Source: MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIV submitted to NRP
DEVELOP NEW TECHNOLOGY FOR ORNAMENTAL CROP PRODUCTION
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
COMPLETE
Funding Source
HATCH
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0217526
Grant No.
(N/A)
Cumulative Award Amt.
(N/A)
Proposal No.
(N/A)
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Feb 1, 2009
Project End Date
Jan 31, 2013
Grant Year
(N/A)
Program Code
[(N/A)]- (N/A)
Recipient Organization
MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIV
(N/A)
MISSISSIPPI STATE,MS 39762
Performing Department
Plant & Soil Science
Non Technical Summary
The expected outcome of the project will be the potentials and challenges of producing and marketing locally-grown specialty cut flowers identified in Mississippi. The risks associated with specialty cut flower production will be identified. Consumer and retailer's preference on locally-grown specialty cut flowers, and challenges and obstacles faced by consumer and retailer's when purchasing specialty cut flowers will be identified. The result will assist producers' decision making process on production and marketing of specialty cut flowers. The outcomes of this research will be knowledge based for outreach activities. We will measure the number of publications, refereed and other, that are distributed to interested parties. Results from the sustainable specialty crop research project will be disseminated through various means including referred journal publication, publications in trade magazines (such GMPro), newsletters, and publication of a production manual. The season extension production online community/website will also contain fact sheets, brochures, and outreach activities, such as schedules of presentation and field day, to promote season extension production, and will be hosted under both "Crops: Tomato, Pepper & Eggplant" (http://msucares.com/crops/comhort/tom_pep_egg.html) and "Green Industry" (http://msucares.com/crops/comhort/green/index.html) websites within www.msucares.com, the Mississippi State University-Extension Service website. Link to the season extension website will be available to the University of Arkansas and Louisiana State University extension service websites. Workshops on sustainable specialty crop production (high-tunnel and conventional will be presented in conjunction with the growers' conference. Workshop information will include production methods, economics, and orchard nutrition, risk management, etc. An update on project results will also be included in this workshop.
Animal Health Component
(N/A)
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
(N/A)
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
1021460102010%
1022120102010%
1022121102010%
1022410102010%
1025210102010%
1111460102010%
1112120102010%
1112121102010%
1112410102010%
1115210102010%
Knowledge Area
102 - Soil, Plant, Water, Nutrient Relationships; 111 - Conservation and Efficient Use of Water;

Subject Of Investigation
1460 - Tomato; 2410 - Cross-commodity research--multiple crops; 5210 - Fertilizers; 2120 - Herbaceous perennials and decorative greens; 2121 - Cut flowers, foliage, and greens;

Field Of Science
1020 - Physiology;
Goals / Objectives
The goal will be developing low cost season extension technology for ornamental crop production. The objectives include: (1) identify ornamental crops/cultivars that can be profitably grown in field and high tunnels; (2) identify, quantify and profile consumer and retailer's preference on specialty cut flower, and assess advantages and obstacles to growers of marketing specialty cut flowers to consumers and retailers; and (3) identify appropriate management practices, including temperature management, for high tunnels.
Project Methods
Objective 1. Approximately 60 specialty cut flower species and cultivars including annuals, perennials, flowering bulbs and woody cut stems, will be grown year around in the field, under high tunnels or in greenhouses at Mississippi State University research farm at Starkville or Truck Crop Experiment Station at Crystal Springs. The plant selection will be based on previous research conducted by Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station Scientists (Sloan and Harkness, 2002) and literature review. Notes will be taken on production details including sowing date, fertilizing, insect and disease incidents among others, to document risks during production. Objective 2. Flowers (~20 species and cultivars) available in May, August, November, and February will be harvested to conduct surveys to identify, quantify and profile consumer and retailer's preference, and to identify challenges and obstacles faced by consumer and retailer's when purchasing specialty cut flowers. The consumer survey locations will include local grocery stores selling cut flowers, and Mississippi farmers' market at Jackson. Flowers will also be harvested in October to conduct surveys at Fall Flower and Garden Fest at Crystal Springs, which attract 5,000-6,000 people. The exhibits of the survey will include 5-gallon buckets filled with each flower variety and bouquets placed in displaying vases consisting a single variety of flower for each variety. The project primary investigators will ask patrons to the grocery stores and the farmers' market, and people attending Fall Flower and Garden Fest to conduct the survey. Local retail florists will be invited to conduct survey at Mississippi State University campus or Truck Crop Experiment Station at Crystal Springs. Objective 3. Best management practices for out-of-season ornamental production in high tunnels.

Progress 02/01/09 to 01/31/13

Outputs
Target Audience: Target audience: Ornamental crop producers. Efforts: Integrated knowledge gain from the project in formal classroom teaching of Greenhouse Management, PSS4343/6343; 10 workshop and short courses; 80 extension presentations; 50 oral or poster presentations at professional conferences; 11 in-service training opportunities; 9 international invited presentations; 38 popular press articles; 41 extension publications. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? HOR 403B 06/22/2011. 2011 Mid South Green Industry Conference. 06/22/-232011. Raymond, MS. HOR 415A 2011 High tunnel field day. 03/10/2011. MSU Truck Crop Exp. Station, MS. HOR 214-2 Retail avenues & alternatives for sales. 11/30/2010. Pontotoc, MS. MSU-ES Annual Conference. ‘Selecting plants’. 11/05/2010. BOST, MSU HOR 215 ‘Production and marketing of specialty crops’. 10/26/2010. Marks, MS. HOR 417-1 37th Annual ornamental horticulture field day. 10/07/2010. Poplarville, Ms. HOR 214-1 Retail avenues & alternatives for sales. 10/04/2010. Jackson, MS. HOR 214-COD1 Retail avenues & alternatives for sales. 09/28/2010. Hattiesburg, MS. HOR 214-ANR1 Retail avenues & alternatives for sales. 09/27/2010. Biloxi, MS. HOR 415 2010 High tunnel field day. 03/11/2010. MSU Truck Crop Exp. Station, MS. HOR 416 Landscape maintenance short course. 02/18-19/2010. Hernando, MS. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? 10 workshops and short courses; 80 extension presentations; 50 oral or poster presentations at professional conferences; 11 in-service training opportunities; 9 international invited presentations; 38 popular press articles; 41 extension publications What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? This is the final reporting of this project.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? 1) Major activities completed: 10 workshops and short courses; 80 extension presentations; 50 oral or poster presentations at professional conferences; 11 in-service training opportunities; 9 international invited presentations; 38 popular press articles; 41 extension publications 2) Specific objectives met: (1) identify ornamental crops/cultivars that can be profitably grown in field and high tunnels; (2) identify, quantify and profile consumer and retailer's preference on specialty cut flower, and assess advantages and obstacles to growers of marketing specialty cut flowers to consumers and retailers; and (3) identify appropriate management practices, including temperature management, for high tunnels. 3) Significant results achieved, including major findings, developments, or conclusions (both positive and negative): High tunnel was identified as very beneficial for specialty crop producers. However, consumer and retailer’s preference were not investigated due to PI’s departure from Mississippi State University. 4) Key outcomes or other accomplishments realized: The project significantly improved specialty crop growers’ knowledge on specialty cut flower production and marketing and on appropriate management practices.

Publications

  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2011 Citation: Cerven, V., G. Bi, M. Gu, K. Hood, R. Little, and W.B. Evans. 2011. Early Season Production of Summer Squash (Cucurbita pepo) in High Tunnels. SR-ASHS, Corpus Christi, TX, 2011. Oral.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2011 Citation: Cochran, Diana R., R. L. Harkess, P. R. Knight, M. Gu, M. Tomaso-Peterson, E. K. Blythe, and C. H. Gilliam. 2011. Enhancing Plant Tolerance to Drought Through the Use of Pageant. SR-ASHS, Corpus Christi, TX, 2011. Oral.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2011 Citation: Gu, M. J. R. Robbins, and C. Rom. 2011. Travel to China for season extension technologies. Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group Annual Conference, Chattanooga, TN. 2011. Poster.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2011 Citation: Evans, W. B., V. Cerven, G. Bi, M. Gu, K. Hood, and R. Little. 2011. An overview of high tunnel research and outreach in central Mississippi. Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group Annual Conference, Chattanooga, TN. 2011. Poster.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2011 Citation: Zhao, Y., M. Tomaso-Peterson and M. Gu. 2011. Efficacy of Biofungicides for Control of Pythium Root Rot in Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima Wild. ex Klotzsch). SR-ASHS, Corpus Christi, TX, 2011. Poster.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2011 Citation: Robbins, J. R., M. Gu, and C. Rom. 2011. China: A Study in Contrasts. SR-ASHS, Corpus Christi, TX, 2011. Oral.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2011 Citation: Evans, W. B., V. Cerven, G. Bi, M. Gu, K. Hood, and R. Little. 2011. Vegetable Yields in Mississippi High Tunnels: First Year Results. SR-ASHS, Corpus Christi, TX, 2011. Oral.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2011 Citation: Zhao, Y. and M. Gu. 2011. Effects of Fertilizers on Greenhouse Grown Chrysanthemum nakingense. Southern Nursery Association Research Conference, Mobile, AL. Oral.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2011 Citation: Chen, Y., M. Gu, A. Owings, and R. Bracy. 2011. Effects of Organic Soil Amendment and Nitrogen Application Rate on the Growth and Establishment of Herbaceous Ornamentals in the Landscape. Southern Nursery Association Research Conference, Mobile, AL. Oral.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2011 Citation: Gu, M., M. Tomaso-Peterson, and Y. Zhao. 2011. Effects of Biofungicides for Control of Pythium in Prestige Red Poinsettia. Southern Nursery Association Research Conference, Mobile, AL. Oral.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2011 Citation: Bi, G., W. Evans, M. Gu, and V. Cerven. 2011. Effects of Pre-Planting Compost and Fertigation on Landscape Performance of Organically-grown Marigold. Southern Nursery Association Research Conference, Mobile, AL. Poster.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2011 Citation: Cochran, D. R. and M. Gu. 2011. Effect of Spent Coffee Grounds on Germination of Palmer Amaranth, Perennial Rye, and White Clover. Southern Nursery Association Research Conference, Mobile, AL. Oral.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2010 Citation: Robbins, J., R. Rainey, M. Gu and A. Owings. 2010. Rolling the dice with cut flowers: Surveys from a risk management education workshop. 2010 Annual conference of Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers. Nov. 8-10, 2010. Tulsa, OK. Poster.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2010 Citation: Cochran, D. and M. Gu. 2010. Effect of coffee grounds on seed germination, 35th Southern Region-International Plant Propagators Society. Raleigh, NC, 2010. Oral
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2010 Citation: Gu, M. 05/22/2010. High tunnel production in US. College of Horticulture, Huazhong Agriculture University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Invited.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2010 Citation: Gu, M. 05/22/2010. Graduate study in horticulture in US. College of Horticulture, Huazhong Agriculture University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Invited.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2010 Citation: Gu, M. 05/13/2010. High tunnel production in US. College of Ornamental Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China. Invited.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2010 Citation: Ma, S. and M. Gu. 2010. Effects of water stress and plant growth retardants on flowering and growth of Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea Wild.). International Horticulture Congress 2010. Lisbon, Portugal. Poster.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2010 Citation: Cerven, V., G. Bi, M. Gu, and W. Evans. 2010. High Tunnels and Secondary Row Covers Both Significantly Alter Winter-Time Air Temperatures and Growing Degree Day Accumulation in a Southern Trial. Palm Desert, CA. Oral.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2010 Citation: Bi, G., M. Gu, W. B. Evans, and M. Williams. 2010. Effects of fertilizer source and rate on zinnia cut flower production in a high tunnel. Palm Desert, CA. Oral.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2010 Citation: Ma, S., M. Gu, R. Harkess, and B. Trader. 2010. Effect of vernalization and day length on flowering Michelia skinneriana. Southern Nursery Association Research Conference, Mobile, AL. Oral.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2009 Citation: Wright, A. N., M. Gu, and J. A. Robbins. 2009. Faculty indicate need for instructional multi-media resources for use in teaching nursery production. 106th ASHS Annual Conference. St. Louis, MO. Poster.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2010 Citation: Bi, G., W. B. Evans, M. Williams, and M. Gu. 2010. Effect of fertilizer source and rate on zinnia cut flower production in a high tunnel. Southern Nursery Association Research Conference, Mobile, AL. Poster.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2010 Citation: Niu, G., M. Gu, and D. Rodriguez. 2010. Nitrogen rate and form affected growth of Texas mountain laurel. Southern Nursery Association Research Conference, Mobile, AL. Oral.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2009 Citation: Gu, M. 2009. The efficient use of alternative water and traditional irrigation sources in horticulture. 106th ASHS Annual Conference. St. Louis, MO. Oral.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2009 Citation: Trader, B. W., M. Gu, and G. Bi. 2009. Evaluation of seven Stewartia L. species for use in southern landscapes. 106th ASHS Annual Conference. St. Louis, MO. Oral.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2009 Citation: Gu, M., S. Ma, R. Harkess, and B. W. Trader. 2009. Effect of 6-Benzyladenine and Cyclanilide on Growth of Poinsettia Early Cortez and Mars Red. 106th ASHS Annual Conference. St. Louis, MO. Poster.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Gu, M. Q. Li, P. H. Steele, G. Niu, and F. Yu. 2013. Growth of Fireworks gomphrena grown in substrates amended with biochar. J. Food, Ag. & Environ. 11(1):819-821. IF 0.517.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Submitted Year Published: 2013 Citation: Zhao, Y., B. Evans, G. Bi, R. Harkess, and M. Gu. 2013. Effects of organic fertilizers on high tunnel and field production of salad mixes in Mississippi. Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems. (submitted). IF 0.673.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Submitted Year Published: 2013 Citation: Zhao, Y., B. Evans, G. Bi, R. Harkess, and M. Gu. 2013. Effect of planting date on yield of tomato, eggplant, sweet banana pepper, zinnia and snapdragon in high tunnel in Mississippi. Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems. (submitted). IF 0.673.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Yang, X., M. Gu., Y. Kang, X. Feng. 2012. Contribution of N:P ratio and endogenous phytohormones during development of phosphorus toxicity in Brassica campestris spp. parachinensis. J. Plant Nutr. Soil Sci. 175:582-594. IF 1.596.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Gu, M. and M. Tomaso-Peterson. 2012. Efficacy of non-conventional fungicides for control of pythium root rot in poinsettia (Eurphorbia pulcherrima Wild. Ex Klotzsch). Journal of the Mississippi Academy of Sciences 57(4):250-256.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Gao, J., M. Gu, G. Niu, and Y. Chen. 2012. Effects of Salinity on Three Pennisetum Cultivars. J. Food, Ag. & Environ. 10:1005-1007. IF 0.517.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Jung, S. K., H. U. Ryn, M. Gu, H. S. Choi, J. H. Ryu and Y. K. Cho. 2012. Growth and fruit production in young Fuji apple trees as affected by time of downward bending of branches. J. Hort. Sci. Biotech. 87:519-523. IF 0.637.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Choi, H. S., K. H. Lim, M. Gu, W. S. Kim, D. I. Kim, K. J. Choi, and H. C. Lee. 2012. Comparison of soil nutrition, tree performance, and insect and disease occurrence between organic and conventional Asian pear orchards. J. Amer. Pomol. Soc. 66(2):68-77. IF 0.429.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2011 Citation: Niu, G., D. Rodriguez, and M. Gu. 2011. Response of Sophora secundiflora to nitrogen form and rate. HortSci. 46:1303-1307. IF 0.778.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2011 Citation: Yuan, X., M. Gu. W. Teng, X. Yang, and J. Wu. 2011. Growth of Calamagrostis brachytricha Steud. and Festuca glauca Lam. and predicted water savings under evapotranspiration-based deficit irrigation. Journal of Horticultural Science & Biotechnology 86:583-588. IF 0.637.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2011 Citation: Jung, S. K., H. S.,Choi, and M. Gu. 2011. Effect of pre- and postload 1-MCP on quality of Tsugaru apples exposed to ethylene. Journal of Food, Agriculture & environment 9(3&4): 214-218. IF 0.517.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2011 Citation: Choi, H. S., C. R. Rom, and M. Gu. 2011. Effects of different organic apple production systems on seasonal nutrient variations of soil and leaf. Scientia Hort. 129:9-17. IF 1.713.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2011 Citation: Choi, H. S., C. R. Rom, and M. Gu. 2011. Plant performance and seasonal of soil and foliar nutrient variations in an organic apple orchard under four ground cover management systems. J. Amer. Pomol. Soc. 65(3):130-146. IF 0.429.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2010 Citation: Niu, G., D. S. Rodriguez, and M. Gu. 2010. Salinity Tolerance of Sophora secundiflora and Cercis canadensis var. Mexicana. HortScience 45:424 - 427. IF 0.778.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2010 Citation: Wright, A. N., J. A. Robbins, and M. Gu. 2010. Course Content and Attitudes Toward Instructional Multimedia Use in Nursery Management and Production Courses in the United States. HortTechnology 20:646 - 651. IF 0.418.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2010 Citation: Coker, C. E. H., G. Bachman, C. Boyd, P. B. Blanchard, E. Bush, and M. Gu. 2010. Coastal Roots: Connecting Students with Sustainability in Mississippi and Louisiana. HortTechnology 20:499 - 502. IF 0.418.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Evans, B., G. Bi, M. Gu, and V. Cerven. 2013. Impacts From Three Years of An Integrated High Tunnel Project in Mississippi. 07/22-07/25. ASHS, Palm Desert, CA. Oral.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2009 Citation: Kim, Y., W.-S. Kim, H.-S. Choi, and M. Gu. 2009. Effects of calcium and indole-3-butyric acid treatments on calcium concentration and stem-end browing in Fuyu sweet persimmon. Korean J. Food Preserv. 16:459-462. IF 0.935.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2009 Citation: Han, F.X., S. Shiyab, J. Chen, D. L. Monts, F .B. Matta, M. Gu, and Y. Su. 2009. Phytotoxicity of mercury in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.). Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 72:619-625. IF 2.617
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2009 Citation: Shiyab, S., J. Chen, F.X. Han, D.L. Monts, F.B. Matta, M. Gu, and Y. Su. 2009. Mercury-induced oxidative stress and phytotoxicity in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.). Environmental Toxicology 24:462-471. IF 2.407.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Gu, M., J.A. Robbins, and X. Zhao. 2013. Study abroad/international field trips to increase students and agriculture professionals competitiveness in the international arena. 07/22-07/25. ASHS, Palm Desert, CA. Oral.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Robbins, J.A., A.N. Wright, and M. Gu. 2013. Creating Virtual Nursery Trips to Improve On-Campus and Distance Education in Nursery Production. 07/22-07/25. ASHS, Palm Desert, CA. Oral.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Niu, G., T. Starman, and M. Gu. 2013. Salt of the Earth PlantsEasing the pain of drought. OFA Shortcourse, 07/15. Columbus, OH. Invited.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Wright, A., J. Robbins, and M. Gu. 2013. "Virtual Nursery Field Trips to Improve Instruction in Nursery Production (2013-0109)" has been successfully received by NACTA Abstracts.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Gu, Mu. 2013. Woody Plants for Cuts. Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers 25 Years-Four Celebrations On the Farm. Wimberley, TX. 03/04. Invited.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Gu, M. 2013. China Urban Landscape Philosophy. SFA Gardens Theresa and Les Reeves Lecture Series. Nacogdoches, TX. 02/14. Invited.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Gu, M. 2013. High tunnel construction and production. Texas Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association Annual Conference, Austin, TX. 02/08. Invited.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Han, F., Y. Su, Z. Shi, Y. Xia, W. Tian, V. Philips, D. Monts, M. Gu and Y. Liang. 2012. Mercury distribution and speciation in floodplain soil and uptake into native earthworms (Diplocardia spp.). Geoderma 170:261-268. IF 2.860.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Gu, M., X. Zhao, G. Bi and J. Robbins. 2013. Using blogs to communicate student international experiences. SR-ASHS, February 1-5, Orlando, FL. Oral.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Gu, M. 2013. Innovation in high tunnel production. Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group Annual Conference, Little Rock, AR. 01/25, repeated on 01/26. Invited.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Yu, F. and M. Gu. 2012. Effect of Biochar on Yield of Lettuce and Basil in Containers. ASHS, Miami, FL.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: 12. M.Gu. 2013. International field trip for Horticulture Production and Marketing in China. Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group Annual Conference, Little Rock, AR. January 23-26. Poster.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Gu, M. and F.Yu. 2012 Effect of Biochar on Growth of Chrysanthemum and Tomato Plants in Containers. ASHS, Miami, FL.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Evans, W., V. Cerven, G. Bi, K. Hood, R. Little and M.Gu. 2012. We grew tomatoes in January without heat, but dont tell the farmers. ASHS, Miami, FL.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Cochran, D. R. , R. L. Harkess, P. R. Knight, M. Tomaso-Peterson, E. K. Blythe, C. H. Gilliam and M. Gu. 2012. Evaluating the effect of selected fungicides on drought tolerance in tomatoes. SR-ASHS, Birmingham, AL
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Ma, Y., M. Tomaso-Peterson, and M. Gu. 2012. The Effects of Organic Fertilizers on Suppression of Pythium aphanidermatum in Tomato Plants. SR-ASHS, Birmingham, AL.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Gao, J. and M. Gu. 2012. The Effect of Sality Stress on Miscanthus and Pennisetum Cultivars. SR-ASHS, Birmingham, AL.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Bi, G., W. Evans, M. Gu, V. Cerven. 2012. Effects of Cover Crops on Soil Fertility and Sunflower Production in a High Tunnel. Southern Nursery Association Research Conference, Mobile, AL.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2011 Citation: Gu, M. 2011. Current and future status of protected cultivation techniques in Asia. International Symposium on High Tunnel Horticultural Crop Production. State College, PA, October 16-19, 2011. Invited.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2011 Citation: Zhao, Y. and M. Gu. 2011. Effects of Organic Fertilizers on Chrysanthemum nankingense. SR-ASHS, Corpus Christi, TX, 2011. Oral.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2011 Citation: Robbins, J. R., R. Rainey, M. Gu, and A. Owings. 2011. Rolling the dice: Risk management education for specialty cut flower growers. SR-ASHS, Corpus Christi, TX, 2011. Oral.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2011 Citation: Gu, M., J. R. Robbins, and C. Rom. 2011. Horticulture education abroad: a study in contrasts. SR-ASHS, Corpus Christi, TX, 2011. Oral.


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

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Effect of coffee grounds on seed germination, 35th Southern Region-International Plant Propagators Society. Raleigh, NC. Effects of water stress and plant growth retardants on flowering and growth of Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea Wild.). International Horticulture Congress.Lisbon, Portugal. High Tunnels and Secondary Row Covers Both Significantly Alter Winter-Time Air Temperatures and Growing Degree Day Accumulation in a Southern Trial. Palm Desert, CA. Effects of fertilizer source and rate on zinnia cut flower production in a high tunnel. Palm Desert, CA. Effect of vernalization and day length on flowering Michelia skinneriana. Southern Nursery Association Research Conference, Mobile, AL. PARTICIPANTS: Not relevant to this project. TARGET AUDIENCES: Not relevant to this project. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
None.

Publications

  • No publications. Mengmeng Gu; 2012


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

Outputs
OUTPUTS: 1. Diana Cochran and Menmeng Gu. 2010. Effect of coffee grounds on seed germination, 35th Southern Region-International Plant Propagators Society. Raleigh, NC, 2010 2. Ma., S. and M.Gu. 2010. Effects of water stress and plant growth retardants on flowering and growth of Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea Wild.). International Horticulture Congress 2010. Lisbon, Portugal. 3. Cerven, V., Bi, G., M. Gu, and W. Evans. 2010. High Tunnels and Secondary Row Covers Both Significantly Alter Winter-Time Air Temperatures and Growing Degree Day Accumulation in a Southern Trial. Palm Desert, CA. 4. Bi, G., Gu, M., Evans, W.B. and M. Williams. 2010. Effects of fertilizer source and rate on zinnia cut flower production in a high tunnel. Palm Desert, CA. 5. Ma, S. M. Gu, R. Harkess, and B. Trader. 2010. Effect of vernalization and day length on flowering Michelia skinneriana. Southern Nursery Association Research Conference, Mobile, AL. 6. Bi, G., W.B. Evans, M. Williams, and M. Gu. 2010. Effect of fertilizer source and rate on zinnia cut flower production in a high tunnel. Southern Nursery Association Research Conference, Mobile, AL. 7. Niu, G., M. Gu, and D. Rodriguez. 2010. Nitrogen rate and form affected growth of Texas mountain laurel. Southern Nursery Association Research Conference, Mobile, AL. 8. 11/30/2010. Specialty crop producer workshop. Pontotoc, MS 9. 10/04/2010. Specialty crop producer workshop. Jackson, MS 10. 09/28/2010. Specialty crop producer workshop. Hattiesburg, MS 11. 09/27/2010. Specialty crop producer workshop. Biloxi, MS 12. 05/05/2010. Farmers Market Manager Workshop. Raymond, MS 13. 03/11/2010. High tunnel field day. Crystal Springs, MS 14. 02/18-19/2010. Landscape Management Short Course. Hernando,MS. 15. 12/16/2010. Tree and shrub care. Turfgrass short course. Dorman, MSU. 16. 11/30/2010. High tunnel production. Specialty crop producer workshop. Pontotoc, MS 17. 10/26/2010. High tunnel production of specialty crops. Marks, MS 18. 10/15-10/16/2010. Best flowers from the trials. Fall Flower & Garden Fest. Crystal Springs, MS 19. 10/15-10/16/2010. High tunnel walking tour. Fall Flower & Garden Fest. Crystal Springs, MS 20. 10/07/2010. Poplarville Field Day. Effect of organic fertilizer on greenhouse grown Chrysanthemum nankingense. Yan Zhao and Mengmeng Gu. 21. 10/07/2010. Poplarville Field Day. Effect of spend coffee grounds on weed germination. Diana Cochran and Mengmeng Gu. 22. 10/04/2010. High tunnel production. Specialty crop producer workshop. Jackson, MS 23. 09/28/2010. High tunnel production. Specialty crop producer workshop. Hattiesburg, MS 24. 09/27/2010. High tunnel production. Specialty crop producer workshop. Biloxi, MS 25. 07/31/2010. Mississippi Homegrown Sustainability Conference. High tunnel production. BOST, MSU. 26. 07/21-22/2010. Mid South Green Industry Conference. Great plants from 2010 trial sites. Raymond, MS 27. 02/25/2010. Mississippi IPM workshop. Mississippi Green Industry. Raymond, MS 28. 02/18-19/2010. Landscape Management Short Coursen. Insect, Disease, Pesticide handling, Shrubs, Annuals, Perennials. Hernando,MS. PARTICIPANTS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
None.

Publications

  • Niu, G., M. Gu, and D. Rodriguez. 2010. Nitrogen rate and form affected growth of Texas mountain laurel. Proceedings of 55th Southern Nursery Association Research Conference, Mobile, AL.
  • Cerven, V., Bi, G., M. Gu, and W. Evans. 2010. High Tunnels and Secondary Row Covers Both Significantly Alter Winter-Time Air Temperatures and Growing Degree Day Accumulation in a Southern Trial. HortScience 45(8):S83.
  • Mississippi State University Extension publication P2642.2010. Mississippi Medallion Plants: 2009
  • Bi, G., Gu, M., Evans, W.B. and M. Williams. 2010. Effects of fertilizer source and rate on zinnia cut flower production in a high tunnel. HortScience.
  • Mississippi State University Extension publication P2635. 2010. Metal Quonset High Tunnel Construction Costs
  • Mississippi State University Extension publication P2640. 2010. Selecting Landscape or Indoor Plants - A Pictorial
  • Mississippi State University Extension publication P2595. 2010. High Tunnel Suppliers
  • Mississippi State University Extension publication P2641. 2010. Mississippi Medallion Plants: 2010
  • Genhua Niu, Denise S. Rodriguez, and Mengmeng Gu. Salinity Tolerance of Sophora secundiflora and Cercis canadensis var. Mexicana. HortScience, March 2010; 45: 424 - 427.
  • Amy N. Wright, James A. Robbins, and Mengmeng Gu. Course Content and Attitudes Toward Instructional Multimedia Use in Nursery Management and Production Courses in the United States. HortTechnology, June 2010; 20: 646 - 651.
  • Christine E.H. Coker, Gary Bachman, Chris Boyd, Pamela B. Blanchard, Ed Bush, and Mengmeng Gu. Coastal Roots: Connecting Students with Sustainability in Mississippi and Louisiana. HortTechnology, June 2010; 20: 499 - 502. Layton, B, M. Gu and Y. Zhao. 2010. Efficacy of selected insecticides for spider mite control on greenhouse-grown tomatoes, 2010. Arthropod Management Test (submitted).
  • Layton, B, M. Gu and Y. Zhao. 2010. Comparison of commercial and homeowner insecticides for control of western flower thrips on greenhouse-grown tomatoes, 2010. Arthropod Management Test (submitted).
  • Ma, S. M. Gu, R. Harkess, and B. Trader. 2010. Effect of vernalization and day length on flowering Michelia skinneriana. Proceedings of 55th Southern Nursery Association Research Conference, Mobile, AL.
  • Bi, G., W.B. Evans, M. Williams, and M. Gu. 2010. Effect of fertilizer source and rate on zinnia cut flower production in a high tunnel. Proceedings of 55th Southern Nursery Association Research Conference, Mobile, AL.


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

Outputs
OUTPUTS: 12/17-12/18/2009. Specialty cut flower short course. Memphis, TN 10/16-17/2009. High tunnel workshop. Crystal Springs, MS 09/10/2009. MDAC Cool season production workshop. "High tunnel production". Hattiesburg, MS 09/03/2009. MDAC Cool season production workshop. "High tunnel production". Jackson, MS 08/27/2009. MDAC Cool season production workshop. "High tunnel production". Verona, MS 08/06/2009. Oktibbeha Ag Club meeting. "Ornamental industry in MS". Oktibbeha extension office 06/16/2009. MAFES TCES Vegetable Twilight Tour. "High tunnel construction and management". Crystal Spring, MS PARTICIPANTS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
None.

Publications

  • MSU Extension publication IS1794 Specialty Cut Flower Production: Meet the Markets. Mengmeng Gu. 2009
  • MSU Extension publication IS1674 High Tunnel or Greenhouse Mengmeng Gu. 2009
  • MSU Extension publication P2560 Specialty Cut Flower Production Resources: Supplies. Mengmeng Gu. 2009
  • MSU Extension publication P2559 Specialty Cut Flower Production Resources: References. Mengmeng Gu. 2009
  • Layton, B and M. Gu. 2009. Control of whiteflies and mealybugs on poinsettia, 2008. Arthropod Management Tests 2009 Vol 34 doi: 10.4182/amt.2009.G39.
  • Layton, B and M. Gu. 2009. Efficacy of homeowner treatments against whiteflies and mealybugs, 2008. Arthropod Management Tests 2009 Vol 34 doi: 10.4182/amt.2009.G40.
  • Layton, B and M. Gu. 2009. Control of crapemyrtle aphids on greenhouse-grown crapemyrtle liners, 2008. Arthropod Management Tests 2009 Vol 34 doi: 10.4182/amt.2009.G30.
  • Layton, B and S. Ma*. 2009. Control of crapemyrtle aphids with media-applied systemic insecticides, 2008. Arthropod Management Tests 2009 Vol 34 doi: 10.4182/amt.2009.G31.
  • Layton, B and M. Gu. 2009. Control of cotton aphid on gerbera daisies, 2008. Arthropod Management Tests 2009 Vol 34 doi: 10.4182/amt.2009.G33.
  • Brian W. Trader, Mengmeng Gu, Alvin May, Karande Gajanayake, and Dinum Perera.Liner Drenches of Trinexapac-ethyl Reduce Height of Ornamental Grasses. 2009. Proceeding of Southern Nurs. Assoc. Res. Conf. 54: 391-394.
  • Shen Ma, Mengmeng Gu, Brian W. Trader. Effects of Water Stress and Plant Growth Regulators on Flowering and Growth of Bougainvillea Raspberry Ice. 2009. Proceeding of Southern Nurs. Assoc. Res. Conf. 54: 420-424.
  • Trader, B. W., M. Gu, and G. Bi. 2009. Evaluation of seven Stewartia L. species for use in southern landscapes. HortScience 44: 563-564 (Abstr.)
  • Gu, M., S. Ma, R. Harkess, and B. W. Trader. 2009. Effect of 6-Benzyladenine and Cyclanilide on Growth of Poinsettia Early Cortez and Mars Red. HortScience 44: 1062. (Abstr.)