Thesis (M.S.)--Florida State University, 2004. / Advisor: Dr. Alice A. Winn, Florida State University, College of Arts and Sciences, Dept. of Biological Science. Title and description from dissertation home page (viewed Jan. 18, 2005). Includes bibliographical references.

Over 1,000 herbarium specimens including 24 type specimens were examined in an attempt to achieve a clearer understanding of the Phlox longifolia complex. Four variables were measured for each specimen and the data were statistically analyzed by disciminant analysis. Using a previously published system of classification for the complex approximately 73% of the measured variation among the specimens was accounted for by that system. The clustering patterns produced in this first analysis indicated that a more conservative approach would be advisable. The formulataion and subsequent application of a modified system produced a grouping of specimens that accounted for 95% of the variation for the four morphological characters considered. From four species and seven subspecies previously recognized, one species wih five varieties is proposed. The typification fo Phlox longifolia Nuttall and other related taxa is resolved.

Thesis (doctoral)--University of Tartu, 2004.

Using 'Redchief' (Junebearer) and 'Tribute' (dayneutral) cultivars, greenhouse and field studies were conducted to determine the effects of defoliation on photosynthesis, growth and yield of the strawberry. From preliminary photosynthesis experiments it was found that both 'Redchief' and 'Tribute' strawberry leaves reached maximum net photosynthesis (Pn) concurrently with full leaf expansion at approximately 8 to l0 days and 4 to 5 days, respectively, after unfolding. By exposing the plants to increasing irradiance it was determined that these cultivars were light saturated at 600 to 700)Ï molâ ¢m⁻²s⁻¹. Neither cultivar showed a consistent diurnal pattern when Pn was monitored hourly over two consecutive days. / Master of Science

Container grown perennials are a popular product offered by nurseries and greenhouses and included in their production but little research has been reported on proper overwintering techniques for herbaceous perennials and ornamental grasses. In the first experiment rooted liners of Pennisetum alopecuroides, Pennisetum "Hameln" and Pennisetum "Little Bunny," were potted. Treatments included, utilizing two overwintering covers, two fertilizer rates (low or high) and two substrate moisture contents (wet or dry). Covering with either a double layer of Dewitt N-Sulate™ insulation fabric or a double layer of Dewitt N-Sulate™ insulation fabric and a single sheet of 4 mil white polyethylene plastic on top of the insulation fabric, wet substrate treatments, low fertility rates and combinations of both, improved survival and vigor for all three tested Pennisetum species and cultivars. In the second experiment, rooted liners of P. alopecuroides, P. "Hameln" and P. "Little Bunny," were potted. Treatments included, two transplanting times (young or old), two fertilizer rates (low or high) and two substrate moisture contents (wet or dry) at the UHC and Poplar Ridge Nursery (Montross, VA) (PR). Vigor was improved for P. alopecuroides (at PR) and P. "Little Bunny" (at both locations) with the young transplanting time. In the third experiment, older plant material of P. alopecuroides, P. "Hameln" and P. "Little Bunny," were subjected to fertility treatments of no additional fertilizer or top-dressed at a low, medium or high rate . A high fertility rate reduced survival and vigor for P. "Little Bunny." In the fourth experiment rooted liners of Echinacea purpurea "Hot Papaya," Echinacea purpurea "Milkshake," Gaillardia x grandiflora "Gallo Peach," Heuchera x villosa "Pistache," Heuchera x villosa "Brownies," P. alopecuroides, P. "Cassian," P. "Hameln" and P. "Little Bunny," were potted and overwintered at the UHC or Poplar Ridge Nursery (Montross, VA) (PR) or Riverbend Nursery, Inc. (Riner, VA) (RB). Treatments included, utilizing two overwintering covers, two fertilizer rates (low or high) and two substrate moisture contents (wet or dry). Vigor at the UHC, was reduced with the high fertility rate for E. "Hot Papaya" and H. "Brownies." A double layer of Dewitt N-Sulate™ insulation fabric and white polyethylene plastic on top of the cover, in combination with the wet substrate moisture treatment improved vigor of E. "Hot Papaya."A double layer of Dewitt N-Sulate™ insulation fabric in combination with the wet substrate moisture content and the high fertility rate reduced P. "Cassian" vigor. No overwintering cover reduced P. "Hameln" vigor. No overwintering cover and the high fertility rate reduced P. "Little Bunny" vigor. Vigor at PR was improved with the high fertility rate for E. "Milkshake," G. "Gallo Peach" and H. "Brownies." At RB, a double layer of Dewitt N-Sulate™ insulation fabric in combination with the low fertility treatment and no cover in combination with the high fertility treatment reduced vigor for E. "Milkshake" and P. "Little Bunny," respectively. No cover in combination with the wet substrate moisture treatment reduced vigor for G."Gallo Peach." / Master of Science

The ecology of plant species at Sandford Rocks Nature Reserve (SRNR) was studied. The study site is an important nature reserve that contains relatively undisturbed natural vegetation. It has a mosaic of exposed granite rocks, scrublands and woodlands. The study involved: a description of the structure and composition of the vegetation; the population characteristics of selected Acacia species; aspects of reproduction in Acacia; germination and seedling characteristics of some Acacia and grass species that dominate the reserve; the effect of seed size on germination and seedling characteristics; and, the relationship of seed size to seed coat thickness in selected Acacia species. Five different areas were studied using the point centered quarter method to sample the woody perennial species. Thirteen Acacia species were examined for reproduction characteristics; and in 2 selected Acacia species, the effects of phyllode and/or inflorescence removal on reproduction was investigated. Germination tests were conducted to identify germination characteristics in 8 Acacia and 7 grass species dominant at SRNR. The possible effects of variation in seed size on germination; seedling characteristics; and, seed coat thickness were investigated in Acacia fauntleroyi and Acacia prainii. A total of 85 species from 20 families of woody perennials were collated. All areas were dominated by the Myrtaceae, Mimosaceae and Proteaceae families. There was considerable variability in the structure and composition of vegetation. Most species were present in particular sites and the composition of communities appears to be related to the heterogeneity of the habitat within the reserve. In areas of shallow or rocky soil, vegetation types present include Allocasuarina huegeliana woodland, Grevillea paradoxa low scrubland and Acacia neurophylla medium shrubland. / In a seasonally wet area, vegetation types present include low open grassland; Eucalyptus capillosa (wandoo) woodland; and, Acacia saligna thicket. In deep, dry sandy soil, vegetation types include Phebalium tuberculosum shrubland, Acacia acuminata and Acacia coolgardiensis thickets. On relatively flat areas that gain water from adjacent large granite hills, the vegetation consists mainly of tall, open woodlands of Eucalyptus species. Vegetation types include: medium tall Eucalyptus salmonophloia woodland with Kunzea pulchella shrubland at the periphery of the Eucalyptus woodland. At rock areas, vegetation types present include dense Leptospermum erubescens thicket, low open Acacia prainii and Dodonaea viscosa shrubland. Of the Acacia populations studied, in A. lasiocalyx no recent seedling establishment was observed. It is hypothesised that recruitment occurs in particular periods. As the plants are associated with rock and soils are generally shallow, it appears that recruitment depends on run-off water from the rocks in winter. Continuous recruitment seems to be the pattern in A. prainii with both seedlings and saplings represented. A. fauntleroyi forms relatively small populations; apparently long drought periods (>l00 d) result in mass death and limit its population size. In A. hemiteles, no seedling stage was found, root competition (for water) from associated Eucalyptus species presumably limits its recruitment. Reproductive success of Acacia is affected by rainfall. A wet winter is required to induce flowering and further rain is required after flowering to promote pod development and good seed set. / All Acacia species suffer from drought in the reproduction season, however they differ in their degree of susceptibility. Leaflessness and tree shape also affect Acacia fecundity. Plants bearing more phyllodes produce more flowers and pods, and branches in the upper part of the crown bear heavier inflorescences. In 1998, all Acacia species at SRNR produced mature seed of low weight, with many immature and diseased seed, which gave poor germination. A late spring frost in 1998 is believed to be responsible for limited seed development. In two selected Acacia species, removal of phyllodes reduced the number of pods produced. Presumably, phyllode removal reduces photosynthate produced, therefore the competition among inflorescences (or pods) for resources is more intense and subsequent abortions are likely to occur. All Acacia species studied showed best germination in the cool winter temperature range. Apparently, seeds are adapted to germinate in winter when seasonal moisture is more likely to be available. The best temperature however, varied slightly between species. The grass species dominant in the reserve, except for Aristida contorta, also had more germination in cooler rather than warmer temperatures. The flora of SRNR is similar to typical vegetation of the Southwest. Generally, Acacia species are present only in particular sites, presumably were habitat moisture allows. Seedlings of Acacia species growing in naturally dry areas have greater root: shoot masses than those growing in seasonally wet areas. Biomass partitioning is an apparent strategy to conserve water. Of the 7 grass species, Amphipogon strictus appears to have fastest growth. / Eriachne ovata has greater root than shoot mass, while in all other species, shoot mass is greater than root mass; a characteristic of species that grow well in moist habitats. The longest shoots and roots are in Austrostipa elegantissima, an understorey species of eucalypt woodland. In A. fauntleroyi, the degree of hard-seededness varies between seed sizes. There is a higher proportion of soft seed in smaller seed. Seed of different sizes show some responses to different pre-treatments and incubation temperatures for germination. Larger seeds generally germinate in greater numbers after higher treatment temperatures. The best treatment for small seeds is pre-treatment at 75°C and incubated at 15°C. For medium and large seed, best pre-treatment is at 75°C with incubation at 30°C or soaking in boiling water and incubation at either 15 or 3°C. In A. prainii, seed size; pre-treatment; incubation; and, their interaction all affected germination; larger seeds are more viable. The best treatment to promote germination of A. prainii is soaking in boiling water and incubation at 25°C. In both A. fauntleroyi and A. prainii, larger seeds produce larger seedlings. Seedlings from large seeds have the potential for more rapid pre-photosynthetic growth. Larger, heavier seed has a thicker seed coat. The seed coat of A. prainii is thicker than in A. fauntleroyi; the difference in seed coat thickness is reflected by more soft seed in A. fauntleroyi (35%) than in A. prainii (6%).

Abstract The customer demand for ecological products has increased in recent years, within the garden industry this mainly concerns herbs and other edible plants. The organic trend is increasing and more people are aware of the environment and want to take responsibility for it through their purchases for their garden as well. In this essay the aim is to investigate customer demand and the possibility of selling organic perennial plants in eight garden centres on the Åland islands and in Gävle/Sandviken. I include two garden centres with an organic profile to get a wider point of view. I investigate the global market for organic perennials and look further into existing certification standards on the Swedish market today. The methods I have been using are interviews and a literature study. The study shows that the experienced demand for organic perennials is small in both of my investigated groups. The biggest motivation for starting to sell organic perennials would be to find a supplier of these plants and that more customer would ask for them. The certification systems on the Swedish market today do not concern specifically organic perennials; there is a lack of rules of conduct. In USA the demand for organic perennials has increased in recent years. Several nurseries with an organic profile have opened and programs for guidance of organic growers have been founded. In Germany the production of organic perennials is small and organic certification is lacking. In both countries further research on the market for organic perennials is suggested. / Sammanfattning Utbudet och efterfrågan på ekologiska produkter har under de senaste åren ökat. Detta gäller främst livsmedel men trenden kan också ses beröra växter. De ekologiska växterna tenderar främst att vara kryddor och ätbara växter, inte prydnadsväxter. Samband kan ses mellan konsumenternas medvetenhet om miljöfrågor och efterfrågan på ekologiska växter. Syftet med uppsatsen är att i huvudsak undersöka trädgårdshandeln i Gävle/Sandviken och på Åland och dess syn på möjlighet till försäljning av ekologiska perenner samt undersöka internationella erfarenheter kring produktion och efterfrågan, och att studera utvalda svenska kvalitetssystem för perenna växter. Frågeställningarna berör efterfrågan och inställningen till ekologiska perenner hos de utvalda handelsträdgårdarna, ekologiska odlares perspektiv, existerande certifieringssystem och den internationella marknaden med fokus på USA och Tyskland. Som metod använder jag mig av intervjuer samt litteraturstudie. Jag har intervjuat totalt tio stycken trädgårdshandlare, varav två stycken med ekologisk profil. På Åland och i Gävle/Sandviken är den upplevda efterfrågan på ekologiska perenner hos de utvalda handelsträdgårdarna liten och ingen av dem säljer ekologiska perenner. Trädgårdshandlarna är motiverade till att börja sälja ekologiska perenner om någon leverantör erbjuder sådant växtmaterial och ifall efterfrågan ökar. De två handelsträdgårdarna med ekologisk profil upplever inte heller någon stor efterfrågan på ekologiska perenner. De levererar inte perenner till andra återförsäljare. I USA har efterfrågan och utbudet på ekologiska perenner ökat. Den största kundgruppen är unga, miljöintresserade personer. Det har startats program för att hjälpa ekologiska odlare av prydnadsväxter. Certifierade plantskolor finns. I Tyskland består produktionen av prydnadsväxter av en liten andel ekologiska växter. Ekologisk certifiering för produktionen saknas. I både USA och Tyskland föreslås vidare forskning kring ekologiska perenner och deras efterfrågan. I Sverige saknas ett specifikt framtaget certifieringssystem för ekologiska perenner. GRO, E-plant och Svenskt Sigill omfattar inte ekologisk odling och certifiering av sådana växter. KRAVmärkningen omfattar även odling av perenner, men det saknas regler och förhållningssätt speciellt utvecklat för odling av perenner.

Thesis (M. Sc.)--Acadia University, 1998. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 34-39). Also available on the Internet via the World Wide Web.

Thesis (M. Sc.)--Acadia University, 1998. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 34-39). Also available on the Internet via the World Wide Web.

Perennial growers overwintering plant stock require information to assist in deciding which containerized plants are most likely to successfully overwinter. Three studies on container-grown herbaceous perennials were conducted to examine the influence of plant age, soil moisture, and temperature cycling date on cold hardiness. In January, plants were exposed to controlled freezing temperatures of -2, -5, -8, -11, and -14C and then returned to a 3-5C greenhouse. In June, plants were assessed using a visual rating scale of 1-5 (1 = dead, 3-5 = increasing salable quality, varying by cultivar) and dry weights of new growth were determined. Controlled freezing in November and March were also included in the third study. In the first study, two ages of plants were exposed to controlled freezing temperatures in January. For Geranium x cantabrigiense 'Karmina', age had no effect on either rating or dry weight in one study year. In two Sedum 'Matrona' study years, age had no effect on dry weight but ratings were higher for older plants than younger plants in the first year and higher for younger plants than older plants in the second year. In two Leucanthemum x superbum 'Becky' study years, age had an effect on both rating and dry weight which were both generally higher for younger plants than older plants. In the second study, plants were maintained in pots at two different soil moisture levels prior to exposure to controlled freezing temperatures in January. Coreopsis 'Tequila Sunrise' and Carex morrowii 'Ice Dance' showed no effect on either rating or dry weight from soil moisture level. Soil moisture level had no effect on dry weight but ratings were higher for Geranium x cantabrigiense 'Cambridge' “wet” plants and for Heuchera 'Plum Pudding' “dry” plants. Carex laxiculmus 'Hobb' (Bunny Blue™) soil moisture level had an effect where dry weight was higher for “dry” plants. Means at were of salable quality for Geranium and Heuchera at all temperatures and Carex laxiculmus at temperatures above -11C. The effects of soil moisture level on Carex oshimensis were inconclusive. In the third study, during November, January, and March, plants were subjected to temperature cycling treatments prior to exposure to controlled freezing temperatures. Geranium x cantabrigiense 'Cambridge' were more tolerant of both temperature cycling and freezing temperatures in January and an increased number of cycles in November had an advantageous effect. Sedum 'Matrona' were more tolerant of temperature cycling and freezing temperatures in January and an increased number of cycles in March had an advantageous effect. Leucanthemum x superbum 'Becky' were more tolerant of temperature cycling in January in the second year of the study and an increased number of cycles in November had an advantageous effect in the first year and in all months in the second year. Overwintering younger container-grown plants is likely to result in more growth and higher quality following exposure to freezing temperatures. Effects of soil moisture level on overwintering container-grown plant growth and quality are cultivar-specific and a general effect could not be established in these studies. Overwintering container-grown plants are likely to be hardier in January and slight temperature cycles prior to exposure to freezing temperatures generally increase hardiness.