Cultivation Of Plants Research Articles

Potensi Rempah-Rempah sebagai Bahan Pembuatan Minyak Balur

As the villagers of Bandar Kuala become more knowledgeable about healthy lifestyles, the need for locally available herbal medicines with health benefits is bound to increase. Some of the sources of ingredients from spices and plants that are easily accessible to Bandar Kuala villagers and have various health benefits are turmeric, cardamom, bay leaves, soursop leaves, candlenut, sambiloto, frangipani flowers, kenanga flowers, anise, areca flowers, kencur, coconut oil, coriander, nutmeg, cloves, lempuyang wangi, temu mango, temu kunci. Phytochemicals from these plants are known to prevent or cure various diseases such as high blood pressure, cancer, diabetes, flu, cough, sore throat, pain and others. Cultivation of traditional medicinal plants in the garden on a large scale can be of economic value to the community, thus potentially improving the welfare of the villagers, and it is important to provide health education on the use of spices that already exist in an environment that is easily accessible to the residents of Bandar Kuala village.

Structural and luminescence properties of Y2O3:Ho3+ phosphor: Potential applications in plant cultivation LEDs and thermoluminescent dosimetry

Current research on Y2O3:Ho3+ phosphors highlight their promising luminescence properties, but often lacks an environmentally friendly synthesis method and comprehensive analysis of their applications. In this study, we address these gaps by successfully synthesizing Y2O3:Ho3+ phosphors using a green synthesis route with varying concentrations of Ho3+. Our work provides detailed characterization of their photoluminescence (PL) and thermoluminescent (TL) properties. The PL excitation (PLE) spectra reveal a distinct peak at 439 nm, attributed to the 5I8→(5K5; 5G5) transition of Ho3+ions. Upon excitation at 439 nm, the emission spectra show a sharp emission peak around 660 nm from the 5F5→5I8 transition, with the 0.1 mol% Ho3+ phosphors exhibiting particularly strong red emission, indicating their suitability for indoor plant cultivation under LED lighting. Additionally, TL properties were evaluated after gamma-ray exposure, with the highest emission intensity at 0.1 mol% Ho3+ concentration. TL glow curves were analyzed for various radiation doses using the Computerized Glow Curve Deconvolution (CGCD) method, and TL trapping parameters were determined through Chen's peak shape and the Initial Rise methods. This work demonstrates significant potential for using these phosphors to enhance indoor plant growth and for applications in thermoluminescent dosimetry (TLD).

Artificial Cultivation of Aquatic Plants Promotes Nitrogen Transformation and the Abundance of Key Functional Genes in Agricultural Drainage Ditch Sediments in the Yellow River Irrigation Area in China

Excess nitrogen in agricultural drainage poses a serious threat to the water quality safety of the Yellow River basin. Utilizing aquatic plants to modify the rhizosphere microbial community structure and facilitate nitrogen transformation is a crucial strategy for mitigating regional water eutrophication. We here compare key processes of nitrogen transformation occurring in the rhizosphere of sediments of a ditch artificially planted with a mix of species (Phragmites australis, Typha orientalis, Nymphaea tetragon) with the rhizosphere of a ditch occupied by naturally occurring aquatic vegetation, dominated either by P. australis or T. orientalis. Our results revealed a species effect, with an increased denitrification rate (DR) and dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium rate (DNRAR) in the cultivated ditch for P. australis, compared to the naturally occurring T. orientalis vegetation. The nitrogen fixation rate (NFR) increased in the artificial setting with T. orientalis in comparison to natural P. australis vegetation. The richness of the bacterial community and the relative abundances of Bacteroidota, Firmicutes, and Geobacter were significantly greater in the rhizosphere of the artificially cultivated ditch due a greater availability in nitrogen and organic carbon. In the artificially cultivated ditch, the dominant functional genes affecting DRNARs in the rhizosphere sediments of P. australis were nrfC and nrfA, whereas DRs were driven mainly by norB and napA, which were influenced by the nitrogen and carbon levels. The dominant functional genes affecting NFRs in the rhizosphere sediments of T. orientalis were nifD, nifK, and nifH. Our results provide a scientific basis for the use of aquatic plants for mitigating excess nitrogen levels in agricultural drainage.

Integrating theory and practice: knowledge exchange and engagement of nursery managers in ecological restoration

Ecological restoration requires the social collaboration of all stakeholders. Native plant nursery managers potentially possess substantial knowledge in native plant cultivation derived from their practical experience, and they could also be consumers of information generated by scientists. Furthermore, their active involvement in various stages of restoration projects could enhance efficiency and ensure successful outcomes. In this study, nursery managers from Argentina associated with restoration projects were surveyed to assess their level of knowledge exchange with the scientific community, the degree of participation in restoration projects, and their perceptions regarding this collaboration. The surveys were completed by 39 nursery managers from native plant nurseries in Argentina. Our findings indicated that, although nursery managers often adopted scientific protocols, there remains a significant communication gap between scientists and nursery managers. Nursery managers contributed beyond seedling production, including planning, planting, maintenance, and environmental education. Despite recognizing its importance, few nursery managers participated in project evaluations. Nursery managers could serve as both providers of cultural and practical insights and receivers of novel knowledge from the academic‐scientific realm. Moreover, as the nursery managers are familiar with the local context and can potentially facilitate connections with other local stakeholders, their involvement as additional social actors not only enhances the success but also adds legitimacy to the restoration projects they engage in. Such collaboration is crucial for achieving the goals of both international and national restoration initiatives.

Metabolome Shift in Centella asiatica Leaves Induced by the Novel Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacterium, Priestia megaterium HyangYak-01.

Centella asiatica, a traditional herb, is widely recognized for its pharmacologically active components, such as asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid. These components render it a highly sought-after ingredient in various industries, including cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. This study aimed to enhance the production and activity of these pharmacological constituents of C. asiatica using the plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium Priestia megaterium HyangYak-01 during its cultivation. To achieve this goal, the researchers conducted field experiments, which revealed an increase in the production of pharmacologically active compounds in C. asiatica cultivated with a P. megaterium HyangYak-01 culture solution. Additionally, quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (Q-TOF MS) confirmed that the composition ratios of the C. asiatica extract treated with the P. megaterium HyangYak-01 culture solution differed from those of the untreated control and type strain-treated groups. Skin cell experiments indicated that the C. asiatica extract treated with the P. megaterium HyangYak-01 culture solution exhibited greater skin barrier improvement and less pronounced inflammatory responses than those from plants grown without the bacterial culture solution. This study demonstrates that microbial treatment during plant cultivation can beneficially influence the production of pharmacological constituents, suggesting a valuable approach toward enhancing the therapeutic properties of plants.

Anti-Erosion Effectiveness of Selected Crops in Sustainable Mountain Agriculture in a Warming Climate

Mountain ecosystems are among the most difficult areas for plant cultivation due to water erosion occurring on the slopes. Growing plants in these areas may lead to a weakening of ecosystem functions and in degradation of these areas and threatens sustainability. In this experiment, the anti-erosion effectiveness of maize, oat and spring vetch were assessed through the measuring of LAI and sheet wash from a slope where cultivation had occurred. Averaged values from the six years field experiment (2017–2022) reveal that maize achieved maximum soil protection between the 115th and 128th day of vegetation (14 days), when the LAI value equals to 3.8–4.0. The corresponding values for oats were 63–81 days of vegetation (19 days; LAI 2.4–2.7). The longest period of maximum soil protection was achieved from the cultivation of spring vetch compared to maize and oats (between the 49th and 82nd day of its vegetation, i.e., 34 days), when the LAI value was in the range of 2.2–3.0. Soil cover at their maximum development is conservative compared to mountain ecosystems, and in the case of the studied plants, the protection time varied. These relationships were quantified by simple regression equations. Additionally, taking into account the compiled climate data, the average air temperature in the years of research (2017–2022) was higher than the multi-year average (1961–2000) by 2.15 °C, which may confirm the fact that the climate is warming in the region of Southern Poland.

A closed-loop process to transform mixed plant biomass waste into cellulose acetate bioplastic as innovative growing substrates in plant cultivation

A closed-loop process to transform mixed plant biomass waste into cellulose acetate bioplastic as innovative growing substrates in plant cultivation

A smart monitoring and observation framework for aquaponics ecosystem

Aquaponics is a sustainable and efficient agricultural system that integrates aquaculture with agriculture. This system integrates Internet of Things (IoT) technology in aquaponics systems with the potential to change sustainable agriculture by combining farming of fish (aquaculture) and soilless cultivation of plants (hydroponics) into a single, efficient ecosystem. This paper explores the design and development of a smart aquaponics system that allows aquaponic farming at commercial scale feasible, leveraging IoT to continuously gather data through various sensors, monitor environmental conditions, and automate control processes. The proposed system architecture is based on a three-tier model, ensuring scalability and maintainability. The proposed system consists of a three-layer architecture: the Perception Layer for measuring different environmental factors and controlling them, the Network Layer for data transmission, and the Application Layer for data storage, manipulation, and user interaction. The key components include sensors for monitoring pH, humidity, temperature, sunlight, oxygen levels, and water proximity; devices such as lights, water pumps, fans, and oxygen pumps for environmental control; and an ESP8266 microcontroller for system management. The system's software is developed using C# DOT NET CORE 8.0, React, MySQL, C, and Arduino. The system allows users the ability to maintain optimal conditions for fish and plant growth, notify users of irregularities, and allow remote control through a web application, proving it to be an intelligent, flexible, low-cost, and stable solution for large-scale aquaponics.

Comparison of different fertilization rates on yield, evapotranspiration, and water use efficiency of sweet corn under drought-salinity stresses

The present study investigated the effects of three fertilization (N-P2O5-K2O) rates (F1: 240-100-120 kg ha-1, F2: 192-80-96 kg ha-1, F3: 154-64-77 kg ha-1) coupled with four irrigation practices (Control: C, irrigated at the 100% field capacity, Drought: D, irrigated 60% of C, Saline: S, irrigated at the 100% field capacity, Drought and saline: D+S, irrigated 60% of S) on sweet corn yield, evapotranspiration (ET), water use efficiency (WUE), and shoot fresh-dry weights. The obtained results depicted that the grain yield at D, S, and D+S treatments decreased by 24.2%, 46.6%, and 62.0%, respectively, relative to the C treatment. Moreover, grain yield at the F3 condition was reduced by 45.3% compared to the F1 condition. Additionally, the highest ET (330.7 mm) and yield (74.0 g) was achieved with F1×C treatment. The F2 and F3 treatments reduced WUE by 17.9% and 31.5%, respectively, compared to the F1 treatment. The highest reduction in yield, ET, WUE, and shoot fresh-dry weights was found at D+S irrigation treatment under all fertilization conditions. The tallest plants were observed in the F1×C treatment, being 24.0%, 33.5%, and 43.2% taller than plants in the F1×(D+S), F2×(D+S), and F3×(D+S) treatments, respectively. Under F3 conditions, exposing sweet corn plants to single or combined salinity and drought stress remarkably degraded the growth ability of the plants, and therefore, it is not economical and sustainable cultivation for agriculture. Finally, cultivation of sweet corn plants under individual or combined drought-salinity stress is not recommended due to the high reduction in grain yield.

Determinants Of Farmers' Interest In Cultivating Herbal Crops In The Special Region Of Yogyakarta: A Study On Motivational And Economic Influences

Herbal plants are horticultural commodities rich in health benefits. In DI Yogyakarta, these plants are frequently used to make traditional herbal medicine (jamu), serving as natural remedies for the community. Despite having significant land amounts and relatively good production levels, the overall yield of DI Yogyakarta's herbal plants remain suboptimal. This is attributed to the low number of farmers and their low time allocation for cultivation, which stemmed from decreasing interest among farmers in herbal plant cultivation, influenced by time constraints and economic challenges. Identifying factors that could increase farmers' interest in herbal plant cultivation is essential to enhance interest. This study aims to analyze how motivation, needs, family support, availability of facilities, ease of cultivation, production capacity, and quality, price stability, and income influence farmers' interest in cultivating herbal plants in DI Yogyakarta. The research was conducted from April 2024 to May 2024. This research used a quantitative survey method. The samples were 20 farmers (KT Lombok Ijo), 15 farmers (KWT Sekar Kenanga), and 22 farmers (KWT Sumber Rejeki). Data analysis employed descriptive analysis and multiple linear regression. Results showed that needs and price stability affected farmers' interest in cultivating herbal plants in DI Yogyakarta, indicating that the fulfillment of primary needs and price stability during weather changes proven to affect farmers' interest in cultivating herbal plants. DI Yogyakarta's government should boost farmers’ interest by aligning it with the actual conditions faced by farmers.

Use of Cannabis sativa L. for Improving Cadmium-Contaminated Mediterranean Soils—Effect of Mycorrhizal Colonization on Phytoremediation Capacity

Although the phytoremediation strategy has been studied worldwide, little research data are available regarding the influence of mycorrhizae on the phytoremediation capacity of various plants grown in Cd-contaminated soils in Mediterranean environments. Therefore, a pot experiment was carried out to study the possible effectiveness of hemp plant (Cannabis sativa L.) in the remediation of moderately and heavily Cd-contaminated soils and additionally to quantify the effect of Cd on Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMFs). For this purpose, an alkaline clay soil collected from the Farm of Institute of Plant Breeding and Genetic Resources (North Greece) was contaminated with two levels of Cd (3 and 30 mg Cd kg−1, corresponding to Levels A and B, respectively—first factor) at two incubation times (10 and 30 days—second factor) and six treatments (Control_30d, Control_10d, CdA_30d, CdB_30d, CdA_10d, CdB_10d) were created. Soil Cd concentrations, both pseudo-total and available to plants, were determined after extraction with Aqua Regia mixture and DTPA solution, respectively, before and after the cultivation of hemp plants and after the harvesting. Cd concentrations in the aboveground and underground plant parts were also estimated after digestion with Aqua Regia, while root colonization by AMFs was determined with a microscope. The highest plant’s Cd concentration, more than 50%, was observed in its underground part, at all Cd-contaminated treatments, indicating a strong capacity for cadmium to gather up in the roots. Among different Cd levels and incubation days, significant differences were recorded in the rates of root colonization by AMFs. Among different Cd levels and incubation days, 3 mg Cd Kg−1 soil promoted AMF root colonization, particularly at 10-day incubation, while 30 mg Cd Kg−1 soil diminished it. Colonization was lower with longer incubation times at both levels of Cd. Hemp appears to be a viable option for phytostabilization in Cd-contaminated soils, enabling further utilization of AMFs to assist the phytoremediation process.

Effect of Crop Rotation on Biological Characteristics and Economic Indicators of Winter Wheat in Different Agroecological Conditions

The article deals with observations on plants and agrotechnical measures in accordance with the recommendations on the cultivation of plants in short rotation alternating and continuous crops consisting of cereal and inter-row cultivated plants under irrigation conditions. It is known that realizing the potential productivity of wheat in favorable soil and climate conditions is possible by applying high-level agrotechnics in various agro-ecological conditions. The highest indicators of spike elements of the Gobustan variety of wheat, which is the main source of research, were obtained in the crop rotation variant. In Absheron YTT, the spike length is 9.1 cm, the number of spikes is 17.4, the number of seeds is 43, and the mass of the seed is 1.62 g. The mass of 1000 grains are 41.8 g. 9.9 cm according to the mentioned indicators in Tarter BTS; 19.9 units; 50 units; It was determined to be 1.83 g: 40.9 g, which is 0.6-0.9 cm in regions, respectively, compared to continuous cultivation; 2.3-2.8 pieces; 4-3 units; An increase of 0.11-0.16 g and 3.1-3.4 g was obtained. The number of beans per plant in Absheron AEF is 45.6, the number of seeds is 106.3, the mass of seeds is 12.5 g, and the mass of 1000 seeds is 118.4 g. In Tarter RES, one plant has 52.5 beans, 128 grains, the mass of a grain is 13.9 g, and the mass of 1000 g of grain is 110.3 g. These indicators 4.0-4.3 units according to regions compared to continuous cultivation; 9.0-12.3 units; 1.2-1.3 g and 7.4-3.2 g indicate an increase. Thus, the crop rotation in 2 different agroecological conditions after the soybean predecessor had a significant effect on the spike and economic indicators of the winter wheat crop. The highest indicators of spike elements of the winter wheat Gobustan variety were obtained in the crop rotation variant. According to the results of the research, the highest grain yield in the regions was obtained in the mentioned option. Thus, in this variant, the grain yield of winter wheat per hectare was 40.4 cwt in Absheron AEF and 48.4 cwt in Tartar RES.

From Field to Model: Determining EROSION 3D Model Parameters for the Emerging Biomass Plant Silphium perfoliatum L. to Predict Effects on Water Erosion Processes

The agricultural production of maize (Zea mays L.) increases the risk of water erosion. Perennial crops like cup plant (Silphium perfoliatum L.) offer a sustainable alternative to produce biomass for biogas plants. The assessment of soil conservation measures requires calibrated soil erosion models that spatially identify soil erosion processes. These support decision-making by farmers and policymakers. Input parameters for the physically based soil erosion model EROSION 3D for cup plant cultivation were established in a field study. Rainfall simulation experiments were conducted to determine the model input parameter’s skinfactor and surface roughness. The results showed a reduction of soil erosion and higher infiltration rates for cup plant resulting in higher skinfactors of 11.5 in June and 0.75 post-harvest (cup plant) compared to 1.2 in June and 0.21 post-harvest (maize). With the extended parameter catalogue of EROSION 3D for cup plant cultivation model simulations were conducted for a rainfall event in June (64 mm). The sediment budget would have been reduced by 92.6% through the growth of cup plant in comparison to conventionally grown maize. Perennial cup plant can, therefore, contribute to achieving the targets outlined in the European Green Deal by reducing soil erosion and enhancing soil health.

The Time Is Ripe: Olive Drupe Maturation Can Be Simply Evidenced by a Miniaturized, Portable and Easy-to-Use MicroNIR Green Sensor

The analytical study described in this work, based on NIR spectroscopy with a handheld device, allowed the development of a chemometric prediction model that has been validated for the objective evaluation of the ripening of olive drupes. The miniaturized, portable NIR spectrometer is proposed here as an easy-to-use sensor able to estimate the best harvesting time for ripening of olive drupes. The MicroNIR/chemometrics approach was developed for on-site identification of olive drupe ripening directly on plants, avoiding collection and successive laboratory analysis steps. A supporting parallel characterization by chromatographic techniques validated the spectroscopic prediction. The novelty of this approach consists in the possibility of investigating the olive drupe maturation point by collecting spectra in the near-infrared region and processing them using a chemometric model. The fast and accurate device allows one to easily follow the spectrum profile changes of olive drupes during ripening, thus preserving the fruits from being harvested too early or too late. The results of this study demonstrate the possibility of using the MicroNIR/chemometrics approach to determine the optimal ripening time of olives regardless of the plant variety, age and cultivation location. The results consequently demonstrated that the MicroNIR/chemometrics approach can be proposed as a new method to perform on-site evaluation of ripening by a single-click device. It can be conveniently used by any operator, who does not necessarily have to be expert but must simply be trained to use spectroscopy and a prediction model.

Harnessing the inherent photoluminescence of Ba2MgTeO6 double perovskite phosphor for visible to near infrared pc-LED applications

Phosphor-converted LEDs (pc-LEDs) emitting in the visible region based on undoped tellurate double perovskites have not been explored till now. A cyan-emitting pc-LED is fabricated using the host Ba2MgTeO6 double perovskite for the first time. The as-fabricated cyan LED emits light in the visible region with the maximum emission at 484 nm. The obtained CIE coordinates of (0.26, 0.37) ensure a cyan light, and LED exhibits superior color stability even at higher input drive current. An attempt to develop a white emitting phosphor was done by substituting Eu3+ ions into the Ba2MgTeO6 matrix. Followed by this, a phosphor converted LED emitting in the bluish white region was fabricated by combining near UV chip and BMTO: 0.02 Eu3+ phosphor. Further, an inherent near-infrared (NIR) luminescence in Ba2MgTeO6 is also discovered and it originates from the 3T1u, 3A1u – 1A1g electronic transitions within the Te4+ ions. Upon 367 nm excitation, Ba2MgTeO6 exhibits strong broadband NIR emission, which spans from 780 nm to 1150 nm with a maximum emission at 889 nm and full width at half maximum (FWHM) of about 115 nm. Finally, an efficient pc-LED emitting in the NIR region is fabricated using the intrinsic near-infrared luminescence observed in the Ba2MgTeO6 phosphor. The pc-LED covering the near infrared region can be potentially used for various applications, including plant cultivation, biosensors, night vision cameras, etc.

Synthesis, structural characterization and intense far-red luminescence of Mn4+ -activated SrLaMgTa1-yAlyO6 oxide phosphors

The transition metal Mn4+ activated phosphors have attracted increasing attention due to the potential uses in phosphor-converted lighting emitting diodes (LEDs). Herein, the far-red emitting SrLaMgTa1-yAlyO6:Mn4+ (y = 0−0.15) oxide phosphors were successfully synthesized by the high-temperature solid state reaction, in which the Mn4+ acted as an activator. The monoclinic double perovskite crystal structure, chemical composition, and 4+ state of activator Mn were confirmed by means of X-ray diffraction Rietveld refinement, scanning electron microscopy elemental mapping, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The optical properties were characterized with photoluminescence excitation and emission spectra, temperature-dependent emission spectra, and electroluminescence spectra. The excitation spectra are interweaved with the ligand-to-metal charge transfer band of Mn−O and intrinsic transitions (4A2g→4T1g, 4A2g→2T2g, and 4A2g→4T2g) of Mn4+, locating at the ultraviolet and blue light region. The emission spectra mainly contain a dominant far-red emission band from 650 to 775 nm with peaks at 695 and 708 nm, which are ascribed to the 2Eg→4A2g transition of Mn4+. Moreover, the cationic substitution strategy with tiny Al3+ occupying Ta5+ octahedral site, promotes the improvement of luminescence intensity and optical thermal stability. The quantum yield of optimal phosphor reaches 88.2 % and the fluorescence intensity at 373 K (100 °C) retains 83.4 % in respect to that at ambient temperature, implying the phosphor with intense and thermally stable luminescence. The phosphor is packaged with 365 nm chip to fabricate an LED device, and the electroluminescence result is quite consistent with the photoluminescence, matching well with the absorption spectrum of the phytochrome. The Mn4+ activated oxide phosphors with intense far-red emission are promising for plant cultivation lighting.

An In Vitro Study on the Antioxidant Properties of Cistus incanus Extracts

This paper concerns the evaluation of the antioxidant activity (AA) of extracts obtained from cistus herbs grown in Albania and Turkey. The extracts were prepared in a Soxhlet apparatus, as well as by the maceration and infusion methods, similar to the home method of preparing herbal teas. AA was determined using the DPPH (2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) and β-carotene methods. It was proven that the AA of extracts depends not only on the extraction technique and AA assessment method but also on the place of plant cultivation. The smallest activity was determined using the β-carotene bleaching method, while the highest values were obtained using the FRAP method. On the other hand, the ABTS method showed a greater activity of the Albanian herb prepared using the Soxhlet technique. In addition, the antioxidant properties of extracts were compared with those of rutin standard solutions, showing that this characteristic component of cistus is not the only one that determines AA of extracts. As a result, the rutin content is not an indicator of the antioxidant properties of extracts. The other polyphenolic compounds, although occurring at lower concentration levels compared to rutin, modify the resultant AA of extracts. These studies confirmed the biological activity of cistus as a valuable source of polyphenolic compounds in the human diet.

Synthesis of agro-industrial wastes/sodium alginate/bovine gelatin-based polysaccharide hydrogel beads: Characterization and application as controlled-release microencapsulated fertilizers

Synthesis of novel agro-industrial wastes/sodium alginate/bovine gelatin-based polysaccharide hydrogel beads, micromeritic/morphometric characteristics of the prepared formulations, greenhouse trials using controlled-release microencapsulated fertilizers, and acute fish toxicity testing were conducted simultaneously for the first time within the scope of an integrated research. In the present analysis, for the first time, 16 different morphometric features, and 32 disinct plant growth traits of the prepared composite beads were explored in detail within the framework of a comprehensive digital image analysis. The hydrogel beads composed of 19 different agro-industrial wastes/materials were successfully synthesized using the ionotropic external gelation technique and CaCl2 as cross-linker. According to micromeritic characteristics, the ionotropically cross-linked beads exhibited 77.86 ± 3.55 % yield percentage and 2.679 ± 0.397 mm average particle size. The dried microbeads showed a good swelling ratio (270.02 ± 80.53 %) and had acceptable flow properties according to Hausner's ratio (1.136 ± 0.028), Carr's index (11.94 ± 2.17 %), and angle of repose (25.03° ± 5.33°) values. The settling process of the prepared microbeads was observed in the intermediate flow regime, as indicated by the average particle Reynolds numbers (169.17 ± 82.81). Experimental findings and non-parametric statistical tests reveal that dried fertilizer matrices demonstrated noteworthy performance on the cultivation of red hot chili pepper plant (Capsicum annuum var. fasciculatum) according to the results of greenhouse trials. Surface morphologies of the best-performing fertilizer matrices were also characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy. Moreover, the static fish bioassay experiment confirmed that no abnormalities and acute toxic reactions occurred in shortfin molly fish (Poecilia sphenops) fed with dried leaves of red hot chili pepper plants grown with formulated fertilizers. This study showcased a pioneering investigation into the synthesis of microcapsules using synthesized hydrogel beads along with digital image processing for bio-waste management and sustainable agro-application.

Inflorescence development in female cannabis plants is mediated by photoperiod and gibberellin.

In cannabis seedlings, the initiation of solitary flowers is photoperiod-independent. However, when cannabis reaches the adult stage, short-day photoperiod (SD) triggers branching of the shoot apex and a reduction in internode length, leading to development of a condensed inflorescence. We demonstrate that SD affects cannabis plants in two distinct phases: the first includes rapid elongation of the internodes and main stem, and occurring from Day 5 to Day 10 of plant cultivation under SD; in the second phase, elongation of newly developed internodes ceases, and a condensed inflorescence is formed. Exposure of plants to alternating photoperiods revealed that inflorescence onset requires at least three consecutive days of SD, and SD is consistently required throughout inflorescence maturation to support its typical condensed architecture. This photoperiod-dependent morphogenesis was associated with a decrease in gibberellin (GA4) and auxin levels in the shoot apex. Reverting the plants to a long-day photoperiod (LD) increased GA4 and auxin levels, leading to inflorescence disassembly, internode elongation, and subsequent resumption of LD growth patterns. Similar developmental patterns were observed under SD following the application of exogenous GA (and not auxin), which also impeded inflorescence development. Nevertheless, additional studies will help to further evaluate auxin's role in these developmental changes. We propose a crucial role for GA in sexual reproduction and inflorescence development in female cannabis by mediating photoperiod signaling in the inflorescence tissues.

Integration of IoT in Small-Scale Aquaponics to Enhance Efficiency and Profitability: A Systematic Review.

Aquaponics combines aquaculture and hydroponics to offer a sustainable approach to agriculture, addressing food security issues with minimal environmental harm. However, small-scale practitioners face challenges due to a lack of professional knowledge in water chemistry and system maintenance. Economic hurdles, such as operational costs and energy-intensive components, hinder the viability of small-scale aquaponics. Selecting suitable fish and plant species, along with appropriate stocking densities, is crucial. Media Bed (MB), Deep Water Culture (DWC), and the Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) are commonly used hydroponic techniques. This study outlines optimal conditions, including water quality, temperature, pH, and nutrient concentrations, essential for symbiotic fish and plant cultivation. Integrating IoT technology enhances efficiency and profitability by optimizing resource utilization, monitoring water quality, and ensuring optimal growth conditions. Knowledge sharing among practitioners fosters innovation and sustainability through collaborative learning and best practices exchange. Establishing a community for knowledge sharing is vital for continuous improvement, advancing small-scale aquaponics towards a more efficient and sustainable future.