Upright Growth Habit Research Articles

Agronomic evaluation of 15 warm season grasses grown in temporarily waterlogged soils in Northeastern Argentina

Soils with temporarily waterlogged conditions are common in Northeastern Argentina. Fifteen accessions and hybrids of cultivated and native warm season grasses (Acroceras macrum, Urochloa species, Hemarthria altissima and Paspalum species) were planted in Basail, Chaco, in a completely randomized block design in November 2019. Initial, autumn and spring forage yield were measured in February 2020, July 2021 and December 2021, respectively. Plant height and plant diameter were evaluated in February 2020. Cold tolerance was estimated after the first frost in July 2021. Initial forage yield was between 29 and 181 g/plant. Urochloa mutica exhibited the greatest initial forage yield. Autumn and spring forage yield varied from 306 to 2,183 g/m2 and from 153 to 710 g/m2, respectively. U. mutica showed the highest autumn forage yield, however, it was the most damaged by cold weather. H. altissima hybrids were the most productive during spring and were cold tolerant. There were differences in plant height (7.5–49 cm) and plant diameter (68–268 cm) among the grasses. Grasses with prostrate, intermediate and upright growth habits were identified. Results indicate all grasses tested were adapted to humid Northeastern Argentina and varied in their morphological and agronomic traits.

Miscanthus sinensis 'Variegatus' Variegated Japanese Silver Grass

This document provides an overview of Miscanthus sinensis ‘Variegatus’, commonly known as variegated Japanese silver grass or maiden grass. It describes the plant’s distinctive features, including its variegated leaves, pink flowers, and upright growth habit. The document highlights its uses in landscaping, such as mass planting, borders, and as an accent plant. It also covers the plant’s adaptability to various soil types, its moderate drought tolerance, and its invasive potential. Additionally, it mentions other cultivars of Miscanthus sinensis and provides guidance on planting and maintenance. Original publication date October 1999.

Evaluation of Turfgrasses for Qualitative and Quantitative Traits in Varanasi Region of India

The present experiment was conducted at Horticulture Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi. This study was carried out to evaluate performance of eleven turfgrass genotypes for qualitative traits, quantitative traits and their genetic variability under same climatic condition. The experimental design was a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. Eleven genotypes consist of Bermuda grass, Centipede grass, Panama grass, Bargusto grass, Tiftdwarf 419 grass, Local grass, Palma grass, Bahia grass, Manila grass, Crow Foot grass and Tanu Variant grass. These were assessed for their suitability to be used as turfgrass under Varanasi region. All the grasses exhibited semi prostrate growth habit except local grass having upright growth habit. Panama and Local grass showed fine leaf texture whereas, Manila grass exhibited coarse texture. Dark green colour was observed in Local, Crow Foot and Panama grass whereas, Centipede grass showed light green colour. Local grass exhibited maximum canopy height, leaf length, leaf width, chlorophyll content, stolen internode diameter, culm length, shoot length and shoot diameter. The maximum genotypic (187.22) and phenotypic variance (197.80) was observed for parameters like fresh weight. Canopy height showed maximum phenotypic coefficient of variation (47.04) and genotypic coefficient of variation (46.16) over all the parameters. Genetic advance maximum (27.49) for parameter fresh weight and genetic advance as a percentage of mean was maximum also for fresh weight (93.30). The maximum heritability at broad sense was observed for the parameter dry weight (98.25).

First Steps towards Pre-Breeding of Sideritis scardica: A Phenotypic, Agronomic, and Phytochemical Profiling Approach

Sideritis scardica (S. scardica) Griseb., also known as mountain tea, is an important medicinal and aromatic plant species. Due to the high cross-pollination ability of the species, diverse genotypes and phenotypes occur naturally. Considering that superior uniform genotypes are necessary for highly qualitative and sustainable production, this study aimed to conduct a pre-breeding evaluation of three clones (SID1, SID2, and SID3) originating from a selected S. scardica population growing in Greece. According to a phenotypic and agronomic evaluation, SID2 seemed to be superior among the three clones, expressing a good profile with desirable traits (i.e., desired inflorescence length and leaf surface, high length of stems, and high fresh and dry plant biomass). Furthermore, SID3 presented some remarkable measurements regarding morphological (upright growth habit) and agronomic (high number of stems and plant dry weight, desired plant surface) traits. The phytochemical profile of the three clones was assessed with regard to their volatile and polyphenolic compounds. Forty-four constituents were identified in S. scardica essential oil, including hydrocarbon monoterpenes, sesquiterpenoids, oxygenated monoterpenes, and other groups (monoterpene ketones, saturated fatty alcohols, benzoic esters). Liquid chromatographic analysis revealed SID2 as the clone most abundant in the major polyphenolic metabolites: verbascoside (2234.3 mg 100 g−1), isoscutellarein-7-O [6″-O-acetyl]-allosyl(1 → 2) glucoside (1456.5 mg 100 g−1), and 4-methyl hypolaetin-7-O [6″-O-acetyl]-allosyl(1 → 2) glucoside (861.8 mg 100 g−1). The results indicate the ability to combine morphological, agronomic, and phytochemical traits, in order to identify superior S. scardica genotypes for further evaluation and utilization in breeding programs, aiming to create cultivars or varieties for farming purposes with desired performance and high quantitative and qualitative yields.

Seed treatment with Stimulate® improves the initial development of peanut plants

Seed treatment with biostimulants may be an option to improve the emergence and initial growth of peanut plants. A pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of using doses of Stimulate® in seed treatment on the initial growth of plants of two peanut cultivars grown in a sandy Cerrado soil. The treatments were arranged in a randomized block design in a 2 × 4 factorial scheme: two peanut cultivars [IAC Tatu ST (upright growth habit) and Runner IAC 886 (prostrate growth habit)] and four doses of Stimulate® (0; 10; 20; and 30 mL kg-1 of seeds) applied to seed treatment, with three replications. At 21 days after sowing, plant height (PH), main stem diameter (SD), number of lateral branches (NLB), and main root length (RL) were evaluated. Our results showed that peanut cultivars with different growth habits (erect and prostrate) have different responses to the application of Stimulate® doses on plant development, with the IAC Tatu ST cultivar being more responsive to the application of biostimulant. The application of 25 to 30 mL kg–1 of Stimulate® via seed treatment improved initial development of peanut plants grown in sandy soil of the Cerrado Sul-Mato-Grossense under controlled greenhouse conditions.

Evaluation of Recently Released Andean Bean Varieties with the Participation of Farmers in Mid-Altitude Region of Gedeb Zuria, Gedo Zone

During the 2012 mehere season, a study was conducted in the income Gedeb Wereda of the Gedio zone in Ethiopia to evaluate farmers' selection criteria for beans and the performance of newly released Andean common bean varieties. The study utilised participatory variety selection (PVS) trials. The findings revealed that qualitative features were given more importance by farmers compared to quantitative traits. Among the different genotypes tested, Gegeba and Ibado emerged as the top two varieties. Farmers considered five qualitative characteristics as superior to production: seed size, marketability, maturity duration, pest and disease resistance, the ability to tolerate cool temperatures, and seed color. Gegeba, with its large, red-speckled seeds, high market demand, upright growth habit, early maturity (90 days), and reasonably high yield (>2 tonnes ha-1), was the preferred choice for almost all farmers. The study suggests that future bean development efforts should focus on promoting the selected varieties and developing new ones that align with farmers' preferences, particularly in terms of adaptation to the mid-highlands, suitability for domestic consumption, local markets, and export markets.

Impact of applying the biostimulant Seed+ on initial growth of peanut cultivars

The use of biostimulants in agriculture has been shown to be suitable for stimulating the initial development of several crops; however, reports on its impact on peanut cultivation are scarce. A study was conducted to investigate the effect of application doses of the biostimulant Seed+ on the initial development of two peanut cultivars under controlled greenhouse conditions. The experiment followed a randomized block design in a 2 × 4 factorial scheme: two peanut cultivars [IAC Tatu ST (upright growth habit) and Runner IAC 886 (prostrate growth habit)] and four doses of the biostimulant Seed+ (0, 3, 6 and 9 mL kg–1 of seeds) applied in the seed treatment, with three replications. At 21 days after sowing, plant height (PH), main stem diameter (SD), number of lateral branches (NLB), and main root length (RL) were measured. Our results showed that the use of two improved contrasting cultivars with an erect and prostrate growth habit showed that peanut cultivars have different responses to the doses of biostimulant applied, with crop development, especially for the IAC Tatu ST cultivar. The application of 9 mL kg-1 of the biostimulant Seed+ in seed treatment can be an efficient alternative to stimulate the initial development of peanut cultivars grown in sandy soil of the Cerrado Sul-Mato-Grossense under controlled greenhouse conditions. However, these beneficial effects must be confirmed in experimental trials under field conditions

Morphological characteristics and variability of traditional starch forming coix (Coix lacryma-jobi var. ma-yuen) populations from Mindanao Island, Philippines

Abstract. Bon SG, Antesco GP, Enicola EE. 2023. Morphological characteristics and variability of traditional starch forming coix (Coix lacryma-jobi var. ma-yuen populations from Mindanao Island, Philippines. Biodiversitas 24: 4382-4391. Adlay (Coix lacryma-jobi var. ma-yuen (Rom.Caill.) Stapf) is an underutilized crop in the Philippines with high potential. Characterization and elucidation of the available variability among the local adlay populations are essential information for its improvement and better utilization. The study aimed to characterize the qualitative morphological traits of 34 traditional adlay populations from Mindanao Provinces and assess diversity by the Shannon Index and similarity by multivariate clustering. Results showed that all populations shared the same morphotypes in five descriptors but were variable for the rest. Six populations showed intense leaf anthocyanin coloration, and 23 expressed upright growth habits. Three types of leaf blade colors were observed, while the intensity of anthocyanin coloration of culms was expressed in four types. Most populations had semi-pubescent or highly pubescent leaves, generally intermediate leaf orientation and non-glaucous leaves. Immature grains were generally light green but expressed four color types at maturity, mostly circular with furrows on the surface. Diversity Indices (H') ranged from low to high. Leaf blade pubescence, anthocyanin coloration of culm, and mature grain color had high H' values. Cluster analysis showed that the variability was narrow, where overall clustering achieved 0.50 similarity. At 0.65 similarity, three groups can be derived with three populations as outliers. Clustering can be attributed to the differences in seedling color, anthocyanin coloration, plant growth habit, immature grain color, mature grain color, and shape. The study established the morphological description of the qualitative traits of traditional Philippine adlay and assessed diversity to be generally intermediate, where populations can be clustered into subgroups according to the degree of morphotype similarities. Clustering, however, was not related to provenances. It is recommended to conduct further geographic germplasm sampling, marker-based characterization, and agronomic evaluation to dissect further the genetic diversity and crop potential of the local adlay populations.

Plant Type and Antidesiccants Influence Longevity of Cut Pepper Stems for Floriculture Applications

In the floriculture trade, cut pepper (Capsicum annuum) stems are typically grown for their fruit to add color contrast to the foliage and blossoms of conventional floral arrangements. Stems are commonly stripped of foliage because leaves wilt rapidly. Three divergent plant types and commercial hydration protection spray products were evaluated to identify effective vase life treatments and new pepper lines that combine both fruit and foliar interest with an acceptable postharvest cut stem life. Three inbred US Department of Agriculture pepper breeding lines with a tall vigorous growth habit and black foliage were selected for evaluation as cut stems. Line 190-2 produced upright, tabasco-like fruit; 191-1 produced upright, clustered, round fruit; and 196-1 was fruitless. Three commercial spray treatments Crowning Glory (FLCG), Finishing Touch, and Aqua Finish Clear (AFC) were evaluated on treated cut stems stored at 10 and 23 °C. The pepper breeding line had the greatest influence on cut stem foliage and fruit vase life. The fruitless line, 196-1 exhibited an extended vase life in comparison with fruited lines. Cold storage extended the vase life of cut stems. FLCG reduced foliage vase life at 23 °C, and AFC extended foliage vase life of the fruitless line 196-1. Relative to foliage, fruit exhibited greater resistance to desiccation, with glossier fruit of 191-1 desiccating more rapidly than fruit of 190-2. Similar trends were noted when cut stems were stored at 10 °C for 7 days and moved to 23 °C. However, in 2022 trials, the vase life of 190-2 was shortened, and those of 191-1 and 196-1 were extended, highlighting the influence of preharvest factors on vase life. The results demonstrate that cut stems of new pepper lines with vigorous upright growth habits and black-pigmented foliage, together with diverse fruit morphology, provide innovative possibilities for stunning cut flower arrangements.

The MicroRNA397a-LACCASE17 module regulates lignin biosynthesis in Medicago ruthenica (L.).

Mechanical strength is essential for the upright growth habit, which is one of the most important characteristics of terrestrial plants. Lignin, a phenylpropanoid-derived polymer mainly present in secondary cell walls plays critical role in providing mechanical support. Here, we report that the prostrate-stem cultivar of the legume forage Medicago ruthenica cultivar 'Mengnong No. 1' shows compromised mechanical strength compared with the erect-stem cultivar 'Zhilixing'. The erect-stem cultivar, 'Zhilixing' has significantly higher lignin content, leading to higher mechanical strength than the prostrate-stem cultivar. The low abundance of miRNA397a in the Zhiixing cultivar causes reduced cleavage of MrLAC17 transcript, which results in enhanced expression level of MrLAC17 compared to that in the prostrate-stem cultivar Mengnong No. 1. Complementation of the Arabidopsis lac4 lac17 double mutants with MrLAC17 restored the lignin content to wild-type levels, confirming that MrLAC17 perform an exchangeable role with Arabidopsis laccases. LAC17-mediated lignin polymerization is therefore increased in the 'Zhilixing', causing the erect stem phenotype. Our data reveal the importance of the miR397a in the lignin biosynthesis and suggest a strategy for molecular breeding targeting plant architecture in legume forage.

Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Chionanthus virginicus

The genus Chionanthus, known as fringetrees, is a member of the olive family (Oleaceae). Chionanthus virginicus is an understory tree or shrub with a wide range in forests of the eastern United States and is used as an ornamental tree that is known to be free of insects and disease in the wild. The species is tolerant of a wide range of environmental conditions, and there is interest in developing new cultivars with improved horticultural traits, such as tree form or upright growth habit and superior flowering display that are widely adapted. To identify genepools in the native range of C. virginicus for use in breeding programs, the genetic diversity and population structure were assessed for 274 individuals from 12 locations in four states (Florida, Maryland, North Carolina, and Texas) using 26 simple sequence repeats (SSRs). An average of 12.54 alleles/locus were detected, allelic richness averaged 2.80. Genetic differentiation was 0.11, indicating moderate differentiation among subpopulations. Despite the high genetic diversity and low population differentiation, Bayesian clustering analysis identified six genetic groups that match the geographic distribution of collection sites. Analysis of molecular variance indicated that most (82%) of the variation is explained within individuals, and 11% and 7% of the variation is due to differences among individuals within populations and among populations. Analysis of isolation by distance across all samples showed a weak positive relationship between geographic distance and genetic distance. The C. virginicus samples analyzed in this study indicate there is sufficient diversity for germplasm collection for use in breeding programs. Given the relatively moderate genetic differentiation, there are not likely to be unique islands of genetic diversity that may be missed when gathering parental materials for a breeding program

Two New High Essential Oil and Carvacrol Yielding Oregano (Origanum vulgare) Cultivars Pierre and Eli

Two new clonal oregano cultivars Origanum vulgare cv. Pierre and cv. Eli have been developed through multiyear and multisite evaluations, and have been approved by Rutgers University for commercial and public release. Each of these new cultivars have significantly greater essential oil and 2-methyl-5-propan-2-ylphenol (carvacrol) yields than the currently offered commercial alternatives. These two new cultivars were developed to provide good field performance, upright growth habit, to accumulate high essential oils yields and serve as rich sources of carvacrol. The cultivars were designed to supplement the flavor, food, fragrance, nutraceutical, cosmetic and animal and poultry industries. These two

Dynamics of Macronutrient Uptake and Removal by Modern Peanut Cultivars

The productive potential of new peanut cultivars has increased over the years in relation to old cultivars, especially when compared with ones with upright growth habit. Thus, the requirement for macronutrients for these new cultivars may also have increased, making the existing fertilizer recommendation tables obsolete, thus increasing the need for further studies measuring the real macronutrient requirements of these new peanut cultivars. Our study aimed to evaluate the growth patterns and the macronutrient absorption rate throughout the biological cycle of three modern runner peanut cultivars, as well as the potential for producing dry matter, pods, and kernels, and their respective macronutrient accumulations. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with split-plots and nine replications. The experimental plots consisted of three peanut cultivars (IAC Runner 886, IAC 505, and IAC OL3), and subplots consisted of nine plant samplings (14, 28, 42, 56, 70, 84, 105, 126, and 147 days after emergence (DAE)). Our results showed that modern peanut cultivars presented nutrient accumulation around 30 to 40 days earlier than older cultivars, as well as increasing the uptake by K and Ca. IAC 505 absorbed higher amounts of macronutrients and resulted in greater dry matter production compared with IAC OL3 and IAC Runner 886. Our study demonstrated that the most appropriate time for plants to find greater availability of nutrients in the soil is 70 to 84 DAE, in addition to highlighting the need for updates on nutritional recommendations for higher yields of modern peanut cultivars.

Initial performance of ‘Gem’ avocado trees in the Central-Western region of São Paulo State

The introduction of new avocado cultivars into producing countries of the Southern Hemisphere may extend the offer period of fresh fruit for export. The ‘Gem’ (‘3-29-5’) avocado is known for extending the marketing period of ‘Hass’-like avocados. This study aimed to evaluate the horticultural performance of ‘Gem’ avocado trees between the 4th and 6th years after planting (2016-2018), in a commercial orchard in the Central-Western region of the State of São Paulo, Brazil. ‘Gem’ avocado trees grafted onto seedling rootstocks were evaluated regarding tree size, shoot growth, flowering, and fruit yield, quality and maturation. In the evaluated biennium, the trees showed a strong upright growth habit and compact tree size. Flowering occurred mainly in indeterminate inflorescences. Fruit yield varied between 106.89 to 116.89 kg tree-1, and 75-91% of the fruit classified within size counts 12 (306 to 365 g/fruit) to 18 (211 to 235 g/fruit), and reached physiological maturity in late June, but could be picked until October, i.e, four to eight months later than ‘Hass’. ‘Gem’ is a new alternative for extending fruit offer of late-maturity avocado cultivars and allowing higher profit to the farmers.

Dissecting genetic diversity and genomic background of Petunia cultivars with contrasting growth habits

The cultivated petunia (Petunia ×hybrida) is derived from the progenitor species P. axillaris and P. integrifolia. The hybridization dates back only to the 1830s, though intensive breeding efforts have yielded cultivars exhibiting incredible diversity for many traits, including growth habit, flower color, and flower size. Until now, little is known about the genetic diversity and genomic background of modern cultivars. Here we selected a panel of 13 cultivars with contrasting growth habits and three wild species (the progenitors and P. exserta) to estimate the genomic contribution from the ancestral species and to study whether the variation of the genetic origin could be associated with different breeding programs or morphological variability. Transcriptome sequencing identified 1,164,566 SNPs representing 98.4% (32,451) of the transcripts that cover 99.2% (of 52,697,361 bp) of the P. axillaris transcriptome. Cultivars with an upright growth habit had more homozygous alleles and more P. axillaris-derived alleles than trailing cultivars, while mounded cultivars had intermediate heterozygosity. Unlike previous studies, we found the proportions of alleles derived from each progenitor species varied across cultivars but overall were not biased toward one progenitor species, suggesting diverse selection during cultivar development. For trailing cultivars, alleles potentially introgressed from other wild species (“out” alleles) were enriched. The “out” alleles were clustered in particular regions of chromosomes, suggesting that these regions may be hotspots of introgression. Transcripts in these regions were enriched with gene ontology terms associated with growth habit. This study provides novel insight into the contributions of progenitor species to the genomic background of modern petunia cultivars and identifies genome regions that may harbor genes conferring the trailing growth habit for further exploration.

Registration of soybean cultivar ‘TN15‐5007’ with high meal protein

AbstractSoybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] cultivar ‘TN15‐5007’ (Reg. no. CV‐535, PI 692131) is a conventional (non‐genetically modified) cultivar released by the Tennessee Agricultural Experiment Station in 2019 on the basis of high seed yield in Tennessee, the Mid‐South, and southeastern regions of the United States. It was developed to create a high‐yielding cultivar with high meal protein. TN15‐5007 was developed from 1 of 3,500 single plants. Progeny rows were selected using breeder's phenotypic score, which includes adapted maturity, lodging resistance, disease resistance, and pod density. TN15‐5007 was a selected line and was entered in yield tests in 2015–2018. TN15‐5007 has white flowers and gray pubescence. The plants have an upright growth habit with good resistance to lodging. The pods have a tan pod coat, and the seeds are yellow. The 100‐seed weight is approximately 12.7 g, which was equal to that of ‘Ellis’ in the 2018 USDA Uniform Test. In that test, TN15‐5007 matured 2 d earlier than Ellis, the same as ‘AG 46X7’, 1 d earlier than ‘AG 4835’, and 1 d later than ‘AG 4632’, indicating that the relative maturity of TN15‐5007 is approximately 4.7, which is highly desirable for producers in Tennessee and the Mid‐South region. TN15‐5007 is resistant to the disease stem canker. It produced 436 g kg−1 protein and 213 g kg−1 oil on a dry weight basis and produced a very high 505 g kg−1 meal protein in the 2018 Southern Uniform Test.

SCS124 Sardo: Brazilian rice cultivar with excellent milling quality

Abstract SCS124 Sardo is a medium-maturing cultivar with an upright growth habit; intermediate lodging tolerance; moderate blast resistance; high grain yield potential; and long, thin grains with excellent cooking and sensory quality, especially for white milled rice. It is suitable for parboiling and recommended for all regions of the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil.

Effects of a Potato Spindle Tuber Viroid Tomato Strain on the Symptoms, Biomass, and Yields of Classical Indicator and Currently Grown Potato and Tomato Cultivars.

The Chittering strain of potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd) infects solanaceous crops and wild plants in the subtropical Gascoyne Horticultural District of Western Australia. Classical PSTVd indicator hosts tomato cultivar Rutgers (R) and potato cultivar Russet Burbank (RB) and currently widely grown tomato cultivars Petula (P) and Swanson (S) and potato cultivars Nadine (N) and Atlantic (A) were inoculated with this strain to study its pathogenicity, quantify fruit or tuber yield losses, and establish whether tomato strains might threaten potato production. In potato foliage, infection caused spindly stems, an upright growth habit, leaves with ruffled margins and reduced size, and upward rolling and twisting of terminal leaflets (RB, A, and N); axillary shoot proliferation (A); severe plant stunting (N and RB); and necrotic spotting of petioles and stems (RB). Tubers from infected plants were tiny (N) or small and "spindle shaped" with (A) or without (RB) cracking. Potato foliage dry weight biomass was decreased by 30 to 44% in A and RB and 37% in N, whereas tuber yield was diminished by 50 to 89% in A, 69 to 71% in RB, and 90% in N. In tomato foliage, infection caused epinasty and rugosity in apical leaves, leaf chlorosis, and plant stunting (S, P, and N); cupped leaves (S and P); and reduced leaf size, flower abortion, and necrosis of midribs, petioles, and stems (R). Mean tomato fruit size was greatly decreased in all three cultivars. Tomato foliage dry weight biomass was diminished by 40 to 53% (P), 42% (S), and 37 to 51% (R). Tomato fruit yield was decreased by 60 to 76% (P), 52% (S), and 64 to 89% (R), respectively. Thus, the tomato strain studied was highly pathogenic to classical indicator and representative current tomato and potato cultivars, causing major losses in fruit and tuber yields. Tomato PSTVd strains, therefore, pose a threat to tomato and potato industries worldwide.

Influence of irrigation and plant canopy architecture on white mould disease of dry bean

White mould caused by the fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary is a major constraint to irrigated dry bean production in southern Alberta. Irrigation, coupled with dry bean canopy architecture, may influence white mould by creating conducive environmental conditions. Field experiments were conducted from 2015 to 2017 at Lethbridge to determine the effect of three irrigation levels and five dry bean genotypes with different canopy architectures on white mould. Sensors and data loggers were established to monitor micro-climate data including soil moisture within the top 5 cm, leaf wetness, and soil temperature under the canopy. Canopy porosity, lodging, flower infection, and white mould disease severity were also measured. Higher moisture within the top 5 cm of the soil, lower soil temperature, elevated leaf wetness, and higher white mould incidence were observed in high irrigation plots compared with medium and low irrigation plots. Cultivars varied for leaf wetness, porosity, and lodging. Although a significant interaction between irrigation and cultivar was detected, irrigation levels did not affect disease severity significantly. Lower disease severity and incidence were recorded in AAC Burdett and Island. These cultivars have an upright growth habit, high canopy porosity, and lodging resistance, and therefore, exhibited partial field resistance (avoidance) to white mould. Mean yield across all cultivars was not affected by irrigation; however, the highest yield occurred in the medium irrigation plots. A reduced level of irrigation and development of cultivars with both avoidance and partial physiological resistance may reduce white mould severity and incidence in dry bean fields in Alberta.

New hazelnut cultivars from Oregon State University

The hazelnut breeding program at Oregon State University (OSU) is developing new cultivars with high nut yield, few defects, and good kernel quality. Every year, approximately 4500 seedlings are planted and evaluated for seven years. The very best of these seedlings are put through a second period of testing in replicated yield trials to determine their potential as cultivars. The fungal disease eastern filbert blight (EFB) is now widespread in the Willamette Valley, so current trials include only EFB-resistant selections. In this paper, we summarize data for three recent releases. ‘York’ (OSU 878.048) is a widely compatible mid-season pollinizer with nuts and kernels that blend well with other recent OSU releases. ‘Wepster’ (OSU 894.030) and ‘McDonald’ (OSU 880.027) were released as main crop cultivars. Trees of ‘Wepster’, ‘McDonald’, and ‘York’ have rounded, moderately upright growth habits, and mature nuts 7-14 days before ‘Barcelona’. ‘Wepster’ nuts and kernels are small, similar in size to ‘Yamhill’, and have very few defects. The percent kernel of ‘Wepster’ is only 44% on average, but total nut yields are very high. ‘McDonald’ nuts are medium to small in size and are suitable for the kernel market. Nuts and kernels of ‘York’ are of good quality, but trees yield less than what is desirable for a main cultivar. ‘York’ has incompatibility alleles S(2) and S(21), but only the uncommon S(21) is expressed in the pollen. It is an excellent mid-season pollinizer, producing large quantities of highly viable pollen over a period of several weeks, and is compatible on most other genotypes. ‘Wepster’, ‘McDonald’ and ‘York’ are fully cross-compatible and are recommended to be planted together. All three are protected with US Plant Patents.