2005 Annual Report 1.What major problem or issue is being resolved and how are you resolving it (summarize project aims and objectives)? How serious is the problem? What does it matter? Ornamental producers must constantly improve production efficiencies to compete in an increasingly global market. Mississippi State University researchers are working to improve production practices including fertilization, weed control, water management, and other cultural practices for increased productivity. Additionally, plant breeding efforts seek to develop or identify new plant material that is adjusted to a southern environment. New plant cultivars with improved characteristics are being developed and will benefit both producers and consumers. Finally, vegetable growers need current information regarding product diversification. Research is ongoing to evaluate niche and/or ethnic crops for production potential. This research is expected to impact any producer in USDA Hardiness Zones 7a-8b. Ornamental horticulture remains the fastest growing segment of US agriculture. The Southern United States has enjoyed particularly strong growth. However, crop values tend to increase more slowly than inputs. Therefore, researchers must constantly work to improve production efficiencies and aid in the development of new markets. Vegetables have not enjoyed the market growth that ornamental plants have. Therefore, the development of novel production systems and/or niche markets is integral to the success of the vegetable industry. As vegetable growers seek to diversify their operations and non-traditional producers explore emerging areas of horticulture, there is growing interest in cut flower production. 2.List the milestones (indicators of progress) from your Project Plan. Development of production practices and plant varieties to improve and standardize plant quality and selection in the southeastern Gulf Coast states. 4a.What was the single most significant accomplishment this past year? Planning is underway for the Nursery Mechanization Symposium at the Southern Nursery Associate 2005 Trade Show and Research Conference. Plant screenings are continuing. A systems analysis of the green industry is ongoing. Socio-economic studies of the green industry are also continuing. Almost 4,000 field planted crape myrtle crosses have undergone a second evaluation by commercial growers for bloom size, color and growth habit. One patent has been applied for and three other patent applications are expected this year upon completion of the second blooming period. 4b.List other significant accomplishments, if any. Out of about 4,000 crosses grown out to date, 327 azalea plants have been selected for further evaluation, based on flower color/markings, flower type, and bloom date. 4c.List any significant activities that support special target populations. The Asian population along the Gulf coast continues to utilize locally produced ethnic vegetables. Screening of oriental vegetables suitable for production in the Gulf South continues. Specific vegetables include oriental eggplants, bitter melons, and Asian cucumbers. 4d.Progress report. This report serve to document research conducted under a Specific Cooperative Agreement between ARS and Coastal Research and Extension Center. Additional details of research can be found in the report for the parent research project 6404-21220-003-00D, Vegetable and Ornamental Research in the Gulf South. 5.Describe the major accomplishments over the life of the project, including their predicted or actual impact. Crape myrtle and azalea seedling continue to be screened for introduction into the marketplace. Interest continues in square watermelon production and use of edible flowers in cooking. Research has the potential to introduce new, superior plants into the market and open niche markets for producers. Screening of Asian vegetables and cut flowers continue. 6.What science and/or technologies have been transferred and to whom? When is the science and/or technology likely to become available to the end-user (industry, farmer, other scientists)? What are the constraints, if known, to the adoption and durability of the technology products? Information is constantly being provided to interested industry groups, other scientists, and producers. This information is in the form of trade articles, industry presentations, and scientific presentations. 7.List your most important publications in the popular press and presentations to organizations and articles written about your work. (NOTE: List your peer reviewed publications below). Coker, C.E., Knight, P.R., Anderson, J.M. 2005. Landscape performance of sun coleus [Solenostenum scutellarioides (L.) Codd] in South Mississippi. HortTechnology. 15(3):690-693. Knight, P.R. June, 2005. Trials at the South Mississippi Branch Experiment Station. Mid-south Greenhouse Growers Conference. Jackson, MS. Knight, P.R. August, 2005. Edible flowers. Farm Bureau Conference. Starkville, MS.