Fruit and Vegetable Adaptation and Culture

Knowledge Area (KA)	Subject of Investigation (SOI)	Field of Science (FOS)	Percent
201	1310	1040	30%
203	1199	1060	10%
203	1499	1060	10%
205	1199	1060	10%
205	1499	1060	10%
211	1110	1060	10%
212	1110	1060	10%
212	1499	1060	10%

Progress 09/01/10 to 08/31/15

Outputs
Target Audience:Target audience included fruit and vegetable growers, greenhouse growers, agriculture professionals, grower organizations (Iowa Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association and Practical Farmers of Iowa), USDA NRCS staff, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship staff, ISU Extension field specialists, county horticulturists, high school students, and agriculture delegations from other countries. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Fruit and vegetable growers, ISU Extension staff, USDA NRCS and Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship staff were educated through workshops, field days, and webinars on topics such as conservation tillage, biochar, cover crops, and soil fertility and management. Graduate students from the Department of Horticulture presented their research results in the form of posters and oral talks at various grower and academic conferences (American Society for Horticultural Science, Practical Farmers of Iowa, Iowa Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association conference, MOSES Organic Conference, Great Plains Growers Conference). Students also presented research findings at GPSA research colloquium, ISU GPSS Research Conference, and Horticulture Department Research Retreat. One undergraduate, 2 graduate students and 1 post-doctoral associate gained experience and knowledge in bioinformatics and molecular techniques for identifying and characterizing proteins associated with tuber formation in potato. In addition 6 undergradute students worked 4-5 months during the summer assisting in plot establishment, maintenance, and data collection at ISU Research Farms in Ames, Atlantic and Muscatine, IA. In the area of fruit production, two graduate and 2 undergraduate students were employed during the academic semesters and gained experience in vegetable and fruit production, integrated pest management, experimental design and collection of research data. Training activities for growers include: Cover Cropping workshops to better understand and integrate cover crops in fruit and vegetable cropping systems. Advanced High Tunnel vegetable production Workshops on vegetable transplant production Drip irrigation workshop Field trip was organized for international delegates of the International Fertilizer Development Center. The trip focused on fertility management in fruit and vegetable production How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Various workshops and field days were organized to educate fruit and vegetable growers about various sustainable production practices and tools. The Fruit and Vegetable Field day in Ames, IA attracted 130 growers to the event. The event was held in partnership with Iowa Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association and Practical Farmers of Iowa. Research results from various ISU projects were disseminated through refereed publications, research reports, workshops, field days, presentations at grower and scientific conferences, extension bulletins, online blog, and extension websites. Researchers made presentations at grower conferences, field days, extension meetings, and research conferences. In the area of fruit and vegetable production, researchers collaborated with Iowa Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association and conducted an Advanced High Tunnel TomatoProduction Workshop. A total of three workshops focusing on integration of cover crops in fruit and vegetable production systems were organized throughout the state. Information was disseminated to the general public as well through blogs, radio, press releases, and speaking at public forums. Seven on-farm research projectsfocusing on conservation tillage, greenhouse management, and integrated pest management were initiated at grower farms/greenhouses. A total of 28 high school students were educated on fruit and vegetable production during the Iowa Youth Institute of the World Food Prize. Information generated from the NSF Potato Phloem Biology Project was disseminated to communities of interest through the project website, publications, and invited international and national presentations. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The overarching goal of this project was to increase productivity and profitability of fruit and vegetable growers by conducting research and extension activities in the area of crop production, cultivar evaluation, integrated pest management, sustainable production tools and techniques, soil quality, and vegetable crop genetics. Results from this project demonstrated to growers the use of high tunnels to extend the growing season for fruit and vegetables and increase overall farm profitability. These high tunnels have helped growers to extend their growing season and expand their marketing options. This project enabled growers to identify high yielding superior quality fruit and vegetable cultivars that increase production and profits. Sustainable production practices such as the use of leguminous cover crops led to savings of $30-$60 per acre in nitrogen fertilizer inputs. Growers also realized other important benefits of cover crops such as building of soil organic matter, weed suppression, enhanced soil water holding capacity, and reduced soil erosion. Use of polypropylene-bound row cover materials to cover plants and protect them from insect pests led to 50% reduction in insecticide sprays, especially in cucurbit crops (cucumber and melon). This is a significant reduction as it reduces the exposure of beneficial insects, such as bees, to harmful insecticides. Growers also reduced their herbicide sprays by almost 75% as a result of utilizing plastic mulches in their vegetable production systems. Greenhouse studies on basil and lettuce production significantly improved the knowledge and understanding of growing crops hydroponically (without soil or any other medium). Objective 1) Increase the quality and percentage of marketable product per acre, reduce production costs and increase business profitability through improved cultural techniques and use of adapted fruit and vegetable cultivars. This project had a significant impact on demonstrating the use and applicability of high tunnels for season extension and enhancement of fruit quality. Vegetable growers can now start and harvest their crops early and get a price premium at the market. Study on raspberry and cucumber production in high tunnels led to increased understanding on how to manage high tunnel environments to reduce heat stress and enhance crop yields. High tunnel studies clearly showed the advantage of season extension to fruit and vegetable growers. Experiments conducted in crops such as bok choi showed that cultivars such as 'Black Summer', 'Feng Qing', 'Joy choi' and 'White Flash' cultivars produce higher number of marketable heads than 'Red Choi', 'Shiro', or 'Toy Choy'. The study demonstrates the importance of cultivar selection and feasibility of new crops in high tunnels that can increase profitability of the high tunnel enterprise. High tunnel cucumber production experiment showed that trellised cucumber plants produced higher yields than non-trellised plants. Trellising allowed better air movement and heat dissipation and reduced occurrence of fungal and bacterial diseases. A summary of three years data for the high tunnel raspberry and blackberry study showed that berry yields from year to year varied between cultivars with Autumn Bliss being the most consistent and generally the most productive. Results from five years of data on red raspberries and blackberries in high tunnels, suggest: 1) Red raspberries and blackberries are viable crops for a high tunnel. 2) Production on primocane raspberries can be advanced enough that there is no need to grow floricane types which require additional winter protection. 3) Measures need to be taken to control Botrytis fruit rot and blossom blight by improving ventilation near the tops of tunnel structure and spraying fungicides. Apple rootstock and cultivar studies led to better understanding of over 30 scab-resistant cultivars with significant improvements in fruit yield, quality and consumer acceptance of more recent introductions. With excellent resistance to apple scab and good degree of resistance to other common apple diseases, apple growers can now produce high quality crop with fewer fungicide sprays and reduced environmental concerns. In the area of controlled environment production, thirty-five basil species and cultivars were grown in one of two hydroponic production systems: nutrient-film technique (NFT) and deep-flow technique (DFT) systems demonstrating the potential of this system to increase crop production. Work continues to characterize RNA-binding proteins that mediate RNA movement, and identifying the functional role of StBEL5 RNA in potato tuber formation associated with the NSF Potato Phloem Biology Project. Several RNA-binding proteins have been identified and characterized by using protein identification techniques and binding assays. This research has resulted in the generation of knowledge on a novel mechanism of signaling in plants and can potentially be used to enhance crop production. Objective 2) To improve the harmony between horticulture production practices and the environment. The project conducted several experiments testing and highlighting use of row covers and plastic mulches for integrated pest and nutrient management. Use of row covers significantly reduced the amount of insecticides that need to be sprayed to manage insect pests specifically cucumber beetles and squash bugs, which can cause severe damage to the crop. Row covers reduced insecticide sprays by 50% thereby reducing grower input costs and reducing exposure of beneficial insects to pesticides. Plastic mulch studies reduced the use of herbicides to manage weeds and in addition increased soil temperature, conserved soil moisture, and led to efficient use of fertilizers. However, the downside to using plastic mulch is removal and disposal at the end of the season. To address this issue studies were conducted to evaluate bio and photo degradable mulches. The degradable mulch evaluation found that photodegradable mulches were the easiest to use, were the least expensive ($0.02 per linear foot) and provided same crop benefits as conventional mulch, although mulch breakdown was uneven and mulch fragments persisted in field for up to two to three years. Biodegradable mulches were more expensive (up to $0.08 per linear foot) and harder to use because of susceptibility to tearing. With careful use they provided comparable yields to conventional mulch and broke down quickly after soil incorporation leaving fairly clean fields the following season. This project had a significant impact on demonstrating the use of cover crops in fruit and vegetable production. Experiments conducted using legume cover crops such as red, yellow, or crimson clover demonstrated reduction in synthetic N inputs and savings of $30-$60 per acre. A USDA-SARE funded study demonstrated benefits of using conservation tillage (strip and no-tillage) in organic broccoli and pepper production. Conservation tillage systems reduced nitrate leaching, decreased weed growth, and produced yields equal to a conventional tillage system. A National Wildlife Federation funded study quantified nitrogen scavenging benefits of cover crops. Amount of nitrogen scavenged ranged from 17 lb/A to 20 lb/A. Highest amount of nitrogen was scavenged by cereal rye. Oilseed radish and yellow mustard scavenged 19 and 17 lb/A N, respectively, within six weeks of seeding. Objective 3) To improve the access to an affordable food supply. An objective under this goal was to help new and young growers enter the fruit and vegetable industry. To accomplish this, field days, seminars, and other educational activities were organized to educate growers about marketing opportunities and avenues. This leads to availability of fresh and high quality produce in the market and increases consumers and general public access to that produce.

Publications

Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Saalau Rojas, E., Batzer, J.C., Beattie, G.A., Fleischer, S.J., Shapiro, L.R., Williams, M.A., Bessin, R., Bruton, B.D., Boucher, T,J., Jesse, L.C.H., and Gleason, M.L. 2015. Bacterial wilt of cucurbits: Resurrecting a classic pathosystem. Plant Disease 99:564-574.
Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Nair, A. March 2015. Optimizing spring asparagus harvests. Growing Produce.
Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Alexander, L. and Nair, A. March 2015. Eight tips to better manage transplants. American Vegetable Grower, p. 18.
Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Nair, A., J. Tillman, and T. Coolong. 2015. Conservation techniques for vegetable production: Combining strip tillage and cover crops. HORT3030 Iowa State University.
Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Nair, A., T. Kaspar, and G. Nonnecke. 2015. Cover crops in vegetable production systems. HORT3026 Iowa State University.
Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Nair, A. and J. Hannan. 2015. Recommended Tomato Varieties for Commercial Production in Iowa. HORT3024 Iowa State University.
Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Nair, A. and V. Lawson. 2015. Application of biochar in potato production and its effects on soil properties, crop yield, and quality. American Society for Horticultural Science Annual Conference. August 7th, 2015. New Orleans, LA.
Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Jokela, D. and A. Nair. 2015. Effects of no-till and strip-till systems in organic pepper and broccoli production. American Society for Horticultural Science Annual Conference. August 6th, 2015. New Orleans, LA.
Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Kruse, R. and A. Nair. 2015. Summer cover crop and plant back timing effects on fall cabbage production. American Society for Horticultural Science Annual Conference. August 7th, 2015. New Orleans, LA.
Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Topaloff, A., A. Nair, G. Artz, G., D. Cochran, S. DeBlieck, K. Delate, A. Gaul, M. Hanna, J. Hannan, C. Hartsook, P. OMalley, L. Riesselman, L. Rodriguez-Salamanca, D. Schrock, and C. Strohbehn. A Resource Guide for Beginning Farmers. LF 0006 Iowa State University.
Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: DeVetter, L.W., C.A. Dilley and G.R. Nonnecke. 2015. Mulches reduce weeds, maintain yield, and promote soil quality in a continental-climate vineyard. Am. J. Enol. Vitic. 66:54-64.
Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Shaw, A., A. Svoboda, B. Jie, G. Nonnecke and A. Mendonca. 2015. Survival of Escherichia coli on strawberries grown under greenhouse conditions. Food Microbiol. 46(Apr):200-203.
Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Shaw, A., A. Svoboda, B. Jie, A. Daraba and G. Nonnecke. 2015. Importance of hand hygiene during the harvesting of strawberries. HortTechnology 25:380-384.
Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2015 Citation: Tesdall, G., Diana R. Cochran, Gail R. Nonnecke. August 10, 2015. Northern Grape Research: Canopy and Crop Management. Iowa Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association Field Day. Horticulture Research Farm, Ames, IA
Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2015 Citation: Cochran, D.R. August 10, 2015. Iowa hop research program. Iowa Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association Field Day. Horticulture Research Farm, Ames, IA
Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Currey, C.J. 2015. Algae in propagation- green isnt always good! e-GRO Alert, 4(3):1-5.
Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Currey, C.J., N.J. Flax, and K.J. Walters. 2015. PGRs for NGI. GrowerTalks, 78(10):76-77
Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2015 Citation: Currey, C.J. 2015. Premature flowering of begonias. e-GRO Alert, 4(23):1-5.
Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2015 Citation: Shaw, A., C.J. Currey, and M.R. Evans. 2015. Overview of best food safety practices. Greenhouse Grower, 33(4):38-39.
Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2015 Citation: Walters, K.J. and C.J. Currey. 2015. How to choose the right hydroponic production system for growing basil. Greenhouse Grower, 33(13):60-64.
Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2015 Citation: Currey, C.J., K.G. McCabe, J.A. Schrader, W.R. Graves, J. Behrens, and D. Grewell. 2015. Biocontainers 2.0. GrowerTalks 79(5):74-78.
Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Currey, C.J. and N.J. Flax. 2015. Ethephon foliar sprays prevent premature flowering of tissue culture-propagated streptocarpus hybrids. HortTechnology 25:635-638.
Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Walters, K.J. and C.J. Currey. 2015. Hydroponic greenhouse basil production: Comparing systems and cultivars. HortTechnology 25:645-650.
Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Currey, C.J. and R.G. Lopez. 2015. Biomass accumulation and allocation, photosynthesis, and carbohydrate status of new guinea impatiens, geranium, and petunia cuttings are affected by photosynthetic daily light integral during root development. Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science 140(6):542-549.
Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2015 Citation: A.M. VanDerZanden, C.J. Currey, and C.T. Miller. 2015. Native plant: What does it mean and why does it matter? 61st Annual Conference of the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture. June 19th, 2015. Athens, GA.
Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Walters, K.J. and C.J. Currey. 2015. Effect of spacing and daily light integral on growth of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum). American Society for Horticultural Science Annual Conference. August 6th, 2015. New Orleans, LA.
Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Graves, W.R. Evaluation of injection-molded PLA- and PHA-based biocomposites for horticultural application: Processing, properties, and performance. American Society for Horticultural Science Annual Conference. August 5th, 2015. New Orleans, LA.
Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: McCabe, C.G., C.J. Currey, J.A. Schrader, J.J. Behrens, D. Grewell, W.R. Graves. Growing snapdragon and cyclamen with pelletized soy-bioplastic fertilizers. American Society for Horticultural Science Annual Conference. August 7th, 2015. New Orleans, LA.
Type: Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2015 Citation: Sharma P, Lin T, Hannapel DJ (2015) Targets of the StBEL5 transcription factor include the FT ortholog StSP6A. Plant Physiol (in press).
Type: Journal Articles Status: Under Review Year Published: 2015 Citation: Sharma P, Ghate TH, Khondare KR, Hannapel DJ, Banerjee AK (2015)� The mobile RNAs, StBEL11 and StBEL29, suppress growth of roots and tubers in potato. Plant Mol Biol (in review).
Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Lin T, Lashbrook CC, Cho SK, Sharma P, Butler NM, Muppirala U, Severin AJ, Hannapel DJ (2015) Transcriptional analysis of phloem-associated cells of potato. BMC Genomics 16:665-689 doi: 0.1186/s12864-015-1844-1852.
Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Cho SK, Sharma P, Butler NM, Kang IH, Shah S, Rao AG, Hannapel DJ (2015) Polypyrimidine tract-binding proteins of potato mediate tuberization through an interaction with StBEL5 RNA. J Expt Bot 66:6835-6847.
Type: Book Chapters Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Hannapel DJ. Intercellular Movement of Plant Transcription Factors, Coregulators and Their mRNAs. In: Plant Transcription Factors, 1st Edition, Evolutionary, Structural and Functional Aspects, 2015, Academic Press, editor: Daniel H. Gonzalez.
Type: Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2015 Citation: Zhang, X., Harrington, T.C., Batzer, J.C., Kubota, R., Peres, N.A., and Gleason, M.L. 2015. Detection of Colletotrichum acutatum sensu lato on strawberry by loop-mediated isothermal amplification. Plant Disease: Accepted pending revision.
Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Tillman,J., Nair, A., Gleason, M.L., and Batzer, J.C. 2015. Evaluating strip tillage and rowcover use in organic and conventional muskmelon production. HortTechnology
Type: Journal Articles Status: Awaiting Publication Year Published: 2015 Citation: S�nchez, E.S., Hern�ndez, E., Gleason, M.L., Batzer, J.C., Williams, M.A., Coolong, T., and Bessin, R. 2015. Integrating row covers into organic muskmelon production. HortTechnology: In press.
Type: Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2015 Citation: Zhang, X., Peres, N.A., Nonnecke, G.R., and Gleason, M.L. 2015. Strawberry anthracnose: managing a hidden menace. Plant Health Instructor
Type: Journal Articles Status: Awaiting Publication Year Published: 2015 Citation: Tillman, J., Nair, A., Gleason, M., and Batzer, J. 2015. Rowcovers and strip tillage provide an alternative to plasticulture systems in summer squash production. Hortscience
Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Shapiro, L.R., Scully, E.D., Roberts, D., Straub, T.J., Gelb, S.M., Park, J., Stephenson, A.G., Liu, Q., Saalau Rojas, E., Beattie, G.A., Gleason, M.L., De Moraes, C.M., Mescher, M.C., Fleischer, S.G., Kolter, R., Pierce, N., and Zhaxybayeva, O. 2015. Draft genome sequence of Erwinia tracheiphila, an economically important bacterial pathogen of cucurbits. Genome Announcements

Progress 10/01/13 to 09/30/14

Outputs
Target Audience: 1. Scientists working on the developmental biology of plants 2. Researchers interested in enhancing crop productivity 3. Researchers and Extension specialists working in the area of fruit and vegetable production 4. Iowa and Midwest fruit and vegetable growers Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Growers and Extension staff were educated through workshops, field days, and webinars that disseminated research results from ISU research farms and on-farm research trials. Extension personnel in Iowa and Missouri were trained on use of cover crops, season extension and pest and disease management aspects of vegetable crop production.. An educational /professional development trip funded by USDA SARE was organized for extension staff, agricultural educators, and leaders from grower organizations to two regional fruit and vegetable conferences [Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Market Expo (GLEXPO) and Great Plains Growers Conference, Missouri. Graduate students from the Sustainable Vegetable Production Lab, led by Dr. Nair, presented their research results in the form of posters and oral talks at various grower and academic conferences (American Society for Horticultural Science, Practical Farmers of Iowa, Iowa Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association conference, MOSES Organic Conference, Great Plains Growers Conference). Students also presented research findings at GPSA research colloquium, ISU GPSS Research Conference, and Horticulture Department Research Retreat. Two undergraduate, 2 graduate students and 2 post-doctoral associates gained experience and knowledge in bioinformatics and molecular techniques for identifying and characterizing proteins associated with tuber formation in potato. In addition 6 undergradute students worked 4-5 months during the summer assisting in plot establishment, maintenance, and data collection at ISU Research Farms in Ames and Muscatine, IA. In the area of fruit production, three graduate and 4 undergraduate students employed during the academic semesters and summer gained experience in small fruit management practices, experimental design and collection of research data. Training activitiesfor growers include: 1. Cover Cropping workshops to better understand and integrate cover crops in fruit and vegetable cropping systems. 2. Hands on training on Pest Management in tomato production systems. 3. Advanced High Tunnel Workshop and Training 4. Workshops on tomato grafting. 5. Workshop on how to grow musrooms. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Various workshops and field days were organized to educate fruit and vegetable growers about various sustainable production practices and tools. The Fruit and Vegetable Field day in Ames, IA attracted 75 growers to the event. The event was h eld in partnership with Iowa Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association and Practical Farmers of Iowa.In June 2014, the Conservation tillage field day at Ames, IA showcased functionality and use of roller crimper and strip tillage equipment in sustainable vegetable production systems. This field day was part of the USDA-SCRI funded project on cucurbit crops. Research results from various ISU projects were disseminated through research reports, workshops, field days, presentations at grower and scientific conferences, extension bulletins, online blog, and extension websites. Researchers made presentations at grower conferences, field days, extension meetings, and research conferences. In the area of fruit and vegetable production, researchers collaborated with Iowa Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association and conducted an Advanced High Tunnel Bramble Production Workshop. A total of six workshops focusing on integration of cover crops in fruit and vegetable production systems were organized throughout the state. The workshops were funded through USDA-SARE PDP grant.Information was disseminated to the general public as well through blogs, radio, press releases, and speaking at public forums. Information generated from the NSF Potato Phloem Biology Project was disseminated to communities of interest through the project website, publications, and invited international and national presentations. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? More emphasis will be given towards result dissemination using online tools such as webinars, Adobe Connect sessions, and researcher blog and website. In the case of potato germplasm project, the project will identify target genes of the transcription factor StBEL5. Determine the function of other StBEL genes (StBEL11 and -29). Determine if there are multiple pathways for signaling tuber formation and if StFT/SP6A and StBEL5 work together or independently in regulating tuber formation.Research into the environmental and cultural requirements of culinary herbs produced hydroponically in controlled environments will continue. Analyses of experiments performed in 2014 will continue and publications in peer-reviewed and industry publications will follow.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Loss of fertile top soil and reduction in soil quality and health is a major concern in Iowa and the Midwest. Intensive agricultural production practices and continuous efforts to increase cropping system productivity have negative impact on overall soil physical, chemical, and biological properties. This project had a significant impact on demonstrating the use of cover crops in fruit and vegetable production and potential dollar savings by using cover crops and reducing fertilizer inputs. Growers incorporating legume cover crops such as red, yellow, or crimson clover could reduce nitrogen costs from $30-$60 per acre, at the least. In addition cover crops suppress soil erosion. Erosion suppressing property of cover crops has been estimated to save growers around $50 per acre accounted through nutrient and water quality improvement. The project educated apple growers on the use of dwarfing rootstocks in apple production. Dwarfing rootstocks have a positive impact on fruit yield and profitability of apple orchards. Study on raspberry production in high tunnels led to increase understanding on how to manage high tunnel environments to reduce heat stress and enhance crop yields. Studies evaluating hydroponic production of basil and lettuce inside greenhouses significantly improved the knowledge and understanding of growing crops hydroponically (without soil or any other medium). Molecular level work in potatoes identified several RNA-binding proteins that enhance our understanding of signaling in plants and can potentially be used to enhance crop production. Goal 1: Increase the quality..., reduce production costs and increase business profitability... Local food production is on the rise in Iowa. Growers are interested in increasing the diversity of crops they grow to cater to variety of markets (direct to consumer, wholesale, farm to school, etc.). Grower feedback from Iowa Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association and Practical Farmers of Iowa asked for more research on testing new leafy green crops that could be grown in high tunnels. Based on the feedback a study was conducted to evaluate and compare production of Bok Choy, a crop in the mustard family. Data were collected on yield, marketable quality, and overall performance of the crop. Treatment differences were observed between cultivars for marketable and non-marketable number and weight. 'Black Summer', 'Feng Qing', and 'White Flash' cultivars produced higher number marketable heads than 'Red Choi', 'Shiro', and 'Toy Choy'. Two cultivars that produced higher yields than all other cultivars were 'Joy Choi' and 'White Flash'. The next best cultivars were 'Black Summer', 'Feng Qing', 'Mein Qing', and 'Win-win Choi'. 'Shiro' and 'Toy Choy' did not produce any marketable heads. 'Red Choi' also did not produce good yields. Results from the study were presented to growers at grower conferences. The study demonstrates production feasibility of new crops in high tunnels that can increase profitability of the high tunnel enterprise, and was published in the ISU Research and Demonstration Farm Progress report. Work continues to characterize RNA-binding proteins that mediate RNA movement, and identifying the functional role of StBEL5 RNA in potato tuber formation associated with the NSF Potato Phloem Biology Project. Several RNA-binding proteins have been identified and characterized by using protein identification techniques and binding assays. These include proteins from the polypyrimidine tract-binding family, KH-domain types, and glycine-rich types. RNA-seq analysis was performed on phloem cells of potato petioles and work is ongoing to identify specific targets of the transcription factor, StBEL5. Numerous candidate mobile RNAs and RNA-binding proteins were identified through RNA-sequence analysis of phloem-associated cells from both petioles and stems of potato utilizing laser capture micro-dissection. This research has resulted in the generation of knowledge on a novel mechanism of signaling in plants and can potentially be used to enhance crop production. A rootstock trial continues to evaluate the potential for increased profitability of tree-fruit growers by utilizing dwarfing rootstocks. Current year indicates PiAu 9-90 had the highest injury rating; whereas, honeycrips grafted onto all B rootstocks had the least injury, with the exception of honeycrisp grafted onto B.9 and B.71-7-2. At the end of the 2014 growing season, B.67-5-32, B.70-20-20, B.70-6-8, B.7-20-21, B.7-3-150, CG.4814, G.202N, and PiAu51-11 were the largest trees, and the smallest trees were B.71-7-22 and B.9 Replicated experiments with 'Autumn Britten' raspberries were conducted in high tunnels (which had 17% shade from tunnel polyethylene) and treatments of with or without 33% shade cloth and switchgrass soil mulch. Consistent with 2012 and 2013, yield and berry number in 2014 were higher from raspberry plants grown with soil much and without the addition 33% shade cloth in the tunnel. In the area of greenhouse, a hydroponic research project was initiated to quantify and characterize the effects of greenhouse environment (light, temperature) and culture (nutrient solution, spacing) on the growth and development of basil species and cultivars Goal 2: To improve the harmony... Cover crops provide multiple benefits such as building of organic matter, erosion and weed suppression, nitrogen fixation, and improvement of soil health. Cereal rye is the most widely planted cover crop in Iowa, however, cover crops such as oats, oilseed radish, and clovers also have positive environmental impact in terms of nutrient cycling, weed suppression, and nitrogen fixation. A USDA-SARE funded study conducted on using oilseed radish, cereal rye, and oats for spring potato production showed higher potato yields with the oilseed radish and cereal rye treatment. Early in the season, oilseed radish decreased weed populations by over 70 percent when compared to the control (no-cover crop treatment). Another study conducted to assess nitrogen credits from clover cover crops and the effects of seed inoculation showed that red, crimson, and yellow clover added 104, 72, and 57 lb/A of nitrogen, respectively. Inoculation of seeds with Rhizobium sp. had significant impact on the amount of N credit these cover crops could provide. Seed inoculation increased N credit by 50% over non-inoculated seeds. A National Wildlife Federation funded cover crop study conducted in the Mississippi river basin (Fruitland, IA) quantified nitrogen scavenging benefits of cover crops. Amount of nitrogen scavenged ranged from 17.2 lb/A to 20.2 lb/A. Highest amount of nitrogen was scavenged by cereal rye. Oilseed radish and yellow mustard scavenged 19 and 17 lb/A N, respectively, within six weeks of seeding. A conservation tillage study showed no-till and strip-till to be excellent alternatives to conventional-till in pepper production; however, no-till and strip-till generally reduced broccoli yield. Results from these studies were disseminated through several extension and outreach activities such as field days, workshops, seminars, and one-on-one consultations. Such educational and training programs are essential to educate growers about the use of cover crops and their role in reducing erosion, enhanced weed suppression, and improving the overall quality of soil. Goal 3: To improve the access... An objective under this goal was to help new and young growers enter the fruit and vegetable industry. To accomplish this, field days, seminars, and other educational activities were organized to assess needs of beginning farmers. A 'Tools and Equipment' field day geared towards small scale farms showcased equipment needed to successfully produce fruit and vegetable crops for farmers markets, CSA's, and other direct to consumer outlets.

Publications

Type: Book Chapters Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Nair, A, D. Jokela, and J. Tillman. 2014. Principles and practices of sustainable vegetable production systems. In: Sustainable Horticultural Systems, Springer International Publishing Switzerland.
Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Jauron, R. and A. Nair. 2014. Asparagus in the home garden. PM994 Iowa State University.
Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Jauron, R. and A. Nair. 2014. Rhubarb in the home garden. PM719 Iowa State University.
Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Jauron, R., C. Haynes, and A. Nair. 2014. Suggested vegetable varieties for home garden. PM607 Iowa State University.
Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2014 Citation: Nair, A., J. Tillman, and R. Kruse. 2014. Summer Cover Crops and Plastic Mulch Affect Fall Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) Production. American Society for Horticultural Science Annual Conference, Orlando, FL, ASHS, Alexandria, VA.
Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Chen, C., Li, W., Gao, L., Zhang, R., Sun, G., and Gleason, M.L. 2014. First report of Pseudoveronaea ellipsoidea causing sooty blotch and flyspeck in China. Mycotaxon 129:247-253.
Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Gao, L., Zhang, M., Zhao, W., Hao, L., Chen, H., Zhang, R., Batzer, J.C., Gleason, M.L., and Sun, G. 2014. Molecular and morphological analysis reveals five new species of Zygophiala associated with flyspeck signs on plant hosts from China. PLoS ONE 9(10): e110717. Doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0110717
Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Puttha, R., Goggi, S.A., Gleason, M.L., Jogloy, S., Kesmala, T., Vorasoot, N., Banterng, P., and Patanothai, A. 2014. Pre-chill with gibberellic acid overcomes seed dormancy in Jerusalem artichoke. Agronomy for Sustainable Development 34:869-878.
Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Gao, L., Sun, G., Zhang, R., and Gleason, M.L. 2014. Secondary spread of Zygophiala wisconsinensis on the surface of apple fruit. European Journal of Plant Pathology 139:117-124.
Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Saalau Rojas, E., Jesse, L.H., and Gleason, M.L. 2014. Bees, beetles, and bacteria: the cucurbit bacterial wilt dilemma. Plant Health Instructor: 10.1094/PHI-T-2014-0312-01.
Type: Books Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Nair, A. 2014. Midwest Vegetable Production Guide for Commercial Growers 2014(Co-Editor).
Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Carpenter, B. 2014. Biochar's fitness as an amendment in bell pepper transplant and field production. Iowa State University.
Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Riesselman, L. and G. Nonnecke. 2014. The effects of temperature and light in high tunnel primocane red raspberry production- year 2. Iowa State Univ. ISRF13-36. P. 35-37.
Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Shaw, A.L., A. Svoboda, B. Jie, G. Nonnecke and A. Mendonca. 2014 (available on-line July). Survival of Escherichia coli on strawberries grown under greenhouse conditions. Food Microbiology 46:200203.
Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Riesselman, L. 2014. Photosynthetically active radiation and root-zone temperature effects on high-tunnel primocane red raspberry growth and development. MS thesis. Iowa State Univ. 70 pp.
Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Currey, C.J. 2014. Hydroponic Culinary Herb Production. Greenhouse Grower 32(4):34-38.

Progress 01/01/13 to 09/30/13

Outputs
Target Audience: Scientists working on the developmental biology of plants and research workers interested in enhancing crop productivity. Fruit and vegetable research and extension community. Iowa and Midwest fruit and vegetable growers. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Two undergraduate, 2 graduate students and 3 post-doctoral associates gained experience and knowledge on molecular techniques for identifying and characterizing proteins associated with tuber formation in potato. Five graduate and 5 undergraduate students employed during the summer gained experience in vegetable and small fruit management practices, experimental design and collection of research data. At field days and workshops, growers and extension educators viewed how the crops performed in the various trials, and learned new cultural methods to improve sustainability and profitability. During this reporting period a multi-state USDA-SARE Professional Development Grant was funded to provide professional development and educational forum on cover crops to ISU R&D Farm superintendents, county extension personnel, government agency staff, leaders of grower organizations, and staff from Natural Resource Conservation Service. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Information generated from NSF Potato Phloem Biology Project was disseminated to communities of interest through 5 peer-reviewed publications, 3 invited international presentations, poster presentations at various national and local meetings, and through a project’s website. Results from the fruit and vegetable trials were disseminated to communities of interest through 3 journal abstracts, 12 printed and web-based progress reports; 2 invited regional presentations and 6 in-state presentations; 2 conferences, 8 workshops and 4 field days attended by over 850 participants; 3 web sites and one blog; and one extension publication. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Identify target genes of the transcription factor StBEL5. Determine if other StBEL genes (StBEL11 and -29) act redundantly with StBEL5 in the tuberization process. Determine if there are multiple pathways for signaling tuber formation and if StFT/SP6A and StBEL5 work together or independently in regulating tuber formation. Continue fruit and vegetable studies with emphasis on better dissemination of knowledge using online tools.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Research efforts in vegetable production focused on promoting sustainability and improving quality through cultivar evaluation, summer cover crops, biochar as a soil amendment, high tunnels and plasticulture. Accomplishments: Beauregard, Covington and Evangeline sweet potatoes can be successfully grown in Iowa and add value to the growing local food markets. Muskmelons grown in a system utilizing pre-plant cover cropping and strip tillage were cleaner and had reduced bacterial loads than melons grown without a cover crop. Although higher rates (22, 44 MT/ha) of biochar applied as a soil amendment caused some yield reduction in sweet corn and peppers, it significantly reduced of loss of soil nitrates through leaching. The use of spun-bound propylene row covers to extend the lettuce production season significantly improved the percentage of marketable heads compared to non-covered plants. High temperature stress in high tunnel cucumber production was mitigated by using white colored plastic mulch. As compared to traditionally used black plastic mulch, white mulches lowered root zone temperature by 2-4 C. Trellising cucumbers in a high tunnel also improved the marketable yield by increasing the number of uniform, well-shaped fruit. Replicated experiments with ‘Autumn Britten’ raspberries were conducted in high tunnels with or without 33% shade cloth and switchgrass soil mulch. In the establishment year, yield, berry number, and plant growth (cane height, leaf area, number of laterals) did not differ. Average berry weight was reduced by using soil mulch under treatment of with or without shade cloth. Work continues to characterize RNA-binding proteins that mediate RNA movement, and identifying the functional role of StBEL5 RNA in potato tuber formation associated with the NSF Potato Phloem Biology Project. Several RNA-binding proteins have been identified and characterized by using protein identification techniques and binding assays. These include proteins from the polypyrimidine tract-binding family, KH-domain types, and glycine-rich types. Assays for RNA mobility suggest that sequences in the RNA contribute to the preferential accumulation of the StBEL5 RNA. We have now discovered the mobile RNAs like StBEL5 enhance growth of roots and that two RNA-binding proteins bind to the StBEL5 RNA to facilitate its movement. This research has resulted in the generation of knowledge on a novel mechanism of growth regulation in plants and can be used as a foundation for future discoveries in the field of RNA biology that can be used to enhance growth and crop production in potato. Accomplishments: Polypyrimidine tract-binding (PTB) proteins are RNA-binding proteins of potato that mediate plant growth by enhancing stability and directing movement of StBEL5 RNA. Over-expression of two PTB proteins produces enhanced levels of StBEL5 and increased tuber yields. Numerous candidate mobile RNAs and RNA-binding proteins were identified through RNA-sequence analysis of phloem-associated cells from both petioles and stems of potato utilizing laser capture micro-dissection.

Publications

Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Carpenter, B. and Nair, A. 2013. Biochar added to potting mix decreased bell pepper transplant size while increasing nutrient retention. HortScience 48(9):S173.
Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Hannapel, D.J. 2013. A perspective on photoperiodic phloem-mobile signals that control development. Frontiers in Plant Science 4:295. doi: 10.3389/fpls.2013.00295.
Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Hannapel, D.J., Sharma, P., Lin, T. 2013. Phloem-mobile messenger RNAs and root development. Frontiers in Plant Science 4:257. doi: 10.3389/fpls.2013.00257.
Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2013 Citation: Hannapel, D.J. The role of mobile RNAs in potato tuberization. Research Centre for Plant RNA Signaling, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China, July 2013.
Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2013 Citation: Hannapel, D.J. Deciphering the transcriptional network activated by the phloem-mobile RNA StBEL5. International Symposium of Plant Vascular Biology, July 2013, Helsinki, Finland.
Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2013 Citation: Hannapel, D.J. The transcriptional network regulated by the phloem-mobile RNA StBEL5. Institute of Plant and Microbial Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan. October 2013.
Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Carpenter, B. and Nair, A. 2013. Biochar as a Soil Amendment for Vegetable Production. Ann. Prog. Rept. 2012 ISU Hort. Res. Sta., ISRF12-36:34-36. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/2012%20Farm%20Reports/Hort/Biochar.pdf
Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Lawson, V. 2013. All-America Selections Vegetable Trial. Ann. Prog. Rept. 2012 ISU Muscatine Island R&D Farm, ISRF12-20. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/2012%20Farm%20Reports/Muscatine/AllAmericaSelections.pdf
Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Lawson, V. 2013. Muskmelon Cultivar Trial. Ann. Prog. Rept. 2012 ISU Muscatine Island R&D Farm, ISRF12-20. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/2012%20Farm%20Reports/Muscatine/MuskmelonCultivarTrial.pdf
Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Lawson, V. 2013. Tomato Cultivar Trial. Ann. Prog. Rept. 2012 ISU Muscatine Island R&D Farm, ISRF12-20. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/2012%20Farm%20Reports/Muscatine/TomatoCultivar.pdf
Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Lawson, V. 2013. Potato Response to Boron and Sulfur Fertilization. Ann. Prog. Rept. 2012 ISU Muscatine Island R&D Farm, ISRF12-20. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/2012%20Farm%20Reports/Muscatine/PotatoResponseBoron.pdf
Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Riesselman, L. and Nonnecke, G. 2013. Effects of temperature and light in high tunnel primocane red raspberry production. Ann. Prog. Rept. 2012 ISU Hort. Res. Sta., ISRF12-36:39-41. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/2012%20Farm%20Reports/Hort/EffectsTemperature.pdf
Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Nair, A., Bergaum, B. and Bilenky, M. 2013. Sweet potato cultivar trial. Ann. Prog. Rept. 2012 ISU Hort. Res. Sta., ISRF12-36:15-17. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/2012%20Farm%20Reports/Hort/SweetPotatoCultivar.pdf
Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Nair, A., Bergaum, B. and Howell, N. 2013. Effect of lettuce seed treatment with Seed Power� on germination, crop growth, and fungicide interaction. Ann. Prog. Rept. 2012 Hort. Res. Sta., ISRF12-36:11-14. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/2012%20Farm%20Reports/Hort/EffectLettuceSeed.pdf
Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Nair, A., Carpenter, B. and R. Arora, R. 2013. Season extension strategies for fall lettuce production. Ann. Prog. Rept. 2012 ISU Hort. Res. Sta., ISRF12-36:25-28. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/2012%20Farm%20Reports/Hort/SeasonExtension.pdf
Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Lin, T., Sharma, P., Gonzalez, D., Viola, I., Hannapel, D.J. 2013. The impact of the long-distance transport of a BEL1-like mRNA on development. Plant Physiol 161:760-772.
Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Nair, A., Bilenky, M. and Howell, N. 2013. Trellising and plastic mulch effects on cucumber production in high tunnels. HortScience 48(9):S173.
Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Nair, A., Weieneth, L. and Lawson, V. 2013. The effect of biochar on sweet corn production. HortScience 48(9):S172.
Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Shah, S., Butler, N.M., Hannapel, D.J., Rao, A.G. 2013. Mapping and characterization of the interaction interface between two polypyrimidine-tract binding proteins and a Nova-type protein of Solanum tuberosum. PLos One 8(5):e64783. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone. 0064783.
Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Nair, A., Carpenter, B. and Weieneth, L. 2013. Effect of plastic mulch and trellises on cucumber production in high tunnels. Ann. Prog. Rept. 2012 ISU Hort. Res. Sta., ISRF12-36:21-24. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/2012%20Farm%20Reports/Hort/EffectPlasticMulchCucumber.pdf
Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Nair, A. and Lawson, L. 2013. Effect of Biochar on sweet corn production. Ann. Prog. Rept. 2012 ISU Muscatine Island R&D Farm, ISRF12-20:22-25. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/2012%20Farm%20Reports/Muscatine/EffectBiochar.pdf
Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Nair, A., Shaw, A. and V. Lawson, V. 2013. Cover cropping and strip tillage to improve crop performance and food safety in muskmelon production. Ann. Prog. Rept. 2012 ISU Muscatine Island R&D Farm ISRF12-20:4-8. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/2012%20Farm%20Reports/Muscatine/CoverCropping.pdf
Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2013 Citation: Nair, A., Weieneth, L. and Bergaum, B. Sweet Potato Production in Great Plains: Is it a Sweet Deal? Great Plains Growers Conference, St. Joseph, MO, 12 Jan 2013.
Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2013 Citation: Nair, A. and Carpenter, B. What is Biochar: Its impact on soil properties and crop production. Great Plains Growers Conference, St. Joseph, MO, 12 Jan 2013.
Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2013 Citation: Nair, A. Grafting Tomatoes. Advanced High Tunnel Production Workshop, Iowa Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association Conference, Ankeny, IA, 24 Jan 2013.
Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2013 Citation: Lawson, Vince. Sweet Corn Pest management. Iowa Fruit & Vegetable Growers Assoc. Annual Conference, Ankeny, IA, 24 Jan 2013.
Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2013 Citation: Nair, A., Laura Weieneth, and Ben Bergaum. Soil management using cover crops in high tunnel vegetable production. Iowa Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association Conference, Ankeny, IA, 25 Jan 2013.
Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2013 Citation: Nair, A. and Carpenter, B. How to raise quality vegetable transplants. Iowa Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association Conference, Ankeny, IA, 25 Jan 2013.
Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2013 Citation: Riesselman, L. Effects of temperature and light in high tunnel primocane red raspberry production. Master Gardener Field Day. ISU Hort. Res. Sta., 13 July 2013.
Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2013 Citation: Nair, A., Carpenter, B. and Bergaum, B. Soil nutrient management in high tunnels. Advanced High Tunnel Workshop, Iowa Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association Conference, Ankeny, IA, 24 Jan 2013.

Progress 01/01/12 to 12/31/12

Outputs
OUTPUTS: High tunnel structures, row covers and mulches to modify the soil temperature can extend the growing season and enable Midwest growers to increase the availability of locally grown produce. However, production systems to optimize profitability for the various crops grown in these structures need to be developed. Studies were conducted to evaluate production systems for fall lettuce in a high tunnel in combination with row covers and calcium applications, and evaluate early spring cucumber production inside a high tunnel under different light transmitting ground cover plastic mulches with and without trellising. In eastern Iowa, potatoes are grown on sandy soils that typically test marginal for boron and sulfur, and growers often supplement these nutrients on an annual basis. Study was undertaken to assess if supplemental applications of sulfur and boron were beneficial to potatoes. Biochar is the residue created from the pyrolysis of organic material in the production of bio-fuel that presently has no use. Studies were undertaken to determine if biochar could be used as a component of potting media in vegetable transplant production, and its effect on the productivity of field grown peppers and sweet corn. By growing scab-resistant apples that exhibit good resistance to other common apple diseases, growers can now produce high quality fruit with fewer fungicide sprays and thereby reduce production costs and impact on the environment. However, little is known about the cropping potential and the influence of crop load on fruit quality and return bloom of these new cultivars. A study was undertaken to determine the relationship of crop load on annual cropping potential and quality of the Redfree, Liberty and GoldRush apples under Iowa conditions. Work continues to characterize RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) that mediate RNA movement, and identifying the functional role of StBEL5 RNA in potato tuber formation. Several RNA-binding proteins have been identified and characterized by using proteomic analysis and binding assays. Three field days were held in different locations of the state to show progress and results of research studies. Results were disseminated to communities of interest through refereed and non-refereed publications, printed and web-based progress reports, and educational programs reaching over 1,400 participants. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals: Domoto, P.A., PI; Gladon, R.J., PI; Gleason, M.L., PI; Hannapel, D.J., PI; Nair, A., PI; Nonnecke, G.R., PI; Batzer, J., Assistant scientist; Havlovic, B.J., Research farm superintendent; Howell, N.P., Research farm superintendent; Lawson, V., Research farm superintendent; Riesselman, L.B., Ag specialist; Dave Breach, Field tech.; Schroeder, L., Field lab tech.; Naeve, L., Ext. program specialist; Carpenter, B., graduate student; Lin, T., graduate student; Grandellis, C., graduate student; Katuuramu, D., graduate student; Northup, J.I., graduate student; Cho, S.K., post-doctoral associate; Sharma, P., post-doctoral associate; Bergaum, B., undergraduate; Craigen, D., undergraduate; Lord, C., undergraduate. Partner Organizations: Iowa Dept. of Agriculture and Land Stewardship; Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture; Iowa Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association; Practical Farmers of Iowa. Collaborators and contacts: Coller, J., Center for RNA Mol. Biol., Case Western Reserve Univ., School of Medicine, Cleveland OH 44106-4960; Gonzalez, D.H., Instituto de Agrobiotecnologia del Litoral,Catedra de Biologia Celular y Molecular,Universidad Nacional del Litoral,Santa Fe, Argentina; Shah, S., Dept. of Biochem. Biophysics and Mol. Biol., Iowa State University; Chase, C., Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, Iowa State University; Geisler, D., vegetable grower, Bondurant, IA, Rinehart, G., vegetable grower, Boone, IA; Wilber, S., vegetable grower, Ogden, IA; Vanous, B., vegetable grower, Cedar Rapids, IA. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target Audiences: Scientists working on the developmental biology of plants and research workers interested in enhancing crop productivity. Fruit and vegetable research and extension community. Iowa and Midwest fruit and vegetable growers. Efforts: 4 referred publications; 1 chapter in a book; 7 general audience research progress reports; 1 MS thesis; 16 invited presentations (630 participants); 9 educational extension programs (520 participants); 3 field days (280 participants). PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Dr. Ajay Nair added as a PI. Dr. Nair's expertise is in vegetable crop production.

Impacts
Using row covers in a high tunnel increased the ambient temperature and improved lettuce growth and yield, but increased the incidence tip burn associated with low calcium in the leaves. Calcium treatments in combination with no row cover produced higher percentage of marketable plants. A black plastic mulch increased the soil temperature in a high tunnel compared to white plastic, but did not improve the marketable yield of early season cucumbers. Trellised plants produced higher yields than non-trellised plants under both mulches. Trellising allowed better air movement and heat dissipation and reduced occurrence of fungal and bacterial diseases. Applications of boron and sulfur for potatoes grown on sandy soils were not cost effective because irrigation water supplied sufficient amounts of these nutrients to the plants. Based on these results, growers can reduce their expenses by $50 to $60 per acre in fertilizer costs alone. Vegetable transplants grew best in media containing smaller sized biochar particles, and the amount of biochar in the media (20-40%) did not have an effect. Using biochar in in the transplant media eliminated the need to adjust the pH as required when using sphagnum peat moss. Biochar is a viable alternative to using perlite or vermiculite in the potting media for vegetable transplant production. Field applications of biochar at rates up to 20 tons/A had no effect on pepper yields, but of 5 tons/A and above reduced sweet corn yields in the first year following application. Based on average fruit size, percentage of premium-sized fruit, return bloom and the various indicators of fruit quality, Redfree apple fruit should be thinned to an average spacing of 8 to 10 inches while Liberty and GoldRush can be spaced 7 to 10 inches apart. Optimizing the cropping density assures high yields of quality fruit in size ranges that bring a premium sales value on a sustained basis and allow growers to maintain a competitive advantage. Research to characterize RNA-binding proteins in potato tuber formation has resulted in the generation of knowledge on a novel mechanism of growth regulation in plants that can be used as a foundation for future discoveries in the field of RNA biology. These discoveries include: the auto-regulation of the StBEL5 promoter in stolons and roots is controlled via transcript mobility; in addition to long-distance transport of select RNAs (from the BEL1 family of genes) to stolons to induce tuberization, select mRNAs also move to roots and induce root growth; several target genes of the BEL5/POTH1 complex have been identified; and a new mobile RNA of potato, POTH1, was discovered. These results demonstrate novel mechanisms of development related to mobile RNAs of plants that can be used to enhance growth and crop production in potato.

Publications

Butler, N.M. and Hannapel, D.J. 2012. Promoter activity of polypyrimidine tract-binding protein genes of potato responds to environmental cues. Planta (Online First, Aug. 7, 2012).
Cho, S.K., Kang, I.H., Carr, T. and Hannapel, D.J. 2012. Using the yeast three-hybrid system to identify proteins that interact with a phloem-mobile mRNA. Frontiers in Plant Physiology 3:189.
Domoto, P, Nonnecke, G., Havlovic, B., Riesselman, L., Breach, D. and Naeve. 2012. High tunnel bramble production. Ann. Prog. Rept.-2011 for Armstrong R&D Farm, ISRF11-12:40-43.
Hannapel, D.J. 2012. Long-Distance Systemic Signaling and Communication. In Frantisek Baluska, Ed. Long-Distance Signaling via Mobile RNAs.
Katuuramu, D. N. 2012. Evaluation of rootstock and crop load effects on the performance of Gibson Golden Delicious and three scab-resistant apple cultivars. MS Thesis. Iowa State Univ., Ames, IA.
Katuuramu, D., Nonnecke, G., and Domoto, P. 2012. Influence of crop load on tree growth, yield and fruit quality of scab resistant apples at harvest. Ann. Prog. Rept.-2011 for Hort. Res. Sta., ISRF11-36:55-56.
Lawson, V. 2012. All-America Selections Vegetable Trial. Ann. Prog. Rept. -2011. Muscatine Island Research and Demonstration Farm, ISRF11-20.
Lawson, V. 2012. Sweet Corn Cultivar Trial. Ann. Prog. Rept.-2011. Muscatine Island Research and Demonstration Farm, ISRF11-20.
Lawson, V. 2012. Tomato Cultivar Trial. Ann. Prog. Rept.-2011. Muscatine Island Research and Demonstration Farm, ISRF11-20.
Lawson, V. 2012. Evaluation of Degradable Mulches. Ann. Prog. Rept.-2011. Muscatine Island Research and Demonstration Farm, ISRF11-20.
Lawson, V. 2012. Potato Response to Boron and Sulfur Fertilization. Ann. Prog. Rept.-2011. Muscatine Island Research and Demonstration Farm, ISRF11-20.
Mahajan, A., Bhogale, S., Kang, I.H., Hannapel, D.J. and Banerjee, A.K. 2012. The mRNA of a Knotted1-like transcription factor of potato is phloem mobile. Plant Mol Biol 79: 595-608.

Progress 01/01/11 to 12/31/11

Outputs
OUTPUTS: The use of plastic mulches for fruit and vegetable production is a proven practice that will increase yield and produce quality. However, the downside to using plastic mulch is removal and disposal at the end of the season. This can cost a grower anywhere from $100 to $200 per acre depending on methods used. Because of this there is interest in degradable mulches that can be left in the field at end of the season to decompose. Since 1945, apple breeding programs in North America have developed over 30 scab-resistant cultivars with significant improvements in fruit quality and consumer acceptance in the more recent introductions. With excellent resistance to apple scab and good degree of resistance to other common apple diseases, apple growers can now produce high quality fruit with fewer fungicide sprays and thereby reduce production costs and impact on the environment. However, little is known about these cultivars' cropping potential and the influence of crop load on fruit quality and return bloom. A study was undertaken to determine the relationship between increasing crop load on tree growth, fruit size, fruit quality and return bloom of the three scab-resistant cultivars under Iowa conditions. In 2006, a study was initiated to evaluate the potential for growing high-value floricane and primocane type raspberries and blackberries in a high tunnel to determine if a high tunnel could be used to improve over-wintering of cold sensitive floricane types, and if the harvest season of primocane types could be advanced far enough ahead that they could replace the floricane types in such a production system. This study continues at the ISU Armstrong Research Farm to evaluate the performance of Tulameen, a non-hardy, high quality, floricane, red raspberry; Autumn Bliss, an early season primocane red raspberry; Ouachita, a non-hardy, thornless, floricane blackberry; and Prime Ark 45, a primocane, thorny blackberry. Work continues to characterize RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) that mediate RNA movement, and identify the functional role of StBEL5 RNA in potato tuber formation. Several RNA-binding proteins have been identified and characterized by using proteomic analysis and binding assays. These include proteins from the polypyrimidine tract binding family, KH-domain types, and glycine-rich types. Assays for RNA mobility suggest that both 5 ́ and 3 ́untranslated regions contribute to the preferential accumulation of the StBEL5 RNA. We have now discovered that UTRs of POTH1, a Knotted1-like transcription factor, also bind to a RNA-binding protein. We have also identified target elements for StBEL5/POTH1 In several genes encoding enzymes involved in hormone synthesis. Two field days were held in different locations of the state to show progress and results of research studies. Results were disseminated to communities of interest through refereed and non-refereed publications, printed and web-based progress reports, and educational programs reaching over 2,000 participants. PARTICIPANTS: Domoto, P.A., PI; Gladon, R.J., PI; Gleason, M.L., PI; Hannapel, D.J., PI; Nonnecke, G.R., PI; Batzer, J., Assistant scientist; Havlovic, B.J., Research farm superintendent; Howell, N.P., Research farm superintendent; Lawson, V., Research farm superintendent; Hannan, J.M., Ag specialist; Portz, D., Ag specialist; Riesselman, L.B., Ag specialist; Schroeder, L., Field lab tech; Naeve, L., Ext. program specialist; Butler, N., graduate student; Lin, T., graduate student; Grandellis, C., graduate student; Katuuramu, D., graduate student; Shah, S., post-doctoral associate; Cho, S.K., post-doctoral associate; Kang, I.H., post-doctoral associate; Carpenter, B., undergraduate; Kreis, R., undergraduate; Lord, C., undergraduate; Lueders, K., undergraduate; Wagner, S., undergraduate; Sizemore, J., high school intern. Partner Organizations: Iowa Dept. of Agriculture and Land Stewardship; Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture; Wallace Foundation for Rural Research and Development; Iowa Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences: Scientists working on the developmental biology of plants and research workers interested in enhancing crop productivity; Fruit and vegetable research and extension community; Iowa and Midwest fruit and vegetable growers. Efforts: 2 referred publications; 10 general audience research progress reports; 11 out-of-state invited presentations (1100 participants); 5 educational extension programs (350 participants); 2 field days (250 participants). PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
The Degradable Mulch Evaluation found that photodegradable mulches were the easiest to use, were the least expensive ($0.024 per linear foot) and provided same crop benefits as conventional mulch. Mulch breakdown was uneven though and mulch fragments persisted in field for up to two to three years. Oxo-biodegradable and biodegradable mulches were more expensive (up to $0.08 per linear foot) and harder to use because of susceptibility to tearing. With careful use they provided comparable yields to conventional mulch and broke down quickly after soil incorporation leaving fairly clean fields the following season. In 2011 the clear biodegradable mulch broke up too quickly allowing weed growth to compete with the crop hurting yield. Increasing the crop load on scab-resistant apple cultivars was associated with a decrease in tree growth, fruit size, soluble solids and starch content at harvest. Decreasing soluble solids in conjunction with decreasing starch content associated with higher crop loads suggests that assimilates were limited and will probably have an influence on floral initiation, which will be determined in 2012. A summary of three years data for the high tunnel raspberry and blackberry study showed that berry yields from year to year varied between cultivars with Autumn Bliss being the most consistent and generally the most productive. Yields on Ouachita were lowest following a winter when a December freeze occurred before mulch was applied for additional winter protection, and production on Tulameen occurred over a longer period in years with fewer days of temperatures above 30 C. Based upon five years of data on growing red raspberries and blackberries in a high tunnel structure, our general conclusions were: 1) Red raspberries and blackberries are viable crops for a high tunnel. 2) Production on primocane raspberries can be advanced enough that there is no need to grow floricane types which require additional winter protection. 3) Measures need to be taken to control Botrytis fruit rot and blossom blight by improving ventilation near the tops of tunnel structure and applying fungicide sprays. 4) Primocane blackberries will be a better alternative crop for high tunnels when less thorny, early season cultivars are developed. Research to characterize RNA-binding proteins in potato tuber formation has resulted in the generation of knowledge on a novel mechanism of growth regulation in plants that can be used as a foundation for future discoveries in the field of RNA biology. These discoveries include: that the untranslated regions of the mRNA of StBEL5 are involved in mediating its long-distance transport, in maintaining transcript stability, and in controlling translation; it appears that auto-regulation of the StBEL5 promoter in stolons and roots is controlled via transcript mobility; and in addition to long-distance transport of select RNAs (from the BEL1 family of genes) to stolons to induce tuberization, select mRNAs also move to roots and induce root growth. These results demonstrate novel mechanisms of development related to mobile RNAs of plants that can be used to enhance growth and crop production in potato.

Publications

Lawson, V. and Hannan, J. 2011. Muskmelon Cultivar Trial. Ann. Prog. Rept. - 2010 for Muscatine Island Research and Demonstration Farm, ISRF10-20.
Lawson, V. and Hannan, J. 2011. All-America Selections Vegetable Trial. Ann. Prog. Rept. - 2010 for Muscatine Island Research and Demonstration Farm, ISRF10-20.
Lawson, V. and Hannan, J. 2011. Sweet Corn Cultivar Trial. Ann. Prog. Rept. - 2010 for Muscatine Island Research and Demonstration Farm, ISRF10-20.
Lawson, V. and Hannan, J. 2011. Sweet Potato Cultivar Trial. Ann. Prog. Rept. - 2010 for Muscatine Island Research and Demonstration Farm, ISRF10-20.
Lawson, V. and Taber, H. 2011. Degradable Mulch Evaluation. Ann. Prog. Rept. - 2010 for Muscatine Island Research and Demonstration Farm, ISRF10-20.
Lawson, V. 2011. Potato Insecticide Evaluation. Ann. Prog. Rept.- 2010 for Muscatine Island Research and Demonstration Farm, ISRF10-20.
Nonnecke, G., Portz, D. and Clark, J. 2011. Cultivar evaluation of three primocane-furiting blackberry selections in Iowa. Ann. Prog. Rept.- 2010 for Hort. Res. Sta., ISRF10-36:20.
Nonnecke, G., Portz, D. and Smith, B. 2011. Cultivar trial of four commercially available and six new Junebearing strawberry selections. Ann. Prog. Rept. - 2010 for Hort. Res. Sta., ISRF10-36:21.
Portz, D.N. Nonnecke, and G. R. 2011. Rotation with cover crops suppresses weeds and increases plant density and yield of strawberry. HortScience 46(10):1363-1366.
Portz, D. Nonnecke, G. and Kreis, R. 2011. Increased production and marketability of day-neutral strawberries grown in tunnel structures. Ann. Prog. Rept. - 2010 for Hort. Res. Sta., ISRF10-36:22-24.
Portz, D., Riessleman, L. Seeley, C. Beamer, P. and Nonnecke, G. 2011. Effects of leaf removal on fruit quality of wine grapes grown in Iowa. Ann. Prog. Rept. - 2010 for Hort. Res. Sta., ISRF10-36:31-32
Shah, S., Lee, Y.J., Hannapel, D.J., Rao, A.G. 2011. Protein profiling of the potato petiole under short day and long day photoperiods. Journal of Proteomics 74:212-230

Progress 01/01/10 to 12/31/10

Outputs
OUTPUTS: This is a collaborative project with the following objectives: Increase the quality and percentage of marketable product per acre, reduce production costs and increase business profitability through improved cultural techniques and use of adapted fruit and vegetable cultivars; develop and promote horticultural production practices that enhance yields and minimize negative effects on the environment; and to maintain access to a quality food supply. Studies carried out in 2010 under these objectives included: cultivar trials on muskmelon, sweet corn, sweet potato, sweet cherry, primocane blackberry, June-bearing and day-neutral strawberries; season extension of vegetable and berry production in high tunnel structures; pollination winter squash and muskmelon by wild bees; organic practices for the production of winter squash and muskmelon; sweet corn herbicide trial, Colorado potato beetle control, biodegradable mulch and subsurface drip irrigation trials; influence of crop load on quality parameters of apple; and characterizing RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) that mediate RNA movement, and identifying the functional role of StBEL5 RNA in potato tuber formation. Three field days were held in different locations of the state to show progress and results of research studies. Results were disseminated to communities of interest through refereed and non-refereed publications, printed and web-based progress reports, educational programs and field days reaching over 2,000 participants. PARTICIPANTS: Domoto, P.A., PI; Gladon, R.J., PI; Gleason, M.L., PI; Hannapel, D.J., PI; Nonnecke, G.R., PI; Burras, L., Agronomy; Batzer, J., Asst scientist; Donner, S., Asst scientist; Havlovic, B.J., Research farm supt; Howell, N.P., Research farm supt; Lawson, V., Research farm supt; Hannan, J.M., Ag specialist; Portz, D., Ag specialist; Riesselman, L.B., Ag specialist; Schroeder, L., Field lab tech; Hansen, R., Ext. Value Added Ag; Naeve, L., Ext. program specialist; Wasko, L., graduate student; Butler, N., graduate student; Lin, T., graduate student; Grandellis, C., graduate student; Ahmad, K.M., graduate student; Pu, Y., graduate student; Katuuramu, D., graduate student; Shah, S., post-doctoral associate; Cho, S.K., post-doctoral assoc; Kang, I.H., post-doctoral assoc; Perdian, D.C., post-doctoral assoc; Lashbrook, C., post-doctoral assoc; Carpenter, B., undergraduate; Kreis, R., undergraduate; Lord, C., undergraduate; Wagner, S., undergraduate; Westercamp, J.R., undergraduate; Tedesco, A., Grower cooperator; Saunders, B., Grower cooperator; Partner Organizations: Iowa Dept of Agriculture and Land Stewardship; Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture; Wallace Foundation for Rural Research and Development; Iowa Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association. TARGET AUDIENCES: Scientists working on the developmental biology of plants and research workers interested in enhancing crop productivity; Fruit and vegetable research and extension community; Iowa and Midwest fruit and vegetable growers. Efforts: 2 referred publications; 13 general audience research progress reports; 5 out-of-state invited presentations 860 participants); 5 educational extension programs (825 participants); 3 field days (400 participants); 1 MS degrees awarded. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Cultivar trials studies provide unbiased information on best yielding cultivars with best characteristics suitable for Iowa markets. Studies evaluating the use of high tunnel structures to advance and extend the harvest season of high value crops offer new opportunities to Iowa fruit and vegetable growers for developing new markets to improve their profitability. Sweet corn is an important crop for Iowa vegetable growers because of its profitability. It will yield 1,500 dozen ears/acre returning $4,500.00 or more in fresh wholesale markets. However, these valuable ears quickly become unmarketable if hard to control earworms infest them. Controlling earworms requires the grower to apply 5 to 7 insecticide sprays during ear development to prevent infestation. Complicating control are corn earworm populations developing resistance to commonly used pyrethroid class insecticides. Earworm control study found that alternative products, rynaxypyr, spinetoram and flubendiamide, were effective against earworms and can be used when pyrethroid resistant earworms are encountered. The study also found that using the insect resistant Bt hybrid, BC 0805, did not provide acceptable earworm control without 2 supplemental insecticide applications. Polyprimidine tract binding (PTB) proteins are a widespread family of RNA-binding proteins that function in RNA splicing, translation, stability, and transport. Using molecular techniques, ten different PTB proteins have been identified in potato. These proteins exhibit a range of lengths and character suggesting that a dynamic network of RNA-binding is mediated by this class of proteins. Work is ongoing to identify RNA and protein partners. Using a transgenic approach and assays for RNA movement and transcription activity, the functional role of StBEL5 RNA in in potato have verified that it acts as long-distance signal during development and controls root growth. These results have expanded our understanding of the polyprimidine tract family of RNA-binding proteins in potato, and have verified their function in RNA metabolism of untranslated sequences of mRNAs of potato that act as long-distance signals during development.

Publications

Carpenter, B., Nonnecke, G., Donnor, S. and Portz, D. 2010. Effects of crop load on fruit quality of Mars table grape. Ann. Prog. Rept. - 2009 for Hort. Res. Sta., ISRF09-36:54-55.
Hannapel D.J. 2010. A model system of development regulated by the long-distance transport of mRNA. J Integ Plant Biol 52: 40-52.
Lawson, V. 2010. Muskmelon Cultivar Trial. Annual Progress Reports-2009. Muscatine Island Research and Demonstration Farm, ISRF09-20.
Banerjee A.K., Lin T., Hannapel, D.J. 2009. Untranslated regions of a mobile transcript mediate RNA metabolism. Plant Physiol 151:1831-1843.
Lawson, V. 2010. Sweet Corn Cultivar Trial. Annual Progress Reports-2009. Muscatine Island Research and Demonstration Farm, ISRF09-20.
Lawson, V. 2010. Effect of Harvest Timing on Atlantic, Dakota Crisp, and Snowden Potato. Annual Progress Reports-2009. Muscatine Island Research and Demonstration Farm, ISRF09-20.
Lawson, V. and Hannan, J. 2010. All-America Selections Vegetable Trial. Annual Progress Reports-2009. Muscatine Island Research and Demonstration Farm, ISRF09-20.
Lawson, V. and Taber, H. 2010. Corn Earworm Control Study. Annual Progress Reports-2009. Muscatine Island Research and Demonstration Farm, ISRF09-20.
Lawson, V. and Taber, H. 2010. Residual Effects of Callisto, Impact, and Laudis Herbicide on Cucumber, Pepper, Snap Bean, and Tomato. Annual Progress Reports-2009. Muscatine Island Research and Demonstration Farm, ISRF09-20.
Portz, D., and Nonnecke, G. 2010. Effect of removal of runners and flowers from day-neutral strawberries on time of harvest and total yields. Ann. Prog. Rept. - 2009 for Hort. Res. Sta.,ISRF09-36: 21-22.
Portz, D., Nonnecke, G., and Wagner, S. 2010. Practices to extend the availability of fresh Iowa-grown raspberries and blackberries. Ann. Prog. Rept. - 2009 for Hort. Res. Sta.,ISRF09-36: 23-25.
Portz, D., Nonnecke, G., Tedesco, A. and Saunders, B. 2010. Legume cover crops reduce overall weed incidence and increase fruit production of organically grown raspberries. Ann. Prog. Rept. - 2009 for Hort. Res. Sta.,ISRF09-36: 27-28.
Taber, H., Havlovic, B., and Howell, N. 2010. High tunnel tomato, pepper and bean observations. Ann. Prog. Rept. - 2009 for Hort. Res. Sta.,ISRF09-36: 6-8.
Taber, H. 2010. Tomato variety observations. Ann. Prog. Rept. - 2009 for Hort. Res. Sta.,ISRF09-36: 13-15.
Wasko, L, Nonnecke, G. and Burras, L. 2010. Alternative weed management strategies: Effects of weed control and grapevine yield in an established vineyard. Ann. Prog. Rept. - 2009 for Hort. Res. Sta., ISRF09-36:42-43. http://viticulture.hort.iastate.edu/research/pdf/alternativeweedmgmt0 9.pdf
Wasko, L.M. 2010. Alternative weed management practices: Effects on weed control, grapevine performance, and soil quality in an established midwestern vineyard. MS Thesis. Iowa State Univ., Ames, IA.

Progress 01/01/09 to 12/31/09

Outputs
OUTPUTS: This is a collaborative project with the following objectives: to increase the quality and percentage of marketable product per acre, reduce production costs and increase business profitability through improved cultural techniques and use of adapted fruit and vegetable cultivars; to improve the harmony between horticulture production practices and the environment; and to improve the access to an affordable food supply. Studies carried out in 2009 under these objectives included: cultivar trials on primocane blackberry selections, and strawberries; powdery mildew evaluation on pumpkin and summer squash; herbicide performance on pumpkin and winter squash; a residual herbicide study to assess a shorten period when rotating from sweet corn to snap beans; tomato variety evaluation for quality and yield; high tunnel performance of green beans, peppers, tomatoes, raspberries and blackberries; sustainable weed control strategies for established vineyards; weather-based methods to control sooty blotch and flyspeck in apples; and characterizing genes that signal potato tuber formation and control growth. Two field days were held in different locations of the state to show the results of comparing weed control options for pumpkin and winter squash, high tunnel vegetable options, and field tomato variety characteristics. A written handout was available to attendees and a grower discussion format period was included to further disseminate gained knowledge. Results were disseminated to communities of interest through refereed and non-refereed publications, printed and web-based progress reports, educational programs and field days reaching over 2,400 participants. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals: Domoto, P.A., PI; Hannapel, D.J., PI; Nonnecke, G.R., PI; Taber, H.G., PI; Wilson, L., Food Science; Havlovic, B.J., Research farm superintendent; Howell, N.P., Research farm superintendent; Lawson, V., Research farm superintendent; Hannan, J.M., Ag specialist; Portz, D., Ag specialist; Riesselman, L.B., Ag specialist; Hansen, R., Ext. Value Added Ag; Naeve, L., Ext. program specialist; Campbell, B.A., graduate student; Saalau, E., graduate student; Sisson, A., graduate student; Tatalovic, N., graduate student; Wasko, L., graduate student; Banerjee A.K., post-doctoral associate; Batzer, J., post-doctoral associate; Stessman, D., post-doctoral associate; Shah, S., post-doctoral associate; Butler, N., graduate student; Heard, M., undergraduate; Sutter, H., undergraduate; Merner, L., undergraduate; Armstrong, A., undergraduate; Lord, C., undergraduate; Owens, A., undergraduate; Web, A., undergraduate; Tedesco, A., Grower cooperator; Saunders, B., Grower cooperator. Partner Organizations: Iowa Dept. of Agriculture and Land Stewardship; Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture; Wallace Foundation for Rural Research and Development; Iowa Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association. TARGET AUDIENCES: Scientists working on the developmental biology of plants and research workers interested in enhancing crop productivity; fruit and vegetable research and extension community; Iowa and Midwest fruit and vegetable growers. Efforts: 1 referred publication; 18 general audience research progress reports; 7 out-of-state invited presentations (660 participants); 11 educational extension programs(557 participants); 4 field days (415 participants); 2 MS degrees awarded. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Cultivar trials studies provide unbiased information on best yielding cultivars with best characteristics suitable for Iowa markets. Studies evaluating the use of high tunnel structures to advance and extend the harvest season of high value crops offer new opportunities to Iowa fruit and vegetable growers for developing new markets to improve their profitability. In conjunction with the Iowa Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, an exit survey of participating workshop / field day attendees indicated one-third intended to expand or start a commercial operation. Ninety percent indicated they would try a new variety. A living mulch of creeping red fescue and a non-living mulch were more effective in controlling weeds under grapevines than cultivation or use of herbicides. Both mulch materials lowered soil bulk density and improved water infiltration rate over cultivation and long term use of herbicides. A herbicide carryover study found that the rotation interval from sweet corn treated with topramezone (Impact) herbicide to snap beans could be shortened from 18 months to 11 months with no reduction in yield or side effects. Such a change allows farmers to grow snap beans in a field the year after using topramezone on their corn crop. This is an important development since topramezone has become a popular and effective herbicide used on all types of corn, and growers are encouraged to rotate corn with a crop such as snap beans periodically to lesson disease problems. There are approximately 1,200 acres of snap beans grown in the Muscatine area under contract for processing at a value of $600 - $1,000 an acre. A label change for topramezone will make more land available for planting snap beans and improve profitability for land owners. In studies to identify RNA-binding proteins that mediate RNA movement, 10 polyprimidine tract binding proteins were identified in potato. These proteins exhibited a wide range of lengths and RNA recognition motifs, suggesting that a dynamic network of RNA-binding is mediated by this class of proteins. Work is continuing to identify RNA and protein partners. Studies conducted to identify the functional roll of the BEL5 gene in potato tuber formation identified two untranslated regions of the gene contributed to the preferential accumulation of the StBEL5 RNA. Further studies demonstrated these untranslated regions of the mRNA of StBEL5 are involved in mediating its long-distance transport, in maintaining stability, and controlling translation. These results have expanded our understanding of the polyprimidine tract family of RNA-binding proteins in potato, and have verified their function in RNA metabolism of untranslated sequences of mRNAs of potato that act as long-distance signals during development.

Publications

Naeve, L., Hansen, Ray, Wilson, L., Quint, S. and Riesselman, L. 2009. Greek oregano-A niche crop for Iowa Ann. Prog. Rept.-2008 for Armstrong and Neely-Kinyon R&D Farms, ISRF08-12, and Hort. Res. Sta., ISRF08-36. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/reports08.php
Nonnecke, G., Tedesco, A., Saunders, B. and Portz, D. 2009. Organic weed management of primocane-fruiting raspberries for Iowa growers. Ann. Prog. Rept.-2008 for Hort. Res. Sta., ISRF08-36. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/reports08.php
Nonnecke, G., Portz, D. and Clark, J. 2009. Cultivar evaluation of three primocane-fruiting blackberry selections from Arkansas and grown in Iowa. Ann. Prog. Rept.-2008 for Hort. Res. Sta., ISRF08-36. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/reports08.php
Saalau, E., Owens, A., Batzer, J. and Gleason, M. 2009. Effect of extended-duration row covers on muskmelons. Ann. Prog. Rept.-2008 for Hort. Res. Sta., ISRF08-36. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/reports08.php
Banerjee A.K., Lin. T., Hannapel, D.J. 2009. Untranslated regions of a mobile transcript mediate RNA metabolism. Plant Physiol 151: 1831-1843.
Domoto, P., Nonnecke, G., Havlovic, B., Riesselman, L., Breach, D., Howell, N., Quint, S. and Naeve, L. 2009. High Tunnel Bramble Production in 2008. Ann. Prog. Rept.-2008 for Armstrong and Neely-Kinyon R&D Farms, ISRF08-12, and Hort. Res. Sta., ISRF08-36. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/reports08.php
Lawson,V. and Hannan, J. 2009. All-America Selections Vegetable Trial. Annual Progress Reports-2008. Muscatine Island Research and Demonstration Farm, ISRF08-20. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/reports08.php
Lawson, V. 2009. Ornamental Corn Cultivar Trial. Annual Progress Reports-2008. Muscatine Island Research and Demonstration Farm, ISRF08-20. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/reports08.php
Lawson, V. and Taber, H. 2009. Sweet Corn Herbicide Residual Study. Annual Progress Reports-2008. Muscatine Island Research and Demonstration Farm, ISRF08-20. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/reports08.php
Sisson, a., Gleason, M. and Batzer, J. 2009. Evaluating effectiveness of a sooty blotch and flyspeck warning system at three commercial orchards in central Iowa. Ann. Prog. Rept.-2008 for Hort. Res. Sta., ISRF08-36. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/reports08.php
Taber, H.G. and Web, A. 2009. Row covers for early tomato production. Ann. Prog. Rept.-2008 for Hort. Res. Sta., ISRF08-36. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/reports08.php
Taber, H.G. and Heard, M. 2009. Sweet corn plastic mulch comparison. Ann. Prog. Rept.-2008 for Hort. Res. Sta., ISRF08-36. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/reports08.php
Taber, H.G., Havlovic, B., and Howell, N. 2009. High tunnel pole bean evaluation. Ann. Prog. Rept.-2008 for Armstrong and Neely-Kinyon R&D Farms, ISRF08-12, and Hort. Res. Sta., ISRF08-36. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/reports08.php
Taber, H.G., Howell, N. and Havlovic, B. 2009. High tunnel colored pepper production. Ann. Prog. Rept.-2008 for Armstrong and Neely-Kinyon R&D Farms, ISRF08-12, and Hort. Res. Sta., ISRF08-36. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/reports08.php
Taber, H.G., Heard, M., Jordan, M.L. and Conroy, J. 2009. Sweet corn plastic mulch comparison. Proc. Natl. Af Plastics Congr. 35: CD format.
Tatalovic, N., Gleason, M. and Batzer, J. 2009. Control of Anthracnose of watermelon with fungicide sprays timed according to the Malcast warning system. Ann. Prog. Rept.-2008 for Hort. Res. Sta., ISRF08-36. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/reports08.php
Tatalovic, N., Gleason, M. and Batzer, J. 2009. Evaluation of weather data as inputs to a disease warning system for control of sooty blotch and flyspeck. Ann. Prog. Rept.-2008 for Hort. Res. Sta., ISRF08-36. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/reports08.php
Wasko, L. and Nonnecke, G. 2009. Alternative weed management strategies influence weed control and grapevine yield in an established vineyard. Ann. Prog. Rept.-2008 for Hort. Res. Sta., ISRF08-36:45-46. http://viticulture.hort.iastate.edu/research/pdf/alternativeweedmgmt0 8.pdf
Gleason, M. and Sisson, A. 2009. Assessing new methods of integrated pest management for apple orchards in the Midwest. Ann. Prog. Rept.-2008 for Hort. Res. Sta., ISRF08-36. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/reports08.php
Lawson, V. and Taber, H. 2009. Corn Earworm Control Study. Annual Progress Reports-2008. Muscatine Island Research and Demonstration Farm, ISRF08-20. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/reports08.php

Progress 01/01/08 to 12/31/08

Outputs
OUTPUTS: This is a collaborative project with the following objectives: to increase the quality and percentage of marketable product per acre, reduce production costs and increase business profitability through improved cultural techniques and use of adapted fruit and vegetable cultivars; to improve the harmony between horticulture production practices and the environment; and to improve the access to an affordable food supply. Studies carried out in 2008 under these objectives included: cultivar trials for sweet corn, seedless watermelon, disease-resistant pumpkins and strawberries; growing fresh market colored peppers, pole beans, raspberries and blackberries in a high-tunnel shelter to assess earliness and market potential; sustainable weed management strategies for strawberries and grapes; and identifying genes that signal potato tuber formation and control growth. Results were disseminated to communities of interest through refereed and non-refereed publications, printed and web-based progress reports, educational programs and field days reaching over 2,600 participants. PARTICIPANTS: INDIVIDUALS: Domoto, P.A., PI; Hannapel, D.J., PI; Nonnecke, G.R., PI; Taber, H.G., PI; Havlovic, B.J., Research farm superintendent; Howell, N.P., Research farm superintendent; Lawson, V., Research farm superintendent; Hannan, J.M., Ag specialist; Riesselman, L.B., Ag specialist; Naeve, L., Ext. program specialist; Campbell, B.A., graduate student; Portz, D., graduate student; Banerjee, A.K., post-doctoral associate; Stessman, D., post-doctoral associate; Shah, S., post-doctoral associate. PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS: Iowa Dept. of Agriculture and Land Stewardship; Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture; Wallace Foundation for Rural Research and Development; Iowa Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association TARGET AUDIENCES: TARGET AUDIENCES: Scientists working on the developmental biology of plants and research workers interested in enhancing crop productivity; Fruit and vegetable research and extension community; Iowa and Midwest fruit and vegetable growers. EFFORTS: 2 referred publications; 2 plant patents; 18 general audience research progress reports; 7 out-of-state invited presentations (1,100 participants); 14 educational extension programs (1,200 participants); 5 field days (310 participants); 2 MS degrees awarded. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
During 2008 vegetable cultivar evaluations were conducted for early-season sweet corn. Trials provided unbiased information on best yielding cultivars with best characteristics suitable for Iowa markets. Good quality, early-maturing sweet corn sold for up to $5.00/ dozen (retail) in 2008 providing growers who direct market returns of $6,000.00 per acre. Two field days were held in different locations of the state to show the results of comparing colored pepper and high quality pole bean production within high tunnels and outdoor field production, and production of primocane and floricane raspberries and blackberries within a high tunnel. An exit survey of participating workshop growers indicated 93% improved their knowledge of high tunnel production and marketing. Sixty percent agreed or strongly agreed that the information presented was useful to them while 81% of the attendees were interested in learning more about horticultural crop production in high tunnels and how they can be profitable. The topics of most future interest were pest management, vegetable variety adaption, and marketing. High tunnel production of primocane raspberries and blackberries grown can be profitable as the result of an expanded harvest season and high yields. However, control measures for Botrytis blossom blight and fruit rot must be taken to maintain productivity. Conventional soil management for weeds and pathogens in strawberry can be detrimental to the chemical, physical and biological components of the soil and reduces plant vigor. Rotating cover crops with strawberry reduces weed population, increases yield and plant density, and sustains the soil quality. Genes identified that regulate potato tuber formation can be used to enhance potato production.

Publications

Hannapel, D., and Banerjee, A.K. 2008. Mobile RNAs Act as a Signal to Control Plant Growth. Patent pending, ISURF # 03056.
Dilley, C.A., and Nonnecke, G. 2008. Effect of Four Weed Management Systems on Soil Quality in Junebearing Strawberry Production. Ann. Prog. Rept. - 2007 Hort. Res. Sta., ISRF07-36:26-27. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/reports07.php
Dilley, C.A., and Nonnecke, G. 2008. Effect of Living or Straw Mulch on Weed Management and Soil Quality in Grape Vineyyards. Ann. Prog. Rept. - 2007 Hort. Res. Sta., ISRF07-36:46-47. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/reports07.php
Havlovic, B., Breach, D., Domoto, P., Nonnecke, G. and Naeve, L. 2008. High Tunnel Bramble Production in 2007. Ann. Prog. Rept. - 2007 for Armstrong and Neely-Kinyon R&D Farms, ISRF07-12 http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/reports07.php http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/07reports/Armstrong/HighTunnelBramble .pdf
Lawson, V. 2008. Sweet Corn Cultivar Trial. Midwest Vegetable Trial Report for 2007. Purdue Extension Bulletin 2007-B18246, pp. 120-122.
Lawson, V. and Taber, H. 2008. Watermelon Cultivar Trial. Midwest Vegetable Trial Report for 2007. Purdue Extension Bulletin 2007-B18246, pp. 165-168; and Ann. Prog. Rept. - 2007 for Hort. Res. Sta., ISRF07-36 and Muscatine Island Research and Demonstration Farm, ISRF07-20 http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/reports07.php
Lawson, V. and Nonnecke, G. 2008. Strawberry Cultivar Trial. Annual Progress Reports - 2007. Muscatine Island Research and Demonstration Farm, ISRF07-20, pp. 10-11. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/reports07.php
Lawson, V. 2008. Powdery Mildew Resistant Pumpkin Evaluation. Annual Progress Reports - 2007. Muscatine Island Research and Demonstration Farm, ISRF07-20, pp. 12-13. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/reports07.php
Lawson, V. and Hannan, J. 2008. All-America Selections Vegetable Trial. Annual Progress Reports - 2007. Muscatine Island Research and Demonstration Farm, ISRF07-20, pp. 14. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/reports07.php
Nonnecke. G. 2008. Strawberry weed management systems that improve soil quality. Proc. Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Conv. Richfield, PA. p. 8-10.
Nonnecke, G. 2008. Day-neutral strawberries: Proven production methods in the Midwest. Proc. Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Conv. Richfield, PA. p. 3-5.
Nonnecke, G. 2008. Organic day-neutral strawberry production. Proc. Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Conv. Richfield, PA. p. 96-98.
Portz, D., and Nonnecke, G. 2008. The Effect of Monoculture Cover Crops, Continuous Strawberry, or Continuous Cultivation on Plant Density and Yield of Strawberry, Pest Populations, and soil Characteristics. Ann. Prog. Rept. - 2007 Hort. Res. Sta., ISRF07-36:48-49. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/reports07.php
Taber, H.G., Howell, N. and B. Havlocivc. 2008. High Tunnel Tomato Production. Ann. Prog. Rept. - 2007 for Hort. Res. Sta., ISRF07-36:35-38; and Armstrong R&D Farm, ISRF07-12. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/reports07.php http://www.public.iastate.edu/~taber/Extension/Progress%20Rpts.htm
Campbell B.A., Hallengren J., Hannapel D.J. 2008. Accumulation of BEL1-like transcripts in solanaceous species. Planta 228: 897-906.
Taber, H. G., Perkins-Veazie,P., Li, S., White, W., Rodermel, S. and Xu, Y. 2008. Enhancement of Tomato Fruit Lycopene by Potassium is Cultivar Dependent. HortScience 43:159-165.
Hannapel, D., Chen, H. and Rosin, F.M. 2007. Potato Transcription Factors, Methods of Use Thereof, and a Method for Enhancing Tuber Development. U.S. Patent Number 7,265,263 (ISURF #02885).
Taber, H.G. 2008. Tomato Response to Soil Applications of Boron and Potassium. Ann. Prog. Rept. - 2007 for Hort. Res. Sta., ISRF07-36:22-23. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/reports07.php http://www.public.iastate.edu/~taber/Extension/Progress%20Rpts.htm
Taber, H.G. 2008. Polyethylene Mulches and Preplant Incorporated Herbicies for Tomato Production. Ann. Prog. Rept. - 2007 for Hort. Res. Sta., ISRF07-36:24-25; and Armstrong R&D Farm, ISRF07-12. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/reports07.php http://www.public.iastate.edu/~taber/Extension/Progress%20Rpts.htm
Portz, D., and Nonnecke, G. 2008. The Effect of Hand Cultivation, Herbicide, of Monoculture Cover Crops: Rudbeckia hirta and Panicum vurgatum on Grapevine Growth, Pest Populations, and Soil Characteristics. Ann. Prog. Rept. - 2007 Hort. Res. Sta., ISRF07-36:508-51. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/reports07.php
Taber, H. G. 2008. High tunnel bell pepper production profitable for Iowa growers Proc. Natl Agricultural Plastics Congress. 34:6pp. (CD format).
Taber, H.G., Howell, N. and B. Havlocivc. 2008. High Tunnel Pepper Production. Ann. Prog. Rept. - 2007 for Hort. Res. Sta., ISRF07-36:35-38; and Armstrong R&D Farm, ISRF07-12. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/reports07.php http://www.public.iastate.edu/~taber/Extension/Progress%20Rpts.htm

Progress 01/01/07 to 12/31/07

Outputs
Studies carried out in 2007 included: cultivar trials for sweet corn, seedless watermelon, disease-resistant pumpkins and strawberries; growing fresh market tomatoes, peppers, raspberries and blackberries in a high-tunnel shelter to assess earliness and market potential; sustainable weed management strategies for strawberries and grapes; determining the nutritional and environmental parameters suitable for growing basil on the International Space Station; and identifying genes that control potato tuber formation. Results were disseminated to communities of interest through refereed and non-refereed publications, printed and web-based progress reports, educational programs and field days reaching over 1,900 participants.

Impacts
During 2007 vegetable cultivar evaluations were conducted in crops of sweet corn, seedless watermelon and disease-resistance pumpkins. These trials identified several cultivars having high yield potential and desirable quality characteristics making them suitable for Iowa markets. Unbiased information on best yielding and best quality vegetable cultivars is not readily available to Iowa specialty crop growers. The genes studied in this system affect growth of potato. They regulate tuber formation and can be used to enhance potato tuber production. High tunnel tomato production generated from $4,000 to $6,000 gross income from earlier production, compared to outdoor field production. However, the gross income value for high tunnel pepper production was only $1,200 prior to harvest of outdoor production. Thus, growers, based on market needs and potential income, need to carefully evaluate vegetable crops suitable for high tunnel production. Growing primocane fruiting raspberries and blackberries in a high tunnel advanced the harvest season by 5 and 3 week respectively over field grown plants. Season long production for both crops average 0.5 lb per sq ft and had the potential to generate over $12,000 gross income per year for a 96 by 30 ft shelter. Both primocane raspberries and blackberries have high potential in a high tunnel production system based upon earlier production, extending the growing season, and minimizing the need for a disease control program. Basil cultivars were identified for high germination rate, biomass production and performance under low irradiance levels. These criteria are necessary in the limited environment of a space station where space, materials and energy are so limited. Genes of potato that have been identified for controlling growth and induce tuber formation were determined to be activated by light. Characterization of these genes will lead to enhance potato tuber production.

Publications

Chatterjee, M., Banerjee, A.K., and Hannapel, D.J. 2007. A BELL1-like gene of potato is light-activated and wound-inducible. Plant Physiol. 145:1435-1443.

Progress 01/01/06 to 12/31/06

Outputs
Cultivar trials were conducted for sweet corn, potato, sweet bell pepper, winter squash, muskmelon, and watermelon in 2006. Trials continue in the evaluation of strawberry cultivars. In a plant spacing trial was conducted on early and late maturing muskmelon cultivars, the earlier maturing cultivar produced higher yields of desirable sized fruit at the narrower spacing, while the later maturing cultivar produced high yields at the wider spacing. A study was conducted to evaluate the carry-over effect of the sweet corn herbicide mesotrione in a market garden annual crop rotation situation. Cucumbers, muskmelon and green beans yields were reduced when grown on mesotrione treated soil confirming label recommendations for a 18 month rotation interval. To better understand potato tuber development, research has identified two signaling mechanisms that control growth in potato. When these genes are over expressed, tuber formation was increased.

Impacts
Results from cultivar trials and field-based cultural studies are being made available to the Iowa fruit and vegetable industry through Extension meetings and field days, scientific and industry oriented publications, and web-based media. Information generated from these studies has resulted in better recommendations that are allowing the Iowa fruit and vegetable industry to remain competitive. For example, growing early seasom maturing muskmelons at narrower plant spacings, and later matruing cultivars at wider spacings can increase profitability by 50 to 100 percent through increased yields and improved marketability. Market gardeners rotating from sweet corn treated with Callisto herbicide must wait more than one year before rotating to cucumbers, muskmelons or green bean to optimize yields. Understanding the biological mechanism of two potato tuber promoting genes can potentially lead to enhance yields and could shorten the production cycle.

Publications

Banerjee, A. K, Yu, Y., Chatterjee, M., Suh, S.G., Miller, W.A. and Hannapel, D.J. 2006. Dynamics of a mobile RNA of potato involved in a long-distance signaling pathway. The Plant Cell (Dec.).
Banerjee, A. K, and Hannapel, D. J. 2006. Efficient production of transgenic potato (S. tuberosum L. ssp. andigena) plants via Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation. Plant Science 170:732-738
Romero, F.R., Delate, K., and D. J. Hannapel. 2005. The effect of seed source, light during germination, and cold-moist stratification on seed germination in three species of Echinacea. (in press) HortScience 40:1751-1754.
Taber, H.G. 2006. Potassium application and leaf sufficiency level for fresh-market tomatoes grown on a Midwestern United States fine-textured soil. HortTechnology 16:247-252.
Dilley, C. and G. Nonnecke. 2006. Effects of four weed management systems on soil quality in Junebearing strawberry production. Hort. Res. Sta. Ann. Prog. Rept. - 2005, ISRF05-36:29-30.
Dilley, C. and G. Nonnecke. 2006. On-farm research trial on Iowa strawberry production with USDA/NRCS soil quality test kit. Hort. Res. Sta. Ann. Prog. Rept. - 2005, ISRF05-36:31-32.
Dilley, C. and G. Nonnecke. 2006. Sustainable weed management systems to improve soil quality in Midwest viticulture. Hort. Res. Sta. Ann. Prog. Rept. - 2005, ISRF05-36:33-34.
Domoto, P. 2006. Iowa planting of the 2003 NC-140 dwarf apple rootstock trial. Hort. Res. Sta. Ann. Prog. Rept. - 2005, ISRF05-36:43-44.
Domoto, P., and G. Nonnecke. 2006. 2002 Leopold grape cultivar by management system trial. Hort. Res. Sta. Ann. Prog. Rept. - 2005, ISRF05-36:46-49.
Domoto, P., G. Nonnecke, B. Havlovic, K. Pecinovsky, and K. VanDee. 2006. 2003 wine grape cultivar trial. Hort. Res. Sta. Ann. Prog. Rept. - 2005, ISRF05-36:50-54.
Lawson, V. 2006. Muskmelon cultivar trial, Midwest Vegetable Variety Trial Report for 2005, Bull. B17810, pp.19-20.
Lawson, V. 2006. Bell pepper cultivar trial, Midwest Vegetable Variety Trial Report for 2005, Bull. B17810, pp. 47-49.
Lawson, V. 2006. Evaluation of pumpkin cultivars with resistance to powdery mildew. Midwest Vegetable Variety Trial Report for 2005, Bull. B17810, pp. 69-70.
Lawson, V. 2006. Evaluation of winter squash cultivars resistant to powdery mildew. Midwest Vegetable Variety Trial Report for 2005, Bull. B17810, pp. 79-80.
Lawson, V. 2006. Sweet corn cultivar trial. Midwest Vegetable Variety Trial Report for 2005, Bull. B17810, pp. 102-104.
Lawson, V. 2006. Bell pepper cultivar trial. Muscatine Island R&D Farm Ann. Prog. Rept.- ISRF05-20:4-5.
Lawson, V. 2006. Muskmelon cultivar trial. Muscatine Island R&D Farm Ann. Prog. Rept.- ISRF05-20:6-7.
Lawson, V. 2006. Potato cultivar trial. Muscatine Island R&D Farm Ann. Prog. Rept.- ISRF05-20:8-9.
Lawson, V. 2006. Sweet corn cultivar trial. Muscatine Island R&D Farm Ann. Prog. Rept.- ISRF05-20:10-12.
Lawson, V. 2006. Evaluation of pumpkin cultivars with resistance to powdery mildew. Muscatine Island R&D Farm Ann. Prog. Rept.- ISRF05-20:13-14.
Lawson, V. 2006. Evaluation of winter squash cultivars with resistance to powdery mildew. Muscatine Island R&D Farm Ann. Prog. Rept.- ISRF05-20:15-16.
Lawson, V. 2006. Plant density effects on Aphrodite and Eclipse muskmelon. Annual Progress Reports, Muscatine Island Research & Demonstration Farm, ISRF05-20,, pp. 17-18.
Lawson, V. and H. Taber. 2006. Sweet corn herbicide study. Annual Progress Reports, Muscatine Island Research & Demonstration Farm, ISRF05-20, pp. 19-21.
Lawson, V. and G. Nonnecke. 2006. Strawberry cultivar performance in 2005. Hort. Res. Sta. Ann. Prog. Rept. - 2005, ISRF05-36:41-42.
Nonnecke, G., N. Christians and L Radics. 2006. Influence of corn gluten meal rate and cultivar on day-neutral strawberry production. A Hort. Res. Sta. Ann. Prog. Rept. - 2005, ISRF05-36:39-40.
Portz. D. and G. Nonnecke. 2006. Influence of cover crop rotation and conventional practices on grapevine plant growth and weed growth. Hort. Res. Sta. Ann. Prog. Rept. - 2005, ISRF05-36:35-36.
Portz, D. and G. Nonnecke. 2006. Influence of cover crop rotation and conventional management practices on strawberry plant growth and weed growth. Hort. Res. Sta. Ann. Prog. Rept. - 2005, ISRF05-36:37-38.
Taber, H. 2006. High tunnel production. Hort. Res. Sta. Ann. Prog. Rept. - 2005, ISRF05-36:11- 15.
Taber, H. 2006. Sweet corn topping trial. Hort. Res. Sta. Ann. Prog. Rept. - 2005, ISRF05-36:21-22.
Taber, H. 2006. Callisto residual evaluation sweet corn herbicide trial. Hort. Res. Sta. Ann. Prog. Rept. - 2005, ISRF05-36:23-24.
Taber, H.G., M. Bartolo, and V. Lawson. 2006. Diagnosing B sufficiency for fresh market tomatoes: Leaf or flower analysis. Proc. Great Plains Soil Fertility Conf. 11:13-19.
Taber, H.G. and V. Lawson. 2006. Irrigation Scheduling for optimum sweet bell pepper production. Natl. Ag Plastics Congr. 33:CD format.

Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05

Outputs
Cultivar trials were conducted for bell pepper, muskmelon, potato, sweet corn, pumpkin, and winter squash in 2005. Trials continue in the evaluation of asparagus, strawberry, fall raspberry, and grape cultivars. Testing of grape cultivars is identifying those cultivars not adapted, or susceptible to phenoxy herbicides. Selecting powdery mildew tolerant pumpkin cultivars, planting on a well drained sites with a spring oat cover crop, and adjusting nitrogen fertilization based on residual nitrogen availability resulted in high profitable yields by reducing the percentage unmarketable fruit. An in vitro method for growing Echinacea species roots was developed. A faster method for producing transformed potato plants was developed. A transcription factor that regulated potato growth and tuber formation has been identified.

Impacts
Results from cultivar trials and field-based cultural studies are being made available to the Iowa fruit and vegetable industry through Extension meetings and field days, scientific and industry oriented publications, and web-based media. Information generated from these studies has resulted in better recommendations that are allowing the Iowa fruit and vegetable industry to remain competitive. Improved transgenic methods and understanding the biological mechanism of two potato tuber promoting genes can potentially lead to enhance yields and shorten the production cycle. With new medicinal properties of Echinacea species being identified, being able to grow the roots in vitro has the potential to greatly reduce the costs of any drugs derived from the plants.

Publications

Nonnecke, G., N. Christians and L. Radics. 2005. Corn gluten meal rate and day-neutral strawberry cultivar affect yield, berry number and berry weight. Ann. Fruit/Veg. Prog. Rept. 2004. ISU Ext., FG 601:46-47.
Taber, H. 2005. Irrigation timing for optimum sweet bell pepper production. Ann. Fruit/Veg. Prog. Rept. 2004. ISU Ext., FG 601:43-45.
Taber. H. G. 2005. Microirrigation technologies for protection of natural resources and optimum production-Iowa. Report presented to W-128 annual meeting, Tampa, FL, Nov. 2004.
Karen Joslin. 2004. Foliar disease management in organic fresh market tomato production. MS Thesis, Iowa State University.
Kim, K.-S., Taylor, S.E., Gleason, M.L., Villalobos, R., and Arauz, L.F. 2005. Estimation of leaf wetness duration using empirical models in northwestern Costa Rica. Agricultural and Forest Meteorology 129:53-67.
Romero, F.R., Delate,K., and D. J. Hannapel. 2005. The effect of seed source, light during germination, and cold-moist stratification on seed germination in three species of Echinacea. HortScience 40:1751-1754.
Lawson, V. 2005. Sweet Corn Cultivar Trial. Midwest Vegetable Variety Trial Report for 2004. Agri. Res. Programs, Purdue University, Bull. 824:151-155.
Lawson, V. and H. Taber. 2005. Bell Pepper Cultivar Trial-2004. Ann. Fruit/Veg. Prog. Rept. 2004. ISU Ext., FG-601:3-4.
Lawson, V. 2005. Potato Cultivar Trial-2004. Ann. Fruit/Veg. Prog. Rept. 2004. ISU Ext., FG-601:5-7.
Lawson, V. 2005. Sweet Corn Cultivar Trial-2004. Ann. Fruit/Veg. Prog. Rept. 2004. ISU Ext., FG-601:8-11.
Lawson, V. 2005. Sweet Corn Herbicide Study. Ann. Fruit/Veg. Prog. Rept. 2004. ISU Ext., FG-601:12-14.
Portz, D., P. Domoto, G. Nonnecke. 2005. Propagation treatment effects on rooting of Cynthiana grape hardwood cuttings. Ann. Fruit/Veg. Prog. Rept. 2004. ISU Ext., FG-601:56-58.
Sentelhas, P.C., Gillespie, Y.J., Batzer, J.C., Gleason, M.L., Monteiro, J.E.B.A., Pezzopane, J.R.M., and Pedro, M.J., Jr. 2005. Spatial variability of leaf wetness duration in different crop canopies. International Journal of Biometeorology 49:363-370.
Taber, H.G., V. Lawson, B. Smith, and R. Gansmer. 2005. Fresh tomato production with red plastic mulch. Proc. 32nd Natl. Ag. Plastics Congr. 32:129-131.
Dilley, C. and G. Nonnecke. 2005. Weed management and soil quality in vineyard agroecosystems. Ann. Fruit/Veg. Prog. Rept. 2004. ISU Ext., FG 601:50-51.
Dilley, C. and G. Nonnecke. 2005. Weed management and soil quality in strawberry agroecosystems. Ann. Fruit/Veg. Prog. Rept. 2004. ISU Ext., FG 601:52-53.
Dilley, C. and G. Nonnecke. 2005. Use of soil quality test kits by growers to monitor soil quality in strawberry agroecosystems. Ann. Fruit/Veg. Prog. Rept. 2004. ISU Ext., FG 601:54-55.
Lawson, V. 2005. Plant Population Effect on Aphrodite and Eclipse Muskmelon. Midwest Vegetable Variety Trial Report for 2004. Agri. Res. Programs, Purdue University, Bull. 824:24-26.
Lawson, V. 2005. Bell Pepper Cultivar Trial. Midwest Vegetable Variety Trial Report for 2004. Agri. Res. Programs, Purdue University, Bull. 824:50-52.

Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04

Outputs
Cultivar trials were conducted for sweet corn, sweet bell pepper, muskmelon, watermelon and honeydew melon in 2004. Trials continue in the evaluation of asparagus, strawberry, fall raspberry, and grape cultivars. Grape cultivar trials are identifying differences among cultivars for tolerance to low temperature and diseases. A high tunnel tomato micro-irrigation demonstration trial using tensiometers for irrigation management conducted with Amish growers reduced water usage, and improved fruit yield and quality. Cluster thinning increased berry size and consumer preference of 'Reliance' and 'Swenson Red' table grapes. Thirty new species of fungi in the sooty blotch and fly speck disease complex of apple in the Midwest were identified. Two genes associated with tuber initiation in potato were characterized as BEL and KNOX transcription factors.

Impacts
Results from cultivar trials and field-based cultural studies are being made available to the Iowa fruit and vegetable industry through Extension meetings and field days, scientific and industry oriented publications, and web-based media. Information generated from these studies has resulted in better recommendations that are allowing the Iowa fruit and vegetable industry to remain competitive. Half of the Amish farmers participating in a high tunnel tomato micro-irrigation demonstration trial using tensiometers for irrigation management immediately adopted the technology. The identification of 30 new species of fungi in the sooty blotch and fly speck disease complex of apple provides a better understanding of the disease and opens the potential for developing new control strategies. Understanding the biological mechanism of BEL and KNOX transcription factors in potato tuber initiation can potentially lead to enhance yields and could shorten the production cycle.

Publications

Lawson, V., and H. Taber. 2004. Pepper cultivar Trial-2003. Ann. Fruit/Vegetable Prog. Rept. 2003. ISU Ext., FG-601: 27-28.
Lawson, V., and H. Taber. 2004. Pepper Planting Date and Mulch Color Trial. Ann. Fruit/Vegetable Prog. Rept. 2003. ISU Ext., FG-601: 29-32.
Lawson, V. and G. Nonnecke. 2004. Fall-Fruiting Raspberry Cultivar Trial. Ann. Fruit/Vegetable Prog. Rept. 2003. ISU Ext., FG-601: 33-34.
Leandro, L.F.S., Gleason, M.L., Nutter, F.W., Jr., Wegulo, S.N., and Dixon, P.M. 2003. Strawberry plant extracts stimulate secondary conidiation by Colletotrichum acutatum on symptomless leaves. Phytopathology 93:1285-1291.
Nonnecke, G., N. Christians and L. Radics. 2004. Influence of corn gluten meal rate on day-neutral strawberry cultivars. Ann. Fruit/Vegetable Prog. Rept. 2003. ISU Ext., FG 601:66-67.
Patil, A.M. 2004. Manipulation of tomato ripening using 1-methylcyclopropene. (MS Thesis, Iowa State Univ.).
Sentelhas, P.C., Gillespie,T.J., Gleason, M.L., Monteiro, J.E.B.A., and Helland, S.J. 2004. Operational exposure of leaf wetness sensors. Agricultural and Forest Meteorology 126:59-72.
Taber, H. G. 2004. Boron analysis of Mehlich No. 3 extractant with modified inductive coupled argon plasma techniques to eliminate iron interference. Comm. Soil Sci. Plant Anal. 35: 2957-2963.
Domoto, P. and M. Gleason. 2004. Winter injury assessment of trees in the 1993 ISU disease-resistant apple cultivar trial. Ann. Fruit/Vegetable Prog. Rept. 2003. ISU Ext., FG-601:37-39.
Domoto, P., G. Nonnecke, B. Havlovic, K. Pecinovsky, and K. VanDee. 2004. 2003 Wine grape cultivar trial. Ann. Fruit/Vegetable Prog. Rept. 2003. ISU Ext., FG-601:49-53, and annual progress reports for the ISU Armstrong, Northeast and Southeast R&D Farms.
Domoto, P., G. Nonnecke, and B. Havlovic. 2004. 2002 Leopold grape cultivar by management system trial. Ann. Fruit/Vegetable Prog. Rept. 2003. ISU Ext., FG-601:54-58, and annual progress report for the ISU Armstrong R&D Farm.
Frost, A. and H.G. Taber. 2004. Devrinol (napropamide) effect on newly transplanted tomato. Ann. Fruit/Vegetable Prog. Rept. 2003. ISU Ext., FG-601:68-73.
Hannapel, D. J., Chen, H., Rosin, F.M., Banerjee, A. K., and Davies, P.J. 2004. Molecular controls of tuberization. Amer. J. Potato Res. 81:5-16
Helland, S.J., Gleason, M.L., McManus, P.S., and Babadoost, M. 2003. Warning system for sooty blotch and flyspeck can cut costs. The Fruit Growers News 42:25, 32.
Helland, S.J., Gleason, M.L., Batzer, J.C., and Hernandez, S. 2003. Post-harvest treatments remove sooty blotch and flyspeck. The Fruit Growers News, November 2003, p. 35, 40.
Joslin, K.R.M. and H.G. Taber. 2004. Control of the foliar disease, Septoria lycopersici, in organic tomato production. Ann. Fruit/Vegetable Prog. Rept. 2003. ISU Ext., FG-601:74-75.
Lawson, V. 2004. Muskmelon and Honeydew Cultivar Trial. Midwest Vegetable Variety Trial Report for 2003, Bull. 824:25-26, Office of Agri. Res. Programs, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana.
Lawson, V. 2004. Sweet Corn Cultivar Trial. Midwest Vegetable Variety Trial Report for 2003, Bull. 824:107-108, Office of Agri. Res. Programs, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana.
Lawson, V. 2004. Watermelon Cultivar Trial, Midwest Vegetable Variety Trial Report for 2003, Bull. 824:155-156, Office of Agri. Res. Programs, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana.
Lawson, V.F. 2004. Muskmelon and Honeydew Cultivar Trial - 2003. Ann. Fruit/Vegetable Prog. Rept. 2003. ISU Ext., FG-601:3-4.
Lawson, V.F. 2004. Sweet Corn Cultivar Trial-2003. Ann. Fruit/Vegetable Prog. Rept. 2003. ISU Ext., FG-601: 5-6.
Lawson, V.F. 2004. Watermelon Cultivar Trial-2003. Ann. Fruit/Vegetable Prog. Rept. 2003. ISU Ext., FG-601: 7-8.
Lawson, V.F., B. Havlovic, D. rubber, and D. Haden. 2004. Asparagus Cultivar Trial-2003. Ann. Fruit/Vegetable Prog. Rept. 2003. ISU Ext., FG-601: 16-17.
Taber, H.G. 2003. Microirrigation technologies for protection of natural resources and optimum production - Iowa. Report presented to W-128 annual meeting, Davis, Ca, November 2003.
Taber, H.G. 2004. Response of bell pepper to planting date. Ann. Fruit/Vegetable Prog. Rept. 2003. ISU Ext., FG-601:76-79.
Taber, H.G. and V. Lawson. 2004. Fresh market tomato yield not affected by plastic mulch color. Ann. Fruit/Vegetable Prog. Rept. 2003, ISU Ext. Publ. FG601: 18-22.
Taber, H.G. and V. Lawson. 2004. Scheduling methods for bell pepper irrigation on sandy soils. Ann. Fruit/Vegetable Prog. Rept. 2003. ISU Ext. Publ. FG601: 23-26.
Tarnowski, T.L., Batzer, J.C., Gleason, M.L., and Dixon, P.M. 2003. Fungicide sensitivity of newly discovered members of the sooty blotch and flyspeck complex on apples. Plant Health Progress: (http://www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/pub/php/research/2003/apple/)
Babadoost, M., Gleason, M.L., McManus, P.S., and Helland, S.J. 2004. Evaluation of a wetness-based warning system and reduced-risk fungicides for management of sooty blotch and flyspeck of apple. HortTechnology 14:27-33.
Barickman, C., C. Dilley, P. Domoto, and G. Nonnecke. 2004. Cynthiana grape cultivar propagation study - 2003. Ann. Fruit/Vegetable Prog. Rept. 2003. ISU Ext., FG-601:59-61.
Chen, H. 2003. The function of interacting TALE transcription factors in regulating plant growth. (PhD dissertation, Iowa State Univ.).
Chen, H, Banerjee, A. K, and Hannapel, D. J. 2004. The tandem complex of BEL and KNOX partners is required for transcriptional repression of ga20ox1. Plant J. 38: 276-284.
Crozier, J. 2004. Cluster thinning, berry thinning and Gibberellic Acid application improve fruit size and consumer preference of table grapes in Iowa. (MS Thesis, Iowa State Univ.).
Crozier, J., G. Nonnecke, and P. Domoto. 2004. Effect of cluster thinning, berry thinning, and gibberellin application of fruit yield and quality of 'Reliance' and 'Swenson Red' grape. Ann. Fruit/Vegetable Prog. Rept. 2003. ISU Ext., FG-601:62-65.

Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03

Outputs
Cultivar trials were conducted for sweet corn, sweet bell pepper, muskmelon, and watermelon in 2003. Trials continue in the evaluation of asparagus, strawberry, fall raspberry, blueberry and grape cultivars. To thoroughly evaluate exiting, new and advanced grape selections, a second grape cultivar trial was established at four sites across Iowa representing three different climatic and four different soil conditions. Application of high soil K rates was discovered to reduce field tomato leaf B concentration to deficiency levels. Subsequently, a soil test for B was developed that would predict conditions where added soil K may cause problems and allow tomato growers to avoid potential reductions in fruit quality and profit. A Midwest apple IPM web site was developed that offers research-based advice on how to safely reduce pesticide spraying for apple scab and sooty blotch/flyspeck. To better understand potato tuber development, research continues on identifying signaling mechanisms that control growth in potato. This activity has characterized the function of three key transcription factors that regulate potato growth. The ethylene inhibitor 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) has been shown to control ethylene action during tomato ripening. The delay in tomato ripening was related to dose and stage of harvest maturity.

Impacts
Results from cultivar trials and field-based cultural studies are being made available to the Iowa fruit and vegetable industry through Extension meetings and field days, scientific and industry oriented publications, and web-based media. Information generated from these studies has resulted in better recommendations that are allowing the Iowa fruit and vegetable industry to remain competitive. Tomato growers should monitor their crop for micronutrient status through plant sampling to avoid reduction in fruit quality and, thus, profit. Assuming access to web-based IPM information can save 3 fungicide sprays per year, resulting savings in annual input costs on 1,000 acres of apples in Iowa would be $60,000. Understanding the biological mechanism of two potato tuber promoting genes can potentially lead to enhance yields and could shorten the production cycle. Being able to control post-harvest ripening will benefit tomato producers, wholesalers, and retailers by allowing them to respond to fluctuating market conditions and transportation to distant markets.

Publications

Chen, H., Rosin, F.M., Prat, S., and Hannapel, D. J. 2003. Interacting transcription factors from the TALE superclass regulate tuber formation. Plant Physiol1 32: 1391-1404.
Crozier, J., G. Nonnecke, and P. Domoto. 2003. Horticultural and chemical practices influencing fruit quality with 'Reliance' and 'Swenson Red' grape cultivars - 2002. Annual Fruit/Vegetable Progress Report 2002. ISU Ext., FG-601:56-57.
Dilley, C.A., G.R. Nonnecke, and N.E. Christians. 2002. Corn-based extracts to manage weeds and provide nitrogen in matted-row strawberry culture. HortScience (Dec.) 37(7):1053-1056.
Domoto, P., and G. Nonnecke. 2003. 2002 Leopold grape cultivar by management system trial. Annual Fruit/Vegetable Progress Report 2002. ISU Ext., FG-601:58-59, and ISU Armstrong R & D Farm, ISRF01-12:43-44.
Enderton, D., C. Dilley, P. Domoto, and G. Nonnecke. 2003. Cynthiana grape cultivar propagation study - 2002. Annual Fruit/Vegetable Progress Report 2002. ISU Ext., FG-601:60-61.
Frost, A. and H. G. Taber. 2003. Napropamide effect on newly transplanted tomato in plastic mulch. Proc. 31st Natl. Agric. Plast. Cong. 31:113-117.
Helland, S.J., Gleason, M.L., McManus, P.S., and Babadoost, M. 2003. Warning system for sooty blotch and flyspeck can cut costs. The Fruit Growers News 42:25,32.
Helland, S.J., Gleason, M.L., Batzer, J.C., and Hernandez, S. 2003. Post-harvest treatments remove sooty blotch and flyspeck. The Fruit Growers News, November 2003, p. 35,40.
Kang, S.G., Suh, S.G., and Hannapel, D.J. 2003. Potato MADS-box gene POTM1 transcripts are temporally and spatially distributed in floral organs and vegetative meristems. Mol. Cells 15:48-54.
Lawson, V. 2002. Sweet Corn Trial of Bicolor Sugar Enhanced Cultivars. Midwestern Vegetable Variety Trial Report for 2002, Bulletin No. 818, pp. 52. Office of Agricultural Research Programs, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN.
Lawson, V. 2002. Muskmelon Cultivar Trial. Midwestern Vegetable Variety Trial Report for 2002, Bulletin No. 818, pp. 112-113. Office of Agricultural Research Programs, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN.
Lawson, V. 2002. Watermelon Cultivar Trial. Midwestern Vegetable Variety Trial Report for 2002, Bulletin No. 818, pp. 164-165. Office of Agricultural Research Programs, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN.
Nonnecke, G. C. Dilley, D. Wildung, J. Luby and S. Hokanson. 2003. Junebearing strawberry cultivar and selection evaluations - 2002. Iowa State Univ. Ext., Annual Fruit/Vegetable Progress Report. FG 601:54-55.
Rosin, F.M., Aharoni, A., Salentijn, E.M.J., Schaart, J.G., Boone, M.J., and Hannapel, D.J. 2003. Expression patterns of a putative homolog of AGAMOUS, STAG1, from strawberry. Plant Science Vol 165:959-968
Rosin, F.M.,Hart, J.K., Harry T. Horner, H.T., Davies, P.J., and Hannapel, D.J. 2003. Overexpression of a Knotted-like homeobox gene of potato alters vegetative development by decreasing gibberellin accumulation. Plant Physiol. 132:106-117.
Rosin, F.M., Hart, J.K. , Van Onckelen, H. and Hannapel, D.J. 2003. Suppression of a vegetative MADS box gene of potato activates axillary meristem development. Plant Physiol. 131:1613-1622.
Taber, H. 2002. Pepper cultivar X planting date trial 2003. Annual Fruit/ Vegetable Progress Report. ISU Ext. Publ. FG601:19-22.
Taber, H. 2002. Foliar boron application to field grown tomatoes. Annual Fruit/ Vegetable Progress Report. ISU Ext. Publ. FG601:23-24.
Taber, H. 2002. Cauliflower, sweet corn, and tomato growth and elemental content in response to soil B and K applications - greenhouse study. Annual Fruit/ Vegetable Progress Report. ISU Ext. Publ. FG601:28-35.
Taber, H. 2002. Selection of plastic mulch for early muskmelon production. Annual Fruit/ Vegetable Progress Report. ISU Ext. Publ. FG601:36-44.
Lawson, V. 2003. Muskmelon Cultivar Trial. Annual Fruit/Vegetable Progress Report 2002, ISU Ext., FG-601: 3.
Lawson, V. and G. Nonnecke, 2003. Fall-fruiting raspberry cultivar trial. Iowa State Univ. Ext., Annual Fruit/Vegetable Progress Report. FG 601:4-5
Lawson, V. 2003. Sweet Corn Trial of Bicolor Sugar Enhanced Cultivars. Annual Fruit/Vegetable Progress Report 2002, ISU Ext., FG-601:6-7.
Lawson, V. 2003. Watermelon Cultivar Trial. Annual Fruit/Vegetable Progress Report 2002, ISU Ext., FG-601:8-9.
Lawson, V. 2003. Pepper Cultivar X Planting Date Trial. Annual Fruit/Vegetable Progress Report 2002, ISU Ext., FG-601:19-22.
Leandro, L.F.S., Gleason, M.L., Nutter, F.W., Jr., Wegulo, S.N., and Dixon, P.M. 2003. Strawberry plant extracts stimulate secondary conidiation by Colletotrichum acutatum on symptomless leaves. Phytopathology 93:1285-1291.
Leandro, L.F.S., Gleason, M.L., Nutter, F.W., Jr., Wegulo, S.N., and Dixon, P.M. 2003. Influence of temperature and wetness duration on conidia and appressoria of Colletotrichum acutatum on symptomless strawberry leaves. Phytopathology 93:51-520.
Matteson, L. G. Nonnecke and c. Dilley. 2003. Greenhouse primocane-fruiting raspberry production. Iowa State Univ. Ext., Annual Fruit/Vegetable Progress Report. FG 601:53.
Nonnecke, G., N. Christians and L. Radices. 2003. Production of day-neutral strawberry using corn gluten meal. Iowa State Univ. Ext., Annual Fruit/Vegetable Progress Report. FG 601:52

Progress 01/01/02 to 12/31/02

Outputs
Cultivar trials were conducted for sweet corn, muskmelon, and watermelon in 2002. A trial was established to evaluate grape cultivars, and trials continue in the evaluation of asparagus, strawberry, and blueberry cultivars, and cooperation in the national potato germplasm evaluation. Based upon five years of production, 'Jersey Supreme' and 'Jersey Giant' have consistently produced high yields and maintained good quality. Two bell pepper cultivars exhibited good tolerance to heat stress during fruit set. Recommendations on the use of corn gluten meal as a natural herbicide for strawberries were developed. The biological mechanism of two previously discovered genes that promote tuber formation in potato appears to have been identified through protein/DNA binding studies. Twenty-five previously unrecognized genera or species of fungi within the sooty blotch/flyspeck fungal complex on apples in the Upper Midwest have been identified using tools of molecular genetics. It was found that Colletotrichum acutatum, the fungus that causes anthracnose fruit rot in strawberries, could multiply and spread in a field, without showing symptoms, before fruit are formed.

Impacts
Results from cultivar trials and field-based cultural studies are being made available to the Iowa fruit and vegetable industry through Extension meetings and field days, scientific and industry oriented publications, and web-based media. Information generated from these studies has resulted in better recommendations that are allowing the Iowa fruit and vegetable industry to remain competitive. Understanding the biological mechanism of two potato tuber promoting genes can potentially lead to enhance yields and could shorten the production cycle. The identification and characterization of fungi affecting fruit could lead to new strategies in disease control.

Publications

Kim K-S, SE Taylor, ML Gleason, KJ Koehler, R Villalobos and LF Arauz. 2002. An empirical model to estimate leaf wetness duration using energy balance principles in northwestern Costa Rica. Pp. 288-289, Proceedings of the 15th Conference on Biometeorology and Aerobiology, Kansas City, KS, 27 October-1 November, 2002.
Lawson VF. 2002. Bush Bean Cultivar Trial. Midwestern Vegetable Variety Trial Report for 2001, Purdue Univ. Bul. 808:3-4.
Lawson VF. 2002. Broccoli Cultivar Trial. Midwestern Vegetable Variety Trial Report for 2001, Purdue Univ. Bul. 808:7-8
Lawson VF. 2002. Sugar-enhanced Bicolor Sweet Corn Cultivar Trial. Midwestern Vegetable Variety Trial Report for 2001, Purdue Univ. Bul. 808:140-142.
Lawson VF. 2002. Bush bean cultivar trial. Ann. Fruit/Veg. Prog. Rept. 2001, ISU Ext., FG-601:6-7.
Lawson VF. 2002. Broccoli cultivar trial. Ann. Fruit/Veg. Prog. Rept. 2001, ISU Ext., FG-601:8-9.
Leandro LFS, ML Gleason, SN Wegulo and FW Nutter Jr. 2002. Effects of strawberry plant extracts on conidiation and appressorial production by Colletotrichum acutatum. Phytopathology 92:S45.
Madeira AC, SE Taylor, K-S Kim and ML Gleason. 2002. A simple cloud-based energy balance model to estimate dew. Agricultural and Forest Meteorology 111:55-63.
Nonnecke GR and NE Christians. 2002. Effects of source, rate and particle size of corn gluten meal on weed and strawberry growth and development. Strawberry research to 2001. ASHS Press. Alexandria, VA. P. 124-128.
Nonnecke G, C Dilley, D Wildung, J Luby and S Hokanson. 2002. Junebearing strawberry cultivar and selection evaluations. Ann. Fruit/Veg. Prog. Rept. 2001, ISU Ext., FG-601:49.
Rosin Faye. 2001. Transcription factors involved in the development of potato. PhD Dissertation, Iowa State University.
Summers B, V Lawson and M Stoskopf. 2002. 2000 North central potato variety trial. Ann. Fruit/Veg. Prog. Rept. 2001, ISU Ext., FG-601:34-35.
Summers B, V Lawson and M Stoskopf. 2002. 2001 North central potato variety trial. Ann. Fruit/Veg. Prog. Rept. 2001, ISU Ext., FG-601:36-37.
Taber HG. 2002. Response of bell pepper to planting date. Ann. Fruit/Veg. Prog. Rept. 2001, ISU Ext., FG-601: 41-43.
Taber HG and V Lawson. 2002. Starter fertilizer for tomato production. Ann. Fruit/Veg. Prog. Rept. 2001, ISU Ext., FG-601: 27-29.
Taber HG and V Lawson. 2002. Scheduling bell pepper irrigation. . Ann. Fruit/Veg. Prog. Rept. 2001, ISU Ext., FG-601: 30-33
Taber HG, V Lawson, B Smith and D Shogren. 2002. Scheduling microirrigation with tensiometers or watermarks. Int'l. Water & Irr. 22: 22-26.
Taber HG, D Shogren and G Lu. 2002. Extraction of silicon from plant tissue with dilute HCl and HF and measurement by modified inductive coupled argon plasma procedures. Comm. Soil Sci. Plant Anal. 33:1661-1670.
Wise KA, LFS Leandro, SN Wegulo and ML Gleason. 2002. Survival and dispersal of Colletotrichum acutatum on strawberry leaves under field conditions. Phytopathology 92:S87.
Wegulo SN, ML Gleason, K-S Kim and SE Taylor. 2002. Validation of site-specific estimation of weather variables in the Upper Midwest and application to disease risk assessment. Pp. 1-5, Proceedings of the 15th Conference on Biometeorology and Aerobiology, Kansas City, KS, 27 October-1 November, 2002.
Lawson VF. 2002. Sugar-enhanced (se) bicolor sweet corn cultivar trial. Ann. Fruit/Veg. Prog. Rept. 2001, ISU Ext., FG-601:11-13.
Lawson VF. 2002 Sweet corn worn control study. Ann. Fruit/Veg. Prog. Rept. 2001, ISU Ext., FG-601:14-15
Lawson VF. 2002. Sweet corn Herbicide study. Ann. Fruit/Veg. Prog. Rept. 2001, ISU Ext., FG-601:16-17.
Lawson VF, B Havlovic, D Rueber and D Haden. 2002. Asparagus cultivar evaluation. Ann. Fruit/Veg. Prog. Rept. 2001, ISU Ext., FG-601:3-5
Lawson V and G Nonnecke. 2002. Fall-Fruiting Raspberry Cultivar Trial. Ann. Fruit/Veg. Prog. Rept. 2001, ISU Ext., FG-601:10.
Leandro LFS. 2002. Ecology and epidemiology of Colletotrichum acutatum on symptomless strawberry leaves. PhD dissertation, Iowa State University.
Batzer JC, ML Gleason, TC Harrington and W Chen. 2002. Expansion of the sooty blotch and flyspeck complex on apple using ribosomal DNA. Phytopathology 92:S6-7.
Batzer JC, ML Gleason, KJ Koehler and SE Taylor. 2002. Variation in leaf wetness duration within apple tree canopies. Phytopathology 92:S6.
Batzer JC, ML Gleason, SE Taylor and KJ Koehler. 2002. Heterogeneity of dew-period duration within apple tree canopies and comparison to site-specific wetness estimates. Pp. 283-287, Proceedings of the 15th Conference on Biometeorology and Aerobiology, Kansas City, KS, 27 October-1 November, 2002.
Batzer JC, ML Gleason and LH Tiffany. 2002. Discrete speck, a putative newly discovered fungus in the sooty blotch and flyspeck complex on apples. Phytopathology 92:S6.
Batzer JC, ML Gleason, B Weldon, PM Dixon and FW Nutter Jr. 2002. Evaluation of postharvest removal of sooty blotch and flyspeck on apples using sodium hypochlorite, hydroxen peroxide with peroxyacetic acid, and soap. Plant Disease 86:1325-1332.
Domoto PA. 2002. Walnut tree named 'Domoto'. United States Plant Patent No.: US PP12898 P2
Domoto P, M Gleason and S Thomas. 2002. Growth and fruiting characteristics of cultivars is the 1993 ISU disease resistant apple cultivars trial for 2001. Ann. Fruit/Veg. Prog. Rept. 2001, ISU Ext., FG-601:66-68.
Gleason ML, M Babadoost, PS McManus, SN Wegulo and SJ Helland. 2002. Performance of a warning system for sooty clotch anf flyspeck on apple using on-site wetness measurements and site-specific wetness estimates. Phytopathology 92:S29.
Gleason M, G Nonnecke and P Domoto. 2002. Control of black rot disease in grape using IPM. Ann. Fruit/Veg. Prog. Rept. 2001, ISU Ext., FG-601:51.
Hart JK and DJ Hannapel. 2002. In situ hybridization of the MADS-box gene POTM1 during potato floral development. J. Expt. Botany 53:465-471.
Kim K-S, SE Taylor and ML Gleason. 2002. Modeling an optimal set of variables for estimation of leaf wetness duration using an empirical method. Korean Journal of Agricultural and Forest Meteorology 4:23-28.
Kim K-S, SE Taylor, ML Gleason and KJ Koehler. 2002. A model to enhance site-specific estimation of wetness duration using a wind speed correction. Plant Disease 86:179-185

Progress 01/01/01 to 12/31/01

Outputs
Cultivar trials were conducted for bush beans, broccoli, and bicolor sweet corn in 2001. Trials continue in the evaluation of asparagus, scab-immune apple, strawberry, raspberry and blueberry cultivars, and cooperation in the national potato germplasm evaluation. Based on 5 years of production, the most productive scab-immune apple cultivars were Gold Rush, Liberty, Freedom, Redfree, and Jonafree, while Coop28, Coop 27, Coop 29 and CLT13T40 have not been productive. In the evaluation of 30 potato cultivars, Michigan Purple produced the highest yield, while NY 112 produced the highest yield of marketable tubers. Evaluation of several scheduling methods for regulating irrigation scheduling on vegetables indicated that soil tensiometers were effective and most likely to be accepted for use by growers. Two identified genes that control potato tuber formation have been partly characterized and shown to interact when over expressed in transformed plants. The use of the ethylene inhibitor 1-Methylcyclopropene delayed the ripening of pink and light red tomatoes by one to four days, but when less mature tomatoes were treated, they would not ripen.

Impacts
Cultivar trials and field-based cultural studies have resulted in better recommendations that have allowed the Iowa fruit and vegetable industry to remain competitive. Improved methods for determining irrigation needs in a semi-arid environment will sustain crop quality while conserving water. The identification of genes involved in controlling potato tuber growth can potentially lead to enhance yields, and could shorten the time necessary for field cultivation of potatoes. Control of ripening of tomatoes will allow producers and handlers of tomatoes to reduce the postharvest loss from about 10 to 30% to a more reasonable 5 to 10%.

Publications

Dilley CA, GR Nonnecke and NE. Christians. 2001. Corn-based Extracts to Manage Weeds and Provide Nitrogen in Matted-row Strawberry Culture. HortScience. (in press).
Domoto P, M Gleason and S Wegulo. 2001. Growth and fruiting characteristics of cultivars in the 1993 ISU disease resistant apple cultivar trial for 2000. Annual Fruit/Vegetable Progress Report 2000, ISU Ext., FG-601: 42-44.
Gleason M, S Wegulo and G Nonnecke. 2001. Efficacy of straw mulch for suppression of anthracnose on day-neutral strawberries. Annual Fruit/Vegetable Progress Report 2000, ISU Ext., FG-601: 47.
Gleason M, S Wegulo and G Nonnecke. 2001. Efficacy of biological products for suppression of anthracnose on day-neutral strawberries. Annual Fruit/Vegetable Progress Report 2000, ISU Ext., FG-601: 48.
Gleason M, S Wegulo and G Nonnecke. 2001. Efficacy of biological products for suppression of anthracnose on June-bearing strawberries. Annual Fruit/Vegetable Progress Report 2000, ISU Ext., FG-601: 49.
Haynes Kathleen G and Cooperators. 2001. National Potato Germplasm Evaluation and Enhancement Report, 2000.USDA, ARS-158, 322p.
Kephart CJ and RJ Gladon. 2001. Substrate Column Depth and Cappilarity Affect Seed Germination -- A Laboratory Exercise. HortScience 36:512.
Kolomiets MV, DJ Hannapel, H Chen, M Tymeson and RJ Gladon. 2001. Lipoxygenase is involved in the control of potato tuber development. Plant Cell 13:613-626.
Lawson, Vincent. 2000. `Asparagus Cultivar Evaluation.' Midwestern Vegetable Variety Trial Report for 2000, Bulletin No. 798, Office of Agricultural Research Programs, Purdue University, West Lafeyette, Indiana, pp. 3-5.
Lawson, Vincent. 2000. `Bush Bean Cultivar Trial.' Midwestern Vegetable Variety Trial Report for 2000, Bulletin No. 798, Office of Agricultural Research Programs, Purdue University, West Lafeyette, Indiana, pp. 6-7.
Lawson, Vincent. 2000. `Sugar-Enhanced (se) Bicolor Sweet Corn Cultivar Trial.' Midwestern Vegetable Variety Trial Report for 2000, Bulletin No. 798, Office of Agricultural Research Programs, Purdue University, West Lafeyette, Indiana, pp. 132-135.
Lawson, Vincent. 2000. `Tomato Cultivar Trial and Pruning Observation.' Midwestern Vegetable Variety Trial Report for 2000, Bulletin No. 798, Office of Agricultural Research Programs, Purdue University, West Lafeyette, Indiana, pp. 185-187.
Lawson, Vincent. 2001. `Broccoli Cultivar Trial.' Annual Fruit/Vegetable Progress Report 2000. Iowa State University Extension, FG 601, Ames, Iowa, pp. 5-6.
Nonnecke GR and NE Christians. 2001. Effects of source, rate and particle size of corn gluten meal on weed and strawberry growth and development. Proc. Fifth North Amer. Strawberry Conf. (In Press)
Nonnecke G, C Dilley, D Wildung, J Luby and S Hokanson. 2001. Junebearing strawberry cultivar and selection evaluations. ISU Ext., FG-601: 45.
Rohwer CL and RJ Gladon. 2001. 1-Methylcyclopropene Delays Ripening of Pink and Light Red Tomatoes. HortScience 36:466.
Taber HG. 2001. Petiole sap nitrate sufficiency values for fresh market tomato production. J. Plant Nutr. 24:945-959.
Taber HG. 2001. Extraction of silicon from plant tissue with dilute HCl and HF and measurement by modified inductive coupled argon plasma procedures. Comm. Soil Sci. Plant Anal. (in press).
Taber HG, V Lawson, B Smith and D Shogren. 2001. Scheduling microirrigation with tensiometers or watermarks. Proc. Int.'l Irrigation Assoc., 2001. Pp. 65-76.
Taber HG and V Lawson. 2001. Starter phosphorous fertilizer for tomato production. Annual Fruit/Vegetable Progress Report 2000. Iowa State University Extension, FG 601, Ames, Iowa, pp. 23-26.
Taber HG, B Smith and V Lawson. 2001. Tensiometers or watermarks for scheduling irrigation. Annual Fruit/Vegetable Progress Report 2000. Iowa State University Extension, FG 601, Ames, Iowa, pp. 27-29.
Taber HG, D Shogren and G Rolph. 2001. Tomato response to preplant incorporated herbicides. Annual Fruit/Vegetable Progress Report 2000. Iowa State University Extension, FG 601, Ames, Iowa, pp. 51-52.

Progress 01/01/00 to 12/31/00

Outputs
Cultivar trials were conducted for bush beans, broccoli, cauliflower, tomatoes, and sweet corn in 2000. Trials continue in the evaluation of asparagus, scab-immune apple, strawberry, and blueberry cultivars. Based on 4 years of production and 2 years of taste panel evaluations, the most promising scab-immune apple cultivars for Iowa appear to be Redfree, Liberty, Gold Rush, and Freedom. Two genes involved in controlling potato tuber growth have been identified. A unique gene that is expressed in potato in response to late blight infection has been isolated, identified, sequenced, and its function partially characterized. It was found that the anthracnose fruit rot fungus of strawberry survives and multiplies on symptomless strawberry leaves. The presence of straw between rows significantly suppressed row-to-row spread of strawberry anthracnose fruit rot pathogen, but had no effect on fruit yield. In the program to reduce postharvest loss of fresh market tomatoes, treating harvested fruit with the ethylene inhibitor 1-methylcyclopropene was found to delay ripening for short-term periods of time. Vegetable research activities devoted to earliness techniques and irrigation practices to increase competitiveness, profitability, and environmental stewardship continue. Practical recommendations for using corn gluten meal as a natural weed control product and nitrogen source in matted-row strawberries have been developed. Crop rotation with native prairie plants enhanced soil tilth and exhibited potential as an alternative to methyl bromide fumigation when rotating strawberry fields.

Impacts
Cultivar trials and field-based cultural studies have resulted in better recommendations that have allowed the Iowa fruit and vegetable industry to remain competitive. The identification of genes involved in controlling potato tuber growth and genes associated with late blight infection can potentially lead to enhanced yields. Postharvest applications of the ethylene inhibitor 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) could allow the fresh market tomato distributors to delay fruit ripening for predictable short time periods to compensate for changes in market demand and thereby minimize product loss.

Publications

Liu, A.T.-H., Stephens, L.C., and Hannapel, D.J. 2000. Transgenic expression in Solanum brevidens. In Biotechnology in Agriculture and Forestry, vol 37, editor: Y.P.S. Bajaj, Springer-Verlag, Berlin, New York.
Pritts, M.P., G.R. Nonnecke and D.G. Acker. 1999. Global academic exchange: does it hurt or help? (a perspectives paper). Advances in Strawberry Research 18:1-3.
Gleason, M.L., Wegulo, S.N., Petit. E., and Batzer, J.C. 2000. Evaluation of site-specific weather data as inputs to disease-warning systems on watermelons and apples. Phytopathology 90:S27.
Gleason, M.L., Elenz, R., Obrycki, J.J., and Nonnecke, G.R. 2000. Evaluation of Beauveria bassiana and exclusion for control of tarnished plant bug in day-neutral strawberries. Proceedings of the 4th International Strawberry Symposium, Tampere, Finland, July 9-14, 2000.
Peng, G., Gleason, M.L., and Nutter, F.W. 2000. Comparison of two strategies for delaying fungicide resistance to populations of Pythium apahnidermatum. Phytopathology 90:S59.
Dilley, C.A. 1999. Efficacy of corn gluten hydrolysate as a weed control product and nitrogen source in matted-row strawberry culture. M.S. Thesis, Dept. of Horticulture, Iowa State University.
Summers, J.R. 1999. Cover crops reduce weeds and maintain soil quality for sustainable strawberry production. M.S. Thesis, Dept. of Horticulture, Iowa State University.
Biela, M., G. Nonnecke, W. Graves and H. Horner. 2000. high root-zone temperature effects on floral initiation and differentiation in 'Allstar' Junebearing strawberry. Ann. Fruit/Veg. Prog. Rept. 1999. ISU Ext., FG-601:59-61.
Dilley, C. G. Nonnecke and N. Christians. 2000. Efficacy of corn gluten hydrolysate as a weed control product and N source in matted-row strawberry culture. Ann. Fruit/Veg. Prog. Rept. 1999. ISU Ext. FG-601:53-56.
Hardeman, T. L., H. G. Taber, and D. F. Cox. 1999. Trickle irrigation of vegetables: water conservation without yield reduction. J. Veg. Crop Prod. 5(2):23-33.
Kolomiets, M. V., H. Chen, R. J. Gladon, E. J. Braun, and D. J. Hannapel. 2000. A leaf lipoxygenase of potato induced specifically by pathogen infection. Plant Physiology 124:1121-1130.
Kolomiets, M.V., Hannapel, D.J., Chen, H., Tymeson, M., and Gladon, R.J. 2000. Lipoxygenase is involved in the control of potato tuber development. Plant Cell (in press).
Lau, Y.F., Gleason, M.L., Zriba, N., Taylor, S.E., and Hinz, P.N. 2000. Effects of coating, deployment angle, and compass orientation on performance of electronic wetness sensors during dew periods. Plant Disease 84:192-197.
Domoto, P. 2000. Growth and fruiting characteristics of cultivars in the 1993 ISU disease resistant apple cultivar trial for 1999. Ann. Fruit/Veg. Prog. Rept. 1999. ISU Ext., FG-601:50-51.
Lawson, F.V., B. Havlovic, D. Rueber, D. Haden, and B. Smith. 2000. Asparagus cultivar evaluation. Ann. Fruit/Veg. Prog. Rept. 1999. ISU Ext., FG-601:4-6.
Lawson, V. and G. Nonnecke. 2000. Growing blueberries on the Muscatine Island. Ann. Fruit/Veg. Prog. Rept. 1999. ISU Ext., FG-601:7.
Lawson, V., H. Taber, B. Smith, C. Mar, and T. Schaplowsky. 2000. 1999 Pepper cultivar trial. Ann. Fruit/Veg. Prog. Rept. 1999. ISU Ext., FG-601:8-10.
Lawson, V. 2000. 1999 Pumpkin cultivar trial. Ann. Fruit/Veg. Prog. Rept. 1999. ISU Ext., FG-601:22-24.
Lawson, V. and G. Nonnecke. 2000. Strawberry cultivar trial. Ann. Fruit/Veg. Prog. Rept. 1999. ISU Ext., FG-601:25.
Lawson, V. 2000. 1999 Sugar-enhanced (se) bicolor sweet corn cultivar trial. Ann. Fruit/Veg. Prog. Rept. 1999. ISU Ext., FG-601:26-28.
Lawson, V. 2000. 1999 Watermelon cultivar trial. Ann. Fruit/Veg. Prog. Rept. 1999. ISU Ext., FG-601:22-24.
Nonnecke, G., S. Hokanson, G. Galletta and C. Dilley. 2000. Junebearing strawberry cultivar and selection evaluations. Ann. Fruit/Veg. Prog. Rept. 1999. ISU Ext., FG-601:52.
Smith, B.C. 2000. Tomato variety trial. Ann. Fruit/Veg. Prog. Rept. 1999. ISU Ext., FG-601:84.
Summers, B, V. Lawson and M. Stoskopf. 2000. 1999 North Central potato variety trial. Ann. Fruit/Veg. Prog. Rept. 1999. ISU Ext., FG-601:20-21.
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