Forskning och studier om hamlade träd och lövängar har varit något begränsad p.g.a. att de spår som syns i våra marker endast hyser ett fåtal rester. Förmodligen har landskapet varit rikt på hamlade träd. Under en inventering som pågick mellan 2004–2007 i nordöstra Skåne lokaliserades individer med hamlingsspår samt lövängsrester. Med den som grundmaterial genomfördes en inventering av fyra utvalda lokaler, varav två har ett formellt skydd i form av naturreservat och kulturreservat samt två utan skydd. Samma metod användes. Inventeringen visar att hamling och nyhamling av träd har ökat, främst på de lokaler som har skydd. Dessa lokaler har dessutom en skötselplan som gynnar hävd vilket passar individer med hamlingsspår. Resurser i form av medel och kunskap borde förläggas inom de områden där hamlade träd har störst chans att leva kvar. Reservat ger den möjlighet som ett långsiktigt bevarandearbete kräver, med en skötsel som gynnar de hamlade individerna, framhäver nyhamling samt det biologiska kulturarvet.

Numerous wild bigtooth maple (Acer grandidentatum Nutt.) specimens in northern Utah have potential for use in landscapes, but improvements in selection and propagation need to be developed before these specimens can be introduced to the green industry. Criteria-based evaluations centered on aesthetics, function, and fall color were performed to objectively select superior bigtooth maple specimens. Out of 56 trees initially selected for red fall color, six were selected for propagation based on all three criteria. Five of the six selected trees yielded viable bud take via chip budding. Optimum time for chip budding propagation was determined by four experiments. Coppiced seedling rootstocks were used with the "return budding" of excised buds as scions to parent stock (2006) and grafting buds from wild trees as scions (2007 and 2009). A fourth experiment examined chip budding of wild scions on 2-year-old, containerized, seedling rootstocks. The general time period identified as the optimum time for budding bigtooth maple was July through mid-August. Propagation by cuttings was also explored as an alternative production method among bigtooth maple selections. Softwood cuttings were taken from six selections of wild bigtooth maples grafted on seedling rootstocks growing in a coppiced stool bed environment. Open-ended, black, velour, drawstring bags were placed over the end of pruned shoots at bud swell to initiate etiolation of the cuttings. The bags were left in place during shoot elongation to insure etiolation of the shoot base. Cuttings were harvested after 3 to 4 weeks, wounded, dipped in auxin, and placed on heating mats under an intermittent mist system. Rooting was evaluated on the cuttings after four weeks. Results showed the effects of etiolation to significantly increase the percentage of rooted cuttings and the number of roots per cutting.

A soils infiltration rate (IR) is the measured rate that soil is able to absorb water, either from precipitation or irrigation. A low IR can cause damage to crops if the necessary amount of water cannot penetrate to the plant roots in the time needed. The damage can be common in permanent plantings such as almond and pistachio orchards where regular tillage is avoided. This indicates a physical aspect to the problem because tillage increases IR. However, there is also an electrochemical side to infiltration problems because certain calcium surfactant treatments can increase IR. Various other methods have been used to increase IR such as using cover crops and increasing organic matter. Despite these different approaches to the problem, the specific cause of low IR is often unknown. This study was conducted to determine what physical properties of soils from a site in California cause low IR. This research shows the relationship of these properties to low IR. It was assumed that high amounts of mica in the very fine sand and coarse silt fraction of soils in Northwestern Kern County, California may interact with other physical and chemical properties to reduce IR. Fourteen sites were sampled in the area near the towns of Wasco and Shafter. The soils sampled represented the typical agricultural soils of the area and exhibited three levels of infiltration, Good (no amendments), Moderate (requires gypsum), and Poor (gypsum application is insufficient). Mica percentages in the very fine sand and coarse silt were calculated using a petrographic microscope and compared to the overall IR of the fields. Mica was shown to be significant factor at all three levels of IR.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate three coverings for overwintering twelve varieties of container grown herbaceous perennials under Kentucky conditions. The twelve perennial varieties were started from seed in the spring and had been moved to one gallon containers by fall. In the first week of December, three blocks of containers were covered with one of the following: one layer of 4 mil, milky copolymer; one layer of quarter inch microfoam and one layer of milky copolymer; a sandwich of two layers of milky copolymer with 6 inches of wheat straw between them; the remaining block was left uncovered as a check. The perennials were uncovered in the spring, observed, and evaluated. The single layer of copolymer and the microfoam and copolymer treatments had the most new growth. The growth under the copolymer and straw sandwich method was elongated and white. Only three containers in the uncovered treatment showed signs of regrowth. The microfoam and copolymer and the single layer of milky copolymer proved to be the best coverings for the over - wintering container grown herbaceous perennials in Kentucky.

A comparison of the relationship of fermentation to chemical composition was made for forages which were wilted and ensiled at 35 to 45 percent dry matter. Trial I consisted of three forages ensiled in October, 1981: interseeded soybeans and grain sorghum. whole plant corn with added anhydrous ammonia, and whole plant corn with shelled corn added at a rate of 150 kg/t of fresh forage. Trial II consisted of two forages ensiled in 1982: interseeded soybeans and pearlmillet, and wheat. Temperatures of fermentation were collected, and chemical composition during the first 25 days of fermentation analyzed. Production data were also collected in Trial I. The cash expenses and yields do not indicate a significant advantage to either crop in this study in terms of yields and return over variables. In terms of plant nutrient content there was an advantage for soybean/grain sorgum silage in protein yield of 854 kilograms per hectare as compared to whole plant corn silage. Temperature data collected on the forages in Trial I covered 57 days from October 8 through December 4. The maximum recorded temperatures for soybean/grain sorghum, corn silage with added anhydrous ammonia and the corn silage control were 37, 37, and 24 degrees Celcius. achieved by day 11, 4, and 11 of ensilement respectively. The rapid temperature increase for material treated with anhydrous ammonia confirmed previous reports. Small fluctuations occurred in silage temperatures but these were not correlated to ambient temperature. Temperatures declined very slowly in all forages, with the lowest reading for silages by day 57 recorded at 19 C for soybean/grain sorghum silage. Ambient temperature was not reached in the ensiled mass during the 57 day period in which data were recorded. The soybean/pearlmillet ensiled in Trial II quickly reached a high peak temperature of 44 C at 4 days of ensilement, gradually decreasing over a 57 day period to 35 degrees on October 19. The silage did not reach a desireable pH. Initial forage pH was high, 7.4, dropped rapidly to 5.1 on day 5, but did not decline further in succeeding samples. Samples were low in lactic acid and high in acetic acid content. Initial buffering capacities for both of the soybean mixture forages were considerably higher than the other forage materials. Buffering capacities at day 0 for whole plant corn, whole plant corn treated with anhydrous ammonia, soybean/grain sorghum, soybean/pearlmillet and wheat forages IA ere 19.4, 20.0, 35.3, 35.3. 38.6 and 22.2 milliequivalents/100 g of dry matter respectively. Increases in buffering capacities during fermentation were smaller for soybean/grain sorgum and soybean/pearlmillet . Buffering capacity increases for the forages were 133.5, 290.5, 69.1, 64.2 and 87.4%. High ammonia nitrogen levels were found in samples of whole plant corn silage with added anhydrous ammonia obtained on days 10 and 20 of ensilement. These contained .282 and .351% ammonia-nitrogen and tested 18.0 and 20.1% crude protein. The increase in buffering capacity which occurrs with addition of anhydrous ammonia was confirmed by the higher acetic acid and pH levels, with corresponding decreases in lactic acid from samples taken days 10 and 25. Crude protein levels were 17.9 and 17.4 percent while the other samples contained only 10-12% crude protein. It appeared that application of anhydrous ammonia was not uniform throughout the silage. Where high concentrations of ammonia occurred fermentation was prolonged as indicated by excessive amounts of lactic and acetic acids and a high pH in these samples. Values for L(+) lactic acid ranged from .2 to .523 in fresh forage to 5.66% of dry matter on day 25. Concentrations of ammonia-nitrogen in the other silages ranged from .061 to .131%. The low buffering capacity of whole plant corn silage was reflected by normal concentrations of lactate and acetate but a more acidic pH when compared to the other forages. Lactic and acetic acid production for soybean/grain sorghum silage was similar to that of the corn silage control. Corn silage pH was lower, however, throughout fermentation and reached a stable pH by day 5 of fermentation. The wheat silage went through a gradual fermentation with low lactic acid production, and an intermediary ending pH of 4.0. Fermentation was essentially complete by day 10 in all silages as indicated by pH, buffering capacity, and lactic acid production: however, there was a tendency for buffering capacity and acetic acid content to increase in all of the ensiled materials throughout the 25 day collection period.

Peppers (Capsicum) are a valuable commodity throughout the world. They provide food, coloring additives, vitamins, and ornamental aesthetics. Peppers can be grown in many different areas of the world and their success is based on variety selection. Breeding cultivars for superior performance is critical to success. Recent consumer desire for less chemical use throughout the growing process has resulted in new cultivar developments.. The objective of this research was to investigate how cultivar and type affect the yield and weight of field grown peppers. This study provides valuable information for growers in determining which cultivars are suitable for production in Kentucky. The research was conducted at the Western Kentucky University Agriculture Research and Education Complex in Bowling Green, Kentucky in 2016. Plants were provided by Ball Horticultural and Pan American Seed, Elburn, Illinois. The experimental design was a random design, with a 12 plant experimental unit consisting of four three plant rows. Thirty-six cultivars were divided into groups based on the type of pepper produced. Harvest occurred approximately every 7 days and were grouped into 3 periods. Data were obtained on yield, weight, and mean weight. Individual group selection is determined by the producers and their goals for production. There were wide differences in the types of peppers, including size, shape, and color. When comparing all groups, two of the thirty six cultivars, Cultivar 23 (Tapered) and Cultivar 34 (Chili) performed best for both yield and mean weight.

New soybean lines have been developed with significantly higher oil, protein + oil and higher meal protein. These soybeans contain a VgD1 gene (highly active acyl-CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase, DGAT from Vernonia galamensis (VgDGAT1A) produces much higher oil synthesis and accumulation activity in soybean. Soybean with active DGAT from Vernonia galamensis (VgDGAT1A) has active TAG biosynthesis relative to other DGATs including from soybeans and Arabidopsis. DGATs catalyze the final step of TAG synthesis: DAG (diacylglycerol) + acyl-CoA → TAG + CoASH (Coenzyme A is notable for its role in the synthesis and oxidation of fatty acids, and the oxidation of pyruvate in the citric acid cycle). A thorough analysis of the major components in VgD1 lines, especially those of nutritional or anti-nutritional value including what else changed (decreased); and what remained at normal levels was conducted. A field study was conducted in Spindletop and Princeton KY, reviled no reduction in yield nor protein, and about 4 % (DW) more oil was obtained in Princeton and 2% (DW) in Spindeltop. No consistent reduction in the other seed composition.VgDGAT1A soybean lines indicated noticeably early maturation compared to the parental line. This is associated with higher expression of the flowering genes FT2 (FLOWERING LOCUS T2) and FT5 (FLOWERING LOCUS T5), for the high oil lines. A single recessive mutation in soybean (MIPS) myo-inositol 1-phosphate synthase, confers a seed phenotype of increase inorganic phosphate (Pi) crossed with high oil lines expressing a DGAT from Vernonia galamensis (VgDGAT1A) (VgD). The oil and protein were maintained compart to VgD. VgD X MIPS (VM), had 21.2, and 22 % oil in 2015, and 23.3 and 24.0 oil in 2016, and protein 46, 49 in 2015, and 37 and 39 % in 2016. Phosphate results suggesting the cross MV is still segregating for MIPS and more selection and planting are needed. Measurement of seed phosphate levels is an established technique for screening for low phytate mutants but to date, it has not been performed non-destructively from single soybean seeds. A protocol was developed greatly reducing the sample size thereby reducing the cost and time and saving a generation in the selection of low phytate mutant seeds based on the high Pi phenotype. Genotyping single seeds are useful in breeding and genetics while maintaining high germination rates. Nondestructive single-seed genomic DNA extraction protocols using 12 mg cotyledon tissue with a modified cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) technique and a commercial seed DNA extraction kit using 1 mg cotyledon tissue were developed for dry soybean seeds and cross-verified with leaf DNA analysis.

The water that is available for beneficial use in Utah is quickly approaching full appropriation; water that has been claimed is nearing the amount that is available for use. The Division of Water Resources of the State of Utah has organized a three-part plan to "Plan, Conserve, Develop and Protect Utah's Water Resources." One of these three elements has a focus to "provide comprehensive water planning." Such planning is best achieved when current and accurate data on the uses of the state's water are available. The primary purpose of this thesis was to provide an evaluation, from data collected on various case studies across the state, on the accuracy of water rights information. The studies were selected based on land that had recently been developed from agricultural usage to residential, commercial, or other municipal uses. After identifying the accuracy of the water rights information, observations to the methods of recording water right transfers were made. A template to summarize a municipality's water rights will also be made available.

The spread of invasive weeds continues to be a serious economic and environmental threat. Weed prevention has the potential to stop weeds before they become well established in an area conserving time, energy, and resources. Unfortunately, weed prevention is often overlooked. Weed Prevention Areas (WPAs) are a relatively new tool developed to help improve the application of weed prevention. They are cooperatively managed areas that focus on implementing prevention and early detection strategies at a community level. The purpose of this research was to establish baseline data that will be used to evaluate the overall effectiveness of the WPA concept, as well as to produce materials to assist individuals with the development of a WPA. Two rural communities, with new WPAs, were each paired with a non-WPA community for data collection purposes. On-the-ground GPS vegetation inventories were conducted to determine the initial abundance and distribution of selected invasive weed species. This information was then used to demonstrate how to prioritize species and sites within a WPA in order to utilize limited resources more efficiently. A mail-back survey was also conducted to evaluate landowners' current opinions and activities in regards to prevention and control. In general, weed prevention was viewed as an important part of integrated weed management, but fewer than half of all respondents applied prevention strategies on their property. The failure to implement prevention strategies was attributed to limited funding and resources, a lack of weed prevention knowledge, and a high level of perceived risk. The knowledge gained from this research was then used to create Step-By-Step Guidelines for Establishing a Weed Prevention Area. These Guidelines provide interested individuals the resources necessary to successfully organize a WPA in their community. In addition, four wildland weed mapping methods were evaluated to identify their strengths and weaknesses. There was no difference in the estimation of patch size or location between the buffered point, screen-drawn, and perimeter walked methods. In most situations, time and distance factors favor the selection of either the buffered point or screen-drawn method. If patch shape is an important consideration, the perimeter-walked or buffered point method should be selected.

Field and labratory studies were conducted to determine the efficacy of saflufenacil alone and with mixture partners for burndown. Field studies were conducted in 2009 and 2010 to evaluate saflufenacil in mixtures with glyphosate, glufosinate, or paraquat for control of glyphosate-resistant (GR) horseweed prior to planting cotton. Saflufenacil and saflufenacil mixtures were applied 7 days before planting (DBP). Saflufenacil at 25 and 50 g ai ha-1 in mixture with all three non-selective herbicides provided similar GR horseweed control when compared to the current standard of glyphosate plus dicamba. Control of GR horseweed was also not different at the 25 and 50 g ai ha-1 of saflufenacil across all mixtures from the standard of glyphosate plus dicamba. Laboratory studies were initiated to determine the uptake and translocation of saflufenacil alone and when mixed with glyphosate and paraquat. It was found that glyphosate plus saflufenacil had a greater absorption of saflufenacil at 2 and 8 HAT. By 24 HAT there were not any differences between the amount of saflufenacil absorbed into GR horseweed between treatments. Translocation data also confirmed that the majority of saflufenacil stayed in the treated leaf at 72 HAT.