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Master of Architecture

Master of Architecture

Master of Architecture

Planting date, seeding rate, soil texture, and row configuration are important factors in soybean production. Each of these factors can impact overall production and yield of soybean immensely. Growers can have difficulty making decisions about how to best manage their production systems with these factors in mind. Therefore, research was conducted from 2019 to 2021 at the Delta Research and Extension Center in Stoneville, MS, to evaluate the agronomic performance, yield components, and weed control of soybean planted with different planting dates, row configurations, soil textures and/or seeding rates. Common row configurations utilized in Mississippi soybean production were compared to a triple-row configuration on raised beds. First planting dates occurred from late-April to early-May and second planting dates followed three weeks later. Each row configuration was planted at 320,000 seed ha-1 for agronomic studies. Seeding Rate Study was initiated where triple-row configuration plots were planted at 320,000, 445,000, and 553,000 seed ha-1. Total dry matter (TDM) was determined by removing a m-2 in each plot at soybean growth stage R6.5 and allowing samples to dry down and weigh them. Harvest index was determined by collecting seed from TDM samples and weighing them. Pod node-1, seed number, and node plant-1 were determined by collecting five random plants from each plot and counting the total number of pods, seed, and nodes. Soybean planted on silt loam at the first planting produced lower seed weight, seed number, and harvest index than soybean on clay soil at either planting date. Two row configurations, single- and triple-row, were planted on raised beds for weed control studies. Programs included PRE only, EPOST, LPOST, PRE fb EPOST, PRE fb LPOST, and PRE fb EPOST fb LPOST. Herbicide timings included 7, 14, 21, and 28 DA-crop emergence and each timing was followed by a sequential application 14 d after the initial application. Triple-row configuration had lower plant densities and produced lower yield than single- and twin-row configurations. Triple-row configuration soybean planted on clay soil and at 445,000 and 553,000 seed ha-1 produced greater yield than any other seeding rate or soil texture.

The United States share of the exported flue-cured tobacco market has decreased over the last decade as other countries have increased production of improved quality tobacco. Such tobacco is available at a substantially lower price than U. S. tobacco and thus desirable for the manufacture of less expensive discount cigarettes. Although world consumption of American style cigarettes is increasing, demand is not sufficient to maintain current production levels of premium quality U. S. flue-cured tobacco. Production systems that increase yields of suitable quality tobacco for discount cigarette manufacture without increasing production costs would allow tobacco to be offered competitively on the world market while maintaining current income. A study of ten management systems was conducted evaluating the influence of plant spacing, topping height, and harvest method on yield and quality of flue-cured tobacco. Leaf populations of 538,000/ha harvested once-over resulted in a 6.5%, 11.0%, 6.0%, and 13.5% increase in yield, value, price, and grade index, respectively, compared to the standard treatment. An expert panel showed no preference among systems and judged all systems acceptable in quality. A study conducted as a randomized complete block in a split plot arrangement evaluated the influence of row spacing and plant spacing on the yield and quality of flue-cured tobacco harvested once-over. Yield, value, and grade index increased while price per kg was unchanged as plant population increased. Flue-cured tobacco harvested in a single harvest produced cured leaf of acceptable quality; however, increased leaf populations are required to maintain acceptable yields. / Master of Science

Walls encasing equivalent modules of space form a structure visually connecting individual elements into a single organism. The placement and form of these walls allows each module of space to retain distinct lighting qualities conversely drawing the individual out of the whole. / Master of Architecture

Flea beetles (FB), (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), are common pests of cabbage and eggplant, but little is known about the FB populations in Virginia, their impact on yield, or the most effective control methods. This research investigates the FB populations and impact of their feeding injury on cabbage and eggplant in Southwest Virginia, and determines the most efficacious control methods. In Whitethorne, VA, cabbage and eggplant crops were vacuum sampled weekly throughout two summers. Crucifer flea beetle, Phyllotreta cruciferae (Goeze), and striped flea beetle, Phyllotreta striolata Fabr. were found on cabbage; whereas, eggplant flea beetle, Epitrix fucula (Crotch), and the tobacco flea beetle, Epitrix hirtipennis (Melsheimer) were found on eggplant. To evaluate the impact of FB feeding on these plants, insecticides were used to create a range of pest pressure. Flea beetle densities and defoliation was visually assessed weekly and individual plant as well as whole plot yields assessed at harvest. In both crops, as little as 20% defoliation significantly reduced yield, with higher defoliation resulting in lower yield. The efficacy of various insecticides was also evaluated; soil application of the systemic neonicotinoid dinotefuran had the fewest beetles, the least amount of leaf defoliation, and the highest yield in cabbage and eggplant. Lastly, deltamethrin-incorporated mesh row covers were evaluated and shown to provide excellent control of FB compared to an untreated row cover or a control; and comparable to the standard insecticide, dinotefuran. This research helps vegetable growers to better understand the severity of these pests and how to effectively combat them. / MSLFS / Flea beetles are tiny leaf-chewing pests of vegetables, particularly cabbage and eggplant. High populations of FB chewing on leaves can kill plants in early stages of development, and insecticides are the most common defense. Little is known about which FBs are in Virginia, their effect on vegetables grown in the state, or what the best way of controlling these pests. This research investigates FBs to determine the how they affected yield of cabbage and eggplant in Southwest Virginia, as well as determine the best methods for controlling these pests. Cabbage and eggplant were sampled weekly throughout two seasons, and two species were found on cabbage, the crucifer flea beetle and the striped flea beetle, whereas the eggplant flea beetle and the tobacco flea beetle were found on eggplant. To evaluate FB damage on these plants, defoliation of leaves was evaluated then yield was assessed. In both crops as little as 20% defoliation reduced yield, with higher defoliation resulting in lower yield of surviving plants. Various insecticides were evaluated to determine which treatment and application method were the most effective for controlling FB. A soil-applied systemic insecticide, dinotefuran, had the lowest density of beetles, the least amount of leaf defoliation, and the highest yield in cabbage and eggplant. Lastly, insecticide treated mesh row covers were evaluated and shown to be an effective method for controlling flea beetles on these crops. Treated row covers reduced FB numbers and feeding damage on these crops when compared to an untreated row cover. This research can benefit vegetable growers by helping them understand the severity of these pests and by providing effective management strategies to combat them.

4 pp. / Converting from Gallons -- to Inches -- to Runtime Hours for Row Crop Drip Irrigation Systems / Many growers in Arizona are switching from surface to drip irrigation. This change requires many changes in water management. One of the changes that growers are having the most difficulty with is the concept of applying gallons of water instead of inches. This paper helps growers make this conversion from inches to gallons and then back again. An accompanying EXCEL program, available on the web, will help growers determine run times and application amounts.