ASHS 2025 Conference

Extreme heat events threaten raspberry (Rubus ideaus) production in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. The aim of this study was to evaluate strategies for reducing heat stress at a field site located in Prosser, Washington. Treatments were arranged in a split-plot design with four replicates and included three heat mitigation treatments (evaporative cooling with micro-sprinklers, shade cloth, and an untreated control) as main plots and four genotypes (‘Meeker’, ‘WakeField’, WSU 2188, and ORUS 4715-2) as subplots. Across the genotypes, evaporative cooling and shade cloth enhanced photosynthesis and chlorophyll fluorescence and increased yield compared to untreated controls. Shade cloth also resulted in higher stem water potentials than the other mitigation treatments, indicating improved hydration in each genotype. Preliminary economic analyses indicate that shade cloth is more expensive to install than micro-sprinklers for cooling and may interfere with mechanical operations. Evaporative cooling, on the other hand, increases weed pressure, which requires additional management. It also increased postharvest pathogens on the fruit after two weeks of cold storage in ORUS 4715-2. In each case, cooling was run continuously whenever ambient air temperature was > 30°C. Next, we will evaluate whether cooling for 15 minutes every hour is effective and results in fewer weeds and pathogens than continuous cooling.

The blackberry (Rubus spp.) industry in the Pacific Northwest (PNW) has rapidly expanded in recent years due to growers and major berry companies’ capacity to produce high-value fruit for fresh and processing markets. The expansion of the blackberry industry has been further supported by increases in fresh and frozen blackberry consumption. However, revenues and crop expansion in northwest Washington (WA) are limited by freeze events during the winter period that affect fruit production. Freezing temperatures below critical thresholds irreparably damage primary bud meristems. However, little is known about the conditions resulting in freeze damage, as well as the duration of dormancy and time to bud break among key blackberry cultivars. The objective of this study was to evaluate dormancy and cold hardiness of ‘Victoria’ and ‘Celestial’ blackberry floral buds in the PNW. Samples were collected weekly from 15 Oct 2024 to 7 March 2025 from two commercial farms in Skagit County, WA. Sampled laterals were cut into smaller cuttings, each containing one single floral bud, and subjected to either dormancy or cold hardiness evaluations. Samples for the dormancy evaluation were placed in suitable growing conditions (22 C°, 16 h light), and time to bud break was quantified. In parallel, samples for the cold hardiness evaluation were placed into a glycol-bath exposed to 10 freezing temperatures ranging from -4 C° to -20 C°, and a lethal temperature in which 50% of the floral buds were damaged (LT50) was determined through a visual evaluation of damage to the primary meristem. In ‘Victoria’, the maximum bud break rate was observed once canes accumulated over 900 chilling hours (threshold between 0 and 7.2 C°), while ‘Celestial’ required an additional 300 chill units to exhibit similar rates. Regarding cold hardiness, in ‘Victoria’, the LT50 was between -14 and -16 C° through most of the winter season, while the LT50 for ‘Celestial’ fluctuated between -14 and -16 C° during the fall, then between -18 C° and -20 C° during the winter. The higher cold hardiness observed in ‘Celestial’ is attributed to its genetic traits as a semi-erect cultivar rather than environmental factors. The information from this study will be used to develop a decision-support tool for blackberry growers to reduce loss associated with damage from freezing temperatures in the PNW.

Freezing temperatures limit blackberry (Rubus spp.) growers from meeting their full yield potential in the Pacific Northwest (PNW). Damage from freezing winter temperatures spans a gradient and ranges from complete mortality to partial damage of floral buds and supporting vascular and structural tissues. Partial damage can permit resumption of plant growth but is poorly characterized. Moreover, understanding the mechanisms contributing to this gradient of damage could lead to novel practices focused on mitigation and recovery. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between freeze damage and floral bud re-growth. Once chill unit accumulation was sufficient, floricane samples of ‘Victoria’ blackberry were collected for five consecutive weeks during late winter from a commercial farm in Skagit County, Washington. Sampled canes were cut into smaller cuttings, each containing one single floral bud, and exposed to freezing temperatures (-4 C°, -6 C°, -8 C°, -10 C°, and -12 C°) in a glycol bath. The freezing temperature treatments were based on historical freezing temperatures in the area over the past decade during the sample collection period. Treated samples were then placed in suitable growing conditions (22 C°, 16 h light), and shoot growth, chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm), and gas exchange were measured after three weeks. Shoot growth was delayed from buds exposed to -8 C°, -10 C°, and -12 C° compared to the untreated control. The delay in re-growth is likely explained by limitations in water transportation to the leaves rather than carbohydrate depletion, considering leaf transpiration and stomatal conductance were significantly lower in treated canes compared to the untreated control, while Fv/Fm and carbon assimilation remained unaffected. Findings from this study demonstrate partial re-growth from freeze-damaged blackberry canes and floral buds, and damage to the xylem is likely responsible for reductions in re-growth.

Calcium (Ca) is an important macronutrient for plant health and fruit quality. Insufficient Ca in fruit tissues can lead to physiological disorders that reduce crop quality. To prevent this, Ca fertilizers are frequently applied to soil or plant canopies to increase Ca concentrations in fruits. However, the role of Ca fertilizers in promoting fruit quality and overall yields is poorly understood in raspberry (Rubus idaeus). The objective of this study was to evaluate methods to increase Ca concentrations in raspberry fruits and leaves and assess impacts on yield and fruit quality. Replicated field trials were conducted in 2023 and 2024 using floricane-fruiting raspberry ‘WakeHaven’ ‘Meeker’, and ‘Kulshan’ in Whatcom County, Washington. Treatments included: 1) soil application of Ca fertilizer (gypsum) applied before budbreak, 2) foliar application of Ca fertilizer (calcium hydroxide) applied weekly during immature green to white fruit stage, and 3) an untreated control with no calcium fertilizer. Neither method of Ca application affected yield, fruit quality, soil Ca levels, or Ca concentrations within primocane leaves and raspberry fruits across cultivars. However, in ripe fruit, the concentration of Ca in the receptacles was more than ten times higher than in the drupelets of each cultivar. Cultivars with higher fruit Ca concentration also had higher Ca concentrations in the receptacle (Adjusted R2 = 0.58). These findings demonstrate the important role of cultivar genetics when it comes to explaining variations in fruit Ca concentrations. Moreover, results from this study show that standard fertilizer practices have no impact on fruit Ca concentrations or other important yield and fruit quality variables. A physiological barrier limiting Ca movement from receptacles to fruits was identified, and future studies should further explore what these barriers are, when they develop, and whether they can be adjusted to increase Ca transport to raspberry fruits.

The plant epidermis, despite being a single-cell layer, serves diverse roles in regulating organ growth, responding to environmental cues, and mediating gas exchange and water loss. While extensive research has focused on epidermal differentiation in leaves, where stomata and trichomes play critical roles in overall plant physiology, much less is known about epidermal cell fate on fruit surfaces. Many developing fruits initially contain stomata, but as the fruit rapidly expands, these structures face mechanical strain and often rupture. In several species, this process leads to the formation of lenticels, small, permanently open pores that enable continued gas exchange. While lenticels are essential for gas exchange in certain fruit, their presence and morphologies vary widely across species, and the underlying genetic and developmental mechanisms involved in their formation remain poorly understood. Muscadine, a grape species native to the southeastern U.S., serves as a valuable model for studying lenticel development due to its prominent lenticel formation. In this study, we investigated the cellular transition from stomata to lenticels in muscadine fruit using light and electron microscopy, revealing key stages in epidermal restructuring. Transcriptomic analysis of one muscadine cultivar across four developmental stages of lenticel formation identified candidate genes that may regulate this process. These findings provide insight into the genetic regulation of lenticel development that can help explain natural variation in lenticel traits observed across different muscadine cultivars and fruit species. Further, by drawing comparisons to periderm formation in woody tissues and wound responses in other fruit, this study highlights potential conserved genetic pathways underlying lenticel development. Understanding these processes can provide insights into the role of lenticels in postharvest physiology and contribute to targeted breeding strategies for improving fruit storability.

Vitis shuttleworthii, commonly referred to as callose grape, is a wild grape species endemic to Central and South Florida and serves as a valuable genetic resource for the development of subtropical and tropical scion and rootstock cultivars. V. shuttleworthii can thrive in a humid environment and grows readily in nutrient deficient soils. This species is also resistant to anthracnose, downy mildew, Pierce’s disease and root knot nematodes. This study explores the genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships among V. shuttleworthii populations sampled from diverse regions across Florida. The overarching objective of the current study is to characterize the extent of natural genetic variation within and among populations and to identify promising genetic sources for resistance to key grapevine diseases. DNA obtained from 72 V. shuttleworthii individuals, along with 25 reference grape accessions, were sequenced using the Illumina platform (2 X 150 bp configuration). We identified over 64 million SNPs from the 97 accessions and 376,753 high-quality SNPs were retained for downstream analysis. Phylogenetic and principal component analyses revealed geographically structured clustering among V. shuttleworthii populations, indicating patterns of local adaptation and evolutionary divergence. The phylogenetic tree delineated clear genetic separation between wild Florida populations and cultivated Vitis species or breeding lines. Principal Component 1 accounted for 61.65% of the variance, while Principal Component 2 explained 9.86% of the variance. This spatial genetic structure suggests significant genetic diversity and restricted gene flow across regions. This study highlights the natural genetic variation present within the V. shuttleworthii population and provides a valuable resource for grape breeding programs.

Plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) are common in perennial cropping systems, particularly where traditional fertility and floor management practices biologically disturb soil ecosystems. Four vineyard floor management treatments were applied to mature ‘Norton’ vines—(1) grower control (mown tall fescue in the aisle with herbicide-treated bare driplines), (2) red fescue (creeping red fescue established throughout aisle and dripline), (3) successional cover crops (annual rotation of cereal rye, oats, and sorghum-sudangrass using no-till planting), and (4) compost (a mix of hardwood mulch and composted winery pomace applied across aisle and dripline)—in combination with two nitrogen fertility regimes: no nitrogen (0 lb N/ac) and N fertilization (20 lb N/ac applied at budbreak, bloom, and veraison (60 lb N/ac total)). The study was conducted on a Hosmer silty-clay loam in southern Illinois, arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Soil samples were analyzed for populations of plant-parasitic nematode genera—including Pratylenchus, Helicotylenchus, Xiphinema, and Longidorus—alongside soil nutrient metrics such as water-extractable potassium (WEK), phosphorus (WEP), and organic carbon (WEOC), as well as percent organic matter (OM), carbon-to-nitrogen ratio (C:N), and soil respiration (CO₂). Results showed that red fescue may act as a host for Pratylenchus, particularly when supported by nitrogen fertilization (236/100cc) in the vineyard dripline, compared to 156/100cc under compost, 204/100cc under successional cover, and 164/100cc in the grower control during the same period. The increase may be attributed to red fescue’s weak, fibrous root system, which lacks the structural defenses of deeper-rooted species and may act as an attractant. Although Pratylenchus have higher damage thresholds, these population densities have the potential to affect grapevine health. In contrast, compost and successional cover treatments suppressed multiple PPN genera while significantly improving nutrient availability. Populations of Xiphinema and Longidorus were reduced by 57–92% under compost and successional treatments with no nitrogen, compared to the control. These treatments also increased WEK by up to 249%, raised WEP, and elevated OM to 2.6%, compared to 2.1% in the control. Soil respiration reached 68.4 kg/ha, and estimated nitrogen release was as high as 62.8 kg/ha, while maintaining stable C:N ratios (~12.5), indicating enhanced nutrient cycling and organic matter mineralization. These findings suggest that biologically diverse vineyard floor management can suppress plant-parasitic nematodes while simultaneously improving soil nutrient relationships. Integrating organic amendments and dynamic cover cropping into vineyard systems offers a strategy to reduce pest pressure, enhance nutrient cycling, and build soil health.

A new biostimulant formulation (APH-1035; alkaline Ascophyllum nodosum seaweed extract and amino acid, L-phenylalanine) was evaluated in mode of actions studies to understand the contribution of each active ingredient to the effect of the biostimulant. Previous controlled environment studies showed under salinity and drought stress, plants treated with this new biostimulant had an increase in shoot weight and leaf area, and improvements in photosynthetic parameters, showing statistical synergy between the active ingredients. Field trials had similar results with treated plants having an increase foliar and root fresh and dry weight, and yield under drought and salinity stress. An increase in flowers and fruit set was also seen. Controlled environment studies evaluated the potential mode of action of APH-1035 on strawberry under drought stress. Treatments consisted of a non-stressed control, a stressed control, APH -1035, and the individual active ingredients in APH-1035 (seaweed extract, and phenylalanine) at the equivalent concentrations in APH-1035. Leaf tissue samples were collected pre-stress, and two time points post stress, frozen, and RNA extracted, followed by RNASeq, and subsequent data analysis. Plants treated with APH-1035 showed a transcriptional profile more similar to the non-stressed plants than stressed control plants. The individual active profiles were more similar to the stressed control. Transcript abundance increased over time and did not change after prolonged drought stress. In contrast, stressed control plants, showed down regulation of this gene cluster. Correlation analysis resulted in 221 genes whose expression correlated significantly with treatments. Some of these genes are related to photosynthesis and starch metabolism, which can be linked to drought resistance. These results suggest that the novel biostimulant, with the combination of seaweed extract and an amino acid (phenylalanine) influences gene expression within plants to reduce abiotic stress and promote growth and metabolism under stress, and that this response is greater than the individual actives alone.

Dormancy is an important strategy in perennial plants such as the tree fruit peach (Prunus persica), to protect them from damage during harsh environmental conditions such as winter weather. As day length and temperature decrease in the fall, floral and vegetative buds enter a state of endodormancy where they remain unresponsive to growth promoting environmental signals (Nilsson, 2022). Exposure to cold temperatures (typically ≤ 7° C) during the winter allows for chill accumulation and upon sufficient such chill accumulation, release from endodormancy occurs. This is followed by exposure to warmer temperatures in the spring leading to the end of eco- dormancy and bud break. In the field, low winter temperatures are often interspersed with periods of substantially warm weather thereby interrupting or negating the progression of chill accumulation and affecting bud break in the spring. Understanding responses of peach buds to intermittent warm temperature exposure is needed to mitigate crop loss due to temperature fluctuations. Experiments were conducted to determine the effects of such intermittent warm temperature exposure on chill accumulation in ‘Contender’ peach. Potted trees were maintained at ambient conditions in the field until around 50% of chill requirements (100 % = 1050 chill hours) were met. Following this, trees were subjected to one of three treatments: Control, Chill break I, and Chill break II, with 4 replicates per treatment. The Control group of peach trees were maintained under ambient conditions to reach their chill requirement. Chill break I and Chill break II were exposed to intermittent warm temperatures of continuous 14 °C in a growth chamber for 7 and 14 days, respectively. Following the treatment, trees were returned to ambient conditions. Peach buds were collected from each treatment at three stages and remaining buds were monitored to track floral bud break progression. Additionally, we determined the metabolite and phytohormone concentrations in ‘Contender’ peach buds that naturally accumulated their chilling requirements. Results indicate that as chilling progression increases, starch concentration increases. Concentration of the phytohormone ABA (abscisic) acid appeared to decrease upon completion of endodormancy. Together, these analyses are expected to help us gain a better understanding of dormancy progression in peach.

Peaches, nectarines, and plums are among the most popular and valuable stone fruits from the Rosaceae family. Their fruit are rich in bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, anthocyanins, carotenoids, phenolic compounds, vitamins, and antioxidants. In this study, the chemical attributes, bioactive compound content, and antioxidant activity of 18 peach cultivars (‘UFOne’, ‘UFGlo’, ‘UFBeauty’, ‘UFSun’, ‘Flordaprince’, ‘Gulfcrismon’, ‘UFBlaze’, ‘TropicSnow’, ‘TropicBeauty’, ‘UFGem’, ‘UFBest’, ‘Flordaglo’, ‘Flordabest’, ‘UFO’, ‘Flordaking’, ‘Flordacrest’, ‘UFSharp’, and ‘Flordabelle’), four nectarine cultivars(‘UFRoyal’, ‘Sunraycer’, ‘Sunmist’, and ‘Sunbest’), and four plum cultivars (‘Gulfrose’, ‘Gulfgold’, ‘Gulfblaze’, and ‘Scarlet Beauty’) were evaluated. Total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), TSS/TA ratio, and juice pH presented significant variations among cultivars. The highest TSS content was recorded in ‘Sunmist’ nectarine, while plum cultivars had the highest TA levels, particularly ‘Scarlet Beauty’. The TSS/TA ratio was highest in ‘UFSun’ peach. ‘Gulfrose’ plum showed the highest total anthocyanin concentration (TAC) level. Total phenolic content (TPC) varied significantly, with plum cultivars, particularly ‘Scarlet Beauty’, having the highest amount. Similarly, total antioxidant activity (TAA) was highest in ‘Scarlet Beauty’ and ‘Gulfrose’ plums, while ‘TropicSnow’ peach and ‘SunBest’ nectarine had the lowest TAA. Multivariate statistical analyses revealed clear separations among cultivars based on chemical and bioactive parameters. These findings provide valuable insights into the biochemical diversity of peach, nectarine, and plum cultivars, emphasizing the superior bioactive and antioxidant properties of plum cultivars.

The successful cultivation of blackberries in subtropical regions like Florida depends on selecting low-chill cultivars capable of withstanding high temperatures, disease pressure, and minimal chilling hours. This study evaluates the performance of 17 breeding lines alongside four commercial cultivars ('Freedom', 'Ponca', 'Horizon', and 'Osage') to determine their adaptability to Florida’s climate. The goal is to identify blackberry germplasm with the potential for high yields, good fruit quality, and post-harvest stability under these challenging conditions. Field trials were established in late June 2023 at the Citra Research Center, Central Florida, using three-month-old greenhouse-grown plants successfully transplanted into the field. Data collection focused on key production parameters, including total yield, single berry weight, and marketable fruit percentage. Fruit quality was assessed through pH, Brix, and organic acid composition (tartaric, citric, and malic acid). Subjective evaluations of firmness, flavor, and seed content were also conducted. Additionally, post-harvest performance was analyzed by monitoring decay, leakage, and red druplet reversion after seven days of cold storage at 5°C. Preliminary results indicate considerable variation among the evaluated cultivars. 'BLB', 'BLH', 'BLA', and 'Freedom' exhibited the highest yields, whereas 'BLG', 'BLP', and 'BLI' were among the lowest-yielding selections. Berry size ranged from 8.98 g in 'BLB' to 5.27 g in 'Osage'. Acidity levels varied significantly, with 'BLC' (pH 4.01) and 'BLJ' (pH 3.99) displaying the mildest flavor profiles, while 'BLP' (pH 3.60) and 'BLQ' (pH 3.62) exhibited higher acidity. Beyond fruit evaluations, plant vigor and structural characteristics were documented. Prior to last year’s harvest, primocane count and height were recorded, and this season, plants were rated based on vigor, overall health, and the proportion of green versus brown canes. Ongoing data analysis will further clarify cultivar performance in relation to plant growth and long-term productivity. This research provides valuable insights into selecting blackberry cultivars best suited for Florida’s subtropical environment. The findings will contribute to optimizing cultivar recommendations for growers looking to enhance yield, fruit quality, and marketability in sub-tropical climate production systems like Florida.

The current understanding of apple stem cold hardiness is very broad- there are certain cultivars generally accepted to be cold hardy or tender. There has been no comprehensive study of cold hardiness of apples at multiple timepoints over multiple years. In this study, cold hardiness was evaluated for 21 rootstock and 23 scion genotypes monthly throughout the dormant season over 4 years. Cold hardiness was measured using the electrolyte leakage method and the temperature at which 25% tissue damage occurs (LT25) was used as the cold hardiness phenotype. The four study winters varied drastically in intensity and had a significant effect on genotype cold hardiness. Contrasting phenotypic responses in cold versus mild winters demonstrated clear environmentally driven differences between inferior and superior genotypes. Another major finding from the study is the rapid deacclimation of rootstocks compared to scions in late winter/early spring- we observed that differences in mean hardiness between groups exceeded 6 °C in some years. Overall, this study represents the largest apple cold hardiness experiment to date in terms of cultivars used and timepoints examined, resulting in both novel implications for how grafted apples navigate cold hardiness during dormancy and which cultivars are best suited for unusual but increasingly common winter conditions.

Cold hardiness and dormancy are critical physiological adaptations enabling woody perennials to endure low temperatures in winter and initiate growth in spring. Hardiness in apple (Malus domestica) is genotype dependent, however maximum hardiness level gained by the buds is strongly regulated by environment. Understanding the relationship between dormancy progression and cold hardiness is essential for predicting plant responses to winter and spring freeze events, as well as optimizing breeding efforts for resilience and orchard decisions for frost management. Information on hardiness mechanism is becoming more crucial given the impact of global climate change in apple growing regions where earlier bloom dates have inherently greater risk of crop loss due to episodic spring frost events. The existing lethal temperature chart for apple floral buds is limited to the visible development stages and lacks critical temperature thresholds for the freeze resistance of floral buds during their transition out of ecodormancy. Further, there is no information distinguishing positional effects of individual florets of the apple cyme inflorescence with respect to their hardiness status. Because the ‘King’ floret is developmentally advanced compared to laterals and has the highest fruit growth and economic potential, the development of lethal temperature limits to inform its protection seems prudent. Thus, we evaluated the difference in LT50 between ‘King’ and ‘Lateral’ florets in ‘Gala’ on ‘Bud9’ rootstock during the transition phase from ecodormacy to growth resumption in 2022 and 2023. Our results demonstrated that cold hardiness is lost at early stages of, or transitions out of, ecodormancy; notably, this occurs prior to visible changes in bud phenology. Moreover, the ‘King’ florets are markedly less hardy than the ‘Laterals’ by approximately 6°C. The magnitude of difference in lethal temperatures between ‘King’ and ‘Lateral’ florets differed between years but remained significant. Increasing susceptibility to freeze mortality at higher temperatures was commensurate with an increase in the relative water content (RWC) of the buds and a marked decrease in sorbitol and sucrose concentration. In both years, an RWC of approximately 60% coincided with the visible green stage of bud burst. Our data indicate that decreasing sorbitol concentration can act as a potential biochemical marker for cold hardiness loss and inform protection measures of the ‘King’ fruit. Further study incorporating multiple commercially important apple cultivars will be beneficial in understanding the cold hardiness in apples.

Late spring frosts pose a recurrent threat to apple production, particularly under climate change scenarios that promote earlier bloom and heightened exposure to frost events. Recent evidence from our investigations on different apple-rootstock combinations suggested that rootstock genotype may influence scion resilience to frost, yet the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Field trials were conducted from 2021–2023 on 12-year-old ‘Gala’ and ‘Fuji’ trees grafted onto ten rootstocks, including ‘B.9’ and ‘M.26’, representing extremes of frost tolerance. Following three naturally occurring frost events, we have shown that ‘B.9’ rootstock consistently conferred lower bud mortality relative to ‘M.26’, independent of bloom timing. To dissect the molecular and biochemical mechanisms underlying the differential responses of these scion-rootstock combinations to frost, tissue-specific RNA-Seq analysis and untargeted metabolic profiling were conducted on floral buds, scion leaves, and rootstock sucker leaves from ‘Gala’-grafted trees. Samples were collected 12 h before and 6 h after the 2021 frost. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was employed to identify frost-responsive modules, and hub genes were validated via qRT-PCR in both ‘Gala’ and ‘Fuji’. Transcriptomic analyses revealed extensive gene regulation following frost exposure, including over 10,000 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). WGCNA identified three frost-correlated gene modules. Key hub genes were implicated in cold acclimation, ABA signaling, and cellular stress tolerance. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses highlighted significant representation of pathways associated with ABA response, cold response, and water deprivation stress. Metabolomic profiling of different tissues and genotypes further supported the transcriptomic findings and provided metabolic signatures associated with the identified gene networks. This work establishes a foundation for integrative omics approaches to dissect physiological cold tolerance mechanisms in apples and guides rootstock selection and germplasm improvement strategies.

Horticulture producers need to make their business distinctive to consumers to stay competitive. Millions of Americans participate in gardening activities recreationally, composing a market of infrequent but avid horticulture consumers. Attending trade shows, reaching out to green industry publications, and creating websites are typical marketing practices producers utilize to make themselves known to their consumers. Some businesses also create regular newsletters and catalogues to keep consumers updated on and invested in the development of their products. To explore the progression of marketing strategies in the horticulture industry, we surveyed and compared 55 businesses on the marketing strategies they invested in and new-customer inflow to determine what kinds of marketing strategies are preferred by producers today, and how effectively they may grasp the interest of consumers. The results show that producers who primarily advertise using digital methods tend to report a higher proportion of new customers in their sales. This indicates a growing digital advertising influence for showing the value of horticultural products. In the horticulture industry, where consumers do not consciously differentiate goods beyond their type, producers need to keep their products in front of consumers to entice consumers towards favoring their products. As such, the importance of marketing and outreach towards new customers stays vital.

Sustainability is becoming a top priority for consumers, businesses, and governments. Warm glow is the positive emotional satisfaction people have after motivating actions such as recycling or purchasing eco-friendly products. Past research shows there is still a significant gap between what people say they want in sustainable products and how they spend their money. Understanding why this occurs is critical to driving meaningful changes in consumer behavior and marketing messaging that can effectively improve sustainable purchasing decisions. However, studies show that emotional satisfaction can occasionally override real impact, people may feel fulfilled simply by voicing pro-sustainability ideas, even if they do not follow through financially. Social pressure also plays a role, as customers may outwardly favor sustainability in order to fit in but then hesitate when faced with actual expenses. This study investigates whether people's perceived (subjective) versus factual (objective) awareness of sustainability affects their purchasing decisions. We conducted a survey that assessed approximately 1,040 participants' knowledge on sustainability and measured their willingness to donate money using an incentive. Post survey, the participants were categorized into four groups based on their knowledge levels: (1) high in both subjective and objective knowledge, (2) high in subjective but low in objective knowledge, (3) low in subjective but high in objective knowledge, and 94) low in both subjective and objective knowledge. The results show that individuals who think they know a lot about sustainability (subjectively) are more likely to declare they love sustainable items, whilst those who actually know (objectively) are more likely to spend on them. These findings indicate that stated preferences do not necessarily translate into action, implying that narrowing the information gap and appealing to inner motivation, rather than societal pressure, could inspire more meaningful sustainability decisions. This study explains consumer behavior and provides recommendations for firms and policymakers attempting to close the gap between sustainability attitudes and real expenditures.

Having bloomed into a multi-billion dollar industry, floral industry businesses are striving for sustainable solutions to their environmental, social, and economic impact. However, information regarding how often sustainable practices are being used is largely unknown. There is limited comprehensive data on the current state and future plans of sustainability within the sector. Consequently, the study addresses the need to understand the sustainability practices among florists in the United States. Surveys were distributed via industry groups such as: American Floral Endowment, Society of American Florists, American Specialty Cut Flower Growers, American Hort’s Cultivate; accumulating to a total of 107 respondents. In order to provide a diverse representation of the industry, growers, suppliers, wholesalers, and florists were surveyed. This presentation will focus exclusively on florist results. The results show that while florists exhibit strong personal motivations for sustainability, significant barriers persist. For example, cost remains the top barrier to adoption. These findings emphasize the need for increased educational efforts and resources to support current sustainable practices and adoption of future practices of florists. Ultimately, this research opens the door for any florist thinking about incorporating sustainability into their company by identifying the issues that other florists are currently facing.

Vast quantities of organic waste are generated each year at retail floral shops much of which is discarded as municipal waste solids (MSW) by retailers. Plastic party confetti is also produced at a large scale and is used throughout the world for celebrations. Microplastics are increasingly a global environmental threat where they have been detected in not only in the soil and freshwater and ocean systems, but also in the atmosphere and even groundwater. The purpose of the study was to investigate the value, marketability and willingness to pay for a recycled dried flower petal confetti product created from retail floral providers organic waste. Flower petals and foliage pieces for drying were collected from local floral vendors as well as from spent and shattered flowers during the course of multiple semesters of university-level Floral Design course and program flowers. Flower petals and foliage pieces were air-dried in a cool, dark room in thin layers laid out in cardboard boxes and then packaged in 1-2 cup quantities in small paper sacks. They were labeled with printed stickers outlining their recycled nature and source. Students self-selected for the study by volunteering to participate. They were surveyed using a tool posted via Qualtrics that they could access on their cellphone and complete within 5 -7 minutes. Participants were asked if they use confetti and if they plan to purchase confetti for a graduation event. Next, they were asked to consider a sample of the flower petal confetti and how much they would be willing to pay for a bag (1-2 cups) of the flower petal confetti while viewing and touching the product. Results of the study indicated the potential value of this material that is currently mostly landfilled at this time. Recent research found floral consumers are willing to pay more for floral products from florists who implement sustainable practices into their operations, so the practice of drying floral waste could have this value as well.

The green industry is the growth, input, and sale of any plant that is used for ornamental purposes. Businesses with the green industry are growers, landscapers, and retailers. This study presents insights from a national Green Industry survey that examined U.S. industry member responses on the costs of marketing. The survey was distributed digitally, and physical copies were mailed to business addresses. Businesses answered questions consisted of total sales spent on advertising, use of social and traditional media outlets, market outlets, and sales methods. Businesses were organized by size of firm: small ($1M). Results show that 38.5% were small businesses, 18.4% were medium, and 29.2% were large. Social media marketing was most used (84% of businesses surveyed). Additionally, on average 2.55% of sales was spent on marketing per firm. This data can give current and future members of industry a benchmark on marketing expenditures by firm size and type of marketing strategy.

Seed saving is an effective strategy for farmers who want to improve farm resilience and biodiversity. Farmers expressed a desire to reduce dependency on national seed suppliers whose cultivars are often poorly adapted for Florida’s subtropical climate and were eager to improve their seed saving skills. This SR-SARE funded education project focused on farmer training and documenting seed saving methods was led by Working Food in collaboration with UF and three established small farm operations in North Central Florida. Activities and deliverables from the project included farmer training, photography, video recording and editing, seed processing demonstrations, farmer interviews, and community workshops. Throughout, farmers provided opinions on the ways that seed saving can or might improve their operation’s management and economic viability, as well as the constraints associated with seed saving such as longer rotations and additional labor for seed harvest and processing. Interviews and video recordings for this project occurred during summer 2024 through spring 2025. Story boards were developed to guide the organization of content and images needed before video recording began. Over 640 hours of recording and editing were completed using editing software programs Premier Pro and Canva. Seven educational materials were created including three farmer interview videos, two dry seed processing videos with Working Foods, and two slide shows that detailed the process of seed saving for cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), pepper (Capsicum annuum), tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), and winter squash (Cucurbita moschata). Growers engaged in tasting panels to provide farmer-informed observations regarding which locally adapted varieties seemed best and ultimately most viable for their farming operations. Farmers expressed positive feedback, noting consumers were enthusiastic about purchasing locally adapted cultivars and often expressed a preference for their flavor. Overall, challenges faced by the farmers included labor and storage constraints, lack of experience growing crops to maturity. Despite these barriers, participants who had prior experience with traditional farming practices or access to community support were more likely to adopt seed-saving practices. Farmers cited reduced production costs and more control of their crop selection as benefits of seed saving. Ultimately, seed saving has the potential to reduce external inputs, increase product diversification and cultivate stewardship for locally adapted and culturally important crops.

Due to increasing demand for strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) and their health associated benefits, strawberry production has expanded within the United States. Within Texas, strawberry cultivation remains a minor crop (currently less than 162 ha dedicated to strawberry production). However, the state's vast geographic size and diverse climatic conditions present significant opportunities for expanding strawberry production into traditionally non-producing regions. Despite potential for expanding strawberry production, Texas strawberry growers are faced with a number of production challenges. This study aimed to evaluate effects of different shade levels upon gas exchange and production of two strawberry cultivars, ‘Camino Real’ and ‘Albion’ in Lubbock, Texas. Bare root strawberries were planted Fall of 2021 under three shade treatments: Full sun (no shade), 70% full sun, and 50% full sun. Each treatment was applied to 16 plants of each cultivar, with three replications of each treatment. During fall, winter, and early spring, all plants were grown within low plastic tunnels. During the spring production season shade treatments maintained lower air and soil temperatures when compared to the full sun treatment. Light levels were reduced under shade treatments leading to greater leaf gas exchange rates under full sun growing conditions. Marketable yield and berry number for each plant were greater for 'Camino Real' compared to 'Albion', with 'Camino Real' producing twice the yield. Among shade treatments, the 70% sunlight treatment resulted in the greatest marketable yield and berry number for each plant. The lowest yield and berry number for each plant was observed under full sun conditions. Results suggest the interaction between plant cultivar and sun exposure plays a crucial role in determining strawberry yield and quality. Findings highlight the importance of selecting appropriate shade levels and cultivars to optimize strawberry production within demanding environmental conditions.

Strawberry cultivation under a hydroponic system in a protected environment can be the key to enhancing off-season production in the U.S. Yet this type of cropping system remains a challenge. The aim of this study is to evaluate the performance of two day-neutral strawberry cultivars, ‘Albion’ and ‘San Andreas’, grown hydroponically in a greenhouse. Photosynthetic activity, growth and development, fruit yield, and quality have been evaluated for three seasons (2022-2025). The study is conducted at the Plant Science Research Center at Auburn, AL. Environmental conditions are recorded every 15 minutes. So far, the results presented the following: ‘Albion’ and ‘San Andreas’ have shown similarities in photosynthetic response with 15.00 µmol m-2s-1 for ‘Albion’ and 16.03 µmol m-2s-1 for ‘San Andreas’. Growth and development showed that plant height did not differ which is 22.2 cm and 23.9 cm ‘Albion’ and ‘San Andreas’, respectively. Leaf area (cm2) for ‘San Andreas’ is higher, 1679.11, than ‘Albion’, 1091.6. Leaves and stem dry weights (g plant-1) is higher for ‘San Andreas’, 12.89 and 6.63 than for ‘Albion’, 8.77 and 4.25, respectively. Flower and fruit dry weights did not differ for both cultivars. ‘San Andreas’ has a significantly higher yield (g plant-1), 21.80 than ‘Albion’, 17.30. Fruit quality varied between cultivars. ‘Albion’ has a higher brix with 9.15 than ‘San Andreas’ with only 7.85, while ‘San Andreas’ is firmer, 1.13 kg cm-1, than ‘Albion’, 1.03 kg cm-1. ‘San Andreas’ has larger fruits than ‘Albion’, 16.63 cm2 and 14.82 cm2, respectively. Thus, it is feasible to produce strawberries under hydroponic systems in a greenhouse.

Methyl jasmonate (MeJA) is a plant signaling compound known to influence secondary metabolite production, including phenolic compounds and antioxidants. While many studies have shown MeJA’s effects applied to fruit post-harvest, this study aimed to evaluate its effects applied to the foliage and fruit of strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa ‘Seascape’ and Fragaria × ananassa ‘Ft. Laramie’) before harvest, which has been studied to a lesser extent. The effects were measured by evaluating harvest metrics (number of fruits produced and the total mass of fruit per plant) as well as assays quantifying bioactive compounds related to human health. Strawberries were grown using a deep-water culture (DWC) hydroponics system in a controlled greenhouse environment located in Fargo, North Dakota. Plants were treated with MeJA at varying concentrations (0 mM, 0.25 mM, 0.5 mM, 1 mM) as an aqueous solution, with approximately 15 ml sprayed onto the leaves and developing fruit bi-weekly. Fruit extractions in water and 12% ethanol were analyzed for total soluble phenolics and antioxidant capacity using spectrophotometric assays, while enzyme inhibitory activities were assessed using in vitro biochemical inhibition assays. Results were inconsistent across cultivars with 1 mM MeJA increasing the average mass per fruit by nearly 25% for ‘Ft. Laramie’ plants, with little response and no differences for ‘Seascape’ plants. Bioactive assays produced complicated results, with total soluble phenolics peaking at 0.5 mM MeJA for ‘Seascape’ plants while ‘Ft. Laramie’ plants showed a slightly negative trend of TSP in relation to MeJA concentration for first year plants. Results of antioxidant assays, including ABTS radical inhibition and DPPH radical inhibition will be discussed, as will inhibition of enzymes relating to the management of hypertension and diabetes, including α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and angiotensin-converting enzyme.

Strawberries (Fragaria ×ananassa Duch.) are highly perishable and require intensive labor inputs for harvesting. Therefore, yield forecasting is critical for improving labor management and marketing decision-making in strawberry production. In Florida, United States, strawberry yields during winter months have a unique distribution pattern characterized by multiple waves. We hypothesized that individual yield waves can be described using Gaussian distribution, a model that represents a symmetrical bell-shaped curve. Two short-day cultivars (‘Florida Radiance’ and ‘Florida Brilliance’) and one day-neutral cultivar (‘Florida Beauty’) were grown in west-central Florida. Harvesting was performed 30 times, generally twice a week from November through February. Yield data were converted to weekly values prior to model fitting. The first two yield waves were described by a bimodal Gaussian distribution model, which was then converted into two unimodal Gaussian distribution models. The goodness of fit was very high (R2 = 0.934–0.959) for both yield waves in all tested cultivars. Different yield distribution patterns of the tested cultivars were characterized quantitatively by estimating not only the yield but also the timing and duration of each yield wave. Our modeling approach provides insights into understanding cultivar-dependent fruiting phenology, yielding capacity, and fruit earliness. Such information can help optimize yield distribution through breeding and reduce yield gaps by using different cultivars or staggered planting dates. The model developed here only applies to the first two waves of fruit production. Future research will aim to model the following yield waves to fully characterize the strawberry yield distribution.

Fruit firmness is a critical quality trait that influences both postharvest life and potential commercialization of fruits. In cranberry, fruit firmness is highly correlated with the efficiency of producing higher valuable products such as sweetened and dried cranberries (SDC). As in many fruit crops, cranberry firmness declines during ripening, a process often associated with enzymatic solubilization of cell wall polysaccharide. Calcium (Ca) plays a fundamental role in maintaining cell wall integrity by cross-linking with pectins to form calcium pectates, which strengthen the cell wall and limits its disassembly. The objective of this study was to determine changes in cell wall composition through fruit development in two cranberry cultivars with contrasting fruit firmness. Fruit samples were collected every two weeks from 14 to 91 days after full bloom (DAFB) from cranberry ‘Stevens’ and ‘BG’. External fruit quality traits–such as anthocyanin accumulation, fruit size, and weight– were measured alongside internal fruit quality parameters, including internal structure, cell wall composition, and calcium content. Before fruit color developed, both cultivars were similar in size and firmness; however, ‘Stevens’ had higher fruit elasticity compared to ‘BG’. This difference was attributed to lower pectin solubility in the cell walls of ‘Stevens’. As ripening progressed, notable differences in firmness emerged between the two cultivars, particularly between 84 and 91 DAFB. This divergence was associated with increased solubilization of pectins and hemicellulose. Additionally, solubilization of tightly bound hemicellulose was negatively correlated with Ca content in the fruit cell wall. Differences in cell wall-associated Ca content between cultivars were observed throughout fruit development and may explain the variation in firmness at harvest and after 30 days of storage. These findings suggest that cell wall-bound Ca is an important factor influencing fruit firmness and could serve as a valuable selection parameter in breeding programs. Moreover, understanding these differences may aid cranberry growers in in making informed cultivar selection decisions for their plantings.

Olive cultivation in Florida has expanded ten-fold over the last decade, with more than 60 growers managing 800 acres across 26 counties. Despite this rapid growth and rising global demand for olive oil, research on cultivar performance and best management practices in Florida remains limited. In summer 2023, data collection began at three research sites: Jay (northwest Florida), Wauchula (southwest Florida), and Fort Pierce (southeast Florida); to evaluate the adaptability and productivity of select olive cultivars under diverse climatic and soil conditions. Due to differences in grove management and tree maturity, cultivar selection varied by site, with ‘Arbequina’ consistently included in all trials. Additional cultivars included ‘Koroneiki’ and ‘Sikitita’ in Wauchula, and ‘Lecciana’ and ‘Sikitita’ in Fort Pierce. Soil nutrients, leaf nutrients, temperature, moisture, and phenological development were monitored biannually. While no nutrient deficiencies were observed, a significant result emerged: ‘Arbequina’ demonstrated superior adaptability across all three sites, showing higher survival rates and more uniform vegetative growth compared to other cultivars. However, flowering and fruit production patterns remain inconsistent, likely due to climatic variability and limited chilling hours. These findings suggest that ‘Arbequina’ may be viable for Florida conditions, but further data are needed to fully assess yield potential and long-term economic feasibility.

Given the challenges associated with soil fertility management and disease, pest, and weed control in organic strawberry production, different growing practices and systems have been evaluated to address site-specific conditions and constraints. This study was aimed at assessing strawberry cultivar yield responses to the soilless substrate-based tabletop system in organically managed high tunnels. The research trial was carried out on certified land at the University of Florida Plant Science Research and Education Unit in Citra, using a split plot design with four replications (each high tunnel serving as a replication). The tabletop strawberry troughs (1 m long) were filled with the soilless substrate consisting of a mixture of pine bark and locally available composts for growing seven strawberry cultivars, including ‘Ember’, ‘Encore’, ‘Florida Beauty’, ‘Florida Brilliance’, ‘Florida Felicity’, ‘Florida Medallion’, and ‘Florida Pearl’, at two spacings, i.e., 6 plants/trough (S6) vs. 8 plants/trough (S8). Spacing was the whole plot factor and strawberry cultivars were included in the subplots, with two troughs as an experimental unit. In addition to preplant incorporation of the granular organic fertilizer into the substrate, liquid organic fertilizer was applied throughout the production season. Bare-root strawberry plants were transplanted into the tabletop troughs inside high tunnels in October 2024 and the first harvest took place in late November. Fruit yield data were analyzed for the harvest period from November 2024 to early May 2025. ‘Encore’ and ‘Florida Felicity’ were top performers in terms of whole-season marketable fruit yield, while ‘Florida Brilliance’ exhibited the lowest yield potential. ‘Encore’ showed the highest average marketable fruit weight, whereas ‘Florida Pearl’ produced the smallest fruit. The whole-season marketable fruit yield and number per plant were significantly higher at S6 vs. S8, while a significant cultivar by spacing interaction was observed for marketable fruit yield and number per trough. On a per trough basis, ‘Florida Felicity’ and ‘Encore’ produced higher yields at S8 vs. S6, whereas other cultivars yielded similarly between the two spacings. ‘Florida Felicity’, ‘Encore’, and ‘Ember’ demonstrated great potential for producing early yields in this high tunnel tabletop system. Moreover, ‘Florida Felicity’ was the top yielding cultivar during the late season (mid-March to early May). Phytophthora crown and root rot and powdery mildew were among the major plant diseases detected in this study, while varying levels of disease susceptibility and plant health were observed among strawberry cultivars.

This study evaluated physiological and fruit quality traits of 24 intraspecific hybrid maypop (Passiflora incarnata) (Florida × Oklahoma) selections, grown in 3-gallon pots at the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station South Mississippi Branch in Poplarville, Mississippi, in 2023. Summer physiological measurements revealed significant differences in stomatal conductance, ranging from 0.02 to 0.89 mol/m²s (0.29 mol/m²s average), transpiration, ranging from 0.31 to 7.98 mmol/m²s (3.65 mmol/m²s average), vapor pressure deficit, ranging from 0.83 to 2.56 kPa (1.51 kPa average), chlorophyll fluorescence, ranging from 0.38 to 0.67 (0.53 average), and fruit temperature, ranging from 32.00 to 39.33 °C (34.96 °C average) among selections. Significant differences were also observed in fruit size parameters, including height (45.53-64.94 mm; 56.94 mm average), width (33.83-56.32 mm; 49.56 mm average), shape (1.03-1.36 mm/mm; 1.16 mm/mm average), weight (15.41-59.66 g; 36.62 g average), and density (0.89-1.67 g/cm²; 1.25 g/cm² average). Pulp content also significantly differed, with total soluble solids ranging from 13.57 to 18.73 °Brix (15.90 °Brix average), titratable acidity from 14.77 to 23.33 g/L (17.96 g/L average), pH from 3.38 to 3.81 (3.59 average), total phenolic content from 363.72 to 603.88 mg GAE/L (481.33 mg GAE/L average), lightness (L*) from 73.94 to 80.91 (77.76 average), red-green value (a*) from -5.36 to 0.43 (-2.38 average), and yellow-blue value (b*) from 25.94 to 54.20 (39.62 average). Additionally, differential thermal analysis of the roots of these selections as well as their parents, revealed potential cold hardiness differences within P. incarnata, with Oklahoma roots exhibiting greater hardiness (-14.42 °C average) than Florida roots (-8.26 °C average), and hybrids showing intermediate tolerance (-10.53 °C average). Overall, these findings highlight the variability within P. incarnata, offering valuable insights for broader breeding efforts focused on enhancing both fruit quality and physiological traits within Passiflora.

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.