Progress 06/01/03 to 05/31/05
Outputs
Crapemyrtle is a major nursery crop in both container and field production and the most commonly planted summer-flowering tree in the South. Studies manipulating cultural and environmental conditions have reduced the production cycle of tree-form crapemyrtles by at least a growing season and resulted in plants of higher quality, thus, improving production efficiency. Research on post-harvest handling of lotus tubers completed, lab analysis continues. Fertilizer rates for container production of lotus. work established 1-2 tsp of 20-10-20 soluble fertilizer in 15 gallon containers were sufficient for maximum growth and flowering. Soil depth in container lotus production. Status: 15 gal containers 1/2 full of soil was better than 3/4 soil volume for growth and flowering of lotus cultivars. Product development and evaluation work was concluded in 2005 evaluating methods of slug and snail control. These pests are problems in ornamental plants, turf, and fruit and vegetable
crops. With the increasing demand for water by municipalities and industry, water availability for irrigation purposes, especially for non-food commodities such as turfgrasses, will become increasingly scarce. It is therefore important to have turfgrass cultivars that maintain their desired characteristics while minimizing the use of irrigation water during periods of insufficient rainfall. Studies evaluating water-use patterns of two hybrid bluegrasses (Thermalblue and Durablue) and two tall fescue cultivars (Southeast and Rebel III) showed the two hybrid bluegrasses were able to survive stress periods better than the two tall fescue cultivars. In addition to water use efficiency, research continues to show that hybrid bluegrasses have better turf quality and shade tolerance than the turf-type tall fescues. Research was conducted on herbicides classified as sulfonylureas with the aim of understanding root and/or foliage absorption by weed species. Results should help in developing
usages that will allow for maximum efficacy and thus potential to prevent weed resistance. SEP-100 a formulation of sodium azide has shown excellent potential to replace methyl bromide in the production of turfgrass sod when applied at a rate of 100 to 150 lb ai/acre. However, research in 2005 showed that the rate could be reduced to 50 lb ai/acre when combined with EPTC at 7 lb ai/acre. EPTC was included in the admixture to improve control of nutsedges and common bermudagrass.
Impacts
Evaluations of cold hardiness, heat tolerance, and general adaptability of plant material to Central and North Alabama will aid plant growers, landscape professionals, turf managers, and end users of horticultural products by providing reliable, research-based information about the suitability of selected plants with likely application to much of the Southeastern U. S. region. Better adapted plant selections are expected to require fewer pesticides, cultural, and water inputs to maintain a commercially and aesthetically valuable landscape. A better understanding of significant pests will aid in identifying more effective control measures.
Publications
- Belcher, James L., Robert H. Walker and Glenn Wehtje. 2005. Factors affecting seed germination of selected Cyperus and Kyllinga species. International Turfgrass Society Research Journal 10 (2):1159-1163.
- Brooks, K.M., G.J. Keever, J.L.Sibley, and J. Altland. 2005. Growth and flowering response of crapemyrtle to tree shelters . Proc. SNA Res. Conf. 50:26-28.
- Brooks, K.M., G.J. Keever, J.L. Sibley,and J.E. Altland. 2005. Accelerated production of crapemyrtles. Proc. South. Nurs. Assoc. Res. Conf. 50:in press.
- Dane, Jacob H., Harold Walker, Laurent Bahaminyakamwe, and Leonard Githinji. 2005. Minimization of irrigation water while maintaining a healthy grass. American Society of Agronomy National Meetings, Salt Lake,City, Utah, paper 105-3.
- Tian, D., K. Tilt, J. Sibley, F. Dane and F. Woods. 2005. Effects of soil level and fertilization on performance of container lotus. Proc. SNA Res. Conf. 50:138-142.
- Walker, R.H., J.L. Belcher, R. Rodriguez-Kabana and L. Simmons. SEP 100: pest efficacy and crop tolerance. 2005 Annual International Research Conference on Methyl Bromide Alternatives and Emissions Reductions, Oct. 31- Nov. 3, The Double Tree Hotel Mission Valley, San Diego, CA 92108, 21-1.
- Ni, Hanwen, Glenn Wehtje, Robert H. Walker, Jason Belcher and Eugene K. Blythe. 2006. Turf tolerance and Virginia buttonweed (Diodia virginiana) control with fluroxypyr as influenced by the synergist diflufenzopyr. Weed Technol. 20: In press
- Sibley, J.L, W.G. Foshee, and J.M. Thompson. 2005 (Jan., 2005). Evaluation of slug and snail control measures. Center for Applied Nursery Research 2004 Res. Reports, Univ. of Georgia. J.T. Midcap, Ed. Jan. p. 49-50.
- Thompson, J.M., J.L. Sibley, W.G. Foshee, III, G.K. Keever, and A. Appel. 2005. Effect of copper hydroxide on slug feeding. J. Environ. Hort. 23:167-170.
- Thompson, J.M., J.L. Sibley, W.G. Foshee, III, G.J. Keever, and A.G. Appel. 2005. Slug damage decreased with common fungicide. Proc. SNA Res. Conf. 50:289-292.
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Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04
Outputs
Sugar maple trial installed at North Alabama Horticulture Substation (NAHS) now has 23 cultivars. Boxwood variety trials continue at NAHS; crapemyrtle pruning study is in year 4. Evaluation of Red maple grafted on Silver Maple understock continues at NAHS. Investigation of physiological condition in L. indica x L. fauriei crapemyrtles and evaluations of 39 crapemyrtle clones, at the NAHS and 9 other locations in the southeast, are continuing. Evaluation of snail and slug control methods continues. Container studies are underway evaluating municipal and agricultural wastes as substrate components in nursery crop production. Over 70 cultivars of hydrangea are being evaluated at NAHS. A field day was held in 2004. Data continues to be collected on ornamental characteristics, landscape potential, and disease susceptibility. An evaluation of peonies to select and produce heat tolerant types for the south and determine their production and landscape requirements is in year
3 at NAHS. Lotus were planted in 2004 to evaluate ornamental and production characteristics of this potential new introduction to the trade. Selections are Teacup types which grow smaller than the species. Continuing azalea tests include two plants each of 565 cultivars of Satsuki, Southern Indica, Robin Hill, Holly Springs, Back Acres, Huang and miscellaneous cultivars. Hebe selections have been started for out-planting at NAHS in 2005. Hosta and fern cultivar evaluations field-planted at the NAHS in 2004 will continue as will an ornamental grass evaluations. A 2003-2004 trial of 73 cool-season flowering bedding plants was completed at Auburn, AL and NAHS. Study of impact of fans and syringing on bentgrass health and root-length density has been completed as have two studies of environmental impact of P in sand-based putting greens. A soil-water management study to determine the best watering regime for bentgrass health and rooting was completed. Effects of K source on bentgrass
color, quality, rooting and K soil movement are being studied. Evaluation of relationship between Mn fertility and disease in bentgrass continues. Tall fescue and bermudagrass variety trials continue. Fertility studies with hybrid bluegrass begun in 2004 will continue as will fan and cooling studies evaluating cooling greens covers and their impact on bentgrass health. Two hybrid bluegrass mixtures with tall fescue were evaluated. An experiment was seeded fall 2004 to evaluate shade tolerance of hybrid bluegrass and tall fescue cultivars. Possible Methyl bromide alternatives acrolein and propylene oxide suppressed yellow nutsedge and annual morningglory germination in lab studies. Field studies begin in 2005. Monument (trifloxysulfuron) and V-10142 (sulfonyl urea) controlled yellow nutsedge in Emerald zoysiagrass without injury to turf. Penoxsulam (sulfonyl urea), was not effective. Revolver (foramsulfuron) applied during establishment of Sydney and Princess 77 bermudagrass and Zenith
and Companion zoysiagrass yielded variable results.
Impacts
Evaluations of cold hardiness, heat tolerance, and general adaptability of plant material to Central and North Alabama will aid plant growers, landscape professionals, turf managers, and end users of horticultural products by providing reliable, research-based information about the suitability of selected plants with likely application to much of the Southeastern U. S. region. Better adapted plant selections are expected to require fewer pesticides, cultural, and water inputs to maintain a commercially and aesthetically valuable landscape. A better understanding of significant pests will aid in identifying more effective control measures.
Publications
- Keever, G.J. 2004. Hosta cultivar evaluation in central Alabama. HostaScience 3(1):96-97.
- Adrian, J.L., J.J. Cain, P.A. Duffy, E.A. Guertal and J.W. Prevatt. 2004. Turfgrass-Sod production: An economic evaluation. J. Amer. Soc. Farm Mgrs. And Rural Appr. 68:12-17.
- Belcher, J.L., R.H. Walker and M. Cooper. 2004. Velocity for Poa annua control in perennial ryegrass. Proc. South. Weed Sci. Soc. 57:paper 181.
- Blythe, G., and J.L. Sibley. 2003. Novel methods of applying rooting hormones in cutting propagation. Com. Proc. Int. Plant Prop. Soc. 53:406-410 (non-refereed).
- Kessler, J.R., A. Caylor and J. Coleman. 2004. Auburn University 2003-2004 pansy and viola trial garden report. Southeastern Floriculture Magazine. 14(6):8-9. 4.
- Lu, W., J.L. Sibley, J.S. Bannon, Y. Zhang, and C.H. Gilliam. 2004. Estimation of U.S. bark supply. Proc. South. Nurs. Assoc. Res. Conf. 49:300-305.
- Sibley, J.L. and D.M. Cole. 2004. Valuable Wastes. American Nurseryman 200.
- Sibley, J.L., D.M. Cole, and W. Lu. 2004. Waste is a terrible thing to mind. Com. Proc. Int. Plant Prop. Soc. 54:(in press, non-refereed).
- Simpson, C.V., C.H. Gilliam, J.L. Sibley, G.R. Wehtje and J.E. Altland. 2004. Diuron: Postemergence oxalis control in container-grown plants. J. Environ. Hort. 22:45-49.
- Warr, J.C., G.J. Keever, R.J. Kessler, Jr., and D.A. Findley. 2004. Time of pruning effects on cold hardiness of butterfly bush. J. Environ. Hort. 22:1-4.
- Wilson, J.C., J.E. Altland, J.L. Sibley, K.M. Tilt, and W.G. Foshee, III. 2004. Effects of chilling and heat on growth of Ginkgo biloba L. J. Arboric. 30:45-51.
- Wright, A.N., J.L. Sibley, and W. Lu. 2004. Evaluation of composted municipal waste as an amendment to pine bark for use in container ornamental production. Center for Applied Nursery Research 2004 Res. Reports, Univ. of Georgia. J.T. Midcap, Ed. In press.
- Blythe, G. and Sibley, J.L. 2004. The root of propagation. American Nurseryman 199(1):32-36.
- Blythe, E.K., J.L. Sibley, K.M. Tilt, and J.M. Ruter. 2004. Rooting of rose cuttings in response to foliar applications of auxin and surfactant. HortTechnology 14:479-483.
- Blythe, E.K., J.L. Sibley, K.M. Tilt, and J.M. Ruter. 2004. Auxin application to stem cuttings of selected woody landscape plants by incorporation into a stabilized organic rooting substrate. J. Environ. Hort. 22:63-70.
- Brass, T.J., W.G. Foshee, III, and J.L. Sibley. 2004. Use of fresh sawdust as a nitrogen source in sweet corn production. J. Veg. Crop Prod. 10:89-98.
- Bryce, W., and E.A. Guertal. 2004. Phosphorus leaching as affected by P rate and placement in bermudagrass putting greens. ASA/CSSA/SSSA Abstracts.
- Croxton, S.D., J.L. Sibley, W. Lu, and M. Schaefer. 2004. Evaluation of composted household garbage as a horticultural substrate. Proc. South. Nurs. Assoc. Res. Conf. 49:296-299.
- Elliott, M.L., E.A. Guertal and H.D. Skipper. 2004. Rhizosphere bacterial population flux in golf course putting greens in the southeastern United States. HortScience 39:1-5.
- Guertal, E.A. 2004. Boron fertilization of turfgrass. Crop Sci. 44:204-208.
- Guertal, E.A., J.B. Hess, J.P. Blake, S.F. Bilgili, R.A. Norton and K.S. Macklin. 2004. Poultry litter sand as a source for putting green construction. ASA/CSSA/SSSA Abstracts.
- Guertal, E.A. and J.N. Shaw. 2004. Multispectral radiometer signatures for stress evaluation in compacted bermudagrass turf. HortScience 39:403-407.
- Jackson, B.E., A.N. Wright and J.L. Sibley. 2004. Cotton gin compost as a substrate component in container production of ornamental plants. Proc. South. Nurs. Assoc. Res. Conf. 49:67-69.
- Keever, G.J., C.H. Gilliam, J.W. Olive, J.T. Owen, and V.E. Jackson. 2004. Cold hardiness of Robin Hill, Holly Springs and Back Acres hybrid azalea selections. J. Amer. Rhodo. Soc. 58(1):7-11.
- Kessler, J.R., A. Caylor and J. Coleman. 2004. 2004 summer trial garden results. Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station, Circular 328.
- Kessler, J.R., A. Caylor and J. Coleman. 2004. 2003-2004 winter trial garden results. Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station, Circular 327.
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Progress 06/01/03 to 05/31/04
Outputs
Sugar maple trial installed at North Alabama Horticulture Substation (NAHS) now has 23 cultivars. Also at NAHS, A Boxwood variety trial planted spring 2003 continues; a hydrangea cultivar trial consisting of 65 selections is in second year; azalea cultivar evaluation in its third year. Peony heat tolerance evaluation in second year at NAHS Lotus selections brought from China and planted at NAHS for evaluation. 20 hosta and 40 fern selections to be planted Fall 2004 at NAHS. Selections of Hebe species to be planted at NAHS Fall 2004. Crapemyrtles trial evaluating 39 clones planted at the NAHS and 9 other locations in the southeast in March, 2004. This is the largest multiple location crapemyrtle test in the US. A crapemyrtle pruning study is in its second year. Evaluation of Red maple grafted on Silver Maple understock continues at NAHS. The study will help determine if this is a suitable method of propagation and cultivation of red maples or if the physiological
stress will be greater than the benefit gained from silver maples superior root system. A particular physiological malady on crapemyrtle selections from the L. indica x L. fauriei group commonly referred to as rabbit tracks is being investigated initially at Auburn in containers. Container studies are underway in Auburn evaluating municipal and agricultural wastes as substrate components in nursery crop production. Currently, no suitable controls are available for the major landscape pests of snails and slugs. At present, we are evaluating several control methods in Auburn in the lab, which will be followed by field plot evaluations at NAHS. An ornamental grass trial was established in late 2002 to evaluate ornamental grasses for landscape adaptability at Auburn, AL and NAHS. A 2003-2004 Winter trial of 73 cool-season flowering bedding plants is under way at Auburn, AL and NAHS. A study of integrated disease management programs in bentgrass putting greens and bermudagrass evaluations
continue at the Auburn University Turfgrass Research Unit (AUTRU). Tall fescue evaluation and zoysia establishment trials have been initiated at the Sand Mountain Substation. Data has been collected in an evaluation of nitrogen rates and mowing heights of Tifeagle ultradwarf bermudagrass. A P leaching experiment K leaching study are continuing at the AUTRU. N volatilization experiments continue. Methyl bromide alternatives research for turf was expanded to include propylene oxide and a numbered compound. Greenhouse trials were conducted to determine efficacy against yellow and purple nutsedge, torpedograss and annual morninglory. Plant-back interval was also determined. Both chemicals provided good to excellent (rate dependent) control of the aforementioned species. Propylene oxide could be planted to perennial ryegrass 7 days after the soil was removed from the fumigation chambers. The numbered compound required an interval of 14 days. Field trials will be initiated September,
2004.
Impacts
Evaluations of cold hardiness, heat tolerance, and general adaptability of plant material to Central and North Alabama will aid plant growers, landscape professionals, turf managers, and end users of horticultural products by providing reliable, research-based information about the suitability of selected plants with likely application to much of the Southeastern U. S. region. Better adapted plant selections are expected to require fewer pesticides, cultural, and water inputs to maintain a commercially and aesthetically valuable landscape. A better understanding of significant pests will aid in identifying more effective control measures.
Publications
- Croxton, S.D., J.L. Sibley, W. Lu, and M. Schaefer. 2004. Evaluation of composted household garbage as a potting media. Proc. South. Nurs. Assoc. Res. Conf. 49.
- Thompson, J.M. and J.L. Sibley. 2003. Slimy friends and foes: understanding slugs and snails. Com. Proc. Int. Plant Prop. Soc. 53:339-342
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Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03
Outputs
Sugar maple trials installed at North Alabama Horticulture Substation (NAHS) now have 23 cultivars. Also a Boxwood variety trial was outplanted; a hydrangea cultivar trial is in its first year; and an azalea cultivar trial has been initiated. Plant material has been obtained for evaluation of blueberries varieties for use as landscape plants and are currently being grown in Auburn for outplanting. Crapemyrtles for a variety trial evaluating 39 clones have been grown in Auburn and 9 other locations in the south since March, 2003 for outplanting at NAHS. This will be the largest regional multiple location crapemyrtle evaluation in the country. A crapemyrtle pruning study is underway. Red maple grafted on Silver Maple understock is undergoing evaluation at the NAHS. The study will help determine if this is a suitable method of propagation and cultivation of red maples. A particular physiological malady on crapemyrtle selections from the L. indica x L. fauriei group
commonly called rabbit tracks is being investigated initially at Auburn. Successful treatment will then be evaluated at the NAHS and with growers in Montevallo, Cullman and Huntsville. Peony evaluations at 4 southeastern locations attempting to identify selections that are tolerant of deep south heat. We cooperated with the local Community College in Cullman to grow off the liners of a viburnum study that was begun this year. Work continues on environmental influence of heat and cold on landscape plants in Auburn. We are evaluating the impact of chilling regimes on red maple cultivars. Evaluation of Hebe species has begun and may reveal some selections suitable for growth in Alabama. Container studies are underway in Auburn evaluating municipal and agricultural wastes as substrate components in nursery crop production. Currently, no suitable controls are available for the major landscape pests of snails and slugs. At present, we are evaluating several control methods in Auburn in the
lab, which will be followed by field plot evaluations at NAHS. An ornamental grass trial was established to evaluate such grasses for landscape adaptability at Auburn, AL and NAHS. A Winter trial of 73 cool-season flowering bedding plants is under way at Auburn and NAHS. A study of integrated disease management programs in bentgrass putting greens. Bermudagrass evaluations at the Auburn University Turfgrass Research Unit (AUTRU) are evaluating 6 improved common bermudagrass cultivars. Another set of trials will be established at the Sand Mountain Station (SMS)in June and a fourth set is expected in Gadsden. Tall fescue selections are under evaluation and zoysia establishment trials have been started at SMS. The first year of grow-in data has been collected using Tifeagle ultradwarf bermudagrass. This study evaluated N rates and mowing heights and their impact on the grow-in of Tifeagle. A P leaching experiment and K leaching study are continuing at AUTRU. N volatilization laboratory
experiments are under way. Field studies will follow using large-scale ammonia collection devices.
Impacts
Evaluations of cold hardiness, heat tolerance, and general adaptability of plant material to Central and North Alabama will aid plant growers, landscape professionals, turf managers, and end users of horticultural products by providing reliable, research-based information about the suitability of selected plants with likely application to much of the Southeastern U. S. region. Better adapted plant selections are expected to require fewer pesticides, cultural, and water inputs to maintain a commercially and aesthetically valuable landscape. A better understanding of significant pests will aid in identifying more effective control measures.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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