Black Plastic Containers Research Articles

Natural breeding performance in different saline water pens, crablets rearing and cannibalism in juvenile phase of mangrove mud crab (Scylla olivacea) in earthen mangrove pens

The current study focused on natural breeding techniques using locally available mud crab broods during breeding season. The breeding trial was tested in artificially created earthen pens that designed with mangrove plants and salt tolerance grass. Mature brood crabs were collected from local rivers and equally distributed in 20 L black color plastic containers in three different salinities (T1 = 24ppt, T2 = 26ppt, and T3 = 28ppt) and covered with black cloth. The river salinity was 26ppt during breeding season that is considered as control(T2), and treatment T1 and T3 were prepared artificially mixing with water and sea salt respectively. Broods are reared in containers until hatching and zoea was transferred to earthen pens immediately after hatching. Zoea were reared in earthen pens until turns to crablet(0.027 ± 0.005 g). The broods as well as crablet were identified through molecular barcoding and confirmed species as Scylla olivicea. Besides, morphometric characters like weight(126.22 ± 0.19 g), carapace length(6.36 ± 0.08 cm), carapace width(9.08 ± 0.08 cm), carapace color(brownish to brownish green), Anterolateral margin and teeth (3.79 ± 0.05 cm), abdomen length(3.04 ± 0.02 cm), hand (5.50 ± 0.03 cm), carpus(2.54 ± 0.04), antenna (2.69 ± 0.07), frontal margin(2.90 ± 0.07 cm), dactylus(3.13 ± 0.06 cm), thoracic sternites(4.17 ± 0.10), merus(4.16 ± 0.11 cm) etc. are also assessed during the experiment. The hatching rate, survival %, incubation period and other parameters are significantly different among the treatments. The highest hatching rate was observed in T2(91.34 ± 4.61 %) and lowest was in T1(57.98 ± 1.38) whereas the highest survival rate was recorded in T2(10.53 ± 1.56) and lowest observed in T1(2.87 ± 0.68). The order of incubation was T1(12.3 days)>T3(11 days)>T2(8.67days) observed during experiment. The cannibalism rate was also estimated in this experiment and observed cannibalism rate was 71.20 ± 2.08. Natural mud crab breeding is easy and can be applicable in fields at low cost with significant survival rate.

Neuronal responses of melanin-concentrating hormone and corticotropin-releasing hormone to background color in the self-fertilizing fish, Kryptolebias marmoratus.

We examined neuronal responses of hypothalamic melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) to background color in the self-fertilizing fish, Kryptolebias marmoratus. Fish were individually reared in lidless white or black cylindrical plastic containers for 15days. The number of MCH-immunoreactive (ir) cell bodies in the nucleus lateralis tuberis (NLT) of the hypothalamus was significantly greater in the white-acclimated fish, while no significant differences were observed in the nucleus anterior tuberis (NAT) of the hypothalamus. Significant differences were not seen in the number of CRH-ir cell bodies in the NLT between the groups. The body of the white- and black-acclimated fish appeared lighter and darker, respectively, compared with the baseline color. In the black-acclimated fish, feeding activity was significantly greater with a tendency toward higher specific growth rate compared with the observations in white-acclimated fish. No significant inter-group cortisol level differences were observed. These results indicate that background color affects MCH neuronal activity in the NLT as well as body color adaptation but does not affect CRH neuronal activity in K. marmoratus.

Quality Characteristics and Volatile Compounds of Shea Butter Under Different Storage Conditions

Proper storage of shea butter is crucial to maintain quality and ensure availability of the product over time, particularly in the production zones where refrigeration is not an option. The present study investigated several quality characteristics of shea butter under different storage conditions. Three packaging materials (i.e. calabash, black plastic, and transparent plastic), often used to store shea butter in the production zones, were used to store the butter for six months at ambient conditions (28-30ºC) and at low temperatures (4-7ºC). After 6 months of storage, all parameters investigated were significantly affected by storage conditions and storage duration while the effects of the packaging materials were less pronounced. At ambient conditions, changes were more pronounced than at low temperatures. For instance, after 6 months of storage, the increase of free fatty acid of butter stored in a calabash was three times higher than that stored in refrigerator (1.9 % at ambient conditions against 0.53 % in refrigerator). Also, the rate of oxidation reaction was two times higher at ambient temperature than at refrigerator temperature. After 6 months of butter storage, the number of volatile compounds increased from 42 to 54 at room temperature and from 42 to 47 at refrigerator. The increase in rate of chemical reactions at ambient conditions is in accordance with the hypothesis that the quality changes of shea butter are caused by chemical reactions influenced by the temperature of storage. Black plastic containers seemed to be the better packaging materials for a long storage period.

Fertilization of Imperial® Zoysia grass in different substrates compositions

The lawn may receive attention in very different ways. Regarding sports lawns, these are carefully handled from installation to maintenance. On the other hand, ornamental lawns may be treated as a background, especially in civil constructions in which they are the last to be worked. In this case, the soil that remains for its installation is severely compacted and without fertility. In any case, the base for lawn installation is very important and also, fertilization should be taken into account, as if made in wrong way may culminates in excess grass growth which is undesirable, since it leads to increase of cuts, burdening the system. Thus, The objective of this work was to evaluate Imperial® Zoysia grass (Zoysiajaponica) development cultivated in different substrates compositions and fertilizations applications. Grass was planted in black plastic containers. The experimental design was factorial scheme 3×3 (substrates x types of fertilizers) with four replicates. Plots were submitted to three substrate combination: soil; soil + sand (1:1) and soil + sand + soil conditioner (1:1:1). Fertilization application was made using three commercial grass fertilizers incorporated into the substrates (30 g m-2) and one control without fertilizer. At 15 days after planting it was evaluated leaves fresh and dry mass, Falker Chlorophyll Index (FCI) and leaf analysis of N and S. The best result obtained was the cultivation of Imperial® Zoysia grass in substrate formed by soil, sand and soil conditioner without the necessity of fertilization.

Brontaea debilis (Thomson, 1896) (Diptera: Cyclorrhapha: Muscidae) as host for Spalangia drosophilae Ashmead, 1885 (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae: Spalanginae) in Brazil

The flies included in the infra-order Cyclorrhapha (Muscomorpha) have medical and veterinary importance, since they may produce myiasis and act in carrying pathogens to man and animals. The experiment was carried out at the Federal University of Goiás farm in Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil. Every fortnight, ten dishes black plastic containers containing bovine feces were exposed for fifteen days in the pastures. After this period, the feces were sent to the laboratory for pupae extraction. The experiments were carried out from April 2006 to December 2007. Ninety-two pupae of Brontaea debilis (Thomson, 1896) (Diptera: Muscidae), from bovine feces, from which 31 specimens of Spalangia drosophilae Ashmead, 1887 (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) were emerged. The percentage of parasitism was 33.7%. Spalangia drosophilae is cited in the literature as parasitoid of the pupae of Diptera including Chloropidae, Drosophilidae, Muscidae, Sarcophagidae and Sepsidae.

Occurrence of Stomoxys calcitrans L. (Diptera: Muscidae) in cattle feces collected on pasture

Given the above this article aims to report the occurrence of Stomoxys calcitrans (Linnaeus, 1758) in cattle dung. The experiment was carried out at the Federal University of Goiás farm in Goiânia, GO, Brazil. Every fortnight, ten dishes black plastic containers containing bovine feces were exposed for fifteen days in the pastures. After this period, the feces were sent to the laboratory for pupae extraction. The experiments were carried out from April 2006 to December 2007. A total of 628 dipterans pupae were obtained from bovine feces, from which 8 specimens of S. calcitrans emerged from 8 pupae in bovine feces collected in pastures. The percentage of individuals collected was 1.3%.

Sewage sludge composted in the coloring and development of Bermuda grass

Abstract ‘Barazur’ or DiscoveryTM (Cynodon dactylon) is a new variety of Bermuda grass that has slow vertical growth and a bluish-green colour, and the use of sewage sludge in implantation of this species may be an alternative for its sustainable cultivation, without need for chemical fertilizers. Thus, the objective was to evaluate the influence of sewage sludge compound on colour and development of Bermuda grass DiscoveryTM. The experiment was conducted in the field with sod implanted in black plastic containers (volume 8.46 L) filled with soil + sand (1:1) and added different dosages of sludge compost, being: 0 g L -1 (control), 30 g L-1, 60 g L-1 and 120 g L-1. Digital image analysis, fresh and dry leaf mass, Nitrogen leaf and Nitrogen leaf accumulation were evaluated. It was observed that the sewage sludge influenced on turfgrass colouring and development, where 30 g L-1 showed excellent results for colouring with less mass production and N accumulation than the highest dose, showing that this treatment is sufficient for lawn development, without the need of using higher concentrations of compound. It is concluded that the use of composted sewage sludge at a dose of 30 g L-1 is recommended for use in implantation of Bermuda grass DiscoveryTM.

Paclobutrazol as growth regulator in Bahiagrass

Abstract Bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum) is a native species widely found on highways margins, however, cutting practices are necessary, which increase the maintenance cost, being an alternative, the use of growth regulators, such as Paclobutrazol. Thus, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the use of Paclobutrazol doses as growth regulator in Bahiagrass. The turf was implanted in black plastic containers (8.46 L), previously prepared with the mixture of soil + sand + organic compost (1:1:1). The experimental design was completely randomized, composed of 3 doses of Paclobutrazol [1.1 and 2.2 kg a.i. (active ingredient) ha-1 + control (0 kg a.i. ha-1)], in four applications of 2 L of syrup per container, thus forming a factorial 3x4 (doses x response time) with 3 repetitions. The fresh and dry mass, relative chlorophyll index, leaf N and the visual aspect of the green cover rate were evaluated on four different dates. It was observed that the product controlled the growth of the lawn, with less production of fresh and dry mass, and increase of the relative index of chlorophyll and concentration of leaf nitrogen; however, it decreased turfgrass density of green mass, which influenced the visual lawn aspect. Thus, Paclobutrazol controlled Bahiagrass growth at a dose of 2.2 Kg a.i. ha-1 in regular applications of 30 to 45 days, however it affected the density and consequently the aesthetics of the turfgrass.

Paclobutrazol and phenoxaprope-P-ethyl potential as growth regulator in Carpet grass Plus®

Abstract Mowing is a fundamental management for turfgrass development. However, this operation has a higher cost, requiring alternatives to mechanical handling, such as growth regulators use. Thus, the objective was to evaluate the use of paclobutrazol and phenoxaprope-P-ethyl as growth regulators in Carpet grass Plus®. The experiment was performed in full sun, in the northwest region of São Paulo state, from January to March 2020. The grass used was planted in black plastic containers (50 x 17 cm, with a height of 15 cm, totalling 11 L of volume), previously prepared with a mixture of soil + sand (2:1). The experimental design was completely randomized, consisting of two doses of paclobutrazol (1.0 and 2.0 mL L-1) + control and two doses of phenoxaprope-P-ethyl (6.25 and 12.5 µL L-1) + control. Leaf chlorophyll index, digital image analysis and fresh leaf mass were evaluated. It was observed that for Carpet grass Plus®, there was paclobutrazol effect when used as a growth regulator, with the recommended dose of 2 ml L-1 due to its residual effect up to 35 days in reducing fresh mass, without changing the concentration of leaf chlorophyll and green colour. Phenoxaprope-P-ethyl, on the other hand, had an effect as a growth regulator for the studied species, when used in the dose of 6.25 µL L-1.

Nitrogen Fertilization, Container Type, and Irrigation Frequency Affect Mineral Nutrient Uptake of Hydrangea

Mineral nutrient uptake of Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Merritt’s Supreme’ affected by nitrogen (N) fertilization rate, container type, and irrigation frequency was investigated. Rooted liners of hydrangea plants were fertilized twice weekly with a N-free fertilizer plus five N rates including 0, 5, 10, 15, or 20 mM N from ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3), irrigated once or twice daily with the same total irrigation volume, and grown in two types of one-gallon containers: a black plastic container and a biodegradable container (biocontainer), made from recycled paper. Concentrations of calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) averaged in the entire plant, and iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) in roots had increasing trends with increasing N rate. By comparison, increasing N rate had a dilution effect on root phosphorus (P), stem and root potassium (K), stem Ca and Mg, and leaf boron (B) concentrations. In general, nutrient content of each tested element increased with increasing N rate in each structure, or total in the plant. When there was a significant container type effect, plastic containers consistently had increased nutrient concentrations and content compared to biocontainers. One irrigation per day was beneficial in increasing nutrient concentrations of P, Ca, and zinc (Zn) in different plant structures.

Apricot Culture in Container for Earliness

Araştırmanın amacı, Antalya ekolojik koşullarında plastik serada saksıda yetişen Aurora, Ninfa ve Roxana kayısı çeşitlerinde erkenciliği sağlamaktır. Bitkiler içerisinde %60 torf:%40 çiftlik gübresi karışımı bulunan 30 litrelik saksılarda yetiştirilmiştir. Bitkilere kontrol, %2.5 Dormex, 200 ppm GA3 ve soğuk depoda (30 gün/720 saat) uygulamaları yapılmıştır. Daha sonra plastik seralara taşınmışlar ve meyve hasatları yapılıncaya kadar plastik serada bekletilmişlerdir. Deneme süresince bitkilerde bazı fenolojik ve pomolojik özellikler belirlenmiştir. Kayısı çeşitleri arasında, en erken çiçeklenme ve hasada gelme bakımından %2.5 Dormex uygulanmış Ninfa olmuştur. Diğer taraftan, soğukta bekletilmiş Ninfa, meyve tutumu ve bitki başına verim bakımından en iyi sonuçları vermiştir. En iyi suda çözünebilir kuru madde miktarı 200 ppm GA3 uygulanmış Roxana çeşidinden elde edilmiştir. Araştırma sonuçları, Antalya ekolojik koşulları için Ninfa gibi soğuklama ihtiyacı düşük çeşitlerin seçiminin önemliliğini göstermiştir. Aurora ve Roxana çeşitlerinin kontrol bitkileri meyve verimleri düşük olmuştur. Bu durum soğuklamanın yeterli karşılanamaması ile ilgili olabilir. Aynı uygulamalar yapılmasına rağmen, sera koşullarında yetişen kayısılarda dış koşullarda ortamda yetişenlere göre yaklaşık 7-10 gün erkencilik sağlanmıştır.

Mineral Nutrient Uptake of Encore Azalea ‘Chiffon’ Affected by Nitrogen, Container, and Irrigation Frequency

Mineral nutrient uptake of Encore® azalea ‘Chiffon’ (Rhododendron sp.) affected by nitrogen (N) rate, container type, and irrigation frequency was investigated. One-year-old azalea plants were planted in two types of 1-gallon containers: a black plastic container or a biodegradable container (also referred to as a biocontainer) made from recycled paper. Azalea plants were fertilized with 250 mL of N-free fertilizer twice weekly plus N rates of 0, 5, 10, 15, or 20 mm from ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3). All plants were irrigated daily with the same amount of water through one or two irrigations. Plants fertilized without N had the lowest concentrations of phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) averaged in the entire plant, which were at deficient levels for azalea species. High N rates of 15 or 20 mm resulted in the highest plant average concentrations of P, K, Ca, and Mg. Concentrations of micronutrients including iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and boron (B) showed varied trends affected by different treatments. With high N rates of 15 and 20 mm, paper biocontainers increased uptake of both macro- and micronutrients in terms of total nutrient content (mg or μg per plant) compared with plastic containers. One irrigation per day increased root concentrations of Cu and Zn and root contents of Fe, Zn, Cu, and B, but decreased leaf K concentration compared with two irrigations per day. The beneficial effects of high N rates and biocontainers on mineral nutrient uptake of Encore® azalea ‘Chiffon’ likely indirectly occurred through increasing plant growth.

The effect of lead pollution on nutrient solution pH and concomitant changes in plant physiology of two contrasting Solanum melongena L. cultivars.

Lead (Pb) is highly toxic to plants because it severely affects physiological processes by altering nutrient solution pH. The current study elucidated Pb-induced changes in nutrient solution pH and its effect on physiology of two Solanum melongena L. cultivars (cv. Chuttu and cv. VRIB-13). Plants were grown in black plastic containers having 0, 15, 20, and 25 mg L-1 PbCl2 in nutrient solutions with starting pH of 6.0. pH changes by roots of S. melongena were continuously monitored for 8 days, and harvested plants were analyzed for physiological and biochemical attributes. Time scale studies revealed that cv. Chuttu and cv. VRIB-13 responded to Pb stress by causing acidification and alkalinization of growth medium during the first 48 h, respectively. Both cultivars increased nutrient solution pH, and maximum pH rise of 1.21 units was culminated by cv. VRIB-13 at 15 mg L-1 Pb and 0.8 units by cv. Chuttu at 25 mg L-1 Pb treatment during the 8-day period. Plant biomass, photosynthetic pigments, ascorbic acid, total amino acid, and total protein contents were significantly reduced by Pb stress predominantly in cv. Chuttu than cv. VRIB-13. Interestingly, chlorophyll contents of cv. VRIB-13 increased with increasing Pb levels. Pb contents of roots and shoots of both cultivars increased with applied Pb levels while nutrient (Ca, Mg, K, and Fe) contents decreased predominately in cv. Chuttu. Negative correlations were identified among Pb contents of eggplant roots and shoots and plant biomasses, leaf area, and free anthocyanin. Taken together, growth medium alkalinization, lower root to shoot Pb translocation, and optimum balance of nutrients (Mg and Fe) conferred growth enhancement, ultimately making cv. VRIB-13 auspicious for tolerating Pb toxicity as compared with cv. Chuttu. The research outcomes are important for devising metallicolous plant-associated strategies based on plant pH modulation response and associated metal uptake to remediate Pb-polluted soil.

Semi-Field Evaluation of Modified 00ZZZero® Traps with Sticky Paper to Increase the Collection Efficacy of Gravid Aedes aegypti.

The 00ZZZero® trap (0Z) is a small black plastic container with permethrin and pyriproxyfen, designed and marketed to both attract and kill gravid Aedes mosquitoes (unmodified trap ([UMT] or modified trap [MT]). The 0Z trap without the insecticide was modified with addition of a sticky paper, coated with an adhesive glue (MT) and evaluated for collection efficacy of released gravid mosquito, Aedes aegypti (L.) in outdoor screened enclosures in St. Augustine, in northeastern Florida. The mean numbers (±SE) of mosquitoes caught by MTs were 130.67 ± 23.95 (40.22 ± 5.78 mosquito/trap), compared with 2.33 ± 0.88 (0.79 ± 0.29 mosquito/trap) mosquitoes caught by UMTs. The MTs collected significantly more mosquitoes, 44.16% (F = 4.495, P < 0.05) of the released mosquitoes, than those captured in UMTs (0.83%). The number of immature mosquitoes (larvae and pupae) hatched from eggs laid in the MTs and UMTs were 79.3 ± 23.1 and 19.3 ± 6.8, respectively. The mean numbers (±SE) of adults emerging in MTs and UMTs were 34.0 ± 22.3 and 14.0 ± 6.8, respectively. These results show the potential of the sticky paper modified 0Z traps to be used both to increase the efficacy of collection and as a sticky autocidal tool against gravid Ae. aegypti.

Substrates and fertilization in the development of São Carlos grass

Sao Carlos grass ( Axonopus affinis ) is recommended for use in industrial areas, residential gardens and country houses, and has tolerance to semi-shaded areas. The experiment was carried out at UNESP, Campus de Ilha Solteira - SP, in the period from 06/28 to 12/14/2014, in a greenhouse (Pad & Fan, mean temp 25°C and average luminosity 2500 lux). The grass was implanted in black plastic containers (8.46 liters), and the experimental design was a 3x4 factorial composed of three substrates: soil, soil + organic matter (1: 1) and soil + organic matter + sand (2:1:1), and three chemical fertilizers: Forth Jardim ® , Maxgreen S2 ® and NPK (10-10-10), and without fertilization. The organic matter showed a beneficial effect on the development of the turfgrass, as well as the use of Forth Jardim®.

Floriferous herbaceous and substrates for use on extensive green roofs

In general, extensive green roofs are defined as all cover covered with herbaceous vegetation and surface substratum, however, in Brazil there are few information regarding the materials for installation and maintenance of these systems, being essential the search for better species and substrates adapted to the tropical conditions. Thus, the objective was to evaluate the performance of floriferous herbaceous and substrates for use in extensive green roofs. The experiment was carried out in the field and in full sunlight, in black plastic containers (8.46 L and 15.5 cm high), elevated 90 cm from the ground, in a 3x2 factorial scheme. Being 3 herbaceous floriferous species (Torenia var. Kauai, Periwinkle var. Pacifica XP and Petunia var. Bacopa) and 2 substrates [S1-Charcoal + pine bark + peat + expanded vermiculite (1v:1v:1v:1v) and S2- Coconut fiber + carbonized rice husk + peat + expanded vermiculite (1v:1v:1v:1v)], with 3 replicates per treatment. It was evaluated in the substrates: pH, electrical conductivity, macro and microporosity, total porosity, density and water retention capacity. For the development of the species, 60 days after the experiment installation, were evaluated, chlorophyll content of leaves, number of flowers and vegetation surface temperature. It was observed that the substrate S2 presented the best results in the physico-chemical analyzes, and this possibly came to reflect on the performance of the species, and that Torenia when cultivated in this substrate had the highest chlorophyll content (42.67 SPAD). The number of flowers was statistically the same for Torenia and Periwinkle in both substrates, while the three floriferous herbaceous plants showed a decrease in surface temperature. Thus, it is recommended for use on extensive green roofs the substrate composed of coconut fiber + carbonized rice husk + peat + expanded vermiculite (1v:1v:1v:1v), and the floriferous herbaceous Torenia var. Kauai.

Growth and establishment of container-grown London planetrees in response to mulch, root-ball treatment and fertilization

We conducted two experiments to evaluate the impact of cultural treatments on growth and establishment of container-grown London planetrees (Platanus × acerifolia’ Bloodgood’). In both experiments, 48 trees grown in 100 l (#25) black plastic containers were assigned at random to one of three root-ball treatments prior to planting; no treatment (Control), outer 3 cm of roots removed around entire root-ball (Shave), or outer circling roots disentangled from the root-ball (Tease). In Experiment 1, half of the trees were fertilized with 400 g of controlled release fertilizer (15-9-12; N-P2O5-K2O) at planting and the remainder of the trees were not fertilized. In Experiment 2, half of the trees were mulched with an 8 cm deep × 2 m diameter ring of coarse ground pine bark at planting and the remainder of the trees were not mulched. In Experiment 1, fertilization at planting increased SPAD chlorophyll content on two of four measurement dates but did not affect cumulative height or caliper growth after two years. After two growing seasons, root-ball treatments (shaving or teasing) increased root growth outside the original root-ball compared to control trees. Both root-ball treatments also reduced circling roots. In Experiment 2, mulching at planting increased soil moisture and cumulative tree height and diameter growth. Shaving increased new root growth and both root-ball treatments improved root architecture and reduced circling roots. Overall, the study demonstrates that root-ball manipulations can stimulate new root growth and reduce circling roots. Mulch is a valuable aid to conserve soil moisture and increase tree growth. Fertilization at planting provided little benefit in this experiment, which may have been related to a high level of soil fertility at the site or nutrient loading of the trees from nursery culture prior to transplanting.

Substratos no desenvolvimento de gramado esportivo “Tifton 419"

Bermuda grass are the most widely used today in high performance sports fields, the cultivar “Tifton 419” is widely indicated for installation in these areas, however, there is no official a recommendation in the literature of the best substrate for the implantation of this species, and research is needed to meet this demand. In this way, the objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of substrates in the development of the “Tifton 419” sporting lawn. The experiment was conducted in field with grass carpets implanted in black plastic containers (volume 8.46 L), in a completely randomized design with five substrates and 12 replicates, with treatments: soil (100%), medium sand (100%), soil (50%) + medium sand (50%), soil (33%) + medium sand (33%) + organic compost (33%) and medium sand (50%) + organic compost (50%). Macro and microporosity, total porosity, density, chlorophyll content (a + b) and fresh and dry leaf mass were evaluated. The results showed that there was influence of the substrate on the development of the turfgrass, with the medium sand (50%) + organic compost (50%) presenting greater increases of fresh and dry mass (1.09 and 0.44 kg m-2), which may lead to higher maintenance costs of the cut, and soil (33%) + medium sand (33%) + organic compost (33%) presented good results of the analyzes performed, being the one recommended for the development of the cultivar “Tifton 419” in sports fields.

Substrates in the development of a sports turfgrass Tifton 419

Bermuda grass are the most widely used today in high performance sports fields, the cultivar “Tifton 419” is widely indicated for installation in these areas, however, there is no official a recommendation in the literature of the best substrate for the implantation of this species, and research is needed to meet this demand. In this way, the objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of substrates in the development of the “Tifton 419” sporting lawn. The experiment was conducted in field with grass carpets implanted in black plastic containers (volume 8.46 L), in a completely randomized design with five substrates and 12 replicates, with treatments: soil (100%), medium sand (100%), soil (50%) + medium sand (50%), soil (33%) + medium sand (33%) + organic compost (33%) and medium sand (50%) + organic compost (50%). Macro and microporosity, total porosity, density, chlorophyll content (a + b) and fresh and dry leaf mass were evaluated. The results showed that there was influence of the substrate on the development of the turfgrass, with the medium sand (50%) + organic compost (50%) presenting greater increases of fresh and dry mass (1.09 and 0.44 kg m-2), which may lead to higher maintenance costs of the cut, and soil (33%) + medium sand (33%) + organic compost (33%) presented good results of the analyzes performed, being the one recommended for the development of the cultivar “Tifton 419” in sports fields.

Container Type Affects Root Development of Chanticleer® Pear (Pyrus calleryana ‘Glen’s Form’) During Landscape Establishment

While there are many advantages to producing woody plants in the industry-standard black plastic (BP) container, circling and girdling roots on plants grown in them may reduce transplant success, predispose plants to stress, shorten life span in the landscape, and increase the potential for the development of hazard trees. Plants grown in fabric containers may have fewer circling and girdling roots, possibly eliminating transplant problems sometimes seen with plants grown in BP containers. This study evaluated post-transplant root and shoot growth of Pyrus calleryana ‘Glen’s Form’ (Chanticleer®) produced using three container types: black plastic, Root Pouch® (RP) and Smart Pot® (SP). Researchers found no container effects on aboveground growth one, two, and three years following transplant into the landscape. All trees doubled their root dry weight annually over the three-year study. No container effects were found for any measured root parameters one year after planting. However, two and three years following planting, trees grown in RP and SP containers showed greater total root growth beyond the original root ball than BP-grown trees. Three years after planting, 72% of all root growth of trees grown in BP containers was within the original root ball, while more than one-third of all roots of RP- and SP-grown trees were found outside of the original root ball. Researchers believe that fabric containers should be considered as alternatives to BP containers because they may enhance root growth of transplanted trees and reduce the formation of future circling and girdling roots.