Marketable Heads Research Articles

Never innovate to compete rather innovate to change the rules of the game

Subject area New product development and introduction, Marketing. Study level/applicability The case is suitable for post-graduate students in management, or in their final year. The case is intended for those business school students who are familiar with the basics of marketing management and are going through a course on new product development. The level of difficulty for post-graduate management students as far as this case is concerned is medium to high. The case can be a part of the following courses in marketing; new product marketing; technology marketing; brand management (how to build a technology brand). Case overview The case concerns a computing technology company – Novatium Solutions – that has developed a new product, an affordable computing system, and is looking at ways of marketing it. The product offering in the initial stages is just hardware with limited local processing abilities that needs to be connected through a wire to a telecom broadband player to provide the internet browsing facility. As the case progresses, the product evolves into upgraded and newer formats. The theme of the case is intended to be new product marketing in a technology sector. Expected learning outcomes The following will be the learning outcomes for this case; new product process and marketing in a technology company (compared to non technology consumer product company); bringing customer orientation to a product technology company; the role of a marketing head in a new product company; and building a retail brand for an affordable technology product. Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available; please consult your Librarian for access. The teaching notes provide adequate questions and answers (four assignment questions and three class discussion questions) so that faculty members need not look beyond these to give student projects or assignments.

Cauliflower Plant Organ Water Status and Nitrogen Translocation From Leaf–Stem Sources to Head Sinks in Its Three Hybrid Cultivars

Cauliflower's (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis L.) fresh appearance and high nutritional values may be related to plant organ water holding and nitrogen (N) translocation from leaf–stem sources to head sinks. Cauliflower plant water and N nutrition relations were examined in a two-site field study in Nova Scotia. The objectives of this study were to assess cauliflower plant organ water and N translocation efficiency and to quantify the correlations between cauliflower plant organ water status, N translocation, head size, and fresh yield under various N treatments applied at shoot–tip-straightened stage. The experimental treatments consisted of three cauliflower hybrid cultivars (cvs. Minuteman, Sevilla, and Whistler) and three N combinations (105 + 30 + 0, 105 + 30 + 45, and 105 + 30 + 90 kg·ha−1) supplied at transplanting, seedling standing, and shoot straightened stage, respectively. The N treatments were arranged with four replicates in a split-block design in the two fields. Results showed that cauliflower plant N temporal storage in leaves and stems (source N) peaked (10.6 g/plant) at curd initiation. Plant water index was positively correlated with solar irradiance but negatively correlated with normalized difference vegetative index (NDVI). Nitrogen translocation from leaves and stems to heads was only 5% of total N uptake within the first week of the heading process, but the sink N reached 22.3%–24.9% (or 2.28–2.81 g/plant) of whole plant total N uptake within 15 days at head maturity. Mean N concentrations were significantly higher in heads (5.66%) than in leaves and stems (4.97%) at harvest (P < 0.05). The sink/source N ratios varied between 0.29 and 0.35 and head organ water holding (29 ± 12%) was significantly associated with whole plant water holding (R 2 = 0.62, P < 0.01). Cauliflower marketable head size (CHS) increased quadratically with head N accumulation (Nhead, sink N) and whole plant water holding (PW; CHS = −0.5065Nhead 2 + 5.4427Nhead + 5.5946, R 2 = 0.71, P < 0.01; CHS = −0.000002PW2 + 0.0137PW − 2.1501, R 2 = 0.50, P < 0.05). It was suggested that increasing N and water temporal storage in leaf and stem sources could stimulate cauliflower head development.

Can a higher education institution's marketing strategy improve the student‐institution match?

PurposeIssues such as managing brand image, assessing advertising medium effectiveness and collecting market intelligence are common practice for higher education institutions (HEIs). Consequently, understanding the information needs of potential students to the HEI when they make their decisions is paramount. The aim of this survey is to analyse the decision‐making criteria of new undergraduates enrolling at a UK HEI on their first day in terms of marketing activities employed throughout the decision‐making period during their last 12 months. Focusing in particular on the effectiveness of the dissemination of information with the influences on their decisions of whether or not to keep this HEI in their preferred set and to enrol (purchase) will be investigated.Design/methodology/approachThe research was designed to establish the key marketing communication activities that contribute to the student decision‐making process. A survey of 318 students enrolling on their first day at a Welsh (traditional) university was achieved from a sampling frame of 469. In order to supplement the literature, four semi structured in‐depth interviews with university staff (the School Manager, School Admissions Tutor, Head of Central Marketing, and Head of Central Recruitment) were also held. These interviews identified the key marketing communication themes (information sources with the application of new technologies in disseminating information during the decision‐making period) that acted as the foundation for the questionnaire. The respondents were asked to consider each phase of the decision‐making process and rank the information sources that had the most impact upon them. Hence a critical incident approach was employed.FindingsThe results show that the respondents did receive adequate information, with details of the programme of study being most important, but they would have preferred greater use of electronic sources and especially from current undergraduates on a regular basis. If the HE senior management knows the impact in terms of the timing and content of marketing activities on potential HE students, there is a better chance of matching the information sources to the needs of the students.Originality/valueHEIs can do more for potential HE students by trying to offer the most relevant information that will satisfy each of their information needs. It is beneficial for all parties concerned that potential students are better informed and prepared to make those decisions. This is especially true as potential students are frequently young and living at home, planning to consume this “good experience” over a relatively long period of time, and the financial risks with opportunity costs involved are substantial. By addressing potential students' concerns and offering more “tailor‐made” communication strategies to suit them, HEIs can easily segment the market place and then position themselves within the competitive environment.

Evaluation of Experimental Broccoli Hybrids Developed for Summer Production in the Eastern United States

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. Italica Group) is a vegetable crop requiring relatively cool conditions (e.g., less than 23 °C) to induce and maintain vernalization and to allow normal floral and head development to proceed. In general, this requirement is a major limiting factor to production of broccoli in eastern states where growing seasons are often interrupted by high temperature spikes. The USDA, ARS, U.S. Vegetable Laboratory (USVL) is conducting a program to breed broccoli varieties adapted to summer conditions of the southeastern United States. The goal of the current study was to compare performance of three experimental broccoli hybrids from that program with some commonly raised commercial hybrids (‘Packman’, ‘Marathon’, ‘Arcadia’, ‘Greenbelt’, ‘Patron’, and ‘Gypsy’) by conducting trials in summer environments as well as in more conventional growing environments (e.g., in fall). All hybrids produced marketable heads with high quality ratings in fall field trials (2006, 2007, and 2008). Under the high temperatures that were characteristic of the summer (2007, 2008, and 2009) trials in South Carolina, the commercial hybrids ‘Marathon’, ‘Greenbelt’, ‘Arcadia’, and ‘Patron’ failed to produce broccoli heads at all. The remaining hybrids produced heads with similar mean head mass, stem diameter, and bead size in South Carolina summer trials. However, the three experimental hybrids produced marketable quality heads, but ‘Gypsy’ and ‘Packman’ did not. The primary flaws in ‘Gypsy’ and ‘Packman’ heads were increased yellow color, flattening of the dome, increased roughness, and non-uniformity of bead size. In New York trials, all tested hybrids developed heads, but ‘Packman’ and ‘Marathon’ produced relatively poor-quality heads when maturing in summer and better quality heads when maturing in the fall. The experimental hybrids exhibited more consistent quality across different maturity times in the New York tests. Results of this research indicate that broccoli response to summer conditions of the eastern United States is dependent on the cultivar grown. Many cultivars are not adapted to extreme summer conditions of the Southeast because they will not be effectively vernalized and will therefore not head. Others such as ‘Gypsy’ and ‘Packman’ will head, but non-uniform bud development results in a rough-appearing curd in which flower buds are at various stages of development. The experimental hybrids that are single crosses of inbreds selected for adaptation to southeastern summer conditions represent a unique class of broccoli hybrids that combine early maturity and the ability to produce heads under summer conditions of South Carolina. Additional tests of these latter hybrids in New York indicate that they may be generally adapted to summer environments of the eastern United States.

English

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of different drip irrigation methods and different irrigation levels on yield, quality and water use characteristics of lettuce (Lactuca sativa&nbsp;var.&nbsp;longifolia&nbsp;cv. Lital) cultivated in a solar greenhouse from 07 October 2009 to 03 December 2009 in the Eastern Mediterranean region of Turkey. The irrigation methods were consisted of traditional surface drip irrigation (TDI), subsurface drip irrigation at 10 cm drip line depth (SDI10) and subsurface drip irrigation at 20 cm drip line depth (SDI20). At the treatment of irrigation levels, five irrigation treatments (I) were based on adjustment coefficients (0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.0 and 1.25) of Class A pan evaporation. For the yield and quality parameters of plant; marketable head weight (yield), number of marketable leaves, leaf area, plant height and diameters, plant dry weight, core diameters and firmness of head, leaf chlorophyll content, total soluble solids (TSS as &deg;Brix), electrical conductivity (EC), pH,&nbsp;total dissolved solids (TDS) and salinity of leaves&rsquo; juice were determined. The yield and yield components were not affected by the irrigation methods except forcore&nbsp;and&nbsp;plant&nbsp;diameters. Irrigation levels had significantly (p &lt; 0.01) different effects on yield and yield components except for plant dry weight, plant height and head firmness.&nbsp;The results showed that the highest yield was obtained from SDI10xI100&nbsp;treatment. The water use efficiency (WUE) and the irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE) increased as the irrigation was reduced. &nbsp; Key words:&nbsp;Subsurface drip irrigation, irrigation level, water use efficiency.

Safe Lettuce Planting Intervals Following Herbicide Use on Fallow Beds

Continuous planting of lettuce from December to September each year in the Salinas Valley of California requires preparation of raised fallow beds ready for planting. Application of soil residual herbicides during winter fallow periods controls weeds but must be used with caution because germinating lettuce seedlings are very sensitive to herbicide soil residues. Three herbicides were applied to fallow beds at about 90, 60, and 30 d before lettuce was seeded. Herbicides tested were flumioxazin at 71, 105, and 211 g ai ha−1, two formulations of oxyfluorfen each at 280 and 560 g ha−1, and carfentrazone at 36 g ha−1. Herbicide injury to lettuce was assessed by visual estimates, crop stand, and number and weight of marketable lettuce heads. The 71 g ha−1rate of flumioxazin, both oxyfluorfen formulations, and carfentrazone did not injure seeded lettuce or reduce the number or weight of lettuce heads. Flumioxazin at 211 g ha−1injured lettuce, reducing the number of marketable heads, and should not be used within 90 d of lettuce planting.

Irrigation and Nitrogen Management of Artichoke: Yield, Head Quality, and Phenolic Content

Globe artichoke [Cynara cardunculus L. var. scolymus (L.) Fiori] has been recently introduced as a specialty crop in southwest Texas. Marketable yield, yield components, quality, and phenolic compounds of artichoke heads were investigated in response to three irrigation [50%, 75%, and 100% crop evapotranspiration (ETc)] regimes and four nitrogen (0 to 10, 60, 120, and 180 kg·ha−1) rates under subsurface drip irrigation. Field experiments were conducted over three seasons (2005–2006, 2006–2007, and 2007–2008) at Uvalde, TX. Irrigation was more effective than nitrogen (N) rates to optimize crop yield and head quality. Marketable yields significantly increased at 100% ETc compared with 75% and 50% ETc, whereas a 20% to 35% yield reduction occurred at 50% ETc across seasons. This yield reduction was associated with a decrease in both number of marketable heads and head weight and with reductions in plant physiological responses as measured in the last season. The lack of yield responses to N rates was in part the result of high pre-plant soil NO3-N and NH4-N levels. Total phenolics and chlorogenic acid of artichoke heads increased as the harvesting season progressed and were highest at 50% ETc during mid- and late harvests in one season. Based on these results, we estimate that under these environmental conditions, ≈700 mm (for a bare soil system) of water inputs and 120 kg·ha−1 or less of N (rate depending on soil available N) appear sufficient to obtain high marketable yields, superior size, and nutritional head quality of artichokes.

Variability, Correlation, and Path Analysis Studies in Lettuce

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is an important crop due to its potential to return profit, nutritional value, and production potential. Twenty-seven genotypes of lettuce procured from the Crop Genetic Resources, Wageningen, The Netherlands, check cultivars Great Lakes and Alamo-1, were planted at the experimental farm of the Dept. of Vegetable Science UHF, Nauni, Solan, India, in Sept. 2008 and evaluated in Apr. 2009 for variability, association between characters, direct and indirect effects of component traits on yield and quality characters, and to identify desirable genotypes. Genotype CGN-10944 had the best yield compared to checks. Genotype CGN-19088 had better β-carotene and iron content but lower yield than checks. There were wide ranges for different horticultural traits, seed vigor index II, and bacterial soft rot disease severity. Moderate to high phenotypic coefficient of variation and genotypic coefficient of variation for gross head weight, net head weight, nonwrapper leaves, iron content, β-carotene, and disease severity exist. The magnitude of heritability for characters was low for 1000 seed weight and high for heading percentage. Genetic advance as percentage of mean (genetic gain) was low for 1000 seed weight and high for β-carotene. Correlation indicated that net head weight was significantly and positively correlated with gross head weight, heading percentage, equatorial diameter, seed vigor index I, and disease severity and significantly and negatively with days to marketable maturity, nonwrapper leaves, and head shape index. Among quality characters β-carotene had a significant positive association with seed germination and negative association with disease severity. Iron content had a positive and significant association with seed vigor index II. Path coefficient analysis indicated that of all characters' positive direct effects for net head weight was contributed by gross head weight, equatorial diameter, disease severity, heading percentage, seed vigor index I, and nonwrapper leaves. Maximum positive indirect effects were observed for equatorial diameter, seed vigor index I, and disease severity via gross head weight. For quality characters genotype CGN-19088 had higher β-carotene and iron contents. Genotypes CGN-04778, CGN-04925, and CGN-20721 had minimum disease severity and were resistant to bacterial soft rot.

ARE ORGANIC N FERTILIZING STRATEGIES ABLE TO IMPROVE LETTUCE YIELD, USE OF NITROGEN AND N STATUS?

Despite the importance of fertilizing practices in the crop yield improvement, nitrogen (N) utilization, and N status, their management by farmers is still rather empirical, especially when new organic materials are applied. Therefore, the aim of this research was to study the possible bio-products (anaerobic digestates and on-farm compost) applications and to evaluate their effects on lettuce performance, N efficiency and soil properties. The plant and soil N indicators were also investigated to reduce the N supply in lettuce production. To accomplish these objectives a three-year field experiment was carried out comparing the following N fertilization strategies: organic, with anaerobic digestates, based on stabilized wine distillery wastewater (SAD) and not stabilized wine distillery wastewater (NSAD) and on-farm compost, based on olive pomace compost (OPC); mineral (MIN), with ammonium sulfate and ammonium nitrate; mineral-organic, with a slow N release commercial fertilizer (CORG). All treatments received 140 kg N ha−1 and they were compared with an unfertilized control (CONTR). The organic material application increased the marketable yield of 25.6, 20.3 and 10.1% for SAD, NSAD, and OPC treatments, respectively, in comparison with the CONTR. No significant reduction was found for both anaerobic digestates in respect to conventional fertilizers, while the OPC application significantly decreased the crop yield compared to MIN and CORG treatments. Moreover, the marketable head weight showed no significant difference among MIN, CORG, and SAD treatments, while a significant reduction of the weight was observed for NSAD and OPC. These findings highlighted the importance of organic fertilizer choice to sustain lettuce yield. The anaerobic digestates also enhanced head weight of 18.9 and 11.9% for SAD and NSAD, respectively, compared to CONTR, pointing out that the by-products application could be a valid agricultural practice to provide nutrients. Besides, no significant difference in N utilization parameters was found between SAD, MIN and CORG, indicating the effectiveness of the stabilized wine wastewater. Among the plant and soil N indicators tested, our results suggested that the leaves green index and nitrate contents in the leafstalks not only were the most reliable methods for evaluating N status, but they also offered potential advantages of both an easier sampling and a higher positive correlation with lettuce performance. Finally, since the agro-industrial residues did not significantly increase the soil potentially toxic elements level, the findings of this research pointed out that the organic materials can be usefully applied, at least in the short-term period.

Evaluation of head yield and participatory selection of horticultural characters in cabbage (Brassica oleraceae var. capitata)

Cabbage is an important leafy vegetable in sub-Saharan Africa, yet breeding and seed production activities take place in Europe and Asia. Participatory evaluation of varieties alongside head yield was carried out to select preferred varieties. Field experiments were conducted during the 2008 long rainy season and the 2008/09 short rainy season at AVRDC–The World Vegetable Center, Regional Center for Africa, Arusha, Tanzania. A randomized complete block design with three replications was adopted for the study. Results indicated that for each season marketable head yield differed significantly (P < 0.05) among the varieties. Performance for head yield varied in response to the biotic and abiotic environment. During the long rainy season Gloria F1 and Victoria F1 were best for head yield, while Quick Start and Rotan performed best for head yield during the short rainy season. For taste, head shape and firmness, Summer Summit F1 was best. Tropical Delight was preferred for head size, firmness, and low incidence of loose heads. Gloria F1 was identified as an early maturing variety with good head solidity. Good-tasting cabbage varieties are Summer Summit, Summer Glory and Bonus. Research on stability of performance for head yield over seasons, years and locations is important for future selection. Key words: Cabbage, marketable head yield, farmer participatory research, sensory evaluation, Tanzania, vegetable production.

INFLUENCE OF IRRIGATION AND NITROGEN FERTILIZATION ON BROCCOLI POLYPHENOLICS CONCENTRATION

Polyphenolics are phytochemical compounds that may be beneficial or toxic to humans. They are found in fruits and vegetables known for their health promoting characteristics. These carbon-based secondary metabolites have roles such as protection against ultraviolet radiation, free radicals, oxidative stress, herbivores and pathogens. Their synthesis in plant material is therefore linked to both biotic and abiotic stress sources. Under nitrogen stress, for instance, an increase in polyphenolics concentration has been reported. This behaviour has been exploited in the design and marketing of the Dualex, a new diagnostic instrument aimed at establishing the in-season requirements of crops for nitrogen (N) fertilizer. The Dualex can estimate leaf polyphenolics concentrations from the measurement of ultraviolet (UV, 375 nm) absorption of the leaf epidermis by the double excitation of chlorophyll fluorescence. The value of the UV absorbance is directly connected to the amount of leaf polyphenolics. The objective of this study was to determine if irrigation and nitrogen fertilization can influence broccoli polyphenolics concentrations. A broccoli experimental field was established in 2005 at the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada experimental farm of L'Acadie (Quebec). The crop was fertilized with either 0, 105, 135, 165, 195 or 225 kg N/ha and provided or not with supplementary irrigation after crop establishment. Four Dualex measurement campaigns were made, from 26 to 47 days after planting, as well as one laboratory estimation of polyphenolics. The absence of irrigation increased significantly polyphenolics concentrations on the two last dates (by 36 and 35%, respectively). The increase in fertilizer N was related to a linear or curvilinear decrease in polyphenolics. At the last date, unfertilized plots had 86 and 16% higher polyphenolics than fully fertilized ones, in irrigated and non-irriguated plots, respectively. Yields of marketable heads increased in a curvilinear matter with N rate, with a tendency to plateau at high rates. The percent of hollow stem was increased at high N rates, only under the irrigated treatment. Plots placed under conditions to produce the highest possible polyphenolics content were however the least productive ones, from a fresh market standpoint. Since these stresses are impacting crop growth and development, there is a clear antagonism between the production of polyphenolics from broccoli, on one hand, and fresh market production, on the other hand. The Dualex has the potential to establish broccoli N requirements by its capacity of detecting polyphenolics concentration in leaves but irrigation may interfere in the diagnosis.

The Experimental Biology and Medicine and Royal Society of Medicine Press partnership

Today it is my pleasure to announce and explain a new partnership that will change the future course of two organizations. A key objective of the partnership was to optimize the readership and contributor pool for Experimental Biology and Medicine (EBM), ensuring continued growth and impact of the journal. To this end, the leadership of the Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine (SEBM), its Publication Committee and I have embarked on a long search for a publisher to produce, market and seek advertisers for the society’s journal, EBM. The selection of the Royal Society of Medicine (RSM) Press followed a competitive process in which proposals from numerous publishers were reviewed, and the selection was the unanimous choice of the responsible committees. RSM Press is our publisher beginning with this January 2010 issue and extending for the next three years. This event will cause no change in the Editors, Editorial Board or the manner in which we handle manuscripts pre-acceptance, but will greatly improve our post-acceptance journal production, individual and library marketing, and outreach to potential advertisers. The RSM Press will be responsible for ‘copyediting, proofreading, typesetting, design, printing, binding, distribution, warehousing, publication in electronic form, marketing, accounting, fulfilment of non-member subscriptions and . . .. . .sale of subscriptions, including online licences, single and back issues of the Journal, pay-per-view, advertising and. . .. . .This will include all advertising-related obligations (e.g. selling and contracting with advertisers)’. Why did we select the RSM Press as our publisher? The RSM Press, located in London, grew out of the RSM, which is a distinguished international medical society that, like the SEBM, has a multidisciplinary membership. The RSM Press is rapidly growing and currently publishes 21 medical and research journals. We met with Peter Richardson, Managing Director of RSM Press, and Ian Jones, Head of Marketing and Sales for RSM Press in Washington DC in 2009. From this meeting we were convinced that as a publisher for a medical society, Peter and Ian understood our specific needs and our vision. They embraced the concept of EBM being a leading globalized journal with multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary sections and articles, with an Editorial Board that reflected this vision. Further, it was clear to us that this was the direction that they wanted to take their publishing company and that we would receive the personalized attention that we needed. One of the members of our Washington DC SEBM/EBM delegation, when Peter and Ian had left the conference, compared the meeting to looking for a home and walking into the one that you know is right for you and your family. This sense was shared by all of us. There were many people responsible for creating this partnership and I would like you to hear their thoughts. SEBM Past President Burt Sobel, MD played a major role in bringing this partnership to fruition. In explaining the importance of this event Burt said ‘The culmination of establishing a partnership between the Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine and the Royal Society of Medicine Press (RSM) for publication of the society’s flagship journal, Experimental Biology and Medicine (EBM), is an extraordinarily positive development for the society and for the journal. RSM’s expertise, international presence, prestige and elegance in publishing practices will ensure that the production and distribution of our journal will meet the highest standards and complement the scientific excellence of the material appearing in every issue’. Current SEBM President Susan Mulroney, PhD will oversee the implementation of this partnership. Susan has been very supportive of the new EBM/RSM partnership and she explained ‘The partnership between the Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine and the Royal Society of Medicine Press (RSM) for publication of Experimental Biology and Medicine (EBM) is truly a winning combination. As a member of the SEBM since graduate school, I’ve watched the Journal continually fill an important role in research and medicine, being a truly integrative publication. Now, in the 21st century, with the intensified focus on the importance of integrative medicine and systems biology (our strengths), the RSM commitment to excellence and expertise with international markets will help us be well-poised to be a lead journal. I am truly delighted to see EBM going in this extremely positive direction’. My partner from the beginning of this journey has been Martin Adamo, PhD. When we began looking at potential publishers, Martin was the Chair of the SEBM Publication Committee and by the time the EBM/RSM Press partnership was executed he was the SEBM President-Elect. Concerning the new partnership, Martin said ‘The new publishing partnership with the Royal Society of Medicine Press offers unparalleled opportunities for EBM and SEBM: terrific marketing and advertising power that will increase our profile and grow our membership nationally and

Responses of lettuce to irrigation levels and nitrogen forms

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of different irrigation levels and nitrogen forms on yield, quality and water use efficiency of lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. longifolia cv. Lital) under greenhouse conditions during the periods November 2003 - February 2004 in the Eastern Mediterranean region of Turkey. Four irrigation treatments with a drip irrigation system were based on adjustment coefficients (Kcp) (0, 0.75, 1.0, and 1.25) of Class A pan evaporation. Nitrogen (N) treatments were consisted of ammonium nitrate (NAN) and ammonium sulfate (NAS) forms. As the yield and quality parameters of plant; mean marketable head weight, number of total and marketable leaves, plant height and diameters, root wet weight, plant dry weight, core diameters and tightness of head were determined. N forms significantly affected plant diameter and number of total and marketable leaves. Yield and other yield components were not affected by different N forms. Irrigation levels had significant (p < 0.01) different effects on yield and yield components except for plant dry weight. The results showed that the highest yield was obtained from NANxKcp100 interaction plot. The water use efficiency (WUE) and the irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE) increased as the irrigation level reduced. Key words: Drip irrigation, irrigation level, nitrogen, fertigation.

Dynamic relationships between field temperatures and romaine lettuce yield and head quality

Abstract Romaine lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. var. longifolia Lam.) has great potential as a winter alternative crop in coastal South Carolina. Apache (A), Darkland (D), Green Tower (GT), Green Forest (GF), Ideal Cos (IC), and Tall Guzmaine (TG) romaine lettuce cultivar transplants were planted on 9 different planting dates in Charleston, South Carolina (SC) on monthly intervals from September to April from 1998 to 2001. The objective was to determine romaine's yield and quality responses to different growing season climates. Growing season mean (GSM) minimum or maximum temperatures (temps) were determined by averaging daily min and max temps from planting date to harvest date. The growing season for the September planting date (PD) was the warmest, followed by the April PD. The coldest growing season was the December PD, followed by January and November PDs. Collectively, GSM max temps ranged from 17 to 27 °C and GSM min temps ranged from 5 to 15 °C with these planting dates. The total accumulated heat units (Base 4.5 °C) were similar for all 8 PD growing seasons. The harvest maturities were similar between: September versus April PDs; October versus March PDs; and November versus February PDs. The December PD growing season required the greatest number of days to reach harvest from transplanting followed by the January PD growing season, with every 1 °C decrease in GSM min or max temps, days to harvest increased by 5 days. GSM min temperature affected number of marketable heads produced per plot more than GSM max temps for A, D, GT and TG but not GF and IC. Individual marketable head weight, however, was unaffected by GSM min and max temps. When all cultivar data were pooled and regressed, we found that from about 3 to 6 °C GSM min temps, the number of culls produced dropped steeply, but then plateaued from about 6 to 11 °C, and then decreased rapidly from 11 to 14 °C. The major cull defect was loss due to field rots. Generally, the pooled cultivar mean indicated that with an increase in GSM min temps from 3 to 6.5 °C, the rate of field rot production accelerated, but from 6.5 to 14 °C, field rot production was much slower in contrast.

AUTUMN LETTUCE PRODUCTION ON ROCKWOOL SLABS

A trial was carried out to determine the possibility of re-using of rockwool slabs after tomato production. Since a short cycle was required, we considered lettuce as the second crop. In trial, seedlings of four iceberg lettuce cultivars were planted on rockwool slabs in September. Plants were fertigated with a standard nutrient solution and positioned at 0.25 m on the slab, with slabs placed 1.2 m apart. Every 10 days during the lettuce growing period vegetative growth and dry matter production were monitored. At harvest (47 Days After Transplanting, DAT), total head weight, diameter, height and marketable yield were determined. A positive correlation was observed between number of leaves and head weight (from 0.6583 to 0.8397), whereas correlations between head weight and dry matter content (from -0.574 to -0.9622) were negative. The highest total head weight (241 g) and marketable weight (222 g) was achieved by cv. Triathlon. Marketable yield of the other cultivars was reduced by 13.5 to 32.4 %. Diameter of marketable head varied from 18.9 to 23.5 cm depending upon cultivar. Cultivar Triathlon had the highest heads (20.4 cm) while other cultivars had statistically lower heads (from 17.2 to 18.2 cm). The experiment also show the possibility to grow lettuce without heating during autumn season in continental part of Croatia. Regardless to low yield achieved (from 495 to 733 g m-2) lettuce cultivation in unheated greenhouses showed to require a prolonged growing period.

Irrigation and nitrogen level affect lettuce yield in greenhouse condition

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of different irrigation and nitrogen levels on lettuce yield characteristics in greenhouse condition from December 2006 to March 2007. Irrigation levels of 100% of total class A pan (S1), 80% of total class A pan (S2), 60% of total class A pan (S3) and nitrogen levels of 0 kg ha-1 (N1), 100 kg ha-1 (N2), 200 kg ha-1 (N3), and 300 kg ha-1 (N4) were applied by drip system. Irrigation levels did not show any significant effect on head weight, marketable head weight, number of leaves, height of plants, head circle, root length, and root extent except core length and total soluble solid, TSS. The highest head and marketable head weight were found as 355.17 and 334.78 g in S1 application, respectively. Nitrogen levels had no significant effect on measured parameters. These values were the highest as 365.06 and 342.93 g in N3 application.

Azotobacter Soil Amendment Integrated with Cow Manure Reduces Need for NPK Fertilizers in Sprouting Broccoli

ABSTRACT Nutrient removal by crops from soil sometimes exceeds replenishment with fertilizers, causing a negative balance of nutrients in soils and ultimately resulting in multi-nutrient deficiencies. A field experiment was conducted during summer season of 2003 and 2004 at Lahaul and Sapiti, India, situated in high hill dry temperate zone to investigate the response of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica L.) to integrated nutrient management using organic manure and Azotobacter along with synthetic fertilizers. There were 12 treatments; i.e., three levels of an NPK synthetic fertilizer (50, 75, 100%) integrated with two levels each of cow manure (CM; 10 and 20 Mt·ha−1) and inoculation with Azotobacter (seedling dipped in culture and no inoculation) in combination. Marketable head yield increased linearly with increasing application of 10 to 20 Mt·ha−1 of CM in combination with increasing levels of NPK fertilizers and Azotobacter inoculation. Integration of Azotobacter with the recommended practice (100% NPK + 20 Mt·ha−1 of CW) produced the highest marketable head yield over the recommended practice of 20 Mt·ha−1 CM + 100% NPK. Moreover, this treatment combination resulted in maximum leaf width, apical and lateral curd weight along with total yield/plant in both years and maximum net returns with a benefit:cost ratio of 3.49. Integration of Azotobacter with 75% NPK and 20 MT·ha−1 of CM gave marketable head yield similar to the 100% recommended dose of NPK, resulting in the net saving of 25% NPK fertilizers. Nutrient uptake in plant tissues and nutrient build-up in soil followed almost similar trends. An application of 100% NPK + Azotobacter inoculation+20 Mt·ha−1 of CM provided the highest increase in the contents of organic C and available N, P, and K, 36, 32, 79, and 19%, respectively, over their initial status in the soil. About 31, 8.4, and 12.5 kg·ha−1 of N, P, and K, respectively, can be saved in broccoli production if CM at 20 Mt·ha−1 and Azotobacter are used in combination with synthetic fertilizers.

Implementing Reduced-Risk Integrated Pest Management in Fresh-Market Cabbage: Improved Net Returns via Scouting and Timing of Effective Control

During 1998-2001, field studies were done to assess the efficacy of an integrated pest management (IPM) program using an action threshold and "reduced-risk" insecticides. The IPM program was compared with a conventional grower-based program. Program performance was evaluated based on management of Trichoplusia ni (Hiibner), Pieris (=Artogeia) rapae (L.), and Plutella xylostella (L.), as well as the economic impact of each program on net returns. The action threshold used in the IPM program consisted of 10% plants infested with T. ni larvae, based on previous small-plot experiment station trials. In all years of the study, the IPM program resulted in significantly lower percentages of plants infested than the conventional program or untreated check. The mean reduction in insecticide applications for the IPM program compared with the conventional program was 23.5%, whereas, on average, the costs of the IPM program were 46.0% higher than the conventional program. Pest reduction in the IPM program resulted in an average of 10.5% higher marketable yields than the conventional program. Percentages of marketable heads in the IPM program ranged from 82 to 99% and from 63 to 96% in the conventional program. Mean net returns for the IPM program exceeded the conventional program by $984.20/ha. These results indicated that the IPM program reduced insecticide use overall, even though costs of the IPM program, with either spinosad or indoxacarb, were sometimes higher. Overall, net returns of the IPM program were higher due to active pest scouting, improved application timing, and increases in marketable yield. Given the potential decrease in insecticide applications and increases in net profit resulting from this IPM program, additional analyses should be conducted to quantify the economic risk, or consistency of the results, to fully evaluate the benefits of the IPM program compared with a conventional program.

EFFECT OF SOME AGRICULTURAL TREATMENTS ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF LETTUCE Lactuca sativa L.

This study was conducted in vegetable farm in the college of Agriculture and Forestry, Mosul University during 2003-2004 growing season to investigate the effects of two sowing dates: the Sept.20th and Oct. 20th, two planting methods of seedling: plots and furrows and with the application of nitrogen fertilizer (Urea 46% N) at rates 0 and 60 Kg/Donnum applied at two doses with three methods of splitting: 1- Half of the total amount was added after two weeks from transplanting and the other half was added at 21 days prior to harvest (30 + 30Kg Urea /Donnum). 2- One third of the total amount added after two weeks from transplanting and the other two thirds was added at 21 days prior to harvest (20 + 40Kg Urea/Donnum). 3- Two thirds of the total amount added two weeks from transplanting and the other one third added at 21 days prior to the harvest (40 + 20Kg Urea/Donnum) on growth, yield and quality of lettuce cv. Paris Island. The experiment consisted of 16 treatments conducted in the field in a factorial experiment within split plot using the Randomized Complete Block Design with three replicates. Results indicated that vegetative growth i.e. leaf number/plant, leaf area/plant, head circumferences and mean weight of marketable head were increased significantly by second sowing date (Nov. 20th), plot planting method as well as by applying nitrogen fertilizer, while the methods of splitting of nitrogen fertilizer had no significant effect on most above mention characters. A similar favorable effect of second sowing date (No.20th), plot planting method and applying nitrogen fertilizer on yield characters was obtained at harvest, However, it has increased significantly folded head percentage, total and marketable yield, whereas the percentage of bolting plants only decreased significantly by second sowing date. The interaction among sowing date, plating methods, nitrogen application gave positive and significant increase in the total and marketable yield.

EVALUATION OF SOIL AND FOLIAR INSECTICIDE TREATMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LEPIDOPTERAN PESTS IN CABBAGE IN VIRGINIA, 2007

The objective of our experiment was to assess the efficacy of various soil-applied and foliar insecticides to control lepidopteran pests on cabbage. Treatments were arranged in a RCB design with four replicates. Cabbage was transplanted on 5 Sep at the Virginia Tech Eastern Shore AREC near Painter, VA. Plots consisted of 1 row 20 ft (6.1 m) long with unplanted guard rows on each side. Rows were planted on a 3 ft row center (0.9 m) in a 4 tier field design with 8 ft (2.4 m) alleys between tiers and a 16 ft (4.9 m) center alley. All plots were maintained according to local standard practices. All insecticides were applied with a CO2 backpack sprayer set at 40 psi. Soil insecticide treatments were applied to transplants on 6 Sep with a one nozzle boom directed at the base of each plant. Each plant received 125 ml of spray. All foliar treatments were applied on 19 Sep and 1 Oct at 48 gpa with a 3-nozzle boom equipped with D4 tips and 45 cores. The number of lepidopteran larvae was recorded per 5 randomly selected plants in each plot on 24 Sep and 5, 10 and 23 Oct. Also on 5 Oct, when cabbage heads were forming, the total number of damaged heads in each plot was recorded. At harvest on 19 Nov, the number of marketable heads per plot was recorded after detailed visual inspection of each head. All data were analyzed using ANOVA. Proportion data were arcsine square root transformed prior to analysis. Means were separated using Fisher’s Protected LSD at the 0.05 level of significance.