumulation. GC-0.72 g N plant−1 increased EC and water content in the medium without direct contact between SAP and substrate.

Abstract Commercial nurseries grow specialty crops for resale using a variety of methods, including containerized production, utilizing soilless substrates, on a semipervious production surface. These "container" nurseries require daily water application and continuous availability of mineral nutrients. These factors can generate significant nutrients [total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP)] and sediment [total suspended solids (TSS)] in runoff, potentially contributing to eutrophication of downstream water bodies. Runoff is collected in large ponds known as tailwater recovery basins for treatment and reuse or discharge to receiving streams. We characterized TSS, TN, and TP, electrical conductivity (EC), and pH in runoff from a 5.2 ha production portion of a 200-ha commercial container nursery during storm and irrigation events. Results showed a direct correlation between TN and TP, runoff and TSS, TN and EC, and between flow and pH. The Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) was used to characterize runoff quantity and quality of the site. We found during irrigation events that simulated event mean concentrations (EMCs) of TSS, TN, and TP were 30, 3.1 and 0.35 mg·L−1, respectively. During storm events, TSS, TN and TP EMCs were 880, 3.7, and 0.46 mg·L−1, respectively. EMCs of TN and TP were similar to that of urban runoff; however, the TSS EMC from nursery runoff was 2–4 times greater. The average loading of TSS, TN and TP during storm events was approximately 900, 35 and 50 times higher than those of irrigation events, respectively. Based on a 10-year SWMM simulation (2008–2018) of runoff from the same nursery, annual TSS, TN and TP load per ha during storm events ranged from 9230 to 13,300, 65.8 to 94.0 and 9.00 to 12.9 kg·ha−1·yr−1, respectively. SWMM was able to characterize runoff quality and quantity reasonably well. Thus, it is suitable for characterizing runoff loadings from container nurseries. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Runoff water quality from a container nursery was assessed. • SWMM characterized runoff quantity and quality reasonably well. • Storm TSS EMCs were higher than irrigation EMCs, while TN and TP were comparable. • TSS, TN and TP storm loads were ≈900, 35 and 50 times greater than irrigation loads. • TSS, TN and TP mean annual loads were 11,100, 80.3, and 11.1 kg·ha−1·yr−1, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • We evaluated FTWs for use in treating runoff from commercial nurseries. • High and low nutrient concentrations were assessed in replicated mesocosms. • FTW plants included Pontederia cordata and Juncus effusus , grown in Beemat rafts. • Pontederia removed over 90% of total phosphorus and over 84% of total nitrogen. • Pontederia performed significantly better than Juncus. Abstract Floating treatment wetlands (FTWs) are an emerging surface water treatment practice for reducing nutrients such as nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in a variety of waste streams. FTWs consist of floating rafts which support wetland plants allowing the plant roots to be submerged below the water surface similar to hydroponic systems. N and P removal is achieved through direct plant uptake and flocculation or sedimentation facilitated by biofilms adhering to plant roots. While research has documented FTW performance for a variety of waste streams, little information is available on runoff from commercial nurseries. Nursery runoff occurs frequently, from storm and irrigation events, and can potentially contain elevated concentrations of total N (TN) and total P (TP) due to crop fertilization and frequent irrigation. Nursery runoff is often captured in large ponds known as tailwater recovery basins (TRBs) for reuse. We assessed the effectiveness of FTWs for treating nursery runoff in TRBs over a 7-day hydraulic retention time across a 19-week growing season using two supplied nutrient concentrations and four treatments with four replicates in a randomized complete block mesocosm experiment. The high nutrient concentration averaged 17.1 mg·L−1 TN and 2.61 mg·L−1 TP and low nutrient concentration averaged 5.22 mg·L−1 TN and 0.52 mg·L−1 TP. Treatments included: 1) Pontederia cordata , 2) Juncus effusus , 3) a raft with no plants, and 4) no raft (open-water). Pontederia cordata removed 90% and 92% of TP and 84% and 89% TN, depending on initial loading; performing better than the other planted and non-planted treatments. Juncus effusus performed better than the mat-only control treatments for TP and TN removal across nutrient concentrations tested, but performed similarly to the open water control when nutrient load was evaluated. Nutrient uptake by Pontederia cordata averaged 0.026 g·m−2·d−1 N and 0.0075 g·m−2·d−1 P. The study demonstrated that FTWs can be very effective, but nutrient removal depends greatly upon plant species selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Systena frontalis (F.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is an important pest of many ornamental plants in container nurseries. Adult S. frontalis cause feeding damage on leaves and affected plants are not marketed. Systena frontalis adults are currently managed using insecticides, especially neonicotinoids, and growers are seeking alternative options as customers demand neonicotinoid-free plants after concerns associated with nontarget exposure to pollinators. Barrier fences could be an alternative tactic to protect high-value crops, such as panicled hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata Siebold), from invading S. frontalis adults in container nurseries. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine the effect of overhang barrier fence using with and without insecticide-impregnated-netting on adult S. frontalis infestation and feeding damage on panicled hydrangea. In 2021 and 2022, a study using an overhang exclusion fence was conducted in a container nursery in Georgia, USA. The treatments were: 1) deltamethrin-impregnated enclosed barrier, 2) nontreated enclosed barrier, and 3) no barrier. Four containers of panicled hydrangea were placed in the center of each experimental plot. Both deltamethrin-impregnated and nontreated enclosed barrier treatments reduced the incidence and severity of adult feeding damage on the panicled hydrangea than no barrier treatment. There was no difference between deltamethrin-impregnated and nontreated enclosed barrier treatments. The results suggest that overhang barriers can protect container plants from invading adult S. frontalis. • Systena frontalis is a serious pest on ornamental plants in container nurseries in the eastern USA. • Overhang barrier fence reduced adult S. frontalis infestation and damage on panicled hydrangea. • Feeding damage was similar between deltamethrin-impregnated and nontreated fence barrier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research Highlights: The mean leaf angle and crown projection area can be used as criteria for grouping tree seedling species in different irrigation zones in tree nurseries with overhead microsprinkler systems, preventing water and fertilizer waste, and increasing growth. Background and Objectives: There are important gaps in current functional knowledge about how plant architecture, especially the mean leaf angles of tree seedlings, affect water and nutrient solution capture in overhead microsprinkler systems. These gaps contribute to water and fertilizer waste in tree nurseries. This research aimed to ascertain how mean leaf angles affect irrigation water capture, leaching, and the growth of tree seedlings given different volumes of irrigation. Materials and Methods: Nine species of tree seedlings with different mean leaf angles were submitted to four irrigation volumes (8, 10, 12, and 14 mm) applied daily by overhead microsprinklers in a split-plot design completely randomized. The variables leaching fraction, height, stem diameter, shoot, root, and total dry mass, Dickson quality index, crown projection area, root system quality, and leachate electrical conductivity were evaluated. Results: For species with mean leaf angles of −54, 31, 38, 42, 55, 57, and 58°, the 8 mm irrigation volume was sufficient to produce greater growth and less leaching. For species with angles of −56 and −14°, the 14 mm irrigation volume was required to produce greater growth. Conclusions: The tree seedling species with positive mean leaf angles facilitate irrigation water and nutrient solution capture, allowing the application of lower irrigation volume. On the other hand, some tree seedling species with negative mean leaf angles hinder irrigation water and nutrient solution capture, requiring the application of higher irrigation volume. When the tree seedling species have a negative mean leaf angle, but the crown projection area is small, the difficulty of water and nutrient solution reaches directly the substrate is attenuated.

Water absorbing geocomposite (GC) consisting of SAP, geotextile and internal skeleton is a novel method of superabsorbent polymer (SAP) and fertilizer application. Roots can overgrow the geotextile and thus obtain access to water. The objective of the experiment was to determine the effect of the geocomposite on the growth of container-grown Brunnera macrophylla. The geocomposite was used as a multi-compound fertilizer (Insol® U) carrier and compared with soluble fertilizer (SF) and controlled-release fertilizer (CRF). The doses of fertilizers were calculated to cover the equal N supply: 0.36 and 0.72 g plant-1. The geocomposite positively influenced the plant traits after 8 and 16 weeks of cultivation. The number of leaves increased by 42% and 60% and the biomass of the above-ground parts of plants increased by 260% and 340% in comparison to plants treated with other fertilizers. The effect of the fertilization rate on plants was weakly pronounced, but a positive influence of a higher dose and the GC combined on all the examined traits of Siberian bugloss plants was detected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of the geocomposite (GC) on macronutrient uptake of container- grown Brunnera macrophylla and substrate properties. The GC consists of superabsorbent polymer (SAP), internal skeleton and non-woven geotextile. It was designed to retain water in the soil in a form available for plants, by roots overgrowing the geotextile to access water. The GC was soaked in a multi-compound fertilizer (Insol® U) and compared with soluble fertilizer (SF) and controlled-release fertilizer (CRF). The fertilizer rates were calculated to cover the equal N supply: 0.36 and 0.72 g N plant-1. Nitrogen uptake of Brunnera cultivated with the geocomposite was approximately twice and three times as high as that of plants fertilized with SF and CRF, respectively. Exceptionally high N content was observed in plants cultivated with the GC-0.72 g N plant-1. The use of the GC also enhanced the accumulation of K and P, while CRF strongly reduced their content in plants. Distinct relations could be observed in the case of Ca accumulation. GC-0.72 g N plant-1 increased EC and water content in the medium without direct contact between SAP and substrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present our techniques for producing blue elderberry (Sambucus nigra L. ssp. cerulea (Raf.) Bolli [Adoxaceae]) from seeds at a container nursery in northern Idaho. By applying a gibberellic acid treatment combined with a cold, moist stratification we are able to reliably break seed dormancy and produce an annual crop of seedlings that are 30 cm (12 in) tall with a root collar diameter > 4 mm (0.16 in). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ornamental plant production exerts considerable impacts on the surrounding environment. To assess the environmental sustainability within this sector, a set of impact indicators, which refer to specific management issues in environmental terms, was selected. By comparing the indicators with sustainable thresholds, we assessed the environmental sustainability of a pool of nurseries growing plants in container production (CP) and in open field production (FP) located in the Pistoia Nursery District of the Tuscany Region. Because of their peculiar production structure, the CP nurseries impacted the environment more than the FP nurseries, and hence need more improvements to reach the minimum level of environmental sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Frequent inventory data of container nurseries is needed by growers to ensure proper management and marketing strategies. In this paper, inventory data are estimated from aerial images. Since there are thousands of nursery species, it is difficult to find a generic classification algorithm for all cases. In this paper, the development of classification methods was confined to three representative categories: green foliage, yellow foliage, and flowering plants. Vegetation index thresholding and the support vector machine (SVM) were used for classification. Classification accuracies greater than 97% were obtained for each case. Based on the classification results, an algorithm based on canopy area mapping was built for counting. The effects of flight altitude, container spacing, and ground cover type were evaluated. Results showed that container spacing and interaction of container spacing with ground cover type have a significant effect on counting accuracy. To mimic the practical shipping and moving process, incomplete blocks with different voids were created. Results showed that the more plants removed from the block, the higher the accuracy. The developed algorithm was tested on irregular- or regular-shaped plants and plants with and without flowers to test the stability of the algorithm, and accuracies greater than 94% were obtained.

This study investigated the control of Fusarium root rot and development of coastal pine (Pinus thunbergii) seedlings in a container nursery by using Bacillus licheniformis MH48. High-quality seedlings without infectious diseases cause vigorous growth. Fusarium root rot caused by Fusarium oxysporum is responsible for serious damage to coastal pine seedlings in nurseries. B. licheniformis MH48 produced enzymes that degraded the fungal cell walls, such as chitinase and β-1,3-glucanase. These lytic enzymes exhibited destructive activity toward F. oxysporum hyphae, which were found to play key roles in the suppression of root rot. In addition, B. licheniformis MH48 increased the nitrogen and phosphorus in soils via fixed atmospheric nitrogen and solubilized inorganic phosphate. B. licheniformis MH48 produced the phytohormone auxin, which stimulated seedling root development, resulting in increased nutrient uptake in seedlings. Both the bacterial inoculation and the chemical fertilizer treatments significantly increased seedling growth and biomass, and the bacterial inoculation had a greater effect on seedling development. Based on the results from this study, B. licheniformis MH48 showed potential as a biological agent against Fusarium root rot and as a promoter of growth and development of Pinus thunbergii seedlings.

Light-emitting diode (LED) technology shows promise for supplementing photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) in forest nurseries because of the potential reduction in energy consumption and an ability to supply discrete wavelengths to optimize seedling growth. Our objective was to examine the effects of light spectra supplied by LED and traditional high-pressure sodium (HPS) lamps on growth and physiology of Douglas-fir ( Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) and Engelmann spruce ( Picea engelmannii Parry ex Engelm.) seedlings. We used three latitudinal sources for each species: British Columbia (BC), Idaho (ID), and New Mexico (NM). Container seedlings were grown for 17 weeks in the greenhouse under an 18 h photoperiod of ambient solar light supplemented with light delivered from HPS or LED. In general, seedlings grown under LED had significantly greater growth, gas exchange rates, and chlorophyll contents than those seedlings grown under HPS. The growth and physiological responses to supplemental lighting varied greatly among species and seed sources. Generally, LED-grown seedlings from BC had the greatest growth and tissue dry mass followed by ID and NM populations. Compared with HPS, the significant increase in seedling growth and concomitant energy savings with LED (29% energy consumption relative to HPS) demonstrates the promise of using LED as PAR supplemental lighting for container seedling production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present our technique for producing pinyon pine (Pinus edulis Engelm. [Pinaceae]) from seeds in a container nursery in Idaho. Three deliberate changes to our propagation protocol during the past 5 y have shortened our production cycle and resulted in greater lift rates for seedlings. Use of a soft-walled container, sowing of germinants rather than direct seeding, and reduction of target dry-down during the rapid growth phase have improved our production of this ecologically and economically important species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present our techniques for producing Rocky Mountain juniper (Juniperus scopulorum Sarg. [Cupressaceae]) from seeds in a container nursery in Idaho. Our combination of warm, moist treatment and long stratification along with our use of germinants rather than direct sowing yields a reliable, uniform annual crop of seedlings that are 10 to 12 in (25 to 30 cm) tall with 3 to 6 mm RCD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Irregular seed crop in Betula pendula (Silver Birch) is a reason to create seed reserves, ensuring nursery production in years of crop failure. This study investigated the effects of seed moisture content and storage temperature on germinability and seedling emergence in container cultivation. Mature catkins were collected separately from 3 trees. The mixture of winged nuts and scales was dried to 3 levels of moisture content and stored at 3°C, -3°C and -10°C. After storage for 3, 5 and 6 years, the seeds were separated from scales and next dewinged and sorted in acetone into empty and filled seeds. Cleaned nuts were germinated in the Jacobsen germinator. Besides, to assess seedling emergence, seeds were sown on the surface of peat mixed with perlite, in multi-cell trays under a plastic tunnel. Significant differences in germinability were detected depending on the mother tree, seed moisture content and storage time. The viability of seeds stored at -10°C remained unchanged for 6 years regardless of moisture content (ca. 8-12%). Seeds stored at higher temperatures lost their germinability faster. An unexplained increase in seedling emergence was observed after extended seed storage at -10°C, in contrast to a gradual decrease in seedling emergence after extended storage at -3°C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present some techniques for producing Vaccinium membranaceum Douglas ex Torr. (Ericaceae) from seeds in a container nursery. We use a novel container-to- container transplant system to grow robust seedlings to a marketable size sooner than was possible with past practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crabapple (Malus 'Donald Wyman') and common lilac (Syringa vuigaris 'Monge') were grown from liners to marketable size in five production systems: field-grown, plastic container, pot-in-pot (PIP), bag-in-pot (BiP), and above-ground system (AGS). The objectives were to compare growth in modified container systems, which could potentially eliminate overwintering requirements in northern production nurseries and to compare the effects on tree root growth during landscape establishment. There were no significant differences in crabapple root or shoot mass after two seasons except PiP dry root weights exceeded field-grown trees. For lilacs, there were significant differences in growth and shoot dry weight with field-grown and PiP plants being largest. PiP root-zone temperatures (RZTs) were similar to field-grown RZTs. Container, BiP, and AGS systems all exceeded lethal high and low RZT thresholds, resulting in root damage. Five trees from each treatment were transplanted into a low-maintenance landscape and dug up 3 years later. There were no significant differences in top growth, but the effects of the production systems were evident in the root architecture. BiP and field-grown trees had fewest root defects and the greatest number of roots extending into the landscape soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Restoration of Acacia koa A. Gray (koa) forests on degraded sites in Hawaii is important for conservation of rare, endemic plants and animals and is often accomplished by planting nursery-grown seedlings. To be successful after outplanting, koa seedlings must access sufficient nutrients from the soil and outcompete other vegetation. Forming symbiotic associations with nitrogen-fixing microorganisms may help alleviate inherent nutrient deficiencies found on volcanic sites, but interactions between inoculation and fertilization during production of koa seedlings are not well studied. Under operational nursery conditions, we fertilized koa seedlings at six controlled-release fertilizer (CRF) rates (ranging from 0 to 11.9 kg·m-3 Osmocote Plus 15N-9P-12K), which were also either inoculated with a locally collected source of nitrogen-fixing Bradyrhizobium spp. or not. Fertilized seedlings were significantly larger than the control; on average, fertilized seedlings were 300% taller and had 180%, 700%, and 350% more root-collar diameter, shoot biomass, and root biomass, respectively. Nitrogen (N) concentration was 23% to 119% greater in fertilized seedlings than nonfertilized seedlings. Inoculation with Bradyrhizobium had no significant affect on seedling characteristics except for root N concentration, which was 8% higher for inoculated seedlings. Fertilizer rate and inoculation interacted to significantly affect nodule number and nodule biomass/seedling. With inoculation, we observed an increase in nodule number (16.5 to 25,5) and biomass (5.8 mg to 11.7 mg) with fertilizer rate up to 4.7 kg·m-3 but a decline to nearly zero at the highest rates. Without inoculation, nodule formation was scarce (3.2 nodules/seedling or less) and only observed when CRF was 2.3 kg·m-3 or less. Our results suggest that high rates of fertilization and successful nodulation are not mutually exclusive nursery practices. Concurrent use of fertilization and inoculation in the nursery may provide opportunity to produce larger seedlings that have high potential to reduce the time needed to achieve canopy closure and thereby help achieve restoration objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: After five years of growth at high-elevations (∼3000m) in Utah, container lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl. var. latifolia Engelm.) seedlings survived well (80–95%) and grew to similar heights regardless of nursery storage method and site preparation technique. Seedlings received one of three storage treatments: (1) spring-sown in the nursery, overwintered in cooler storage and outplanted in July; (2) spring-sown, overwintered in freezer storage, and outplanted in July; or (3) winter-sown, no storage, and hot-planted in late August. We outplanted seedlings at two locations that were clearcut and had received two treatments of surface organic matter (coarse wood, logging slash, and forest floor) removal: surface organic matter (OM) piled with a bulldozer and burned or surface OM remaining in situ. Compared to adjacent uncut stands, both site preparation treatments increased total soil bulk density, but retaining surface OM in situ maintained soil OM, carbon, and nitrogen levels. After one growing season, seedlings planted where surface OM had been bulldozed were taller and had more biomass, although survival was similar (≥96%) across site preparation treatments. The height growth advantage disappeared after five growing seasons and although overall survival was good, survival was highest where site preparation involved removal of surface OM and freezer-stored seedlings were planted. Total non-structural carbohydrates tended to be higher in roots than in shoots and were also higher in hot-planted seedlings than in stored seedlings. Our results indicate that nursery and forest managers have several options for successful nursery production and outplanting of container lodgepole pine seedlings in the central Rocky Mountains. Using hot-planted seedlings allows for a faster turnaround time (from seed to plantable seedling) and maintaining surface OM may be a cost-effective alternative to dozer piling and burning. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article discusses the impact of growing certain plants together has on the soil. A study is discussed which looked at the impact on the soil of growing inoculated alder seedlings. The impact which the seedlings have on the nitrogen content in the soil is mentioned. According to the article, the study showed that inoculated alder seedlings can be grown in a nursery without impacting other plants in the nursery.

The article presents information related to the propagation of oneseed juniper and Utah juniper. Both species are long-lived, drought tolerant, and inhabitants of regions that have annual precipitation averaging from 25 to 37.7 cm. The tiny flowers of both species emerge during the spring months. Following pollination and fertilization, the green, hard juniper fruits develop to a bluish color and are usually covered with a white, glaucous bloom during the first year. Maximizing germination success with native junipers requires: Avoiding collection of immature and insect damaged cones; Minimizing cone storage or storing surface-dried cones under well-ventilated conditions; Macerating cones in handcleaner-amended water; Separating light or non-filled seeds from viable seeds with flotation.

The nursery/greenhouse industry is the fastest growing segment of U.S. agriculture. Consumer demand for excellent product quality requires luxury applications of water and agricultural chemicals. These cultural practices tend to yield significant volumes of runoff rich in nutrients and pesticides. A capture and recycle system at the Nursery/Floral Crops Research and Education Center at Texas A&M University was fitted with 12 gravel filtration sub-surface flow (SSF) and 12 bog-like free-surface flow (FSF) wetland cells. Three cells of each type were planted with Canna x generalis Bailey 'Cherry Red', Iris L. x 'Clyde Redmond', both species, or no wetland plants. Runoff was continually collected from the nursery and recycled through wetland cells prior to application via overhead impact sprinklers or subcanopy microsprinklers. Short-term (10 wk) differential effects between overhead and subcanopy irrigation during production of Fraxinus pennsylvanica, Pistacia chinensis von Bunge, Quercus virginiana P. Miller, and Taxodium distichum (L.) Richard in 9.4 liter (#3) containers or Ilex vomitoria W. Aiton 'Nana' and Catharanthus roseus G. Don in 5.8 liter (#2) containers were limited in magnitude. However, overhead irrigation reduced height and caliper growth or injured the foliage compared to plants irrigated with subcanopy microsprinklers during longer-term (14 months) production in large 87.9 liter (#27) containers. The extent of reduction was species dependent with Pinus elliottii Englemann being minimally impacted, Pyrus calleryana Descaisne 'Bradtbrd' intermediate, and Lagerstroemia L. x 'Basham's Party Pink' (purportedly a Lagers'troemia indica L. x Lagerstroemia) fauriei B. Koehne hybrid) and T. distichum exhibiting more pronounced effects. Damage appeared to be largely a result of high dissolved salt concentrations in irrigation water contacting the foliage. Recycling of runoff through the FSF cells concentrated soluble salts more so than passing the wate... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author reports on ways in which a kiddie swimming pool can be used as a sub-irrigation system for plants in containers. A description of how the sub-irrigation system operates is given. The costs for a person to build a sub-irrigation system is mentioned. According to the article, Lucky Peak Nursery sub-irrigates some of its plants including the cottonwoods, dogwoods and willows.

Research Highlights: The mean leaf angle and crown projection area can be used as criteria for grouping tree seedling species in different irrigation zones in tree nurseries with overhead microsprinkler systems, preventing water and fertilizer waste, and increasing growth. Background and Objectives: There are important gaps in current functional knowledge about how plant architecture, especially the mean leaf angles of tree seedlings, affect water and nutrient solution capture in overhead microsprinkler systems. These gaps contribute to water and fertilizer waste in tree nurseries. This research aimed to ascertain how mean leaf angles affect irrigation water capture, leaching, and the growth of tree seedlings given different volumes of irrigation. Materials and Methods: Nine species of tree seedlings with different mean leaf angles were submitted to four irrigation volumes (8, 10, 12, and 14 mm) applied daily by overhead microsprinklers in a split-plot design completely randomized. The variables leaching fraction, height, stem diameter, shoot, root, and total dry mass, Dickson quality index, crown projection area, root system quality, and leachate electrical conductivity were evaluated. Results: For species with mean leaf angles of −54, 31, 38, 42, 55, 57, and 58°, the 8 mm irrigation volume was sufficient to produce greater growth and less leaching. For species with angles of −56 and −14°, the 14 mm irrigation volume was required to produce greater growth. Conclusions: The tree seedling species with positive mean leaf angles facilitate irrigation water and nutrient solution capture, allowing the application of lower irrigation volume. On the other hand, some tree seedling species with negative mean leaf angles hinder irrigation water and nutrient solution capture, requiring the application of higher irrigation volume. When the tree seedling species have a negative mean leaf angle, but the crown projection area is small, the difficulty of water and nutrient solution reaches directly the substrate is attenuated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Juniperus scopularum Sarg. (Rocky Mountain juniper) and Potentilla fruticosa L. 'Gold Drop' (gold drop potentilla) plants grown in containers had similar or better morphology, higher nitrogen concentrations and contents, and higher N-use efficiency when grown with liquid fertilizer applied at an exponentially increasing rate as compared to the same amount of N applied via controlled-release fertilizers. More importantly, plants grown with a half-exponential rate were similar to those grown with controlled-release fertilizer but with a higher N-use efficiency, indicating that this type of fertilization may be a method for reducing the amounts of applied nutrients in nurseries and subsequent nutrient discharge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]