scholarly journals Pine Tree Substrate, Nitrogen Rate, Particle Size, and Peat Amendment Affect Poinsettia Growth and Substrate Physical Properties

HortScience ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 43 (7) ◽  
pp. 2155-2161 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian E. Jackson ◽  
Robert D. Wright ◽  
Michael C. Barnes
Keyword(s):  
Particle Size ◽  
Physical Properties ◽  
Loblolly Pine ◽  
Growth Index ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Shoot Dry Weight ◽  
Pine Tree ◽  
Air Space ◽  
Pine Trees ◽  
Fertilizer Rates

‘Prestige’ poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima Willd. Ex Klotzsch) were grown at different fertilizer rates in three pine tree substrates (PTS) made from loblolly pine trees (Pinus taeda L.) and a peat-based control. Pine tree substrates were produced from pine trees that were chipped and hammer-milled to a desired particle size. Substrates used in this study included peat-lite (PL), PTS produced with a 2.38-mm screen (PTS1), PTS produced with a 4.76-mm screen (PTS2), and PTS produced with a 4.76-mm screen and amended with 25% peatmoss (v/v) (PTS3). Initial and final substrate physical properties and substrate shrinkage were determined to evaluate changes over the production period. Poinsettias were grown in 1.7-L containers in the fall of 2007 and fertilized at each irrigation with 100, 200, 300, or 400 mg·L−1 nitrogen (N). Shoot dry weight and growth index were higher in PL at 100 mg·L−1 N but similar for all substrates at 300 mg·L−1 N. Bract length was generally the same or longer in all PTS-grown plants compared with plants grown in PL at each fertilizer rate. Postproduction time to wilting was the same for poinsettias grown in PL, PTS1, and PTS3. Initial and final air space was higher in all PTSs compared with PL and container capacity (CC) of PTS1 was equal to PL initially and at the end of the experiment. The initial and final CC of PTS2 was lower than PL. The incorporation of 25% peat (PTS3) increased shoot dry weight and bract length at lower fertilizer rates compared with 4.76 mm PTS alone (PTS2). Substrate shrinkage was not different between PL and PTS1 but greater than shrinkage with the coarser PTS2. This study demonstrates that poinsettia can be successfully grown in a PTS with small particles (2.38-mm screen) or a PTS with large particles (4.76-mm screen) when amended with 25% peatmoss, which results in physical properties (CC and air space) similar to those of PL.

scholarly journals The Landscape Performance of Annual Bedding Plants Grown in Pine Tree Substrate

2009 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 78-82 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert D. Wright ◽  
Brian E. Jackson ◽  
Michael C. Barnes ◽  
Jake F. Browder
Keyword(s):  
Loblolly Pine ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Plant Size ◽  
Growing Period ◽  
Bedding Plants ◽  
Pine Tree ◽  
Landscape Performance ◽  
Pine Trees ◽  
Impatiens Walleriana ◽  
Fertilizer Rates

The objective of this study was to evaluate the landscape performance of annual bedding plants grown in a ground pine tree substrate (PTS) produced from loblolly pine trees (Pinus taeda) or in ground pine bark (PB) when transplanted into the landscape and grown at three different fertilizer rates. Begonia (Begonia ×semperflorens-cultorum) ‘Cocktail Vodka’, coleus (Solenostemen scutellarioides) ‘Kingswood Torch’, impatiens (Impatiens walleriana) ‘Dazzler White’, marigold (Tagetes erecta) ‘Bonanza Yellow’, petunia (Petunia ×hybrid) ‘Wave Purple’, salvia (Salvia splendens) ‘Red Hot Sally’, and vinca (Catharanthus roseus) ‘Cooler Pink’ were evaluated in 2005, and begonia ‘Cocktail Whiskey’, marigold ‘Inca Gold’, salvia ‘Red Hot Sally’, and vinca ‘Cooler Pink’ were evaluated in 2006 and 2007. Landscape fertilizer rates were 1 lb/1000 ft2 nitrogen (N) in 2005 and 0, 1, and 2 lb/1000 ft2 N in 2006 and 2007. Visual observations throughout each year indicated that all species, whether grown in PTS or PB, had comparable foliage quality in the landscape trial beds during the growing period. With few exceptions, dry weight and plant size for all species increased with increasing fertilizer additions, regardless of the substrate in which the plants were grown. For the unfertilized treatment, when comparing plant dry weight between PB and PTS for each species and for each year (eight comparisons), PTS-grown plant dry weight was less than PB-grown plants in three out of the eight comparisons. However, there were fewer differences in plant dry weight between PTS- and PB-grown plants when fertilizer was applied (PTS-grown plants were smaller than PB-grown plants in only 2 of the 16 comparisons: four species, two fertilizer rates, and 2 years), indicating that N immobilization may be somewhat of an issue, but not to the extent expected. Therefore, the utilization of PTS as a substrate for the production of landscape annuals may be acceptable in the context of landscape performance.

scholarly journals PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF MEDIA COMPOSED OF GROUND WHOLE PINE TREES AND THEIR EFFECTS ON VINCA (CATHARANTHUS ROSEUS) GROWTH

HortScience ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. 510B-510
Author(s):  
Glenn B. Fain ◽  
Charles H. Gilliam
Keyword(s):  
Physical Properties ◽  
Loblolly Pine ◽  
Catharanthus Roseus ◽  
Plant Tissue ◽  
Pinus Palustris ◽  
Growth Index ◽  
Pinus Elliottii ◽  
Hammer Mill ◽  
Nutrient Analysis ◽  
Pine Trees

The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential use of container substrates composed of whole pine trees. Three species [loblolly pine (Pinus taeda), slash pine (Pinus elliottii) and longleaf pine (Pinus palustris)] of 8–10 year old pine trees were harvested at ground level and the entire tree was chipped with a tree chipper. The chips from each tree species were then further processed with a hammer mill to pass a ½-inch screen. On 29 June 2005 these three substrates along with 100% pinebark were mixed with the addition per cubic yard of 9.49 kg·m–3 Polyon 18–6–12 (18N–2.6P–10K), 2.97 kg·m–3 dolomitic lime and 0.89 kg·m–3 Micromax. One gallon (3.8 L) containers were then filled and placed into full sun under overhead irrigation. Into these containers were planted 72 cell plugs of Catharanthus roseus`Little Blanche'. Data collected were pre-plant chemical and physical properties of substrates, as well as plant growth index (GI), plant top dry weight, root ratings, and plant tissue (leaves) nutrient analysis at 60 days after planting (DAP). The test was repeated on 27 Aug. 2005 with C. roseus Raspberry Red Cooler. Top dry weights were on average 15% greater for the 100% pinebark substrate over all others at 60 DAP. However there were non differences in plant GI for any substrate at 60 DAP. There were no differences in plant tissue macro nutrient content for any substrate. Tissue micronutrient content was similar and within ranges reported by Mills and Jones (1996, Plant Analysis Handbook II) with the exception of Manganese. Manganese was highest for slash and loblolly pine and well over reported ranges. There were no differences in root ratings. There were no differences in substrate physical properties between the three whole tree substrates. However the 100% pinebark substrate had on average 50% less air space and 25% greater water holding capacity than the other substrates. Physical properties of all substrates were within recommended ranges. Based on the results of this study substrates composed of whole pine trees have potential as an alternative sustainable source for a substrate used in producing short term nursery crops.

scholarly journals A Comparison of WholeTree and Chipped Pine Log Substrate Components in the Production of Greenhouse Grown Annuals

2010 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 173-178
Author(s):  
Whitney G. Gaches ◽  
Glenn B. Fain ◽  
Donald J. Eakes ◽  
Charles H. Gilliam ◽  
Jeff L. Sibley
Keyword(s):  
Physical Properties ◽  
Bulk Density ◽  
Pinus Taeda ◽  
Catharanthus Roseus ◽  
Total Porosity ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Air Space ◽  
Pine Trees ◽  
Impatiens Walleriana ◽  
Pinus Taeda L

Abstract WholeTree (WT) and chipped pine logs (CPL) are potential new sustainable greenhouse substrate components made by milling chipped pine trees and/or pine logs (Pinus taeda L.). Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the growth of Catharanthus roseus L. ‘Grape Cooler’ and Impatiens walleriana Hook.f. ‘Dazzler Apricot’ in 1:1 (v:v) WT:peat (WTP) and 1:1 (v:v) CPL:peat (CPLP), and to compare physical properties of those substrates. In Experiment 1 WTP had 76.8% container capacity (CC) and 96.4% total porosity (TP) while CPLP had 72.4% CC and 90% TP; air space (AS) and bulk density (BD) were similar. In Experiment 2 there were no differences in physical properties. In Experiment 1 EC peaked at 14 days after potting (DAP) and decreased through the remainder of the study. At 0 DAP pH ranged from 4.2–4.3 and increased to a range of 6.4 to 6.8 at 42 DAP. This trend was similar in Experiment 2, except that EC peaked at 7 DAP. In impatiens, plants were similar in Experiment 1 but those grown in WTP in Experiment 2 had bloom counts of 37.3 compared to 27.9 for plants grown in CPLP. With vinca, in Experiment 1 plants grown in CPLP had a dry weight of 7.3 g as compared to 6.9 g for plants grown in WTP, but there were no differences in Experiment 2. Results indicate that growers could use CPL and/or WT interchangeably, depending on available resources.

scholarly journals Effects of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Marigold Growth and Flowering

HortScience ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 45 (9) ◽  
pp. 1373-1377 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guihong Bi ◽  
William B. Evans ◽  
James M. Spiers ◽  
Anthony L. Witcher
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Organic Fertilizer ◽  
Growth Index ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Organic Fertilizers ◽  
Tagetes Patula ◽  
Fertilizer Rate ◽  
Shoot Dry Weight ◽  
Chicken Litter ◽  
Fertilizer Rates

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the growth and flowering responses of greenhouse-grown French marigold (Tagetes patula L. ‘Janie Deep Orange’) to two non-composted broiler chicken litter-based organic fertilizers, 4-2-2 and 3-3-3, and one commonly used synthetic controlled-release fertilizer, 14-14-14. In both experiments, fertilizer 4-2-2 was applied at four rates of 1%, 2%, 4%, and 6% (by volume); 3-3-3 was applied at four rates of 1.34%, 2.67%, 5.34%, and 8.0% (by volume); and 14-14-14 was applied at rates of 0.99, 1.98, 3.96, and 5.94 kg·m−3. In general, substrate containing different rates and types of fertilizers had a pH within the recommended range of 5.0 to 6.5. Electrical conductivity (EC) was similar among substrates containing different rates of 14-14-14; however, EC increased with increasing fertilizer rate for substrates containing 4-2-2 and 3-3-3. Substrate EC within each treatment was generally higher earlier in the experiment. For the fertilizer rates used in these two experiments, increasing 14-14-14 fertilizer rate increased plant growth and flowering performance. However, low to intermediate rates of 4-2-2 and 3-3-3 in general produced the highest plant growth index, shoot dry weight, number of flowers per plant, total flower dry weight, and root rating. Plants grown at high rates of 4-2-2 and 3-3-3 showed symptoms associated with excessive fertilization. Plant tissue nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) concentrations increased linearly or quadratically with increasing fertilizer rates for all three fertilizers. In general, plants receiving 4-2-2 and 3-3-3 had higher concentrations of N, P, and K than plants receiving 14-14-14. Results from this study indicated that broiler litter-based 4-2-2 and 3-3-3 have the potential to be used as organic fertilizer sources for container production of marigolds in greenhouses. However, growers need to be cautious with the rate applied. Because different crops may respond differently to these natural fertilizers, it is important for growers to test any new fertilizers before incorporating them into their production practices.

scholarly journals Comparison of Aged and Fresh WholeTree as a Substrate Component for Production of Greenhouse-Grown Annuals

2011 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-44
Author(s):  
Whitney G. Gaches ◽  
Glenn B. Fain ◽  
Donald J. Eakes ◽  
Charles H. Gilliam ◽  
Jeff L. Sibley
Keyword(s):  
Physical Properties ◽  
Pinus Taeda ◽  
Petunia Hybrida ◽  
Total Porosity ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Tagetes Patula ◽  
Entire Study ◽  
Pine Tree ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Pinus Taeda L

Abstract WholeTree (WT) is a potential renewable greenhouse substrate component created by chipping and milling all aboveground portions of a pine tree (Pinus taeda L.). While research regarding the viability of WT as an alternative substrate component is widely available to growers, the potential benefits of aging WT remain unclear. The growth of Dreams White petunia (Petunia ×hybrida ‘Dreams White’) and Little Hero Yellow marigold (Tagetes patula ‘Little Hero Yellow’) in 1:1 (by vol) fresh WT:peat (FWTP) and 1:1 (by vol) aged WT:peat (AWTP), as well as physical properties of AWTP and FWTP were evaluated. For Experiment 1, AWTP had 17.6% particles greater than 3.2 mm as opposed to 12.4% for FWTP. In Experiment 2, this trend was reversed with 8.1% of AWTP particles greater than 3.2 mm and 20.4% for FWTP. For Experiment 1, AWTP had 90.5% total porosity (TP) as compared to 94.4% with FWTP. Air Space (AS) for AWTP was less than FWTP; AWTP had 10% more container capacity (CC) than FWTP. Bulk Density (BD) was similar in Experiment 1. There was no difference in TP in Experiment 2; however, all other physical properties followed a similar trend to Experiment 1. In both experiments marigolds grown in AWTP generally had a lower leachate pH and a higher EC than those grown in FWTP; a trend which was similar in petunia although differences were not present throughout the entire study. Marigolds grown in AWTP had 33% more blooms and 44% greater dry weight than those grown in FWTP, a trend similar in petunias. Aged WT in this study provided a more suitable substrate component for greenhouse grown marigolds and petunias than fresh WT.

scholarly journals Seedling Developmental Stage at Transplanting Affects Growth and Flowering of Medallion Flower and Globe Amaranth

2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 53-57 ◽  
Author(s):  
G.J. Keever ◽  
J.R. Kessler ◽  
G.B. Fain ◽  
D.C. Mitchell
Keyword(s):  
Shoot Growth ◽  
Growth Index ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Development Stage ◽  
Seedling Development ◽  
Bedding Plants ◽  
Shoot Dry Weight ◽  
Flower Growth ◽  
Root Restriction ◽  
Experimental Runs

A study was conducted to determine how seedling development stage at transplanting from plug flats into small pots affected growth and flowering of two commonly grown bedding plants. Seeds of Showstar® medallion flower and ‘Las Vegas Pink’ globe amaranth were sown in 392-cell flats on five dates for each of two experimental runs before transplanting into 8.9 cm (3.5 in) cubic pots. At transplanting of both species, plant height, node count and shoot dry weight increased as days from sowing to transplanting increased and there was no visible cessation in shoot growth due to root restriction. Time to first flower from transplanting decreased linearly with both species in both runs, except with medallion flower in the second run, as time from sowing to transplanting increased. In contrast, time to flower of both species from sowing increased linearly as time from sowing to transplanting increased. However, the magnitude of the increase or decrease in time to flower differed between the two runs indicating that other factors, most likely light intensity and duration, besides node counts were affecting time to flower. Globe amaranth height and growth index and medallion flower growth index at first flower decreased as time from sowing to transplanting increased, whereas medallion flower height was not affected by time from sowing to transplanting.

scholarly journals Commercial Greenhouse Growers Can Produce High-quality Bedding Plants in Bioplastic-based Biocontainers

2017 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 472-481 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas J. Flax ◽  
Christopher J. Currey ◽  
James A. Schrader ◽  
David Grewell ◽  
William R. Graves
Keyword(s):  
Production Systems ◽  
Growth Index ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Bedding Plants ◽  
Shoot Dry Weight ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Greenhouse Growers ◽  
Container Type

Our objectives were to quantify the growth and quality of herbaceous annuals grown in different types of bioplastic-based biocontainers in commercial greenhouses and quantify producer interest in using these types of biocontainers in their production systems. Seedlings of ‘Serena White’ angelonia (Angelonia angustifolia) and ‘Maverick Red’ zonal geranium (Pelargonium ×hortorum) that had been transplanted into nine different (4.5-inch diameter) container types [eight bioplastic-based biocontainers and a petroleum-based plastic (PP) (control)] were grown at six commercial greenhouses in the upper midwestern United States. Plants were grown alongside other bedding annuals in each commercial greenhouse, and producers employed their standard crop culture practices. Data were collected to characterize growth when most plants were flowering. Questionnaires to quantify producer perceptions and interest in using bioplastic-based biocontainers, interest in different container attributes, and satisfaction were administered at select times during the experiment. Container type interacted with greenhouse to affect angelonia growth index (GI) and shoot dry weight (SDW), as well as shoot, root, and container ratings. Container type or greenhouse affected geranium GI and shoot rating, and their interaction affected SDW, and root and container ratings. These results indicate that commercial producers can grow herbaceous annuals in a range of bioplastic-based biocontainers with few or no changes to their crop culture practices.

scholarly journals Cutless Controls Shoot Growth of ‘China Girl’ Holly

1994 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 167-169
Author(s):  
G.J. Keever ◽  
C.H. Gilliam ◽  
D.J. Eakes
Keyword(s):  
Growth Inhibition ◽  
Shoot Growth ◽  
Growth Index ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Shoot Length ◽  
Single Application ◽  
Growing Seasons ◽  
Shoot Dry Weight ◽  
Production Growth ◽  
Container Production

Abstract Ilex x meserveae ‘China Girl’ plants were sprayed with a single application of different rates of Cutless (flurprimidol) during container production. Growth index, shoot length and shoot dry weight decreased with increasing rates of Cutless. Growth index of plants treated with 500 ppm Cutless was about 17% less than that of control plants 120 days after treatment, but were similar after the spring flush the following year. Growth inhibition persisted for at least two growing seasons when plants were treated with rates of 1500 to 2500 ppm; foliage of these plants was smaller and more cupped than that of control plants. Treated plants were noticeably more compact and uniform, and foliage was darker green than that of control plants.

scholarly journals Impact of Two Hydrophilic Acrylic-Based Polymers on the Physical Properties of Three Substrates and the Growth of Petunia ×hybrida `Brilliant Pink'

2004 ◽  
Vol 129 (3) ◽  
pp. 449-457 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philippe Jobin ◽  
Jean Caron ◽  
Pierre-Yves Bernier ◽  
Blanche Dansereau
Keyword(s):  
Hydraulic Conductivity ◽  
Physical Properties ◽  
Water Potential ◽  
Soil Water Potential ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Irrigation Frequency ◽  
Water Desorption ◽  
Acrylic Polymer ◽  
Shoot Dry Weight ◽  
Container Capacity

Hydrophilic polymers or hydrogels have shown potential to increase water retention of media and to reduce irrigation frequency. This property would be particularly useful in the production of fast growing species in which large amounts of water are needed. This study evaluated the effect of two acrylic-based hydrogels on water desorption curve and hydraulic conductivity of substrates and on plant growth. The duration of their effects was also investigated. Rooted cuttings of Surfinia (Petunia ×hybrida `Brilliant Pink') were transplanted into 30-cm pots containing one of three different substrates amended with one of two types of hydrogels, a commercial acrylic polymer, and a commercial acrylic-acrylamide copolymer, and grown for 9 weeks under well watered conditions and then imposed with a drought. Results indicated that both polymer types gave similar results. The substrates' physical properties (air-filled porosity, available water) at potting time were significantly affected by hydrogel addition, but differences vanished within 9 weeks of growth. Hydrogels had no significant effect on the point at which plant wilted and on the substrate's unsaturated hydraulic conductivity. Shoot dry weight was affected by substrate and hydrogel and was positively correlated to water content between container capacity and -10 kPa of water potential, or between container capacity and the soil water potential at plant turgor loss.

scholarly journals Use of Species-specific Controlled-release Fertilizer Rates to Manage Growth and Quality of Container Nursery Crops

2015 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 370-379 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary Jane Clark ◽  
Youbin Zheng
Keyword(s):  
Controlled Release ◽  
Growth Index ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Temperate Climate ◽  
Controlled Release Fertilizer ◽  
Shoot Dry Weight ◽  
Application Rates ◽  
Nursery Crops ◽  
Species Specific

The objective of this study was to determine the optimal controlled-release fertilizer (CRF) application rates or ranges for the production of five 2-gal nursery crops. Plants were evaluated following fertilization with 19N–2.6P–10.8K plus minors, 8–9 month CRF incorporated at 0.15, 0.45, 0.75, 1.05, 1.35, and 1.65 kg·m−3 nitrogen (N). The five crops tested were bigleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla), ‘Green Velvet’ boxwood (Buxus ×), ‘Magic Carpet’ spirea (Spiraea japonica), ‘Palace Purple’ coral bells (Heuchera micrantha), and rose of sharon (Hibiscus syriacus). Most plant growth characteristics (i.e., growth index, plant height, leaf area, and shoot dry weight) were greater in high vs. low CRF treatments at the final harvest. Low CRF rates negatively impacted overall appearance and marketability. The species-specific CRF range recommendations were 1.05 to 1.35 kg·m−3 N for rose of sharon, 0.75 to 1.05 kg·m−3 N for ‘Magic Carpet’ spirea, and 0.75 to 1.35 kg·m−3 N for bigleaf hydrangea and ‘Green Velvet’ boxwood, whereas the recommended CRF rate for ‘Palace Purple’ coral bells was 0.75 kg·m−3 N. Overall, species-specific CRF application rates can be used to manage growth and quality of containerized nursery crops during production in a temperate climate.

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