Despite not well studied within the sustainable agriculture research community, there is evidence that animal traction could be a regenerative power option for small farms. Animals cause minimal compaction, appreciate, and can regenerate. Fuel can be grown on farm, some animals are multi-purpose, and there is social benefit for those that interact with them. However, opportunities for aspiring teamsters to gain knowledge are limited. Extension materials and programming from public Universities are also not widely available. A side-by-side tractor animal traction comparison was established at the Meigs Horticulture Facility in Lafayette IN (Meigs). There were two treatments potato production with animal traction (AT) and potato production with small tractor traction (TT). During the study all field activities related to potato production were performed with animal power or tractor power in the two treatments, respectively. Data collection included: cost of equipment, time for each field, potato yield, and comprehensive soil health assessment including penetration resistance. Potato yield did not differ between AT and TT (P = 0.79213). Yields were 15,266.3 ± 7,523.6 and 12,981.0 ± 9,175.0 lb. 1-acre for AT and TT, respectively. Overall cost of capital equipment used in thus study were 17,050 and 42,147.30 for AT and TT, respectively. Total time in the field for major field events was 4 hours for AT compared to TT. Preliminary results reveal that similar yields to tractor power can be achieved when using animal power. Time in the field may be greater in animal traction, but capital equipment costs can be lower.
Edamame, a vegetable soybean harvested at the immature stage with green pods, has gained popularity in the United States due to its high nutritional value and appealing taste, resulting in growing consumer demand. However, over 70% of the edamame consumed in the U.S. is currently imported from East Asia. To support domestic production and reduce reliance on imports, identifying suitable varieties and production windows is essential—especially in regions like Florida, where subtropical conditions allow for multi-season cropping. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of sixteen commercial edamame varieties (maturity groups 0–V) across South Florida’s two primary bean production seasons: spring (early February to mid-May) and fall (early October to mid-December). The objectives were to (a) identify varieties best suited to South Florida’s subtropical climate, and (b) determine the optimal growing season for each variety. Growth parameters (emergence rate, plant height, canopy diameter, leaf area, and nodes per plant) and agronomic traits (fresh pod yield and 10-pod weight) were measured to assess adaptation and productivity. In the spring, ‘UA-Kirksey’ achieved the highest yield at 5.0 t/ha, while ‘Midori Giant’ had the lowest at 0.8 t/ha. In the fall, ‘Chiba Green’ produced the highest yield at 3.2 t/ha, and ‘Karikachi #3’ the lowest at 0.5 t/ha. Six varieties, i.e., ‘KAS 355-11’, ‘Kahala’, ‘Karikachi #3’, ‘Shirofumi’, ‘UA-Kirksey’, and ‘Young Soybean’ yielded significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) in spring compared to fall, while no significant seasonal differences were observed for the other varieties. These findings demonstrate the importance of selecting season-appropriate varieties to maximize yield potential and production efficiency in subtropical regions like South Florida, offering a promising strategy to support local edamame cultivation.
Edamame [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] exhibits a promising opportunity for Indiana farmers. Its high nutritional value and nitrogen-fixing capabilities reduce input costs while benefiting crop rotation systems. The crop’s short duration facilitates sustainable practices like cover cropping. Research on edamame cultivation for Midwest local markets remains limited despite increasing sales and consumption. Therefore, this study aimed to explore potential cultivars suited for the fresh and direct consumer market and identify cultural and cultivation practices that minimize weed-crop competition here in Indiana. A field experiment was established at Meigs Horticulture Research Farm, Lafayette, Indiana, which evaluated three different row spacings (7 inch, 15 inch, and 30 inch) on growth and yield of six edamame cultivars (Chiba Green, Sayamusume, BeSweet 292, Midori Giant, Tohya, and Karikachi). This study was designed as an RCBD split-plot design with 4 replications, with different row spacings as main plots, and variety as the split-plot. Leaf area index (LAI), dry weight of weed, total pod count, pod count, and fresh weight of marketable and non-marketable pods were measured. All data were analyzed with R Studio. We hypothesized a) standard row spacing (30 inch) would improve edamame seed yield and productivity compared to narrow row spacings (7 and 15 inch); b) narrow row spacing would reduce the weed growth and density of common weed species compared to standard row spacing; c) standard row spacing may increase yield of edamame but would increase weed-crop competition. Our results from one year are in agreement with our hypotheses. Standard row spacing resulted in the greatest pod yield, but highest weed dry weight. Specifically, 30 inch row spacing produced significantly greater pod count (27) per plant compared to 7, and 15 inch row spacing (9 and 16 pods per plant, respectively). Also, 30 inch row spacing resulted in the greatest marketable pod count (23) per plant compared to 7 and 15 inch row spacing (6 and 12 pods per plant, respectively). 30 inch row spacing led to significantly greater weed dry weight (4.27 g) compared to 7 and 15 inch row spacing (1.01g and 2.81g, respectively). Lowest weed dry weight (1.01 g) at 7-inch row spacing suggests that narrow row spacing might help suppress weed growth. The greatest LAI was measured at 7-inch row spacing (5.26) compared to others (3.77 and 3 for 15 and 30 inch row spacing). BeSweet 292 performed better in terms of yield parameters compared to other varieties.
Plastic mulches are widely used in U.S. vegetable production to cut costs and improve efficiency. However, polyethylene, the principal ingredient of plastic mulches, is a poorly degradable material causing significant pollution. Biodegradable mulches, especially those made from local waste materials such as low-grade cotton, offer a sustainable alternative by reducing pollution, enhancing soil health, and supporting circular economy principles. This study aims to evaluate two different types of low-grade cotton mulches in comparison to commercially available plastic and biodegradable plastic mulches in Jalapeño pepper production. Five mulch treatments, including a no-mulch control, were arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications. The assessment focuses on mulch decomposition, plant biomass, crop yield, and weed suppression.
High tunnel production is increasingly important on small, diversified farms with more than 1,700 and 700 high tunnels (HTs) in Kentucky and Tennessee, respectively. Weed management in HTs is more challenging than open field production and there are limited options. Soil solarization is one alternative; it heats moist soil to high temperatures by trapping solar radiation under transparent plastic tarps. Heating soil to at least 40°C is beneficial for managing soil-related issues, such as reducing the weed seedbank. Soil solarization was conducted in April, July, and September 2024 in Kentucky and Tennessee in open and closed HTs to assess whether growers could solarize individual beds. The objectives were to evaluate the effect of solarization on soil temperatures, weed biomass and emergence, and lettuce yield. Treatments included 2-week (Sol-2wk) and 4-week (Sol-4wk) solarization and a nonsolarized control (NS). Data loggers recorded soil temperatures hourly. Soil in closed HTs accumulated more hours >40°C versus open HTs. The most hours over 40°C occurred in July, followed by September then April, with more hours in Tennessee than Kentucky. In Kentucky, after April solarization, there was less weed biomass in Sol-4wk compared to NS in the closed HT and less weed emergence in Sol-2wk and Sol-4wk compared to NS. There were no differences in lettuce yield. After July solarization, there was less weed biomass in Sol-2wk and Sol-4wk in the closed HT compared to NS, but no differences among treatments for weed emergence. Lettuce yield was higher in Sol-2wk and Sol-4wk compared to NS regardless of HT. There were no differences in weed biomass or weed emergence in September. Lettuce yield in Sol-4wk was higher than NS regardless of HT. In Tennessee after April solarization, there was less weed emergence in Sol-4wk in the closed HT compared to Sol-2wk and NS. Lettuce yield was higher in Sol-2wk and Sol-4wk compared to NS in the closed HT. In July, there was less weed biomass in Sol-2wk and Sol-4wk in the open HT compared to NS. Lettuce yield in Sol-4wk was higher compared to NS regardless of HT. In July and September, there was less weed emergence in Sol-2wk and Sol-4wk compared to NS regardless of HT. There were no differences in lettuce yield in September. Overall, soil solarization in July in both locations reduced weeds and increased lettuce yields. Results were mixed in April and September. The experiment will be repeated in 2025.
Tepary bean (Phaseolus acutifolius) is a short-lived legume native to the deserts and semi-arid regions of Northwestern Mexico and the Southwestern United States. It is resilient and adaptable to high temperatures and drought stress, ideally suited as a low-input organic cover crop in southern Texas. Tepary beans are prized for their nitrogen-fixing potential and high nutritional value. We explored the effectiveness of tepary beans and common summer legume cover crops, such as cowpea and Sunn hemp, on the productivity of subsequent vegetable crops like spinach. Additionally, we evaluated 207 USDA-GRIN undomesticated tepary bean accessions under organic production systems to assess their seed nutritional profiles. Preliminary findings indicated that spinach grown following tepary beans as a cover crop significantly enhanced biomass and exhibited nitrogen use efficiencies comparable to Sunn hemp and cowpeas. The amino acid profiles of the seeds and the total protein content across tepary bean accessions displayed significant variability. We conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of seed nutritional and physiological traits using SNPs obtained through GBS. The candidate genes and loci associated with these traits could advance breeding efforts to enhance nutritional value. The study's outcomes would help affirm the potential of tepary beans as a promising summer cover crop, identifying high-value accessions with superior yield and nutritional qualities to facilitate the development of improved cultivars through introgression breeding.
In this 2023 undercover tomato study conducted at the New Mexico State University Agricultural Science Center in Los Lunas, New Mexico, treatments included two tomato cultivars, ‘Big Beef Plus’ (indeterminate, hybrid) and ‘San Marzano II’ (indeterminate, heirloom), grown under three types of shade cloth: 1) white 15% shade, 2) white 50% shade, and 3) black 60% shade. Unshaded plants of both cultivars served as controls. Two irrigation methods were also evaluated: drip irrigation and furrow flood irrigation, each applied to half of the plots. Dependent variables included mortality rates attributed to confirmed beet curly top virus (BCTV) infection, as well as plant size, yield, and fruit quality indicators such as the percentage of fruit exhibiting blossom end rot. Preliminary data indicate expected cultivar differences in yield and susceptibility to blossom end rot. Shade treatment and irrigation method appeared to influence blossom end rot incidence, although the effects varied between cultivars. The protective effect of shade cover was pronounced. By July, 79% of the surviving, uncovered control plants tested positive for BCTV; assuming that untested deceased plants were also infected, this rate rises to 89%. In contrast, among the shaded treatments (white 15% shade, white 50% shade, and black 60% shade), 25%, 25%, and 9% of the surviving plants tested positive for BCTV, respectively, with only one untested deceased plant. These findings suggest that the shade cover, wrapped around the tomato cages, effectively limited exposure to the only known vector of BCTV. The plot thickens, however, as some shaded plants that tested positive for BCTV in July still produced over 21.9 kg of fruit per plant before the first frost in late October. These preliminary findings underscore the potential of shade structures as a viable cultural practice for mitigating BCTV impact and warrant more comprehensive investigation.
Funding Source “This work is supported by the Crop Protection and Pest Management Program (grant no. 2021-70006-35765) from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture.”
Sweet potato is grown year-round and is planted on all islands of Hawaii. During the 20th century, sweet potato was a profitable export crop for Hawaii, but production and sales have been declining for decades. Environmental conditions, such as continued droughts or precipitations and poor soil nutrients, contribute to low sweet potato yields. Sweet potato yields can be determined by the number of storage roots (tubers) per plant, and the size of each storage root at harvest. To maximize the marketable yields of sweet potato, it is necessary to achieve the greatest possible number of storage roots. In a field trial at the Kula Agricultural Park in the island of Maui, Okinawan sweet potatoes were grown under different irrigation regimes, both with and without fertilizer application. Control plots were irrigated daily regardless of soil moisture, and irrigation treatments were designed to initiate irrigation events based on soil moisture thresholds as follow: high moisture (irrigated to a soil water tension threshold of -60 kPa), medium moisture (irrigated to a soil water tension threshold of -80kPa), low moisture (irrigated to a soil water tension of -100 kPa). Fertilizer (16-16-16 and potassium sulfate) was applied to half of each plot in a split plot design. Marketable yield was evaluated in the different treatments. The fertilizer treatments were only significantly different in the irrigated control and the lowest moisture treatment. Marketable yield was highest in the irrigated control that received no fertilizer, and lowest in the low moisture treatment that received fertilizer. As irrigation was reduced, yield was also reduced, and the number of off-grade small tubers increased. In the irrigated control, adding fertilizer reduced the number and weight of marketable tubers, especially in the AA grade, and increased the number and weight of large, off-grade tubers. In the lowest moisture treatment, high numbers of “pencil roots” were observed due to inadequate moisture during tuber development, and few marketable tubers in both the fertilized and unfertilized treatments.
A forum for discussion of potential collaborations with regards to fruit, vegetable, and edible crops – i.e. citrus, breeding, production systems, postharvest, pomology, crop management, viticulture, etc.
I work with peri-urban vegetable production, saffron production and roadside vegetation for southern New England. I am the Vice-President Elect for Extension.
With freshwater supplies dwindling and sea levels rising, irrigation water for crops can become salinized. Therefore, salt-tolerant genotypes of food crops are needed. Here, we tested genotypes of Brassica juncea (brown mustard), a widely grown and consumed leafy green that has mineral and nutrient rich leaves and is also an important oil-seed crop, for their salt tolerance. Experiments were conducted to evaluate the performance of three mustard genotypes (var. ‘Florida Broadleaf’, ‘Carolina Broadleaf’, and ‘Southern Giant Curl’) grown in nutrient film-technique (NFT) hydroponic systems under varying salinity treatments. Five synthetic seawater dilutions (15, 22.5, 30, 37.5, and 45% Instant Ocean at approximately 10, 13.5, 17, 21, 24.5 dS/m conductivity, respectively) with added fertilizer (Masterblend 20-20-20 at approx. 1.5 dS/m) were compared to a control (fertilizer only at approx. 1.5 dS/m) to identify the optimal salinity range for vegetative production over 6 weeks after seeding. Two different production systems were used to evaluate the genotypes: production-scale NFT systems in a greenhouse in Citra, FL, and lab-scale tabletop NFT systems in an environmentally controlled room. In the greenhouse setting, plants were destructively harvested at 7 day intervals to gather growth over time, while in the lab setting, plants were harvested once at the end of the experiment to calculate the biomass and growth along with water and nutrient use efficiencies per genotype. Preliminary findings suggest that yields and water use efficiencies were improved at a 15% seawater dilution (approx. 10 dS/m) and showed a drop in biomass at higher seawater dilutions. The genotype ‘Florida Broadleaf’ demonstrated higher fresh biomass than either of the other genotypes with ‘Southern Giant Curl’ showing the most sensitivity to salt treatments in both the greenhouse and desktop systems. Data collected in these experiments will be used to construct a dynamic crop growth model for mustards that incorporates salinity to predict crop biomass. Crop models such as this could help inform plant breeders studying salt-tolerance and provide insights into yields and crop growth rates to agricultural producers farming in salt-afflicted soils or for use in saltwater hydroponics.
Kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala), a member of the cruciferous (Brassicaceae) family, has gained significant popularity as a nutritionally dense leafy vegetable in recent years, attributed to its rich nutraceutical properties, including phytochemicals, antioxidants, and antiproliferative compounds. These properties play a critical role in addressing global nutritional deficiencies through cost-effective dietary sources, leading to kale’s designation as a superfood by the research community. Its popularity has steadily increased, particularly in the United States. To meet the growing demand for kale, optimizing production systems is essential. In this study, we evaluated leaf physiology, yield parameters, and nutrient content across kale cultivars grown under both organic and conventional farming systems. We observed substantial variation in leaf photosynthesis and other physiological traits, reflecting the different responses of cultivars to cultivation methods. Additionally, significant differences in mineral content and total soluble proteins were noted, with organic farming practices notably enhancing soluble proteins, leaf nitrogen content, nitrate nitrogen (NO3-N), and several key minerals compared to conventional practices. These findings suggest that organic farming practices may enhance the nutraceutical quality of kale, potentially offering superior nutritional benefits compared to conventional methods systems.
Saline water irrigation, higher summer temperatures, limited soil leaching and agricultural intensification with heavy reliance on chemical fertilizers are the main causes for high salt accumulations in high-tunnel soils. These salinity issues have led to soil degradation as well as decline in crop production. In order to improve soil health and bolster the crop yield, use of organic amendments like compost, crop residues and animal manure has been widely practiced. Studies have shown that biochar and vermicompost can improve soil homeostasis by adsorbing excess sodium and chloride ions and holding excess water in root zone. Furthermore, researchers have found that these soil amendments complement each other when used in combination, leading to high crop yield and enriched plant nutrient contents. However, research gaps exists in using emerging soil amendments like biochar, and vermicompost. Hence, the objective of our current study was to assess the growth and yield attributes of tomato under salinity stress and evaluating the role of these soil amendments alone and in combination to mitigate salt stress. Two potted experimental trials were conducted in late spring and early fall in high tunnel at Oklahoma State University. The treatments were arranged in a complete randomized design. Treatments included three levels of salinity (1.5, 4, 8 mS/cm) and different treatment combinations (0, 5, 10% v/v) of biochar and vermicompost in soilless media. Data collection was done on different yield parameters, phytochemicals, stress indicators along with soil media tests. Results show that soil amendments treatments helped reduce salinity stress to some extent and aid in overall crop performance. To sum up, our salinity stress study provides insights on minimizing the salt toxicity by appropriate use of emerging soil additives, providing practices for producers to improve crop production in high-tunnels.
Nutrient biofortification in leafy vegetables can enhance dietary health benefits, improve crop nutritional quality, and promote sustainable agricultural practices. Deep water culture hydroponic production along with micronutrient exploration can lead to solutions to optimize nutrient uptake. Selenium (Se), an essential micronutrient, has been shown to influence plant metabolism, particularly the synthesis of bioactive compounds such as carotenoids and glucosinolates. However, its role in modulating these phytochemicals in hydroponically grown Nasturtium officinale (watercress) remains underexplored in controlled environment agriculture systems. This study investigates the effects of selenium fertilization at varying concentrations (0, 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0 mg Se·L⁻¹) on carotenoid and glucosinolate accumulation in water cress varieties cultivated in deep water hydroponics. The controlled environment environment system provides an ideal environment for plant growth, allowing precise manipulation of nutrient levels, pH, temperature, and light intensity. The selenium treatments are based on a randomized complete block design to ensure statistical accuracy. Various growth parameters, biomass accumulation, and biochemical analyses of carotenoid and glucosinolate levels were measured to determine the interactions between selenium uptake and metabolite biosynthesis. Carotenoid content was quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Glucosinolate concentrations were determined through chromatographic and spectrophotometric methods to measure bioactive compound content. Research suggests that selenium supplementation may modulate plant physiological responses and enhance carotenoid and glucosinolate synthesis. It is essential to study ways to optimize hydroponic deep water culture production systems to improve the nutritional and functional quality of leafy greens like watercress. These findings can provide information to guide controlled environment and sustainable agricultural practices. Results from this research may also advance nutrient-fortification strategies, enhance functional food development, and address micronutrient deficiencies, thereby supporting both horticultural innovation and public health. Keywords: Selenium fertilization, Beta-carotene, Deep Water Hydroponic, Watercress, Agricultural sustainability, Controlled Environment Agriculture
Hi! I am Cora Teets, I am a resercher in the Center Nutritrition and Cancer for Resrach at Kentcuky State Universoty. I also act as an adjunct professor for Basic Nutrition at the University. I am passionate about mentoring students and establishing collaborations to make the most... Read More →
Sweet peppers are a warm-season vegetable prized for their vibrant colors, rich flavor, and high nutritional value. Biostimulants are a new class of agricultural products consisting of microorganisms or bioactive substances, used as a sustainable approach to enhance plant growth and productivity. This experiment aimed to evaluate the effects of biostimulant applications on plant growth, yield, and quality of sweet pepper cultivars grown in a container production system. Three biostimulants were tested including a seaweed extract (Kelpak Maxx, 1% solution), a plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (Continuum V2, at a rate of 2 ml per gallon), and stabilized monosilicic acid (Dune, at a rate of 2 ml per gallon). Six sweet pepper cultivars were selected for the study: Cornito Giallo, Escamillo, Green Machine, Carmen, SVPB8500, and Cornito Rosso, all purchased from Johnny’s Selected Seeds. Biostimulant treatments were applied biweekly through manual fertigation with 120 ml of solution. Plants in the control group were fertigated with 120 ml of water. Plant vegetative growth including plant height, widths, and leaf SPAD were measured three times during the growing season. Once fruit ripening began, pepper fruits were harvested every two weeks from July to September. At each harvest, marketable and unmarketable yield and fruit number were recorded. Fruit quality variables including fruit length, diameters, and color were also measured. Results showed that the sweet pepper cultivars varied in vegetative growth, fruit yield, and quality. The two cultivars Green Machine and SVPB8500 had higher leaf SPAD of 64.2 and 63.9, respectively, than Carmen, Escamillo, Cornito Giallo, or Cornito Ross. The cultivars Carmen, Cornito Giallo, Cornito Rosso, and Escamillo had similar plant heights ranging from 36.4 cm to 38.4 cm, higher than Green Machine or SVPB8500. Biostimulant treatment did not affect leaf SPAD or plant height early in the season.
Funding Source United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce Specialty Crop Block Grant Program; United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture Hatch Project MIS-149220.
Rising temperatures, erratic precipitation, and increased periods of drought present significant challenges to vegetable crop production by disrupting growth reducing yield and crop quality. To address these challenges, biostimulants have been used in crop production for their ability to enhance plant growth, improve nutrient uptake, and increase resilience against environmental stresses. However, there exists a research gap in the mode of applications and rates of different biostimulants in various vegetable crops grown in open-field conditions. Hence, the current study evaluated the effects of two distinct biostimulants (silicon and brassinosteroids) on arugula (Eruca sativa) production. Although silicon is not universally recognized as an essential nutrient for plant growth, it is considered beneficial and has been proven to exhibit biostimulant properties. Contrarily, brassinosteroids are a class of plant hormones crucial in regulating growth, development, and stress responses in crops. These biostimulants were applied independently through the soil and foliar application at two different rates to assess their effects on the growth, yield, and nutritional quality of arugula. Treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design with three blocks in open-field conditions. Data was collected on various parameters, including the number of leaves per week, fresh and dry weight at harvest, and mineral and phytochemical content such as chlorophylls, carotenoids, sugars, phenols, and flavonoids content. Results show that silicon applied plants have improved yield. By assessing biostimulants impact on the yield and nutrient composition of arugula, the current research concludes the potential of biostimulants as a sustainable approach to improve growth of arugula under challenging environmental conditions
The anticipated impacts of climate extremes on food production have led research into novel paths aimed at optimizing cultivation techniques and developing genotypes resilient to abiotic stresses. Research over the last 20 years led to a considerable amount of evidence that the regulation of polyamine metabolism (and in particular of thermospermine) through the overexpression or gene mutation of polyamine oxidases (PAOs) genes, could enhance plant resilience. However, there are still limited data on how the differential expression of PAOs genes affects physiological and morpho-anatomical traits that contribute to plant resilience. Therefore, in this study we explored the morpho-anatomical and functional-physiological variability of leaves of 8 tomato genotypes, one reference (cv. Moneymaker), and 7 with modified thermospermine metabolism, comprising 3 overexpressing genotypes and 4 loss-of-function mutants for two thermospermine-specific PAO genes, SlPAO3 and SlPAO4. The plants were cultivated under greenhouse conditions following standard commercial practices, and a total of 17 morpho-anatomical and functional traits were assessed for each genotype. Based on plasticity indices (IP), notable phenotypic variability among genotypes was observed, particularly in leaf morpho-anatomical traits, pigment concentrations, performance index (PItotal), plant height, and total leaf area. In contrast, the lowest IP values were recorded for traits related to gas exchange and Fv/Fm. Principal component analysis (PCA) identified two main axes accounting for 78% of the total variation, and a clear grouping of genotypes emerged according to the type of PAOs gene expression modification (overexpression or gene mutation). These findings reveal substantial differences in leaf structural traits among genotypes, depending on PAOs expression levels, aligning with previous studies highlighting the role of polyamines in organogenesis. Considering the critical importance of leaf structure–function interactions in determining both productivity and stress resistance, further investigation into the role of PAOs as a potential tool for enhancing plant resilience to abiotic stresses is warranted.
Nitrogen is a vital element for plant growth, playing a crucial role in photosynthesis and protein synthesis. The bio-stimulant "Utrisha N," which contains the bacteria Methylobacterium symbioticum, has the potential to enhance nitrogen availability by fixing atmospheric nitrogen, thereby promoting sustainable agricultural practices. While it has been evaluated in other row crops, its application in vegetable crops remains untested. This study examined the effects of the foliar application of "Utrisha N" on yield, nitrogen metabolism, and phytochemical profiles under various nitrogen conditions. The results indicated that the foliar application of "Utrisha N" during the developmental phase of spinach significantly increased both fresh and dry biomass and chlorophyll content. No significant changes in nitrogen mineral metabolism were observed regardless of nitrogen availability. We assessed nitrogen assimilation by calculating the percentage accumulation of amino acids in the vegetative tissues. The differential expression of genes related to nitrogen metabolism influenced by Methylobacterium symbioticum is currently being analyzed. This study's results will help clarify the potential benefits of Methylobacterium in improving nitrogen metabolism and boosting spinach productivity.
Temperature constraints on tomato production challenge local production in warm climates. In Oklahoma, there is a narrow optimum temperature window required for fruit set, which ultimately results in a decline during late July and August. Growers are motivated to select heat tolerant tomato genotypes for better results. Previous research shows that there is a range of physiological responses when considering heat tolerant and heat sensitive cultivars. To investigate further, a controlled environment trial will be designed to evaluate eight different tomato cultivars at two different temperature regimes, optimum (26°C / 20°C) and elevated (36°C/26°C). Morphological measurements will be collected daily and are to include days to first truss, days to first open flower, days to first fruit set, and flower-fruit set ratio. Non-destructive physiological measurements will be collected weekly, including net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, leaf temperature, and chlorophyll fluorescence. Electrolyte leakage will be measured once upon the completion of the trial. Differences in net photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance were found to be significant between the two temperature regimes (p > 0.001) at 28 days after transplanting. Net photosynthetic rate averages were 4.358 µmol m-2 s-1 for the elevated temperature and 7.815 µmol m-2 s-1 for the optimum temperature. Stomatal conductance averages were 0.081 mol m-2 s-1and 0.150 mol m-2 s-1 for elevated and optimum regimes respectively. A Euclidean Distance will be calculated between the responses to the two temperatures upon completion, creating a heat tolerant index. The results will assist with the development of a screening tool for heat tolerant cultivars.
Microgreens are young seedlings of various vegetable and herb species that are usually harvested 10 to 14 days after germination. They are a popular specialty crop because they are rich in mineral nutrients and health beneficial phytochemicals, grow quickly, need little space, and can be produced year-round in a protected environment. The choice of substrate is critical for successful microgreen production because it affects shoot growth, nutrient absorption, and total shoot yield. Compared with commonly used peat-based substrate, easy-to-use hydroponic mat products made from various fibers serve as sustainable alternative growing media. This study examines the effect of five substrates on the growth performance of four microgreen species including ‘Red Garnet’ amaranth (Amaranthus tricolour), ‘Red Gruner’ purslane (Portulaca oleracea), Rainbow Sprinkles Mix (with chard and beet, Beta vulgaris), and Shungiku (Glebionis carinata). The five substrates include bamboo mat, coco coir fiber mat, Ectone mat (made from recycled plastic bottle), jute mat, and a peat based soilless substrate. Results showed that fresh shoot weight was affected by the interaction between species and substrate type. Shungiku grown on peat and coco coir produced the highest fresh shoot weights of 74.7 and 70.2 g per growing tray, respectively, among all treatment combinations. Microgreens species varied in their preference of substrate for maximum shoot yield, with peat producing in higher fresh shoot weight than other substrate types in purslane and Rainbow Sprinkles Mix. Overall, peat and coco coir mat resulted in higher dry shoot weight than jute, bamboo, or Ectone mat across the four tested species. These results show the importance of choosing the right substrate for maximum yield and quality in microgreen production.
Funding Source United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce Specialty Crop Block Grant Program; United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture Hatch Project MIS-149220.
Iron deficiency is a major global health issue that has affected approximately 29% of the adult population of US. Plants being the ultimate source of iron in humans (either directly through staple crops and vegetables or indirectly via animal fodder), do not suffice in meeting the average daily requirement of iron. Therefore, there is a need to increase the iron concentration of edible parts of plants, known as biofortification. So far, the most economic and convenient approach to alleviate iron deficiency is agronomic biofortification. However, applying iron fertilizers puts an additional management burden on growers, to manage an already intensive production system. One potential solution to this could be tank mixing with common pesticides. Combining iron fertilizers with already recommended pesticides in vegetable crops can save the farmers from the extra effort. However, knowledge on interactions (synergistic, antagonistic, or neutral) of iron fertilizers with pesticides in a tank mix is lacking. In 2024 we conducted a field experiment to study the effect of tank mixing of different iron fertilizers (FESO4, Fe-EDTA
Leafy greens like cress have generated significant interest worldwide due to their health and nutritional benefits. Cress is a nutrient-dense leafy green unique for its peppery flavor and phytonutrient content. Its hydroponic cultivation coupled with targeted nutrient fertilization provides a controlled environment enabling optimal growth conditions and phytonutrient accumulation. Particularly, magnesium as a macronutrient is known for influencing biosynthesis of plant metabolites including chlorophyll, carotenoids and other antioxidants. The need for biofortification and optimization of hydroponic cultivation for nutrient-dense crops warrant this study. Due to the importance of beta-carotene in human health and its role as a source of vitamin A, it is crucial to understand how fertilization affects its accumulation. Therefore, this study seeks to contribute to optimization of nutrient management in hydroponics and ultimately improve nutritional value of leafy greens. In this research, four magnesium fertilization rates (100 mg/l, 150 mg/l, 200 mg/l and 250 mg/l) were applied to watercress and upland cress in a hydroponic environment. The study aimed to examine the effects of these treatments on phytonutrient accumulation with a focus on beta-carotene. The hydroponic cultivation was done under controlled environment, ensuring desirable nutrient application, temperature, light, pH and electrical conductivity. The treatments were applied in a Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) system under a split-plot design. Biomass, chlorophyll, beta-carotene and antioxidant activity were analyzed to determine the relationship between magnesium application and the biosynthesis of phytonutrients. Spectrophotometric methods were used to quantify beta-carotene and chlorophyll and determine antioxidant potential. Initial findings indicate increasing content of beta-carotene, chlorophyll, biomass and antioxidant activity with increasing magnesium application rates, with the highest rate maximizing beta-carotene accumulation. The results show variations between watercress and upland cress, indicating strain-specific responses under magnesium application. These results will contribute to insights into the influence of magnesium fertilization on the synthesis of phytonutrients in leafy greens, particularly cress plants. It will guide farmers on optimizing fertilization, eventually improving yields and nutritional quality of the two cress varieties. Additionally, it will recommend dietary guidelines, catering to the demand for nutrient-rich foods among health-conscious consumers. Keywords: Cress, Magnesium fertilization, Phytonutrients, Hydroponics, Spectrophotometry
Microgreens are young seedlings that are harvested between 7 and 21 days after germination with height of generally 2 to 4 inches depending on the species. They are considered to be nutrient-dense functional foods and have been reported to be rich in mineral nutrients such as calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K) and iron (Fe) as well as health beneficial phytochemicals. Seed priming treatments have been used to activate metabolic activity within the seed and promote fast and uniform germination, which is critical in microgreen production. The objectives of this study were to assess the effect of four seed priming treatments on the shoot growth, visual quality, and mineral nutrient compositions of four herbal microgreen species grown on hydroponic mats made from jute fibers. Four microgreen species including chives (Allium schoenoprasum), dill (Anethum graveolens), scallion (Allium fistulosum) and shiso (Perilla frutescens var. crispa) were used in this study. Four priming treatments were applied including hydro priming with distilled water (20-22°C), chemical priming with hydrogen peroxide (0.3%), biostimulant priming with a plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) (0.528 ml·L-1), and another biostimulant derived from kelp extract (5 ml·L-1). Microgreen seeds were soaked for 6 hours in each of the priming solutions and then allowed to dry overnight to their original weight. The control treatment consisted of non-primed raw seeds. Data including germination percentage, shoot height, visual quality, fresh and dry shoot weights, shoot color, and mineral nutrients were all collected. Fresh shoot weight was significantly affected by the interaction between microgreen species and priming treatment. The four priming treatments and control resulted in similar fresh shoot weights in chives, scallion, and shiso. Dill from the control treatment had a significantly higher fresh shoot weight of 1302 g·m-2 compared to kelp extract, PGPR, and hydropriming with weights of 737 g·m-2, 740.7 g·m-2, and 345.8 g·m-2, respectively. Microgreen shoot height was affected by species and priming treatment separately with no interaction. The non-priming control produced shoots with height of 6.9 cm, significantly higher than those from the kelp extract or the hydropriming treatment with heights of 6.3 cm and 6.2 cm, respectively. Chives produced the lowest shoot height of 5.3 cm compared to dill, scallion and shiso with shoot heights of 6.9 cm, 7.0 cm, and 6.8 cm, respectively.
The study explored bacterial and fungal communities in two commercially cultivated spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) cultivars across five ecological niches: bulk soil, rhizosphere, root endosphere, leaf episphere, and leaf endosphere. Using high-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA and ITS amplicons, we assessed microbial diversity, composition, co-occurrence networks, and functional potential, revealing that alpha microbial diversity was highest in bulk soil and lowest in the leaf endosphere. Beta diversity analysis demonstrated significant niche differentiation, with fungal communities exhibiting notable cultivar-driven variation, while bacterial communities were more influenced by niche. The bacterial microbiome displayed a wide range of taxa, while the fungal microbiome comprised two primary groups, with differential abundance analysis indicating niche-specific microbial enrichment in both bacterial and fungal communities. Tracking microbial contributions to different niches showed minimal influence of bulk soil on the rhizosphere, with fungal communities presenting higher niche transfer rates than bacteria. Co-occurrence network analysis highlighted cultivar-specific microbial interactions. Functional predictions indicated niche-dependent microbial metabolic adaptations, particularly in carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism. These findings offer valuable insights into the spinach microbiome, highlighting niche differentiation and cultivar-specific microbial interactions that influence plant-associated microbial communities.
Collembola, commonly known as springtails, are soil microarthropods which play important roles in organic matter decomposition, nutrient cycling, and microbial interactions in agricultural systems. However, little research has assessed their direct interactions with plants. The few studies that have researched these direct interactions have found mixed effects of Collembola on germination and plant growth outcomes. This research aims to further investigate the role of Collembola in seed germination and early seedling development. Two complementary lab experiments were conducted using species in the Amaranthus family, spinach (crop) and waterhemp (weed), to explore the role of seed coat thickness in Collembola-seed interactions. We hypothesize that spinach, with its thick seed coat, would be stimulated by Collembola grazing without sustaining damage, whereas waterhemp, with its thin seed coat, would experience adverse effects, leading to physiological stress. The first experiment was conducted using deli cups lined with germination paper. The treatments included the two plant species and the Collembola Isotomiella minor at three abundance levels (none (0), low (15), and high (30)). Each treatment combination was replicated 5 times. For each plant species, ten seeds were randomly arranged in each deli cup and the Collembola treatments were added. Mesocosms were maintained in growth chambers at 24°C and deionized water was added as needed to maintain moisture. Germination was recorded after 5, 7, and 10 days. Both the spinach and waterhemp germination were not affected by the Collembola treatments. However, spinach had consistently high germination, whereas waterhemp had consistently low germination. The second experiment was conducted using transparent mesocosms filled with a transparent plant growing medium to simulate a 3-D soil structure. The treatments were the same as the experiment described previously. The sealed mesocosms were maintained in growth chambers at 24°C for four weeks. Germination was recorded 5, 7, 10, and 14 days after planting. Collembola interactions with the root systems were monitored using video and photographic recordings throughout the experiment. After four weeks, in mesocosms with true leaf development, plant leaves were measured for stomatal conductance, transpiration, photosystem II efficiency, and chlorophyll content. Each plant was then harvested, and aboveground and root biomass was collected, dried, and weighed. Overall, germination in the mesocosms was low for both spinach and waterhemp, and the Collembola treatments did not have any significant effects. Our initial findings suggest that seed coat thickness may not play a role in the outcomes of Collembola-seedling interactions.
Water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica) is leafy green vegetable that is routinely cultivated in Southeast Asia. Due to its aggressive growing habit and potential to become established in waterways, it has been classified as a federal noxious weed within the United States. However, recently, ethnic communities in the Atlanta, Georgia, USA metropolitan region have expressed an interest in being able to cultivate water spinach for local sale. The objective of this study was to develop recommendations for the establishment of growing degree day (GDD) estimates and yields for harvest for three planting periods for organic cultivation of two selections of water spinach in a high tunnel environment during the summer months in Watkinsville, Georgia USA. Selection 1 had a hastate leaf shape, while selection 2 had a more lanceolate leaf shape. Plantings were conducted on three dates (May, June, July) during summer 2023. Plots contained 36 plants and were arranged factorial randomized complete block design with four replicates with selection and planting date being the main effects. Once plants reached a marketable harvest size, the above-ground portions were cut near the plant base, which repeated during the growing season. Our results indicated that planting water spinach in May resulted in significantly greater yields compared to June and July plantings due to a greater number of harvests and biomass production at each harvest. Using a sweetpotato (Ipomea batatas) growth model, the GDD at harvest for the May planted water spinach were 390, 271, and 301 for the 7 Jul, 1 Aug and 26 Aug harvest periods, respectively. The rate of fresh weight biomass production for these harvests ranged from 41,469 kg ha-1 to 49,398 kg ha-1 for selection 1 and 24,266 kg ha-1 to 45,432 kg ha-1 for selection 2. Total Fresh weight biomass for all three harvests (7 Jul through 26 Aug) for the May plantings were 136,800-1 and 102,300 kg ha-1 for selections 1 and 2 respectively. July plantings had a greater GDD accumulation at harvest, but yields were significantly lower than earlier plantings. Our results suggest that water spinach could be successfully grown in high tunnels in Georgia, USA during the summer months. Further, while some plants did produce flowers, the chance for off-site movement of seeds and plant material was minimal as plants were confined to a high tunnel structure.
