Progress 10/01/08 to 09/30/14
Outputs
Target Audience: Target audiences were agriculture producers, agricultural product processors and the science community. Systems for targeted crop production, processing and handling were presented to producers on-farm, at various commodity meetings and at professional meetings. Research results were communicated via meeting presentations and have culminated in refereed publications. Devices for measuring physical properties and systems for extraction processing of commodities were demonstrated for agriculture product processors. Changes/Problems: None What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Ms. Elif Kalkan completed a Ph.D. dissertation related to basil production systems and ambient temperature extraction processing for various basil genotypes. Mr. Mamadou Sadji completed training in lycopene purification from watermelon. Ms. Neha Thunga is completing an MS thesis for the grape seed value-added products component. Redbud Farms (Washington, OK) has participated in the grape seed processing project. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Through scientific/commodity group presentations and on-farm/on-campus demonstrations. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Complete training for grape seed value-added product generation and assist with cedar foliage product development to move both projects into commercial development.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Various studies to evaluate extraction components from eastern red cedar, grape seed, herbs and tree nuts were completed. Production system impacts on radish pungency, pecan insect infestation and herb potency were evaluated. Models for estimating pecan quality from x-ray images were developed and tested. Aromatic components and podophyllotoxin were lowest in cedar foliage obtained from far SE Oklahoma versus other parts of the state; aromatic chemicals averaged approximately 0.7 mg per gm and podophyllotoxin averaged 0.5 mg per gm in Oklahoma eastern red cedar foliage. A small scale system for grape seed separation from grape pomace was developed and grape seed oil and flour production systems were devised. Radish pungency was not affected by production with composted mulch. A silhouette imaging system was developed for automated pecan weevil detection. Algorithms for x-ray image dissection were developed to detect nutmeat characteristics for in-shell pecans. Various ambient temperature propane extraction protocols were optimized for herb and tree nut extraction; a commercial system for pecan oil extraction was developed and tested for commercial viability.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Maness, Niels. 2014. Postharvest Practices for Maintaining Quality in Fruits. 33rd Hort. Industries Show Proceedings, Tulsa, OK, Jan. 10-11.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Thunga, N. and N. Maness. 2014. Finding Value in Grape Pomace: Aromatics, Phytosterols and Grape seed oil. FAPC Research Symposium, Stillwater, OK, February 17.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Maness, N.O. and S. Boehrer. 2014. Grape Seed Oil and Flour. Oklahoma Grape Industry Council annual meeting, March.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Maness, N.O. 2014. Oklahomas Eastern Redcedar Foliage Resource. Aromatic Cedar Association annual meeting. October.
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Progress 10/01/12 to 09/30/13
Outputs
Target Audience: Target audiences were agriculture producers, agricultural product processors and the science community. Systems for targeted crop production and handling were presented to producers on-farm, at various producer meetings and at a national professional meeting. Research results were communicated via meeting presentations and have culminated in refereed publications. Devices for measuring physical properties and systems for oil extraction of commodities were demonstrated for agriculture product processors. Changes/Problems: None What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Mr. Mamadou Sadji initiated training for lycopene purification from watermelon as a visiting scientist from Senegal. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Through refereed publications, experiment station bulletins, scientific presentations and on-farm demonstrations. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Complete training for lycopene purification; perfect nut flour production for use in alergin treatments; complete ambient temperature extraction studies for various herb crops; refine handling and extraction technologies for various Oklahoma commodities.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Various studies to evaluate parameters related to vegetable quality, herb physical properties, bioenergy crop handling and ambient temperature extraction were completed. Production systems for radishes using spent compost were evaluated – compost had no impact on pungency. Mechanisms for leaf cuticular wax thickness were tested for leafy vegetables with application for evaluating partial lipid extraction with propane. An empirical model was developed and evaluated for estimating moisture reduction of switchgrass as a bioenergy crop. Feasibility of a pecan oil and flour processing facility using ambient temperature propane extraction was tested – although the system was feasible the cost of pecan feedstocks were too high for the project to move forward.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Kahn, Brian, Niels Maness, Donna Chrz, and Lynda Carrier. 2013. Pungency of red radish storage roots is unaffected by spent mushroom substrate or yard waste compost treatments used for field production. HortScience 48:89-91.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Hardin, J.A., C.L. Jones, P.R. Weckler, N.O. Maness, J.W. Dillwith and R.D. Madden. 2013. Rapid
in situ quantitation of leaf cuticular wax using FTIR-ATR. Transactions ASABE 56:331-339.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Kanchi, A., C.L. Jones, B. Sharma, R.L. Huhnke, P. Weckler and N.O. Maness. 2013. An empirical model to predict infield thin layer drying rate of cut switchgrass. Biomass and Bioenergy 58:128-135.
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Progress 10/01/11 to 09/30/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Various studies to evaluate parameters related to vegetable quality, herb productivity and ambient temperature extraction were completed. Production systems for basils for partial lipid extraction with propane were developed and handling procedures prior to extraction were investigated. Basils can be harvested multiple times during the season and dried prior to extraction; drying temperatures should not exceed 40 C to maintain color and aromatic intensity of the herb. The effect of supplementing soils with various compost materials on radish pungency was assessed. No impact of compost treatments on pungency were evident for radishes grown in spring or fall seasons. Watermelon pomace was investigated as a source of lycopene for food fortification. Cabinet drying was superior to drum drying for maintaining lycopene content. Lycopene was stable for up to one year in dried samples stored in vacuum packaging at -20 C. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals - Niels Maness served as principal investigator on this project with responsibilities to oversee all project activities. Brian Kahn and Dani Bellmer were cooperators on this project. Donna Chrz was a technician on the project, under the direction of Niels Maness. Training or Professional Development - Elif Kalkan completed work on a Ph.D. and Yaymed Arocho completed work on an MS on this project. Jasreen Sekhon continued work on a Ph.D. degree on this project. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences were agriculture producers, agricultural product processors and the science community. Systems for targeted crop production were presented to producers on-farm, at various producer meetings and at a national professional meeting. Research results were communicated via meeting presentations and will culminate in refereed publications. Devices for extraction of raw and processed commodities were demonstrated for agriculture product processors. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Basil is consumed worldwide as a fresh herb. Basil has good potential for production throughout the summer in Oklahoma as an extraction crop, representing untapped opportunities for expansion of Oklahoma agribusinesses. Investigation of ambient temperature liquefied gas extraction technology could lead to bringing new crops such as basil and other dry herbs and vegetables to fruition as new Oklahoma agricultural enterprises. Compost addition to soils retains moisture and encourages buildup of organic matter. Although a wealth of evidence indicates the positive impact of compost on vegetable production, more information is needed on its impact on harvested vegetable quality, which impacts commodity value. Watermelons are a major horticultural crop in Oklahoma. On average, 20 to 25 percent of the crop goes un-harvested for fresh market. Since watermelons are an excellent source of lycopene, the potential for development of a processing market for un-used watermelons as a source of lycopene represents a means to recover lost revenue for Oklahoma producers.
Publications
- Kalkan, Elif. 2012. Chemical profiling and extraction processing of basil varieties grown in Oklahoma. Ph.D. dissertation, Oklahoma State University, May, 2012.
- Kahn, Brian, Niels Maness, Donna Chrz, and Lynda Carrier. 2012. Pungency of red radish storage roots is unaffected by spent mushroom substrate or yard waste compost treatments used for field production. HortScience, Accepted.
- Arocho, Y.D., D. Bellmer, N. Maness, W. McGlynn and P. Rayas-Duarte. 2012. Watermelon pomace composition and the effect of drying on lycopene content and color. J. Food Qual. 35:331-340.
|
Progress 10/01/10 to 09/30/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Various studies to evaluate parameters related to vegetable quality, herb productivity and ambient temperature extraction were completed. Partial lipid extraction of cilantro with propane resulted in an immediate enhancement of green color for the dried product an a significant reduction of browning index during storagefor up to 9 months at 25 C. Aromatic chemicals for extracted cilantro decreased less than non-extracted controls for the same samples. This study will culminate at month 12, to establish possible mechanisms for dried herb shelf-life extension via propane partial lipid extraction. The effect of supplementing soils with various compost materials on radish pungency was assessed. No impact of compost treatments on pungency were evident for radishes grown in spring or fall seasons. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals - Niels Maness (PD), Carol Jones (PI) and Paul Wecker (PI) served as investigators on this project with responsibilities to oversee all project activities. Brian Kahn was a cooperator on this project. Donna Chrz was a technician on the project, under the direction of Niels Maness. Training or Professional Development - Elif Kalkan and Jasreen Sekhon continued work on a Ph.D. degree on this project. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences were agriculture producers, agricultural product processors and the science community. Systems for targeted crop production were presented to producers on-farm, at various producer meetings and at a national professional meeting. Research results were communicated via meeting presentations and will culminate in refereed publications. Devices for extraction of raw and processed commodities were demonstrated for agriculture product processors. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Cilantro is consumed worldwide as a fresh herb. Cilantro has good potential for production in spring and in fall plantings in Oklahoma as an extraction crop, representing untapped opportunities for expansion of Oklahoma agribusinesses. Investigation of ambient temperature liquefied gas extraction technology could lead to bringing new crops such as cilantro and other dry herbs and vegetables to fruition as new Oklahoma agricultural enterprises. Compost addition to soils retains moisture and encourages buildup of organic matter. Although a wealth of evidence indicates the positive impact of compost on vegetable production, more information is needed on its impact on harvested vegetable quality, which impacts commodity value.
Publications
- Sekhon, J., C. Jones, and N. Maness. 2011. Effect of drying temperature, partial lipid extraction and storage on the shelf life of dehydrated cilantro (Coriandrum Sativum L.). Paper # 1111664. 2011 ASABE Annual International Meeting. Louisville, Ky: ASABE
- Kahn, B. A., N. O. Maness, D. R. Chrz and L. K. Carrier. 2011. Pungency levels of red radish roots are unaffected by compost treatments used for field production. HortScience 46:S365-S366.
|
Progress 10/01/09 to 09/30/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Various studies to evaluate parameters related to vegetable quality, herb productivity and ambient temperature extraction were completed. Cilantro was investigated as a potential new extraction crop in Oklahoma. For cilantro, the variety Santo has provided highest yields with good resistance to spring bolting. Close spacing of rows resulted in slightly taller plants; gibberellic acid applied two to three weeks prior to harvest tended to also increase plant height. Processes for ambient temperature extraction of Oklahoma crops were investigated. Conditions for extraction of high oil content oilseeds (pecans), low oil content oilseeds (canola, soy, flax) and dried herbs (cilantro, basils) were determined and documented, for use with a 5 liter extraction system. Nutritional analyses of extracted herbs provided evidence that leaf waxes were substantially extracted via propane extraction. Various methods for carbohydrate analysis were documented and detailed methods for extraction and analysis were published. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals - Niels Maness (PD), Carol Jones (PI) and Paul Wecker (PI) served as investigators on this project with responsibilities to oversee all project activities. Brian Kahn was a cooperator on this project. Donna Chrz was a technician on the project, under the direction of Niels Maness. Training or Professional Development - Elif Kalkan initiated work on a Ph.D. degree on this project. Shane Hutto continued work towards an MS degree on this project. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences were agriculture producers, agricultural product processors and the science community. Systems for targeted crop production were presented to producers on-farm and at various producer meetings. Research results were communicated via refereed publication and meeting presentations. Devices for extraction of raw and processed commodities were demonstrated for agriculture product processors. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Cilantro is consumed worldwide as a fresh herb. Cilantro has good potential for production on Oklahoma as an extraction crop, representing untapped opportunities for expansion of Oklahoma agribusinesses. Investigation of ambient temperature liquefied gas extraction technology could lead to bringing new crops such as cilantro and other dry herbs and vegetables to fruition as new Oklahoma agricultural enterprises. Carbohydrates are the main constituent of many plants, and serve important functions in energy production and cell protection in all plants. Detailed methods for their analysis provides a means to study their interrelationships in cellular metabolism and in plant use for food, feed, fiber and energy production.
Publications
- Kahn, B.A and N.O. Maness. 2010. Row Arrangements, Seeding Rates, and Gibberellic Acid Treatments to Improve Yield of Machine-Harvested Cilantro. HortScience 45:1049-1051.
- Maness, N.O. 2010. Extraction and Analysis of Soluble Carbohydrates . In Ramanjulu Sunkar (ed.) Plant Stress Tolerance:Methods and Protocols, Methods in Molecular Biology, vol. 639, Humana Press, pp. 341-370.
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Progress 10/01/08 to 09/30/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Various studies to evaluate parameters related to vegetable quality, herb productivity and ambient temperature extraction were completed. Cilantro and basil was investigated as potential new extraction crops in Oklahoma. For cilantro, the variety Santo provided highest yields with good resistance to spring bolting. On-farm trials for simulating commercial cilantro production were completed; yield potential ranged from 5,000 to 8,000 pounds fresh cilantro per acre and 360 pounds coriander seed per acre. Nine basil varieties were classified according to end use: a) pesto-type, b) fruity or spice-flavored and c) regional specialty basils. Genovese (pesto-type), Mrs. Burns Lemon (fruity or spicy type) and Ethiopian (regional specialty type) provided high and stable yields and represented genotypes with distinct chemical profiles. A study to evaluate hydrothermolysis conditions for ethanol formation from Kanlow switchgrass was completed. Although ethanol yields were slightly lower using a heat resistant yeast compared to standard yeasts, temperature profiling demonstrated that IMB4 was able to carry out fermentation at a slightly higher temperature. Processes for ambient temperature extraction of Oklhoma crops were investigated. Conditions for extraction of high oil content oilseeds (pecans), low oil content oilseeds (canola, soy, flax) and dried herbs (cilantro, basils) were determined and documented, for use with a 5 liter extraction system. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals - Niels Maness (PD), Carol Jones (PI) and Paul Wecker (PI) served as investigators on this project with responsibilities to oversee all project activities. Penny Perkins-Veazie was a cooperator on this project. J.K. Sekhon was a graduate student, under the direction of Carol Jones. Donna Chrz was a technician on the project, under the direction of Niels Maness. Training or Professional Development - Elif Kalkan obtained MS degree on this project. J.K. Sekhon initiated work towards a Ph.D., partially on this project. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences were agriculture producers, agricultural product processors and the science community. Systems for targeted crop production were presented to producers on-farm and at various producer meetings. Research results were communicated via refereed publication and meeting presentations. Devices for extraction of raw and processed commodities were demonstrated for agriculture product processors. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Cilantro is consumed worldwide as a fresh herb. The Ocimum genus represents plants with great diversity in chemical production potential. Both cilantro and basils apper to have good potential for production on Oklahoma, and they may also have potential for production as extraction crops, representing untapped opportunities for expansion of Oklahoma agribusinesses. Investigation of ambient temperature liquefied gas extraction technology could lead to bringing new crops such as cilantro and basils and new uses for traditional crops to fruition. U.S. energy needs can be met partially via agricultural biomass conversion, but traditional strains of ethanol-producing microorganisms exhibit reduced fermentation at elevated temperatures and in the presence of inhibitors typical for cellulosic ethanol production. Kluyveromyces marxianus maintained marginal activity at temperatures approaching 50 C, but ethanol yields were slightly lower from switchgrass. Yields could be increased by altering hydrothermolysis process conditions.
Publications
- Kalkan, E. 2009. A Manual of the Continuous Flow Propane Extraction System and Processes of Liquefied Propane Extraction of Selected Agricultural Commodities. Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma. Masters Thesis, May. Lilis Suryawati, Mark R. Wilkins, Danielle D. Bellmer, Raymond L. Huhnke, Niels O. Maness and Ibrahim M. Banat. 2009. Effect of hydrothermolysis process conditions on pretreated switchgrass composition and ethanol yield by SSF with Kluyveromyces marxianus IMB4. Process Biochemistry 44: 540-545. Perkins-Veazie, P., A. Davis, N. Maness, S. Rice, J. Hyatt and S. Heil. 2009. Quality of four basil types after storage at 3 to 10 C. HortScience 44:566. Sekhon, J.K., C.L. Jones and N.O. Maness. 2009. Improving shelf life and quality of dehydrated cilantro by partial propane extraction. Paper No. 097053, American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, Reno, NV, June 21-24.
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Progress 10/01/07 to 09/30/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Various studies to evaluate parameters related to vegetable quality and herb productivity were completed. A fiber optic spectrometer was utilized to develop a rapid means to assess lycopene content of watermelon and tomato purees. The procedure provided a solvent-less means to estimate lycopene content, provided that the primary pigment contributing red flesh color was lycopene. Cilantro and basil was investigated as potential new extraction crops in Oklahoma. For cilantro, the variety Santo provided highest yields with good resistance to spring bolting. Nine basil varieties were classified according to end use: a) pesto-type, b) fruity or spice-flavored and c) regional specialty basils. Genovese (pesto-type), Mrs. Burns Lemon (fruity or spicy type) and Ethiopian (regional specialty type) provided high and stable yields and represented genotypes with distinct chemical profiles. A study to evaluate a heat resistant yeast (IMB4) for ethanol formation from Kanlow switchgrass was completed. Although ethanol yields were slightly lower using this yeast compared to standard yeasts, temperature profiling demonstrated that IMB4 was able to carry out fermentation at a slightly higher temperature. PARTICIPANTS: Lynn Brandenberger, Paul Weckler, Carol Jones, Mark Wilkins TARGET AUDIENCES: Vegetable producers and breeders; Production agriculturalists, extraction processors, food end users; Bio-energy cellulosic ethanol producers PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
New solvent-less technologies to assess nutraceutical content of vegetables are need to rapidly assess new cultivars and to evaluate efficacy of handling improvements. Using fiber optic reflectance sensors at visible light wavelengths, our procedure proved useful for evaluating lycopene content of watermelon, requiring only pregrinding of the tissue for analysis. Cilantro is consumed worldwide as a fresh herb. The Ocimum genus represents plants with great diversity in chemical production potential. Other than use as a fresh herbs, cilantro and basils may also have potential for production as extraction crops, representing untapped opportunities for expansion of Oklahoma agribusinesses. Investigation of ambient temperature liquefied gas extraction technology could lead to bringing new crops such as cilantro and basils and new uses for traditional crops to fruition. U.S. energy needs can be met partially via agricultural biomass conversion, but traditional strains of ethanol-producing microorganisms exhibit reduced fermentation at elevated temperatures and in the presence of inhibitors typical for cellulosic ethanol production. Kluyveromyces marxianus maintained marginal activity at temperatures approaching 50 C, but ethanol yields were slightly lower from switchgrass.
Publications
- Suryawati, L., M.R. Wilkins, D.D. Bellmer, R.L. Huhnke, N.O. Maness and I.M. Banat. 2008. Simultaneous saccharification and fermentation of Kanlow switchgrass pretreated by hydrothermolysis using Kluyveromyces marxianus IMB4. Biotechnology and Bioengineering 101:894-902.
- Choudhary, R., T. Bowser, N. Maness and W. McGlynn. 2008. Rapid estimation of lycopene concentration in watermelon and tomato puree by fiber optic visible reflectance spectroscopy. Postharvest Biology and Technology, in press.
- Kalkan, E., N.O. Maness and D. Chrz. 2008. Chemical profiles of basil varieties grown in Oklahoma. HortScience: 43:614.
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Progress 10/01/06 to 09/30/07
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Various studies to evaluate parameters related to productivity and nutmeat quality of pecans were completed. For intensively managed orchards, our data indicated that the old "growth regulator - carbohydrate" theory (irregular bearing is caused by tree depletion of energy in the previous heavy bearing year) may not be true. This finding was supported in thinning studies of alternate bearing susceptible cultivars - Shoot carbohydrate levels were not effected in trees that were thinned of fruit load, versus controls which were not thinned. Evidence from cultivars more resistant to alternate bearing suggested that avoidance of a low production year following a heavy production year may be related to the tree's ability to consistently produce bearing shoots from a previous year terminal bearing shoot. A non-destrctive procedure to evaluate nut meat quality for in-shell pecans was developed. Low energy x-rays could be used to visualize nutmeats inside the shell, and nutmeat
percentage could be estimated with an error less than 10 percent. Pecan defects could be visualized using contrast stretching and high frequency emphasis techniques. We also completed a study using multispectral reflectance and height sensing to estimate chlorophyll content of spinach, green beans and corn. Chlorophyll content was well correlated to these techniques, but chlorophyll concentration was not adequately predicted.
PARTICIPANTS: Mike Smith, Charles Rohla, Natheket Kotwaliwale, Paul Weckler, Jerry Brusewitz, Glenn Kranzler, Carol Jones, Marvin Stone and John Solie
TARGET AUDIENCES: Pecan producers, buyers, shellers and equipment manufacturers; Production agriculturalists, precision farm implement users and manufaturers
Impacts
Alternate bearing is a serious problem for pecan producers, resulting in overproduction and poor nut quality during "on" years and underproduction and inflated retail prices during "off" years. Understanding and effectively managing alternate bearing would stabilize the price structure and improve overall nut quality for the pecan industry. Nondestructive means of assessing nutmeat yield and quality of pecans while the kernels are in the shell could enable automated grading and sorting, both of which would improve quality of the harvested and stored product. Biosensors to rapidly measure plant "health" can improve fertilizer distribution and more precisely direct spray application of various pesticides; reducing the quantity of materials applied decreases production costs and lessens agriculture's potential impact on the environment.
Publications
- Smith, M.W., C.T. Rohla and N.O. Maness. 2007. Correlations of crop load and return bloom with root and shoot concentrations of potassium, nitrogen, and nonstructural carbohydrates in pecan. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 132:44-51.
- Rohla, C., M.W. Smith and N.O. Maness. 2007. Influence of cluster thinning on return bloom, nut quality, and concentrations of potassium, nitrogen, and non-structural carbohydrates. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 132:158-165.
- Rohla, C., M.W. Smith, N.O. Maness and W. Reid. 2007. A Comparison of return bloom and nonstructural carbohydrates, nitrogen, and potassium concentrations in moderate and severe alternate-bearing pecan cultivars. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 132: 172-177.
- Kotwaliwale, N., P.R. Weckler, G.H. Brusewitz, G.A. Kranzler and N.O. Maness. 2007. Non-destructive quality determination of pecans using soft X-rays. Postharvest Biology and Technology, submitted.
- Jones, C.L., N. O. Maness, M. L. Stone, J. B. Solie and R. Jayasekara. 2007. Chlorophyll Estimation Using Multi-spectral Reflectance and Height Sensing. Trans. Amer. Soc. Agr. Engr., accepted.
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Progress 10/01/05 to 09/30/06
Outputs
A study to evaluate the effect of cluster thinning on factors affecting pecan alternate bearing was concluded. Thinning of clusters to 3 or less nuts per cluster improved return bloom and non structural carbohydrate content of bearing shoots versus clusters in excess of 3 nuts per cluster. In a separate study various factors thought to affect alternate bearing in pecans were compared between cultivars exhibiting moderate or severe alternate bearing tendencies. Among the various factors explored (carbohydrate supply, N content, K content), none were found to be causative of the phenomenon. Crop biosensors were evaluated for determining chlorophyll concentration in spinach. Although biosensor response was strongly positively correlated with total chlorophyll content and biomass, chlorophyll concentration was only weakly correlated. A study to evaluate a procedure for lycopene recovery from red watermelon flesh was completed. Watermelon flesh was ground, filtered and
lycopene was recovered as a centrifugal pellet from the filtrate and from the dewatered filter cake. About 75-85 percent of the filtrate lycopene could be recovered as a centrifugal pellet for undermature and mature melons, while 45% is lost for overripe. This loss could be avoided with heat application on ground flesh, which resulted in lycopene retention to the filter cake fraction for all maturity stages.
Impacts
Alternate bearing is a serious problem for pecan producers, resulting in overproduction and poor nut quality during "on" years and underproduction and inflated retail prices during "off" years. Understanding and effectively managing alternate bearing would stabilize the price structure and improve overall nut quality for the pecan industry. From 20 to 80 percent of watermelons produced during a season may be left unharvested due to low labor availability or depressed fresh market prices. Procedures to obtain lycopene from red fleshed watermelons present a means to meet the needs for a new nutraceutical market and recover previously wasted production costs.
Publications
- Rohla, C.T., M.W. Smith and N.O. Maness. 2006. Understanding Pecan Alternate Bearing: The Influence of Cluster Thinning on Return Bloom, Nut Quality, and Concentrations of Potassium, Nitrogen and Non-Structural Carbohydrates. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci., Accepted for publication.
- Rohla, C., M.W. Smith, N.O. Maness and W. Reid. 2006. A Comparison of Moderate and Severe Alternate Bearing Pecan Cultivars. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci., submitted.
- Oikonomakos, I. 2005. Maturity and temperature influence on lycopene disttibution during filtration processing of red-fleshed watermelons. MS Thesis, Oklahoma State University, December.
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Progress 10/01/04 to 09/30/05
Outputs
A study to evaluate the effect of cluster size and shoot type on nut characteristics of pecans was concluded. Cluster sizes above 3 per shoot tended to reduce nut size. A large cluster size from the previous year tended to inhibit fruiting in a successive fruiting season. Crop biosensors were evaluated for determining photosynthetic pigment concentrations in bentgrass. Although biosensor response was positively correlated with total pigment content, individual pigment concentration was only weakly correlated. A procedure to quantitate fatty acid precursors for capsaicinoid biosynthesis in pepper fruits was developed. Lipid extraction was accomplished with ether, and extracts were separated using solid phase chromatography. Fatty acid precursors for both capsaicin (8-methyl-6-nonenoic acid) and dihydrocapsaicin (8-methyl nonanoic acid) were detected and quantified in the free fatty acid fraction. A final study evaluated the effect of watermelon maturity on lycopene
segregation during filtration processing. About 75-85 percent of the filtrate lycopene can be recovered as pellet for undermature and mature melons, while 45 percent is lost for overripe. This loss could be avoided with heat application on ground flesh, which resulted in lycopene retention to the filter cake fraction for all maturity stages.
Impacts
Managing crop load for the current-year production may have positive effects on harvested fruit quality, and on potential for bearing during the succeeding season for perennial crops. Knowledge and management of current-year crop load effect on nut quality and subsequent return bloom for pecans should enhance yield and nut quality. Capsaicinoid biosynthetic capacity of peppers requires fatty acid precursors. If procedures to quantitate these precursors are established, plant selections for enhanced capsaicinoid-specific production potential can be made to increase value of extracts derived from the fruit. From 20 to 80 percent of watermelons produced during a season may be left unharvested due to low labor availability or depressed fresh market prices. Procedures to obtain lycopene from red fleshed watermelons present a means to meet the needs a new nutrceutical market and recover previously wasted production costs.
Publications
- Rohla, C.T., M.W. Smith and N.O. Maness. 2005. Effects of cluster size and shoot type on characteristics of pecan nuts. HortScience 40:1300-1303.
- Stiegler, J.C., G. Bell and N. Maness. 2005. Spectral detection of pigment concentrations in creeping bentgrass golf greens. Int. Turfgrass Soc. J. 10:818-825.
- Oikonomakos, I., N.O. Maness, D. Chrz, W. McGlynn and P. Perkins-Veazie. 2005. Maturity influences lycopene segregation during filtration processing of red-fleshed watermelons. HortScience 40:1030.
- Maruthavanan, J., N.O. Maness and D. Chrz. 2005. A procedure for quantitation of fatty acid precursors in relation to capsaicinoid accumulation in pepper fruits. HortScience 40:1029.
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Progress 10/01/03 to 09/30/04
Outputs
Studies to evaluate split nitrogen applications to accommodate a dense planting arrangement for okra were completed. A semi-destructive harvester was fabricated for cutting the upper portion of the plant and subsequently conveying plant material into a bin. Pod yield for four cultivars was assessed following two harvests, with or without split nitrogen application. Yields were greater for the second harvest regardless of fertility treatment. A split application of N (75 kg N/ha preplant plus 25 kg N/ha after first harvest) improved marketable pod yield, probably due to increased numbers of pods per plant due to enhancement of branching in plants in response to cutting. Another study to evaluate the effect of crop load and shoot type on return bloom of pecans was continued. Shoots which were previously vegetative or were secondary growth from a previous fruiting shoot tended to bloom in the successive year. A large cluster size from the previous year tended to inhibit
fruiting in the successive fruiting season. Finally, a study to evaluate use of ammonium thiosulfate for deflowering early set blooms was continued. Higher concentrations of ammonium thiosulfate (9 or 12 percent) applied successively at time of first, second and third flower flush appeared to enhance harvestable capsaicinoid and may have increased capsaicinoid concentration in fruits after once-over post freeze harvest. This study will be completed with the winter 2004 harvest, replicating past trials and including preliminary trials with a commercial form of ammonium thiosulfate.
Impacts
Specialty crops offer Oklahoma producers alternative sources of income, but specialized harvesting and handling systems are necessary to maintain quality. For okra dense planting systems, as opposed to conventional wide row planting to allow workers to pass between rows during hand harvest, result in greater overall yield. Minimizing, or otherwise altering timing, of production inputs for cropping systems are both sound economic and environmental practices, but the effect on harvested quality in terms of yield and nutritional composition is often not known. Managing crop load for the current-year production may have positive effects on harvested fruit quality, and on potential for bearing during the succeeding season for perennial crops. Selective fruit thinning may also enhance harvested quality for annual cropping systems, with minimal impact on yield in once-over destructive harvesting systems.
Publications
- B.A. Kahn, Wu, Y., N.O. Maness, J.B. Solie and R.W. Whitney. 2003. Densely planted okra for destructive harvest: III. Effects of nitrogen nutrition. HortScience 38:1370-1372.
- Rohla, C.T., M.W. Smith, N.O. Maness and W. R. Reid. 2004. Crop load and shoot type affect return bloom of pecans. HortScience 39:814. Rohla, C., M.W. Smith, and N. Maness. 2004. How crop load and cluster size affects return bloom, nut quality, and stored nitrogen and potassium. Proc. Okla. Pecan Growers Assn. 74:29-34.
- Maruthavanan, J., N.O. Maness and D. Chrz. 2004. Ammonium thiosulfate deflowering treatments to influence maturity of once over harvest, yield and capsaicinoid content of pepper fruit. American Society for Horticultural Science Southern Region annual meeting, Tulsa, OK, Feb. 14-16.
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Progress 10/01/02 to 09/30/03
Outputs
Studies to evaluate a dense planting arrangement for okra on pod yield and plant architecture were completed. A semi-destructive harvester was fabricated for cutting the upper portion of the plant and subsequently conveying plant material into a bin. Pods were manually removed, and segregated into marketable and un-marketable based mostly on pod size/shape, for four cultivars. Yields were greater for the second harvest, probably due to increased numbers of pods per plant due to enhancement of branching in plants in response to cutting. Surprisingly, the mechanical harvesting operation induced little damage to whole harvested pods even after storage for 7 days at 10 C. Another study to evaluate the effect of timing of N application on pecan yield was revealed that there was little to no difference in yield of pecans whether N application was split between spring and late fall applications, or all applied in the spring. Split applications may still be advisable to limit
N leaching or loss to flood in flood prone areas. Finally, a study to evaluate the effect of limited irrigation on watermelon fruit quality was completed. Overall, water applied at 1.0, 0.75 or 0.5 or the evapo-transpiration rates for vines had no effect on lycopene, total sugar and ascorbic acid concentrations, but total marketable fruit yields were highest for the higher irrigation treatment.
Impacts
Specialty crops offer Oklahoma producers alternative sources of income, but specialized harvesting and handling systems are necessary to maintain quality. For okra dense planting systems, as opposed to conventional wide row planting to allow workers to pass between rows during hand harvest, result in greater overall yield. Minimizing, or otherwise altering timing, of production inputs for cropping systems are both sound economic and environmental practices, but the effect on harvested quality in terms of yield and nutritional composition is often not known. Evaluation of production affects on harvested quality extends research efforts to provide the best possible recommendations for growers.
Publications
- Acuna-Maldonado, L.E., M.W. Smith, N.O. Maness, B.S. Cheary, B.L. Carrol and G.V. Johnson. 2003. Influence of nitrogen application time on nitrogen absorption, partitioning and yield of pecan. J. Am. Soc. Hort. Sci. 128:155-162.
- Leskovar, D.I., H. Bang, K. Crosby, N. Maness, J.A. Franco and P. Perkins-Veazie. 2003. Lycopene, carbohydrates, ascorbic acid and yield components of diploid and triploid watermelon cultivars are affected by limited irrigation. J. Amer. Hort. Sci., in press.
- Wu, Y., B.A. Kahn, N.O. Maness, J.B. Solie, R.W. Whitney and K.E. Conway. 2003. Densely planted okra for destructive harvest: I. Effects on yield. HortScience, In review.
- Wu, Y., B.A. Kahn, N.O. Maness, J.B. Solie, R.W. Whitney and K.E. Conway. 2003. Densely planted okra for destructive harvest: II. Effects on plant architecture. HortScience, In review.
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Progress 10/01/01 to 09/30/02
Outputs
Various studies to evaluate the impact of harvesting and handling on quality of sage and chilli pepper were continued, and postharvest handling procedures to extend shelf life of peaches was completed. Sage grown for antioxidant production was harvested at two different maturity stages (5 leaves versus 2 leaves regrown) using two harvesting methods (single cut at the stem versus flail cut) to evaluate harvesting systems for enhancing antioxidant production. Alpha-thujone and camphor predominated as major components of hexane extracts, with slightly more produced by more frequently harvested plants. Genetic variability in thujone:camphor ratios was identified and selections have been cloned and placed into an isolated crossing block as a potential source for seeded establishment. Use of ammonium thiosulfate to remove early flowers of peppers for enhancing harvested capsaicinoid content was continued. Concentrations from 0 to 12 percent were sprayed onto young plants to
remove up to three flower flushes, and peppers will be harvested for yield, maturity distribution and capsaicinoid content evaluation. The effect of various postharvest treatments for extending peach fruit shelf life were documented. Temperature regimes for chilling injury avoidance and proper conditions for postharvest ripening were highlighted.
Impacts
Specialty crops offer Oklahoma producers alternative sources of income, but specialized harvesting and handling systems are necessary to maintain quality. Sage has value as a natural source of antioxidant, and antioxidant yield is influenced by stage and type of harvest. Chilli peppers grown for capsaicinoid production produce fruit throughout the growing season, and capsaicinoid production is greatest in the early maturing, low yielding first sets of fruit. If the first sets are removed either manually or by chemical means, overall capsaicinoid yield of the remaining fruit may be increased.
Publications
- Takele, H. 2002. Chemical constituents and combined relative antioxidant activity of sage plant parts varying in physiological age and effect of harvest method and harvest height. M.S. Thesis, Dept. of Horticulture and L.A., Oklahoma State University, May.
- Takele, H., N.O. Maness, W.G. McGlynn and J.E. Motes. 2002. Chemical constituents and combined relative antioxidant activity of sage plant parts varying in physiological age. American Society for Horticultural Science, Southern Region annual meeting, Orlando, FL, Feb. 3-5.
- Maness, N., G. Brusewitz, M. Stone, D. Whitelock and D. Chrz. 2002. Peach harvest maturity, ripening and postharvest quality concerns. Proc. 21st Hort. Industries Show, Tulsa, OK, Jan. 11-12, pp. 63-68.
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Progress 10/01/00 to 09/30/01
Outputs
Various studies to evaluate the impact of harvesting and handling on quality of sage and chilli pepper were continued, work to summarize soluble and structural carbohydrate influence on vegetable quality, and quality characteristics of various nut crops was completed. Sage grown for antioxidant production was harvested at two different maturity stages (5 leaves versus 2 leaves regrown) using two harvesting methods (single cut at the stem versus flail cut) to evaluate harvesting systems for enhancing antioxidant production. Hexane-soluble chemical constituents were compared to ORAC activity as a measure of antioxidant production under the two harvesting regimes. Alpha-thujone and camphor predominated as major components of extracts, with slightly more produced by more frequently harvested plants. Initial experiments with ammonium thiosulfate to remove early flowers of peppers provided evidence that 5 percent ammonium thiosulfate was effective in removing early blooms.
Subsequent studies will evaluate early bloom removal for enhancing harvested capsaicinoid content. The effect of soluble and storage carbohydrates on vegetable quality, and of structural carbohydrates on vegetable texture, was documented. Parameters related to maintenance of quality of selected nut crops were also documented.
Impacts
Specialty crops offer Oklahoma producers alternative sources of income, but specialized harvesting and handling systems are necessary to maintain quality. Sage has value as a natural source of antioxidant, and antioxidant yield is influenced by stage and type of harvest. Chilli peppers grown for capsaicinoid production produce fruit throughout the growing season, and capsaicinoid production is greatest in the early maturing, low yielding first sets of fruit. If the first sets are removed either manually or by chemical means, overall capsaicinoid yield of the remaining fruit may be increased.
Publications
- A.C. Smith, K.W. Waldron, N.O. Maness, and P. Perkins?Veazie. 2001. Vegetable Texture: Measurement and Structural Implications. In J.A. Bartz and J.K. Brecht (eds.) Postharvest Physiology of Vegetables, 2nd Edition, Marcel Dekker, New York, In press.
- Maness, N.O. and P. Perkins?Veazie. 2001. Soluble and Storage Carbohydrates. In J.A. Bartz and J.K. Brecht (eds.) Postharvest Physiology of Vegetables, 2nd Edition, Marcel Dekker, New York, In press.
- Maness, N.O. 2001. Peanut: Postharvest Qaulity Maintenance Guidelines. In K. Gross, M. Saltveit and C.Y. Wang (eds.) The Commecial Storage of Fruits, Vegetables, and Florist and Nursery Stocks, 4th Edition, USDA, ARS Agriculture Handbook No. 66.
- Maness, N.O. and D. Richardson. 2001. Filbert: Postharvest Qaulity Maintenance Guidelines. In K. Gross, M. Saltveit and C.Y. Wang (eds.) The Commecial Storage of Fruits, Vegetables, and Florist and Nursery Stocks, 4th Edition, USDA, ARS Agriculture Handbook No. 66.
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Progress 10/01/99 to 09/30/00
Outputs
Various studies to evaluate the impact of harvesting and handling on quality of sage and chilli pepper were initiated, and evaluation postharvest handling procedures for enhancing shelf life for specialty cut flower species was completed. Sage grown for antioxidant production was harvested at two different maturity stages (5 leaves versus 2 leaves regrown) using two harvesting methods (single cut at the stem versus flail cut) to evaluate harvesting systems for enhancing antioxidant production. Plants harvested after regrowth of two leaves were harvested more frequently (approximately 3 week intervals) than plants harvested after regrowth of 5 leaves (4 to 5 week intervals). Variability in chilli pepper capsaicinoid concentration between early set versus later set fruit was compared by fruit flower removal from successive flower sets. Pepper yield was influenced heavily by later set fruit. Nine specialty cut flowers were evaluated for postharvest shelf life under
various conditions. Some species exhibited shelf life enhancement with storage at 2 C (Buddleia, Cercis, Cosmos and Penstemon) while others exhibited greater shelf life if stored at 4-7 C (Achillea, Celosia, Weigela). STS pulsing increased shelf life of Achillea and Celosia stems and exogenous ethylene exposure decreased shelf life of the same species.
Impacts
Specialty crops offer Oklahoma producers alternative sources of income, but specialized harvesting and handling systems are necessary to maintain quality. Sage has value as a natural source of antioxidant, and antioxidant yield is influenced by stage and type of harvest. Chilli peppers grown for capsaicinoid production produce fruit throughout the growing season, and capsaicinoid production is greatest in the early maturing, low yielding first sets of fruit. If the first sets are removed either manually or by chemical means, overall capsaicinoid yield of the remaining fruit may be increased.
Publications
- Redmon, P.B., J.M. Dole, N.O. Maness and J.A. Anderson. 2000. Postharvest handling of nine specialty cutflower species. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci., submitted for publication.
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Progress 10/01/98 to 09/30/99
Outputs
Work to evaluate partial oil extraction as a means to reduce calorie content and extend shelf life of pecans, and to enhance crispness of reduced oil pecans was completed. Evaluation of the effect of the stony hard gene on texture development during ethylene-induced ripening of peach fruit was continued. Investigation of sage for antioxidant processing in Oklahoma was initiated. Partial oil extraction increased shelf life of pecans by delaying rancidity development for greater than 9 months in storage. The mechanism of shelf life extension appeared to be a combined effect of reduction of total lipid available for oxidation and selective reduction of the free fatty acid lipid component. A method for wetting pecans with water and redrying was successfully tasted for returning a crisp texture to reduced oil pecans. Direct misting to runoff was followed by drying to a moisture content of 5 percent for return of at least 80 percent of the value for non-extracted pecans for
springiness, hardness and fracturability. Ethylene induction of pasty texture during softening of peach fruit with the stony hard gene was documented. Enzyme and polysaccharide characterization during softening indicated that the characteristic slimy appearance at cut surfaces was probably due to an over-abundance of high molecular mass pectins produced by over-production of endopolygalacturonase during early stages of softening. Sage has potential for production as a processing crop for extraction of antioxidants in Oklahoma, but the extract suffers from coincident abundance of sage flavor. Permeable membrane extraction of flavor components from the extract is being investigated as a means to enhance the applicability of the extract for food and feed applications, to increase demand for sage.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Kanamangala, R.V., N.O. Maness, M.W. Smith, G.H. Brusewitz, S. Knight and B. Chinta. 1999. Reduced lipid pecans: Chemical alterations and implications for quality maintenance during storage. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 124:389-398.
- Anzaldua-Morales, A., G.H. Brusewitz and N.O. Maness. 1999. Moisture content adjustment to modify texture of reduced-oil pecans. J. Food Sci. 63:1067-1069.
- Wang, X. 1999. Mechanism of pasty texture development in stonyhard peach fruit upon ethylene treatment. Ph.D. dissertation, Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Oklahoma State Univ., August.
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Progress 10/01/97 to 09/30/98
Outputs
Work to identify changes in apparent molecular mass of cell wall polymers during softening of a rapidly softening genotype was completed. Cell walls were prepared from fruit mesocarp at various stages of softening, and pectins and hemicelloses were extracted. Extracts were dissolved and apparent molecular mass was determined using size exclusion chromatography. A high apparent molecular mass peak from hemicellulose extracts (4 M KOH) increased in predominance from firm to soft fruit, and was composed primarily of pectin associated sugars. The polymers were not covalently bound to hemicellulose, and appeared to increase in solubility during softening because of physical entanglement with hemicellulose rather than breakage of covalent linkages between the polysaccharide classes. Both pectins and hemicelluloses changed in apparent molecular mass during peach fruit softening, resulting in alteration of cell wall structure and associated with decreased tissue cohesion. A
process to partially extract oil from pecans was perfected, and the mechanism for shelf life extension was investigated. Pecan nutmeats were lightend by the extraction process. The process also selectively extracted free fatty acids from kernels. Kernel shelf life was evaluated over a nine month period. Unextracted pecans became rancid by 22 weeks of storage, while oil reduced pecans never exhibited signs of rancidity. Shelf life was apparently increased by a reduction in total lipid content, and possibly enhanced by selective reduction in the free fatty acid lipid component.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Hegde, S. and N.O. Maness. 1998. Changes in apparent molecular mass of pectin and hemicellulose extracts during peach fruit softening. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 123:445-456.
- Kanamangala, R.V., N.O. Maness, M.W. Smith, G.H. Brusewitz, S. Knight and B. Chinta. 1998. Lipid class changes associated with oxidation and development of rancidity in pecans. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci., accepted for publication.
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Progress 10/01/96 to 09/30/97
Outputs
Changes in apparent molecular mass of polysaccharides extracted from peach fruit at three stages of softening were investigated. In imidazole extracts there was an increase in proportion of a large apparent molecular mass rhamnogalacturonan-like peak as fruit softened. Hemicellulose was extracted with increasing concentrations of KOH. The most weakly bound extract (1 M KOH, 4 C) contained very low amounts of pectin associated sugars and was xyloglucan-like. More tightly bound hemicellulose fractions (1 M KOH, 25 C to 4 M KOH, 25 C) contained substantial amounts of pectin-associated sugars. The 4 M KOH extract contained up to 50 percent pectin-associated sugars which had a high apparent molecular mass and which could be separated independently from neutral sugars by anion exchange chromatography. The ability to separate pectin and xyloglucan-like polymers as two separate fractions based on charge suggests that the nature of any pectin-hemicellulose interaction in the 4
M KOH extract is probably one of physical entrapment of pectin by hemicellulose and not principally by covalent crosslinking between the two polysaccharide classes in peach. Apparent molecular mass of both pectins and hemicelluloses changed as peaches softened.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Hegde, S. and N.O. Maness. 1997. Changes in apparent molecular mass of pectin and hemicellulose extracts during softening of peach fruit. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci., accepted for publication.
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