Leveraging Controlled-Environment Agriculture to Increase Key Basil Terpenoid and Phenylpropanoid Concentrations: The Effects of Radiation Intensity and CO Concentration on Consumer Preference.

Altering the radiation intensity in controlled environments can influence volatile organic compound (VOC) biosynthetic pathways, including those of terpenoids and phenylpropanoids. In turn, the concentrations of these compounds can have a profound effect on flavor and sensory attributes. Because sweet basil () is a popular culinary herb, our objectives were to (1) determine the extent radiation intensity and carbon dioxide (CO) concentration influence seedling terpenoid and phenylpropanoid concentrations; (2) determine if differences in phenylpropanoid and terpenoid concentrations influence consumer preference; and (3) characterize consumer preferences to better inform production and marketing strategies.

Seeing through the forest: The gaze path to purchase.

Eye tracking studies have analyzed the relationship between visual attention to point of purchase marketing elements (price, signage, etc.) and purchase intention. Our study is the first to investigate the relationship between the gaze sequence in which consumers view a display (including gaze aversion away from products) and the influence of consumer (top down) characteristics on product choice.

Recycled or reclaimed? The effect of terminology on water reuse perceptions.

Successful water recycling initiatives depend on public acceptance. In this study, we compared risk percpetions of water labeled as recycled or reclaimed.We recruited 1264 subjects in an online panel (Qualtrics) and randomly assigned them either treatment (recycled or reclaimed) water and asked about the contents and perceived risk.

Cultivar and Spacing Effects on Transmission of Phytophthora parasitica in an Ebb-and-Flow Subirrigation System.

Phytophthora parasitica was transmitted within 6 weeks from vinca (Catharanthus roseus) plants growing in infested potting mix, on the drain end of ebb-and-flow benches, to plants in noninfested potting mix. Transmission of Phytophthora was very low when potting mix was not pasteurized. When potting mix was steam pasteurized, infection of plants, disease incidence, and severity increased with time and decreased with distance from plants in infested pots.