Source: MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIV submitted to
ESTABLISHING AGRONOMIC AND PEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES FOR VEGETABLE, SPECIALTY CROPS, AND FRUIT GROWERS WHILE IMPROVING POLLINATOR HEALTH
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
COMPLETE
Funding Source
HATCH
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
1014723
Grant No.
(N/A)
Cumulative Award Amt.
(N/A)
Proposal No.
(N/A)
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Nov 27, 2017
Project End Date
Aug 1, 2022
Grant Year
(N/A)
Program Code
[(N/A)]- (N/A)
Project Director
Knight, PA.
Recipient Organization
MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIV
(N/A)
MISSISSIPPI STATE,MS 39762
Performing Department
Coastal Research & Extension Center
Non Technical Summary
Fruit, vegetable and ornamental plant production continues to expand in the Gulf South. Desire for safe and affordable produce with a low carbon footprint increasingly impacts consumer product selection. As the demand for locally-grown food has flourished, many consumers, both rural and urban, are incorporating edible crops into their landscape. Introduction of new plant material as well as existing/emerging pests and production challenges on staple crops requires timely research to improve efficiencies, enhance productivities, and maximize profitability. In particular, pollinator health has emerged as a priority for both producers and consumers. This project will investigate methods to maximize production efficiencies and profitability while minimizing impact on pollinators.
Animal Health Component
100%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
100%
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
2051499106017%
2052499106016%
2161499106017%
2162499106017%
6011499106017%
6012499106016%
Knowledge Area
601 - Economics of Agricultural Production and Farm Management; 205 - Plant Management Systems; 216 - Integrated Pest Management Systems;

Subject Of Investigation
1499 - Vegetables, general/other; 2499 - Plant research, general;

Field Of Science
1060 - Biology (whole systems);
Goals / Objectives
Develop sustainable and environmentally sound production and/or landscape practices that increase the net income of fruit, vegetable, or ornamental producers in the Gulf South.Develop new and innovative pest control strategies targeted for regional fruit, vegetable, or ornamental pest problems (insects, diseases, weeds, animals).Identify new, improved, and alternative fruit, vegetable, or ornamental crops for Gulf South production.Study of the effects of pesticides on honey and wild bees and to develop and test a wide variety of products, tools and strategies for integrated varroa, SHB management and disease control to reduce the use of pesticides in the beekeeping sectors.Assess the economic impacts of research and consumer preferences on vegetable, specialty crops, and fruit production.
Project Methods
Studies performed within this project will be selected based on current or anticipated needs of both small- and large-scale producers. Individual studies may focus on issues at the producer, retailer, or consumer level. Multi-state and/or multi-institution studies will be initiated when appropriate.The diversity of research studies that will be conducted within this project will call for a variety of treatment designs, experimental designs, sampling designs, and methods of statistical analysis. These design elements will be considered for each project to maximize applicability of results across the Gulf South. Dr. Blythe will provide statistical expertise for the group.EntomologyA project on honey bee exposure to neonicotinoid insecticides and acaricides associated with colony health in agricultural settings and laboratory tests and subsequent evaluation of varroa infestation using a variety of diagnostic and control methods will be conducted. Experiments will be conducted in the laboratory to test synergistic effects of pesticide and acaricides on bee mortality and bees' organic systems. Colonies will be exposed to the pesticides and effects on a colony and/or individual bee levels will be recorded. Further experiments will be conducted in order to establish diagnostic methods for varroa mites and control methods will be performed during summer and winter seasons.EconomicsOnline surveys will be deployed starting in 2017 to assess the economic impacts of research on vegetable, specialty crops and fruit production, and evaluate consumer preferences for specialty crops evaluated or developed at Coastal Research and Extension Center - Coastal Horticulture Research. Letters of recruitment will be disseminated by the principal investigator and all the co-investigators through oral presentations, posters, workshops, newsletters, flyers, infographics, websites, and social media networks. Results of the online surveys on the economic impacts of research on vegetable, specialty crops, and fruit production at the Coastal Horticulture Research will be reported in journal articles, and research bulletins. Data that will be collected in these surveys will include, among others, the importance, type, value, and means how the information was received, types, sizes, and locations of horticultural operations and activities, costs savings, and increase in gross sales. Similar methods developed by Posadas (2014; 2015) for the Mississippi-Alabama and other Gulf States Sea Grant research and extension projects will be adapted in assessing the economic impacts of the Coastal Horticulture Research on the above-mentioned horticultural industries. States to be included in the economic impact assessment will be limited to the Gulf South, which comprises Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. The horticulture production industries to be included are those listed under the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS, 2017). The IMPLAN (2017) software and data will be used to estimate the economic impacts associated with cost savings and increase in gross sales. The purpose of the consumer preferences study is to develop educational programs to aid professional growers in discovering local markets for different specialty crops. The results of the online surveys on economic impacts and consumer preferences will be reported in journal articles, and research or extension publications. Comparable methods developed by Posadas, et al. (2004; 2006) will be used in evaluating consumer preferences for specialty crops.Ornamental HorticultureSpring, summer, and cool season variety trials with flowering annuals will be conducted at the South Mississippi Branch Experiment Station using new varieties supplied each year by commercial breeding companies and plant introduction companies. Plants under evaluation will be grown in the ground or in containers under conditions like those with a typical landscape or garden planting. Plants will be rated for overall performance every three weeks, with additional notes as needed. All-America Selections trials will be conducted based on guidelines supplied by that organization.Research trials with adjuvants for commercial rooting compounds or alternative methods of application will be conducted to assess their potential use for commercial cutting propagation. Studies will include herbaceous, softwood, semi-hardwood, and hardwood cuttings selected to evaluate responses from a range of species. Species will be selected based on the time of year and availability. Cuttings will be obtained from production plants or purchased from commercial cutting suppliers. Cuttings will be freshly prepared to a uniform size appropriate for the species, with basal leaves removed from the portion of the cutting to be inserted into a commercial rooting substrate before or after auxin treatment (depending on the type of study). Cuttings will be placed under intermittent mist in a climate controlled greenhouse under conditions like those used in commercial production. Upon harvest, cuttings will be assessed for rooting, root length (scanned and analyzed with root analysis software), and initial shoot development.

Progress 10/01/19 to 09/30/20

Outputs
Target Audience:Results from research were presented to group audiences at industry field days, professional meetings, and to the general public. As needed, information was also provided to individuals representing the previously mentioned sectors. Changes/Problems:Vastly more information was provided this year via virtual presentations. COVID-19 severely limited our opportuntiies for in person dissemination of information. 2021 dissemination will be accomplished within the scope allowed. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Results from this project are used for training undergraduate and graduate students through hands-on participation in projects to develop their research and critical thinking skills. Students are also required to present research results at professional meetings, developing their speaking and leadership skills. Results are also shared with industry professionals through field days andindividual consultations. Normal field days include: Ornamental Field Day, Muscadine Field Day, Blueberry Field Day, and Vegetable Field Day. Trainings are also offered to extension professionals. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results have been shared through oral presentations, written articles in journals, proceedings, and popular press, and orally with individuals. Results have also been shared with the public via personal communications such as email. Finally, results have been shared through various social media channels. Research results, top performers from variety trials and other horticultural research information have been shared in virtual field days. Additionally, research has been presented at regional and national professional meetings.The annual Mississippi Blueberry Education Workshop was held in Hattiesburg in January 2020 with 54 attendees. Another 400 contacts were made via the quarterly newsletter, Mississippi Vaccinium Journal. A study on blueberry bush renovation was completed as well in 2020 showing that pruning height significantly impacts early yields. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?1. Research into ornamental plant propagation will continue.A study on Rubusplant and fruiting phenology will be conducted in 2021. 3. SeveralRubuscrosses are anticipated in 2021. Thornless seedlings of Chickasaw, Kiowa, and Sweetie Pie are currently being evaluated and the first selections will be done in 2021. Recently released primocane fruiting cultivars from the University of Arkansas were obtained and are being grown under high tunnels. Research will continue on Passiflora breeding.Crape myrtle germplasm will continue to be evaluated. Crape myrtle crosses will continue to be evaluated for market potential, and new crosses will be made. A study will evaluate intercropping of flowers and vegetables to determine insect biodiversity. 5. Studies will continue on consumer preferences for poinsettias as well as their willingness to pay for various poinsettia containers.Additional data will be collected from field day participants to continue to monitorthe economic impact of horticulture programs in southMississippi.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? 1.In 2020 the final data of a 3-year Rubusstudy were obtained. Plants were fertilized with different rates of nitrogen to establish if it effected the manifestation of white drupelet disorder based on previous work with raspberries. We found that greater amounts of N did reduce the amount of white drupelet disorder by roughly 25%.A study was conducted todetermine optimal commercial auxinconcentration and submersion timing on rooting of very softstem cuttings of Florida azalea. Auxin source was Hortus IBA WaterSoluble Salts™ (Hortus IBA) at 0, 1000, 2500, 5000,7500, or 10000 ppm IBA. Submersion duration'swere 5 sec basal quick-dip, 1, 6, 12, or 24 hours.Duration of submersion effected root percentage(P<.0001), number of roots (P=0.0101), and averagelength of the three longest roots (P=0.0415). Therewas an interaction between auxin concentration andsubmersion duration for root quality (P=0.0056), cuttingquality (P<.0001) and growth indices (P<.0001).Results indicate that very soft Florida azalea cuttingshad a better rooting response when treated with a5 sec basal quick-dip and auxin concentration was2500 ppm IBA.Astudy was conducted aimed at determining what effectsthe addition of three different honeys (Manuka 15+ UMF,multiflora, and local) to water-soluble auxin solutionshad on the root growth and uniformity of miniaturerose. Results showed thatthe addition of honey did not significantly impact rootingof Red Cascade rose while rate of auxin was foundto significantly impact rooting. Cuttings treated with1000 ppm IBA had a greater root quality rating and agreater average length of the three longest roots whencompared to cuttings in the control group. Cuttingsreceiving either 750 or 1000 ppm IBA had a greaterroot number than cuttings in the control group. Shootgrowth was optimal for cuttings treated with 250 ppmIBA. Further research studies will focus on woody ornamentalspecies with varying rooting difficulty.Eighteen 'Woodard' rabbiteye blueberry busheswere pruned at two different heights: ground level and50 cm. Phosphorous acid was also added as a treatmentin the first year; however, this had no effect on the bushes. Yields were collected and weighed. Busheswere measured and shoots counted. Cutting at 50 cmproduced more shoots in 2018 (36 vs. 21) and tallerbush height by 2019. Bushes pruned at 50 cm hadmuch higher yields in both 2018 (319 g vs. 58 g) and2019 (3474 g vs. 626 g). Pruning at 50 cm vs. groundlevel provides a substantial yield benefit while havinglittle to no difference in other measured parameters.Thus, pruning at 50 cm can provide growers with greaterreturns than pruning at ground level for 'Woodard' rabbiteye blueberry. 3.Grape seedlings were screened and 4 selections were made for advanced screening. Due to COVID-19 collection of new seed and new crosses were not made. Plans to make more crosses and for collection of seed from those crosses are planned for 2021. Grape growers were educated primarily via social media (blog and Twitter).Selections of promising interspecific hybrids were made during 2020 with 20 vines being selected based on fruit production and fruit size for more screening. Seeds (~400) were germinated in the greenhouse and will be potted up and planted in 2021. An ornamental selection was planted in the field at Poplarville and Verona for evaluation as a potential cultivar release.A total of 46 crape myrtle cross combination generated seed that was collected. 5. A study was conducted todetermine consumers' preferred poinsettiapot size and willingness to pay (WTP) for 'JubileeWhite', 'Jubilee Red' and 'Majestic Pink'. Each varietywas potted in four, six, eight and ten-inch size pots.One hundred and forty-four participants were invitedto participate in surveys IRB-19-535 at four locations.Each variety was grouped and coded by varietyand pot size. Eight-inch size pots were preferred in'Jubilee White' and 'Majestic Pink'. Ten-inch pot sizewas preferred in 'Jubilee Red'. Four- and six-inch potswere least preferred in all poinsettia varieties. Consumerwillingness to pay for 'Jubilee White' averaged$4.30 in four inch, $6.60 in six inch, $9.84 in eightinch and $13.38 in ten-inch size pots; 'Majestic Pink'averaged $4.37 in four inch, $7.11 in six inch, $10.80in eight inch and $14.50 in ten-inch pot sizes and 'JubileeRed' averaged $4.74 in four inch, $7.37 in sixinch, $11.58 in eight inch and $15.79 in ten-inch sizepots. Results reveal consumers prefer large pot sizesand are willing to pay more for them.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Ryals, J.B, E. Stafne, and P.R. Knight. 2020. Rooting response of seven passion fruit species to basal application of auxin. HortTechnology 30(6):692-696. https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTTECH04660-20.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Stephenson, R.C., C.E.H. Coker, B.C. Posadas, G.R. Bachman, R.L. Harkess, J.J. Adamczyk, and P.R. Knight. 2020. Economic effect of insect pest management strategies on small scale tomato production in Mississippi. HortTechnology 30(1):64-75. DOI:10.21273/HORTTECH04435-19.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Mavrodi, O.V., D.V. Mavrodi, E.T. Stafne, John J. Adamczyk, Jr., and E.M. Babiker. 2020. Draft genome sequences of Xylella fastidiosa subsp. fastidiosa strains OK3, VB11, and NOB1 isolated from bunch and muscadine grapes grown in southern Mississippi. Microbial Resource Announcement DOI: 10.1128/MRA.00562-20.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Stafne, E.T. 2020. #YardFruits: Twitter as a Tool to Disseminate Horticulture Education During A Pandemic. HortTechnology https://journals.ashs.org/horttech/view/journals/horttech/aop/article-10.21273- HORTTECH04717-20/article-10.21273-HORTTECH04717-20.xml
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Stafne, E.T. and B.J. Smith. 2020. Higher Renovation Pruning Height Improves Early Yields of Woodard Rabbiteye Blueberry. HortScience 55(9):S406. https://journals.ashs.org/hortsci/view/journals/hortsci/55/9S/article-pS1.xml
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Stafne, E.T. and B.J. Smith. 2020. Additional Nitrogen Application May Reduce White Drupelet Disorder in Sweetie Pie Blackberry. HortScience 55(9):S406. https://journals.ashs.org/hortsci/view/journals/hortsci/55/9S/article-pS1.xml
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Smith, B.J., A. Rezazadeh, E.T. Stafne, and H. Sakhanokho. 2020. Effect of LED, UV-B, and fluorescent supplemental lights on plant growth and fruit quality of strawberries grown in a greenhouse and on their infection by Colletotrichum spp. HortScience 55(9):S232-233. https://journals.ashs.org/hortsci/view/journals/hortsci/55/9S/article-pS1.xml
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Zhu, H., and E.T. Stafne. 2020. Effect of foliar zinc application on growth and leaf nutritional state of unproductive pecan trees. HortScience 55(9):S104. https://journals.ashs.org/hortsci/view/journals/hortsci/55/9S/article-pS1.xml
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Baldwin, J.S., P.R. Knight, S. Langlois, E.K. Blythe, J.B. Ryals, C.E.H. Coker, G.R.Bachman, and J. DelPrince. 2020. Influence of cutting type and stem position on spring cuttings of Pascagoula" crape myrtle. HortScience 5(9):S419-420.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Under Review Year Published: 2020 Citation: Posadas, B.; Knight, P.; Stafne, E.; Coker, C.; Blythe, E.; DelPrince, J.; Bachman, G.; Langlois, S. Qualitative Assessment of the Economic Impacts of Horticulture Research and Extension at MSU Coastal Research and Extension Center. Preprints 2020, 2020110521 (doi: 10.20944/preprints202011.0521.v1).
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Posadas, B. C. (2020). Factors Influencing Computer Usage among Horticulture Firms in the United States. International Journal of Food and Agricultural Economics, 8(1), 37-53. https://www.foodandagriculturejournal.com/vol8.no1.pp37.pdf.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Bachman, G.R., C.E.H. Coker, and P.R. Knight. 2020. Horticulture CSI: The latest clues in the search for the Long Beach Red Radish. HortScience 55(9):S8.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Bowden, A.T., P.R. Knight, C. Coker, S. Langlois, S. Broderick, E.K. Blythe, H. Sakhanokho, and E. Babiker. 2020. Effect of honey as a rooting adjuvant on rooting of Rosa Red Cascade stem cuttings. HortScience 55(9):S388.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Bowden, A.T., P.R. Knight, C. Coker, S. Langlois, S. Broderick, E.K. Blythe, J.B. Ryals, H. Sakhanokho, and E. Babiker. 2020. Effect of surfactant on foliar penetration of IBA on propagation of woody ornamentals. HortScience 55(9):S134.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Coker, C., J. DelPrince, B. Posadas, E. Stafne, P. Knight, and C. Stephenson. 2020. An overview of the Mississippi State University Farmer Florist series. HortScience 55(9):S417-418.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Langlois, S.A., A.T. Bowden, P.R. Knight, and J.B. Ryals. 2020. Container selection effect on sweet pepper yield. HortScience 55(9):S92.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Ryals, J.B., P.R. Knight, E. Babiker, C.E.H. Coker, G.R. Bachman, D.R. Chastain, G. Bi, B. Posadas, and L. Stringer. 2020. Effect of sample collection methods on anthocyanins in crape myrtle flower petals. HortScience 55(9):S127.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Ryals, J.B., P.R. Knight, D.R. Chastain, L.E. Ryals III, C.E.H. Coker, G.R. Bachman, J. DelPrince, P.R. Drackett, and A.T. Bowden. 2020. Effect of total immersion auxin application method on south Mississippi native azalea survivability and root response. HortScience 55(9):S366.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Ryals, J.B., P.R. Knight, D.R. Chastain, L.E. Ryals III, C.E.H. Coker, G.R. Bachman, J. DelPrince, P.R. Drackett, and A.T. Bowden. 2020. Effect of total immersion auxin application method on Florida azalea survivability and root response. HortScience 55(9):S387.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Stephenson, Ronald, Christine E. H. Coker, Gary R. Bachman, Benedict Posadas, Richard L. Harkess, John J. Adamczyk, and Patricia R Knight. 2020. Adoption of pest management strategies by vegetable growers in Mississippi. HortScience 55(9):S252-253.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Stephenson, Ronald, Christine E. H. Coker, Patricia R Knight, Gary R. Bachman, Richard L. Harkess, John J. Adamczyk and Benedict Posadas. 2020. Economic effect of insect pest management strategies on small-scale tomato production in Mississippi. HortScience 55(9):S348.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Stephenson, Ronald, Christine E. H. Coker, Benedict Posadas, Gary R. Bachman, Richard L. Harkess, John J. Adamczyk and Patricia R Knight. 2020. Effect of high tunnels on populations of whiteflies, aphids and thrips on tomatoes in Mississippi. HortScience 55(9):S139.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Baldwin, J.S., P.R. Knight, S. Langlois, E.K. Blythe, J.B. Ryals, C.E.H. Coker, G.R. Bachman, and J. DelPrince. 2020. Spring propagation of Pascagoula" crape myrtle. Proc. of the Southern Nursery Association Research Conference 64:109-113.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Bowden, A.T., P.R. Knight, C. Coker, S. Langlois, S. Broderick, E.K. Blythe, H. Sakhanokho, and E. Babiker. 2020. Effect of honey and auxin during propagation of Red Cascade miniature rose. Proc. of the Southern Nursery Association Research Conference 64:99-102.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Ryals, J., P.R. Knight, D.R. Chastain, L.E. Ryals III, C.E.H Coker, G. Bachman, J. DelPrince, P.R. Drackett, and A.T. Bowden. 2020. Spring cutting propagation of south Mississippi native azaleas. Proc. of the Southern Nursery Association Research Conference 64:103-108.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Jackson, C. 2020. Consumer Container Size Preferences and Willingness to Pay for Poinsettia Varieties (Euphorbia pulcherrima L.). HortScience 55(9):S90-91.


Progress 10/01/18 to 09/30/19

Outputs
Target Audience:Results from research were presented to group audiences at industry field days, professional meetings, and to the general public. As needed, information was also provided to individuals representing the previously mentioned sectors. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Results have been provided to interested clientele at field days, professional industry and scientific meetings, Extension agent trainings, and via individual meetings. Dr. Coker hosted the annual Field Day at the Beaumont Horticultural Unit in Perry County, MS. The 45th Annual Ornamental Horticulture Field Day was held at the South Mississippi Branch Experiment Station in Poplarville, Mississippi, on October 4, 2018. The event included tours of the trial gardens and research updates from faculty and graduate students at Mississippi State University and scientists from the USDA/ARS Thad Cochran Southern Horticultural Laboratory. The event was attended by professionals from the nursery and landscape industry, Master Gardeners, Extension personnel, students, home gardeners, and other university researchers from the Gulf Coast regions of Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana. The event was organized by Mississippi State University's Coastal Research & Extension Center. AMuscadine Field Day was held at the McNeill Experiment Station. August 2019. McNeill, MS (Total attendees: 134). ABlueberry Field Day in conjunction with USDA-ARS Thad Cochran Southern Horticultural Laboratory was held May 2019 in Poplarville, MS. (Total attendees: 44). A Blueberry Education Workshop was held at the Lake Terrace Convention Center on January 2019 in Hattiesburg, MS. (Total attendees: 61). Graduate Students In Progress: Anthony Bowden, Ph.D. Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, Mississippi State University. Committee members from CREC: Patricia R. Knight (Advisor), Christine Coker. 2018-present. Jenny Ryals, Ph.D., Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, Mississippi State University. Committee members from CREC: Patricia R. Knight (Advisor), Christine Coker, Gary Bachman. 2018-present. Qianwen Zhang, Ph.D., Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, Mississippi State University. Committee members from CREC: Eugene K. Blythe. 2018-July 2019. Haley Williams, M.S.,Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, Mississippi State University. Committee members from CREC: Eric Stafne (Advisor). August 2019-present. Geoff Lalk, M.S., Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, Mississippi State University. Committee members from CREC: Eric Stafne. Dr. Olga Mavrodi, Post-doc. Supervisor: Eric Stafne. November 2018-present.Kandiace Brown, M.S. candidate. Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, Mississippi State University. Committee members from CREC: Christine E.H. Coker. 2014-2019. Caitlin McLeod, M.S. candidate.Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, Mississippi State University. Committee members from CREC: Christine E.H. Coker (CoAdvisor), Jim DelPrince (Co-Advisor), Gary Bachman, Patricia Knight, Ben Posadas. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results have been shared through oral presentations, written articles in journals, proceedings, and popular press, and orally with individuals. Results have also been shared with the public via personal communications such as email. Finally, results have been shared through various social media channels. Top performers from variety trials and other horticultural research information were featured in HighLights newsletter. The aim of HighLights newsletter is to keep nursery and landscape professionals, Extension and research personnel, Master Gardeners, horticultural suppliers, and home gardeners up-to-date on news from the Trial Gardens and horticultural research at the South Mississippi Branch Experiment Station in Poplarville. HighLights is distributed to subscribers across the U.S. and to all members of the Mississippi State University Extension Service. Presentations (all published in proceedings) were made at meetings of the Western Region, Eastern, and Southern Regions of North America, International Plant Propagators' Society, with attendees including professionals from the nursery and landscape industries, professionals from arboreta and botanical gardens, faculty and students from colleges and universities, and suppliers of horticultural products and services. To date, 100 Agents, Area Horticulturists and Volunteers from 38 Mississippi counties have been trained in floral design. Nearly 40 trainers have trained 574 people. Of these programs, 195 learned about using fresh cut flowers and greenery. At least 39 created SWFB designs yielding sales of $400 to two farms and $1000 in Extension fee income.?In total, 674 Mississippians have been introduced to floral design,becoming aware of floral care and handling, using flowers creatively and flower farmers in the state. They can find information about MSU Extension's floral programs, including Master Floral Designer certification. We have reached people who may not otherwise use Extension as a source for information and education. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?1. Additional soft and semi hardwood propagation practices from 2019 will be analyzed and published.Initiate experiments with graduate student to see who pruning and canopy manipulation affect fruit quality of MidSouth grapevines. MidSouth has shown to be an excellent bunch grape cultivar for southern Mississippi, but fruit quality improvements would make it more desirable for wine makers.Finish study on renovation pruning height of 'Woodard' rabbiteye blueberries. To date, data shows that pruning height is a significant effect in increasing yields. Studies will be conducted using adjuvants and other novel propagation techniques to determine if rooting response is enhanced. Studies will continue on best propagation practices for desirable native plant material. Studies will continue on consumer preferences for poinsettias as well as their willingness to pay for various poinsettia containers. 2.Finish study on nitrogen fertilizer effects on white drupelet disorder of blackberries, an abiotic disorder. So far, it appears that additional N applications may reduce white drupelet disorder, but the 2020 season will give us a better idea of whether it is an economically or environmentally viable practice. 3.Begin to evaluate Passiflora seedlings of interspecific and intraspecific crosses done in 2019. Collect data on Passiflora hybrid selection for potential release. Continue study on compatibility of Passiflora incarnata selections from different provenances. Crape myrtle germplasm will continue to be evaluated. 4. Additional data will be collected from field day participants to assess the economic impact of horticulture programs in south Mississippi.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? 1. To provide growers with relevant cutting propagation recommendations, two research studies were performed on Rhododendron austrinum, R. canescens, and R. viscosum. Objective of the first study was to determine optimal commercial auxin concentration and submersion timing on very soft stem cuttings. Objective of the second study was to determine optimal commercial hormone type and hormone concentration and examine effect of a plant health promoting compound on rooting and subsequent growth on very soft stem cuttings. In the first study, R. austrinum and R. canescens had better rooting responses when treated with a 5 sec basal quick-dip. R. austrinum responded better when auxin concentration was 2500 ppm and R. canescens responded better when auxin concentration was 0 ppm. More volatile weather and longer growing seasons is causing stress on grapevines (Vitis spp.). A change in harvest timing of wine grapes can have significant consequences. Thus, two methods (crop forcing and complete removal of green tissue) were employed to simulate abiotic vine injury. The harvest of bunch grapes in Mississippi occurs during July, a very hot month. 'Miss Blanc' and 'Villard Blanc' had four different crop forcing treatments imposed to determine yield amount and harvest timing. All treatments reduced yield. Harvest was delayed by 50 days, a potentially positive shift that was not enough to escape high temperatures. 'Villard Blanc' had no flower or fruit development after crop forcing treatments in May and June. 'Miss Blanc' yields were also significantly reduced by these treatments. Removal of green tissue to simulate injury from weather events such as frost, freeze, wind, or hail in both Mississippi and Oklahoma revealed that lost growth could reduce yields from 19% to 81%, which could influence grape grower management decisions.Paclobutrazol (PBZ) was applied to 6-year-old pecan (Carya illinoinensis) trees as a basal trunk drench (0, 30, 90, and 150 mg·cm−2 trunk cross-sectional area) in Dec. 2012. Terminal shoot growth was retarded for 1 year after a single application of PBZ. The total number of current season shoots showed a significant increase with 30- and 90-mg·cm−2 PBZ treatments. After PBZ application at 30, 60, and 90 mg·cm−2, the percentage of very short shoots (<5 cm) was 32.3%, 36.3%, and 32.3%, respectively, compared with 22.4% on control trees; the percentage of short shoots (5-15 cm) increased to 36.0%, 38.1%, and 43.5%, respectively. The percent of long shoots (>30 cm) was decreased to 7.4%, 5.1%, and 7.6%, respectively, after PBZ application, compared with 18.7% with control. Shoots varying from 5 to 30 cm in length accounted for at least 63.3% of all pistillate inflorescences the following spring.Phosphorous acid is a fungicide that may have other plant health-inducing properties. A previousstudy showed greater vigor in blueberry plants treated with phosphorous acid. In the current study,old, low-vigor 'Woodard' rabbiteye blueberries were selected for renovation in 2017. The busheshad not been pruned or otherwise managed in several years. To test the hypothesis that addingphosphorous acid treatments (Agri-Fos) to the renovation process would increase plant vigor, threetreatments were used: no addition of phosphorous acid, phosphorous acid applied as a drench atrenovation pruning plus in the following spring, and drench plus monthly foliar applications ofphosphorous acid after renovation pruning and again the following year. Renovation pruning wasdone at two height treatments on 14 July 2017: bushes were pruned at ground level and at 50 cmresulting in a 2 x 3 factorial. End of season shoot number was significantly different between the50 cm cut and the ground level cut treatments (35.6 shoots/bush vs. 21.3 shoots/bush, respectively).However, shoot length was significantly greater for the ground cut (80.5 cm) vs. 50 cm cut (72.1cm). Shoot diameters were not significantly different. Other factors such as first bud push afterpruning and crop load rating were not significant. Yields were higher for the 50 cm cut treatmentwhen compared to the ground level prune (318.7 g vs. 58.1 g, respectively) with similar results foraverage berry weight (1.78 g vs. 1.49 g, respectively). Interestingly, phenological developmentrecordings of flower stage did not differ at stages 2 to 4, but were different in stages 5 and 6.Flower development on bushes in the 50 cm treatment was earlier by nine days at stage 5 and ninedays at stage 6 compared to those in the ground cut treatment. There were no significant differencesdue to phosphorous acid treatments in any data evaluated, nor any significant interactions betweenphosphorous acid treatment and pruning height treatment. More time may be needed to ascertainany differences among phosphorous acid treatments as its effect may be induced rather than direct.Seasonal, commercial flower variety trials were conducted by Dr. Blythe at the South Mississippi Branch Station and included entries from participants Benary, Proven Winners, and Terra Nova Nurseries. Performance ratings were collected every two to three weeks. The trial gardens were open daily to the public. Variety trial data were entered into the National Plant Trials database, along with data from trial gardens across North America. Top performers were also highlighted at the 45th Annual Ornamental Horticulture Field Day at the South Mississippi Branch Experiment Station in Poplarville.Drs. Coker and DelPrince continued cut flower evaluations, comparing field and high tunnel production. Flowers were grown in 4' plots in raised beds at Coastal Research and Extension Center (Biloxi, MS) and Beaumont Horticultural Unit (Beaumont, MS). Both studies indicate that Dual is safe for use in watermelon production and is recommended for labelling. Data from this research was used to develop a special use herbicide label for Dual and Reflex for Mississippi melon producers. The effects of hands-on floral workshops on participants perceived anxiety levels is being investigated to determine if working with fresh cut flowers helps to reduce perceived anxiety. 3. One Passiflora hybrid selection has been determined as a potential release. It is a cross between Passiflora incarnata, a native vine in Mississippi also called Maypop, and Passiflora caerulea, the blue passionflower. Both are considered cold hardy, but the vines grow quite differently. The selection is intermediate in growth habit. Flower color is a deep purple with bands of white, is quite floriferous, and precocious in flowering. While maypop can be considered invasive, this selection has displayed a more moderate habit of spreading thus making it easier to grow in pots, hanging baskets, or in the ground in a confined area. Further data must still be collected in order to bolster the case for public release.Two grape seedling were selected in 2019 to be possible advanced selections. While still early, these vines showed promise due to high yields (1 vine) and white berries (1 vine). Still more vines will be continued to be evaluated in 2020 and beyond.Thornless blackberry seedlings were planted in a nursery situation such that observation of fruiting traits can be evaluated in 2020. These seedlings are derived from Sweetie Pie, Chickasaw, and Kiowa. Although Chickasaw and Kiowa are thorny cultivars, seedlings segregate for the thornless trait. Kiowa especially is well known to tolerate the heat of the deep South and produce large, sweet berries. However, the thorns on the plant are substantial. It is also somewhat susceptible to double blossom (rosette), a fungal disease that plagues thorny blackberries. Thornless cultivars have shown some tolerance/resistance to this pest and thus, monitoring among the seedlings will also be done to see if this bears out among the thornless seedlings.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Coker, C.E.H., P.R. Knight, B.C. Posadas, and R.M. Ely. 2019. Postharvest evaluation of Winter Rose� series poinsettia stems under consumer conditions. J. Floriculture and Landscaping. DOI https://doi.org/10.25081/jfcls.2019.v0.5458.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Gregorc, A., B. Sampson, P.R. Knight, and J. Adamczyk. 2019. Diet quality effects on honey bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) mortality in laboratory conditions. J. Apicultural Res. DOI: 10.1080/00218839.2019.1614736.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Awaiting Publication Year Published: 2019 Citation: Stephenson, R., C. Coker, B. Posadas, G. Bachman, R. Harkess, J. Adamczyk, and P. Knight. 2019. Economic effect of insect pest management strategies on small scale tomato production in Mississippi. HortTechnology (In press).
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Submitted Year Published: 2019 Citation: Stephenson, R., C. Coker, B. Posadas, G. Bachman, R. Harkess, J. Adamczyk, and P. Knight. 2019. Adoption of pest management strategies by vegetable growers in Mississippi. J. Integr. Pest Manag. (Submitted).
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Submitted Year Published: 2019 Citation: Sampson, B., A. Gregorc, M. Alburaki, C. Werle, S. Karim, J.Adamczyk, and P. Knight. 2019. Bee natural history traits affect pollinator sensitivity to imidicloprid. Proc. R. Soc. B. (submitted).
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Ryals, J., P.R. Knight, S. Langlois, E. Blythe, J.S. Baldwin, C. Coker, G. Bachman, and J. DelPrince. 2019. Softwood and semi-hardwood cutting propagation of Shumaka" crape myrtle. Proc. of the Southern Nursery Association Research Conference 63:126-130.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Awaiting Publication Year Published: 2019 Citation: Ryals, J. B., Knight, P. R., Langlois, S. A., Blythe, E. K., Baldwin, J. S., Coker, C. E., Bachman, G. R., DelPrince, J. M., Bowden, A. T. 2018. Propagation of ShumakaTM crape myrtle. Comb. Proc. of the Intern. Plant Propagators Soc. 68:(in press).
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Bachman, G.R., C.E.H. Coker, and P.R. Knight. 2019. Horticulture CSI: Search for the Long Beach Red Radish. HortScience 54(9):S65-66.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Bachman, G.R., C.E.H. Coker, P.R. Knight, J.B. Ryals, and C. Wheeler . 2019. Planting density and fertilizer placement effects on giant Marconi peppers grown in sub- irrigated containers. HortScience 54(9):S315.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Baldwin, J.S., P.R. Knight, S. Langlois, E.K. Blythe, J.B. Ryals, C.E.H. Coker, G.R. Bachman, and J. DelPrince. 2019. Effect of hormone source on propagation of Delta JazzTM crape myrtle. HortScience 54(9):S365.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Baldwin, J.S., J.B. Ryals, P.R. Knight, S.A. Langlois, E.K. Blythe, C.E.H. Coker, G.R.Bachman, and J.M. Delprince. 2019. Hardwood propagation of Delta JazzTM crape myrtle. HortScience 54(9):S142.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Blythe, E.K., J.T. Ray, G. Bi, P.R. Knight, D.B. Reynolds, and G.R. Bachman. 2019. Alcohol-based rooting hormones: Can they burn stem cuttings? HortScience 54(9):S378-379.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Ryals, J.B., P.R. Knight, S. Langlois, E.K. Blythe, J.S. Baldwin, C.E.H. Coker, G.R. Bachman, and J. DelPrince. 2019. Effect of auxin concentration and stem position on propagation of SequoyahTM crape myrtle. HortScience 54(9):S199.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Ryals, J.B., P.R. Knight, S. Langlois, E.K. Blythe, J.S. Baldwin, C.E.H. Coker, G.R. Bachman, and J. DelPrince. 2019. Effect of hormone source on propagation of SequoyahTM crape myrtle. HortScience 54(9):S388-389.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Ryals, J.B., P.R. Knight, S. Langlois, E.K. Blythe, J.S. Baldwin, C.E.H. Coker, G.R. Bachman, J. DelPrince, and A.T. Bowden. 2019. Propagation of Shumaka" crape myrtle at different growth stages. HortScience 54(9):S374-375.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Zhu, H. and E.T. Stafne. 2019. Influence of paclobutrazol on shoot growth and flowering in a high density pecan orchard. HortTechnology 29:210-212. https://journals.ashs.org/horttech/view/journals/horttech/29/2/article-p210.xml
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Stafne, E.T. and B.J. Smith. 2019. Effect of phosphorous acid and pruning height on renovated Woodard rabbiteye blueberry. In Proceedings of the North American Blueberry Research and Extension Workers Conference. August 12-15, 2018, Orono, ME. 6 pp. University of Maine Digital Commons: https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1001&context=nabrew2018
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Stafne, E.T. and B.L. Carroll. 2019. Simulated Abiotic Injury Alters Yields of Southern Interspecific Hybrid Grape Cultivars. Horticulturae 5(2):44 https://www.mdpi.com/2311-7524/5/2/44/htm
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Bachman, G., S. Broderick, C. Coker, G. Denny, and E.T. Stafne. 2019. Mississippi Medallion Plants: 2019. MSU-ES P-3318 http://extension.msstate.edu/sites/default/files/publications/publications/p3318_web.pdf
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Little, E. et al. (eds.) 2019 Southeast Regional Organic Blueberry Pest Management Guide. Univ. Georgia Bull. 1440-01 http://www.smallfruits.org/assets/documents/ipm-guides/Blueberry-IPM-guide-organic.pdf (section editor)
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Nita, M. et al. (eds.). 2019 Southeast Regional Bunch Grape Integrated Management Guide. Univ. Georgia Bull. 46 http://www.smallfruits.org/assets/documents/ipm-guides/BunchGrapeSprayGuide.pdf (contributor)
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Oliver, J. et al. (eds.). 2019 Southeast Regional Caneberries Integrated Management Guide. Univ. Georgia Bull. 47 http://smallfruits.org/assets/documents/ipm-guides/Caneberry-Spray-Guide.pdf (contributor)
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: DelPrince, J., B. Posadas, C. Coker, and E.T. Stafne. 2019. Muscadine Wreath for the Farmer Florist. MSU-ES P-3387. http://extension.msstate.edu/publications/muscadine-wreath-for-the-farmer-florist
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Stafne, E.T. and W. Porter. 2019. Fruit and Nut Review: Blackberries. MSU-ES 1444. (revision)
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Stafne, E.T. 2019. Mississippi State University joins Southern Region Small Fruit Consortium. In: E.T. Stafne (ed.). Mississippi Vaccinium J. vol. 8(4):6.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Stafne, E.T. 2019. Spotted lanternfly  coming attraction? In: E.T. Stafne (ed.). Mississippi Vaccinium J. vol. 8(3):2.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Stafne, E.T. 2019. Phytopthora root rot. In: E.T. Stafne (ed.). Mississippi Vaccinium J. vol. 8(3):5.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Stafne, E.T. 2019. Blueberry field day recap. In: E.T. Stafne (ed.). Mississippi Vaccinium J. vol. 8(3):6.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Stafne, E.T. 2019. Early March frost damage causes loss. In: E.T. Stafne (ed.). Mississippi Vaccinium J. vol. 8(2):5.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Stafne, E.T. 2019. 2017 census of agriculture. In: E.T. Stafne (ed.). Mississippi Vaccinium J. vol. 8(2):13.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Stafne, E.T. 2019. Mississippi Blueberry Education Workshop recap. In: E.T. Stafne (ed.). Mississippi Vaccinium J. vol. 8(1):3-5.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Stafne, E.T. 2019. One More Thing: A Journey to the Southern Region-American Society for Horticultural Science Presidency. 2019 Southern Region Presidential Address. ASHS eNews February 28. https://ashs.org/page/2019SRPresAddress
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Awaiting Publication Year Published: 2019 Citation: Blazek, D. and E.K. Blythe. 2018. All-America Selections winners for 2018: The newest and best ornamentals and edibles for North American gardeners and producers. Comb. Proc. Intl. Plant Prop. Soc. 68:(in press).
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Blazek, D. and E.K. Blythe. 2017 (published 2018). All-America Selections winners for 2017: Outstanding ornamentals and edible crops for producers and home gardens. Comb. Proc. Intl. Plant Prop. Soc. 67:249-252.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Del Prince, James, Benedict C. Posadas, and Christine Coker. 2019. Curly Willow Wreath (Salix matsudana Tortuosa) for the Farmer Florist. Mississippi State University Extension Service publication 3383.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Posadas, Benedict C., and James del Prince. 2019. Consumer Preferences and Willingness to Pay for Wreath Designs. Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station Bulletin 1227, Mississippi State, Mississippi.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Posadas, Benedict C. 2018. Socioeconomic Characteristics of Owners and Managers of Horticultural Operations in the Southern United States. Agricultural Research & Technology: Open Access Journal, 18(5), 556070. https://juniperpublishers.com/artoaj/ARTOAJ.MS.ID.556070.php
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Posadas, Benedict C. Randal Y. Coker, Christine H. Coker, Scott A. Langlois, and Patricia R. Knight. 2018. Computer Usage among Nursery and Greenhouse Operations in the Southern United States. Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station Bulletin 1225, Mississippi State, Mississippi.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Stephenson, R. C., Coker, C. E., Posadas, B. C., Bachman, G. R., Harkess, R. L., Adamczyk, J. J., Knight, P. R. (2019). Effect of high tunnels on populations of whiteflies, aphids, and thrips on tomatoes in Mississippi. Journal of Horticulture, 6(3), 259-267. https://www.longdom.org/horticulture.html
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Stafne, E.T. 2019. Update on chill hour accumulation. In: E.T. Stafne (ed.). Mississippi Vaccinium J. vol. 8(1):1.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Stafne, E.T. 2019. Help with mechanical harvest survey. In: E.T. Stafne (ed.). Mississippi Vaccinium J. vol. 8(1):2.


Progress 11/27/17 to 09/30/18

Outputs
Target Audience:Results from research were presented to group audiences at industry field days, professional meetings, and to the general public. As needed, information was also provided to individuals representing the previously mentioned sectors. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Results have been provided to interested clientele at field days, professional industry and scientific meetings, Extension agent trainings, and via individual meetings.Dr. Coker hosted the annual Field Day at the Beaumont Horticultural Unit in Perry County, MS. Ninety participants learned about topics including, but not limited to, muscadine production, mayhaw production in Mississippi, plant pathology, integrated pest management, floral Extension education, and marketing specialty crops.The 44th Annual Ornamental Horticulture Field Day was held at the South Mississippi Branch Experiment Station in Poplarville, Mississippi, on October 5, 2017. The event included tours of the trial gardens and research updates from faculty and graduate students at Mississippi State University and scientists from the USDA/ARS Thad Cochran Southern Horticultural Laboratory. The event was attended by professionals from the nursery and landscape industry, Master Gardeners, Extension personnel, students, home gardeners, and other university researchers from the Gulf Coast regions of Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana. The event was organized by Mississippi State University's Coastal Research & Extension Center. Completed Graduate Students: Judson LeCompte, Ph.D., Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, Mississippi State University. Committee members from CREC: Eugene K. Blythe, Christine E.H. Coker. 2014-2018. Graduate Students In Progress: Anthony Bowden, M.S., Department of Horticulture, Auburn University. Committee members from CREC: Eugene K. Blythe. Jenny Ryals, Ph.D., Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, Mississippi State University. Committee members from CREC: Patricia R. Knight (Advisor), Eugene K. Blythe, Gary Bachman. 2018-present. Qianwen Zhang, Ph.D., Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, Mississippi State University. Committee members from CREC: Eugene K. Blythe. 2018-present. Logan Boatwright, M.S. Department of Horticulture, Auburn University. Committee members from CREC: Eugene K. Blythe. 2016-2018 (projected graduation December 2018). Kandiace Brown, M.S. candidate. Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, Mississippi State University. Committee members from CREC: Christine E.H. Coker). 2014-2018. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results have been shared through oral presentations, written articles in journals, proceedings, and popular press, and orally with individuals. Results have also been shared with the public via personal communications such as email. Finally, results have been shared through various social media channels. Top performers from variety trials and other horticultural research information were featured in HighLights newsletter. The aim of HighLights newsletter is to keep nursery and landscape professionals, Extension and research personnel, Master Gardeners, horticultural suppliers, and home gardeners up-to-date on news from the Trial Gardens and horticultural research at the South Mississippi Branch Experiment Station in Poplarville. HighLights is distributed to subscribers across the U.S. and to all members of the Mississippi State University Extension Service. Presentations (all published in proceedings) were made at meetings of the Western Region, Eastern, and Southern Regions of North America, International Plant Propagators' Society, with attendees including professionals from the nursery and landscape industries, professionals from arboreta and botanical gardens, faculty and students from colleges and universities, and suppliers of horticultural products and services. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?1. Additional soft and semi hardwood propagation practices from 2018 will be analyzed and published. 2. Rubus-Work will continue on in 2019 to examine if the thornless gene may be linked to white drupelet disorder. Fragraria-LED study is being continued into 2019. 3. Passiflora- Relatively few seeds were able to be collected, so more crosses are planned for 2019. Seven new species known for their fruit characteristics were also obtained and when they begin flowering will be used in crossing. Lagerstroemia-2017 and 2018 seedlings will be grown out to flower and evaluated. We will make additional crosses in 2019.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? 1. Rooting responses, root quality ratings, and initial growth did not show differences among cuttings of Shumaka™ 'CREC-0052' crape myrtle treated or not treated with selected auxin formulations. Evaluation of possible stem position influence on cuttings was also examined. Position 1 was located at the site of attachment to the parent plant and positions 2-4 continued toward the branch tip. When no auxin was applied, both stem positions 3 and 4 rooted 100%. These results suggest that softwood and semi-hardwood cuttings of Shumaka™ crape myrtle will root regardless of stem position or use of auxin. Dr. Bachman continues a cooperative project with garden and landscape author and garden grains expert Brie Gluvna Arthur on growing traditionally field-grown grains in the landscape for the edible foodscape. Dr. Bachman continues to be a lead scientist on urban horticulture studies focused on the evaluation and promotion of urban production practices of local food and farmers markets. Research resulting in improved technology and management practices is made accessible to local farming communities in the form of annual publications and field days. Local food marketing programs will be provided for area growers: Variety trials identifying crops suitable for small-scale urban farming; Identifying high value crops for local urban farmers to grow and market; What do consumers want;What do consumers want; Optimizing yields using alternative growing strategies; and Earthboxes and other sub-irrigated models.Former Mississippi State University graduate student Judson LeCompte examined tea (Camellia sinensis) as a potential crop for Mississippi producers, focusing on nitrogen (N) fertilization, use of colored shade cloth, and planting date. This study showed growers can fertilize at 2 g N per container, reducing input costs, and produce comparable plants to those receiving higher N rates tested in this study. Reduced application of N has both economic and environmental benefits. In the first year after field planting, tea plants grown under all colors of shade had 100% survival rate compared to plants grown without shade which had a survival rate of 47%. Shade cloth may be useful when irrigation is limited, but the added expense may not be justified when fields are irrigated. Field planting dates in late fall and winter were preferable to other times of year. 2. Rubus-Our work has shown that shade can reduce white drupelet disorder substantially; however, further work is needed to examine the viability of that strategy. A previous study from Brazil stated that adding extra nitrogen could reduce white drupelet formation. The small study we did showed that while this by and large did not work in our trial. In the instances where we saw a reduction, the economic and environmental costs are likely too great to make it a viable strategy. Vaccinium-Nearly 40 blueberry growers attended the annual Mississippi blueberry education workshop. The quarterly newsletter "Mississippi Vaccinium Journal" is distributed to 150 subscribers, as well as posted on the MSU extension website. Blueberry growers are also educated via phone calls, emails, and text messages. Fragraria-Dr. Smith is leading this study in collaboration with MSU researchers Dr. Stafne and Dr. Rezazadeh. Initial results indicate the LED light spectra has an effect on foliar disease development but also on plant growth. Far red light intensities damaged plants.Two watermelon herbicide trials were conducted at the Beaumont Horticultural Unit. No phytotoxic results were detected from use of a combination of herbicide treatments, including Sonalan and Dual. 'Jubilee' watermelons were planted on both bare ground and plastic mulch. Both studies indicate that Dual is safe for use in watermelon production and is recommended for labelling. 3. Vitis-300 seedlings were screened and about 30 were planted in the evaluation vineyard. Selections from 2016 and 2017 are still being evaluated. Vines from 2016 fruited for the first time in 2018. More than 100 current and potential grape growers were educated at the annual muscadine field day. Passiflora-Passiflora edulis vines were planted under high tunnels at Poplarville and Beaumont. Those planted in 2017 succumbed to unusual cold temperatures, thus the new planting are being evaluated using mulch vs. no mulch treatments. More than 130 crosses among Passiflora incarnata accessions were made, but white fly infestations limited success of the crosses. Lagerstroemia-A total of 31 crape myrtle cross combination seed pods were collected for 2017. The seeds from these crosses were sown January 3, 2018. Currently plants from 22 cross combinations are being grown and observed in the greenhouse. A total of 44 crape myrtle cross combination seed pods have been collected for 2018. The seeds will be sown December-early January.Drs. Coker and DelPrince began cut flower evaluations, comparing field and high tunnel production. Flowers were grown in 4' plots in raised beds at Coastal Research and Extension Center (Biloxi, MS) and Beaumont Horticultural Unit (Beaumont, MS). Varieties included 'Giant Orange' marigold, 'Eternity Improved' celosia, 'Procut White Nite' sunflower, and 'Madam Butterfly Ivory' snapdragon. Due to impending hurricane force winds, the plastic was removed from the Biloxi high tunnel, therefore, terminating the experiment. Flowers were produced at the Beaumont location for preliminary evaluation; however, data were not recorded. Nineteen miniature pumpkin varieties were evaluated at the Beaumont Hortiultural Unit. Varieties evaluated included: Baby Pam, ouch of Autumn, Baby Boo, Pumpkimon, Munchkin, Batwing Mix, Casperita, Wee-Be-Little, Jack-Be-Little, Harvest Prince, Gooligan, Gold Dust, Half Pint, Orangerita, Hooligan, Kandy Korn, Baby Bumps, Bumpkin Pumpkin, and Buffy. Plants were grown on black plastic with drip irrigation using standard commercial practices. Marketable yield by weight and number as well as cull yield by weight and number were collected. Data are being analyzed. 4.The efficacies of various acaricides in order to control a parasitic mite, the Varroa mite, Varroa destructor, of honey bees, were measured in two different settings, namely, in laboratory caged honey bees and in queen-right honey bee colonies. The Varroa infestation levels before, during, and after the acaricide treatments were determined in two ways, namely: (1) using the sugar shake protocol to count mites on bees and (2) directly counting the dead mites on the hive bottom inserts. The acaricides that were evaluated were coumaphos, tau-fluvalinate, amitraz, thymol, and natural plant compounds (hop acids), which were the active ingredients. The acaricide efficacies in the colonies were evaluated in conjunction with the final coumaphos applications. All of the tested acaricides significantly increased the overall Varroa mortality in the laboratory experiment. Their highest efficiencies were recorded at 6 h post-treatment, except for coumaphos and thymol, which exhibited longer and more consistent activity. In the honey bee colonies, a higher Varroa mortality was recorded in all of the treatments, compared with the natural Varroa mortality during the pretreatment period. The acaricide toxicity to the Varroa mites was consistent in both the caged adult honey bees and workers in the queen-right colonies, although, two of these acaricides, coumaphos at the highest doses and hop acids, were comparatively more toxic to the worker bees.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Awaiting Publication Year Published: 2019 Citation: DelPrince, J., L. Downey, and E.T. Stafne. 201x. Demographics and professional concerns of high achieving floral designers. J. Appl. Hort http://horticultureresearch.net/forthcomingpapers.php
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Rezazadeh, A. and E.T. Stafne. 2018. Effect of seed treatments on germination of seven passionfruit species. Intl. J. Curr. Microb. Appl. Sci. 7(11):3074-3083. https://www.ijcmas.com/7-11-2018/Amir%20Rezazadeh%20and%20Eric%20T.%20Stafne.pdf
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Mississippi Vaccinium Journal, a quarterly newsletter.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Gregorc, A, M. Alburaki, B. Sampson, P.R. Knight, and J. Adamczyk. 2018. Toxicity of selected acaricides to honey bees (Apis mellifera) and Varroa (Varroa destructor Anderson and Trueman) and their use in controlling Varroa within honey bee colonies. Insects 9(2):55.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Under Review Year Published: 2019 Citation: Gregorc, A., B. Sampson, P.R. Knight, and J. Adamczyk. 2018. Diet quality effects on honey bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) mortality in laboratory conditions. J. Apicultural Res.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Gregorc A., B. Sampson, P.R. Knight, and J. Adamczyk. 2018. Effects of coumaphos and imidicloprid on honey bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) lifespan and antioxidant gene regulations in laboratory experiments. Scientific Reports 8, 15003; doi:10.1038/s41598-018-33348-4.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Knight, P.R., S. Langlois, E. Blythe, J.S. Baldwin, C. Coker, G. Bachman, and J. DelPrince. 2018. Hardwood cutting propagation of Sequoyah" crape myrtle. Proc. of the Southern Nursery Association Research Conference 62:80-84.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Awaiting Publication Year Published: 2018 Citation: Knight, P.R., S. Langlois, E.K. Blythe, J.S. Baldwin, J.B. Ryals, C.E. Coker, J. DelPrince, and G.R. Bachman. 2018. Hardwood cutting propagation of Pascagoula crape myrtle. HortScience (in press).
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Awaiting Publication Year Published: 2018 Citation: Knight, P.R., S. Langlois, E.K. Blythe, J.S. Baldwin, J.B. Ryals, C.E. Coker, J. DelPrince, and G.R. Bachman. 2018. Dormant propagation of Neshoba " crape myrtle. HortScience (in press).
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Awaiting Publication Year Published: 2018 Citation: Ryals, J.B., P.R. Knight, S. Langlois, E.K. Blythe, J.S. Baldwin, C.E. Coker, J. DelPrince, and G.R. Bachman. 2018. Hardwood cutting propagation of Shumaka" crape myrtle. HortScience (in press).
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Awaiting Publication Year Published: 2018 Citation: Bachman, G.R., C.E.H. Coker, P.R. Knight, J.B. Ryals, S.A. Langlois, and C. Wheeler. 2018. Planting density effects on Romaine lettuce grown in sub-irrigated containers. HortScience (in press).
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Gallardo, R.K., E.T. Stafne, L. DeVetter, Q. Zhang, C. Li, F. Takeda, J. Williamson, W.Q. Yang, R. Beaudry, W. Cline, and R. Allen. 2018. Blueberry Producers' Attitudes toward Harvest Mechanization for Fresh Market. HortTechnology 28:10-16. http://horttech.ashspublications.org/content/28/1/10.full
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Rezazadeh, A., B. Sampson, E.T. Stafne, D. Marshall-Shaw, S.J. Stringer, and K. Hummer. 2018. Susceptibility of Bunch Grape and Muscadine Cultivars to Berry Splitting and Spotted-Wing Drosophila Oviposition. Amer. J. Enol. Viticult. 69:258-265. http://www.ajevonline.org/content/69/3/258
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Particka, C.A., E.T. Stafne, and T.E. Martinson. 2018. Assessment and Valuation of the Northern Grapes Project webinar series. HortTechnology 28:524-528. http://horttech.ashspublications.org/content/28/4/524.full
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Awaiting Publication Year Published: 2019 Citation: Rezazadeh, A. and E.T. Stafne. 2018. Effect of chilling and photoperiod on bud burst in three southern bunch grape cultivars. HortTechnology
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Under Review Year Published: 2019 Citation: Stafne, E.T. and B.J. Smith. 201x. Effect of phosphorous acid and pruning height on renovated Woodard blueberry. Proc. NABREW.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Awaiting Publication Year Published: 2018 Citation: Gary R. Bachman, Scott A. Langlois, Christine E.H. Coker, and Ronald Stephenson. Enabling Accessibility and Success to Address Food Insecurity. HortScience (in press).
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Awaiting Publication Year Published: 2018 Citation: Henderson, M. J., Gowdy, K. A., Bachman, G. R., Henderson, J. E. (in press). A Librarys Partnership Experience with University Extension To Provide Program Content. American Library Association Annual Conference and Exhibition, NOLA.
  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Bachman, G. R., Broderick, S. R., Coker, C. E., Denny, G. C. (2018). 2018 Mississippi Medallion Plants. P3203. http://extension.msstate.edu/publications/publications/2018-mississippi-medallion-plants
  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: James M. DelPrince and Gary Bachman. 2018. How to Design a Closed-System Terrarium P3253. http://extension.msstate.edu/sites/default/files/publications/publications/P3253_Terrarium.pdf
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Southern Gardening weekly newspaper articles.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Miller-Butler, M.A., B.J. Smith, E.M. Babiker, K.J. Curry, B.R. Kreiser, and E.K. Blythe. 2018. Comparison of whole plant and detached leaf screening techniques for identifying anthracnose resistance in strawberry plants. Plant Dis. 102:2112-2119.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Blazek, D. and E.K. Blythe. 2016 (published 2017). All-America Selections winners for 2016: Ornamentals and edibles with proven performance for North American gardens. Comb. Proc. Intl. Plant Prop. Soc. 66:167-169.
  • Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: LeCompte, J.S. 2018. Tea as an alternative crop for Mississippi. Miss. State Univ., Ph.D. Diss.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: MSU Extension Publication 3226 Cut Ornamental Floral Design Materials for South Mississippi.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Extension Publication 3237 Floral Designs for Christmastime.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Extension Publication 3240 Floral Design Coloring Book. (DelPrince, Staton)
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Extension Publication 3247 How to Design an Evergreen Swag.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: MSU Extension Publication 3251 Floral Design with Sunflowers and Zinnias.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: MSU Extension Publication 3252 Stock (Matthiola incana) for the Farmer Florist (DelPrince, Coker)
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: MSU Extension Publication 3253 How to Design a Closed System Terrarium (DelPrince, Bachman)
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Coker, C. V. Cerven. And R. Stepehenson. 2018. Productivity of Asian varieties of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.), bittler melon (Momoridca charantia L.), and eggplant (Solanum menogena L.) in coastal Mississippi. J. Appl. Hortic. 20(2), 2018.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Coker, C., Ely, M., Coggins, P. 2018. Grape tomatoes as a potential crop for growers and consumers in the southeastern United States. J. Hortic. 5: 225. doi: 4172/2376-0354.1000225
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Coker, Christine. 2018. Vertebrate pest control in the home garden and landscape. MSU Extension Publ. 3180.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Coker, Christine E.H. 2018. Easy-to-grow herbs for the landscape. MSU Extension Info. Sheet 156.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Posadas, Benedict C. 2018. Socioeconomic Characteristics of Owners and Managers of Horticultural Operations in the Southern United States. Agricultural Research & Technology: Open Access Journal, 18(5), 556070. https://juniperpublishers.com/artoaj/ARTOAJ.MS.ID.556070.php
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Posadas, Benedict C. Randal Y. Coker, Christine H. Coker, Scott A. Langlois, and Patricia R. Knight. 2018. Computer Usage among Nursery and Greenhouse Operations in the Southern United States. Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station Bulletin 1225, Mississippi State, Mississippi.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Posadas, Benedict C. 2018. Socioeconomic Determinants of the Level of Mechanization of Nurseries and Greenhouses in the Southern United States. AIMS Agriculture and Food, 3(3): 229-245.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Posadas, Benedict C. 2018. Employment, Incomes, and Characteristics of Workers and Owners of Fruit and Vegetable Markets in the Gulf of Mexico and the United States. Mississippi MarketMaker Newsletter. Vol. 8, No. 5.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Posadas, Benedict C. 2018. Employment, Incomes, and Characteristics of Workers and Owners of Florists in the Gulf of Mexico and the United States. Mississippi MarketMaker Newsletter. Vol. 8, No. 6.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Posadas, Benedict C. 2018. Employment, Incomes, and Characteristics of Workers and Owners of Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Merchant Wholesalers in the Gulf of Mexico and the United States. Mississippi MarketMaker Newsletter. Vol. 8, No. 4.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Posadas, Benedict C. 2018. Employment, Incomes, and Characteristics of Workers and Owners of Fruit and Vegetable Canning, Pickling, and Drying Businesses in the Gulf of Mexico and the United States. Mississippi MarketMaker Newsletter. Vol. 8, No. 3.