RESEARCH REPORT SERIES NO. 1
RESEARCH REPORT 
1983
ORNAMENTALS
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ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION AUBURN UNIVERSITY
GALE A. BUCHANAN, DIRECTOR AUBURN UNIVERSITY, 
ALABAMA
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MAY 1983
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ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Contributions of the following, which supported ornamental horticulture research of the Alabama Agricultural Experiment
Station through contributions of funds or -materials, are acknowledged:
Auburn Wholesale Floral, Inc.
BASF
BFC Chemicals, Inc.
Blackwell Nurseries, Inc.
Byers Nursery Co.
Chandler Nursery Co.
Chevron Chemical Co.
CIBA-GEIGY Corp.
Cottage Hill Nursery, Inc.
Crossville Nurseries
De Vor Nursery
Fernwood Nursery
Flowerwood Nursery, Inc.
Foliage, Inc.
ICI Americas, Inc.
Limestone Nurseries
Maag Agrochemicals
Mallinckrodt, Inc.
Martin's Nursery
McMillan & Harrison Fertilizer Co.
Miller Chemical & Fertilizer Corp.
O.M. Scott & Sons
Overlook Nurseries
Paul Dodd Nurseries
Pioneer Springs Farm
Rhone-Poulenc Chemical Co.
Ridgewood Nurseries
Rushing's Nursery
S & S Nurseries
Sierra Chemical Co.
Southern Growers
Sta-Green Plant Food Co.
Strain & Son Nursery
Sumitomo Chemical Co.
Thrower Nursery, Inc.
Tidmore Nursery
Tom Dodd Nurseries, Inc.
Uniroyal Chemical
Wayside Nursery & Landscape Corp.
Wilson's Wholesale Nursery
Zimlich the Florist, Inc.
FOREWORD
This publication is the first of a new series-
"Research Report Series"-being established by the
Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station to fill a
specific need. Whereas other Experiment Station pub-
lications usually report on individual projects, the
Research Report Series will bring together results of
several phases of work dealing with a specific crop or
commodity. Thus, a single publication will provide an
update of available research information on a specific
crop or commodity.
The new publication is a natural outgrowth of the
systems approach to agricultural research, in which
researchers from several departments work together to
provide solutions to problems faced in the production
of a single crop. It will serve as a vehicle by which
findings by all members of a research team are com-
bined into a comprehensive report. Such a publication
could provide a valuable service to farmers and agri-
businesses involved with that crop or commodity, and
this is the sole reason the new publication series was
instituted.
Information provided in this publication, Research
Report Series 1, resulted from research done to pro-
vide support for Alabama's important ornamental hor-
ticulture industry. We hope this information will be
useful and contribute to the success of individual
nursery operations and the overall ornamentals indus-
try in the State.
The team that prepared this publication included
faculty and staff of three departments and one outlying
unit of the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station
(AAES), state and district staff of the Alabama Cooper-
ative Extension Service (ACES), a student in the
School of Agriculture, Forestry, and Biological Scien-
ces (SAFBS), and a faculty member from the Univer-
sity of Georgia, who assisted in the research. The
contributors are:
Gary S. Cobb, Superintendent, Ornamental Horticul-
ture Field Station, AAES, Mobile
Patricia P. Cobb, Entomologist, ACES
Douglas Cox, Assistant Professor, Department of
Horticulture, AAES
James S. Crockett, Research Associate, Department
of Horticulture, AAES
Heather J. Dawes, Senior in Ornamental Horticul-
ture, SAFBS
Clyde E. Evans, Associate Professor, Department
of Agronomy and Soils, AAES
Charles H. Gilliam, Assistant Professor, Depart-
ment of Horticulture, AAES
A.K. Hagan, Plant Pathologist and Nematologist,
ACES
Gary J. Keever, Assistant Professor, Department of
Horticulture, AAES
Fred B. Perry, Jr., Associate Professor, Department
of Horticulture, AAES
Frank Pokorny, Associate Professor, Department of
Horticulture, University of Georgia, Athens, Geor-
gia
Harry G. Ponder, Associate Professor, Department
of Horticulture, AAES
Cecil Pounders, Horticulturist, ACES
Ronald L. Shumack, Horticulturist-Ornamentals,
ACES
James C. Stephenson, Jr., Assistant Superinten-
dent, Ornamental Horticulture Field Station,
AAES, Mobile
Michael L. Williams, Associate Professor, Depart-
ment of Zoology-Entomology, AAES
Future publications in this series will report on
ongoing research dealing with other important Ala-
bama agricultural crops or commodities.
Gale A. Buchanan
Dean and Director
Alabama Agricultural
Experiment Station
Auburn University
CONTENTS
Page
ACKNOW LEDGMENT .......................... ........... .......... 2
FOREW ORD . ........................... ........... .......... 3
CONTAINER-GROWN WOODY ORNAMENTALS.............................. 5
Growth of Hershey's Red Azaleas in Three
Pot/Mulch Combinations..................................... 5
The Effects of Supplemental N on Plant Growth in
Fresh and Aged Pine Bark.................................. 5
Medium pH and Growth of Two Woody Ornamentals as
Influenced by Liming Rate ........... ...................... 6
Effect of Foliar Application of Atrinal on
Carolina Jasmine ...................... ..................... 7
GREENHOUSE CROPS.................... ............ ............. 8
Fertilization of Roosevelt Boston Fern ............................... 8
Effect of N and Lime Fertility on Whitmanii Boston Fern .............. 9
Effects of Slow-Release Fertilizers on Growth and
Post-Production Performance of Boston Fern...................... 10
Preliminary Evaluation of Cut Rose Production in
South Alabama.................. .......................... 11
Cotton Waste as a Media Amendment............................11
DISEASE AND INSECT CONTROL ....................................... 15
Management Program Developed for an Alabama
Magnolia Orchard..........................................15
Control of Nantucket Pine Tip Moth on Virginia Pine
Christmas Trees with Dimethoate, Carbofuran,
and Diflubenzuron ......................................... 16
Pine Tortoise Scale Control in Christmas Tree Plantations ............. 17
Paria Leaf Beetle Control on Azaleas.............................17
Control of Alternaria Leaf Spot on Pittosporum
tobira Wheeler's Dwarf.....................................18
Fungicides for the Control of Entomosporium Leaf
Spot on Photinia...........................................18
Chipco 26019, a New Fungicide for Petal Blight
Control on Floral Crops................ ..................... 20
FIELD PRODUCTION................................................... 21
Successfully Transplanting Photinia in the Summer ................... 21
Postemergence Applied Grass Weed Herbicides ..................... 22
PROPAGATION.................................... ......................... 23
Propagation of Upright Juniper..................................... 23
Propagation of Ilex glabra and Rhododendron nudiflorum
from Softwood Cuttings............... ...................... 24
COVER PHOTO. Newest members of the ornamental horticulture research faculty of
the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station, Douglas A. Cox (left) and Gary J.
Keever, check growth of experimental poinsettias.
FIRST PRINTING 5M, MAY 1983
Information contained in this report is available to all persons
without regard to race, color, sex, or national origin.
CONTAINER-GROWN WOODY ORNAMENTALS
Growth of Hershey's Red Azaleas
in Three Pot/Mulch Combinations
Gary J. Keever and Gary S. Cobb
High soil temperatures have been shown to reduce root
and shoot growth of plants. Research indicates that optimum
root growth for many plants occurs between 770 and 86'F.
Growth is reduced at soil temperatures above 86F and will
cease in many species when temperature exceeds 104F. Soil
temperatures above 120' have been observed in both green
and black pots exposed to direct solar radiation. This work
was initiated to evaluate temperature fluctuations and
growth of Rhododendron Hershey's Red in three pot/mulch
combinations during the summer months.
In March 1982, uniform Hershey's Red liners were potted
in 1-gallon black or white polyethylene pots in amended
pine bark. Three treatments were selected to determine
pot/mulch effects on growing medium temperatures and
plant growth: (1) black pots on a white shell mulch; (2) white
pots on a black polyethylene mulch; and (3) black pots
recessed into a white plywood frame so that the pot sides
were not exposed to direct solar radiation.
Air and medium temperatures were monitored con-
tinuously during the summer months. In September, per-
cent root coverage of the surface of the bark medium,
relative root development, growth indices, and top dry
weight were determined.
Growing medium in the black pots on white mulch con-
sistently reached the highest maximum temperatures. Me-
dium in white pots on a black mulch averaged 6F cooler.
Temperatures in the plywood frame, which simulated
jammed plants where pots are shaded, were lower than the
other two pot/mulch combinations and lower than ambient
air temperature. Maximum temperatures at the different
locations within a single black pot on white mulch decreased
in the following order: south wall, west, south, east, center,
and north side. Maximum ambient air temperature was
lower than any of the maximum pot temperatures.
Percent root coverage of the bark surface was greatest for
plants grown in the plywood frame, followed in order by
plants in white pots on black mulch and those in black pots
and white mulch, table 1. Root coverage was greater on the
TABLE 1. ROOT COVERAGE (PCT.) OF THE NORTH AND SOUTH BARK
SURFACES, RELATIVE ROOT DEVELOPMENT, GROWTH INDEX,
AND Top DRY WEIGHT OF HERSHEY'S RED AZALEA IN
THREE POT/MULCH COMBINATIONS
Relative Growth
Pot/mulch Root coverage root index Top dry
combination North South develop- (H + W) weight
ment 2
Pct. Pct. Grams
Black pot/white
mulch ............ 7.2 d
2  
.7 d 2.6 b 23.6 b 27.5 b
White pot/black
mulch ........... 31.1lb 20.4 c 3.3 a 26.0Oa 36.7 a
Black pot/plywood
frame ............ 47.4 a 42.6 a 3.6 a 25.8 a 34.1lab
'Rating: 1 = least developed and 5 = most developed root systems.
2
Mean separation within columns by Duncan's Multiple Range Test, 5
percent level; root coverage values separated among all means.
north side of white pots on black mulch than on the south
side. Although not significantly different, values indicated
less coverage of the south side of black pots on white mulch
compared to the north side. Relative root development and
growth indices were greater in the plywood frame and in
white pots on black mulch than in black pots on white mulch.
Growth (measured by top dry weight) was greater in the
white pots on black mulch than in black pots on white mulch.
Lower temperatures and greater root and top growth in
white pots on black mulch suggest the need to reconsider
black pot/white shell mulch combinations commonly used in
south Alabama. White pots on a black mulch appear to
provide a viable alternative for growers. Lower tempera-
tures and better root development of plants in the plywood
frames suggest that it is beneficial to jam plants or to space
plants so that foliage minimizes.direct solar radiation to the
sides of pots during the summer months.
See color plate number 1, page 12.
The Effects of Supplemental N on Plant
Growth in Fresh and Aged Pine Bark
Gary S. Cobb and Gary J. Keever
Pine bark is commonly used as a growing medium or a
medium component in the production of container-grown
woody ornamentals in the Southeast. Growers have re-
ported that the use of fresh pine bark instead of aged pine
bark resulted in reduced plant growth. Since fresh bark has a
higher carbon to nitrogen (C/N) ratio than aged bark, there is
an increased demand for N by microorganisms actively
decomposing the medium. This increased demand for N in
fresh pine bark may require additional N applications if a
similar growth response is to be achieved in both bark types.
This study was initiated to evaluate the effects of sup-
plemental N on the growth of selected woody ornamentals
growing in fresh and aged bark.
Uniform liners of Euonymus japonica Microphylla, Illex
crenata Compacta, and Rhododendron Hino-Crimson were
potted in amendedpine bark medium. Treatments included
fresh and aged pine bark with Osmocote 17-7-12, 10 pounds
per cubic yard, incorporated plus weekly applications of 0,
100, 200, or 300 p.p.m. N from ammonium nitrate. After 3
months, foliar color was rated on a scale of 1 to 5, with severe
chlorosis= 1 and dark green foliage = 5. Growth indices,
foliar analysis, and shoot dry weight data were also collected.
Foliar ratings at 0 and 100 p.p.m. supplemental N and
growth indices at all N levels were generally higher for
plants grown in fresh compared to aged bark, figures 1 and 2.
Foliar rating and growth indices increased with increasing
rates of N regardless of bark age. Plant dry weight increased
with increasing N, figure 3, and growth was not generally
different between bark types. With both fresh and aged
bark, foliar N increased, while foliar K, P, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn,
and Zn decreased with increasing levels of N fertilization.
Plant growth and appearance were as good in fresh as in
aged bark, even without supplemental N. This indicates that
Folior
rating
5
Fresh bark
4
Aged bark
3
100 200 300
Supplemental nitrogen, p.p.m./wk.
FIG. 1. Foliar rating of Euonymus japonica Microphylla grown in
fresh and aged pine bark and supplied with different rates of sup-
plemental N: 1 = chlorotic foliage, 5 = dark green foliage.
FIG. 2. Growth index (height + width + 2) for Ilex crenata Compacta
grown in fresh and aged pine bark and supplied with different rates
of supplemental N.
additional N demands in fresh bark were low and were met
by the incorporated Osmocote. Plant quality increased with
supplemental N up to 200 p.p.m. and growth increased as N
increased. This indicates the benefits of supplemental N
fertilization when Osmocote 17-7-12, 10 pounds per cubic
yard, is incorporated in a pine bark growing medium.
See color plates numbers 2 and 3.
Dry wt.,
grams
8
7
6
5
4
3
100 200 300
Supplemental nitrogen, p.p.m./wk.
FIG. 3. Growth of Rhododendron Hino-Crimson in fresh and aged
pine bark when supplied with different rates of supplemental N.
Medium pH and Growth of Two Woody
Ornamentals as Influenced by
Liming Rate
Gary S. Cobb
Liming of growing media is common practice among
commercial nurserymen. Rates vary, but growers often
incorporate 8 to 12 pounds of dolomitic limestone per cubic
yard of medium. This reduces the acidity of the medium
(raises pH) and supplies calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg),
two required plant nutrients. It has been shown that plants
grow well at a lower pH in soilless organic media than in soil.
This study was initiated to investigate the growth response of
two woody ornamentals as affected by liming rates.
Uniform liners of Pittosporum tobira Variegata and Juni-
perus virginiana Sky Rocket were potted March 1981 in
1-gallon plastic containers using a milled pine bark-sandy
clay growing medium, 5:1, (v,v), amended with 2 pounds
gypsum, 2 pounds regular superphosphate, 1.5 pounds
Micromax, and 10 pounds Osmocote 17-7-12 per cubic yard.
Liming rates varied from 0 to 15 pounds per cubic yard, table
2. Magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt), 4 pound per cubic yard,
[6]
TABLE 2. EFFECT OF LIMING RATES ON GROWING MEDIUM PH AND FOLIAR
LEVELS OF CALCIUM, MAGNESIUM, AND POTASSIUM INJUNIPERUS VIRGINIANA
SKY ROCKET 16 MONTHS AFTER INCORPORATION
Dolomitic limestone, pH Foliar levels, pet. dry wt.
lb./cubic yard Calcium Magnesium 
Potassium
0.0 ................. 3.5 1.12 0.24 1.50
2.5................. 3.5 1.07 .26 1.23
5.0................ 3.9 1.01 .30 .96
7.5 ................. 4.3 1.15 .38 1.10
10.0 ................. 4.9 1.09 .44 1.04
15.0 ................. 5.7 1.01 .47 1.09
was incorporated at the 0 rate of dolomitic limestone to
provide a source of magnesium. Plant growth, foliar nutrient
levels, and medium pH were monitored.
The growing medium had an initial pH of 3.6. Samples
taken 8 and 16 months after potting demonstrated that pH
increased linearly as the rate of dolomitic limestone in-
creased, figure 4. However, pH declined for all treatments
between the 8- and 16-month sampling times.
With Sky Rocket, tissue levels of calcium were unaffected
by liming rates, table 2. Potassium levels were reduced
when dolomitic limestone was incorporated and magnesium
increased as the rate of limestone increased. Growth (top dry
weight) was not influenced by treatment or medium pH.
Results of this study suggest that liming rates may be
significantly reduced without adversely affecting growth or
nutrient uptake of these two woody ornamentals.
pH
7- I
FIG. 4. Effect of liming rates on growing medium pH (acidity) 8 and
16 months after incorporation.
Effect of Foliar Application
of Atrinal on Carolina Jasmine
Gary S. Cobb
Gelsemium sempervirens, Carolina jasmine, is an ever-
green, twining shrub that produces fragrant, yellow flowers
in the early spring. It is grown commercially for landscape
use on trellises, porches, banks, and fence rows. The vining
nature of the shrub dictates a relatively high labor re-
quirement during production. Failure to keep the plants
staked or pruned results in an entagled mass whose sep-
aration is difficult, time consuming, and often injurious to
the vines. Preliminary tests indicated potential for pro-
ducing a compact, well-branched plant by foliar application
of Atrinal? (dikegulac sodium).
Uniform liners were potted February 20, 1981, in 1-gallon
plastic containers using an amended pine bark-peat moss
(2:1, v/v) growing medium. Plants were pruned to a maxi-
mum shoot length of 8 inches and placed in a plastic-
covered, unheated greenhouse in full sun. Treatments listed
in table 3 were applied using a hand-pumped, compressed
air sprayer on February 24, 1981, completely wetting the
upper surface of the foliage. Evaluation was based on phy-
totoxicity, shoot numbers, and growth.
TABLE 3. EFFECT OF FOLIAR APPLICATION OF ATRINAL ON SHOOT
NUMBERS AND GROWTH (SHOOT DRY WEIGHTS) OF
GELSEMIUM SEMPERVIRENS, CAROLINA JASMINE
Treatment Shoots/plant Shoot dry wt.
No.' Grams'
Control .............. 24 d' 30.9 a'
Atrinal, I oz./gal ...... 49 c 23.6 b
Atrinal, 2 oz./gal ...... 72 b 24.6 b
Atrinal, 3 oz./gal ...... 113 a 20.9 b
'Mean separation within columns by Duncan's Multiple Range Test, 5
percent level; values followed by the same letter are not statistically
ifferent.
Two to 3 weeks after spraying, treated plants began to
exhibit chlorosis and abnormal leaf shape (small and narrow
blades) on young, expanding foliage. Symptoms increased in
severity as concentration of Atrinal increased.
Shoot numbers increased as the concentration of Atrinal
increased, table 3. Shoot dry weights of plants treated with
Atrinal were suppressed compared to the control. After 8
weeks, control plants required staking and at 16 weeks plant
height exceeded 4 feet. Plants treated with Atrinal were
fuller and more compact than control plants. Those sprayed
with Atrinal, 1 ounce per gallon of water, needed staking or
pruning 12 weeks after treatment; however, those treated
with the higher concentrations required no additional care
for 16 weeks.
At the conclusion of the study (16 weeks), the control
plants and those treated with Atrinal at rates of 1-2 ounces
per gallon were judged marketable by nurserymen despite
differences in height and branching. Difference in growth
between treated and untreated plants, as reflected by shoot
dry weights, was statistically significant, but the difference
was not considered to be a marketing factor. Plants treated
with Atrinal at 3 ounces per gallon still exhibited chlorosis
and foliar distortion after 16 weeks.
In summary, a well-shaped, compact shrub was produced
with minimal labor by a single foliar application of Atrinal, 2
ounces per gallon of water. No permanent alteration in
growth habit resulted from Atrinal treatment.
See color plate number 4.
[7]
8 months
*00
6
5
4
3
2.5 5.0 7.5 10
Dolomitic limestone , lb./cu.yd.
GREENHOUSE CROPS
Fertilization of Roosevelt Boston Fern
Charles H. Gilliam, Ronald L. Shumack,
and Clyde E. Evans
In the production of Boston ferns, fertilizer is usually
applied at frequent intervals on a regular basis. Some grow-
ers use a constant fertilization system whereby fertilizer is
added at each watering, while others fertilize weekly or
biweekly. Nitrogen rates commonly range from 100 to 200
p.p.m. (continuous feed) to 300 to 500 p.p.m. (weekly
applications). Previous research has primarily considered
the effects of nitrogen rates applied on fern growth rather
than effects on fern quality.
Generally, consumers prefer a dark green fern in com-
parison to lighter-colored ferns. When fertilizer recom-
mendations are based only on total growth, other important
aspects, such as greenness of color, may be overlooked.
Nitrogen fertilization influences greenness of color, but the
relationsihip between color and growth have not been con-
sidered. The objective of this research was to determine the
effects of rate and frequency of fertilizer application on
growth, nutrient content, and color of Roosevelt Boston
fern.
Uniform 2-inch tissue culture fern liners of Roosevelt fern
were potted on August 14 into 6-inch plastic containers in
Metro-Mix 300. Two weeks later, nine treatments were
initiated. Treatments consisted of three fertilization rates:
50, 150, and 300 p.p.m. N from Peters 20-20-20 applied one,
two, or three times weekly. Ferns were watered on treat-
ment days if no fertilizer was applied. Plants were grown in a
greenhouse under natural photoperiod with temperatures
ranging from 65' to 80F.
Six weeks after treatment initiation, fronds longer than 4
inches were counted. Six weeks later, frond number, color
evaluation, and dry weight were taken from two plants per
replicate. Samples from frond mid-sections were collected
for tissue analysis.
Fern dry weight increased with increasing rates of ferti-
lizer when applied once weekly, table 4. Ferns grown with
150 p.p. m. N applied twice weekly resulted in fern dry
weights equal to or greater than all other treatments. These
data concur with previous research with Roosevelt fern.
Ferns receiving 150 or 300 p.p.m. N three times weekly had
growth similar to ferns receiving 150 p. p. m. N twice weekly.
Fertilization with 150 p.p.m. N twice weekly would require
one-third the amount of fertilizer. These data indicate that
optimum growth of Roosevelt fern is obtained at much lower
levels of fertility than is commonly applied. Results also
indicate that ferns can tolerate a wide range of fertility
without adverse effects. This contrasts with other researcih
which showed a 42 percent suppression of fern growth when
300 p. p.m. N applied twice weekly was compared to 200
p.p. m. N applied twice weekly. The data also showed a slight
suppression of fern growth when 300 p. p.m. N was applied
twice weekly, but then no suppression of growth when 300
p.p.m. N was applied three times weekly. One possible
explanation for the dramatic effect of high N rates reported
in previous research may be the size and age of liners used in
TABLE 4. EFFECT OF RATE AND FREQUENCY OF FERTILIZATION ON
ROOSEVELT FERN GROWTH AFTER 12 WEEKS
Treatment Fronds Green Tissue
N cone. Frequency over Dry weight color
1  
or
p.p.m per week 12 in. 
-a/b foliar N
No. Grams Pct.
50 1 3 d
2  
10d -0.62 d 0.8 f
150 1 15 c 23 c - .65 c 1.8 d
300 1 20 c 30b - .69b 2.4 c
50 2 12 c 13 d - .64 cd 1.1 e
150 2 33ab 37 a - .69 b 2.1 c
300 2 22 bc 31 b - .73 a 3.4 a
50 3 11 c 20c - .66c 1.6 d
150 3 37 a 37 a - .69 b 2.8 b
300 3 31ab 38a - .73a 3.6a
'Color values'were obtained by use of a Hunter Color Difference Meter;
the more negative the number, the greener the color.
2Mean separation within columns by Duncan's Multiple 
Range Test, 5
percent level.
the experiment. Results from the current study and earlier
work were similar in nature and duration with regard to the
300 p.p.m. N rate applied twice weekly, yet ferns in the
current study had about 2.5 times more dry weight. Most
likely this could be attributed to liner age and would suggest
that young liners may be more susceptible to soluble salt
damage than the 2-inch liners used in this study. The num-
ber of fronds at 6 weeks indicated that ferns were not limited
initially by high fertility levels. In fact, the greatest number
of fronds occurred at the highest fertility levels.
,Frond numbers at both sampling dates responded simi-
larly to fern dry weight. At the 12-week sample date, frond
numbers included only fronds greater than 12 inches in
length. Ferns treated with 150 p.p.m. N twice weekly had
frond numbers equal to or greater than those with 150
p. p. m. N three times weekly or with 300 p.p.m. N two or
three times weekly.
Tissue N increased with increasing rates and frequency of
applied fertilizer, table 4. At the end of 12 weeks, increasing
the frequency of fertilization at a given rate increased the
concentration of tissue N, with the exception of 300 p. p.m.
applied three times. Greatest dry weight accumulation oc-
curred when tissue N was greater than 2.0 percent. Increas-
ing the tissue N concentration above 2.0 percent did not
increase growth; however, frond color was enhanced when
tissue N concentrations were 3.4-3.6 percent. Greatest tis-
sue N concentrations resulted from fertilization with 300
p.p.m. N two or three times weekly. Ferns with a -.69 or
lower value had an acceptable green color; however, ferns
treated with 300 p.p.m. N two or three times weekly had a
darker green color than ferns treated with 150 ppm. N two
or three times weekly, table 4.
These results show that ferns can be produced with one-
third the fertilizer that many commercial producers now
apply. With 150 p. p.m. N applied twice weekly, fern growth
was equal to or greater than fern growth at higher rates and
frequencies. Higher N rates did improve frond color; how-
ever, improved frond color may be attainable by using the
[8]
higher rates and frequencies during the last 1-2 weeks of
production.
These data show that when fertilizer is applied once
weekly, growth will be limited if the N level is 300 p.p.m. or
lower. Furthermore, addition of weekly fertilizer at a level
greater than 300 p. p. m. N would result in excessive fertilizer
use.
See color plate number 5.
Effect of N and Lime Fertility on
Whitmanii Boston Fern
James S. Crockett, Charles H. Gilliam,
Clyde E. Evans, and Ronald L. Shumack
Research has shown that Roosevelt Boston fern has maxi-
mum growth when fertilized with 150-200 p.p.m. N twice
per week. Other research has shown that liming influences
growth of Compacta Boston fern. The objective of this study
was to determine the influence of liming on the N re-
quirement and growth of Whitmanii Boston fern, a much
slower growing fern than the Roosevelt fern.
Whitmanii Boston ferns were grown in a medium of peat
and perlite (1:1, v:v) under natural light conditions in a
greenhouse from November to March. Half of the experi-
mental medium was limed with dolomitic lime at the rate of
10 pounds per cubic yard and half received no lime. Two
weeks after planting, six treatments consisting of three N
rates (150, 300, and 450 p.p.m.) were applied at two appli-
cation frequencies (two and three times weekly). Peters
20-20-20 commercial fertilizer was used twice weekly, but
the third weekly application consisted of ammonium nitrate
to avoid additional application of P and K. Peters Soluble
Trace Element Mix was applied according to label recom-
mendations.
Ferns grown with 150 p.p.m. N applied two or three times
weekly and 300 p.p.m. N twice weekly generally had the
greatest growth, the highest visual ratings, and the lowest
soluble salt readings, table 5. There was no additional
growth when ferns were fertilized at N rates greater than 150
p.p.m. N twice weekly.
Liming did not affect dry weights or visual ratings at the
lowest N rate regardless of application frequency, table 5.
Dry weights did vary at higher N rates, indicating that
excessive fertility levels were suppressive, especially for
non-limed plants. Visual ratings for limed material were
better with ferns receiving 300 and 450 p. p.m. N. The limed
medium had less pH variability than the non-limed me-
dium. Non-limed ferns showed soluble salt damage before
limed ferns. Limited damage was visible on limed plants
with soluble salt readings of 1.1 to 1.4 millimhos (mmhos)
compared to 50 to 70 percent damage to non-limed plants at
levels of 0.6 to 0.7 mmhos. At no time did the best plants
exceed a soluble salt level of 0.4 mmhos regardless of lime
treatment to the media.
Generally, 150 p.p.m. N applied two or three times
weekly resulted in fern growth equal to or greater than any
other treatment. Visual ratings for limed ferns treated with
300 p.p.m. and 450 p.p.m. N were better than from those
same treatments in a non-limed medium. While the growth
benefits of applying lime were limited when compared to
plants grown without liming, it appears that liming is impor-
tant in a soilless mix because it provides the medium with a
buffer against excess fertility and possible soluble salt
damage.
See color plates numbers 6 and 7.
TABLE 5. EFFECTS OF N RATE AND FREQUENCY ON FROND NUMBERS, DRY WEIGHTS, QUALITY, PH, AND
SOLUBLE SALTS ON THE WHITMANNI FERN IN BOTH LIMED AND NON-LIMED MEDIA
Treatment pH
N c ., Frequency Dry 
weight Visual rating' 
Soluble salts N at
N conc., Frequency at 18 weeks at 18 weeks 12 weeks 18 weeks at 
18 weeks 18 weeks
p.p.m. per week
No. Grams Pct.
Limed
150 2 46.5 a' 1.3 cd 5.5 a 5.8 a 0.4 c 3.66 d
300 2 41.8 ab 1.6 c 5.4 a 4.9 c .9 b 4.22 c
450 2 37.9 b 2.6 b 5.3 a 4.9 c 1.4 a 4.76 c
150 3 45.9 a 1.1 d 5.4 a 5.2 b .3 c 4.07 c
300 3 41.7 ab 1.7 c 5.3 a 4.7 d .8 b 4.69 b
450 3 35.7 b 3.1 a 5.2 a 5.1 bc 1.1 a 5.21 a
Non-limed
150 2 40.0 ab 1.4 d 4.4 c 4.5 c .2 d 
4.25 d
300 2 43.7 a 2.1 d 5.3 b 6.5 ab .4 c 4.97 
c
450 2 27.5 c 5.8 b 6.0 a 6.8 ab .7 a 5.16 bc
150 3 41.2 ab 1.7d 4.4 c 4.9 c .2 d 4.71 c
300 3 38.1 b 3.3 c 5.3 b 6.1 b .5 b 5.45 ab
450 3 28.2 c 7.1 a 6.2 a 7.3 a .6 a 5.67 a
Lime
3  
** ** NS ** ** 
**
N rate ** 
** ** ** ** **
Lime vs. N rate * ** ** ** * 
NS
Frequency NS ** NS NS NS **
Lime vs. frequency NS * NS NS NS 
NS
N rate vs. frequency NS * NS NS NS NS
Lime vs. N rate vs. frequency NS NS NS NS NS 
NS
'Based on values from 1 to 10, 1 being a healthy plant, 5 being 50 percent dead, 10 being 100 percent dead.
2Mean separation within columns by Duncan's Multiple 
Range Test, 5 percent level.
3Factorial analysis demonstrating no significance (NS), 5 percent level (*), and 1 percent level (**).
[9]
TABL 5. FFETS O N ATE ND REQUNCY N FOND UMBRS, 'Y
Effects of Slow-Release Fertilizers on
Growth and Post-Production Performance
of Boston 
Fern
Charles H. Gilliam, Douglas A. Cox,
Ronald L. Shumack, and Clyde E. Evans
High quality foliage plants can be commercially produced
by following either liquid or slow-release fertilizer pro-
grams. One area receiving increased attention is that of
post-production handling. Research has established that
acclimatizing foliage plants prior to entering the interior
environment is beneficial, and shown that plants acclimat-
ized to lower light levels require less fertilizer.
Many foliage plants are sold to garden centers and other
retail outlets where the plants may remain for as long as 2
months. It is often assumed that plants receiving liquid
fertilization rapidly become depleted of nutrients when
taken off regular fertilization, leading to a reduction in plant
quality. In view of previous research on foliage plants and
the interaction of light and fertilizer levels, it was thought
that perhaps holding ferns in low light conditions prior to
sale would enhance plant quality, benefiting both the re-
tailer and consumer.
The objective of this experiment was to determine the
effects of two slow-release fertilizers and liquid fertilization
on the growth, foliar N content, and quality of Compacta
Boston fern in two post-production environments.
Fern liners were potted September 23, 1981, in 6-inch
plastic pots ofpeat-perlite (1:1, v/v) amended with gypsum at
2 pounds per cubic yard. Prior to planting, experimental
sulfur-coated Slow Release Encapsulated Fertilizer (SREF),
20-4-10, for foliage plants or Osmocote 19-6-12 was incor-
porated at either 1.5, 3.0, or 6.0 pounds N per cubic yard.
For comparison, other plants received liquid fertilization
with Millers 20-2-20 at 150 p.p.m. N twice weekly. Ferns
were grown in a double layer polyethylene house with
maximum illuminance of 500 foot-candles and a temperature
range of 65' to 80F.
Following a production period of 16 weeks ending January
16, 1982, half of the ferns were moved to an interior envi-
ronment, while the others were left in the greenhouse.
Interior lighting was provided by cool white fluorescent
lamps plus natural light through windows. Maximum illu-
minance was about 230 foot-candles and minimum illumi-
nance about 100 foot-candles. No fertilizer was applied to
the plants in either post-production environment after Janu-
ary 16. Six weeks later, dry weight and color difference
measurements were made on plants in the two post-
production environments. Foliar N analyses were made at
the end of the production period and after 6 weeks in the
post-production environments.
Commercial production. The greatest fern growth during
normal production (16 weeks) occurred with liquid ferti-
lization or the incorporation of 3 pounds N per cubic yard of
Osmocote, table 6. Ferns grown with Osmocote at the 1.5 or
3 pounds N per cubic yard rate were larger than in the
corresponding SREF treatments. There were no differences
in dry weight between the two highest Osmocote and SREF
rates. Foliar N was greatest with liquid fertilization and 6.0
pounds N per cubic yard of each slow-release fertilizer and
lowest with 1.5 pounds N per cubic yard.
Post-production period. Little additional growth oc-
curred in the interior environment; generally, dry weight
after 6 weeks was within 5 percent of the weight 6 weeks
earlier. In contrast, ferns in the greenhouse environment
continued to grow and most treatments had dry weight
increases of 20 percent or more. Even ferns receiving liquid
fertilization during production and no subsequent ferti-
lization during the post-production period increased 28
percent in dry weight.
Foliage color was similar among all fertilizer treatments at
the end of the production period except for plants receiving
1.5 pounds N per cubic yard of SREF, which werelighter
green. At the end of the post-production period, ferns in the
greenhouse tended to be lighter in color than at the begin-
ning, but plants in the interior environment were darker
than at the beginning.
These results have several practical implications. Many
retail garden centers have greenhouses to hold and maintain
foliage plants prior to sale. The data indicate that ferns may
actually improve in color under low light conditions, even
when no liquid fertilizer is added, disputing the notion that
slow-release fertilizers are superior to liquid fertilizers in
maintaining green color following the production period.
Ferns which received liquid fertilization and were then held
for 6 weeks with no fertilization were as green as those with
slow-release fertilizers, regardless of the post-production
environment.
Foliar N data further support the fact that ferns grown
with liquid fertilization did not become N deficient, table 6.
When sampled at the end of the production period, foliar N
TABLE 6. EFFECTS OF Two SLOW-RELEASE FERTILIZERS ON COMPACTA BOSTON FERN DRY WEIGHT, FOLIAR N, AND COLOR
Treatment Dry wt., grams 
Foliar N, pct. Green 
color (a/b)
2
lb. N/ End of Post-production' End of Post-production End of Post-production
cu. yd. production Greenhouse Interior production Greenhouse Interior production Greenhouse Interior
SREF 20-4-10
1.5 ................. 55.1 c
3  
70.3 d 57.2 b 1.5 d 1.6 d 1.8 c -0.62 a -0.56 a -0.66 a
3.0................. 61.6bc 70.0d 60.5b 2.5bc 2.6a 3.0a - .66b - .62a - .66a
6.0................. 62.8b 89.2b 61.3b 2.7ab 2.5ab 3.1a - .68b - .53a - .70ab
Osmocote 19-6-12
1.5................. 65.9b 79.3c 62.9b 2.2c 1.9cd 2.5b - .67b - .62a - .74b
3.0 ................. 75.9 a 103.1 a 75.5 a 2.5 bc 2.1 bc 3.0 a - .67 b - .57 a - .71 ab
6.0................. 63.6b 95.5b 72.4a 2.6ab 2.2abc 3.1a - .68b - .62a - .71ab
20-2-20, 150 p.p.m. N 78.7 a 109.5 a 80.2 a 2.9 a 2.4 ab 3.3 a - .68 b 
- .61 a - .71 ab
'Production period was September 23 to January 16. Post-production wanuar y 16 to February 25.
2Green color: more negative the number, greener 
the color.
3
Mean separation within columns by Duncan's Multiple Range Test, 5 percent 
level.
[10]
of ferns grown with liquid fertilization was equal to or greater
than with the slow-release fertilizer treatments. Six weeks
later these ferns still had foliar N content similar to or higher
than all other treatments, regardless of the post-production
environment. Apparently enough N was retained in the
medium after liquid fertilization was stopped to sustain the
plants under conditions in the test.
These results indicate that it may not be necessary to
fertilize ferns for at least 6 weeks following the end of
commercial production if the plants are held under low light
conditions at the retail outlet. This is true regardless of
method of fertilization used during production.
Preliminary Evaluation of Cut Rose
Production in South Alabama
Gary S. Cobb
Commercial U.S. production of long stem florist roses has
been located primarily in the West and Northeast. Nearness
to population centers and transportation availability favored
these locations, but population shifts and modern transport-
ation capabilities have eroded their advantages. Never-
theless, areas such as the Southeast have not developed
production to furnish locally available markets. In fact, roses
retailed in the Southeast at present are produced in Cal-
ifornia or imported from Colombia.
Rose production in the Southeast traditionally has been
limited by two cultural problems: high temperatures and
disease (powdery mildew). However, modern cooling and
heating systems can provide effective temperature control
for greenhouse crops and rose powdery mildew can be
effectively controlled by environmental and chemical
methods. High light intensity, reduced energy costs, the
availability of high quality water, and an increasing popu-
lation favor the establishment of commercial rose production
facilities in the Southeast.
An existing 25 x 30 foot glass greenhouse was modified
with perimeter heating and an improved temperature con-
trol system. Two cultivars, Forever Yours (red) and Town
Crier (yellow), grade XX and budded on Rosa Manettii root
stocks, were planted one per square foot in raised benches in
January 1980. Support was provided by wire and bamboo
caging placed at 1-foot intervals. Two growing media, 100
percent milled pine bark and milled pine bark-peat-sandy
clay (2:2:1, v/v/v), were evaluated. Plants were fertilized
with each irrigation using 250 p.p.m. nitrogen and 200
p. m. potassium. Micronutrients and supplemental iron
were injected periodically. Plants received two soft pinches
before they were allowed to flower. Summer day tempera-
tures were kept at 850 to 90
0
F. Minimum winter tempera-
tures were maintained at 60oF during the night and 70oF
during the day. Standard commercial greenhouse pest con-
trol methods were used. Roses were cut twice daily. Produc-
tion data included yield, stem length, and flower weight for
continuous flower production from May 1980 through April
1981.
Forever Yours yielded a greater number of blooms per
plant than did Town Crier, table 7. While no attempt was
made to schedule the crop, annual yields for both cultivars
equalled or exceeded published reports on productivity
TABLE 7. EFFECT OF CULTIVAR ON FIRST YEAR'S MARKETABLE FLOWER
YIELD, STEM LENGTH, AND FRESH STEM WEIGHT OF CUT ROSES
Cultivar
Forever Yours ..............
Town Crier.................
Yield, 
Shoot
flowers/plant Length Weight
No. cm Grams
42.3 a
t  
57.4 a
t  
24.6 bI
29.3 b 61.0 a 27.5 a
'Mean separation within columns by Duncan's Multiple Range Test, 5
percent level; values followed by the same letter are not statistically
different.
TABLE 8. EFFECT OF GROWING MEDIA ON THE FIRST YEAR'S
MARKETABLE FLOWER YIELD, STEM LENGTH,
AND FRESH STEM WEIGHT OF CUT ROSES
Medium Yield, 
Shoot
flowers/plant 
Length 
Weight
No. cm Grams
Milled pine bark ............ 33.3 b' 58.3 a
t  
25.5 a'
Milled pine bark-peat-
sandy clay (2:2:1, v/v/v) ...... 38.3 a 59.4 a 26.0 a
'Mean separation within columns by Duncan's Multiple Range Test, 5
percent level; values followed by the same letter are not statistically
different.
from other areas. Stem length was not significantly different
between cultivars; however, flowering stem weights for
Town Crier were greater than for Forever Yours. Local
florists judged the flowers to be of commercial quality.
Yield in milled pine bark-peat-sandy clay was higher than
in 100 percent milled pine bark, table 8. Stem length and
weight were not affected by media for either cultivar. Fre-
quency of irrigation was greater in 100 percent milled pine
bark, reflecting the lower water holding capacity of the
medium.
Infrequent outbreaks of powdery mildew occurred in the
spring and fall. Eradicative control was obtained with a
single application ofMilban (1 quart per 100 gallons ofwater)
plus Nu-FilmO 17 (0.5 pint per 100 gallons of water). In-
frequent infestations of spider mites, flower thrips, and
armyworms were kept in check with insecticide sprays.
A recent report in a national publication noted that for
U. S. growers to be competitive in the cut rose market, they
must be near their market and minimize production costs
such as winter heating bills. If production could be econ-
omically feasible, south Alabama could be a favorable loca-
tion for commercial rose production.
See color plates, numbers 8 and 9.
Cotton Waste as a Tomato
Media Amendment
Ronald L. Shumack, Charles H. Gilliam,
and Frank Pokorny
Bedding plant production requires a medium that is high
enough in fertility for plants to grow quickly but low enough
in salts not to burn new roots. The medium must also be as
inexpensive as practical. Pine bark based media are usually
lower in cost than peat based media, but they have often
[11]
POT- MULCH
ROOT DEVELOPMENT
BLACK
ON
WHITE
WHIrT BLACK
ON I I
BLACI SHIF D
(1) Root development of Hershey's Red aza-
leas in three pot/mulch combinations. (2, 3)
Effects of supplemental N on Compacta holly
growth in fresh and aged pine bark. (4) Effect,
of foliar application of Atrinal on CarolinL:
jasmine. (5) Fertilization of Roosevelt Bostor
fern with 150 p.p.m.N 1, 2, or 3 times weekli
(6, 7) Salt injury on Whitmanni Boston fern
(8, 9) Production of Forever Yours roses at thi
Ornamental Horticulture Field Station. (1(
Tomato seedlings grown in three media at 15C
p.p.m. N with no MagAmp, and (11) with 10
pounds per cubic yard of MagAmp. (12) Symp-
toms of fungal leaf spot, and (13) bacterial leaf
spot on southern magnolia.
74 ; .
FRESH BARK
PPM N
O 100 200 
300
AGED BARK
PPM N
0 100 200 300,
j
N1
N
41*
,* Bqj /14 I
/V /) 1_5 9"V A
~ - - --- --Iy '
__~~, - .'.. -
V.~ l" .:
\~ w-i'
- CONt Ll
'/
~' _-
WOJSOpprii
(Sxi ii r
:a
14
t
lp 4 '4-4 
j
4; v ymi,: p ,re unristmas tree plantation, and
(15) symptoms of Nantucket pine tip moth in-
jury. (16, 17) Pine tortoise scale adult females on
Virginia pine. (18) Paria leaf beetle damage on
azalea. (19) Close up of Alternaria Tenuissima,
and (20) symptoms of alternaria 
leaf spot on
Pittosporum tobira. (21) Close up of photinia
leaf spot. (22) Symptoms of petal blight, and (23)
chemical injury on geranium. (24) Vapor Gard/
a.m., and (25) Vapor Gard/p.m. on summer dug
photinia. (26) Effects of postemergence applied
4, herbicides on bermudagrass control.
344;
4)
21
: 
TC
4,~
.34b 4
rr
f
~h- :i~ -~
4
E
;z
~4k;i"~ " I
"-
b!
r. X
; a.~.~
6
S*,$
4
AM - i DAY PM - 1 AY
VAPE R ARD W!E(
..
.if
4~"i -I~:;~~~~
'ti
'
~ ~~?tf
I
AMIAW
8
6
Height,
inches
SNo liquid feed
S150 p.p.m. N
20-20-20
4
2
MogAmp, lb./cu.yd.
FIG. 5. Effects of media, liquid fertilization, and MagAmp levels on
tomato height.
been less than completely successful in the production of
bedding plants. Preliminary studies with cotton waste from
the ginning operation have shown it to be a suitable product
for greenhouse media, if it is not contaminated with arsenic.
Use of pine bark and cotton waste as a medium has not been
reported. This study was designed to determine the effect of
a combination of pine bark and cotton waste on the growth
and nutrient content of Better Boy tomatoes.
Three media combinations were mixed (by volume) on
April 1: (1) 1:1:1:2-1 part sphagnum peat moss, 1 part
vermiculite, 1 part cotton waste, and 2 parts pine bark; (2)
1:5---1 part cotton waste and 5 parts pine bark; and (3) 1:1-1
part sphagnum peat moss and 1 part perlite. To each cubic
yard of media was added the following lime and nutrients: 5
pounds dolomitic limestone, 2 pounds gypsum, 2 pounds
superphosphate, 1 pound iron sulphate, 1 pound calcium
nitrate, and 3 ounces Fritted Trace Element #555, plus 0, 10,
and 15 pounds of MagAmp. Final medium pH for the three
media were: 1:1:1:2, pH 6.4; 1:1, pH 5.5; and 1:5, pH 6.1.
Uniform Better Boy tomato seedlings were transplanted into
bedding plant flats. Three liquid fertilization rates were
applied after transplanting: 0, 150, and 300 p.p.m. N from
Peters 20-20-20 commercial fertilizer. Plants were watered
on treatment days if no fertilizer was added. Fertilizer
solutions were applied until medium saturation occurred.
Plants were grown in a double polyethylene covered green-
house under natural photoperiod with no shade. Tempera-
tures ranged from 680 to 90
0
F.
Caliper
No liquid feed
150 p.p.m. N
20-20-20
4
3
2
) 10 150 10 15
MagAmp, Ib./cu.yd.
FIG. 6. Effects of media, liquid fertilization, and MagAmp levels on
tomato caliper.
[14]
1:1:1:2
1:1
F"
1:5
Four weeks later, 624 plants per treatment were cut at the
soil line for dry weight determination. Leaves from the
remaining plants were taken for analysis for N, P, K, Ca, Mg,
and Mn. A screen analysis was done on each medium before
the start of the study.
These data show that the 1:1:1:2 medium (peat moss:
vermiculite: cotton waste: pine bark) produced taller tomato
plants with larger stem caliper, figures 5 and 6. When
MagAmp was added to the 1:1:1:2 medium, plants were
larger (height and caliper) compared to plants grown in
media with no MagAmp. Liquid fertilization was beneficial
only when no MagAmp was present in the medium. Plants
grown in the peat:perlite medium and the cotton waste:
pinebark medium (1:5) responded similarly when MagAmp
was added at the 10 or 15 pounds per cubic yard rate. When
no MagAmp was added, the peat: perlite medium produced
taller plants with greater stem caliper compared to the 1:5
medium.
Tomato dry weight was greater for the 1:1:1:2 mix than for
the 1:1 and 1:5 media, figure 7. As with height and caliper,
the addition of MagAmp resulted in greater dry weight
accumulation compared to the 0 rate. Only with 1:1:1:2 was
there a linear response to increasing rates of MagAmp.
Tomato plants in the 1:1 and 1:5 media had less dry weight at
the 15-pound MagAmp level or similar dry weight as com-
pared to the 10-pound rate, both with and without liquid
feed.
:'''' I liI I 
=
,.;.. , ...'', -'-.= ,....
D
Ul
O IO 15
0 p.p.m. N
S150o p.p.m. 
N
20-20-20
0 I 15 0 1015 0
Mag Amp ,Ib./cu.yd.
10 15
FIG. 7. Effects of media, liquid fertilization, and MagAmp levels on
tomato dry weight.
Dry wt.,
grams
DISEASE AND INSECT CONTROL
Management Program Developed For
an Alabama Magnolia Orchard
Jacqueline M. Mullen, Patricia P. Cobb,
and Ronald L. Shumack
For the past 10 years, disease and insect problems have
sporadically plagued a large southern Alabama magnolia
(Magnolia grandiflora) orchard which produces foliage for
the national fresh-flower arrangement market. Every year,
unidentified leaf spots and insect problems cause a portion of
the foliage to be unmarketable. Depending on weather
conditions, the incidence and severity of the damage fluctu-
ated from year to year. Due to the nature of this crop, disease
incidence at any level is unacceptable.
In 1980 efforts were begun to diagnose these disease and
insect problems and develop a management program to
maximize the production of blemish-free foliage.
During the past 3 years, the magnolias were sampled
regularly for incidence of leaf spot disease, insect damage,
and pesticide phytotoxicity. Fungal, algal, and bacterial leaf
spots were identified. Fungal pathogens included Phyl-
losticta sp., Alternaria sp., Gloeosporium sp., and Col-
letotrichum sp. Cephaleuros algaHLleaf spot was diagnosed in
1980 and 1982. The causal agent of a bacterial leaf spot was
tentatively identified in 1981 as a Pseudomonas sp. This
diagnosis was confirmed in 1982 when pathogenicity tests
were conducted. While this bacterial leaf spot had not
previously been reported on Magnolia grandiflora in the
literature, it had been found in the Mobile area. Insect and
[15]
arachnid problems included scales, spider mites, and stink
bugs. The scales were identified as Hemiberlesia lataniae
(Signoret) and Velataspis dentata (Hoke). Soil tests were
performed in 1980 to develop an appropriate fertilization
schedule.
The biweekly fungicide spray program implemented dur-
ing the spring of 1980 involved a mixture of mancozeb
(Manzate? 200 80 WP), benomyl (Benlate? 50 WP), and
spreader-sticker. This mixture, 1.4 pounds Manzate 200,
0.25 pound Benlate, and 0.5 pint spreader-sticker per 100
gallons of water, gave adequate leaf spot control during the
relatively dry growing seasons of 1980 and 1981. When leaf
spot tissue culture studies in 1981 indicated that a bacterial
pathogen might be present in the plantings, copper hydrox-
ide (Kocide? 10186 WP) treatments were substituted for the
Manzate 200-Benlate mixture. During the wet month of
May 1982 when new foliage was rapidly unfolding, Kocide
101 sprays (1 pound Kocide 101 plus 0.5 pint spreader-
sticker per 100 gallons of water) were applied at weekly
intervals. After new foliage had developed a protective
cuticle layer (early to mid-June), treatment intervals were
increased to 2 weeks.
The spray treatments for insect and spider mite control in
1981 and 1982 included petroleum oil (Oil-I-Cide?),
acephate (Orthene? 75 S), and hexakis (Vendex? 50 WP).
Oil-I-Cide (2.0 gallons per 100 gallons of water) was applied
in mid-March for the control of scale and spider mites.
Orthene was applied as a spray (0.5 pound active ingredient
per 100 gallons of water) at 2-week intervals from April
through mid-August with a final treatment in September
TABLE 9. SCREEN ANALYSIS OF THREE MEDIA
Screen Analysis of media
NBS No. Opening, Peat:
mm perlite 1:1:1:2 1:5
4 4.76 5.5 7.2 7.4
8 2.38 21.7 13.6 19.2
10 2.00 9.8 5.5 6.2
18 1.00 24.3 26.8 22.2
20 .84 3.8 7.9 5.9
30 .60 7.6 13.2 11.0
40 .42 8.4 9.8 9.4
Pan <.42 19.0 16.0 18.8
The screen analysis showed the three media to be close in
particle size distribution, table 9.
All tomato plants grown in this experiment were salable
except those grown at the 0 MagAmp rate in the 1:1 and 1:5
media. These results show that quality tomato transplants
can be grown in a mix where cotton waste is used in con-
junction with peat, vermiculite, and pine bark. Other pos-
sible problems with cotton waste, such as arsenic con-
tamination and weed seed, may need further study.
See color plates numbers 10 and 11.
for insect control. Vendex was added to the spray mixture
at label recommended rates (12 ounces per 100 gallons
of water) at monthly intervals for spider mite control.
Based on soil test results and available research infor-
mation, the following fertilization schedule was developed:
Time of fertilization Amount per acre
Spring 1982........... 1 ton dolomitic limestone
500 pounds 5-15-30
500 pounds ammonium nitrate
July 1982 ............. 200 pounds ammonium nitrate
December 1982 ....... 500 pounds 13-13-13
The December fertilization provided tree roots with the
minerals required for a large flush of spring growth. Since
the orchard ground cover of bahiagrass normally competes
with the deep-rooted magnolia trees for mineral supplies, it
was felt that fertilizing in winter when bahiagrass is dormant
would allow maximum nutrient availability to the tree roots.
Despite the wet conditions of 1982, which were conducive
for disease and some insect development, there appeared to
be a large increase in new foliage production and a low
incidence of disease and insect damage. This increased
production of healthy foliage is attributed to an appropri-
ately timed schedule of effective pesticides in conjunction
with a fertilization program designed to maintain a vigorous
stand of magnolias. Spray mixtures of fungicides, insec-
ticides, and miticides used on these magnolias during the
past 2 years were compatible and did not result in any
significant phytotoxicity effects.
See color plates numbers 12 and 13.
Control of Nantucket Pine Tip Moth
on Virginia Pine Christmas Trees
with Dimethoate, Carbofuran,
and Diflubenzuron
Patricia P. Cobb
Nantucket pine tip moth, Rhyacionia frustrana (Com-
stock), is a major pest on Virginia pine, Pinus virginiana,
Christmas trees. Tip moth larvae feed within new shoots,
destroying terminal and lateral tips. The growth of many
new shoots around a dead tip ruins the "Christmas tree
shape" of the plant. Additional time and effort are required
in shaping a tip moth-damaged tree into a marketable
product.
Although several chemicals are available for tip moth
control, only a few have been found to be effective in
Virginia pine plantations. Dimethoate (Cygon? 2E) and car-
bofuran (Furadan? 10G) are commonly used in Alabama.
Growers may make four to seven foliar sprays of Cygon, two
soil applications of granular Furadan, or a single spring
application of Furadan, followed 90 days later by a series of
dimethoate sprays (at 3- to 4-week intervals through Sep-
tember). All three programs effectively control tip moths;
however, both chemicals are phytotoxic to Virginia pines
under certain conditions. In plantations that have been
sprayed for tip moth for 3 or 4 years, populations of other
insect pests (scale, aphids) may build up.
Diflubenzuron (Dimilin?) is an insect growth regulator
that effectively controls gypsy moth larvae in forestry and
nursery situations. Dimilin prevents the proper formation of
the insect's exoskeleton during molting. It does not affect
adult insects, is harmless to many parasite/predator popu-
lations, and is nontoxic to warm blooded animals. Dimilin
has demonstrated activity in controlling tip moths on Vir-
ginia pine Christmas trees. The purpose of this study was to
evaluate Dimilin for control of Nantucket pine tip moth in a
Virginia pine Christmas tree plantation.
Trials were conducted in Bullock County on second-year
trees (about 2 feet) planted in a well drained, sandy loam
field on 4-foot by 7-foot spacing. Rainfall during February
and March kept soil moisture high. One hundred trees were
randomly selected for a pre-treatment count of infested
terminals on March 2, 1982. Infested terminals were
counted four times, post treatment. On March 2, 1982, all
except the untreated checks received 1 teaspoon of Furadan
10G granules incorporated into the soil at a single site
halfway between the tree trunk and the drip line.
Treatments were arranged in randomized complete
blocks with four replications per treatment and 10 trees per
replication. Previous tests indicated that carbofuran controls
tip moths for up to 90 days. Additional granular and foliar
TABLE 10. CONTROL OF NANTUCKET PINE TIP MOTH ON 2-YEAR VIRGINIA PINE CHRISTMAS TREES
Formulation, Counts of infested terminals, Average no. of Percent
rates, and 40 trees per treatment infested terminals
4  
control
5
treatment dates
1,2  
6/2 7/1 7/303 11/29 11/9
Cygon 2E, 4 tsp./gal., 6/2/82................................... 0 4 15 31 7.75 ab 22.5
Cygon 2E, 4 tsp./gal., 6/2/82; 7/1/82 ............................ 1 2 20 31 7.75 ab 22.5
Cygon 2E, 4 tsp./gal., 6/2/82; 7/1/82; 8/5/82...................... .0 1 14 20 4.75 cd 50.0
Furadan 10G, 1 tsp./tree, 6/2/82 ............................... 1 3 2 19 4.75 cd 52.5
Dimilin 25W, 2 tbsp./gal.
4
, 6/2/82 .............................. 0 5 17 27 6.75 bc 32.5
Dimilin 25W, 2 tbsp./gal., 6/2/82; 7/1/82 ........................ 2 3 6 22 5.50 bc 45.0
Dimilin 25W, 2 tbsp./gal., 6/2/82; 7/1/82; 8/5/82 ................... 0 1 4 12 3.00 d 70.0
Dimilin 25W, 4 tbsp./gal.
5
, 6/2/82 .............................. 0 0 5 29 7.29 b 27.5
Dimilin 25W, 4 tbsp./gal., 6/2/82; 7/1/82 ......................... 1 0 3 17 5.50 bc 57.5
Dimilin 25W, 4 tbsp./gal., 6/2/82; 7/1/82; 8/5/82 ................... 0 0 2 11 2.75 d 72.5
Check (untreated).... ........................................ 12 20 39 39 9.75 a 2.5
1
All treatments (except check) were preceded by Furadan 10G applied March 2, 1982, at 1 teaspoon per tree.
2All sprays included NuFilm 17 at 1 teaspoon per gallon (16 ounces per 100 gallons).
3Trees were sheared August 1, 1982.
4
Mean per 10-tree replication; means followed by the same letter are not significantly different according to Duncan's New Multiple Range Test, P = 0.05.
5Percent uninfested terminals per treatment as determined 
in November.
[16]
treatments were initiated June 2, 1982, to compare insec-
ticide.rates and scheduling. Trees were sprayed uniformly
with a mist, but not to the point of drip. Counts of infested
terminals were made prior to each spraying and again in late
November after trees became dormant.
June, July, and November counts of infested terminals
and percent control are presented in table 10.
The poorest control was observed with one or two sprays
of Cygon or one spray of Dimilin at either rate. Best control
(70 percent or more uninfested terminals) was with three
applications of Dimilin, regardless of rate.
Acceptable control is 85-90 percent uninfested terminals.
Some damage to terminals found in November might have
been prevented if a September spray had been applied;
however, differences in control among various treatments
were present in late July. This was after the emergence and
re-infestation of trees by the second generation of tip moths.
Monthly spray applications June through September should
result in better control of tip moth than one, two, or three
applications, or a second application of Furadan in June.
See color plates numbers 14 and 15.
Pine Tortoise Scale Control in
Christmas Tree Plantations
Michael L. Williams and Patricia P. Cobb
Pine tortoise scale, Toumeyella parvicornis (Cockerell), is
an important scale insect pest of Christmas tree plantations
in the South. It is frequently a pest of landscape plantings of
pine, but becomes a more serious pest where pines are
grown in monoculture. Pine tortoise scale can rapidly spread
through a stand of pines, causing a 40 percent reduction of
tree growth and, in the case of Christmas tree plantings,
render the trees unfit for sale.
During 1982, several Christmas tree farms in Alabama
experienced heavy infestations of pine tortoise scale and had
difficulty controlling them. This research investigated six
insecticides for efficacy against immature pine tortoise scales
infesting Virginia pine, Pinus virginiana Mill.
Twenty-one 5- to 6-foot-tall Virginia pine heavily infested
with pine tortoise scale were selected for treatment. Test
plants were growing in a managed Christmas tree plantation
in Lee County, Alabama. Treatments were replicated three
times, a single tree constituting a replication. A single foliar
application of test materials was made May 14, 1982, with
NuFilm 17? added to all treatments as an adjuvant. Trees
were sprayed to runoff using compressed air sprayers. Ef-
ficacy of the treatments was determined after 7 days by
examining 100 individual insects per tree. Mortality counts
were made May 21, 1982, by observing each scale insect and
counting it as living, if normally colored and full bodied, or
dead, if discolored and shriveled or dried. Results are pre-
sented in table 11. Excellent control of immature pine
tortoise scale was achieved with Cygon?, Enstar?, Ficam?,
Mavrik?, and Orthene?. Pounce? did not provide effective
control at the rate tested. Some needle burn was observed in
the Cygon-treated trees. No phytotoxicity was noted with
the other materials tested.
Treatment'
,2,
lb. ai/100 gal.
Orthene 75S, 0.5...............
Ficam 76WP, 0.5 ..............
Mavrik 2E, 0.1................
Enstar 2F, 0.1................
Cygon 2E, 1.0 .................
Pounce 3.2EC, 0.1 .............
Check (water)..................
Mean pct. mortality
3 
of
immature pine tortoise scale
99.7 a
98.7 a
95.0 a
94.0 a
92.3 a
21.7 b
5.3 c
Means followed by the same letter are not significantly different accord-
ing to Duncans New Multiple Range Test, P = 0.05.
'Treatment applied May 14, 1982.
2
All treatments included Nu-Film 
17 at 16 ounces per 100 gallons.
3
Mortality determined 
May 21, 1982.
It appears that several materials currently registered for
scale insect control on trees and shrubs are effective against
immature pine tortoise scale. As with most scale insects, the
immature stages are most easily controlled. Pine tortoise
scale may have three to four generations per year depending
on weather conditions. Sprays should be applied when the
immature or "crawler" stages are settling on new growth
twigs and needles.
See color plates numbers 16 and 17.
Paria Leaf Beetle Control on Azaleas
James C. Stephenson, Jr., Gary S. Cobb, and
Michael L. Williams
In October 1982, a Chrysomelid leaf beetle, Paria sp.,
caused severe foliar damage on approximately 30,000
container-grown azaleas at a nursery in Mobile County,
Alabama. Damage included irregular necrotic areas 1-3
millimeters in diameter with tan centers and dark brown
margins. Kurume, Gumpo, and other hybrid groups were
damaged while Southern Indica cultivars were not affected.
The beetle, dark brown and 4-5 millimeters in 
length,
appeared to feed nocturnally on the upper leaf surface,
leaving the lower epidermis intact. During the day it could
be found hidden in apical shoot tips.
TABLE 12. COMPARISON OF NINE INSECTICIDES FOR LEAF BEETLE
CONTROL ON AMY AZALEAS
Treatment' Percent
Insecticide 
Rate/100 gal. water 
mortality
2
Chlorpyrifos 2E (Lorsban?) 2.00 pt. 98 a
Bendiocarb 76WP (Ficam?) .66 lb. 96 ab
Carbaryl 2.4F (Sevin?) 1.66 pt. 89 abc
Fenpropathrin 2.4EC (Danitol
?
) .25 pt. 84 abc
Fenpropathrin 2.4EC (Danitol?) .33 pt. 77 bc
Methomyl 1.8L (Lannate?) 2.20 pt. 76 bc
Oxamyl 2L (Vydate?) 2.00 pt. 72 cd
Fluvalinate 2E (Mavrik?) .40 pt. 70 cd
Diazinon 2E (Spectracide?) 2.00 pt. 69 cd
Fluvalinate 2E (Mavrik?) .20 pt. 53 d
Chevron Spray Sticker? .50 pt. 12 e
Control 3 e
'Treatments applied November 5, 1982. Temperature 80
0
F.
2
Mean separation within columns by Duncan's Multiple Range Test, 5
different.
[17]
TABLE 11. PINE TORTOISE SCALE CONTROL ON
VIRGINIA PINE CHRISTMAS TREES
Nine insecticides were evaluated for control of the beetle
at rates outlined in table 12. Foliar treatments were applied
to run-off to heavily infested Amy azaleas (Rhododendron X
Amy) on November 5, 1982. Chevron Spray Sticker? (/2 pint
per 100 gallons of water) was included with all insecticide
sprays. Each plant was isolated and beetle mortality deter-
mined 72 hours after treatment.
Insecticide efficacy varied among treatments, table 12.
Mortality greater than 85 percent was observed with chlor-
pyrifos, bendiocarb, carbaryl, and acephate. Excellent
beetle control can be expected with currently available
insecticides; however, early diagnosis or a preventative
spray program is essential to minimize plant damage.
See color plate number 18.
Control of Alternaria Leaf Spot on
Pittosporum tobira Wheeler's Dwarf
Gary S. Cobb
A persistent leaf spot problem has been reported on
rooted cuttings and liners of Pittosporum tobira Wheeler's
Dwarf in some south Alabama nurseries. Symptoms include
depressed, irregular lesions, 1-5 millimeters in diameter.
On the upper leaf surfaces, spots have tan centers, dark
brown margins, and surrounding yellow halo; on the lower
leaf surfaces the halo is less distinct.
In February 1982, Alternaria tenuissima, a reported
pathogen on P. tobira, was isolated from leaf spots on P.
tobira Wheeler's Dwarf obtained from a local nursery. Five
fungicides were evaluated for control of the disease. Infected
liners were lightly pruned to induce a uniform flush of
growth, potted in 1-quart plastic containers using an am-
TABLE 13. NUMBER OF LEAF SPOTS PER PLANT ON NEW GROWTH OF
PITTOSPORUM TOBIRA WHEELER'S DWARF 14 DAYS AFTER
INOCULATION WITH ALTERNARIA TENUISSIMA AND MEAN
DRY WEIGHT PER PLANT 20 WEEKS AFTER POTTING
Treatment, fungicide Leaf spots/plant 
Dry wt.
and rate/100 gal. Expt. 1 Expt. 2
No. No. Grams
Chipco 26019 50WP (iprodione)
1.o lb ............................. 2 a' 0 a' 19.6 bc'
2.0 lb............................. LIa La 21.7ab
Manzate 200 80WP (mancozeb)
1.5 b............................. O0 a 1 a 19.9 b
3.0 lb ............................. 0 a 0 a 23.6 a
Zyban 75WP (mancozeb + thiophanate
methyl)
1.51 b............................ 1 a 1 a 22.2ab
Dithane Z-78 (zineb)
1.5 lb.............................3 a 2 a 22.0 ab
D Onl 278 
. WPo.................... 
0 a 
0 a 19.0 
bc
1.0 lb............................ . O a 0 a 16.5 c
2.0 lb............................. O a 0 a 13.2 d
Nu-Film 17
Check, inoculated ................... 583 c 75 b 20.2 ab
Check, noninoculated ................ . 1 a 2 a 22.2 ab
old foliage ........................
163 b -- --
'Mean separation within columns by Duncan's Multiple Range Test, 5
percent level; values followed by the same letter are not statistically
different.
[18]
ended milled pine bark-peat moss growing medium, and
placed in a plastic-covered greenhouse. Beginning March
30, 1982, the treatments outlined in table 13 were applied at
14-day intervals. Nu-Film? 17 (0.5 pint per 100 gallons of
water) was included with all fungicide treatments. Foliar
sprays were applied to run-off with hand-pumped, com-
pressed air sprayers. There were eight single-plant re-
plicates per treatment arranged in a completely randomized
design.
When natural infection failed to develop on the new
foliage, four plants per treatment were inoculated with a
spore suspension containing 36,000 A. tenuissima spores per
milliliter (Experiment 1). A second spore suspension con-
taining 15,000 spores per milliliter was used to inoculate the
four remaining plants per treatment. Fourteen days after
inoculation, the number of lesions per plant was deter-
mined. Fungicidal phytotoxicity and the effect of tissue age
on susceptibility to infection were also examined.
Leaf spot control was achieved in both inoculation ex-
periments. The low rate of each of the five fungicides evalu-
ated provided effective disease control, table 13. Daconil?
2787 was phytotoxic at both rates, causing vertical leaf
orientation, reduced leaf size, and reduced growth as re-
flected by dry weights. Inoculated check plants developed
lesions on old and new growth. However, the number of
spots was significantly higher on the immature foliage, sug-
gesting that young foliage is more susceptible to the leaf spot
pathogen. Visible residue on the foliage was least on plants
treated with Chipco? 26019 and greatest on plants treated
with Manzate? 200, Dithane@ Z-78, and the high rate of
Zyban?.
See color plates numbers 19 and 20.
Fungicides for the Control of
Entomosporium Leaf Spot on Photinia
Austin K. Hagan, Charles H. Gilliam, J.M. Mullen,
James S. Crockett, and Ronald L. Shumack
Entomosporium leaf spot is difficult to control in nursery
situations. However, some fungicides reportedly provide
good control of this disease. Benlate? (benomyl) has been
used for several years with good results and currently is
recommended for leaf spot control on photinias in several
Southern States. However, nurseryman recently have re-
ported that Benlate no longer provides satisfactory disease
control. The objective of this research was to evaluate sev-
eralfungicides for the control of Entomosporium leaf spot on
photinia.
Fungicide tests were conducted during the spring of 1981
at a commercial nursery in north-central Alabama. Three-
year-old photinia (P. fraseri) were grown in 3-gallon con-
tainers in pine bark, shale, and sand (1:1:1), following com-
merical nursery practices. Plants were watered as needed
with overhead irrigation. No other pesticides were applied
to the plants during these studies.
Experiment 1. Bordeaux mixture (50 percent hydrated
lime + 50 percent CuSO
4
), Daconil? 2787 4.17F (chloro-
thalonil), Manzate? 200 80W (mancozeb), and Benlate? 50W
(benomyl) were applied to runoff to naturally infected pho-
tinias with a C0
2
-powered sprayer. Three applications of
each fungicide were made biweekly beginning prior to bud
break on February 26. With two treatments, the initial
application of Benlate was delayed 2 and 4 weeks, respect-
ively, until March 12 and March 24.
Disease incidence was determined April 7 as the per-
centage of newly expanded leaves in each replicate exhi-
biting typical symptoms of Entomosporium leaf spot. Dis-
ease severity was assessed using a scale of 0 to 5 with 0 = no
disease and 5 = 81-100 percent of the newly expanded foliage
diseased.
Experiment 2. Bordeaux mixture, Daconil 2787 75W
(chlorothalonil), mancozeb, benomyl, Bayleton? 50W (tri-
adimefon), and Zyban? (thiophanate methyl + mancozeb)
were applied to naturally infected photinias as in Experi-
ment 1. Just prior to the first fungicide application, the main
shoots on all plants were pruned to stimulate new shoot
development. Fungicides were applied at 2-week intervals
from April 7 through June 4. A spreader-extender, Nu-Film?
17 (Miller Chemical, Hanover, Pennsylvania), was added to
all treatments at a rate of 0. 75 pint per 100 gallons of water.
Leaf spot development was assessed on June 18, 2 weeks
after the last fungicide application, as (1) the percentage of a
20-leaf sample collected at random from each replicate with
Entomosporium leaf spot symptoms, (2) an estimate of the
leaf area damaged by the fungus, and (3) the percent
defoliation.
Daconil 2787 consistently provided good control of En-
tomosporium leaf spot, tables 14 and 15. Disease incidence
and severity ratings were always lower on the Daconil 2787
treated plants than on plants from all other treatments in
Experiment 1. In the second experiment, Daconil 2787
proved to be more effective than all other treatments in
preventing infection of the foliage of photinia by the fungus,
Entomosporium maculatum. The percentage of leaf area
diseased and level of defoliation were also quite low on
Daconil 2787-treated plants. Although no direct comparison
was made, there appeared to be little difference in the
performance between the flowable and wettable powder
formulations of Daconil 2787.
Manzate 200 and Bordeaux mixture were slightly less
effective than Daconil 2787 in controlling Entomosporium
TABLE 14. EFFECT OF FUNGICIDES ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF
ENTOMOSPORIUM LEAF SPOT ON NEWLY EXPANDED FOLIAGE
OF CONTAINER-GROWN PHOTINIA 
FRASERI'
Treatment Diseased Disease
Fungicide Rate/ leaves severity rating
2
100 gal. leaves 
severity rating
Pct.
Bordeaux mixture
(50% CuSO
4 
+ 50% lime) 11 lb. 55 c
3  
1.8 b
Manzate 200 8OW 2 lb. 48 c 1.6 b
Benlate (3/24) 1 lb. 71 b 1.8 b
Benlate (3/12 & 3/24) 1 lb. 63 bc 1.6 b
Control 91 a 3.5 a
'Fungicides were applied at 2-week intervals from February 26 to March
24. In one Benlate treatment, the first application was delayed 2 weeks and
in a second treatment it was delayed 4 weeks.
2
Disease severity was rated on a scale of 0-5, where 0 = no disease and 5
3
Mean separation within columns according to Duncan's Multiple Range
Test, P = 0.05.
TABLE 15. EFFECT OF FUNGICIDES ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF
ENTOMOSPORIUM LEAF SPOT ON CONTAINER-GROWN
PHOTINIA FRASERI'
Treatment Diseased Disease severity
Dsea eaf a
Fungicide Rate/ leaves Leaf area Defoliation
100 gal. diseased
Pct. Pct. Pct.
Bordeaux mixture
(50% CuSO
4 
+ 50% lime) 11 lb. 70 b
2  
7 d 0 e
Zyban 75W 1.1 lb. 91 a 28 c 40 d
Bayleton 50W 0.3 lb. 91 a 48 b 67 be
Benlate 50W 1.0 lb. 93 a 58 b 61 c
Daconil 2787 75W 1.0 lb. 46 c 5 d 0 e
Manzate 200 80W 2.0 lb. 70 b 13 ed 6 e
Control 99 a 50 b 95 a
Control + Nu-Film 17 100 a 91 a 81 ab
'Fungicides were applied at 2-week intervals from April 7 to June 4.
2
Mean separation within columns according to Duncan's Multiple Range
Test, P = 0.05.
leaf spot, tables 14 and 15. No significant differences in
disease severity were noted on the plants treated with
Manzate 200, Bordeaux mixture, or Daconil 2787 in Ex-
periment 2. In Experiment 1, however, neither of these
fungicides proved to be as effective in controlling leaf spot as
Daconil 2787. The improved performance of Manzate 200
and Bordeaux mixture in Experiment 2 probably was due to
the addition of a spreader-extender.
Benlate, Bayleton, and Zyban did not adequately control
Entomosporium leaf spot. Benlate provided some leaf spot
control in Experiment 1, table 14, but was not effective
under heavy disease pressure in Experiment 2, table 15.
Little difference was observed between disease incidence
and severity ratings on the Benlate-treated plants and the
untreated controls. Results of these tests concur with obser-
vations made by others that Benlate may provide erratic
disease control when used to control existing leaf spot infec-
tions. Bayleton was the least effective fungicide evaluated in
Experiment 2. Data showed that it had little effect on disease
development, table 15. Zyban was applied at a low rate;
higher application rates may prove more effective.
A gradual increase in leaf spot incidence was noted on the
treatments where the initial Benlate application was delayed
2 or 4 weeks in late February and early March, table 14.
During the same season, rapid growth on photinia usually
begins. These results indicate the importance of initiating a
fungicide spray program as early as possible to prevent
infection of rapidly growing shoots.
In summary, the data show that Daconil 2787, Manzate
200,and Bordeaux mixture provided good control of existing
infections of Entomosporium leaf spot on photinia. Delaying
the initial application of Benlate past bud break did lead to a
significant increase in disease development. Benlate, the
current industry standard, did not provide acceptable con-
trol of Entomosporium leaf spot under heavy disease
pressure.
Entomosporium leaf spot also can become a serious prob-
lem on photinia cuttings in propagation houses. Therefore,
cuttings should be collected from stock plants free of En-
tomosporium leaf spot.
Daconil 2787 4.17F and Daconil 2787 75W are the only
fungicides currently registered for use on photinia for En-
tomosporium leaf spot control. Label recommendations per
100 gallons are 2 pints and 1.5 pounds of formulated product
[19]
of Daconil 2787 4.17F and Daconil 75W, respectively. The
use schedule calls for applications to begin in the spring at
bud break and continue at 10- to 14-day intervals until all
new growth has matured, with applications resumed prior to
the fall growth flush and continued until all foliage fully
matures in late November or December.
See color plate number 21.
Chipco 26019, a New Fungicide for
Petal Blight Control on Floral Crops
A.K. Hagan, Charles H. Gilliam,
and Ronald L. Shumack
Petal blight caused by Botrytis cinerea has been recog-
nized as a common destructive disease on floral crops in the
greenhouse and field. Generally, a combination of environ-
mental manipulation and fungicide applications is required
to maintain disease control. A wide range of fungicides
including BenlateO, Daconil? 2787, Termil?, Dithane? M-
45, Zineb?, Captan?, and Botran? are currently recom-
mended for use on floral crops for the control of Botrytis. The
objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of unregis-
tered fungicides, Chipco? 26019, RP 26019?, and Bayle-
ton?, for the control of Botrytis petal blight on azaleas and
geraniums.
Experiment 1. Hexe azalea liners were potted in a 1:1 peat
and bagasse soil mixture. The plants were kept cool for
several weeks to prevent bud break. Approximately 2 weeks
before fungicide application, the plants were placed in the
greenhouse and allowed to flower. Chipco 26019 50W, RP
26019 25E, Benlate 50W, Manzate 200 80W, Daconil 2787
75W, and Bayleton 50W were applied to run-off with a
3-gallon compressed air sprayer. After treatment, the foliage
was allowed to dry, then inoculated with a B. cinerea coni-
dium suspension applied with an ASL air flow compressed
air sprayer. A polyethylene tent was erected over the plants
to maintain a humid environment. The azaleas were held in a
greenhouse for 10 days at 650 to 80'F. Disease incidence was
based on the percentage of blighted blossoms on each plant.
The phytotoxicity of each chemical was rated.
Experiment 2. Geraniums Springer Scarlett were grown
in a Vergro soil mix consisting of peat moss, vermiculite,
perlite, and calcined clay. All floral clusters were removed
several weeks before the first fungicide application to ensure
TABLE 16. EFFECT OF FUNGICIDES ON THE INCIDENCE OF PETAL BLIGHT
CAUSED BY BOTRYTIS CINEREA ON AZALEAS AND GERANIUMS
nearly simultaneous flowering on all plants. Chipco 26019
50W, RP 26019 25E, and Benlate 50W were applied to
run-off with a 3-gallon compressed air sprayer. The first
application was made as the flowers in most floral clusters
began to open. A second fungicide application was made
after 7 days. Botrytis petal blight on stock plants provided
sufficient disease pressure. Disease incidence and fungicide
phytotoxicity were evaluated 7 days after the second
application.
All fungicide treatments significantly reduced the inci-
dence of Botrytis petal blight on azaleas, table 16. The most
effective disease control was provided by RP 26019 at 2
quarts per 100 gallons. Petal blight control was also quite
good on plants sprayed with the other fungicide treatments.
No significant differences ini disease development were
noted among plants treated with Chipco 26019, Benlate,
Manzate 200, Daconil 2787, or Bayleton.
Benlate, Chipco 26019, and RP 26019 provided adequate
control of petal blight on geraniums, table 16; however,
Chipco 26019 and RP 26019 were more effective in reducing
disease development than Benlate. No difference in disease
control was observed between the low and high rates of
Chipco 26019 or RP 26019.
Most fungicides recommended for the control of Botrytis
petal blight have the potential to injure delicate flowers or
foliage. A significant percentage of the azalea blossoms
treated with RP 26019 and Bayleton were damaged, table
17. Chipco 26019, Benlate, Manzate 200, and Daconil 2787
generally were not as phytotoxic as RP 26019 or Bayleton.
Symptoms of chemical burn included necrotic flecks from
Manzate 200 to ringspots and marginal burn from Chipco
26019, Benlate, and Daconil 2787.
Geranium blossoms also proved to be sensitive to RP
26019. Damage appeared primarily as a marginal bleaching
and slight distortion of the petals. Chipco 26019 and Benlate
were much less phytotoxic but symptoms were similar to
those observed with RP 26019.
While Chipco 26019 and RP 26019 share the same active
ingredient, application rates and formulation had a sig-
nificant impact on the phytotoxicity of the two fungicides.
On both azaleas and geraniums, the high rate of RP 26019
was much more phytotoxic than the low rate, table 17.
Application rate had little impact on the phytotoxicity of
Chipco 26019 on either plant. Chipco 26019, a wettable
powder, was much less phytotoxic than RP 26019, an emulsi-
fiable concentrate. The solvents, emulsifiers, and adjuvants
TABLE 17. PHYTOTOXICITY OF FUNGICIDES ON AZALEAS AND GERANIUMS
Treatment and rate/100 gal.
Chipco 26019 50W, 1.0 lb...............
Chipco 26019 50W, 2.0 lb ................
RP 26019 25E, 1.0 qt ....................
RP 26019 25E, 2.0 qt....................
Benlate 50W , 2.0 lb .....................
Manzate 200 80W, 1.3 lb .................
Daconil 2787 75W, 2.0 lb................
Bayleton 50W , 2.0 lb ...................
C ontrol ...............................
Blighted flowers
Azalea Geranium
Pct. Pct.
11b' 11 a'
4ab 12a
4ab 11 a
Ila 8a
12 b 17b
10 b --
10 b --
7ab --
31 c 40c
Treatment and rate/100 gal.
Chipco 26019 50W, 1.0 lb...............
Chipco 26019 50W, 2.0 lb................
RP 26019 25E, 1.0 qt ....................
RP 26019 25E, 2.0 qt....................
Benlate 50W , 2.0 lb.....................
Manzate 200 80W, 1.3 lb................
Daconil 2787 75W, 2.0 lb .................
Bayleton 50W , 2.0 lb. ...................
C ontrol ... ......... ...................
Damaged flowers
Azalea Geranium
Pct. Pct.
5abc
1  
l a'
7abc 3ab
14 c 11 c
29 d 22 d
9 abc 6 b
2 ab --
11 bc --
28 d --
Oa 0 a
'Values in the same column followed by the same letter are not stat-
istically different according to Duncan's Multiple Range Test, P = 0.05.
[20]
'Values in the same column followed by the same letter are not stat-
istically different according to Duncan's Multiple Range Test, P = 0.05.
in RP 26019 are undoubtedly responsible for the phytotoxic
reaction on azaleas and geraniums.
In summary, the level of disease control provided by
Chipco 26019, RP 26019, and Bayleton met or exceeded that
of currently recommended fungicides. However, the rela-
tively high phytotoxicity of RP 26019 and Bayleton make
these two fungicides unacceptable for use on azaleas and
geraniums in bloom. Chipco 26019 provided the best com-
bination of Botrytis petal blight control and low phy-
totoxicity. Recently, Chipco 26019 was cleared for use on 33
ornamentals for the control of Botrytis petal blight.
Control of Botrytis blight in greenhouses and landscape
plantings requires a combination of environmental, 
cultural,
and chemical controls. Good air circulation and a relative
humidity below 85 percent will limit the development and
spread of Botrytis blight on greenhouse floral crops. Plant
debris which serves as an important inoculum source should
be removed from greenhouse areas and badly diseased
plants should be destroyed. Termil, 
Daconil 2787, Benlate,
Chipco 26019, Dithane M-45, Zineb, Captan, and Botran
are currently labeled on many floral crops for Botrytis blight
control. Consult the label for recommended application
rates and spray intervals.
See color plates numbers 22 and 23.
FIELD PRODUCTION
Successfully Transplanting Photinia
in the Summer
Harry G. Ponder, Charles 
H. Gilliam,
and Heather J. Dawes
Nurserymen have for years had a problem transplanting
Fraser photinia (Photinia fraseri) from the field during the
summer months when the plants are in full growth. This
situation is further complicated when larger landscape size
plants are specified. Yet landscape contractors consistently
order these plants during the summer.
With holly, it has been shown that the cutting of roots,
which is part of the digging process, increases plant moisture
stress
1
. It has also been shown with holly
2 
and chrysan-
themum
3 
that antitranspirants (materials that when mixed
with water and sprayed on the foliage of plants form a plastic
film over the foliage) reduce plant water loss. In this study,
digging time, prewatering, and antitranspirants were evalu-
ated as to their influence on the survival of summer dug
photinia.
This research was performed at Crossville Nursery,
Crossville, Alabama, in a uniform block of 3- to 4-foot
photinia. The photinia had 6-8 inches of current season's
growth and 1-2 inches of succulent new growth. Leaf analy-
sis and leaf color at the time of digging showed that plants
were in good nutritional condition.
Rainfall during the 3-week period prior to digging totaled
0.18 inch and daily temperatures ranged from 640 to 100F
with the high temperature each day exceeding 93F.
Forty plants were used in the study. Fifteen plants were
watered prior to digging, 15 plants were left unwatered, and
10 plants were sprayed with the antitranspirant Vapor Gard?
(VG). Plant moisture stress was measured throughout the
experiment using a Scholander 
pressure bomb
4
.
'RANDOLPH, W.S. AND S.C. WIEST. 1981. Relative Importance of Trac-
table Factors Affecting the Establishment of Transplanted Holly. J. Amer.
Soc. Hort. Sci. 103:327-331.
2
PAIR, J.C. AND S.M. STILL. 1982. Antitranspirant 
Effects of Leaf Water
Potential and Winter Injury of Holly. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 107:9-13.
3
MARTIN, J.D. AND C.B. LINK. 1978. The Potential 
Use of Anti-
transpirants in the Greenhouse Production of Chrysanthemum. J. Amer.
Soc. Hort. Sci. 103:327-331.
4
SCHoLANDER, P.F., H.T. HAMMEL, E.D. BRADSTREET, 
.AND E.A.
HEMMINGSEN. 1965. Sap Pressure in Vascular Plants. Science 148:339-346.
On the afternoon of July 23, 15 plants were thoroughly
watered. On July 24, at 8:15 a.m., five plants were sprayed
to runoff with VG at the rate of 23 milliliters per liter of
water. Five watered, five non-watered, and five VG-treated
plants were dug between 8:30 and 9:00 a.m. by the Cross-
ville Nursery digging crew. The plants were transported to
the nursery's enclosed storage building. The foliage was
misted and the rootballs watered as per typical nursery
holding practices except that only the rootballs of VG-
treated plants were watered to keep from washing the spray
off. At 1:00 p.m., another 15 plants treated the same as the
morning dug plants were dug.
On July 25, the photinia were cross stacked onto a 1-ton
truck with side-bodies and a tarpaulin and hauled to Auburn.
At Auburn, the plants were unloaded into a shadehouse (47
percent shade) and plant tops were untied. Plants were
misted at least three times daily. Even the VG plants were
misted because the VG had dried on the foliage.
Two weeks after digging, plants were planted out into a
field on the Auburn University campus and watered in
thoroughly. Four weeks later, plants were rated (live vs.
dead). Plants rated as alive had new growth and no dead
wood.
The data in table 18 show that morning dug photinia had
80 percent survival or greater regardless of treatment.
Eighty percent survival was achieved with the no
prewatering-no VG treatment. One hundred percent sur-
vival was obtained with the prewatering and VG treatment.
Afternoon digging considerably reduced survivability ex-
cept with the VG-treated plants, table 18. VG-treated plants
had 100 percent survivability, while prewatered and non-
watered plants had 20 and 40 percent survival.
Plant moisture stress measurements showed there was no
difference in the degree of stress regardless of treatment
with any morning dug plants, table 18. With the afternoon
dug plants, only the VG treatment had as low moisture stress
levels as the morning dug plants.
All morning dug plants and afternoon dug VG-treated
plants had almost no leaf droppage during the experiment
and all showed new growth by the conclusion of the experi-
ment. The few living prewatered and unwatered plants from
the afternoon digging had lost considerable foliage during
the experiment and had almost no new growth. These plants
would have been unacceptable for sale.
[21]
TABLE 18. SHOOT WATER POTENTIAL OF PHOTINIA AFTER SHIPPING, BEFORE PLANTING, AND AFTER PLANTING'
Treatment Shoot water potential (bars)
Irrigated Anti- After shipping-before planting After planting Survival
diggingof before transpirant July 30 July 31, August 7, August 17 August 18, September 9,
digging (Vapor Gard) 7 a.m. 2 p.m. 7 am. 7 a.m. 8 a.m. 3 p.m. 
8 a.m. pet.
Morning 6.4 c
2  
24.4 b 9.0 b 14.0 b 21.0 ab 26.4 a 13.2 bc 80
+ - 6.0 c 25.6b 7.3 b 10.2 b 18.7 b 
2 6
.5 a 10.2 c 100
Afternoon - - 12.5 b 29.3 a 15.7 a 24.2 a 30.3 a 32.8 
a 21.6 ab 40
+ - 18.3 a 32.6 a 20.2 a 29.4 a 35.0 a 37.4 a 33.5 a 20
Morning - + 3.6 c 25.0 b 9.2 b 14.9 b 21.0 ab 29.2 
a 13.9 bc 100
Afternoon - + 3.2 c 25.9 b 7.2 b 9.4 b 16.1 b 
23.9 a 9.7 c 100
'Plants were shipped July 25 and planted August 10.
2
Mean separation within columns by Duncan's 
Multiple Range Test, 5 percent level.
In summary, all plants dug before 9:30 a.m., regardless of
treatment, had highly satisfactory survivability (80 percent
+). With afternoon digging, only the plants sprayed with
VG had satisfactory survivability. Since all these plants were
dug during the hottest, driest period of a hot dry summer, it
appears that photinia can be dug successfully in the summer
provided proper precautions are taken.
See color plates numbers 24 and 25.
Postemergence Applied Grass
Weed Herbicides
Charles H. Gilliam, James S. Crockett,
and Cecil Pounders
Control of broadleaf weeds and grass is a major problem in
the production of field-grown ornamentals, even when pre-
emergence herbicides are used. Preemergence herbicides
often fail to control weeds adequately because of improper
timing and rate of application, weather conditions, and
volatilization. Nurserymen generally utilize hand labor to
remove weeds that preemergence herbicides fail to control.
While the effect of weed competition on growth of field-
grown ornamentals has not been documented, research with
container-grown woody ornamentals has shown that weed
competition can reduce growth of woody plants by 50 per-
cent or more. One chemical widely used as a postemergence
applied herbicide is glyphosate (Roundup?). Glyphosate is
absorbed by the leaves and translocated throughout the
plant. It is effective for the control of many perennial weeds;
however, many ornamental plants are injured when sprayed
with glyphosate.
Within the last few years, a new group of chemicals has
been developed as postemergence applied grass weed her-
bicides. These materials reportedly have no activity against
broadleaf plants and have potential for use in nursery plan-
tings. The objective of this experiment was to determine the
efficacy of two postemergence applied herbicides on com-
mon bermudagrass and the resulting phytotoxicity to
ornamentals.
1981. Preliminary tests conducted in 1980 with Poast?
showed this material to be safe on a number of ornamentals
when applied over the top of the plant. In 1981, two experi-
ments were conducted with two postemergence applied
herbicides: Poast and Fusilade?. In Experiment 1, each
material was applied over the top of established ornamentals
[22]
at three rates: 0.25, 0.50, or 1.0 pound per acre active
ingredient (ai) on June 15 and 10 days later. Crop oil con-
centrate surfactant was added to Poast and a non-ionic
surfactant was added to Fusilade (1.0 percent). A CO
2
sprayer was used to apply chemicals in 20 gallons of water
per acre. Plants sprayed included Juniperus chinensis Nick's
Compact, Ilex crenata Rotundifolia, and Taxus cuspidata
grown in nurseries at Crossville, Alabama. Junipers had
been in the field 3 years and were heavily infested with
Coastal bermudagrass. Rotundifolia liners were spring
planted into common bermudagrass. Taxus had been grown
2 years in the field and were infested with yellow nutsedge.
Experiment 2 in 1981 evaluated the effectiveness of one
application of these two materials at the same rates as in
Experiment 1 on J. horizontalis Plumosa and J. chinensis
Nick's Compact. Treatments were applied on July 1 and
evaluated 14 and 60 days later for grass weed control and
phytotoxicity.
Both herbicides resulted in excellent control of ber-
mudagrass (Coastal or common) regardless of the application
rate. With the exception of Poast at the 0.25 pound per acre
ai rate, all treatments provided greater than 90 percent
control through the middle of October. No further evalu-
ations were made after that time. None of the materials
controlled yellow nutsedge.
There was little or no phytotoxicity on plants tested.
Chlorosis occurred only on the junipers growing in the
Coastal bermudagrass. This may have been the result of
sunscald, since the interior portions of the plant where the
chlorosis was most evident had been heavily shaded before
the grass died. At the 60-day evaluation, most plants no
longer exhibited chlorotic symptoms.
In Experiment 2, both treatments resulted in 90 percent
control of common bermudagrass after 14 days, table 19. At
60 days, only Fusilade provided 90 percent grass control at
TABLE 19. EFFECTS OF ONE APPLICATION OF POSTEMERGENCE HERBICIDES
ON PERCENT CONTROL OF BERMUDAGRASS IN FIELD GROWN JUNIPER'
Rate Control from Poast Control from Fusilade
lb./acre ai Days after application Days after application
14 60 14 60
Pct. Pct. Pct. Pct.
0.25........... . 90 a
2  
53 d 91 a 79 bc
0.50 ........... . 94 a 74 c 94 a 87 b
1.00 ........... . 94 a 85 b 98 a 97 a
'There was no phytotoxicity on any of the plants. Crop oil concentrate was
added to Poast (1.0 percent), while a non-ionic surfactant was added to
Fusilade.
2
Mean separation by Duncan's Multiple Range 
Test within days after
application, 5 percent level.
TABLE 20. EFFECTS OF Two POSTEMERGENCE APPLIED HERBICIDES ON PERCENT CONTROL OF COMMON BERMUDAGRASS IN 1982
Days after Grass control, pct.
first Fusilade, lb./acre ai Poast, lb./acre ai
application 1/4 '/ 1 2 '/4+1/4 '/2+1/2 1+1 14 '/2 1 
2 V4 + 2 + 1+1 coci check
14 .......... 38fg2 42efg 88ab 90a 33g 52defg 62 cdef 28g 52defg 68abcd 77abc 35g 52defg 65bcde 3h 0 h
30 .......... 90a 90a 100a 98a 100 a 100 a 100 a 38c 63b 90a 92a 97a 93a 98a 8d 0 d
45 .......... 78b 93ab 98a 100a 100 a 100 a 100 a 13d 58c 90ab 95a 85ab 95a 100a 0d 0 d
70.......... 63ab 97a 100a 100a 100a 100a 100a 3c 58b 95a 95ab 72ab 98a 98a Oc Oc
'Crop oil concentrate was applied at the rate of 1.0 percent by volume.
2Mean separation within rows by Duncan's 
Multiple Range Test, 5 percent level.
the 1.0 pound per acre ai rate when one application was
made. There was no phytotoxicity with either treatment.
1982. Split applications of Poast and Fusilade were com-
pared with a single application on T. cuspidata infested with
common bermudagrass. Treatments were applied on July 29
and August 11, and evaluated at 14, 30, and 90 days for grass
control and phytotoxcity. All treatments were applied when
bermudagrass runners were 6-12 inches in length and in-
cluded a crop oil concentrate at 1.0 percent by volume.
Minimum rates of Fusilade and Poast for 90 percent
control for 60 days were 1/2and 1 pound per acre ai, respect-
ively, table 20. Either single applications of 1/pound per
acre ai or split applications of pound per acre ai of Fusilade
resulted in greater than 95 percent control of common
bermudagrass. Lower rates resulted in initial dieback of the
bermudagrass, but regrowth occurred from the base of the
bermudagrass. There appeared to be no advantage to ap-
plying higher rates than that required for 90 percent control.
See color plate number 26.
PROPAGATION
Propagation of Upright Juniper
Cecil Pounders and Charles H. Gilliam
Upright juniper cultivars have generally been propagated
by grafting because of poor success experienced by growers
in rooting cuttings. Grafting is expensive and requires
skilled labor, however, so many area nurseries have limited
production to cutting propagated varieties. In recent years,
several California nurseries have developed techniques for
rooting a number of upright juniper cultivars under West
Coast conditions.
To determine if upright junipers could also be successfully
propagated in Alabama, a study was conducted at Limestone
Nursery near Decatur, Alabama. The five cultivars used in
the study included Juniperus virginiana Hillspire, Sky-
rocket, and Silver Spreader, J. chinensis Blue Point, and J.
scopulorum Cologreen. These cultivars are representative
of the three main species ofjuniper having upright selections
commonly available. Four of the cultivars have upright
growth habits while Silver Spreader, as the name indicates,
has a spreading habit.
On March 11, 1982, cuttings of the five cultivars were
taken from field grown stock plants and stuck in a fiberglass
greenhouse in a pine bark, peat, and shale medium with
bottom heat maintained at 60
0
F. Cuttings were approxi-
mately 6 inches long with a base of fully matured wood.
Cuttings received the grower's normal juniper misting pro-
gram, which is determined by environmental conditions.
Five treatments, listed in table 21, were applied to each
cultivar before sticking to determine if solvents used in
combination with the IBA and NAA affected rooting and to
see ifa 10-second liquid dip was superior to the Hormidine #3
talc dip used by many growers. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)
has been used as a solvent in Dip 'n' Grow, while dimethyl
[23]
formamide is used for the same purpose in Wood's Rooting
Compound. All liquid dip treatments were formulated in
250 milliliters of solution that contained 40 milliliters of
ethanol and 11 KOH pellets. Test solvents were substituted
for an equal volume of water. Each treatment was replicated
four times per cultivar with five cuttings.
On July 1, 1982, the cuttings were scored using a scale of 1
(no callus) to 5 (well rooted > 15 roots). Results indicated that
all cultivars in the study could be successfully rooted. All
cultivars showed equivalent response trends to treatments.
Cologreen, Skyrocket, and Hillspire rooted as well as Silver
Spreader. The root scores of Blue Point were consistently
lower for all treatments.
Liquid dips proved superior for rooting upright junipers
as compared to a talc dip or the untreated cuttings, table 21.
Blue Point was the only cultivar that showed a response to a
solvent, with dimethyl formamide showing best results.
TABLE 21. PROPAGATION OF FIVE JUNIPER CULTIVARS AS
AFFECTED BY HORMONE TREATMENT
Treatment Average of Blue Point
5 cultivars'
Liquid dip
5,000 p.p.m. IBA, 2,500 p.p.m. NAA, and 20%
dimethyl formamide ........................ 3.7 a' 3.4 a
5,000 p.p.m. IBA and 2,500 pp.m. NAA...... 3.4 a 2.0 b
5,000 p.p.m. IBA, 2,500 p.p.m. NAA, and 20%
D M SO ................................... 3.3 a 1.8 bc
Talc dip
Hormodin #3 and 8,000 p.p.m. IBA ........... 2.3 b 1.3 bc
Check (untreated) .......... ................ 1.9 b 1.2 c
'Based onratingscaleofl = nocallus, 2 = callused, 3 = 1-5roots, 4 = 5-15
roots, 5 = well rooted > 15 roots.
2 Means followed by the same letter are not significantly 
different, accord-
ing to Duncan's Multiple Range Test, 5 percent level.
Propagation of Ilex glabra and
Rhododendron nudiflorum from
Softwood Cuttings
Fred B. Perry, Jr.
The production ofllex glabra plants from seed or collected
plants has been considered in the past to be the most
economical method to produce plants in quantity. Seedlings
of this species usually vary in one or more ways: sex, size,
and shape of plant; luster and shape of the leaf; color of fruit;
age at which fruiting begins; and hardiness. Stem cuttings of
I. glabra have been found to root either slowly or poorly by
some nurserymen. However, I. glabra can be grown from
root cuttings the size of a pencil and 5 to 6 inches long. The
use of root cuttings does not lend itself to large scale econ-
omical plant production. The successful propagation by
cuttings should permit large-scale production of choice
clones.
Evergreen azaleas of the Indian and Kurume groups are
usually produced from cuttings, while Rhododendron nu-
diflorum and other deciduous American species and varieties
are grown by mound layering as well as from seeds. Cuttings
of all deciduous azaleas are difficult to root, but there are
reports of successful rooting of cuttings from growth that is
quite soft in the spring.
Indolebutryic acid (IBA) and chloromone are root pro-
moting hormones which have been reported to enhance
rooting of stem cuttings from many plant species. The most
effective concentration of these hormones varies from
species to species and even among cultivars.
Tip cuttings of recently mature growth, approximately 5
inches long, were taken and the lower one-third of the leaves
were stripped. Cuttings were treated with rooting hor-
mones, table 22, and stuck in a rooting medium of sterilized
sharp sand.
The propagation area was shaded (54 percent) and mist
was applied each 21/2 minutes for 2 seconds from 5:30 a.m.
to 7:30 p.m.
Experimental design for Rhododendron and Ilex was a
complete randomized block consisting of four and eight
replications of 10 cuttings, respectively.
After 8 weeks, percentage rooting was determined and
the cuttings were rated as excellent, good, fair, poor, or no
roots, depending on the root system produced, table 22.
Softwood cuttings of Rhododendron nudiflorum treated
with 0.3 percent IBA, 0.8 percent IBA, and 25 percent
chloromone responded by rooting better than non-treated
cuttings under intermittent mist, but not in sufficient quan-
tities to be commercially feasible. The possibility exists that
higher concentrations of rooting hormones may further aid
in increasing the rooting percentage of this plant by softwood
cuttings. Since none of the non-treated cuttings rooted,
addition of a root-promoting substance is needed for the
rooting of softwood cuttings from this plant.
Softwood cuttings of Ilex glabra rooted up to 95-96 per-
cent when treated with IBA-talc and placed under inter-
mittent mist. Although there was no significant difference
between 0.3 percent and 0.8 percent IBA in total number
rooted, the cuttings treated with the latter concentration
produced better root systems. Cuttings treated with 25
percent chloromone responded with acceptable percentages
rooted, but less than cuttings treated with 0.3-0.8 percent
IBA in talc. Selected clones of Ilex glabra should be pro-
duced under intermittent mist in sufficient amounts to be
commercialy profitable using 0.8 percent IBA in talc as
rooting agent.
TABLE 22. EFFECTS OF HORMONE TREATMENTS ON ROOTING
PERCENT OF ILEX GLABRA
Treatment Total 
Percent rooted, by grade
rooted' Excellent Good Fair Poor
Check .......... .41.25 c 0.00 5.00 11.25 25.00
0.3% IBA...... 96.25 a 42.50 18.75 20.00 15.00
0.8% IBA...... 94.75 a 56.25 21.25 12.25 5.00
25% chloro-
mone ........ 86.25 b 38.75 28.75 11.25 7.50
'Means identified with the same letter are not different at the 95 percent
level of confidence.