Progress 07/01/00 to 06/30/05
Outputs
Four seed sources of Camellia oleifera were collected and germinated in 2000. Studies indicated that cold moist stratification at 40 degrees F enhanced speed of germination but was not required. Mean number of days to germination was 41. Early Harvest (gibberellic acid) had no influence on germination. Container grown seedlings were produced in full sun, 30 and 55 percent light exclusion using shade cloth. Final plant height, leaf area, leaf dry mass, stem dry mass, specific leaf area, root dry mass and total biomass were greater for plants grown under 30 percent light exclusion compared to full sun. Plant grown with 55 percent light exclusion were intermediate. Chlorophyll fluorescence measurements (FV/FM) made in July indicated that photoinhibition was not a problem in full sun. Container grown seedlings produced in full sun were treated with two fertilizers, Multicote 18-6-12 and Osmocote Plus 15-9-12. Rate of application was 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 pounds of N per cubic
yard. Rate had no affect on plant growth. Plants produced with Osmocote Plus had improved growth. Seedlings of C. oleifera were produced in full sun in 2.8 liter containers to determine optimal rates of fertilization using Polyon NPK+ 17-5-11 at rates ranging from 6 to 42 g per container. Final plant height, growth index, leaf dry mass, stem dry mass, total biomass, leaf area, stem length, root:shoot ratio, and plant quality responded quadratically to increasing rate of fertilizer with an optimum between 24 to 30 g.. Based on total biomass, 19 g of fertilizer was required to reach 90% of maximum growth. Container grown seedlings were treated with two rates of dolomitic limestone and granular sulfur. No growth differences were apparent several months later. Three hundred seedlings from four sources were established at the Bamboo Farm and Coastal Gardens in Savannah for cultivar development. Transplanting studies using plants grown in copper treated fiber versus plastic containers, and
incorporation of a polyacrylamide gel were established. After three years, container type or addition of gel made no difference in plant growth or survival in a sandy soil. Research on container grown plants in 2003 indicated that excess zinc in a pine bark substrate was not detrimental to plant growth at the rates tested. Addition of two forms of granular sulfur at two rates of application to a pine bark substrate for control of pH had no influence on growth of Camellia oleifera. Seeds from 18 elite selections of camellia grown in China for oil production were received and germinated. Ranges of germination were 89 to 98% for C. oleifera, 86 to 91% for C. confusa, 64 to 99% for C. yuhsienensis, 68% for C. lanceolosa, and 91 to 93% for C. semiserrata. Growth of camellia seedlings was compared in Jiffy peat pots, plastic trays and styrofoam blocks. Plants grew best in styrofoam blocks treated with copper hydroxide. Growth was unacceptable in peat pots. Over 800 tea-oil camellia
seedlings were planted in Wrightsville, Georgia in 2003 and 2004 with an additional 200 being planted in Tifton. All research at the Bamboo Farm in Savannah was terminated in 2004.
Impacts
Camellia oleifera and other species continue to be evaluated as a new crop for the southeastern United States. Plants are being selected for quality of oil and horticultural characteristics. Environmental impact of phosphorus leaving container nurseries via runoff can be reduced using calcined clay products and controlled release fertilizers as best management practices. Solving the mouse ear problem on container grown river birch is estimated to have an economic impact of $3,000,000 or more per year in the southeastern United States.
Publications
- Beeson, R.C. Jr., Arnold, M.A., Bilderback, T.E., Bolusky, B. Chandler, S., Grambling, H.M., Lea-Cox, J.D., Harris, J.R., Klinger, P.J., Mathers, H.M., Ruter, J.M. and Yeager, T.H. 2004. Strategic vision of container nursery irrigation in the next ten years. J. Environ. Hort. 22(2):113-115.
- Blythe, E.K., Sibley, J.L., Tilt, K.M. and Ruter, J.M. 2004. Auxin application to stem cuttings of selected woody landscape plants by incorporation into a stabilized organic rooting substrate. J. Environ. Hort. 22(2):63-70.
- Blythe, E.K., Sibley, J.L., Tilt, K.M. and Ruter, J.M. 2004. Rooting of rose cuttings in response to foliar applications of auxin and surfactant. HortTechnology 14(4):479-483.
- Mickler, K.D. and Ruter, J.M. 2004. Influence of paclobutrazol drenches on growth of container-grown ornamental elephant grass. Proc. National Assoc. County Agric. Agents. 89:44.
- Ruter, J.M. 2004. Mouse ear disorder on river birch caused by nickel deficiency. HortScience 39(4):892.
- Ruter, J.M. 2004. Resistance of Rhaphiolepis selections to Entomosporium leaf spot. Acta Hort. (ISHS) 630:43-45. http://www.actahort.org/books/630/630_3.htm.
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Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03
Outputs
Over 700 #1 tea-oil camellia seedlings were planted in Wrightsville, Georgia in fall of 2003. These plants are seedlings from five different species and eighteen elite clones grown in China for oil production. Excess zinc has been reported as being detrimental to the growth of camellias. Research on container grown plants in 2003 indicated that excess zinc in a pine bark substrate was not detrimental to plant growth at the rates tested. Addition of two forms of granular sulfur at two rates of application to a pine bark substrate for control of pH had no influence on growth of Camellia oleifera. Elemental nickel was found to cure mouse ear disorder on container grown river birch (Betula nigra). Several studies were conducted using different chemical formulations, rates, and methods of application. Research was conducted on the use of paclobutrazol to control the growth of a new ornamental grass selection Pennisetum purpureum 241-8. At the rates tested, paclobutrazol
was not cost effective for growth control. Severe pruning results in good regrowth. A study was conducted to determine if phosphorus in liquid feed systems at container nurseries could be removed and all phosphorus supplied by controlled release fertilizer. Compared to the control (10 ppm phosphorus in liquid feed) supplying phosphorus using controlled released sources decreased P loading up to 88%. A five percent by volume addition of calcined clay was found to be optimum for reducing P leaching from pine bark substrates. Calcined clays from different manufacturers have different binding efficiencies for phosphorus. A calcium silicate substrate amendment was not effective for control of Helminthosporium leaf spot on Miscanthus. Evaluation of numerous plant genera for adaptation to South Georgia conditions continues. Cold hardy selections of Pittosporum tobira were established in Griffin, Georgia for further testing.
Impacts
Camellia oleifera and other species continue to be evaluated as a new crop for the southeastern United States. Plants are being selected for quality of oil and horticultural characteristics. Environmental impact of phosphorus leaving container nurseries via runoff can be reduced using calcined clay products and controlled release fertilizers as best management practices. Solving the mouse ear problem on container grown river birch is estimated to have an economic impact of $3,000,000 or more per year in the southeastern United States.
Publications
- Blythe, E.K., J.L. Sibley, K.M. Tilt and J.M. Ruter. 2002. Evaluation of an alternative method of auxin application in cutting propagation. Proc. Southern Nursery Assoc. Res. Conf. 47:348-351.
- Blythe, E.K., J.L. Sibley, K.M. Tilt and J.M. Ruter. 2003. Foliar application of auxin for rooting stem cuttings of selected ornamental crops. J. of Environ. Hort. 21(3):131-136.
- Carter, A.B. and J.M. Ruter. 2002. First year evaluation of winged elm for cut branch production. Proc. Southern Nursery Assoc. Res. Conf. 47:128-130.
- Garber, M.P., J.M. Ruter and J.T. Midcap. 2002. Survey of container nursery irrigation practices in Georgia. Proc. Southern Nursery Assoc. Res. Conf. 47:600-602.
- Krewer, G. and J. Ruter 2003. Understanding pine bark substrate and fertilizing southern highbush blueberries in pine bark beds. Proc. 11th Annual Southeast Blueberry Conf. 7-17.
- Mickler, K.D. and J.M. Ruter. 2003. Growth of two tree species influenced by incorporation of granular sulfur. National Assoc. of County Agricultural Agents mtg. p 47.
- Ruter, J.M. and K.D. Mickler. 2002. Incorporated granular sulfur influences growth of two tree species. Proc. Southern Nursery Assoc. Res. Conf. 47:34-37.
- Ruter, J.M. 2002. Granular preemergent herbicides influence growth of Gardenia augusta `August Beauty'. Proc. Southern Nursery Assoc. Res. Conf. 47:401-404.
- Ruter, J.M. 2002. Rhaphiolepis evaluations in South Georgia. Proc. Southern Nursery Assoc. Res. Conf. 47:634-636.
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Progress 01/01/02 to 12/31/02
Outputs
Seeds from 18 elite selections of camellia grown in China for oil production were received and germinated. Ranges of percent germination were 89 to 98 percent for Camellia oleifera, 86 to 91 percent for Camellia confusa, 64 to 99 percent for Camellia yuhsienensis, 68 percent for Camellia lanceolosa, and 91 to 93 percent for Camellia semiserrata. Growth of camellia seedlings was compared in Jiffy peat pots, plastic trays and styrofoam blocks. Plants grew best in styrofoam blocks treated with copper hydroxide. Growth was unacceptable in peat pots. Four selections of Camellia oleifera continue to be evaluated in field plantings at the Bamboo Farm and Coastal Gardens in Savannah Georgia. Calcined clay particle size was evaluated for binding phosphorus in pine bark based substrates when used in conjunction with a controlled release fertilizer. Particle size had little influence on phosphorus leaching when incorporated at 13 percent by volume in a 2.8 liter container. Shoot
growth was not influenced by particle size of calcined clay. Over a six month period 33.6 percent of the applied phosphorus leached from the control substrate, compared to 8.9 percent for calcined clay of mixed particle sizes directly from the manufacturers package. This results in a 74 percent reduction in the amount of orthophosphate being lost through leaching from container grown plants. Leaching profiles for orthophosphate from the calcined clay product charged with phosphorus were also evaluated over a 16 week period. Orthophosphate concentrations were greater than 100 parts per million after one week and were near 2 parts per million after 16 weeks. Adzsum Plus was evaluated as a micronutrient supplement for container grown plants and was not found to be beneficial for plant growth. Calcium silicate was evaluated for control of helminthosporium leaf spot on ornamental grasses. No benefits were seen on the two varieties tested.
Impacts
Camellia oleifera and other species continue to be evaluated as a new crop for the southeastern United States. Plants are being selected for quality of oil and horticultural characteristics. Environmental impact of phosphorus leaving container nurseries via runoff can be reduced using calcined clay products and controlled release fertilizers as best management practices.
Publications
- Olsen, R.T., J.M. Ruter and M.W. Rieger. 2002. Photosynthetic responses of container-grown Illicium L. taxa to sun and shade. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 127:919-924.
- Garber, M.P., J.M. Ruter, J.T. Midcap and K. Bondari. 2002. Survey of container nursery irrigation practices in Georgia. HortTechnology 12:727-731.
- Mickler, K.D. and J.M.Ruter. 2002. Evaluation of eight to twelve month controlled release fertilizers in #5 containers. HortScience 37(5):744.
- Ruter, J.M. 2002. Resistance of Rhaphiolepis selections to entomosporium leafspot. XXVI International Horticultural Congress. p. 456.
- Mickler, K.D. and J.M.Ruter. 2002. Evaluation of five long term controlled release fertilizers in #5 containers. Proceedings of the National Association of County Agricultural Agents 87th Annual Meeting and Professional Improvement Conference. p. 39.
- Krewer, G., J. Ruter, D.S. NeSmith, J. Clark, T. Otts, S. Scarborough, and B. Mullinix. 2002. Performance of low cost organic materials as blueberry substrates and soil amendments. Acta Hort. 574:273-279.
- Moorhead, D.J. and J.M. Ruter. Water quality in the production of containerized longleaf pine seedlings. pp. 47-49. In Barnett, J.P., R.K. Dumeroese and D.J. Moorhead (eds) 2002. Proceedings of workshops on growing longleaf pine in containers - 1999 and 2001. Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS-56. Asheville, NC.
- Olsen, R.T. and J.M. Ruter. 2001. Benefits of shade during production of Illicium: Optimizing growth and nutrient recovery. Proc. Intern. Plant Propagators Soc. 51:638-641.
- Ruter, J.M. 2002. Nursery production of tea oil camellia under different light levels. pp. 222-224. In: Trends in new crops and new uses. J. Janick and A. Whipkey (eds.). ASHS Press, Alexandria, VA. see also http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/ncnu02/pdf/ruter.pdf
- Ruter, J.M. 2002. Development of New Ornamental Plants at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus. 12th Metropolitan Tree Improvement Alliance (METRIA) meeting: Landscape Plant Symposium - Plant Development and Utilization. http://fletcher.ces.state.nc.us/programs/nursery/metria/metria12/rute r/index.html
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Progress 01/01/01 to 12/31/01
Outputs
Container grown seedlings of Camellia oleifera were produced in full sun in 2.8 liter containers to determine optimal rate of fertilization. Plants were fertilized with Polyon NPK+ 17 5 11 twelve month formula at rates ranging from 6 to 42 grams per container. Final plant height, growth index, leaf dry mass, stem dry mass, total biomass, leaf area, stem length, root:shoot ratio, and plant quality responded quadratically to increasing rate of fertilizer with an optimum between 24 to 30 grams of fertilizer. Root dry mass and specific leaf area were not influenced by rate of fertilizer application. Based on total biomass data, approximately 19 grams of fertilizer was required to reach 90 percent of maximum growth. Container grown seedlings were treated with two rates of dolomitic limestone and two rates of granular sulfur. No visual or measurable growth differences were apparent several months after initiation of the study. Three hundred seedlings from four sources were
established at the Bamboo Farm and Coastal Gardens in Savannah for cultivar development. Transplanting studies based on container type, copper treated fiber versus plastic, and incorporation of a polyacrylamide gel were established. Incorporation of calcined clay into a pine bark substrate reduced phosphorus leaching through the container by greater than 250 percent. Results indicate that phosphorus in liquid feed systems can be reduced by 33 percent from a normal rate of 15 parts per million P on broadleaf and coniferous evergreen plants produced in south Georgia.
Impacts
Optimal rates for a controlled release fertilizer were determined for Camellia oleifera. Growers can maximize growth, save money, and reduce environmental pollution by applying the correct amount of fertilizer. Reducing phosphorus concentrations and incorporating calcined clay can reduce daily loading of phosphorus from container nurseries, thereby reducing environmental impact.
Publications
- Dunwell, W.C., D. Fare, M. Arnold, K. Tilt, G. Knox, W. Witte, P. Knight, M. Pooler, W. Klingeman, A. Niemiera, J. Ruter, T. Yeager, T. Ranney, R. Beeson, J. Lindstrom, E. Bush, A. Owings, and M. Schnelle. 2001. Plant Evaluation Program for Nursery Crops and Landscape Systems by the Southern Extension and Research Activities/Information Exchange Group-27. HortTechnology 11(3):373-375.
- Hodges, G., J.M. Ruter and S. Kristine Braman. 2001. Susceptibility of Ilex Species, Hybrids, and Cultivars to Florida Wax Scale (Ceroplastes floridensis Comstock). Journal of Environmental Horticulture 19(1):32-36.
- Olsen, R. T. and J.M. Ruter. 2001. Preliminary Study Shows that Cold, Moist Stratification Increases Germination of 2 Native Illicium Species. Native Plants Journal 2(1):79-83.
- Mickler, K.D. and J.M. Ruter. 2001. Evaluation of a year long weed control program for container grown ornamentals. National Association of County Agricultural Agents Proceedings. Albuquerque, NM. p. 31-32.
- Ruter, J.M. 2001. Container production of Camellia oleifera as influenced by level of light exclusion. HortScience 36(3):500.
- Ruter, J.M. 2001. Nursery production of tea oil camellia under different light levels. 5th National Symposium New Crops & New Uses: Strength in Diversity. p.79.
- Ruter, J.M. 2001. Container production of tea oil camellia. Symposium on Value Added Agriculture. Tifton, GA.
- Moorhead, D.J. and J.M. Ruter. 1999. Water quality in the production of containerized longleaf pine seedlings. In: J.P. Barnett (ed.) 1999. Proceedings of the longleaf pine container production workshop. Sept. 22-23, 1999. Jesup, GA. USDA Forest Service and University of Georgia. http://www.bugwood.org/container/Proceedings2000.html.
- Ruter, J.M. 2001. Fiber pots with Spin Out for nursery crop production. Proceedings of the International Plant Propagators Society 50:509-512.
- Ruter, J.M. 2001. Influence of Early Harvest PGR on the growth of five woody ornamental species. Proceedings of the International Plant Propagators Society 50:538-539.
- Ruter, J.M. 2001.Evaluation of ornamental grasses in South Georgia. Proceedings of the International Plant Propagators Society 50:539-540.
- Ruter, J.M. 2001. Quality control and nutrient management. In: D.J. Moorhead (ed.) Proceedings of the longleaf pine container production workshop. Jan. 16-18, 2001. Tifton, GA. USDA Forest Service and University of Georgia. http://www.bugwood/org/container/ruter.html
- Ruter, J.M. 2001. Container production of Camellia oleifera as influenced by light level. Proc. Southern Nurserymen's Research Conference 46:72-73.
- Ruter, J. M. and K.D. Mickler. 2001. Influence of #7 fiber pots on the growth of three ornamental trees. Proc. Southern Nurserymen's Research Conference 46:43-44.
- Mickler, K.D. and J.M. Ruter. 2001. Evaluation of five long-term controlled release fertilizers in #5 containers. Proc. Southern Nurserymen's Research Conference 46:45-47.
- Mickler, K.D. and J.M. Ruter. 2001. Evaluation of a year long weed control program for container grown ornamentals. Proc. Southern Nurserymen's Research Conference 46:440-442.
- Olsen, R.T. and J.M. Ruter. 2001. Photosynthetic responses of container-grown Illicium L. taxa to sun and shade. Proc. Southern Nurserymen's Research Conference 46:94-97.
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Progress 07/01/00 to 12/31/00
Outputs
Four seed sources of Camellia oleifera have been collected and germinated. Germination studies indicated that cold moist stratification at 40 degrees Fahrenheit enhances speed of germination but is not required for germination. Mean number of days to germination was 41. Treatment of seeds with Early Harvest plant growth regulator had no influence on seed germination. Container grown seedlings were produced in full sun, 30 percent light exclusion and 55 percent light exclusion using shade cloth. Final plant height, leaf area, leaf dry mass, stem dry mass, specific leaf area, root dry mass and total biomass were greater for plants grown under 30 percent light exclusion compared to full sun. Plant growth at 55 percent light exclusion was generally intermediate between plants grown in full sun and 30 percent light exclusion. Dark acclimated chlorophyll fluorescence measurements (FV/FM) made in July indicated that photoinhibition was not a problem in full sun. Container
grown seedlings produced in full sun were treated with two fertilizers, Multicote 18-6-12 and Osmocote Plus 15-9-12, both eight month formulations. Rate of application was 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 pounds of nitrogen per cubic yard. Rate of fertilizer application had no affect on plant growth. Plants produced with Osmocote Plus had increased root and shoot growth.
Impacts
Research indicates that seedlings of Camellia oleifera can be successfully germinated and produced in containers under a variety of light conditions.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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