Indoor Cultivation Research Articles

Characterization of the thermal-tolerant mutants of Chlorella sp. with high growth rate and application in outdoor photobioreactor cultivation

In this study, two thermal-tolerant mutants of Chlorella sp. MT-7 and MT-15, were isolated. In indoor cultivation, specific growth rate (micro, d(-1)) of the mutants were 1.4 to 1.8-fold at 25 degrees Celsius and 3.3 to 6.7-fold at 40 degrees Celsius higher than those of wild type. The carbon dioxide fixation rate of both microalgal mutants was also significantly higher than that of wild type. In outdoor closed cultivation, where the temperature of culture broth was 41 + or - 1 degrees Celsius, the micro of mutant strain MT-15 was 0.238 d(-1) during an 8-day cultivation. Whereas, the growth of wild type was inhibited in the outdoor cultivation. Our results show that the isolated microalgal strains are adaptable to be applied in outdoor cultivation in subtropical zones.

Comparative studies on indoor and outdoor microalgal cultivations for carbon dioxide fixation and bioenergy production

Comparative studies on indoor and outdoor microalgal cultivations for carbon dioxide fixation and bioenergy production

Stable Isotope Ratios of Marijuana. I. Carbon and Nitrogen Stable Isotopes Describe Growth Conditions*

There remains significant uncertainty in illicit marijuana cultivation. We analyzed the delta(13)C and delta(15)N of 508 domestic samples from known U.S.A. counties, 31 seized from a single location, 5 samples grown in Mexico and Colombia, and 10 northwest border seizures. For a subset, inflorescences and leaves were analyzed separately. These data revealed a strong correspondence, with inflorescences having slightly higher delta(13)C and delta(15)N values than leaves. A framework for interpreting these results is introduced and evaluated. Samples identified as outdoor-grown by delta(13)C were generally recorded as such by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). DEA-classified indoor-grown samples had the most negative delta(13)C values, consistent with indoor cultivation, although many were also in the outdoor-grown domain. Delta(15)N indicated a wide range of fertilizers across the dataset. Samples seized at the single location suggested multiple sources. Northwest border delta(13)C values suggested indoor growth, whereas for the Mexican and Colombian samples they indicated outdoor growth.

Indoor and Outdoor Cultivation of Cannabis: Is there an Effect on the Chemical Composition of the Volatile Oil?

Indoor and Outdoor Cultivation of Cannabis: Is there an Effect on the Chemical Composition of the Volatile Oil?

Outdoor and Indoor Cultivation of Spirulina platensis in the Extreme South of Brazil

Water supplemented with 10% or 20% (v/v) of Zarrouk medium was used to cultivate Spirulina platensis in closed and open bioreactors under controlled conditions (30 degrees C, 32.5 micromol m(-2) s(-1), 12 h light/dark photoperiod) and in a greenhouse (9.4 to 46 degrees C, up to 2800 micromol m(-2) s(-1), variable day length photoperiod) using different initial biomass concentrations (X0) in the extreme south of Brazil (32.05 degrees S, 52.11 degrees W). Under controlled conditions the maximum specific growth rate (micromax) was 0.102 d(-1), the biomass doubling time (t(d)) was 6.8 d, the maximum dry biomass concentration (Xmax) was 1.94 g L(-1) and the maximum productivity (Pmax) was 0.059 g L(-)1 d(-1), while the corresponding values in the greenhouse experiments were micromax = 0.322 d(-1), t(d) = 2.2 d, Xmax = 1.73 g L(-1) and Pmax = 0.112 g L(-1) d(-1). Under controlled conditions the highest values for these parameters occurred when X0 = 0.15 g L(-1), while in the greenhouse X0 = 0.4 g L(-1) produced the highest values. These results show that the cultivation of S. platensis in greenhouses in the extreme south of Brazil is technically viable and that the S. platensis inoculum and the concentration of Zarrouk medium can be combined in such a way as to obtain growth and productivity parameters comparable, or superior, to those occurring in bioreactors under controlled conditions of temperature, illuminance and photoperiod.

Characterization of the life history of Bangia fuscopurpurea (Bangiaceae, Rhodophyta) in connection with its cultivation in China

Bangia fuscopurpurea (Rhodophyta) was cultivated in Putian (Fujian province, China). The characteristics of the life history concerned with cultivation were investigated and the cultivation procedure was presented. The gametophytic phase (thallus) and the sporophytic phase (conchocelis) occurred alternately in the life history of B. fuscopurpurea. Young thalli produced archeospores, and the number depended on the environmental factors. Temperature affected the number of archeospore release and percent of germination, and photo flux density (PFD) mainly affected the time of spore release and germination. Thalli matured from December to February and developed into the conchocelis phase through sexual reproduction. The conchocelis grown in shells had three developmental stages: vegetative conchocelis, conchosporangial formation and conchospore formation. Pit-connections were present in the first 2 stages but absent after conchospore formation. Vegetative conchocelis and conchosporangial branches can transform into each other. However, conchospores only developed into the gametophytic phase. Cultivation of B. fuscopurpurea was based on characterization of the life history, consisting of 3 steps: zygotospores collection, indoor cultivation of conchocelis and outdoor cultivation of thalli. Young thalli that developed from conchospores produced numerous archeospores before December. Over 90% of the crop was from the development of archeospores. The results indicated that conchosporelings were a good source of archeospores, and the development of the large quantity of archeospores acted as a more prevailing means to increase the population size.

Philodendron selloum Selloum, Philodendron selloum

This document provides an overview of the Philodendron selloum, a large-leaved, easily grown shrub that makes a dramatic, tropical statement in landscapes. It details the plant’s physical characteristics, including its deeply divided, medium green leaves, and its ability to grow up to 12 feet in height with a spread of 10 to 15 feet. The document also covers the plant’s growing conditions, such as its preference for part shade to full sun and moisture-retentive soil, and its suitability for various uses, including mass planting, container growth, and indoor cultivation. Additionally, it highlights the plant’s moderate drought tolerance, pest resistance, and propagation methods.

Indoor Cultivation and Cultural Characteristics of Wolfiporia cocos Sclerotia Using Mushroom Culture Bottles

We newly developed an indoor cultivation technique for Wolfiporia cocos (Wolf) Ryvarden et Gilbertson (Syn. Poria cocos Wolf), not with soil, but using mushroom culture bottles with pine logs, and clarified some cultural characteristics of sclerotia in the laboratory. To determine the optimum conditions for sclerotia growth, the weight of sclerotia and concentration of CO2 in three different air filters; cloth, paper and urethane resin, and closed bottles were tested. When the cloth air filter was used, the growth rate was the fastest and the yield was maximal. These results suggested that the aeration was an important environmental factor for cultivation. To clarify the characteristics of culture in the cloth air filtered and closed bottles, the weight of sclerotia, the compositions of pine logs and the contents of pachymic acid and dehydropachymic acid were examined during 24 weeks. The growth of scleroia and the wood decaying efficiency in the cloth air filtered bottles were better than those in the closed bottles. Also, it was found that W. cocos was a brown rot fungus due to the alkaline solubility of pine logs in the wood decay process. In addition, the contents of pachymic acid and dehydropachymic acid and the TLC pattern between the cultivated and commercial sclerotia did not differ remarkably.

Experimental indoor cultivation of the carrageenophytic red alga Gigartina skottsbergii

Exploitation of carrageenophytic seaweeds in Chile has increased significantly over the past few years. Gigartina skottsbergii is one of the species exploited and the harvesting pressure could have negative consequences on the sustainability of this resource. Although demand for raw material of G. skottsbergii continues to increase, basic knowledge needed to cultivate this unique carrageenophyte is lacking. In this study, we determined the light, temperature, and nutrient requirements for juvenile G. skottsbergii cultivation, as well as the culture system and stocking densities required to optimize its indoor cultivation. An optimal temperature range of 10–14 °C combined with dim light conditions are recommended. Nutrients do not need to be constantly added and ammonium instead of nitrate should be used, whereas phosphate must be also added. Floating cultures provide an adequate alternative, where containers support loads of 13–14 g (fresh weight) L −1. Only in very precise combination of factors, the specific growth rate can be over 2% per day.

BIOLOGICAL CONTROL OF COFFEE STEM BORERS, XYLOTRECHUS QUARDRLPES AND ACALOLEPlA CERVZNUS, BY BEAWEHA BASSIANA PREPARATION

Abstract The use of Beauveria bassiana proparations for control of coffee stem borers, Xylotrechus quardripes Chevr. and Acalolepta cervinus (Hope), as tested in the laboratory and field conditions. The results show that each instar of coffee stem borers could be infected and killed successfully when being inoculated or contacted with B. bassiana. The control efficacy under indoor cultivation conditions exceeded 90% within 15 days. Jamming drilled hole with fungal mud resulted in the accumulative mortality and corrected mortality of > 90% within 20 days. In the field, three methods, jamming drilled holes with bamboo sticker, bamboo sticker with fungal mud, and fungal mud only, were employed, and each led to the control effect of > 90% within 20 days. However, spraying suspensions and dusting powder of B. bassiana ww insignificant. The yield of fresh coffee fruits in biological control area waa 125.7 kg/0.067 ha greater than that of control area when being harvested in February. Compared the cost of microbial control with that of chemical control, B. bassiana proved to be a profitable, effective, and safe biocontrol agent against coffee stem‐borer.

USE OF SOME COMMERCIAL FERTILIZER COMPOUNDS FOR SCENEDESMUS CULTIVATION

The objective of this work was to investigate the effect of some commercial fertilizer compounds on growth yield and characteristics of the isolated alga Scenedesmus sp. For pre-cultivation and isolation, the sterilized drainage water was enriched by 10% N8 macronutrients solution. Tap water was used for scaling-up of indoor cultivation. Then nutrients were added to reach the content of the different nutrients to those of the drainage water plus 10% of N8 macronutrients solution. Out door cultures were started by Plexiglas aquarium (200 L) followed by open plate unit (1000 L); and ended by open ponds of 15000L.Nutrient solution was composed of tap water enriched by 0.3 g.1-1 urea (46.5% N), 0.1m1.1-1 phosphoric acid (85%), 0.05 g.1-1 SoluPotass (mini.50.0%K2O & 46.0% SO3) and 0.1 m1.1-1 Nitrophoska Foliar (a fluid fertilizer suspension contains 10.0, 4.0, 7.0 and 0.2% N, P, K and Mg; respectively). The daily measurements of dry weight and total chlorophyll on the average showed that the maximum dry weight was obtained by the 11 th day, which was about 0.9g.1-1 and of 10.0 mg. 1-1 of total chlorophyll by such time. Growth in term of dry weight was also characterized by 0.2, 0.09, 7.7, 2.53, 0.18, 0.38 and 580 of, µmax• µavr• doubling time, degree of multiplication, daily increment, initial increase, and percentage increase, respectively. As for total chlorophyll accumulation, it was characterized by 0.36, 0.14, 4.95, 4.12, 6.45, 13.88 and 1746 for the aforementioned parameter.

Indoor cultivation of paddy straw mushroom, Volvariella volvacea, in crates

Indoor cultivation of paddy straw mushroom, Volvariella volvacea, in crates

Effect of a Formulation ofBacillus thuringiensisBerliner var.kurstakionPodisus nigrispinusDallas (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae: Asopinae)

Pest control in agricultural crops is generally achieved by chemical pesticides which are effective and have a ‘knock-down’ effect on life stages of insects and mites. Recently, plant products have been experimented on in indoor cultivation and in fields. Water extracts (5–10%) of leaf or seed/kernel, crude oil (0.5–3%), and soil application of seed cake (2 t/ha) are used as traditional measures while essential oils, extracts in organic solvents, and formulations based on pure allelochemicals are marketed products. Neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) derived products are applied extensively in agricultural crops, and other plants that are readily available locally are being exploited for their actions. The potential benefits are that they are economical, environmentally friendly, effective and of low toxicity to non-target organisms including humans. In the future, integration of plant products in pest management strategies would enhance sustainable organic agriculture and prevent crop loss in terms of both quality and production.

Post-Harvest Degradation of Carotenoid Glucose Esters in Saffron

It has been found that an indoor cultivation system of Crocus sativus L. is more favorable with regard to the quality of saffron, as compared to the usual cultivation in an open field. Carotenoid glucose esters increase from the period before blooming and reach the maximum in the full blooming period, and are sensitive for the presence of oxygen, light irradiation, and beta-glucosidase. Moreover, it is evident that storage of saffron at -20 degrees C promotes the constant supply of saffron with a homogeneous pharmacological activity.

Respiratory Illness in Workers of an Indoor Shiitake Mushroom Farm

Abstract Shiitake mushrooms (Lentinus edodes), the second most important mushroom in world commerce, are usually grown on logs outdoors. Because of the relatively short harvesting period and weather dependency of shiitake strains that are cultivated outdoors, there is a trend toward indoor cultivation of strains that can permit year-round production. An evaluation of an indoor shiitake farm was conducted following reports that workers of the facility were experiencing symptoms of respiratory illness. During private interviews that included the administration of a questionnaire, 11 workers reported seven or more symptoms which they had experienced either during work or shortly after leaving work; six of these workers reported 15 or more symptoms. Predominant symptoms were dry cough, nasal discharge, sneezing, chest tightness, productive cough, and dyspnea. Based upon the results of the acute symptoms questionnaire and preliminary bioaerosol sampling, the management of the shiitake farm discontinued operati...

Mushroom Worker??s Lung

Indoor cultivation of the edible mushroom Shii-take (Lentinus edodes) regularly leads to symptoms of mushroom worker's lung (MWL) in workers. An immunologic test is described allowing detection of IgG type antibodies against Shii-take spore antigens. It was found that MWL patients employed in Shii-take picking (n = 5) have significantly increased antibody titres against Shii-take spore antigens. Different control groups, viz, MWL patients employed in the cultivation of the white button mushroom Agaricus bisporus (n = 14) and of the oyster mushroom Pleurotus spp (n = 3), patients with Bechterew's syndrome (n = 7), sarcoidosis (n = 7), rheumatoid arthritis (n = 9), and healthy controls were found in the same range of low titres. The use of protective masks during picking reduced complaints of the workers (n = 14). However, their antibody titres increased with duration of employment despite the protection.

Indoor cultivation of a marine algae species in a thin-layer unit

Chlorella capsulata UTEX LB 2074 was cultivated in a thin-layer intensive algae cultivation unit located indoors. The specific growth rate of the species under the applied conditions was found to be about 0.11 d−1. A steady maximum cell number of about 15×106ml−1 was observed. Nutritional analysis revealed 33.12% amino-acids and 21.17%w 3 highly unsaturated fatty acids

Multistage continuous cultivation of blue‐green alga spirulina maxima in the flat tank photobioreactors with recycle

AbstractSpirulina maxima was continuously cultivated in four 64‐liter flat tank photobioreactors in cascade, under continuous 30 klx fluorescent light and nonaseptic condition, in an industrial grade synthetic medium which bubbled with atmospheric air. The increase in the number of stages resulted in the higher biomass concentration and allowed operation with a dilution rate D higher than the alga specific growth rate μ. However, multistage operation does not permit a significant increase in productivity. The recycling of the all culture medium with biomass increased the net productivity of the first two stages of the multistage system. The flat tank design offered great advantages over other geometrical configurations by occupying less space for indoor cultivation, minimizing the water loss by evaporation, and permitting a greater flexibility in construction, installation, and operation. This system was operating continuously for two years in our laboratory for indoor mass production of S. maxima biomass. The flat tank configuration gave the highest areal productivity Pa = 60.5 g/m2·d and highest volumetric productivity Pv = 1.17 g/L·d when operated as a single stage continuous cultivation with high solid recycle. These values are the highest ever reported for any indoor or outdoor mass production system for S. maxima.