WCC58: Production, Transition Handling, and Reestablishment of Perennial Nursery Stock

(Multistate Research Coordinating Committee and Information Exchange Group)

Status: Inactive/Terminating

Project Menu

SAES-422 Reports

Annual/Termination Reports:

[09/26/2002] [01/10/2003] [11/10/2003]

Date of Annual Report: 09/26/2002

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 10/04/2001 - 10/06/2001
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2000 - 10/01/2001

Participants

Boyer, Charles - Oregon State University; Cameron, Art - Michigan State University; Graves, Bill - Iowa State University; Kjelgren, Roger - Utah State University; Klett, James - Colorado State University; Kling, Gary - University of Illinois; Mathers, Hannah - Ohio State University; Maynard, Brian - University of Rhode Island; Starbuck, Chris - University of Missouri; St. Hilaire, Rolston - New Mexico State University; Svenson, Sven - Oregon State University

Brief Summary of Minutes

The meeting was brought to order by Rolston St. Hilaire (motion, seconded, approved without objection). Rolston thanked Brian Maynard for organizing and hosting the meeting, and extended thanks to Jim Owen (M.S. graduate student working with Brian) for assisting with transportation. Rolston also wanted to extend the thanks of the membership to the Rhode Island nurserymen for assisting with the financial costs of the meeting, and for their willingness to allow us to tour commercial facilities. Rolston requested approval of the minutes from the last meeting (motion, seconded, approved without objection).

Old business: Rolston St. Hilaire had contacted Jim Robbins, Laura Jull, and Jim Gillman about joining WCC-058. All declined, citing insufficient time for participation. Charles Boyer noted that some new participants had been added to WCC-058 through institutional assignment, including Don Merhaut from the University of California at Riverside. The WCC-058 listserv may need an update.

New business: Brian Maynard requested $25 as a registration fee for expenses associated with hosting the 2001 meeting. The 2002 meeting for WCC-058 was originally scheduled for March 2002 in San Diego, California, with Dennis Pittenger (U.C. Riverside) as host. Following some discussion, it was decided that October 2002 was a preferred time to meet, thus avoiding two meetings in the same federal fiscal year. Dennis was not present to confirm his ability to host the next meeting. Following some discussion, it was decided that Rolston St. Hilaire would contact Dennis by November 1, 2001 to confirm his willingness to host the meeting in October 2002. If Dennis is not able to host the meeting, Cincinnati was selected as the alternative meeting location, with Hannah Mathers as host (Hannah agreed to host, if needed) (motion, seconded, approved without objection or further discussion).

With the encouragement of Art Cameron, it was decided to pursue a meeting in May or June 2003 in Boskoop and Aalsmeer, The Netherlands to meet with colleagues from that country. Art and others provided a variety of good outcomes from such a meeting location including exposure to state-of-the-art industry facilities, and procedures ranging from robotics to postharvest handling techniques. Charles Boyer mentioned that College of Agriculture administrators may or may not approve any or full funding for such a meeting location, but that a good explanation for the purpose of meeting in The Netherlands could make it possible (he will consult and advise). At this time, a meeting in 2003 in The Netherlands is planned (motion, seconded, approved without objection or further discussion).

Rolston St. Hilaire requested nominations of new officers, requesting the continued use of a Chair, Vice-chair, and Secretary. Robert Tripepi (University of Idaho) is Chair for 2001-2002. After identification of members present who had not yet served as officers, Sven Svenson was nominated as Vice-chair and Hannah Mathers as Secretary for 2001-2002 (motion, seconded, approved without objection or further discussion).

Following a motion (seconded, approved without objection or further discussion), the meeting was adjourned by Rolston St. Hilaire.

Accomplishments

During this period, there were participating scientists from 11 states. The WCC-058 continues to foster participation from a large number of attendees. It is estimated that for the 2001-2002 period, we had greater than 60% of potential attendees participate in the annual meeting. This level of participation has impacted the relevance of our decisions since there is greater representation. The range of potential locations for annual meetings has been broadened because there are more participants. This potentially will expose the committee to a larger spectrum of woody plant production techniques. The committee attracted and retained the participation of two new members. In summary, the committee has successfully retained participation from a critical mass of scientists.

Publications

Rosetta, R. and S.E. Svenson. 2001. Assessment of insecticide efficacy for root weevils on rhododendron. HortScience 36(3):553 (abstr.). Rosetta, R. and S.E. Svenson. 2001. Assessment of insecticide efficacy for root weevil control. Research Reports: 60th Ann. PNW Insect Mgmt. Conf., Portland, OR (abstr). St. Hilaire, R. 2001. Seed coat treatments influence germination of Taxodium mucronatum. Desert Plants 17:15-18 (cover article). St. Hilaire, R. and C.A. Fierro. 2000. Three cultivars of mussaenda exhibit rooting in response to hormone and rooting conditions. HortTechnology 10:780-784. St. Hilaire, R. and W.R. Graves. 2001. Stability of provenance differences during development of hard maple seedlings irrigated at two frequencies. HortScience 36:654-657. St. Hilaire, R., W.R. Graves, and R.L. Small. 2001. Variation in TaqI-digested DNA of sugar and black maples is independent of taxon and plant origin. HortScience 36:1327-1328. Svenson, S.E., A. Henderson, J. Paxson, J. Buckelew, and K. Sanford. 2001. Interaction of compost-amended Douglas-fir bark substrates and type of shading on shoot growth and Marchantia infestations of container-grown nursery crops. HortScience 36(3):555 (abstr). Svenson, S.E., J.K. Paxson, J. Buckelew, and K. Sanford. 2001. Dolomite blend and rate influence substrate pH and growth of ornamentals in Douglas-fir bark. HortScience 36(3):498 (abstr.).

Impact Statements

Scientists use WCC-058 meetings to solicit ideas for ongoing research projects. They discussed the merits of some common recommendations to the nursery industry. For example, the merits of using biostimulants in woody plant research were discussed. It was concluded that there is lack of information on the potential benefits of biostimulants to the nursery industry and concluded that this area warrants more research.
Scientists on the committee have solicited that the group collaborate with other regional organizations in activities such as woody plant evaluation. This activity is ongoing and will likely impact the production of perennial nursery stock.

Date of Annual Report: 01/10/2003

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 10/02/2002 - 10/06/2002
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2001 - 10/01/2002

Participants

Boyer, Charles - Oregon State University; Cameron, Art - Michigan State University; Hummel, Rita - Washington State University; Kjelgren, Roger - Utah State University; Klett, Jim - Colorado State University; Kling, Gary - University of Illinois; Merhaut, Donald - UC Riverside; Pittenger, Dennis - UC Riverside; Schuch, Ursula - Arizona State University; St. Hilaire, Rolston - New Mexico State University; Tripepi, Bob - University of Idaho

Brief Summary of Minutes

Charles Boyer made several announcements and encouraged us to begin the process for approval of renewal for this committee.

Procedure for development and approval of renewal: Revise the description of proposed activities. These petitions are relatively short. Our current project report just needs to be updated. Solicit accomplishments that have arisin out of the interactions of the WCC-058 group members over the past four years. This should include a list of publications. Several cooperative projects were mentioned including: Ursula Schuch, Roger Kjelgren, and Thayne Montague at Texas Tech and Richard Beeson at Florida are working on a collaborative research project on measuring water use of trees in different habitats; a publication by several members of the group, "Best management practices for the harvest, postharvest storage, transition handling and landscape reestablishment of perennial nursery stock"; Ursula Schuch and Brent Pemberton have a cooperative project going that deals with issues involving the shipment of bare-root roses from Arizona to Texas for potting.

Establish future WCC-058 meeting locations: Originally, we intended to schedule our next meeting in The Netherlands in spring 2004. Due to current budgetary restrictions, we decided to hold our next business meeting in conjunction with the annual ASHS meetings in October 2003 in Rhode Island. At that time, we will discuss the feasibility of scheduling a technical meeting in The Netherlands in May 2004 or 2005. Other future locations discussed included Michigan in October 2005 and Colorado in October 2006.

Election of new officers: Don Merhaut (UC Riverside) was nominated and elected Vice-chair, Art Cameron (Michigan State University) current Secretary, and Roger Kjelgren (Utah State University) next year‘s Secretary.

Proposal development: With Charles Boyer‘s encouragement, Rolston St. Hilaire, Bob Tripepi, and Art Cameron volunteered to work on the development of the proposal for renewal of this committee.

New members (need to fill out an electronic form): Sven Svenson has been replaced by Rich Regan (North Willamette Research and Extension Center, Aurora, OR) as the representative from Oregon State University.

SAES-422 multi-state research activity: We need to solicit reports from everyone. This includes all activities since 1999, specifically lists of publications, accomplishments, and participants.

A motion was made and seconded to give a formal thank you to Don Merhaut, Dennis Pittenger, and Susana Aparicio for their efforts to organize and arrange this year‘s meeting. A special thank you was given to the Dean for providing some of the funding for the group.

The motion was made and seconded to adjourn.

Accomplishments

During this period, there were participating scientists from 10 states. The WCC-058 continues to foster participation from a large number of attendees. It is estimated that for the 2001-2002 period, we had greater than 60% of potential attendees participate in the annual meeting. This level of participation has improved the quality of presentations, exchange of ideas, and the relevance of our discussions during the meetings since there is broad representation. The range of potential locations for annual meetings has been broadened because there are more participants. This will allow the committee to observe and discuss a larger spectrum of woody plant production techniques. In summary, the committee has successfully retained participation from a critical mass of scientists.

Publications

Balok, C.A. and R. St. Hilaire. 2002. Drought responses among seven southwestern tree taxa. JASHS 127:211-218.

Impact Statements

Scientists use WCC-058 meetings to solicit ideas for ongoing research projects. They discussed the merits of some common recommendations to the nursery industry. For example, the merits of using biostimulants in woody plant research were discussed. It was concluded that there is lack of information on the potential benefits of biostimulants to the nursery industry and concluded that this area warrants more research.
Scientists on the committee continue to collaborate with other regional organizations in activities such as woody plant evaluation. This activity is long-term but will impact the production of perennial nursery stock.

Date of Annual Report: 11/10/2003

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 10/03/2003 - 10/06/2003
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2002 - 10/01/2003

Participants

Boyer, Charles - Oregon State University; Cameron, Art - Michigan State University; Graves, Bill - Iowa State University; Kjelgren, Roger - Utah State University; Klett, James - Colorado State University; Kling, Gary - University of Illinois; Kuhns, Larry - Pennsylvania State University; Mathers, Hannah - Ohio State University; Maynard, Brian - University of Rhode Island; Merhaut, Don - University of California, Riverside; St. Hilaire, Rolston - New Mexico State University; Tripepi, Bob - University of Idaho

Brief Summary of Minutes

The annual business meeting was held on October 3, 2003 at the Westin Convention Center in Providence, Rhode Island. Chairman Donald Merhaut brought the meeting to order. The minutes of the October 2, 2002 meeting were approved as submitted.

Future meeting sites were discussed. It was agreed to move forward with a tour of the industry in the Netherlands during the spring of 2004. Art Cameron has contacts in this region. He volunteered to investigate a possible tour for the region and plan a timing that would minimize costs. Art also would provide a concise summary of the unique opportunities this trip would provide for the WCC-058 committee. Administrative Advisor Charles Boyer agreed to work to ensure support from AES directors. If the Netherlands trip does not work, the alternative would be Michigan. Michigan also will serve as the site for the 2005 meeting if the Netherlands trip occurs.

Charles Boyer volunteered to coordinate assembling the annual report. Members will be requested by e-mail to provide specific information.

Art Cameron and Rolston St. Hilaire will coordinate the rewriting of the petition to renew the project. Charles Boyer will send requests for information to be submitted and work with Art and Rolston to complete the rewrite.

New officers were elected as follows

Chair: Art Cameron

Vice-chair/Secretary: Brian Maynard

Technical reports were presented as part of the annual meeting of the American Society for Horticultural Science.

Accomplishments

A cooperative project to assess the potential adaptability of seven hybrid pear selections to southern California landscapes was initiated between Washington State University and the University of California Riverside. The interspecific pear hybrids were selected for their landscape value at Washington State University-Puyallup and should possess the heat and drought-tolerance necessary to perform well in Southern California landscapes. The trees were propagated and shipped to California in spring 2003 by the Landscape Plant Development Center. The original trees have shown excellent landscape potential in western Washington and at least one selection, wa93-70-2, a cross of Pyrus calleryana ‘Chanticleer‘ x P. elaeragrifolia, was more fire blight resistant than ‘Bradford‘ in laboratory tests. Trees shipped to U.C. Riverside were grown on in 15-gallon containers and will be transplanted into a field plot this winter for long-term evaluation. At the end of one growing season, all selections show great promise for landscape trees in southern California. Chris Starbuck (Missouri) previously developed and reported on the use of gravel beds to extend the post-harvest holding period and thus market window for bare rooted nursery stock. Several WCC-058 members are extending this work. Serbian spruce seedlings (2-0) transferred to a gravel bed for one growing season before transplanting to the field were larger one year later than those 2-0 seedlings grown in field soil for one season before transplanting to the field (Idaho). In contrast, Austrian pine seedlings (2-0) were unaffected by the pre-transplant treatment, indicating that the gravel bed growing system may be useful for only some species. Research has been initiated at Utah to investigate the use of high frequency gravel beds for holding bare root native woody plant stock. In addition, Arizona and Texas researchers have a cooperative project that deals with issues involving the shipment of bare-root roses from Arizona to Texas for potting to maximize shipping and post-harvest qualities. WCC-058 researchers are working collaboratively on water utilization. Utah scientists are collaborating with scientists from Texas Tech and the University of Florida on quantifying water use of sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) in three contrasting climates. Graduate students are investigating one-gallon pot-in-pot production of Intermountain West (IM) native perennials, and the drought tolerance of IM native and conventional perennials under irrigation of varying intervals. A cooperative project between Utah State University and Oklahoma State University on transpiration of landscape trees growing over turfgrass or asphalts is on going. WCC-058 researchers are also looking at pest and nutrient constraints on nursery crop production and quality. A cooperative project between the University of Arkansas and the Oklahoma State University on effectiveness of fungicides in controlling anthracnose on Euonymus fortunei is in progress. California (Riverside) researchers are conducting studies investigating the effects of different poly-coated controlled release fertilizers on plant growth and nutrient leaching from containerized woody ornamentals. They have also evaluated the infectivity and effectiveness of different commercially available mycorrhizal inoculants. In a study in Idaho, five to six foot (1.5 to 2 meter) tall balled and burlapped Colorado spruce trees had better foliar nutrition after one growing season after transplanting if the trees were held in a 50:50 mixture of pine bark: composted bios lids (sewage sludge) than those trees receiving other fertilizer treatments. A range of pre- and post emergence herbicides were evaluated for their control of Asiatic dayflower, a new exotic invasive weed in conifer plantings in the northeast United States (Pennsylvania). Though it is resistant to most of the herbicides tried, it was found that flumioxazin provides greater than 90% control when applied preemergence. Chloransulam provided greater than 80% control when applied post emergence.

Publications

Alsup, C.M., J.C. Cole, and P.L. Claypool. 2003. Stem cuttings of Caddo sugar maple trees differ in rooting potential. Acta Hort. (In press). Alsup, C., J. Cole, and L. Claypool. 2003. Timing and IBA application affect rooting of Acer saccharum Marsh. stem tip cuttings. Prop. Ornamental Plants 3:42-46. Bosma, T.L., J.C. Cole, K.E. Conway, and J.M. Dole. 2002. Solid matrix priming hastens Canterbury bells seed germination. HortTechnology 12:268-270. Cole, J.C. and D.E. Dunn. 2002. Expanded polystyrene as a substitute for perlite in rooting substrate. J. Environ. Hort. 20:7-10. Copes, W. E., G. A. Chastagner and R. L. Hummel. 2003. Toxicity Responses of Herbaceous and Woody Ornamental Plants to Chlorine and Hydrogen Dioxides. Plant Health Progress. http://www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/sub/php/research/2003/disinfect/ Copes, W. E., G. A. Chastagner and R. L. Hummel. 2002. Potential Toxicity of Chlorine Dioxide and Hydrogen Dioxide on Herbaceous and Woody Ornamental Crops. Phytopathology 92:S148-149. Ferro. A., M. Fefell., R. Kjelgren., D. S. Lipson, N. Zollinger, S. Jackson. 2003 Maintain Hydraulic Control Using Deep Rooted Tree Systems. Pp. 125-156. In: Advances in Biochemical Engineering/Biotechnology, Vole 78. Springer-Verlag, Berlin Frost, M.D., J.C. Cole, and J.M. Dole. 2003. Fertilizer source affects Fe, Mn, and Zn leaching, nutrient distribution, and geranium growth. J. Plant Nutr. 26:315-329. Frost, M.D., J.C. Cole, J.M. Dole, and N.T. Basta. 2002. Media constituents, micronutrient fertilizer source and calcium applications influence iron, manganese, and zinc leaching. J. Plant Nutr. 25:315-326. Glawe, D. A., R. Hummel and G. Jack. 2003. First Report of Powdery Mildew of Kalanchoe blossfeldiana Caused by Sphaerotheca fuliginea(Podosphaera fuliginea)in the Pacific Northwest. Plant Health Progress. http://www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/sub/php/brief/2003/kalanchoe/ Gover, A.E., J.M Johnson, and L.J. Kuhns. 2002. Differential response of Japanese knotweed and Sakhalin knotweed to herbicide treatments. Proc. Northeast. Weed Sci. Soc. 56:34 Gover, A.E., J.M Johnson, and L.J. Kuhns. 2002. Effect of herbicide and application timing on control of poison hemlock. Proc. Northeast. Weed Sci. Soc. 56:41. Gover, A.E., J.M Johnson, and L.J. Kuhns. 2002. Control of Tree-of-Heaven provided by foliar herbicide applications. Proc. Northeast. Weed Sci. Soc. 56:44-45. Gover, A.E., J.M Johnson, and L.J. Kuhns. 2002. Late season control of stiltgrass. Proc. Northeast. Weed Sci. Soc. 56:46. Gover, A.E., J.M Johnson, and L.J. Kuhns. 2003. Pre and postemergence control comparisons for Japanese stiltgrass. Proc. Northeast. Weed Sci. Soc. 57:28-33. Gowdy, M., C. Starbuck and R. Munson. 2002. Summer-planting bare root Buxus microphylla ‘Wintergreen‘ shrubs on the University of Missouri campus from a Missouri Gravel Bed. Poster presented 30 September - 2 October 2002 at the International Plant Propagators Society Eastern Region Annual Meeting in Baltimore, Maryland. Grossi, J. A., H. B. Pemberton, and J. T. Baker. 2002. Leaf photosynthesis, flower respiration, and flower longevity of pot roses influenced by cultivar and growing environment. Acta Hort. in press. Harpster, T.L., J.C. Sellmer and L.J. Kuhns. 2002. The impact of composted organic waste products on weed populations in field grown woody nursery production. Proc. Northeast. Weed Sci. Soc. 56:86-87. Hummel, R. L., D. Pittenger. 2002. Stress Tolerant, Small-Statured Pyrus Trees for Landscape Use In Southern California and Western Washington Johnson, J.M., A.E. Gover,,and L.J. Kuhns. 2002. Comparison of glyphosate formulations for control of perennial weeds. Proc. Northeast. Weed Sci. Soc. 56:42-43. Johnson, J.M , A.E. Gover and L.J. Kuhns. 2003. Effect of basal bark application timing on suppression of tree-of-hearven resprouts. Proc. Northeast. Weed Sci. Soc. 57:34-35. Kirk, S. D. and M. V. Coggeshall. 2002. Small batch seed propagation of various pine species. Presented 30 September - 2 October 2002 at the International Plant Propagators Society Eastern Region Annual Meeting in Baltimore, Maryland. Krucker, M., R. Hummel and C. Cogger. 2003. Biosolids and Dairy Manure Products as a Substitute for Peat-Based Potting Mixes in Greenhouse Container Production. Biosolids Bulletin. pg. 2. Kuhns, L.J. 2002. Low maintenance cover crops for Christmas Tree plantings. American Christmas Tree Jornal. 46(2):10-16. Kuhns, L.J., D.D. Davis and E.A. Brantley. 2002. ‘Mulch‘ ado about nothing? Grounds Maintenance. 37(3):24-32. Kuhns, L.J. and T.L. Harpster. 2002. Efficacy and phytotoxicity of preemergence applications of flumioxazin and azafenidin in conifers. Proc. Northeast. Weed Sci. Soc. 56:53-59. Kuhns, L.J. and T.L. Harpster. 2002. Efficacy and phytotoxicity of preemergence and postemergence applications of sulfometuron in conifers. Proc. Northeast. Weed Sci. Soc. 56:60-66. Kuhns, L.J. and T.L. Harpster. 2002. A futile attempt at controlling Asiatic dayflower in Christmas trees. Proc. Northeast. Weed Sci. Soc. 56:83-85. Kuhns, L.J. and T.L. Harpster. 2003. Controlling asiatic dayflower in Christmas trees. Proc. Northeast. Weed Sci. Soc. 57:41-42. Lea Corkidi, E. B. Allen, D. Merhaut, M.F. Allen, J. Downer, J. Bohn, and M. Evans. 2003. Assessing the Infectivity of Commercial Mycorrhizal Inoculants in Plant Nursery Conditions. Submitted the J. Environ Hort. Mackay, W.A., S.W. George, T.D. Davis, M.A. Arnold, R.D. Lineberger, J. Parsons, L. Stein, H.B. Pemberton, and C.B. McKenney. 2002. Texas supersrtars, identifying and promoting superior landscape plants that have minimal environmental impact on urban communities. T.D. Davis and V.A. Gibeault (eds.), Proc. Symp. Urban Agriculture: Emerging Opportunities in Science, Education and Policy. p. 193. Mee, W., J. Barnes, R. Kjelgren, R. Sutton, T. Cerny and C. Johnson. 2003. Water Wise Native Plants for Intermountain Landscapes. USU Press. 0-87421-561-7 256 pages Montague, T, and R. Kjelgren. 2003. Energy Balance of Six Common Landscape Surfaces. Scient. Hort. In Press. Moore, C.R. and Tripepi, R.R. 2003. Pre-conditioning rhododendron and chrysanthemum leaf explants affects transient R-glucuronidase expression after biolistic particle bombardment. Acta Horticulturae 625:363-369. Pemberton, H. B. and W. E. Roberson. 2001. The east Texas bedding plant pack and garden performance trials. HortTechnology 11:392-396. Pemberton, H.B., L. Finical Halleck, W.A. Mackay, and S.W. George. 2002. Bedding plant trials: a rural/urban interface. T.D. Davis and V.A. Gibeault (eds.), Proc. Symp. Urban Agriculture: Emerging Opportunities in Science, Education and Policy. p. 200. Sellmer, J.C., R. Bates, T.L. Harpster and L.J. Kuhns. 2002. Efficacy of five pre-emergence herbicides in pot-in-pot tree production. Proc. Northeast. Weed Sci. Soc. 56:88-90.

Impact Statements

Small landscape trees with good tolerance to environmental and biological stresses are limited. Current landscape trends and public concern about pesticides and water use increase the need to plant small trees. Research is developing small trees tolerant to environmental and biological stresses with superior landscape characteristics. WCC members are evaluating new trees before they're offered to the public. This information will be the basis for recommending trees for different regions.
WCC research has shown that Austrian pine (AP) and Serbian spruce (SS) seedlings grow in gravel beds and readily transplanted in fall. More difficult-to-transplant species (SS) grew better and transplant easier than easily transplanted species (AP). Gravel beds cost more, but have important advantages over field soil. Seedlings lift out of the gravel with fewer lost roots and root systems can be easily cleaned and fumigated for shipment overseas or to quarantined areas.
Companies holding older conifer species (e.g., Colorado spruce) over a growing season find that these plants appear nutrient deficient near the end of first summer. This deficiency is probably due in part to the production system. Holding trees in bark mulch, with a high carbon to nitrogen ratio may worsen the problem. WCC research on various fertilizer treatments showed that composted biosolids added to the barkmulch was helpful for maintaining tree quality.
Collaborative work on tree water usage has been disseminated to the Irrigation Association. This will provide the basis for their guidelines for irrigating woody plants in their Best Management Practices based on science rather than conjecture.