Cocopeat Media Research Articles

Optimizing Growth of Melon (Cucumis melo L. cv. Madesta) in Nutrient Film Technique and Drip Irrigation Hydroponics with Varied Substrates

Hydroponic systems offer a promising solution for urban farming and the utilization of unproductive land. Successful implementation, however, requires careful optimization to select the most effective hydroponic system tailored to specific plants and environmental conditions. This study aims to compare the growth and physiological responses of Madesta melons (Cucumis melo L. cv. Madesta) cultivated using the nutrient film technique (NFT) and drip irrigation system (DIS) with variations in growth media. The Madesta melon seeds underwent a two-week germination phase in coco peat media, followed by transplanting into NFT and DIS setups utilizing diverse growth media, including rice husk, rice husk mixed with compost, and compost only. Over four weeks post-cultivation, assessments were conducted on key growth metrics such as leaf count, leaf diameter, plant height, and stem diameter. Plant physiological responses were also analyzed, encompassing chlorophyll and nitrogen levels, along with the mineral composition within leaves and fruits. Results revealed that the DIS cultivation outperformed the NFT in terms of growth outcomes. Among the varied media combinations, the rice husk and compost blend supported growth most effectively. Notably, no significant differences were observed in leaf and fruit nitrogen content between the DIS and NFT systems, and the overall mineral content of the media remained relatively stable before and after the cultivation period. Mineral content analysis revealed calcium as the predominant element in the leaves, while potassium emerged as the most abundant mineral in the fruits. This research sheds light on the potential of hydroponic systems, specifically the DIS method, for enhancing melon cultivation, emphasizing the importance of selecting appropriate growth media to maximize plant growth.

Effects of Different Rooting Medium and Growth Regulating Agents on Rooting Parameters of Cuttings of Lavender and Lavandin Cultıvars (Lavandula sp.)

This study was conducted in Çanakkale province (North-West Anatolia) to find the optimal auxin dosages (IBA 2000 ppm and NAA 1000 ppm) and rooting medium (soil, peat, and cocopeat) for cutting propagation of lavender, which has great industrial and commercial value. Hemus, Sevtopolis and Drujba varieties belonging to the Lavandula angustifolia species and Super A variety belonging to the Lavandula intermedium species were used as study materials. The experiment was set up with 3 replications according to the split-plot trial design divided into random plots. As a result, the Super A variety of Lavandula intermedium species cultivated in cocopeat medium following IBA 2000 ppm administration had the highest rooting rate (88.33%) and rooting status (17.67 units). The Sevtopolis variety of the Lavandula angustifolia species produced the highest root number (15.33 pieces), root length (9.88 cm), shoot number (20.93 pieces), and shoot length (15.35 cm) values when grown in cocopeat medium with IBA 2000 ppm application. According to these results, cocopeat medium and IBA 2000 ppm auxin application came to the fore in the propagation of lavender by cuttings.

Fertilizing the Flame: Effects of AB Fertilizer Concentration on Vegetative Growth, Fruit Yield, and Capsaicin Biosynthesis in Capsicum frutescens

The Capsicum crops, known for their diverse phytochemical composition and pungency, are significantly influenced by agricultural practices. This study presents research on the 'cili padi' variety of Capsicum frutescens, a relatively unexplored species, grown hydroponically on a cocopeat medium using a high-quality AB fertilizer with varied nutrient concentrations. The research focused on analysing plant growth patterns, fruit yield, and capsaicinoid levels throughout the growth cycle. This involved detailed morphological measurements, productivity assessments, and the use of cyclic voltammetry for capsaicinoid quantification. The findings revealed that vegetation growth, yield, and metabolite parameters were closely linked to fertilizer concentration. Notably, an increase in nutrient availability led to improvements in plant growth metrics, fruit yield, and capsaicin levels. However, these benefits peaked within a specific fertilizer concentration range (1.5-2.1 E.C.-mS/cm) before declining, indicating the existence of toxicity thresholds. The study highlights the critical importance of balanced fertilization in hydroponic cultivation of C. frutescens, as it simultaneously enhances productivity and pungency quality. Interestingly, the research uncovered a threshold in nutrient concentration that optimizes nitrate conversion into capsaicin, beyond which overall plant growth continues to increase with higher fertilizer quantities. This finding necessitates further investigation into the metabolic and transport pathways that limit phytochemical production in these plants. Additionally, the capsaicinoid concentrations achieved in this study resulted in only moderately pungent Scoville ratings, suggesting a variance in biosynthetic capacity between this specific local species and more commonly studied pepper types. In summary, this research underscores the importance of a well-calibrated fertilization strategy to effectively boost both yield and pungency quality in C.frutescens . The insights gained from this study contribute significantly to our understanding of optimal hydroponic cultivation practices for enhancing the desirable traits of this unique chili variety.

Efektivitas Bahan Penyiraman dan Macam Media Tanam terhadap Pertumbuhan Microgreens Tanaman Bunga Matahari (Helianthus annuus L.)

Microgreens are mini vegetable plants with high nutrition that are managed in a controlled growing environment. Management of microgreens requires sufficient water, nutrients, sunlight, planting media and air. The research aims to obtain the nutrient watering materials and media types for sunflower microgreens' growth. This research was carried out in Sumbang Bojonegoro village in October-December 2021. This research was prepared in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) consisting of 2 factors, namely 2 levels of nutrient watering material, water (P1) and rice-washing water (P2), while 3 levels of planting media: husk charcoal (M1), sand (M2) and cocopeat (M3). The parameters observed were the percentage of germination, germination rate, number of normal and abnormal sprouts, sprout length, cotyledon width, sprout moisture content, sprout wet weight, and sprout dry weight. The observation data was analyzed used analysis of variance (ANOVA), with a further Least Significant Difference (LSD) test is carried out at a test level of 5%. Phytochemical tests for microgreens include chlorophyll, vitamin C and protein levels. The results showed that applying water and rice-washing water were not significantly different in terms of % germination and germination rate, while cocopeat media was more effective in terms of % germination, number of normal sprouts, % water content, wet weight of microgreens, length of sprouts and width of cotyledons. Highest phytochemical content % chlorophyll 23.60 mg/L (water+sand media); % Vitamin C content 59.40 mg/100g (water + husk charcoal media) and % protein content 3.47% (rice-washing water + sand media). Keywords: Planting media, rice-washing water, microgreens, phytochemical, watering

PERTUMBUHAN DAN PRODUKSI MICROGREENS PAKCOY PADA JENIS MEDIA TANAM DAN PUPUK ORGANIK CAIR URIN SAPI

This research aims to determine the effect of the type of planting media and the dose of cow urine liquid organic fertilizer on the growth of pak choy microgreens. This research was structured using a factorial Randomized Group Design (RAK). The first factor is that the planting media consists of 3 levels, namely: M1 (cocopeat), M2 (husk charcoal) and M3 (cocopeat+husk charcoal). The second factor is the dose of liquid organic fertilizer from cow urine consisting of 2 levels, namely a dose of 25 ml/L (D1), a dose of 50 ml/L (D2) and a control using water (D0). The parameters observed were the time when germination began (days), the time when cotyledons emerged (days), the time when the percentage of germination reached 100% (days) and the fresh weight (gr). The research results showed that the best medium for the emergence of sprouts was a medium consisting of a mixture of cocopeat and husk charcoal with a germination time of 1 day after sowing (HSS), the best medium for the emergence of cotyledons was husk charcoal, namely 2 HSS. Application of liquid organic fertilizer doses of 25 and 50 ml per liter resulted in a sprout percentage of 100% at HSS age. The use of liquid organic fertilizer is not recommended on cocopeat media. The use of cow urine doses of 25 ml and 50 ml is recommended for husk charcoal media and mixed media of husk charcoal and cocopeat.

Potential Use of Postharvest Tomato Wastes as a Growing Media in Soilless Culture

Recycling postharvest tomato wastes will reduce the carbon footprints of greenhouse facilities. This study investigated the effects of tomato postharvest waste as a growing medium (TSW; tomato stalk waste and PTSW; pretreated tomato stalk waste) in soilless culture on tomato growth, development, yield and quality. Tomato wastes were compared with cocopeat and peat-perlite mixture media and economic analyses were made for potential use of tomato waste as a growing medium. The highest stomatal conductance (138.7 mmol m−2 s−1), average fruit weight (86.7 g), yield (3.96 kg plant−1) and soluble solids content (SSC; 4.8%) values were obtained from the cocopeat medium. PTSW, cocopeat and peat + perlite media yielded similar stomatal conductance values. The best fruit skin color values (hue; 0.54) were obtained from peat + perlite medium. The highest titratable acidity (4.9 g citric acid 100 mL−1) and vitamin C (21.7 mg 100 g−1) values were obtained from the TSW medium. PTSW (Pretreated tomato waste) had similar yield and quality traits with commercial growing media. It was concluded that PTSW was better than other growing media.

Microgreens of tropical edible-seed species, an economical source of phytonutrients- insights into nutrient content, growth environment and shelf life

Microgreens of six tropical edible-seed species categorized as pulse (green gram, horse gram), vegetable (mustard, amaranthus), millet (ragi) and cereal (wheat) were evaluated with an objective of studying the suitability of different growing media, growth condition, storage container and storage temperature. The six microgreens were also evaluated for the sensory qualities, nutrient composition, yield, seed to biomass ratio and benefit cost ratio. Yield and seedling height of microgreens were significantly influenced by the growing media, however there was no statistically significant difference in the nutrient composition of microgreens grown in the five different media. The fresh yield and dry yield of microgreens was recorded to be highest when grown on cocopeat media. Among the species, yield was highest for green gram microgreens, followed by mustard and horse gram. Rain shelter cultivation of microgreens promoted yield whereas the cultivation under room condition resulted in longer seedlings. The nutrient content (iron, calcium, beta carotene, protein, crude fiber, crude protein etc.) was higher in rain shelter grown microgreens. The microgreens grown indoor had better sensory qualities than when raised in rain shelter. Microgreens had higher shelf life when stored in PPE zip lock bags at lower temperature. Overall, microgreens of these tropical species can be an economic and nutritious supplement to regular vegetables.

The Effects of Different Growing Media and Humic Acid Applications on the Growth of Tomato Plants

This study was carried out to determine the effects of different growing media (peat + perlite, cocopeat, hazelnut husk, rock wool) and different humic acid doses (2, 4, and 8 ml L-1) on tomato plant growth. The performance of the seedlings from planting to fruit set was evaluated to determine the growth of the tomato plant. For this purpose; stem diameter (mm), plant height (cm), leaf number, first flowering, first fruit set, total plant dry weight (g), root volume (m3), and relative growth rate (g cm-2 days-1) parameters were examined. According to the results, the highest stem diameter of 15 mm was obtained in the hazelnut husk media at a dose of 4 ml L-1 of humic acid. As a result, while the best root growth was obtained at 2 ml L-1 humic acid doses in peat-perlite media, the fastest growth and N (3.33%), P (0.58%) and K (3.91%) content were obtained at 8 ml L-1 humic acid doses in cocopeat media. The best leafing, flowering and fruit set were obtained in hazelnut husk media with 2 ml L-1 humic acid doses. As a result, the highest relative growth rate (0.064 g cm-2 days-1) was determined at 8 ml L-1 doses of humic acid applied in the cocopeat media.

Penanaman Mahoni (Swietenia macrophylla King.) Dengan Metode Bibit Akar Telanjang (Bare-root System)

Seedling damage during transportation often occurs in seedling that using container. The use of mahogany seeds sown on cocopeat as bare root seeds is expected to answer the problems during transportation from the nursery to the planting site. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of Mahagony seedling age (on cocopeat medium in the nursery) and the length of time to delay planting (bare-root seedling). This study used a completely randomized design (CRD) and factorial completely randomized design (CRD) with two factors, namely the age of the seeds and the length of time to delay planting. The results of this study indicated that the growth of mahogany bare root seedlings was influenced by the age of the seedlings and the interaction between the age of the seeds and the delay in planting time. The old seedling (5,5 months old) showed better growth than other treatments. Delay in planting time of up to 6 days is still allowed because it can provide a good growth response. 
 Keywords: age of seed, bare root seedling, delayed planting time, Swietenia macrophylla.

Fungicidal Activity of Caproate Produced by Clostridium sp. strain E801, a Bacterium Isolated from Cocopeat Medium Subjected to Anaerobic Soil Disinfestation

Anaerobic soil disinfestation (ASD) consists of the application of labile organic materials to soil, flooding, and covering the soil surface with plastic film. Anaerobic soil disinfestation is a widely used ecofriendly alternative to chemical fumigation for eliminating soil-borne plant pathogens. However, the exact mode of action of ASD has not been elucidated. In particular, the potential role of anaerobic soil bacteria in disinfestation is unclear. In this study, we isolated a predominant bacterium designated as strain E801 from cocopeat medium after laboratory-scale ASD with ethanol as the carbon source. The strain was closely related with Clostridium kluyveri, and fermentatively produced butyrate and caproate from ethanol and acetate. Interestingly, the culture supernatant of strain E801 strongly suppressed the growth of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (Fol) in a pH-dependent manner. Among the volatile fatty acids produced by E801, only caproate showed significant growth suppression at pHs below 5.5. In addition, caproate eliminated Fol conidia completely at pHs 5.5 and 5.0 and suppressed Fol growth even at a low temperature (15 °C). Furthermore, cocopeat medium amended with caproate eliminated Fol conidia completely within 6 days. These results suggest that caproate is one of the key disinfestation factors in ethanol-based ASD and that the direct application of caproate to soil could be a promising strategy for rapid and stable soil disinfestation.

Assess the impact of cultivation substrates for growing sprouts and microgreens of selected four legumes and two grains and evaluation of its nutritional properties

Many people suffer from a deficiency of essential micronutrients. Sprouts and microgreens can transform the whole idea of vegetables to resolve the need for a diet with fresh, nutrient-rich, and high content of phyto-compounds necessary for a healthy body. The study's main objective is to evaluate the growth of 6 different seeds, such as four legumes; fenugreek, mung bean, cowpea, horse gram and two grains, wheat, sorghum microgreens. All the seeds were cultivated in soil, water and coco peat, to estimate and compare the nutritional properties of the selected sprouts vs. microgreens. The growth of microgreens in each medium was evaluated, and the proximate and nutritional properties were analysed. In terms of the growth of microgreens, coco peat medium serves the best, as it retains water for a long and it is porous to provide better aeration for the roots and also the day of harvest is shorter. In terms of the nutritional property of microgreens, soil serves the best, as it contains more nutrients than any other medium. The study results showed sprouts are better sources of proteins and carbohydrates than microgreens. However, microgreens were characterized by a high content of carotenoids, chlorophylls and ascorbic acid. It also exhibiting higher anti-diabetic and anticholinergic activity than sprouts. In addition, the microgreens have more micronutrients like zinc, copper, iron, magnesium, potassium etc., than the sprouts. Finally, microgreens were better growing with coco peat and also sources for functional components for dietary supplements and sustainable agriculture.

The differences in true seed shallot nursery growth due to effect of type and thickness media

Currently, botanical seeds of shallots or the true seed shallot (TSS) are becoming more accessible. The problem is that seeding botanical seeds requires the proper media to support the seeds to grow healthy and produce tubers as qualified as that from tuber seeds. The study aimed to obtain the seedling media's type and thickness to support optimal TSS growth. The study was arranged in a factorial design with two treatment factors: media type and media thickness. The environmental design is a Split Plot, with the main plot being a media type consisting of soil (soil + organic fertilizer + husk charcoal) and cocopeat (cocopeat + organic fertilizer + husk charcoal) as sub-plots is the thickness of the planting medium, with two levels of 3 and 5 cm, with five replications. The results showed that based on shoot length, stem diameter, root length, and total chlorophyll content, it was found that soil and cocopeat media with a thickness of 5 cm gave the best vegetative growth as well as the chlorophyll content compared to soil and cocopeat media with a thickness of 3 cm. The results of this study provide information that using media with a thickness of 5 cm gives better seed growth than media of 3 cm.

Seed Germination and Seedling Vigour of Spine Gourd (Momordica dioica Roxb.) in Response to Different Physical and Chemical Treatments

The present investigation was carried out at Department of Vegetable Science, OUAT, Bhubaneswar during 2019-2021. Five to six months old stored spine gourd seeds were exposed to various physical (T1: control, T2: 48 hours soaking in water, T3: hot water treatment for 20 minutes + 48 hourssoaking in water, T4: scarification by sand paper + 48 hours soaking in water, T5: removal of seed coat + 48 hours soaking in water) and chemical (C1: GA3 100 ppm, C2: GA3 200 ppm, C3: KNO3 1%, C4: KNO3 2%, C5: Thiourea 1%, C6: Thiourea 2% & C7: Control) treatments. The experiment was laid out in factorial CRD design with 35 treatment combinations replicated twice. The seeds were sown in plastic trays containing cocopeat media. The effect of these treatments on percentage of germination, length of seedling, seedling dry weight, seedling vigour index- I and II were studied. It was concluded that among the physical treatments, T5 (removal of seed coat + 48 hours soaking in water), among the chemical treatments, C1 (GA3 100 ppm) and between the interactions, T5C1 recorded highest germination percentage, seedling length, seedling dry weight, vigour index- I and vigour index – II. The lowest values were recorded in control. From the experimental results.it was observed that seed coat removed seeds soaked for 48 hours in water followed by treatment with GA3 100 ppm recorded highest germination percentage and seedling vigour in spine gourd.

Effect of Different Physical and Chemical Treatments on Germination and Seedling Establishment in Spine gourd (Momordica dioica Roxb.)

The experiment was conducted at Department of Vegetable Science, OUAT, Bhubaneswar from 2019-2021. Stored spine gourd seeds of six months old were used in this experiment. The seeds were first given various physical treatments (T1: control, T2: 48 hours soaking in water, T3: hot water treatment for 20 minutes + 48 hours soaking in water, T4: scarification by sand paper + 48 hours soaking in water, T5: removal of seed coat + 48 hours soaking in water) followed by chemical treatments (C1: GA3 100 ppm, C2: GA3 200 ppm, C3: KNO3 1%, C4: KNO3 2%, C5: Thiourea 1%, C6: Thiourea 2% & C7: control). The experiment was laid out in factorial CRD design with 35 treatment combinations replicated twice. The seeds were sown in plastic trays containing coco peat media. The effect of these treatments on number of days taken for initial germination, length of shoot, root, number of roots per seedling and percentage of seedling establishment in main field were recorded. From the data recorded, it was observed that among the physical treatments, T5 (removal of seed coat + 48 hours soaking in water), among the chemical treatments, C1 (GA3 100 ppm) and between the interactions, T5C1 (removal of seed coat + 48 hours soaking in water + GA3 100 ppm) took minimum number of days for initial germination with highest shoot and root length, maximum number of roots per seedling and highest establishment percentage in field. The lowest values were recorded in case of control. So, it can be concluded that removal of seed coat followed by 48 hour soaking in water and GA3 100 ppm treatment resulted early germination with desirable seedling traits and highest establishment percent in main field.

Macropropagation in Banana (Musa spp.): Varietal Response to Media and Field Performance of Plantlets Against Suckers

The experiment was conducted during December 2020 to March 2022 at Banana Research Station, Kannara, Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur, Kerala, India to evaluate the response of different banana varieties Nendran, Kadali, Rasthali, Neypoovan, Poovan (Palayankodan) and Grand Naine to macropropagation with two different media (sawdust and cocopeat) and to assess the performance of plantlets generated against suckers. The plantain variety nendran took the shortest time for primary (20.33 days) and secondary bud regeneration (14.33 days) with sawdust as media. Total duration from planting to hardening ranged from 75.9 days in Nendran (sawdust media) to 104.3 days in Poovan (cocopeat media). Significantly shorter duration was observed with saw dust in Nendran, Kadali, Rasthali and Grand Naine compared to cocopeat. The cost of production varied with the variety which ranged from Rs. 1.7−4.0 plantlet-1 in sawdust to Rs. 3.2−6.3 plantlet-1 in cocopeat. Macropropagated plantlets recorded higher bunch weight than suckers in all varieties. There was no significant difference between the 2 with respect to growth characters like plant height, pseudostem girth, suckers plant-1, days to bunching, days to maturity and crop duration across all varieties except for Neypoovan and Poovan. Quality characters like TSS and fruit acidity did not vary between the two planting materials.

Potential of Pseudarthrobacter chlorophenolicus BF2P4-5 as a Biofertilizer for the Growth Promotion of Tomato Plants

BF2P4-5 was isolated from the rhizosphere soil of tomato plants, and its potential to promote plant growth was investigated in tomato plants. An in vitro test revealed that the strain could fix nitrogen, solubilize phosphate and potassium, and synthesize indole acetic acid. The bacterial strain was identified and characterized as a kind of Pseudarthrobacter chlorophenolicus based on the analysis of culture characteristics, physiological and biochemical characteristics, and 16S rRNA gene sequence (GenBank accession number OP135548.1). pH 7.0, 15% NaCl, and 35 °C temperature were ideal for optimal strain growth under culture conditions. Tomato plants grown on a cocopeat substrate were inoculated with BF2P4-5 suspension (OD600 2.0). Positive control plants were inoculated with Nitrogen Phosphorus Potassium (NPK) fertilizer. This BF2P4-5 strain and NPK treatments were complemented with a negative control, in which only tap water was applied to tomato roots, thus, establishing three distinct treatment modalities with five replications each. Two months of greenhouse trials of inoculated tomato plants improved growth parameters. Interestingly, in most of the growth metrics evaluated, tomato plants treated with strain BF2P4-5 showed little to no variation with NPK fertilizer treatment, including plant height, stem length, girth, leaf number per plant, and chlorophyll content, when compared to uninoculated plants. Furthermore, the conditions for the cocopeat plants, including pH, EC, and moisture, were within acceptable limits. Furthermore, inoculation with BF2P4-5 increased the nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium content available in the cocopeat medium. The results showed that the strain exhibited traits for the promotion of plant growth and could be deployed as an eco-friendly microbial biofertilizer for tomatoes and probably other essential crops.

Upaya Optimalisasi Kesesuaian Lahan Budidaya Jamur pada Media Cocopeat berbasis Pengabdian pada Masyarakat di Desar Sumber Urip Provinsi Bengkulu

This service activity to optimize the suitability of mushroom cultivation land on cocopeat media was carried out in the community in Sumber Urip, Selupu Rejang District, Rejang Lebong Regency, Bengkulu Province. This community service activity aims to provide knowledge and practice of oyster mushroom cultivation on cocopeat media to optimize land suitability and improve the economy of the community, especially those in Sumber Urip. This service is carried out by the method of providing material related to mushroom cultivation on cocopeat media in the form of discussions and questions and answers as well as the practice of oyster mushroom cultivation procedures at the inoculation stage in the community of Sumber Urip Village. The tools and materials used in this service have been provided previously from the community service team. in collaboration with the Dangau Datuk Agribusiness Vocational School, Bengkulu City, namely baglog, seeds, masks, alcohol, spatulas, spirit, and rubber bands. The results obtained from this activity are an increase in the knowledge and interest of the people of Sumber Urip Atas in mushroom cultivation with cocopeat media and it is hoped that the enthusiasm of the community to continue this cultivation to produce quality oyster mushrooms and continue to other types of household businesses..

Effectiveness Of Water And Air Pumps On The Growth And Production Of Lettuce (Lactusa sativa L.) On Various Kinds Of Media With Hydroponic Systems

Lettuce (Lactusa sativa L.) is one of the vegetable commodities that can be grown in tropical and subtropical areas. This research was conducted in March-June at the Green House of FP.UTP. This study uses the factorial method with a completely randomized design (CRD), a factorial pattern consisting of two factors. 1) Use of a Pump (P0: Without a Water Pump (Aquarium Pump) and Air Pump (Aerator), P1: Using only a water pump, P2: Using only an air pump, P3: A combination of using a water pump and air pump. 2) use of planting media (S) Rockwool; cocopeat, moss, repeated three times. The results showed 1) Pump use treatment (P) had a very significant effect on the parameters of plant height (cm), stem diameter (cm), number of leaves (strands), leaf width (cm), fresh plant weight (g), dry weight plants (g), consumption weight (g), number of leaves consumed (strands), and root length (cm) on the growth of lettuce (Lactusa sativa L). 2) The treatment using media (S) had a very significant effect on the fresh weight parameters of the roots (g). It significantly affected the root volume parameters (mm) on the growth of lettuce (Lactusa sativa L). 3). The combination of pump and media treatment had a significant effect on the root volume parameter (mm) on the growth of lettuce (Lactusa sativa L). 4). The best result, namely the consumption weight, was achieved in the P3S2 treatment (Combination of treatment using a pump and cocopeat media) with a value of 119.33 g.

Design and Fabrication of Hydroponic System for Leafy Vegetables

In today’s date urban farming is one of the key solutions to global food insecurity, however due to land scarcity inside urban areas, implementation of these solution is challenging. To address this urban hydroponic farming is introduced since hydroponics is an effective way of conserving both water and space. However, hydroponics itself is complicated because there are various factors that can affect the growth of plants. This study shows the design, fabrication and testing of hydroponic tower prototype for growing various crop using cocopeat as a growing media. Also, analysis on various parameters such as plant length, leaf size, ambient temperature, relative humidity, pH level and electrical conductivity can be done. Plant growth and environmental condition showed that hydroponic tower was a success in terms of growing ‘Fenugreek’ (Methi) using cocopeat media.

MODIFIKASI MEDIA TANAM UNTUK MENINGKATKAN MUTU BIBIT HANDEULEUM (Graptophyllum pictum L. (Griff.)) DARI BEBERAPA MACAM ASAL STEK

The research titled "Modification of Planting Media to Improve the Quality of Handeuleum (Graptophyllum Pictum L.) Seedling from Several Kinds of Cuttings Source", was conducted in Sukoharjo, Central of Java. The first treatment was the kind of cuttings source, namely: cuttings from the shoot (S1), cuttings from the second section (S2), and cuttings from the third section (S3). The second treatment factor is the kind of media: sandy soil media (M1), rockwool media (M2), and cocopeat media (M3). The data obtained were analyzed by using the F test at 5% and 1% significantly levels, while the follow-up test was carried out using Duncan's multiple range test at the 5% significantly level. The results obtained indicated that the S treatment (kind of cuttings source) had a significant effect on the variables of the number of branches, number of leaves, and leaf area of ​​each seedling. The highest number of branches and leaves was achieved in the S3 treatment (third section cuttings), followed by S2 (second section cuttings) and S1 (shoot cuttings) treatments. There were a significant difference between the treatments. In leaf area variables, the highest yield was achieved at S1 (shoot cuttings), followed by S2 and S3 which were significantly different between each other. Treatment S showed no significant effect on variables the appearance time of the buds, fresh weight of leaves and dry weight of leaves. The treatment of various media had a significant effect on the leaf area variables of each seedling. Cocopeat media (M3) produced the highest leaf area, followed by M1 (sand media), and M2 (rockwool media) treatments. There was no interaction between treatments of kind of cuttings source and types of media for all observed variables.