Browsing by Author "Samtani, Jayesh B."
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- 2014 Commercial Vegetable Production RecommendationsReiter, Mark S.; Rideout, Steven L.; Kuhar, Thomas P.; Wilson, Henry P.; Parkhurst, James A.; Straw, Allen; Samtani, Jayesh B.; Gu, Ganyu; Mullins, Chris; Hines, Thomas E.; Waldenmaier, Christine M.; Doughty, Hélène; Mason, John E.; Freeman, Josh H. (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2014-02-19)New varieties and strains of vegetables are constantly being developed throughout the world and it is impossible to list and describe all of them, only those that are available and are adapted to the mid-Atlantic region are listed in this publication. The ultimate value of a variety for a particular purpose is determined by the grower: performance under his or her management adaptation to specific environmental conditions, and having desired horticultural characteristics.
- Comparative Leaf Phenology of White Oak and Northern Red OakSamtani, Jayesh B.; Appleby, James E.; Masiunas, John B. (MDPI, 2015-12-10)In the landscape, loss of interveinal tissue in developing leaves (leaf tatters) is common for white oak (Quercus alba L.), but not northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.). Previous research identified the cause of leaf tatters, as exposure of unfolding leaves, to low concentrations of chloroacetanilide herbicides. Both white oak and northern red oak were injured by these herbicides at the leaf unfolding stage. Reports from landowners suggest white oak is injured more often than red oak, leading us to theorize that white and northern red oak leaves emerge at different times, and white oaks were more likely to be at the leaf unfolding stage when chloroacetanilide herbicides are applied. A study of comparative leaf phenology of white and northern red oak was done at three sites in Urbana, IL. Identifying oak pairs was challenging, and at each location, four to six paired mature white oak and northern red oak trees were used to observe phenological events. Key development stages (swollen bud, leaf unfolding, or fully expanded leaf stages) were considered to have occurred when reached by greater than 50% of the canopy. Northern red oak expanded leaf stage occurred earlier when compared to white oak. Time between phenological events was similar for both species. Although northern red oak leaves emerged earlier, there was a range of emergence times within short distances. Difference between locations illustrates the problem in predicting tree phenology even among populations a few kilometers apart. Leaf phenology alone does not explain leaf tatters, and other factors including distribution differences in oak species must explain landowner observations of tree injury. There was a strong correlation between growth phases of the two oak species with cumulative growing degree days, cumulative rainfall, and day length.
- Does Position in Cantaloupe (Cucumis melo L.) Fruit Affect Seed Quality?Mueller, Kale E.; Welbaum, Gregory E.; Samtani, Jayesh B.; Lavis, Cathie (Virginia Tech, 2021-05-17)Effects of the location of seed development inside cantaloupe (Cucumis melo L.) fruit on seed germination percentage and vigor was compared for two Western Shipper cantaloupe cultivars (‘Ropey King’ and ‘Expedition’). Mean time to germination (MTG), as (NiTi )/ (Ni) where Ni is the number of newly germinated seeds at time Ti after imbibition was calculated as a measure of seed vigor. Fruit was grown in Woodland, CA, in a randomized complete block design, consisting of 4 blocks (i.e., replicates). Melons were harvested at the full slip stage of maturity and were measured and sliced into six equal sections (blossom end top, blossom end bottom, middle top, middle bottom, stem end top, and stem end bottom). Harvested seed was equally divided for germination testing without drying immediately after harvest (no seed storage, NSS), and after 6 months of seed storage (6MSS) of dried seeds. 6MSS was stored in a cold temperature-controlled (3.33°C, 35% relative humidity) refrigerator in sealed containers for six months, so moisture content did not fluctuate. Both cultivars showed improved germination percentage after 6MSS. Moreover, the 6MSS of both cultivars resulted in significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) germination percentages in the stem end and middle sections of both cultivars. In contrast, MTG increased after 6MSS compared to NSS possibly because of differences in hydration. However, after 6MSS seeds from the stem end and middle fruit sections of both cultivars germinated faster (P ≤ 0.05) compared to seed from the blossom end indicating the most vigorous seeds developed in those sections.
- Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) (Diptera: Drosphilidae): Risk Assessment For An Invasive Vinegar Fly In Virginia VineyardsShrader, Meredith Edana (Virginia Tech, 2017-06-22)Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) (Diptera: Drosophila) is an invasive frugivore and has become a significant pest of small fruit, cherry and grape throughout the United States. It may be possible to determine if a Virginia vineyard is at risk of D. suzukii infestation by analyzing the biotic and abiotic factors around each vineyard. This pest is known to utilize a wide range of cultivated and wild host plants. A host plant survey was conducted at four vineyards in the Piedmont Region of Virginia to identify hosts used by D. suzukii around vineyards. The seasonal availability of host plants and adult emergence from them were tracked. Six host plant species of D. suzukii were identified, some available season-long. Monitoring D. suzukii in cultivated crops is crucial for the timing of spray applications. Homemade and commercially available baits and traps were deployed in two vineyards to determine the efficacy and selectivity towards D. suzukii. The homemade and commercially available baits that contained red wine caught the most D. suzukii, but none were exclusively attractive to D. suzukii. Wine grape susceptibility was assessed in laboratory choice and no-choice ovipositional bioassays. Ovipositional susceptibility was determined by measuring the physiological and morphological parameters using six wine grape varieties. More eggs were laid in grapes as penetration force decreased. Penetration force and not skin thickness was the limiting factor for oviposition. Survivorship of eggs laid in intact grapes was analyzed and survivorship to adulthood was dependent upon variety and survivorship usually exceeded 9% survival seen in previous studies. Larval developmental parameters of D. suzukii were affected by grape variety and the density of Z. indianus. D. suzukii mortality was increased in most cases when in competition with Z. indianus, but was less pronounced when reared in Viognier grapes. My Z. indianus oviposition study demonstrated that they will follow injury created by D. suzukii, and then the Z. indianus larvae may outcompete D. suzukii within the berries. These studies greatly improved our understanding of D. suzukii biology and ecology in Virginia vineyards.
- Evaluation of Blackberry Varieties in VirginiaConway, Mikel Ann; Samtani, Jayesh B. (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2016-10-07)Several varieties of blackberries (Rubus spp.) at several Virginia farms were evaluated for crop yield quantity and quality.
- 'Flavorfest' StrawberryLewers, Kim S.; Castro, Patricia R.; Enns, John M.; Hokanson, Stan C.; Galletta, Gene J.; Handley, David T.; Jamieson, Andrew R.; Newell, Michael J.; Samtani, Jayesh B.; Flanagan, Roy D.; Smith, Barbara J.; Snyder, John C.; Strang, John G.; Wright, Shawn R.; Weber, Courtney A. (2017-11)
- Frost/Freeze Protection in StrawberrySamtani, Jayesh B. (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2018-08-27)Discusses ways to protect strawberry plants from frost and freeze conditions.
- Fruit Quality of Several Strawberry Cultivars during the Harvest Season under High Tunnel and Open Field EnvironmentsPatel, Hiral; Taghavi, Toktam; Samtani, Jayesh B. (MDPI, 2023-09-28)Parameters such as titratable acids (TA), total soluble solids (TSS), and their ratio (TSS/TA) are critical in determining strawberry fruit quality and the value of new cultivars. Ten strawberry cultivars were evaluated in two environments (open field and high tunnel) in the city of Virginia Beach. The objective was to evaluate the fruit quality characteristics (total soluble solids, titratable acidity TA, and total anthocyanin content) of newer strawberry cultivars grown in the annual hill plasticulture systems in coastal Virginia climatic conditions. Another objective was to measure the correlation between TA and a new digital meter (pocket acidity meter; PAM). Fruits were harvested weekly and TSS was measured using a refractometer. Acidity was measured using the pocket acidity meter and titratable acidity by a single sample titrimeter. Genetics significantly affected total anthocyanin content, TSS, TA, and acidity. The effect of the environments (high tunnel and open field) was not significant on TSS but significant on total anthocyanin content, TA, and acidity. “Flavorfest” had the highest and “Sweet Ann” the lowest anthocyanin content, TSS, and TA among the cultivars. The acidity (PAM data) showed a different level of correlation than TA, with a higher correlation for the open field than the high tunnel. On average, when outliers were removed, there was a regression of TA = 2.22(PAM) + 0.49 between the two data sets, with R2 = 0.47.
- Host-Parasitoid Interactions of Two Invasive Drosophilids in Virginia Fruit CropsWahls, James Charles Edgar (Virginia Tech, 2017-05-18)1.) Sentinel traps were used to survey for parasitoids of frugivorous drosophilids in Virginia fruit cropping systems, and determine if parasitoids were attacking invasive flies Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) and Zaprionus indianus Gupta (Diptera: Drosophilidae) in the field. Two parasitoids of frugivorous drosophilids, Leptopilina boulardi (Barbotin, Carton, and Kelner-Pillault) (Hymenoptera: Figitidae) and Pachycrepoideus vindemiae (Rondani) (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae), were reared, but only one P. vindemiae was reared from D. suzukii, and no parasitoids were reared from Z. indianus. Most parasitoids were reared from alternate host Drosophila melanogaster Meigen and other wild drosophilids. 2.) The ability of these parasitoids to attack D. melanogaster, D. suzukii and Z. indianus under controlled conditions was tested. Larval parasitoid L. boulardi did not develop on D. suzukii or Z. indianus, just D. melanogaster. Pupal parasitoid P. vindemiae successfully developed on all three fly species, but also increased pupal fly mortality. 3.) Olfactometry was used to ascertain if L. boulardi and P. vindemiae are selective about the type of fruit their hosts feed in. Results showed that among cherry, raspberry, blueberry, grape, and banana, L. boulardi preferred raspberry and banana to cherry, and preferred grape least, but no fruit was most preferred. Insufficient data were obtained for P. vindemiae. We conclude that parasitoids of Virginia are unlikely to provide effective biological control for D. suzukii or Z. indianus, and classical biological control should be investigated as a pest management option. Olfactometry results indicate tritrophic selectivity by Drosophila parasitoids, suggesting multiple parasitoids could be required for effective biological control.
- 'Liz' and 'Rocco' StrawberriesFernandez, Gina; Pattison, Jeremy; Perkins-Veazie, Penelope; Ballington, James R.; Clevinger, Elizabeth M.; Schiavone, Rocco; Gu, Sanjun; Samtani, Jayesh B.; Vinson, Edgar; McWhirt, Amanda; Chacon, Jose Guillermo (2020-04)‘Liz’ and ‘Rocco’ are new short-day (June-bearing) strawberry (Fragaria ×ananassa Duch. ex Rozier) cultivars from the North Carolina State University strawberry breeding program in Raleigh, NC. The most outstanding characteristic of ‘Liz’ is its consistently high yields. Total and marketable yields of ‘Liz’ were higher than those of other cultivars tested most years in our trials in North Carolina. Firmness of ‘Liz’ is comparable to ‘Camarosa’. Because of its consistent high yields and moderate firmness, ‘Liz’ can be considered an alternative to ‘Camarosa’. The most outstanding characteristics of ‘Rocco’ are its early season ripening and high soluble solids content. Total yield of ‘Rocco’ is higher than that of ‘Sweet Charlie’ and comparable to cultivars that ripen later in the season. ‘Rocco’ should be considered an alternative to ‘Sweet Charlie’ for early production. U.S. Plant Patents have been submitted for ‘Liz’ and ‘Rocco’.
- A Longer Marketing Life for Blackberry and Raspberry FruitSamtani, Jayesh B.; Kushad, Mosbah M. (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2015-05-11)Discusses how to improve shelf life of blackberries and raspberries by choice of cultivars for fruits that are firm and have tough skin, harvest time, harvest time, packing, grading, transportation, and handling.
- Mid-Atlantic Commercial Vegetable Production Recommendations, 2016-2017Arancibia, R. A.; Reiter, Mark S.; Rideout, Steven L.; Kuhar, Thomas P.; Strawn, Laura K.; Cahoon, Charlie; Parkhurst, James A.; Langston, David B.; Straw, Allen; Samtani, Jayesh B. (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2017-03-06)Provides current information for the commercial vegetable grower to assist in managerial choices about vegetable varieties, pesticides, equipment, irrigation, fertilizer, and cultural practices.
- Mid-Atlantic Commercial Vegetable Production Recommendations, 2018Arancibia, R. A.; Cahoon, Charlie; Kuhar, Thomas P.; Langston, David B.; Parkhurst, James A.; Reiter, Mark S.; Rideout, Steven L.; Samtani, Jayesh B.; Straw, Allen; Strawn, Laura K. (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2018-02-09)Provides current information for the commercial vegetable grower to assist in managerial choices about vegetable varieties, pesticides, equipment, irrigation, fertilizer, and cultural practices.
- Mid-Atlantic Commercial Vegetable Production Recommendations, 2019Arancibia, R. A.; Kuhar, Thomas P.; Langston, David B.; Reiter, Mark S.; Rideout, Steven L.; Samtani, Jayesh B.; Strawn, Laura K.; Reiter, Scott; Doughty, Hélène (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2019-01-25)Provides current information for commercial vegetable growers to assist in choices about vegetable varieties, pesticides, equipment, irrigation, fertilizer, and cultural practices.
- Mixed Infection of Strawberry Mottle Virus and Strawberry Mild Yellow Edge Virus in the Southeastern United StatesSamtani, Jayesh B.; Johnson, Charles S.; Flanagan, Roy III; Starke, Keith; Poling, Barclay; Martin, Robert (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2017-10-25)More than 30 viruses and phytoplasmas are known to affect the genus Fragaria. Multiple viruses infecting strawberries (Fragaria xananassa Duch.) can severely affect plant productivity and reduce fruit quality. Complexes of viruses or mixed virus infections in strawberries in an annual production system were not identified in the southeastern United States prior to fall 2012. Within four to six weeks of transplanting strawberries in the fall of 2012 for annual plasticulture production, many growers in Virginia noticed some loss of crop stand and plants that exhibited yellowing along the leaf margins of several younger leaves (as seen in figs. 1 and 2). In some plants, these symptoms progressed to marginal necrosis.
- New Insights in the Detection and Management of Anthracnose Diseases in StrawberriesAljawasim, Baker D.; Samtani, Jayesh B.; Rahman, Mahfuzur (MDPI, 2023-10-27)Anthracnose diseases, caused by Colletotrichum spp., are considered to be among the most destructive diseases that have a significant impact on the global production of strawberries. These diseases alone can cause up to 70% yield loss in North America. Colletotrichum spp. causes several disease symptoms on strawberry plants, including root, fruit, and crown rot, lesions on petioles and runners, and irregular black spots on the leaf. In many cases, a lower level of infection on foliage remains non-symptomatic (quiescent), posing a challenge to growers as these plants can be a significant source of inoculum for the fruiting field. Reliable detection methods for quiescent infection should play an important role in preventing infected plants’ entry into the production system or guiding growers to take appropriate preventative measures to control the disease. This review aims to examine both conventional and emerging approaches for detecting anthracnose disease in the early stages of the disease cycle, with a focus on newly emerging techniques such as remote sensing, especially using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) equipped with multispectral sensors. Further, we focused on the acutatum species complex, including the latest taxonomy, the complex life cycle, and the epidemiology of the disease. Additionally, we highlighted the extensive spectrum of management techniques against anthracnose diseases on strawberries and their challenges, with a special focus on new emerging sustainable management techniques that can be utilized in organic strawberry systems.
- On-farm Evaluation of Strawberry Cultivars in Coastal VirginiaFlanagan, Roy; Samtani, Jayesh B.; Manchester, Mikel Ann; Romelczyk, Stephanie; Johnson, Charles S.; Lawrence, Watson; Pattison, Jeremy (American Society for Horticultural Science, 2020-12)Strawberries (Fragaria ananassa) are one of the major high-value crops in North America. There is increasing interest in commercial strawberry production for local markets in Virginia and surrounding states, but information on the performance of newer cultivars is extremely limited. We tested 10 commercially available June-bearing cultivars [Benicia, Camarosa, Camino Real, Chandler, Strawberry Festival, Flavorfest, FL Radiance, Treasure, Sweet Charlie, and WinterstarTM (FL 05-107)] and two day-neutral cultivars (Albion and San Andreas) for their spring and summer fruiting capacity in Virginia production systems in a randomized, replicated study, at three on-farm locations. Data were collected on vegetative growth, yield performance, fruit quality, sweetness, and fruit diameter. Cultivars with the highest total yields averaged across all three locations were Benicia, Camino Real, Chandler, and Camarosa. ‘Camino Real’ had the highest marketable yield at all three locations, not significantly different from ‘Chandler’, and ‘Benicia’ and ‘Camarosa’ had the highest marketable yield at two of the three locations. ‘Flavorfest’ and ‘Sweet Charlie’ had the highest total soluble solids concentration for the harvest season. Overall, for all locations, ‘Benicia’ and ‘Camino Real’ had the largest fruit diameter, and ‘Strawberry Festival’ had the smallest fruit diameter.
- A Potential Application of Endophytic Bacteria in Strawberry ProductionMei, Chuansheng; Amaradasa, B. Sajeewa; Chretien, Robert L.; Liu, Danyang; Snead, George; Samtani, Jayesh B.; Lowman, Scott (MDPI, 2021-11-18)Endophytic bacteria could be used as a tool to promote plant growth, enhance abiotic stress tolerance, and inhibit plant pathogen growth. More than 100 bacteria, previously tested to have biocontrol activity against fungal pathogens from our lab, were chosen for pathogen inhibition in vitro with antibiosis assays against strawberry specific pathogens. Three potential endophytic bacteria were tested in the greenhouse for disease reduction and growth performance. Finally, field trials were conducted for fruit yield production. Our results showed that three endophytic bacteria significantly inhibited the growth of the strawberry pathogen Colletotrichum gloeosporioides from antibiosis assays and were identified as Bacillus velezensis strains IALR308, IALR585, and IALR619. Inoculation of these bacteria significantly reduced strawberry disease in greenhouse conditions with pathogen infection. Field trials showed that IALR619 has potential to influence marketable fruit yield when strawberry plants were inoculated twice over the growing season. All three bacteria had the ability to produce auxin and to solubilize phosphate. The antibiotics surfactin and iturin were also detected in IALR585 and IALR619. In conclusion, Bacillus velezensis IALR619 has potential inhibition of strawberry pathogen growth in the greenhouse and possible ability to increase marketable fruit yield in the field.
- Shoppers Guide for Berry Plants in the Mid-Atlantic and the CarolinasLandis, Zachary; Samtani, Jayesh B. (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2017-09-22)Provides information about nurseries that specialize in blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and strawberries. Notes whether these nurseries are wholesale or retail, how they ship plants, and other business policies.
- Small Fruit in the Home GardenSamtani, Jayesh B.; Rafie, Reza; Wolf, Tony Kenneth, 1956- (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2016-09-26)This document provides information about small fruit crops for the home garden, including grapes, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries and strawberries. Provides information about where these plants should be located, types of soil, maintenance, pruning, and harvesting.