Research Project: Climate-smart, Adaptive, and Resilient Production and Pest Management Practices for Nursery, Greenhouse, and Protected Culture Crops

Location: Application Technology Research

Publications (Clicking on the reprint icon will take you to the publication reprint.)

Comparison of corn and rice sensitivity to cyanobacterial extract and anatoxin-a in soil and hydroponic media - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Muller, C.T., Heckathorn, S.A., Boldt, J.K. 2026. Comparison of corn and rice sensitivity to cyanobacterial extract and anatoxin-a in soil and hydroponic media. Plants. 15. Article 2803. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15182803.

Spray-induced gene silencing of SsAgo2 confers field protection against white mold in sunflower - (Peer Reviewed Journal)

An on-farm method to assess viability of horticultural microbial inoculants - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Testen, A.L., Moodispaw, M.R. 2026. An on-farm method to assess viability of horticultural microbial inoculants. HortTechnology. 36(5):828-834. https://doi.org/10.21273/horttech05953-26.

Refining leaf tissue nutrient standards and symptomology of nutrient disorders in parsley (Petroselinum crispum) and culinary sage (Salvia officinalis) - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Clade, D., Veazie, P., Boldt, J.K., Hicks, K., Currey, C., Flax, N., Walters, K., Whipker, B. 2026. Refining leaf tissue nutrient standards and symptomology of nutrient disorders in parsley (Petroselinum crispum) and culinary sage (Salvia officinalis). HortScience. 61(9):2015-2024. https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI19507-26.

SDrAwberry: Scale-referenced Depth-Anything-3 long-sequence reconstruction for Strawberry canopy volume estimation - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Huang, Z., Lee, W., Qin, R., Medeiros, H., Jeon, H., Zhu, H. 2026. SDrAwberry: Scale-referenced Depth-Anything-3 long-sequence reconstruction for Strawberry canopy volume estimation. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture. 252. Article 112088. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compag.2026.112088.

Navigating substrate transitions in American specialty crop production: challenges and opportunities for research and communication - (Peer Reviewed Journal)

From guilt to pride: exploring emotional drivers of consumer preferences for sustainable plant containers - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Batame, M., Lamm, A., Lamm, K., Owen, J., Altland, J.E., White, S. 2026. From guilt to pride: exploring emotional drivers of consumer preferences for sustainable plant containers. Sustainability. 18. Article 5494. https://doi.org/10.3390/su18115494.

Synergistic effects of acetic acid and ethanol on offspring production and gallery expansion by fungus-farming ambrosia beetles - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Ranger, C.M., Baniszewski, J.A., Patwa, N., Wei, H., Pacchain, S., Raubenolt, J.A., Altland, M., Cambronero-Heinrichs, J.C., Phuntumart, V., Reding, M.E., Rassati, D., Biedermann, P.H. 2026. Synergistic effects of acetic acid and ethanol on offspring production and gallery expansion by fungus-farming ambrosia beetles. Journal of Chemical Ecology. 52. Article 50. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10886-026-01725-3.

Invasive ambrosia beetles have zinc-enriched mandibles: support for the metal-prioritization hypothesis and insights into the mechanisms of metal deposition - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Myers, K.O., Raubenolt, J., Perkovich, C., Ranger, C.M., Lehnert, M. 2026. Invasive ambrosia beetles have zinc-enriched mandibles: support for the metal-prioritization hypothesis and insights into the mechanisms of metal deposition. Scientific Reports. 16. Article 22205. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-53349-y.

The challenge of defining "sustainable growing media": why the term is used incorrectly and what needs to be done about it - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Aurdal, S., Sentinella, A., Schmilewski, G., Altland, J.E., Caron, J., Alexander, P., Holtkamp, M., Vandecasteele, B., Alanius, B. 2026. The challenge of defining "sustainable growing media": why the term is used incorrectly and what needs to be done about it. Frontiers in Horticulture. 5. Article 1800902. https://doi.org/10.3389/fhort.2026.1800902.

The physiochemical properties of two domestic agricultural biomasses as potential growing media components - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Criscione, K., Spinelli, G., Fields, J., Altland, J.E. 2026. The physiochemical properties of two domestic agricultural biomasses as potential growing media components. HortTechnology. 61(6):1310-1317. https://doi.org/10.21273/hortsci19426-26.

Buoyancy and survival of weed seeds in container nursery irrigation ponds - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Ray, A., Lebude, A., Altland, J.E., Harlow, C., Neal, J. 2026. Buoyancy and survival of weed seeds in container nursery irrigation ponds. Weed Technology. 40. Article E27. https://doi.org/10.1017/wet.2026.10101.

Ferrous sulphate reduces phosphate leaching in peat-based substrates - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Altland, J.E., Shreckhise, J.H., Pancerz, M. 2026. Ferrous sulphate reduces phosphate leaching in peat-based substrates. HortScience. 61(4):675–684. https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI19312-26.

Intelligent sprayer enhances drift reduction: wind condition correlation and comparative field study in ash tree applications - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
You, K., Zhu, H., Guler, H., Jeon, H., Zhao, L., Ozkan, E., Mehta, S. 2026. Intelligent sprayer enhances drift reduction: wind condition correlation and comparative field study in ash tree applications. Smart Agricultural Technology. 14. Article 102027. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atech.2026.102027.

Natural history, landscape ecology, and management of ambrosia beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) as pests of nursery crops - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Calpo, D., Ranger, C.M., Kuhar, T., Del Pozo-Valdivia, A. 2026. Natural history, landscape ecology, and management of ambrosia beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) as pests of nursery crops. Journal of Economic Entomology. 119(3):1521-1543. https://doi.org/10.1093/jee/toag079.

Assessing the presence of weed seeds in surface irrigation water in container nurseries - (Peer Reviewed Journal)

New estimation of genome size in the highly diverse genus begonia - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Song, J., Ginori, J., Urbano, F., Thompson, L., Huo, H., Altland, J.E., Wu, X., Ma, Y. 2026. New estimation of genome size in the highly diverse genus begonia. Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science. 151(3):161–170. https://doi.org/10.21273/JASHS05584-25.

Evaluation of alternative substrates under varying fertigation methods for highwire cucumber propagation - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Hamal, M., Espinoza-Ayala, A., Taylor, L., Altland, J.E., Samarakoon, U. 2026. Evaluation of alternative substrates under varying fertigation methods for highwire cucumber propagation. HortScience. 61(4):675–684. https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI19123-25.

Establishing leaf tissue nutrient standards and symptomology of nutrient disorders in greenhouse-grown rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Clade, D., Boldt, J.K., Hicks, K., Whipker, B. 2026. Establishing leaf tissue nutrient standards and symptomology of nutrient disorders in greenhouse-grown rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis). Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis. 57(8):667-685. https://doi.org/10.1080/00103624.2026.2636235.

Use of artificial intelligence in controlled environment agriculture: A review - (Review Article)
Kofi, A., Nzaramyimana, T., Kopsell, D., Altland, J.E., Adeyeye, A., Makumbe, H. 2026. Use of artificial intelligence in controlled environment agriculture: A review. Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science. 151(4):306-314. https://doi.org/10.21273/jashs05597-26.

Acetic acid enhances attraction to and colonization of wood bolts by ambrosia beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Reding, M.E., Ranger, C.M., Baniszewski, J.A. 2025. Acetic acid enhances attraction to and colonization of wood bolts by ambrosia beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae). Journal of Economic Entomology. 119(2):1198-1206. https://doi.org/10.1093/jee/toaf343.

Fertilization influences the substrate, rhizosphere, and endosphere bacteriome of Petunia × hybrida - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Quija-Pillajo, J., Chapin, L., Owen, J., Altland, J.E., Jones, M. 2025. Fertilization influences the substrate, rhizosphere, and endosphere bacteriome of Petunia × hybrida. Frontiers in Microbiology. 16. Article 1719754. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2025.1719754.

Naturally occurring mycovirus developed as a biopesticide to protect plants from Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in the greenhouse and in the field - (Peer Reviewed Journal)

Lights, CO2, Grow! - (Trade Journal)
Boldt, J.K., Brown, F.J., Lopez, R. 2025. Lights, CO2, Grow!. Publication. Greenhouse Management 45(10):54-58. https://www.greenhousemag.com/magazine/october-2025/

Automated Irrigation: Exploring the paradox of plateauing adoption levels and high perceived benefits amid a labor shortage in US nurseries - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Fulcher, A., Rihn, A., Velandia, M., Warner, L., Lebude, A.V., Altland, J.E., Schexnayder, S., Owen Jr, J.S. 2026. Automated Irrigation: Exploring the paradox of plateauing adoption levels and high perceived benefits amid a labor shortage in US nurseries. HortTechnology. 36(2):231-239. https://doi.org/10.21273/horttech05748-25.

Current labor challenges and opportunities in nursery crops production - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Lebude, A., Fulcher, A., Velandia, M., Turner, Z., Rihn, A., Warner, L., Hu, D., Bumgarner, N., Marble, C., Shreckhise, J.H., Altland, J.E. 2026. Current labor challenges and opportunities in nursery crops production. HortTechnology. 36(2):240-244. https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTTECH05753-25.

From the greenhouse to the kitchen: Learn how fertilization methods during production affect plants on the retail shelf and post-sale with the consumer - (Trade Journal)
Arment, N.R., Currey, C.J., Boldt, J.K. 2025. From the greenhouse to the kitchen: Learn how fertilization methods during production affect plants on the retail shelf and post-sale with the consumer. Greenhouse Management. 45(8):34-38.

Healthy harvests: Reducing plastic use and associated water contaminants in U.S. greenhouses and nurseries - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Yazdanpanah, M., Lamm, A.J., Owen Jr, J.S., Altland, J.E., White, S.A. 2025. Healthy harvests: Reducing plastic use and associated water contaminants in U.S. greenhouses and nurseries. Environmental Development. 57. Article 101369. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envdev.2025.101369.

Modified nutrient management protocol for optimum biomass production, nutritional quality, and flavor-related phytochemical properties of hydroponic-grown kale (Brassica oleracea) - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Teng, Y., Samarakoon, U., Altland, J.E. 2025. Modified nutrient management protocol for optimum biomass production, nutritional quality, and flavor-related phytochemical properties of hydroponic-grown kale (Brassica oleracea). Frontiers in Plant Science. 16. Article 1629432. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2025.1629432.

Defining leaf tissue nutrient standards and nutrient disorder symptomology of greenhouse-grown spearmint (Mentha spicata L.) - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Clade, D., Veazie, P., Boldt, J.K., Hicks, K., Davis, J., Jackson, B., Whipker, B. 2025. Defining leaf tissue nutrient standards and nutrient disorder symptomology of greenhouse-grown spearmint (Mentha spicata L.). HortScience. 60(10):1752–1762. https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI18721-25.

Managing root disease in hydroponic lettuce - (Trade Journal)
Testen, A.L. 2025. Managing root disease in hydroponic lettuce. CEAg World. https://www.ceagworld.com/greenhouse-produce/managing-root-disease-in-hydroponic-lettuce/.

Nutrient disorder symptomology and refining leaf tissue nutrient standards of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Clade, D., Veazie, P., Boldt, J.K., Hicks, K., Currey, C., Walters, K., Flax, N., Owen, W.G., Whipker, B. 2025. Nutrient disorder symptomology and refining leaf tissue nutrient standards of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.). HortScience. 60(11):1860-1874. https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI18719-25.

Increasing fertilizer nitrogen concentration improves strawberry daughter plant quality but does not increase yield - (Abstract Only)
Boldt, J.K., Yafuso, E. 2025. Increasing fertilizer nitrogen concentration improves strawberry daughter plant quality but does not increase yield. Meeting Abstract. 60(7S):S96-S97. https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI.60.7S.S1.

Short-term carbon dioxide enrichment results in physiological acclimation within one week for strawberry - (Abstract Only)
Rosado, S., Boldt, J.K., Harbick, K.J., Craver, J. 2025. Short-term carbon dioxide enrichment results in physiological acclimation within one week for strawberry. Meeting Abstract. 60(7S):S321-S322. https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI.60.7S.S1.

Investigating silicon supplementation for lettuce grown with food waste-based anaerobic digestate - (Abstract Only)
Maxwell, T., Felix, E., Boldt, J.K., Park, Y. 2025. Investigating silicon supplementation for lettuce grown with food waste-based anaerobic digestate. Meeting Abstract. 60(7S):S321-S322. https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI.60.7S.S1.

Carbon dioxide enrichment increases yield without negatively affecting fruit quality of everbearing strawberries produced in controlled environments - (Abstract Only)
Romero, Y., Rosado, S., Calvert, M., Sanchez, G., Holley, J., Boldt, J.K., Harbick, K.J., Craver, J. 2025. Carbon dioxide enrichment increases yield without negatively affecting fruit quality of everbearing strawberries produced in controlled environments. HortScience. 60(7S):S188-S189. https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI.60.7S.S1.

Analysis of nutrient composition of liquid organic fertilizer for optimizing fertilizer dosing for hydroponic crop production - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Chowdhury, M., Samarakoon, U., Altland, J.E. 2025. Analysis of nutrient composition of liquid organic fertilizer for optimizing fertilizer dosing for hydroponic crop production. Acta horticulturae. Article 1428. https://doi.org/10.17660/actahortic.2025.1428.3.