Progress 09/15/01 to 09/30/04
Outputs
Attention to incoming and reflected intensities and spectral energy distribution is crucial for production situations dependent on artificial lighting such as northern winter green-house settings, enclosed environments or smoke impaired summer conditions. The choice of light source for greenhouse and controlled environment applications will be key to successful crop and business performance. Peonies continue to grow well with 10 cultivars that are worth testing for cut flower production. Peonies from Alaska have potential to enter a market window. Sarah Bernhard peonies grown at 3 spacings on soils amended with peat or compost showed no difference in flower production during the 2nd growing season. Reindeer progesterone profiles rise steadily following conception and remain elevated until just prior to parturition. Estrone levels do not rise above baseline until the last 8-10 weeks before parturition. Radiotelemetry was 70% successful. While careful placement of the
transmitter and enhancement of the transmitter switch can improve the success rate, the occurrence of false positives could render the system ineffective in this species. In salt tolerant tests most species tested showed no significant effect except Calamagrostis canadensis and Festuca rubra and Oxytropis campestris. All grass species tolerated the treatments better than the other wildflowers and weeds. Wildflowers with the highest tolerance included Polemonium pulcherrimum, Aster sibiricus and Solidago multiradiata. No weed species showed increased growth on salt-treated soils (Hieracium aurianticum, Linaria vulgaris, Vicia cracca, Taraxacum officinale,Elytrigia repens. These data hint that weeds would not preferentially colonize salt-affected soils over revegetation species. The birch syrup producers ranked their needs now as business and financial planning and information on new product development. Compilation of manuscripts and a M.S. thesis resulting from this research is
continuing. 62 samples were collected from lingonberry, prickly rose, watermelon berry, blueberry, high bush cranberry, service berry, and red currant. In addition, Asian green, red giant mustard and kale, red Russian kale, and arugula were analyzed for antioxidant levels using HPLC. We are limited to 9 phytochemicals, so some berry samples from 2003 were sent to Brunswick Laboratories for additional analyses. Preliminary findings show Alaska grown plants have very high levels of antioxidants. Tree-ring measurements were used to identify significant growth trends in relation to climate and tree growth equations were developed. This data can be used to predict future carbon dioxide uptake for climate change scenarios. Some woody seedlings inoculated in a greenhouse were distinctly larger, more robust, and had more root structures. The results found that latitude of the soil inoculum did not affect the height growth of the plants in the first 2 years, but the soil used did affect
growth.
Impacts
Insects are now managed using environmental cues and other techniques for crops full yield potential. 6 new growers have purchased peonies for limited trials in Anchorage, Wasilla, Palmer, Nenana and Fairbanks. Feasibility studies into a grower cooperative to market peonies has begun. New protocols can now be designed for reindeer breeding management. Radiotelemetry was not as successful as anticipated but still holds promise. 7 grass species and 3 wildflowers were identified that grow well in soils treated with various levels of roadside salts. 3 common weed species should not out-compete grasses and wildflowers on affected sites. One state and 1 federal patent, 1 trademark and 4 certifications have resulted for commercial birch sap products. 3 were designated Made in Alaska and 3 Alaska Grown. Consumer demand for Cameron Birch Syrup has been overwhelming since receiving organic certification from ECOCERT International. Information on beneficial phytochemicals will
enhance market appeal of berries and vegetables grown in Alaska. The relationship between climate and tree growth can be used to further develop climate change scenerios. Producers of soapberry seedlings for transplanting on mined sites now know that better growth is obtained when inoculating with some living soil rather than a commercial inoculum, sterilized soil, or nothing, at least on sites tested in Alaska. Inoculating with local soil at the time of transplanting may be more realistic than trying to predict what soil to inoculate within the greenhouse, but it is more expensive to plant.
Publications
- Holloway, P. J. Hanscom and G. Matheke. 2003. Peonies for field cut flower production. First-year growth. University of Alaska Fairbanks Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station Research Prog. Report 41. 4p.
- Holloway, P. J. Hanscom and G. Matheke. 2004. Peonies for field cut flower production. Second-year growth. University of Alaska Fairbanks Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station Research Prog. Report 43. 8p.
- Karlsson, M. and J. Werner. 2002. Raspberries: a new greenhouse crop opportunity. Greenhouse Product News 12(10):36, 38-41.
- Karlsson, M. and J. Werner. 2004. Enhanced development and flowering of Rudbeckia hirta in far-red amended environments. HortScience 39:834.
- Leiner R, A Smyth, R Candler, and PS Holloway. 2004. Antioxidant detection in berry samples from Alaska. HortScience 39:830 (abstract)
- Sousa, M.C., J.E. Rowell, M.P. Shipka. 2003. Progesterone profiles of pregnant and non-pregnant reindeer. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 83 (suppl. 1): 104
- Werner, J. and M. Karlsson. 2004. Media surface color alters lettuce transplant growth. International controlled environment meeting. Australasian controlled environment working, UK environmental working group and the NCR-101 committee on use and technology in controlled environments. Brisbane, Australia.
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Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03
Outputs
Light studies: Pansy grown in environments of HPS, INC or natural light in a polycarbonate greenhouse indicate both a temporal and physiological delay in flower development at limited FR of HPS. Rudbeckia Toto grown at HPS, INC or natural light resulted in flowering faster in INC while HPS delayed flowering. Canola: On 8 acres 3 varieties of canola were planted yielding 15,000 lbs. 25 gallons of oil was pressed with a yield of 25-30 percent of the weight of the seed. Oil and meal show canola grown in AK contains an extraordinarily high percentage of oil, over 10% higher than Canadian and US grown Canola. Peonies: We have identified two main cultivars, Sarah Bernhardt and Felix Crouse averaged 11.2 and 10.5 flowering stems per plant, respectively. Other high-yielding plants included Bowl of Beauty, 8.8 flowering stems per plant [fs]) Karl Rosenfield (8.0 fs), and Louis Van Houtte (8.0 fs). All cultivars, however, showed significant reductions in yield because of bud
blast, a condition where the flower bud forms but does not open. The cause of our specific bud blast problem is unknown. Livestock: Animal sample and data collection associated with this project are complete.Currents efforts include determination of estrogen values in bred and non-bred cows, data analysis, and publication and presentation of results. Salt tolerance: Data on germination rates and seed vability were collected for 298 samples at varying levels of salt in the soil. Sample drying and data analysis will be completed by May 2004. Birch sap: In 2003, 6 companies harvested sap and produced syrup products; one company bought sap to produce wine. Data have quantified sap flow including volume and timing, sap chemistry including cation presence and sugar concentrations and components, and the relationship of sap productivity to environmental factors such as temperature. Screening is complete for the presence of seventeen different cations. Birch bark: Senior thesis developed into
poster with abstract presentation for annual meeting of the Society of American Foresters annual meeting in Buffalo, NY. Peeled sections of bole had bracket fungi present and some mortality noted; also trees were felled and peeled. Contract being developed for chemical analysis of Alaska paper birch bark samples & Kenai birch delivered to Univ. Minn. Duluth for analyses; Alaska Forest Refinery Inc. continues venture capital pursuit. Antioxidants:Samples of wild berries and baby greens were extracted and analyzed on the HPLC to measure some phytochemicals that may have antioxidant activity in the human diet. Thus far, over 60 samples of berries and 60 samples of baby greens have been extracted and run on the HPLC. Carbon:Because of these divergent positive and negative growth responses in Alaska birch to the same temperature change, building a carbon budget will require landscape-scale models that are spatially explicit and incorporate these empirically determined responses. Woody
seedlings: Preliminary results after one growing season suggest no dramatic increases in mycorrhizal colonization of buffaloberry roots although there are some trends to be investigated farther.
Impacts
Light studies: Small fruit production is a viable off-season greenhouse crop. Plant physiology knowledge base has been expanded, and instructional and outreach efforts enhanced.. Canola: This project is demonstrating that Alaska grown canola has potential as a crop in Alaska. Livestock: This study demonstrates that female reindeer will continue reproductive cycles in winter. To prevent out-of-season calves cows need to be kept separate from the bull throughout the winter to allow better labor efficiency and increase calf survivability. Salt tolerance: Few Alaska native species are classified for salt tolerance. Wildflower seeds may cost up to $500 per pound so choosing the best-adapted species will reduce revegetation and maintenance costs. Birch Bark: Bark harvest is uncontrolled, occurring on all ownerships. Bark chemistry data will provide information for two new species; managers can use to help determine wood refinery feasibility. Antioxidants: Berries and
vegetables are a source of antioxidants. Information on type and quantity of beneficial phytochemicals may increase the market for berries and vegetables produced in Alaska. Carbon: Climate does appear to control year-to-year variability of growth in birch trees. Growth and yield tables must be interpreted for the actual climate of the set of the years that make up the base measurement period. Woody Seedlings: While the results were not as optimistic as we had hoped, the soil treatments, especially the non-sterilized ones, in the greenhouse did seem to result in better germination compared to the sand ones.
Publications
- Barber, V.A. Juday, G.P., Wilmking, M. 2003. The Response of the Alaskan Boreal Forest to a Warming Climate. SEARCH Open Science Meeting, 27-30 October, 2003. Seattle, WA. Abstracts, p. 14.
- Barber, V.A., and Juday, G.P. 2003. Long-Term climate control of radial growth of boreal trees: the last 200 years and the next 100 years. 2003 LTER All Scientists Meeting, 18-23 September, Seattle, WA. http://longterm.lternet.edu/posters/view_poster.php?posterid=269
- Barber, V.A., and Juday, G.P. 2003. Long-Term climate control of radial growth of boreal trees: the last 200 years and the next 100 years. 2003 LTER All Scientists Meeting, 18-23 September, Seattle, WA. http://longterm.lternet.edu/posters/view_poster.php?posterid=269.
- Juday, G.P., Barber, V.A. 2003. Global Boreal Forest Responses to Climate Warming. SEARCH Open Science Meeting, 27-30 October, 2003. Seattle, WA. Abstracts, p. 24.
- Karlsson, M. and J. Werner. 2003. Lighting effects on black-eyed Susan. Greenhouse Product News 13(9): 36, 38, 40.
- Maher, K., Juday, G., and Walker, M. 2003. Birch Sap: more than a spring tonic. Proceedings, Society of American Foresters Annual Meeting, (Abstracts) Buffalo, NY.
- Barber, V.A., Juday, G.P. 2003. Reduced growth of Alaska birch in central Alaska from climate warming. The 4th North American Forest Ecology Workshop: Ecosystems in transition. 16-20 June, 2003. Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR. http://ginkgo.forestry.oregonstate.edu/nafewabs/display_poster.aspx.
- Geier, Hans. Canola (2001 Harvest) Quality In Alaska (to be published in 2004)
- Holloway, P. J.T. Hanscom, G.E.M. Matheke. 2003. Peonies for field cut flower production First-year Growth. University of Alaska Fairbanks Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station Research Progress Report No. 41.
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Progress 01/01/02 to 12/31/02
Outputs
Eleven New Crops Opportunities projects included: Spectral Energy in Greenhouse Applications: High pressure sodium lamps supplemented with incandescent bulbs reduce the red to far-red waves to levels similar to daylight resulting in faster, more uniform plant/flower development. A blue deficient high-pressure sodium environment impaired bumblebee navigation for pollination. Keeping the bees in close proximity to plants resulted in complete and efficient pollination. Devil's Club: There is high similarity of size and structure with medicinally active ingredients from Ginseng. Development of protocol for analyses will begin after newly acquired equipment is in place. Peonies: Sarah Bernhardt peonies were planted in August 2002 on soils amended with Lemeta peat or compost and spaced at three densities to determine optimum cultural conditions for cut flower production. Reproductive Management: Jugular blood samples will be collected 3x weekly through the breeding season
from 15 female reindeer. Radiotelemetric data will be compared to progesterone profiles to evaluate efficacy and accuracy. Salt Tolerance: Soil samples were collected along the road system and airports. Springtime soils were not significantly salty and salt levels should not influence plant growth of all but the most sensitive species. 32 native wildflowers, grasses and weeds were sown into replicated plots on Tanana Silt Loam soil in fall 2001. Birch Syrup: An industry/university cooperative web page is in draft form. Elementary students assisted in tapping birch during the 2002 sap season. 9 sites (90 trees) were measured for phenology of sap season and daily sap production. All sites were fully instrumented to measure soil temperature, volumetric water, soil-water tension and air temperature. Tree cores indicate optimum production stands are 65 to 85 years old. Tests of standards began for carbohydrate analysis. Sites will be used to measure nutrient content of birch and examine
soil properties to relate them to sap production data. Birch Bark: Data on harvest volume, amount of bark and per square inch value of manufactured bark items were gathered. Alaska paper birch and Kenai birch bark samples were delivered to the University of Minnesota for analyses. Antioxidants in Crops: Protocols for antioxidant detection are being developed. A set of 9 antioxidant chemicals was selected for use in a standard solution. Carbon Cropping: 920 black spruce tree-ring samples were taken from 14 sites with trees dating to the 1920s; some to the early 1800s. Growth of valley bottom black spruce on permafrost is positive to winter or negative to early spring temperature. Tree-ring samples have been collected from 174 Alaska birch trees from 4 sites. Growth in certain years practically ceased. Wood decay and rot is common and about 4 were sampled to produce one core. Radial growth of Alaska birch is irregular. Woody Seedlings: No seeds germinated last year so inoculum and seeds
were collected in 2002. 12 germination treatments are being tested. GBA treatments seem the most promising, but show only 20% germination though tests indicated over 80% viability.
Impacts
This research gives new direction for Alaska agricultural research and industry, enabling the state to compete in the global marketplace. The new products being developed will fill niche markets, both national and international. Controlled environment research is providing information for successful flower and fruit production to greenhouse growers. Information is now available which can assist state land managers determining wood refinery feasibility for small diameter wood and slash and commercial birch bark harvest. Baseline information for revegetation specialists working along roadsides and airports is now available. As this research continues, we expect to provide information on antioxidant levels in Alaska berries, vegetables and native plants, revegetation, livestock reproduction, commercial birch sap production, and suitable plant species for Alaska.
Publications
- Johns, D., Juday, G.P., Vogel, J., Barber, V., and Valentine D.W. 2002. Growth response of Picea mariana along an elevation gradient: implications for response to climate change. 53rd Arctic Division Science Conference, AAAS. 18-21 September 2002, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, Alaska. Program and Abstracts, p. 123.
- Juday, G.P., Barber, V.A., and Wilmking, M. 2002. Climate variability and interior Alaska spruces - what does it all mean? Bonanza Creek Long-term Ecological Research Symposium 2002. 18-19 October 2002, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, Alaska.
- Barber, V.A., Juday, G.P., and Berg, E. 2002. Assessment of recent and possible future forest responses to climate in boreal Alaska. Arctic Council Workshop on Sustainable Development in Northern Timberline Forests, Rovenami, Finland. Program and Abstracts, p. 18.
- Barber, V.A., Juday, G.P., and Wilmking, M. 2002. Agreement of 19th century summer temperature reconstructions in Interior Alaska from multiple tree-ring sites, techniques, and species and tree growth under 21st century climate scenarios. 53rd Arctic Division Science Conference, AAAS. 18-21 September 2002, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, Alaska. Program and Abstracts, p. 52.
- Fortunato, M.T. 2002. Birch bark use in Alaska. Senior thesis. Fairbanks AK: University of Alaska Fairbanks.
- Fortunato, M.T., Packee, E.C., Sr. 2002. Birch bark use in Alaska. Agroborealis 34(2):16.
- Juday, G.P., Barber, V.A., Yoshikawa, K., and Solomon, R.A. 2002. Climate control of 20th century black spruce radial growth in Interior Alaska and growth under 21st century climate scenarios. 53rd Arctic Division Science Conference, AAAS. 18-21 September 2002, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, Alaska. Program and Abstracts, p. 126.
- Shipka, M.P., Rowell, J.E. and Ford, S.P. 2002. Reindeer bull introduction affects the onset of the breeding season. Anim. Reprod. Sci.,72:27-35.
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