Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

NE-1017 Annual Meeting Minutes June 1-2, 2006 Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station Valley Laboratory, Windsor, Connecticut Participants (in alphabetical order): John Bartok, (CT), A.J. Both (Secretary, NJ), Stephanie Burnett (ME), Don Dwyer (Hoogendoorn Automation, Inc., CO), Martin Gent (Host, CT), Gene Giacomelli (AZ), Paul Fisher (Past Chair, NH), Tom Fretz (Administrative Advisor, MD), Robert Hansen (OH), Jay Holcomb (PA), Ron Lacey (TX), Rich McAvoy (CT), George Meyer (NE), Joey Norikane (Chair, KY), Eugene Reiss (NJ), Erik Runkle (MI). 12:30 pm Participants are welcomed by Dr. Louis A. Magnarelli, Director of the CAES, who gives a brief overview of the activities of the experiment station. Dr. James A. LaMondia, chief scientist at the Valley Laboratory in Windsor, also welcomes us. 12:45 pm Business meeting is started. Participants introduce themselves. John Bartok mentions that this group was started in 1972 and received its first project code in 1973 (NEC-15). Martin Gent updates us on the local arrangements. Joey Norikane summarizes last years meeting minutes. The minutes are approved by unanimous vote. Tom Fretz provides an update on the status of Hatch funding at the federal level. This is the second year changes in Hatch funding are proposed (shift from formula funding to competitive grants), but again it is very unlikely the proposal will pass. Tom believes this proposal will not pass next year either. However, an implementation committee is in place just in case. In addition, a possible future realignment of the USDA research enterprise is under consideration (CREATE-21) for possible consolidation under one enterprise (similar to NSF). Tom also mentions that our project is due for a mid-term (2.5 years) review. The items that he is looking for include: " Are we making collaborative progress? " Are we demonstrating collaborations? " Are we demonstrating leverage? " Are we demonstrating information and technology transfer? " Are we demonstrating interdependence among the participating scientists? Tom also encourages us to improve the quality of our impact statements. Our project is due for renewal in 2008 (to be submitted before the March 2008 directors meeting). At next years project meeting we should already have an idea of what we want to propose for the next project term and we should probably have identified volunteers willing to start the proposal writing process. We also need to make sure we dont miss the deadline for the submission of a request to renew. Review of project obligations: Erik Runkle discusses the lighting book he and Paul Fisher edited (450 copies sold to date) and that was written by a group of 19 contributors (many of them are participants in NE-1017). The content of the book formed the basis for a 2004 workshop at the OFA conference (23 participants), as well as a follow-up workshop to be organized later this year. The book received an ASABE Blue Ribbon Award at the 2005 annual ASABE meeting in Tampa, FL. Erik mentions that the approach used for the lighting book can also be used to address other topics such as temperature, relative humidity, and energy. Paul Fisher mentions that he organized an energy workshop in February and that Erik Runkle has started a web site that serves as a repository for energy related information. John Bartok mentions that he has made 15 presentations since last fall. The emphasis of these presentations was on alternative energy sources and energy conservation. John is working on new NRAES books on greenhouse mechanization and on water (collection, reuse, and efficiency) that includes issues related to the nursery industry. NE-1017 Web Site A.J. Both mentions that the NE-1017 web site hosted at Rutgers has not been updated since our last project meeting and asks the participants whether it is useful to have this web site updated and maintained in addition to our official NIMSS web site (http://nimss.umd.edu/). The NE-1017 web site might be particularly useful as a repository of old station reports, project proposals, and meeting photos. A lively discussion ensued that focused around the idea that a web site could be a great tool for NE-1017 to collect useful and independent information, show collaborative efforts, and address timely topics (e.g., energy, water, etc.). Don Dwyer suggested that his company could host such a web site. A.J. Both wondered whether a company-hosted site would interfere with the independence maintained by all participating universities and their experiment stations. The idea of using a web site with contributions from NE-1017 members as a teaching and outreach tool was generally supported by all participants. Paul Fisher suggested that our approval implied that each of us would submit useful information to be included at this site. However, it was suggested that a subcommittee should be formed to review whether the information submitted was deemed appropriate. John Bartok and Ron Lacey volunteered for this sub-committee. A motion was made and passed that the web site created by Erik Runkle for Energy Efficiency in Greenhouses should be expanded, based on information and publications from members of the NE1017 committee, after review by the subcommittee. Links from the NIMSS and NE-1017 web sites should be set up to point to it (http://www.hrt.msu.edu/florAoE/GreenhouseEnergy.htm). Meeting Location Jay Holcomb agreed to host the 2007 meeting at Penn State. For 2008, New York, Michigan, Texas, Maine, and Nebraska were discussed as possible meeting locations. However, no decision was made. New Officers Ron Lacey gracefully volunteered to be the incoming secretary for 2007. Other Business It was suggested that each of us encourage colleagues from other experiment stations to join NE-1017. The business meeting adjourned around 3:30 pm and was followed by several station reports and a major thunderstorm. On June 2, the remaining station reports were presented. The meeting was concluded with a tour of the CAES at the Windsor location and a tour of two commercial greenhouse operations (Cromwell Growers, Cromwell, CT and Geremia Greenhouse, Wallingford, CT). With thanks to our local host Martin Gent and respectfully submitted, A.J. Both Secretary, 2006

Topic No. 1. Managing nutrients and water in greenhouses 1. Develop and evaluate methodologies such as evapotranspiration modeling, non-contact sensing of plant responses to drought stress, and measurement of root zone water tension for plant water status assessment and compare these assessments to actual water and nutrient use for tomato, salad greens and potted ornamental plants, as a part of managing delivery of nutrients and water in greenhouses (CT, NY, NE, OH, AZ, KY, NJ). NY Laboratory experiments were conducted to compare the persistence of three chelators, EDTA, DTPA, and EDDS, and the resulting effects on plant nutrition. The EDDS concentration in hydroponic solutions growing lettuce decreased rapidly and remained low, while EDTA and DTPA concentrations remained steady over the course of the growth period. The steady chelator concentration for EDTA and DTPA, even though chelator is added in the make-up solution over the course of the experiment, indicates some loss of the chelator from the solution. One potential loss is photodegradation of the Fe-chelate complex, as indicated by greenhouse studies of nutrient solution exposed to natural sunlight, resulting in half-lives of EDTA and DTPA of 28.3 and 22.7 min respectively. Another potential loss is uptake of chelator into plant tissue. Low concentrations of EDTA and DTPA were found in both root and shoot tissues. Although the measured concentrations do not account for the amount of chelator lost from the system, photodegradation of the Fe-chelate complex inside the tissue may have occurred over the course of the experiment. In one experiment comparing EDTA and DTPA, metal concentrations were measured daily over the growth period. Fe concentrations remained steady, Zn and Cu steadily increased, likely due to greenhouse contamination, and Mn concentrations decreased steadily. The rockwool cubes used for crop support contained high levels of Mn at the end of the experiment and may have acted as a sink for Mn. An economically viable means to employ pond (or deep-flow) hydroponics in continuous production of salad spinach has been identified. In such a system the nutrient solution will be kept in use (replenished but not changed out) for many crop cycles. At warm temperature, disease was chronic but at cool temperature it was prevented, or died out if already established. Both UV and filtration mitigated immediate effects of inoculation compared to inoculation with no treatment, but a severe chronic disease process eventually became established in each case. Moreover, treatment with UV led to severe problems with nutrient availability, particularly iron. One can conclude that UV treatment may work in hydroponic systems where make-up water forms a large part of the recirculated solution mass and nutrient concentrates are added in large measure, but not in deep flow hydroponic systems where daily new water addition is a small part of the total water volume and nutrient concentrate addition is a small part of the total nutrients available. In the later case, recirculated solution is not permitted to achieve sufficient iron concentration to be useful to the plants. OH 12-chamber phytotron system: Renovation of a gas exchange chamber facility was initiated in 2005. The goal is to modernize a research facility for better environmental control in order to gain better understanding of plant growth and development as affected by modified atmospheric environment. The drought stress detection methodologies developed from earlier stages of this research will be implemented to better understand effects of modified atmosphere on plant water usage. The custom built facility has 12 large reach-in cylindrical chambers (133 cm height; 54 cm radius) located in a stand alone building. Temperature and relative humidity of all the 12 chambers are currently controlled using a common air handler. The facility is being renovated to have multiple independent environmental conditions as well as non-contact, real-time sensing capabilities to monitor photosynthetic efficiency, water usage efficiency, and effects of modified atmosphere on plants. 2. Evaluate the entire fertigation system, including water delivery, plant uptake, and runoff, while accounting for optimization of micronutrient, media pH, and EC levels (AZ, CT, NE, NH, NY, OH, PA). OH 1. New nutrient delivery system designed specifically for small treatment sizes required for research plots: Our nutrient delivery team continues to make notable progress with design and construction of a completely new nutrient delivery system that accounts specifically for small treatment sizes required for research plots. Alec Mackenzie, Argus Control Systems LTD., White Rock, B.C. V4B 3Y9, Canada was selected as a sole supplier by our team to develop this new system. Expected design features were summarized by Mr. Mackenzie on October 31, 2005 as follows: a. Independent, multi-stock feed support (minimum of 8 stock feeds) b. Confirmation of injection of each stock solution c. Quantification of injection of each stock solution d. Minimized parts count e. Minimum number of dynamic parts f. Fail soft, fail safe design g. High accuracy h. Very high turn-down ratio (>1000:1) i. Very short time constant for in-line applications with no blending tank j. Exceptional self testing and self diagnostics k. Serviced by horticultural staff. 2. Landscape Nursery Crop Engineering Research Laboratory (LNCERL): The year 2005 was another successful year for maximizing use of the space available in the LNCERL. The OARDC Fertigator again was used to automatically deliver water and nutrients for three different experiments consisting of 14 uniquely specified treatments totaling 470 trees. Two-hundred forty of the 470 trees were container-grown Austrian pines that were started in the lab summer 2004. They were left in the lab over winter and continued to grow summer 2005. Routine measurements and services provided by our lab included: (1) flow rate calibration of all 470 fertigation system emitters, (2) pre season tensiometer calibration, (3) continuous monitoring and recording of potting medium moisture tension (PMMT), (4) daily pH and EC measurement of treatment solutions at the point of delivery, (5) daily records of total water and nutrients delivered to each plant and treatment, (6) as needed measurement of the pH and EC of nutrient solutions retained in container mediums using a standard pour through procedure and (7) continuous fertigation system monitoring and troubleshooting seven days per week. 3. Effects of defoliation and nutrient availability on growth, secondary metabolism and rapid induced resistance in poplar: Studies of biomass production and plant tolerance to herbivory were continued during 2005 by growing 150 poplar trees (hybrid poplar clone NC5271, Populus nigra). This was the third year in a row for growing poplars. Each year the trees are started from rooted cuttings after which they are delivered to our lab. This year (2005) they were delivered May 26. The trees were grown at three levels of fertility: (1) 30 ppm N, (2) 75 ppm N and (3) 150 ppm N in a randomized block experimental layout similar to the layouts used in 2003 and 2004. N, P2O5 and K2O were added to irrigation water in a 3 1 2 ratio proportionate to treatment levels. In addition to the three fertility treatments, after a 6-week growing period, the trees were subjected to four levels of defoliation: (1) 0%, (2) 25%, (3) 50% and (4) 75%. This was done to simulate insect attacks by removing leaves from the plants. Since each lateral of the thirty lateral irrigation system was used to deliver water and nutrients to five trees, four were randomly identified to be defoliated as specified by the four defoliation treatments while the fifth tree was harvested entirely. Its dry biomass was determined as a starting point reference for the defoliated trees. One hundred and twenty trees or ten trees per treatment remained to be harvested at the end of the 14-week experiment. Potting medium moisture tension (PMMT) measurements using six Irrometer LT tensiometers were recorded every ten minutes. The measurements were used by the OARDC Fertigator to automatically determine when to irrigate the trees using a set point of 6 kPa May 26 followed by 5 kPa July 10. The quantity of water delivered ranged from 500 ml per plant per fertigation event when the plants were small to 750 ml later in the season when they were larger. Laboratory measurements of treatment effects on biomass production are pending. 4. Mechanisms and Outcomes of Host-Mediated Systemic Interactions between Pathogens and Insects in Austrian Pine over a Nutrient Gradient: The same 240 Austrian pine (Pinus nigra) trees that were grown summer 2004 continued to grow during summer 2005 at the same three levels of fertility: (1) 30 ppm N, (2) 75 ppm N and (3) 150 ppm N in the same randomized block experimental layout that was established at the beginning of summer 2004. N, P2O5 and K2O were added to irrigation water in the same 3 1 2 ratio proportionate to treatment levels. However, on July 8, 2005, half of the trees (120) were manually infested with a fungus popularly know as Diplodia pinea shoot blight (more recently know as sphairopsis sapinea shoot blight). The trees were also subjected to defoliation with European pine sawflies. After gathering data from the infested plants, they were removed and replaced with 120 uninfected Austrian pine trees. Results from the infestations randomly imposed on the trees summer 2005 are pending. All 240 trees were again left in the lab to over winter 2005-2006. 5. The effects of fertility, VWC targets, choice of VWC sensors and pH modification on biomass production of poplar trees: Nursery crops are typically grown in containers outdoors in custom designed beds. Most growers make irrigation decisions for these crops based on subjective observations. An experiment was designed to grow 80 poplar trees in containers, outdoors, on a gravel bed using four controllable factors at two levels: Fertility (30 ppm N, 150 ppm N), VWC target (40%, 20%), pH modification (Yes, No) and type of VWC sensor (WET Sensor, HydroSense). Measured responses included dry biomass production (leaf, stem, root and total) and water use efficiency. A primary objective was to determine if a VWC Sensor could be successfully used to decide when to irrigate a container grown crop. The VWC target had the greatest impact on maximizing growth while fertility levels and choice of VWC sensor were also significant. The best combination of factors and levels for maximizing total biomass was Treatment No. 1 where the 30 ppm N recipe was used with the VWC target set at 40% while making decisions about when to irrigate with the WET Sensor. Dry biomass produced per unit of water delivered averaged 5.7 g/L/plant for the 40% VWC target and 13.5 g/L/plant for the 20% VWC target. PA Quantifying evaporation and transpirational water losses from green roofs, plant selection and survival, and green roof media capacity for neutralizing acid rain. Progress summary: The green-roof industry in North America is still very small relative to the potential market. Growth is limited by high costs, misinformation, and a lack of local experience and understanding of the potential benefits by both developers and policy makers. The Penn State Center for Green Roof Research was established to provide and disseminate research based data to the North American green roof market. Current research projects at the Center include a major effort to address and better quantify two potential benefits to green roofs. There is excellent data available from many research sites which demonstrates that a green roof will retain 50% or more of the stormwater intercepted by the roof. It is also clear that the retention is a function of the media, the roof buildup, plants and the environment. What is less clear is the rate of water loss (evapotranspiration) from the various plants used on a green roof. We have developed a greenhouse based system of weighing lysimeters and are using them to determine evapotranspirtaion rates from selected green-roof plants. Data suggest that water loss rate during the first 3-5 days after irrigation (rain) follows classic evapotranspiration models. After 4-10 days water loss rates of planted systems slows, shows potential CAM activity and in fact often shows plant water gain from the atmosphere. There is also a great interest in using green roofs in North America as a tool for improving runoff water quality. Preliminary data we have collected suggests that one of the most consistent positive effects of a green roof on runoff is the neutralization of acid precipitation. A test procedure to evaluate accelerated acid rain aging of green roof media was developed and tested with 2 commercial green roof media. The two media had differing overall buffering capacities and differing patterns in pH change. Both media (calculated for a 4 inch deep media layer) were able to neutralize approximately 750cm (300 inches) of acid precipitation (based on the acid content in a storm measured at our research center in Rock Springs, PA). Given an average annual rainfall in Pennsylvania of 40 inches this translates into about 8 years of acid rain before the roof medium pH is affected. The accelerated aging test suggests that following this period of relatively stable buffering ability, the medium undergoes a phase change where medium pH gradually drops and responds more to acid additions (see progress to date for more details). This data can be used to predict when a green roof medium will need to be limed to maintain buffering capacity. 3. Improve design of water and nutrient recirculation systems (NJ, NY, KY, OH, AZ, PA). No accomplishments during this reporting period. Topic No. 2. Managing the aerial environment for greenhouse plant production 1. Develop design and control recommendations for naturally ventilated greenhouses (OH, NE, NY, NJ). KY Drs. Robert Anderson and Joey Norikane have a project with the goal to develop natural ventilation methods for existing greenhouse facilities. Tobacco was a major crop in Kentucky, but production has been in decline. Alternative uses of the greenhouse facilities for tobacco seedlings need to be developed. NJ - A research project was completed investigating the temperature distribution and heat transfer associated with greenhouse floor heating systems. - A research project was completed investigating the use of an energy curtain to improve temperature conditions for early season tomato production in high tunnels. OH Computational fluid dynamic modeling was used to develop pressure coefficients for a typical six-bay naturally ventilated greenhouse. Coefficients were developed with the wind at 0, 90 and 180 degrees to the ridge line for wind speeds of 0.5, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0 and 5.0 m/s. All possible combinations of vent configurations were modeled. The results of the CFD runs were also used to calculate air exchange rates and mass flow rates through each vent. The coefficients were then used in the simple airflow prediction model developed by Louis Albright to predict air exchange rates and mass flow rates. The results of the CFD and Albright models were compared. There was very good agreement in air exchange and mass flow rates between the two models. The best agreement was when the wind was at 180 degrees to the ridge line. In this case a ridge opening was either a pure inlet or outlet. When the wind was parallel to the ridge line, the vent was both an inlet and outlet depending on the location along the length of the greenhouse. Dividing the opening into several smaller areas improved the correlation. A statistical analysis of the pressure coefficients did not show any clear correlation between typical parameters, such as wind speed. Therefore, a look up table approach will be needed to use the Albright model. This work showed the ability to use CFD modeling to develop pressure coefficients for a naturally ventilated greenhouse and then use the coefficients in a simple model that will allow real time control of the vent openings. Since no good correlations between pressure coefficients and other parameters could be developed. The CFD models will have to be run for each specific type of greenhouse and conditions. The resulting coefficients can then be placed into the Albright model for possible real time control. 2. Enhance technology transfer and research in light integral control (CT, MI, NH, NY, AZ). MI MI performed experiments to quantify the effect of daily light integral (DLI) on flowering responses of ornamental annuals and herbaceous perennials. Models were generated for four bedding plant species (celosia, impatiens, marigold, and salvia) to predict the interactive effects of DLI and temperature during the finish stage of greenhouse production (Pramuk and Runkle, 2005; unpublished data). In addition, MI published a study on the effects of DLI on seedling plug and subsequent flowering (Pramuk and Runkle, 2005). This study indicated the value of supplemental lighting and high light environments during the plug stage on plug quality and during the finish stage. Using this data, we can estimate the cost-benefit of increasing the DLI when the ambient DLI is low. MI investigated flowering responses of several herbaceous perennials when plants were forced under long days with or without supplemental lighting. In some species, a high DLI can at least partially substitute for a vernalization requirement. In most species studied, plants grown under a high DLI are of higher quality: plants have more and larger flowers and greater branching. Examples include Achillea ×Moonshine, Delphinium elatum Guardian Early Blue, Echinacea purpurea × paradoxa Sunrise, Gaillardia ×grandiflora Arizona Sun, and Phlox paniculata Lilac Flame MI performed experiments to further understand the role of DLI on rooting of shoot-tip cuttings (Lopez and Runkle, 2005). Cuttings placed in under a low DLI (< 2 mol"m-2"d-1) were delayed in rooting compared to cuttings rooted under a higher DLI (3 to 5 mol"m-2"d-1). By understanding the effects of light integral control during propagation, growers can improve rooting percentage of cuttings, reduce rooting time, and improve rooting uniformity. Also in 2005, MI performed an experiment to determine the impact of DLI during the young plant stage for Phalaenopsis orchids. Three different cultivars were grown under 3 DLI treatments until plants were of flowering size. Although responses varied among cultivars, in general, plants grown under the lower DLI (3 to 4 mol"m-2"d-1) had larger leaves at the end of treatments. Plants were then transferred to a cooler greenhouse for flowering, and plants grown under the lower DLI generally had a higher flowering percentage. These results indicate that moderate to high light environments should be avoided when young Phalaneopsis orchids are grown during the vegetative stage. In fall of 2005, MI initiated a research project to investigate the effects of DLI on stock plant production (cutting number and quality) and the residual effects on subsequent rooting and finish plant performance. We hope to have results available in 2007. Topic No. 3. Integrating sustainable and economically profitable systems and processes for the greenhouse industry 1. Develop an economic analysis of the costs and benefits of supplemental lighting for seedling plugs, other greenhouse crop types, and photoperiodic lighting (AZ, CT, KY, MI, NE, NH, NY, NJ, OH). NY A study compared three sterile, soil-less media (Agrifoam and Oasis, growth foams, and Grodan, an expanded rockwool substrate) to determine which media characteristics favor seedling development and establishment. These media were studied during days 7-10 of the seed gemination stage. One problem with foam media is"pop-outs", a disorder in which actively growing roots do not penetrate and spiral on the media surface, causing the root tip to die. Pop-outs were more frequently observed in Agrifoam compared to the other media. High soluble salts, particularly high magnesium in the root zone, produced roots that were "burned" and did not grow. This, in combination with low pH and a decrease in number of cation exchange sites, lead to toxicity in the roots. Magnesium salts added to Grodan (control substrate), in concentrations equivalent to that found in Agrifoam, increased the number of pop-outs and produced roots resembling those grown in Agrifoarn. Root hairs did not form as readily in Oasis and Agrifoam as in Grodan possibly contributed to poor anchorage and increased pop-outs. More frequent watering increased the severity of pop-outs. Foams that are too wet have more pop-outs and spiraling roots. A flooded root zone might also allow more cations in the foam to go into solution and to be taken up by the roots. 2. Improve the understanding of using shade to optimize production of high-quality greenhouse tomato for spring and early summer production (AZ, CT, KY, MI, NE, NH, NY, NJ, OH). CT Some amount of shade may be optimal to produce high quality tomatoes in a greenhouse during summer months in the northeast USA. Tomatoes were grown in a similar way in 2003, 2004 and 2005. Simultaneous comparisons were made among greenhouses that were either not shaded, or covered with reflective aluminized shade cloth that attenuated 0, 15%, 30% or 50% of direct sunlight. The shade cloth was applied at the start of warm weather in early June. The houses were shaded for the rest of the summer, and fruit was picked until late August. Total yield decreased linearly with increasing shade, but there was no difference among shade treatments in yield of marketable fruit in any of three years. The fraction of marketable fruit was greatest for plants grown under 50% shade. This fraction was 9% greater than in a greenhouse with no shade in 2003, and 4% greater in 2004 and 2005. Shade decreased average fruit size only in 2003. Cracked skin was the defect most affected by shade. Up to 35% of the fruit produced in greenhouses with no shade had cracked skin, whereas in greenhouses covered with 50% shade, only about 25% of the tomatoes had cracked skin. Over three years, there was no consistent trend with shade in the fraction of fruit with green shoulder, blossom end rot, or irregular shape. Within each of the years 2003 to 2005, yields were compared among greenhouses under different degrees of shade. Shade reduced total yield significantly in each year. Total yield under 50% shade was 24, 14 and 11% less than that under no shade, in 2003, 2004 and 2005, respectively. However, shade did not decrease marketable yield significantly in any year. The marketable yield under 50% shade was only 9% less than that under no shade in 2003, and the same as that under no shade in 2004 and 2005. Compared to the number of fruit produced under 50% shade, 16, 14 and 14% more of the fruit was unmarketable when produced under no shade, in 2003, 2004 and 2005, respectively. The effect of shade on fruit size and the fraction of fruit with various defects varied among the three years of the experiment. In part, this was because two of the cultivars grown in 2003 differed from those grown in 2004 and 2005. In 2003, Rapsodie had the largest fruit, 220 to 245 g, while Buffalo had the smallest, 175 to 189 g. Buffalo had the highest fraction of marketable fruit overall, 57 to 69%, but the marketable fraction was least under 50% shade. Match had the lowest fraction of marketable fruit, 41 to 51%, and this fraction increased with shade. Buffalo had the fewest fruit with cracked skin, 21 to 29%, while Rapsodie had the most, 28 to 42%. For all cultivars except Buffalo, plants grown under 50% shade produced the fewest fruit with cracks. The incidence of blossom end rot was lower in 2003 than in other years, because JetStar was not included. The treatments had little effect on fruit quality in 2004, except shade decreased total yield in proportion to the degree of shade. In 2005, a 15% shade resulted in the highest yield. The largest fruit were also produced under 15 or 30% shade. Both a linear and quadratic effects of shade were significant for total yield and fruit size. The decrease in the number of fruit with cracks was proportional to the degree of shade. The number of irregular fruit also varied with shade. All of these characteristics differed between cultivars, and the effect of shade on fruit size, and fruit with cracked skin or irregular shape differed between cultivars. The cultivars differed in most yield characteristics in 2004 and 2005. In these two years, Cabernet had the highest total yield, but it also had the lowest marketable yield and the greatest fraction of non-marketable fruit. Only 22 to 37% of Cabernet fruit was marketable, compared to 58 to 77% for Buffalo. In 2005, the fraction of marketable fruit increased with shade for all cultivars except Buffalo. The poor market quality of Cabernet was due to cracks in the skin; 47 to 67% of the fruit had cracked skin. The incidence for other cultivars was 24 to 36% for JetStar, 14 to 16% for Buffalo, and 23 to 25% for Quest. The effect of shade was more marked in those cultivars that were prone to cracks in the skin. Quest had the most fruit with rough skin, 8 to 11 % in 2004, and 4% in 2005. Cabernet had the most fruit which ripened unevenly or had green shoulder, 21 to 47%. JetStar had the most blossom end rot, and the highest incidence was observed under no shade. JetStar also had the most irregularly shaped fruit, 8 to 18%, and more fruit were an irregular shape when grown under 30 and 50% shade. For the other cultivars, only had 1 to 5% of the fruit ripened unevenly or had an irregular shape. The cultivars differed only slightly in fruit size in 2004. In 2005, Buffalo had the smallest fruit, 198 to 216 g. Fruit size of the other cultivars ranged from 223 to 272 g, and the largest fruit were picked from plants grown under 15% shade. Shade appeared to be a useful means to reduce the number of fruit with cracked skin without also reducing fruit size. Although shade did not increase marketable yield significantly, the fraction of fruit that was marketable was least without shade and greatest under 50 percent shade. There would be an economic benefit to shade, in that less labor would be used to pick non-marketable fruit. The labor cost per unit of marketable fruit would be lower under some degree of shade than without shade. 3. Quantitatively evaluate seasonal and annual water balances for greenhouses (AZ, CT, KY, MI, NE, NH, NY, NJ, OH). No accomplishments during this reporting period. Other accomplishments that do not necessarily relate to the 2003-2008 NE-1017 Multistate Research Project objectives: KY Drs. Robert Anderson and Joey Norikane continue to evaluate a low-oxygen (anoxia) fumigation treatment for infested greenhouse plants. Current testing examines the effect of the treatment on whole plants. Testing has been completed for the 0 to 1% O2 range. Additional testing is continuing. NJ Recent renewal of interest in energy requirements for greenhouses has prompted a series of presentations around the US and abroad on conservation and alternatives. Interestingly, commercial greenhouses that have adopted most practices developed under the predecessor projects of NE-1017, including gutter connected double IR inhibited poly structures with movable insulation and floor heating require about one tenth the heating energy of the average Ohio greenhouse in 1979. Recent efforts to further reduce fossil fuel requirement have focused on designing systems with heat pumps contributing to the first increment of base load heating. Using a spreadsheet design approach with hourly weather data, the advantage of using storage so a small heat pump can operate 24 hours per day is shown to be advantageous. Utilizing the first increment of energy for floor heating at relatively low delivery temperatures maximizes the COP of the heat pump. The feasibility of using the heat pump to cool water in the daytime with a heat exchanger for first stage cooling and storing the heat for night use in floor heating is also being investigated as a design option. NY An improved lettuce growth model for optimizing environmental control is being developed based on accurate and detailed morphological and physiological characteristics of each leafs growth. Unfolding of each lettuce leaf was described by using a series of flap patterns, each composed of a triangle and an ellipse. This method enables an accurate presentation of the morphological changes within each leaf and tracks plant growth by sequential measurements of each leaf length, width, and distance between the leaf base and the location of the maximal leaf width. Quantification of the leaves morphological changes can also be used for drawing information about the initiation and maturity states of each leaf life cycle. OH The OSU Hydroponic Program is continuing to assist in the business development of one or two 25-acre hydroponic greenhouses in Ohio. Each 25-acre greenhouse would employ 100 people with an estimated payroll of $2,000,000 per year and generate gross profits of $12,000,000 per year. The OSU Hydroponic Program has provided research-based information for the greenhouse feasibility study, connected the investors with businesses which have excess heat that could reduce energy expenses for the greenhouse, participated in meetings with economic development professionals, and facilitated meeting planning. - The economic multiplier for income generation in the state of Ohio from fruits and vegetables is 2.03. (Sporleder, 1999, OHFOOD, An Ohio Food Industry Input-Output Model, Ohio State University, Dept. of Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics). - If both 25-acre greenhouses are built, they will produce an economic impact of $49,000,000 in Ohio. PA Because of the high cost of fuel and the issue of cost of heating a greenhouse, we have initiated a project to help growers better conserve greenhouse heat. A pilot project was initiated during the fall semester to help greenhouse growers identify ways they could save energy in their production systems. Students in the Greenhouse Management class were divided into 3 groups with each group having 6 individuals. Each group was assigned a commercial greenhouse to study and provide recommendations on energy saving practices. Greenhouse growers were selected by extension specialists in three different regions of the state of Pennsylvania, but not necessarily based on greenhouse size or energy use. Student involvement began with training on greenhouse structures, heating, cooling and control systems as well as energy conservation and how to conduct an energy audit. After 8 training sessions, the three commercial growers involved in the project accompanied by their regional floricultural extension agents met with the students in the classroom to discuss their business practices, production systems, and their energy conservation concerns. Following this initial consultation, students planned a site visit to gather data. The students, accompanied and assisted by a faculty member, took detailed notes on the size, shape, construction material, and cover for the greenhouses. They also made notes on how energy was used, managed, and lost in the greenhouse crop production systems at that business. Digital photos were used to document observations, notes, and measurements of the structure and production systems. After the site visit, the students had 3-4 weeks to prepare a final report recommending up to 10 energy conservation or management practices. Suggestions for implementation as well as estimated costs and savings were included. A copy of the students report (unedited by the faculty) was delivered to each of the growers. Although all the growers structures, and production systems were different, some commonalities were obvious in the three student reports; 1. Repair and maintain the greenhouse structure. The students suggested sealing cracks and repairing tears in the greenhouse coverings. 2. Replacement of inefficient components. Two groups suggested replacing doors that did not close very well and the third group suggested replacing a side wall that was in poor condition. 3. Add insulation. The students suggested adding more insulation to the perimeter, north or other walls, over unused exhaust fans, and around distribution pipes for root zone heating. 4. Thermal blankets. Two groups suggested that thermal blankets could reduce heating costs in multi-bay greenhouses. 5. Modify heating system or fuel. One group proposed installing more efficient unit heaters while another group suggested moving the convection tubes used to heat the greenhouse. The third group looked at changing fuel type. 6. Space utilization. The last commonality was using the space more efficiently either by placing a temporary wall in a gutter-connected greenhouse or moving more plants to one house while closing the other. TX Plant Growth at Sub-Ambient Atmospheric Pressures with Control of the Partial Pressures of Constituent Gases Objectives of this research were to determine the influence of hypobaria and the partial pressure of oxygen (pO2) on carbon dioxide (CO2) assimilation, dark respiration and growth of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. cv. Buttercrunch). Lettuce plants were grown under variable total gas pressures [25 and 101 kPa (ambient)] at 6, 12 or 21 kPa pO2. While plant growth was comparable between ambient and low pressure lettuce during the 10-day study, growth was lower at 6 kPa pO2 than 12 or 21 kPa pO2. The specific leaf area (SLA) of 6 kPa pO2 plants was lower than 12 or 21 kPa pO2 lettuce, indicating thicker leaves associated with plant stress. Greater carbon partitioning into above ground dry mass (higher leaf/root ratio) occurred with 6 kPa pO2 plants. Leaf chlorophyll levels were greater at low than ambient pressure. Relative water content (RWC) was the same among treatments, indicating that hypobaria and pO2 did not adversely affect plant water relations. There was comparable CO2 assimilation (net photosynthesis) and 25% lower dark respiration rate in low (25/12 kPa pO2) than ambient (101/21 kPa pO2) pressure plants. The ratio of CO2 assimilation/dark respiration was higher at low than ambient total pressure, particularly at 6 kPa pO2 indicating a greater efficiency of CO2 assimilation/dark respiration with low pressure plants. Hypobaric plants were more resistant to hypoxic conditions (6 kPa pO2) that reduced gas exchange and plant growth. The considerably lower dark respiration rates (reduced consumption of metabolites) could lead to greater plant growth (biomass production) under low pressure than under ambient conditions during longer crop production cycles. This research shows that lettuce can be successfully grown in a hypobaric environment. Lettuce has high potential of being included in NASAs Advanced Life Support System (Campbell et al., 2001; Goins et al., 2003; Wheeler et al., 2001). Lettuce plants grown under low total pressure (25 kPa) had comparable growth to plants under ambient pressure conditions in a series of short-term experiments lasting up to 10 days. Ambient pressure plants had comparable CO2 assimilation rates and much higher (approximately 20-25%) dark-period respiration rates (higher night consumption of metabolites) than low pressure lettuce plants.

Dissertations, Theses (Published) NJ Lefsrud, M.G. 2006. Environmental manipulation to increase the nutritional content in leafy vegetables. Ph.D. dissertation. University of Tennessee Libraries. 328 pp. Note: A.J. Both served as an outside member on the dissertation advisory committee. Reiss, E. 2006. Modeling greenhouse floor heating using computational fluid dynamics. M.S. thesis. Rutgers University Libraries. 120 pp. Note: A.J. Both served as major advisor; D. Mears and G. Wulster served as thesis advisory committee members. NY Montgomery, J. 2005. Evaluation of solid artificial media for lettuce seedling growth and anchorage. M.S. Thesis, Cornell University Libraries, Ithaca, NY. 77 pp. OH LaFrance, T. 2005. Determining pressure coefficients for natural ventilation purposes by computational fluid dynamics modeling. M.S. Thesis. The Ohio State University, Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering. PA Thuring, C.E. (Advisor: Robert Berghage) 2005. Green Roof Plant Responses to Different Media Depths When Exposed to Drought. M.S. Thesis. The Pennsylvania State University. Rezaei, F. (Advisor: A.R. Jarrett) 2005. Evapotranspiration Rates from Extensive Green Roof Plant Species. M.S. Thesis. The Pennsylvania State University. TX Lovelady, April. 2005. Development of a control algorithm for a dynamic gas mixing system, M.S. Thesis, Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station. Books (Published) TX Starman, T.W. 2005. Vegetative Annuals: Guide to Crops and Container Gardens. Meister Media Worldwide, Willoughby, Ohio. Refereed Journal Articles (Published) CT Gent, M.P.N., Z.D. Parrish, and J.C. White. 2005. Exudation of citric acid and nutrient uptake among subspecies of Cucurbita. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 130:782-788. KY Kim, H.-H., R.M. Wheeler, J.C. Sager, and J.H. Norikane. 2005. Photosynthesis of lettuce exposed to different light qualities. Environment Control in Biology 43(2):113-119. Norikane, J.H., J.C. Sager, R.M. Wheeler, G.W. Stutte, and H.-H. Kim. 2005. Characterization of Nutrient Solution Changes during Flow through Media. Paper No. 05ICES-2774. 35nd International Conference on Environmental Systems (ICES). Rome, Italy. 11-14 July 2005. MI Lopez, R.G. and E.S. Runkle. 2005. Environmental physiology of growth and flowering of orchids. HortScience 40:1969-1973. Pramuk, L.A. and E.S. Runkle. 2005. Modeling growth and development of Celosia and Impatiens in response to temperature and photosynthetic daily light integral. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 130:813-818. Pramuk, L.A. and E.S. Runkle. 2005. Photosynthetic daily light integral during the seedling stage influences subsequent growth and flowering of Celosia, Impatiens, Salvia, Tagetes, and Viola. HortScience 40:1336-1339. Lopez, R.G., E.S. Runkle, and R.D. Heins. 2005. Flowering of the orchid Miltoniopsis Augres Trinity is influenced by photoperiod and temperature. Acta Hort. 683:175-180. NJ Lefsrud, M., D. Kopsell, R. Augé, and A.J. Both. 2006. Biomass production and pigment accumulation in kale grown under increasing photoperiods. HortScience 41(3):603-606. Fleisher, D.H., L.S. Logendra, C. Moraru, A.J. Both, J. Cavazzoni, T. Gianfagna, T.C. Lee, and H. Janes. 2006. Effect of temperature perturbations on tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) quality and production scheduling. Journal of Horticultural Science and Biotechnology 81(1):125-131. Mears, D.R. 2006. Energy use in production of food, feed and fiber. Encyclopedia of Life Support Systems (EOLSS). UNESCO web publication: http://www.eolss.net NY Ferentinos, K.P. and L.D. Albright. 2005. Optimal design of plant lighting systems by genetic algorithms. Artificial Intelligence 18:473-484. Dayan, E., E. Presnov and L.D. Albright. 2005. Methods to estimate and calculate lettuce growth. Acta Horticulturae 674:305-312. Linker, R., J. Mathieu and L.D. Albright. 2005. A user-friendly, Internet-based, version of the NICOLET simulation model for lettuce. Acta Horticulturae 675:337-342. Seginer, I., L.D. Albright and I. Ioslovich. 2005. Improved strategies for a constant daily light integral in greenhouses. Biosystems Engineering 93(1):69-80. OH Buenrostro-Nava, M.T., P.P. Ling, and J.J. Finer. 2005. Development of an automated image acquisition system for monitoring gene expression and tissue growth. Transactions of the ASAE 48 (2): 841-847. Hale, B.K., D.A. Herms, R.C. Hansen, T.P. Clausen and D. Arnold. 2005. Effects of drought stress and nutrient availability on dry matter allocation, phenolic glycosides, and rapid induced resistance of poplar to two lymantriid defoliators. Journal of Chemical Ecology 31(11): 2601-2620. Kacira, M., S. Sase, L. Okushima, and P.P. Ling. 2005. Plant response-based sensing for control strategies in sustainable greenhouse production. J. Agric. Meteorol. 61(1):15-22. Prenger, J.J., P.P. Ling, R.C. Hansen and H.M. Keener. 2005. Plant response-based irrigation control system in a greenhouse: system evaluation. Transactions of the ASAE 48(3): 1175-1183. Ramalingam, N., P.P. Ling, and R. Derksen. 2005. Background reflectance compensation and its effect on multispectral leaf surface moisture assessment. Transactions of the ASAE 48(1): 375-383. PA DeNardo, J.C., A.R.Jarrett, H.B. Manbeck, J.Beattie and R.D.Berghage. 2005. Stormwater mitigation and surface temperature reduction by green roofs. Transactions of ASAE 48(4):1491-1496 Holcomb, E.J., Charles Heuser, Paul Heinemann and Fred Miller. 2005. Nutrient changes in spent mushroom substrate during composting. Mushroom News 53(10):6-11. TX Carpio-Amaya, L., F. T. Davies, Jr. and M. A. Arnold. 2005. Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi, Organic and Inorganic Controlled-Release Fertilizers  Effect on Growth and Leachate of Container-Grown Bush Morning Glory [Ipomoea carnea subsp. fistulosa] Under High Production Temperatures. Journal of American Society for Horticultural Sciences 130(1):131-139. Davies, F.T. Jr., C. He, A. Chau, K. M. Heinz and J. D. Spiers. 2005. Fertilizer Application Affects Susceptibility of Chrysanthemum to Western Flower Thrips Abundance and Influence on Plant Growth, Photosynthesis and Stomatal Conductance. Journal of Horticultural Science and Biotechnology 80:403-412. Symposium Proceedings Articles (Published) CT Gent, M.P.N. 2005. Greenhouse Tomato: Nutrition and Watering through the Year. Proceedings New England Vegetable and Fruit Conference, Manchester NH, p 208-211. Gent, M.P.N. 2005. Nutrient Composition of Salad Greens as a Function of Season and Fertilization. Proceedings New England Vegetable and Fruit Conference, Manchester NH, p 288-292. MI Blanchard, M.G. and E.S. Runkle. 2005. Temperature effects on flower induction of two Phalaenopsis orchid hybrids. Proceedings of the 18th World Orchid Conference, Dijon, France. March 11-20. pp. 120-123. Lopez, R.G. and E.S. Runkle. 2005. Temperature and photoperiodic effects on growth and flowering of Zygopetalum Redvale Fire Kiss orchids. Proceedings of the 18th World Orchid Conference, Dijon, France. March 11-20. p. 319. NJ Both, A.J., E. Reiss, D.R. Mears, and W. Fang. 2005. Designing environmental control for greenhouses: Orchid production as example. Acta Horticulturae 691(2):807-813. Reiss, E., A.J. Both, S. Garrison, W. Kline, and J. Sudal. 2004. Season extension for tomato production using high tunnels. Acta Horticulturae 659:153-160. OH Donnell, M.A. 2005. Staying Competitive in a Global Market. Proceedings of the Seventh International Symposium on Protected Cultivation in Mild Winter Climates: Production, Pest Management and Global Competition, Acta Hort 659: 41-45. Finer J.J., Beck S, Buenrostro MT, Chi Y, and Ling P. 2006. Monitoring gene expression in plant tissues Using green fluorescent protein with automated image collection and analysis. In: Plant tissue culture engineering. Eds. S. Dutta Gupta and Y. Ibaraki, Springer, The Netherlands. pp. 31-46. Short, T.A., C.M. Draper and M.A. Donnell 2005. Web-Based Decision Support System for Hydroponic Vegetable Production. Proceedings of the International Conference on Sustainable Greenhouse Systems, Acta Horticulturae 691: 867-869. PA Berghage, R.D., D.J. Beattie, A.R. Jarrett, F. Rezaei, and A. Nagase, 2005, Quantifying evaporation and transpirational water losses from green roofs and green roof media capacity for neutralizing acid rain. In Proc. International Green Roof Congress, Basel, Switzerland, Sponsored by the International Green Roof Association. Gaffin, S., C. Rosenweig, D. Beattie, R. Berghage, D. Braman and L. Parshall. 2005. Energy Balance Modeling Applied to a Comparison of White and Green Roof Cooling Efficiency. Greening rooftops for Sustainable Communities Conference, Washington DC. Gaffin, S., C. Rosenweig, L. Parshall , D. Beattie, and R. Berghage. 2006. Quantifying Evaporative Cooling from Green Roofs and Comparison to Other Land Surfaces. Greening rooftops for Sustainable Communities Conference, Boston MA. Jarrett, A. R., F. Rezaei,, R. D. Berghage, and D. J. Beattie. 2005. Green Roofs as Stormwater BMPs ASAE - NABEC 05-0002. Jarrett, A. R., Hunt, W. F. and Bean, E. 2005. BioRetention Attenuates Stormwater; A Model Study. In Proceeding of the 2005 Pennsylvania Stormwater Management Symposium, Villanova University, October 12-13, 2005. Jarrett, A. R., Beattie, D. J., Berghage, R. D. and Rezaei, F. 2005. Annual and Individual-Storm Green Roof Stormwater Response Models. In Proceeding of the 2005 Pennsylvania Stormwater Management Symposium, Villanova University, October 12-13, 2005. Rezaei, F., Jarrett, A. R., Beattie, D. J. and Berghage, R. D. 2005. Annual and Individual-Storm Green Roof Stormwater Response Models. In Proceeding of the 2005 Pennsylvania Stormwater Management Symposium, Villanova University, October 12-13, 2005. Nagase, A. and C. Thuring. 2006. Plant responses to Drought on Extesnive Green Roofs: The Effects of Temperature, Substrate Type, and Substrate Depth. . Greening rooftops for Sustainable Communities Conference, Boston MA. Rezaei, F, A. R. Jarrett, R.D. Berghage, and D. J. Beattie. 2005. Evapotranspiration Rates from Extensive Green Roof Plant Species. ASAE  052150. Tampa, FL, July 17-20, 2005. Popular Articles (Published) CT Gent, M.P.N. 2006. Benefit of shade for greenhouse tomato production. CT Weekly Agricultural Report 86(18) 1 page. MI Blanchard, M. and E. Runkle. 2005. PGR liner dips on bedding plants. Greenhouse Product News, 15(13): 44-51. Runkle, E.S. 2005. Growing Trends: 10 ways to lower your spring heating bill and save money. Greenhouse Management and Production, 25(12): 59-60. Padhye, S., C. Whitman, E. Runkle, and A. Cameron. 2005. Cool Campanula. Greenhouse Product News, 15(10): 72-79. Blanchard, M., R. Lopez, E. Runkle, and Y.-T. Wang. 2005. The orchid grower, Part IV. Greenhouse Grower, 23(12): 86-92. Runkle, E. 2005. Business COK to debut. Greenhouse Grower, 23(12): 60-62. Cameron, A., B. Fausey, S. Padhye, and E. Runkle. 2005. Some perennials like it cold. Greenhouse Grower, 23(12): 38-46. Lopez, R., E. Runkle, Y.-T. Wang, and M. Blanchard. 2005. The orchid grower, Part III. Greenhouse Grower, 23(10): 96-104. Blanchard, M., M. Olrich, and E. Runkle. 2005. Fascination on poinsettia. Greenhouse Product News, 15(9): 66-71. Runkle, E.S. 2005. Growing Trends: How to increase plant height. Greenhouse Management and Production, 25(8): 74-77. Wang, Y.-T., M. Blanchard, R. Lopez, and E. Runkle. 2005. The orchid grower, Part II. Greenhouse Grower, 23(9): 70-74. Runkle, E., Y.-T. Wang, M. Blanchard, and R. Lopez. 2005. The orchid grower, Part I. Greenhouse Grower, 23(8): 64-70. Lopez, R. and E. Runkle. 2005. Managing light during propagation. Greenhouse Product News, 15(6): 48-58. Runkle, E. 2005. Get educated. Greenhouse Grower, 23(6): 52-54. Whitman, C., M. Olrich, and E. Runkle. 2005. Sumagic on bedding plants. Greenhouse Product News, 15(4): 66-71. Runkle, E. 2005. Growing Trends: Whats up with orchids? Greenhouse Management and Production, 25(4): 60-61. Fisher, P. and E. Runkle. 2005. 10 lighting tips to help your bottom line. Greenhouse Management and Production, 25(4): 36-40. NJ Both, A.J. and D.R. Mears. 2006. Build and maintain greenhouses with energy conservation in mind. Greenhouse Management and Production (GMPRO). May issue. pp. 54-56. Both, A.J. 2006. How to keep your greenhouse cool this summer. Greenhouse Management and Production (GMPRO). April issue. pp. 45-48. Both, A.J. 2005. Agricultural management practices aim to help resolve legal conflicts. Greenhouse Management and Production (GMPRO). June issue. pp. 43-46. Both, A.J. 2005. Is your greenhouse strong enough? Greenhouse Management and Production (GMPRO). May issue. pp. 38-41. OH Canas L., D. Dyke, C. Pasian, P. Konjoian, M. Jones, and P. Ling. 2005. Extension Reloaded tours with commercial clientele: taking university and grower cooperation to a whole new level. OFA Bulletin. Number 890. 4 pages. OFA  an Association of Floriculture Professionals. pp. 3-6. PA Holcomb, E. Jay and Robert Berghage. 2006. Greenhouse Energy ConservationA Case Study Approach. Proceeding of the 2006 Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention, page 67. TX Davies, F.T. Jr. 2006. Optimizing the water relations of cuttings. American Nurseryman 203(8): 30-33. Presentations (Papers) CT Gent, M.P.N. Effect of Shade on Quality of Greenhouse Tomato. Int. Soc. Hort. Sci. Symposium, Agadir Morocco, February 2006. Gent, M.P.N. 2005. Effect of shading on composition of fruit and leaves of greenhouse tomato. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. meeting, Las Vegas NV. HortScience 40(4) 1057. KY Norikane, J.H., R.G. Anderson, R.S. Gates, D.A. Potter, and L. Dunn. 2005. Development of a modified atmosphere treatment for arthropod pest control. Paper No. 054149. Presented at the International ASAE Mtg. Tampa, Florida. Jul. 17-20. Sager, J. C., A. J. Both, T.W. Tibbitts, and J.H. Norikane. 2005. Quality Assurance for Environment of Plant Growth Facilities. Paper No. 054137. Presented at the International ASAE Mtg. Tampa, Florida. Jul. 17-20. MI Lopez, R.G. and E.S. Runkle. 2005. Evaluating the effectiveness of Prohexadione-Ca as a plant growth retardant on Buddleia, Dianthus, Eupatorium, and Lilium. Presented at the 102nd Annual International Conference of the ASHS, Las Vegas, Nevada, July 17-21. ASHS, 113 South West St, Suite 200, Alexandria, VA 22314. Padhye, S., E.S. Runkle, and A.C. Cameron. 2005. Coreopsis grandiflora Sunray flowers in response to short days or vernalization. Presented at the 102nd Annual International Conference of the ASHS, Las Vegas, Nevada, July 17-21. ASHS, 113 South West St, Suite 200, Alexandria, VA 22314. Kim, K.S., A. Cameron, and E. Runkle. 2005. Echinacea purpurea Magnus: Is it an intermediate-day or a short-day/long-day plant? Presented at the 102nd Annual International Conference of the ASHS, Las Vegas, Nevada, July 17-21. ASHS, 113 South West St, Suite 200, Alexandria, VA 22314. Lopez, R.G. and E.S. Runkle. 2005. Quantifying the thermal tolerance of nonrooted petunia cuttings and their subsequent performance. Presented at the 102nd Annual International Conference of the ASHS, Las Vegas, Nevada, July 17-21. ASHS, 113 South West St, Suite 200, Alexandria, VA 22314. Blanchard, M.G. and E.S. Runkle. 2005. Temperature regulates flowering of two Odontioda orchid hybrids. Presented at the 102nd Annual International Conference of the ASHS, Las Vegas, Nevada, July 17-21. ASHS, 113 South West St, Suite 200, Alexandria, VA 22314. Pramuk, L.A. and E.S. Runkle. 2005. Photosynthetic daily light integral during the seeding stage influences subsequent growth and flowering of Celosia, Impatiens, Salvia, Tagetes, and Viola. Presented at the 102nd Annual International Conference of the ASHS, Las Vegas, Nevada, July 17-21. ASHS, 113 South West St, Suite 200, Alexandria, VA 22314. Kim, K.S., A.C. Cameron, and E. Runkle. 2005. Ceratostigma plumbaginoides is an intermediate-day plant. Presented at the 102nd Annual International Conference of the ASHS, Las Vegas, Nevada, July 17-21. ASHS, 113 South West St, Suite 200, Alexandria, VA 22314. Padhye, S., E.S. Runkle, and A.C. Cameron. 2005. Quantifying the vernalization response of Dianthus gratianopolitanus Baths Pink. Presented at the 102nd Annual International Conference of the ASHS, Las Vegas, Nevada, July 17-21. ASHS, 113 South West St, Suite 200, Alexandria, VA 22314. Shimizu, H., Z. Ma, M. Douzono, E. Runkle, and R. Heins. 2005. Blue light effect on stem elongation rate in chrysanthemum. Presented at the ISHS 5th International Symposium on Artificial Lighting in Horticulture, Lillehammer, Norway, June 21-24. Runkle, E.S. and R.D. Heins. 2005. Manipulating the light environment to control flowering and morphogenesis of herbaceous plants (invited lecture). Presented at the ISHS 5th International Symposium on Artificial Lighting in Horticulture, Lillehammer, Norway, June 21-24. Cameron, A., E. Runkle, B. Fausey, and R. Heins. 2005. Light responses of herbaceous perennial plants. Presented at the ISHS 5th International Symposium on Artificial Lighting in Horticulture, Lillehammer, Norway, June 21-24. Padhye, S., E. Runkle, and A. Cameron. 2005. Short days and vernalization are effective for flower induction of the long-day plant Coreopsis grandiflora Sunray. Presented at the ISHS 5th International Symposium on Artificial Lighting in Horticulture, Lillehammer, Norway, June 21-24. Blanchard, M.G. and E.S. Runkle. 2005. Effects of daily light integral on growth and flowering of potted Phalaenopsis orchids. Presented at the ISHS 5th International Symposium on Artificial Lighting in Horticulture, Lillehammer, Norway, June 21-24. Lopez, R.G., E.S. Runkle, and A.C. Cameron. 2005. Daily light integral influences rooting and quality of New Guinea impatiens and petunia cuttings. Presented at the ISHS 5th International Symposium on Artificial Lighting in Horticulture, Lillehammer, Norway, June 21-24. NJ Reiss, E., A.J. Both, and D.R. Mears. 2005. Comparing greenhouse floor heating designs using CFD. ASAE paper No. 05-4136. ASAE, 2950 Niles Road, St. Joseph, MI 49085-9659, USA. 19 pp. Sager, J.C., J.H. Norikane, A.J. Both, and T.W. Tibbitts. 2005. Quality assurance for environment of plant growth facilities. ASAE paper No. 05-4137. ASAE, 2950 Niles Road, St. Joseph, MI 49085-9659, USA. 11 pp. OH Hansen, R.C. and A.C. Clark. 2005. A study of lateral moisture migration in container mediums. Paper No. 05-4057. Presented at the ASAE Annual International Meeting, Tampa Florida. July 17-20. Hansen, R.C. and J.C. Christman. 2005. Growth rates of container-grown poplar when using a volumetric water content sensor to decide when and how much to irrigate. Paper No. 05-033. Northeast Agricultural and Biological Engineering Conference, University of Delaware, Lewes, DE. August 7-10. TX He, C., F.T. Davies, Jr., C. He and R.E. Lacey. 2005. Influence of Hypobaria on Gas Exchange and Growth of Lettuce For Advanced Life Support Systems (ALS). Presented at ASHS National Meetings, July 2005 Las Vegas, Nevada. Lacey, Ronald E., Chuanjiu He, and Fred T. Davies Jr. 2006. Engineering a Low Pressure Plant Growth System  Generation IV. Paper read at Habitation 2006, February 5-8, 2006, at Orlando, Florida. Lovelady, April, John C. Sager, and Ronald E. Lacey. 2006. Dynamic Low Pressure Gas Mixing. Poster presented at Habitation 2006, February 5-8, 2006, at Orlando, Florida. Davies, F.T., Jr.. 2005. Emma Lausten Horticultural Symposium, Cook College, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey. Keynote Address: Challenges & Opportunities in the Changing World of Horticulture. April 4, 2005. http://aesop.rutgers.edu/~plantbiopath/news/lausten/2005/2005lausten-davies.pdf Cartmill, A.D., F.T. Davies, Jr., A. Alarcón, L.A. Valdez-Aguilar. 2005. Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Enhance Tolerance of Rose Plants to Bicarbonate in Irrigation Water. HortScience. 40: 1035. He, C., F.T. Davies, Jr. and R.E. Lacey. 2005 Influence of Hypobaria on Gas Exchange and Growth of Lettuce For Advanced Life Support Systems (ALS). HortScience. 40:1011. Spiers, J. D.F.T. Davies, C. He, C. Bogran, A. Chau, K.M. Heinz, T.W. Starman. 2005. Impact of selected insecticides on gas exchange, vegetative and floral development, and overall quality of gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii var. Festival Salmon). HortScience. 40:1046. Davies, F.T. Jr. Invited presentation: Mycorrhizal Fungi Enhance Host Crop Resistance to Abiotic Stress. Plant-Microbe Interactions Symposium. The Program of Biology of Filamentous Fungi, Texas A&M University, College Station. April, 14-15, 2005. Davies, F.T. Jr. 2005. Invited presentation: The Biology of Growing Plants Under Low-Pressure (Hypobaric) Systems for NASA." CINVESTAV Plant Biology Institute, Irapuato, Mexico, June 14, 2005. He, C., R.E. Lacey, and F.T. Davies. Plant Growth at Sub-Ambient Atmospheric Pressures with Control of the Partial Pressures of Constituent Gases NASA: Advanced Life Support Technical Interchange Meeting. TAMU. June 23, 2005. Other Creative Works NJ Abstracts Both, A.J., L.S. Logendra, J. Cavazzoni, T. Gianfagna, T.C. Lee, and H.W. Janes. Effects of a two-week temperature perturbation during flowering of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.). Habitation 10(3/4):131. Both, A.J., E. Reiss, J. Sudal, K. Holmstrom, W. Kline, S. Garrison. 2006. Rutgers high tunnel research update. Proceedings of the Annual NJ Vegetable Growers Association Meeting. January 10-12. Atlantic City. pp. 121-124. OH Ted Short and Mary Donnell. 2005. Economic evaluation and technical support of new hydroponic vegetable growers using HID supplemental lighting via personal visits and interactive web-site tools at http://www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/hydroponics/, Ohio State University Research & Extension. Workshop Sponsor OH Ling, P.P. Organizer. Greenhouse Engineering Workshop  energy management. 1/31-2/1/2006. Ling, P.P. and J.M. Frantz, Co-organizers. NCR-101 committee on controlled environments. 4/8-11/2006. Short, T.H. Hydroponic Short Course, Waldo, Ohio. April 20-22, 2005. The short course attracted an audience of 30 people from New York, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, California, Ohio, Michigan and Mississippi. Workshop Participant NJ Presentations by A.J. Both: Greenhouse energy conservation. Bedding Plant Grower Day. Randolph, NJ. March 3, 2006. Designing greenhouse systems for reduced run-off. Emma Lausten Annual Horticulture Symposium. NJ EcoComplex, Columbus, NJ. February 22, 2006. Greenhouse energy considerations. Greenhouse Energy Efficiency Workshop. University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH. February 15, 2006. Rutgers high tunnel research update. Tomato Advisory Committee. Rutgers EcoComplex, Bordentown, NJ. January 25, 2006. Energy conservation from the engineers point of view. South Jersey Greenhouse Conference. RCRE, Clayton, NJ. January 24, 2006 Minimizing your greenhouse fuel heating bill. Vegetable Integrated Crop Management Twilight Meeting. Landisville Produce Cooperative, Landisville, NJ. October 19, 2005. Note: presented by Eugene Reiss, prepared by A.J. Both. Farm safety for children. Farm Safety Twilight Meeting. Toyland Farm, Jobstown, NJ. September 21, 2005. Greenhouse operation. Twilight Fruit, Vegetable and Flower Meeting, Secor Farms, Mahwah, NJ. April 27, 2005. Controlled environments: The future of NJ agriculture? Emma Lausten Horticultural Symposium, Cook College, New Brunswick, NJ. April 4, 2005. Presentations by D.R. Mears: Greenhouse technology to meet the next energy crisis. OFA Shortcourse, Columbus, Ohio. July 2005. Rutgers research on energy for greenhouses. Handout for OFA Shortcourse, Columbus, Ohio. July 2005. Greenhouse energy-past successes and future hopes. 100th Anniversary Seminar, NIRE, Tsukuba, Japan. December 2005. Get over the difficulty of climate change. Handout for 100th Anniversary Seminar, NIRE, Tsukuba, Japan. December 2005. Rutgers research on energy for greenhouses. Handout for 100th Anniversary Seminar, NIRE, Tsukuba, Japan. December 2005. Greenhouse energy conservation. CEA Workshop. University of Arizona. January 2006. Greenhouse energy alternatives. CEA Workshop. University of Arizona. January 2006. Lessons learned from 1980 energy crisis. Greenhouse energy management workshop. Wooster, Ohio January 2006. Studies of solar energy, power plant waste heat and landfill gas as an energy source. Greenhouse energy management workshop. Wooster, Ohio February 2006. Greenhouse energy conservation and possible alternatives. Grower meeting, Cincinnati, Ohio. February 2006. OH Ling, P.P., G.A. Giacomelli, and M. Tiffany. Crop Diagnostics: Learning to use the latest tools& technology on site. 7/9/2005. Refereed Journal Articles (Pending) KY Kim, H.-H., R.M. Wheeler, J.C. Sager, G.D. Goins, and J.H. Norikane. 2005. Evaluation of supplemental green light with red and blue light-emitting diodes growing lettuce in a controlled environment - A review of research at Kennedy Space Center. Acta Horticulturae (submitted). NJ Goudarzi, S., A.J. Both, J. Cavazzoni, and A. Kusnecov. 2006. Dynamic modeling of crew performance. In Press. Journal of Human Performance in Extreme Environments. Mathieu, J., R. Linker, L. Levine, L. Albright, A.J. Both, R. Spanswick, R. Wheeler, E. Wheeler, D. deVilliers, R. Langhans. 2005. Evaluation of the NiCoLet Model for Simulation of Short-Term Hydroponic Lettuce Growth and Nitrate Uptake. Submitted to Biosystems Engineering. Reiss, E., D.R. Mears, T.O. Manning, G.J. Wulster, and A.J. Both. 2006. Modeling greenhouse floor heating using computational fluid dynamics. Submitted to Transactions of the ASAE. OH Glynn C., D.A. Herms, C. M. Orians, R.C. Hansen and S. Larsson. 2006. Dynamic responses of willows to nutrient availability  a test of the growth-differentiation balance hypothesis. Functional Ecology (Revised; resubmitted). Hale, B.K., D.A. Herms, R.C. Hansen and T.P. Clausen. 2006. Comparison of the effects of intermittently and constantly applied drought stress on growth and secondary metabolism of poplar. (Target journal to be selected) Hansen, R.C., J.C. Christman and R.C. Derksen. 2006. Statistical evaluation of instruments designed to measure volumetric water content of soilless container media. Applied Engineering in Agriculture. Accepted for publication with revisions. TX He, C., F. T. Davies Jr. and R. E. Lacey. Hypobaric Conditions Effect Gas Exchange, Ethylene Evolution and Growth Of Lettuce for Advanced Life Support Systems (ALS). 2006. Journal of Habitation. In Press  June 2006. He, C., F. T. Davies Jr. and R. E. Lacey. 2006. Hypobaria and the Partial Pressure of Oxygen Affect Gas Exchange and Growth of Lettuce Plants. Journal of American Society for Horticultural Sciences. Submitted. He, Chuanjiu, Fred T. Davies, and Ronald E. Lacey. Hypobaria and the Partial Pressure of Oxygen Affect Gas Exchange and Growth of Lettuce Plants. Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Sciences. In Review.