Alboglabra Research Articles

Development of Potting Media from Composted Organic Food Waste Supplemented with Trichoderma asperellum and Talaromyces tratensis for Control of Root and Stem-End Rot in Chinese Kale (Brassica oleracea)

Development of Potting Media from Composted Organic Food Waste Supplemented with Trichoderma asperellum and Talaromyces tratensis for Control of Root and Stem-End Rot in Chinese Kale (Brassica oleracea)

Synergistic mechanisms of lignin-based novel materials and leaf-surface selenium fertilizer in alleviating drought and heavy metal stress

Drought and heavy metal stress threaten sustainable crop production and ecosystems, highlighting the urgent need for resilient agricultural practices. The synthesis of lignin-based hydrogel (L-GH) and foliar selenium (Se) offers a potential solution to mitigate these adverse effects. However, comprehensive research on their applications in alleviating drought stress, remediating heavy metals, and enhancing crop production is limited. To address these gaps, the optimal ratio for L-GH synthesis using sodium lignosulfonate (L) and γ-polyglutamic acid (γ-PGA) as raw materials was determined through the response surface method (RSM). The synthesis mechanism and possible functional groups and structures of L-GH were identified by Fourier infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and other characterization techniques. A pot experiment assessed the effects of L-GH (L0=0; L1=0.2 %; and L2=0.5 %) and foliar Se (L0=0; Se=3 mg.L−1) under drought (H=75 % control; HA=45 % field water capacity) on Chinese broccoli growth and the uptake of heavy metals cadmium, copper, zinc (Cd, Cu, Zn). Results indicated that L-GH hydrogel, with a layered porous structure and hydrophilic functional groups, achieved a water absorption rate of 389.17 g.g−1. Under drought and heavy metal stress, L-GH combined with Se effectively reduced the absorption of Cd and Cu. In the L2+Se treatment (0.5 % L-GH + 3 mg.L−1 Se), Cd and Cu contents decreased by 31.06 % and 72.14 %, respectively. Simultaneously, the photosynthetic activity of the plant increased, stress resistance was enhanced, and both growth and biomass accumulation were promoted. Malondialdehyde (MDA) content decreased by 78.82 %, and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters (PSII potential activity Fv/F0 and maximum photochemical efficiency Fv/Fm) increased by 49.92 % and 11.97 %, respectively. Redundancy analysis (RDA) revealed that L-GH could potentially decrease the absorption of heavy metals by enhancing soil moisture (SWC) and pH levels, increasing aggregate stability (WAS) and organic carbon (SOC) content, enhancing plant stress resistance, and promoting growth. In this study, a novel material (L-GH) capable of retaining water and immobilizing heavy metals in soil was successfully developed. The concurrent application of L-GH with Se has been shown to effectively mitigate the combined stresses of drought and heavy metals on the growth of Chinese broccoli. These findings offer valuable insights for the remediation of soil contaminated by both drought and heavy metals.

An efficient and universal protoplast-based transient gene expression system for genome editing in Brassica crops

Protoplast-based transient gene expression system has been widely used in plant genome editing because of its simple operation and less time-consuming. In order to establish a universal protoplast-based transient transfection system for verifying activities of genome editing vectors containing targets in Brassica, we systematically optimized factors affecting protoplast isolation and transient gene expression. We established an efficient protoplast-based transient gene expression system (PTGE) in Chinese cabbage, achieving high protoplast yield of 4.9 × 105 · g−1 FW, viability over 95%, and transfection efficiency of 76%. We showed for the first time that pretreatment of protoplasts with a hypotonic MMG could significantly enhance the transfection efficiency. Furthermore, protoplasts incubated at 37 °C for 6 min improved the transfection efficiency to 86%. We also demonstrated that PTGE worked well (more than 50% transfection efficiency) in multiple Brassica species including cabbage, Pak Choi, Chinese kale, and turnip. Finally, PTGE was used for validating the activities of CRISPR/Cas9 vectors containing targets in Chinese cabbage, cabbage, and pak choi, demonstrating the broad applicability of the established PTGE for genome editing in Brassica crops.

Mode of action of biosurfactant against Listeria monocytogenes and its cytotoxicity as an alternative for washing fresh Chinese kale

Biosurfactants play a very important role in the fresh produce industry, especially as anti-microbial agents. This study aimed to investigate the anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial activities of a glycolipoprotein biosurfactant (BSF) produced by Lactobacillus plantarum MGL-8, as well as its anti-bacterial mechanism of action against Listeria monocytogenes DMST17303. Its application as a sanitizer for fresh Chinese kale was investigated at different storage temperatures and exposure times. Its safety was monitored by cytotoxic effect to human skin HaCaT keratinocyte cells. The BSF exhibited high anti-oxidant capacities, with ferric-reducing from the FRAP assay of 15.96 μgVCEA/mg and ABTS scavenging activities with an IC50 of 877.00 μg/mL. BSF demonstrated anti-bacterial activity against L. monocytogenes through decreasing the fluidity and increasing permeability of the cell membrane, resulting in reducing membrane function and leakage of intracellular components. The study revealed that the appropriate washing procedures of W2 (BSF 400 μg/mL for 20 min) and W3 (BSF 450 μg/mL for 10 min) efficiently inhibited the growth of L. monocytogenes in fresh Chinese kale stored at 5 °C for 7 and 14 days. BSF did not exhibit any cytotoxic effects on HaCaT cells at concentrations of up to 1,000 μg/mL, suggesting using BSF for disinfect L. monocytogenes in fresh Chinese kale at 450 μg/mL is safe for human. Therefore, it is recommended to wash fresh Chinese kale with BSF at 400 or 450 μg/mL for 20 or 10 min, respectively, to reduce food safety risks such as L. monocytogenes before storing at 5 °C for 14 days.

UV-B irradiation enhances the accumulation of beneficial glucosinolates induced by melatonin in Chinese kale sprout

Cruciferous sprout is a new form of vegetable product rich in bioactive compounds, especially glucosinolates. Previous studies have focused on increasing the accumulation of glucosinolates in cruciferous sprouts by applying different chemical regulators, with a particular focus on their contribution to nutritional quality and health benefits. Nevertheless, the effects of melatonin and UV-B irradiation on glucosinolate biosynthesis remain unclear. In this study, it was found that changes in melatonin concentrations significantly affected the contents of individual as well as total aliphatic and indolic glucosinolates. The 5 μmol · L−1 melatonin was decided as the optimum concentration that could increase the content of beneficial glucosinolates including glucoraphanin and 4-methoxy glucobrassicin in Chinese kale sprouts. Notably, the enhancement of glucosinolate accumulation by melatonin treatment could be further amplified by UV-B irradiation. Furthermore, our results showed that R2R3-MYB transcription factor BoaMYB28 and BoaMYB51, which are central regulators of aliphatic and indolic glucosinolate biosynthesis respectively, were both involved in the regulation of glucosinolate biosynthesis by melatonin and UV-B irradiation. Additionally, the expression of glucosinolate biosynthetic genes, including BoaCYP79F1, BoaCYP83A1, BoaSUR1, BoaUGT74B1, BoaCYP79B2, BoaCYP79B3, and BoaCYP83B1 participated in the formation of core structures and BoaFMOGS-OX5, BoaAOP2, BoaCYP81F2, and BoaIGMT1 involved in the side-chain modification of aliphatic and indolic glucosinolate, was regulated by melatonin or UV-B irradiation. Taken together, these findings provide a potential strategy for improving the nutritional quality and resistance of Chinese kale sprouts.

A novel wrinkled leaf vegetable germplasm (AACC) of interspecific hybrids between Tai-cai and Chinese kale

ABSTRACT Ruffled vegetables, having wrinkled leaves with a crispy and tender texture, are highly favored by consumers. However, the genetic resources of crinkled leaf vegetables in the Brassica genus are limited. In this study, distant hybridization was performed between ‘Mottle-leaf Tai-cai’ (Brassica campestris L. ssp. chinensis (L.) Makino var. tai-tsai Hort. AA, 2n = 20) and ‘Big Yellow Flower Chinese Kale’ (B. oleracea var. alboglabra Bailey. CC, 2n = 18) by hand emasculation followed by tissue culture. As a result, all obtained three embryos were identified as true hybrids (AC, 2n = 19) through morphology, cytology, and molecular markers. After chromosome doubling, an allotetraploid hybrid (AACC, 2n = 38) was obtained with a giant leaf, serrated leaf margin, and wrinkled leaf surface; therefore, its most agronomical characters were biased toward the female parent of ‘Mottle-leaf Tai-cai’. In comparison with diploid hybrid, the pollen stainability of allotetraploids were significantly improved and similar to their parents. Additionally, all 5 pairs of SSR primers showed the authenticity of the hybrids. Furthermore, the contents of soluble sugar, vitamin C, and cellulose in the hybrids increased when compared with their parents. Briefly, the obtained hybrid is interspecific euhybrid, and has wrinkle-leaf characteristics, improved nutritional quality, so it is a novel Brassica wrinkle-leaf vegetable germplasm.

Antibacterial activity of high surface area zinc oxide nanoparticles for controlling black rot disease of Chinese kale

AbstractZinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are inorganic compounds listed as “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) materials and have been used in plant production as well as for plant disease control. This study investigated the antibacterial efficacy of ZnO NPs with various surface areas against Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris, assessed the effectiveness of ZnO NPs in controlling black rot disease in Chinese kale, and examined the influence of ZnO NPs application on soil bacterial communities. The results showed that ZnO NPs with high surface area effectively inhibited X. campestris pv. campestris by restraining growth and causing cell damage. Seed treatment and foliar spray application of high surface area ZnO NPs at 250 μg/mL significantly reduced the disease severity of black rot. Furthermore, in the greenhouse experiment, the soil bacterial communities in the treatment of plants applied with ZnO NPs did not differ from those in soil of nontreated plants. Therefore, ZnO NPs have the potential to serve as an alternative substance for plant disease management.

Effects of combined treatment of light quality and melatonin on health-promoting compounds in Chinese kale sprouts

Chinese kale sprouts have garnered attention owing to its rich health-promoting compounds. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different light qualities (white, blue, and red light) and melatonin (100 μmol L−1), both individually and in combination, on the growth and accumulation of health-promoting compounds in Chinese kale sprouts. Red light positively influenced sprout growth (compared with white light, plant height and fresh weight increased by 16.67 % and 4.87 %, respectively), and the red light + melatonin treatment further enhanced growth (compared with single red light, the plant height and fresh weight increased by 14.97 % and 12.29 %, respectively), while increasing glucosinolate accumulation through the up-regulation of glucosinolate biosynthetic genes (UGT74B1, CYP83B1, SOT18 and IGMT1). Conversely, blue light inhibited sprout growth, elevated the expression levels of PAL, CHS, CHI, GGP, and PAX, improved antioxidant levels, and accelerated the accumulation of aliphatic glucosinolates, reducing indolic glucosinolates. The blue light + melatonin treatment promoted the accumulation of sprout biomass and anthocyanins (11.91 % and 13.33 % higher than that of single blue light). The study unveiled various pathways influencing plant growth, development, and secondary metabolite accumulation, including plant circadian rhythms, ascorbate and aldarate metabolism, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and glucosinolate biosynthesis.

Integrated metabolome and transcriptome analyses reveal the role of BoGSTF12 in anthocyanin accumulation in Chinese kale (Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra)

BackgroundThe vivid red, purple, and blue hues that are observed in a variety of plant fruits, flowers, and leaves are produced by anthocyanins, which are naturally occurring pigments produced by a series of biochemical processes occurring inside the plant cells. The purple-stalked Chinese kale, a popular vegetable that contains anthocyanins, has many health benefits but needs to be investigated further to identify the genes involved in the anthocyanin biosynthesis and translocation in this vegetable.ResultsIn this study, the purple- and green-stalked Chinese kale were examined using integrative transcriptome and metabolome analyses. The content of anthocyanins such as cyanidin-3-O-(6″-O-feruloyl) sophoroside-5-O-glucoside, cyanidin-3,5-O-diglucoside (cyanin), and cyanidin-3-O-(6″-O-p-hydroxybenzoyl) sophoroside-5-O-glucoside were considerably higher in purple-stalked Chinese kale than in its green-stalked relative. RNA-seq analysis indicated that 23 important anthocyanin biosynthesis genes, including 3 PAL, 2 C4H, 3 4CL, 3 CHS, 1 CHI, 1 F3H, 2 FLS, 2 F3’H, 1 DFR, 3 ANS, and 2 UFGT, along with the transcription factor BoMYB114, were significantly differentially expressed between the purple- and green-stalked varieties. Results of analyzing the expression levels of 11 genes involved in anthocyanin production using qRT-PCR further supported our findings. Association analysis between genes and metabolites revealed a strong correlation between BoGSTF12 and anthocyanin. We overexpressed BoGSTF12 in Arabidopsis thaliana tt19, an anthocyanin transport mutant, and this rescued the anthocyanin-loss phenotype in the stem and rosette leaves, indicating BoGSTF12 encodes an anthocyanin transporter that affects the accumulation of anthocyanins.ConclusionThis work represents a key step forward in our understanding of the molecular processes underlying anthocyanin production in Chinese kale. Our comprehensive metabolomic and transcriptome analyses provide important insights into the regulatory system that controls anthocyanin production and transport, while providing a foundation for further research to elucidate the physiological importance of the metabolites found in this nutritionally significant vegetable.

BoaBZR1.1 mediates brassinosteroid-induced carotenoid biosynthesis in Chinese kale.

Brassinazole resistant 1 (BZR1), a brassinosteroid (BR) signaling component, plays a pivotal role in regulating numerous specific developmental processes. Our study demonstrated that exogenous treatment with 2,4-epibrassinolide (EBR) significantly enhanced the accumulation of carotenoids and chlorophylls in Chinese kale (Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra). The underlying mechanism was deciphered through yeast one-hybrid (Y1H) and dual-luciferase (LUC) assays, whereby BoaBZR1.1 directly interacts with the promoters of BoaCRTISO and BoaPSY2, activating their expression. This effect was further validated through overexpression of BoaBZR1.1 in Chinese kale calli and plants, both of which exhibited increased carotenoid accumulation. Additionally, qPCR analysis unveiled upregulation of carotenoid and chlorophyll biosynthetic genes in the T1 generation of BoaBZR1.1-overexpressing plants. These findings underscored the significance of BoaBZR1.1-mediated BR signaling in regulating carotenoid accumulation in Chinese kale and suggested the potential for enhancing the nutritional quality of Chinese kale through genetic engineering of BoaBZR1.1.

The impact of high voltage electrostatic field on the storage quality and metabolism of Chinese kale

The impact of high voltage electrostatic field on the storage quality and metabolism of Chinese kale

Effects of Biochar and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi on Soil Health in Chinese Kale (Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra L.) Cultivation

Biochar and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), a promising environmentally friendly soil enhancer and biostimulant, play a crucial role in sustainable agriculture by influencing soil properties and plant growth. This research investigates the chemical properties of three biochar types [bamboo (BB-char), corn cob (CC-char), and coffee grounds (CG-char)] derived from different biomass sources and their impact on soil quality and Chinese kale growth. The results reveal significant differences in chemical properties among different types of biochar. Particularly, CG-char showed the greatest pH value and phosphorus content, with an average of 10.05 and 0.44%, respectively. On the other hand, CC-char had the highest potassium content, with an average of 2.16%. Incorporating biochar into degraded soil enhances soil structure, promoting porosity and improved texture, as evidenced by scanning electron microscope images revealing distinct porous structures. Soil chemistry analyses in treatment T2–T14 after a 42-day cultivation demonstrate the impact of biochar on pH, electrical conductivity, organic matter, and organic carbon levels in comparison to the control treatment (T1). Furthermore, the research assesses the impact of biochar on Chinese kale growth and photosynthetic pigments. Biochar additions, especially 5% BB-char with AMF, positively influence plant growth, chlorophyll content, and photosynthetic pigment levels. Notably, lower biochar concentrations (5%) exhibit superior effects compared to higher concentrations (10%), emphasizing the importance of optimal biochar application rates. The study also delves into the total phenolic content in Chinese kale leaves, revealing that the synergistic effect of biochar and AMF enhances phenolic compound accumulation. The combination positively influences plant health, soil quality, and nutrient cycling mechanisms. Overall, the research indicates the multifaceted impact of biochar on soil and plant dynamics, emphasizing the need for tailored application strategies to optimize benefits in sustainable agriculture.

Finite Element Simulation Parameter Calibration and Verification for Stem Cutting of Hydroponic Chinese Kale

The finite element simulation is a valid way for the rapid development of the root-cutting mechanism for hydroponic Chinese kale. The stem of the hydroponic Chinese kale was simplified as a transverse isotropic elastic body, and axial compression, three-point bending, and shear tests were performed. The ANSYS/LS-DYNA19.2 software was adopted for stem shear simulation, and the regression equation of the maximum simulated shear force was established. The optimized mechanical parameters were determined by minimizing the deviation between the maximum shear force obtained from the simulation and test. The three-dimensional scanning method was employed to establish the geometric model of the hydroponic Chinese kale stem. The cutting finite element simulation model and test platform were constructed. Displacement, deformation, and force measured from simulation and test were compared. Through measurement and simulation calibration, an axial elastic modulus of 6.22 MPa, axial Poisson’s ratio of 0.46, radial elastic modulus of 3.56 MPa, radial Poisson’s ratio of 0.44, radial shear modulus of 0.8 MPa, and a failure strain of 0.08 were determined. During the cutting simulation and test, the resulting maximum displacement deviations of the marking points on the end of the stem were 0.68 mm along the X-axis and 2.83 mm along the Y-axis, while the maximum deviations of the cutting and clamping force were 0.49 N and 0.77 N, respectively. The deformation and force variation laws of the kale stem in the cutting simulation and test process were basically consistent. It showed that the mechanical parameters calibrated by the simulation were accurate and effective, and the stem cutting simulation results with the finite element method were in good agreement with that of the cutting test. The study provided a reference for the rapid optimization design of the root-cutting mechanism for hydroponic Chinese kale harvest.

Control of a Semi-closed Plant Factory with Artificial Lighting-based on Two Different LED with NB-IoT

Plant factory artificial light (PFAL) is an effective technique for producing large amounts of crops per area and high-quality plant growth. This work aims to construct a semi-closed PFAL growth system based on NB-IoT using two types of LED arrays: phosphor-converted LED (pc-LED) and RB-LED. Next, while examining the features of the artificial light spectrum, compare the Curry leaf kale and Chinese kale in seedlings under various LED light sources. An NB-IoT module with the MAGELLAN platform monitored and controlled the temperature, humidity, and illumination of the semi-closed PFAL growing system. The results indicate that cos lettuce cultivated with PCLEDs is likely more photosynthesis-capable than cos lettuce grown with RBLEDs. Compared to RB-LED, the average fresh weight of the cos lettuce from PC-LED was significantly higher. The data gathered from the cloud system under the MAGELLAN platform during the 7-day trial, the control of lighting and watering in the semi-closed PFAL system, and the measurement results of environmental factors were all accurately completed. Organic veggies could be grown in a home or school using the semi-PFAL growing technique.

Transcriptome Analysis Reveals the Mechanism by Which Exogenous Melatonin Treatment Delays Leaf Senescence of Postharvest Chinese Kale (Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra).

Melatonin, a pleiotropic small molecule, is employed in horticultural crops to delay senescence and preserve postharvest quality. In this study, 100 µM melatonin treatment delayed a decline in the color difference index h* and a*, maintaining the content of chlorophyll and carotenoids, thereby delaying the yellowing and senescence of Chinese kale. Transcriptome analysis unequivocally validates melatonin's efficacy in delaying leaf senescence in postharvest Chinese kale stored at 20 °C. Following a three-day storage period, the melatonin treatment group exhibited 1637 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) compared to the control group. DEG analysis elucidated that melatonin-induced antisenescence primarily governs phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, lipid metabolism, plant signal transduction, and calcium signal transduction. Melatonin treatment up-regulated core enzyme genes associated with general phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, flavonoid biosynthesis, and the α-linolenic acid biosynthesis pathway. It influenced the redirection of lignin metabolic flux, suppressed jasmonic acid and abscisic acid signal transduction, and concurrently stimulated auxin signal transduction. Additionally, melatonin treatment down-regulated RBOH expression and up-regulated genes encoding CaM, thereby influencing calcium signal transduction. This study underscores melatonin as a promising approach for delaying leaf senescence and provides insights into the mechanism of melatonin-mediated antisenescence in postharvest Chinese kale.

Magnetically treated water for removal of surface contamination by Malathion on Chinese Kale (Brassica oleracea L.).

Malathion® is a persistent organophosphate pesticide used against biting and chewing insects on vegetables. It is a difficult-to-remove surface contaminant of vegetables and contaminates surface and ground water and soils. Malathion® is only partially water soluble, but use of detergent carriers makes adhering Malathion® residues difficult to subsequently remove. Magnetically treated water (MTW) successfully removed Malathion® from Chinese Kale (Brassica oleracea L.), meeting Maximum Residue Load (MRL) standards. Samples were soaked in MTW for 30 min prior to detection with GC/MS/MS, 98.5±3.02% of Malathion® was removed after washing by MTW. Removal by simple washing was only ≈42±1.2% which was not nearly sufficient to meet MRL criteria.

Health risk assessment associated with consumption of heavy metal-contaminated vegetables: A case study in the southern area of Northeast Thailand

This study aims to determine the amount of lead exposure and investigate the health hazards linked to the consumption of leafy vegetables contaminated with lead and cadmium. It focuses on a specific case study conducted in the southern region of Northeast Thailand. Five types of leafy vegetables, including Chinese kale, cabbage, Chinese cabbage, lettuce, and parsley, were collected from the Southern Northeast region of Thailand. The vegetable consumption of 3,831 individuals was calculated. The results showed that Chinese kale had the highest average lead contamination (0.009±0.015 mg/kg DW), followed by Chinese cabbage (0.005±0.01 mg/kg DW), cabbage (0.004±0.003 mg/kg DW), lettuce (0.003±0.003 mg/kg DW), and parsley (0.001±0.01 mg/kg DW), respectively. The evaluation results indicated that the margin of safety values for leafy vegetable consumption ranged between 4.49731E-05 and 0.04550, suggesting no major health risks. Based on geographical information, the lowest altitude was 95 m in the Warin Chamrap District of Ubon Ratchathani Province, while the highest was 450 m in the Pak Chong District of Chum Klat, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. Therefore, people in the Southern Northeast region of Thailand should be encouraged to cultivate vegetables for their own consumption based on the season, and hydroponic systems should be utilized. It is important to assess and monitor the levels of heavy metals in the vegetables intended for consumptions and potential adverse effects on the environment and, consequently, human health. When choosing vegetables, it is advisable for consumers to exercise prudence and choose produce sourced from reputable cultivation facilities. Additionally, to prevent the accumulation of pollutants that could result in long-term health effects, it is prudent to vary their vegetable intake. The data obtained can be used in remediation techniques and to implement control measures for heavy metal contamination in vegetables.

EFFECT OF THREE TYPES OF GROWING MEDIA AND VERMICOMPOST TEA ON THE GROWTH AND INDIVIDUAL WEIGHT OF CHINESE KALE (Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra Bailey)

The intensive use of inorganic fertilizers is an effective means to promote crop productivity. However, continuous and improper use of inorganic fertilizers alone can lead to soil degradation, resulting in lower yield, environmental pollution, and human health. Organic fertilizers maintain soil quality, increase soil organic matter, and improve soil properties, consequently enhancing crop yield. This present study aimed to investigate the effects of growing media and vermicompost tea on the growth and yield of Chinese kale plants under pot conditions. Consequently, the experiment of the present study included six treatments, including control. The results showed that mixing cow manure and vermicompost with growing media and VT application significantly positively affected plant height, number of leaves, stem diameter, and individual weight of Chinese kale plants. Particularly, the highest plant height, the number of leaves, and individual weight were seen in the T6 treatment [GM3 (the mixture of 50% soil, 20% cocopeat, and 30% vermicompost) + VT application], but T2 treatment [GM2 (the mixture of 50% soil, 20% cocopeat, and 30% cow manure) + no VT application] had the highest stem diameter. Noticeably, VT application increased the individual weight of the plants in the T4 treatment (GM of 100% soil + VT application) by 119.9%, as compared to the control (GM of 100% soil + no VT application). Consequently, the findings of this present study demonstrated that vermicompost tea may have great potential for use as a foliar fertilizer for leaf vegetables to promote growth in plant height and weight.

Effect of Brown Seaweed in Powder and Extract Forms on Growth and Yield of Chinese Kale

Brown seaweed is generally found on the beach in Chanthaburi province. Brown seaweed can be used as a bio-stimulant for plant growth enabling the reduction cost of crop production. This experiment aimed to study the effect of seaweed in the forms of powder and extract on the growth and yield of Chinese Kale. Each experiment was conducted in three replicates and designed by CRD with 7 treatments, consisting of control, spraying of seaweed powder at 1%, 2%, and 3%, respectively, and spraying of seaweed extract at 1%, 2%, 3%, respectively. Total amino acid and plant nutrients (N, P, and K) of seaweed powder were analyzed prior to the experiment. Plant growth parameters were recorded at three intervals: 18, 25, and 32 days after transplanting (DAT). Fresh and dry weights of Chinese kale were measured after harvesting at 32 DAT. The results showed that brown seaweed at 2% either in in powder or extract forms can be used as a bio-stimulant for Chinese kale production without any significant difference.

Effect of gamma irradiated super water absorbent from sago waste on vegetables

Super water absorbent (SWA) has the ability to absorb water hundreds of times bigger than its own weight and potentially can be used as a water retainer in agriculture. Other than holding water, SWA can release water to the soil, which is required by the plants. In this study, SWA from sago waste has been successfully prepared using the gamma radiation technique and the properties of SWA such as FTIR, gel fraction and swelling have been carried out. Performance of SWA from sago waste as a water retainer has been carried out with mustard and Chinese kale with three different compositions (0.1, 0.3 and 0.5%) of SWA mixed with the soils. The effects of SWA on the plants such as height of plants and weight of plants have been determined. Generally, the height and weight of the plants were at the highest at 0.1% of SWA content in the soil.