The first demonstration of conjugal plasmid transfer from Escherichia coli to Bartonella henselae is reported. Transconjugants bearing plasmids incompatibility groups P (IncP) and Q (IncQ), expressing various resistance markers, were generated. Tn5 transposons delivered on suicide by conjugation showed transpositional insertion into random chromosomal sites.

Abstract Forty-one taxa of Miscanthus grown in USDA Hardiness Zones 4, 5, 6, and 7 were examined 1996 1997 for seed set viability. Although laboratory results varied widely between years, climatic zones, cultivars, many plants viable seed. Eleven types had <18% seed, including ‘Morning Light’, ‘Variegatus’ ‘Zebrinus’, appear to represent the least risk becoming invasive plants, especially northern climates. Other characteristics are discussed terms potential United States.

Several studies have been conducted on low-maintenance turfgrass species; however, relatively few evaluated mixtures or blends. The objective of this study was to evaluate blends for turf quality under minimal input conditions. Eight were planted in 2009 at the University Minnesota Landscape Arboretum (Chaska, MN) a low-fertility soil assess their adaptability low-input conditions (minimal water and fertilizer no pesticides after establishment). year establishment, plots divided into no-mow...

The floral industry has experienced declining sales in the past few decades, causing many to speculate as underlying causes. To identify consumers’ spending patterns for fresh flowers and potted plants, we extracted analyzed quarterly expenditure interview data from Consumer Expenditure Survey, 1996 2013. Our analysis revealed consumption trends over time by age group, compared differences across states. Additionally, employed Heckman two-step model estimate how flower is affected...

Current and former Missouri Master Gardeners were asked to respond each of 30 reasons (an adaptation the Volunteer Functions Inventory [VFI]) for doing volunteer work. Principal factor analysis confirmed presence six principal components motivation. Gardener functions related new learning experiences (understanding) equally as important altruism (values). Satisfactions self-esteem (enhancement) ranked next in motivational importance. Motivations concerning relationships with others (social),...

Five ornamental grasses {little bluestem [ Schizachyrium scoparium (Michx.) Nash], prairie dropseed Sporobolus heterolepis (A. Gray) A. Gray], feather reedgrass Calamagrostis × acutiflora (Schrad.) DC. `Karl Foerster'], flamegrass ( Miscanthus Anderss. `Purpurascens'), and variegated Japanese silvergrass sinensis `Variegatus')} were propagated by transplanting plugs or field divisions into 480-mL (10-cm round), 2.7-L (no. 1), 6.2-L 2) nursery containers with media ratios (v/v) of 0:1, 1:1,...

Research at botanic gardens, from medieval times to the present day, has evolved encompass a wide range of topics. The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, part University Minnesota, is an example diverse, successful research program within public university garden setting. Collaboration, mission, organization, and publications are keys program. Future for including putting collections work conservation, understanding global change, ecological genomics, restoration ecology, seed banking, citizen...

With golf course water, fertilizer, and pesticide restrictions on the rise labor costs continuing to increase, superintendents are looking for ways reduce maintained Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) rough. The objective of this study was (i) compare several methods converting rough no-mow, low-input grasses (ii) determine best turfgrass species that provides a playable aesthetically pleasing stand type conversion. Five grass five conversion were evaluated at two locations in Minnesota....

The American Society for Horticultural Science (Alexandria, VA) and Longwood Gardens (Kennett Square, PA) engaged FleishmanHillard (FH, Washington, DC), a nationally recognized communications marketing firm, to conduct research with internal external audiences determine the public perception of horticulture careers in horticulture. Through stakeholder focus groups general online phone surveys, importance horticulture, career perceptions, need promotion were examined. Students, faculty,...

Current and former Missouri Master Gardeners were asked to respond how strongly they agreed or disagreed with a list of benefits provided by the Gardener program. The survey instrument was an adaptation Rohs Westerfield's (1996) Societal Personal Benefits survey. Questions assigned one six principal components volunteer motivation developed Clary et al. (1998): Understanding, Values, Enhancement, Social, Protective, Career. who are currently active volunteers in program more likely favorably...

The effectiveness of Internet or online training was compared to traditional classroom in the Master Gardener Core Course/Horticulture 1003 at University Minnesota, St. Paul. Overall horticultural knowledge significantly greater for both groups posttest results, and there no significant difference between two groups. Online learners did not perceive lack instructor face-to-face interaction be as important participants. also placed a value on flexibility class time commuting. Both spent...

A survey of gardeners in Minnesota found they get their information from friends and garden centers. Older were less likely to use the Internet. The highest interest was indicated for annuals, perennials, containers, followed by trees shrubs. Most participants had not attended a gardening class past year learn best talking with friends. Publications are gardeners, highly value color photos illustrations. University Landscape Arboretum perceived as significantly more credible trustworthy than...

A study was conducted by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) at three locations in Twin Cities Metropolitan Area Minnesota to assess effect that bioretention areas, or rain gardens, have on water quality.The gardens are located University of Landscape Arboretum (MLA), City Hugo, and Woodbury.These sites were chosen because their similar ages, differences design, surrounding land use, precipitation patterns, geology.This article reports statistical analysis six years data obtained from...

Abstract Giant miscanthus was successfully propagated with 1 or 2-node basal stem cuttings in July and September. Upper single nodes, especially those 3rd 4th most distal from the crown, rooted very poorly. There were no consistent differences among peat, perlite, peat: perlite vermiculite media; however, 2007, had significantly higher root dry weights than other 2006, both peat did perlite. Single-node produced a proportion of plants, but more roots, longer roots weights. Two-node September...

Six hundred homeowners, equally divided among rural, suburban, and urban areas in Minnesota responded to a 1999 phone survey on their lawn size, maintenance practices, the perceived environmental impact of lawns. The average size was estimated be 0.62 acres (0.25 ha), with an 872,660 total (353,427 ha) home lawns Minnesota. Annual spending care per about $200, $150 million spent annually Participants reported low practices pesticide use. A majority thought fertilizers pesticides were harmful...

Abstract Mixtures of cool-season grasses and flowers marketed under the names “Ecology Lawn Mix” “Fleur de Lawn’; “No Mow”, a mixture fine fescues, performed as well conventional, low maintenance, when rated for color, cover overall appearance in three years trials at two locations Minnesota. Materials were evaluated using no pesticides or irrigation, with 2′, 4′ minimum (2/yr) mowing treatments fertility levels. containing perennial ryegrass provided best minimal weed competition....