@article{bourdot_noble_neal_2024, title={Step-point sampling for broadleaved species' ground cover estimation in pastures - an evaluation of Cockayne's <i>point on a boot toecap</i> method}, ISSN={["1175-8775"]}, DOI={10.1080/00288233.2024.2325091}, abstractNote={Step-point sampling, conceived by plant ecologist Dr Leonard Cockayne in ca. 1925 as a method for measuring the ground cover of species in New Zealand's modified tussock grasslands utilises a point marked on the observer's boot toecap. It is resource-efficient compared to other vegetation sampling methods and here we report on a unique evaluation of its accuracy and precision. The estimated cover of Taraxacum officinale in a grassy field (11%) was not significantly different from that obtained using line-point sampling (13%), but higher than that from line-intercept sampling (5.7%). It was unaffected across an order-of-magnitude range of sampling intensity (1600 to 160 observations/ha) and was acceptably precise with ≥ 400 observations/ha, although increased linearly with observation point size. These empirical results were supported by computer simulations enabling both accuracy and precision to be evaluated along with plant architecture. The simulations indicated that step-point sampling with ca. 400 observations per ha and an observation point diameter ≤ 1.1 cm (1.0 cm2), can provide ground cover estimates for a wide range of broadleaved species in pastures that are sufficiently accurate and precise for common pasture management applications. The method is deployed in the phone application, 'Grassland Cover Estimator' available at https://www.agresearch.co.nz/search?q = Grassland + cover + estimator.}, journal={NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH}, author={Bourdot, Graeme W. and Noble, Alasdair and Neal, Joseph C.}, year={2024}, month={Mar} }
 @article{neal_2023, title={Biological Control of Weeds in turfgrass: opportunities and misconceptions}, ISSN={["1526-4998"]}, DOI={10.1002/ps.7436}, abstractNote={Abstract}, journal={PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE}, author={Neal, Joseph C.}, year={2023}, month={Mar} }
 @article{derr_neal_bhowmik_2020, title={Herbicide resistance in the nursery crop production and landscape maintenance industries}, volume={34}, ISSN={["1550-2740"]}, DOI={10.1017/wet.2020.40}, abstractNote={Abstract}, number={3}, journal={WEED TECHNOLOGY}, author={Derr, Jeffrey F. and Neal, Joseph C. and Bhowmik, Prasanta C.}, year={2020}, month={Jun}, pages={437–446} }
 @article{sherk_fu_neal_2020, title={Site Conditions, Maintenance Costs, and Plant Performance of 10 Extensive Green Roofs in the Research Triangle Area of Central North Carolina}, volume={30}, ISSN={["1943-7714"]}, DOI={10.21273/HORTTECH04565-20}, abstractNote={Compared with traditional roofing, green roofs (GRs) have quantifiable environmental and economic benefits, yet limited research exists on GR plant survival, maintenance practices, and costs related to plant performance. The objective of this study was to assess plant cover, site conditions, and maintenance practices on 10 extensive GRs in the Research Triangle Area of North Carolina. Green roof maintenance professionals were surveyed to assess plant performance, maintenance practices, and maintenance costs. Vegetation cover on each site was characterized. Relationships among plant performance and environmental and physical site characteristics, and maintenance practices were evaluated. Survey respondents ranked weed control as the most problematic maintenance task, followed by irrigation, pruning, and debris removal. No single design or maintenance factor was highly correlated with increased plant cover. Green roof age, substrate organic matter, and modular planting methods were not correlated with greater plant cover. Results showed a trend that irrigation increased plant cover. Plants persisting on GRs included several species of stonecrop (Sedum sp.), but flame flower (Talium calycinum) and ice plant (Delosperma basuticum) were also present in high populations on at least one roof each. Green roof maintenance costs ranged from $0.13/ft2 to $3.45/ft2 per year, and were greater on sites with more weeds and frequent hand watering.}, number={6}, journal={HORTTECHNOLOGY}, author={Sherk, Julieta Trevino and Fu, Wenyan and Neal, Joseph C.}, year={2020}, month={Dec}, pages={761–769} }
 @article{wolfe_neal_harlow_gannon_2016, title={Efficacy of the Bioherbicide Thaxtomin A on Smooth Crabgrass and Annual Bluegrass and Safety in Cool-Season Turfgrasses}, volume={30}, ISSN={["1550-2740"]}, DOI={10.1614/wt-d-15-00158.1}, abstractNote={Recent trends favoring organic and sustainable turfgrass management practices have led to an increased desire for biologically based alternatives to traditional synthetic herbicides. Thaxtomin A, produced by the bacteriumStreptomyces scabies, has been reported to have PRE efficacy on broadleaf weeds, but efficacy of thaxtomin A on annual grassy weeds and safety to newly seeded cool-season turfgrasses have not been reported. Field experiments were conducted to evaluate PRE efficacy of thaxtomin A on smooth crabgrass and annual bluegrass. Monthly applications of thaxtomin A from April to July controlled smooth crabgrass through July but did not provide season-long control equivalent to an industry standard PRE herbicide. An initial application of thaxtomin A at 380 g ai ha−1followed by two applications at 190 or 380 g ha−1at 4-wk intervals provided season-long annual bluegrass control similar to an industry standard PRE herbicide. At 380 g ha−1, thaxtomin A reduced tall fescue and perennial ryegrass cover when applied 1 wk before seeding, at seeding, or 1 wk after seeding but was safe at other application timings. Up to three applications of thaxtomin A at 380 g ha−1at 4-wk intervals did not reduce perennial ryegrass cover. Applications to creeping bentgrass resulted in unacceptable turfgrass injury. These results suggest that thaxtomin A can suppress annual grassy weeds in tall fescue or perennial ryegrass turf when applied at least 2 wk before or after seeding. Furthermore, repeated applications of thaxtomin A can provide effective PRE control of annual bluegrass during overseeded perennial ryegrass establishment.}, number={3}, journal={WEED TECHNOLOGY}, author={Wolfe, Joseph C. and Neal, Joseph C. and Harlow, Christopher D. and Gannon, Travis W.}, year={2016}, pages={733–742} }
 @article{wolfe_neal_harlow_2016, title={Selective Broadleaf Weed Control in Turfgrass with the Bioherbicides Phoma macrostoma and Thaxtomin A}, volume={30}, ISSN={["1550-2740"]}, DOI={10.1614/wt-d-15-00159.1}, abstractNote={Both regulatory and consumer forces have increased the demand for biopesticides, particularly in amenity areas such as turfgrass. Unfortunately, few natural products are available for selective weed control in turfgrass. Two bioherbicides reported to control broadleaf weeds without injuring turfgrass arePhoma macrostomaand thaxtomin A. Field and container experiments were conducted to evaluate PRE and POST efficacy ofP. macrostomaand thaxtomin A on regionally important broadleaf weeds. In container experiments, PRE applications ofP. macrostomaprovided 65 to 100% control of dandelion, marsh yellowcress, and flexuous bittercress, equivalent to that of pendimethalin. Control of yellow woodsorrel, henbit, hairy galinsoga, common chickweed, or annual bluegrass was less than with pendimethalin. In contrast, POST applications did not control any species as well as an industry-standard synthetic auxin herbicide. PRE or POST applications of thaxtomin A controlled six of the eight species tested as well as the industry-standard PRE or POST herbicides. In field tests, overall PRE broadleaf weed control withP. macrostomaand thaxtomin A peaked 4 wk after treatment at 64 and 72%, respectively, and declined afterward, suggesting that these bioherbicides possess short residuals and therefore must be reapplied for season-long control. Overall POST broadleaf weed control usingP. macrostomaand thaxtomin A was only 41 and 25%, respectively. PRE followed by early-POST applications of thaxtomin A provided ≥ 86% henbit control. These results suggest that bothP. macrostomaand thaxtomin A are capable of controlling certain broadleaf weeds in turfgrass. However, both lack efficacy on some important weed species, particularly chickweed. Thaxtomin A efficacy on henbit was improved by increased dose and by PRE followed by early-POST applications.}, number={3}, journal={WEED TECHNOLOGY}, author={Wolfe, Joseph C. and Neal, Joseph C. and Harlow, Christopher D.}, year={2016}, pages={688–700} }
 @article{fulcher_chong_white_neal_williams-woodward_adkins_braman_chappell_derr_dunwell_et al._2013, title={Developing a mobile application as an extension education tool: A case study using IPMPro}, volume={23}, number={4}, journal={HortTechnology}, author={Fulcher, A. and Chong, J. H. and White, S. A. and Neal, J. C. and Williams-Woodward, J. L. and Adkins, C. R. and Braman, S. K. and Chappell, M. R. and Derr, J. F. and Dunwell, W. C. and et al.}, year={2013}, pages={402–406} }
 @article{fulcher_white_chong_neal_williams-woodward_adkins_braman_chappell_derr_dunwell_et al._2013, title={Testing, promoting, and launching a mobile application as an extension tool: A case study with IPMPro}, volume={23}, number={4}, journal={HortTechnology}, author={Fulcher, A. and White, S. A. and Chong, J. H. and Neal, J. C. and Williams-Woodward, J. L. and Adkins, C. R. and Braman, S. K. and Chappell, M. R. and Derr, J. F. and Dunwell, W. C. and et al.}, year={2013}, pages={407–410} }
 @article{lebude_white_fulcher_frank_klingeman iii_chong_chappell_windham_braman_hale_et al._2012, title={Assessing the integrated pest management practices of southeastern US ornamental nursery operations}, volume={68}, ISSN={1526-498X}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ps.3295}, DOI={10.1002/ps.3295}, abstractNote={Abstract}, number={9}, journal={Pest Management Science}, publisher={Wiley}, author={LeBude, Anthony V and White, Sarah A and Fulcher, Amy F and Frank, Steve and Klingeman III, William E and Chong, Juang-Horng and Chappell, Matthew R and Windham, Alan and Braman, Kris and Hale, Frank and et al.}, year={2012}, month={Apr}, pages={1278–1288} }
 @article{trueblood_ranney_lynch_neal_olsen_2010, title={Evaluating fertility of triploid clones of Hypericum androsaemum L. for use as non-invasive landscape plants}, volume={45}, DOI={10.21273/HORTSCI.45.7.1026}, abstractNote={Although Hypericum androsaemum L. is a valuable landscape plant, the species can be weedy and potentially invasive in certain locations. Infertile, non-invasive cultivars of H. androsaemum with desirable ornamental features would be ecologically beneficial and valuable for the horticultural industry. The male and female fertility of 10 triploid H. androsaemum, developed with a combination of variegation and foliage colors, was investigated under greenhouse (controlled pollination) and field conditions (natural pollination). Male fertility was evaluated based on pollen viability tests (pollen staining and pollen germination). Female fertility was based on fruit set, seed set, germinative capacity of seeds, and number of seedlings produced for each flower. Although values for different measures of fertility varied among triploid clones, pollen germination was significantly reduced for all triploids and nine of the 10 triploids produced no viable seed. These results represent 100% failure of ≈171,000 potential fertilization events based on fertility levels of diploid controls. The remaining triploid clone produced two seedlings per flower compared with 260 seedlings per flower for the controls. However, the seedlings produced by the triploid clone died shortly after germination. This research documented that the triploid H. androsaemum tested are highly infertile with no measurable female fertility. These clones will provide ideal alternatives to fertile forms of H. androsaemum where invasiveness is a concern. These methods also provide a useful protocol for evaluating fertility of other taxa that are selected or developed as non-invasive cultivars of potentially weedy species.}, number={7}, journal={HortScience}, author={Trueblood, C. E. and Ranney, T. G. and Lynch, N. P. and Neal, J. C. and Olsen, R. T.}, year={2010}, pages={1026–1028} }
 @article{post_neal_krings_sosinski_xiang_2009, title={New Zealand Bittercress (Cardamine corymbosa; Brassicaceae): New to the United States}, volume={23}, ISSN={["1550-2740"]}, DOI={10.1614/WT-09-017.1}, abstractNote={New Zealand bittercress is reported as new to the United States. While collecting specimens to determine what Cardamine species occur in the nursery trade, New Zealand bittercress was discovered in a container nursery in Wilkes County, North Carolina. The nursery tracked the shipment of contaminated plants to a wholesale nursery in Washington County, Oregon. It was subsequently confirmed that New Zealand bittercress also occurs in a nursery in Clackamas County, Oregon, and has likely been distributed throughout the United States as a contaminant in container grown ornamental plants. Thus far there have been no reports of naturalized populations outside of container nursery crop production facilities.}, number={4}, journal={WEED TECHNOLOGY}, author={Post, A. R. and Neal, J. C. and Krings, A. and Sosinski, B. R. and Xiang, Q.}, year={2009}, pages={604–607} }
 @article{judge_neal_shear_2008, title={Japanese Stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum) Management for Restoration of Native Plant Communities}, volume={1}, ISSN={["1939-747X"]}, DOI={10.1614/ipsm-07-011.1}, abstractNote={Abstract Japanese stiltgrass is a nonnative invasive grass occupying a range of habitats in the eastern United States. Conventional management recommendations include hand-removal, mowing, or a nonselective herbicide application in autumn prior to flowering. However, no study has directly compared the ecological impacts of long-term management strategies on Japanese stiltgrass populations or recruitment and establishment of native flora. An experiment was initiated in 2002 and continued for three growing seasons in mixed pine-hardwood forests in central North Carolina. Conventional treatments included hand-removal, mowing, or an application of glyphosate (1.1 kg ai/ha) once in autumn, and selective removal by hand or fenoxaprop-P (0.19 kg ai/ha) season-long as needed. All treatments were compared to nontreated plots. Percent vegetation cover by species was recorded twice annually. Data were aggregated into five classes; Japanese stiltgrass, other exotic plants, native forbs, native monocots, and native woody plants. The soil seed bank of all species was estimated annually by extracting soil cores and documenting seedling emergence. All Japanese stiltgrass management treatments significantly reduced Japanese stiltgrass cover and seed bank over time compared to no management. However, recruitment and reestablishment of native plants and overall species richness were greater with selective Japanese stiltgrass management treatments including both hand-removal and fenoxaprop-P. Relative cover of other exotic plants decreased 2% to 49% after 3 yr with all Japanese stiltgrass management treatments except season-long hand-removal, which increased relative cover of other exotic plants 51%. Nomenclature: Japanese stiltgrass, Microstegium vimineum (Trin.) A. Camus MCGVM.}, number={2}, journal={INVASIVE PLANT SCIENCE AND MANAGEMENT}, author={Judge, Caren A. and Neal, Joseph C. and Shear, Theodore H.}, year={2008}, pages={111–119} }
 @article{judge_neal_derr_2005, title={Preemergence and postemergence control of Japanese stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum)}, volume={19}, ISSN={["1550-2740"]}, DOI={10.1614/WT-04-119R}, abstractNote={Preemergence (PRE) and postemergence (POST) herbicides registered for large crabgrass control were evaluated for control of Japanese stiltgrass, an invasive, nonnative C4 annual grass. Benefin plus oryzalin, dithiopyr, isoxaben plus trifluralin, oryzalin, oxadiazon, pendimethalin, prodiamine, or trifluralin applied PRE controlled Japanese stiltgrass 87% or greater 8 wk after treatment. Benefin plus trifluralin, metolachlor, or napropamide applied PRE were less effective (78, 39, and 59% control, respectively). Single POST applications of clethodim, fenoxaprop-P, fluazifop-P, or sethoxydim controlled Japanese stiltgrass 50 to 88%. These herbicides applied twice provided 82 to 99% control. Single POST applications of glufosinate controlled Japanese stiltgrass 82 to 85%, whereas two applications provided complete control. Single POST applications of glyphosate were just as effective as two applications in controlling Japanese stiltgrass. Dithiopyr, MSMA, and quinclorac applied POST were ineffective on Japanese stiltgrass. All PRE and POST herbicides tested were equally or more effective on Japanese stiltgrass than on large crabgrass, with the exception of metolachlor applied PRE and dithiopyr or quinclorac applied POST. Nomenclature: Benefin; clethodim; dithiopyr; fenoxaprop-P; fluazifop-P; glufosinate; glyphosate; isoxaben; metolachlor; MSMA; napropamide; oryzalin; oxadiazon; pendimethalin; prodiamine; quinclorac; sethoxydim; trifluralin; Japanese stiltgrass, Microstegium vimineum (Trin.) A. Camus #3 MCGVM; large crabgrass, Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop. # DIGSA. Additional index words: Annual jewgrass, bamboograss, flexible sesagrass, invasive plant, Japanese grass, Mary's grass, Nepalese browntop. Abbreviations: DAT, days after treatment; POST, postemergence; PRE, preemergence; WAT, weeks after treatment.}, number={1}, journal={WEED TECHNOLOGY}, author={Judge, CA and Neal, JC and Derr, JE}, year={2005}, pages={183–189} }
 @article{krings_weakley_neal_swab_2005, title={Ranunculus ficaria (Ranunculaceae) new to North Carolina and an updated key to Carolina congeners}, volume={21}, journal={SIDA, Contributions To Botany}, author={Krings, A. and Weakley, A. S. and Neal, J. C. and Swab, E. C.}, year={2005}, pages={2429–2437} }
 @article{judge_neal_derr_2005, title={Response of Japanese stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum) to application timing, rate, and frequency of postemergence herbicides}, volume={19}, ISSN={["0890-037X"]}, DOI={10.1614/WT-04-272R.1}, abstractNote={Japanese stiltgrass is a nonnative invasive grass that occurs in a variety of habitats and is widely distributed throughout the eastern United States. In natural areas such as forests, herbicide options that selectively control Japanese stiltgrass while preserving native herbaceous and woody vegetation may be desired. The efficacy of three selective postemergence herbicides (fenoxaprop-P, imazapic, and sethoxydim) applied early season, midseason, or late season on monoculture understory stands of Japanese stiltgrass in forests was examined in an experiment conducted at a site in North Carolina and a site in Virginia from 2002 to 2004. The herbicides, averaged across application timings, controlled Japanese stiltgrass at the end of the growing season 83 to 89% and seedhead production 79 to 94% compared with nontreated plants. Seedling emergence was reduced in the spring of 2004 by 89, 70, and 78% by fenoxaprop-P, imazapic, and sethoxydim, respectively, applied in 2003. In another experiment at the North Carolina site in 2002 and 2003, fenoxaprop-P or sethoxydim applied twice (4 wk apart) at half-registered rates controlled Japanese stiltgrass. This study demonstrates that land managers have multiple POST herbicide and application timing, rate, and frequency options for Japanese stiltgrass control. Nomenclature: Fenoxaprop-P; imazapic; sethoxydim; Japanese stiltgrass, Microstegium vimineum (Trin.) A. Camus #3 MCGVM. Additional index words: Invasive plant, annual jewgrass, bamboograss, flexible sesagrass, Japanese grass, Mary's grass, Nepalese browntop. Abbreviations: 1X, maximum use rate.}, number={4}, journal={WEED TECHNOLOGY}, author={Judge, CA and Neal, JC and Derr, JF}, year={2005}, pages={912–917} }
 @article{burnell_yelverton_neal_gannon_mcelroy_2004, title={Control of silvery-thread moss (Bryum argenteum Hedw.) in creeping bentgrass (Agrostis palustris Huds.) putting greens}, volume={18}, ISSN={["1550-2740"]}, DOI={10.1614/WT-03-082R1}, abstractNote={Field experiments were conducted to evaluate chemicals for silvery-thread moss control and bentgrass turfgrass quality. Treatments included iron (Fe)-containing products, nitrogen fertilizers, Ultra Dawn dishwashing detergent (UD) at 3% (v/v), and oxadiazon. In general, greater silvery-thread moss control was achieved with Fe-containing products. Ferrous sulfate at 40 kg Fe/ha plus ammonium sulfate at 30 kg N/ha, a combined product of ferrous oxide, ferrous sulfate, and iron humates (FEOSH) at 125 kg Fe/ha, and a combined product of iron disulfide and ferrous sulfate (FEDS) at 112 kg Fe/ha reduced silvery-thread moss populations 87, 81, and 69%, respectively, 6 wk after initial treatment (WAIT). UD reduced silvery-thread moss populations 57% 6 WAIT. The addition of oxadiazon to Fe-containing treatments did not improve silvery-thread moss population reduction. Other experiments evaluated two formulations of chlorothalonil, each applied at two rates, chlorothalonil with zinc at 9.5 and 17.4 kg ai/ha and chlorothalonil without zinc at 9.1 and 18.2 kg/ ha, and two spray volumes (2,038 and 4,076 L/ha). Greater silvery-thread moss population reduction was observed at Jefferson Landing in 1999 compared with Elk River in 1999 and 2000. Rainfall events at Elk River in 1999 and 2000 within 24 h after application and no rain at Jefferson Landing may account for variation in performance of products between sites. However, no difference in chlorothalonil formulation, rate, or spray volume was observed in any location or year. These data indicate that Fe-containing fertilizers or chlorothalonil can be used to reduce silvery-thread moss populations in creeping bentgrass putting greens.}, number={3}, journal={WEED TECHNOLOGY}, author={Burnell, KD and Yelverton, FH and Neal, JC and Gannon, TW and McElroy, JS}, year={2004}, pages={560–565} }
 @article{judge_neal_weber_2004, title={Dose and concentration responses of common nursery weeds to Gallery, Surflan and Treflan}, volume={22}, ISBN={0738-2898}, number={2}, journal={Journal of Environmental Horticulture}, author={Judge, C. A. and Neal, J. C. and Weber, J. B.}, year={2004}, pages={106} }
 @article{mcelroy_yelverton_neal_rufty_2004, title={Influence of photoperiod and temperature on vegetative growth and development of Florida betony (Stachys floridana)}, volume={52}, ISSN={["1550-2759"]}, DOI={10.1614/WS-03-045R}, abstractNote={Experiments were conducted in environmental chambers to the evaluate effects of photoperiod and temperature on Florida betony growth and development. Plants were exposed to two photoperiods, short day (9 h) and long day (9 + 3 h night interruption), and three day/night temperature regimes, 18/14, 22/18, and 26/22 C. After 10 wk of growth, shoot length and weight were 3.4 and 3.5 times greater, respectively, in the long-day photoperiod and with the 26 and 22 than with the 22 and 18 C day and night temperature regime, respectively. Shoot number, however, was greatest in the short-day photoperiod and at a lower temperature of 22/18 C. Shoot number in long day 22/18 C and 26/22 C environments increased asymptotically. No difference in root weight was observed between long- and short-day environments, but root weight increased with increasing temperature. Flowering and tuber production only occurred in long-day environments, with greater production of both at higher temperatures. Results provide a general framework for understanding Florida betony growth and development characteristics in the field and provide insights that should be considered in developing control strategies.}, number={2}, journal={WEED SCIENCE}, author={McElroy, JS and Yelverton, FH and Neal, JC and Rufty, TW}, year={2004}, pages={267–270} }
 @article{bilderback_neal_2004, title={Wulpak used as a mulch or an amendment for nursery potting substrates}, ISBN={["90-6605-537-5"]}, ISSN={["0567-7572"]}, DOI={10.17660/actahortic.2004.644.16}, abstractNote={Wulpak is a pelleted waste by-product derived from wool products manufacturing litter. It contains no manure or compost although it contains significant plant available nutrients. Preliminary reports suggest that mulching the top of container grown nursery crops provides a weed, moss and algae barrier and acts as a starter fertilizer by enhancing green color and stimulating new growth. To evaluate the usefulness of Wulpak, two studies were conducted. The objective of the first study was to compare the effect of supplemental fertilizing and use of Wulpak as a top mulch compared to incorporation into the potting substrate on plant growth, foliar and substrate nutrient concentrations. The objective of the second study was to evaluate Wulpak compared to PennMulch, a pelleted newspaper product, applied at two mulch depths for control of common nursery weeds. After 70 days, petunias were larger when top-dressed with supplemental Controlled Release Fertilizer (CRF) compared to the standard pine bark substrate or the Wulpak mulch or incorporation-only treatments. Tissue N was not significantly different among any treatments. Tissue P was higher in all Wulpak mulch and incorpation treatments compared to the pine bark standard. Leachate pH was consistently lower in the Wulpak top mulch treatments. Common groundsel and horseweed were controlled by all mulch treatments; although, after three months some common groundsel emerged in the 0.6 cm PennMulch pots. Spotted spurge and longstalked phyllanthus were controlled by both depths of Wulpak and by 1.3 cm PennMulch, but not by 0.6 cm PennMulch. Crabgrass was controlled only by the 1.3 cm Wulpak treatment. INTRODUCTION Wulpak is a pelleted waste wool by-product derived from wool products manufacturing litter. It contains no manure or compost although manufacture claims indicate that significant plant nutrients are available. The product is available in the US from Wilbro Inc., Norway, S.C. 29113, under an import agreement with APT Marketing, in Lincoln, UK. Preliminary reports suggest that mulching the top of container grown nursery crops provides a weed, moss and algae barrier and acts as a starter fertilizer by enhancing green color and stimulating new growth. In 1999, Wulpak was a new product in the US and was sold to nursery operators with only limited guidelines for its use. To evaluate the usefulness of Wulpak as a mulch on the surface of containers, two studies were conducted. The objective of the first study was to compare the effect of using Wulpak as a top mulch or as an addition to the potting substrate on plant growth, foliar and substrate nutrient concentrations. The objective of the second study was to evaluate Wulpak and PennMulch applied at two depths for control of common nursery weeds. Proc. IS on Growing Media Eds.: Alsanius, Jensen & Asp Acta Hort 644, ISHS 2004}, number={644}, journal={PROCEEDINGS OF THE INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON GROWING MEDIA & HYDROPONICS}, publisher={Leuven, Belgium : International Society for Horticultural Science}, author={Bilderback, TE and Neal, JC}, year={2004}, pages={139–143} }
 @article{penny_neal_2003, title={Light, temperature, seed burial, and mulch effects on mulberry weed (Fatoua villosa) seed germination}, volume={17}, ISSN={["0890-037X"]}, DOI={10.1614/0890-037X(2003)017[0213:LTSBAM]2.0.CO;2}, abstractNote={Fatoua villosa (mulberry weed) is a new and invasive weed of container nurseries and landscapes in the southeastern United States. Studies were conducted to determine the effects of light, planting depth, mulch depth, and temperature on mulberry weed seed germination and seedling emergence. Light stimulated mulberry weed seed germination, with less than 5% of seeds germinating in the dark compared with 48 to 60% germinating in the light. In all emergence studies, the highest number of seedlings emerged when seeds were placed on the soil surface, with emergence decreasing as planting or mulch depth increased. Planting depths of ≥ 1.8 cm or mulch depths of ≥ 3.7 cm reduced mulberry weed emergence by ≥ 90%. These data suggest that mulch would control mulberry weed effectively. To study the effects of temperature on germination, two seed batches collected locally in October 1998 and August 1999 were used. Maximum germination of seeds collected in 1998 occurred at 25 C, with germination decreasing at higher temperatures and no germination at lower than 15 C or over 40 C. For seeds collected in 1999, maximum germination occurred from 19 to 29 C, with germination decreasing with temperatures above 29 C or below 19 C. At temperatures of 15 and 42 C germination, percentages were 71 and 11%, respectively. Seedlings germinated at 15 C developed slowly but otherwise appeared normal. For both seed lots, seedlings were stunted and chlorotic at ≥ 38 C. That mulberry weed seed germinated over a wide range of temperatures suggests its potential to emerge throughout most of spring, summer, and autumn in the southeastern United States. Nomenclature: Mulberry weed, Fatoua villosa (Thunb.) Nakai. Additional index words: Germination, light, mulch, planting depth, temperature.}, number={2}, journal={WEED TECHNOLOGY}, author={Penny, GM and Neal, JC}, year={2003}, pages={213–218} }
 @article{judge_neal_leidy_2003, title={Trifluralin (Preen) dissipation from the surface layer of a soilless plant growth substrate}, volume={21}, ISBN={0738-2898}, number={4}, journal={Journal of Environmental Horticulture}, author={Judge, C. A. and Neal, J. C. and Leidy, R. B.}, year={2003}, pages={216} }
 @article{kim_neal_ditomaso_rossi_2002, title={A survey of weed scientists' perceptions on the significance of crabgrasses (Digitaria spp.) in the United States}, volume={16}, ISSN={["0890-037X"]}, DOI={10.1614/0890-037X(2002)016[0239:ASOWSP]2.0.CO;2}, abstractNote={A survey was conducted to document the significance of crabgrass species among cropping systems and geographical regions in the continental United States. Surveys were mailed to 117 weed scientists, at least one in each state, including, where possible, extension weed scientists with responsibilities in each of the major agronomic and horticultural crops plus turfgrass systems. A 62% response rate was achieved. Large, smooth, and southern crabgrasses were considered at least occasionally important, with India and blanket crabgrasses considered rarely or not important. Smooth crabgrass and large crabgrass were considered to be important species in most of the latitudinal range, whereas southern crabgrass was considered to be important only in the southern states. Crabgrasses were considered to be more problematic in turf than in other cropping systems. From a regional perspective in turf, large crabgrass was the most important species in the Southeast, followed by southern crabgrass and smooth crabgrass. In the Northeast, smooth crabgrass was perceived as the more important species, but large crabgrass was more important in the north-central states. Nomenclature: Blanket crabgrass, Digitaria serotina (Walt.) Michx. #3 DIGSO; crabgrass, Digitaria spp.; India crabgrass, Digitaria longiflora (Retz.) Pers. # DIGLO; large crabgrass, Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop. # DIGSA; smooth crabgrass, Digitaria ischaemum (Schreb.) Muhl. # DIGIS; southern crabgrass, Digitaria ciliaris (Retz.) Koel. # DIGSP. Additional index words: Geographic distribution, turfgrass.}, number={1}, journal={WEED TECHNOLOGY}, author={Kim, TJ and Neal, JC and Ditomaso, JM and Rossi, FS}, year={2002}, pages={239–242} }
 @article{krings_neal_2001, title={A Scutellaria (Lamiaceae) new to North Carolina and a key to the small-flowered Carolina congeners}, volume={19}, number={3}, journal={SIDA, Contributions To Botany}, author={Krings, A. and Neal, J. C.}, year={2001}, pages={735–739} }
 @article{krings_neal_2001, title={South American skullcap (Scutellaria racemosa Pers., Lamiaceae) in the southeastern United States}, volume={19}, number={4}, journal={SIDA, Contributions To Botany}, author={Krings, A. and Neal, J. C.}, year={2001}, pages={1171–1179} }
 @article{neal_2000, title={Herbicide resistant turfgrasses: panacea or problem}, volume={9}, number={3}, journal={Turf Grass Trends}, author={Neal, J. C.}, year={2000}, pages={4–7} }
 @article{neal_1998, title={Thiazopyr evaluation in container grown nursery stock}, volume={51}, number={1998}, journal={Proceedings, Southern Weed Science Society}, author={Neal, J. C.}, year={1998}, pages={93–94} }
 @article{neal_1997, title={Greenhouse weed control}, volume={42}, number={1}, journal={North Carolina Flower Growers' Bulletin}, author={Neal, J. C.}, year={1997}, pages={1} }
 @article{koo_neal_ditomaso_1997, title={Mechanism of action and selectivity of quinclorac in grass roots}, volume={57}, ISSN={["0048-3575"]}, DOI={10.1006/pest.1997.2258}, abstractNote={Abstract The mechanism of action and selectivity of quinclorac (3,7-dichloroquinolinecarboxylic acid) were investigated by comparing the inhibitory effect of the herbicide on [ 1 4 C]glucose incorporation into the root cell walls of susceptible and resistant grasses and by measuring root accumulation of [ 1 4 C]quinclorac. The response to quinclorac in two susceptible grasses, barnyardgrass and smooth crabgrass, was compared to a tolerant species (rice) and a resistant biotype of smooth crabgrass. In whole plant studies, quinclorac completely inhibited root elongation in susceptible grasses at 10 μ M . At the same herbicide concentration, cell wall biosynthesis in the susceptible grasses was reduced by 60 to 73%; after a 6-hr treatment, but inhibited by only 20 to 36%; in the tolerant grasses. Increasing treatment time to 24 hr had little additional response. The effect of quinclorac on cell wall synthesis was dose dependent between 0 and 10 μ M and corresponded closely with the dose-dependent response in root growth of susceptible grasses. All the cell wall constituents in barnyardgrass, including cellulose and several hemicellulose fractions, were inhibited 30 to 50%; more than those of rice. Root accumulation of [ 1 4 C]quinclorac was greatest in barnyardgrass and rice and lowest in the two biotypes of smooth crabgrass. These results are consistent with a mechanism of action in which quinclorac acts as an inhibitor of cell wall biosynthesis in sensitive grasses. Selectivity among different grasses could be explained by differential sensitivity at the site of action.}, number={1}, journal={PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY}, author={Koo, SJ and Neal, JC and DiTomaso, JM}, year={1997}, month={Jan}, pages={44–53} }
 @book{uva_neal_ditomaso_1997, title={Weeds of the Northeast}, ISBN={0801433916}, publisher={Ithaca, NY: Comstock Pub. Associates}, author={Uva, R. H. and Neal, J. C. and DiTomaso, J. M.}, year={1997} }