Enhancement in the productivity of ladies finger (Abelmoschus esculentus) with concomitant pest control by the vermicompost of the weed salvinia (Salvinia molesta, Mitchell)

Naseer Hussain,Tasneem Abbasi,S A Abbasi

doi:10.1007/s40093-017-0181-7

Naseer Hussain, Tasneem Abbasi + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1007/s40093-017-0181-7

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Abstract

PurposeIn a novel attempt, vermicompost derived from an intransigent and noxious weed salvinia was assessed for its fertilizer value and pest repellent properties.MethodsIn outdoor experiments which simulated the way vegetables are cultivated by farmers, ladies finger (Abelmoschus esculentus) seeds were germinated and grown in soil supplemented with salvinia vermicompost at four levels: 0 (V0), 2.5 (V1), 3.75 (V2) and 5 (V3) t/ha. Besides assessing germination success and subsequent growth, yield, and biochemical content of the plants, the impact of pest attacks on them was also studied.ResultsSalvinia vermicompost significantly enhanced germination success, growth, and yield of the plants. Maximum growth in terms of shoot length (96.2 cm), root length (48.2 cm), shoot and root dry weight (23.31, 7.96 g), stem diameter (14.04 mm), and number of leaves and branches (26.8, 4.8) was recorded in V4 (5t/ha). Likewise, the mineral and biochemical content in vermicompost-treated plants was significantly higher than in the controls. The vermicompost also induced resistance in plants against pests and disease. Compared to the controls, vermicompost had reduced the fruit borer infection by 65, 78 and 82% in V1, V2 and V3, respectively.ConclusionThe toxicity of salvinia is largely eliminated when it is vermicomposted, and the product acquires the qualities of a good organic fertilizer. The present work can potentially lead to the development of an inexpensive, sustainable and eco-friendly method of utilizing billions of tons of phytomass that is generated annually by salvinia, and which presently goes to waste.

Highlights

Salvinia molesta Mitchell, a free-floating fern, is among the most widespread and environmentally harmful of the invasive plant species (Schooler et al 2011)
In outdoor experiments which simulated the way vegetables are cultivated by farmers, ladies finger (Abelmoschus esculentus) seeds were germinated and grown in soil supplemented with salvinia vermicompost at four levels: 0 (V0), 2.5 (V1), 3.75 (V2) and 5 (V3) t/ha
On the other the total solids and ash content of the pods grown in vermicompost-augmented soil was significantly higher than that of control soil (Fig. 3d, e). These findings indicate that salvinia-based vermicompost has as much beneficial effect in terms of plant biochemistry as manure-based vermicomposts are known to cause (Abduli et al 2013; Yadav et al 2015)

Summary

Introduction

Salvinia molesta Mitchell, a free-floating fern, is among the most widespread and environmentally harmful of the invasive plant species (Schooler et al 2011). Salvinia forms dense mats of up to 1 m thickness that cuts the sunlight off from the underlying water and makes the waterways unnavigable (Coetzee et al 2011). This hampers the photosynthesis in the water body and the aerial replenishment of oxygen in the water lying beneath the salvinia carpet is blocked (Hussain et al 2016b). Salvinia’s unabated spread is because of its ability and to regenerate vegetatively even from tiny pieces of its leaves and its

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