The shade tolerance of black currants (Ribes nigrum cv. Consort) was studied by measuring the growth and productivity of mature plants in the field for three seasons under full sun or artificial shade netting in Urbana, IL. Shade treatments reduced photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) from 37% to 83%. Yield was not reduced in shade levels up to 65% but decreased by as much as 66% under 83% shade. Shade had minimal effect on stem rejuvenation in the first 2 years, but reduced rejuvenation in the third year from 14 new stems in full sun to eight new stems in 83% shade. Stem diameter decreased 8% to 19% with 83% shade, whereas no changes were observed in up to 65% shade. Plant height increased 5% to 8% from open sun to 83% shade. Specific leaf weight decreased and leaf area increased with shade. Powdery mildew severity increased with shade, and disease-resistant cultivars should be considered for understory crops. Our results indicate that growth and productivity of black currants can be maintained in moderate shade but shade levels beyond 65% will significantly reduce agronomic performance.

The effect of artificial shade on berry quality parameters for the field-grown black currant cultivar ‘Consort’ were investigated over two growing seasons in Urbana, Illinois. Four shade treatments reduced photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) from 37 to 83%. Shade had no effect on soluble solids in up to 65% PAR reduction but decreased 11% in 83% shade in one of two years. Shade increased titratable acidity up to 23% in both years. The effect of shade on anthocyanin content revealed greater variation between years than treatments. Shade influence on anthocyanin content was only observed in 2017, when cyanidin derivatives decreased 13–14% from open-sun to 83% shade. Shade did not affect delphinidin derivatives in either year. Environmental factors other than artificial shade may impact black currant berry quality in an understory environment. The results of our study indicate that black currants can maintain berry quality with PAR reductions up to 65%, but some berry quality parameters may decrease when PAR reductions exceed 65% of full sun.

BackgroundPatients call into the departments at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation (CCF) to request appointments directly for all specialties. The Infectious Diseases (ID) department chose to evaluate these self-referred patients being seen in our clinic due to (1) limited outpatient clinic appointment availability and (2) patients’ perception of need may not align with the subspecialty care provided.MethodsIn spring 2016, all self-referred patients requesting an outpatient ID evaluation were screened by the ID Access Plus program. Patients were called by administrative staff with a request for records from a licensed practitioner, and when received, were reviewed within 72 hours of receipt by a staff ID physician. Requests were either (1) accepted for appointment, (2) declined, or (3) referred to a more appropriate department within the CCF system. Patients who were declined appointments were informed by an administrator via telephone call. All patients were also informed of the ability for urgent referrals to be accepted with an MD to MD discussion.ResultsDuring a 12-month period a total of 1000 referrals were processed through the ID Access Plus program: 25% were declined for appointments; 45% were tabled as requested records were not received; and 30% had appointments scheduled. The most common patient reported reasons for self-referral to ID clinic were “Lyme disease” (10%) and “parasites” (4%). The “no-show” rate for scheduled self-referred patients was <5%. The median wait period for a new patient ID appointment in the department declined from over 40 days to < 10 days.ConclusionA system of prescreening patients self-referred to ID, requiring a review of medical records by ID clinicians, resulted in improved access for patients.Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.