NURSERY AND ORNAMENTAL CROP GROWTH AND PHYSIOLOGY

• Sponsoring Institution: National Institute of Food and Agriculture
• Project Status: COMPLETE
• Funding Source: HATCH
• Reporting Frequency: Annual
• Accession No.: 0227950
• Project Start Date: Oct 1, 2011
• Project End Date: Sep 30, 2016
• Program Code: [(N/A)]- (N/A)

Recipient Organization
LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY
202 HIMES HALL
BATON ROUGE,LA 70803-0100

Performing Department
School of Plant, Environmental, and Soil Sciences

Non Technical Summary
Objective 1: Decreased wood products use due to the decreasing housing market has created a shortage of bark for the nursery industry. Also, the increase in fuel prices has encouraged related industries to burn the bark for fuel. This has decreased the availability of wood by-products for media use. This research will expand the media components for nurseries to use for crops. This could stabilize the cost of nursery plants. We hope to provide growers with viable alternatives for media and possibly increase plant growth. Objective 2: Water has become an important commodity for both communities and nursery crops. Maximizing efficiency is even more important than in past years due to declining water resources available for agriculture. Water management is essential for the future of agriculture. Efficient irrigation can reduce water use and increase productivity by lowering nutrient leaching. This research has a far reaching approach to agriculture and water usage across the United States. Objective 3: Understanding how fertilizers release there nutrients is critical in a nutrient management plan. Proper fertilization practices increase plant growth and reduce off-site run-off. Proper placement and fertilizer choice provide a grower the tools to efficiently fertilize for plant growth. This can be a powerful tool in a management plan. Objective 4: Environmental conditions can significantly influence plant growth and development of any crop. Non-traditional crops can survive in difficult environments. In many ways, these crops may provide answers to traditional crops. Producing and re-introducing these crops into a saline or flooded environment can be challenging. These crops offer many benefits to our coastlines and mitigation to our coast. Determining the most appropriate way to rapidly produce these crops and acclimate them for maximum survival is essential for our battle with the eroding coastlines. Objective 5: Balled and burlapped trees can provide immediate shade and landscape features. However, root management of these crops is essential in decreasing post-harvest mortality. By using root management techniques, we can increase adaptability and increase vigor. This research can reduce time of acclimation for consumers and nurserymen.

Animal Health Component

(N/A)

Research Effort Categories

Basic

100%

Applied

(N/A)

Developmental

(N/A)

Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)	Subject of Investigation (SOI)	Field of Science (FOS)	Percent
102	0210	1010	30%
103	0670	1020	20%
104	2110	1060	10%
111	2120	1070	10%
112	2122	1140	10%
206	2123	2020	10%
405	2140	2040	10%

Knowledge Area
103 - Management of Saline and Sodic Soils and Salinity; 206 - Basic Plant Biology; 102 - Soil, Plant, Water, Nutrient Relationships; 112 - Watershed Protection and Management; 111 - Conservation and Efficient Use of Water; 104 - Protect Soil from Harmful Effects of Natural Elements; 405 - Drainage and Irrigation Systems and Facilities;

Subject Of Investigation
0670 - Short rotation woody crops, including holiday trees; 2110 - Ornamental trees and shrubs; 2140 - Ground covers; 0210 - Water resources; 2123 - Bedding/garden plants; 2120 - Herbaceous perennials and decorative greens; 2122 - Potted plants;

Field Of Science
2020 - Engineering; 1060 - Biology (whole systems); 2040 - Mineralogy; 1070 - Ecology; 1010 - Nutrition and metabolism; 1140 - Weed science; 1020 - Physiology;

Keywords

nursery irrigation

nutrient release curve

water usage

tissue analysis

phosphorus extraction

root prunning

irrigation management

best management practices

Goals / Objectives
Objectives 1-Nursery Media Components: To determine the feasibility of using alternative media components for nursery crop production using by-products of rice hulls as a component of nursery media. The rice hull ash, wood ash and wood by-product analysis has nutritional and physical characteristics that would benefit ornamental growth. To evaluate bark particle size distribution for the proper physical characteristics for plant growths. Combinations of s for these medium for low, medium and high pH loving crops. Objectives 2-Irrigation: To establish efficient irrigation practices for container nursery crops. This will be established by comparing traditional practices with digital monitoring systems. There will be comparisons of growth and water usage using a digital input output system controlled by a computer program. This will regulate irrigation based on leaching fraction. Objectives 3-Fertility: Establishing fertilizer release patterns is the basis to fertilizer management for growers and fertilizer manufacturers. Our climate is demanding since most fertilizers are based on average soil temperatures. This research will provide this data. To provide lime and magnesium release curve patterns for nursery crops. New slow release products provide growers and fertilizer product that will allow single application of Ca and Mg fertilizers. To determine the feasibility of extracting fertilizer from turkey and poultry manure. Objective 4-Environmental stresses: To determine the effect of waterlogging on production of wetland nursery crops. Little has been published on wetland nursery plant production. To determine the effects of saline environments on the production of nursery crops and subsequent survival. Objectives 5-B & B Production: To determine the benefits of root pruning effects on root architecture on nursery production and post-harvest. Large trees will be root pruned over a 5-year period and harvested to evaluate the improvement of growth, mortality, and vigor.

Project Methods
Objective 1: Alternative medium components will be analyzed for physical and chemical properties to produce a suitable media for producing a wide range of ornamental crops. Physical properties will be measured using USDA sieve screens and chemical analysis will be estimated using a malic extraction method to simulate nutrient availability. These factors will determine the treatments for nursery crops. Plant growth will be measured using a growth index [(height+width1+width2)/3)] and plant dry weight. Plant tissue nutrient analysis will also be determined. Data will be analyzed using an ANOVA at the .05 level. These results will be published in refereed journals popular magazines and talks at nursery meetings and extension training meetings. Objective 2: Irrigation requirements based on leaching fraction will be determined using a previously developed tree stand which provides a method of collecting and measuring leachate from irrigation and rainfall. Nutrient load and partitioning irrigation events will establish a tool for irrigation best management practices for large nursery containers. Plant growth will be measured using a growth index [(height+ width1+ width2)/3)] and plant dry weight. Plant tissue nutrient analysis will also be determined. Data will be analyzed using an ANOVA at the .05 level.These results will be published in referred journals popular magazines and talks at nursery meetings and extension training meetings. Objective 3: Monitoring leachate nutrient loads using the adjusted Virginia Tech Extraction method can give us an indication of fertilizer availability for nursery crops. Total water use and nutrient load for each treatment will be measured. Plant growth will be measured using a growth index [(height+width1+width2)/3)] and plant dry weight. Plant tissue nutrient analysis will also be determined. Data will be analyzed using an ANOVA at the .05 level. These results will be published in refereed journals, popular magazines and talks at nursery meetings and extension training meetings. Objective 4: Monitoring the effects of salinity and waterlogging can improve plant growth. Non-traditional crops actually benefit from flooding and saline conditions. Using Ebb and flow tables, Tobacco float systems and saline gradients will give a wetland nursery industry basic information for mass propagation of wetland breeding lines. Plant growth will be measured using a growth index [(height+width1+width2)/3)] and plant dry weight. Plant tissue nutrient analysis will also be determined. Data will be analyzed using an ANOVA at the .05 level. These results will be published in refereed journals, popular magazines and talks at nursery meetings and extension traing meetings. Objective 5: Traditional balled and burlapped crops will be harvested once each plant acquires the correct diameter and height.

Progress 10/01/11 to 09/30/16

Outputs
Target Audience:Horticultural industries, graduate students, K-12 students, peer-scientists. Changes/Problems:There were flooding and storm impacts causing a delay in field research and large tree harvest. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Three students weretrained and a thesis was produced. Research field days, symposiums, teacher trainings, science days and community outreach has been available for the industry and academic communities and 2-12 grades. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Field Days, science symposiums, International symposiums, national and localresearch conferences allow for our communities to achieve knowledge exchanges. The university and AgCenter allows for multidisciplinary research efforts which lead to new and acquired learning communities. This fostered both traditional and non-traditional impacts among audiences. The national, regional and state nursery associations host a wide range of green industry audiences to disseminate training and new research efforts. The SERA 27 has allowed each state to collaboratively impact various regions of our membership. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Soil nutrition analysis has been a focus in the last two years. One project compared lab recommendations for crops. The benefits of root pruning was demonstrated in field and research plots and nurseries. An automated irrigation system for greenhouses was developed from current research efforts and data showed improvements in water use efficiency. Potting medium research established optimum formulations for vegetable plant growth and production. Another project established the need of micronutrient fertilizers for adequate plant growth and fruit yields.

Publications

• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Bush, N., E. Bush, Gen, C. Green, J. Anderson,P. Blanchard, N. Bush, and J. Conover. 2016. Mitigation of Hypoxic Ecosystems Using Hemolymph Analysis of Callinectes sapidus and Procambarus clarkii in Relation to Spartina Grasses. J. of Ecology. 6:484-495.
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Awaiting Publication Year Published: 2016 Citation: Everhart, S., K. Fontenot, and E. Bush. 2016. Determining Optimum Calcium and Magnesium Sources and Rates for Home Gardeners Growing Vegetables in Potting Media Using Alkaline Irrigation Water.HortTechnology. 26:
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Bush, E., M. Breithaupt,S. Chin, L. Liuzza. 2016. Evaluating the Consistency of Soil Lab Results Based on Soil Recommendations for a Horticulture Crop.

Progress 10/01/14 to 09/30/15

Outputs
Target Audience:Nursery producers, extension agents, landscapers, retail and wholesale producers are impacted by this research. We are also working with soil blending companies to produce a product. Another audience targeted is urban and rural farmers. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?One student was trained and a thesis was produced. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Stakeholder meetings, field days, information sessions, and classes were offered to disseminate research results. Publications for trade and academic researchers were made available. Education forums provide a venue that impacts children from the 2nd to 12th grade. This population has been targeted for education on agriculture and environmental stewardship. A recent science symposium hosted about 3600students. We are currently working with an international audience which will greatly spread our impact. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Continued environmental research will use horticulture crops in the phytoremediation and stabilization of EPA identified waste sites.management and nutrient lossin excess water runoff will remain a focus for nursery research.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The benefits of root pruning was demonstrated in nurseries. An automated irrigationsystem for greenhouses was developed from current research efforts. Potting medium research established optimum formulations for vegetable plant growth and production. A graduate projectestablished the need of micronutrient fertilizers for adequate plant growth and fruit yields. The impact of root rot and crown rot of Liriope has been determined in field and laboratory research. Nursery production surveys of susceptible cultivars indicated to 50% mortality.

Publications

• Type: Journal Articles Status: Awaiting Publication Year Published: 2015 Citation: Bush, N. , Bush, E. , Blanchard, P. , Bush, N. and Conover, J. (2015) Studying the Ecological Benefits of Spartina Grass Species and Use of a Mathematical Model (Picks Theorem) for Historical Documentation and Future Restoration of Hypoxic Marshlands. Journal of Water Resource and Protection.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2015 Citation: Guitreaux, Katie, Edward Bush, Jeff Beasley, Maureen Thiessen, and Jeff Kuehny. 2015. A New Automated Irrigation System Reduces Irrigation Consumption During Gardenia Production Using Overhead Irrigation. HortScience. 50(9):S291.
• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Bush. Ed and Jeff Beasley. 2015. Scientists Optimize Nursery Irrigation Practices by Managing Water Output Summer Louisiana Agriculture. Vol. 58, No. 3. Pp.35
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Bush, Ed, Carla Proano. 2015. Preventative and Curative Measures in Commercial Liriope Production with Crown and Leaf Rot Incidence. HortScience. 50:(9):S33.

Progress 10/01/13 to 09/30/14

Outputs
Target Audience: Nursery producers, extension agents, landscapers, retail and wholesale producers are impacted by this research. We are also working with soil companies and blenders to produce a product. Another audience targetedis urban and rural farmers. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? A graduate thesis and dissertation are a product of this project. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Stakeholder meetings. field days, information sessions, and classes were offered to disseminate research results.Publications for the trade and academic researchers were made available. Shareholder input and information dissemination at workshops and tradeshows seem to be an effective way of educating our clientele. Education forums and field days resulted in productive exchanges for ideas and solutions. Education forums and field days result in productive exchanges for ideas and solutions. Education forums provide a venue that even impacts children from the 2nd to 12th grade. This population has been targeted to educate them on agriculture and environmental stewardship. A recent science symposium hosted about 3600 such school age children. We are currently working with an international audience which will greatly spread our impact. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? A license will target potting soil for the mass market. Continued environmental research will work with horticulture crops in the phytoremediation and stabilization of EPA identified waste sites. Water and soil management is key to success. Nursery fertility in excess water runoff will remain a focus for nursery research.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The benefits of root pruning was demonstrated in outfield plots. An automated irrigation device for screenhouses was developed from current research efforts. Potting medium research established optimum formulations for vegetable plant growth and production. A graduate project has established the need of micronutrient fertilizers for adequate plant growth and fruit yields. The impact of root rot and crown rot has been determined in field and lab research. Nursery production of susceptible cultivars was showed up to 50% mortality.

Publications

• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Fontenot, K., A. Adhikari, E. Bush, R. Williams and F. Malekian. 2014. Food Safety in Louisiana School Gardens. Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station,Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service, LSU College of Agriculture, Baton Rouge La. 70803.m Pub. 3356. pp. 1 - 8
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Theissen, Maureen, Edward Bush and Jeff Beasley. 2014. A New Automated Irrigation System Reduces Irrigation Consumption and Leachate in a Commericial Nursery Production Facility Isolating Crown Rot Disease Organisms in a Nursery Production SystemA Comparison of Ca and Mg Rate. HortScience 49(9):S136.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Proano,Carla, Edward Bush,and Jeff Kuehny. 2014.Isolating Crown Rot Disease Organisms in a Nursery Production System BMPs, Ornamental diseases. HortScience. 49(9):S227.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Bertrand, Sara, Kathryn Fontenot, Edward Bush and Charles Johnson. 2014. A Comparison of Ca and Mg Rates in Soilless Media for Optimum Vegetable Production Irrigated with Alkaline Water. HortScience. 49(9):S365.
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Fontenot, D., E. Bush,J. Beasley and K. Fontenot. 2014. Evaluating Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon), Seashore Paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum) and Weeping Lovegrass (Eragrostis curvula) as a Vegetative Cap for Industrial Brine Landform Stabilization and Phytoremediation. J. of Plant Nutrition.37:237-245.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Bush, Edward, Carla Proano, Jeff Kuenhy, and Raj Singh. Best Management Practices Affecting Crown Rot Occurrence OnBig Blue Liriope. 2014. Proc. of SNA Res. Conf. 59:176-177.

Progress 01/01/13 to 09/30/13

Outputs
Target Audience: The audience for this project are far reaching. Nursery producers, extension agents, landscapers, retail and wholesale producers are impacted by this research. We are also working with manufactors and blenders to produce a saleble product for commercial re-sale. Another market which we target is the urban and rural farmers. These audiences have a major impact on the ouput of our reasearch effort. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Stakeholder meetings. field days, information sessions, and classes were offered to disseminate research results. Publications for the trade and academic researchers were made available. Input and dissemination at workshops and tradeshows seem to be an effective way for our audiences. Education forums and field days result in productive exchanges for ideas and solutions. Collaboration with other states such as the SERA-IEG meetings help us exchange research findings maximizing our resources and build viable relationships for collaboration. Classroom setting still have a role as well as newsletters and professional memberships at the state, regional, national and international levels. Graduate, undergraduate, high school and elementary children benefitted from this research project. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? ons for the industry and public is essential. Input and dissemination at workshops and master gardener meetings seem to be an effective way for our audiences. Education forums and field days result in productive exchanges for ideas and solutions. Education forums provide a venue that even impacts children from the 2nd to 12th grade. This population has been targeted to educate and appreciate agriculture and environmental stewardship. A recent science symposium hosted about 3700 school age children. Some actually were serving as educators for students and parents alike. We are currently working with an international audience which will greatly spread our impact. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? We are currently working on patenting an automated irrigation device that monitors and regulates outputs and inputs of irrigation. A license will also be in the future targeting potting soil for the mass market. Continued environmental research will work with horticulture crops in the phytoremediation and stabilization of EPA identified sites. Water and soil management is key to success. Nursery fertility is runoff will remain a focus for nursery impact research.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Four articles were published in research journals and information disseminated at industry meetings. A graduate Thesis and Dissertation were written from research in this project. Several professional talks pertaining to psd and water relationships were given at meetings. Irrigation research and management was presented at both ornamental, greenhouse and nursery venues. Coastal plant research was discussed with current and potential stakeholders at a LSU AgCenter field days. At industry meetings benefits of root pruning was discussed and demonstrated in outfield plots. Environmental research factored both on inputs and outputs. This research resulted in talks, publication and dissemination. An automated irrigation device was developed from previous current and future research efforts. Medium research established optimum formulations for vegetable plant growth and production. A graduate project has established the need of micronutrient fertilizers for adequate plant growth and fruit yields. The impact of root rot and crown rot has been determined using field and lab research. Nursery production of susceptible cultivars was as much as 50% mortality.

Publications

• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Bush, Edward W., Jeffrey S. Beasley, Magee Shaw. 2013. Evaluation of a Vegetative Landform Cap to Reduce Water Percolation. Special Issue-ASHS Annual Conf. Oral Session. 24-25.
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Fontenot, D. E. Bush, J. Beasley, C. Johnson, K. Fontenot. 2013.Evaluating Bermudagrass ( Cynodon dactylon), Seashore Paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum) and Weeping Lovegrass (Eragrostis curvula) as a Vegetative Cap for Industrial Brine Landform Stabilization and Phytoremediation. J. of Plant Nutrition. http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/01904167.2013.821132
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Kirk, Heather, Edward Bush and Allen Owings. 2013. Landscape plant establishment and subsequent growth as affected by mulching. Journal of the Louisiana State Horticulture Society. Vol 8:29-42.
• Type: Other Status: Accepted Year Published: 2013 Citation: Owings, Allen D. Edward W. Bush Historical Significance of Rhododendron Development in Louisiana. Special Issue-ASHS Annual Conf. Oral Session. 106.
• Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Theissan, Maureen. 2013. Soilless media water leaching fraction vs. container capacity. Masters of Science School of Plant and Environmental Soil Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, La. pp. 1-110.
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Wells, D., E. Bush, J. Beasley, and C. Johnson. 2013. Effects of Phosphorus Source, Phosphorus Rate, and Liming Rate on Growth and Quality of Verbena canadensis Britton Homestead Purple and Lantana camara L. New Gold. J. of Environmental Horticulture. 31:94-100.
• Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Wells, Daniel. 2013. Poultry Litter Ash as a Phosphorus Source for Greenhouse Crop Production. A Dissertation. School of Plant and Environmental Soil Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, La. pp. 1-187.

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

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Two articles were published in research journals and information disseminated at industry meetings. A graduate thesis and professional talk pertained to psd and water relationships. Fertilizer release patterns and their effect on growth were discussed in both ornamental, greenhouse and nursery venues. Publications determining proper fertilizer rates and sources were published in HortScience and presented at grower meetings. Coastal plant research was discussed with current and potential stakeholders at a LSU AgCenter field day. At industry meetings benefits of root pruning was discussed and demonstrated in outfield plots. PARTICIPANTS: E. Bush (PI), Cary Knott, Lee Rouse, Ben Agnew, Jeff Kuehny, Jason Stagg, Allen Owings, Kiki Fontenot, LSU AgCenter; Anthony Witcher, USDA-Poplarville; Maureen Theissen, Daniel Wells; Ken Tilt, Auburn University; Charlie Owens, Scotts Co.; Tom Spies, Agri Electric; Linda Messina, High School. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nursery producers and extension agents. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
Alternative media is needed to overcome the shortage of bark. This research expands the media components available for plant production at nurseries. Nutritional characterization of rice hull ash, wood ash and wood by-product shows promise as ornamental growth media. Bark particle size distribution was evaluated to determine optimal physical characteristics for plant growth. Research comparing composting and incorporating fertilizer amendments will establish BMP's for medium to low and medium to high pH loving crops. Efficient irrigation can reduce water use and increase productivity by lowering nutrient leaching and reducing runoff. Proper fertilization practices increase plant growth; improve color, and maximize nutrient efficiency. Proper placement and fertilizer choice provide a grower the tools to efficiently fertilize. Understanding fertilizer release patterns in hot environments is critical to managing fertilizer use. New slow release products potentially provide growers single applications of Ca and Mg fertilizers; Non-traditional coastal crops can survive in stressful environments and this research may help develop management practices for traditional crops. Root management techniques can increase plant adaptability and increase vigor.

Publications

• Bush, E., B. Agnew. 2012. Amelioration of Irrigation Alkalinity by Changing Calcium and Magnesium Source and Rate. HortSci. 47:S206-S207.
• Gillett , C., E. Bush, K. Fontenot, M. Walsh and P. Blanchard. 2012. Creating a Horticultural Curriculum Addressing Environmental Concerns. HortSci. 47:S175.
• Thiessen, M. E. Bush, J. Beasley, and D. Wells. 2012. Using Effluent Volumes to Control Leaching in Container Nursery Crops. HortSci. 47:S393.
• Wells, D. and E. Bush. 2012. Poultry litter ash fertilizer amendment in greenhouse crop production.SNA Conf. Proc. of the SNA Conf. 57:69-72.
• Owings, Allen, Regina Bracy and Ed Bush. 2012. Bark and Similar Forestry Products Needed in Louisiana's Nursery and Landscape Industry. Journal of the Louisiana State Horticulture Society. Volume 7:16-17.
• Knox, Gary, Jon Lindstrom, Tom Ranney, Ed Bush, Allen Owings, Win Dunwell and Richard Beeson. 2012. 'Jon Jon' Magnolia: A Late Flowering Deciduous Magnolia Recommended for Zones 6B to 8B in the Southeaster United States. Proc. of the Southern Nursery Association Research Conference. Vol. 57:219-224.
• Fontenot, Kathryn, Bush, Edward W., Gill, Daniel J. "A Guide to Growing a School Butterfly Garden (approved orders only)". 2012. LSU AgCenter Publication. Baton Rouge La.