Stomata are pores on the leaf epidermis that control gas exchange between leaves and atmosphere. differ in shape, size, number among within plant species. morphology has physiological consequences for some We investigated stomata of different blueberry ( Vaccinium spp.) genotypes its influence speed response to a change irradiance. Understanding how these traits affect can inform breeding programs management practices enhance agricultural productivity resilience. Thirty-seven southern...

The usual analysis of RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) reads is based on an existing reference genome and annotated gene models. However, when a for the sequenced species not available, alternatives include using from related or reconstructing transcript sequences with de novo assembly. In addition, researchers are faced many options RNA-seq data processing limited information how their decisions will impact final outcome. Using both diploid polyploid distant genome, we have tested influence...

Rhododendrons (Rhododendron spp.) are ornamental plants in the family Ericaceae that thrive acidic soils and challenged by neutral or alkaline soils. This soil requirement limits locations where rhododendrons can be grown causes chlorosis, diminished growth, low survival when high pH While growth impacts widely documented, little is known about how cause these symptoms rhododendrons. We hypothesized stress root form function, leading to nutrient deficiencies limit plant growth. tested this...

Blueberry (Vacciniumcorymbosum interspecific hybrids) production in soilless substrates is becoming increasingly popular. Soilless have low pH buffering capacity. plants preferentially take up ammonium, which acidifies the rhizosphere. Consequently, where blueberry are grown exhibit a tendency to get acidified over time. Agricultural lime (CaCO3) commonly used raise soil and substrate other crops, but it rarely cultivation. We hypothesized that amendment with rates of agricultural increases...

Vaccinium arboreum (VA) is a wild blueberry species that exhibits wider soil pH tolerance and greater ability for iron nitrate uptake than cultivated species, including southern highbush (SHB, V. corymbosum interspecific hybrids). The of VA SHB to respond deficiency by rhizosphere acidification was investigated. Rooted cuttings the genotype FL09-502 ‘Emerald’ were transplanted hydroponic system filled with complete nutrient solution. After 14 days acclimation at 45 µ m iron, plants...

Blueberries are one of the few horticultural crops adapted to grow in acidic soils. Neutral basic soil pH is detrimental all commonly cultivated blueberry species, including Vaccinium corymbosum (VC). In contrast, wild species V. arboreum (VA) able tolerate a wider range pH. To assess molecular mechanisms involved near neutral stress response, plants from pH-sensitive VC (tetraploid) and pH-tolerant VA (diploid) were grown at 6.5 preferred 4.5.Transcriptome sequencing root RNA was performed...

Humic acids are a biostimulant that has captured the interest of blueberry growers, but information about humic acid use in is scarce. Blueberry plants suffer water deficit stress during transplant and photosynthetic limitations fruit development. We hypothesized applications improve success increase yield quality southern highbush (SHB, Vaccinium corymbosum interspecific hybrids) grown soilless substrates. tested these hypotheses two greenhouse experiments. First, we grew 'Sweetcrisp' SHB...

Southern highbush blueberry (SHB) production is continuing to expand worldwide. Innovative horticulture practices including container-based cultivation, evergreen management, high-density planting, and high-tunnel have been explored maximize the productivity profitability of SHB production. However, there a lack information on feasibility integration all these establish an intensive system in Florida. We aimed test optimize this by evaluating container size, substrate composition, genotype....

Consumer perception plays an important role in the decision to purchase organic vs. conventional produce. A web-based survey was used evaluate perceptions and behavior toward produce a sample population of college-aged students. The effect formal education on this also investigated. Most subjects were aware had positive agriculture. likelihood being consumer similar across genders, ages, fields study. Subjects who reported be consumers associated less risk with than those never have...

Unlike most horticultural crops, blueberry ( Vaccinium spp. section cyanococcus) prefers low-pH (4.2–5.5) soils. Other plants can acidify their rhizosphere to create a hospitable microenvironment. Southern highbush (SHB; corymbosum interspecific hybrids) do not in response Fe deficiency, but other factors that affect pH have been elucidated. We report results from two hydroponic experiments exploring N uptake effects on the of ‘Emerald’ SHB. Ammonium (NH 4 + ) led acidification, whereas...

Coconut coir is widely used as a substrate component for southern highbush blueberry [(SHB) Vaccinium corymbosum L. interspecific hybrids] cultivation in containers. coir-based substrates can exhibit high potassium (K), sodium (Na), and chlorine (Cl) concentrations. Sodium the particularly problematic because it cause salinity stress nutritional imbalances young plants. Thus, Na removal important to ensure transplant success. We hypothesized that preplant fertilization with large volumes of...

Blueberry bushes prefer well drained, acidic soils with high organic matter content. These soil characteristics are not common in many parts of the world. Thus, blueberries traditionally grown amended pine bark and elemental sulfur. The need to create optimum conditions for roots blueberry has recently led cultivation containers filled soilless substrates. intended audience this publication is commercial growers. purpose complement existing information sources by introducing materials...

The focus of this work is to develop an understanding the complex aerodynamics Bell XV-15 tiltrotor aircraft throughout its conversion from hover forward flight. To accomplish this, high fidelity CFD simulations using HELIOS are done at six different stages maneuver: mode, mode (75°,60°, and 30° nacelle angles), cruise (160 220 knots). Good agreement found when comparing results against OARF experiments, GTR flight simulator data, test data. predictions show that significant interactional...

Root growth and root system architecture (RSA) are affected by edaphic genetic factors they can impact plant farm profitability. Southern highbush blueberries [SHBs ( Vaccinium corymbosum hybrids)] develop shallow, fibrous systems, exhibit a preference for acidic soils where water ammonium readily available. The amendments used to create these soil conditions negatively affect the profitability of SHB plantations. Hence, breeding RSA traits has been suggested as an alternative amendments....

Nutrient solution pH and water quality are challenges faced by small-scale hydroponic growers. The objective was to evaluate the use of buffer 2-(N-morpholino) ethanesulfonic acid (MES) as an initial dose simplify management in systems, its effectiveness within range alkalinity that commonly occurs irrigation water. Two experiments tested buffering capacity response acid-base titrations, when growing compact tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum) over a nine-week cycle. MES applied at 0 10 mM...

Hands-on activities enhance learning and increase student satisfaction in horticulture courses. Nevertheless, hands-on can have widely different impacts on learning. To achieve maintain educational quality, instructors need to evaluate improve activities. This research used text mining sentiment analysis gauge sentiments about a protected agriculture course. Students participated five submitted short reflective essays them. Essay texts were separated into single-word (unigram) or three-word...

Courses are the main source of data analysis training for students. The statistical software taught in those courses can affect student career readiness. However, lack information about use horticulture leads students and mentors to select statistics based on course availability and/or anecdotal evaluations. This research aimed describe trends inform selection. We surveyed ≈50% all articles published HortScience , HortTechnology Journal American Society Horticultural Science ( JASHS )...

During the 2021 American Society for Horticultural Science annual conference, Teaching Methods Professional Interest Group hosted workshop “Going beyond Zoom: Tips and tricks teaching horticulture online.” This provided a forum dissemination of tools, materials, approaches used to facilitate active learning in courses. Here we summarize topics presented as resource current future instructors.