Progress 02/01/04 to 09/30/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Over 7000 annual flower entries were evaluated for field performance at the Southeast Research and Extension Center in Landisville, PA., including over 1300 in 2008. Annual reports of field performance were published and distributed to commercial flower growers, breeders, and plant distribution brokers. Results were summarized in trade magazines and published to the Web http://capitalhort.cas.psu.edu/ResearchThings/VarietyFlowerTrials/Wee klyUpdates.htm. Field days for commercial growers, landscapers, Master Gardeners and the gardening public were held each year. Commercial growers and landscapers from the Mid-Atlantic region use the trials to determine plants to produce and use. Breeders and plant brokers make extensive use of the trials to promote their products and compare their cultivars to competitors in an unbiased setting. This has become one of the best known and attended trials in North America. Woody ornamental research focused on pest resistance, cultivar selection and evaluation, and invasive potential of landscape plants. Invasive potential of Acer. platanoides and Viburnum. opulus cultivars was evaluated based on seed production, viability and germination over several years. All cultivars were found to be potentially invasive. Pest resistance of Canadian and Chinese Hemlock, and White Pine were evaluated. Chinese Hemlock was found to resist Hemlock woolly adelgid. Winter survival of Canadian, Chinese, Western, Mountain, Northern Japanese, Southern Japanese and Yunnan hemlock planted in 2003 at five diverse locations in Pennsylvania were observed. Only Canadian and Japanese Hemock had survival rates in excess of 40% after 3 years. Chemical treatments for White Pine Weevil were evaluated and successful strategies for control were disseminated to growers. Susceptibility of commonly planted landscape trees to Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB) adult female oviposition and larval survival was evaluated. Needle retention in Abies species was evaluated in 4 diverse PA testing sites. Superior cultivars have been selected and added to the seed orchard and seed sent to a specialty propagator for evaluation. Programs disseminating woody plant evaluation results include annual Christmas tree growers meetings, Pennsylvania Nursery Association annual meetings and local grower meetings and pest walks. Orchid seed storage and germination of frozen seed was evaluated. Germination decreased after 1 year of frozen storage. Consumer preference studies of poinsettia and annual flower containers indicated that price was the most important factor in the decision to purchase. Students in greenhouse management conducted energy audits for 3-4 commercial greenhouses each year. The use of herbaceous and succulent plant materials on green roofs was evaluated. Media depth and irrigation influence plant survival. Shallow media, less than 10 cm was most suitable for sedums and other succulent species. Sedum rooftop plantings in 10 cm of media were found to retain 50% of the annual precipitation with the plants contributing up to 40% of the total capacity. A greenroof media testing program was developed and is now widely used by the Industry. PARTICIPANTS: This project is large multidisciplinary project involving many Penn State faculty and extension professionals. The main contributors to the research and outreach efforts to promote the Pennsylvania green industries include: Robert D. Berghage, Associate Professor of Horticulture, Penn State, Principal Investigator, Project leader for greenroof and landscape vegetation and stormwater management efforts and contributor and participant in herbaceous plant evaluations, trials, and consumer evaluations. James C. Sellmer, Associate Professor of Horticulture, Penn State, Principal Investigator, Project leader for nursery production and landscape evaluations, vegetation management and invasive plants. Ricky Bates, Associate Professor of Horticulture, Penn State, Principal Investigator, Project leader for woody plant evaluations and Christmas trees. E. Jay Holcomb, Professor of Horticulture, Penn State, Principal Investigator, Project leader for greenhouse production and management projects. Dave Sanford, Associate Professor of Horticulture, Penn State Berks, Contributor greenhouse and nursery production and management projects. Albert R. Jarrett, Professor of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Penn State, Principal Investigator, Project leader in function and design of landscape stormwater management features. Jelena Srebric, Associate Professor of Architectural Engineering, Penn State, Contributor to greenroof energy impact studies. Alan H. Michael, Senior Extension Educator, Capital Region, Project leader herbaceous plant trials, greenhouse production and management projects. Warren Goll, Associate Extension Educator, SE PA, Project leader poinsettia trials. Shirley E. Clark, Environmental Engineering, Penn State Harrisburg, Contributor greenroof runoff water quality projects. Ann M. Wolf. Director Agricultural Analytical Services Laboratory, Penn State, Contributor greenroof media analysis projects. Grerory A. Hoover, Senior Extension Associate, Department of Entomology, Penn State, Contributor pest management projects. Tracey L. Harpster, Research Technician, Department of Horticulture, Penn State, Contributor woody ornamental projects. David A. Despot, Project Associate, Department of Horticulture, Penn State, Contributor woody ornamental projects. In addition 15-20 MS and Ph.D. graduate students have been involved in various aspects of the project. Industry partners include many major greenroof companies who have provided materials and funds, Pennsylvania greenhouse and nursery producers who have provided both in-kind support, research and demonstration sites and direct financial support, and plant breeders and seed producers who have provided materials and financial support. Governmental and NGO agencies that have provided support include: The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture which has provided grant support, The US-EPA which provided grant support, WERF (Water Environment Research Foundation) which provided a research grant. Participants in the project have provided 30-40 seminars and other educational programs to disseminate results each year. TARGET AUDIENCES: The primary target audience for this project has been green industry professionals including: Greenhouse and Nursery producers and their employees, Christmas Tree growers and their employees, and various landscape and environmental design and engineering professionals. Publications and formal and informal programs were conducted to reach these business owners and their employees to provide them with information and training that would enhance their profitability and productivity. Public sector audiences have included government regulators, zoning and codes professionals and municipal and institutional officials. Outreach to these groups has included participation in numerous seminars and programs to provide information on the use and benefits of greenroofs. These efforts with the Penn State Physical Plant engineers and project managers have resulted in the widespread use of greenroofs on new buildings on campus. These campus roofs have been used with numerous groups of campus visitors to promote the concept and use of greenroofs. Outreach efforts targeting the US-EPA have resulted in a greater understanding of the potential benefits of greenroofs within this agency and display of a Penn State greenroof at the Smithsonian during the summer of 2008. The project has also involved Penn State Master Gardeners both in providing basic training and advanced training opportunities for the master gardeners and in involving the master gardener program in extended outreach efforts to the general gardening public. A series of short three-minute television segments were filmed and broadcast on the Penn State Public Broadcasting Station to provide educational outreach on greenroofs and landscape plant use. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
A number of impact surveys have been conducted with individuals who have attended Variety Trial programs (2004-2008). Surveyed audiences include commercial flower growers, landscapers, Master Gardeners, and the general Gardening public. Surveys were conducted by trained interviewers. We have consistently found that over 90 percent of commercial growers surveyed use the trials as one of their primary information sources regarding variety selection. Almost all those interviewed, 99 percent, say the Penn State Trial is equally important for marketing new plants as it has a positive impact on their company sales. Over 400 professionals visit the trials each year and many return for multiple visits during the growing season. An effective and reproducible direct challenge system for scale insects has been developed for conifers and successfully tested on hemlocks using hemlock woolly adelgid as the test pest inoculant. Using the challenge system we have confirmed that Chinese hemlock is resistant to hemlock woolly adelgid. The growth degree day (GDD) monitoring was slightly expanded for white pine weevil based on this research for early season activity to 95 days. This result further enhances growers and IPM consultants monitoring tools and time periods for white pine weevil early season adults. Based on 2006 research results the chemical registrant for the active ingredient indoxacarb requested and received a modification to the existing specimen label to include management of white pine weevil. This places a new and environmentally sensitive targeted insecticide into the hands of growers and applicators for controlling white pine weevil in Christmas tree and conifer nursery production settings. Research activities have assisted growers with more effective trapping and monitoring techniques in the field for both early and late season white pine weevil adults. Consumers demand Christmas trees that exhibit excellent needle retention characteristics and messiness has been identified as a major reason for not purchasing a live tree. Maintaining hydration is critical for acceptable needle retention in the postharvest environment, however genetics also play a crucial role. Canaan fir with excellent Christmas tree characteristics can be found on farms throughout Pennsylvania and the eastern U.S. This research has made it possible to locate, evaluate, propagate and save this important genetic resource. Seed from these superior selections will soon become available to growers. The Pennsylvania State University has constructed over half a hectare of green roofs on new campus buildings, becoming a leading institution in both green roof research and their use. The Penn State greenroof media testing program has evaluated over 200 commercial media samples and is widely used by the North American Green roof industry to evaluate new media and manage existing roofs. The development of saturated media extract standards for green roofs has provided an important new tool for managing plant fertility and runoff water quality.
Publications
- Berghage, R., A. Jarrett, and F. Rezai. 2008. Stormwater benefits of green roofs and the relative contribution of plants. In NOWRA 17 Annual Technical Education Conference and Exposition. Memphis TN. Paper XIII-Werf-08-39.
- Berghage, R., A. Wolf, and C. Miller. 2008. Testing greenroof media for nutrient content. In Proceeding Greening rooftops for sustainable communities conference. Baltimore, MD. 11 pp.
- Faircloth, J.W. and A.R. Jarrett. 2008. Sediment Basin Design: Applying Stokes Law to enhancing the dewatering process. Published in Control Factors of Stormwater Solutions. Jan-Feb 2008 issue. 1 pp.
- Jarrett, A.R. and J.W. Faircloth. 2008. Faircloth Skimmer Improves Sediment Basin Performance. Proceedings of the 2008 International Erosion Control Association (IECA) Conference. Orlando, FL. February 19-20. 8 pp.
- Jarrett, A.R. and R.D. Berghage. 2008. Annual and Individual Green Roof Stormwater Response Models. Proceedings of the Sixth Annual Greening Rooftops for Sustainable Communities Conference, Baltimore, MD. April 30 to May 2, 2008. 10 pp.
- Michael, A.H., D. Johnson, R. Berghage, W. Goll, J. Stepanchak, A. Hawk, E. Keiter, and K. Jones. 2007. Penn State Horticulture Trial Garden Report. Southeast Agriculture Research & Extension Center. 220 pp.
- Wehry, R.H., K.M. Kelley, R.D. Berghage, and J.C. Sellmer. 2007. Capturing Consumer Preferences and Interests in Developing a State Plant Promotional Program. HortScience. 42(3): 574-580.
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Progress 01/01/07 to 12/31/07
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Over 1500 annual flower cultivars were evaluated for field performance at the Southeast Research and Extension Center in Landisville, PA. Field days for commercial growers, landscapers and the gardening public were held. The contribution of plants to stormwater management function of green roofs was investigated using Sedum sp. and Delosperma. The affect of plants was influenced by plant architecture and environmental conditions but was most affected by storm intensity and repeat interval. About 40% of the stormwater management function was contributed by the plants with small storms with a return interval of approximately 5-7 days. With longer intervals between storms the media without plants can account for more of the management function. A nutrient management testing program for established green roofs was initiated using Saturated Media Extract (SME) procedures. Established roofs were tested and plant growth was evaluated to develop preliminary test standards. Based on
evaluations of over 30 roofs SME levels of nitrogen in a green roof should be between 1.5 and 4 mg/L. A large scale test roof was installed, instrumented and planted on a campus building. Woody ornamental evaluation research continues with focus on adaptability, pest susceptibility, pest management, and invasive potential analysis of Abies, Tsuga, Pinus strobus, Acer platanoides and Viburnum opulus. Canadian and Chinese hemlock were directly infested with HWA in 2006 to develop a direct challenge protocol and determine the susceptibility of Chinese hemlock to HWA. Data indicate that the challenge procedure was effective. The challenge of Chinese hemlock resulted in no successful infestation. This marks the first published direct challenge of Chinese hemlock with infested branches of HWA and confirms observations that Chinese hemlock grown in close proximity to HWA infestation are resistant. The first phase research on the invasive potential of cultivars of A. platanoides and V. opulus
was completed this year. It was concluded that prolific seed cultivars with high to moderate germination rates may be capable of escaping cultivation. Several A. platanoides and V. opulus cultivars fall into this category. Cultivars that generate low seed quantities, germination rates, and viability may pose less of a threat of becoming invasive outside of the landscape. Several cultivars exhibited these characteristics. Results were used in a modified weed risk assessment (WRA) tool to categorize cultivars. All A. platanoides and V. opulus cultivars were placed in the further evaluate category potentially invasive category. Evaluation and needle retention testing of Abies species continued. Fifty additional lines of Canaan fir were evaluated and tested for needle retention quality. Of these, six were selected for their superior post harvest qualities, grafted and added to the PSU Canaan fir seed orchard. Seed was collected from several of the highest performing mother trees and
submitted to a contract grower for future evaluation of progeny. Seven Abies species of Mediterranean origin were established in replicated trials at four diverse Pennsylvania testing sites.
PARTICIPANTS: Robert D. Berghage (Cooperator 50% time), Dept. of Horticulture, PSU, herbaceous plant evaluation, green roof development; Ricky M. Bates (Cooperator 50% time), Dept. of Horticulture, PSU, Christmas tree development and evaluation; James C. Sellmer (Cooperator 50% time), Dept. of Horticulture, PSU, woody evaluation, white pine weevil, and invasive plant evaluation; Gregory Hoover (Cooperator), Dept. of Entomology, PSU, entomological evaluation, white pine weevil monitoring and management; Janine Conklin (Graduate student 100% time), Dept. of Horticulture, PSU, invasive plant evaluation; and Benjamin Hoover (Graduate student 100% time), Dept. of Horticulture, PSU, hemlock and fir evaluation.
TARGET AUDIENCES: Conifer and deciduous nursery growers, Christmas tree growers, nursery and garden center dealers, extension educators, arborists, ornamental researchers are all targets and have been exposed to this research. Educational sessions through cooperative extension, statewide association meetings (Pennsylvania Landscape and Nursery Association annual conference, Pennsylvania Christmas Tree Growers Association), and international conferences (International Society of Arboriculture annual conference, Honolulu, HI) have been the venues for the dissemination for this information.
Impacts
A number of impact surveys have been conducted with individuals who have attended Variety Trial programs (2004 - 2007). We have consistently found that 90% of commercial growers surveyed use the trials as one of their primary information sources regarding variety selection. Almost all those interviewed, 99 per cent, say the Penn State Trial is equally important for marketing new plants as it has a positive impact on their company sales. Hemlock evaluation research: An effective and reproducible direct challenge system for scale insects has been developed for conifers and successfully tested on hemlocks using hemlock woolly adelgid as the test pest inoculant. Using the challenge system we have confirmed that Chinese hemlock is resistant to hemlock woolly adelgid. White pine weevil research: The growth degree day (GDD) monitoring was slightly expanded for white pine weevil based on this research for early season activity to 95 days. This result further enhances growers
and IPM consultants monitoring tools and time periods for white pine weevil early season adults. Based on 2006 research results the chemical registrant for the active ingredient indoxacarb requested and received a modification to the existing specimen label to include management of white pine weevil. This places a new and environmentally sensitive targeted insecticide into the hands of growers and applicators for controlling white pine weevil in Christmas tree and conifer nursery production settings. Present research activities will assist growers with more effective trapping and monitoring techniques in the field for both early and late season white pine weevil adults. Invasive plant evaluation: The seed production, germination rate, and viability of 11 cultivars of Norway maple and 7 cultivars of Guelder rose (European cranberrybush viburnum) have been characterized. This research demonstrates that lengthy time studies over years are required to define clearly the weediness and
invasiveness of the cultivars. This research provides initial information on the potential for cultivars to be weedy and invasive and highlights the need for more research in defining invasiveness of cultivars. This research identifies cultivars that are not potentially invasive. Consumers demand Christmas trees that exhibit excellent needle retention characteristics and messiness has been identified as a major reason for not purchasing a live tree. Maintaining hydration is critical for acceptable needle retention in the postharvest environment, however genetics also play a crucial role. Canaan fir with excellent Christmas tree characteristics can be found on farms throughout Pennsylvania and the eastern U.S. This research has made it possible to locate, evaluate, propagate and save this important genetic resource. In the near future, seed from these superior selections will become available to growers.
Publications
- Michael, A.H., D. Johnson, R. Berghage, W. Goll, J. Stepanchak, A. Hawk, E. Keiter and K. Jones. 2007. 2006 Penn State Horticulture Trial Garden Report. Southeast Agriculture Research and Extension Center. 222 pp.
- Hunt, W.F., A.R. Jarrett, J.T. Smith and L.J. Sharkey. 2006. Evaluating Bioretention Hydrology and Nutrient Removal at Three Field Sites in North Carolina. ASCE Journal of Irrigation and Drainage 132(6):600-608.
- Hunt, W. F. and A. R. Jarrett. 2006. Evaluating Bioretention Areas from Two Field Sires in North Carolina (Chapter 8). In BMP Technology in Urban Watersheds - Current and Future Directions. R. Field et al. editors. Am. Soc. Of Civil Engr. pp. 209-218.
- Berghage, R. D., D. J. Beattie, A. R. Jarrett, and T. O'Conner. 2007. Greenroof Runoff Water Quality. Proceeding of the Fifth Annual International Greening Rooftops for Sustainable Communities Conference. Minneapolis, MN, April 29-May 1, 2007. 14 pp.
- Berghage, R.D., D.J. Beattie, A. Jarrett and T.O. O'Conner. 2007. Greenroof Runoff Water Quality. Green Roof Infrastructure Monitor. 9(2):26.
- Berghage, R.D., A. Jarrett, D. Beattie, K. Kelley, S. Husain, F. Rezai, B. Long, A. Negassi, R. Cameron and W.F. Hunt. 2007. Quantifying Evaporation and transpirational water losses form green roofs and green roof media capacity for neutralizing acid rain. National Decentralized Water Resources Capacity Development Project (NDWRCP) Report 04-DEC-10SG, 94 pp.
- Tabares-Velasco, P.C., J. Srebric and R.D. Berghage. 2007 Thermal performance of a lightweight tray for the green roof growing media. Proceeding of the Fifth Annual International Greening Rooftops for Sustainable Communities Conference. Minneapolis, MN, April 29-May 1, 2007. 12 pp.
- Jarrett, A. R., W. F. Hunt, and R. D. Berghage. 2007. Evaluating a Spreadsheet Model to Predict Green Roof Storm water Management. Proceedings of the LID Conference, March 11-14, 2007. Wilmington, NC. 10 pp.
- Jarrett, A. R. , W. F. Hunt, and R. D. Berghage. 2007. Annual and Individual-Storm Green Roof Storm water Response Models. Proceedings of the LID Conference, March 11-14, 2007, Wilmington, NC. 8 pp.
- Jarrett A. R. and S. S. Roudsari. 2007. Animal and Irrigation Water Use in Pennsylvania in 2002, 2010, 2020, 2030. ASABE Paper No. 072166. Minneapolis, MN. 10 pp.
- Jarrett A. R. and S. S. Roudsari. 2007. Animal and Irrigation Water Use in Pennsylvania in 2002, 2010, 2020, and 2030. Completion Report for PA-DEP Growing Greener Grant for Watershed Protection, Harrisburg, PA. 167 pp.
- Conklin, J.R., 2007. Assessing the invasive potential of Acer Platanoides and Viburnum opulus cultivars. Ph.D. Thesis. The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA. 229 pp.
- Conklin, J.R. and J.C. Sellmer. 2007. Evaluating the Invasiveness of Norway Maple Cultivars. Pennsylvania Landscape and Nursery Magazine, Pa. Landscape and Nursery Association 53(2):28-34.
- Sellmer, J.C. and L.J. Kuhns. 2007. Chapter 12: Guide to Selecting and Specifying Nursery Stock . Urban & Community Forestry in the Northeast, Ed. John Kuser. Springer Publishing Co. pp. 199-219.
- Hoover, B.K., G.A. Hoover, J.C. Sellmer, and R.M Bates. 2007. Challenge of Chinese hemlock (Tsuga chinensis) with hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae) ovisacs. J. of Arboriculture and Urban Forestry (Accepted for Publication).
- Kelley, K.M. and R.M. Bates. 2007. Containerized table-top Christmas trees: interest among Pennsylvania consumers and attitudes concerning care and handling. Journal of Extension, 8 pp. http://www.joe.org/joe/2007february/rb7.shtml
- Hoover, B.K. 2007. Evaluation of Abies species for Use in Pennsylvania andscapes. M.S. Thesis. The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA. 55 pp.
- Adrizal, A., P.H. Patterson, and R.M. Bates. 2007. Foliar nitrogen status of plants exposed to atmospheric ammonia (NH3). International Poultry Scientific Forum, Atlanta, GA, January 23-24, 2007. pp 21-23.
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Progress 01/01/06 to 12/31/06
Outputs
In 2006, Penn State evaluated 1424 flower entries from 19 commercial plant suppliers at the Southeast Research and Extension Center in Landisville, PA. New and outstanding cultivars included Acapulco series agastache, Artist ageratum, Angelface Wedgewood, Angelina Pink and White, angelonia, Madiera argyranthemum, Bonfire begonia, Mohave Grand Sunset bracteantha, Cabaret, Callie, Million Bells, and Superbells series calibrachoa, Tuscan Sun heliopsis, Envoy and Firefly impatiens, Tamarinda New Guinea impatiens Laura White nierembergia, Black Pearl ornamental pepper, Saguna and Supertunia petunia, Intensia phlox, Ipanema verbena, and Nirvana vinca. Studies of the long-term viability of orchid seed frozen at -5F continued. Three obvious trends were observed among treated seed: 1) greater germination occurred among the seeds stored for 6 and 12 months compared to freshly sown non-stored seeds of a Phalaenopsis hybrid, 2) seed germination after 6 and 12 months of frozen
storage was similar, and 3) seed germination decreased after 1 year of frozen storage. Woody ornamental evaluations continued with focus on: adaptability, pest susceptibility, and invasive potential analysis. Large differences in mortality, winter injury, and growth of Canadian, Chinese, Western, Mountain, Northern Japanese, Southern Japanese and Yunnan hemlock planted in 2003 at five diverse locations in Pennsylvania have been observed. Averaged over all sites, all species had a 95% or better survival rate after the first growing season, except Mountain (85%) and Southern Japanese (86%). After three years, all species had survival rates of less than 40% except Canadian (92%) and Chinese (87%). Mountain and Western hemlock performed poorly at all sites. Canadian was the best performer followed by Chinese, Northern Japanese, Yunnan, and Southern Japanese. Hemlock woolly adelgid were applied to test plants of Canadian and Chinese hemlock to evaluate susceptibility, develop a protocol
for infesting test trees, and characterize the infestation process. White pine weevil monitoring sites were established in the spring of 2006. Adult white pine weevils were trapped at each of the study sites. The last adult was collected at 95 growing degree days which slightly expands the known range for early season activity for the adult stage of this pest. The terminals of eastern white pine, Norway and Serbian spruces, and Douglas-fir were treated with formulations of bifenthrin and indoxacarb with excellent results. Only one Serbian spruce terminal treated with indoxacarb applied at the low rate was injured by the white pine weevil. Evaluation of eleven cultivars and species of Norway maple (Acer platanoides L.) for invasive potential characterized through the collection of seed and flower numbers, testing of seed viability and germination rate continued. Annual variation in seed number and seed germination rates under controlled conditions have been observed, with little
germination observed in open field conditions and no germination over two years in the under story.
Impacts
Interview surveys were conducted on July 26, 2006 at the Penn State Variety Trial Field Day (320 attended) located at the SE Agriculture and Extension Center with commercial greenhouse growers and other industry participants. Interviews were limited to 62 randomly selected individuals who have participated in multi-year variety trial events (two or more years). Trained survey takers conducted interviews. All the survey participants indicated that attending this program was important to their company as they believed that marketing the newest plants directly impacted their sales (69% strongly agree, 31% somewhat agree). Nearly half (49%) the participants attended only the Penn State trial. Of those who attended other trials, 32% indicated that the Penn State trial was better, 17% equal to, and 2% not as good as the other trials attended.
Publications
- Morewood, W.D., Hoover, K., Neiner, P.R. and Sellmer, J.C. 2005. Complete development of Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) in northern red oak trees. The Canadian Entomologist 137: 376-379.
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Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05
Outputs
In 2005, Penn State evaluated over 1500 ornamental plants at the Southeast Research and Extension Center in Landisville, PA, at University Park and at trial locations in cooperating Pennsylvania counties. The PA Gardener Selects evaluated 21 of the best cultivars in more than 40 display and evaluation gardens run by Master Gardeners throughout the State. The best cultivar in the Gardener Selects was Petunia Supertunia Mini Silver. The Zinnia Magellan Coral also performed well throughout the state. Outstanding and new plants in the Landisville and University Park trials included the seed propagated Angelonia Serena, Sun Devil Asteriscus, The Solenia series of Begonia, 30 new calibrachoa cultivars, Whispers series Diascia, Euphorbia Diamond Frost, Oxalis Charmed series, Oenothera Lemon Drop Pentas Kaleidoscope Appleblossom, and Zinnia Zowie! Yellow Flame. Consumer-research studies evaluating consumer preferences for value added poinsettia planters and annual planters
conducted between 2003 and 2005 were completed. Over half the decision (53%) to purchase a poinsettia planter was based on price with color combination also important (34.9%). Similarly the decision to purchase an annual planter was largely based on price (43.1%) followed by color harmony (34.9%). Price was also the most important factor for retail/landscape participants in the decision to sell and annual planter (47.6%). A trial was conducted to determine the viability of long-term frozen storage for Orchid seed. Seed of Phalaenopsis stored 6 and 12 months at -5 F germinated better than fresh seed. Germination will continure to be evaluated after 18 and 24 months. Woody ornamental evaluations continued with focus on: adaptability and pest susceptibility of Buxus (boxwood) species and varieties. A summer survival and overwintering trial for approximately 200 potential green roof plants was initiated and a mixture of Sedum album and Delosperma in simulated rooftops were used to
evaluate ET models to predict water use rates by plants in greenroof systems. A cooperative program linking Undergraduate Resident Instruction at University Park with Extension programs in 3 regions of the state was piloted in the Fall Semester Greenhouse Management class. Teams of students were partnered with regional extension specialists and commercial greenhouse growers to conduct energy audits for the commercial cooperators. Students visited the commercial greenhouses, conducted an energy use audit and prepared an report including suggestions for energy savings and costs and payback for implementing the suggestions. The most common suggestions included repair and maintenance, alternate fuels, and thermal blankets or added insulation.
Impacts
A multi-year impact survey was conducted August 3, 2005 at the Penn State Variety Trial field Day (330 attended) located at the SE Agriculture and Extension Center with commercial greenhouse growers and other industry representatives to evaluate the impact of the Penn State Variety Trial program. Interviews were limited to 60 randomly selected individuals who have participated in multi-year variety trial events (two or more years). Interviews were conducted by trained interviewers. The survey (N=60) found that 88% (n=53) of individuals utilize the Penn State Trial as their primary plant trial location in the process of making annual vegetative flower variety selections for their business. Almost all those interviewed (n=59) believe the trials are important in selecting new plant varieties by providing information that allows them to be on the cutting edge in growing and marketing new plants and it has a positive impacts on their company sales.
Publications
- Phillips, J. D. 2005. Assessing Consumer Preference for Value-Added Horticultural Products. M.S. Thesis. The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA. 106 pp.
- Thuring, C. E. 2005. Green Roof Plant Responses to Different Media and Depths when Exposed to Drought. M.S. Thesis. The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA. 96 pp.
- Wehry, R. H., Kelley, K. M., Berghage, R. D. and Sellmer, J. C. 2005. Using intercept and telephone survey methods to assess consumer awareness and purchasing of Pennsylvania gardener selects, HortTechnology 15 (1): 157-163.
- Rezaei, F., Jarrett, A. R., Berghage, R. D. and Beattie, D. J. 2005. Evapotranspiration Rates from Extensive Green Roof Plant Species. ASAE Paper No. 05-2150. Tampa, FL, July 17-20, 2005, 10 pp.
- Jarrett, A. R., Rezaei, F., Berghage, R. D. and Beattie, D. J. 2005. Green Roofs As Stormwater BMPs. ASAE Paper No. NABEC 05-0002, 10 pp.
- Jarrett, A. R., Hunt, W. F. and Bean, E. 2005. BioRetention Attenuates Stormwater; A Model Study. In Proceeding of the 2005 Pennsylvania Stormwater Management Symposium, Villanova University, October 12-13, 2005, 12 pp.
- Jarrett, A. R., Beattie, D. J., Berghage, R. D. and Rezaei, F. 2005. Annual and Individual-Storm Green Roof Stormwater Response Models. In Proceeding of the 2005 Pennsylvania Stormwater Management Symposium, Villanova University, October 12-13, 2005, 11 pp.
- Rezaei, F., Jarrett, A. R., Beattie, D. J. and Berghage, R. D. 2005. Annual and Individual-Storm Green Roof Stormwater Response Models. In Proceeding of the 2005 Pennsylvania Stormwater Management Symposium, Villanova University, October 12-13, 2005, 10 pp.
- Rezaei, F. 2005. Evapotranspiration Rates from Extensive Green Roof Plant Species. M.S. Thesis, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA. 152 pp.
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Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04
Outputs
In 2004, Penn State evaluated over 932 flowering plants at the Southeast Research and Extension Center in Landisville, PA and 400 at University Park variety trials. The PA Gardener Selects evaluated 20 of the best cultivars in 40 display and evaluation gardens run by Master Gardeners throughout the State. The best cultivar in the Gardener Selects was Celosia 'Fresh Look Red'. The New Guinea Impatiens, including the 'Sonic' and 'Supersonic' series were outstanding in Landisville and 'Purple Majesty' Millet was outstanding at University Park. A consumer preference survey was conducted during garden events to examine grower, retailer and consumer preferences in mixed ornamental containers. A study was conducted to determine the growth and appearance of geranium and Calibrachoa growing in bark- or peat-based media as affected by iron fertilizers, supplemental beneficial root-zone-colonizing microorganisms, and irrigation water pH. In general growth and quality for both
species was reduced with higher pH and actino-iron amendments..In the FloraStar flowering potted plant evaluation 3 Lantana cultivars, 1 Angelonia, and 1 Cyclamen cultivar were compared. One Lantana entry was outstanding. All other entries were slightly improved or similar to the commercial entries. A trial is under way to determine if frozen storage of orchid pollen will reduce viability. Currently orchid accessions are being evaluated for pollen viability. Of the accessions tested a few have good germination in vitro while most have not germinated in vitro. Woody ornamental evaluations continued with focus on: adaptability and pest susceptibility of Buxus (boxwood) species and varieties; susceptibility of commonly planted landscape trees to Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB) adult female oviposition and larval survival within an USDA-APHIS-PPQ certified quarantine greenhouse; and research has been initiated to evaluate the invasiveness of Acer platanoides (Norway maple) cultivars and
Viburnum opulus (Cranberrybush Viburnum) cultivars and related taxa. Several trees with low susceptibility have been identified. During 2004, we initiated the evaluation of 29 ornamental conifer species plated in 2002. Many of these species represent underused or potentially profitable selections. Establishment and growth rates were high for all species and incidence of disease or arthropod problems were negligible. Ornamental characteristics were documented and activities are underway to publicize and introduce the most promising selections. Five different plants for rooftop greening were evaluated for their ability to tolerate drought early and later in the rooftop establishment phase with 2 commercial media at 3 depths. Succulents were better able to tolerate early drought with shallow media depth than the other species investigated. The effects of fertility on plant species establishment in green roofs was also evaluated. Early fertility is essential to good establishment of these
plants. Cutting storage of green roof plants was investigated. Many of the sedum species evaluated can be open stored for several weeks without major affects on subsequent rooting.
Impacts
Over 900 individuals attended three organized field days held at the SE research and extension center in Landisville. About half of the participants were from the Capital Region, the others were from 29 other Pennsylvania counties and 6 surrounding states. Penn State trial results have been published in commercial magazines, newspapers, newsletters, national magazines, trade papers, and commercial supplier catalogues distributed in USA, Germany, Costa Rica, and Israel. Clientele surveys indicate that 80% of respondents attending Field Days will utilize trial observations and published data in decision making for their own operations, or if their occupation is salesperson, when consulting with commercial growers. Over 50% of respondents will change more than 5 varieties based on observations at Penn State Trials. Outdated, overused and pest susceptible species dominate the conifer landscape market. Preliminary results of this study indicate that many excellent
alternatives exist which are well adapted to Pennsylvania's diverse climate.
Publications
- Morewood, W.D., Hoover, K. and Sellmer, J.C. 2004. Predation by Achaearanea tepidariorum (Araneae: Theridiidae) on Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae). The Great Lakes Entomologist 36: 33-36.
- Morewood, W.D., Hoover, K., Neiner, P.R., McNeil, J.R. and Sellmer, J.C. 2004. Host tree resistance against the polyphagous wood-boring beetle Anoplophora glabripennis. Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata 110: 79-86.
- Sellmer, J.C., Berghage, R.D., Michael, A.H. and Bilik, T. 2003. Pennsylvania Gardener Selects Evaluation Program. Journal of Extension. 41(1) http://www.joe.org/joe/2003february/iw4.shtml.
- Sellmer, J.C., Morewood, W.D., Neiner, P. and Hoover, K. 2004. Evaluating Asian Longhorned Beetle Adult Preference and Larval Performance Among Commonly Planted Landscape Trees. Proceeding of the 13th Metropolitan Tree Improvement Alliance and Landscape Plant Development Center Conference. June 16-19, Lisle, IL. http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/fletcher/programs/nursery/metria/metria13/sel lmer/index.html.
- Morewood, W.D., Neiner, P., Sellmer, J. and Hoover, K. 2004. Behavior of adult Anoplophora glabripennis on a variety of trees under greenhouse conditions. J. Insect Behavior. 17(2) 215-226.
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