NE164: Decision Support for Design and Control of Plant Growth Systems

(Multistate Research Project)

Status: Inactive/Terminating

Project Menu

SAES-422 Reports

Annual/Termination Reports:

[03/31/2002] [03/01/2003] [06/13/2003]

Date of Annual Report: 03/31/2002

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 03/08/2002 - 03/09/2002
Period the Report Covers: 01/01/2001 - 12/01/2001

Participants

Fretz, Thomas (tf43@umail.umd.edu) - University of Maryland College Park;
Cuello,Joel. Giacomelli, Gene. Kania, Stephen. Kubota, Chieri. Suarez, Armando - University of Arizona;
Gent, Martin - Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station;
McAvoy, Richard - University of Connecticut;
Duncan, George. Geneve, Bob - University of Kentucky;
Heins, Royal. Runnkle, Eric - Michigan State University;
Both, A.J. Brumfield, Robin - Rutgers University;
Albright, Lou - Cornell University;
Brugger, Mike. Hansen, Robert - The Ohio State University;

Brief Summary of Minutes

Minutes Attachment:

Attachment

Accomplishments

NE-164: Decision/Support for Design and Control of Plant Growth Systems Summary of Project 2001 Objective 1: Integrate environmentally acceptable and economically-profitable management models into crop growth control and profitability 1 a. Develop decision/support tools based on plant growth and development models to enhance crop growth control and profitability Two closed, contrasting, watering systems are being studied and contrasted: an ebb and flood floor system at Rutgers University and a deep trough hydroponic system at Cornell University. The Rutgers irrigation system was installed in an open/roof greenhouse in preparation for operation of the greenhouse during the coming year. The system is closed, with make-up water added as needed and nutrients then added as needed by fertilizer injectors. The system will be operated during the coming year and its characteristics quantified. Monitoring the fertilizer addition rates can, ultimately, be used to develop nutrient uptake models that can lead to more effective addition of fertilizer at lower cost. The Cornell system was developed and is being operated to confirm and expand (or tune) models of plant growth and transpiration using lettuce in deep troughs. Additionally, a neural network model is being completed that is proposed to be the first step of a fault detection procedure that can be implemented to detect anomalous behavior of the components of plant production systems by monitoring and predicting transpiration, EC and pH, and comparing predictions to measured values. Such a fault detection method can identify problems in their initial stages (typically within 20 minutes) , when time will still permit remedial actions to limit crop damage and production loss. Ohio State University (through OARDC, the Wooster campus) has developed a decision support program for hydroponic tomato production. The decision support algorithm is based on thirteen growth functions and is available as an interactive computer program through the OARDC web site. The site is actively used by commercial hydroponic tomato growers. Two doctoral theses at Rutgers University have provided computer models to advance the development of management models for plant production systems. One doctoral thesis developed a computerized algorithm to simulate and compensate for effects of environmental perturbations on production and scheduling of hydroponically grown wheat, soybean and white potato in controlled environments. A second doctoral thesis provides mathematical computer modeling tools capable of implementation for system level analysis. The focus was application to advanced life support systems such as the International Space Station, but the approach was object oriented and the computer model provides modules that could be applied to commercial plant production as well. Precision microirrigation studies continue at Ohio State University. Measured and modeled evapotranspiration comparisons are being accumulated with the goal of modeling ET as a method to control irrigation of nursery plants individually and avoid excessive irrigation and nutrient loss to the environment. Ohio State University continues to develop IPM tools to reduce pest pressure and pesticide use through greenhouse environmental control. A series of fact sheets has been published. lb. Develop an integrated information data base on CEA plant growth systems to facilitate analysis and produce a decision-support tool. Two stations are exploring plant lighting topics, one aspect is light integral control and the other is spectral quality of supplemental light. Cornell University continues to develop and test a total daily PAR integral control method and is testing it in a prototype commercial lettuce production greenhouse. Control appears to be generally within one mol/m2 of daily PAR integral, or within 8%, with most days much better than this. Michigan State University is exploring the effects of spectral quality on plant growth and morphology. A wide variety of crops is being tested. Each aspect is important for developing decision support tools related to plant lighting for the control total growth and plant quality, and timing of development. Cornell University conducted an industry survey and several focus group discussions to review industry experiences, assess major management concerns with adopting sub irrigation systems, and establish benchmarks to estimate cost in capital investment analyses related to four alternative zero runoff systems (ebb and flow benches, Dutch movable trays, flooded floors, and trough benches). The survey showed growers adopt zero-runoff technologies to improve product quality and production efficiency, not to prepare for impending environmental regulations. Objective 2: Enhance commercial greenhouse design, water management, and environmental systems for cool and cloudy climates 2a. Develop design and control recommendations for naturally ventilated greenhouses An open-roof greenhouse at Rutgers University is being modified with new sidewall panels and two motorized side vents to allow for ventilation during times of high winds and rainy weather. Construction of the greenhouse continues with floor heat and a gasfired boiler system to be installed. Open roof greenhouses are increasingly popular with commercial growers, and the Rutgers system will provide a working system to develop design and operating guidelines suitable to cool, rainy climates, but with hot summers, such as characterize the Northeast. Researchers at Ohio State University continue to develop methods to quantify air flow rates and patterns in naturally-ventilated greenhouses using the computational fluid dynamics computer model, FLUENT. More effective placements of side and roof vents have been identified, with the resulting natural (wind-induced) ventilation rates being comparable or better than the rates provided by fan ventilation systems. Interactions between researchers at Ohio State and Cornell continue related to systematic evaluations of FLUENT results as derived from modeling wind ventilation of greenhouses. Use of insect screens is not practical with naturally-ventilated greenhouses. Moreover, the typical negative pressure system used for fan-ventilated greenhouses draws insects through every inadvertent opening, providing short-circuit paths for air around screens. Rutgers University is completing a study of a positive-pressure system that can be an alternative to other ventilation systems, both mechanical and natural. 2b. Enhance technology transfer and research in supplemental lighting See section lb above for related supplemental lighting research. Michigan State University continues to explore environmental conditions and plant responses under near-infra red reflecting greenhouse films used as shade curtains. Recently available films show a good ability to reflect near IR to save energy, with minimal PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation) reduction. A collaborative project between Rutgers University and the University of New Hampshire, with a commercial collaborator in New Jersey, was initiated to study and quantify the economic feasibility of supplemental lighting for commercial plug production. The study continues. 2c. Improve greenhouse wastewater treatment through use of constructed wetlands or phytoremediation No activities to report during the current year of effort. Publications: Publications for the year 2001 report are provided in the individual station reports that accompany this summary report. It should be noted that three new fact sheets were developed as a collaborative effort between Rutgers University and The Pennsylvania State University. Evaluating mechanical ventilation systems for commercial plant production facilities Instruments for measuring the aerial environment in commercial plant production facilities Evaluating indoor aerial environments in commercial plant production facilities

Publications

Fleisher, D.H. (Advisor: Ting, K.C.) 2001. Crop modeling for multiple crop production and control for advanced life support systems. Ph.D. Dissertation, Rutgers University. Hsiang, H. (Advisor: Ting, K.C.) 2001. Top-level modeling of a food processing and nutrition (FPN) component ofan advanced life support system (ALSS). M.S. Thesis, Rutgers University. Lee, In-Bok, T.H. Short, S. Sase, and S. Lee. 2001. Evaluation of computational fluid dynamics for analysis of aerodynamics in naturally ventilated multi-span greenhouses. Journal ofAgricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Korea 1(2): 73-80. Lee, In-Bok and T.H. Short 2001. Verification of computational fluid dynamic temperature simulations in a full-scale naturally ventilated greenhouse. Transactions oftheASAE44(1): 119-127. Kacira, M. and P.P. Ling. 2001. Design and development of an automated and non-contact sensing system for continuous monitoring of plant health and growth. Transactions of the ASAE 44(4): 989-996. Kirnak, H. and T.H. Short. 2001. An evapotranspiration model for nursery plants grown in a lysimeter under field conditions. Turkish Journal, for Agriculture and Forestry 25(1): 57-63. Kim, Y. and P.P. Ling. 2001. Machine visions guided sensor positioning system for leaf temperature assessment. Transactions of the A SAE 44(6): 1941-I 947. Gent, M.P.N. 2001. Effect of nitrogen and potassium supply on yield and tissue composition of greenhouse tomato. Submitted to Acta Horticulturae. Gent, M.P.N. 2001. Seasonal changes of water and nutrient use in greenhouse tomato. Proceedings New England Vegetable and Berry Conference, Sturbridge, MA p 196-197. Albright, LD., R.S. Gates, K.G. Arvanitis and A. Drysdale. 2001. Environmental control for plants on Earth and in space. IEEE Control Systems Magazine. 21(5):28-47. Both, A.J., D.E. Ciolkosz and L.D. Albright. 2002. Light uniformity underneath supplemental lighting systems. Acta Horticulrurae (in press). Ciolkosz, D.E., A. J. Both, and L. D. Albright. 2002. Selection and placement of greenhouse luminaires for uniformity. Applied Engr. in Agr. 17(6):106-113. Ciolkosz, D.E., L. D. Albright, J.C. Sager and R.W. Langhans. 2002. A model for plant lighting system selection. Trans. of the ASAE (in press). Ferentinos, K.P. and L.D. Albright. 2002. Modeling pH and electrical conductivity in hydroponics using artificial neural networks. Acta Horticulturae (in press). Ferentmos, K.P., L.D. Abright and B. Spelman. 2002. Predictive neural network modeling of pH and electrical conductivity in deep-trough hydroponics. Trans. of the ASAE (in revriw). Johnson-Rutzke, C.F., R.P. Glahn, M.A. Rutske, R.M. Wheeler, R.M. Welch, R.W. Langhans, L.D. Albright and G.F. Combs, Jr. 2002. Light quality effects on the nutritional value of spinach plants. NASA TM 2002-210268, John F. Kennedy Space Center, FL. 26 pp. Rorabaugh, P.A., 2001. Basic Principles of Hydroponics. Greenhouse Workshop, Payson, AZ July 6, 2001 Paper #E-1 25933-02-01 Rorabaugh, P.A., 2001. Plant Nutrition. Greenhouse Workshop, Payson, AZ July 6, 2001 Paper #E-125933-02-01 Rorabaugh, P.A., 2001. Plant Protection in the Greenhouse. Greenhouse Workshop, Payson, AZ July 6, 2001 Paper #E-125933-03-01 Giacomelli, G.A., 2001. Greenhouse Structures. Greenhouse Workshop, Payson, AZ July 6, 2001 Paper #E-125933-04-01. Giacomelli, G.A., 2001. Greenhouse Environmental Control. Greenhouse Workshop, Payson, AZ July Paper #E-125933-05-01 Giacomelli, G.A., 2001. Nutrient Delivery Systems and Irrigation. Greenhouse Workshop, Payson, AZ July 6, 2001 Paper #E-125933-06-01 Ogor, Yoann, 2001. Analysis of the Tomato Crop production Inside a Controlled Environment System. Ecole Superieure d‘Ingenieurs et de Techniciens pour ]‘Agriculture, Rouen, France. Report to the Controlled Environment Agriculture Center (CEAC) for 4-month internship program Paper # R-125933-07-01. Kania, S.T. and G.A. Giacomelli, 2001. Solar Radiation Availability for Plant Growth in Arizona Controlled Environment Agriculture Systems. Proceedings of the 30y‘ National Agricultural Plastics Congress, San Diego, CA, American Society for Plasticulture, February 23 - 26, 2002. pps. 66-71. Paper #P-125933-08-01 Pagliarulo, C.L. and A.L. Hayden, 2001. Potential for Greenhouse Aeroponic Cultivation of Medicinal Root Crops Proceedings of the 30`" National Agricultural Plastics Congress, San Diego, CA, American Society for Plasticulture, February 23 - 26, 2002. pps. 47-53. Paper # P-125933-09-01. Rorabaugh, P.A., M.H. Jensen and G.A. Giacomelli, 2001. Production Procedures for Greenhouse Tomatoes in Arizona With a Focus on Nutrition in Hot Climates. Proceedings of the 30V‘ National Agricultural Plastics Congress, San Diego, CA, American Society for Plasticulture, February 23 - 26, 2002. pps. 54-59. Paper # P-125933-10-01 Giacomelli, G.A., 2001. Controlled Environment Agriculture Center (CEAC) `Program of High Technology Agriculture in the Desert Southwest U.S.‘ Proceedings of the 30" National Agricultural Plastics Congress, San Diego, CA, American Society for Plasticulture, February 23 - 26, 2002. pps. 34-39. Paper # P-125933-11-Ol. Jensen, M.H., 2001. Deep Flow Hydroponics - Past, Present and Future. Proceedings of the 30t‘‘ National Agricultural Plastics Congress, San Diego, CA, American Society for Plasticulture, February 23 - 26, 2002. pps. 40-46. Paper # P-125933-12-01. Giacomelli, G.A., 2001. Greenhouse Structures and Nonmetal Control for the Gardener. Presentation at Prescott AZ Highlands Master Gardeners Conference, Oct 8, 2001. Paper # E-125933-13-01. Rorabaugh, P.A. and M.H. Jensen, 2001. A Trial to Test Heat Tolerant Tomato Varieties for Use in Desert Climates. Final report of tomato Variety trail 2000-2001. October 10, 2001. Paper #R-125933-15-01. Giacomelli, G.A., 2002. Considerations for Energy Management of Greenhouse Heating and Cooling. Presentation to the Southern Greenhouse Vegetable Growers Association Conference. July 19 - 20, 2002, Shreveport, LA. Paper # E-125933-16-01. Giacomelli, G.A., 2001. Manuscript of Spotlight on University of Arizona to Laura Henne, Associate Editor, Greenhouse Grower Magazine Greenhouse Grower 19(10):82-86. Paper #M-125933-17-01. Giacomelli, G.A., 2002. Introduction to Greenhouse Glazing. Written for Chris Beytes of GrowerTalks Magazine for Ball Redbook. Paper #M-125933-O1-02. Rorabaugh, P.A., 2002. From Seed To Harvest, Information sheet - Sections 1-18, Science Alive Program. January 4-6. Rorabaugh, P.A., 2002. From Seed To Harvest, Information sheet - Sections I -I 8, Science Alive Program. January 4-6. Paper #E-125933-02-02 Jensen, M.H., 2002. Hydroponics Worldwide - A Technical overview. Proceedings of the Greenhouse Crop Production and Engineering Design Short Course, The University of Arizona, Controlled Environment Agriculture Center, January 20-23, 2002. Paper #E125933-03-02 Rorabaugh , P.A., 2002. From Seed to Harvest: Cultural Practices of Tomato Production on Rockwool with Drip Irrigation. Proceedings of the Greenhouse Crop Production and Engineering Design Short Course, The University of Arizona, Controlled Environment Agriculture Center, January 20-23, 2002. Paper #E-125933-04-02 Jensen, M.H., 2002. Steering Your Tomatoes. Proceedings of the Greenhouse Crop Production and Engineering Design Short Course, The University of Arizona, Controlled Environment Agriculture Center, January 20-23, 2002. Paper #E-125933-05-02 Giacomelli, G.A., 2002. Automated Environmental Control: Thermostats to Computers. Proceedings of the Greenhouse Crop Production and Engineering Design Short Course, The University of Arizona, Controlled Environment Agriculture Center, January 20-23, 2002. Paper #E-125933-06-02 Both, A.J., D.E. Ciolkosz, L.D. Albright. 2001. Evaluation of light uniformity underneath supplemental lighting systems. Accepted for publication in Acta Horticulturae. Both, A.J., E. Reiss, D.R. Mears, and W.J. Roberts. 2001. Open-roof greenhouse design with heated ebb and flood floor. ASAE paper No. 01-4058. ASAE, 2950 Niles Road, St. Joseph, MI 49085-9659, USA. NJAES Paper No. P-03232-15-01. 13 pp. Cavazzoni, J., F. Tubiello, T. Volk~ and O. Monje. 2001 (in review). Modeling the effect of diffuse light on canopy photosynthesis in controlled environments. Submitted to Acta florticulturae. Ciolkosz, D.E., A.J. Both, and L.D. Albright. 2001. Selection and placement of greenhouse luminaires for uniformity. Applied Engineering in Agriculture 17(6):106-113. Fleisher, D.H., S. Kang, K.C. Ting. 2001. Software for multiple crop production in advanced life support systems. ASAE paper No. 01-4084. ASAE, 2950 Niles Road, St. Joseph, Ml 49085-9659, USA. NJAES Paper No. P-70501-08-01. Fleisher, D.H., H. Baruh, K.C. Ting. 2001. Model-based predictive control for biomass production in advanced life support. Presented at the IFAC-CIGR Workshop on Intelligent Control for Agricultural Applications, August 22-24, Bali, Indonesia. NJAES Paper No. D-70501-10-1. Fleisher, D.H. 2001. Modeling for multiple crop production and control in advanced life support systems. Ph.D. Dissertation. Rutgers University Libraries. NJAES Paper No. T 70501-16-01. Fleisher, D.H., 3. Gavazzoni, G.A. Giacomelli, K.C. Ting. 2041. Adaptation of SUBSTOR for hydroponic production of white potato in controlled environments. Submitted to Transactions of the ASAE. NJAES Paper No. D-70501-19-01. Fleisher, D.H. and H. Baruh. 2001. An optimal control strategy for crop growth in advanced life support systems. Life Support & Biosphere Science 8:43-53. NJAES Paper No. D-70501-13-01. Fleisher, D.H. and K.C. Ting. 2001. Modeling and control of plant production in advanced life support systems. Accepted for publication in Acta Horticulturae. NJAES Paper No. D-70501-07-01. Hsiang H., S. Kang, A.J. Both, and K.C. Ting. 2001. Analysis tool for food processing and nutrition (FPN) subsystem in an advanced life support system (ALSS). ASAE paper No. 01-3020. ASAE, 2950 Niles Road, St. Joseph, MI 49085-9659, USA. NJAES Paper No. P-70501-12-01. 16 pp. Kang, S., K.C. Ting, and A.J. Both. 2001. Systems studies and modeling of advanced life support systems. Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering 2(2):41-49. NJAES Paper No. P-70501-17-OI. Kang, S. and A.J. Both. 2001. A management information system for food nutritional analysis and biomass production in an advanced life support system. ASAE paper No. 01-3021. ASAE, 2950 Niles Road, St. Joseph, MI 490$5-9659, USA. NJAES Paper No. P-70501-11-01. 10 pp. Kang, S. and J.A. Hogan. 2001. Optimization of feedstock composition and pre-processing for composting in advanced life support systems. Presented at the 31 S` International Conference on Environmental Systems, July 9-12, Orlando, Florida. SAE Technical Paper No. 2001-O1-2297. NJAES Paper No. H-70501-05-01. Mears, D.R. and A.J. Both. 2001. Insect screening and positive pressure ventilation for tropical and subtropical greenhouse facilities. Keynote presentation and Proceedings of The International Symposium on Design and Environmental Control of Tropical and Subtropical Greenhouses, Taichung, Taiwan. April 15-18, 2001. Submitted to Acta Horticulturae. NJAES Paper No. P-0313006-01. Reiss, E., W.J. Roberts, and A.J. Both. 2001. Design and construction of an open roof greenhouse with heated ebb and flood floor irrigation system. Presented at the CSAE/SCGR-NABEC Meeting in Guelph, Ontario, July 8-11, 2001. NABEC Paper No. 01-916. NJAES Paper No. P-03232-14-01. 13 PP- Roberts, W.J. 2001. Let the sunshine in. Resource magazine. July issue. Pp. 7-8. NJAES Paper No. E03130-04-O1. Rodriguez, L.F., C. Finn, S. Kang, J. Hogan. 2001. Modeling of a composting system within BIO-Plex. Presented at the 31 S` International Conference on Environmental Systems, July 9-12, Orlando, Florida. SAE Technical Paper No. 2001-01-2323. NJAES Paper No. H-70501-09-01. Clough, Emily A., Arthur C. Cameron, Royal D. Heins, William H. Carlson. 2001. Growth and development of Oenothera fruticosa is influenced by vernalization duration, photoperiod, forcing temperature, and plant growth regulators. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 126(3):269-274. Hayashi, Takahiro, Royal D. Heins, Arthur C. Cameron, William H. Carlson. 2001. Ethephon influences flowering, height, and branching of several herbaceous perennials. Scientia Horticulturae 91:305-323. Niu, Genhua, Royal D. Heins, Arthur Cameron, Will Carlson. 2001. Temperature and daily light integral influence plant quality and flower development of Campanula carpatica ‘Blue Clips‘, ‘Deep Blue Clips‘, and Campanula ‘Birch Hybrid‘. HortScience 36(4):664-668. Niu, Genhua, Royal D. Heins, Arthur C. Cameron, William H. Carlson. 2001. Day and night temperatures, daily light integral, and C02 enrichment affect growth and flower development of Campanula carpatica ‘Blue Clips‘. Scientia Horticulturae 87(1-2):93-105. Runkle, Erik S., Royal D. Heins. 2001. Specific functions of red, far red, and blue light in flowering and stem extension of long-day plants. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 126(3):275-282. Runkle, Erik, Royal Heins, Arthur Cameron, William Carlson. 2001. Horticultural flowering of herbaceous perennials. Flowering Newsletter 31:34-43. Runkle, E. S., R. D. Heins, A. C. Cameron, W. H. Carlson. 2001. Photocontrol of flowering and stem extension of the intermediate-day plant Echinacea purpurea. Physiologia Plantarum 112:433-441. Whitman, Catherine M., Royal D. Heins, Roar Moe, Keith A. Funnell. 2001. GA4+7 plus benzyladenine reduce foliar chlorosis of Lilium longiflorum. Scientia Horticulturae 891:43-154. Fausey, Beth, Arthur Cameron, Royal Heins. 2001. Herbaceous Perennials: Noteworthy Plants. Greenhouse Grower 19(3):92-96. Fausey, Beth, Erik Runkle, Art Cameron, Royal Heins, Will Carlson. 2001. Herbaceous Perennials: Heuchera. Greenhouse Grower 19(6):50-62. Joeright, David, Cathy Whitman, Royal Heins, Art Cameron, Will Carlson. 2001. Herbaceous Perennials: Plant Growth Regulators. Greenhouse Grower 19(8):84-96. Joeright, David, Dan Tschirhart, Royal Heins, Arthur Cameron, Will Carlson. 2001. Herbaceous Perennials: Propagation. Greenhouse Grower 19(4):38-45. Niu, Genhua, Erik Runkle, Royal Heins, Art Cameron, Will Carlson. 2001. Herbaceous Perennials: Light. Greenhouse Grower 19(1)134-143. Niu, Genhua, Royal Heins, Will Carlson. 2001. Keeping freedom under control. Greenhouse Grower 19(10):88-96. Niu, Genhua, Thomas Griffing, Erik Runkle, Royal Heins, Art Cameron, Will Carlson. 2001. Herbaceous perennials: Ceratostigma plumbaginoides. Greenhouse Grower 19(12):96-100. Niu, Genhua, Erik Runkle, Royal Heins, Art Cameron, Will Carlson. 2001. Herbaceous perennials: Pachysandra terminalis. Greenhouse Grower 19(13):86-90. Runkle, Erik and Royal Heins. 2001. Timing Spring Crops. Greenhouse Grower 19(4):64-66. Runkle, Erik, Royal Heins, Art Cameron, Will Carlson. 2001. Herbaceous perennials: Phlox subulata. Greenhouse Grower 19(9):80-85. Runkle, Erik, Royal Heins, Art Cameron, Will Carlson. 2001. Herbaceous perennials: Scabiosa columbaria. Greenhouse Grower 19(10):70-76. Whitman, Cathy, Beth Fausey, Erik Runkle, Royal Heins, Art Cameron, Will Carlson. 2001. Herbaceous perennials: Oxalis crassipes‘Rosea‘. Greenhouse Grower 19(14):77-84. Dutt, M. and R.L. Geneve. 2002. Elevated levels of ethylene during germination reduces the time to radicle emergence in impatiens. Acta Horticulturae, in review. Gates, R.S., K. Chao and N. Sigrimis. 2001. Identifying design parameters for fuzzy control of staged ventilation control systems. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture 31:61-74. Geneve, R.L., R.S. Gates, S. Zolnier, E. Wilkerson, and S. T. Kester. 2002. Environmental control systems for mist propagation of cuttings. Acta Horticulturae, submitted. Geneve, R.L, K.W. Pomper, ST. Kester, J.N. Egilla, C.L.H. Finneseth, S. Crabtree, and D.R. Layne. 2002 Propagation of Pawpaw (Asimina triloba) - a Review. HortTechnology, accepted for publication. Geneve, R. and S. T. Kester. 2001. Evaluation of seedling size following germination using computer-aided analysis of digital images from a flatbed scanner. HortScience 36: I 17-20. Held, D., D.A. Potter, R.S. Gates and R.G. Anderson. 2000 Modified atmosphere treatments as a potential disinkstation technique for arthropod pests in greenhouses. J. Econ. Entomology 94(2):430-438. Siriwitayawan, G., A. B. Downie, and R.L. Geneve. 2002. Ethylene evolution is positively correlated with seed vigor in sweet corn and tomato seed lots with differing vigor levels but similar germination capacity. Journal American Society for Horticultural Science, in review. Books Hartmann, H.T., D.E. Kester, F. T. Davies, Jr., and R. L. Geneve. 2002. Hartmann and Kester‘s Plant Propagation: Principles and Practices. Prentice-Hall, Inc., Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey. Seventh edition. Book Chapters Siriwitayawan, G., M. Dutt, S. T. Kester, A. B. Downie, and R.L. Geneve. 2002. Seed ageing in tomato reduces the capacity of seeds to produce ethylene, while priming increases ethylene evolution during germination. In: K.J. Bradford, D. Come, G. Nicolas and H. Pritchard, (eds.) The Biology of Seeds: Recent Research Advances CAB Internationa 1.

Impact Statements

Date of Annual Report: 03/01/2003

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 03/08/2002 - 03/09/2002
Period the Report Covers: 09/01/2001 - 09/01/2002

Participants

Albright,Louis. Cornell University .lda1@cornell.edu;
Both, A. J. Rutgers University .both@aesop.Rutgers.edu;
Brugger, Mike. The Ohio State University .brugger.1@osu.edu;
Brumfield, Robin. Rutgers University ;
Cuello, Joel. University of Arizona ;
Duncan, George. University of Kentucky ;
Fisher, Paul. Univ of New Hampshire ;
Fretz, Thomas. University of Maryland (Admin. Advisor) ;
Gates, Rich. University of Kentucky ;
Geneve, Bob. University of Kentucky ;
Gent, Martin. CT Agri.Exp.Stn.,New Haven ;
Giacomelli, Gene. University of Arizona ;
Hansen, Robert. The Ohio State Univ ;
Heins, Royal. Michigan State Univ ;
Kubota, Chieri. University of Arizona ;
McAvoy, Richard. Univ of Connecticut ;
Meyer, George. Univ of Nebraska ;
Runkle, Erik. Michigan State Univ ;
Short, Ted. The Ohio State Univ ;
Wheeler, Eileen. Univ of Pennsylvania

Participants Attachment:

Attachment

Brief Summary of Minutes

Minutes

Annual Meeting

NE-164 Regional Research Committee

Decision Support of Design and Control of Plant Growth Structures

Sheraton Tucson Hotel & Suites, Tucson, AZ 85712

Friday, March 8 - Saturday, March 9, 2002

Participants

Arizona (University of Arizona) Joel Cuello, Gene Giacomelli, Stephen Kania, Chieri Kubota, Armando Suarez

Connecticut (Connecticut Agri Expt Station, New Haven) Martin Gent

(University of Connecticut) Richard McAvoy

Kentucky (University of Kentucky) George Duncan, Bob Geneve

Michigan (Michigan State University) Royal Heins, Eric Runkle

Nebraska (University of Nebraska) Absent

New Hampshire (University of New Hampshire) Absent

New Jersey (Rutgers University) A.J. Both, Robin Brumfield

New York (Cornell University) Lou Albright

Ohio (The Ohio State University) Mike Brugger, Robert Hansen

Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania State University) Absent

Also participating was Thomas A. Fretz, Administrative Advisor.

Dr. Fretz is Dean and Director, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Maryland Cooperative Extension and the Maryland Agricultural Experiment Station, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742.

Optional Pre-meeting Session

The opening session was preceded by an optional session starting Friday, March 8 at 9:00 AM. The optional session was called by Committee Chair, Lou Albright, to initiate review of plans and requirements for writing a new five-year NE-164 Regional Research Project proposal, which is due by December 2002. The current project terminates, September 2003. The optional session was attended by Lou Albright, A.J. Both, Mike Brugger, Tom Fretz, Martin Gent, Robert Hansen and Rich McAvoy. Minutes from this optional session are included as an addendum to these minutes.

Opening of the Meeting First Session

The first session of the NE-164 Regional Research Committee opened at 12:00 noon with a nourishing buffet lunch catered by the Sheraton Tucson Hotel. The lunch was served and all sessions met in a Sheraton Tucson meeting room. The business meeting was called to order by Lou Albright at 1:00 PM.

Welcome and Local Arrangements

Gene Giacomelli welcomed participants to sunny Tucson on behalf of the University of Arizona and expressed appreciation for our safe arrival. Gene discussed plans for an afternoon tour and an evening dinner.

Colin Kaltenbach, Vice Dean, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and Director, Arizona Agricultural Experiment Station also welcomed committee members to the University of Arizona and briefly discussed the status of Arizona agriculture. The primary and overriding concern for Arizona agriculture is WATER!! He highlighted the issue by referring to the following five categories: (1) water quantity, (2) water quality, (3) water use and reuse, (4) water ownership and (5) water availability. Water issues are a major component of funding decisions for the experiment station.

Merle Jensen, Assistant Dean, College of Agriculture & Life Sciences and Associate Director, Arizona Agricultural Experiment Station also participated in portions of the meeting.

Announcements

An NCR-101 meeting is scheduled for April 6-9, 2002 in Durham, North Carolina. The meeting is to include visits to the National Phytotron at Duke University and the NC State Phytotron. Information is available on the web site: www.ncr101.duke.edu.

Mailing List Update

The NE-164 mailing list was circulated for corrections and additions. A sheet was also circulated so attendees could sign in.

Minutes

Minutes (submitted by 2000-2001 secretary Lou Albright) from our last meeting held June 6 & 7, 2001 at the University of New Hampshire were distributed. AJ Both moved the minutes be accepted as distributed. The motion was seconded by RC Hansen. Motion carried.

Administrative Advisors Report

Tom Fretz noted that the NE-164 Regional Committee idea has been in existence since 1986. The committee needs to revise its objectives for the fourth time. The current project terminates September 2003. A lot of work will be required by a few of you. A proposed draft of objectives and associated justifications need to be written.

We need to ask ourselves: Have we met the objectives for the project as written five years ago? What have been the impacts or outcomes of your research? Regional projects need to include collaboration. Two or more institutions need to be connected. One may have a uniquely equipped laboratory while the other has other needed resources. If this is not true, then there is no need to have a regional project.

Dr. Fretz suggested that a draft proposal be submitted by February 1, 2003 so directors can review it prior to their March 2003 meeting. You need to avoid a lapse in project continuation. You need to write it and get it submitted. Go to the paperless environment. Use the NIMSS web page: http://www.lgu.umd.edu/login.cfm where you can access a menu for project proposals, participants and a format for a proposal. The proposal can be submitted electronically to reviewers. That should shorten the time to get approval by four to six months. The committee should review the publication, A Science Roadmap for Agriculture, November 2001. It is a guideline for regional research prepared by the National Association of State Universities and Land Grant Colleges. Tom referred to an additional web site http://www.agnr.umd.edu/users/nera/ that includes a menu of forms for developing a regional research proposal.

Dr. Fretz noted that it was not a problem for us to include the University of Arizona even though we are designated as a northeastern regional project. Nebraska has also been included in the project over many years.

The annual report can also be submitted through NIMSS. Then it can be transmitted on to CRIS http://cris.csrees.usda.gov/. Tom could not find evidence that we submitted the 2001 Regional Research Report for NE-164.

General Business Items

Lou and AJ indicated they would investigate why the 2001 NE-164 report was missing and follow up on getting it submitted.

Lou stated a group of us met this morning to initiate discussion of project revisions. He summarized the outcome of that meeting by stating some general objectives that were identified at the session. Since we are scheduled to take up this topic tomorrow morning (Saturday, March 9), no further action was taken.

Tom suggested we set up a Secure Website under the NE-164 name where project ideas could be submitted and discussed. Impacts of our research could also be recorded there.

Gene stated Richard Riley, Rough Brothers Inc., 5513 Vine Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45217 was set to attend our meeting as an industry representative but called and canceled at the last minute.

New Memberships

Lou asked whether there were any new membership applications from additional institutions that any one knew about. None were suggested.

Meeting Location for 2003

Tom Fretz pointed out that it is acceptable to meet at stations other than where member institutions are located.

Option 1. Royal offered to host the meeting at Michigan State. Michigan is the third largest producer of floral products in the USA. Many excellent tour options would be available. He suggested we return to our more traditional meeting time in June.

Option 2. The idea of meeting at the University of Maryland was discussed. Tom said his staff would be available to help with arrangements. Tour options in the Washington D.C. area were noted, e.g., The United States Botanic Garden and perhaps a visit to a research funding agency.

Option 3. The idea of setting up an off shore meeting (e.g., The Netherlands, Denmark) was discussed. Airfares are low at the right time of the year. We may be able to acquire group rates.

Gene Giacomelli moved that we hold our next meeting in the Washington DC area. The motion was seconded by Mike Brugger. The motion carried. The first week of May was suggested as a time to meet (May 9 & 10, 2003). Tom again volunteered staff from the Maryland Agricultural Experiment Station to assist with arrangements.

Meeting in 2004. The possibility of going to the NTV Show in Denmark as a part of our regular meeting in 2004 was discussed. Mike Brugger has a contact person in Denmark. An ISHS meeting is also scheduled for April 2004 in The Netherlands (Wageningen). However, the April date conflicts with Spring Semester teaching obligations. The possibility of going to Canada or Mexico was mentioned. Additional offshore options suggested were Japan, Korea, Taiwan and China.

Election of Officers

Robert Hansen advanced from secretary to committee chair for 2002-2003. Martin Gent volunteered to serve as secretary for 2002-2003. He was duly elected by unanimous ballet. With this election, Martin would become committee chair for 2003-2004.

Station Reports

Station reports were presented by Lou Albright (Cornell), Joel Cuello (Arizona) and AJ Both (Rutgers) from 2:15 to 4:15 PM.

Tour

An interesting tour of the University of Arizona greenhouses located at their Controlled Environment Agriculture Center was conducted by Gene Giacomelli and associates. Our day concluded with a visit to an ole time western village followed by dinner at a western steak house.

Second Session

The second session was opened by Lou Albright Saturday at 9:00 AM. The agenda for the morning was development of a new five-year proposal followed by remaining station reports.

Comments from our participants concerning the new proposal are summarized below:

We need to review greenhouse system components: structure, irrigation and nutrition.

Gene stated he was invited to attend the National Greenhouse Manufacturing Association (NGMA) meeting in Phoenix last fall. NGMA is made up of 25 to 30 companies. Their two primary purposes are to design and construct (1) greenhouse structures and (2) greenhouse systems. We are apparently invited to attend their meetings as guests but not as participants.

Richard Riley, Rough Brothers Inc. was scheduled to participate in this NE-164 meeting as an NGMA representative. Perhaps the NE-164 committee should schedule a time and place to meet with NGMA representatives. The Ohio Florists Association Short Course was suggested. It will be held in Columbus, Ohio, July 2002. It is important for the top levels of their group and the top levels of our group to communicate.

Dates and places scheduled for future NGMA meetings were listed:

Spring 2002 Apr 21-24 San Antonio, Texas

Autumn 2002 Oct 17-18 Phoenix, Arizona

Spring 2003 Apr 27-30 Carmel, California

Autumn 2003 Tampa, Florida

NGMA is currently publishing standards that parallel ASAE Standards in many respects. Their standards efforts should be coordinated with ASAE Standards. Perhaps we should contribute to their newsletter. Mike Brugger agreed to meet with Richard Riley to review these issues. A contact person at NGMA is hughesstuart@msn.com.

Our relationship with NCR101 was discussed. Their focus is growth chambers; ours is greenhouses. The committee did not see viable collaborative options neither for combining our efforts into one committee nor for meeting in tandem as was done in 1999 at Cornell.

Mike Brugger stated research is needed that involves the plant scientist and the agricultural engineer, e.g., How high should ebb & flood irrigation water rise for a 4 pot? How much variation is acceptable? Questions that need to be asked are, Is it new and unique research? Is it an application of what we already know? Funding sources want immediate impact!

Bob Geneve noted that graduate student collaboration between institutions should be established as a part of our plan of action.

Royal Heins encouraged the committee to use the term Greenhouses in place of terminology like Plant Growth Systems so industry people know who we are. Royal expressed concerns for greenhouse growers who are often left with systems that are poorly designed and therefore never work right. They are stuck with defective systems that they must often live with for years. Shading systems, ventilation systems and concrete flood floors are examples.

Lou used a lap top computer and projector to record suggested titles and objectives for the proposed five-year project (2003-2008). After approximately 90 minutes of discussion and rewording, a project title and objectives were accepted by participants.

The committee agreed that a first draft proposal should be submitted by June 2002.

Station Reports (Cond)

Station reports were presented from 11:00 AM until 12:30 PM. Robert Hansen and Mike Brugger (Ohio), Richard McAvoy and Martin Gent (Connecticut), Royal Heins and Eric Runkle (Michigan) and Robin Brumfield (Rutgers) reported. A written report was submitted by Paul Fisher (New Hampshire).

Royal Heins moved that we adjourn. The motion was seconded by A.J. Both. Motion carried.

Saturday Afternoon Tour

Participants enjoyed a tour of Biosphere 2 Laboratory, Oracle, AZ 85623. The vast facility is now operated by Columbia University. According to a brochure that describes the facility, The Biosphere 2 Laboratory consists of medium scale synthetic terrestrial and marine communities of plants, soils and substrates encased in a gas-tight glass and metal shell. Its closed systems provide unique research opportunities to manipulate system-level responses to elevated CO2 and climate change, yielding data that are needed to validate models that scale up from organisms to ecosystems.

Saturday Evening Dinner

As the final event, Gene and his wife hosted an evening dinner under the stars of Arizona at their favorite Mexican Restaurant in Tucson. Committee members unanimously felt our Arizona experience was very rewarding and productive. Appreciation to Gene and his associates were expressed by all in attendance.

Accomplishments

1. To integrate environmentally acceptable and economically profitable management models (decision-support) into controlled-environment plant-production systems: (a) To develop decision-support tools based on plant growth and development models to enhance crop growth control and profitability (CT, MI, NH, PA, NY, NJ) AZ is to define a set of growth patterns for tomato cv. Rapsodie for arid and semi-arid climates, which can be used as indicators (plant growth indices) of the tendency for vegetative or reproductive development. The environmental parameters revealing strong correlations with the measured plant growth responses will be selected and used in a second phase study, performed under a higher environmental control level. In one study, tomato plants cv. Rapsodie are to be subjected to different environments, the most important being vapor pressure deficits regimes and nutrient solution electroconductivity (EC), under constant temperature and light conditions. The long-term goal is to develop a decision support system for the grower in regions with similar climate conditions as Arizona by defining the set of causes and related measured effects on the plant growth patterns and yield. CT Experiments were conducted to determine how environment and development affect nutrient requirements of greenhouse tomato grown in the spring and summer in the climate of Connecticut. At the beginning of fruit production, water use reached a plateau of about 2 L per plant per day and nitrogen uptake was about 0.18 g N per plant per day. The uptake of nutrients was summed over two months of vegetative growth and three months of fruit production. In 2001, a tomato plant took up about 208 L of water, 21.3 g N and 26.3 g K. When nutrient supplements were added, water uptake was not affected but N uptake increased to 24.3 g and K uptake increased to 33.0 g. KY continues to assess a control system based on a Penman-Monteith evapotranspiration (ET) model for improved poinsettia propagation. As changes in environment affect ET, the misting interval is adjusted accordingly. MI developed simulations based on two models that show that energy consumption decreased in a linear fashion while time to flower went up exponentially. The simulation demonstrated that for a crop with a base temperature of 5 Deg C and normally grown at 20 Deg C, lowering the temperature to 15 Deg C would actually increase energy consumption for the crop during the spring of the year. This is due to a longer crop time, which occurs during relatively cold days of the year. The assumption in this modeling is that the added time to produce a crop at a lower temperature must be added to the beginning of the crop, not the end since sales on a particular date is assumed. In contrast, raising the temperature actually decreases energy consumption per crop in the spring, although not in the fall. NJ developed a computer algorithm to simulate and compensate for effects of environmental perturbations on coup production and scheduling of hydroponically grown wheat, soybean and white potato in controlled environments. NY is developing a model to predict pH and EC changes in the root zone of lettuce (Lactuca sativa cv. Vivaldi) grown in a deep-trough hydroponic system. OH A Visual Basic software program, PACCS, was developed to aid NASA personnel in planning, design, and operating biomass production components for advanced life support systems (ALSS). PACCS integrates mathematical crop models of simulated controlled environment hydroponic production of wheat, soybean, and white potato with scheduling and analysis tools. Analysis options allow for studies on the feasibility of growing multiple crops in shared environmental zones and sensitivity of off-nominal environmental conditions on desired crop production schedules. OH continues with study of plant-response-based closed-loop plant production. It is a concept of using a plants physiological status as a feedback to adjust environmental and cultural practices to improve plant growth and development. Early, non-contact drought stress detection is a key to effective irrigation management. Advanced sensing technologies including infrared thermometry, digital imaging, and multispectral have been evaluated for drought stress detection. A field sensing and control unit was designed, constructed, and has been evaluated for continuous monitoring of plant health in a greenhouse environment. (b) To develop an integrated information database on CEA plant growth systems to facilitate analysis and to produce a decision-support tool. (NJ, NY, MI, PA, CT, NE, NH). CT (Storrs) Plant form and post-production quality of petunia, chrysanthemum and rose are being transformed though gene transfers. CT (Storrs) An Agrobacterium-mediated transformation protocol for poinsettia has been developed. Genetically transformed poinsettia plants are needed to investigate the role of endogenous hormones in the development of bract necrosis. KY used an imaging system consisting of a PC connected to a flat bed scanner to quantify hypocotyls and radicle emergence characteristics for a number of seeds. Images are scanned and a simple software routine to compare time-series images to assess growth rate, volume change and root statistics. NH completed development of a new Excel-based software (FloraSoil and FloraPest) for graphically tracking nutrient and pest counts. The software is commercially available with over 24 copies in use. 2. To enhance commercial greenhouse design, water management, and environmental systems for cool and cloudy climates: (a) To develop design and control recommendations for naturally ventilated greenhouses (OH, NY, PA, NJ). NJ Renovations of a open-roof greenhouse (Van Wingerden Greenhouse Company, MX-II, four gutter-connected bays, 58 by 60 foot floor area) is nearing completion. OH continues to work with the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model. The model is an excellent tool for evaluating natural ventilation design of greenhouses. A returning faculty member has picked up the lead in the greenhouse ventilation modeling. One reservation in the use of CFD has been the verification of modeling results. To better evaluate the reliability of results, a literature review and an evaluation of the parameters used in the modeling process were initiated. A new computer was obtained to facilitate quicker modeling. (b) To enhance technology transfer and research in artificial lighting (MI, NJ, NY, PA). AZ is to analyze the thermal and spectral characteristics of the double-ended, water-jacketed HID lamps within a test stand to further develop and deliver improved versions of the lamp for the purpose of implementation within NASA ALS applications. HID lighting generates substantial thermal loading in closed and semi-closed applications. Incorporation of water jackets around the lamp can remove over 75% of the heat generated. The technical objectives are to: test the design concept; categorize the double-ended, water-jacketed 400 W, HPS and MH lamps; conduct a thermal analysis of the lamp and water jacket system; improve the lamp body and luminaire; and initiate longevity evaluation of the lamps. NJ A 178 page book was translated and published entitled, Supplemental Lighting for Greenhouse Crops by J.J. Sparrggaren. It is distributed by P.L. Light Systems, Inc. NH and NJ collaborated in a project to evaluate the economics of lighting seedling plugs. Experiments were run in 2001 and 2002 in a commercial greenhouse in New Jersey with plugs shipped to the University of New Hampshire for post-transplant evaluation. The 2001 trial showed a strong response to high-pressure sodium lighting for petunias and impatiens with ten days earlier flowering on petunia after transplanting into bedding plant flats. NY Preliminary experiments have begun to quantify the quantity and quality of tomato grown under supplemental lighting with and without a consistent daily light integral. These experiments are being done in cooperation with a commercial tomato grower. (c) To improve greenhouse wastewater treatment through the use of constructed wetlands, or phytoremediation (NE, NJ, NY, PA). None.

Publications

Dissertations, Theses (Published) Fleisher, D.H. (Advisor: Ting, K.C.) 2001. Crop Modeling for Multiple Crop Production andControl forAadvanced Life Support Systems. Ph.D. Dissertation, Rutgers University. Hsiang, H. (Advisor: Ting, K.C.) 2001. Top-Level Modeling of aFood Processing and Nutrition (FPN) Component of an Advanced Life Support System (ALSS). M.S. Thesis, Rutgers University. Willkerson, E.G. 2002. Media Temperature Effects on Root Development and Water Update during Poinsettia Propagation. M.S. Thesis. University of Kentucky. Books (Published) Hartmann, H.T., D.E. Kester, F.T. Davies, Jr. and R.L. Geneve. 2002. Hartmann and Kesters Plant Propagation: Principles and Practices. Prentice-Hall, Inc., Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey. Seventh Edition. Book Chapters (Published) Gent, M.P.N. and R.J. McAvoy. 2000. Plant growth retardants in ornamental horticulture in Plant Growth Regulators in Agriculture and Horticulture: Their Role and Commercial Uses. A.S. Basra, editor. Good Products Press, New York. pp. 89-146 Li, Y., Y.H. Wu, R.J. McAvoy, and H. Duan. 2001. Transgenics in Crops in Biotechnology Annual Review Vol. 7, M. R. EL-Gewely, editor. Elsevier Science B.V., The Netherlands. pp. 239-260. Siriwitayawan, G., M. Dutt, S.T. Kester, A.B. Downie and R.L. Geneve. 2002. Seed ageing in tomato reduces the capacity of seeds to produce ethylene while priming increases ethylene evolution during germination. In: K.J. Bradford, D. Come, G. Nicolas and H. Pritchard, eds. The Biology of Seeds: Recent Research Advances. CAB International. Refereed Journal Articles (Published) Albright, L.D., R.S. Gates, K.G. Arvanitis and A. Brysdale. 2001. Environmental control for plants on Earth and in space. IEEE Control Systems Magazine. 21(5): 28-47. Bible, B.B. and R.J. McAvoy. 2000. Calcium-boron regimes affect incidence of post harvest disorders on poinsettia bracts. HortScience 35(3): 457. Bible, B.B. and R.J. McAvoy. 2000. Differential response of two poinsettia cultivars to calcium stress for post-harvest disorders. HortScience 35(3): 457. Ciolkosz, D.E., A.J. Both, and L.D. Albright. 2002. Selection and placement of greenhouse luminaries for uniformity. Applied Engineering in Agriculture 17(6): 06-113. Ciolkosz, D.E., A.J. Both and L.D. Albright. 2001. Selection and placement of greenhouse luminaries for uniformity. Applied Engineering in Agriculture. 17(6): 106-113. Clough, E.A., A.C. Cameron, R.D. Heins and W.H. Carlson. 2001. Growth and development of Oenothera fruticosa is influenced by vernalization duration, photoperiod forcing temperature, and plant growth regulators. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 126(3): 269-274. Ellis, D., R.J. McAvoy, L.A. Ayyash, M. Flanagan and M. Ciomperlik. 2001. Evaluation of serangium parcesetosum (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) for biological control of silverleaf whitefly, Bemisis argentifolii (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae), on poinsettia. The Florida Entomologist 84(2): 15-221. Fleisher, D.H. and H. Baruh. 2001. An optimal control trategy for crop growth in advanced life support systems. Life Support & Biosphere Science. 8: 43-53. Gates, R.S., K. Chao and N. Sigrimis. 2001. Identifying design parameters for fuzzy control of staged ventilation control systems. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture 31: 61-74. Geneve, R. and S.T. Kester. 2001. Evaluation of seedling size following germination using computer-aided analysis of digital images from a flat bed scanner. HortScience 36: 117-20. Hayashi, T., R.D. Heins, A.C. Cameron and W.H. Carlson. 2001. Ethephon influences flowering, height, and branching of several herbaceous perennials. Scientia Horticulurae 91: 305-323. Held, D., D.A. Potter, R.S. Gates and R.G. Anderson. 2000. Modified atmosphere treatments as a potential disinfestation technique for arthropod pests in greenhouses. J. Econ. Entomology 94(2): 430-438. Kacira, M. and P.P. Ling. 2001. Design and development of an automated and non-contact sensing system for continuous monitoring of plant health and growth. Transactions of the ASAE 44(4): 989-996. Kang, S., K.C. Ting and A.J. Both. 2001. Systems studies and modeling of advance life support systems. Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering 2(2): 41-49. Kim, Y. and P.P. Ling. 2001. Machine visions guided sensor positioning system for leaf temperature assessment. Transactions of the ASAE 44(6): 19411947. Kirnak, H. and T.H. Short. 2001. An evapotranspiration model for nursery plants grown in a lysimeter under field conditions. Turkish Journal for Agriculture and Forestry 25(1): 57-63. Lee, In-Bok, T.H. Short, S. Sase, and S. Lee. 2001. Evaluation of computational fluid dynamics for analysis of aerodynamics in naturally ventilated multi-span greenhouses. Journal of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Korea 1(2): 73-80. Lee, In-Bok and T.H. Short. 2001. Verification of computational fluid dynamic temperature simulations in a full-scale naturally ventilated greenhouse. Transactions of the ASAE 44(1): 119-127. McAvoy, R.J. and B.B. Bible. 2000. Relationship of bract boron content and boron application to bract necrosis of poinsettia. HortScience 35(3): 457. Niu, G., R.D. Heins, A.C. Cameron and W.H. Carlson. 2001. Temperature and daily light integral influence plant quality and flower development of Campanula carpatica Blue Clips, Deep Blue Clips, and Campanula Birch Hybrid. HortScience 36(4): 664-668. Niu, G., R.D. Heins, A.C. Cameron and W.H. Carlson. 2001. Day and night temperatures, daily light integral and CO2 enrichment affect growth and flower development of Campanula carpatica Blue Clips. Scientia Horticulturae 87(1-2): 93-105. Palaniswamy, U.R., R.J. McAvoy and B.B. Bible. 2001. Stage of harvest and polyunsaturated essential fatty acid concentrations in purslane (Portulaca oleraceae) Leaves. J. Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 49(7): 3490-3493. Palaniswamy, U.R. and R.J. McAvoy. 2001. Watercress: a salad crop with chemopreventive potential. Hort Technology 11(4): 622-626. Palaniswamy, U.R., R.J. McAvoy and B.B. Bible. 2001. Omega-3-fatty acid concentration in (Portulaca oleracea) is altered by photosynthetic photon flux.. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 126(5): 537-543 Palaniswamy, U.R., R.J. McAvoy and B.B. Bible. 2000. Leaf yield and fatty acid composition of purslane (Portulaca oleracaea L.) at different growth stages. J. Tropical Agriculture 38(2000): 1-4. Palaniswamy, U.R., R.J. McAvoy and B.B. Bible. 2000. Omega-3-fatty acid concentration in Portulaca oleracea L. is altered by nitrogen source in hydroponic solution. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 125(2): 190-194. Palaniswamy, U.R. and R.J. McAvoy. 2001. Watercress: a salad crop with chompreventive potential. Hort Technology 11(4): 494. Prenger, J.J., R.P. Fynn and R.C. Hansen. 2002. An evaluation of four evapotranspiration models. Transactions of the ASAE 45(6): 1779-1788. Runkle, E.S. and R.D. Heins. 2001. Specific functions of red, far red, and blue light in flowering and stem extension of long-day plants. J Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 126(3): 275-282. Runkle, E.S., R.D. Hein, A.C. Cameron and W.H. Carlson. 2001. Photocontrol of flowering and stem extension of the intermediate-day plant Echinacea purpurea. Physiologia Plantarum 112 : 433-441. Whitman, C.M., R.D. Heins, R. Moe, K.A. Funnell. 2001. GA4+7 plus benzyladenine reduce foliar chlorosis of Lilium longiflorum. Scientia Horticulturae 891: 43-154. Zolnier, S., R. S. Gates, R. G. Anderson, S. E. Nokes and G. A. Duncan. 2001. Non-water-stressed baseline as a tool for dynamic control of a misting system for propagation of poinsettias. Transactions of the ASAE 44(1): 137-147. Zolnier, S., R.S. Gates, R.L. Geneve and J.W. Buxton. 2001. Surface diffusive resistances of rooted poinsettia cuttings under controlled-environment conditions. Transactions of the ASAE 44(6): 1779-1787. Symposium Proceedings Articles (Published) Fleisher, D.H., H. Baruh and K.C. Ting. 2001. Model-based predictive control for biomass production in advanced life support. Proceedings of the 2nd IFAC-CIGR Workshop on Intelligent Control for Agricultural Applications. Bali, Indonesia. August 22-24. pp. 198-203. Gent, M.P.N. 2001. Seasonal changes of water and nutrient use in greenhouse tomato. Proceedings New England Vegetable and Berry Conference, Sturbridge, MA. pp. 196-197. Jensen, M.H. 2002. Hydroponics worldwide a technical overview. Proceedings of Greenhouse Crop Production and Engineering Design Short Course, The University of Arizona, Controlled Environment Agriculture Center. January 20-23, 2002. Paper #E-125933-03-02. Jensen, M.H. 2002. Steering your tomatoes. Proceedings of Greenhouse Crop Production and Engineering Design Short Course. The University of Arizona, Controlled Environment Agriculture Center. January 20-23, 2002. Paper #E-125933-05-02. Jensen, M.H. 2002. Automated environmental control: thermostats to computers. Proceedings of Greenhouse Crop Production and Engineering Design Short Course. The University of Arizona, Controlled Environment Agriculture Center. January 20-23, 2002. Paper #E-125933-06-02. Kania, S.T. and G.A. Giacomelli. 2002. Solar radiation availability for plant growth in Arizona controlled environment agriculture systems. Proceedings of the 30th National Agricultural Plastics Congress, San Diego, CA, American Society for Plasticulture. February 2326. pp. 66-71. Paper #P-125933-08-01. Pagliarulo, C.L. and A.L. Hayden. 2001. Potential for greenhouse aeroponic cultivation of medicinal root crops. Proceedings of the 30th National Agricultural Plastics Congress, San Diego, CA American Society for Plasticulture. February 2326. pp. 47-53. Paper #P- 125933-09-01. Rorabaugh, P.A., M.H. Jensen and G.A. Giacomelli. 2002. Production procedures for greenhouse tomatoes in Arizona with a focus on nutrition in hot climates. Proceedings of the 30th National Agricultural Plastics Congress, San Diego, CA, American Society for Plasticulture. February 23- 26. pp. 54-59. Paper # P 125933-10-01 Rorabaugh, P.A. 2002. From seed to harvest: cultural practices of tomato production on rockwool with drip irrigation. Proceedings of the Greenhouse Crop Production and Engineering Design Short Course, The University of Arizona, Controlled Environment Agriculture Center. January 20-23. Paper #E-125933-04-02. Short, T.H., In-Bok Lee and R.R. Stowell. 2001. Naturally-ventilated greenhouse designs for optimum cooling. Proceedings of ISHS Symposium on Protected Cultivation in Mild Winter Climates. ISHS, Cartagena, Spain. March 7-11. Acta Horticulturae No.( ) (Accepted for publication). Short, T.H. and In-Bok Lee. 2001. Temperature and airflow predictions for multi- span naturally ventilated greenhouses. Proceedings of International Symposium on Design and Environmental Control of Tropical and Subtropical Greenhouses. ISHS, Taichung, Taiwan. April 15-18. p.18. Short, T.H. 2001. An interactive decision model for hydroponic tomato production. Proceedings of International Symposium on Design and Environmental Control of Tropical and Subtropical Greenhouses. ISHS, Taichung, Taiwan. April 15-18. p.35. Ting, K.C. 2001. Concurrent science and engineering approach to decision support for controlled environment plant production. Proceedings of International Symposium on Design and Environmental Control of Tropical and Subtropical Greenhouses. ISHS, Taichung, Taiwan. April 15-18. pp. 85-94. Popular Articles (Published) Albright, L.D., R.S. Gates, K.G. Arvanitis and A. E. Drysdale. 2001. Control strategies for plant shoot and root environments on Earth and in space. IEEE Control Systems Magazine: Agriculture and the Environment, 21(5): 28-47. Fausey, B., A.C. Cameron and R.D. Heins. 2001. Herbaceous perennials: noteworthy plants. Greenhouse Grower 19(3): 92-96. Fausey, B., E. Runkle, A.C. Cameron, R.D. Heins, W.H. Carlson. 2001. Herbaceous perennials: heuchera. Greenhouse Grower 19(6): 50-62. Giacomelli, G.A. 2001. Manuscript of spotlight on University of Arizona to Laura Henne, associate editor, Greenhouse Grower magazine. Greenhouse Grower 19(10): 82-86. Paper #M-125933-17-01 Giacomelli, G.A. 2002. Introduction to greenhouse glazing. Written for Chris Beytes of Grower Talks magazine for Ball Redbook. Paper #M-125933-01-02. Joeright, D., C. Whitman, R.D. Heins, A.C. Cameron, W.H. Carlson. 2001. Herbaceous perennials: plant growth regulators. Greenhouse Grower 19(8): 84-96. Joeright, D., D. Tschirhart, R.D. Heins, A.C. Cameron, W.H. Carlson. 2001. Herbaceous perennials: propagation. Greenhouse Grower 19(4): 38-45. Niu, G., E. Runkle, R.D. Heins, A.C. Cameron and W.H. Carlson. 2001. Herbaceous perennials: light. Greenhouse Grower 19(1): 134-143. Niu, G., R.D. Heins and W.H. Carlson. 2001. Keeping freedom under control. Greenhouse Grower 19(10): 88-96. Niu, G., T. Griffing, E. Runkle, R.D. Heins, A.C. Cameron and W.H. Carlson. 2001. Herbaceous perennials: Ceratostigma plumbaginoides. Greenhouse Grower 19(12): 96-100. Niu, G., E. Runkle, R.D. Heins, A.C. Cameron and W.H. Carlson. 2001. Herbaceous perennials: Pachysandra terminalis. Greenhouse Grower 19(13): 86-90. Roberts, W.J. 2001. Let the sunshine in. Resource Magazine. July issue. Pp. 7-8. Runkle, Erik, Royal Heins, Arthur Cameron, William Carlson. 2001. Horticultural flowering of herbaceous perennials. Flowering Newsletter 31: 34-43. Runkle, E.S. and R.D. Heins. 2001. Timing spring crops. Greenhouse Grower 19(4): 64-66. Runkle, E.S., R.D. Heins, A.C. Cameron and W.H. Carlson. 2001. Herbaceous perennials: Phlox subulata. Greenhouse Grower 19(9): 80-85. Runkle, E.S., R.D. Heins, A.C. Cameron and W.H. Carlson. 2001. Herbaceous perennials: Scabiosa columbaria. Greenhouse Grower 19(10): 70-76. Short, T.H. 2001. How to control energy costs. Greenhouse Management & Production (GMPRO) Magazine 21(4): Feature article for April issue. Whitman, C.M., B. Fausey, E.S. Runkle, R.D. Heins, A.C. Cameron and W.H. Carlson. 2001. Herbaceous perennials: Oxalis crassipes Rosea. Greenhouse Grower 19(14): 77-84. Presentations (Papers) Al-Arifi, A., T.H. Short and P.P. Ling. 2001. Validating the CFD model for air movements and heat transfer in ventilated greenhouses. Paper No. 01-4056. Presented at the 94th Annual International Meeting of the ASAE, Sacramento, California, July 29-August 1. ASAE, 2950 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI 49085-9659. Both, A.J., E. Reiss, D.R. Mears and W.J. Roberts. 2001. Open-roof greenhouse design with heated ebb and flood floor. ASAE paper No. 01-4158. ASAE, 2950 Niles Road, St. Joeseph, MI 49085-9659, USA. NJAES Paper No. P-03232-15-01. 13 pp. Chen, Y. and P.P. Ling. 2001. A portable drought stress monitoring system for greenhouse New Guinea Impatiens production. Paper No. 01-4082. Presented at the 94th Annual International Meeting of the ASAE, Sacramento, California, July 29-August 1. ASAE, 2950 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI 49085-9659. Chen, Y. and P.P. Ling. 2001. Evaluation of HSI colorimetric system for intensity invariant spectral feature extraction. Paper No. 01-3108. Presented at the 94th Annual International Meeting of the ASAE, Sacramento, California, July 29-August 1. ASAE, 2950 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI 49085-9659. Fleisher, D.H., S. Kang and K.C. Ting. 2001. Software for multiple crop production in advanced life support systems. Paper No. 01-4084. Presented at the 94th Annual International Meeting of the ASAE, Sacramento, California, July 29-August 1. ASAE, 2950 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI 49085-9659. Fleisher, D.H., S. Kang and K.C. Ting. 2001. Software for multiple crop production in advanced life support systems. ASAE Paper No. 01-4184. ASAE, 2950 Niles Road, St. Jospeh, MI 49085-9659, USA. NJAES Paper No. P-70501-08-01. Giacomelli, G.A. 2001. Greenhouse structures and nonmetal control for the gardener. Presentation at Prescott AZ Highlands Master Gardeners Conference, Oct 8. Paper #E-125933-13-01. Giacomelli, G.A. 2002. Considerations for energy management of greenhouse heating and cooling. Presentation to the Southern Greenhouse Vegetable Growers Association Conference, July 19 20. Shreveport, L.A. Paper #E-125933-16-01. Hsiang, H., S. Kang, A.J. Both, and K.C. Ting. 2001. Analysis tool for food processing and nutrition (FPN) subsystem in advanced life support system. Paper No. 01-3020. Presented at the 94th Annual International Meeting of the ASAE, Sacramento, California, July 29-August 1. ASAE, 2950 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI 49085-9659. Kang, S. and A.J. Both. 2001. A management information system for food nutritional analysis and biomass production in an advanced life support system. ASAE paper No. 01-3021. ASAE, 2950 Niles Road, St. Joseph, MI 49085-9659, USA. Kang, S. and J.A. Hogan. 2001. Optimization of feedstock composition and pre-processing for composting in advance life support systems. Presented at the 31st International Conference on Environmental Systems, July 9-12, Orlando, FL. SAE Technical paper No. 2001-01-2297. Ogor, Y. 2001. Analysis of the tomato crop production inside a controlled environment system. Ecole Superieure dIngenieurs et de Techniciens pour lAgriculture, Rouen, France. Report to the Controlled Environment Agriculture Center (CEAC) for 4-month internship program Paper #R 125933-07-01. Prenger J. and P.P. Ling. 2001. Suppressing disease in greenhouses with dehumidification: strategy for air-heated, forced ventilation houses. Paper No. 01-8016. Presented at the 94th Annual International Meeting of the ASAE, Sacramento, California, July 29-August 1. ASAE, 2950 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI 49085-9659. Prenger, J.J., R.C. Hansen, C. Glynn and D.A. Herms. 2001. Computer-controlled delivery of five levels of nutrients to container-grown willow. Paper No. 01-8013. Presented at the 94th Annual International Meeting of the ASAE, Sacramento, California, July 29-August 1. ASAE, 2950 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI 49085-9659. Prenger, J.J., R.P. Fynn and R.C. Hansen. 2001. An evaluation of four evapotranspiration models. Paper No. 01-8010. Presented at the 94th Annual International Meeting of the ASAE, Sacramento, California, July 29-August 1. ASAE, 2950 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI 49085-9659. Ramalingam, N., P.P. Ling, and R.C. Derksen. 2001. Leaf surface moisture detection using multi-spectral imaging. Paper No. 01-3004. Presented at the 94th Annual International Meeting of the ASAE, Sacramento, California, July 29-August 1. ASAE, 2950 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI 49085-9659. Reiss, E., W.J. Roberts and A.J. Both. 2001. Design and construction of an open-roof greenhouse with heated ebb and flood floor irrigation system. Presented at the CSAE/SCGR-NABEC Meeting in Guelph, Ontario, July 8-11, 2001. NABEC Paper No. 01-916. Rodriguez, L.F., C. Finn, S. Kang, J. Hogan. 2001. Modeling of a composting system within BIO-Plex. Presented at the 31st International Conference on Environmental Systems, July 9-12, Orlando, FL. SAE Technical Paper No. 2001-01-2323. Short T.H., J. lvey and H.M. Keener. 2001. Development of an interactive hydroponic tomato production model for Internet Users. . Paper No. 01-8014. Presented at the 94th Annual International Meeting of the ASAE, Sacramento, California, July 29-August 1. ASAE, 2950 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI 49085-9659. Yang, Y. and P.P. Ling. 2001. Multi-spectral plant drought stress detection: PROSPECT model calibration. Paper No. 013074. Presented at the 94th Annual International Meeting of the ASAE, Sacramento, California, July 29-August 1. ASAE, 2950 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI 49085-9659. Other Creative Works Donnell, M. and T.H. Short. 2001. An interactive economic analysis and business plan for hydroponic lettuce production. Program was developed on an OSUE hydroponics homepage site. Prenger J. and P.P. Ling. 2001. Greenhouse condensation control understanding and using vapor pressure deficit (VPD). Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet, AEX-804-2001. The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210. Johnson-Rutzke, C.F., R.P. Glahn, M.A. Rutske, R. M. Wheeler, R.M. Welch, R.W. Langhans, L.D. Albright and G.F. Combs, Jr. 2002. Light quality effects on the nutritional value of spinach plants. NASA TM 2002-210268, John F. Kennedy Space Center, FL. 26 pp. Rorabaugh, P.A. 2002. From seed to harvest, Information Sheet Sections 1- 18, Science Alive Program. January 4-6. Rorabaugh, P.A. 2002. From seed to harvest, Information Sheet Sections 1- 18, Science Alive Program. January 4-6. Paper #E-125933-02-02 Rorabaugh, P.A. and M.H. Jensen. 2001. A trial to test heat tolerant tomato varieties for use in desert climates. Final report of tomato Variety trail 2000-2001. October 10, 2001. Paper #R-125933-15-01. Workshop Sponsor Ling, P.P. 2001. Greenhouse Engineering Workshop Environmental Control. Wooster, OH 44691. This 2-day workshop attracted 55 participants from 10 North American states/provinces. Feb 27-28. Workshop Participant Fleisher, D.H., H. Baruh and K.C. Ting. 2001. Model-based predictive control for biomass production in advanced life support. Presented at the IFAC-CIGR Workshop on Intelligent Control for Agricultural Applications, August 22-24, Bali, Indonesia. NJAES Paper No. D-70501-10-1. Giacomelli, G.A. 2001. Greenhouse structures. Greenhouse Workshop, Payson, AZ July 6, 2001 Paper #E 125933-04-01. Giacomelli, G.A. 2001. Greenhouse environmental control. Greenhouse Workshop, Payson, AZ July 6, 2001 Paper #E 125933-05-01. Giacomelli, G.A. 2001. Nutrient delivery systems and irrigation. Greenhouse Workshop, Payson, AZ July 6, 2001 Paper #E 125933-06-01. Rorabaugh, P.A. 2001. Basic principles of hydroponics. Greenhouse Workshop, Payson, AZ July 6, 2001 Paper #E-125933-02-01. Rorabaugh, P.A. 2001. Plant nutrition. Greenhouse Workshop, Payson, AZ July 6, 2001 Paper #E-125933-02-01. Rorabaugh, P.A. 2001. Plant protection in the greenhouse. Greenhouse Workshop, Payson, AZ July 6, 2001 Paper #E-125933-03-01. Refereed Journal Articles (Pending) Both, A.J., D.E. Ciolkosz and L.D. Albright. 2002. Light uniformity underneath supplemental lighting systems. Acta Horticulture (in press). Both, A.J., D.E. Ciolkosz and L.D. Albright. 2001. Evaluation of light uniformity underneath supplemental lighting systems. Accepted for publication in Acta Horticulturae. Cavazzoni, J., F. Tubiello, T. Volk and O. Monje. 2001 (in review). Modeling the effect of diffuse light on canopy photosynthesis in controlled environments. Submitted to Acta Horticulture. Ciolkosz, D.E., L.D. Albright, J.C. Sager and R.W. Langhans. 2002. A model for plant lighting system selection. Trans. of the ASAE (in press). Dutt, M. and R.L. Geneve. 2002. Elevated levels of ethylene during germination reduces the time to radical emergence in impatiens. Acta Horticulturae, in review. Ferentinos, K.P. and L.D. Albright. 2002. Modeling pH and electrical conductivity in hydroponics using artificial neural networks. Acta Horticulture (in press). Ferentinos, K.P., L.D. Albright and B. Spelman. 2002. Predictive neural network modeling of pH and electrical conducitivity in deep-trough hydroponics. Trans. of the ASAE (in review). Fleisher, D.H., J. Cavazzoni, G.A. Giocomelli and K.C. Ting. 2001. Adaptation of SUBSTOR for hydroponic production of white potato in controlled environments. Submitted to Transactions of the ASAE. Fleisher, D.H. and K.C. Ting. 2001. Modeling and control of plant production in advanced life support systems. Accepted for publication in Acta Horticulturae. Gent, M.P.N. 2003. Effect of nitrogen and potassium supply on yield and tissue composition of greenhouse tomato. Submitted to Acta Horiculturae. Geneve, R.L., R.S. Gates, S. Zolnier, E. Wilkerson, and S.T. Kester. 2002. Environmental control systems for mist propagation of cuttings. Acta Horticulturae, submitted. Geneve, R.L., K.W. Pomper, S.T. Kester, J.N. Egilla, C.L.H. Finneseth, S. Crabtree, and D.R. Layne. 2002. Propagation of Pawpaw (Asimina triloba) - a Review. HortTechnology (approved for publication). Glynn, C., D.A. Herms, M. Egawa, R.C. Hansen and W.J. Mattson. 2002. Effects of nutrient availability on carbon allocation and constitutive and rapid-induced herbivore resistance of black poplar: a test of the Growth/Differentiation Balance Hypothesis. Oikos (approved for publication). Kacira M., P.P. Ling and T.H. Short. 2002. Machine vision extracted plant movement for early detection of plant water stress. Transactions of the ASAE. Submitted for publication. Mears, D.R. and A.J. Both. 2001. Insect screening and positive pressure ventilation for tropical and subtropical greenhouse facilities. Keynote presentation and Proceedings of the International Symposium on Design and Environmental Control of Tropical and Subtropical Greenhouses, Taichung, Taiwan. April 15-18, 2001. Submitted to Acta Horticulturae. Siriwitayawan, G., A.B. Downie, and R.L. Geneve. 2002. Ethylene evolution is positively correlated with seed vigor in sweet corn and tomato seed lots with differing vigor levels but similar germination capacity. Journal American Society for Horticultural Science. In review. Wilkerson, E.G. and R.S. Gates. 2002. Controlled environment system for studying root zone temperature effects on cutting propagation. Applied Engineering in Agriculture. In review.

Impact Statements

Date of Annual Report: 06/13/2003

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 05/15/2003 - 05/17/2003
Period the Report Covers: 03/01/2002 - 05/01/2003

Participants

AZ Rep. Giacomelli, Gene giacomel@ag.arizona.edu The Univ. of Arizona;
CT Secretary Gent, Martin Martin.Gent@po.state.ct.us Agr. Expt. Stn. New Haven;
KY Rep. Buxton, Jack jbuxton@uky.edu Univ. Kentucky;
MD Admin. Advisor Fretz, Thomas tf43@umail.umd.edu Univ. Maryland;
MD Gerry Deitzer gd3@umail.umd.edu Univ. Maryland;
MI Rep. Runkle, Erik runkleer@msu.edu Michigan State Univ.;
NJ Rep. Both, AJ both@aesop.rutgers.edu Rutgers Univ.;
NJ Reiss, Eugene reiss@aesop.rutgers.edu Rutgers Univ.;
NJ Goudarzi, Sara goudarzi@bioresource.rutgers.edu Rutgers Univ.;
NY Rep. de Villier, David dsd5@cornell.edu Cornell Univ.;
NY Uchigasaki, Manzo mu29@cornell.edu Cornell Univ.;
OH Chair Hansen, Robert hansen.2@osu.edu OARDC Ohio State Univ.;

Brief Summary of Minutes

Minutes Attachment:

Attachment

Accomplishments

OBJECTIVE 1. To integrate environmentally acceptable and economically profitable management models (decision-support) into controlled-environment plant-production systems: (a) To develop decision-support tools based on plant growth and development models to enhance crop growth control and profitability AZ defined growth patterns for tomato cv. Rapsodie for arid and semi-arid climates, which indicate the tendency for vegetative or reproductive development when subjected to different vapor pressure deficits regimes and nutrient solution electro-conductivity (EC), under constant temperature and light conditions. Uptake dynamics for ammonium, nitrate, potassium, magnesium, etc. were monitored for sweet potato in hydroponic solutions. Sweet pepper crop production under high light, high temperature, low humidity, desert conditions was compared within two greenhouse production systems; a traditional polycarbonate covered structure with computerized environmental control and data acquisition system; and a retractable-roof polyethylene covered structure with a low cost heating and environmental control system. CT (CTNH) studied the response of greenhouse tomato to supplemental nitrogen and potassium. Yields were compared for plants grown in rock-wool medium with sufficient nitrogen and potassium, or with N- and/or K-supplements that increased the concentrations in nutrient solution by about 30% during fruit production. There were few specific effects on yield or fruit size due to supplemental nitrogen or potassium, except ammonium nitrate altered calcium and potassium distribution in the plant and increased blossom end of the fruit. All other effects could be ascribed to changes in solution EC within the root medium. A greenhouse tomato cultivar trial in 1999-2002 compared characteristics for 21 cultivars of greenhouse tomato when grown using rock-wool, an inert root medium used in hydroponics. Cabernet, an open-pollinated beefsteak cultivar, had the highest total yield, but four other beefsteak cultivars had yields indistinguishable from Cabernet. Fruit size varied from 212 grams for Nicklow 102, down to about 85 grams for Cronos and Dynamo. Quest, a beefsteak type, had the best yield of marketable fruit, nearly 10 kg/m2, followed by Buffalo, Match, Mississippi and Trust. Most cultivars had a marketable yield in the range of 6 to 8 kg/m2. Cronos and Tradiro were the only cluster types with similar marketable yields. KY tested a dynamic mist propagation system in a greenhouse based on a model accounting for net radiation, air temperature, VPD, canopy resistance and water uptake was compared with a static mist control. Depending upon environmental conditions the dynamic controller used 35% less water and poinsettia cuttings had larger roots and greater root length. The dynamic system had less runoff and less water was contained in the growing medium. Heating tests for poinsettia propagation under varying aerial environments showed the optimal root zone temperature range changed as roots developed. The system allows model-based feedback control, as well as standard control techniques. The controlled water table automatic irrigation system was improved by replacement of round PVC nutrient supply trough with an aluminum rectangular trough. The narrow profile reduced bench width and eliminated potential dripping. Placement of the trough in the center, rather than the side of the bench, and capillary mat products were evaluated. Tests were initiated to utilize two separate water tension set points for simulating a wet-dry cycle MI (with Hiroshi Shimizu at Ibaraki University, Japan) developed a model to simulate plant shoot-tip temperature of poinsettia using an energy-balance equation based on five greenhouse environmental factors: dry-bulb, wet-bulb, and sky temperature; transmitted shortwave radiation; and air velocity. The model is more effective than dry-bulb temperature at predicting plant shoot-tip temperature when solar radiation is moderate to high. The effects of temperature and light quantity were measured on growth and development of several bedding plant species, and their interaction to control flower timing, flower number and size, dry weight, and other growth factors at the plug stage (from seed sow to a mature transplant) and at the finish stage (from a mature transplant until first flowering). Vernalization responses for a number of herbaceous perennial species were measured when plants were cooled to -2.5 to 20 oC for various durations. NH enhanced a software package for graphically tracking height of potted flowering plants, UNH FloraTrack, available at (http://www.ecke.com/new1/poin/points_tech_graph_track.asp), to allow users to enter their own target optimal growth curve modified to their own growing conditions and market specifications. In collaboration with North Carolina State Univ., NH examined optimum production and post-harvest conditions for Renaissance Red cut flower poinsettia. Profitability compared favorably with potted poinsettia. A maximum vase life of 20.6 days was achieved. NH in collaboration with OH assembled greenhouse nutrition research into an overall extension program for pH management to quantify dynamics of root media pH and develop a quantitative model of pH change and micronutrient uptake in soilless media. NJ studied tomato responses to short-term environmental perturbations. Tomatoes (cv. Laura) grown in 6 pots filled with perlite were pruned to maintain a single cluster. The perturbation was a two-week air temperature change (1 50C from the control day/night air temperature of 230C/180C) starting at ten days post fruit-set. The temperature disturbances had a dramatic impact on fruit maturity rate. In 2001, a mail survey of greenhouse operators in NJ was completed. A follow-up survey was prepared this spring, and results are being tabulated. A greenhouse cost accounting Excel spreadsheet is now available which allows greenhouse owners to determine the costs and returns of individual crops. NY developed a model of lettuce evapotranspiration for a computer-based fault detection system. A second model predicted nitrate uptake in stressed and unstressed lettuce. An analytical solution was found to the general problem of optimizing the daily light integral target and the carbon dioxide concentration, with consideration of infiltration/ventilation. A computer control algorithm is currently being developed to improve energy efficiency and cost effectiveness of using supplemental lighting for greenhouse lettuce production. OH developed a top-level overall Advance Life Support Systems model to integrate the subsystem models of Crew, Biomass Production, Food Processing and Nutrition, and Waste Processing and Resource Recovery to support human lives during long duration space exploration missions. Guidelines for commercial rhizofiltration systems to remove heavy metals from contaminated waters were developed from a process model based on the Michaelis-Menton equation, to quantify accumulation and removal of toxins within the rhizofiltration system. A Dehumidification Decision Support model for Disease Pressure Management in Greenhouses was an effective alternative for non-chemical management of pests in greenhouses. A greenhouse irrigation control system improved Water Use Efficiency based on non-contact infrared thermometry of plant canopy temperature to determine plant stress. Compared to the control, 41% less water was used for the integrated CWSI feedback approach. Control and treatment crops had no significant difference in growth. PA Cut flower production of platycodon, dianthus, snapdragon, and larkspur planted into high tunnels was compared to cut flower production in the field. Platycodon did not do well in the high tunnel and did not survive in the field. Cut flower production of the 3 other crops were good. By July 5, Dianthus produced about 10 times more flowering stems in the high tunnels than the field, snapdragons produced 5-7 times more flowers, and larkspur produced 4 times more cut flowers in the high tunnel than in the field, due to earlier flowering by 2-4 weeks. (b) To develop an integrated information database on CEA plant growth systems to facilitate analysis and to produce a decision-support tool. Nothing to report OBJECTIVE 2. To enhance commercial greenhouse design, water management, and environmental systems for cool and cloudy climates: (a) To develop design and control recommendations for naturally ventilated greenhouses. AZ evaluated water use by greenhouse tomato plants under controlled micro-environmental conditions and evaluated the magnitudes of the radiant and convective energy sources contributing to plant water use. NJ completed construction of an Open-roof greenhouse (Van Wingerden, MX-II, four gutter-connected bays, 17.7 by 18.3 m floor area, 4 m to the gutters, 2 independently controlled growing areas of 7.3 by 13.7 m). Experiments investigated: natural ventilation system, floor heating system, and ebb and flood floor irrigation system. Significant temporal changes in light intensity were observed under full sun or when light passed through one or two layers of roof sections. Six high tunnels were constructed at two research sites in Central and South Jersey. Temperature, humidity, and light sensors were mounted inside and outside the tunnels to monitor environmental conditions. Two of the tunnels were outfitted with thermostatically controlled automatic roll-up sides to determine the effectiveness of this control system. NY researchers provided the natural ventilation computer model and recommendations for ventilation of the Palm House and Garden Court of the U.S. Botanic Gardens. The leader of the tour of the facilities, that was part of the NE-164 2003 annual meeting, emphasized the good environmental control afforded by the system as installed. OH, in partnership with two Spanish researchers with gas diffusion data from a Spanish Parral greenhouse used Computational Fluid Dynamic Modeling to examine turbulent models and the effect on output. Under certain wind speeds and opening arrangements, there was little difference between the standard k-epsilon and the RNG k-epsilon. However, for leeward roof opening at certain wind speeds, there was a major difference between the two model results. The verified models were used to modify and manage the natural ventilation to increase in air exchange from increasing the roof opening, increasing the roof slope, and adding sidewall openings. (b) To enhance technology transfer and research in artificial lighting. AZ is evaluating hybrid solar and electric lighting for plant biomass production, utilizing fiber optic cable for delivering solar energy within an enclosed plant growth facility NH and MI collaborated in organizing a book and magazine series on light management for greenhouses that will draw together research from several NE-164 members and other researchers for use by growers and students. Publication of the magazine series will begin in 2003. NJ The economic benefits of supplemental lighting for plug production were studied during a two-year collaborative research project with Paul Fisher at NH. NY cooperated with a leading developer of environmental control software for agricultural applications to implement and test a supplemental light control algorithm at a NY facility. It shows a high level of control accuracy comparable to that obtained by simulation during development of the algorithm. (c) To improve greenhouse wastewater treatment through the use of constructed wetlands, or phytoremediation. Nothing to report

Publications

Dissertations, Theses (Published) Bilodeau, L.J. (Advisor: Fisher, P.R.) 2002. Evaluation of chemical treatments for correcting medium-pH and resultant micronutrient toxicities and deficiencies occurring on floricultural crops grown in a soilless medium. M.S. Thesis. Univ. of New Hampshire. De Villiers, David. 2002. (Advisor: Langhans, R.W.) Photosynthetic period and light integral effects on hydroponic production of dry bean, Phasiolus vulgaris, for life support systems. Ph.D. Dissertation, Cornell University. Enfield, A.L. (Advisor: Heins, R.D.) 2002. Flower Induction and Cultural Requirements for Quick-Cropping of the Herbaceous Perennials Veronica spicata, Phlox paniculata, Leucanthemum xsuperbum, Achillea, Gaura lindheimeri, and Campanula. M.S. Thesis, Michigan State University. Ferrentinos, K.P. (Advisor: Albright, L.D.) 2002. Neural network fault detection and diagnosis in deep-trough hydroponic systems. Ph.D. Dissertation, Cornell University. Fleisher, D.H. (Advisor: Ting, K.C.) 2002. Crop Modeling for Multiple Crop Production and Control for Advanced Life Support Systems. Ph.D. Dissertation, Rutgers University. Goudarzi, S. 2003. (Advisor: Both, A.J.) Dynamic crew performance model for long-duration space missions. M.S. Thesis, Rutgers University. Hsiang, H. 2002. (Advisor: Ting, K.C.)Top-level modeling of a food processing and nutrition (FPN) component of an advanced life support system (ALSS). M.S. Thesis, Rutgers University. Kumasaka, K. 2003. (Advisor: Both, A.J.) Canopy gas-exchange of soybean [Glycine Max (L.) Merr., cv. Hoyt] in response to air temperature, light intensity, and aerial CO2 concentration in controlled hydroponic environments. M.S. Thesis, Rutgers University. Robinson, K.A. (Advisor: Heins, R.D.) 2002. Effects of Temperature on the Flower Development Rate and Morphology of Phalaenopsis. M.S. Thesis, Michigan State University. Rodriguez, L.F. (Advisor: Ting, K.C.) 2002. A dynamic object oriented top-level advanced life support system model. Ph.D. Dissertation, Rutgers University. Rohwer, C.L. (Advisor: Heins, R.D.) 2002. Flowering physiology of Hatiora. M.S. Thesis, Michigan State University. Salamanca, M. 2002. (Advisor: Langhans, R.W.) Product development and marketing of controlled environment agriculture (CEA) fresh produce. Ph.D. Dissertation, Cornell University. Siriwitayawan, G. (Advisor: Geneve, R.L) 2002. The involvement of ethylene in determining seed vigor and the time required for the completion of germination. Ph.D. Dissertation, University of Kentucky. Smith, B.R. (Advisor: Fisher, P.R.) 2002. The effect of root-medium-pH and applied nutrient concentration on growth, nutrient uptake, and pigment content of container-grown bedding plants. M.S. Thesis, Univ. of New Hampshire. Wilkerson, E.G. 2003. (Advisor: Gates, R.S.)Media temperature effects on root development and water uptake during poinsettia propagation. M.S. Thesis, University of Kentucky. Books (Published) Argo, W.B. and P.R. Fisher. 2002. Understanding pH management for container-grown crops. Meister Publishing, Willoughby, Ohio. Book Chapters (Published) Albright, L.D. 2003. Greenhouse Technology, in McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science and Technology. McGraw-Hill, New York. (In press) Li, Y., Y.H. Wu, R.J. McAvoy, Y. Pei, D. Zhao, J. Wurst, Qi Li, K. Luo. (2003): Manipulation of phytohormones and its application in genetic improvement of horticultural crops. In Genetic Transformation of Crop Plants. Eds by G. Liang and D. Skinner, Haworth Press. Palaniswamy, U.R., B.B. Bible and R.J. McAvoy. 2002. Effect of Nitrate:Ammonium Nitrogen Ratio on Oxalate Levels in Purslane. in Trends in New Crops and New Uses J. Janick and A. Whipkey eds. ASHS Press, Alexandria VA. pp. 453-455. Refereed Journal Articles (Published) Bishko, A.J., P.R. Fisher, and W.R. Argo. 2002. Quantifying the pH-Response of a Peat-based Medium to Application of Basic Chemicals. HortScience 37: 511-515. Bishko, A.J., P.R. Fisher, and W.R. Argo. 2003. The pH-Response of a Peat-Based Medium to Application of Acid-Reaction Chemicals. HortScience 38(1): 26-31. Both, A.J., D.E. Ciolkosz, and L.D. Albright. 2002. Evaluation of light uniformity underneath supplemental lighting systems. Acta Horticulturae 580:183-190. Chintakovid, W., C. Kubota, W.M. Bostick, and T. Kozai. 2002. Effect of air current speed on evapotranspiration rate of transplant canopy under artificial light. J. Soc. High Tech. Agriculture. 14(1):25-31. Ciolkosz, D.E., A.J. Both, and L.D. Albright. 2002. Selection and placement ogreenhouse luminaires for uniformity. Applied Engr. in Agr. 17(6):106-113. Ciolkosz, D.E., L.D. Albright, J.C. Sager and R.W. Langhans. 2002. A model for plant lighting system selection. Trans. ASAE 45(1):215-221. Donnelly, C.S. and P.R. Fisher. 2002. The effect of high-pressure sodium lighting on greenhouse production of vegetative cuttings for specialty annuals. HortScience 37: 623-626. Ferentinos, K.P. and L.D. Albright. 2002. Predictive neural network modeling of pH and electrical conductivity in deep-trough hydroponics. Trans. ASAE 45(6):2007-2015. Ferentinos, K.P. and L.D. Albright. 2003. Fault detection and diagnosis in deep-trough hydroponics using intelligent computational tools. Biosystems Engineering 84(1):13-30. Fisher, P.R. R.M. Wik, B.R. Smith, C.C. Pasian, M. Kmetz-Gonzalez, W.R. Argo. 2003. Correcting iron deficiency in calibrachoa grown in a container medium at high pH. HortTechnology 13(2): 308-313. Fleisher, D.H., K.C. Ting and G.A. Giacomelli, 2002. Decision Support Software for Phytoremediation Systems Using Rhizofiltration Processes. Trans. Chinese Soc. Agric. Engineering 18(5):210-215 Gent, M.P.N. 2003. Effect of conductivity and nitrate supply ratio on nitrate accumulation in hydroponic lettuce. HortScience 38:222-227. Glynn, C., D.A. Herms, M. Egawa, R.C. Hansen, and W.J. Mattson. 2003. Effects of nutrient availability on biomass allocation as well as constitutive and induced herbivore resistance in poplar. Oikos 101:385-397. Islam, A.F.M.S., C. Kubota, M. Takagaki, and T. Kozai. 2002. Sweetpotato growth and yield from plug transplants of different volumes, planted intact or without roots. Crop Science. 42:822-826. Kacira, M., P. P. Ling, and T. H. Short. 2002. Establishing crop water stress index (CWSI) threshold values for early and non-contact detection of plant water stress. Trans. ASAE 45(3): 775-780. Kacira, M., P. P. Ling, and T. H. Short. 2002. Machine vision extracted plant movement for early detection of plant water stress. Trans. ASAE 45(4):1147-1153. Kang, S. and A.J. Both. 2002. A management information system for food nutritional analysis and biomass production in an advanced life support system. J. Life Support and Biosphere Science 8(3/4):191-197. Kim, H.-H., R.D. Heins, and W.H. Carlson. 2002. Development and flowering of petunia grown in a far-red deficient light environment. Acta Horticulturae. 580:127-135. Kirnak, H., R.C. Hansen, H.M. Keener and T.H. Short. 2002. An evaluation of physically based and empirically determined evapotranspiration models of nursery plants. Turkish J. Agriculture and Forestry 26: 355-362. Kozai, T. and C. Kubota. 2002. Developing a photoautotrophic (sugar-free medium) micropropagation system for woody plants. J. Plant Research. 114:525-537. Kubota, C. and S. Seiyama. 2002. Manipulation of photoperiod and light intensity for low-temperature storage of eggplant seedlings. Scientia Horticulturae. 94:13-20 Kubota, C., M. Ezawa, T. Kozai, and S.B. Wilson. 2002. In Situ Estimation of Carbon Balance of In Vitro Sweetpotato and Tomato Plantlets Cultured with Varying Initial Sucrose Concentrations in the Medium. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 127: 963-970. Liu, B. and R.D. Heins. 2002. Photothermal ratio affects plant quality in ‘Freedom‘ poinsettia. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 127(1):20-26. Mears, D.R. and A.J. Both. 2002. A positive pressure ventilation system with insect screening for tropical and subtropical greenhouse facilities. Acta Horticulturae 578:125-132. Niu, G., R.D. Heins, A. Cameron, and W. Carlson. 2002. Prevernalization Daily Light Integral and Vernalization Temperature Influences Flowering of Herbaceous Perennials. HortScience 37(7):1028-1031. Niu, G., R.D. Heins, and W. Carlson. 2002. Using Paclobutrazol to control height of poinsettia ‘Freedom‘. HortTechnology 12(2):232-236. Ozkan, B., Brumfield, R.G., and O. Karaguzel. 2003. A profile of Turkish export cut flower growers. HortTechnology. 13(2): 165-171. Prenger, J.J., R.P. Fynn and R.C. Hansen. 2002. A comparison of four evapotranspiration models in a greenhouse environment. Trans. ASAE 45(6): 1779-1788. Runkle, E.S., R.D. Heins, P. Jaster, and C. Thill. 2002. Environmental conditions under an experimental near infra-red reflecting greenhouse film. Acta Horticulturae 578:181-185. Runkle, E.S., R.D. Heins, P. Jaster, and C. Thill. 2002. Plant responses under an experimental near infra-red reflecting greenhouse film. Acta Horticulturae 580:137-143. Runkle, E.S.and R.D. Heins. 2002. Stem extension and subsequent flowering of seedlings grown under a film creating a far-red deficient environment. Scientia Horticulturae 96:257-265. Sadler, P.D. and G.A. Giacomelli. 2002. Mars Inflatable Greenhouse Analog. Life Support and Biosphere Science 8(2)115-123. Shimizu, H. and R.D. Heins. 2002. Prediction of plant shoot-tip temperature on a Penman-Monteith model. Acta Horticulturae 580:169-176. Tavernier, E.M. and R.G. Brumfield. 2003. An economic analysis of the greenhouse, nursery and sod sector in the US. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 38(1):128-130. Walker, J. W. and J. W. Buxton. 2002. Ventilated Plastic Row Cover Protection System. Trans. ASAE. 18(5):603-607. Zolnier, S., R.S. Gates, R.L. Geneve and J.W. Buxton. 2003. Evapotranspiration-Based Mist Control for Poinsettia Propagation. Trans. ASAE 46(1):135-145. Zolnier, S., R.S. Gates, R.L. Geneve, and J.W. Buxton. 2002. Surface diffusive resistances of rooted poinsettia cuttings under controlled-environment conditions. Trans. ASAE 44: 1779-1787. Symposium Proceedings Articles (Published) Chen Y., P.P. Ling, and M. Kacira 2002. Let plants say what they need: plant-response based portable water stress monitoring system for greenhouse plant production. 8th. International Congress on Agricultural Mechanization and Energy. October 15-17, 2002, Kusadasi, Turkey. Donnelly, C.S. and P.R. Fisher. 2002. Effect of high-pressure sodium lighting on greenhouse production of vegetative cuttings for 10 species of annual floricultural crops. Acta Horticulturae 580: 221-228. Dutt, M. and R.L. Geneve. 2002. Using sequential digital images captured with a flat bed scanner to evaluate woody plant seeds with different germination requirements. Proceedings of Southern Nurserymen‘s Association Research Conference 47:352-356. Fisher, P.R. and C.S. Donnelly. 2002. Development of a financial model to evaluate investment in supplemental lighting for greenhouse floricultural production. Acta Horticulturae 580:191-196. Sabeh, N. and E. F. Wheeler. 2002. Temporal and spatial evaluations of environmental conditions within small-scale Agaricus bisporus mushroom production rooms. Paper No. 02-. Meeting of American Society of Agricultural Engineers. St. Joseph, MI . 17 pp. Short, T.H., and I-B Lee. 2002. Temperature and airflow predictions for multi-span naturally ventilated greenhouses. Proceedings if the International Symposium on Design and Environmental Control of Tropical and Subtropical Greenhouses. Taichung, Taiwan. Acta Horticulturae 578:141-152. Popular Articles (Published) Both, A.J. 2002. Greenhouse covering options Greenhouse Management and Production April :49-50. Both, A.J. 2002. How to design a mechanical ventilation system. Greenhouse Management and Production (GMPRO). May:67-73. Both, A.J. 2002. Optimize your production environment. Greenhouse Management and Production. Spring:46-50. Both, A.J. 2003. Supplemental lighting. Can it help you grow better crops? Greenhouse Management and Production. Spring:34-37. Both, A.J., D.R. Mears, E. Reiss, W.J. Roberts. 2002. Greenhouse floor heating. Greenhouse Management and Production. August:60-63. Brumfield, R.G. 2002. Contract growing: Is it for you? CORF News. 6(1):1, 3. Brumfield, R.G. 2002. Greenhouse cost accounting: a computer program for making management decisions. CORF News. 6(1):1, 5. Enfield, A., E. Runkle, R. Heins, A. Cameron, and W. Carlson. 2002. Herbaceous Perennials: Quick-cropping Part I. Greenhouse Grower 20(1):80-86. Enfield, A., E. Runkle, R. Heins, A. Cameron, and W. Carlson. 2002. Herbaceous Perennials: Quick-cropping Part II. Greenhouse Grower 20(3)40-48. Enfield, A., E. Runkle, R. Heins, A. Cameron, and W. Carlson. 2002. Herbaceous Perennials: Quick-cropping Part III. Greenhouse Grower 20(5):66-75. Fausey, B., E. Runkle, R. Heins, A. Cameron, and W. Carlson. 2002. Herbaceous Perennials: Agastache. Greenhouse Grower 20(9):74-82. Faust, J. and R.D. Heins. 2002. Late-season bonzi drenches: northern and southern perspectives. Greenhouse Product News 12(9):46-51. Fisher, P.R. and R. Yates. 2003. Iron deficiency in greenhouse crops. Greenhouse IPM Notes 13(2):2-5. Rutgers Univ. Coop. Extn., N.J. Giacomelli, G.A. 2002. Controlled Environment Agriculture Center (CEAC) Program of High Technology agriculture in the Desert Southwest U.S. AERGC Newsletter. Giacomelli, G.A., 2002. Introduction to Greenhouse Glazing. Written for Chris Beytes of GrowerTalks Magazine for Ball Redbook. Paper #M-125933-01-02. Ling, P.P. 2002. Applied Engineering. Ohios Country Journal. June issue. p. 29. Ling, P.P. 2002. Humidity management. Ohio Florists Association Bulletin. 874. 2 pages. McAvoy, R.J. 2002. 2003 Easter lily schedule. Greenhouse Management and Production 22(11):30-31, 33. McAvoy, R.J. 2002. Easter Lily Schedule 2003: Taking the time to do it right. Yankee Grower 4(4):1-4 McAvoy, R.J. 2002. Growth Regulators for Use on Easter Lilies. Yankee Grower pp.1-5 McAvoy, R.J. 2002. Maximize Easter Lily Quality. Greenhouse Management and Production 22(12):41. McAvoy, R.J. Does Biotechnology Increase Agricultural Productivity? College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Journal. 9(2):1,4-5. Runkle, E. 2002. Grower 101: Controlling photoperiod. Greenhouse Product News 12(10):90-93., Runkle, E., H. Shimizu, R. Heins. 2002. How low can you go? GrowerTalks 65(10)63- 68. Whitman, C. and E. Runkle. 2002. Driven to Succeed. GrowerTalks 66(1):54-60. Presentations (Papers) Bible, B. and McAvoy, R. Response of Poinsettia Cultivars to Aluminum Exposure for Post Harvest Disorders. XXVIth International Horticultural Congress. August 15, 2002, Toronto Canada Braun, M., M.D. Montross, C. Beaman, R.S. Gates, and G.A. Duncan. 2002. Development and testing of a condensation sensor for environmental control. ASAE-CIGR Meeting Paper No. 024013. St. Joseph, Mich.:ASAE. Buxton, J. W. and J. A. Pfeiffer. 2002. Constant compared to fluctuating controlled water table irrigation on geraniums. Abstract. HortScience Choi, C.Y., E. Fitz-Rodriguez, G. Giacomelli. 2002. Web Based Monitoring in Controlled Environment Agriculture. ASAE -CIGR Congress Annual International Meeting, July 29-31, Chicago IL, USA Choi, C.Y., G. Giacomelli, E. Fitz-Rodriguez, C. Pagliarulo. 2002. Virtual Learning Center for Controlled Environment Agriculture, 7th Annual Learning Technology Showcase May 2, 2002, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ. Colliver, D.G., R.S. Gates and E.G. Wilkerson. 2002. Selection of Appropriate Design Weather Conditions for Sizing Evaporative Pad Cooling Systems. ASAE-CIGR Meeting Paper No. 024038. St. Joseph, Mich.:ASAE. Fisher, P.R. (a) Managing the pH of container media (b) From CDs to www.extension.com: Use the internet to improve your poinsettia crop. 2002. Ohio International Short Course, July 2002, Columbus Ohio. Fisher, P.R. 2002. (a) Understanding pH Management (b) Is supplemental lighting profitable for your bedding plant crop? (English and Spanish versions) International Plug and Transplant Conference, Sept 2002, Orlando, Florida. Fleisher, D.H. 2002. Preliminary analysis of plant response to environmental disturbances in controlled environments. ASAE paper No. 02-4076. ASAE, 2950 Niles Road, St. Joseph, MI 49085-9659, USA. NJAES Paper No. P-12130-06-02. 10 pp. Geneve, R.L., R. Gates, S. Zolnier, E. Wilkerson, and S. Kester. 2002. Environmental control systems for mist propagation of cuttings. XXVI International Horticultural Congress Toronto, Canada. Geneve, R.L. 2002. Using sequential digital images to study seed germination. Eastern Region, International Plant Propagators Society annual meeting. Baltimore, MD. Giacomelli, G.A. and M. Jensen, 2002. Introduction of the University of Arizona Controlled Environment Agriculture Program to students and faculty at Chiba University. Invited lecture at Chiba University, Matsudo, Japan, November 19th via live webcast to lecture room in Japan from UA-CEA greenhouse. Giacomelli, G.A., 2002. Online Development for State-wide (Florida) Delivery of Plant Propagation (CD), produced by Dr. Sandra Wilson and Dr. Mack Thetford, University of Florida, included invited lecture, video-imaging, and PowerPoint presentation. April 7-9. Video/CD Goudarzi, S., J. Cavazzoni, and A.J. Both. 2002. Dynamic modeling of crew performance for long duration space missions. Presented at the 32nd International Conference on Environmental Systems, July 15-18, San Antonio, Texas. SAE Technical Paper No. 2002-01-2497. Hansen, R.C., J.J. Prenger, C. Glynn and D.A. Herms. 2002. Computer-controlled delivery of five levels of nutrients to container-grown willow (Year II). Paper No. 02-4042. Presented at the 95th ASAE Annual International Meeting/CIGR World Congress, Chicago, Illinois, July 28-31. ASAE, 2950 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI 49085-9659. Hayden, A.L., T.N. Yokelson, G.A. Giacomelli and J.J. Hoffmann, 2002. Aeroponics: An Alternative Production System for High-Value Root Crops. Presentation at the ISHS Congress, Toronto, Canada, August. Khodakovskaya, M.V., Song Xue, Yan M. Wu, Yi Li, and Richard J. McAvoy. Genetically Engineering Ornamental Plants to Express a More Compact, Free-Branching Growth Habit. 10th IAPTC&B Congress Plant Biotechnology 2002 and Beyond: A Celebration and Showcase. June 23-28, 2002. Orlando, FLA Palaniswamy, U.R. B.B. Bible and R.J. McAvoy. Oxalic Acid Concentrations in Purslane Leaves are Influenced by the Stage of Harvest and the Nitrate to Ammonium Ratios in Hydroponics. XXVIth International Horticultural Congress. August 15, 2002, Toronto Canada Palaniswamy, U.R., R.J. McAvoy., B.B. Bible, J.D. Stuart. 2002. Ontogenic Variation of Phenyl Isothiocyanate Concentrations in Watercress (Nasturtium officinale R. Br.) Leaves. XXVIth International Horticultural Congress. August 16, 2002, Toronto Canada Prenger J. and P.P. Ling. 2002. Closed loop control of plant water stress level using real-time adjustment of evapotranspiration calculation with CWSI feedback. International ASAE Meeting, Chicago, IL. ASAE Paper No. 024044. Ramalingam, N., P.P. Ling, and R.C. Derksen. 2002. Dynamic segmentation for automatic pesticide droplets analysis on uneven leaf surfaces. International ASAE Meeting, Chicago, IL. ASAE Paper No. 023096. Rodriguez, L.F. and K.C. Ting. 2003. Flexible Modeling of Long-term Life Support Missions. Institute for Industrial Engineers Annual Conference, May 18-21, Portland, OR. Sase, S., E. Reiss, A.J. Both, and W.J. Roberts. 2002. A natural ventilation model for open-roof greenhouses. ASAE paper No. 02-4010. ASAE, 2950 Niles Road, St. Joseph, MI 49085-9659, USA. NJAES Paper No. P-12232-04-02. 9 pp. Short, T.H. 2002. Greenhouse designs for the future considering best energy conservation practices. Hydroponic Vegetable Production Session, Ohio Vegetable & Potato Growers Annual Meeting, Toledo, OH. Short, T.H. 2002. Greenhouse structures and plant growth control systems. Keynote address, Controlled Environment Plant Production Sessions. XXVI International Horticultural Congress, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Short, T.H. 2002. Using hydroponic tomato growth response graphs for optimizing yield and quality. Hydroponic growers study group presentation, Toledo, OH. Ting, K.C. 2002. Challenges and Opportunities of Agricultural, Biological, and Food Engineering in the 21st Century. Forum on Agricultural & Biosystem Engineering Development Strategy, Yangling, China: 36-39. Ting, K.C. 2002. Research and Development in Controlled Environment Bioproduction Systems: Implementation of Phytomation Programs using ACESYS and CS&E Concepts. Forum on Agricultural & Biosystem Engineering Development Strategy, Yangling, China: 204-207. Wilkerson, E.G., R.S. Gates and R.L. Geneve. 2002. Effects of Root Zone Temperature on Root Development and Water Uptake During Poinsettia Propagation. ASAE-CIGR Meeting Paper No. 024111. St. Joseph, Mich.:ASAE. Xue, S., M. Khodakovskaya, Y. Wu, Y. Li and R. McAvoy. Phenotypic characterization of petunia plants expressing an indoleacetic acid (IAA)-lysine synthetase transgene driven by a shoot specific promoter. XXVIth International Horticultural Congress. August 15, 2002, Toronto Canada Yang, Y. and P.P. Ling. 2002. Multi-spectral plant drought stress monitoring. International ASAE Meeting, International ASAE Meeting, Chicago, IL. ASAE Paper No. 023064. Zolnier, S., G. B. Lyra, R. S. Gates, L. C. Costa, G. C. Sediyama, M. A. N. Sediyama. 2002. Evapotranspiration estimates for hydroponic lettuce in Brazil. ASAE-CIGR Meeting Paper No. 0243153. St. Joseph, Mich.:ASAE. Other Creative Works Brumfield, R.G. 2002. Contract Growing: Is It for You? Rutgers University Extension Factsheet No. FS1002. Brumfield, R.G. 2002. Cost of production budget: Bedding plants. Brumfield, R.G. 2002. Cost of production budget: Geraniums 4-inch Pots. Brumfield, R.G. 2002. Cost of production budget: Geraniums-Flats. Brumfield, R.G. 2002. Cost of production budget: New Guinea impatiens. Brumfield, R.G. 2002. Cost of production budget: Poinsettias 6-inch Pots. Brumfield, R.G. and E.K. Mafoua. 2002. Agricultural Tourism as Income-Based Risk Management Strategy for Greenhouse and Nursery Producers. Rutgers University Extension Factsheet No. FS1003. Brumfield, R.G. and E.K. Mafoua. 2002. Greenhouse Business Cost of Production: An Interactive JavaScript Program for Making Production, Marketing and Financial Decisions. Rutgers University Extension Factsheet No. FS1000. Brumfield, R.G. and E.K. Mafoua. 2002. Interactive Greenhouse Crop Budget with Five Crops. Brumfield, R.G. and E.K. Mafoua. 2002. Risk Management for Greenhouse and Nursery Growers in the United States . Rutgers University Extension Factsheet No. FS1001. Brumfield, R.G. and R. Johnson. 2002. Greenhouse cost accounting. Computer program and documentation for use with IBM compatible computers and Microsoft Excel. Rutgers Cooperative Extension. Copyright 2001, Rutgers University. Draper, C., M. Donnell, T.H. Short. 2002. An interactive economic analysis and business plan for hydroponic tomato production. Program was developed on an OARDC/OSU hydroponics website. Flahive-DiNardo, M. and R.G. Brumfield. 2002. Pricing your crop. Power Point Slide Set. Giacomelli, G.A. and P. Rorabaugh, 2002. Greenhouse Hydroponics -- From Seed to Harvest (Video), CEAC, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, The University of Arizona (Available for sale online at http://ag.arizona.edu/calsmart) Video/CD Johnson-Rutzke, C.F., R.P. Glahn, M.A. Rutzke, R.M. Wheeler, R.M. Welch, R.Wl Langhans, L.D. Albright and G.F. Combs, Jr. 2002. Light quality effects on the nutritional value of spinach plants. NASA Technical Memorandum 2002-210268. J.F. Kennedy Space Center, FL. 17 pp. Plus figures. McAvoy, R.J. Invention disclosures (filed) McAvoy, R.J. New England Greenhouse Floricultural Recommendations: A Management Guide for Insects, Diseases, Weeds and Growth Regulators. 2003-2004. Section D: Growth Regulators, pp. D-1 to D-36. McAvoy, R.J., M. Khodakovskaya, Yi Li. Cold-temperature inducible fusion genes used to extend the storage life of plants or plant parts under cold, dark conditions. Feb. 28, 2003 Extension bulletins (major) Prenger, J. and P.P. Ling. 2003. Dehumidification Decision Support Spreadsheet. Ohio State University Extension. Short, T.H., C. Draper, M. Donnell. 2002. Hydroponic tomato growth response graphs for optimizing yield and quality. Grower Manual, OARDC-OSUE, Ohio State University. Wooster, OH. Wheeler, E. F., and A. J. Both. 2002. Evaluating greenhouse ventilation fan capacity. Agricultural and Biological Engineering Fact Sheet I-43, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park PA. 4 pp. Wheeler, E. F., and A. J. Both. 2002. Inlet evaluation in greenhouse mechanical ventilation systems. Agricultural and Biological Engineering Fact Sheet I-44, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park PA. 3 pp. Wheeler, E.F. and A.J. Both. 2002. Instruments for monitoring the greenhouse aerial environment: Part 2 of 3. Rutgers University Extension Bulletin No. E276. Wheeler, E.F. and A.J. Both. 2002. Principles of evaluating greenhouse aerial environments: Part 1 of 3. Rutgers University Extension Bulletin No. E275. Wheeler, E.F. and A.J. Both. 2003. Evaluating greenhouse mechanical ventilation system performance: Part 3 of 3. Rutgers University Extension Bulletin No. E277. Workshop Sponsor Both, A.J. 2002. Design and Operation of Commercial Greenhouse Systems. Greenhouse engineering short course with tours of greenhouse facilities. January 13-14. 12 participants. Giacomelli, G.A. 2002. Greenhouse Engineering and Crop Production Systems. Tucson, AZ. This 3-day workshop and tour attracted 65 participants from 10 North American states/provinces. Jan 19-22. Giacomelli, G.A., Merle Jensen, Patricia Rorabaugh, Chieri Kubota, 2002. Science Alive Conference January 2 5. Co-Sponsored with Curt Bertleson, Flowing Wells High School, Tucson, AZ. Ohio. Greenhouse Engineering Workshop pesticide application. February 26-27, 2003. Wooster, Ohio. Workshop Participant Fleisher, D.H. and K.C. Ting. 2003. Decision Support for Biomass Production in Advanced Life Support Systems. NASA-USRA Bioastronautics Investigators‘ Workshop Abstract. January 13-15, Galveston, Texas. Giacomelli, G.A., 2002. 19th Annual CropKing Greenhouse Crop Grower Conference, Tucson, AZ, November 14 to 16. Giacomelli, G.A., 2002. Considerations for Energy Management of Greenhouse Heating and Cooling. Presentation to the Southern Greenhouse Vegetable Growers Association Conference. July 19 - 20, 2002, Shreveport, LA. Paper # E-125933-16-01. Giacomelli, G.A., Merle Jensen and Peter Waller, 2002. Curso Internacional de Invernaderos, Short course at Chapingo University, Mexico. 27 al 31 de Mayo 2002. Giacomelli, G.A., S. Newman and K. Panter, 2002. View from 50,000 feet: Greenhouse Issues of Today with Impact for the Future. Presentation at the Fall 2002 NGMA Meeting, Phoenix, AZ, October 17-18. Refereed Journal Articles (Pending) Brumfield, R.G. 2003. Strengths and weaknesses of the greenhouse industry in New York. Acta Horticulturae (in press). Dole, J.M., P.R Fisher, and G. Njue. 2003 (in review). Optimizing postharvest life of cut Renaissance Red poinsettias. Submitted to HortScience. Dutt, M. and R.L. Geneve. 2003. Elevated levels of ethylene during germination reduces the time to radicle emergence in impatiens. Acta Horticulturae, (in press). Ferentinos, K.P. and L.D. Albright. 2003. Modeling pH and electrical conductivity in hydroponics using artificial neural networks. Acta Horticulturae (in press). Fleisher, D.H. and K.C. Ting. 2003. Modeling and Control of Plant Production in Controlled Environments. Acta Horticulturae (in press). Fleisher, D.H., J. Cavazzoni, G.A. Giacomelli and K.C. Ting. 2003. Adaptation of SUBSTOR for Controlled-Environment Potato Production with Elevated Carbon Dioxide. Trans. ASAE 46(1): (in press). Fleisher, D.H., L. Rodriguez, A.J. Both, J. Cavazzoni and K.C. Ting. 2003. Advanced Life Support Systems in Space. In CIGR Handbook of Agricultural Engineering, Munack, A. (ed.), vol. 6: Information Technology (submitted 2002). Geneve, R. L., S. T. Kester, and J. W. Buxton. 2003. Capillary mats alter the water content in medium during mist propagation. Submitted to HortScience. Geneve, R.L. 2003. Impact of temperature on seed dormancy. HortScience (in press). Geneve, R.L., K.W. Pomper, S.T. Kester, J.N. Egilla, C.L.H. Finneseth, S. Crabtree, and D.R. Layne. 2003 Propagation of Pawpaw (Asimina triloba) - a Review. HortTechnology (in press). Geneve, R.L., R.S. Gates, S. Zolnier, E. Wilkerson, and S. T. Kester. 2003. Environmental control systems for mist propagation of cuttings. Acta Horticulturae, (in press). Gent, M.P.N. 2003. Effect of nitrogen and potassium supplements on yield and quality of greenhouse tomato. Acta Horticulturae (in press). Gent, M.P.N. 2003. Effect of nitrogen and potassium supply on yield and tissue composition of greenhouse tomato. Acta Horticulturae (in press). Gent, M.P.N. 2003. Greenhouse Tomato Cultivar Trials in Connecticut 1999-2002. Connecticut Agric. Experiment Station Bulletin (in press) Hayden, A.L., T.N. Yokelson, G.A. Giacomelli and J.J. Hoffmann. Aeroponics: An Alternative Production System for High-Value Root Crops. Acta Horticulturae (submitted) Kirnak, H., H.M. Keener, R.C. Hansen and T.H. Short. 2003. Dynamic modeling of tension-controlled irrigation of container-grown nursery plants. Trans. ASAE. (Publication pending). Lefrud, M.G., G.A. Giacomelli, H.W. Janes, and M.H. Kliss. Development of the microgravity plant growth pocket. Trans. ASAE. (submitted). Mathieu, J.J., A.R. Leed and L.D. Albright. 2003. A stand-alone light integral controller. Acta Horticulturae (in press). McAvoy, R.J., M. Khodakovskaya, Y. Wu, Y. Li and S. Xue. Phenotypic characterization of petunia plants expressing an indoleacetic acid (IAA)-lysine synthetase transgene driven by a shoot specific promoter. Acta Horticulturae Oakley, K., S. T. Kester and R. L. Geneve. 2003.Computer-aided digital image analysis of seedling size and growth rate for assessing seed vigour in impatiens. Submitted to Seed Science Research. Rodriguez, L.F., S. Kang and K.C. Ting. 2003. Top Level Modeling of an ALSS Utilizing Object Oriented Techniques. Advances in Space Research: (in press). Smith, B.R., P.R. Fisher, and W.R. Argo. 2003. Water-soluble Fertilizer Concentration and pH of a Peat-based Medium Affect Growth, Nutrient Uptake, and Chlorosis of Container-grown Seed Geraniums (Pelargonium x hortorum L.H.Bail). J. Plant Nutrition. (in press) Smith, B.R., P.R. Fisher, and W.R. Argo. 2003. Effects of applied micronutrient concentration and root-medium pH on container-grown Petunia x hybrida Vilm.-Andr. and Impatiens wallerana Hook. F.: (B) Nutrient Uptake. Submitted to HortScience. Ting, K.C., D.H. Fleisher and L.F. Rodriguez. 2003. Concurrent Science and Engineering for Phytomation Systems. Journal of Agricultural Meteorology (in press). Uno, A., K. Ohyama, T. Kozai, and C. Kubota. Photoautotrophic culture with CO2 enrichment for improving micropropagation of Coffea arabusta using somatic embryos. Acta Horticulturae (peer-reviewed edition) (submitted) Wilkerson, E. and R.S. Gates. 2003. Controlled environment system for studying root zone temperature effects on poinsettia propagation. Applied Engineering in Agriculture. In Press

Impact Statements

Distributed software to growers to track height of potted flowering plants .
Determined effect of environment and nutrition on productivity of greenhouse tomato.
Developed models to predict shoot tip temperature and effect on growth of plants.
Compared crop production in open roof, high tunnel, and conventional greenhouses.
A model to design and operate phytoremediation systems was made available on the internet.