scholarly journals Comparison of Turfgrass Visual Quality Ratings with Ratings Determined Using a Handheld Optical Sensor

2009 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 309-316 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gregory E. Bell ◽  
Dennis L. Martin ◽  
Kyungjoon Koh ◽  
Holly R. Han
Keyword(s):  
Optical Sensor ◽  
Data Entry ◽  
Visual Quality ◽  
Objective Evaluation ◽  
Visual Evaluation ◽  
Growing Seasons ◽  
Human Evaluation ◽  
Quality Ratings ◽  
Turfgrass Quality ◽  
Time Required

Turfgrass performance can be assessed in terms of visual quality, but evaluators require training and may be distracted by many factors that affect accuracy and consistency. The objectives of this study were to assess a handheld optical sensor (GreenSeeker) for evaluating overall turfgrass quality in three turf species over two growing seasons, and to compare the combined time required for visual evaluation and data entry with the time required for the same functions using the handheld optical sensor. Visual quality ratings and sensor ratings were collected on schedules prescribed by the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program for the 2002 bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.), 2002 buffalograss (Buchloe dactyloides), and 2002 zoysiagrass (Zoysia spp.) studies in 2003 and 2004. Use of the sensor reduced the time required to complete data collection and data entry by 58% compared with human visual evaluation. Of the three species tested, the bermudagrass evaluation had the strongest correlation between ratings collected by the human evaluator and the sensor [r = 0.79 in 2003 (n = 343), r = 0.85 in 2004 (n = 343)]. The handheld optical sensor provided a consistent, objective evaluation of overall turfgrass quality and required less time than visual evaluation. The handheld optical sensor provides advantages for assessing turfgrass quality that cannot be realized by human evaluation, but the sensor alone is not sufficient for specific evaluations such as color, texture, or density that are routinely characterized by human evaluation.

scholarly journals Tools for Evaluating Native Grasses as Low Maintenance Turf

2009 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 626-632 ◽  
Author(s):  
Landon D. Bunderson ◽  
Paul G. Johnson ◽  
Kelly L. Kopp ◽  
Adam Van Dyke
Keyword(s):  
Image Analysis ◽  
Digital Image ◽  
Digital Image Analysis ◽  
Objective Evaluation ◽  
West Region ◽  
Quality Ratings ◽  
Evapotranspiration Rate ◽  
Color Data ◽  
Turfgrass Quality

Visual ratings are the standard for evaluating turfgrass quality. However, to provide more objective evaluations and to address statistical concerns, other methods have been developed to measure turfgrass quality, including digital image analysis and measurements of chlorophyll content. These have been largely applied to traditionally used turfgrass species, but here we used these methods to evaluate turfgrass quality of nontraditional species and mixtures that are native or adapted to the intermountain west region of North America. Two fertilizer treatments (1.0 or 2.0 lb/1000 ft2 nitrogen) were applied to 21 different species and species mixtures in North Logan, UT. These plots were irrigated to replace 60% of the local evapotranspiration rate and were mowed at 4 inches. Turfgrass quality ratings were most effective in measuring quality among the diverse species used in this study. Because of the wider variation in acceptable visual characteristics and lower quality expectations for low-maintenance native turf, the objective evaluation methods proved less useful. Generally, chlorophyll meter data, digital image analysis of cover, and digital image analysis of color data were not well correlated with human visual quality ratings in this study. Measurements were well correlated in some species, but not in others. These methods can supplement, but cannot replace, human visual turfgrass quality ratings for comparison of dissimilar grasses.

scholarly journals Bur Seeding Rate Effects on Turf-type Buffalograss Establishment

2005 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 246-249 ◽  
Author(s):  
R.C. Shearman ◽  
H. Budak ◽  
S. Severmutlu ◽  
R.E. Gaussoin
Keyword(s):  
Growing Season ◽  
Shoot Density ◽  
Research Information ◽  
Seeding Rate ◽  
Growing Seasons ◽  
Quality Ratings ◽  
Acceptable Quality ◽  
Rate Effects ◽  
Turfgrass Quality ◽  
Turfgrass Establishment

Little or no research information exists in the literature regarding recommended seeding rates of improved turf-type buffalograss (Buchloë dactyloides) cultivars, like `Bowie'. This research was conducted to determine the effect of bur seeding rate on turfgrass establishment of `Bowie' buffalograss. Two experiments were initiated on 21 July 2002 on diverse sites at the John Seaton Anderson Turfgrass Research Facility located near Mead, Nebr. Bur seeding rate effects on turfgrass quality, shoot density and cover, and seedling density were evaluated during the 2002 and 2003 growing seasons. Burs were seeded at 2.5, 5, 10, 20, and 40 g·m–2 (0.51, 1.0, 2.0, 4.1, and 8.2 lb/1000 ft2) of pure live seed (PLS). Turfgrass quality ratings increased linearly with bur seeding rate during the first growing season. However, by early in the second growing season, the response was quadratic with little or no difference in quality between 10 and 40 g·m–2. Turfgrass cover ratings responded in a similar manner to the quality ratings. Buffalograss is reported to establish slowly, taking more than one growing season to establish an acceptable level. In this study, `Bowie', a turf-type cultivar, had acceptable turfgrass quality (≥5.0) and cover (≥75%) ratings by 3 months at bur seeding rates of 5 to 40 g·m–2 of PLS, and acceptable quality and cover ratings were obtained at slightly over 1 month at rates of 20 to 40 g·m–2. These results indicate that bur seeding rates of 20 to 40 g·m–2 are advisable where rapid establishment of turf-type buffalograss is desired, and rates as low as 5 g·m–2 can be used when establishment within two growing seasons is deemed reasonable.

A Quantitative Comparison of SSA Interviewing Activities with and without Computer Assistance

1979 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 581-585 ◽  
Author(s):  
Douglas G. Hoecker ◽  
Richard W. Pew
Keyword(s):  
Process Condition ◽  
Data Entry ◽  
System Response ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Social Security Administration ◽  
Additional Time ◽  
Computer Data ◽  
Computer Assistance ◽  
Cent Increase ◽  
Time Required

The purpose of the reported experiments was to learn the effects of different forms of computer assistance on the performance of field personnel of the Social Security Administration as they interview potential beneficiaries. Twenty-four subjects, twelve qualified in each of two interviewer positions, learned to operate different interfaces (labelled Systems W, P, and T) that simulated interaction with computer data-handling systems. They then conducted simulated interviews with each other, during which predefined categories of interviewer activity were sampled at 15-second intervals. Results showed that for the interviews simulated and regardless of the systems tested, computer-assisted interviews lasted more than 4 minutes longer on the average than did conventional paper-process interviews. This was a 97 per cent increase for two short interviews that averaged 4.7 minutes in the paper-process condition, and a 27 per cent increase for a moderately long interview that averaged 20.2 minutes in that condition. The additional time required for computer-assisted interviews was primarily due to two factors: (1) time spent waiting for a response from the terminal, and (2) more time being required for data entry (i.e., keyboarding) in the computer-assisted process than for its analog (i.e., writing plus handling) in the paper-forms process. These data point in some initial directions for optimizing person/machine system performance in this context, for example by controlling system response delays at different levels of interaction. Further, these data, in combination with other data developed by SSA, provide a means for attaching dollar values to particular system and interface configurations.

scholarly journals Effect of Composted Paper Sludges and Municipal Waste Compost Amendments on the Growth of Kentucky Bluegrass

HortScience ◽  
1995 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 896G-897
Author(s):  
M. Laganière ◽  
P. Lecomte ◽  
Y. Desjardins
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter Content ◽  
Organic Amendments ◽  
Visual Quality ◽  
Kentucky Bluegrass ◽  
Matter Content ◽  
Paper Sludge ◽  
Quality Ratings ◽  
Heavy Soil ◽  
Shearing Strength ◽  
Sod Production

In Quebec, commercial sod is produced on >3000 ha. Generally, ≈20 months are required to produce market-ready sod. When conditions are suitable, harvest of marketable sod is possible within a year. However, intensive management may result in soil compaction and a reduction of the organic matter content. Considering the increasing amount of amendment available, sod production fields could be interesting for their disposal. In this study, visual quality and sod root growth was examined following an application of an organic amendment at 50, 100, and 150 t·ha–1, incorporated to depth of 6 or 20 cm. Plots established on a sandy soil receiving organic amendments had higher visual quality ratings. Bulk density was significantly reduced following compost or paper sludge application to a heavy soil. The shearing strength required to tear sod amended with compost was significantly higher in comparison with control and paper sludge treatments.

scholarly journals Landscape Performance, Flowering, and Seed Viability of 15 Japanese Silver Grass Cultivars Grown in Northern and Southern Florida

2006 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 686-693 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandra B. Wilson ◽  
Gary W. Knox
Keyword(s):  
Seed Viability ◽  
Visual Quality ◽  
Peak Performance ◽  
Miscanthus Sinensis ◽  
Viable Seed ◽  
Entire Study ◽  
Central Park ◽  
Landscape Performance ◽  
Quality Ratings ◽  
Southern Florida

Japanese silver grass (Miscanthus sinensis) and 14 cultivars were transplanted in northern and southern Florida and evaluated for landscape performance, flowering, growth, and seed viability. All plants survived the 84-week study at both locations with the exception of `Morning Light', where 22% to 33% of the plants died. In northern and southern Florida, `Arabesque', `Adagio', `Cosmopolitan', and `Gracillimus' received the highest visual quality ratings on average throughout the entire study, yet other cultivars such as `Central Park' and `Silberfeder' performed well but had much narrower windows of peak performance. Cultivars such as `Little Kitten' and `Sarabande' performed far better in southern Florida than in northern Florida. Regardless of location, `Morning Light' and `Puenktchen' generally did not perform as well as other cultivars. In northern Florida, four consecutive months of very good to excellent flowering (75% to 100% canopy coverage) were observed for `Adagio', `Arabesque', `Cosmopolitan', `Gracillimus', `Little Kitten', `Sarabande', `Silberfeder', and `Zebrinus'. However, in southern Florida, peak flowering periods for these cultivars were delayed and generally only lasted for 1 to 2 months. On average, plants in northern Florida were larger and produced 2.8 times more flowers than plants in southern Florida. All cultivars produced viable seed with germination of viable seed ranging from 53.6% (`Cabaret') to 100% (`Gracillimus') in southern Florida, and from 49.8% (`Arabesque') to 100% (`Adagio', `Little Kitten', `Sarabande', and `Variegatus') in northern Florida.

scholarly journals Yield and Quality of Spinach Cultivars for Greenhouse Production in Oklahoma

2007 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 269-272 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lynn Brandenberger ◽  
Todd Cavins ◽  
Mark Payton ◽  
Lynda Wells ◽  
Tina Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Spinacia Oleracea ◽  
Quality Factors ◽  
Leaf Color ◽  
Greenhouse Production ◽  
Yield And Quality ◽  
Quality Ratings ◽  
Production Techniques ◽  
Production Cycles ◽  
Time Required

Greenhouse spinach production is an alternative to fruiting vegetables produced in the greenhouse because it allows for multiple short-duration production cycles and a much faster economic return. Ten spinach (Spinacia oleracea) cultivars were evaluated for yield and quality using greenhouse float bed production techniques in Fall 2005 and Spring 2006. Time required for production was 52 days in Fall 2005 and 37 days in Spring 2006. Highest yields in Fall 2005 were 2093, 1996, 1956, 1920, and 1884 g·m−2 for ‘Olympia’, ‘Samish’, ‘Padre’, ‘Bolero’, and ‘F91-415’, respectively. ‘F91-415’ and ‘Bolero’ were the highest yielding cultivars in Spring 2006 with yields of 1649 and 1560 g·m−2, respectively. Bolting ratings were recorded in both tests and only ‘Samish’ had any bolting in Spring 2006 and none in Fall 2005. Quality ratings for leaf color and foliage mass were recorded in Spring 2006 with ‘Samish’, ‘Padre’, and ‘Cypress’ having the highest quality ratings. Color factors, including lightness, hue, and vividness, varied in Fall 2005 but not in Spring 2006. Based on yield and quality factors, the authors recommend further commercial trials of ‘Olympia’, ‘Samish’, ‘Padre’, and ‘F91-415’ for fall greenhouse production and ‘F91-415’ and ‘Padre’ for spring production.

scholarly journals Mowing Height and Nitrogen Rate Affect Turf Quality and Vegetative Growth of Common Carpetgrass

HortScience ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 760-762 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edward W. Bush ◽  
Allen D. Owings ◽  
Dennis P. Shepard ◽  
James N. McCrimmon
Keyword(s):  
Vegetative Growth ◽  
Nitrogen Rate ◽  
Growing Seasons ◽  
Turf Quality ◽  
Turfgrass Quality

Common carpetgrass (Axonopus affinis Chase), mowed at 3.8 or 7.6 cm and fertilized with at least 98 kg·ha–1 N, maintained acceptable lawngrass quality during the 1993 and 1994 growing seasons. Cumulative vegetative growth (CVG) quality and coverage were increased in mowed plots fertilized with 98, 147, or 196 kg·ha–1 N. Unsightly seedheads were a problem in nonmowed plots 3 weeks after the start of the experiment, but did not appear in the mowed plots. Our results indicate that mowing common carpetgrass at 3.8 or 7.6 cm and fertilizing with 98, 147, or 196 kg·ha–1 N will provide acceptable turfgrass quality.

scholarly journals (90) Coleus: Landscape Performance Results from 2003 and 2004

HortScience ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 1042E-1043
Author(s):  
Allen Owings ◽  
Anthony Witcher ◽  
Allen Broyles
Keyword(s):  
Baton Rouge ◽  
Late Summer ◽  
Visual Quality ◽  
Landscape Performance ◽  
Quality Ratings ◽  
Color Uniformity ◽  
Top Performers ◽  
Loam Soil ◽  
Sun And Shade ◽  
Performance Results

Coleus were trialed for landscape performance during 2003 and 2004 at Burden Center in Baton Rouge, La. This included a mid-spring through fall evaluation in 2003 and a spring through summer and summer through fall evaluation in 2004. Over 45 cultivars, including the Solar, Hurricane, Stained Glassworks, and Aurora series, were evaluated. Visual quality ratings were taken twice monthly and included compactness, foliage color, uniformity, and overall aesthetics. Flower observations were noted. Beds were located in full sun and consisted of a raised row of an Olivier silt loam soil. Plants were drip irrigated as needed to prevent stress. A separate study compared sun and shade (60%) performance of Kong coleus cultivars in the late summer through fall 2004. The Solar series performed well in 2003 and 2004, and generally had visual quality ratings signifi cantly greater than cultivars in the Hurricane, Stained Glassworks and Aurora series. Height was also greater in the Solar series. The Hurricane series had signifi cant flowering early in the evaluation periods, although `Louise' was slower to fl ower than `Benji' or `Jenni'. Kong coleus cultivars in 60% shade were about 50% shorter than those in full sun. `Aurora Black Cherry' was superior to the other cultivars in the series in terms of visual quality and slowness to fl ower. `Mississippi Summer Sun' (a/k/a Razzle Dazzle) and `Red Ruffle' were top performers among the nonseries cultivars evaluated.

scholarly journals ABSCISIC ACID DRENCHES IMPROVE POSTPRODUCTION SHELF LIFE OF IMPATIENS

HortScience ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. 511E-512
Author(s):  
James L. Gibson ◽  
Shannon Crowley
Keyword(s):  
Abscisic Acid ◽  
Visual Quality ◽  
Light Environment ◽  
Light Conditions ◽  
Labor Costs ◽  
Flower Number ◽  
Low Light ◽  
Quality Ratings ◽  
Select Group ◽  
The Impact

Foliar sprays or root dips of synthetic abscisic acid (s-ABA) have shown to reduce the transpiration rate and subsequently prolong postharvest longevity in a select group of herbaceous ornamental crops. The objective of our study was to determine the impact of s-ABA on postproduction performance of seed impatiens in greenhouse or low light conditions. Market ready Impatiens wallerana `Xtreme Scarlet' plants were sprayed or the root substrate was drenched with s-ABA at 250 or 500 mg·L–1 then boxed for 48 h to represent shipping conditions. Flower number was measured 3 days after application, and again after plants were hydrated following the day when the last treatment wilted 0, 2, 4, 8, 16, or 24 days after application. Visual quality ratings were made 0, 2, 3, 4, 8, 11, 16, or 19 days after application and again after plants were re-irrigated. Drenching the substrate with s-ABA at 500 mg·L–1 maintained foliage and flower turgidity up to 8 days in the greenhouse environment and 16 days in the low light environment. Substrate drenches at 500 mg·L–1 dramatically decreased flower number after removal from the shipping box under greenhouse conditions, and in the low light environment drenching the substrate at 250 mg·L–1 produced similar visual quality results to 500 mg·L–1 16 days after treatment. Plants drenched at 250 mg·L–1 also had the same number of flowers 3 and 20 days after treatment, when compared to 500 mg·L–1. Therefore, impatiens growers should drench the root substrate with s-ABA at 250 mg·L–1 to reduce labor costs associated with hand-watering and prolong postproduction performance in low light conditions, such as indoor retail conditions.

scholarly journals Verification of Internal Oleation Doses mentioned by Vangasena to achieve proper Oleation before Vamana and Virechana

2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vishakha Rajesh Wetal
Keyword(s):  
Maximum Dose ◽  
Objective Evaluation ◽  
Therapeutic Purpose ◽  
Time Required ◽  
Medium Dose

Background -Maximum(Pradhan), minimum(heena) and medium(madhyam) doses for  internal oleation pursued as preparation, before Vamana (induced vomiting for therapeutic purpose) and Virechana (induced purgation for therapeutic purpose) is mentioned in all three Ayurveda classic texts (Brihat-trayi), on the basis of time required for its digestion and doshavastha.. This method is very subjective contrary to the objective evaluation affirmed in Vangasen-Snehpanadhikar(VS), where evaluator does not make any judgment. The actual dose quantification, in increasing order for shodhan purpose is mentioned in VS. Objective-To verify suitability of internal oleation doses cited in Vangasen to achieve Samyak Snigdha Lakshanani(SSL) and to monitor its complications if any.    Method - This method was applied for 18 patients intended for either Vamana or Virechana to verify its authenticity to achieve SSL. Sixteen patients were given medium dose and two were given maximum dose. Oleation was discontinued as soon as SSL were achieved.Result-Out of 18 patients one achieved SSL in three days, five in four days, six in five days and five patients in six days. One patient took seven days to achieve SSL. Out of 18 patients, on last day one digest sneha in 2 hrs, 3 digest it in 4 to 5 hrs, 9 in 6 to 7 hrs, and 5 patients took 10 to 15 hrs to digest sneha on the day of completion of Snehana. Complications were not observed in any patient.Conclusion-Medium or maximum doses specified in VS, can be used for internal oleation before Vamana and Virechana to achieve SSL without any complication. Thus the method is practical one. 

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