Research Accomplishment Reports 2007

New Crop Opportunities, Phase VI

D. Ingram, D. Van Sanford, C. Dillon, R. Fleming
Department of Horticulture

 

Project Description

Work on ten research projects is ongoing.

In The Development of a Novel Production System to Enhance the Survival and Growth of Flowering Dogwood project, cuttings were taken on Cornus florida Cherokee Princess, Cornus kousa National, and Cornus x rutgersensis Constellation for use in controlled environment chamber experiments designed to determine the evapotranspiration of each taxon. These experiments were conducted in 2006. A protocol was established for utilizing the Li-cor 6400 infrared gas analyzer to measure net photosynthesis. A light curve was generated for C. x Constellation and for C. Cherokee Princess and the light level at which maximum photosynthesis takes place was determined. A 518-unit pot-in-pot plot was established at the UK Horticulture Research Farm, and will allow large-scale field validation.

Sustainable Management of Insect Pests and Diseases of Nursery-Grown Maples in Kentucky research showed that maple nursery liners are infested with maple shoot borer soon after planting. This work suggests that treating trees soon after the moths become active and begin laying eggs will intercept the newly hatched borer larvae before they tunnel into elongating central leaders and other shoots. A sex attractant lure was developed that will enable growers to monitor moth activity in the spring. Once the optimum treatment timing is determined, growers will be able to precisely time preventive treatments, which will help reduce the number of sprays they currently apply, and get better results. Cultivar evaluations suggest that red and sugar maples are susceptible to flat-headed apple tree borer. Hedge maple appears to be resistant.

In the Evaluation of Hydrangea Macrophylla for Cut Stem Potential project, steel frame tunnels were constructed and covered with 6 mil white poly during winter months. Six plants each of ten cultivars were planted into each of the four replicated tunnels. An additional layer of 6 mil poly was placed directly over the plants during the coldest winter weather. Stems were harvested from 12JUN06 to 03NOV06 and rated for number, length, width, flower color and quality. Acceptable cut stems for the floral trade were produced.

The primary objective of the Evaluation of High Fermentable Corn Hybrids in Kentucky project was to determine the effect of corn hybrid on ethanol production. Samples were collected during the Fall 2006 harvest and are being analyzed. Protocols have been developed to consistently convert the starch to glucose and ferment to ethanol. Four measurements of ethanol production have been utilized; gas chromatograph, enzymatic assays, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, and CO2 production (weight loss). The ethanol production measured using everything except the weight loss gives identical results. A high ethanol yielding variety, SC 11B45, did not result in the highest ethanol production per acre due to the low grain yield and test weight.

In the Testing Novel Soybean Varieties project, sixteen novel soybean varieties were tested at five locations across Kentucky in 2006. Stewart Seeds Sig M40111 was the highest yielding variety in maturity groups II and III at 58.6 bushels per acre.

Impact

New Crops Phase VI research includes projects on nursery-grown maples, Hydrangea macrophylla as cut woody stems, and flowering dogwood. Kentucky's green industry sales increased in 2006 to a decade high of approximately $80 million, and these projects should help Kentucky growers capture part of this growing market.

New Crops research also includes a project on organic production systems for vegetables. Kentucky's produce (vegetables/fruit) industry continued growth and diversification in 2006. Gross produce receipts rose to $26 million as producers benefited from more direct market channels, especially farmers markets. More than 1,800 vendors sold in farmers markets and the number increases each year. The volume of vegetables marketed through auctions and to restaurants was up in 2006. Expected impact of research on organic production systems includes determination of improved production techniques that will benefit organic growers in Kentucky, allowing them to earn premium prices for their horticultural crops. Organic food sales in the United States represented a $16.7 billion market in 2006, one that is increasing at a rate of about 20 percent annually.

The Produce Planting and Marketing Intentions Survey indicated an expected acreage increase for produce crops of 8 percent in Kentucky in 2007, for a total of 11,514 acres.

The Evaluation of High Fermentable Corn Hybrids in Kentucky project will help Kentucky producers take advantage of expanding ethanol production in the U.S., which totaled 4.9 billion gallons in 2006.

Publications

Lacefield, E., and Pfeiffer, T. 2006. 2006 Kentucky Soybean Performance Tests. Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station Progress Report 536:1-33.

McNiel, R., Bale, S., Jones, T., and Vaneva, B. 2006. Hydrangea macrophylla and serrata Trials at the University of Kentucky. 2006 Nursery and Landscape Industry Research Report PR 537:33.

Potter, D.A., Seagraves, B., Redmond, C., Fulcher, A., Hayden, D. and McNiel, R. 2006. Managing Flatheaded Apple Tree Borer in Nursery-Grown Maples. 2006 Nursery and Landscape Industry Research Report PR 537:19-20.

Scott, D., Law, D., and Williams, M. 2006. Evaluation of Haygrove High Tunnels for Season Extension in Organic Vegetable Production. 2006 University of Kentucky Fruit and Vegetable Crops Research Report PR 538:72.

Seagraves, B., Potter, D.A., Haynes, K., Hayden, D., Fulcher, A., Hartman, J., and McNiel, R. 2006. Biology and Seasonal Phenology of the Maple Shoot Borer, Proteoteras aesculana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). 2006 Nursery and Landscape Industry Research Report PR 537:17-18.