scholarly journals Edible-pod Peas as High-value Crops in the U.S. Virgin Islands

2016 ◽  
Vol 26 (5) ◽  
pp. 683-689 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rhuanito S. Ferrarezi ◽  
Stuart A. Weiss ◽  
Thomas C. Geiger ◽  
K. Paul Beamer

Snow pea (Pisum sativum var. saccharatum) and sugar snap pea (P. sativum var. macrocarpon) are high-value crops typically grown in temperate regions. Temperature is the main limiting factor to growing edible-pod peas in warmer U.S. states and territories. The objective was to evaluate edible-pod peas performance in tropical climates and to make cultivar recommendations to farmers in the U.S. Virgin Islands based on fruit yield. Trials were performed in two consecutive years (2014 and 2015), testing six cultivars of edible-pod peas: three snow pea (Little Sweetie, Mammoth Melting, and Oregon Giant) and three sugar snap pea (Super Sugar Snap, Cascadia, and Sugar Sprint) in a complete randomized block with four replications. ‘Little Sweetie’ produced the highest total fruit yield for the season (15,442 kg·ha−1) and ‘Mammoth Melting’ (4249 kg·ha−1) and ‘Sugar Sprint’ (3349 kg·ha−1) produced the lowest total fruit yield in Year 1. The same trend happened in Year 2, where ‘Little Sweetie’ (14,322 kg·ha−1) and ‘Super Sugar Snap’ (12,511 kg·ha−1) were higher yielding and ‘Mammoth Melting’ (4582 kg·ha−1) and ‘Sugar Sprint’ (1929 kg·ha−1) were the lowest yielding cultivars. ‘Mammoth Melting’ showed a marketable yield below 80% of total yield in Years 1 and 2. ‘Mammoth Melting’ and ‘Super Sugar Snap’ produced the tallest plants in Year 1, while ‘Mammoth Melting’ was significantly taller than the others in Year 2. As expected, sugar snap pea presented fruit soluble solids concentration (SSC) 2.7% to 6.5% higher than snow pea. The snow pea cultivars had longer mean fruit length (81 to 86 mm) than sugar snap pea (60 to 68 mm). The opposite trend occurred with fruit thickness; sugar snap pea averaged 28.5% thicker than snow pea. The shoot dry weight of ‘Sugar Sprint’ was on average 78.5% smaller than ‘Mammoth Melting’ and ‘Oregon Giant’, resulting in poor performance due to small plant size. ‘Mammoth Melting’ and ‘Super Sugar Snap’ had the lowest chlorophyll content compared with the other cultivars. Results of this experiment indicate that edible-pod peas have potential as a specialty, short-season, high-value crop when grown in the cool–dry winter months of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Of the cultivars tested, Little Sweetie was the highest yielding cultivar evaluated within the environmental and geographical conditions of this study for two consecutive years.

Author(s):  
Laura L. Van Eerd ◽  
Yangxue Zhou ◽  
Amy L Turnbull ◽  
David Johnston-Monje ◽  
George Lazarovits ◽  
...  

Tomato vine decline (TVD) disease complex results in fruit yield loss, but what soil management strategies might mitigate it? In commercial fields with a history of TVD, five approaches (soil organic amendments and transplant treatments) were evaluated for their impact on fruit yield, fruit quality and microbial abundance or diversity at four site-years. One site-year had very high TVD pressure and high variability with no yield differences, thus efforts focused on the remaining site-years. Marketable yield was not different among treatments but numerically followed a trend similar to total yield. Amending soil with poultry manure delayed maturity (i.e., increased proportion of green fruit) and had the greatest total yield increases of 17.2%, congruent with decreased abundance of root pathogens (Verticillium dahliae, Rhizopicnis vagum). Microbial DNA fingerprinting data of rhizospheres, roots and/or stems suggested treatments did not significantly shift the total diversity fungal nor bacterial populations, but the aforementioned pathogen loads were reduced with the application of organic amendments relative to the untreated control. While drenching tomato transplants with pseudomonad culture increased their presence in roots, pathogen load was not reduced relative to the untreated control. Overall, these results show that soil organic amendments were able to improve tomato total yield in two of four site-years without reducing fruit quality (i.e., soluble solids, pH, colour), perhaps, in part, due to their ability to suppress specific root pathogens in commercial fields.


2015 ◽  
Vol 25 (6) ◽  
pp. 747-751
Author(s):  
Naa Korkoi Ardayfio ◽  
Harlene Hatterman-Valenti

A juneberry (Amelanchier alnifolia) cultivar trial was conducted to evaluate fruit yield, quality, and other characteristics for juneberry cultivars and a native biotype. One-year old micropropagated material was transplanted and established in North Dakota in 2004. The native biotype is available as a conservation plant from Towner State Nursery (Towner, ND) and was included as a readily available juneberry for producers. Fruit diameter, soluble solids content, yield (total and marketable), and plant size measurements were taken during the 2010 and 2011 season. ‘Martin’, the native biotype, ‘Parkhill’, ‘Pembina’, ‘Regent’, and ‘Thiessen’ produced the highest total yield in 2010, whereas ‘Parkhill’ had the highest total yield in 2011, followed by ‘Thiessen’ and then ‘Martin’. Cultivars Martin, Parkhill, and Thiessen produced the highest marketable yield over the 2-year study. ‘Martin’ and ‘Thiessen’ fruit were larger and heavier than the rest of the cultivars. The largest plants were ‘Martin’, ‘Parkhill’, ‘Regent’, and ‘Thiessen’. Soluble solids concentrations were similar among all cultivars. Cultivars Martin or Thiessen should be recommended to commercial producers wanting a high yielding cultivar with uniform fruit ripening, whereas Parkhill should be recommended to producers with a you-pick operation wanting a high yielding cultivar with an extended fruit ripening period.


2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (6) ◽  
pp. 795-810 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kaitlyn M. Orde ◽  
Rebecca Grube Sideman

Day-neutral strawberry (Fragaria ×ananassa) cultivars show promise for extending the fruiting season and increasing production in the northeastern United States, but published research on cultivar yield in the region is lacking. Furthermore, few studies have investigated the effects of low tunnels on yield, fruit, and plant characteristics. We evaluated eight day-neutral cultivars (Albion, Aromas, Cabrillo, Monterey, Portola, San Andreas, Seascape, and Sweet Ann) on open beds and under low tunnels in two separate experiments conducted in 2017 and 2018. Cultivars began producing ripe fruit within 10 weeks of planting in both years, and continued producing fruit without interruption for 20 weeks (2017) and 18 weeks (2018). Annual total yield ranged from 234.9 to 497.8 g/plant and marketable yield ranged 126.4 to 389.1 g/plant, depending on cultivar and year. Cultivar significantly affected the percent marketable yield, late season yield, fruit size, soluble solids content (SSC), runner emergence, and plant size. Except for the cultivar Sweet Ann, low tunnels did not increase season-long marketable or total yield, but did increase the percent marketable yield for all cultivars in 2017, and most cultivars in 2018. Furthermore, marketable yield was significantly greater under low tunnels than open beds during 6 late-season weeks in 2018. Fruit SSC was greater under low tunnels in 2018, and low tunnels reduced runner emergence for certain cultivars. Season-long average air temperatures were higher under low tunnels, but the greatest temperature differences occurred when low tunnels were closed. We demonstrate that day-neutral cultivars can produce high annual yields in New England, but that cultivar selection is paramount.


HortScience ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 55 (7) ◽  
pp. 1045-1052
Author(s):  
Rhuanito Soranz Ferrarezi ◽  
Thomas C. Geiger ◽  
Jayar Greenidge ◽  
Shamali Dennery ◽  
Stuart A. Weiss ◽  
...  

Drip irrigation presents higher distribution efficiency than sprinkler irrigation. Proper system design and the use of pressure-compensating emitters have important roles in irrigation uniformity and efficiency, which directly affect plant growth. This study evaluated the performance of four pressure-compensating and noncompensating emitters and the effects of these irrigation equipment on the yield of three okra [Abelmoschus esculentus] varieties cultivated in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Trials were performed in two seasons (Spring and Fall 2016), and tested four types of irrigation equipment (flow control drip tape, thin wall drip line, thin wall drip tape, and heavy wall drip line) and three varieties of okra (‘Clemson Spineless 80’, ‘Clemson Spineless’, and ‘Chant’), arranged on a complete randomized block design with three replications. Irrigation was performed based on reference evapotranspiration and measured daily using an automated weather station. Soil moisture, electrical conductivity (EC), and soil temperature were monitored using capacitance sensors. The ability of the irrigation equipment to increase pressure was evaluated in the laboratory, in experimental modules using clean water, and while simulating three different slopes (leveled, uphill, and downhill). In the field trial, yield and leaf physiological parameters were influenced by season (P < 0.05) and the percentage of the marketable yield was influenced by variety (P < 0.05); however, fruit morphological parameters and soluble solids content were variety-dependent (P < 0.01). The pressure-compensating emitters maintained water flow within the range indicated by the manufacturers when used within the recommended pressure range. Distribution uniformity decreased over time for all equipment except the heavy wall drip line in Fall 2016. Irrigation equipment did not impact okra morphological attributes and yield, indicating that the same productivity can be successfully maintained while improving irrigation efficiency. Equipment should be selected based on price and irrigation efficiency to reduce the amount of water used.


2019 ◽  
pp. 1388-1401 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmad M. Al Far ◽  
Maher J. Tadros ◽  
Ibrahim M. Makhadmeh

This experiment was conducted during spring growing season of 2018 at Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST) campus in northern Jordan 32.4950° N, 35.9912° E. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of different soilless media such as T: Tuff 100%; TP: Tuff + Perlite 50% each; TPS: Tuff + Perlite + Sawdust 33% each; and TS: Tuff + Sawdust 50% each on some of morphological, physiological and biochemical characteristics related to the quality and quantity of seedless and baby cucumber cultivars. The experimental design was split plot with factorial arrangements and four replications. The measurements related to plant morphology: height, shoot and root length, shoot root fresh and dry weight, number of leaves and flowers, fruit quality: total yield, weight, diameter, hardness, length and numbers per plant. Fruit total soluble solids, the potential of hydrogen pH and electrical conductivity EC of fruit juice, leaf chlorophyll content, leaf relative water content and fruit water content, fruit and shoot biochemical content minerals, organic matters, fats, fibers, and proteins were also measured. The results indicated significant differences in both cucumber cultivars with respect to all parameters studied. Finally, this study concluded that using TS media for seedless cultivar is the best successful growing soilless media as well as the cheapest compared to other solid media used. On the other hand, using TP media for baby cultivar was the superior growing soilless media that was not expensive compared to other universal media. In addition, the TPS media showed minimum growth and low yield in both cucumber cultivars.


2006 ◽  
Vol 63 (2) ◽  
pp. 146-152 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos Alberto Brasiliano Campos ◽  
Pedro Dantas Fernandes ◽  
Hans Raj Gheyi ◽  
Flávio Favaro Blanco ◽  
Cira Belém Gonçalves ◽  
...  

Industrial tomato is the most important vegetable crop of the Brazilian agribusiness. Few researches have evaluated the tolerance of this crop to saline stress. In this study, the effects of five levels of salinity of the irrigation water (1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 dS m-1) and two equivalent proportions of Na:Ca:Mg (1:1:0.5 and 7:1:0.5) were tested on yield and quality of fruits of industrial tomato, cultivar IPA 6. Seedlings were transplanted in rhizotrons and grown under plastic covering until fruit ripening. Volume of water for daily irrigations was determined by the difference between the applied and drained volume in the previous irrigation. Unitary increase of water salinity above 1 dS m-1 reduced the commercial and total yield by 11.9 and 11.0%, respectively, and increased the concentration of soluble solids and the titratable acidity of the fruits by 13.9 and 9.4%, respectively. The increase of the proportion of sodium reduced the total and marketable yield, the number of marketable fruits and pulp yield. Water of moderate salinity, with low concentration of sodium, can be used in the irrigation of the industrial tomato, without significant yield losses.


HortScience ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 52 (9) ◽  
pp. 1214-1220 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Colla ◽  
Mariateresa Cardarelli ◽  
Paolo Bonini ◽  
Youssef Rouphael

The current research aimed 1) at evaluating the effects of three biostimulants (legume-derived protein hydrolysate, PH; plant and seaweed extract, PE and SWE) on yield performance and nutritional quality, mineral profiling, antioxidant activities, lycopene, total phenols and ascorbic acid of greenhouse tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) under soil culture and 2) to assess the economic profitability of biostimulant applications. Plants were sprayed four times during the growing cycle with a solution containing 1, 3, and 3 mL·L−1 of PE, SWE, and PH, respectively. Foliar applications of biostimulants improved the early and total marketable yield of fresh tomato. The increase of total yield by PE, SWE, and PH was 11.7%, 6.6% and 7.0%, respectively, in comparison with untreated plants. Legume-derived PH increased lycopene, total soluble solids, and K and Mg contents, thereby increasing the nutritional value of the fruits. The applications of SWE, and to a lesser degree PH, enhanced the Ca concentration in the fruit tissue. Our findings indicated that the three tested biostimulants, although they increased the total production cost, improved the nutrient status and yield performance of the crop to a level resulting in net economic benefits.


HortScience ◽  
1994 ◽  
Vol 29 (5) ◽  
pp. 580b-580
Author(s):  
Louis E. Petersen

In the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI), herbs and spices are in great demand, mainly for culinary purposes. These crops include thyme, basil, oregano, parsley, chives, fennel, rosemary and marjoram. Based on estimated total marketable yield of 25 growers in 1993, 10,264 kg of fresh culinary herbs were produced in USVI. During the same period, 21,207 kg of various herbs were imported to the USVI. These data clearly show that local demand for herbs exceeds domestic production. Constraints which limit increased production in USVI include small farm size, limited water resources, absence of mechanization and limited information on crop management practices. Many herb growers use traditional farming practices and for the most part avoid modern approaches to cultivation. Appropriate cultural and management practices (e.g. drip irrigation, mulching, fertilizer, etc.) could potentially boost production and increase overall efficiency despite the reality of small farm acreages. This paper will describe the current status of herb production in the USVI, constraints to production and proposed solutions to improve its economic prospect.


Author(s):  
Hamid Salari ◽  
B.S. Hansra ◽  
Yashpal Singh Saharwat

Onion (Allium cepa L.) is among the most cultivated vegetable crops in the world. Afghanistan is thought to be the origin as several local and wild varieties are found in different parts of the country. Safid e Paisaye is a local variety grown in central parts of Afghanistan in the Ghorband valley. This variety has long storability and high market demand among restaurants in the region, but little research has been done to increase the quality and its availability to the market to increase its market share in Afghanistan. Conducted under supervision of Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, India, at Agriculture Faculty Research Farm of Kabul University, this investigation looks at plough depth, land preparation methods, and planting date on quality and yield of onion bulb; it also studied other cultural practices including irrigation and fertilization dose and frequency. The parameters studied in this investigation include neck diameter (cm), bulb diameter (cm), neck to bulb ratio, bulb weight (gr), bulb volume (cm3), bulb density (gr/cm3), Total Soluble Solids (TSS) (Brix), firmness (Kg/cm2), marketable yield (MT/Ha), and total yield (MT/Ha). The data revealed that planting date has significant influence on bulb quality and yield of onion. The highest bulb diameter (6.95 cm), bulb weight (121 gr), bulb volume (128 cm3), marketable yield (32.54 MT/Ha), and total yield (34.24 MT/Ha) and the lowest neck to bulb ratio (0.04) were recorded for the first planting date (seed sown in nursery on 10 March - seedlings planted in field on 10 May). Land ...


HortScience ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 532E-532 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elio Jovicich ◽  
Daniel J. Cantliffe ◽  
George J. Hochmuth

In greenhouse crops, fruit yield and quality can be increased by managing shoot pruning and plant density. The effect of plant population density (2, 3, and 4 plants/m2 as function of in-row plant spacings of 66.5, 44.3, and 33.3 cm, respectively), and shoot pruning (one, two, and four main stems) was studied for effects on fruit yield, quality and plant growth of greenhouse-grown sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L. cv. Robusta) during Summer 1998 in Gainesville, Fla. Red fruit were harvested 84 and 118 days after transplanting (14 Apr.). Additional fruit set was inhibited due to the high temperatures. Marketable yield (number and weight) per square meter increased linearly with plant density and was greater on plants with four stems than in those with two or one stem. Extra-large fruit yield per square meter was not affected by plant density, but was higher in four-stem plants. Total marketable yield and extra-large fruit yields per plant were greatest in the four-stem plants at two plants per square meter. The stem length and the number of nodes per stem increased linearly with the decrease in plant spacing. Stem length and number of nodes per stem were greater in single-stem than in four-stem plants. Number and dry weight of leaves, stem diameter, and total plant dry weight were higher in four- and two-stem plants than in single-stem plants. Results indicated that four plants per square meter pruned to four stems increased marketable and extra-large fruit yield in a short harvest period of a summer greenhouse sweet pepper crop in north central Florida.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document