HORTICULTURE DIGEST Department of Horticulture Cooperative Extension Service University of Hawaii U.S

HORTICULTURE DIGEST Department of Horticulture Cooperative Extension Service University of Hawaii U.s. Department of Agriculture Cooperating

In This Issue: FLOWER AND NURSERY INFORMATION No. 57, November 1980

TABLE OF CONTENTS over 50 years ago a number of named clones (e.g. Wilhemina Tenney) have been selected and Page collections (such as the Cameron collection on Rapid Clonal Propagation of the Maui) reveal a great assortment of plant growth Rainbow Shower...... 1 habits, flower color, and season of flowering. Ag College Staff Changes...... 3 Vegetative methods of propagation have been Growth Continues in Hawaii's restricted largely to grafting and air layering as Ornamental Industry...... 4 cuttings fail to root (2). Some grafted trees were Events ... , ...... 5 produced by a Mr. Holt of Makiki Nurseries but New Plantlntroductions ...... 5 the technique has never caught on. In the West Available Publications ...... 6 Indies chip budding and veneer grafting of the Directory of Ornamental Commodity Hawaiian Rainbow Shower onto seedling C. ja Groups ...... 6 vanica was unsuccessful (I). In fall 1976 a comparison of C. javanica and RAPID CLONAL PROPAGATION C. fistula as rootstocks was attempted using OF THE RMNBOWSHOWER 4-year old seedling trees at the Waimanalo Ex The Rainbow Shower (thought to be a hybrid perimental Farm for grafting and I ~ year old between Cassia fistula and Cassia javanica) is the containerized seedlings for budding. Three official City Tree of Honolulu. It sets few seed methods of bark grafting were used and three pods as the F 1 progenies are apparently sterile. budding techniques (T-bud, inverted-T-bud, and Since the introduction of the Rainbow Shower chip-bud) (Figs 1,2).

- -II...

Method #1 Method #2 Method #3 Side Back Front

Scion used was the same for all three methods.

Figure 1. Methods of bark grafting 1 J I 1.1 1 ~/111 J I ~ I'I 'a ~ d ~ lJ I ql ll~11 J front view side view

T-bud Inverted T Chip bud

Figure 2. Methods of budding

Experimental Method 2 gave more successes than Method 1 The budding and grafting operations were while there were no takes with Method 3. Suc done in 1976 from mid-October to mid-Novem cesses were possible as late as November 18, ber. On October 14 and 28, the bark of C. fis even though bark was no longer slipping. The tula was readily slipping but by November 18 it lack of general success may be attributed to was no longer slipping. On October 28, the bark I) technique, 2) disease, especially on rootstocks of C. javanica was not slipping. cut close to the ground-yet there were 3 suc The diameters of the field-grown rootstocks cesses on these, 3) lack of bark slippage for C. ja ranged from 7 to 12 cm for C. fistula and 7.6 to vanica, and 4) physiological problems related to 9 cm for C. javanica with bark thicknesses up to condensation in the plastic bag coverings. 2 cm. The rootstocks were cut back to 26 to 130 Observation of the bark grafts 4 years later cm for the bark grafts. showed that some scions had made good unions Two Rainbow Shower scion pieces, each with while others had taken but later had broken off. three plump buds were grafted onto each C. fis The large diameter of the rootstock seemed a lit tula or C. javanica rootstock. There were 8 at tle out of proportion to the scion. It is recom tempts of each of the three bark grafting mended that 3 or 4 scions be placed around a methods made. The scions were placed on the large diameter trunk. If more than one takes, the side of the tree from which the prevailing winds most vigorous is allowed to dominate and the came. This was done for added support. After others are gradually cut back while aiding the insertion, the scion was nailed in place and tied healing of the original wound. to the rootstock with nurseryman's tape to en sure secure contact. The scion and entire grafted area and top of the stump were covered with paraffin or Tree Seal® wrapped with plastic bags to prevent drying or excess wetting. Rainbow Shower budwood was collected for budding onto C. fistula rootstocks. T-bud, in verted-T-bud, and chip-bud methods were used. Before insertion of the bud, the wood of the bud was removed to facilitate better cambial contact between the bud and the rootstock. The budded area was wrapped in one of three ways: 1) with the bud left uncovered and held in place with nurseryman's tape, 2) with bud completely . covered with tape, or 3) with bud and edges of tape covered with Tree Seal®.

Results and Disc~ssion Bark grafting successes were on the C. fistula rootstock, but this represented only 20% take. T -budding of Rainbow Shower on C. fistula. 2 There were no takes for any of the budding earning her M.A. at St. John's University in New methods on C. fistula. The explanations include: York. 1) technique, 2) condition of the rootstock Dr. Iwata worked as a research assistant in the thick bark, and a non-vigorous state of growth, Department of Horticulture for four years before 3) too tight binding of the bud, and 4) handling joining the Hilo Agricultural Complex. She is of the bud. When the wood is removed from the married and has three children. bud, it should be slipped sideways so as to mini mize damage to the vascu,lar bundles to the bud, Chien Leng Chia but in these attempts it was pulled out and may Chien Leng Chia recently have injured the bud. joined the College as an Asso While T -budding has been used successfully ciate Specialist in Horticulture by one of us (R.C.), it was em younger, thinner located in the Horticulture De stock. Chip-budding has been used successfully partment on the Manoa Cam for a sterile Cassia on C. javanica seedlings in the pus. Dr. Chia fills the position West Indies (1). vacated by the retirement of Warren Yeeand will It would seem desirable to repeat this work provide leadership for the extension programs using seedling rootstock in a vigorous stage of for the State's fruit crops industry. growth with a stem diameter of about 1 to 1.5 Before joining the University faculty, Dr. Chia cm and thin bark. The potential growth of this worked as a plant breeder and scientist in charge plant material after planting in the field should of the research program at the Windsor Shade equal an air-layered branch or surpass it due to Tobacco Co., Hartford, Conn., with activities in the more vigorous root system. Massachusetts and Puerto Rico. Dr. Chia earned his Ph.D. in pomology at Cor (1) Anon. 1970. University of the West Indies nell University. He also holds an M.S. in Horti Department of Crop Science Annual. Re culture and a B.S. in Agricultural Technology port 1969-1970. Departmental Paper No.4. from the University of Hawaii. Research Summaries, page 3. (2) Ching, P. 1976. Unpublished master's studies. Roy K. Nishimoto Roy K. Nishimoto, Professor of Horticulture Janis Eyre, graduate student was recently appointed Chairman of the Horti Richard A. Criley, Professor culture Department at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Dr. Nishimoto is recognized world wide for his weed control program on tropical AG COLLEGE STAFF CHANGES horticultural crops. A number of staff changes have occurred in Dr. Nishimoto is a native of Kauai and holds a the past several months within the College of Ph.D. degree in Physiology and Herbicides from Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources Purdue University, a M.S. degree in Weed Control (CT AHR) of the University of Hawaii at Manoa and B.S. degree in Farm Crops from Oregon which directly or indirectly affect the ornamen State University. tals industry. Some of the more significant devel opments are summarized below. Tadashi Higaki Tadashi Higaki will, assume the overall leader Ruth Y. Iwata ship for the agriculture research and extension Ruth U. Iwata recently joined programs on the island of Hawaii. the college as Assistant Spe Dr. Higaki was recently appointed County cialist in Ornamental Horti Extension Chairman and Branch Station Super culture, stationed in Hilo. She intendent. will provide much needed sup Dr. Higaki is well recognized for his outstand port for the nursery extension ing extension and research contributions to the program on the Big Island as well as develop a anthurium industry. research program in nursery crop production. He has served as county extension agent, Dr. Iwata obtained her Ph.D. from the Uni county extension chairman and researcher at the versity of Hawaii with a dissertation on the ge Hawaii Agricultural Experiment Station in Hilo. netics of flower color of anthuriums and the chemical chara'fterization of anthurium flavo Noel P. Kefford noids. Born in Kona, Dr. Iwata attended Hilo With the resignation of Dean William R. High School. She served in the Navy as a nurse, Furtick, Dr. Noel (Ned) P. Kefford has been 3 named Interim Dean until a pennanent Dean can Table 1. Wholesale value of flowers. ornamen- be selected for the College of Tropical Agricul tals and nursery crops produced in Hawaii durinu ture and Human Resources. Dr. Kefford will the 10-year period, 1969-79. ~ continue to serve in his position as Director of the Hawaii Institute for Tropical Agriculture and % Increase Human Resources (HIT AHR). Year Wholesale value $ Total Annual Dr. Kefford is an internationally recognized botanist, who came to Hawaii in 1965 from 1969 3,910,000 Australia where he served as principal research 1970 4,225,000 8.1 8.1 scientist in the Commonwealth Scientific and 1971 4,484,000 14.7 6.1 Industrial Research Organization. He served as 1972 5,244,000 34.1 16.9 chainnan of the Department of Botany from 1973 6,674,000 70.7 27.3 1965-1976 when he was named Acting Director 1974 8,211,000 110.0 23.0 ofHITAHR. 1975 9,767,000 149.8 19.0 1976 11,828,000 202.5 21.1 Three Horticulturists Promoted 1977 14,003,000 258.1 18.4 Three members of the Horticulture Depart: 1978 17,458,000 346.5 24.7 ment received promotions at the June Board of 1979 20,778,000 431.4 19.0 Regents meeting in recognition of their contri butions to the College. Drs. Richard Cri1ey and A breakdown of some major commodities Tadashi Higaki were promoted from Associate grown in Hawaii also reveal some interesting Professor to Professor and Dr. Fred D. Rauch trends (Table 2-5). from Associate Specialist to Horticulture Spe Anthurium production continues to lead cialist. Hawaii's growing ornamentals industry with a 11.0 percent increase over 1978, climbing to a Fred W. Fujimoto record $5.6 million wholesale value. This repre Fred W. Fujimoto, University of Hawaii sents an average annual growth rate of 55.7 Cooperative Service Agent, received the 1980 percent for the 10-year period of 1968-1979. Distinguished Service A ward from the Hawaii Association of County Agricultural Agents. Mr. Table 2. Wholesale value of anthuriums pro Fujimoto was chosen for outstanding achieve duced in Hawaii during the to-year period, ment as an Extension Agent and for his innovative 1969-79. programs in cooperative marketing and fann business management. He has taught classes on % Increase Oahu in crop management, and has assisted in Year Wholesale value $ Total Annual planning and conducting State Commodity Con ferences. 1969 847,000 He is a graduate of the University of Hawaii 1970 943,000 11.3 11.3 with a B.S. in poultry and a M.S. in agricultural 1971 1,032,000 21.8 9.4 economics. Mr. Fujimoto has been an Extension· 1972 1,150,000 35.8 11.4 Agent for 15 years and served four years as 1973 1,500,000 77.1 30.4 Oahu Extension County Chainnan. 1974 1,720,000 103.1 14.7 1975 1,988,000 134.7 15.6 1976 2,500,000 195.2 25.8 GROWTH CONTINUES 1977 3,372,000 298.1 34.9 IN HAWAII'S ORNAMENTAL INDUSTRY 1978 5,017,000 492.3 48.8 Results of the most recent survey of flower 1979 5,568,000 557.4 11.0 and nursery production in Hawaii conducted by the Hawaii Agricultural Reporting Service showed Orchid production during the 1O-year period, that the wholesale value of these products in 1969-1979, continued at a modest average 1979 climbed to a record high of $20.8 million. annual growth rate of 13.8 percent, reaching a This was a 19 percent increase over the 1978 new high of $2.5 million wholesale value. Pro value and continued the upward trend of recent duction of cut dendrobium orchids and potted years (Table 1). The wholesale value of ornamen orchid plants made substantial gains, up 41.2 tal crops is up \ 431 percent over 1969, which and 66.1 percent respectively over 1978 in represents an average annual growth rate of 43.1 wholesale value. Production of other orchids percent for the 10-year period, 1969-1979. continues to decline in the State. 4 Table 3. Wholesale value of orchids produced scape plants for the local market shows a healthy in Hawaii during the 10-year period, 1969-79. increase of 26.6 percent after the decline the previous year. This is in addition to the continued %Increase increase in production of potted foliage for the Year Wholesale value $ Total Annual export market with a 58.7 percent increase over 1978. 1969 1,075,000 1970 1,107,000 3.0 3.0 Table S. Wholesale value of nursery and potted 1971 1,073,000 -0.2 -3.1 foliage plants produced in Hawaii during the 1972 995,000 -7.4 -7.3 10-year period, 1969-79. 1973 1,178,000 9.6 18.4 1974 1,204,000' 12.0 2.2 % Increase 1975 1,340,000 24.7 1l.3 Year Wholesale value $ Total Annual 1976 1,438,000 33.8 7.3 1977 1,786,000 66.1 24.2 1969 671,000 1978 1,999,000 86.0 1l.9 1970 708,000 5.5 5.5 1979 2,534,000 137.7 26.8 1971 827,000 23.2 16.8 1972 1,245,000 85.5 50.5 Production of other cut flowers and foliages 1973 1,905,000 183.9 53.0 in Hawaii continues to show a steady increase 1974 2,730,000 306.9 43.3 with an average annual growth rate of 23.5 per 1975 3,754,000 459.5 37.5 cent. The infantProtea industry continues to 1976 4,592,000 584.4 22.3 show growth, up 27.1 percent over 1978. Signi 1977 5,444,000 711.3 18.6 ficant increases were also noted in the production 1978 6,484,000 866.3 19.1 of ginger, pompom chrysanthemums and cut 1979 8,265,000 1131.7 27.5 ti leaf, up 50.7, 38.2 and 15.4 percent respec tively over 1978. Declines were recorded in bird Fred D. Rauch of-paradise, down 25.0 percent, and pikaki, Horticulture Specialist down 12.0 percent. EVENTS Table 4. Wholesale value of other cut flower PROPAGATION WORKSHOP and foliages produced in Hawaii during the A propagation workshop will be held on 10-year period, 1969-79. November 7, 1980 at the Pacific Beach Hotel in conjunction with the Hawaii Farm Bureau Con- % Increase vention. The program, sponsored by HAN and Year Wholesale value S Total Annual local members of the International Plant Propa gators Society will start at I :30 p.m. and con 1969 1,318,000 clude after a break for dinner. 1970 1,467,000 11.3 1l.3 1971 1,552,000 17.8 5.8 ORNAMENTAL SHORT COURSE 1972 1,854,000 40.7 19.5 The 4th Annual Ornamental Short Course will 1973 2,091,000 58.6 12.9 be held at the Maui Community College, Kahului, 1974 2,510,000 90.4 20.0 Maui on January 15, 1981. The program will 1975 2,685,000 103.7 7.0 include concurrent session in the afternoon on 1976 3,298,000 150.2 22.8 nursery crops and protea. Featured speakers will 1977 3,401,000 158.0 3.1 include Dr. Martin F. Stoner, Plant Pathologist 1978 3,958,000 200.3 16.4 from California State Polytechnic University 1979 4,411,000 234.7 1l.4 Pomona and Dr. James K. Rathmell, Jr., Flori culture and Nursery Agent, The Pennsylvania The most rapidly expanding segment of the State University. Field tours are planned for ornamentals industry in Hawaii, 1969-1979, Friday, January 16. was the production of nursery plants for land scaping and potted foliage plants for homes and NEW PLANT INTRODUCTIONS offices with an ~verage annual increase of 113.2 Two plants, new to Hawaii, were recently percent. This represents a wholesale value of made available to commercial growers of the $8.3 million for 1979. The production of land- state by the Horticulture Department of the 5 University of Hawaii through the plant distribu- mation on a series of herbicide trials conducted tion committee of the Hawaii Association of on chrysanthemums and carnations in Hawaii. Nurserymen. The first release was to those Suggestions are provided for trial use of several making requests from the display of potential herbicides on these crops. new plants at the HAN Annual Conference and Trade Show. Additional plants will be propa Ronstar Trials in Container-Grown Ornamentals gated and made available upon request. The two Research Report 199 by Nishimoto, Hirano, new introductions to the nursery trade are: Rauch and Hibbard on Herbicide Evaluation Studies with Special Emphasis on Oxadiazon 2G Lonicera japonica ~ tropurpurea' in Container-Grown Ornamentals in Hawaii Texas Honeysuckle presents the results of a series of experiments A vigorous ground cover for full sun; fairly conducted on a variety of container-grown drought resistant when established. This cultivar ornamental plants to determine the effectiveness is similar to the species except that its leaves are and safety of Ronstar and other preemergence tinged with purple underneath and it has pur herbicides. Of the materials tested, Oxadiazon plish-red flowers when they first open. Very 2G (Ron star) was most promising for Hawaii popular ground cover plant in Southern Cali Nurseries because of its safety to a wide range fornia. of container-grown ornamental plants and its control of the most common weeds now present Ficus stricta in nurseries. Cuttings of this interesting Ficus species, originally from Java, were obtained from a grower in Queensland, Australia who imported it from Europe. It is useful as an indoor foliage plant, responding to growth regulators to give a DIRECTORY OF ORNAMENTAL more compact, bushy growth habit. It may also COMMODITY GROUPS be cultivated as an outdoor landscape specimen With the large number of changes in the useful as a street tree or shade tree in parks and leadership of the various ornamental commodity campuses. It has shown very rapid growth and groups in the State, it is necessary to update the seems well adapted to Hawaii conditions. directory periodically. This is being done to pro vide you with the most current information AVAILABLE PUBLICATIONS available. State Laws Affecting Farmers A digest of the acts affecting farmers that were Aloha Arborist Association enacted by the Legislature of the State of Hawaii President: Stephen Nimz during the 1980 Regular Session is presented in 3620 Waialae Avenue Miscellaneous Publication 179, 1980 State Laws Honolulu, HI 96816 Affecting Farmers in Hawaii. This summary was prepared by Dr. Stephen M. Doue, Extension Anthurium Association of Hawaii, Inc. Economist in Agricultural and Resource Eco President: Tracy Lauder nomics. P. O. Box 333 Mountainview, HI 96771 Citrus Rootstocks Reprints are available of an article published Anthurium Council of Hawaii in The Plant Propagator by Dr. Robert M. Warner President: Mr. Mitsuo Murashige on Rootstocks for Hawaiian Citrus. It discusses 75 Aupuni Street the rootstock problems of growing citrus in Hilo, HI 96720 Hawaii, the production of seedling rootstocks and a discussion of the various rootstocks tested Big Island Anthurium Growers Association in Hawaii along with comments on those recom President: Mr. Daniel Hata mended for use with various citrus varieties. Kurtistown, HI 96760

Mum and Carnation Weed Control Big Island Chapter of HAN Research Report 187 by Nishimoto,. Rauch, President: Mr. Patrick McGrath Hori and Parvin on Weed Control in Chrysanthe 44 Anela Street mums and Carnations in Hawaii provided infor- Hilo, HI 96720 6 Big Island Dendrobium Growers Association Hilo Orchid Society President: Yoshio Watanabe President: Mr. Yoshiharu Tsubaki 875 Komohana Street 255 Aipuni Street Hilo, HI 96720 Hilo, HI 96720

Florist Association of Hawaii Kauai Anthurium Association President: Ms. Shirley Thompson President: Mr. Gilbert Carvalho 2083 Kuhio Avenue P. O. Box 122 Honolulu, HI 96815 Lawai, HI 96765

Garden Island Orchid Society Kauai Association of Nurserymen President: Mr. Roland Nitta President: Mr. Lelan Nishek P. O. Box 194 P. O. Box 3013 Kekaha, HI 96752 Lihue, HI 96766

Hawaii Association of Nurserymen Kona Coast Growers Association President: Mr. Patrick Takahashi President: Dr. Melvin Wong P. O. Box 293 P. O. Box 208 Honolulu, HI 96809 Kealakekua,HI 96750

Hawaii Chapter of the American Society of Maui Association of Nurserymen Landscape Architects President: Mr. Christopher Curtis President: Mr. Tom Fake RRI-Box 675 1136 Union Mall #902 Haiku, HI 96708 Honolulu, HI 96813 Maui Flower Growers Association Hawaii Dendrobium Orchid Growers Associa President: Mr. Craig Rasmussen tion 357 Ihe Street President: Mrs. Helen Wong Kula, HI 96790 41-879 Mahailua Street Waimanalo, HI 96795 Oahu Nursery Growers Association President: Mr. Kenneth Y. Ibara Hawaii Landscape Contractors Association P. O. Box 293 President: Mr. Greg Boyer Honolulu, HI 96809 47-827 Kamakoi Road Kaneohe, HI 96744 FOOD FOR THOUGHT Hawaii Protea Cooperative President: Mr. Ed Holroyde "I must do something" will always solve more P. O. Box 68 problems than "something must be done!" Kula, HI 96790 The man who can smile when things go wrong Hawaii Turfgrass Association has thought of someone that he can blame it on! President: Mr. Mark Holley 1690 Ala Puumalu Honolulu, HI 96818 NOTE: The use of trade names is for the convenience of readers Hawaii Yanda Association only and does not constitute an endorsement of these products by the University of Hswlll, the CoDege of Tropical Agriculture President: Mr. Haruo Taira and Human R.esources, the Hawaii Cooperative Extension Service, Pahoa, HI 96778 and their employees.

Hilo Florist & Shipper's Association President: Mr. Richard Iwasaki P. O. Box 5406 Hilo, HI 96720 Extension Specialist in Horticulture