The seed should be free from weeds (especially noxious ones) as much as possible and have a high germination percentage (at least 80 percent). If the germination percentage is low, the seeding rate should be increased. Whenever possible, freshly harvested seed should be purchased. Time to Sow The best time to sow grass seed differs from one region to another and is chosen strategically to benefit from the weed cycle and adverse weather. Timely sowing ensures grass establishment before weed seeds germinate or cold weather sets in. In the cool-season zone, the best time to sow temperate grasses is late summer or early fall, which allows the lawn to be established before freezing temperatures set in. Furthermore, when grasses are sown in fall, the need to irrigate is reduced because of cooler temperatures and less evaporation. In the warm-season zone of the South, a good strategy is to sow in early summer after clearing away the weeds. Sometimes delays in construction projects may not allow the timely sowing of seeds. The result is poor seed germination and thus poor lawn establishment. Seeding Rate Grass seeds are very tiny. Species such as bentgrass may have more than 10 million seeds per kilogram (4.8 million seeds per pound). The objective of seeding is to obtain a quick establishment and produce a dense lawn resembling a carpet. However, overseeding leads to overcrowding and additional stress to plants, which consequently grow poorly and delay the attainment of a quality lawn. Similarly, low plant populations delay the covering of the ground, allowing weeds to infect the lawn. Sowing at the rate of 1 pound per 1,000 square feet (0.45 kilograms per 90 square meters) will suffice for most grasses that are sown in due season. Tall fescue and perennial ryegrass require much higher rates of between 3 and 6 pounds per 1,000 square feet (1.35 and 2.7 kilograms per 90 square meters). Seed companies indicate the recommended seeding rates on package labels. Seeding Small plots may be effectively seeded by hand, even though this method has the disadvantage of uneven spreading. Mechanical seeders, which should be used for large areas, distribute seed by one of three ways—drill, gravity feed, or broadcast. If a narrow strip is to be seeded, using a drill may be most appropriate. However, drilling places seeds in narrow strips, leaving wide bare spaces between them. Because ground covering is slow, weed control is required during the establishment of a lawn. Gravity feeders may be manually pushed or tractor operated. Similarly, broadcast spreaders may be portable or tractor mounted. For very large areas, helicopters may be used to broadcast the seed. To reach steep slopes, hydroseeding or hydromulching may be used. When one of these methods is used, frequent watering is needed during lawn establishment. To increase the seeding efficiency for uniform coverage, the recommended seeding rate may be divided into two so that one-half is distributed in one direction on the first pass and the other spread crosswise on the next pass (Figure 18–4). Mixing grass seed with sand in a mechanical spreader has been found to aid in the even spreading of seed. Since grass seeds are so fine and lightweight, sowing on windy days should be avoided. Furthermore, because they are so tiny, grass seeds should not be seeded too deeply in the soil (less than 1 centimeter or 0.4 inch). Proper depth of planting is accomplished by lightly raking the area after sowing. Mulching and Firming Mulching a freshly sown lawn has several purposes: 1. To protect grass seeds from predators (birds) 2. To prevent seeds from washing away during irrigation 3. To conserve moisture for germination 4. To control erosion of soil 18.3 Planting Turfgrass 551
FIGURE 18–4 Seeding of a lawn by the crosswise method. Direction of spreading of seed The mulch used should be spread thinly so that emerging seedlings are not impeded. Straw mulches are commonly used, although other coarse plant materials are also appropriate. To aid in germination, the mulched area is firmed by rolling over it with a lightweight roller. Rolling firms the soil for seeds to effectively imbibe moisture while also anchoring them in the soil. Watering and Fertilizing Keeping the newly seeded lawn moist during seed establishment is vital. After the first watering, frequent irrigation (about two times daily) should be provided until germination and seedling establishment is attained. A brief drought spell during the germination period can wipe out an entire lawn. Excessive moisture predisposes the plants to disease, especially damping-off caused by a number of fungi. For most species, germination starts within about a week of planting and continues for another week. Slow-germinating species such as bluegrass may have an extended germination period of several weeks; the frequent watering schedule thus lasts a little longer in such species. The frequency of watering is reduced gradually after germination is completed, but supplemental nitrogen may be required soon after that. An application of nitrogen at the rate of about 0.5 pounds per 1,000 square feet (0.23 kilograms per 90 square meters) will maintain seedling vigor. Advantages and Disadvantages of Seeding Seeds are less expensive and less bulky than sod. Plots can be seeded easily by the owner. However, seeds establish rather slowly. 18.4 PLANTING GRASS BY VEGETATIVE METHODS Grass may be established in the landscape by vegetative methods, the most common including sodding, plugging, sprigging, and stolonizing. Sod A shallow (1–3 inches) strip of topsoil that is bound by grass roots and usually harvested and sold in narrow strips. 18.4.1 SODDING Sodding is the establishment of a lawn by using sod. Sod is grass that is specially cultivated, mowed, and cut into strips (1 to 2 × 4 to 6 feet) like pieces of carpet, including about 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.1 centimeters) of roots. Long strips are rolled, and short ones are sold flat. These strips are stacked on pallets and transported to the site where the lawn is to be established. Establishing a lawn in this way provides an instant ground cover. Sodding may be likened to transplanting of seedlings, except that it involves a large mass of seedlings. Sodding involves activities similar to those of seeding. Although it is the most expensive means of establishing grass, sodding produces the most rapid results and is the least problematic. 552 Chapter 18 Turf Production and Use
HORTICULTURE Principles and Practic
HORTICULTURE Principles and Practic
With love to Theresa, quarterback;
Brief Contents Preface xxi PART 1 T
Contents Preface xxi PART 1 THE UND
5.3 PLANT GROWTH PROCESSES 160 5.4
8.20 COMMON GREENHOUSE DISEASES 276
12.3 INTERNAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL
PART 6 Summary 541 References and S
22.18 INDOOR COMPOSTING SYSTEMS 668
Preface Horticulture is the area of
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I am very grateful
PART 1 THE UNDERLYING SCIENCE CHAPT
1 What Is Horticulture? PURPOSE AND
(a) (c) (b) (d) FIGURE 1-1 The many
FIGURE 1 Bridge. The plaza view of
CYCADS Many people mistake these pr
FIGURE 2 The world's largest unbran
FIGURE 2 Sold flowers are loaded on
FIGURE 1-4 Formal landscaping featu
1.4 ROLEOFTHENURSERY AND SEED INDUS
1.5 HORTICULTURE AND SOCIETY Hortic
TABLE 1-3 U.S. Horticultural Export
Turfgrass Operation 1. Landscape te
What Is Horticulture? This site pro
Examples of botanical gardens http:
2 Classifying and Naming Horticultu
Eight major taxa are commonly used
TABLE 2-3 The Divisions of the King
HISTORY OF PLANT TAXONOMY PAUL R. F
AGE OF HERBALISTS Two major events
possible system of nomenclature. Ho
TABLE 1 Type Categories for Plant N
2.3 OTHER CLASSIFICATION SYSTEMS (O
2. Shrubs. A shrub has no main trun
Simple Fruits Fleshy Fruits Drupe B
FIGURE 2-14 A pome, represented by
2.3.5 CLASSIFICATION OF VEGETABLES
(a) (b) FIGURE 2-22 (Source: George
FIGURE 2-25 A narrowleaf plant. (So
FIGURE 2-29 Parts of a typical gras
such as rosemary, sage, thyme, marj
c. Leaves d. Bulbs 2. Cut across (t
Whole plant Organs FIGURE 3-1 Level
ibonucleic acid (RNA), proteins, an
called cristae; this extreme foldin
By virtue of its position, the prim
Phloem Tissue Structurally, phloem
(a) Stalk (b) Culm FIGURE 3-5 Cross
Scale Compressed stem (a) Whole bul
Upper epidermis Palisade layer FIGU
usually occur in xerophytes. In cer
FIGURE 3-22 Selected common leaf ma
FIGURE 3-25 Selected common leaf ti
absorption of water and minerals fr
Outer bark Inner bark FIGURE 3-37 T
Anther Filament Stamen FIGURE 3-41
Exocarp Parts of a typi- FIGURE 3-4
PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE LABORATORY 1.
4.1 CLIMATE, WEATHER, AND HORTICULT
concentration in the atmosphere.A c
TABLE 4-1 Climatic Adaptation of Se
and upward. Another important gener
Rate of photosynthesis mg/sq. dm/hr
and plants that flower under only c
times of the year. Growers start th
content. This section is sometimes
TABLE 4-7 Soil Mineral Nutrients Es
Micronutrients (Trace Elements) Mic
Neutral FIGURE 4-11 A representatio
4.4 FERTILIZERS Fertilizer sources
One of the most commonly used contr
Chlorosis (the yellowing of green l
Fertilizers may be applied before p
It is neither practical nor safe to
Solution: How much of ammonium nitr
1°C (34°F), the optimum temperatu
Cellulose sponge Perched water tabl
Overhead Sprinkler Irrigation Water
FIGURE 4-19 Furrow irrigation of le
can self-install an underground irr
1. Surface drainage. Surface draina
Secondary Tillage Primary tillage i
(a) (b) (c) (d) FIGURE 4-20 (Source
texture. The most commonly used gra
TABLE 4-11 Selected Standard Mixes
Steam Pasteurization Steam pasteuri
Maracher, H. 1986. Mineral nutritio
5 Plant Physiology PURPOSE AND EXPE
Growth in an organism follows a cer
5.1.2 THE ROLE OF SIGNALS IN GROWTH
waxes are embedded. Waxes consist o
5.3.1 PHOTOSYNTHESIS Photosynthesis
CO 2 FIGURE 5-6 The C 4 pathway of
Growth and Development The general
TABLE 5-2 Energy Produced from Aero
Certain plants are adapted to dry e
conditions exist to sustain growth
Shoot Elongation In certain plants,
for success, since high temperature
FIGURE 5-13 Ripening of plantain sh
Terminal bud removed Unbranched pla
conditions—pertaining to light, m
them to maturity. The major process
6 Breeding Horticultural Plants PUR
Similarly, there can be no plant br
APPLICATION, CHALLENGES, AND PROSPE
hit with target DNA. Therefore, it
Generally, within ten days of exper
Aziz A.N., Sauve R.J., Zhou S., 200
(b) F 1 Rr Rr round round F 2 RR R
e.g., Aa × Aa), the lethal allele
eeder’s equation. Simply stated,
Before the seed or product becomes
6.18.2 THE GENERAL STEPS OF RDNA TE
2. Political disagreement. There ar
REFERENCES AND SUGGESTED READING Ac
PART 2 PROTECTING HORTICULTURAL PLA
7 Biological Enemies of Horticultur
8. Weeds may clog drains, waterways
is also a root parasite that obtain
LEGISLATIVE Both state and federal
Example Integrated cultural, physic
7.4.2 IMPORTANT INSECT ORDERS Insec
Egg FIGURE 7-3 Life cycle of an ins
sucking insects (also found with so
FIGURE 7-12 Corn earworm damage. (S
TABLE 7-1 Selected Fungal Diseases
7.6.1 SMALL ANIMALS Rabbits, mice,
FIGURE 7-16 The disease triangle. P
fungitoxic exudates in its leaves,
SUMMARY Insects are a major class o
For the home growers or those who c
for consumers and the environment).
TABLE 8-1 Strategy 4: Strategies an
gibberellic acid spray overcomes st
In a competitive industry, a variet
Chemicals gain access to humans thr
2. Pesticide management. Controllin
Every organism has its natural enem
TABLE 8-3 Selected Examples of Biol
1 2 YEAR 3 4 FIGURE 8-5 cycle. A cr
6. Heat treatment. In the greenhous
Organic Compounds (Organics) Organi
under enclosed conditions (e.g., wa
FIGURE 8-9 A tractor-mounted spraye
8.11.9 LANDSCAPE PESTS AND THEIR CO
application, a particular herbicide
Further, they do not provide unifor
SUMMARY Herbicides are chemicals us
Sulfur may be applied for both prev
8.23 PREVENTING GREENHOUSE DISEASES
PART 3 PROPAGATING HORTICULTURAL PL
9 Sexual Propagation PURPOSE AND EX
Anther Microspore Megaspore mother
Lettuce seeds Red light Darkness Fa
FEDERAL AND STATE SEED LAWS Federal
Germination Test In laboratory prac
FIGURE 15 The essential structures
processing into flour or meal). How
physiologically immature seeds must
seeds may be treated in this way be
The two basic modes of seedling eme
locations in the field. Home garden
FIGURE 9-9 A plastic flat. (Source:
(a) (b) FIGURE 9-12 (a) Sowing seed
y the gardener or grower. Whatever
REFERENCES AND SUGGESTED READING Co
species enables vegetative propagat
for rapid rooting. There are two ba
Cutting involving one node (e.g., s
This practice is especially importa
10.6.4 STICKING THE CUTTING Cutting
(a) Indexing by budding Diseased pl
10.11 M ETHODS OF GRAFTING Grafting
Scion Wax FIGURE 10-17 Steps in bar
MODULE 3 BUDDING 10.12 TYPES OF BUD
MODULE 4 LAYERING 10.13 TYPES OF LA
Buried part of shoot is nicked FIGU
variety of ways. In air layering, a
FIGURE 10-34 by using cormels. Prop
Psuedobulbs In the Dendrobium orchi
The technique is used widely in cro
PART 4 GROWING PLANTS INDOORS CHAPT
11 Growing Houseplants PURPOSE AND
TABLE 11-1 Common houseplants Commo
Saddle leaf Philodendron selloum To
Window Displays Plants in windows e
CONTAINER GARDENS DR. TERRI W. STAR
annuals and hardy perennial species
of the large container filled with
perfection about four to six weeks
FIGURE 11-6 Flowers displayed on th
TABLE 11-5 Plant Selected Plants fo
The lighting condition near these w
Fluorescent Lights Fluorescent ligh
may be used for one pot or a group
garden rooms, atriums, or a large c
The photoperiod affects when the ho
patted firm to keep the plant erect
Other Materials Apart from clay and
(a) ( FIGURE 11-25 Support for plan
TABLE 11-7 Common Problems of House
• Keep soil moist all the time
• Prefers high temperatures • P
amount and quality of light. If sup
12 Controlled-Environment Horticult
6. Curvilinear 7. Curved eave 8. Do
Detached greenhouses have several a
12.2.3 FRAME DESIGN There are two b
horticultural business a less-expen
Texas, Hawaii, and California. The
source of heat for times when the t
FIGURE 12-17 Greenhouse production
FIGURE 12-21 Moving tables allowing
Research program on greenhouse engi
greenhouses equipped with a variety
FIGURE 1 Annual energy required per
This system was demonstrated in a 5
FIGURE 6 Amounts of waste energy ut
Ekholt, B.A., D.R. Mears, M.S. Gini
or object to be warmed. Failure to
objects in its path (e.g., the floo
FIGURE 12-27 Motorized ventilation
FIGURE 12-30 Movable internal shade
FIGURE 12-33 A high pressure sodium
Source of Water The quality of loca
FIGURE 12-37 Overhead sprinkler irr
Intermittent Feed Greenhouse plants
However, in winter, greenhouse vent
OUTCOMES ASSESSMENT 1. Explain the
. Foliage or green plants. Foliage
2. Labor. The size of the labor for
FIGURE 13-1 Greenhouse production o
FIGURE 13-2 Lettuce plug is inserte
13.8.4 AGGREGATE HYDROPONIC SYSTEMS
(a) (b) (c) FIGURE 13-6 Plug produc
14 Growing Succulents PURPOSE AND E
FIGURE 14-3 Leaf succulent represen
frost-hardy. Their rosettes are usu
TABLE 14-1 Plant Selected Popular S
(a) (b) FIGURE 14-12 Typical bromel
14.7.1 WHAT ARE CACTI? 14.7 CACTI C
FIGURE 14-16 Opuntia. (Source: Crai
FIGURE 14-23 Mammillaria. (Source:
FIGURE 14-28 Both desert and jungle
Growing mix Gravel Cacti (a) (b) FI
PART5 GROWING PLANTS OUTDOORS: ORNA
15 Principles of Landscaping PURPOS
8. Create recreational grounds. Suc
knowledge, with concern for resourc
(a) (b) (c) FIGURE 15-2 The occurre
GUIDELINES FOR LANDSCAPE DESIGN DAV
the landscape. Some very successful
Rhythm and Line Panoramic view of a
FIGURE 15-10 A formal garden. The e
How frequently do they entertain? A
the patio should be located on the
15.7.1 SELECTING PLANTS A homeowner
Plant Arrangement in the Landscape
Shadow FIGURE 15-15 Planting a tree
SUMMARY Landscaping enhances the su
19.16.1 CANE FRUITS Cane fruits are
FIGURE 19-26 Shearing of Christmas
pyramid-like form that is wider at
After selecting the appropriate spe
PART 6 GROWING PLANTS OUTDOORS: VEG
20 Growing Vegetables Outdoors PURP
The National Agricultural Statistic
(This item omitted from WebBook edi
growers should take to determine an
pests and reduce/ eliminate hail da
square yard (10 to 68 grams per squ
High tunnels help increase the prof
(This item omitted from WebBook edi
20.4 VEGETABLE MARKET TYPES Fresh V
Establishing the Crop Planting into
home water supply from the tap. Thi
Cole crop Cabbage Root Potato Bean
6. Adequate nutrition. While overfe
variable, ranging from creamy yello
There are two general production pr
This toxin is heat resistant and no
large, or jumbo. The bulb may be sw
REFERENCES Growing selected vegetab
TABLE 21-1 Popular Herbs and Their
(a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) FIGURE 21-1
22 Organic Farming PURPOSE AND EXPE
22.3 PRINCIPLES OF ORGANIC FARMING
and the specific materials to be us
22.8 MANAGING SOIL PHYSICAL QUALITY
preemergent or early postemergent o
Composting is a deliberate activity
22.14.5 THE CARBON-TO-NITROGEN RATI
Moisture Supply Water is required b
Compost materials FIGURE 22-4 a wir
As microbial decomposition proceeds
Establishment and Management of an
night, freezing can occur in spring
accomplished by stratification. It
transmitted by the dagger nematode
PART 7 SPECIAL TECHNIQUES AND HANDL
24 Cut Flowers and Floral Design PU
to more than four-fold in standard
Temperature and Humidity Wilting re
FLORAL DESIGN: AN OVERVIEW BY WM. J
Principle Definition Types (or Uses
pH value-a measure of the acidity o
FIGURE 6 Parallel Design-Parallel d
24.3.2 TOOLS AND MATERIALS The tool
3. Establish the focal point. 4. Ad
Natural Drying To dry naturally, fl
24.4.3 DRIED FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS Dr
25 Terrarium Culture PURPOSE AND EX
FIGURE 25-3 Terrarium containers ar
FIGURE 25-5 Assortment of tools use
25.6.7 ENHANCING THE DISPLAY Certai
(a) (b) FIGURE 26-1 Bonsai can be c
TABLE 26-3 Plant A Selection of Pop
26.3.1 COLLECTING BONSAI PLANTS FRO
Strip bark Bare branch FIGURE 26-9
26.5.2 SANITATION It is critical to
27 Postharvest Handling and Marketi
whereas oranges are picked (they ha
(b) (a) (c) (d) (e1) (e2) (f) FIGUR
To reduce packaging injury, contain
is replaced by the by-product of re
Stored produce may lose some color,
with pricing. When selling by volum
(a) (b) FIGURE 27-5 Horticultural p
APPENDIX A Temperature: Converting
APPENDIX B Metric Conversion Chart
APPENDIX D Common and Scientific Na
Pecan (Carya illinoensis) Peony (Pa
GLOSSARY A Abaxial Turned away from
Cellulose A complex carbohydrate th
Floriculture The science and practi
M Macronutrient An essential elemen
Root cap A mass of hard cells cover
INDEX A-frame, 395 A-horizon, 108 A
defined, 390 fertilization, 432-434
Radiant heaters, 378 Radicle, 90 Re
color plate 1 (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) M
color plate 3 (b) (a) (c) (d) (e) (
color plate 5 (a) (b) (d) (c) (e) (
color plate 7 (b) (c) (d) (a) (e) (
color plate 9 (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (
color plate 11 (a) (c) (b) (d) Grow
color plate 13 (a) (b) (c) (d) (e)
color plate 15 (a) (b) (c) (d) (e)
color plate 17 (a) (b) (c) (d) (e)
color plate 19 (a) (b) (c) (d) (e)
color plate 21 (a) (b) (c) (e) (d)
color plate 23 (c) (b) (a) (d) (e)
color plate 25 (c) (a) (b) (d) (e)
color plate 27 (a1) (a2) (b2) (b1)
color plate 29 (a) (b) (c) (d) (e)
color plate 31 (a) (b) (c) Floral d