Master of Science / Department of Horticulture, Forestry, and Recreation Resources / Steven Keeley / Common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale Weber) is an important perennial weed in turfgrass. Fall is considered the optimal time for postemergence herbicidal control of dandelions; however, applications in spring, when volatility damage to surrounding plants is an additional concern, are often needed. Therefore, we conducted research to determine the volatility of common broadleaf herbicides, and their efficacy when applied at spring and fall application timings. Volatility was determined by applying herbicides to turfgrass and using potted tomatoes as indicator plants. Tomatoes exposed to turfgrass treated with Trimec Classic, Confront, Surge, Escalade 2, and Imprelis exhibited little or no volatility damage, while exposure to Speedzone, 4 Speed XT, and Cool Power caused significant damage. In general, herbicides causing little or no damage were amine formulations. Two field studies determined the effect of spring and fall application timing on dandelion control with several herbicides. Herbicide applications in the spring coincided with dandelion anthesis stages: pre-bloom, peak bloom, and post-bloom. Results were dependent on dandelion pressure in the studies. In 2010, with lower pressure, there were no differences among herbicides at any spring timing when dandelion control was evaluated after one year; all herbicides gave ≥ 80% control. In 2011, with higher dandelion pressure, Imprelis SL and 4 Speed XT provided ≥ 96% dandelion control at the spring pre- and post-bloom timings, which was better than Surge, Escalade 2, Cool Power, and Confront. The best choices for spring efficacy combined with minimal to no volatility were Escalade 2 and Trimec Classic. Finally, because interest in organic dandelion control is increasing, we compared several organic weed control tactics with a conventional herbicide. In a two-year field study, the conventional herbicide gave much better control (> 96%) than any organic method. Horticultural vinegar corn gluten meal, and fertilizer-only gave < 25% control, while hand-weeding gave 58 to 71% control. While hand-weeding was the best of the organic tactics, the time required was considered prohibitive for turfgrass managers, unless initial weed levels were very low.

Denna undersökning diskuterar virtual reality (VR) spel i förhållande till lärande och underhållning. Gestaltningen kommer ske genom det existerande spelet GROW’em från företaget Okay Games där vi undersökte effekten av virtual reality på lärande i just spel. Målet är att förse spelaren med engagerande uppgifter för att sköta ett växthus tillsammans med lekfulla VR-interaktioner och möjligheten att kunna påverka den egna omgivningen. Syftet är att spelaren ska lära sig om genuin flora och kanske en dag framöver byta ut sin virtuella växt till en riktig planta. Med denna undersökningen vill vi lyfta fram spel och virtual reality som ett verktyg för lärande, där kroppens del i lärandet syftar på hur inlärning sker genom ens handlingar. / This study discusses virtual reality (VR) games in relation to learning and entertainment. The digital portrayal will take place through the existing game GROW’em from the company Okay Games, where we examined how the effect on learning in a virtual reality game. The goal is to provide the player with engaging tasks in order to manage their greenhouse together with playful VR-interactions and the ability to influence their own environment. The purpose is for the player to learn about genuine flora and maybe one day replace their virtual plant with an actual plant. With this study we want to highlight games and virtual reality as a tool for learning, where the body's part in learning refers to how learning takes place through one's actions.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-08-10T10:50:13Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 KARLA KELLEM DE LIMA.pdf: 5396253 bytes, checksum: 658f3d68b3dc89ceed115565a838f994 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-08-03 / The fragmented and informal activity horticulture market led the discussion in the late 50s creation of Food Supply Centers in Brazil. The main objective of this study is to understand the planning and the model of a State Management operated by private agents in the context of Supply Center of Goiás CEASA-GO and the ability to suggest improvements. A descriptive research in operating manuals of the WM of Brazil; articles the time of the National System of Wholesale Markets (SINAC), the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply in conjunction with the National Supply Company (Conab) and the law of WM. Methodologically ranked research in descriptive exploratory, bibliographical, documentary and field having as object of study to the WM-GO and the data collection instrument was a questionnaire applied to private and public agents of this plant. The results show that the Wholesale Markets had their magnitude moments with the implementation of its warehouses in the years 1960-1970 and the creation of the SINAC, leaving it to the Brazilian Society of Food management. With the extinction of SINAC in the late 1980s the WM faced dislocation of his forces, through neglect of the government until 2005 with the establishment of the Brazilian Program of horticulture Market Modernization by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply which is still outside the reality of Brazilian WM including the WM-GO which must be done for her too. / A atividade fragmentada e informal do mercado de hortigranjeiro levou a discussão, no final dos anos 1950, da criação de Centrais de Abastecimento Alimentar no Brasil. O objetivo central deste estudo é compreender o planejamento e o modelo de uma Gestão Estatal operada por agentes privados no contexto da Central de Abastecimento de Goiás CEASA-GO e a possibilidade de sugerir melhorias. Realizou-se pesquisa descritiva em manuais operacionais das Ceasas do Brasil; artigos da época do Sistema Nacional de Centrais de Abastecimento (SINAC), pelo Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento em conjunto com a Companhia Nacional de Abastecimento (CONAB) e a legislação das Ceasas. Metodologicamente, classificou-se a pesquisa em exploratória, descritiva, bibliográfica, documental e de campo, tendo como objeto de estudo a CEASA-GO e o instrumento de coleta de dados um questionário aplicado aos agentes públicos e privados desta Central. Os resultados demonstram que as Centrais de Abastecimento tiveram momentos de magnitude com a implantação de seus entrepostos nos anos de 1960-1970 e com a criação do SINAC, ficando a cargo da Companhia Brasileira de Alimentos a gestão. Com a extinção do SINAC, no final de 1980, as Ceasas enfrentaram desarticulação de suas forças, passando por descaso do governo até 2005 com a instituição do Programa Brasileiro de Modernização do Mercado Hortigranjeiro pelo Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento, que ainda se encontra fora da realidade das Ceasas brasileiras, inclusive a CEASAGO que se insere nesta realidade e muito deve ser feito por ela.

O presente estudo tem por objetivo caracterizar o fluxo de conhecimento na interação universidade-empresa, identificando a relação em diferentes setores de diferentes países. O conceito de fluxo de conhecimento é apresentado como um complemento às teorias atuais de interação universidade-empresa, descritas principalmente pelo Triângulo de Sábato e pela Hélice Tripla. Argumenta-se que a interação universidade-empresa vem sendo apresentada pelo papel dos atores e canais de transferência de conhecimento, mas não deixa claro qual ator é responsável por iniciar a interação e o conteúdo de conhecimento transferido. Com isso, o conceito de fluxo de conhecimento é descrito pelo ator responsável por estimular a interação e pelo conteúdo de conhecimento, seja científico ou aplicado, transferido entre atores. A pesquisa foi conduzida pelo método de estudo de caso, em dois setores, horticultura e espacial, de dois países, Brasil e Holanda, totalizando 27 casos. Os resultados demonstram diferenças no fluxo de conhecimento entre os atores, relacionadas principalmente na comparação entre os países, e não tanto quanto aos setores. Os setores de horticultura e espacial holandeses possuem uma estrutura de conhecimento formada por universidades, centros tecnológicos e empresas, que desenvolvem atividades de pesquisa básica e aplicada voltadas à inovação. Como afirmam os entrevistados, comissões do governo aproximam pesquisadores e empresários, estimulando contatos informais e parcerias de desenvolvimento tecnológico. No Brasil, ambos os setores apresentam carências principalmente na geração de conhecimento, seja pesquisa básica, e na a formação de mão de obra. Os entrevistados declaram que os incentivos governamentais à pesquisa são restritos e descontínuos, dificultando o desenvolvimento tecnológico. Em relação ao fluxo de conhecimento, as interações universidade-empresa na Holanda possuem conteúdo de conhecimento descrito pelo critério pesquisa básica, pesquisa estratégica e pesquisa aplicada. No Brasil, o conteúdo de conhecimento presente no fluxo foi principalmente baseado no critério pesquisa aplicada, e tecnologia corrente. Os entrevistados de ambos os países mencionam que o estímulo ao fluxo ocorre principalmente pelo contato de empresas ou universidades, enquanto o estímulo do governo ocorre através de editais ou incentivos à pesquisa. Conclui-se que a interação universidade-empresa ocorre em ambos os países, porém o fluxo de conhecimento entre os atores reflete diferenças na estrutura científica e tecnológica instalada em cada país. Enquanto a Holanda desenvolve interações voltadas ao desenvolvimento tecnológico, no Brasil as interações buscam principalmente solucionar problemas técnicos, ou atividades de pesquisa aplicada às necessidades das empresas. Esta diferença ocorre pela reduzida capacidade científica das universidades brasileiras, pois as empresas buscam inovações em universidades e centros tecnológicos do exterior, ou desenvolvem internamente. Por fim, o conceito de fluxo de conhecimento demonstra que a Holanda possui uma avançada estrutura de pesquisa, e que comissões do governo formadas por pesquisadores e empresários aproximam os atores e alinham os objetivos tecnológicos. No Brasil, o conceito do fluxo de conhecimento apresenta restrições quanto à estrutura acadêmica de ensino e pesquisa científica, além de recursos governamentais limitados. / The present research aims to characterize the knowledge flow in university-industry relations, identifying this kind of partnership in different sectors of different countries. The concept of knowledge flow aims to complement the current university-industry relations theories, mainly described by Sábato’s triangle and the triple helix. It is argued that university-industry relations are generally defined by the role of actors and the channels of knowledge transfer. However, it is not clear which actor is responsible for initiating the interaction and the content of knowledge transferred. Thus, the concept of knowledge flow is described by the actor responsible for stimulating the relationship and the content of knowledge, between science and applied, transferred between actors. The case study research was conducted in two sectors, horticulture and space, in two countries, Brazil and The Netherlands, describing 27 cases. Results showed that differences in the knowledge flow between the actors can be mainly compared between countries, rather than between sectors. Both horticulture and space sectors in The Netherlands have a knowledge environment constituted by universities, research centres and companies which develop basic and applied research activities focused on innovations. As stated by the respondents, government commissions bring researchers and companies closer, encouraging informal contacts and partnerships for technological development. On the other hand, both sectors in Brazil present deficiencies especially in knowledge creation by basic research or training students. Respondents state that government subsidies for research are limited and discontinued, restricting technological development. Regarding the knowledge flow, university industry relations in The Netherlands are mainly defined by knowledge content criteria such as basic research, strategic research or applied research. In Brazil, the content of the knowledge flow was mainly based on applied research and current technology criteria. Respondents from both countries reported that the stimulus to the knowledge flow occurs by contact from companies or universities, while government stimulus is described by research tenders or subsidies. To conclude, universityindustry relations occur in both countries, but the knowledge flow between the actors reflects differences on the science and technology structure in each country. While The Netherlands develops interactions aiming to develop new technologies, in Brazil such relations mainly seek to solve technical issues, or applied research activities guided by market needs. This difference, however, is given by the reduced scientific capacity of Brazilian universities, as companies seek for technology innovations in research centres and universities abroad, or develops internally. Finally, the concept of knowledge flow shows that The Netherlands have an advanced research structure, and government commissions formed by researchers and companies approach the actors, aligning technology goals. In Brazil, the concept of knowledge flow demonstrates restrictions mainly in the structure of academic teaching, scientific research and also in government resources.

Sustainable landscaping includes utilization of plants requiring few inputs. We chose four species showing potential for use in arid landscapes: Purshia mexicana, Shepherdia argentea, Shepherdia rotundifolia, and Alnus maritima. We sowed seeds of S. rotundifolia, S. argentea and P. mexicana in three substrates with various water-holding properties due to differing amounts of organic matter (OM). S. rotundifolia germination was maximized in a calcined clay (66.2%) containing no OM and had low germination (12.7 - 21.8%) in the other substrates. S. argentea germination (42.3 to 53.7%) was similar in all substrates. Poor seed quality of P. mexicana resulted in inconclusive results. Our results suggest that germination of some species is enhanced by substrates with excellent drainage properties. We also investigated effects of different rates of controlled-release fertilizer (CRF) on symbiotic nodule formation in seaside alder. We found that lower than prescribed rates of CRF enhanced nodulation without compromising nitrogen status.

The area of vegetable production is growing rapidly world-wide, as are efforts to increase production on existing lands in these labor- and input-intensive systems. Yet information on nutrient losses, greenhouse gas emissions, and input efficiency is lacking. Sustainable intensification of these systems requires knowing how to optimize nutrient and water inputs to improve yields while minimizing negative environmental consequences. This work characterizes soil nitrogen (N) dynamics, nitrate (NO3¯) leaching, greenhouse gas emissions, and crop yield in five diversified vegetable systems spanning a gradient of intensification that is characterized by inputs, tillage and rotational fallow periods. The study systems included a low input organic system (LI), a mechanized, medium scale organic system (CSA), an organic movable high tunnel system (MOV), a conventional system (CONV) and an organic stationary high tunnel system (HT). In a three-year vegetable crop rotation with three systems (LI, HT and CONV), key N loss pathways varied by system; marked N2O and CO2 losses were observed in the LI system and NO3– leaching was greatest in the CONV system. Yield-scaled global warming potential (GWP) was greater in the LI system compared to HT and CONV, driven by greater greenhouse gas flux and lower yields in the LI system. The field data from CONV system were used to calibrate the Root Zone Water Quality Model version 2 (RZWQM2) and HT and LI vegetable systems were used to validate the model. RZWQM2 simulated soil NO3¯-N content reasonably well in crops grown on bare ground and open field (e.g. beet, collard, bean). Despite use of simultaneous heat and water (SHAW) option in RZWQM2 to incorporate the use of plastic mulch, we were not able to successfully simulate NO3¯-N data. The model simulated cumulative N2O emissions from the CONV vegetable system reasonably well, while the model overestimated N2O emissions in HT and LI systems.

We explored the seasonal factors that might play a role in triggering germination of Dendromecon rigidaand Ehrendorferia chrysantha.D. rigida and E. chrysantha have been found difficult to germinate using common greenhouse techniques, Keeley and Fotheringham successfully germinated both species after storing their seeds in the field over a year and treating them with smoke. Identifying the specific seasonally changing factors that stimulated germination could have implications for understanding germination requirements for these and other hard-to-germinate chaparral species. Dendromecon rigidaand Ehrendorferia chrysanthaare part of the Papaveraceae family and both are found in the chaparral environment in Southern California. Both species are known to increase in numbers after fire events. Both are believed to have morphophysiological dormancy based on their miniscule embryo and increase in seedling presence after fire events. Climate within the chaparral environment consists of hot, dry summers and cold, wet winters. Storing seeds of D. rigidaand E. chrysantha in the field over winter and spring months resulted in increasing germination for D. rigida seeds that were imbibed in smoke-water. Germination of D. rigidaseeds occurred within six weeks and no further germination was noted beyond that. Ehrendorferia chrysanthaseeds failed to germinate in the field. Lab studies tested effects of stratification at different temperatures (5ºC, 10ºC, 18ºC, 25ºC and 30ºC), stratification for different durations (0, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks), heat-shock, and fluctuating moisture and temperature conditions on a weekly time scale, on germination of both species. Of all these treatments the only combination that was effective in germinating seeds of D. rigidaand E. chrysanthawas warm stratification at 30ºC for 8 weeks following smoke-water imbibition. Under these conditions seeds of D. rigidaand E. chrysanthagerminated to 10% and 9.3%, respectively. Further studies on D. rigidaindicated a stratification temperature optimum between 30-40ºC with germination increasing with lack of light. These tested conditions corresponded to the daily peak soil temperatures measured at shallow depth in an area of chaparral inhabited by D. rigida. The period immediately after the first rain event after a fire may provide the chemical cues and warm stratification required to germinate buried seeds in this species.

ABSTRACT This study was designed to characterize the choices, preferences and motivations of fruit and vegetable gardeners in Vermont, and to determine whether socio-demographic characteristics affect some of these choices, preferences and motivations. Using a survey of Vermont Extension Master Gardeners (EMGs), data were gathered over a 3-year period (2011-2013). The findings show most EMGs (>90%) garden in private home gardens, and the most popular vegetables grown were tomatoes, herbs, and salad greens. Beans, cucumbers and peppers sere also popular and among fruits, blueberries, apples, raspberries and strawberries were grown by over 40% of EMGs. Approximately 10% of EMG gardeners who had vegetable/herb gardens did not grow any fruit or berries, and EMGs who did not garden at all (10%) cited lack of gardening space and time as their main constraints. Vermont EMGs are concentrated around urban centers, however, their distribution is approximately proportional to the general population across the state. By age, over 40% are in their 50s, and in over 60% of households, females are make most of the gardening decisions and do most of the gardening work. Over 70% of the Vermont EMGs are college-educated, and live in households with incomes above $50,000. The most important motivations for gardening were ‘Having a Taste of Homegrown Fresh’ produce (ratings above 4.5/5) and ‘Fun/Relaxation/Hobby.’ Gardeners considered ‘Food Safety’ and ‘Environmental Concerns’ as important, while ‘Saving Money’ was not rated as highly as a motivation. EMGs prefer local plants and products and prefer to buy at local garden centers/supply stores. Over 70% rely on ‘Books,’ the ‘Internet,’ ‘Extension,’ ‘Friends’ and ‘Print Articles’ for gardening information, while videos and television are relied on by less than 10% of EMGs. In all regression models estimated, demographic characteristics (age, education, gender of the gardening decision-maker, and annual household income) were found to have limited explanatory power (R2 ≤ 0.1) on EMGs’ decision to garden, or the choice/motivation for where to purchase plants and gardening supplies. This finding suggests that Vermont EMGs may be an environmentally significant group whose motivations, preferences and choices might be better explained by their attitudinal and value norms rather than socio-demographic characteristics. This finding suggest that future research and educational programs should be designed and delivered according to these characteristics rather than the commonly used demographic ones.

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The growing season for vegetable crops is limited by freezing temperatures in arid high elevation climates such as northern Utah. Logan, Utah (41.73 N, 111.83 W, 1382 m elevation) has a short, variable growing season with an average frost-free period of 135 days. Extending the growing season provides growers with an opportunity to extend revenue into a normally unproductive period and benefit from out-of-season price premiums. High tunnels have been used to effectively extend the growing season for numerous crops by providing cold temperature protection. However, limited high tunnel research has been performed in arid high elevation regions that experience extreme temperature fluctuations. The use of high tunnels was investigated in North Logan, Utah to extend the growing season for tomatoes and lettuce. In 2009 and 2010, supplemental heating under low tunnels within high tunnels was investigated to provide early season cold temperature protection for tomatoes. Sunbrite tomatoes were transplanted into four high tunnels over three planting dates. Tomatoes were subjected to supplemental heating treatments including soil warming cables alone or in conjunction with 40-watt incandescent lights for air heating. The highest early season and overall yield was achieved with the 17 Mar. planting date. Early season yield was significantly less for the latest planting date (7 Apr.) compared to the 17 Mar. and 30 Mar. planting dates. Early season yield was significantly greater for treatment plots with soil plus air heating, and soil heating alone significantly improved total yield. The use of a vertical structure within a high tunnel was investigated to improve productivity for lettuce. Parris Island Cos lettuce was consecutively transplanted from spring 2008 to spring 2010 in a high tunnel at the same site. The vertical growing system allowed for 31 plants*m-2 in south oriented gutters, and 45 plants*m-2 in east/west oriented gutters compared to 25 plants*m-2 in the ground including space for maintenance. Root zone temperatures in the gutters fluctuated widely in response to air temperatures, and super-optimal soil temperatures impeded growth. Productivity (g*m-2) in the gutters was only significantly greater than productivity in the ground soil during the spring and fall months when soil and air temperatures were not frequently below 0 °C or above 24 °C. This thesis includes both research results and extension factsheets intended for growers interested in high tunnel production of tomato and lettuce.