Fresh fruit from northern highbush blueberry ( Vaccinium corymbosum ) and rabbiteye blueberry ( Vaccinium ashei ) are highly perishable, so reaching distant markets while maintaining superior quality and value is a challenge. Although firmness is one of the most critical traits of blueberries ( Vaccinium sp.), most of the industry relies on a subjective-tactile assessment or on the use of low-cost texture analyzers, whereas scientists tend to rely on the FirmTech II instrument. In the present study, the FirmTech II was evaluated as a texture analyzer and compared with tactile estimation, two other FirmTech II devices, and three relatively inexpensive durometers (Penefel, Durofel, and DM1600). Tests were run for fruit previously segregated by tactile (T) measurements into three classes of firmness: Soft-T, Moderate-T, and Firm-T; fruit were classified into instrument-based (I) categories of texture: Soft-I, Moderate-I, and Firm-I using the FirmTech II instrument. The level of coincidence between T and I assessments were higher in the soft (90.7% to 92.6%) and moderate (69.6% to 78.2%) classes compared with the firm class (51.6% to 61.4%). Among firmness categories, T and I assessments tended to agree; none of the Soft-T fruit were classed as Firm-I. In comparisons between equivalently calibrated FirmTech II devices, concordance always decreased as fruit firmness increased, indicating that more reproducible readings for a given instrument could be expected from softer fruit. Dual measurements on a single fruit for FirmTech II and a second device yielded variable, but significant correlation coefficients (Penefel: r 2 = 0.61 to 0.67; Durofel: r 2 = 0.48 to 0.61; DM1600: r 2 = 0.08 to 0.49). The highest correlation existed between two FirmTech II devices ( r 2 = 0.94 to 0.95). However, correlations between the FirmTech II and second devices among the three firmness classes yielded very low correlation coefficients (Penefel: r 2 = 0.09 to 0.40; Durofel: r 2 = 0.05 to 0.32; DM1600: r 2 = 0.00 to 0.25; FirmTech II: 0.03 to 0.33), suggesting that although all instruments were suitable for evaluating across broad ranges of fruit firmness, they were all similarly unsuitable within a narrow firmness range (e.g., for all soft or all firm fruit). Given the subjectivity of the tactile measurement and the range of variability between the evaluated alternatives, both FirmTech II and Penefel performed better in soft fruit but not as well in moderate or firm fruit. Therefore, among the more economical durometer devices, Penefel could be used by the industry to discriminate soft fruit from moderately firm or firm fruit. The results highlight the relevance of studying the predictive capacity of a particular instrument and to understand the performance of that instrument within a particular range of firmness values.

Polyethylene mulch is widely used for vegetable production in the United States as a tool to conserve water, control weeds, and produce earlier and cleaner products (i.e., less attached soil). However, the increasing labor costs for mulch removal and disposal after harvest and soil environmental pollution are major concerns. The objective of this study was to assess fruit yield and quality, mulch deterioration, soil microbial activity, and nutrient changes in ‘Stargazer’ watermelon ( Citrullus lanatus ) grown with degradable plastic mulch. The deterioration rates of degradable mulch were 7%, 37%, 57%, and 92% after 120, 210, 300, and 365 days, respectively, of placing the mulch in the field. However, the extra difference in using degradable mulch was calculated as $58.6/acre (polyethylene $600.9/acre vs. degradable $659.5/acre), including all costs associated with laying and disposing. One year after placing mulch in the field, the nitrate content and total and active fungi numerically increased ( P = 0.08) in soils with the degradable mulch compared with polyethylene mulch. However, there were no statistical differences in soil phosphorus, potassium, organic carbon, and total and active bacteria. Extra-large fruit size yield (category >24.0 lb) from the polyethylene mulch treatment was higher than that from degradable mulch, whereas the 18.0- to 24.0-lb category was lower than that with degradable mulch. However, total yield and total soluble solids from both mulches were statistically similar. Considering the complete deterioration (less waste), mulch removal cost (not required), microbial associations (higher fungi abundance and activity), and similar yield and fruit quality of degradable mulch compared with polyethylene, the implementation of degradable mulches in commercial watermelon field practices is promising.

Crapemyrtle bark scale [CMBS ( Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae )], a newly emerged pest in the United States, has spread to 16 U.S. states and unexpectedly spread on a native species american beautyberry ( Callicarpa americana ) in Texas and Louisiana in 2016 since it was initially reported on crapemyrtles ( Lagerstroemia sp.) in Texas in 2004. The infestation of CMBS negatively impacted the flowering of crapemyrtles. We observed the infestation on the two most commercially available edible fig ( Ficus carica ) cultivars Beer’s Black and Chicago Hardy in a preliminary trial in 2018. To help estimate CMBS potential in aggravating risks to the ecosystem stability and the green industry, we conducted a host range and suitability test using ‘Bok Tower’ american beautyberry as a positive control with other eight beautyberry ( Callicarpa ) species [mexican beautyberry ( C. acuminata) , ‘Profusion’ bodinieri beautyberry ( C. bodinieri ), ‘Issai’ purple beautyberry ( C. dichotoma ), japanese beautyberry ( C. japonica var. luxurians ), ‘Alba’ white-fruited asian beautyberry ( C. longissima ), taiwan beautyberry ( C. pilosissima ), luanta beautyberry ( C. randaiensis ), and willow-leaf beautyberry ( C. salicifolia )] and three fig ( Ficus ) species [creeping fig ( F. pumila ), roxburgh fig ( F. auriculata ), and waipahu fig ( F. tikoua )] over 25 weeks. All the tested beautyberry species and waipahu fig sustainably supported the development and reproduction of nymphal CMBS and were confirmed as CMBS hosts. Furthermore, comparing with the control, mexican beautyberry, ‘Profusion’ bodinieri beautyberry, taiwan beautyberry, and willow-leaf beautyberry were significantly less suitable, while ‘Issai’ purple beautyberry, japanese beautyberry, ‘Alba’ white-fruited asian beautyberry, and luanta beautyberry were as suitable as ‘Bok Tower’ american beautyberry. Thus, when using beautyberries in landscapes, their different potential to host CMBS should be considered to minimize spreading CMBS through the native ecosystems.

Floricane red raspberry ( Rubus idaeus ) produces biennial canes that are traditionally managed by annual selective removal of previously fruited floricanes and training of primocanes that will bear fruit in the next growing season. This process of pruning and training is labor intensive and costly, and growers would benefit from more economical methods of pruning and training. This 6-year project evaluated the economic viability of alternate-year (AY) production in a commercial floricane red raspberry field in northwest Washington and compared it to traditional, every-year (EY) production to assess whether the former could save costs. Despite savings from reduced chemicals, fertilizers, labor, general farm supplies, and other variable costs, the overall benefits of AY production were not enough to offset losses in revenue resulting from reduced yields under the conditions of this experiment in northwest Washington.

Many consider tools for plant-based irrigation management methods to be the most precise way to manage irrigation in either a research or a commercial settings. Although many types of tools are available, they all measure some aspect of water movement along the soil–plant–atmosphere continuum. This article presents some of the more commonly used tools and the methods involved to properly employ them. In addition, recent literature is reviewed to provide context to the methods themselves and also to highlight each one’s specific advantages and disadvantages. Ultimately, there is no clear winner or “best” tool as all have disadvantages, either due to prohibitive cost, the amount of data output, the difficulty of data interpretation, lack of signal resolution, or lack of dynamic ability to provide decision support. Therefore, we conclude that the user should carefully weigh these varied advantages and disadvantages in the context of their production goals before deciding on a given tool for irrigation management.

Suitable tensile strength is essential for sod harvest, transport, and installation. Thirty-nine bermudagrass ( Cynodon sp.) entries were evaluated for sod handling quality (SHQ) and sod tensile strength (STS) during 2014–15. The SHQ (a discontinuous qualitative parameter) was evaluated using a 1 to 5 scale with 1 = complete pad separation during handling and 5 = no cracking or separation in the sod pad with excellent quality. The STS (a quantitative parameter) was determined using the force required to shear/separate the sod pad. Sod harvests were conducted at 14, 22, and 24 months after planting (MAP). The entry, harvest date, and their interaction affected STS and SHQ. Entries OKC 1302 and 12-TSB-1 had greater STS than ‘Patriot’ but less STS than ‘Latitude 36’, ‘Tifway’, ‘Astro’, and ‘TifGrand’. The seeded entry PST-R6T9S had the lowest STS and SHQ. The overall mean STS and SHQ were lowest at 22 MAP, which could be attributed to the slow recovery of the entries after Winter 2014. A strong positive correlation ( r = 0.92) between STS and SHQ suggests that SHQ can be used as a rapid field method to estimate suitability for sod harvest. A predictive linear relationship between overall STS and overall SHQ ( r 2 = 0.85) found predicted STS values of 8.5, 22.6, 36.8, and 51.0 kg⋅dm –2 for overall mean SHQ ratings of 2, 3, 4, and 5, respectively. The results of this work will help sod producers in cultivar selection and will aid breeders in making commercialization decisions.

Over the course of nearly 2 decades, the resident or wild-type form of heavenly bamboo ( Nandina domestica ) and 25 additional selections have been evaluated for landscape performance and invasive potential in various trial locations in Florida. Overall, in northern Florida (Quincy and Citra), ‘Royal Princess’, ‘Umpqua Chief’, ‘Gulf Stream’, ‘Monfar’ (Sienna Sunrise®), ‘Emerald Sea’, ‘Greray’ (Sunray®), ‘Lemon-Lime’, ‘Murasaki’ (Flirt™), ‘SEIKA’ (Obsession™), and ‘Twilight’ performed well throughout much of the study with average ratings between 3.0 and 4.9 (1 to 5 scale). In southern Florida (Balm and Fort Pierce), ‘AKA’ (Blush Pink™), ‘Compacta’, ‘Emerald Sea’, ‘Firestorm’™, ‘Greray’, ‘Gulf Stream’, ‘Harbour Dwarf’, ‘Jaytee’ (Harbor Belle™), ‘Lemon-Lime’, ‘Monum’ (Plum Passion®), ‘Murasaki’, and ‘SEIKA’ performed well with average ratings between 3.0 and 5.0. Among selections evaluated, plant sizes were categorized as small, medium, or large, where the final plant height ranged from 20 to 129 cm, and the plant perpendicular width ranged from 15 to 100 cm. Almost three-fourths of the selections evaluated had little to no fruiting when compared with the wild-type form. ‘AKA’, ‘Chime’, ‘Filamentosa’, ‘Firehouse’, ‘Firepower’, ‘Firestorm’, ‘Greray’, ‘Lemon- Lime’, ‘Moon Bay’, and ‘SEIKA’ did not fruit at any of the trial sites. In northern Florida, small amounts of fruit (94% to 99.9% reduction) were observed for ‘Gulf Stream’, ‘Harbour Dwarf’, ‘Jaytee’, ‘Monfar’, ‘Murasaki’, ‘Royal Princess’, ‘Twilight’, and the twisted leaf selection. Moderate amounts of fruit (62% to 83% reduction) were observed for ‘Alba’, ‘Emerald Sea’, ‘Lowboy’, ‘Moyer’s Red’, and ‘Umpqua Chief’. Heavy fruiting comparable or greater than the wild type was observed for ‘Compacta’ and ‘Monum’. Pregermination seed viability ranged from 67% to 100% among fruiting selections with 5.5% to 32.0% germination in 60 days. Germination was considerably higher (58% to 82%) when the germination time was extended to 168 days. Nuclear DNA content of selections were comparable to the wild type suggesting they are diploid. Thus, ploidy level does not appear to be associated with female infertility of those little-fruiting heavenly bamboo selections. Overall, our findings revealed certain selections of heavenly bamboo that have little potential to present an ecological threat and thus merit consideration for production and use. As a result, the University of Florida(UF)/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences’ (IFAS) Status Assessment on Non-native Plants in Florida’s Natural Areas infraspecific taxon protocol has concluded that ‘Firepower’ and ‘Harbour Dwarf’ are noninvasive and can be recommended for production and use in Florida. In addition, due to acceptable plant performance and low to no fruiting capacity, our research supports that ‘Firehouse’, ‘AKA’, ‘Firestorm’, ‘Gulfstream’, ‘Jaytee’, ‘Monfar’, ‘Royal Princess’, ‘Greray’, ‘Lemon-Lime’, ‘Murasaki’, and ‘SEIKA’ be considered for future noninvasive status approval.

Tigernut ( Cyperus esculentus var. sativus ) is a type of sedge that is quickly becoming popular as a superfood. As demand for tigernut continues to increase, more information is needed to develop weed management strategies for the crop to maximize tuber yield and quality. However, no herbicide is currently labeled for use with tigernut. Experimental trials were conducted in 2017 and 2018 to assess crop safety and control of economically important weeds with preemergence herbicides for transplanted ‘NG3’ and ‘OG’ tigernut. Oxyfluorfen applied alone or mixed with pendimethalin provided excellent control (>85%) of smooth pigweed ( Amaranthus hybridus ), carpetweed ( Mollugo verticillata ), and large crabgrass ( Digitaria sanguinalis ), and it did not cause any tigernut injury, stunting, or yield reduction compared with the weed-free control. However, none of the treatments controlled hairy galinsoga ( Galinsoga quadriradiata ) satisfactorily 2 months after herbicide application. Bensulide alone or associated with oxyfluorfen caused 14% to 25% stunting of tigernut. Bensulide alone only provided short-term control of broadleaf weeds. Increased weed competition and tigernut phytotoxicity associated with bensulide resulted in a 39% reduction in tuber yield compared with oxyfluorfen alone. Finally, S -metolachlor caused up to 78% stunting and a 68% reduction in vegetative tigernut biomass (on average) compared with the weed-free control. Tuber yield was reduced 55% to 97% after S -metolachlor was applied at transplanting. Oxyfluorfen would provide effective weed control up to 8 weeks after treatment in fields where hairy galinsoga is not a weed of concern and fulfill the requirement of a weed-free period without affecting tuber yield of quality.

‘Hop’ ( Humulus lupulus ) cultivar trials were conducted at sites in three Virginia counties (Northampton, Chesterfield, and Madison) in response to demand by the craft beer industry for local ingredients. In 2016, a replicated study involving five cultivars (Cascade, Chinook, Newport, Nugget, and Zeus) was established on an 18-ft-tall trellis system at each site. Weather data influencing infectivity of downy mildew ( Pseudoperonospora humuli ) and powdery mildew ( Podosphaera macularis ), two economically important hop diseases, was collected, and to the extent possible, similar cultural practices were applied at each site. Climatic conditions favorable to P. humuli and P. macularis were present throughout the experimental period, and P. humuli infection was widespread at all sites starting from 2017. Among common pests, Japanese beetle ( Popillia japonica ) was the only one observed to cause significant damage. Unseasonably high rainfall in 2018 led to crop failure at all but the Northampton site, and harvesting was done at all sites only in 2017 and 2019. Yields (kilograms per hectare by weight) in 2017 were found to be ≥45% lower than second-year estimates for yards in the north and northwestern United States. Quality attributes (α and β acids; essential oil) for cones harvested from the Chesterfield site were comparable to published ranges for ‘Cascade’ in 2019, but lower for the other cultivars. More work is needed to identify or develop cultivars better suited to conditions in the southeastern United States. The influence of terroir on quality of commercial cultivars produced in the region should also be examined.