Imperata Cylindrica Research Articles

EFEKTIVITAS SENYAWA AKTIF KOMBINASI KENCUR KAEMPFERIA GALANGA DAN ILALANG IMPERATA CYLINDRICA SECARA IN VITRO TERHADAP BAKTERI GRAM POSITIF DAN BAKTERI GRAM NEGATIF

The rationale for using medicinal plants or herbs makes their use seen as playing an important role in the prevention and treatment system at the present time. Utilization of medicinal plants in combination is considered more effective and has a higher antibacterial activity compared to a single extract. One of the herbal medicine products from the combination of kencur medicinal plants (Kaempferia galanga) and thatch (Imperata cylindrica) under the name Meddia Meddwa its antibacterial activity has been assessed. This study aims to analyze the effectiveness and antibacterial activity in vitro, and the best concentration from the combination of kencur and kalang in Jamu Meddia Meddwa against Gram positive bacteria ( S. aureus) and Gram negative (A. hydrophila). This study also analyzed the content of active compounds or phytochemicals contained in the combination of kencur and thatch in Meddia Meddwa Medicines. The research method used is a laboratory experimental method. This study uses a single complete randomized design (CRD) with a tukey test. The results showed that the combination of kencur and kalang in Meddia Meddwa herbal medicine had antibacterial activity in vitro. Inhibitory zone diameters for all extract concentrations tested on A. hydrophila and S. aureus significantly different results were obtained (P ≤ 0.05). Gram-positive bacteria (A. hydrophila) effectively inhibits bacterial growth compared to Gram negative bacteria (S. aureus). The content of active compounds contained in the combination of kencur and thatch in simplicia Meddia Meddwa is alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids and phenol hydroquinone. The best concentration of simplicia kencur and thatch in Meddia Meddwa herbal medicine in inhibiting bacterial growth A. hydrophila and S. aureus is 6 ppt.

Quantification of total polyphenols and flavonoids, antioxidant activity, and Sinensetin and Imperatorin contents of Imperata cylindrica root ethanol extract

Introduction: Imperata cylindrica, commonly known as cogon grass, is currently widely distributed and used as a medicinal plant. The major compounds that have been isolated and identified are polyphenols and flavonoids, which have many biological activities such as antioxidant, and anticancer. Polyphenols and flavonoids are mostly found in the roots and leaves. This study aimed to perform phytochemical screening on I. cylindrica root ethanol extract from Sragen, Central Java, Indonesia and determine the total polyphenol, flavonoid, antioxidant activity and quantify Sinensetin and Imperatorin contents of the extract. Method: Quantification of all parameters were measured using visible spectrophotometric methods. Total polyphenol, total flavonoid contents, as well as antioxidant activity were measured using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent, aluminum chloride reagent, and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, respectively, and quantification of Sinensetin and Imperatorin were measured using High Performance Liquid Chromatography. Results: I cylindrica root ethanol extract had a total polyphenol content of 1.109% gallic acid equivalent, total flavonoid content of 0.1% quercetin equivalent, and antioxidant activity IC50 824.30 μg/ml. Sinensetin and Imperatorin were also identified in Fractions 1 to 11 with concentrations of 0.0157 and 0.0178 mg/kg extract, respectively. Conclusion: I. cylindrica root ethanol extract from Sragen had active phytochemical compounds of polyphenols, flavonoids, and antioxidants as well as Sinensetin and Imperatorin.

Alkali Impregnation and Steam Explosion of Cogon Grass for Improved Enzymatic Saccharification

Process parameters for the alkali-impregnation of cogon and its combination with steam explosion were evaluated and optimized using Response Surface Modeling (RSM). Dried cogon (10% w/v) was impregnated in diluted base (1, 2, 3% (w/w) NaOH) at different ranges of temperature (50, 85,120 °C) and time (15, 32.5, 50 min), and then subjected to enzymatic saccharification using 60 FPU/g Accelerase 1500TM. The concentration of reducing sugar released was measured using Nelson-Somogyi Colorimetric Method. The RSM showed that the optimum condition, predicting 10% Reducing Sugar Yield (RSY), was treatment of 10 % (w/v) cogon with 1.5% NaOH (w/v) at 73 °C for 15 min. Upon validation, done in triplicates, 13+1.0% RSY was obtained. The optimally-impregnated cogon was subjected to a steam explosion treatment to improve its saccharifiability. The factors varied were temperature (170 to 225 °C) and exposure time (250 to 800 s). Upon saccharification of the steam-exploded samples, the RSM indicated that the best steam explosion condition, predicting 14% RSY, was 225 °C and 800 s. Upon validation, 15+0.5% RSY was obtained. Steam explosion improved the saccharifiability of NaOH-impregnated cogon by 15%.

Efficacy of weed extract as a bioherbicide in rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivation

Weeds around rice crops can cause competition and then must be controlled. Pre-emergence weed control by utilizing weed extract as herbicides is the alternative solution for substituting synthetic herbicides. In addition, allelopathic compounds of weed can inhibit the seed germination of other species. This study aims to know the efficacy of weed extract types as bioherbicides to inhibit weed growth and increase rice yields. The study was conducted from 2021 - 2022 in the greenhouse, Ngestiharjo, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The Padjajaran Agritan variety was used. This study was a pot experiment arranged in a complete randomized design (CRD) with three replications. The weed extract treatment consisted of four types: goat weed, nut grass, siam weed, and cogon grass, which was applied in two ways: seven days before and when planting seedlings. In addition, one control was added, namely without weed extract application. In this study, 81 polybags were used. Each replication consisted of three plant samples. The results showed that the application of weed extract could inhibit weed growth, including the individual weed number and weed dry weight. In addition, it can also increase tiller number, shoot dry weight, panicle number, and grain dry weight of rice. The nut grass and cogon grass were given panicle number and grain dry weight higher than goat weed and siam weed. The right time for weed extract application was seven days before planting for nut grass and when planting for cogon grass to increase the rice yield. Nut grass and cogon grass extracts have efficacy higher than nut grass and siam weed in inhibiting weed growth and increasing rice yield. Therefore, we suggest that nut grass and cogon grass extract can be used for pre-emergence weed control in rice cultivation.

Efficacy of weed extract as a bioherbicide in rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivation

Weeds around rice crops can cause competition and then must be controlled. Pre-emergence weed control by utilizing weed extract as herbicides is the alternative solution for substituting synthetic herbicides. In addition, allelopathic compounds of weed can inhibit the seed germination of other species. This study aims to know the efficacy of weed extract types as bioherbicides to inhibit weed growth and increase rice yields. The study was conducted from 2021 - 2022 in the greenhouse, Ngestiharjo, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The Padjajaran Agritan variety was used. This study was a pot experiment arranged in a complete randomized design (CRD) with three replications. The weed extract treatment consisted of four types: goat weed, nut grass, siam weed, and cogon grass, which was applied in two ways: seven days before and when planting seedlings. In addition, one control was added, namely without weed extract application. In this study, 81 polybags were used. Each replication consisted of three plant samples. The results showed that the application of weed extract could inhibit weed growth, including the individual weed number and weed dry weight. In addition, it can also increase tiller number, shoot dry weight, panicle number, and grain dry weight of rice. The nut grass and cogon grass were given panicle number and grain dry weight higher than goat weed and siam weed. The right time for weed extract application was seven days before planting for nut grass and when planting for cogon grass to increase the rice yield. Nut grass and cogon grass extracts have efficacy higher than nut grass and siam weed in inhibiting weed growth and increasing rice yield. Therefore, we suggest that nut grass and cogon grass extract can be used for pre-emergence weed control in rice cultivation.

Utilization of Indigenous Mulches on the Growth and Yield of Different Tomato Varieties in Catarman, Camiguin, Philippines

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) is one of the major commercial vegetable crops and is widely grown both in the highland and lowland areas in the Philippines. Many tomato growers face challenges in choosing the appropriate varieties and the cost of production. Mulching as one of the cultural practices can be employed to provide a favorable environment for improved growth performance. The present study was carried out to observe the effects of variety and indigenous mulch on the growth performance of tomato. The study was laid out in a 3 x 5 factorial experiment in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications under field conditions at Tangaro, Catarman, Camiguin from October 2015 to February 2016. Three popular tomato (Factor A) varieties namely, Diamante Max F1, Improve Pope and Marimar F1 and four mulching materials (Factor B) viz. rice straw, cogon grass, napier grass, and saw dust with a control (no mulch) were experimentally evaluated to identify its potentiality on the growth performance of tomato. Results of the study showed that V1 (Diamante Max F1) produced the highest (4.28 t/ha) fruit yield, while V2 (Improve Pope) showed the lowest (0.8 t/ha) fruit yield. The mulching showed positive effect in some growth parameters, weeds incidence, and insect and disease infestation/infection. The combination of variety and mulch exhibited positive variation in some growth parameters, yield components, weeds incidence, and insect and disease infestation/infection. The combination V1M4 (Diamante Max F1 and Saw dust) produced the maximum yield (5.08 t/ha) and thus the experiment revealed that saw dust, napier grass and rice straw mulches have the potentiality to increase in yield of tomato. Potential of these varieties and the different mulches needed to be further tested for verification under different growing season to elicit substantial conclusions.

Systematic literature review: potential anti hyperglycemia Imperata cylindrica

Introduction: Imperata cylindrica or cogon grass can be found throughout the world. This wild plant, which is considered a weed, has several properties including antidiabetic, antihypertensive, antidiuretic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. This review article aimed to discuss the antidiabetic effects of I. cylindrica. Methods: There were 12 full text articles published from 2005 to 2021 which were relevant for review. Through in vitro and in vivo studies which show that the active compounds of I. cylindrica have the potential to be antidiabetic agents. Results: Several studies have shown that I. cylindrica has phenolic compounds, flavonoids and tannin which have antioxidant effects. Flavonoids as antioxidative properties prevent cell damage caused by free radicals reactive. By donating their hydrogen atoms or the ability to adhere metals, in the form of glucosides or a form called aglycones so that they can reduce blood glucose levels. I. cylindrica was processed as extracts or decoction. Conclusion: It was concluded that I. cylindrica is the potential to have an anti-diabetic effect.

Liquid-phase adsorption of Congo red dye using modified spear grass (Imperata cylindrica) root as adsorbent

Liquid-phase adsorption of Congo red dye using modified spear grass (Imperata cylindrica) root as adsorbent

Salinity drives shifts in soil microbial community composition and network complexity along vegetation community succession in coastal tidal flats

The changes in soil microbial characteristics following vegetation succession in coastal tidal flats are poorly understood. Understanding the soil microbial change pattern can help us better manage tidal flat ecosystems. With increasing distance from the seaside, succession occurs in bare tidal flat, Spartina alterniflora, Suaeda salsa, Imperata cylindrica, Phragmites communis, and Sesbania cannabina. Soil samples collected at distinct vegetation succession sites were measured in terms of the contents of total soluble salt (TS) and specific ions, pH, soil organic matter and bacterial and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) community composition. The salt ion contents (except for bicarbonate - HCO3−) decreased as vegetation succession occurred. Compared to the bare tidal flat site, the bacterial and AMF diversity and richness increased in vegetation-covered soil. The microbial network of the late succession stages (Imperata cylindrica, Phragmites communis and Sesbania cannabina) indicated a more complicated structure with more nodes and links and higher modularity than that of the early succession stages (bare tidal flat, Spartina alterniflora and Suaeda salsa). Redundancy analysis revealed that TS, Cl−, SO42−, HCO3− and Na+ significantly influenced the bacterial and AMF (including Mg2+) community structure. TS, SO42−, Ca2+ and Mg2+ exhibited a strong negative relationship with the bacterial Shannon diversity (conducted at the operational taxonomic unit level), and the correlation coefficient ranged from −0.93 to −0.97; soil organic matter indicated a significant negative correlation with the AMF diversity, at a correlation coefficient of −0.92. The correlation between the microbial species and salt ions exhibited complexity and ion specificity. It was concluded that salinity is the key factor driving shifts in soil microbial community composition and network complexity during coastal vegetation succession considering ion-specific effects.

SUPPRESSION POTENCY OF SECONDARY METABOLITES FROM WEED PATHOGENIC FUNGI TOWARDS NARROW LEAF WEEDS, CORN, AND RICE

This research aimed to determine the effect of secondary metabolites from weed pathogenic fungi (Fusarium oxysporum. Curvularia sp., and Chaetomium sp.) on narrow leaf weeds and on cultivated plants. The research was conducted at the Laboratory of Plant Protection and the experimental farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Jenderal Soedirman University for five months. Split plot design was used with main plot consisted of the pathogenic fungi Fusarium oxysporum, Curvularia sp., and Chaetomium sp. and subplots consisted of Imperata cylindrica, Cyperus kyllingia, and Cynodon dactylon, and maize, and rice. The variables observed were the incubation period, disease intensity, infection rate, disease area under progress curve (AUDPC), plant height, fresh plant weight, and dry plant weight. Results of the research showed that the secondary metabolites of three weed pathogenic fungi were able to infect narrow leaf weeds. From the single effect of the pathogen, the secondary metabolites of Curvularia sp. were the most virulence against narrow leaf weeds with increasing incubation period, disease intensity, infection rate, and AUDPC value as 79.90, 39.91, 14.4, and 99.69 %, respectively, compared to control. The secondary metabolites decreased plant height, fresh plant weight, dry plant weight as 26.66, 65.03, and 47.23 %, respectively, compared to control. From the single effect of weeds, the most susceptible weed was Cynodon dactylon indicated by a disease intensity of 28.08 %. From the combination effect, Fusarium oxysporum on Cynodon dactylon and Curvularia sp. on Cyperus kyllingia showed the highest disease intensity, respectively, as 53.08 and 48.14 %. The secondary metabolites of three weed pathogenic fungi were not virulence to rice and corn.

Effect of Chitosan Molecules on Paraquat Herbicidal Efficacy under Simulated Rainfall Conditions

Unexpected rainfall before herbicide absorption by plants can wash away herbicides from plant tissue surfaces, which may reduce the herbicidal efficacy and increase the adverse effects on nontarget organisms and the environment, including water networks. The objective of this study was the evaluation of the effect of chitosan on paraquat efficacy under simulated rainfall conditions. Simulated rainfall within 3 h after paraquat application decreased its herbicidal efficacy. A mixture of paraquat (280 g a.i./ha) and chitosan (0.05% w/v) significantly increased the herbicidal efficacy against Ageratum conyzoides L. (21% increase), Borreria alata Aubl. (15%) and Paspalum conjugatum Bergius (8%) under the rainfall conditions. The chemical structure of chitosan may contribute to the penetration of paraquat into plant tissues. However, a mixture of paraquat and chitosan did not affect the herbicidal efficacy against Imperata cylindrica (L.) Beauv. The morphological characteristics of I. cylindrica may interfere with the enhancement effect of chitosan. Chitosan is a degradable, nontoxic and easily available and low-cost material made from crustacean shells. These results suggest that chitosan may increase paraquat efficacy against some noxious weed species under rainfall conditions, which may reduce the risk of paraquat contamination into the environment. Therefore, the application of herbicides with chitosan may provide the economic and environmental benefits. Chitosan may enhance the efficacy of other herbicides under unexpected rainfall conditions; however, this possibility requires further investigation.

Morpho-physiology and Anatomy of the Six Grass Species Growing on Lateritic Soil: Diagnosis of Characters for Phytostabilization of Soils Depleted by Mining

Due to extensive mining activities, strip vegetation and soil contamination with heavy metals have become common. One of the approaches to ecological restoration is phytostabilization, which uses plants to stabilize and reduce the mobility of heavy metals in the soil. In this study, six species of grasses – namely, Alloteropsis semialata (R.Br.) Hitchc., Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf, Dinochloa acutiflora (Munro) Soenarko, Imperata cylindrica (L.) Raeusch., Machaerina disticha (C.B. Clarke) T. Koyama, and Panicum repens L. – were collected from a degraded area with lateritic soil in Brgy. Taltal, Masinloc, Zambales, Philippines. The root growth, the direction of roots formed, and mean daily transpiration rate were observed to find a combination of grass species for phytostabilization. Leaf and root anatomical sections were observed using the freehand technique to know the characteristics that enable them to thrive in lateritic soil. D. acutiflora was the only species that exhibited horizontal and spreading roots and the fastest root growth among the six species, whereas A. semialata and P. repens were the deepest penetrating roots among the vertical forming roots. Transpiration rate was the highest at 12:00 PM and is significantly differentiated from 09:00 AM and 04:00 PM – as exhibited by the two exotic species, I. cylindrica and P. repens. Leaf anatomical features in the transverse section – such as thickened epidermal cell walls (anticline), presence of sclerenchyma caps, extended vascular bundles, and bulliform cells – were observed in the leaves of the six species. Root anatomical features observed were thickened epidermal cell walls (anticline), thick endodermis, and a large cortex filled with intercellular spaces (P. repens, D. acutiflora, and M. disticha), as well as black spots in the cortex and pericycle (A. semialata). Knowing these traits, A. semialata, D. acutiflora, and P. repens were found suitable for phytostabilization.

Water Transport Properties of Thermoplastic Cassava Starch/Beeswax Reinforced with Cogon Grass Fiber

Starch is a renewable material and has advantage such as low cost, non-toxicity and biodegradable. Unfortunately, starch has limitations to commercial because of highly moisture sensitive and limited mechanical properties. Cogon grass is an aggressive weed but has potential to be used as reinforcement material for producing biodegradable polymer composite. The aim of this paper is to investigate the effect of cogon grass fibre on the water transport properties of thermoplastic cassava starch/beeswax matrix. The biocomposites were prepared with various cogon grass fiber loading range from 10 to 40 wt.%. The physical properties of TPCS/Beeswax reinforced with cogon grass fiber were evaluated based on the water transport properties of the material. The result show that the moisture content and and water absorption of the sample decrease when the cogon grass fiber loading increase. This finding was accompanied with decrease in the thickness swelling of the samples, indicating better stability. Overall, the finding from the current study demonstrated that TPCS/Beeswax reinforced with cogon grass fiber has shown improvement in characteristic compared to the original material. In conclusion, TPCS/Beeswax reinforced with cogon grass fiber composite are potential alternative material for biodegradable product such as single-use product.

Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Thermoplastic Cassava Starch/Beeswax Reinforced with Cogon Grass Fiber

The aim of this paper is to investigate the effect of cogon grass fiber (CGF) on the thermal and mechanical properties of thermoplastic cassava starch (TPCS)/beeswax matrix. The alteration of TPCS/beeswax reinforced with cogon grass fiber was performed by incorporating various amount of CGF (0,10,20,30,40 wt.%) into the polymer matrix. The samples were then evaluated using thermogravimetric analysis and tensile test. The findings showed that the thermal properties of the composite were slightly improved as the CGF content increase. The mechanical test showed that the tensile strength and tensile modulus increased with the addition of the CGF. However, the elongation at break showed a decreased pattern following the increasing content of CGF compared to the 0% of fiber content. In general, the findings from this study have shown that the TPCS/beeswax reinforced with the CGF composite has improved the functional properties of the composites compared to the TPCS matrix.

Vegetation Characteristics of The Maleo Bird (Macrochepalon maleo) Habitat at Natural Tourism Park of Towuti Lake, South Sulawesi

Maleo birds (Macrocephalon maleo) generally have habitats in forests near hot springs, but in East Luwu Regency their habitat is found on the shores of Lake Towuti. It is suspected that the habitat of maleo birds at the site has different characteristics. This study aims to identify the vegetation characteristics of maleo bird habitat in the sleeping area and tread where to lay eggs. Vegetation analysis was carried out by purposive sampling with a plot size of 20 m x 20 m in the sleeping area, and 5 m x 5 m in the laying site where the egg-laying was located. The data collected are the name of the type, diameter, the individual number of trees, poles, stakes, and seedlings. The results showed that in sleeping areas, macadamia hildebrandii trees have the highest INP values. Macadamia hildebrandii fruit is thought to be one of [1]the feeds for Maleo birds. In egg-laying habitats, Imperata cylindrica has the highest INP compared to other types. On the tread of the egg-laying nests can be seen maleo birds eating grass grains. There are differences in ecological index [2]values found in sleeping habitats, namely H'= 2.24 (medium), Dmg= 3.02 (low), and E= 0.81 (high). However, in egg-laying habitats, the Ecological Index values found were H'= 0.62 (low), Dmg= 0.93 (low) and E= 0.30 (low). The discovery of maleo birds in Lake Towuti TWA makes the area one of the remaining in situ habitats in South Sulawesi and can be a consideration for the government to maintain and preserve it.

Changes in soil microecology of gangue reclamation areas after 10 years of in situ restoration with herbaceous plants (Artemisia sacrorum and Imperata cylindrica) and trees (Populus spp.)

Changes in the soil ecological microenvironment of coal gangue contaminated areas were evaluated after 10 years of in situ restoration with Artemisia sacrorum, Imperata cylindrica, and Populus spp. The changes in soil enzyme activity, ion spectrum, bacterial community structure and function, and metabolic spectrum were analyzed in an unrestored coal gangue pollution area (Control), an Artemisia sacrorum + Imperata cylindrica remediation area (T1), and a Populus remediation area (T2). Phytoremediation significantly increased the soil acid phosphatase activity by 4.62–7.36 times, and decreased the electrical conductivity by 6.2–85.5%. The overall reduction trend for heavy metals in the soil was shallow layer > middle layer > deep layer, with significant reductions seen for Cs, As, Co, Pb, Ni, U, and Cr. The number and diversity of shallow soil microbial communities increased significantly, with Actinobacteria, which participate in the carbon and nitrogen cycles, and Proteobacteria, which can tolerate/metabolize multiple heavy metals, becoming the dominant species in the restoration area. Microbial genes for glycosyltransferase, transcriptional regulators, and toluene degradation changed significantly. Phytoremediation by both remediation strategies significantly changed the metabolic level of lipids and lipid-like molecules in the soil, while significantly enriching the pathways of ABC transporters and galactose metabolism, which are essential for soil detoxification, ion transport, and carbon cycling. Bacteria such as Thiobacillus and Pseudarthrobacter were important drivers of soil metabolism. In general, the in situ phytoremediation of soil contaminated by coal gangue improved the overall soil ecological microenvironment.

Vegetation Characteristics of The Maleo Bird (Macrochepalon Maleo) Habitat at Natural Tourism Park of Towuti Lake, South Sulawesi

Maleo birds (Macrocephalon maleo) generally have habitats in forests near hot springs, but in East Luwu Regency their habitat is found on the shores of Lake Towuti. It is suspected that the habitat of maleo birds at the site has different characteristics. This study aims to identify the vegetation characteristics of maleo bird habitat in the sleeping area and tread where to lay eggs. Vegetation analysis was carried out by purposive sampling with a plot size of 20 m x 20 m in the sleeping area, and 5 m x 5 m in the laying site where the egg-laying was located. The data collected are the name of the type, diameter, the individual number of trees, poles, stakes, and seedlings. The results showed that in sleeping areas, macadamia hildebrandii trees have the highest INP values. Macadamia hildebrandii fruit is thought to be one of [1]the feeds for Maleo birds. In egg-laying habitats, Imperata cylindrica has the highest INP compared to other types. On the tread of the egg-laying nests can be seen maleo birds eating grass grains. There are differences in ecological index [2]values found in sleeping habitats, namely H'= 2.24 (medium), Dmg= 3.02 (low), and E= 0.81 (high). However, in egg-laying habitats, the Ecological Index values found were H'= 0.62 (low), Dmg= 0.93 (low) and E= 0.30 (low). The discovery of maleo birds in Lake Towuti TWA makes the area one of the remaining in situ habitats in South Sulawesi and can be a consideration for the government to maintain and preserve it.

Mga Hitabo Sa Pagpalawod: The Ethnoclimatology among Fisherfolks of Gigantes Islands, Philippines

To understand the weather is one of the significant tasks in any fishing activity; this is to save lives and protect properties. This ethnoclimatological study explored the culture-based knowledge of fisherfolks in predicting weather conditions using nature signs and indicators, the practices upon their prognoses, and the natural phenomenon they encountered. Thirty fisherfolks from Gigantes Island, Carles, Iloilo, Philippines (11° 35′ 39′′ N, 123° 20′ 11′′ E) participated in the interview, observation, and focus group discussion. Themes were identified using Creswell’s (2012) steps for data analysis and were triangulated. Results revealed that fisherfolks use wind, clouds, mountains’ appearance, the scent of mud, and burned cogon grass to determine weather conditions. They believed that fishing is relative to weather. While venturing the sea, they encountered natural phenomena such as Pugada and typhoons, which put their lives and properties in danger. Hence, fishing in safe settings is dependent on the state of nature, which requires fundamental knowledge and practices. Thus, government and non-government organizations may uncover indigenous knowledge and practices in weather forecasting, evaluate their efficacy, and integrate them into natural disaster management systems to create a holistic program that addresses the long-term future of the fisherfolks. Keywords: Ethnoclimatology, Fisherfolks, Indigenous Knowledge, Natural Phenomena, Practices, Weather Forecasting

Nutrient dynamics under unmanaged rubber, cocoa, and oil palm plantations in a sandy soil under humid lowland tropical climatic conditions

Changes in land use are an important issue in many farms that affect soil biological, chemical, and physical properties temporarily under cropping cycles or when the land is permanently allocated to perennial tree crops, e.g., in agroforestry. This study investigated the changes in sandy soil chemistry induced by three perennial tree crops (rubber, cocoa, and oil palm) growing in 30-year-old unmanaged and abandoned plantations and the surrounding grasslands dominated by cogon grass. A disruptive approach was used to collect soil samples from the top 60 cm under all the tree crops and in the grassland soils. A 500-gram sample of each soil originating from under each tree crop and the grassland were carefully packed into pre-labeled paper bags in triplicate (n=3) and sent to the laboratory for analysis of a selected number of primary and secondary macronutrients, micronutrients, and other soil parameters. The results showed N, K, Mg, Cu, Zn, and S were generally deficient in the sandy soil. A tree crop-specific soil organic matter, organic carbon, carbon stock contents, and water holding capacity measured were high under rubber and cocoa only. The variation in pH, electrical conductivity, bulk density, total porosity, and particle composition were generally similar except that the sand composition was lower in the soils under rubber and oil palm.

The Seedlings Growth Performance of Areca Nut Palm (Areca catechu L.) under Different Types of Organic Mulching

Seedlings is the initial part of seed plant’s growth and development including areca nut palm which germination is an essential part of it. Organic mulching is one of the utmost sustainable practices, therefore, it has been employed to enhance areca nut seedlings growth. The study aims to evaluate the effect of several types of organic mulch on areca nut seedlings shoot-root growth. The 3-month long experiment was conducted according to completely randomized design, with four treatments, namely no mulching (control) (M0), gliricidia (<em>Gliricidia sepium</em>) mulching (M1), imperata (<em>Imperata cylindrica</em>) mulching (M2) and <em>lamtoro</em> (<em>Leucaena leucocephala</em>) mulching (M3). The treatments were repeated 5 times with 20 experimental units. The findings revealed that no significant differences (p < 0.05) were found on the application of different organic mulching among all of the parameters. The treatment covered by imperata mulch tended to score the highest compared to other mulches on germination time, seedling height and shoot fresh weight while the minimum yield was recorded in M1 where gliricidia mulch was used. Application of organic mulch displayed better results for most of the parameters than that of the control resulting from an optimal growing environment for areca nut seedlings growth.