NC_old1186: Water Management and Quality for Ornamental Crop Production and Health

(Multistate Research Project)

Status: Inactive/Terminating

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SAES-422 Reports

Annual/Termination Reports:

[09/26/2016] [11/17/2017] [07/27/2018] [09/05/2019]

Date of Annual Report: 09/26/2016

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 06/22/2016 - 06/24/2016
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2015 - 09/30/2016

Participants

A full list of participants is attached.

Participants Attachment:

2016 NC-1186 attendee list.docx

Brief Summary of Minutes

The 2016 annual meeting for NC−1186 multistate research project was held in conjunction with the NE- 1335 Controlled environments group on Long Island, NY June 22- 24 2016. The meeting started with a tour of the Long Island Horticultural Research and Extension Center, followed by a graduate student poster session. Afterwards, we conducted a dinner/social to facilitate interactions between the two groups.

The business meeting began Thursday morning, with a welcome by Mark Bridgen, our host from Cornell University. After that, we had brief introductions of all of the participants, followed by station reports from the group, which was facilitated by Stephanie Burnett (Chair of NE 1335) and Rosa Rodales. There were 25 attendees from 15 institutions comprised of USDA ARS scientists, university faculty, students, and staff.

In the afternoon, we had a group discussion regarding areas of interest and overlap between the groups led by John Majsztrik. The discussion centered around areas of potential collaboration of the group. After this discussion, we broke up into 3 groups to further discuss collaboration efforts in areas of overlap for both NE 1335 and NC 1186.

After the breakout sessions, the NE 1335 and NC 1186 groups held their individual business meetings. Amanda Bayer (University of Massachusetts) was elected secretary by unanimous vote. The following meeting dates and locations were agreed upon by the group, with exact dates and details to be worked out by the executive committee and hosting institution. June 2017 in Asheville, NC (host Anthony LeBude) (potential dates June 12-14 or 14-16); March 2018 in Gainesville, FL (host Paul Fisher); and June 2019 Monterey CA (host Lorence Oki). The suggestion was made to include a grower workshop with all NC1186 meetings, since they would benefit the local growers, and travel costs would be minimal since speakers would already be attending the NC 1186 meeting.

On June 24 there was a tour of 4 local nurseries.

Minutes Attachment:

Joint NE-1335 and NC-1186 meeting minutes.docx

Accomplishments

California The PIs’ research groups continue to work on the California portion of the Clean WateR3 project characterizing nursery runoff, and have installed instruments and dataloggers at two cooperating nurseries to measure the volumes of water obtained from water sources (including captured runoff) and applied in irrigation.  Water samples have been collected and are being analyzed for nutrients and water-borne plant diseases.  This information will be used to determine methods to improve irrigation efficiency to reduce water use, examine challenges and develop solutions for recycling, and study remediation methods to remove pathogens and other pollutants prior to reuse.    We have submitted a manuscript for publication describing the removal of Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) using slow sand filters.  We found that slow sand filters are capable of removing TMV from captured irrigation runoff so that the water can be reused for irrigation.  This will be the first report of the removal of a plant pathogenic virus from runoff water in a replicated study using this method.  Slow sand filters are a biological water treatment method that have been shown to successfully remove water molds from runoff water.  Connecticut The University of Connecticut observed that when biofilm was present on the irrigation pipes Pythium root-rot in poinsettias was lower compared with plants irrigated with new pipes.  This is the first study to evaluate the interaction of biofilm with plant pathogens in irrigation.  In a separate study, we observed that biofilm accumulated faster and more abundant in PVC pipes compared with polyethylene pipes.  Florida University of Florida constructed a small-scale granular activated carbon system to test the removal capability of paclobutrazol. Paclobutrazol is an active ingredient used in plant growth regulators to control plant height. A 0.05 mg·L-1 paclobutrazol solution was passed through this small-scale, 0.50 to 4.75 mm particle size (8x30 mesh) coconut coir GAC system at 6L·minute-1. A randomized complete block design was used with six contact times (0, 12, 24, 36, 47, or 59 seconds), which corresponded to 0, 1.9, 3.7, 5.6, 7.5, or 9.4L of empty filter housing volume (excluding the carbon). 15mL of each GAC-treated solution were then applied to broccoli [Brassica oleracea ‘Waltham 29’] seed and begonia [Begonia x semperflorens-cultorum ‘Super Olympia White’] seedlings. Broccoli hypocotyls at 14 days were 103% longer and begonia dry mass was 36% greater when treated with solutions that had a contact time of 59 seconds GAC compared with the 0seconds GAC treatment. With the highest GAC level, begonia dry mass was the same as for plants treated with a zero paclobutrazol solution. However, the broccoli hypocotyl length was 10% shorter for plants treated with 59 seconds GAC compared with a zero paclobutrazol solution. Analysis of paclobutrazol concentration using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) found that paclobutrazol concentration decreased by 90% or 99% with a contact time of 12 seconds or 59 seconds GAC, respectively. Overall, this experiment showed that granular activated carbon has the potential to remediate paclobutrazol from irrigation water to below biologically-active concentration.  Indiana Little is known about the P accumulation patterns and P utilization efficiency in container crops and there are only a few reports on the effects of P fertilization on partitioning in relation to their productivity. Such information is critical as it will help design more efficient management strategies for P fertilizer by better aligning the P requirements of crops and the application amount and timing of the nutrient. The objective of our study was to critically analyze the effects of P on shoot and root growth, phosphorus (P) partitioning and P utilization efficiency in lantana. Our study refines the effects of P fertilization on plant growth, and provides critical information on the biomass accumulation during vegetative and reproductive growths, in relation to P accumulation and partitioning in lantana. Improved cultural practices will help growers to stay in business while complying with federal and state regulations, which are likely to become more stringent with time.  Massachusetts UMass is continuing to establish a research program to further examine how plant growth is effected by irrigation practices, how irrigation can be manipulated to control plant growth, and to look at how Massachusetts nurseries can improve irrigation efficiency.  Mississippi New cut flower crops, such as tall bearded iris, are of value to the floral industry, but little may be known about the nutrient requirements for the commercial productions of such crops. A study at Mississippi State University evaluated growth, flowering, and nutrient use efficiency of reblooming Iris ‘Immortality’ using nitrogen supplied via irrigation. This study determined that relatively higher rates of nitrogen encouraged a second blooming of Iris ‘Immortality’ and indicated that a N rate of 10 mM was optimal for nitrogen uptake efficiency. Also, higher N rates supplied the prior year are recommended to improve production of inflorescence stems in the spring. New Jersey Rutgers University has found that container-grown ornamental plants irrigated (short-term) with laundry graywater irrigation are similar in growth and quality to those irrigated with good quality water sources (municipal tap and well-water). Addition of bleaching agents (i.e. Clorox) to graywater, however, have been found to produce toxic effects on several plant species, attributed to the presence of high total and free chlorine concentrations (45 to 60 ppm). A preliminary landscape irrigation study with graywater has also shown that the presence of bleach in this water source leads to reduced soil biological biomass and diversity compared to control plants irrigated with well water.   Studies are underway to experimentally validate integrated nutrient diagnosis norms (DRIS= Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System, and CND= Compositional Nutrient Diagnosis) we have generated for greenhouse-grown cut roses. To date, theoretical validation of these norms has found that they are suitable for rose crop nutrient status diagnosis, allowing for the correlation of nutrient balance indexes with crop flower productivities across a range of cultivars, plant ages, rootstocks and production systems (i.e. soils, soilless substrates, hydroponics). North Carolina NC State sampled source water quality growers use for irrigation in over 60 nurseries in 18 counties in eastern North Carolina during late summer 2015 ( See full station report for Table 1). They determined that more than 66% of nurseries are irrigating with high pH water (>7.0) in summer caused by algae production in surface waters.  The effect of high pH irrigation water on plant growth and quality is under investigation while NC Cooperative Extension agents are working with local growers to decrease algae production in surface waters.       Ohio USDA-ARS in Wooster, OH, determined the mechanism by which parboiled rice hulls provide weed control in container crops.   Parboiled rice hulls are a clean, light-weight, OMRI-approved organic mulch product that can be used for controlling weeds in nursery containers.  Weed seed and spores (from liverworts and mosses) that land on top of the mulch surface fail to establish due to volumetric water content of the mulch layer.  Compared to pine bark and sphagnum peatmoss, rice hulls retain very little water from an irrigation event, and they dry quickly from what little water they do retain.  For weed seeds present on the surface of the container at the time of mulch application, rice hulls must form a physical barrier to prevent weed establishment.  A mulch layer at least 1.25 cm thick is needed to physically impede weed establishment from beneath the rice hull mulch layer.   Steam or how-water can be used to sterilize reused plastic propagation pots and trays and effectively kill weed seed attached to the plastic.   Seeds of many weeds, most notably bittercress (Cardamine flexuosa) and creeping woodsorrel (Oxalis corniculata), stick to plastic containers and trays and are reintroduced into the production system when these containers and trays are reused.   Bittercress seed exposed to 70 °C hot-water for 30 minutes were killed 100%, while seed exposed to 90 °C hot-water for just 10 minutes were killed 100%. South Carolina Researchers at Clemson University evaluated aquatic plants species for their susceptibility to plant pathogens by screening eleven aquatic plant species in repeated laboratory trials to evaluate susceptibility to plant pathogens.  Plant species screened include: Agrostis alba, Andropogon glomeratus, Carex stricta, Canna flaccida, Canna ×generalis ‘Bird of Paradise,’  Iris ensata ‘Rising Sun’, Pontederia cordata, Sagittaria latifolia, and Typha latifolia.  Iris and canna species supported limited or no growth and reproduction of examined Phytophthora spp., indicating they are not susceptible to infection by Phytophthora and can be used in future studies of “designer” vegetative channels.  Additional screening of plant species is planned to verify alternate susceptibility.   Researchers at Clemson University and Virginia Tech worked together to develop multiple “tools” grower can use to make decisions.  The first developed model is related to water treatment – disinfection via various chemicals.  The water treatment model will be tested and validated this year.   Researchers at Virginia Tech, Clemson University, North Carolina State University, and University of New Hampshire collaborated to develop and beta test a comprehensive crop production tool to help the technology-savvy grower manage water and fertilizer.  This research funded by the Horticulture Research Institute and the American Floral Endowment will assist nursery and floriculture producers The “app” will assist growers in making on-the-go decisions, providing them with historical records, saving time and money. Tennessee The University of Tennessee established 3 independently controlled irrigation plots at three commercial nurseries to examine water use, container drainage (leachate) volume, and plant growth.  Plants include ornamental cherries, hydrangeas, junipers, and dogwoods.  Plants were automatically irrigated by one of three sensor-based regimes: 1) an on-demand (OD) irrigation system based on a specific container substrate moisture content, 2) a leachate-based system, or 3) a daily water use system.  In each case the system was compared with the nursery’s standard daily timer-based irrigation.  In general, plants irrigated by the sensor-based systems stayed more moist, experienced fewer moisture level extremes, and use less water. All three treatments used significantly less water than the common industry practice of applying 0.7-1.0 inch per day.  This research is on-going and will be continued over several seasons to determine if conservative, technology driven irrigation scheduling can reduce water consumption without reducing growth or slowing production time and determine, which, if any, of the sensor-based systems is best. Texas (truncated) We continue to study on the salt tolerance of important ornamental species and drought tolerance and irrigation management of ornamental plants. In the past 12 months, the following were studies. Study 1: Salt tolerance of ten aster perennials was evaluated in a greenhouse experiment. Plants were irrigated with nutrient solution at electrical conductivity (EC) of 1.2 dS∙m-1 (control) or saline solutions at EC of 5.0 or 10.0 dS∙m-1 (EC 5 or EC 10) for five weeks. Results indicated that gregg’s mistflower, skeleton-leaf goldeneye, and lavender cotton were the most salt tolerant species with less reductions in shoot DW at elevated salinity. Damianita and the four daisies, i.e., blackfoot daisy, copper canyon daisy, four-nerve daisy, and shasta daisy, and aromatic aster and zexmenia were salt sensitive. Study 2: Nine ornamental species were irrigated with a nutrient solution and saline solution at three different electrical conductivity rates and were assessed for growth and physiological responses. Results indicated that orange peel jessamine and mexican hummingbird bush were the most salt tolerant in the trials, while flame acanthus, rock rose, and ‘Dark knight’ bluebeard were moderately salt-tolerant. Cardinal flower, mexican false heather, and butterfly blue plants were moderately salt sensitive, while Eastern red columbine was the most salt sensitive among the species. Study 3: the salt tolerance of six Lamiaceae species was determined by quantifying their growth and physiological responses. Our results indicated that Texas betony was the most salt tolerant, Russian sage and spotted dead nettle were moderately tolerant, while bugleweed, Mexican oregano, and cherry skullcap were the least salt tolerant. Angelonia angustifolia ‘Angelface Blue’ liners were grown until the marketable stage with irrigation at soil moisture content (SMC) of 20 or 40% using Watchdog 1000 series SMC monitors. At the end of production, 40% SMC plants had significantly larger growth index (GI=(width 1+width 2)/4 + height/2) and dry biomass than 20% SMC plants and 20% SMC plants had shorter internodes. This is physiological evidence suggesting plants that were water stressed during production were more acclimated to the retail environment. Our results demonstrate that while conserving water, controlled irrigation at a lower SMC can produce high quality plants that have equal or superior shelf life to those that are irrigated at high levels. Virginia Surveyed nursery and greenhouse growers in Virginia regarding best management practices (BMPs).  60 respondents reported BMP use, which included buffer strips, irrigation scheduling and optimized irrigation efficiency, water capture and collection, plant need based water application, grouping plants by water needs, integrated pest management, and controlled-release fertilizers. Growers reported that their sources of information about BMP use included learning on their own (81%), observing what others in the industry did (62%), extension publications (60%), vendors (21%), and the BMP manual (13%). Filter socks were successful at removing sediment and bound agrichemicals at grower collaborator sites; however, filter socks did result in undesirable water retention / damming in a few locations that resulted in a perceived increase in disease potential and wet roadways.  Owen and Altland investigated organic acids and solids leached from soilless substrates to better understand their interaction with soilless substrates chemical amendments, namely phosphorus, and subsequent water quality.  A study was conducted utilizing three pine bark sources commonly used for containerized crop production in the southeastern, Midwest and mid-Atlantic US. Replicates of each bark from three source was packed 6” PVC columns and leached over a 12-day period.  Effluent samples were collected every two days and analyzed for total suspended solids, organic constituents, and elemental concentration and content.  Preliminary results indicate leaching of total suspended solids vary widely from each source, contributing 250 to 1000 mg of solids from a #1fallow container.

Publications

Published written works - <a name="_Toc462388920"></a>Refereed Journal Articles and Book Chapters California Newman, J.P., J.N. Kabashima, D. Merhaut, D.L. Haver, J. Gan, and L.R. Oki. 2014. Controlling runoff and recycling water, nutrients, and waste. In: Container Nursery Production and Business Manual. J.P. Newman (ed.) University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Richmond, CA. pp.95-118. Oki, L.R. and J.H. Lieth. 2014. Mechanization and automation. In: Container Nursery Production and Business Manual. J.P. Newman (ed.) University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Richmond, CA. pp.45-58.  Nackley, L.L., C. Barnes, and L.R.Oki. 2015. Investigating the impacts of recycled water on long-lived conifers. AoB Plants. 7: plv035. doi: 10.1093/aobpla/plv035. Connecticut Altland, J.E., L. Morris, J. Boldt, P. Fisher, and R. Raudales. 2015.  Sample container and storage for paclobutrazol monitoring in irrigation water. HortTechnology 25:769-773.  Raudales, R.E., P. Fisher, C. Hall. Submitted. Cost Analysis of Water Treatments in Irrigation. Irrigation Science Florida Oliveira, S.F., P.R. Fisher, J. Huang, and S.C. Mello. 2016. Strategies to provide fertilizer for both production and consumer phases of petunia. HortTechnology 26:164-175. Meador, D.P., P.R. Fisher, C.L. Guy, P.F. Harmon, N.A. Peres, Max Teplitski. 2016. Using a dehydrated agar to estimate microbial water quality for horticulture irrigation. Journal of Environmental Quality Mar-Apr 2016. 0. doi:10.2134/jeq2015.03.0130.  Dickson, R.W., P.R. Fisher, W.R. Argo, D.J. Jacques, J.B. Sartain, L.E. Trenholm, T.H. Yeager. 2016. Solution ammonium:nitrate ratio and  cation/anion uptake affect the acidity or basicity produced by three floriculture species in hydroponic nutrient solutions. Scientia Horticulturae 200:36–44.  Altland , J.E., L. Morris, J. Boldt, P.R. Fisher, and R.E. Raudales. 2015. Sample container and storage for paclobutrazol monitoring in irrigation water. HortTechnology 25:769-773.  Fisher, P., and R. Raudales. 2016. Minimize build up in your water pipes. Greenhouse Grower. June 2016:65, 66, 68.  Fisher, P. 2016. Pinpoint toxicity in your pond water. Greenhouse Grower. May 2016:46, 48, 50.  Fisher, P., G. Grant, V. Zayas, R. Raudales, J. Altland, and J. Boldt. 2016. New technology development in water treatment. Greenhouse Grower Technology. May/June 2016:20, 22.  Fisher, P.R. 2016. Unclog drip emitters in your greenhouse. Greenhouse Grower. April 2016:42-44.  Fisher, P.R., J. Huang, M. Paz, and R. Dickson. 2016. Having success with organic growing mixes. GrowerTalks Jan 2016:68-72. Indiana Kim, H.J. and X.X. Li. 2016. Effects of phosphorus on shoot and root growth, partitioning and phosphorus utilization efficiency in lantana. HortScience. (Accepted) Massachusetts Bayer, A., J. Ruter, and M.W. van Iersel. 2015. Optimizing Irrigation and Fertilization of Gardenia jasminoides for Good Growth and Minimal Leaching. HortScience. 50:994-1001. Mississippi Zhao, X., G. Bi, R.L. Harkess, J.J. Varco, and E.K. Blythe. 2016. Spring nitrogen uptake, use efficiency, and partitioning for growth in Iris germanica 'Immortality'. HortScience 51:563-566.  Zhao, X., G. Bi, R.L. Harkess, J.J. Varco, T. Li, and E.K. Blythe. 2016. Nitrogen fertigation rates affect stored nitrogen, growth and blooming in Iris germanica 'Immortality'. HortScience 51:186-191. New Jersey Wu, S., Y. Sun, G. Niu, J. Altland, and R.I. Cabrera. 2016. Response of 10 aster species to saline water irrigation. HortScience 51(2): 197-201. North Carolina Fulcher, A., A.V. LeBude, J.S. Owen, Jr., S.A. White, and R.C. Beeson. 2016. The next ten years: Strategic vision of water resources for nursery producers. HortTech. 2:121-131. Ohio Altland, J.E., Zellner, W., Locke, J.C., and Krause, C.R. 2015. Micronutrient availability from steel slag amendment in peatmoss substrates. HortScience. 50:1715-1720.  Zellner, W.L., Friedrich, R.L., Kim, S., Sturtz, D.S., Frantz, J., Altland, J.E., Krause, C.R. 2015. Continuing assessment of the 5 day sodium carbonate ammonium nitrate extraction assay as an indicator test for silicon fertilizers. Journal of AOAC International. 98(4):890-895.  Altland, J.E., L. Morris, J. Boldt, P. Fisher, and R. Raudales. 2015.  Sample container and storage for paclobutrazol monitoring in irrigation water. HortTechnology 25:769-773.  Altland, J.E. and J.C. Locke. 2015.  High rates of gasified rice hull biochar affect geranium and tomato growth in a soilless substrate. J. Plant Nutr. (Accepted, In Press).  Altland, J.E., Locke, J.C., and Zellner, W. 2016.  Micronutrient availability from steel slag amendment in pine bark substrates. J. Environ. Hort. (Accepted, In Press). Altland, J.E. and K.Y. Jeong. 2016.  Dolomitic lime amendment affects pine bark substrate pH, nutrient availability, and plant growth: A review. HortTechnology (Submitted, In Review).  South Carolina Fulcher, A., A.V. LeBude, J. S. Owen, Jr., S. A. White and R. C. Beeson. 2016. The next ten years: Strategic vision of water resources for nursery producers. HortTechnology 26:133-140. Tennessee <ol start="1836"> <li>YearyM, A. Fulcher, and B. Leib. Nursery irrigation: A guide for reducing risk and improving production. UT Extension Publication PB 1836. <a href="https://extension.tennessee.edu/publications/Documents/PB1836.pdf">https://extension.tennessee.edu/publications/Documents/PB1836.pdf</a></li> </ol> Fulcher, A., A.V. LeBude, J.S. Owen, S.A. White and R.C. Beeson. 2016. The next ten years: Strategic vision of water resources for nursery producers. HortTechnology 26(2):121. Texas Jacobson, A.B., T.W. Starman, and L. Lombardini. 2015. Substrate moisture content effects on growth and shelf life of Angelonia angustifolia. HortScience 50(2):272-278.  Wu, S., Y. Sun, G. Niu, G.L. Grimaldo and A. Castro. 2016. Responses of six Lamiaceae landscape species to saline water irrigation. Journal of Environmental Horticulture 34(1): 30-35. Wu, S., Y. Sun, and G. Niu. 2016. Morphological and physiological responses of nine ornamental species to saline water irrigation. HortScience 51(3): 285-290.  Wu, S., Y. Sun, G. Niu, J. Altland, and R. Cabrera. 2016. Response of 10 aster species to saline water irrigation. HortScience 51(2): 197-201.  Wang, X., M. Gu, G. Niu, P.A. Baumann. 2015. Herbicidal activity of mustard seed meal (Sinapis alba ‘IdaGold’ and Brassica juncea ‘Pacific Gold’) on weed emergence. Industrial Crops and Products 77: 1004-1013.  Sun, Y., G. Niu, R. Wallace, J. Masabni, and M. Gu. 2015. Relative salt tolerance of seven strawberry cultivars. Horticulturae 1:27-43; doi:10.3390/horticulturae1010027. Sun, Y., G. Niu, and C. Perez. 2015. Relative salt tolerance of seven Texas Superstar® perennials. HortScience 50:1562-1566.  Sun, Y., J. Masabni, and G. Niu. 2015. Simulated seawater flooding reduces the growth of ten vegetables. HortScience 50(5):694-698.  Sun, Y., G. Bi, and G. Niu. 2015. Foliar application of dikegulac sodium increases branching of Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Merritt’s Supreme’. HortTechnology 25(3):306-312. Virginia Fulcher, A., A.V. LeBude, J. S. Owen, Jr., S. A. White and R. C. Beeson. 2016. The next ten years: Strategic vision of water resources for nursery producers. HortTechnology 26:133-140.  Fields, J.S. and J.S. Owen, Jr. 2015. Utilizing the HYDRUS model as a tool for understanding soilless substrate water dynamics. Acta Hort. (in press, presented at ISHS Intl. Substrate and Compost Symposium) <h2>Popular Articles</h2>  California Haver, D.L. (2014). Best management practices for nurseries-A water quality field for nurseries: Updated Southern California Edition. <a href="http://ucanr.edu/sites/urbanwatermgmt/files/208722.pdf">http://ucanr.edu/sites/urbanwatermgmt/files/208722.pdf</a>  Bethke, J.A., M. Parrella, S. Tjosvold, D. Merhaut and L. Oki. 2015. The University of California serves the ornamental plant production industry. Greenhouse Product News. 25(8): 10-16. <a href="http://www.gpnmag.com/article/university-california-serves-ornamental-plant-production-industry/">http://www.gpnmag.com/article/university-california-serves-ornamental-plant-production-industry/</a>.  Oki, L., A. Filmer and L. Nackley. 2015. Environmental horticulture research at UC Davis. Greenhouse Product News. 25(12): 36-42. <a href="http://www.gpnmag.com/article/environmental-horticulture-research-uc-davis/">http://www.gpnmag.com/article/environmental-horticulture-research-uc-davis/</a>. Oki, L.R. 2015. Irrigating greenhouse and nursery crops based on soil moisture measurement. University of California Nursery and Floriculture Alliance News.19(2): 8-12. <a href="http://ucnfanews.ucanr.edu/Articles/Feature_Stories/Irrigating_greenhouse_and_nursery_crops_based_on_soil_moisture_measurement/">http://ucnfanews.ucanr.edu/Articles/Feature_Stories/Irrigating_greenhouse_and_nursery_crops_based_on_soil_moisture_measurement/</a>  Oki, L.R. 2015. CDFA Nursery Advisory Board Report. University of California Nursery and Floriculture Alliance News.19(3): 22-23. <a href="http://ucnfanews.ucanr.edu/Articles/CDFA_Nursery_Advisory_Board_Reports/Winter_2015__CDFA_Nursery_Advisory_Board_Report/">http://ucnfanews.ucanr.edu/Articles/CDFA_Nursery_Advisory_Board_Reports/Winter_2015__CDFA_Nursery_Advisory_Board_Report/</a>.  Oki, L.R. 2016. CDFA Nursery Advisory Board Report. University of California Nursery and Floriculture Alliance News.20(1): 23. <a href="http://ucnfanews.ucanr.edu/Articles/CDFA_Nursery_Advisory_Board_Reports/Spring_2016_CDFA_Nursery_Advisory_Board_Report">http://ucnfanews.ucanr.edu/Articles/CDFA_Nursery_Advisory_Board_Reports/Spring_2016_CDFA_Nursery_Advisory_Board_Report</a>.  Connecticut Fisher, P., Raudales, R. E., Huang J. 2016. Select the Right Filter for Ebb-and Flood Irrigation. Greenhouse Grower Magazine: New Technology Development in Water Treatment Series. Greenhouse Grower July 2016: 46-50  Fisher, P., Raudales, R.E. 2016. Minimize iron buil-up on your water pipes. Greenhouse Grower. June 2016:66-70  Fisher, P., Grant, G., Zayaz, V., Raudales, R. E., Altland, J., Boldt, J. 2016. New Technology Development in Water Treatment. Greenhouse Grower Technology. May/June 2016: 20-22  Raudales, R. E., Pundt, L. 2016. Maintaining high quality plants in retail settings. E-Gro Alerts 5(31):1-6  Raudales, R. E. 2016. Algae on the nutrient solution and surfaces. E-Gro Edibles 1(6):1-44  Raudales, R. E., McGehee, C. 2016. Pythium root rot of hydroponic crops. E-Gro Edibles 1(4):1  Other Creative Works Raudales, R.E., B. MacKay, P.R. Fisher. Waterborne Solutions: Online searchable database on efficacy of water treatments to control plant pathogens developed on www.backpocketgrower.com/waterbornesolutions.asp  North Carolina Fulcher, A., A.V. LeBude, J.S. Owen, Jr., S.A. White, and R.C. Beeson. 2016. Are we learning from the past? Nursery Management and Production, June. Accessed 17 Jun <a href="http://www.nurserymag.com/article/are-we-learning-from-the-past/">http://www.nurserymag.com/article/are-we-learning-from-the-past/</a>. South Carolina Fisher, S.A. White, J.S. Owen, Jr., R.T. Fernandez, D. Hitchcock, J. Parke, C. Hall, A. Lamm, L. Oki, P.C. Wilson, J. Lea-Cox, D. Ingram, B. Cregg, P. Fisher, D. Sample, L. Sanagorski, S. Tjosvold, D. Haver.  Clean WateR3 - Reduce, Remediate and Recycle / Water Education Alliance for Horticulture: http://www.cleanwater3.org/ Texas Nambuthiri, S., A. Fulcher, R. Geneve, G. Niu, D. Cochran, S. Verlinden and R. Conneway. 2015.  Saving water and money: Irrigation for increased nursery profitability and efficiency. Tennessee GreenTimes. 16(2): 1-4.  Nambuthiri, S., A. Fulcher, R. Geneve, G. Niu, D. Cochran, S. Verlinden and R. Conneway. 2015. Pick your pot. Find out if container alternatives are right for your growing operation. Tennessee Green Times. 116(2):18-20.  Sun, Y., G. Niu, and D. Zhang. 2015. Effect of volumetric water content on the growth of Nandina domestica. Proceedings of Southern Nursery Association 60:45-51. Virginia Owen, J.S., Jr. 2015. The transparent container. Nursery Management 31(8):36-40.  Owen, J.S., Jr., A. LeBude, M. Chappell and T. Hoskins. 2016. Advanced irrigation management for container-grown ornamental crop production. Virginia Cooperative Extension Service Publication. (in press) Shreckhise, J.H.*, J.S. Owen, Jr., J.C. Brindley, A.X. Niemiera. 2015. Evaluation of phosphorus nutrient use efficiency in several woody ornamental nursery crops. Virginia Nursery Landscape Assoc. Nwsl. 84(3):48-51.  Proceedings  Indiana Xu, L.Z., N. Liu and H.J. Kim. 2015. Effects of Parboiled Rice Hull Amended Substrates on the Growth and Water Use of Petunia and Zinnia. HortScience 50(9): S286. Xu, L.Z., N. Liu and H.J. Kim. 2015. Physical and Chemical Properties of a Peat-based Substrate Amended with Parboiled Rice Hull. HortScience 50(9): S286.  Symposium Proceedings Yang, T. and H.J. Kim. 2016. Conservation of aquaculture wastewater and nutrients through vegetable crop production. Agroenviron 2016. (In press) Mississippi Zhao, X, G. Bi, and R. Harkess. 2015. Nitrogen and phosphorus rates influence growth, flowering, and nutrient uptake in Iris germanica L. ’Immortality’. HortScience 50(9):S386 (poster presentation).  New Jersey Cabrera, R.I., S. Cooper, G. Niu, J. Altland and Y. Sun. 2015. Assessing use and management of alternative irrigation water sources for green industry activities. Proceedings of the Southern Nursery Association Research Conference 60: 245-249. Chavarria, M., B. Wherley, M. Pendleton, A. Chandra, R.W. Jessup and R.I. Cabrera. 2015. Use of energy dispersive spectroscopy for elucidating salinity tolerance mechanisms in warm-season turfgrass species. Annual Meeting of the American Society of Agronomy, Minneapolis, MN. Abstract 144-8 (Poster Number 1003). 1st Place in Graduate Student Poster Competition: Turfgrass Breeding and Genetics, Stress Tolerance (Section C05 Turfgrass Science). Tennessee Basiri Jahromi, N. M, A. Fulcher, and F. Walker. 2015. Effect of Biochar on Water Conservation and Growth of Soilless Container Grown ‘Green Velvet’ Boxwood and Pinky Winky® Hardy Hydrangea.  Proc. Southern Nursery Association Research Conference. Proc. Southern Nursery Association Research Conference. 60:261-266. Cypher, Q. M, W. Wright, and A. Fulcher. 2015. A cost effective tipping bucket assembly for real time container leachate measurements and irrigation management. Proc. Southern Nursery Association Research Conference. 60:250-260.  Virginia Mack, R., H. Scherer, J.S. Owen, Jr. and A.X. Niemiera. 2015. Teaching best management practices to secondary agriculture students. North Amer. Colleges and Teachers of Agr. J. 59(1): 81(abstr., poster)  Fields, J.S. and J.S. Owen, Jr. 2016. Comparing and contrasting moisture characteristic curves of coarse, highly porous soilless substrates measured by the evaporative or pressure extraction methods. Virginia Tech College of Agricultural and Life Science Graduate Research Symposium. Web publication, available at: <a href="https://www.cses.vt.edu/news/NewsItems/abstract-symposium-2016c.pdf">https://www.cses.vt.edu/news/NewsItems/abstract-symposium-2016c.pdf</a> (abstr., poster) Fields, J.S.*, J.S. Owen, Jr., H.L. Scoggins. 2015. Exploring the influence of particle size on plant water availability in pine bark substrates. Proc. Southern Nursery Assoc. Res. Conf. 60:19-27. (oral presentation)  Fields, J.S.*, J.S. Owen, Jr., J.L. Heitman, and R.D. Stewart. 2015. Evaluating Conventional soilless substrates by measuring and modeling water dynamics. HortScience 50(9):S26. (abstr., oral presentation)  Mack, R., J.S. Owen, Jr., and A.X. Niemiera. 2016. Determining utilization and efficacy of best management practices for the Virginia nursery and greenhouse industries. Virginia Tech College of Agricultural and Life Science Graduate Research Symposium. Web publication, available at: <a href="https://www.cses.vt.edu/news/NewsItems/abstract-symposium-2016c.pdf">https://www.cses.vt.edu/news/NewsItems/abstract-symposium-2016c.pdf</a> (abstr., poster)  McPherson, S.*, J.S. Owen, Jr., J. Brindley, and J.S. Fields*. 2015. When to fertigate: The influence of substrate moisture content on nutrient retention in containerized crop production. Proc. Southern Nursery Assoc. Res. Conf. 60:28-33. (oral presentation)  Shreckhise, J.H., J.S. Owen, Jr., and A.X. Niemiera. 2016. Growth response of three containerized plant taxa to low pore water phosphorus concentrations. Virginia Tech College of Agricultural and Life Science Graduate Research Symposium. Web publication, available at: <a href="https://www.cses.vt.edu/news/NewsItems/abstract-symposium-2016c.pdf">https://www.cses.vt.edu/news/NewsItems/abstract-symposium-2016c.pdf</a> (abstr.) Shreckhise, J.H.*, J.S. Owen, Jr., J.C. Brindley, A.X. Niemiera. 2015. Evaluating growth response of three containerized ornamental taxa to varying low pore-water concentrations of phosphorus. HortScience 50(9):S24-S25. (abstr., oral presentation) White, S.A., J. S. Owen, Jr., B. Behe, B. Cregg, R.T. Fernandez, P. Fisher, C.R. Hall, D. Haver, D. Hitchcock, D. Ingram, S. Kumar, A. Lamm, J.D. Lea-Cox, L. Oki, J. Parke, A. Ristvey, D. Sample, L. Warner, P.C. Wilson. 2015. Clean WateR3 - Reduce, Remediate, Recycle: A Specialty Crops Research Initiative Project Focused on Management of Recycled Water for Ornamental Crop Production. HortScience 50(9):S31-S32. (abstr., oral co-presentation) White, S.A., J. S. Owen, Jr., J. Majsztrik, R.T. Fernandez, P. Fisher, C.R. Hall, D. Hitchcock, D. Ingram, A. Lamm, J.D. Lea-Cox, J. Parke,. 2015. Clean WateR3 - Reduce, Remediate, Recycle: The genesis of a SCRI-CAP project. HortScience 50(9):S382. (abstr., poster) Presentations California Oki, L.R., L. Nackley, and J. Pollex. 2105. Microcalorimetry for rapid assessment of plant salinity tolerance.  California Association of Nurseries and Garden Centers Research Advisory Committee.  February 5, 2015. University of California, Riverside, CA.   Oki, L.R. 2015. Slow sand filters. A biological treatment method to remove plant pathogens from nursery runoff. University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources Environmental Horticulture Program Team Meeting. October 8, 2105. Davis, CA.  Oki, L.R. 2015. Slow sand filters. A biological treatment method to remove plant pathogens from nursery runoff. Western Region of the International Plant Propagators Society 56th Annual Meeting. September, 2015. Modesto, CA.  Oki, L.R. 2016. Slow sand filters. Removal of Tobacco mosiac virus. University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources Environmental Horticulture Program Team Meeting. April 18, 2016, Ventura, CA. Connecticut Raudales, R. Nutrient Management for Hydroponics. Greehouse Production Shortcourse. Bordertown, NJ. March 7, 2016.  Raudales, R. PGRs from start to finish. Bedding Plant Meeting. Vernon, CT. February 25, 2016.  Raudales, R. PGRs from start to finish. Bedding Plant Meeting. Torrington, CT. February 23, 2016.  Raudales, R. Nutrient program: Selecting fertilizer, monitoring growing media, and diagnosing nutrient disorders. . Hands-on Plant Nutrition Workshop: In-house testing of water and growing media. New Haven, CT. February 11, 2016 Raudales, R. Monitoring water quality for irrigation.  Long Island Greenhouse & Floriculture Conference. Long Island, NY. Jan 19, 2016  Raudales, R. Plant diseases in container-grown ornamentals. Connecticut Nursery and Landscape Association Winter Meeting. Plantsville, CT. Jan 15, 2016  Raudales, R. Developing a nutrient program for greenhouse crops. Maine State Florist’s and Growers’ Association. Augusta, ME. January 13, 2016.  Raudales, R. Maintaining high quality plants in postharvest. Maine State Florist’s and Growers’ Association. Augusta, ME. January 13, 2016. Raudales, R. Understanding water quality for irrigation. SiFLOR. Quito, EC. November 23-27, 2015. Raudales, R. Building a hydroponic system. 4-H Adventures in STEM conferences. Storrs, CT. November 7, 2016 Raudales. Maintaining high quality plants in retails. Smart Marketing= More Customers. New Haven, CT. November 3, 2016 Raudales, R. Water conservation options and resources. Twilight Workshop. Climate Change Adaptation Strategies for CT. Windsor, CT. September 29, 2015 Raudales, R. Water conservation program. Evenint at the Greenhouse. Cheshire, CT.  September 28, 2015 Raudales, R. Water conservation options and resources. Exploring Climate Change Adaptation Strategies for CT Agriculture. Woodbridge, CT. September 23, 2015  Raudales, R. E. Water disinfestants interacting with nutrient solutions and substrates. XVIII International Plant Protection Conference. International. Berlin, Germany August 26, 2015  Raudales, R. Waterborne pathogens: Problem and Management. Its All About Water and Increasing Your Bottom Line Workshop.  Michigan. July 28, 2015 Florida Adegbola, Y. U. and P.R. Fisher. 2016. Benchmarking the efficiency of transplanting plant cuttings. ASHS 24571 (Hort. abstr.). Dickson, R. and P.R. Fisher. 2016. Evaluating calibrachoa (Calibrachoa × hybrida Cerv.) variety sensitivity to iron deficiency at high substrate-pH. ASHS 24876 (Hort. abstr.). Grant, G.A. , P.R. Fisher,  J. E. Barrett, and C. P. Wilson. 2016. Remediating paclobutrazol from irrigation water using activated carbon. ASHS 24570 (Hort. abstr.). Yafuso, E. J. 2016. The effect of oxygenation of water on dissolved oxygen measurements in irrigation water and container substrate. ASHS 24577 (Hort. abstr.). Indiana Yang, T. and H.J. Kim. 2016. Conservation of aquaculture wastewater and nutrients through vegetable crop production. Agroenviron 2016: 10th International Symposium on Agriculture and the Environment. May 23-27, 2016. (Oral presentation) Yang, T. and H.J. Kim. 2016. Effect of plant species on nitrogen and phosphorus recovery from aquaculture effluents. HLA Research Retreat. Four Points. May 9, 2016. (Poster presentation)  Massachusetts Bayer, A. Creating More Sustainable Landscapes. Weston Nurseries Green Up Academy. March 2016 Bayer, A. Producing Great Landscapes with Less Inputs. New England Regional Turfgrass Conference. March 2016. Bayer, A., Improving Irrigation Efficiency with Sensor Technology. Connecticut Nursery and Landscape Association Winter Symposium. January 2016. Bayer, A.  Transitioning Container Grown Plants to the Landscape. New England Grows Sprint Session. December 2015. Bayer, A. Understanding the Role of Containers in Successful Tree and Shrub Installations. Conneticut Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects Summer Field Day. August 2015. New Jersey Cabrera, R.I. 2015. Addressing Landscape Water and Soil Management Practices (In Spanish). 2015 Winter Workshop on Landscape Management, Texas Nursery & Landscape Association - Region II. Houston, TX.  Cabrera, R.I. 2015. Using and managing controlled-release fertilizers in ornamental crop production. Annual Growers Meeting of the New Jersey Nursery and Landscape Association, Millville, NJ.  Cabrera, R.I., G. Niu and J. Altland. 2015. Evaluating alternative irrigation water sources for nursery crops and landscape plants. Annual Meeting of the American Society for Horticultural Science. New Orleans, LA. Cabrera, R.I. 2015. The mineral nutrition of cut-flower rose crops (In Spanish). Segundo Seminario Internacional de Nutricion Vegetal en Flores. Bogota, Colombia. Cabrera, R.I. 2015. Evaluating alternative irrigation water sources for nursery crops and landscape plants. New England Grows 2015 Trade Show. Boston, MA. Cabrera, R.I. 2015. Irrigation water quality and its effects on managed landscape plantings. 40th Annual New Jersey Green Expo, Atlantic City, NJ  North Carolina LeBude, A.V. 2016. Source water quality growers use for irrigation. North Carolina Nursery and Landscape Association Trade Show, Nursery track, Greensboro, NC, Jan. 16.  Virginia Tech and Virginia Cooperative Extension Lunch and Learn Webinar, online, May 19. Ohio Altland, J.E. 2015. Silicon uptake in nursery crops.  Floriculture Research Alliance, Austin, TX. Altland, J.E. 2015.  Horseweed control in field nursery crops.  Northeast Weed Science Society, Philadelphia, PA South Carolina White, S.A., J. S. Owen, Jr., B. Behe, B. Cregg, R.T. Fernandez, P. Fisher, C.R. Hall, D. Haver, D. Hitchcock, D. Ingram, S. Kumar, A. Lamm, J.D. Lea-Cox, L. Oki, J. Parke, A. Ristvey, D. Sample, L. Warner, P.C. Wilson. 2015. Clean WateR3 - Reduce, Remediate, Recycle: A Specialty Crops Research Initiative Project Focused on Management of Recycled Water for Ornamental Crop Production. HortScience 50(9):S31-S32. (abstr., oral co-presentation) White, S.A., J. S. Owen, Jr., J. Majsztrik, R.T. Fernandez, P. Fisher, C.R. Hall, D. Hitchcock, D. Ingram, A. Lamm, J.D. Lea-Cox, J. Parke,. 2015. Clean WateR3 - Reduce, Remediate, Recycle: The genesis of a SCRI-CAP project. HortScience 50(9):S382. (abstr., poster)  Bell, N, DR Hitchcock, SA White. 2016. Plant Selections for Vegetated Buffers: Can Phytopathogens be Remediated from Irrigation Runoff Water? American Ecological Engineering Society. Knoxville, TN (June)  Majsztrik, JC, C Hall, SA White, E Lichtenberg. 2015. National survey of ornamental grower practices. American Society for Horticultural Science Annual Meeting, New Orleans, LA. (August). HortScience. 50(9):S118 (abstr.) Majsztrik, JC. DR Hitchcock, D Sample, D Ingram, C Hall, S Kumar, SA White. 2015. (427) Development of a new tool for growers and researchers to better understand ornamental operations. American Society for Horticultural Science Annual Meeting, New Orleans, LA. (August). HortScience. 50(9):S368 (abstr.)  Huang, P., Lamm, A. J., Warner, L., Fisher, P., & White, S. (2016, February). Nursery growers’ relationships with water: What influences their opinions of water? Paper presented at the Southern Association of Agricultural Sciences Annual Meeting, Horticulture Section, San Antonio, TX. Martin, E., Lamm, A. J., Warner, L., Fisher, P., & White, S. (2016, February). Diffusing water conservation and treatment technologies to nursery and greenhouse operations through extension programming. Paper presented at the Southern Association of Agricultural Sciences Annual Meeting, Horticulture Section, San Antonio, TX. White, SA. 2016. “Can plant-based remediation systems mitigate phytopathogens from irrigation runoff?” University of Georgia, Department of Plant Pathology. Athens, GA (February). White, SA. 2015. “Clean Water3: Tips for competitive grant writing success.” Clemson University, Environmental Toxicology graduate seminar. Pendleton, SC (September). White, SA, JS Owen, Jr., JC Majsztrik, B Behe, B Cregg, RT Fernandez, PR Fisher, L Fox, CR Hall, D Haver, DR Hitchcock, DL Ingram, S Kumar, A Lamm, J Lea-Cox, LR Oki, JL Parke, A Ristvey, D Sample, S Swett, LS Warner, PC Wilson. 2015. “Clean WateR3 – Reduce, Remediate Recycle: Helping Growers Safely Recycle Water.” United States Department of Agriculture – Specialty Crop Committee, Washington, DC (October). White, SA. 2015. “Clean WateR3: Developing an Online Toolbox to Support Grower Use of Recycled Water.”  United States Department of Agriculture – Specialty Crop Committee, Washington, DC (October). Majsztrik, JC, DR Hitchcock, S Kumar, D Sample, SA White. 2016. Counting the costs: Developing a tool to help growers understand the costs and benefits of water recycling systems.” American Society for Horticultural Science. Atlanta, GA (August) Garcia, L, JC Majsztrik, NL Bell, SA White. 2016. Nutrient Remediation using Two Plant Species in a Floating Treatment Wetland System. Southern Region-American Society for Horticultural Science, San Antonio, TX (February) Majsztrik, JC, DR Hitchcock, S Kumar, S Sample, SA White. 2016. Counting the costs: Developing a tool to help ornamental growers understand the costs and benefits of water recycling systems at their operation. Southern Region-American Society for Horticultural Science, San Antonio, TX (February) Bell, N, DR Hitchcock, LM Garcia, JC Majsztrik, SA White. 2016. Remediation of Phytopathogen Contaminants from Irrigation Runoff Water using Floating Treatment Wetlands to Facilitate Increased Water Recycling. Southern Region-American Society for Horticultural Science, San Antonio, TX (February)  White, SA. 2016. Clean WateR3: Integrating Research and Extension to Help Specialty Crop Growers Recycle Water. 3rd International Symposium on Woody Ornamentals of the Temperate Zone, Minneapolis MN (August). White, SA. N Bell, L Garcia-Chance, JC Majsztrik, DR Hitchcock, D Abdi, RT Fernandez. 2016. Clean WateR3: Evaluation of 3 Treatment Technologies to Remove Contaminants from Recycled Production Runoff. 3rd International Symposium on Woody Ornamentals of the Temperate Zone, Minneapolis MN (August). Majsztrik, JC, DR Hitchcock, S Kumar, D Sample, SA White. 2016. Clean WateR3: Developing Tools to Help Specialty Crop Growers Understand the Costs and Benefits of Recycling Water. 3rd International Symposium on Woody Ornamentals of the Temperate Zone, Minneapolis MN (August).  Tennessee Fulcher, A. Measuring Nursery Container Leachate. Nursery and Landscape Research Update. Tennessee Nursery and Landscape Association Field Day. June 14, 2016, Knoxville, TN. Basiri Jahromi, N.M Bochar as a Container Substrate for Nursery Production. Nursery and Landscape Research Update. Tennessee Nursery and Landscape Association Field Day. June 14, 2016, Knoxville, TN. Fulcher, A., A.V. LeBude, J.S. Owen, S.A. White and R.C. Beeson. 2016. Are we learning from the past? Nursery Management. June 2016. Fulcher, A. Introduction to Ag. and Nursery Water Issues. Nursery Irrigation and Watershed Protection In-service. July 11, 2016. Winchester, TN. Fulcher, A. Cultural Practices That Can Reduce Water Use. Nursery Irrigation and Watershed Protection In-service. July 11, 2016. Winchester, TN. Fulcher, A. Water Quality Testing, Reclaiming Water to Protect Watersheds. Nursery Irrigation and Watershed Protection In-service. July 11, 2016. Winchester, TN. Fulcher, A. Scheduling Irrigation to Improve Plant Production and Conserve Water. Nursery Irrigation and Watershed Protection In-service. July 11, 2016. Winchester, TN.  McHugh, J. M Update on Irrigation Technology, UT Research. Nursery Irrigation and Watershed Protection In-service. July 11, 2016. Winchester, TN.  Fulcher, A. Measuring Irrigation Efficiency and Other Helpful Calculations. Nursery Irrigation and Watershed Protection In-service. July 11, 2016. Winchester, TN. Fulcher, A. and J. McHughM. Site Visit: Irrigation Technology at Commercial Nursery and Hands-on Efficiency Calculations. Nursery Irrigation and Watershed Protection In-service. July 11, 2016. Winchester, TN. Fulcher, A. Hydrangea Irrigation and Growth Control. Hydrangea Production Workshop. July 21, 2016. McMinnville, TN.  Virginia Owen, J.S., Jr. 2016. Water movement, mineral nutrient transport and their subsequent fate in soilless substrates. Clemson University Agricultural and Environmental Science Department Seminar, Clemson, SC.   Owen, J.S., Jr. 2015. Piecing the puzzle to understand resource fate in containerized specialty crop production: North Carolina State University Horticultural Science Seminar, Raleigh, NC.

Impact Statements

Virginia: Substrates were engineered using conventional components (i.e. bark, peat, coir) to reduce applied water while maintaining or increasing crop growth. Soilless substrate amendments such as lime and micronutrients reduced effluent phosphorus and could potentially be a phosphorus best management practice. Reduced phosphorus controlled release fertilizers were successful at producing Ilex crenata Thunb. ‘Helleri’ (holly) and Hydrangea macrophylla ‘P11HM-11’ Bloomstruck™; however, each required varying amount of P to maximize growth demonstrating intra-taxa variability in P requirements.

Date of Annual Report: 11/17/2017

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 06/14/2017 - 06/16/2017
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2016 - 09/30/2017

Participants

Anthony LeBude NC State University
James Altland USDA-ARS
Jim Own Virginia Tech
John Lea-Cox University of Maryland
John Majsztrik Clemson University
Lloyd Nackley Oregon State University
Loren Oki UC Davis
Mandy Bayer UMass Amherst
Paul Fisher University of Florida
Raul Cabrera Rutgers University
Sarah White Clemson University
Tom Fernandez Michigan State University
Win Dunwell University of Kentucky
Yan Chen Louisiana State University
Laura Barth Virginia Tech
Damon Abdi Michigan State University
Megan Chase Clemson University
Natasha Bell Clemson University
Lauren Garcia Chance Clemson University

Brief Summary of Minutes

Minutes Attachment:

NC1186 Minutes 2017.docx

Accomplishments

Outputs: The University of Tennessee has shown that sensor-based irrigation scheduling reduces water use for a range of trees and shrubs when compared with the common irrigation practices of commercial nurseries.  Plants grown in the sensor-based irrigation had no reduction in growth compared to those irrigated with the standard cyclic irrigation. University of California is developing manuscripts reporting a case study on the installation and operation of facilities to capture, process, and reuse surface runoff.  The cost of water in some areas of southern California are extremely high and the nursery of interest has paid $912 per ac-ft for water from a single municipal source and has paid a total of $1.6 million in the 2013-14 water year for water.  To protect itself from unexpected interruptions in supply and reduce purchases, they looked to capturing surface runoff with aid from NRCS and local water districts.  The total cost of the system was $930,000 but this  was offset by $653,000 in grants and rebates from NRCS and water agencies.  The benefits were immediate in just the reductions in purchased water with combined savings of $809,200 in water years 2015 and 2016. Virginia Tech has modeled and identified the importance of hydraulic conductivity in soilless substrates. This data has been used to engineer soilless substrates with improved hydrological properties to potentially reduce crop water stress and shorten production time. Michigan State University completed construction of their SCRI WateR3 experimental nursery. This will allow us to track runoff and percolation water, treat nursery waste water through various technologies and compare clean (virgin from well source) to recycled to recycled and remediated irrigation water.   Activities: In Alabama, the First Annual Alabama Stormwater Symposium was developed at and hosted by Auburn University.  This was a two-day conference presenting research results on current stormwater management policies in the southeastern U.S.  Attendees and participants included faculty researchers, undergraduate and graduate students, industry professionals, municipal practitioners, and stat e and local government employees. In North Carolina, a presentation titled  ‘Budgeting water use effectively’ was delivered to the North Carolina Nursery and Landscape Association Trade Show, Nursery track, Greensboro, NC, on Jan. 14.  It was also presented at the Johnson County Nurserymen’s Association monthly meeting. Benson, NC March 28. Michigan State University completed consumer surveys on the perceptions of water use related to landscape plants.  They identified two group types: actively interested in water conservation and inactively disinterested in water conservation. The actively interested group was younger with more adults and children in the household, higher education and income, spent more on plants and were more racially diverse (fewer %Caucasian). The inactively interested group was older, had fewer adults and children in the household, were less educated and lower income, spent less on plants, and were primarily Caucasian. Texas A&M Researchers have determined salt tolerance of additional 25 popular ornamental species by categorizing them into sensitive to tolerant groups. This information would guide the green industry professionals in plant selection when dealing with low quality irrigation water. Clemson University scientists used floating treatment wetlands to reduce nutrient levels in ponds to control algae.  Plants in the floating wetlands absorbed 17-291 g of N per m2 and 1.0 to 48 g of P per m2.  Floating wetlands absorbed nutrients, limiting nutrients available to algae and improving water quality. Louisiana State University scientists have initiated a tea germplasm garden that has been collecting named cultivars and numbered selections from domestic growers and seedlings from seeds purchased abroad. During 2016-2017, a nursery irrigation practice survey was completed by Louisiana State University at nurseries in north and southeast Louisiana. The survey compared growers’ perceived water output (volume) to actual output measured as inches of water per hour, and water delivery uniformity. It was thought that growers may overwater, but results indicated that actual water output was about 50% of what growers perceived to be, and all nurseries were under-watering. Up to 200% variation (within replication) was observed with water distribution uniformity, caused by uneven spacing of risers, clogged nuzzles due to algae or debris, different types of tips used, and wind, etc. Commonly grown nursery plants were divided into group with ‘low’ or ‘high’ irrigation demands, using lantanas (low) and coleus (high) as indicator plants, and substrate properties (water holding capacities and air space) for each group were characterized. The University of Connecticut directly trained a total 1232 individual growers on topics relating nutrient and water management. The University of Connecticut installed two growth rooms with 48 ft2 growing area each with tight environmental control. The growth chambers will be used to conduct experiments to research algae control and use of reclaimed water for irrigation. Rutgers University has found that container-grown ornamental plants irrigated (short-term) with laundry graywater irrigation are similar in growth and quality to those irrigated with good quality water sources (municipal tap and well-water), except when containing bleaching agents (i.e. Clorox). An initial landscape irrigation study with graywater has also shown that the presence of bleach leads to reduced soil biological biomass and diversity compared to control plants irrigated with well water. Graywater without bleach produces similar results to those observed in plants irrigated with well water. NC State has determined that more than 50% of growers in eastern North Carolina have poor quality source water that is used for irrigation as recommended by best management practices guide for producing container plants.

Publications

Abdi, D.E., B.M. Cregg, J.S. Owen and R.T. Fernandez. 2017 Efficiency of bioreactor nutrient remediation in the presence of the organophosphate chlorpyrifos. American Society for Horticultural Science Annual Conference, Waikoloa, HI. HortScience Basiri Jahromi, N., F. Walker, A. Fulcher and J.E. Altland. 2016. Effect of biochar on nutrient release and retention in container crops. HortScience 51(9):S161. Basiri Jahromi, N., F. Walker, A. Fulcher and J.E. Altland. 2016. Effect of biochar on nutrient release and retention in container crops. Proc. Southern Nursery Association Research Conference. 61:174-180. Basiri Jahromi, N., F. Walker, A. Fulcher and J.E. Altland. Effect of biochar and plant based irrigation scheduling on growth and plant water use. Soil Science Society of America Annual Meeting. Abstract 117-11. https://scisoc.confex.com/crops/2016am/webprogram/Paper99808.html Bayer, A., J. Ruter, and M.W. van Iersel. 2016. Elongation of Hibiscus acetosella under well-watered and drought-stressed conditions. HortScience 51:1384-1388 Behe, B.K., M. Knuth, C.R. Hall, R.T. Fernandez and P. Huddleston. 2017. Four key factors in water conservation attitudes of Americans. American Society for Horticultural Science Annual Conference, Waikoloa, HI. HortScience Bell, NL, LM Garcia-Chance, and SA White. 2017. Clean WateR3: Evaluation of 3 Treatment Technologies to Remove Contaminants from Recycled Production Runoff. Acta Horticulturae. Proceedings of the 3rd International Symposium on Woody Ornamentals of the Temperate Zone, In-press, Accepted April 26. Cabrera J., R.E. Raudales .2017. Monitoring pH and EC of Growing Medium. e-Gro Alert 6.37.:1-6 Cabrera, R.I., J.J. Franco-Hermida and J.M. Guzman. 2016. Evaluation of integrated nutrient diagnosis techniques to enhance productivity and quality in greenhouse rose crops. International Cut Flower Growers Assn. Bulletin, April-June Issue. pp. 9-15. Del Castillo-Múnera, J. and Swett, C.L. 2016. Managing oomycete populations at irrigation-associated critical control points in ornamental greenhouses. Phytopathology, 106(5S): S3.1 Del Castillo-Múnera, J. and Swett, C.L. Can oomycete pathogens and water use be co-managed using deficit irrigation sensor networks? Phytopathology, in press Del Castillo-Múnera, J., Belayneh B., Lea-Cox, J., and Swett C.L. 2017. Adapting to water insecurity: Balancing reduced water use with root disease risk. Phytopathology, in press Fausey, B., E. Runkle, A.C. Cameron, R.D. Heins, W.H. Carlson. 2001. Herbaceous perennials: Heuchera. Greenhouse Grower 19(6):50-62. Fernandez, R.T., R. Gawronski. Daschner, L. Sage, S. Doane, H. Stoven, J. Lea-Cox, B. Belayneh and B. Behe. 2016. Radio frequency identification system performance in ornamental plant operations. ISHS III International Symposium on Horticulture in Europe. Chania, Greece Ferraro, N.*, D. Bosch, J. Pease, and J.S. Owen, Jr. 2017. Costs of recapturing and recycling irrigation water in container nurseries. HortScience. 52:258-263. Fields, J.S.* and J.S. Owen, Jr. 2016. Manipulation of soilless substrate hydraulic properties to optimize container crop water-substrate. HortScience 51(9):S150. Fields, J.S.* and J.S. Owen, Jr. 2016. Utilizing the HYDRUS model as a tool for understanding soilless substrate water dynamics. Acta Hort. (in press) Fields, J.S.*, J.S. Owen, Jr., and H. Scoggins. 2017. The influence of substrate hydraulic conductivity on plant water status of ornamental container crop grown in sub-optimal substrate water potentials. HortScience (accepted 29 April 2017) Fields, J.S.*, J.S. Owen, Jr., L. Zhang*, and W.C. Fonteno. 2016. Use of the evaporative method for determination of soilless substrate moisture characteristic curves. Sci. Hortic. 211:102-109. Fisher P., G. Grant, V. Zayaz, R.E. Raudales, J Altland, J Boldt. 2016. New Technology Development in Water Treatment. Greenhouse Grower Technology. May/June 2016: 20-22 Fisher P., R.E. Raudales, J. Huang. 2016. Select the Right Filter for Ebb-and Flood Irrigation. Greenhouse Grower Magazine: New Technology Development in Water Treatment Series. Greenhouse Grower July 2016: 46-50 Fisher P., RE Raudales. 2016. Minimize iron build-up on your water pipes. Greenhouse Grower. June 2016:66-70 Fox, L. and J.S. Owen, Jr. 2016. Fertilización de árboles y arbustos. Virginia Coop. Ext. Ser. Publ. 430-018S. Franco-Hermida J.J., M.F. Quintero, R.I. Cabrera and J.M. Guzman. 2017. Determination of diagnostic standards on saturated soil extracts for cut roses grown in greenhouses. PLOS ONE 12(5): e0178500. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0178500 Fulcher, A, AV LeBude, JS Owen, Jr, SA White, RC Beeson. 2016. Are we learning from the past: The industry must look to the past and present to envision the future of water resources. Nursery Management. 32(6):18, 20-24. Unique online readers: 12,003 Fulcher, A., A.V. LeBude, J. S. Owen, Jr., S. A. White, and R. C. Beeson. 2016. The next ten years: Strategic vision of water resources for nursery producers. HortTechnology 26:133-140. Fulcher, A., A.V. LeBude, J. S. Owen, Jr., S. A. White, and R. C. Beeson. 2016. Are we learning from the past: The industry must look to the past and present to envision the future of water resources. Nursery Management. 32(6):18, 20-24. Fulcher, A., A.V. LeBude, J.S. Owen, Jr., S.A. White, and R.C. Beeson. 2016. The next ten years: Strategic vision of water resources for nursery producers. HortTech. 2:121-131. Fulcher, A., A.V. LeBude, J.S. Owen, Jr., S.A. White, and R.C. Beeson. 2016. Are we learning from the past? Nursery Management and Production, June. Accessed 17 Jun http://www.nurserymag.com/article/are-we-learning-from-the-past/. Fulcher, A., J.S. Owen, and A.V. LeBude. 2016. Hydrangea production: Species specific production guide. U. Tennessee Institute of Agriculture. PB 1840-B. 12pp. 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, (ed.) Good Products Press, NY. pp. 89-146.     Griffin, W. N., S. Cohan, S., J.D. Lea-Cox and A.G. Ristvey. 2017. Phedimus kamtschaticus growth response and volumetric water content of experimental green roof substrates with varying substrate composition in a growth chamber. HortScience. HortScience 52(2):1-6. Hartmann, H.T., D.E. Kester, F.T. Davies, Jr. and R.L. Geneve. 2002. Hartmann and Kester’s Plant Propagation: Principles and Practices. Seventh Edition. Prentice-Hall, Inc., Englewood Cliffs, NJ. https://extension.tennessee.edu/publications/Documents/PB1840-B.pdf JC Majsztrik, RT Fernandez, PR Fisher, DR Hitchcock, J Lea-Cox, JS Owen, Jr., LR Oki, SA White. 2017. Water use and treatment in containerized specialty crop production: A review. Water, Air, & Soil Pollution. 228:151 27pp. Knuth, M., B.K. Behe, C.R. Hall, P.T. Huddleston and R.T. Fernandez. In-review. Consumer perceptions, attitudes, and purchase behavior with landscape plants during real and perceived drought periods. In-review to HortScience Knuth, M., B.K. Behe, C.R. Hall, P.T. Huddleston and R.T. Fernandez. In-review. Consumer perceptions of landscape plant water use: A conjoint study. In-review to HortScience Lamm, AJ, LA Warner, ET Martin, SA White, P Fisher. 2017. Enhancing Extension Programs by Discussing Water Conservation Technology Adoption with Growers. Journal of Agricultural Education. 58(1):251-266. Lamm, AJ, LA Warner, MR Taylor, ET Martin, SA White, P Fisher. 2017 Diffusing water conservation and treatment technologies to nursery and greenhouse growers. Journal of International Agricultural and Extension Education. 24110: 105-119. DOI 10.5191/jiaee.2017.24110 Lea-Cox, J.D.  A New Way to Measure Electrical Conductivity. Greenhouse Product News. Sparta, MI. January Issue, 2017. Lea-Cox, J.D. 2016.  When exactly should I irrigate?  Greenhouse Product News. Sparta, MI. July Issue, 2016. Lea-Cox, J.D. and B.E. Belayneh. 2016.  A Protocol to Estimate Plant Available Water Thresholds from Empirical Soil Moisture Sensor Data. HortScience 51(9): S171 Lea-Cox, J.D., J. Williams and M.A. Mellano. 2017. Optimizing a Sensor-based Irrigation Protocol for a Large-Scale Cut-Flower Operation in Southern California. ISHS Symposium 2016 Sensing Plant Water Status - Methods and Applications in Horticultural Science. Potsdam, Germany. October 5-7, 2016.  Acta Hort. (Accepted). Lea-Cox, J.D., J.P. Zazanis, C. Miller, A. Novy and M. Shore. 2016. Monitoring Stormwater Runoff and Green Roof Performance with Sensor Networks. Proceedings of Cities Alive: 14th Annual Green Roof and Wall Conference, Washington D.C., November 1-4, 2016. Li, Tongyin. 2016. Nutrient and water management of container-grown Encore azalea. Miss. State Univ., PhD Diss. Mack, R.*, J.S. Owen, Jr., A.X. Niemiera, and J. Latimer. 2017 Virginia nursery and greenhouse grower survey of best management practices. HortTechnology (in press) Mack, R.*, J.S. Owen, Jr., and A.X. Niemiera. 2016. Best management practice use and efficacy for Virginia nurseries and greenhouses. HortScience 51(9):S148-S149. Majsztrik, J.C., R.T. Fernandez, J.S. Owen, P.R. Fisher, D.R. Hitchcock, J.D. Lea-Cox, L.R. Oki, and S.A. White. 2017. Water use and treatment in containerized specialty crop production: A review. Water Air Soil Pollut. 228:151. DOI:10.1007/s11270-017-3272-1. Majsztrik, JC, DR Hitchcock, S Kumar, D Sample, SA White. 2017. Clean WateR3: Developing Tools to Help Specialty Crop Growers Understand the Costs and Benefits of Recycling Water. Acta Horticulturae. Proceedings of the 3rd International Symposium on Woody Ornamentals of the Temperate Zone, In-press. Accepted April 26. Nambuthiri, S., E. Hagen, A. Fulcher, and R. Geneve. 2017. Evaluating a physiological-based, on-demand irrigation system for container-grown woody plants with different water requirements. HortScience 52(2):251-257. Oki, L.R. 2016. CDFA Nursery Advisory Board Report. University of California Nursery and Floriculture Alliance News. 20(1): 23. http://ucnfanews.ucanr.edu/Articles/CDFA_Nursery_Advisory_Board_Reports/Spring_2016_CDFA_Nursery_Advisory_Board_Report. Oki, L.R., K. Reid, and J. Sisneroz. 2016. Landscape plant irrigation trials. Acta Hort. 1140: 145-150. DOI: 10.17660/ActaHortic.2016.1140.31. Oki, L.R., L. Nackley, and B. Pitton. 2016. Slow sand filters remove tobacco mosaic virus. University of California Nursery and Floriculture Alliance News. 20(2): 12-14. http://ucnfanews.ucanr.edu/files/247323.pdf. Oki, L.R., L.L. Nackley, and B. Pitton. 2016. Slow sand filters: a biological treatment method to remove plant pathogens from nursery runoff. Acta Hort. 1140:139-144. DOI: 10.17660/ActaHortic.2016.1140.30. Oki, L.R., S. Bodaghi, E. Lee, D. Haver, B. Pitton, L. Nackley, and Mathews, D.M. 2017. Elimination of tobacco mosaic virus from irrigation runoff using slow sand filtration. Sci. Hort. 217(2017):107-113. DOI: 10.1016/j.scienta.2017.01.036. Oki. L.R. 2016. UCANR seeks industry support for 2016 environmental horticulture positions. (and) Comments for UCANR 2016 Environmental Horticulture Positions Due July 11. eNews. California Association of Nurseries and Garden Centers. June 17, 23, 30, July 8, 2016. Owen, J.S., A. Fulcher, A. LeBude, and M. Chappell. 2016. Hydrangea production: cultivar selection and general practices to consider when propagating and growing hydrangea. University of Tennessee. PB 1840-A. 12pp. https://extension.tennessee.edu/publications/Documents/PB1840-A.pdf Owen, J.S., Jr., A. Fulcher, A. LeBude, and M. Chappell. 2016. Hydrangea production: cultivar selection and general practices to consider when propagating and growing hydrangea. Univ. Tennessee Inst. Agric. PB 1840-A. Owen, J.S., Jr., A. LeBude, M. Chappell, and T. Hoskins*. 2016. Advanced irrigation management for container-grown ornamental crop production. Virginia Cooperative Extension Service Publ. HORT-218P. Owen, J.S., Jr., S.A. White, B.E. Whipker, and B. Krug. 2016. GroZoneTracker: A free mobile app to help you record, monitor, and share water quality and substrate pH and electrical conductivity data within your nursery and greenhouse operation. Virginia Coop. Ext. Ser. Publ. HORT-2227P. Owen, Jr, JS, SA White, B Whipker, B Krug. 2016. “GroZoneTracker: A mobile app to help you record, monitor, and share water quality and substrate pH and electrical conductivity data within your nursery and greenhouse operation”. Virginia Cooperative Extension. Publication # HORT-227P. Owen, Jr, JS, SA White. 2017. Monitoring for profit! Nursery Management. 16-22. Unique online readers: 12,003 Owen, Jr., J. S. and S. A. White. 2017. Monitoring for profit. Nursery Management. 33(1):16, 18-22. 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. Raudales R.E, P Fisher, C. Hall. 2017. What is the true cost of your water? GPN Magazine May 2017.pp. 41-42. Raudales R.E. 2016. Algae on the nutrient solution and surfaces. E-Gro Edible Alert 6.1.: 1-4. Raudales R.E. 2016. Nutritional Disorders of Florists’ Crops. In: Handbook of Florist's Crops Diseases- Handbook of Plant Disease Management. R.J. McGovern and W.H. Elmer (eds) Springer Meteor, Switzerland 1-27. Raudales R.E. 2016. Plant Growth Regulators. In: New England Floriculture Guide 2017-2018. Stack L. (ed) New England Floriculture Inc, MA. D1-88 Raudales R.E. 2017. Best Practices in Chlorination. e-Gro Alert 6.34.:1-6 Raudales R.E. 2017. Case Study on Irrigation: The cost of clogging and the benefit of unclogging. e-Gro Research Update 2017.01 Raudales R.E., C. McGehee .2016. Pythium Root Rot of Hydroponic Crops. e-Gro Edible Alert 1.4.:1-5. Raudales R.E., C. McGehee .2017. Biofungicides for Control of Root Diseases on Greenhouse-Grown Vegetables. e-Gro Edible Alert 2.7.:1-4 Raudales R.E., C.R. Hall, P.R. Fisher. 2017. The cost of irrigation sources and water treatment in greenhouse production. Irrigation Science 35: 43-54 Raudales R.E., L. Pundt .2016. Maintaining High Quality Plants in Retail Settings. e-Gro Alert 31.5.:1-6. Raudales R.E., P. Fisher, C Hall .2017. The Cost of Filtration. GPN Magazine.  March 2017 .pp. 13-16. Raudales R.E., P. Fisher, C. Hall. .2017. How Much Does it Cost to Sanitize your Water? GPN Magazine April 2017 .pp. 30-35. Ristvey, A.G, J.D. Lea-Cox, B.E. Belayneh and J. Iferd. 2017. Automated sensor-control strategies for drip irrigation of containerized Chrysanthemum. ISHS Symposium 2016 Sensing Plant Water Status - Methods and Applications in Horticultural Science. Potsdam, Germany. October 5-7, 2016.  Acta Hort. (Accepted) Ristvey, A.G. and J. D. Lea-Cox, 2015.  Precision Irrigation for Nursery and Greenhouse Crops.  In: Total Crop Management of Herbaceous Perennial Plants. S. Gill (Ed). University of Maryland Extension Bulletin 363 (4th Rev). pp. 345-354. Saavoss, M., J.C. Majsztrik, B.E. Belayneh, J.D. Lea-Cox and E. Lichtenberg. 2016. Yield, quality, and profitability of sensor-controlled irrigation: A case study of snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus L.) production.  Irrigation Science 34:409-420. (DOI:10.1007/s00271-016-0511-y) Sample, D.J., J.S. Owen, Jr., J. Fields*, and S. Barlow*. 2016. Soil moisture sensors for managing irrigation in Virginia. Virginia Coop. Ext. Ser. Publ. BSE-198P. Shreckhise, J.H.*, J.S. Owen, Jr., and A.X. Niemiera. 2015. Predicting pH of Sphagnum peat moss and pine bark substrates amended with ground and pulverized dolomitic limestone. Proc. Southern Nursery Assoc. Res. Conf. 60:34-40. Shreckhise, J.H.*, J.S. Owen, Jr., and A.X. Niemiera. 2016. Growth response of ilex and hydrangea using low-phosphorus controlled-release fertilizers. HortScience 51(9):S162. Starry, O., J.D. Lea-Cox, A.G. Ristvey and S. Cohan. 2016.  Parameterizing a Water-Balance Model for Predicting Stormwater Runoff from Green Roofs. J. Hydrol. Eng. 21 (12):04016046.  (DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)HE.1943-5584.0001443). Sun, Y., G. Niu, and C. Perez. 2016. Relative salt tolerance of six Texas Superstar annuals. Proceedings of Southern Nursery Association 61: 85-90. Sun, Y., G. Niu, and H. Barrera. 2016.  Effect of volumetric water content on the growth of Anisacanthus quadrifidu, Caryopteris x clandonensis, and Cuphea hyssopifolia. Proceedings of Southern Nursery Association 61: 29-34. Trelstad, D., J.S. Owen, and R.T. Fernandez. 2017. Comparison of calcined aggregates for use in pine bark based substrates in woody ornamental container production. American Society for Horticultural Science Annual Conference, Waikoloa, HI. HortScience Wang, X., G. Niu, M. Gu, P. Baumann, J. Masabni. 2017. Response of vegetable seedling emergence to mustard (Sinapis alba ‘IdaGold’ and Brassica juncea ‘Pacific Gold’) seed meal. HortScience 52: 371-376. White, SA. 2017. Clean WateR3: Integrating Research and Extension to Help Specialty Crop Growers Recycle Water. Acta Horticulturae. Proceedings of the 3rd International Symposium on Woody Ornamentals of the Temperate Zone, In-press, Accepted May 8. Zhang, H., P.A. Richardson, B.E. Belayneh, A.G. Ristvey, J.D. Lea-Cox, W.E. Copes and C.X. Hong. 2015.  Characterization of water quality in stratified nursery recycling irrigation reservoirs. Agric. Water Management. 160:76-83. (DOI:10.1016/j.agwat.2015.06.027) Zhao, X., G. Bi, R.L. Harkess, and E.K. Blythe. 2016. Effects of different NH4:NO3 ratios on growth and nutritional status in Iris germanica 'Immortality'. HortScience 51:1045-1049.

Impact Statements

Texas A&M Researchers have determined salt tolerance of additional 25 popular ornamental species by categorizing them into sensitive to tolerant groups. This information would guide the green industry professionals in plant selection when dealing with low quality irrigation water.

Date of Annual Report: 07/27/2018

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 06/19/2018 - 06/22/2018
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2017 - 09/30/2018

Participants

CA: Loren Oki (University of California, Davis), Bruno Pitton (University of California, Davis), Leticia Macias (University of California, Davis), Don Merhaut (University of California, Riverside), Darren Haver (University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources and UCCE Orange County), Grant Johnson (University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources and UCCE Orange County)
CT: Rosa E. Raudales (University of Connecticut)
FL: Paul Fisher (University of Florida)
KY: Winston Dunwell (University of Kentucky)
LA: Jeb S. Fields (Louisiana State University)
MA: Amanda Bayer (University of Massachusetts Amherst)
MD: John Lea-Cox (University of Maryland), Bruk Belayneh (University of Maryland)
MI: Damon E. Abdi (Michigan State University), Bridget K. Behe (Michigan State University) Bert M. Cregg (Michigan State University), R. Thomas Fernandez (Michigan State University)
NC: Anthony LeBude (NC State University)
NJ: Raul I. Cabrera (Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey)
OH: James Altland (USDA-ARS Ohio), Magdalena Pancerz (Ohio State University)
OR: Lloyd Nackley (Oregon State University)
SC: Sarah A. White (Clemson University), John C. Majsztrik (Clemson University)
TX: Genhua Niu (Texas A&M University)
VA: James S. Owen Jr. (Virginia Tech)

Brief Summary of Minutes

Minutes Attachment:

2018 Minutes NC1186_.docx

Accomplishments

CA: Hydrology data was collected at critical points within a wholesale nursery in order to quantify overall water use, determine water use efficiency, and examine the benefits of capturing and reusing surface runoff. A popular article was published in the American Nurseryman in partnership with the University of Maryland Cooperative Extension focusing on assisting growers with improving irrigation efficiency reducing water use and runoff. In collaboration with Clemson University and Texas A & M, researchers from the University of California Davis and Cooperative Extension published the results of a cost analysis for using recycled water in a Southern California container nursery in a refereed journal. CA: University of California researchers conducted a study to determine optimal dolomite rates in different rooting media for nurseries that acidify well water high in alkalinity.  Information acquired by this project will help growers develop a better understanding and control of rooting media pH for one-year growth cycles of perennial plant production in containers. MD: A primary focus of the MD research team is to better relate substrate volumetric water content (VWC) to plant-available water (matric potential, MP), so growers can better establish irrigation thresholds, increase the precision of irrigation applications, and maintain growth rates by avoiding water stress. Experiments with Chrysanthemum and Poinsettia between peat-based and wood-fiber substrates revealed few differences in available water and plant growth between these substrates.  Reductions in substrate moisture below 25% VWC resulted in MP lower than -50 kPa, with increasing levels of water stress in both substrates. MI: We assessed growth and physiological responses of 2 woody shrubs and 1 herbaceous perennial to exposure to five rates each of isoxaben, chlorpyrifos, or oxyfluorfen in simulated runoff irrigation in a greenhouse trial.  After three months of irrigation with simulated runoff, exposure to 0.015 mg L-1 or greater of oxyfluorfen resulted in reduced growth and visible injury to hydrangea plants.  Hydrangeas were not injured by lower rates of oxyfluorfen or the other pesticides.  Simulated pesticide runoff did not affect growth or physiology of Cornus or Hosta plants. MI: Three irrigation methods were compared: a control using overhead irrigation at 19 mm per day (control), spray stake irrigation at 2 L per day (SS2L), and spray stake to replenish to container capacity with 0 leaching fraction (SSCC). MI: In a 5-month study, a 2-stage nutrient remediation process with the first stage consisting of a 68 L woodchip denitrifying bioreactor and the second stage a 68 L expanded shale aggregate adsorption bed were shown to be capable of reducing daily influent of 70-90 mg/L nitrate after the first stage and 2.5-3.0 mg/L phosphate after the second stage to below detection limits (0.2 mg/L) in the effluent with a three day hydraulic retention time, or approximately 15 L per day. A follow-up study with the same system was conducted with a high flow rate (80 L per hour) to determine remediation capabilities under levels likely to be encountered in nursery systems, data are currently being analyzed. NC: NC State measured proximal and distal free chlorine at one grower in North Carolina and the grower lowered their chlorination injection rate which decreased chlorine toxicity symptoms and increased survival of several species and reduced fungicide applications, which saved the grower $30,000 over two years including federal FY 2017-2018. NJ: Rutgers University carried out an experiment to evaluate the effect of laundry graywater irrigation on container-grown plants. The graywater treatments contrasted conventional versus new generation organic/bio-degradable fabric detergent and softener products. Regardless of detergent/softener types, higher concentrations of sodium, chloride, boron and alkalinity in the graywater negatively affected the growth and aesthetics of the evaluated plant species. The results to date lead to the recommendation to carefully consider the chemical constituents of grawater effluents to determine their suitability as an alternative irrigation water source for ornamental plants.  (NC-1186 project area 1) NJ: Integrative nutrient diagnosis studies are being conducted in greenhouse rose crops to improve on crop nutrient uptake and fertilizer use efficiency. While the efforts have largely been aimed at nitrogen, the ammonium to nitrate ratios used in the experiments are significantly affecting the availability of micronutrients due to collateral effects on soil solution. Incipient micronutrient disorders (deficiency), in particular manganese, distort the crop response to nitrogen supply, and the expected asymptotic behavior is not restored until the collateral micronutrient disorder is corrected. Growers are being advised to systematically monitor soil solution pH and nutrient availability as to promptly correct fertilization programs and avoid undesirable reduction on flower yield and quality. (NC-1186 project area 4)   OH, VA: Researchers from USDA ARS and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and developed an online survey to determine international trends in substrate physical properties analysis. This survey was used to determine which methods for physical properties analysis are used throughout different regions of the world.  This information was then used to develop an international consortium to discuss the merits of each method utilized, and how the different methods should be interpreted for comparing results across regions.  OH: Researchers from USDA-ARS developed models relating pine bark particle size to pH buffering.  Pine bark is being supplied to nursery producers after being screened or ground to varying particle size distributions.  There was interest by the bark suppliers in developing a pine bark product with very fine particle size, to be comparable to sphagnum peatmoss in container crop production.  These data and resultant models can be used by bark suppliers to construct pine bark products with pH buffering similar to sphagnum peatmoss. OR: Established a new Surface Renewal (SR) Station at the North Willamette Research and Extension Center (NWREC), Aurora, Oregon. The SR station has been installed to generate data about the water use of plants grown in container production systems in Oregon. The goal is to demonstrate how this type of technology can be used to reduce labor and increase irrigation efficiency. Renovated the NWREC micro irrigation pad. The micro irrigation pad is a research facility built to conducted high-resolution irrigation efficiency trials. The pad was built over ten years ago; and had been unused for the past seven years, and become dysfunctional and decrepit. The renovation has restored functionality to the pad and now provides a facility to conduct research grade irrigation experiments in Oregon.  Established a wireless soil moisture sensor network at a commercial growing facility. The goal is to demonstrate how wireless sensor networks can provide information to reduce labor and increase irrigation efficiency. Guided student development of Sap Flow sensors.  Provided technical expertise, quality assurance and quality control for undergraduate engineering student project to develop sap flow sensors for herbaceous perennials. Sap flow sensors are a useful tool for measuring plant water use. SC: Researchers from Clemson University developed an online survey to determine irrigation volumes applied and water quality concerns for greenhouse and nursery growers in South Carolina.  This survey was used to develop projections for water use across greenhouse and nursery producers in the Piedmont, Midlands, and Coastal regions of South Carolina.  Water use information will inform water volume projections for statewide water budget efforts, ensuring adequate water allocations for greenhouse and nursery producers in future water planning efforts. SC: Researchers from Clemson University conducted experiments to determine if iron-oxide residuals from mine drainage can be used in filters to remove phosphorus from irrigation runoff.  Laboratory and pilot-scale experiments were conducted.  Iron oxide mixed evenly with sand can quickly bind 11.5 mg of phosphorus per g of substrate.  Iron-oxide:sand filters show promise for removal of phosphorus from irrigation runoff. TX: Punica granatum is a small fruit tree and a landscape shrub/small tree with high tolerance to abiotic stresses such as salt and drought by anecdotal observation. ‘Wonderful’ is currently the industry standard cultivar that accounts for over 90% of all commercial trees planted. Little research based information is available on its salt tolerance. We conducted a salt tolerance study in the greenhouse by irrigating small trees in 5 gal containers with nutrient solution or saline solution at electrical conductivity (EC) of 5 dS/m (EC 5) or 10 dS/m (EC 10).  We found that the sodium (Na) concentration in the leaf and stem tissue of ‘Wonderful’ pomegranate in all treatments was less than 1 mg g-1 on a dry weight basis, while that in the root tissue was 0.8, 3.7, and 4.5 mg g-1 in control, EC 5, and EC 10, respectively. The chloride (Cl) content in leaf, stem, and root tissue increased by 36-90%, 101-156%, and 254-299%, respectively. These results indicate that ‘Wonderful’ pomegranate is very tolerant to the saline water irrgation and has a strong capability to exclude Na and Cl accumulation in the leaf tissue to avoid salt damage. Many growers in recent years growing edible crops in a hydroponic system in the US and worldwide due to a trend of local food awareness. However, information on water quality and nutrient management is scarce. We have conducted two greenhouse experiments to examine the growth and mineral nutrition of four leafy vegetables in a nutrient film technique (NFT) system with different sources of water. Our purpose was to use water sources that are commonly accessible to most growers and to recycle and reuse the nutrient solution as much as possible. Our results indicated that the tested leafy vegetables differed in response to various types of water used as supplementing or as primary water source, which means that there are crops tolerating low quality (high salts) in a recirculating hydroponic system. Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and especially potassium (K) depleted more quickly than other elements and should be supplemented in the late stage of the growing cycle, while replacing the whole tank nutrient solution is not necessary for crops with a short growth cycle, unless Na and/Cl are built up to harmful levels. OUTPUTS KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER TO STAKEHOLDERS: CA: The University of California group organized the California Nursery Conference and Grower Tour in June 2018 to highlight water-related research results from NC-1186 group members to an audience of 97 growers. This conference format has proven to be very popular with California growers as it provides an opportunity to learn about water issues impacting nurseries across the nation and how these issues are being addressed in USDA sponsored collaborations. CT: Delivered seven presentations to an audience of 571 individual growers, co-sponsored five workshops and trained 210 new and experienced farmers, organized a seven-part webinar series and trained 366 individuals. FL: Online training of growers on nutrient management in four-week courses (hort.ifas.ufl.edu/training). 178 industry participants enrolled, 138 passed (78% completion). FL:  Three refereed and one industry extension publication (see publication list). MI: 2 refereed journal publications, 5 national trade journal publications, 10 abstracts/presentations to scientific audiences, 2 webinars to grower audiences, 11 presentations at grower conferences, 1 MSU Extension publication. NC: Over 150 cooperative extension agents, growers and landscapers increased their knowledge and attitudes about water quality and use in the nursery and landscape. In 2017, we trained over 100 individuals in five locations across North Carolina on water use in the landscape. We also delivered a webinar series on irrigation source water used for nursery production to 57 individuals. SC: Delivered five presentations nationwide and reached an audience 189 growers and gardeners. ONLINE RESOURCES: FL, CT:  WaterQual, <a href="http://cleanwater3.org/wqi.asp">http://cleanwater3.org/wqi.asp</a>, an online water test interpretation tool was published at cleanwater3.org in a collaboration between UF and UConn. FL: The CleanWater3.org website (2,919 users) continued to be upgraded with research information from several NC 1186 providers, and outputs were promoted through a biweekly newsletter with 845 subscribers. MI: Fernandez, R.T. 2018. Water Alkalinity and pH: What They Mean in Regards to Water Quality. MSU Nursery and Christmas Tree Production Newsletter, April 12, 2018. <a href="http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/water_alkalinity_and_ph_what_they_mean_in_regards_to_water_quality">http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/water_alkalinity_and_ph_what_they_mean_in_regards_to_water_quality</a> NC: The Nursery Crop Science website, <a href="http://www.Nurserycropscience.info">www.Nurserycropscience.info</a>, is an outreach project of the Department of Horticultural Science at NC State University and is dedicated to providing current information for Extension field faculty, students, researchers, and growers of commercial horticultural products.  Between October 2017 and September 2018, the site has had 2,350 new users that viewed over 9,750 pages and increased their knowledge of water use in nursery production.  VA: GroZone Tracker, grozonetracker.com, is a free website for use on your mobile device (and desktop) that provides a digital platform to record, monitor, and share crop fertility and water quality related data within your company. Virginia cooperative extension publications HORT-227P (http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/HORT/HORT-227/HORT-227.html) provides FAQ and additional resources for the website.  ACTIVITIES CA: University of California researchers initiated a study to determine the fate of applied nitrogen fertilizers in container nursery production. Growers in the Central Valley of California must submit annually a nitrogen budget to attempt to determine where applied N is distributed in the plant, harvested product and the environment.  However, the required reporting forms are not compatible with container nursery production systems and omit gaseous N emissions.   Information gained from this project will provide a better understanding of the fate of applied N and may contribute to improved nutrient management methods. CA: In order to develop best management practices to reduce the potential impact of diseases caused by water-borne pathogens, a pathogen risk assessment of a large wholesale nursery was conducted in partnership with Oregon State University plant pathologists. Experiments continued to evaluate the effectiveness of pairing slow sand filtration with vegetative filters to reduce Phytophthora capsici in captured greenhouse irrigation runoff; allowing nurseries to reuse water safely and conserve this limited resource. CT: We conducted six experiments on the interaction of biofilm with disease incidence, factors that affect biofilm formation, characterization of pipes surfaces after biofilm colonization, and effect of beneficial microbes in water on plant health.  FL: Five experiments were conducted on chemical control of biofilm in irrigation lines and hydroponic systems, carbon filtration to remediate agrichemical contaminants in irrigation lines, and x-ray scanning of root systems and container substrates. Runoff water management & quality: A series of experiments under commercial and university laboratory conditions were completed to evaluate granular activated carbon (GAC) filters for irrigation water LA: Researchers from the LSU AgCenter have begun research involving soilless substrate composition under normal and low water irrigation systems commonly used by the Louisiana Nursery Industry, in an effort to determine how small changes to substrate material, utilizing just traditional materials, can allow growers to lessen irrigation volumes on a daily basis. LA: Dr. Fields at the LSU AgCenter is assisting researchers at Virginia Tech and University of Maryland in compiling substrate physical and hydraulic properties measured by researchers and allied suppliers across the country in order to create a grower oriented online tool to help growers better understand water availability. Also, this tool can be utilized to better set more efficient irrigation levels. MA: UMass is conducting research to assess the impact of substrate water content and fertilizer rate on plant growth and leaching. Other research includes assessing substrate amendments used to decrease irrigation (both incorporated into the substrate or applied as a drench). We are also conducting a survey to determine the greatest needs and concerns of the industry. The survey has been sent to recipients of the UMass Extension Landscape Nursery and Urban Forestry listserv as well as the Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Association listserv. MD:  Additional studies investigating the effects of reduced substrate MP on pathogen survival were done in collaboration with a pathology team at UC-Davis (Drs. Johanna del Castillo and Cassandra Swett). Two repeated studies were performed with tomato and poinsettia in 2017.  One paper has been submitted to Phytopathology; one is in preparation.  Further experimentation is continuing in 2018. MD: Runoff studies were implemented in spring, 2018 at Catoctin Mountain Growers, to quantify the concentration of Paclobutrazol runoff from production areas into interior flood recycling tanks, the exterior containment pond and through the ½ acre slow-sand filtration unit and into filtered return water for the greenhouse.  Routine samples are being taken on a weekly basis from March through October; more intensive runoff sampling from interior crops are also being analyzed, together with dilution rates from rainfall, over time.  MD: An urban agriculture project was initiated with new funding in 2017, to examine the effect of various organic amendments incorporated in green roof substrates, on the nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) leaching potential from those substrates used in rooftop urban farms in Washington, DC and Maryland. MI: We have initiated an experiment to look at the effects of irrigation method and substrate type on water, nutrient and pesticide movement in runoff water and water that infiltrates below production beds. MI: We have initiated a study to investigate the compare water source (well, recycled pond, recycled and remediate pond) on growth and physiology of woody plants known to be sensitive to pesticides. MI: We continue to investigate the ability of bioreactors to remediate nutrients and pesticides from runoff water and the effects of pesticides on the microbial communities involved in remediation. MI: We plan to continue analyses on the water word survey where we compared consumer perceptions of “recycled” and “reclaimed” water and tested a nursery priming message (the water was recycled/reclaimed from a plant production facility and used for more crop production. We also plan to collect eye-tracking data on consumers who view signs with water messages in TX, FL, and MI this fall. MS: Cultivation practices on athletic fields reduce compaction caused by continuous traffic from sporting events; however, this cultural practice can reduce turf coverage and quality. Most high school and municipal athletic fields are typically constructed on native-type soils, which may contain a high amount of clay and silt, resulting in high water-holding capacity and poor drainage. Graduate student Jordan Craft published a paper in HortScience on a study that examined the effects of combining dry-injection cultivation with a traditional hollow-tine cultivation program on soil physical properties. The study found that dry-injection cultivation used once per year over a 2-year period at a 24.4-cm depth combined with hollow-tine cultivation on a native soil athletic field is an effective option to reduce soil compaction and allow optimal water infiltration. MS: In the eastern part of the US transition zone, bermudagrass and tall fescue are commonly planted turfgrass species. Because of quality improvements and cost effectiveness of bermudagrass seed relative to sod, establishing bermudagrass by seed continues to gain popularity as a preferred method of establishment in the eastern part of the US transition zone. Although both species are regarded as relatively drought-resistant turfgrasses once established, adequate moisture is necessary for germination. Graduate student Matthew Tucker published a paper in the International Turfgrass Society Research Journal on a study that examined use of polyethylene glycol (PEG-6000) as a tool for screening for water stress during seed germination and to determine potential cultivar differences within each species. Results indicated that use of PEG-6000 is an effective technique for screening turfgrass cultivars that require less water for seed germination. MS: Nursery and greenhouse growers who heavily rely on groundwater or are located in drought prone regions are under constant pressure to minimize water waste for the sake of their plants, their production budgets, and the environment, and thus are in need of practices that allow them to be more efficient with natural water resources, even in times when water may be plentiful. Graduate student Daniel Greenwell completed a series of studies and published his Ph.D. dissertation that examined the potential use of the nonionic surfactant Tween 20 to reduce water waste and/or increase water use efficiency in containerized plant production. Results of these studies will be published in journals during the coming months. NC: NC State installed small scale acid injection systems at six North Carolina nurseries with high pH low alkalinity source water from open ponds to test effect of high pH on plant growth. NC: NC State has installed several treatments at a nursery in North Carolina to improve hydraulic conductivity of irrigation water delivered by drip emitters to increase water movement and accessibility in 100 gallon container grown shade trees. NC: NC State in collaboration with Virginia Tech determined that growers could use substrates with lower air filled porosity and less irrigation volume to use less nitrogen and maintain similar plant quality as conventional practices. VA: Bioreactors are being evaluated to continually treat nursery runoff for remediation of nitrogen and phosphorus. An impermeable nursery is irrigated ¾ to 1” daily to generate runoff which is collected before being pumped continuously to bioreactors. Bioreactors are made up of individual cells consisting of water only, zeolite only or a chain of wood chips + zeolite.  Before reaching the reactors, water is injected with ferric sulfate.  The main objective of our research is to determine if zeolite can serve as a molecular sieve to remove phosphorus via P-Fe-zeolite bridging under oxidized (no wood chips) and reduced conditions (with wood chips). We will also look at the efficacy of woodchip bioreactors receiving continuous flow and resonance time of less than or equal to 4 hours. VA & MD. NC1186 members Owen and Ristvey are serving on the Chesapeake Bay Program AgWG: Expert Panel Establishment Group Nomination for Nursery Capture and Reuse Management Practices. AWARDS US Experimental Station Committee on Organization and Policy (ESCOP): Excellence in Multistate Research award. 2017.  Awarded to USDA NC-1186: Water Management and Quality for Ornamental Crop Production and Health. Outstanding Education Publication Award. 2018. LeBude, A.V., A. Fulcher, J.-J. Dubois, S. K. Braman, M. Chappell, J.-H. Chong, J. Derr, N. Gauthier, F. Hale, W. Klingeman, G. Knox, J. Neal, and A. Windham. 2017.  Experiential nursery integrated pest management workshop series to enhance grower practice adoption. HortTechnology 27:772-781. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. Ann. Conf. 31 Jul.- 3 Aug. 2018, Washington, D.C. Blue Ribbon Extension Publication Award. 2018. Owen, J.S., Jr., A.V. LeBude, M. Chappell, and T. Hoskins. 2016. Advanced irrigation management for container-grown ornamental crop production.  Virginia Cooperative Extension: Virginia Tech and Virginia State University, Publication HORT-218P. 18 pp. South. Reg. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. Conf. 2-6 Feb. 2018, Jacksonville, FL. GRANTS $309,348 (CA) Landscape Plant Performance: Water Use and Disease Resistance Assessments and New Cultivar Selections. L. Oki, Principle Investigator. CA Dept. of Food and Agriculture Specialty Crops Block Grant Program. 2016-2019. Agreement No. SCB16045. $25,000 (CA) Evaluating water usage tolerances of landscape plant in partial shade. D. Haver, UCCE Orange County Principle Investigator. 2018-19. $21,897 (CA) Utilizing microcalorimetry for the rapid assessment of plant salinity tolerance. L. Oki, Principle Investigator. California Association of Nurseries and Garden Centers. 2018-19. $35, 000 (CA) A system nitrogen balance for container plant production. L. Oki, Principle Investigator. Horticultural Research Institute. 2018-2019. $331,376 (CA) A System nitrogen balance for container plant production. L. Oki, Principle Investigator. CA Dept. of Food and Agriculture Specialty Crops Block Grant Program. 2017-2019. $224,704. (CA) A System nitrogen balance for container plant production. L. Oki, Principle Investigator. CA Dept. of Food and Agriculture Fertilizer Research and Education Program. 2017-2020. $15,000 (CA) A System Nitrogen Balance for Container Plant Production. L. Oki, Principle Investigator. California Association of Nurseries and Garden Centers. 2017-2018. $15,000 (CA) Utilizing microcalorimetry for the rapid assessment of plant salinity tolerance. L. Oki, Principle Investigator. California Association of Nurseries and Garden Centers. 2017-2018. $114,389 (CA) University of California Nursery and Floriculture Alliance Fertilizers and Plant Nutrition Education Program. CA Dept. of Food and Agriculture Fertilizer Research and Education Program. L. Oki, Principle Investigator. 2017-2018. $584,992 –subward (CA) Clean WateR3 - Reduce, Remediate, Recycle - Enhancing alternative water resources availability and use to increase profitability in specialty crops. Sarah White, Clemson University, Principle Investigator. USDA ARS FNRI Grant Program. Total $8,734,105 (Subaward No. 1759-207-2020386. L. Oki & D. Haver portion). 2014-2019. $5,000 (CT) Preventing Clogging of Drip Irrigation Caused by Iron Precipitates. New England Floriculture, Inc. J. Cabrera and R.E. Raudales 2017-2018. $406,000 (CT) Understanding the Human Health Impacts to Exposure from Nontraditional Water Used in Agriculture. Vadas T., C. Kirchhoff, R.E. Raudales. USDA-NIFA: Water for Agriculture. 2017-2020 $19,272 (KY) Viloria, Zenaida, Winston Dunwell, Ric Bessin, Edwin Ritchey, Daniel Becker, Amanda Martin. 2018. Engaging elementary students into horticulture with cooperation of master gardeners and through multidisciplinary approaches in rural KY. Sustainability Challenge Grant. 2018 $29,954 (KY) Raul Villanueva, Ricardo Bessin, John Obrycki, and Winston Dunwell. Studies on Ambrosia Beetles Affecting Nursery Crops and Fruit Trees in Kentucky. SCBGP. 2017. $41,600 (MI) Overcoming barriers to use of nursery run-off water: Understanding plant sensitivity to residual pesticides. MSU Project GREEEN. Poudyal, S., B.M. Cregg and R.T. Fernandez. 2017-2019. $24,375 (MI) Physiological response of nursery crops to reduced phosphorus fertilization. MDARD Horticulture Fund. Poudyal, S., B.M. Cregg and R.T. Fernandez. 2017-2019. $80,000 (MI) Efficiency of bioreactor nutrient remediation in the presence of the organophophate chlorpyrifos. MSU Project GREEEN. Abdi, D., B.M. Cregg, W.C. Wilson and R.T. Fernandez. 2016-2018. $20,000 (MI) Efficiency of bioreactor nutrient remediation in the presence of the organophophate chlorpyrifos. MDARD Horticulture Fund. Abdi, D., B.M. Cregg, W.C. Wilson and R.T. Fernandez. 2016-2018. $789,867 (MS) Activities in this Station were funded in part by a cooperative agreement between the USDA and Mississippi State University’s Coastal Research and Extension Center: USDA-ARS. Establishing Best Agronomic and Pest Management Practices for Vegetable and Fruit Growers Along the Gulf Coast. 2017-2018. P.R. Knight, C. Coker, E. Stafne, E. Blythe, G. Bachman, and B. Posadas $101,082 (NC) LeBude, A.V. Improving water quality increases profits. North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Specialty Crops Block Grant. 2017-2018 $1,500 (NC) LeBude, A.V. and S. Jones. Controlling irrigation in pot in pot production to reduce granulate ambrosia beetle infestation. North Carolina Nursery and Landscape Association. 2017-2018. $89,083. (SC) /1/2018 – 2/29/2020. USDA-AFRI Food and Agriculture Science Enhancement pre-doctoral fellowship. NL Bell, White, SA. Potential of woody substrate-based bioreactors to remediate plant pathogens in Agricultural runoff for onsite water reuse. 2018-2020 $58,662 (SC) SC Water Resources Commission. White, SA, NL Bell, L Garcia Chance, ME Chase. “Statewide survey of irrigation source water quality and water use techniques in the specialty crops production industry.” 2018-2019 $7,808 (VA) Owen, J.S., Jr., and J. Brindley. Quantifying the acidity of fertilizer amendment on growing media pH. VNLA Horticulture Research Foundation Inc.  2018-2019 $18,790 (VA) Owen, J.S., Jr., and A.X. Niemiera. Understanding nitrogen fate to increase profitability in ornamental container-grown plant production. Virginia Agricultural Council. 2017-2019 $9,921 (VA) Owen, J.S., Jr., and A.X. Niemiera. Nitrogen fate in container crop production. VNLA Horticulture Research Foundation Inc.  2017-2018

Publications

SCIENTIFIC JOURNALS Albano, J.P., J. Altland, D.J. Merhaut, S.B. Wilson and P.C. Wilson. 2017. Irrigation water acidification to neutralize alkalinity for nursery crop production: Substrate pH, electrical conductivity, nutrient concentrations, and plant nutrition and growth. HortScience 52(10):1401-1405 doi:10.21273/HORTSCI11439-17 Altland, J.E. and J.K. Boldt. 2017.  Effect of rice hull mulch on nutrient concentration of fertilized irrigation water.  HortScience 52:1288-1292. doi: 10.21273/HORTSCI12122-17 Altland, J.E. and K.Y. Jeong. 2018. Initial substrate moisture content and storage temperature affect chemical properties of bagged substrates containing poultry litter fertilizer. Hortscience 53(8):1–6. 2018. https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI13004-18 Belayneh, B.E. and J. D. Lea-Cox. 2018.  Determining Plant Available Water to Practically Implement Deficit Irrigation Strategies in Strawberry Production.  Acta Hort. 1197:163-170 Cabrera, R.I., J. Altland and G. Niu. 2018. Assessing the potential of nontraditional water sources for landscape irrigation. HortTechnology (In Press). Chappell, M.R., S.A. White, A. Fulcher, A.V. LeBude, G.W. Knox, J.-J. B. Dubois. 2017. Assessing impact of coordinated comprehensive regional extension publications: a case study of the Southern Nursery Integrated Pest Management Working Group. HortTechnology 27:765-771 Chen, L., Y., G. Niu, Q. Liu, and J. Altland. 2017. Relative salt tolerance of eight Japanese barberry cultivars. HortScience 52(12):1810–1815 Copes, W.E., H. Zhang , P.A. Richardson, B.E Belayneh, A.G. Ristvey, J.D. Lea-Cox and C.X. Hong. 2017. Nutrient, pH, alkalinity, and ionic property levels in run-off containment basins in Maryland, Mississippi and Virginia ornamental plant nurseries. HortSci. 52(4):641–648 Copes, W.E., H. Zhang , P.A. Richardson, B.E Belayneh, A.G. Ristvey, J.D. Lea-Cox and C.X. Hong. 2018. Monthly Patterns of Nutrient, pH, Alkalinity and Ionic Variables in Run-off Containment Basins in Ornamental Plant Nurseries. HortScience 53(3):360-372.  DOI:10.21273/HORTSCI12458-17 Fields, J.S., J.S. Owen, Jr., and H. Scoggins.  2017. The influence of substrate hydraulic conductivity on Plant water status of an ornamental container crop grown in suboptimal substrate water potentials. HortScience 52(10):1419-1428. DOI 10.21273/HORTSCI11987-17 Fields, J.S., J.S. Owen, Jr., J.E. Altland, M.W. van Iersel, and B.E. Jackson. 2018. Soilless substrate hydrology can be engineered to influence plant water status for an ornamental containerized crop grown within optimal water potentials. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. (In Press) Fulcher, A., A. LeBude, S.A. White, M.R. Chappell, S.C. Marble, J-H Chong, W. Dunwell, F. Hale, W. Klingeman, G. Knox, J. Derr, S. K. Braman, N. W. Gauthier, A. Dale, F.P. Hand, J. Williams-Woodward, S. Frank. 2017. Advancing integrated pest management adoption and achieving extension impact: a working group success story. HortTechnology 27:759-764 Grant, G.A., P.R. Fisher, J.E. Barrett, and P.C. Wilson. 2018. Removal of Paclobutrazol from Irrigation Water using Granular Activated Carbon. Irrigation Science 36:159–166. https://doi.org/10.1007/s0027 Grant GA, PR Fisher, JE Barrett, PC Wilson, RE Raudales. 2018. Paclobutrazol removal from irrigation water using a commercial-scale granular activated carbon system. Scientia Horticulturae 241: 160-166 <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scienta.2018.06.093">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scienta.2018.06.093</a> Guo, Y., G. Niu, T. Starman, A. Volder, and M. Gu. 2018. Poinsettia Growth and Development Response to Container Root Substrate with Biochar. Horticulturae 4(1), 1; doi:10.3390/horticulturae4010001 Huang, P, AJ Lamm, LA Warner, SA White, P Fisher. 2018 (Accepted). Exploring nursery growers’ relationships with water to inform water conservation education. Journal of Human Science and Extension. Knuth, M., B.K. Behe, C.R. Hall, P.T. Huddleston, and R.T. Fernandez. 2018. Consumer perceptions, attitudes, and purchase behavior with landscape plants during real and perceived drought periods. HortScience 53(1):49-54. Knuth, M., B.K. Behe, C.R. Hall, P.T. Huddleston, and R.T. Fernandez. 2018. Consumer perceptions of landscape plant water sources and uses in the landscape during real and perceived drought. HortTechnology 28(1):85-93. LeBude, A.V., A. Fulcher, J.-J. Dubois, S. K. Braman, M. Chappell, J.-H. Chong, J. Derr, N. Gauthier, F. Hale, W. Klingeman, G. Knox, J. Neal, and A. Windham. 2017.  Experiential nursery integrated pest management workshop series to enhance grower practice adoption. HortTechnology 27:772-781 Liu, Q., Y. Sun, G. Niu, J. Altland, L. Chen, and L. Jiang. 2017. Morphological and physiological responses of ten ornamental species to saline water irrigation. HortScience 52(12):1816–1822 Majsztrik, J.C., A.G. Ristvey, D.S. Ross and J.D. Lea-Cox. 2018.  Comparative Water and Nutrient Applications among Ornamental Operations in Maryland.  HortScience (In Press). McGehee C.S., R.E. Raudales, W.H. Elmer. 2018. First report of Pythium dissotocum causing Pythium root rot on hydroponically-grown lettuce in Connecticut. Plant Disease <a href="https://doi.org/10.1094/PDIS-02-18-0365-PDN">https://doi.org/10.1094/PDIS-02-18-0365-PDN</a>  Pitton, Bruno J.L., C.R. Hall, D.L. Haver, S.A. White, and L.R. Oki. 2018. A cost analysis for using recycled irrigation runoff water in container nursery production: a Southern California nursery case study. Irrig Sci.  <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s00271-018-0578-8">https://doi.org/10.1007/s00271-018-0578-8</a>. Riley, E.D., H.T. Kraus, T.E. Bilderback, J.S. Owen, Jr., and W.F. Hunt. 2018. Impact of engineered filter bed substrate composition and plants on stormwater remediation within a rain garden system. J. Environ. Hort. 36:30–44. Shreckhise, J.H., J.S. Owen, Jr., and A.X. Niemiera. 2018.  Growth response of Hydrangea macrophylla and Ilex crenata cultivars to low-phosphorus controlled-release fertilizers. Scientia Horticulturae ##:##-##. (accepted 29 June 2018) Shreckhise, J.H., J.S. Owen, Jr., and A.X. Niemiera. 2018.  Growth response of three containerized woody plant taxa to varying low Phosphorus fertilizer concentrations. HortScience 53(5):628-637. DOI: 10.21273/HORTSCI12449-17 Warner, L.A., A.J. Lamm, P. Beattie, S. White, and P.R. Fisher. 2018. Identifying Opportunities to Promote Wter Conservation Practices among Nursery and Greenhouse Growers. HortScience 53(7):1–5 White, SA. 2018. Design and season influence nitrogen dynamics in two surface flow constructed wetlands treating nursery irrigation runoff. Water. 10(1) article #8, 16pp. DOI:10.3390/w10010008 Yafuso, E.J. and P.R. Fisher. 2017. Oxygenation of irrigation water during propagation and container production of bedding plants. HortScience. 52(11):1608–1614. doi: 10.21273/HORTSCI12181-17 BOOKS OR BOOK CHAPTERS Blythe, E.K., J.P. Albano and D.J. Merhaut. 2018. Chapter 9: Root media pH, In: In: Water, Root Media and Nutrient Management for Greenhouse Crops. Merhaut, D.J., K.A. Williams and S.S. Mangiafico (Eds).  University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources.  Publication 3551. Cabrera, R.I., A.R. Solis-Perez and W.J. Cuervo-Bejarano. 2017. Tolerancia y manejo de salinidad, pH y alcalinidad en el cultivo de flores, Chp. 4, p. 63-73. In: Florez R., V.J. (Ed.). Consideraciones sobre producción, manejo y poscosecha de flores de corte con énfasis en rosa y clavel. Bogotá: Editorial Universidad Nacional de Colombia. ISBN 978-958-783-185-6 Lea-Cox, J. D. and D. S. Ross. 2018.  Managing Water and Nutrients to Reduce Environmental Impact. Chapter 16.  In: Water and Nutrient Management for Greenhouse Crops. D. Merhaut. (Ed.).  University California Agriculture and Natural Resources Communication Resources, Davis, CA. Publ. No. 3551. pp.273-288 Merhaut, D.J., K.A. Williams and S.S. Mangiafico (Editors).  2018. Water, Root Media and Nutrient Management for Greenhouse Crops. 307 pages.  University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources.  Publication 3551. Merhaut, D.J. and S.S. Mangiafico. 2018. Chapter 3: Water quality and correction, In: Water, Root Media and Nutrient Management for Greenhouse Crops. Merhaut, D.J., K.A. Williams and S.S. Mangiafico (Eds).  University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources.  Publication 3551. Mangiafico, S.S. and D.J. Merhaut. 2018. Chapter 4: The use of reclaimed water in greenhouse crops, In: Water, Root Media and Nutrient Management for Greenhouse Crops. Merhaut, D.J., K.A. Williams and S.S. Mangiafico (Eds).  University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources.  Publication 3551. Lea-Cox, J.D. and D.S. Ross. 2018. Chapter 16: Managing water and nutrients to reduce environmental impact. In: Water, Root Media and Nutrient Management for Greenhouse Crops. Merhaut, D.J., K.A. Williams and S.S. Mangiafico (Eds).  University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources.  Publication 3551. PROCEEDINGS (Abstracts or full articles) Abdi, D.E., B.M. Cregg, J.S. Owen and R.T. Fernandez. 2017. Efficiency of bioreactor nutrient remediation in the presence of the organophosphate chlorpyrifos. American Society for Horticultural Science Annual Conference, Waikoloa, HI. HortScience (Oral Presentation) Abdi, D.E., B.M. Cregg, J.S. Owen and R.T. Fernandez. 2018. Pesticide and water movement in nursery container production: Managing irrigation to reduce agrichemical losses. American Society for Horticultural Science Annual Conference, Washington D.C. HortScience (Oral Presentation)   Abdi, D.E., B.M. Cregg, J.S. Owen, R.O. Hinz, P.C. Wilson and R.T. Fernandez. 2018. Remediating pesticides from water through biological degradation and adsorptive mechanisms. American Society for Horticultural Science Annual Conference, Washington D.C. HortScience (Oral Presentation) Behe, B.K., M. Knuth, C.R. Hall, R.T. Fernandez and P. Huddleston. 2017. Four key factors in water conservation attitudes of Americans. American Society for Horticultural Science Annual Conference, Waikoloa, HI. HortScience (Oral Presentation)   Belayneh, B.E. and John D. Lea-Cox. 2017. Growth, Yield and Quality of Strawberry (Fragaria X ananassa) as Affected by Soil Moisture Regimes.  HortScience 52(9):S151. (<a href="https://ashs.confex.com/ashs/2017/webprogramarchives/Paper27291.html">Oral Presentation</a>). Bell, NL, LM Garcia-Chance, and SA White. 2018. Clean WateR3: Evaluation of 3 Treatment Technologies to Remove Contaminants from Recycled Production Runoff. Acta Horticulturae. Proceedings of the 3rd International Symposium on Woody Ornamentals of the Temperate Zone, Number 1191, 199-205 Del Castillo-Múnera, J., C. Swett, B.E. Belayneh, A.G. Ristvey and J.D. Lea-Cox. 2016.  Adapting to water insecurity: Co-managing oomycete pathogens and water use using deficit irrigation sensor networks. Phytopathology 106:80 (<a href="https://www.apsnet.org/meetings/Documents/2016_meeting_abstracts/aps2016_419.htm">Poster</a>). Fernandez, R.T. 2018. Reducing water and pesticide movement in nursery production. Special Session. American Society for Horticultural Science Annual Conference, Washington D.C. HortScience (Oral Presentation) Fields, J.S. and J.S. Owen, Jr. 2017. Influence of substrate composition when producing containerized horticultural crops at optimal and sub-optimal substrate water potential. International Symposium on Growing Media, Soilless Cultivation, and Compost Utilization in Horticulture, Portland, OR. International Society for Horticultural Science. 65-65. Aug. 21. Acta Horticulturae (abstr., presentation) Fields, J.S. and J.S. Owen, Jr. 2018. Investigating the Hydraulic Conductivity of a Pine Bark Substrate and Crop Responses to Two Irrigation Regimes. American Society for Horticultural Science Annual Conference, Washington D.C. HortScience (abstr., in press, oral presentation) Guéry, S., J.D. Lea-Cox, M.A. Martinez-Bastida, B.E. Belayneh and Francesc Ferrer-Alegre. 2018.  Using Sensor-based Control to Optimize Soil Moisture Availability and Minimize Leaching in Commercial Strawberry Production in Spain. Acta Hort. 1197:171-178.  Knuth, M., B.K. Behe, C.R. Hall, P. Huddleston and R.T. Fernandez. 2018. Actively interested and passively disinterested in water conservation cluster segments on horticulture product spending in 2016. American Society for Horticultural Science Annual Conference, Washington D.C. HortScience (Oral Presentation) Knuth, M., B.K. Behe, C.R. Hall, P. Huddleston and R.T. Fernandez. 2018. Landscape importance components related to consumer active interest and passive disinterest in water conservation. American Society for Horticultural Science Annual Conference, Washington D.C. HortScience (Oral Presentation) Lea-Cox, J.D. and B.E. Belayneh. 2017. Evaluating Ag-Zoom Software for Near Real-Time Access of Remote Sensor Data.  HortScience 52(9):S421-422. (Poster). Lea-Cox, J.D., J. Williams and M.A. Mellano. 2018. Optimizing a Sensor-based Irrigation Protocol for a Large-Scale Cut-Flower Operation in Southern California. Acta Hort. 1197:219-225 Majsztrik, JC, DR Hitchcock, S Kumar, D Sample, SA White. 2018. Clean WateR3: Developing Tools to Help Specialty Crop Growers Understand the Costs and Benefits of Recycling Water. Acta Horticulturae. Proceedings of the 3rd International Symposium on Woody Ornamentals of the Temperate Zone, Number 1191, 187-192 Liu C, RE Raudales, R McAvoy, D Theobald, X Yang. An experimental study on energy and water uses of a newly developed GREENBOX farming system. ASABE paper No. 180 (Accepted):: April 2018 Owen, Jr.. J.S., R. Jarrett, J.E. Atland. 2018. Influence of Lime Type and Rate on Pine Bark Substrate pH. American Society for Horticultural Science Annual Conference, Washington D.C. HortScience (abstr., in press, oral presentation) Owen, J.S., Jr. and LeBude A.V. 2017. Controlled release fertilizer placement and rate effect crop growth and substrate ph and electrical conductivity. International Symposium on Growing Media, Soilless Cultivation, and Compost Utilization in Horticulture, Portland, OR. International Society for Horticultural Science. 65-65. Aug. 21. Acta Horticulturae (abstr., oral presentation) Poudyal, S., B.M. Cregg and R.T. Fernandez. 2018. Overcoming barriers to use of nursery run-off water: Understanding plant sensitivity to residual pesticides. American Society for Horticultural Science Annual Conference, Washington D.C. HortScience (Oral Presentation) Raudales R.E. and J.C. Cabrera. 2017. Biofilm buildup on PVC and polyethylene at three irrigation frequencies. American Society for Horticultural Sciences Annual Conference. 52(9):S222 (Abtr.) Raudales R.E. 2017. Sensitivity of Impatiens walleriana to Chlorine in Irrigation Water. American Society for Horticultural Sciences Annual Conference. 52(9):S450 (Abtr.) Ristvey, A.G, J.D. Lea-Cox, B.E. Belayneh and J. Iferd. 2018. Automated sensor-control strategies for drip irrigation of containerized Chrysanthemum. Acta Hort. 1197:211-218. Wu J, C. Liu, R. McAvoy, R.E. Raudales, D. Theobald, X Yang. Energy and water use analysis for the GREENBOX system in comparison with greenhouses. ASABE paper No. 180(Accepted): April 2018 Shreckhise, J.H., J.S. Owen, Jr., A.X. Niemiera, and J.E. Altland. 2018. Rate of phosphorus needed to grow seven ornamental taxa and subsequent fate within the container system. Special Session. American Society for Horticultural Science Annual Conference, Washington D.C. HortScience (abstr., in press, oral presentation) Trelstad, D., J.S. Owen, and R.T. Fernandez. 2017. Comparison of calcined aggregates for use in pine bark based substrates in woody ornamental container production. American Society for Horticultural Science Annual Conference, Waikoloa, HI. HortScience 1st Place Undergraduate Poster Competition (Poster) Viloria Z., W. Dunwell, G. Travis and D. Wolfe.  2018. Lagerstroemia fauriei ‘Kiowa’ Propagation by Hardwood Cutting. International Plant Propagation Society-Eastern Region Annual Conference, Grand Rapids, MI. Comb. Proc. Intl. Plant Prop. Soc. In Press. Viloria, Z., G. Travis, W. Dunwell R. and Villanueva. Seasonal Emergence of Invasive Ambrosia Beetles in Western Kentucky in 2017. International Plant Propagation Society-Eastern Region Annual Conference, Grand Rapids, MI. White, SA. 2018. “Clean WateR3: Helping Growers Save Water and Money.” SNA Research Conference Proceedings, In Press. White, SA. 2018. Clean WateR3: Integrating Research and Extension to Help Specialty Crop Growers Recycle Water. Acta Horticulturae. Proceedings of the 3rd International Symposium on Woody Ornamentals of the Temperate Zone, Number 1191, 193-198 Wolfe, D.W., A.T. DeGaetano, G. M. Peck, M. Carey, L.H. Ziska, J.D. Lea-Cox, A.R. Kemanian, M.P. Hoffmann and D.Y. Hollinger. 2018.  Unique challenges and opportunities for northeastern US crop production in a changing climate.  <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10584-017-2109-7">Climatic Change 146:231–245</a>. POPULAR PRESS Behe, B.K., M. Knuth, C. Hall, P. Huddleston and R.T. Fernandez. 2018. Conserving water, irrigation importance Part 2. Nursery Manager Pro. <a href="http://www.nurserymag.com/article/irrigation-importance/">http://www.nurserymag.com/article/irrigation-importance/</a> Behe, B.K., M. Knuth, C. Hall, P. Huddleston and R.T. Fernandez. 2018. Conserving water, sales Part 1. Nursery Management Pro. <a href="http://www.nurserymag.com/article/conserving-water-sales/">http://www.nurserymag.com/article/conserving-water-sales/</a> Bell, NL, JC Majsztrik, SA White. 2018. “Microbial technology.” Nursery Management. January, 35(1): 18-22 Garcia Chance L, JC Majsztrik, SA White. 2017. “Plants with Purpose.” Nursery Management. December, 34(12): 14-18. Fernandez, R.T. 2018. Good timing: Learn how to properly schedule irrigation to improve water management. Nursery Management Pro. <a href="http://www.nurserymag.com/article/good-timing-june-2018/">http://www.nurserymag.com/article/good-timing-june-2018/</a> Fernandez, R.T. 2018. Where do nutrients go when you irrigate? How to better manage irrigation to enhance nutrient retention in container production. Nursery Management Pro. May 2018 <a href="http://www.nurserymag.com/article/where-do-nutrients-go-when-you-irrigate/">http://www.nurserymag.com/article/where-do-nutrients-go-when-you-irrigate/</a> Fernandez, R.T. 2018. Keeping nutrients in their place: Irrigation management to enhance nutrient retention in container production. Proc. Intl. Plant Prop. Soc. Eastern Region. Fisher, P. R. Raudales, and B. MacKay. 2018. WaterQual – A new online tool to interpret your irrigation water quality. Nursery Management June 2018:16-21 Gomez C, RE Raudales (2018) Urban agriculture: Agriculture’s homecoming. Produce Grower Magazine. February 2018: 18-21 Lea-Cox, J.D.  A New Way to Measure Electrical Conductivity. Greenhouse Product News. Sparta, Michigan 49345. January Issue, 2017. Majsztrik, J, SA White. 2017. “Successful sanitation.” Nursery Management. October, 34(10): 23-27. Majsztrik, J, SA White. 2017. “Water Quality Quest: Consider carbon and membrane filtration systems to improve water quality.” Nursery Management. September, 34(9): 22-24, 26. McGehee C, R.E. Raudales (2018). Powdery mildew in lettuce. Produce Grower Magazine. February 2018: McGehee C, R.E. Raudales (2018-in press). Powdery mildew in lettuce. Produce Grower Magazine. February 2018: In press Owen J., A. LeBude, and A. Fulcher. 2017. Hydrangea primer: nutrient management.  Nursery Management 33(8):16-22 Pitton, BJL, LR Oki, SA White. 2018. “Slow Sand Filters.” American Nurseryman. January:24-27. Raudales R.E. (2018) A taste of water quality. GrowerTalks. June 81(2): 52-53 Raudales R.E. (2018) The three D’s: diseases, disease triangle and diagnosis. Greenhouse Canada, March/April: 16-18 Raudales R.E. (2018) Sanitation: Start clean, stay clean. e-Gro Alert 7(31):1-3 Raudales R.E. and J.C. Cabrera (2018) N is for plant health. e-Gro Alert 7(20):1-4 Raudales, R.E. (2018) How Clean is your Greenhouse Irrigation System? Greenhouse Grower Magazine. January 2018 Raudales R.E and C. McGehee (2017) Microbes against microbes. Produce Grower Magazine.  December 2017: 30-33 Ristvey, A., L.R. Oki, D.L. Haver, B.J.L. Pitton. 2017. Improving Irrigation Efficiency Reduces Water Use. American Nurseryman. <a href="https://www.amerinursery.com/water-management/improving-irrigation-efficiency-reduces-water-use/">https://www.amerinursery.com/water-management/improving-irrigation-efficiency-reduces-water-use/</a> Shreckhise, J.H., J.S. Owen, Jr., and A.X. Niemiera. 2018. Understanding phosphorus for containerized nursery crops. Nursery Management (online and in-press), July.  <a href="http://www.nurserymag.com/article/understanding-phosphorus-for-containerized-nursery-crops/">http://www.nurserymag.com/article/understanding-phosphorus-for-containerized-nursery-crops/</a>

Impact Statements

VA: Growth response to phosphorus (P) is taxa-specific and pour-through P concentration may not be a dependable indicator of P fertility. Therefore, target P concentrations in pore water should be determined at an individual nursery level to maximize uptake efficiency without affecting growth. Results from research carried out in the coastal plan and mountain and ridge regions of the eastern US suggest that phosphorus can be reduced from the lowest recommended rate of 5 ppm by 10% to 90% depending on ornamental taxa. Furthermore, we believe that controlled release fertilizer can be reformulated to contain 25% to 50% less P2O5 when producing Hydrangea macrophylla, the #2 flowering deciduous shrub in US sales revenue, in the eastern US without impacting crop growth or time to market making a notable impact through a cultural change in production of one ornamental species.

Date of Annual Report: 09/05/2019

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 07/09/2019 - 07/11/2019
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2018 - 09/30/2019

Participants

CA: Loren Oki (University of California, Davis
CT: Rosa E. Raudales (University of Connecticut), Cora McGehee (University of Connecticut)
FL: Paul Fisher (University of Florida)
KY: Winston Dunwell (University of Kentucky)
LA: Jeb S. Fields (Louisiana State University)
MA: Amanda Bayer (University of Massachusetts Amherst)
MD: John Lea-Cox (University of Maryland)
MI: Damon E. Abdi (Michigan State University), R. Thomas Fernandez (Michigan State University)
NC: Anthony LeBude (NC State University)
NJ: Raul I. Cabrera (Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey)
OR: Lloyd Nackley (Oregon State University)
SC: Sarah A. White (Clemson University), John C. Majsztrik (Clemson University)
VA: James S. Owen Jr. (Virginia Tech)

Brief Summary of Minutes

See attached minutes.

Minutes Attachment:

2019 Minutes NC1186_1_.docx

Accomplishments

CA: Researchers completed work on slow sand filters coupled with vegetated filters in removing Phytophthora from captured runoff.  Data analyses is underway to determine if the pairing of these filters is more efficacious than stand-alone slow sand filters.  Preliminary results indicate that coupling these filter systems may result in more complete removal of the pathogen from runoff. CA: Researchers have completed experiments at a nursery measuring the fate of nitrogen from fertilizers estimating the fluxes of CO2, CH4, and N2O.  Data analyses are still being conducted but preliminary assessments show that addressing N2O emissions should be a priority in greenhouse gas mitigation in nurseries.  Greenhouse experiments are being conducted on the interaction of media volumetric water content and NO3- and N2O flux. CT: Researchers completed microbiome characterization of water sources and surfaces with biofilm that results on clogging of irrigation systems. Evaluated the effect of three levels of organic and inorganic particles on clogging of irrigation systems. FL: Adoption of granular activated carbon filters for pesticide removal by a large commercial-scale grower in North Carolina. MA: The University of Massachusetts completed an online survey to determine the greatest challenges and needs of the green industry in Massachusetts. The survey was completed by 474 respondents. Greatest industry concerns were reported to be extreme weather events, drought, and qualified personnel. Results related to this project include the need for more research and fact based publications on irrigation management during drought, sustainable landscape practices, and watering instructions that can be shared with the public. MD: A primary focus of our irrigation research is to better relate substrate volumetric water content (VWC) to plant-available water (matric potential, MP), so growers can better establish irrigation thresholds, increase the precision of irrigation applications, and maintain growth rates by avoiding water stress. In experiments with Chrysanthemum and Poinsettia, a comparison of peat-based and wood-fiber substrates revealed few differences in available water and plant growth between substrates. However, reductions in substrate moisture below 25% VWC resulted in MP lower than -50 kPa, with increasing levels of potential water stress in both substrates. MI: Bioreactor experiments demonstrated that a rapid hydraulic retention time (21 minutes) was effective at reducing bifenthrin (by 49-63%), chlorpyrifos (by 73-76%) and oxyfluorfen (by 25-30%) concentrations in simulated runoff without reducing nutrient (NO3 and PO4) concentration. MI: Conventional overhead irrigation was compared to sensor-controlled overhead and spray stake irrigation to determine effects on plant growth and pesticide carried in water via runoff and infiltration below the nursery surface. Water volume applied was reduced by 60% and 80% for sensor-controlled overhead and spray stake irrigation, respectively, compared to conventional overhead irrigation. Runoff was reduced or eliminated with the sensor-controlled overhead (reduced by 53%) and spray stake (reduced by 78%) irrigation while infiltration was greater for both, 166% and 139%, respectively. However, combined water loss from both sources was reduced for sensor-controlled overhead (reduced by 32%) and spray stake (reduced by 57%) irrigation. In general, pesticide movement was reduced or eliminated in runoff water for both treatments since it rarely occurred. Pesticide movement was reduced more for spray stake irrigation (reduced by 72-99% compared to conventional overhead), than sensor-controlled overhead (reduced by 2-48% compared to conventional overhead). NC: NC State measured plant growth of five common flowering shrubs that received either high pH, low alkalinity irrigation water (pH 7.0-9.0; total alkalinity NJ: Rutgers University carried out a study that evaluated laundry graywater for irrigation on container-grown ornamental plants. The treatments contrasted a graywater effluent made from a conventional fabric detergent versus several plant-based, biodegradable fabric detergents. The graywater effluents from plant-based detergents were found to have reduced (by almost 50%) concentrations of surfactants compared to the conventional detergent. A preliminary evaluation of plant growth and aesthetic responses found that graywater effluents derived from plant-based detergents were similar to those of control plants irrigated with good quality well-water. Chemical analyses of graywater effluents, leachates and plant tissues are being conducted to assess plant accumulation of sodium, chloride and boron, as these mineral elements are constitutive ingredients (often in high concentrations) in both conventional and bio-degradable laundry detergents. Results from this and previous studies point out the need to carefully evaluate the chemical constitution of graywater effluents to determine their suitability as an alternative irrigation water source for ornamental plants.  (NC-1186 project area 1) NJ: A series of integrative nutrient diagnosis studies are being conducted in intensively managed rose crops to help improve overall fertilizer use efficiency. An experiment originally aimed at optimizing applied nitrogen concentrations in fertigation solutions was side-tracked, as the ammonium to nitrate ratios used in the experiments significantly affected soil solution pH and the availability of micronutrients, particularly manganese and its relationship with iron, both in soil solution and their accumulation in plant leaf tissues. Growers are advised to continuously assess soil solution pH and nutrient availability as to promptly correct fertilization programs and avoid undesirable reduction on flower yield and quality. (NC-1186 project area 4) OR: The Nackley Lab at Oregon State University (OSU) established a field experiment, with commercial grower cooperators, to evaluate the impact of continuous measurement of soil moisture using soil moisture. The project compares the consistency, accuracy, and reliability of commercially available soil moisture sensors for irrigated field nursery production. Additionally, the Nackley Lab has continued a partnership with University of Idaho (UI) researchers to investigate the potential for quantifying evapotranspiration (ET) at plot level (e.g., 10 m2) resolution to inform irrigation schedules in container-yard nursery product systems. This year we modified our weather station by adding additional plant-level, and subsurface sensors. Our hypothesis is that these additional sensors will improve our ability to measure plot level energy flux, which will, in turn, improve our ability to determine when to irrigate the potted plants. OR: The Nackley Lab collaborates with OSU county Extension agents to evaluate the cold hardiness of new Mediterranean plant varieties. Last year, the varieties were collected in Europe and brought to Oregon and established in a greenhouse. During this reporting period, we propagated the plant varieties and are growing them to large enough sizes to be planted in our field trial this Fall 2019. The varieties included in our trial are species and cultivars of broadleaved evergreen groundcovers. Four replications of each taxon will be planted in a completely randomized design. The data to be collected are growth, aesthetics, weed suppression, winter injury, disease, and pest incidence, and flowering. The evaluation will be ongoing and results shared with growers after plot establishment through field tours, online, and with research and extension publications. OR: The Nackley Lab, as part of a multi-state collaboration, researches the impact that sensor-guided spray systems may have on reducing the total volume of pesticide application in horticultural production systems. During this reporting period, our team has partnered with research collaborators at the University of Tennessee to investigate how pesticide spray volume is affected by the interaction of plant growth stage (i.e., phenology) and laser-guided spray systems. We hypothesize that laser-guided spray systems will be more efficient at applying pesticide sprays during early season growth stages when plant canopies are comparatively less than during later season growth stages. Our research into laser-guided spray systems also investigates the interaction be tractor speed and pesticide spray applications. SC: Researchers from Clemson University collected water samples from 30 nursery and greenhouse operations in the Piedmont, Sandhills, and Coastal Plain regions of South Carolina in the Spring, Summer and Fall.  Water samples were analyzed. Results were submitted to each grower as a report detailing potential water quality issues and methods for ameliorating and managing problems.  Growers have modified water application practices and initiated water treatment practices as a result of the information provided.  SC: Researchers from Clemson University conducted experiments to determine if iron-oxide residuals from mine drainage can be used in filters to remove phosphorus from irrigation runoff.  Pilot-scale experiments were concluded.  Iron oxide filters consistently removed 50% of dissolved P from irrigation runoff.  Researchers have initiated experiments incorporating varying percentages of P-saturated iron oxide into bark substrate mixes to determine potential for reuse of P bound by the iron oxide filters. SC: Researchers from Clemson University analyzed and published results from experiments with floating treatment wetlands to determine their potential for remediation of nutrients and pathogen contaminants from nursery production runoff. Floating treatment wetlands established with Pontederia cordata have the potential to both remove nutrients from runoff and to filter Phytophthora inocula from water, diminishing infections potential in recycled water. TN: Using an automated leaching fraction-based irrigation system and amending pine bark substrate with 35% coir, a grower reduced water use 62% while maintaining their normal quality standard. VA: Researchers from Virginia Tech completed and published a comprehensive review of physical properties and hydrology of pine bark used for container production in the eastern US comparing aged and fresh bark amended with or without sand. This data will provide a benchmark for expected parameters and acceptable deviation from the reported norm.  OUTPUTS KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER TO STAKEHOLDERS: CA: Four grower tools were developed to calculate 1) the size of a slow sand filter needed, 2) the application uniformity of an irrigation system, 3) the leaching fraction calculator, and 4) a runoff estimator/pond refill calculator. The slow sand filter tool determines the proper size of a slow sand filter to remove water borne pathogens from captured runoff to prepare it for reuse as irrigation.  The Irrigation uniformity tool determines the coefficient of uniformity of an irrigation system to determine if it is performing properly and to calculate irrigation run time.  Calculating the leaching fraction of an irrigation is used to manage salinity in container media. The runoff calculator estimates the volume of runoff that would be generated from an irrigation event or storm to aid in managing ponds and small water reservoirs. Pitton, B.J.L., L.R. Oki, J.C. Majsztrik, S. Kumar. 2018. Leaching Fraction Calculator.   Pitton, B.J.L., L.R. Oki, J.C. Majsztrik, S. Kumar. 2018. Slow Sand Filter Sizing Calculator. J.C. Majsztrik, S. Kumar, B.J.L. Pitton, L.R. Oki. 2018. Irrigation Coefficient of Uniformity Calculator. Majsztrik, J.C., B.J.L. Pitton, S. Kumar. 2018. Runoff Estimator/Pond Refill Calculator. CT: Coordinated two workshops and one conference, reaching 663 individuals of which >73% indicated increase in knowledge or intention to change practices. Published 10 articles in trade magazines. Delivered 10 presentations to greenhouse and nursery growers on irrigation water-related issues. FL: Seven online professional development courses were delivered (<a href="https://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/training/">hort.ifas.ufl.edu/training/</a>) to 651 participants (up 67% from previous year), This has included two nutrient management courses, and a new water quality and treatment (multi-state led by UF). MA: 6 presentations to industry groups, 405 participants MD: 7 invited presentations to industry groups MI: 6 refereed journal publications,1 conference proceeding, 8 abstracts/presentations to scientific audiences, 6 presentations to industry groups, 2 webinars NC: Over 200 cooperative extension agents, growers and landscapers increased their knowledge, skills, and attitudes approximately one point on a five point Likert type scale after receiving training for source water quality and irrigation uniformity in the nursery and landscape.  NJ: 8 invited presentations to industry groups OR: The Nackley lab, organized and moderated a meeting for “Shade-Tree” growers at NWREC. Dr. Nackley presented nutrient and irrigation management strategies. OR: Nackley lab presented at the Far West show on a recent project that evaluated the performance, consistency, accuracy, and affordability of commercially available soil moisture sensors deployed in field and container nursery systems and on research about sensor guided pesticide spray systems. TN: 1 extension publication and 1 multi-state extension publication VA: NC1186 team members provided a comprehensive technology transfer publication for which growers can use leaching fraction to schedule irrigation or manage salt accumulation in soilless substrates.  ONLINE RESOURCES: CT & FL: Developed WaterQual- an online water tool to assist grower interpret water tests. FL: <a href="http://www.watereducationalliance.org">www.watereducationalliance.org</a> / <a href="http://cleanwater3.org/">CleanWateR3.org</a> launched in 2008. (6.9K users in 2018, and 10.7K video views on youtube channel in 2018). FL:  Back Pocket Grower mobile floriculture training website (<a href="http://backpocketgrower.org">http://backpocketgrower.org</a>, 3.7K users in 2018, 2.7K video views on youtube channel in 2018. NC: Nurserycropscience.info.  The Nursery Crop Science website is an outreach project of the Department of Horticultural Science at NC State University and is dedicated to providing current information for Extension field faculty, students, researchers, and growers of commercial horticultural products.  Between October 2018 and September 2019, the site has had 1,197 new users that viewed over 8,357 pages and increased their knowledge of water use in nursery production.  TN: The Advanced Tennessee Master Nursery Producer program was launched.  It contains an Advanced Irrigation and Water Use module. ACTIVITIES CA: Research continues on the determination of water use of landscape plants. Information that is generated from these studies is used to inform growers, landscape architects and designers, and irrigation managers of the water needs of these plants to maximize irrigation efficiency. This project takes place on the UC Davis campus and grants were received to expand the studies to the UC South Coast Research and Extension Center in Irvine, CA that enables the comparison of result in two climates, on two soils types and different qualities of water since recycled water is used for irrigation in Southern California. This project also verifies the resistance to fireblight of three Cotoneaster genotypes that were selected by Dr. Ryan Contreras at Oregon State University for resistance to this disease. CT: The University of Connecticut continues studying the clogging factors – identifying clogging thresholds and management. We are also studying the microbiome of water sources, recirculated water, and biofilm.  We will start a new project on estimating the water footprint of greenhouse crops. FL: Research trials in water treatment (biofilm management and particle filtration), automation, 3D imaging of root growth, wood fiber substrates, fertilization strategies for consumer performance, and economic analysis of greenhouse operations. LA: Researchers from the LSU AgCenter have initiated research on a multistate project (with Virginia Polytechnic Institute and USDA-ARS) on stratification of soilless substrates within a container system. A simulated nursery area has been constructed at the Hammond Research Station which is currently being used to investigate methods to stacking substrates within a container in an effort to reduce water and fertilizer requirement in wholesale nursery production. The short-term outcome involves identifying if the idea of stacking substrates can be beneficial to the nursery industry. If beneficial, this can be adopted by nursery industry across the US to increase resource efficiency. Long-term outputs would be further investigation into specifics of substrate hydraulic properties associated with stratified substrates. LA: Researchers from Louisiana State University, Virginia Polytechnic Institute, USDA-ARS, and University of Florida developed a project to work with nursery growers in Oregon on soilless substrate stratification. This was conducted at two nurseries and combined three research topics, including using stratified substrates to reduce fertilizer load, reduce weed pressure, and reduce production time. The goal will be to allow west coast nursery producers, who utilize Douglas fir bark as a primary substrate media to increase fertilizer efficiency through stacking substrates as well as identify if weed pressure can be suppressed through stacking substrates within the container. MA: Research at UMass continues on the use of wetting agents and soil additives to improve the  water holding capacity of container grown plants. Current studies are evaluating the use of organic products, the impact of different substrate types on effectiveness, the impact of fiber containers on effectiveness, and the impact of additivities on time to dry down. Additional research is looking at the use of these additivities post-production to improve plant quality in  retail setting.  MA: Research at UMass is looking at the impact of reduced fertilizer and irrigation applications on floral development of pollinator plants. Past research has shown that reduced irrigation can impact flowering for some species. This research is looking specifically at popular pollinator species. MD:  Additional studies investigating the effects of reduced substrate MP on pathogen survival were done in collaboration with a pathology team at UC-Davis (Drs. Johanna del Castillo and Cassandra Swett). When poinsettias were inoculated with P. aphanidermatum in controlled greenhouse experiments, plant health and pathogen infection incidence were unchanged when substrate volumetric water content (VWC) was reduced from 45% to 35% These studies indicate that irrigation inputs can be decreased by an estimated 23.2% in the commercial greenhouse without affecting Pythium root rot. Below a minimum irrigation threshold (25% VWC), plant-pathogen dynamics may be altered to favor root disease development. Two papers have been published or accepted in 2019. MD: Runoff studies were implemented in spring, 2018 at Catoctin Mountain Growers, to quantify the concentration of Paclobutrazol runoff from production areas into interior flood recycling tanks, the exterior containment pond and through the ½ acre slow-sand filtration unit and into filtered return water for the greenhouse. Routine samples were taken on a weekly basis from March through October. A controlled greenhouse experiment was conducted from March – May 2019 with four sensitive species. Growth of Begonia and Geranium was significantly reduced by applications of MD: A 2-year urban agriculture grant is concluding in 2019, which is examining the effect of various organic amendments incorporated in green roof substrates, on the nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) leaching potential from those substrates used in rooftop urban farms in Washington, DC and Maryland. MD: A seed ($50K) grant was received from the USDA IPM-NE region in 2019 to study anthracnose and botrytis disease predictions in strawberries (under row covers) with microclimatic based sensor networks. This research will quantify differences in temperature, relative humidity and leaf wetness (inputs to the disease models) between on-farm weather stations and the canopy-level instrumentation, which are suspected in the poor performance of these models in modified environments. This instrumentation and software provide additional benefits to farmers, giving them real-time information degree day accumulation (for phenological crop development models) and alerts for frost monitoring in the spring through cloud-based software, also available as an App. MS: Azaleas are generally known as light feeders and do not respond well to high N rates, which can increase plant susceptibility to fungal disease and reduce winter hardiness. Fertilizer application rates are commonly determined in containerized nursery production based on the assumption that water availability does not limit nutrient uptake and that container capacity should be maintained to promote plant growth and nutrient uptake; however, it may be impractical to maintain container capacity in containerized plant production. Graduate student Tongyin Li published a paper in HortScience on a study that examined the effects of nitrogen rate, irrigation frequency, and container type on plant growth and nutrient uptake of Encore azalea ‘Chiffon’. The study found that  paper biocontainers resulted in increased plant growth index (PGI), dry weights (leaf, stem, root, and total plant dry weight), leaf area, and root growth (root length and surface area) compared with plastic containers using N rates from 10 to 20 mM.  One irrigation per day resulted in greater PGI, root dry weight, root length, root surface area, and root N content than two irrigations per day. Higher tissue N concentration was found in plants grown in plastic containers compared with those grown in biocontainers when fertilized with 15 or 20 mM N. However, N content was greater for plants grown in biocontainers, resulting from greater plant dry weight. The combinations of plastic container and one irrigation per day and that of 20mM N and one irrigation per day resulted in best flower production, Paper biocontainers resulted in superior vegetative growth of azalea plant compared with plastic containers when using a sufficient N supply of 10, 15, or 20 mM. MS: Nitrogen (N) is a critical nutrient for tea production, making up 5% of the dry weight of the crop. It is difficult to optimize N fertilizer recommendations due to the dynamic nature of available N. With increased cost of inputs, there is the need to develop recommendations for N application. It has been suggested to US nursery growers that Camellia species have a low nutrient requirement. While the benefits of N application are understood, the rate of N to apply should not be in excess, as not to waste money. Nitrogen application rates for US nursery production of Camellia sinensis (tea) have not been determined. Research results published in a Ph.D. dissertation by graduate student Judson LeCompte showed that plant growth indices were higher with Camellia sinensis plants receiving N applications, compared to unfertilized control plants. At experiment termination, all plants receiving N had similar plant growth indices. Plants that received 2, 4, or 6 g N per 4-inch pot had similar root dry weight, while all plants treated with N had similar shoot dry weight. Leaf area, root length, and root surface area were greater when N was applied, but there was no statistical difference in leaf area, root length, and root surface area of plants based on N rate. NC: NC State installed several treatments at a nursery in North Carolina to improve hydraulic conductivity of irrigation water delivered by drip emitters to increase water movement and availability in 30 gallon container grown shade trees. NC: In collaboration with Horticultural Research Institute (HRI) (Jill Calabro, Jennifer Grey) Virginia Tech (Jim Owen), and USDA-ARS (James Altland, Jennifer Boldt, and Tim Rhinehart), NC State helped design, develop and conduct a research roundtable of environmental horticulture stakeholders to determine by consensus their research and extension priorities for funding.  These stakeholder driven priorities will be used by HRI to direct funding requests and subsequent awards. Sustainable nursery production practices were an important part of the stakeholder priorities. 10-12 Dec. 2019. 80 attended. This work was funded by HRI from a proposal written by Owen and LeBude in 2017, which was awarded $95,000.   OR: The Nackley Lab, in collaboration with commercial partners, established an experiment to learn if selected biostimulants would improve the drought tolerance of river birch. TN: An experiment was conducted in conjunction with Holden Nursery to assess the water savings from an automated leaching fraction-based system and to evaluation the effect of coir on water use. TN: Ph.D. Candidate (now Dr. Basiri ) conducted 2 experiments to determine the ideal percentage of coir to use in a water conserving, on demand irrigation schedule. VA: Measured and modeled flow and water quality parameters (Nitrogen, phosphorus, and total suspended solids) during storm and irrigation events at a Mid-Atlantic nursery providing both baseline data and predictive models for water handling and treatment.  VA: Researchers from Virginia Polytechnic Institute validated nursery best management practices by linking accepted water, nutrient and runoff management strategies to scientific literature resulting in expected production or environmental impacts. AWARDS John Lea-Cox: The Dean Gordon Cairns Award for Distinguished Creative Work and Teaching in Agriculture. College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Maryland. 15 May, 2019. The Gordon Cairns Award is the highest career award made to an AGNR faculty member, nominated and selected by peers in the College. GRANTS $309,348 (CA) Landscape Plant Performance: Water Use and Disease Resistance Assessments and New Cultivar Selections. L. Oki, Principle Investigator. CA Dept. of Food and Agriculture Specialty Crops Block Grant Program. 2016-2019. Agreement No. SCB16045. $25,000 (CA) Evaluating water usage tolerances of landscape plant in partial shade. D. Haver, UCCE Orange County Principle Investigator. 2018-19. $21,897 (CA) Utilizing microcalorimetry for the rapid assessment of plant salinity tolerance. L. Oki, Principle Investigator. California Association of Nurseries and Garden Centers. 2018-19. $35, 000 (CA) A system nitrogen balance for container plant production. L. Oki, Principle Investigator. Horticultural Research Institute. 2018-2019. $331,376 (CA) A System nitrogen balance for container plant production. L. Oki, Principle Investigator. CA Dept. of Food and Agriculture Specialty Crops Block Grant Program. 2017-2019. $224,704. (CA) A System nitrogen balance for container plant production. L. Oki, Principle Investigator. CA Dept. of Food and Agriculture Fertilizer Research and Education Program. 2017-2020. $246,915 (CA) Learn on Your Schedule: University of California Nursery and Floriculture Alliance Greenhouse and Nursery Grower Online Training. Maria de la Fuente, UCCE Monterey County Principle Investigator. L. Oki Co-PI. CA Dept. of Food and Agriculture Specialty Crops Block Grant Program. 2019-2021. $25,000 (CA) Removal of plant growth regulators using slow sand filters from captured runoff prior to reuse as irrigation. L. Oki Principle Investigator. California Association of Nurseries and Garden Centers. 2018-19. $114,389 (CA) University of California Nursery and Floriculture Alliance Fertilizers and Plant Nutrition Education Program. CA Dept. of Food and Agriculture Fertilizer Research and Education Program. L. Oki, Principle Investigator. 2017-2019. $90K. (CT) Tracing Root-Rot Pathogens Associated with Hydroponic Crops in Commercial Greenhouses in the Northeast. UConn College of Agriculture Health and Natural Resources Competitive Capacity. Raudales (PI). 2019-2022 $100K (CT) Optimizing Irrigation Water Use in Greenhouses and Nurseries. USDA- via the CT Dept. of Agriculture: Specialty Crop Block Research. Raudales (PI). 2020-2022 $34K (CT) Algae Control in Irrigation Water for Container Production. Horticulture Research Initiative. Raudales (PI). 2019-2020 $600K (CT) Development of Technologies and Strategies for Sustainable Crop Production in Containerized and Protected Horticulture Systems. USDA Floriculture and Nursery Research Initiative. Boldt J (PI), D Ingram, R Raudales, A Torres. 2019-2024  $406K (CT) Understanding the Human Health Impacts to Exposure from Nontraditional Water Used in Agriculture. USDA Water for Agriculture. 2017-2020  $49,802 (MD) Development and evaluation of microclimate-based decision support tools, for sustainable strawberry production. Northeastern IPM Partnership Grant Program. Hu, M.J., J. Lea-Cox, and J. Charles. 2019-2021 $41,600 (MI) Overcoming barriers to use of nursery run-off water: Understanding plant sensitivity to residual pesticides. MSU Project GREEEN. Poudyal, S., B.M. Cregg and R.T. Fernandez. 2017-2019. $24,375 (MI) Physiological response of nursery crops to reduced phosphorus fertilization. MDARD Horticulture Fund. Poudyal, S., B.M. Cregg and R.T. Fernandez. 2017-2019. $13,005 (MI) Overcoming barriers to use of nursery run-off water: Understanding plant sensitivity to residual pesticides. MDARD Horticulture fund.  Poudyal, S., B.M. Cregg, and R.T. Fernandez 2018-2019. $20,000 (MI Reducing Pesticide Loss in Nursery Runoff Through Optimized Irrigation. MDARD HortFund Abdi, D.E., R.T. Fernandez and B.M. Cregg. 2019. $789,867 (MS) Activities in this Station were funded in part by a cooperative agreement between the USDA and Mississippi State University’s Coastal Research and Extension Center: USDA-ARS. Establishing Best Agronomic and Pest Management Practices for Vegetable and Fruit Growers Along the Gulf Coast. 2018-2019. P.R. Knight, C. Coker, E. Stafne, E. Blythe, G. Bachman, and B. Posadas $170,767 (NC and OH) LeBude, A.V., J.C. Neal, and J. Altland. Assessing the presence and management of weed seeds in irrigation water in container production nurseries. 2018-2020. US Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) - Agriculture Research Service. $89,083. (SC) /1/2018 – 2/29/2020. USDA-AFRI Food and Agriculture Science Enhancement pre-doctoral fellowship. NL Bell, White, SA. Potential of woody substrate-based bioreactors to remediate plant pathogens in Agricultural runoff for onsite water reuse. 2018-2020 $58,662 (SC) SC Water Resources Commission. White, SA, NL Bell, L Garcia Chance, ME Chase. “Statewide survey of irrigation source water quality and water use techniques in the specialty crops production industry.” 2018-2019 $99,996 (SC) JC Majsztrik and SA White. Clemson Public Service and Agriculture. “Increasing water use efficiency for specialty crop production via water recapture and sprinkler performance evaluation.” 2019-2021. $12,085($48,339) (SC) JC Majsztrik and SA White. SC Department of Agriculture – Specialty Crop Block Grant. “Capture and Reuse of Phosphorus in Specialty Crop Production.” 2018-2020 $37,500 ($150,000) (VA) Gillaspy, G., J.S. Owen, Jr., D. Sample, & Z. Wang. A transdisciplinary approach to phosphorus reclamation. Virginia Tech Inst. Critical Technol. and Appl. Sci. 2019-2021.  (VA and OH) Owen, J.S. Jr. & J.E. Altland. 2019-2024. The remedy is in the pot: Re-engineering growing media to reduce water, agrochemical inputs, & crop stress to minimize time to market. Floriculture Nursery Research Initiative (FNRI).

Publications

SCIENTIFIC JOURNALS Abdi, D.E. and R.T. Fernandez. 2019. Reducing water and pesticide movement in nursery production. HortTechnology Special Issue. <a href="https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTTECH04298-19">https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTTECH04298-19</a> Abdi, D.E., J.S. Owen Jr., J.C. Brindley, A.C. Birnbaum, P.C. Wilson, F.O. Hinz, G. Reguera, J. Lee, B.M. Cregg, D.R. Kort, R.T. Fernandez. Nutrient and Pesticide Remediation Using a Two-stage Bioreactor-Adsorbtive System Under Two Hydraulic Retention Times. Water Res.: In-review Altland, J.E.,  Owen, Jr., J.S., Jackson, B.E., and Fields, J.S. 2018. Physical and hydraulic properties of commercial pine-bark substrate products used in production of containerized crops. HortScience 53:1883-1890. Basiri Jahromi, N., A. Fulcher, F. Walker, J.E. Altland, W. Wright, and N. Eash. 2018. Evaluating on demand irrigation systems for container-grown woody plants grown in biochar-amended pine bark. HortScience 53(12):1891–1896. 2018. <a href="https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI13541-18">https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI13541-18</a>. Basiri Jahromi, N., F. Walker, A. Fulcher, and J.E. Altland. 2018. Growth response, mineral nutrition, and water utilization of container grown woody ornamentals grown in biochar amended pine-bark. HortScience 53(3):347-353. <a href="https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI12643-17">https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI12643-17</a>. Bayer, A. 2019. Growth and Flowering of Salvia nemorosa ‘Ostfrieland’ in response to reduced irrigation. J. Environ. Hort. In preparation Bayer, A. 2019 Effect of reduced irrigation on growth and flowering of coneflower and sneezeweed. HortTechnology. In preparation Bayer, A. 2019. A Survey of the Massachusetts Environmental Horticulture Industries. HortTechnology. In preparation Behe, B.K., M. Knuth, C.R. Hall, P.T. Huddleston, and R.T. Fernandez. 2018. Consumer involvement with and expertise in water conservation and plants affect landscape plant purchases, importance, and enjoyment. HortScience 53:1164-1171 Cabrera, R.I., J. Altland and G. Niu. 2018. Assessing the potential of nontraditional water sources for landscape irrigation. HortTechnology 28(4): 436-444. Cabrera, R.I., E. Petit and B. Moran. 2019. Diagnosing aesthetic and growth disorders in hydrangea plants under commercial nursery production. Proceedings of the Southern Nursery Association Research Conference. 63: 29-36. Costello, R.C., D.M. Sullivan, D.R. Bryla, B.C. Strik, & J.S. Owen, Jr. 2019. Compost feedstock and compost acidification impact growth and mineral nutrition in northern highbush blueberry. HortScience 54:1067-1076 doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI13599-18 Del Castillo Múnera, J., B.E. Belayneh, J.D. Lea-Cox, and C.L. Swett. 2019. Effects of set-point substrate moisture control on oomycete disease risk in containerized annual crops, based on the tomato-Phytophthora capsici pathosystem. Phytopathology First look online: 04.11.19 https://doi.org/10.1094/PHYTO-03-18-0096-R Del Castillo Múnera, J., B.E. Belayneh, A.G Ristvey, E. Koivunen, J.D Lea-Cox and C. Swett, 2019. Enabling adaptation to water scarcity: Identifying and managing root disease risks associated with reducing irrigation inputs in greenhouse crop production–A case study in poinsettia. Ag. Water Management (Accepted 4 August, 2019). de Castro, A.I., J.M. Maja, J.S. Owen, Jr, J. Robbins, & J.M. Peña, 2018. Experimental approach to detect water stress in ornamental plants using sUAS-imagery, Proc. SPIE 10664, Autonomous Air Ground Sensing Syst. for Agric. Optimization and Phenotyping III, 106640N doi: 10.1117/12.2304739 Fisher, P.R. and R.W. Dickson. 2018. Improving irrigation practices in container stock plant production of herbaceous plant cuttings. Acta Horticulturae 1205:871-877. Freyre, R., B.J. Pearson, and P.R. Fisher. 2018. International training on greenhouse production using an online platform. Acta Horticulturae 1205:293-297. Garcia Chance, LM, SC Van Brundt, JC Majsztrik, SA White. 2019. Short- and long-term dynamics of nutrient removal in floating treatment wetlands. Water Research. 159(1):153-163. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2019.05.012 Garcia Chance, LM and SA White. 2018. Aeration and Plant Coverage Influence Floating Treatment Wetland Remediation Efficacy. Ecological Engineering. 122:62-68. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoleng.2018.07.011 Gomez C, C Currey, R Dickson, HJ Kim, R Hernández, N Sabeh, R Raudales, R Brumfield, A Laury–Shaw, A Wilke, S Burnett. 2019. Controlled Environment Food Production for Urban Agriculture. HortScience. Accepted on 23 Apr 2019. Grant, G.A., P.R. Fisher, J.E. Barrett, and P.C. Wilson. 2019. Removal of Agrichemicals from Water Using Granular Activated Carbon Filtration. Water, Air, & Soil Pollution 230: 7. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-018-4056-y">https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-018-4056-y</a>. Grant, G.A., P.R. Fisher, J.E. Barrett, P.C. Wilson, and R.E. Raudales. 2018. Paclobutrazol removal from irrigation water using a commercial-scale granular activated carbon system. Scientia Horticulturae 241:160–166. Grant, G.A., P.R. Fisher, J.E. Barrett, and P.C. Wilson. 2018. Removal of Paclobutrazol from Irrigation Water using Granular Activated Carbon. Irrigation Science 36:159–166. https://doi.org/10.1007/s0027. Harper, R.W., K.S. Allen, and A.L. Bayer 2018. Nursery production systems and their impact on urban tree growth & development. Part 1. Arborist News 27(4)12-19. Harper, R.W., K.S. Allen, and A.L. Bayer 2018. Nursery production systems and their impact on urban tree growth & development. Part 2. Arborist News 27(5)12-19 Huang, J. and P.R. Fisher. 2019. Survey of Suspended Solids in Irrigation Water and Filtration for Plant Nurseries. Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering 145(6): <a href="https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)IR.1943-4774.0001391">https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)IR.1943-4774.0001391</a>. Huang, P, AJ Lamm, LA Warner, SA White, P Fisher. 2019 (Accepted). Exploring nursery growers’ relationships with water to inform water conservation education. Journal of Human Science and Extension. Knuth, M., B. Behe, C. Hall, P. Huddleston and R. Fernandez. 2019. Sit back or dig in: The role of activity level in landscape market segmentation. In press HortScience Lamm, AJ, LA Warner, P Beattie, A Tidwell, PR Fisher, SA White. 2019. Identifying opportunities to promote water treatment practices among nursery and greenhouse growers. HortTechnology. (Accepted) Li, T., G. Bi, R.L. Harkess, G. Denny, E.K. Blythe, and X. Zhao. 2018. Nitrogen rate, irrigation frequency, and container type affect plant growth and nutrient uptake of Encore azalea ‘Chiffon’. HortScience 53:560-566. Mack, R., J.S. Owen, Jr., A.X. Niemiera, & D.J. Sample. 2019. Workshop: Validation of nursery and greenhouse best management practices through scientific evidence. HortTechnology doi.org/10.21273/HORTTECH04303-19 Majsztrik, J.C., A.G. Ristvey, D.S. Ross and J.D. Lea-Cox. 2018. Comparative Water and Nutrient Applications among Ornamental Operations in Maryland. HortScience. 53:1364-1371. McGehee CS, P Apicella, RE Raudales, G Berkowtiz, Y Ma, S Durocher, J Lubell. First Report of root rot caused by Pythium myriotylum on hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) in the United States. Plant Disease <a href="https://doi.org/10.1094/PDIS-11-18-2028-PDN">https://doi.org/10.1094/PDIS-11-18-2028-PDN</a> McGehee CS, RE Raudales, WH Elmer, RJ McAvoy. 2019. Efficacy of Biofungicides against root rot and damping-off of microgreens caused by Pythium spp. J. Crop Protection 121:96-102 Nayeb Yazdi, M., D. Sample, & J.S. Owen, Jr. 2019. Sediment and Nutrient Movement in a Container Nursery: What Happens During an Irrigation or Storm Event? Proc. Southern Nursery Assoc. Res. Conf. 63:150-154. Owen, J.S., Jr., A.V. LeBude, J. Calabro, J.K. Boldt, J. Gray, J.E. Altland. 2019. Research priorities of the environmental horticultural industry founded through consensus. J. Environmental Horticulture. In review (submitted). Poudyal, S. and B. Cregg. 2019. Irrigating nursery crops with recycled run-off: A review of the potential impact of pesticides on plant growth and physiology. HortTechnology (In press) https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTTECH04302-19 Ridge, GR, NL Bell, AJ Gitto, SN Jeffers, SA White. 2019. Phytophthora species associated with plants in constructed wetlands and vegetated channels at a commercial plant nursery. HortTechnology. (Accepted) Riley, E.D., H.T. Kraus, T.E. Bilderback, J.S. Owen, Jr., & W.F. Hunt. 2018. Impact of engineered filter bed substrate composition and plants on stormwater remediation within a rain garden system. J. Environ. Hort. 36:30–44. Shreckhise, J.H., J.S. Owen, Jr., & A.X. Niemiera. 2019.  Growth response of Hydrangea macrophylla and Ilex crenata cultivars to low-phosphorus controlled-release fertilizers. Scientia Horticulturae 246:578-588. Spangler, JT, DJ Sample, LJ Fox, JS Owen, Jr., SA White. 2019. Floating treatment wetland aided nutrient removal from agricultural runoff using two wetland species. Ecological Engineering. 127:468-479. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoleng.2018.12.017 Spangler, JT, DJ Sample, LJ Fox, JS Owen, Jr., SA White. 2019. Data on floating treatment wetland aided nutrient removal from agricultural runoff using two wetland species. Data in Brief. 22:756-761. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dib.2018.12.037">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dib.2018.12.037</a> Sprangler, J.T., D.J. Sample, L.J. Fox. J.S. Owen, Jr., & S.A. White. 2019. Floating treatment wetland aided nutrient removal from agricultural runoff using two wetland species. Ecol. Eng. 127:468-479. Spangler, JT, DJ Sample, LJ Fox, JP Albano, SA White. 2019. Assessing nitrogen and phosphorus removal potential of five plant species in floating treatment wetlands receiving simulated nursery runoff. Environmental Science and Pollution Research. 18pp. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-018-3964-0 Vandegrift, D. A., D.B. Rowe, B.M. Cregg, and D. Liang, 2019. Effect of substrate depth on plant community development on a Michigan green roof. Ecological Engineering, 138, 264-273. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoleng.2019.07.032 Warner, LA, AJ Lamm, P Beattie, SA White, P Fisher. 2018. Identifying opportunities to promote water conservation practices among nursery and greenhouse growers. HortScience. 53(7):958-962. <a href="https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI12906-18">https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI12906-18</a> White, SA. 2019. Clean WateR3: Reduce Remediate Recycle – Using transdisciplinary science to help specialty crop producers conserve water and resources. HortTechnology. (Accepted) Wolfe, D.W., A.T. DeGaetano, G. M. Peck, M. Carey, L.H. Ziska, J.D. Lea-Cox, A.R. Kemanian, M.P. Hoffmann and D.Y. Hollinger. 2018. Unique challenges and opportunities for northeastern US crop production in a changing climate. Climatic Change 146:231–245. DOI:10.1007/s10584-017-2109-7. Yazdi, M. N., Sample, D.J., Scott, D., J.S. Owen, Jr., Ketabchy, M., & Alamdari, N. 2019. Water Quality Characterization of Storm and Irrigation Runoff from a Container Nursery. Sci. Total Environ. 667:166-178. BOOKS OR BOOK CHAPTERS Lea-Cox, J.D. 2019. Advances in Irrigation Practices and Technology in Ornamental Cultivation. Chapter 12. In: Achieving Sustainable Cultivation of Ornamental Plants. Michael S. Reid. (Ed.) Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing, Cambridge, UK. (Accepted) Lieth, J.H. and L.R. Oki. 2019. Irrigation in Soilless Production. In: Soilless Culture: Theory and Practice. 2nd Ed. M. Raviv, J.H. Lieth, & A. Bar-Tal, eds. Elsevier Press, Amsterdam. pp. 381-423. PROCEEDINGS (Abstracts or full articles) Abdi, D.E., D.R. Kort, F. Hinz, P.C. Wilson, J.S. Owen, J. Brindley, A. Paulk, B.M. Cregg and R.T. Fernandez. 2019. Agrichemical remediation from runoff water using bioreactors. ISHS IX International Symposium on Irrigation of Horticultural Crops, Matera Italy Abdi, D.E., F. Hinz, P.C. Wilson, J.S. Owen, J. Brindley, A. Paulk, B.M. Cregg and R.T. Fernandez. 2019. Reducing agrochemical movement in container crops by irrigating based on container capacity. ISHS IX International Symposium on Irrigation of Horticultural Crops, Matera Italy Abdi, D.E., D.R. Kort, F. Hinz, P.C. Wilson, J.S. Owen, J. Brindley, A. Paulk, B.M. Cregg and R.T. Fernandez. 2019. Irrigating based on container capacity conserves water with minimal effect on crop quality. ISHS IX International Symposium on Irrigation of Horticultural Crops, Matera Italy Abdi, D.E., B.M. Cregg, F.O. Hinz, P.C. Wilson and R.T. Fernandez. 2019. Reducing pesticide movement in the nursery through water conserving irrigation practices. Plant Science Graduate Student Research Symposium. East Lansing, MI March 29, 2019. Abdi, D.E., B.M. Cregg, J.S. Owen, J. Brindley, A. Paulk and R.T. Fernandez. 2019.  Irrigating based on container capacity conserves water with minimal effect on crop quality. Plant Science Graduate Student Research Symposium, poster session. East Lansing, MI March 29, 2019. Basiri Jahromi, N., A. Fulcher, F. Walker, J. Altland, and W. Wright. 2018.  Comparison of on-demand and conventional irrigation regimes for ‘Silver Dollar’ hydrangea grown outdoors in biochar amended pine-bark. HortScience 53(9):S158. Bayer, A. 2019. Impact of Soil Additives on Plant Growth and Substrate Water Retention. ASHS Annual Meeting, July 22 – July 25, 2019, Las Vegas, Nevada. (oral presentation) Cabrera, R.I. 2018. About the long-term effects of urban landscape irrigation with reclaimed water. Proceedings of The Northeastern Plant, Pest, and Soils Conference 3: 67 (Abstr.). Cabrera, R.I. 2018. Greenhouse rose responses to nitrogen confounded by collateral effects on rootzone pH and micronutrient availability. HortScience 53(9):S77 (Abstr.). Copes, W.E, A. G. Ristvey, P.A. Richardson, B.E. Belayneh, H. Zhang, J.D. Lea-Cox and C. Hong. 2018. Monthly Levels and Criteria Considerations of Nutrient, pH, Alkalinity and Ionic Variables in Run-Off Containment Basins in Ornamental Plant Nurseries. HortScience. 53(9):S76. (Oral Presentation) Fernandez, R.T. 2018. Keeping nutrients in their place: Irrigation management to enhance nutrient retention in container production. Proceedings of the 2017 Annual Meeting of the International Plant Propagators' Society. Acta Hortic. 1212:89-96 Fessler, L., W. Wright, J. McHugh , Q. Cypher , A. Fulcher, and X. Sun. 2019. International Society for Horticultural Science. Symposium on Irrigating Horticultural Crops. Abstract XYZ. Matera, Italy. Howard, I., J. D. Lea-Cox, N. G. Little and A. G. Ristvey. 2018. Defining Best Management Practices for Substrate, Water and Nutrient Management of Urban Farming Systems. Global Challenges: Building Healthy Food Systems Summit. University of Maryland, College Park. October 4, 2018. (Poster). Howard, I., A.G. Ristvey and J.D. Lea-Cox. 2019. Modifying Green Roof Substrates for Nutrient Retention in Urban Farming Systems. Proc. Nursery Assoc. Res. Conf. 64:163-168. Knuth, M., L. Sage, B.K. Behe, C.R. Hall, P.T. Huddleston, R.T. Fernandez. 2019. U.S. Consumer Perceptions of Water Sources and Uses Regarding Production and Enjoyment of Ornamental Plants. ISHS IX International Symposium on Irrigation of Horticultural Crops, Matera Italy Knuth, M., B.K. Behe, C.R. Hall, P.T. Huddleston, R.T. Fernandez and L. Sage. 2019. Water conservation expertise and involvement influence plant purchases and enjoyment of U.S. consumers. ISHS IX International Symposium on Irrigation of Horticultural Crops, Matera Italy Lea-Cox, J.D., B.E. Belayneh, O. Starry and D. DeStefano. 2018. Quantifying the Stormwater Ecosystem Services of an Urban Plaza with a Mature Taxodium distichum and Zoysia japonica Planting. HortScience 53(9):S132. (Oral Presentation). Lea-Cox, J.D., B.E. Belayneh, O. Starry and D. DeStefano. 2018. Monitoring Stormwater Reterntion of an Urban Plaza to Measure Ecosystem Service Benefits. 4th Bi-Annual Mid-Atlantic Green Roof Science and Technical Symposium. 15 August, 2018. University of Maryland, College Park. Lea-Cox J.D. and A.G. Ristvey. 2018. CleanWater3: Recycling and Treatment of Agricultural Runoff. Edward St. John Learning and Teaching Center. August 6th. A Symposium highlighting the results of the Clean Water3 research program for Nursery and Greenhouse operators, extension educators, and agency personnel. 67 attendees. Lea-Cox, J.D., B.E. Belayneh, B.E., O. Starry and D. DeStefano. 2019. Monitoring Urban Landscapes to Measure Ecosystem Services. Proc. Southern Nursery Assoc. Res. Conf. 64:169-174. Nackley, L.L. and D. Zwart. 2019. Stimulating Stress Tolerance in River Birch, ASHS Annual Meeting, July 22 – July 25, 2019, Las Vegas, Nevada. McGehee CS, RE Raudales (2018) Efficacy of biofungicides to control Pythium root rot and Damping-off in hydroponically-grown arugula (Eruca sativa). HortScience 53(9):S131 McGehee CS, RE Raudales (2018) Efficacy of biofungicides to control Pythium root rot and Damping-off in lettuce (Lactuca sativa) seedlings. HortScience 53(9):S415 (Poster) Pietsch, G., W. Wright, A. Fulcher, J. McHugh. 2019. Examining the potential to reduce nursery crop fertilizer rates with a leaching fraction-based irrigation schedule. International Society for Horticultural Science. Symposium on Irrigating Horticultural Crops. Abstract XYZ. Matera, Italy. Pitton, B.J.L., G.E Johnson, D.L. Haver and L.R. Oki. Submitted. Water use and estimated evapotranspiration at a California container plant nursery. Acta Hortic. (ISHS International Symposium on Irrigation in Horticultural Crops, Matera, Italy. June 17-20, 2019). Pitton, B.J.L., J.A. Sisneroz, X. Zhu-Barker, R.Y Evans, W. R. Horwath and L.R. Oki. Submitted. Gas flux from a fir bark substrate at an ornamental production nursery. Acta. Hort. (ISHS International Symposium on Growing Media, Composting and Substrate Analysis. Milan, Italy. June 24-28, 2019). Poudyal, S. and B.M. Cregg. 2019. Growth stage affects sensitivity of nursery crops to residual pesticides in runoff irrigation. ASHS Annual Meeting, July 22 – July 25, 2019, Las Vegas, Nevada. Raudales RE, J Boldt, J Altland, PR Fisher.2018. Quantifying paclobutrazol in recirculated water in commercial greenhouses” HortScience 53(9):S130 Ristvey, A. G. Ristvey, B.E. Belayneh, I. Howard and J.D. Lea-Cox. 2018. Effect of Plant-available Water Reduction on Two Yellow Garden Mum (Chrysanthemum morifolium) Cultivars. HortScience. 53:9 S177. (Oral Presentation). Ristvey, A.G., J.D. Lea-Cox and S. M. Cohan. 2018. Mid-Atlantic Green Roof Science and Technology symposium: Redefining Green roof Science. Global Challenges: Building Healthy Food Systems Summit. University of Maryland, College Park. October 4, 2018. (Poster). Swett, C., J. Del Castillo-Múnera, J.D. Lea-Cox and B.E. Belayneh. 2018. Irrigation Practices and Pathogen Infection Potential: Balancing Reduced Water Use with Oomycete Disease Risk in Containerized Nursery Production HortScience. 53(9):S177-178. (Oral Presentation) POPULAR PRESS Basiri Jahromi, N., A. Fulcher, and F. Walker. Black soil for a green industry: Less water use leads to less nutrient loss. Tennessee Green Times. 19(1):8-10. Bayer, A., Transiting Container Grown Plants to the Landscape, Spring 2019 MNLA Pro Grow News Cregg, B.M. and J. O’Donnell. 2018. Incorporating foliar nutrient sampling into a nutrient management program. Great Lakes Christmas Tree Journal 14(4): 14. Dickson R, RE Raudales. 2019.Avoiding ammonium toxicity. GrowerTalks March 82(11): 62-63 Dickson R, RE Raudales.2019. Trays too dry? Grower Talks. January 82(9):50-51 Fisher, P.R., E. Yafuso, and A. Bohorquez. In Press. Seeing inside your container media. Greenhouse Product News. Fisher, P.R. and R. Raudales. In Press. Clean up your water with carbon filtration. Greenhouse Product News. Fulcher et al.  Irrigation success stories series. A win-win irrigating field production and Success with water sensitive crops. Tennessee Green Times. 19(2):10-11. McClanahan, S. and A. Fulcher. 2018. Using moisture sensors and pressure switches to monitor and refine irrigation. Turf and Ornamental Field Day Proceedings, University of Tennessee. pp. 51-52. McClanahan, S.and A. Fulcher. Buying peace of mind: Using sensors to monitor irrigation systems. Tennessee Green Times. 19(4)16-18. Nackley, L.L. 2019, Sap-Flow Sensors for Small-Diameter Nursery Seedlings, Tree Planters Notes Raudales RE.2019. Watering: Communication Tips. e-Gro Alert 8(20):1-5 Raudales RE, C McGehee, J Cabrera. 2019. Testing the waters: Is public drinking water safe to hydroponic production. Produce Grower March: 16-18 Raudales RE, R Dickson. 2019. The roads that lead to salty water. GrowerTalks February 82(10):54-57 Raudales RE, RM McAvoy. 2019. K is for Cucumbers. e-Gro Edible Alert 4(4):1-4 Raudales RE, RW Dickson. 2018. Save Water, Save Money. GrowerTalks November 82(7): 58-62 Yafuso, E. and P. Fisher. 2019. Balancing air and water in propagation cells. Greenhouse Grower Jan 2019: 58, 61. <a href="https://www.greenhousegrower.com/production/tips-to-balance-air-and-water-in-plant-propagation-cells/">https://www.greenhousegrower.com/production/tips-to-balance-air-and-water-in-plant-propagation-cells/</a> EXTENSION PUBLICATIONS Owen, J.S., A.V. LeBude, A. Fulcher, J. Stanley, and L.R. Oki. 2019. Leaching fraction: A tool to schedule irrigation for container-grown nursery crops.Virginia/North Carolina Coop. Ext. Publ. SPES-128/AG-855. https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/content/dam/pubs_ext_vt_edu/spes/spes-128/SPES-128.pdf Warneke, B. W., J.P. Pscheidt, R.R. Rosetta, and L. L. Nackley, 2019, Sensor Sprayers for Specialty Crop Production, Pacific Northwest Extension Publication, PNW 727 Warner, L., A. Lamm, S. White, P. Fisher, and P. Beattie. 2019. Meeting U.S. nursery and greenhouse growers’ needs with water conservation extension programs. UF IFAS EDIS AEC664. DISSERTATIONS LeCompte, J. 2018. Tea as an alternative crop for Mississippi. Miss. State Univ., Ph.D. Diss. Bell, Natasha L. 2019. Evaluation of the potential for ecological treatment technologies to remediate species of phytophthora from irrigation runoff. Ph.D., Biological Engineering, Clemson University Garcia Chance, Lauren M. 2019. Remediation of Nursery and Greenhouse Runoff Using Floating Treatment Wetlands.  2019. Ph.D., Environmental Toxicology, Clemson University Chase, Megan E.M. DeLaBarre. 2018. “Iron Hydroxide from Coal Mine Drainage to Remove and Reuse Phosphorus from Greenhouse and Plant Nursery Runoff.” M.Sci., Environmental Toxicology, Clemson University

Impact Statements

TN: Research at the University of Tennessee is developing information about both simple and practical, and alternatively, high tech ways, nursery producers can utilize leaching fraction calculations to reduce water use.