College of Agricultural Sciences

Researchers at Oregon State University evaluated the potential of a remote soil-moisture-sensing technology in ornamental container production systems. The authors discuss the system they used, implications of the study, and their conclusions.

The Oregon State University affiliated authors strive to answer the question of whether plant physiology and breeding research can work collectively to develop more water-efficient and drought tolerant plants that will benefit the green industry.

Four cultivars of basil were inoculated or not with the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF), Rhizophagus (formerly Glomus) intraradices (Schenck & Smith) Walker & Schubler and grown with a fertilizer to access whether 1) P availability and inoculation with AMF influences the phenolic composition of basil; and 2) treatment effects on phenolic composition are related to plant nutrient status.

A report on the influence of irrigation frequency and rate of nitrogen (N) application on uptake of other nutrients in one deciduous and two evergreen cultivars of Rhododendron grown in containers for 1 year. Researchers also evaluated whether nutrient concentrations in different structures and ratios of N to other nutrients in leaves and whole plants could be used to detect the influence of irrigation frequency on the relationship between N and other nutrients.

In this study researchers evaluated the chicoric acid concentrations in dried and fresh basil (Ocimum basilicum) products available to consumers and how these concentrations compare to those from E. purpurea plant and products.

This study was conducted to 1) evaluate whether simple linear regression in combination with reflectance sensitivity analysis can be used to determine optimal wavelength (OW) for Chl assessment using reflectance; and 2) evaluate the importance of using OW in the development of Chl-related reflectance indices.

Deciduous and evergreen cultivars of container-grown Rhododendron were used to determine whether spraying plants with urea in the fall altered 1) uptake of nutrients other than N in the year of application and the following growing season; and 2) allocation of nutrients other than N in the year of application and the following growing season.

Agricultural engineering specialist affiliated with the University of Connecticut discusses the benefits of using an ebb and flow irrigation system in a greenhouse environment. Examples of crops successfully grown using the ebb and flow system are provided.

A discussion about capillary beds and also a how to guide on the construction of the beds for nursery production. Topics addressed include the construction of capillary beds, costs (labor, equipment, materials), root growth and development, leaf scorch, and pathogens.

An examination of different intermittent mist system control devices used for plant propagation. The author discusses a variety of control devices including but not limited to program repeating timer, light operated timer control, and multizone mechanical controller.