Number Of Crowns Research Articles

Deadwood retention in forests lowers short-term browsing pressure on silver fir saplings by overabundant deer

Humans have widely extirpated large carnivores and simultaneously promoted overabundance of deer. The intense pressure imposed by these herbivores in forests has led to extremely low rates of natural forest regeneration. In natural old-growth forests, deadwood functions as a key driver of biodiversity and promotes ecosystem functioning, such as water retention and nutrient recycling. An as yet unappreciated function of deadwood is its ability to act as a physical barrier, excluding large herbivores from the obstructed patches and thereby reducing browsing pressure. However, this benefit may be minimized by an increase in rodent herbivory in the sheltered patches. In this study, a field experiment was conducted in a total of 384 plots in which tree crowns (0–4) from logging residuals were used as increasingly dense physical barriers to shelter five newly planted saplings of silver fir (Abies alba Mill.). Generalized linear mixed-effects models were applied to determine whether sapling browsing by roe deer and rodents was differentially affected by these barriers. The probability of roe deer browsing decreased from 26% (no crowns) to 2% (4 crowns) while that of rodent browsing increased from 1% to 17%, respectively, as the number of deadwood crowns used in barrier construction increased. In broadleaf stands, browsing by roe deer and rodents was generally higher than in coniferous stands. In forests with high numbers of visitors, browsing by roe deer was reduced, but browsing by rodents was not influenced. The retention of large amounts of deadwood or active deadwood increments may thus provide an effective barrier to roe deer browsing but promote the browsing activity of rodents. The landscape-level heterogeneity of browsing patterns associated with the presence of deadwood suggests that deadwood shelters in homogenized forests may encourage both natural forest regeneration and forest biodiversity, despite an overabundance of roe deer.

A Comparative Assessment of the Performance of Individual Tree Crowns Delineation Algorithms from ALS Data in Tropical Forests

Tropical forest canopies are comprised of tree crowns of multiple species varying in shape and height, and ground inventories do not usually reliably describe their structure. Airborne laser scanning data can be used to characterize these individual crowns, but analytical tools developed for boreal or temperate forests may require to be adjusted before they can be applied to tropical environments. Therefore, we compared results from six different segmentation methods applied to six plots (39 ha) from a study site in French Guiana. We measured the overlap of automatically segmented crowns projection with selected crowns manually delineated on high-resolution photography. We also evaluated the goodness of fit following automatic matching with field inventory data using a model linking tree diameter to tree crown width. The different methods tested in this benchmark segmented highly different numbers of crowns having different characteristics. Segmentation methods based on the point cloud (AMS3D and Graph-Cut) globally outperformed methods based on the Canopy Height Models, especially for small crowns; the AMS3D method outperformed the other methods tested for the overlap analysis, and AMS3D and Graph-Cut performed the best for the automatic matching validation. Nevertheless, other methods based on the Canopy Height Model performed better for very large emergent crowns. The dense foliage of tropical moist forests prevents sufficient point densities in the understory to segment subcanopy trees accurately, regardless of the segmentation method.

Impact of strut thickness and number of crown and connectors on clinical outcomes on patients treated with second-generation drug eluting stent.

In new generation drug eluting stents (DESs) era, the impact of stent geometry on freedom from recurrent events has been poorly explored. Impact of struts thickness and the number of crowns and connectors on clinical outcomes were evaluated in the present study. Randomized controlled trials comparing last generation DESs were selected. The primary endpoint was the rate of target lesion revascularization (TLR), while secondary was definite stent thrombosis (ST). Fifty-three studies with 52,006 patients were included. A struts thickness ≤81 nm was associated with a lower incidence of TLR (2.9%: 2.4-3.4 vs. 3.6%: 3.0-4.3) and ST (0.8%: 0.6-1.1 vs. 1.3%: 0.9-1.8). A mean number of connectors >2.5 was also associated with a lower incidence of TLR (3.2%: 2.8-3.6 vs. 3.5%: 2.9-4.2) and ST (1.0%:0.8-1.3 vs. 1.3%: 0.9-1.7 vs. for ST). On the other hand, stents with average number of crowns <7.5 did not perform better than stents with higher average number of crowns. The findings of the study support that lower struts thickness and higher numbers of connectors have a positive clinical outcome reducing stent thrombosis and target lesion revascularizations, while the average number of stent crowns plays a secondary role.

3-dimensional analysis about the effects of aging and risk factors on changes in oral environment.

PURPOSEThe purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of aging and various risk factors on the oral environment and to analyze them in 3-dimensions.MATERIALS AND METHODSA total of 800 patients were enrolled in this study, and subjects were divided into 4 groups by age-under 55, 56 – 65, 66 – 75, and over 76. Based on their most recent visit, the number of crowns, bridges, implants, and the remaining natural teeth were recorded. Smoking habits, along with presence of diabetes and hypertension, were surveyed, as risk factors were also set as a variable. Comparisons among the groups or within the groups were performed by independent t-test, and one-way and two-way ANOVA. Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney U test were used for analysis. It was assumed to be statistically significant when P value is below .05.RESULTSChanges in the number of crowns, bridges, implants, and the remaining natural teeth by age were statistically significant. When we examined the effect of risk factors on the change of variables with age, hypertension was found to affect the number of bridges. Diabetes and smoking were found to affect the number of the remaining natural teeth. The other variables were not statistically significant.CONCLUSIONAging is considered to be an important variable affecting the change of oral environment. Among the risk factors, the presence of smoking habit and diabetes is thought to have a great influence on the change of the number of the remaining natural teeth.

The effect of number of telescopic PEEK crowns on unilateral free-end saddle supporting structures. A strain gauge stress analysis study

The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the strain induced on the last natural abutment and the unilateral free end saddle supporting area in case of using two splinted telescopes VS using single telescope with removable partial dentures. Costruction of two epoxy resin casts was done these casts were of Kennedy class II lower with the last standing tooth is the first premolar, simulation of periodontal ligaments and alveolar mucosa was done with rubber, For the first cast PEEK telescopic crowns were constructed on first premolar only while for the second cast it was done on both canine and first premolar. Then chrome cobalt removable partial dentures were done where the secondary coping are attached to its fitting surface. Using two strain gauges fixed on each cast one on the free end saddle area and the other was distal to the first premolar. Using loading machine and strain meter, load was applied on two sites the second premolar and the first molar .collected data were statistically analyzed .It showed significant difference between the two casts, where micro strains were higher in case of using only one telescope where it was less with two telescope .also micro strains were less on the residual ridge than on the distal side of the first premolar in both casts. In conclusion, different designs of RPDs will have different effects on abutments and residual ridges but many studies suggested using telescopic crowns as an appropriate treatment options for such cases as it ensures maximally favorable masticatory force transmission, which always takes place axial to the abutments. This treatment modality can lead to predictable long-term treatment outcomes. The limitations in this study were that it was carried out in vitro without considering the variation in clinical situations of different patients. Thus future clinical trials should be carried out to confirm any concluded results.

Evaluation of presence of proximal contacts on recently inserted posterior crowns in different health sectors in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia.

Background:For the successful outcome of the rehabilitation of the teeth with crown, the proximal contact points play a significant role hence the aim of the present study was to evaluate the presence of proximal contacts on recently inserted crowns in posterior teeth.Methods and Materials:The cross-sectional study was conducted on recently inserted posterior crowns. Clinical assessment of proximal contact points on crowns was made with dental floss, the floss was wrapped around the index fingers of both hands and was passed through the crowns mesial and distal contact points and was categorized as acceptable, open contact points, and tight contact points.Results:In the present study 401 crowns were examined to assess proximal contacts on 788 proximal surfaces. It was found that 522 (66.2%) crowns were in normal proximal contact, 144 (18.3%) showed open proximal contacts, 122 (15.5%) showed tight proximal contacts.Conclusion:Regarding the assessment of proximal contacts, the study showed that a significant number of crowns had open or tight proximal contacts. Specialists and residents were able to perform better in providing the optimum proximal contacts.

Determining the Yield and Morpho-Physiological Responses of 'Fortuna' Strawberry cv. of Using Different Irrigation Levels with Bio-stimulant Application

In the current study, the response of cv. Fortuna grown under high tunnel conditions to water deficiency and bio-stimulant application were inspected by evaluating the morphological (crown number, whole crown diameter and leaf area) and physiological (stomatal conductance and leaf water potential) parameters along with the yield. The amounts of applied irrigation water were 1.00 (control) and 0.50 times water evaporation from surface measured by a standard Class A pan. In current study, when compare to drought conditions, application of bio-stimulant resulted in the increase of crown number (25%), yield (13%), mean fruit weight (11%), leaf area (9%), stomatal conductance (8%), leaf water potential (6%), whole crown diameter (% 5) and fruit number (3%). Moreover; it could be stated that cv. Fortuna responded to water deficiency, besides stomatal closure, by reduction of leaf area, fruit number, crown number, whole crown diameter, leaf water potential (Lwp), mean fruit weight and yield. When the interactions between bio-stimulant applications and limited-watered conditions (IR50) are examined in terms of their morpho-physiological responses, it has been found there are clearly abundant variation for stomatal conductance (12%), leaf area (4%), Lwp (5%) and mean fruit weight (8%). All these results show that bio-stimulant applications should be combined with optimal irrigation water, besides, obtaining information about plant morpho-physiological responses under drought conditions can contribute to improving of plant adaptations under multiple stress conditions for strawberry.

Influence of fertilization on growth and generative parameters of two short day strawberry cultivars grown in substrate, and evaluation of analysing tools for leaf nitrate and potassium

We examined the influence of fertigation on vegetative and generative parameters of strawberry plants (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) and evaluated rapid analysing tools for N and K in leaf tissue. The experiments were undertaken in an open polytunnel on “table top” with ‘Sonata’ and ‘Korona’ grown in 2-L pots filled with a peat-based soil mixture. The experimental design was a randomized plot with three replications. Plants were fertigated with EC levels of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 mS cm-1, based on two stock solutions of 7.5 kg YaraLiva™ Calcinit and 7.5 kg Kristalon™ Indigo, both dissolved in 100 L of water. Percentage N and K in leaves differed between analysing methods, cultivars, EC and date. We found interactions between the cultivar and EC level and between date and cultivar for N and K in leaf. Analysing NO(3)- by a photometric method (PM) in a lab, and by Laqua twin (LT), showed significant interaction with N% of leaf dry matter (DM) only for LT (r(2)=0.36). N% increased with higher EC level, more for ‘Korona’ than for ‘Sonata’. LT K+ did not correlate with K% (r(2)=0.014). The number of crowns and runners increased for both cultivars up to EC 1.5, while the number of leaves was unaffected. Petioles were the shortest at the lowest EC. Flower initiation was earlier at low EC in both cultivars. In the following spring, the time to flowering and first harvest was reduced with the decreasing EC. The number of flowers per plant increased up to EC 1.5, but dropped strongly at EC 2.0 for ‘Korona’, while ‘Sonata’ had a gradual increase of flowers with the increasing EC, but the number was only a third of ‘Korona’, except at EC 2.0, where the amount was equal for both cultivars. The conclusion can be drawn that LT correlated better than ChlDualex with N in strawberry leaves. However, r2 was only 0.36 indicating that LT NO(3)- is a coarse management tool. LT K+ was not a promising tool for rapid K+ test in these experiments. ‘Korona’ seemed to benefit of higher N levels for both vegetative growth and generative development than ‘Sonata’ up to EC 1.5, but ‘Sonata’ reached a higher floral primordia development stage in early October.

EFFECT OF FOLIAR SPRAY WITH SOME PLANTS EXTRACTS AND DIFFERENT CALCIUM SOURCES ON PRODUCTIVITY AND QUILTY OF STRAWBERRY FRUITS. I. VEGETATIVE GROWTH , PRODUCTIVITY AND FRUIT QUALITY

ABSTRACT: Two pots experiments were conducted in Baramoon Res. Station, Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt during of 2014/2015 and 2015/2016 seasons to study the effect of some exogenous plant extracts and different calcium sources on growth , productivity and fruit quality of strawberry. Three available plants extract namely, green tea, thyme and mushroom at 2 ml /l of each as well as chitosan at 1% and different calcium sources, i.e., calcium chloride (1 %), calcium citrate (2.5 ml/l) and calcium nitrate ( 0.5 ml /l) were evaluated plus control treatment ( spraying with tap water) . The obtained results could be summarized as follows: All treatments of plant extracts, chitosan and different calcium sources had significantly increased vegetative growth, yield and its components and fruits quality of strawberry than control treatment ( sprayed with tap water) in both seasons. Spraying strawberry plants with green tea extract at 2 ml / l gave the maximum values of all vegetative growth parameters, such as plant height, fresh weight/ plant, number of leaves per plant and leaf area, concentrations of chlorophyll a and total chlorophyll in leaf tissues, both number of runners, flowers and crown / plant, crown diameter/plant and total yield/ plant as well as average fruit weight, also the highest fruit quality , i.e., pectin, Vit. C , TSS, total sugars, reducing and nun reducing and lowest values of total acidity, followed by spraying with mushroom extract at 2 ml / l or calcium nitrate at 0.5 ml/l . The increases in total yield/ plant were about 78.94 and 68.48 % for spraying plants with green tea extract and 55.93 and 62.56 % for spraying plants with calcium nitrate over unsprayed plants (control treatment ) in the 1st and 2nd seasons, respectively. Conclusively, from the foregoing results of this study, it could be concluded that, under the same conditions , spraying strawberry plants with plants extracts such as green tea or mushroom extracts at 2 ml / l or calcium nitrate at 0.5 ml/l were the best treatments for increasing growth , yield and gave the best fruits quality .

Stability of Implant-Abutment Connection After Using the Rescue Kit: An In Vitro Study.

To evaluate whether removing a fractured abutment screw with a specific rescue device negatively affects the success of a new restoration in terms of early abutment loosening. Implants (n = 10) with a regular platform of 4.1 mm (tissue level [TL]) and implants (n = 10) with a reduced diameter of 3.3 mm (bone level [BL]) were used. The screws of eight respective abutments for both implant types were artificially weakened in order to fracture during torque application for abutment insertion. The fractured abutment screws were removed applying a specific rescue kit. The implant inner threads were cleaned and remodeled with a system-specific tapper. New abutments were inserted, and computer-aided design/computer-aided manufactured (CAD/CAM) full zirconia crowns were luted. Aging by thermal cycling and mechanical loading was performed with a customized masticator simulator, and the number of crown and/or abutment loosenings was determined. In cases in which no loosening was observed, sawing and grinding were performed to determine the contact zone between the inner implant thread and abutment screw. Data were compared with a control group, eg, unmodified implant-abutment connections. No abutment loosening was observed. All crowns were in function after mastication simulation. The inner thread contact zones of both test groups were generally smaller than in the control group, with a mean contact area of 448.6 μm and 459 μm for BL implants, and 608.8 μm and 620.5 μm for the TL implants in test and control groups, respectively. Removing a fractured abutment screw with a specific rescue device and modifying the inner thread seems not to negatively affect the functional connection between a new abutment and the implant.

Management of Pratylenchus penetrans and Verticilllium symptoms in strawberry

Under field conditions, the effect of a single rotation with corn, cruciferous crops (canola followed by white mustard) as green manure, oats, and forage pearl millet was measured on the density of Pratylenchus penetrans and its impact on damage and losses caused by Verticillium dahliae in a strawberry plantation the following year. The lowest density of P. penetrans was recorded following forage pearl millet and green cruciferous manure, and in both cases, it was below the known pest threshold in strawberry of 500 P. penetrans kg-1 soil. Both green manure of cruciferous plants and forage pearl millet reduced the incidence of Verticillium wilt and increased the growth of strawberry plants. In the fall, the number of crowns and the number of daughter plants were significantly higher following forage pearl millet or cruciferous plants than corn. The highest wilt symptoms and the lowest strawberry growth were observed in plots previously planted with corn, which also harboured the highest spring populations of P. penetrans. Those results support a positive interaction between P. penetrans and V. dahliae, even more importantly so on susceptible cultivard such as ‘Jewell’.

Clopyralid Tolerance in Strawberry and Feasibility of Early Applications in Florida

AbstractBroadleaf species escape current integrated weed management strategies in strawberry [Fragaria×ananassa (Weston) Duchesne ex Rozier (pro sp.) [chiloensis×virginiana]] production. Clopyralid is a registered POST control option, but current application timings provide suppression of only some species. Earlier clopyralid application timings may increase spray coverage to weeds at the planting hole, but strawberry plant tolerance to applications shortly after transplant is unknown. The objectives of the study were to determine the degree of clopyralid tolerance when applied to mature strawberry plants according to current management strategies, whether clopyralid absorption and translocation were involved in the tolerance response demonstrated by mature strawberry plants, and whether clopyralid could be safely applied to immature strawberry plants shortly after transplant. Clopyralid caused no damage when applied to mature strawberry plants and did not affect crop height, number of crowns, flowers, immature berries, or yield. Maximal strawberry absorption of radiolabeled clopyralid was 82% of the recovered radioactivity and reached peak (90%) absorption at 15 h. Maximal total translocation of radioactivity from the treated leaf was 17% and reached peak translocation at 52 h. Translocation was primarily to the new leaves and reproductive structures. In the early-application experiment, damage induced by clopyralid for all application timings reached 0 by 8 wk after treatment. Across all timings, maximal damage at 140 g ha−1was 17% when applied 14 d after transplant (DATr) and 56% at 28 g ha−1when applied at 21 DATr. Clopyralid dose did not affect the number of crowns, aboveground biomass, or yield. There was some stunting in plant height (3%) by the high labeled dose of clopyralid. Labeled dose clopyralid applications appear safe for application timings closer to strawberry transplant, though considerations of leaf cupping should be taken under consideration for label changes.

The Influence of Prosthesis Design on the Outcomes of Tooth Implants Immediately Placed and Loaded by Means of One-Piece Titanium Machined Restoration.

Our purpose was to evaluate the occurrence of complications and the degree of bone loss in a cohort of patients treated with fixed prostheses supported by immediately loaded dental implants. The primary aim was to compare partial versus full-arch fixed dental prostheses. We then tested the effect of sinus lifting. In the present retrospective cohort study, the patients had their implants restored with fixed dental prostheses supported by dental implants positioned in the posterior maxilla and mandible. When necessary, the maxillary sinuses were grafted with particulate autogenous bone. Patients were then ranked according to the following predictors: length of prosthesis, crown-to-implant ratio, number of crowns to number of implants ratio, and presence of sinus lifting. Outcomes were evaluated for up to 2 years regarding the peri-implant marginal bone loss and implant/prosthesis survival rates. Fifty-eight subjects (209 implants) were rehabilitated with 25 fixed full-arch prostheses and 33 partial fixed dental implant bridges (16 supported by implants placed in grafted sinus). The mean marginal bone loss for implants supporting partial fixed dental prostheses amounted to 0.81 mm, whereas that for implants within the group of full-arch fixed dental prostheses was 1.21 mm; the comparison of the levels in the 2 groups showed a significant difference ( P = .0055). A statistically significant difference ( P = .0006) was found between the bone loss around maxillary implants (1.53 mm) and the bone loss around mandibular implants (1.10 mm). Two implants and 4 prostheses failed; 2-year survival rates of partial and of full-arch fixed dental prostheses, respectively, were 94.1% and 96%. Bone loss in full-arch prostheses appeared to be higher than in that of partial prosthesis. Implant-supported prostheses in the maxillae exhibited a bone loss higher than that registered in mandibles.

Efficacy of bio-fertilizers and mulching on growth, yield and quality of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) cv. Chandler

A study was undertaken to examine the efficacy of bio-fertilizers and mulching on growth, yield and quality of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) cv. Chandler during two successive years, i.e. 2012-13 and 2013-14 at Kanpur (Uttar Pradesh), India. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications and ten treatments. One year old runners were used for planting. Significantly increase in plant height (19.20 and 18.70cm), number of leaves (17.15 and 16.75), number of runners (2.28 and 2.17) and number of crowns (2.78 and 2.64) per plant, whereas minimum number of days (66.00 and 65.33 days) to produce first flower, maximum number of flowers (16.18 and 15.87) and fruits set (15.13 and 14.72) per plant during both the years of experimentation was observed with strawberry plants treated with Azotobacter 7 kg/ha+black polythene mulch. Maximum duration ofharvesting (67.85 and 67.00 days) with higher yield (109.12 and 107.00 g/plant) of berries was also recorded with Azotobacter 7 kg/ha+black polythene mulch treated plants in both the years. As far the quality characters of berries are concerned, strawberry plants produced berries of significantly maximum length (2.92 and 2.90 cm), width (1.83 and 1.79 cm), weight (7.15 and 7.11g), volume (4.39 and 4.36 cc), TSS (7.19 and 7.16 0Brix), total sugars (5.63 and 5.60 %) and ascorbic acid (56.13 and 56.00 mg/100g pulp) with minimum acidity (0.250 and 0.249%) when treatedwith Azotobacter 7 kg/ha+black polythene mulch in northern plains of India.

GOFP: A Geometric-Optical Model for Forest Plantations

Geometric-optical (GO) model suitable for forest plantation (GOFP) is a GO model for forest plantations at the stand level developed in this study based on a four-scale GO model a Geometric-Optical Model for Sloping Terrains-II (GOST2), which simulates the bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) for natural forest canopies. In most previous GO models, tree distributions are often assumed to meet the Poisson or Neyman model in a forest; therefore, these models are suitable for simulating BRDF for natural forest canopies. However, in forest plantations, tree distributions are proven to meet the hypergeometric model rather than the Poisson or Neyman model at the stand level. GOFP, in which the tree distributions are described using the hypergeometric model, is proposed to simulate the bidirectional reflectance factor (BRF) of forest plantations at the stand level. The area ratios of the four scene components (sunlit foliage, sunlit ground, shaded foliage, and shaded ground) of GOFP compare well with those simulated by a 3-D canopy visualization technique. A comparison is also made against discrete anisotropic radiative transfer, showing that GOFP has the ability to simulate BRF of forest plantations. Another comparison is made against operational land imager and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer surface reflectance, showing that GOFP with the hypergeometric model outperforms GOST2 with the Poisson and Neyman models. The results further show that the differences in BRFs between GOFP and GOST2 pronouncedly increase with the difference between the reflectance of sunlit foliage ( $R_{T}$ ) and the reflectance of sunlit ground ( $R_{G}$ ), as well as the distances among trees and the number of crowns in a forest plantation, suggesting that GOFP significantly outperforms GOST2 for simulating BRF of forest plantations.

Single rooted Posterior teeth: A rare root dysmorphism – three dimensional diagnosis

Developmental disturbances give rise to various forms of tooth dysmorphisms. It may lead to unusual size, shape, number or structure of tooth crown or roots. We endeavour to report an extremely rare form of Root Dysmorphism which presented with single root and single canal in all posterior teeth, along with a Dilacerated tooth and multiple impacted teeth. Confirmation was done using two dimensional (2D) and three dimensional (3D) reconstruction using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). This case is unique as generalized single rooted teeth with single canals along with Asyndromic multiple impacted teeth have not been reported previously. Keywords: Anomalies, Tooth Root, Cone-Beam Computed Tomography, Computer-Assisted Three-Dimensional Imaging

Yield and fruit quality of strawberry cultivars grown in organic farming in the mid-Adriatic area

Organic fruit and vegetable productions in Marche Region, the main Italian Region of the mid-Adriatic area, are still rising. The interest for the production of organic strawberries is also increasing and brings about the need to identify strawberry cultivars with higher adaptability to open field and protected organic cultivation in this area. With this aim, thanks to a collaboration started between D3A-UNIVPM and the Regional Extension Service Agency (ASSAM), a two years experimental trial was set, comparing sixteen cultivars of strawberries; thirteen of these cultivars were short day cultivars ('Alba', 'Aprica', 'Asia', 'Brilla', 'Clery', 'Cristina', 'Garda', 'Joly', 'Madeleine', 'Premy', 'Romina', 'Sibilla', and 'Syria'), while three were day neutral ('Albion', 'Malga' and 'Monterey'). Among these cultivars, only four were already recommended for strawberry integrated crop production in the Marche Region, while all the other were identified from different national and international programs. The experimental trial, set in 2014, was prepared following a randomized design with three blocks of sixteen plots, of twenty plants each, for both cultivation conditions (open field and protected-Veronese tunnel). At harvest time, data on plant and fruit susceptibility to fungal and pest diseases were detected and vegetative (vigor of the plant, number of crowns), productive (total plant production, total discard for rot and deformed fruit and fruit average weight) and quality (texture, color, content sugars and titratable acidity) parameters were measured. The results showed a significant difference in adaptability, yield and satisfactory quality of some cultivars. Of greatest interest resulted 'Romina', 'Sibilla' and 'Cristina', as short day, and 'Monterey' as day neutral. The 'Veronese tunnel' resulted as a flexible and easy way to manage protected cultivation system that helped to increase yields of different cultivars, highlighting how this technique is essential for the success of strawberry organic production in this area.

Effect of chilling duration on runner production and vegetative growth of ‘Pajaro’ strawberry

The effect of chilling period on runner production and vegetative growth of 'Pajaro' strawberry was studied in a completely randomized design with four treatments. Transplants (mother plants) were placed in a chilled room (1°C) for four different periods (1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks) before planting. The plants were then grown in a suitable condition for producing runners and daughter plants. All the flowers were removed. Number of runners and daughter plants, crown diameter and weight, number of leaves and leaf area from mother and daughter plants were measured. The effect of chilling period on number of runners was not significant. A higher number of leaves and a larger leaf area of daughter plants were measured in plants that received one week chilling. Number of daughter plants was higher in 1 and 2 weeks chilled plants, but the crown diameter was larger in plants received 2 and 3 weeks chilling. Therefore, if a higher number of daughter plants is desired, the chilling duration of mother plants must be reduced to 1 or 2 weeks. However, if bigger daughter plants with a larger crown diameter and weight are desired, the chilling period of mother plants needs to be 2 or 3 weeks. Four weeks chilling period decreased both the crown number and diameter of daughter plants.

Growth of hydroponic lettuce with optimized mineral and organomineral nutrient solutions

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the growth of crisp lettuce in hydroponic cultivation, following the nutrient film technique (NFT), using optimized mineral and organomineral nutrient solutions. The experiment was set in 8 x 3 factorial scheme, with treatments distributed in randomized blocks and split plots, with three replicates. The plots corresponded to eight nutrient solutions, of which four were mineral solutions with chemical composition suggested by Bernardes, Furlani, Castellane &amp; Araújo and Ueda, and four were organomineral solutions, suggested by this research with chemical composition similar to those of the previously mentioned mineral solutions. The subplots corresponded to three varieties of crisp lettuce: Thaís, Vanda and Verônica. At 25 days after transplanting, the following parameters were evaluated: stem and crown diameter, root length, leaf area and number of leaves. For stem and crown diameters and number of leaves, the mineral solutions promoted the highest means. The mineral solution of Furlani and the organomineral solutions, except the modified solution of Castellane &amp; Araújo, promoted the greatest root lengths. The smallest leaf area was obtained in the organomineral solution of Ueda. The cultivar Verônica had the highest root length and stem diameter.

Strawberry Cultivar Evaluation under High-tunnel and Organic Management in North Carolina

High-tunnel strawberry (Fragaria ×ananassa) production for extended seasons has a great economic potential for small farmers. However, information on cultivars that are suitable for high tunnels is rather limited. In this study conducted in the 2014–15 season, strawberry plugs of eight June-bearing cultivars (Florida Radiance, Benicia, Camarosa, Camino Real, Chandler, Strawberry Festival, Sweet Charlie, and Winterstar) and two day-neutral cultivars (San Andreas and Albion) were evaluated for yield performance, fruit quality, and vegetative growth in organically managed high tunnels at two locations in North Carolina. Significant cultivar differences in whole-season yield were observed at Greensboro, NC; but not at Goldsboro, NC. The cultivar Florida Radiance had the highest marketable and total yields, followed by Winterstar and Chandler at Greensboro, whereas Benicia, Winterstar, and Chandler were the top producing cultivars at Goldsboro. Harvest of day-neutral cultivars San Andreas and Albion started in November. For June-bearing cultivars, Florida Radiance began to produce harvestable berries in late December, followed by Winterstar in early January. Peak harvest occurred in April for all cultivars. At the end of the season, ‘Albion’ had smaller canopy size than other cultivars. It also developed the fewest number of branch crowns and least aboveground biomass. Total soluble solid (TSS) content in April was lower than that observed early and late in the season for all cultivars, although Strawberry Festival exhibited a relatively stable TSS throughout the season. ‘Benicia’ produced the largest strawberries in the early season, but its fruit weight was remarkably reduced as the season progressed. Severe frost events occurred on 18 and 20 Feb. that caused an average of 61.5% and 32.2% open blossom damage at Greensboro and Goldsboro, respectively. The recommended cultivars based on this 1-year study are Florida Radiance, Benicia, and Camino Real for June-bearing cultivars, and Albion and San Andreas for day-neutral cultivars.