Horticulture and Landscape Architecture

Program Description
Graduate programs are available leading to an M.S. or M.Ag. in Horticulture, and to the Ph.D. degree in the Crop Science, Environmental Sciences, and Plant Sciences multidisciplinary programs. The M.S. is a non-terminal degree requiring a thesis project plus 30 credit hours of course work. The M.Ag. is a terminal degree available with three options: report plus 32 credit hours of course work, creative component plus 36 hours of course work, or professional internship plus 36 hours of course work. The Ph.D. requires 60 credit hours beyond the M.S. degree (90 hours without an M.S.). Areas of study within the graduate programs include ornamentals, floriculture, turf, vegetables, and fruits. Specialties within each of these areas may include nutrition, stress physiology, postharvest physiology, low input systems, crop culture, water quality and conservation, or growth and development. The department does not offer graduate degrees in landscape architecture. The department is housed in Agricultural Hall, with modern well-equipped laboratories in Agricultural Hall and the Noble Research Center. The department has teaching and research greenhouse ranges, and Nursery, Turf, Fruit and Pecan, and Vegetable Research Stations.

Admission Requirements
Admission to our Graduate programs requires approval of both the Graduate College and the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture. The normal requirements include graduation from a B.S. program and an undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale, although exceptions are occasionally made. To apply for admission you must submit the following materials: 1) a completed application form and application fee, 2) official copies of transcripts from any school you previously attended, 3) official GRE scores, 4) three letters of recommendation from faculty who are acquainted with your academic abilities, 5) a statement of research interests, and 6) international applicants must also submit scores from the TSE and TOEFL exams. The minimum required TOEFL score is 570 (paper) or 230 (computer).

Financial Aid
We have financial aid available on a competitive basis to qualified students in the M.S., M.Ag. and Ph.D. programs. This assistance includes:

Horticulture and Landscape Architecture Faculty

Faculty Maronek, Dale Anderson, Jeffrey Anella, Louis Bell, Gregory Brandenberger, Lynn Cole, Janet Hillock, David Hsu, Paul Kahn, Brian Kirkwood, Matthew Leider, Charles Maness, Niels Martin, Dennis McCraw, B. Dean McGlynn, William Needham, Doug Perkins-Veazie, P. Ritter, John R. Roberts, Warren Schnelle, Michael Smith, Michael
1 2

Degree Ph.D. Ph.D. Ph.D. Ph.D. Ph.D. Ph.D. M.S. M.L.A. Ph.D. MDESS Ph.D. Ph.D. Ph.D. Ph.D. Ph.D. Ph.D. Ph.D. M.L.A. Ph.D. Ph.D. Ph.D.

School Purdue University University of Florida Cornell University Ohio State University University of Arkansas Texas A&M University Colorado State University Cornell University Cornell University Harvard University Oklahoma State University Oklahoma State University University of Illinois Kansas State University University of Arkansas Purdue University University of Florida Kansas State University North Carolina State University Colorado State University Michigan State University

Area of Interest Department Head Stress Physiology Ornamental Horticulture Turfgrass Science Vegetable Crops Ornamentals Horticulture/Landscape Maintenance Landscape Architecture Vegetable Crops Landscape Planning & Design Environmental Science Postharvest Physiology Turfgrass Management Pomology Food Science Floriculture Postharvest Physiology1 Landscape Architecture Vegetables2 Floriculture/Ornamentals Pomology

Adjunct faculty located at the South Central Agricultural Research Laboratory (SCARL) Located at the Wes Watkins Agricultural Research and Extension Center

Ornamental Horticulture (Nursery Crops)

Janet Coles research deals with production and utilization of ornamental crops. Long term goals are to Janet Coles research deals with production and utilization of ornamental crops. Long term goals are to develop more economical production practices that maintain optimum plant quality. Water Quality. Various fertilizer and irrigation practices have been investigated to reduce fertilizer contamination in runoff released from nursery production. While reducing chemical contamination in runoff, enough nutrients must be supplied to insure adequate plant growth and quality. Production practices. A number of new products and practices which may make nursery production less labor intensive, more cost effective, or produce better quality plants are being investigated. Disease control. We are investigating chemical and cultural methods of controlling anthracnose in Euonymus fortunei. Current studies are testing effectiveness of several fungicides used alone and in combination in controlling anthracnose. We are also testing the effect of shade and temperature on the incidence of anthracnose in euonymus. Selected Publications: Frost, M.D., J.C. Cole and J.M. Dole. 2002. Fertilizer source affects Fe, Mn, and Zn leaching, nutrient distribution, and geranium growth. J. Plant Nutr. (In press). Frost, M.D., J.C. Cole, J.M. Dole and N.T. Basta. 2002. Media constituents, micronutrient fertilizer source and Ca applications influence Fe, Mn, and Zn leaching. J. Plant Nutr. 25:In press. Cole, J.C. and D.E. Dunn. 2002. Expanded polystyrene as a substitute for perlite in rooting substrate. J. Environ. Hort. 20:7-10. 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. Morvant, J.K., J.M. Dole and J.C. Cole. 2001. Fertilizer source and irrigation system improve geranium growth and nitrogen retention. HortScience 36:1022-1026. Godoy, A. and J.C. Cole. 2000. Phosphorus source affects phosphorus leaching and growth of containerized spirea. HortScience 35:1249-1252. Craig, P.B. and J.C. Cole. 2000. Recycled paper as a growth substrate in container spirea production. HortScience 35:1253-1257. Cole, J.T. and J.C. Cole. 2000. Ornamental grass growth response to three shade intensities. J. Environ. Hort. 18:18-22. Cole, J.C. 1999. Propazine has little effect on growth of several containerized woody plant species. HortTechnology 9:198-202. Cole, J.C., R. Kjelgren and D.L. Hensley. 1998. Field grow fabric containers as an alternative nursery crop production system. HortTechnology 8:159-163. Morvant, J.K., J.M. Dole and J.C. Cole. 1998. Irrigation frequency and system effect poinsettia growth, water use, and run-off. HortScience 33:42-46. Cole, J.T., J.H. Baird, N.T. Basta, R.L. Huhnke, D.E. Storm, G.V. Johnson, M.E. Payton, M.D. Smolen, D.L. Martin and J.C. Cole. 1997. Influence of buffers on pesticide and nutrient runoff from bermudagrass turf. J.

Environ. Qual. 26:1589-1598. Cole, J.C. and J.M. Dole. 1997. Temperature and phosphorus source affect phosphorus retention by a pine bark medium. HortScience 32:236-240.

Floriculture
The Floriculture Research program under John Dole includes a number of projects designed to develop the best cultural and management practices for environmentally neutral production of floriculture crops. Crop Management and New Crop Species Development. Students will be able to concentrate on the development of (1) specialty cut flower production, (2) native species suitable for pot and cut flower production, or (3) flower induction treatments for bulbous plants such as Easter lilies, tulips, and hyacinth. Water Quality. Graduate student programs are developing an integrated approach for producing high quality crops with minimal fertilizer and water inputs and minimal runoff using controlled-release fertilizers, no-leach methods of production and mechanized irrigation systems such as recirculatory flood irrigation, capillary mat, and microtube systems. Selected publications: Dole, J.M., J.C. Cole and S.L. von Broembsen. 1994. Effect of irrigation methods on water use efficiency, nutrient leaching and growth of poinsettias. HortScience 29(8):858-864. Dole, J.M. 1993. Interaction of emergence date and long days after cooling on Easter lily (Lilium longiflorum Thunb.). J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 118:741-746. Bratcher, C.B., J.M. Dole and J.C. Cole. 1993. Stratification improves germination of five native wildflowers. HortScience 28:899-901. Dole, J.M., H.F. Wilkins, and Sharon L. Desborough. 1993. Investigations on the nature of a graft-transmissible agent in poinsettia. Can. J. Bot. 71:1097-1101.

Turfgrass Science
Greg Bell is involved in a variety of research projects focusing on turfgrass physiology and management systems. The climate at Oklahoma State presents unique opportunities to study both warm-season and cool-season grasses. Dr. Bell and Dr. Dennis Martin work closely with several other investigators to provide research that addresses both national and regional turfgrass concerns. Dr. Bell's research investigates connections between basic plant physiology and applied management systems that help turfgrass field practitioners maintain healthy, aesthetically pleasing turf and uniform playing surfaces with minimal environmental impact. Precision Sensing and Variable Rate Technology. The use of nitrogen, phosphorus, and pesticides in the urban environment is an issue of great concern. Precision sensing of turf reflectance and variable rate technology, can be combined to sense the characteristics of a turfgrass stand and apply nutrients or pesticides only to areas where they are actually needed. The system may also be used to map and compare turfgrass areas for early detection of problem situations. Dr. Bell and an interdisciplinary team of researchers combine with private industry to develop precision sensing equipment for crop production and turf. Reducing Nutrient and Pesticide Runoff From Turf. Compared with other plants, turfgrass is a very efficient filter of nutrients and pesticides. However, poor management or unexpected rainfall events can cause the movement of chemicals from turf to surface water. Dr. Bell leads an interdisciplinary research team that built the largest fully automatic turf runoff site in the United States. The site is used to provide information that improves management decisions and to investigate new maintenance techniques that reduce nutrient and pesticide runoff from turf. Managing Turf in Shade. Although some turf species are more tolerant of shade than others, no turf species truly performs well in shade. Dr. Bell is nationally recognized for research concerning turf management in shade.

Bell, G.E., D.L. Martin, M.L. Stone, J.B. Solie, and G.V. Johnson. 2002. Turf area mapping using vehiclemounted optical sensors. Crop Science 42:648-651. Bell, G.E., D.L. Martin, S.G. Wiese, D.D. Dobson, M.W. Smith, M.L. Stone, and J.B. Solie. 2002. Vehiclemounted optical sensing: An objective means for evaluation of turf quality. Crop Science 42:197-201. Bell, G.E., D.L. Martin, S.G. Wiese, and R.M. Kuzmic. 2001. Field evaluation of agricultural sulfur for use on turfgrass under alkaline irrigation. International Turfgrass Society Research Journal 9:363-367. Martin, D.L., G.E. Bell, C.M. Taliaferro, N.A. Tisserat, J.H. Baird, D.D. Dobson, R.M. Kuzmic and J.A. Anderson. 2001. Spring dead spot resistance of inter-specific hybrid bermudagrasses. International Turfgrass Society Research Journal 9:685-688. Martin, D.L., G.E. Bell, J.H. Baird, C.M. Taliaferro, N.A. Tisserat, R.M. Kuzimic, D.D. Dobson, and J.A. Anderson. 2001. Spring dead spot resistance and visual quality of seeded common bermudagrasses under differential mowing heights. Crop Science 41(2):451-456. Bell, G.E., D.L. Martin, and R.M. Kuzmic. 2000. Herbicide Tolerance of Two Cold-Resistant Bermudagrass cultivars determined by both visual assessment and spectral reflectance. Weed Technology 14:635-641. Bell, G.E., T.K. Danneberger, and M.J. McMahon. 1999. Spectral irradiance available for turfgrass growth in sun and shade. Crop Science 40(1):189-195. Bell, G.E., E. Odorizzi, and T.K. Danneberger. 1999. Reducing populations of annual bluegrass and roughstalk bluegrass in creeping bentgrass fairways: A nutritional approach. Weed Technology 13:829-834. Bell, G.E. and T.K. Danneberger. 1999. Temporal shade on creeping bentgrass turf. Crop Science 39(4):11421146. Bell, G.E., M.B. McDonald, Jr., T.K. Danneberger, and S.K. St. Martin. 1998. Sources of variation in computer imaging of electrophetic gels. Crop Science 38(2):523-526. Bell, G.E., T.K. Danneberger, and M.B. McDonald. 1997. Chemical Inhibition of Cool-Season Turfgrass Germination. International Turfgrass Society Symposium, Sidney, Australia. International Turfgrass Society Research Journal 8(1):411-418. Dennis Martin works closely with Greg Bell and other personnel within and outside of the department in a team effort to evaluate turfgrass cultivar performance and develop effective integrated turfgrass management strategies. Integrated Pest Management Strategies for Weed Control in Bermudagrass Roadsides and Rights-of-Way. The turfgrass science program at Oklahoma State University is nationally recognized for its development of improved practices for vegetation management on bermudagrass roadsides and rights-of-way. The program has a long history of interaction cooperation with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration. Two additional full-time field staff members, Lonnie Cargill and Douglas Montgomery, are also currently working in the vegetation management research effort. Turf Bermudagrass Breeding and Turfgrass Performance Evaluation. The turf bermudagrass breeding and evaluation program at Oklahoma State University is nationally recognized for its development of seeded and vegetatively propagated bermudagrasses. Dr. Martin is involved in the field evaluation segment of the turfgrass development effort. Three of the program=s most recently released bermudagrasses are the cold hardy, high quality bermudagrasses >Midlawn= (Reg. No. CV-22) and >Midfield= (Reg. No. C-23), which were cooperative releases with

Kansas State University in 1991, and OKS 91-11 from Oklahoma State University in 1997. Selected Publications Martin, D.L., D.J. Wehner and C.S. Throssell. 1994. Models for Predicting the Lower Limit of the Canopy-Air Temperature Difference of Two Cool Season Grasses. Agron. J. 34(1)192-198. Martin, D.L., D.J. Wehner. 1993. Effect of clipping debris on Kentucky bluegrass canopy temperature. Int. Turfgrass Society Res. J. 7:643-648. Pair, J.C., R.A. Keen, C.M. Taliaferro, D.L. Martin, J.F. Barber, and R.N. Carrow. 1994. Registration of Midfield turf bermudagrass. Crop Sci. 34(1)307. Pair, J.C., R.A. Keen, C.M. Taliaferro, D.L. Martin, J.F. Barber, and R.N. Carrow. 1994. Registration of Midfield turf bermudagrass. Crop Sci. 34(1)306-307. Vegetable Production Systems Lynn Brandenberger serves the needs of commercial vegetable producers throughout the state. His extension program is a cooperative effort with county extension educators and utilizes demonstration work and program presentations concentrating on the cultural aspects of crop production. Cooperative programs are aimed at helping producers to move new information and technologies into the production field. Dr. Brandenbergers research work is targeted at increasing profitability, crop quality and safety. Much of his efforts are involved in identifying improved cultivars through variety trials, determining the safety of Oklahoma produce and identifying and refining new weed control technologies. Refereed Journal Publications Brandenberger, L.P., Wiedenfeld, R.P., and Talbert, R.E. 2002. Effects of Halosulfuron-methyl for Nutsedge Control in Commercial Melon Crops. Weed Technology (in progress). Smart, J.R., Brandenberger, L., and Makus, D. 2001. Cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.) response to sulfentrazone for broadleaf weed control. Journal of Vegetable Crop Production 7 (2): 97-108 . Wiedenfeld, R.P., and Brandenberger, L.P. 2000. Evaluation of a natural fertilizer for vegetable production in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas. Subtropical Plant Science Journal 52: 12-17. Brandenberger, L.P. , Wiedenfeld, R.P., and Minton, B. 1997. Weed control studies on selected vegetable crops in South Texas. Subtropical Plant Science Journal 49: 30-33. Brandenberger, L.P. and Wiedenfeld, R.P. 1997. Physical characteristics of mulches and their impact on crop response and profitability in muskmelon production. HortTechnology 7(2):165-169. Applied Research Reports Brandenberger, L.P. 2001. Authored 14 applied research reports that were included in the 2001 Vegetable Trial Report HORT 02-1. Brandenberger, L.P. 2001. Editor for 2001 Vegetable Weed Control Studies in Oklahoma. MP-162: 49pp. Extension Publications Bolin, P., and Brandenberger, L.P. 2001. Co-editors for Cucurbit Integrated Crop Management. Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service E-853: 90pp.

Brian Kahn conducts research focusing on sustainable cultural and management practices for improved yield and quality of vegetables in Oklahoma. While he is primarily an applied scientist, he also conducts some more basic research, especially studies involving vegetable root systems. The long term goal is to provide knowledge which will support the expansion of a sustainable commercial vegetable industry in Oklahoma. Current areas of emphasis include: Sustainable Pest Management Strategies. A cooperative study with Plant Pathology will determine whether residues of leafy cruciferous greens can be used for soil disinfestation in rotational vegetable cropping systems. Weed control and crop responses will be determined in a no-till watermelon production system using cover crops. Diversification of Oklahoma Vegetable Production. Applied research and cultivar trials are conducted as necessary to provide cultural suggestions to growers. The goal is to expand high-quality production of vegetables that traditionally have been minor crops in Oklahoma, with emphasis on the cole crops and peppers. A FRIP project is underway with the objective of expanding marketing opportunities for Oklahoma leafy greens. Regional studies are conducted with Texas A&M University on improved cultural practices for bell pepper production. Recent Publications Kahn, B.A. and D.I. Leskovar. 2001. A ratoon cropping system for fall bell pepper production. HortScience 36:897-899. Stoffella, P.J. and B.A. Kahn (eds.). 2001. Compost utilization in horticultural cropping systems. Lewis Publishers, Boca Raton, Fla. 414 pages. He, Z., X. Yang, B.A. Kahn, P.J. Stoffella, and D.V. Calvert. 2001. Plant nutrition benefits of phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and micronutrients from compost utilization, p. 307-320. In: P.J. Stoffella and B.A. Kahn (eds.). Compost utilization in horticultural cropping systems. Lewis Publishers, Boca Raton, Fla. Conway, K.E., R. Mereddy, B.A. Kahn, Y. Wu, S.W. Hallgren, and L. Wu. 2001. Beneficial effects of solid matrix chemo-priming in okra. Plant Dis. 85:535-537. Kahn, B.A. and J.L. Schroeder. 1999. Root characteristics and seed yields of cowpeas grown with and without added nitrogen fertilizer. HortScience 34:1238-1239. Schroeder, J.L., B.A. Kahn, and J.Q. Lynd. 1998. Utilization of cowpea crop residues to reduce fertilizer nitrogen inputs with fall broccoli. Crop Sci. 38:741-749. Warren Roberts is involved with fertility and cultural management of vegetables. He is located at the Wes Watkins Agricultural Research and Extension Center. This center, a joint venture between Oklahoma State University and USDA-ARS, was developed to promote applied research in vegetable production. Multidisciplinary teams at the center include horticulturist, soil scientists, entomologists, pathologists, and post-harvest physiologists. Current research emphasis is placed on cucurbits, primarily watermelon and cucumber. Other projects include work with peppers, tomatoes, and cabbage. Projects are based on soil fertility and cultural management practices, and often include studies of interaction of plant diseases, insects, and plant nutrition. Studies are now underway dealing with lycopene content of watermelon, plant density of cucurbits, stand establishment of cucurbits, and interactions between plant cultural management and diseases. Related studies are designed to determine ways to remove these limiting factors. Other projects are underway to determine the value of poultry litter as a soil fertilizer in cucurbit production.

Selected Publications: Perkins-Veazie, P., J. K. Collins, S. D. Pair, and W. Roberts. 2001. Lycopene content differs among redfleshed watermelon cultivars. J. Sci. Food and Agric. 81(10): 983-987. Edelson, J.V., J. Duthie and W. Roberts. 2002. Toxicology of biorational insecticides: Activity against the green peach aphid (Myzus persicae (Sulzer)). Pest Management Science. 58:255-260. Lu, W., J.V. Edelson, J.A. Duthie and B.W. Roberts. (Accepted 2/2002). A comparison of yield between high and low intensity of crop management for three genotypes of watermelon cultivars. HortScience. Roberts, W., J. Duthie, J. Edelson, B. Cartwright, J, Shrefler, N. Roe. 1999. Limitations and Possibilities for Some Conservation Tillage Systems with Vegetable Crops in the Southern Plains of the United States. HortTechnology 9(3): 359-365. Duthie, J.A., Shrefler, J.W., Roberts, B.W., and Edelson, J.V. 1999. Plant density-dependent variation in marketable yield, fruit biomass, and marketable fraction in watermelon. Crop Science 39:406-412. Duthie, J.A., Roberts, B.W., Edelson, J.V., and Shrefler, J.W. 1999. Plant density-dependent variation in density, frequency, and size of watermelon fruits. Crop Science 39:412-417. Plant Stress\ Physiology Jeff Anderson is involved in a number of multidisciplinary research projects dealing with plant responses to environmental stresses. Our primary emphasis is on temperature stress physiology, but projects have also explored aspects of biotic interactions. Long term goals are to understand the events involved in injury and acclimation, leading to improved plant stress resistance. Current projects focus on freeze tolerance of bermudagrass and heat stress resistance of vegetable and flower crops. Selected Publications Anderson, J.A. and C.M. Taliaferro. 2002. Freeze tolerance of seed-producing turf bermudagrasses. Crop Sci. 42:190-192. Redman, P.B., J.M. Dole, N.O. Maness, and J.A. Anderson. 2002. Postharvest handling of nine specialty cut flower species. Sci. Hort. 92:293-303. Anderson, J.A., C.M. Taliaferro, and D.M. Martin. 2002. Freeze tolerance of bermudagrasses: vegetatively propagated cultivars intended for fairway and putting green use, and seed-propagated cultivars. Crop Sci. 42:975-977. Martin, D.L., G.E. Bell, J.H. Baird, C.M. Taliaferro, N.A. Tisserat, R.M. Kuzmic, D.D. Dobson, and J.A. Anderson. 2001. Spring dead spot resistance and quality of seeded bermudagrasses under different mowing heights. Crop Sci. 41:451-456. de los Reyes, B.G., C.M. Taliaferro, M.P. Anderson, J.A. Anderson, U.K. Melcher, and S. McMaugh. 2001. Induced expression of class II chitinase during cold acclimation and dehydration of bermudagrass (Cynodon sp.). Theor. Appl. Genet. 103: 297-306. Martin, D.L., G.E. Bell, J.H. Baird, C.M. Taliaferro, N.A. Tisserat, R.M. Kuzmic, D.D. Dobson, and J.A. Anderson. 2001. Spring dead spot resistance of inter-specific hybrid bermudagrasses. J. of Int. Turf Soc. 9:685-688.

Postharvest Physiology Niels Maness is involved in a number of multidisciplinary research projects dealing with postharvest physiology, new crop development and new use agriculture. In most cases, research projects include harvesting, handling, storage and processing of fruit, nut, vegetable, herb and floricultural crops. Long term goals, involving both fundamental and applied projects, are to develop integrated harvesting and handling systems and new value added processing technologies to assure marketability of Oklahoma horticultural products. New Crop Projects. Vernonia and sage are being evaluated for production potential in Oklahoma. Vernonia is an annual crop from the thistle family, producing valuable and novel oil in the seed. Studies are underway to select superior plants for harvestable seed production, oil content and oil quality. Sage is being evaluated for extraction processing on antioxidants. New harvesting systems have been developed, and studies are underway to select plants for high antioxidant/low off-flavor in extracts. Various analytical techniques (gas-liquid chromatography, high performance liquid chromatography, organic and supercritical fluid extraction, oxygen radical scavenging capacity) are being utilized to evaluate plant products. New Use Agriculture. Projects in biosensor-based variable rate fertilizer application in spinach, investigation of the high capsaicin trait in pepper and systems for lycopene production from watermelon are under investigation. The biosensensor project is a collaborative study with scientists from the Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering department. The primary objective is to develop threshhold values for optimum fertilizer application, to increase uniformity and quality of harvested spinach. In other crops, actual fertilizer application has decreased and yield and plant uniformity has increased in variable rate plots versus conventionally fertilized plots. Studies are also underway to determine the mechanism by which peppers can preferentially produce capsaicin, as opposed to other capsaicinoids, during fruit development. Plant selections which vary in this trait have been identified and studies are planned to assess metabolic differences between high and low capsaicin fruit. Genetic transfer of the high capsaicin trait is being investigated in collaborative studies to evaluate the commercial potential for use of these peppers for extraction processing, with a targeted end use for pharmaceutical applications. Watermelons are under investigation as sources of the nutraceutical lycopene. New systems for lycopene separation from fresh fruit are being developed in collaboration with scientists from the Food and Agricultural Products center. Our objective is to develop an onfarm system for lycopene production which can be adapted for use with late season melons which are currently left to rot in the field. If successful, the project should result in development of a new, alternative market for Oklahoma watermelons. Pecan Processing Systems. Research in pecan partial oil extraction, for increasing shelf life and reducing calorie content, are being pursued. Supercritical carbon dioxide, or liquefied gas, extraction of pecan oils is non-damaging to pecan halves, and provides an environmentally safe processing alternative for pecans and many other food products. Research projects are being initiated to evaluate the cause and potential ways to alleviate opalescence in pecans. Opalescence appears as a darkening and oil soaked interior of the kernel nutmeat, and is thought to be associated with low calcium in high oil pecan kernels. Storage Systems Development. Modified atmosphere packaging is being utilized to develop improved pecan handling and storage systems. Protocols to lengthen shelf life of both reduced-oil and full-oil pecans are being developed. Studies have also been conducted in development of improved storage systems for peach and marigold. Harvesting and Handling Systems. Scientists from Horticulture and Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering have been actively pursuing development of alternate harvesting and handling systems for horticultural crops. Systems are under development of both fresh and processing market applications, of various fruit, vegetable, herb and floricultural crops. Opportunities for multidisciplinary research in these areas are possible. Selected Publications Redmon, P.B., J.M. Dole, N.O. Maness and J.A. Anderson. 2002. Postharvest handling of nine specialty cutflower species. Scientia Horticulturae 92:293-302. Stiegler, J.C., G.E. Bell, N. Maness, M.L. Stone and J.B. Solie. 2002. Chlorophyll and carotenoid influence on

spectral acquisition of reflected radiant energy. Crop Science, submitted. Armstrong, P.R., G.H. Brusewitz, M.L. Stone and N.O. Maness. 2000. Rotary drying for threshing petals from marigold flowers. Trans. Amer. Soc. Agr. Engr. 43:379-384. Anzaldua-Morales, A., G.H. Brusewitz and N.O. Maness. 1999. Moisture content adjustment to modify texture of reduced-oil pecans. J. Food Sci. 63:1067-1069. Kanamangala, R.V., N.O. Maness, M.W. Smith, G.H. Brusewitz, B. Chinta and S. Knight. 1999. Lipid class changes associated with oxidation and development of rancidity in pecans. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 124:389-398. Buser, M.D., M.L. Stone, G.H. Brusewitz, N.O. Maness and D.P. Whitelock. 1999. Thin-layer drying of marigold flowers and flower components for petal removal. Trans. Amer. Soc. Agr. Engr. 42:1367-1373. Hegde, S. and N.O. Maness. 1998. Changes in apparent molecular weight of pectin and hemicellulose extracts during softening of peach fruit. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 123: 445-456. Stone, M.L., P.R. Armstrong, G.H. Brusewitz and N.O. Maness. 1998. Peach firmness prediction by multiple location impulse testing. Trans. Amer. Soc. Agr. Engr. 41:115-119. Russo, V.M., J. Williamson, K. Roberts, J.R. Wright and N. Maness. 1998. Carbon-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to monitor sugars in pith of internodes of a shrunken2 corn at development. HortScience 33:980-983. Mundodi, S.R., J.A. Anderson, N.O. Maness, M.W. Smith, B. Martin, M.L. Pierce and A.J. Mort. 1998. Changes in methanol evolution and pectin methylesterification in resistant and susceptible pepper leaves infected with Xanthomonas-Campestris Pv. Vesicatoria. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 123:980-986. Murrillo, J.A., G.H. Brusewitz and N.O. Maness. 1997. Peach texture during ripening after extended storage. J. Food Qual. 20:61-72. Khan, B.A., J.E. Motes and N.O. Maness. 1997. Use of ethephon as a controlled abscission agent on paprika pepper. HortScience 32:251-255. Hegde, S. and N.O. Maness. 1996. Sugar composition of pectin and hemicellulose extracts of peach fruit during softening over two harvest seasons. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 121:1162-1167. Collins, J.K., C.L. Biles, E.V. Wann, P. Perkins-Veazie and N. Maness. 1996. Flavour qualities of frozen sweetcorn are affected by genotype and blanching. J. Sci. Food Agric. 72:425-429. Alexander, W.S., G.H. Brusewitz and N.O. Maness. 1996. Composition and recovery rate of oil extracted from pecans as affected by temperature, pressure and supercritical carbon dioxide flowrate. J. Food Sci. 62:762-766. Maness, N.O., D. Chrz, T. Pierce and G.H. Brusewitz. 1995. Quantitative extraction of pecan oil from small samples using supercritical carbon dioxide. J. Amer. Oil Chem. Soc. 72: in press. Zhang, X., D. Chen, G.H. Brusewitz, N.O. Maness and M.L. Stone. 1994. Peach firmness determination by puncture resistance, drop impact and sonic impulse. Trans. Amer. Soc. Agr. Engr. 37:495-500. Maness, N.O., D.R. Chrz, S. Hegde and J. Goffreda. 1993. Cell wall changes in ripening peach fruit from cultivars differing in softening rate. Acta Horticulturae 343:200-203. Maness, N.O., G.H. Brusewitz and T.G. McCollum. 1992 Internal variation in peach fruit firmness. HortScience 27:903-905. Book Chapters: A.C. Smith, K.W. Waldron, N.O. Maness, and P. Perkins-Veazie. 2001. Vegetable Texture: Measurement and Structural Implications. In J.A. Bartz and J.K. Brecht (eds.) Postharvest Physiology of Vegetables, 2nd Edition, Marcel Dekker, New York, In press. Maness, N.O. and P. Perkins-Veazie. 2001. Soluble and Storage Carbohydrates. In J.A. Bartz and J.K. Brecht (eds.) Postharvest Physiology of Vegetables, 2nd Edition, Marcel Dekker, New York, In press. Maness, N.O. 2001. Pecan: Postharvest Quality Maintenance Guidelines. In K. Gross, M. Saltveit and C.Y.

Wang (eds.) The Commecial Storage of Fruits, Vegetables, and Florist and Nursery Stocks, 4th Edition, USDA, ARS Agriculture Handbook No. 66. Maness, N.O. 2001. Peanut: Postharvest Qaulity Maintenance Guidelines. In K. Gross, M. Saltveit and C.Y. Wang (eds.) The Commecial Storage of Fruits, Vegetables, and Florist and Nursery Stocks, 4th Edition, USDA, ARS Agriculture Handbook No. 66. Maness, N.O. and D. Richardson. 2001. Filbert: Postharvest Qaulity Maintenance Guidelines. In K. Gross, M. Saltveit and C.Y. Wang (eds.) The Commecial Storage of Fruits, Vegetables, and Florist and Nursery Stocks, 4th Edition, USDA, ARS Agriculture Handbook No. 66.

Pecan Culture and Management Michael Smith is involved in several projects dealing with improving our understanding of pecan physiology, and improving production practices to create environmentally friendly management systems that increase grower profitability. The long term goal of this program is to improve the existing crop management system and develop alternative pecan management systems such that growers can adopt the system that best suits their needs. Several projects involve interdisciplinary teams. His research program deals with pecan management. The major problem associated with pecans is irregular bearing. Pecans are a masting species, a trait that is horticulturally undesirable. His research addresses plant nutrition, fruit thinning, ground cover management, and other strategies to reduce irregular bearing, improve orchard management, or develop low input systems for pecan. The pecan research team, composed of horticulturists, plant pathologist, entomologist, soil scientist, postharvest physiologist, food scientist, meteorologist, and agriculture engineer, at OSU is very active with several joint projects addressing issues from pest and disease management to new uses for pecans are in progress. Below are several refereed publications from his research program. Check out the Pecan Management page (http://www.hortla.okstate.edu/pecan/). Refereed Publications Smith, M. W., M. E. Wolf, B.S. Cheary, and B. L. Carroll. 2001. Allelopathy of bermudagrass, tall fescue, redroot pigweed and cutleaf evening primrose on pecan. HortScience 36:1047-1048. Smith, M.W., B. S. Cheary and B. L. Carroll. 2001. Rootstock and scion affect cold injury of young pecan trees. J. Amer. Pomological Soc. 55:124-128. Smith, M. W., B. S. Cheary, and B.S. Landgraf. 2001. Manganese deficiency in pecan. HortScience 36:10751076. Bell, G.E., D.L. Martin, S.G. Wiese, D.D. Dobson, M.W. Smith, M.L. Stone and J.B. Solie. 2001. Vehiclemounted optical sensing: an objective means for evaluation of turf quality. Crop Sci. 42:197-201. Smith, M.W. 2000. Cultivar and mulch affect cold injury of young pecan trees. J. Amer. Pomological Soc. 54:29-33. Smith, M.W., B.L. Carroll, and B.S. Cheary. 2000. Mulch improves pecan tree growth during orchard establishment. HortScience 35:192-195. Kanamangala, R.V., N. O. Maness, M.W. Smith, G.H. Brusewitz, S. Knight, and B. Chinta. 1999. Reduced

lipid pecans: Chemical alterations and implications for quality maintenance during storage. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 124:389-398. Smith, M.W., B.S. Cheary, and B.L. Carroll. 1999. Growth characteristics of selected pecan rootstocks prior to grafting. Fruit Varieties J. 53:40-48. Wolf, M.E. and M.W. Smith. 1999. Cutleaf evening primrose and palmer amaranth interference with growth of non-bearing pecan trees. HortScience 34:1082-1084. McCraw, B.D. and M.W. Smith. 1998. Root pruning and soil type affect pecan root regeneration. HortTechnology 8:18-20. Rice, N.R., M.W. Smith, R.D. Eikenbary, D. Arnold, W. L. Tedders, B. Wood, B.S. Landgraf, G.G. Taylor, and G.E. Barlow. 1998. Assessment of legume and non-legume ground covers on Coleoptera: Coccinellidae density for low-input pecan management. Amer. J. Alt. Agri. 13: 111-123. Mundodi, S., J.A. Anderson, N.O. Maness, M.W. Smith, B. Martin, M.L. Pierce and A.J. Mort. 1998. Changes in methanol evolution and pectin methylesterification in resistant and susceptible pepper leaves inoculated with Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 123:980-986.

Tree Fruit and Pecan Production Dean McCraw conducts applied research on cultural practices related to production of pecans peaches and wine grapes. The research program focuses on cultural practices leading to improved production efficiency, cultivar adaptability and sustainable management strategies. Peach orchard planting density and training method effects in replant situations. Peach trees are established and trained to perpendicular V system under immediate replant vs. 5-year rotation on two rootstocks. Effects on tree growth and vigor during establishment and on subsequent yield will be evaluated. The study result will be used as a basis for grower recommendations or orchard establishment. Total orchard management systems for peaches Integrated pest management principles including pest monitoring and threshold calculation are imposed on peaches in comparison to conventional management techniques to test the effects on marketable fruit yield. Grape cultivar and rootstock evaluation. Various combinations of wine grape cultivars and rootstocks are compared and evaluated for growth, fruit quality and suitability for wine as well as cropping dependability under OK conditions. Irrigation, fertigation, and pruning treatment effects on pecan trees during establishment. Variable rates of nitrogen applied through irrigation system are applied in conjunction with pruning techniques to compare effects on growth rate and central leader establishment. Publications: Johnson, D.T., R.K. Striegler, B.A. Lewis, B. Boozer, W. Foshee, J. McVay, P. Mulder, D. McCraw, B. Carroll and B. Jervis. 2001. Development and Implementation of a Peach Integrated Pest Management Program in the Southern USA. ACTA Horticulturae, (in press). Johnson, D.T., R.K. Striegler, B.A. Lewis, B. Boozer, W. Foshee, J. McVay, P. Mulder, D. McCraw, B. Carroll and B. Jervis. 2001. Development and Implementation of a Peach Integrated Pest Management Program in the Southern USA. 5th International Peach Symposium. Davis, CA. July, 2001.

Jervis, B., B. D. McCraw and P. Mulder. 2000. Importance of Organophosphate Insecticides in an IPM Based Peach Orchard Management System. HortScience. 35(4):562. Carlson, J. D. and B. D. McCraw. 2000. Field Investigation of temperature patters within Oklahoma Peach orchards. J. American Meteorological Society. In press. McCraw, B. D., E. H. Dean and B. W. Wood, eds. 1999. Pecan Industry: Current and Future Challenges. Third National Pecan Workshop Proceedings. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. 1998-04, 240 pp. McCraw, B. D. and Becky Carroll. 1998. Effect of Berm and Irrigation on Growth of Peach trees During Establishment. HortScience. 33(4):600 McCraw, B. D. and M. W. Smith. 1998. Root Pruning and Soil Type Affect Pecan Root Regeneration. HortTechnology. 8(4):573-575.