Production Of Leafy Vegetables Research Articles

FORECASTING LEAFY VEGETABLE PRODUCTION IN BANGLADESH: UNRAVELLING THE NEXUS AMONG AGRO-METEOROLOGICAL FACTORS

Leafy vegetables in the food basket provide vital nutrients required for human health, but Bangladesh faces challenges of sustainable production potential due to the vulnerability of various agrometeorological factors. This study has addressed a holistic approach to forecasting leafy vegetable production through the nexus of agricultural responses and climatic factors. The secondary yearly data of seasonal leafy vegetable production and area wise daily key climatic predictors such as rainfall, humidity, sunshine, and temperature for the period 2000-2001 to 2022-2023 have been collected from Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) and Bangladesh Meteorological Division (BMD), respectively. Scenario analysis and stepwise dynamic regression model was applied to diagnose the pattern and also forecast winter and summer leafy vegetable production for the years 2023-2024 to 2030-2031 addressing meteorological predictors. Results show that winter production is significantly influenced by the previous year’s output (lag-1), sunshine hour, and maximum temperature. In contrast, summer leafy vegetable production is influenced solely by previous year production. Using growth projection of sunshine hours and maximum temperature of Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) in the fitted dynamic regression model, winter leafy vegetable production is forecasted to rise from 167,558 tons in 2022-2023 to 211,929 tons by 2030-2031. Summer production is expected to increase from 176,234 tons in 2022-2023 to 285,085 tons by 2030-2031. These findings provide critical insights for policymakers aiming to enhance food security and stabilize leafy vegetable markets amidst climate change for achieving sustainable development goals (SDG) 12.

Sustainability and Strategic Positioning in Hydroponic Production

Objective: This study analyzes the strategic positioning of a family farming company, exploring intersections in support of the certification process for the organic production of leafy vegetables. Theoretical Framework: We adopt a qualitative approach to achieve the objective through a case study on a farm in Minas Gerais/Brazil. We present details on hydroponics, the sustainability tripod, and strategic planning. Method: We presented an analysis of strategic planning. We applied case studies and bibliographic research. We employed a qualitative approach based on information obtained through interviews and in-loco observations. Results and Discussion: The results present the analysis of the SWOT matrix that compares the internal conditions of the organization with market conditions. The results highlighted the potential of the company under investigation. The offensive capacity demonstrates excellent conditions for taking advantage of opportunities. The defensive capacity reported the vulnerability to repel threats. Research Implications: This case study highlights the potential of analyzing strategic positioning. By applying the SWOT matrix and calculating strategic positioning, a significant positive value that attests to the offensive capacity in relation to the external environment was observed. Originality/Value: This study discusses the applicability of strategic positioning analysis for hydroponic companie sthrough sustainability actions. The interest in this product is widely known and highlights the relevance of studies to foster the evolution of strategic management in this segment.

Effects of Organic Soil Amendments on Antimicrobial-Resistant Bacteria in Urban Agriculture Environments

Biological soil amendments of animal origin (BSAAOs) are widely used in urban agriculture to improve soil quality. Although BSAAO use is regulated due to risks for introducing foodborne pathogens, effects on antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria are not well established. Here, we aimed to explore the impacts of BSAAOs on levels of resident AMR bacteria in leafy vegetable production environments (i.e., kale, lettuce, chard, cabbage) across urban farms and community gardens in the greater Washington D.C. area (n = 7 sites). Leaf tissue (LT), root zone soil (RZS; amended soil in crop beds), and bulk soil (BS; site perimeter) were collected and analyzed for concentrations of total heterotrophic bacteria (THB), ampicillin (Amp) or tetracycline (Tet) resistant THB, and coliforms. As expected, amended plots harbored significantly higher concentrations of THB than bulk soil (P < 0.001). The increases in total bacteria associated with reduced fractions of Tet-resistant bacteria (P = 0.008), as well as case-specific trends for reduced fractions of Amp-resistant bacteria and coliforms. Site-to-site variation in concentrations of AMR bacteria in soil and vegetable samples reflected differences in land history and crop management, while within-site variation was associated with specific amendment sources, as well as vegetable type and cultivar. Representative isolates of the AMR bacteria and coliforms were further screened for multidrug resistance (MDR) phenotypes, and a high frequency was observed for the former. In amended soils, as the soil pH (range 6.56–7.80) positively correlated with the fraction of Tet-resistant bacteria (rho = 0.529; P < 0.001), crop management strategies targeting pH may have applications to control related risks. Overall, our findings demonstrate that soil amendments promote soil bacteria concentrations and have important implications for limiting the spread of AMR bacteria, at least in the urban landscape.

Evaluating temperature variation of nutrient solution in Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) cooling system for temperate vegetable

The production of leafy green vegetables in hydroponic systems within greenhouses has gained global prominence in the fresh vegetable production industry. Hydroponic systems, particularly Nutrient Film Technique (NFT), are highly effective due to their soilless nature and efficient nutrient and water circulation. However, maintaining ideal greenhouse temperatures can be challenging. One strategy to reduce energy costs is to heat or cool the nutrient solution instead of the entire greenhouse environment. By regulating the root zone temperature through nutrient solution management, growers can provide more favourable conditions for temperate leafy greens. These conditions are critical because temperatures above 23°C can inhibit plant growth, while temperatures exceeding 35°C can significantly reduce plant metabolism efficiency. This study investigates how lettuce responds to nutrient solution cooling. Importantly, this research focuses on Malaysia, an equatorial country with a consistently warm and humid climate. In such environments, controlling nutrient solution or air temperature to match the crops' optimal growth requirements is crucial. The study employed Butterhead and Romaine lettuce varieties in a hydroponic NFT system. The EC (Environmental Cooling) treatment involved cooling the nutrient solution, while the RZC (Root Zone Cooling) treatment utilized environmental cooling. The results demonstrated that maintaining a consistent nutrient solution temperature within the range of 14°C to 18°C (as observed in the EC treatment) led to superior plant growth and quality, particularly in the early growth stages. In contrast, the RZC treatment showed temperature fluctuations, causing plant stress and inhibiting growth.

Holistic palak cultivation: standardizing media, nutrients in vertical A-frames for extended shelf life efficiency

The cultivation of green leafy vegetables is crucial for improving our nation’s nutritional security. Challenges like limited arable land and excessive fertilizer use have become significant concerns on cultivating in open field. To address these issues, vertical farming technology, with a focus on space optimization and hydroponic integration to manage fertilizer use, is gaining attention. This experiment aims to determine the best growing media and nutrient solutions for palak in an A-framed vertical unit. Three growing media were tested: coir pith (M0), Rockwool (M1), and a 1:1 mix of coir pith and vermiculite (M2). Various combinations of water-soluble fertilizers [Ca (NO3)2, MAP, and SOP] were used for each crop’s nutrient recipe preparation. Optimal yields were achieved when palak were grown in a coir pith and vermiculite mix with nutrient concentrations of 60:50:60 ppm. Despite high yields, green leafy vegetables face rapid spoilage and storage challenges. The study examined factors affecting post-harvest quality, including storage conditions (ambient at 35 ± 5°C, refrigerated at 5 ± 5°C), packing substrates (low-density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene covers), and gas compositions with modified atmosphere packaging. Results showed that refrigerated storage with low-density polyethylene packing and a gas composition of 6% O2, 5% CO2, and 89% N2 (G2) resulted in the least deterioration in physiological attributes and overall visual quality. This study highlights the potential of vertical farming technology, precise nutrient management, and advanced post-harvest techniques for sustainable production and preservation of green leafy vegetables to meet our nation’s nutritional security needs.

Impact of plasma-activated water on germination, growth, and production of green leafy vegetables

In this work, we investigated the effects of plasma-activated water produced by atmospheric pressure air gliding arc discharge on the germination, growth, and production properties of green leafy vegetable seeds. Increasing the plasma activation time from 0 to 20 min resulted in notable changes in the physio-chemical properties of the water, including elevated levels of nitrate and nitrite, hydrogen peroxide, oxidation–reduction potential, total dissolved solids, and electrical conductivity, along with a decrease in pH. Our findings indicate that plasma-activated water significantly promotes germination, enhances seedling growth, and boosts the production of green leafy vegetables. The rate of water absorption by seeds increased with longer exposure times to plasma. Notably, seeds treated with plasma-activated water for 10–15 min exhibited longer root and shoot lengths, increased fresh weight of plants, and improved seed germination compared to the control group. Furthermore, the chlorophyll content in green leafy plants was enhanced when irrigated with plasma-activated water. However, prolonged exposure of seeds to plasma discharges for 20 min resulted in adverse effects on germination, growth, and production. These findings suggest that optimal plasma activation times are crucial in harnessing the beneficial effects of plasma-activated water on seed germination and plant growth.

Assessment of the combined inputs of antimicrobials from top soil improvers and irrigation waters on green leafy vegetable fields

Sustainable food systems involve the recycling of biowaste and water. This study characterizes thirty-one top soil improvers of anthropogenic, animal, and green waste origin, along with eleven irrigation waters from rivers, channels, and civil wastewater treatment plants (cWWTPs) for the presence of antimicrobials. Liquid chromatography coupled with hybrid High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (LC-HRMS/MS) was employed to identify forty-eight drugs belonging to the classes of sulfonamides (11), tetracyclines (7), fluoroquinolones (10), macrolides (12), amphenicols (3), pleuromutilins (2), diaminopyrimidines (1), rifamycins (1) and licosamides (1). Sludge from cWWTPs, animal manure, slurry, and poultry litter exhibited the highest loads for sulfonamides, tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones and macrolides (80, 470, 885, and 4,487 ng g−1 wet weight, respectively) with nor- and ciprofloxacin serving as markers for anthropogenic sources. In compost and digestate, antimicrobials were found to be almost always below the limits of quantification. Reused water from cWWTPs for irrigation in open-field lettuce production were contaminated in the range of 12-221 ng L−1 with sulfonamides, tetracyclines, and fluoroquinolones, compared to very few detected in channels and surface waters. The Antimicrobials Hazard Index (HI), based on the Predicted No Effect Concentration for Antimicrobial Resistance (PNECAMR), was significantly >100 in contaminated topsoil improvers from urban and animal sources. Accounting for worst-case inputs from topsoil improvers and irrigation water, as well as dilution factors in amended soil, fluoroquinolones only exhibited an HI around 1 in open fields for lettuce production. The origin of topsoil improvers plays a pivotal role in ensuring safe and sustainable leafy vegetable production, thereby mitigating the risk of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) onset in food-borne diseases and the transfer of AMR elements to the human gut flora.

Modeling and Parameter Optimization of Plant Factory Production System Under Low-Carbon Constraints

Highlights A life cycle approach to modeling the carbon footprint of leafy vegetables. Determine the optimal design parameters through logical and mathematical relationship derivation. The simulation model of leaf vegetable production line was established. The optimal parameter scheme was determined by multifactorial simulation tests. Abstract. In recent years, a plant factory has gradually become a new model of facility agriculture, and the optimization problem of low-carbon design of production system in a plant factory has become more prominent. In the design of the production system, needs of high efficiency, high yield, and low carbon emission must be considered. In this study, the leafy vegetable factory is taken as the research object, and the carbon footprint calculation model of products is established based on the life cycle assessment method. Taking production capacity and carbon footprint as design indicators, the logical correlation and mathematical relationship between them and production line design parameters are analyzed layer by layer to determine the key design parameters. The leafy vegetable production line is modeled by plant simulation software, and multifactor simulation experiments are set up to explore the influence of key design parameters on design indexes to guide the optimal decision of parameter design scheme. The new design scheme increases the productivity of the plant factory by 35.40%, reduces the carbon footprint of leafy vegetables by 15.54%, and solves the problem that leafy vegetables at the bottom of the planting frame in the original plant factory grow poorly because of insufficient light. Keywords: Carbon footprint, Life cycle assessment, Plant factory, Product system, Production line modeling.

Cultivation practices of leafy vegetable production during the wet season in Ambon, Indonesia

Green cabbage, water spinach, and spinach are important vegetables in the diet of the Ambonese communities, so the vegetables have economic value and contribute to the inflation of Ambon City. The main obstacle for optimizing leafy vegetables in urban farming of Ambon City in Ambon Bay neighborhood is excess water during the rainy season which possibly induces plant diseases and reduces the yield. The purpose of this study was to verify the 11-year weather of Ambon Bay; and the adaptation of vegetable farmers in Ambon City to the change of rainy season as well as precipitation in the study location The research was conducted using a qualitative descriptive method based on interviews with farmers supported by climate data for 11 years. This study explains that the rainfall was variable during 10 years; In 2010-2013 and 2017-2020, the annual rainfall was 3.950-5.264, while in 2014-2016 it ranged from 2.017-2.995 mm. Farmers adapt to high rainfall by installing plastic rain shelters, shortening the planting distance from 20 cm to 10 cm, and changing the planting calendar. However, in general growers install rain shelters during vegetable cultivation in the wet season resulting in high productivity of leafy vegetables.

Comparative Analysis of Leaf Vegetable Productivity, Quality, and Profitability among Different Cultivation Modes: A Case Study

In recent years, vegetable production has been in the transitional stage from traditional cultivation mode to modern cultivation mode. Therefore, evaluating the actual productivity and economic benefits of different cultivation modes is instructive for leafy vegetable production. This research chose a vegetable production company (Shanghai, China) as a demonstration case to cultivate various leaf vegetables under different cultivation modes (hydroponic, substrate, and soil cultivation). By investigating the yield and quality of vegetables, as well as all production costs and selling prices, we drive a comparative evaluation of comprehensive features and economic benefits of different cultivation modes. The results showed that leafy vegetables cultivated by hydroponic mode gain the highest fresh weight at the early growth stage, but the greatest unit yield (0.98~1.21 kg·m−2) emerged under the soil cultivation mode. Vegetables grown under substrate mode had the best comprehensive quality with high soluble solids content and low nitrate content. The unit costs of the soilless cultivation modes (8.26~10.3 CNY·m−2) were 3–4-fold higher than that of soil cultivation, mainly due to the high fixed costs and input costs, especially for substrate mode. According to actual prices, the soil cultivation mode had the highest economic benefits as a whole (4.83~8.83 CNY·m−2), and only hydroponic cabbage which had comparable yield gained considerable benefits (8.94 CNY·m−2). Quality-based pricing scheme can make substrate mode achieve profitability. The pricing scheme that guarantees a 40% revenue is within acceptable limits for consumers. Based on this actual production case, it can be concluded that a low unit yield of hydroponic mode and a high unit cost of substrate mode are the predominant factors affecting their profitability and economic viability.

Growth, development and yield of safflower genotypes in response to environmental variations

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) is a crop that is drought tolerant and grown in arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) for its commercial utility as vegetable oil, animal feed, cut flower, leafy vegetable, pharmaceuticals, foods colorant, textile dye, cosmetics, and biofuel production. These important attributes make safflower an ideal crop to diversify the economy and improve the socioeconomic status of many smallholder farmers in ASALs. This study evaluated the growth, development, and yield of five safflower genotypes in three different locations in the southern part of Botswana under farmers’ fields during winter and summer. The results showed that there was a significant (P ≤ 0.05) genotypic variability for all phenological development (days to emergence, stem elongation, and flowering), plant growth (plant height and shoot biomass), the yield and yield components (number of branches/plant, number of capitula/plant and 1000-seed weight), oil content and oil yield. However, genotypes did not vary significantly (P ≥ 0.05) in number of primary branches/plant. The results showed that winter planting significantly (P ≤ 0.05) promoted safflower growth and yield than planting in summer. The growth, development, yield, and yield components of safflower genotypes varied across locations with Ramonaka being the most favorable. The GGE biplot revealed that genotype Kenya-9819 was found to be the most stable and adaptable with above-average yields. Sebele winter planting was the best representative environment and most suitable for discriminating genotype performance. The genotype by yield*trait combination (GYT) biplot revealed that genotypes ranked as Kenya9819 &gt; Turkey &gt; Sina &gt; PI537636 &gt; Gila. The results suggested that safflower was best planted in winter and that Kenya9819 was the best genotype to be planted in the greater Gaborone region.

Effect of Furrow Straw Mulching and Straw Decomposer Application on Celery (Apium graveolens L.) Production and Soil Improvement

Straw mulching on wet beds is an effective method to alleviate continuous cropping obstacles in greenhouses. However, this technique cannot be applied in the production of leafy vegetables with high planting density. Straw mulching in furrows is an alternative method in this circumstance. In this study, celery (Apium graveolens L.), a vegetable that prefers a high planting density and wet soil, was used to test furrow straw mulching technology, and the effect of different straw amounts and straw decomposers on soil improvement and celery production was investigated. The results showed that straw mulching in furrows significantly reduced soil conductivity and nitrate nitrogen levels, increased the contents of soil organic carbon as well as phosphorus and potassium nutrients in the bed, and improved celery yield and quality, indicating the significant lateral movement of released nutrients between the furrow and bed. The positive effects of 15,000 kg/ha straw application were more pronounced than those of 7500 kg/ha and 11,250 kg/ha. In addition, straw decomposers accelerated nutrient release and improved celery yield and quality. A decomposer named “ZhuBang” containing Bacillus licheniformis was the most effective. We concluded that furrow straw mulching combined with straw decomposer application is an effective measure for the sustainable production of leafy vegetables in intensive vegetable production facilities.

Farmers’ Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices in the Production, Preservation and Utilization of African Leafy Vegetables in Western Kenya

A large diversity of African Leafy Vegetables (ALV) are consumed in the western Kenya. These vegetables have been neglected leading to persistent high cases of malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies. To boost the promotion of these vegetables, which has been ongoing by various organizations, a study was conducted with the objective of determining the farmers’ knowledge, attitudes and practices in the production, preservation and utilization of ALV in Kakamega and Vihiga Counties, Kenya. Twelve gender-disaggregated Focus Group Discussions were held. Visiting institutions, family and friends were the leading sources of knowledge. ‘How to grow ALV’ was the most favourite topic delivered. Nineteen different ALV species are consumed in Western Kenya. Vegetables for the market are harvested when there is no direct sunlight. Most vegetables are mixed when cooked. Duration and methods of cooking vary. Vegetables which have been domesticated for long are sold as much as they are home consumed, while the wild and those domesticated recently are not sold. Preservation for long periods was rare. Thirteen ALV are encouraged for specific individuals for health benefits. Twelve ALV are discouraged for specific individuals because of myths. The farmers have reasonable knowledge regarding ALV. Attitudes and practices are influenced by culture.

Agricultural practices and intestinal parasites: A study of socio-environmental risk factors associated with leafy vegetable production in La Plata horticultural area, Argentina

Foodborne diseases now represent one of the most important public health problems. The objectives were to analyze the leafy vegetables and crop soil to detect parasitic species and evaluate the factors that increase the risk of parasitic contamination in the productive units in La Plata horticultural area. The study included 261 leafy vegetable and 87 crop soil samples that were processed using washing, sedimentation, and flotation techniques. Socio-environmental characteristics and agricultural practices were surveyed, and a generalized linear model was used to assess the change in parasitic prevalence with different predictor variable. The 58.6% of leafy vegetable and 31.0% of crop soil samples contained parasitic species, the most prevalent being Blastocystis sp. and oocysts of Cryptosporidium spp. Risk factors were the limited access to health, dirt roads, children and dogs circulating in crops, field cultivation, furrow irrigation and lettuce cultivation. The high prevalence of intestinal parasites in the vegetable crops was mainly associated with the conditions of structural precariousness in the production units. These results elaborated with the participation of the population, provide valuable knowledge for the planning of epidemiological programs that include environmental health as a fundamental nexus in health campaigns.

Response of Black Nightshade to Different Cropping Systems and the Effect on Physiological Parameters and Mineral Composition

In southern African countries, production of indigenous leafy vegetables is commonly practiced at home garden and/or commercial level due to their significant contribution toward eradication of hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition. Black nightshade (Solanum nigrum L.) is among African leafy vegetable (ALV) highly recognised for its pharmacological and nutritive benefits. Several research have shown that ALVs can be cultivated in the open field or greenhouses, however, little information is available on the changes of the agronomical parameters and mineral composition. The aim of the study was to compare the physiological parameters and mineral composition of nightshade grown in the open field vs. greenhouse cropping systems. The results of the study revealed high-leaf area and relative chlorophyll content in the open field conditions while plant height and the number of leaves were reportedly higher under the greenhouse system. Minerals elements such as magnesium, copper, manganese, iron, zinc, and aluminium were significantly higher in the open field cropping system, while greenhouse cultivation recorded higher sulphur and boron. Notably, no significant amount was observed in calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and sodium between open field and greenhouse system. Furthermore, a significant amount of total nitrogen was reported in the open field, however, no significant difference was observed in moisture and ash content for both cropping systems. In conclusion, black nightshade cultivated in open field provided higher leaf chlorophyll, leaf area, and trace elements compared to greenhouse cultivation while macro minerals concentration had no significant difference in both cropping systems.

Effects of daily light integral and photoperiod with successive harvests on basil yield, morpho-physiological characteristics, and mineral composition in vertical farming

In recent years, vertical farming is becoming increasingly popular for the production of leafy vegetables and aromatic herbs, such as basil (Ocimum basilicum L.). However, research has focused primarily on the effect of light quality levels, quantity, and photoperiod in order to define more energy-efficient basil growing protocols. Although scientists have underlined the positive response of this poliedric aromatic herb to successive harvests, this technique had not been investigated under sole source lighting with crop grown in a vertical farming cultivation. Two experiments were carried out in which the effects of two daily light integrals (DLI, 7.5 and 15 mol m–2 d–1) and three photoperiods (P, 14/10, 16/8, and 18/4 photoperiod/dark period) were evaluated in relation to two successive harvests on Genovese basil. In the first experiment, at the first cut, a DLI of 15 mol m–2 d–1 improved yield, yield parameters, and morphophysiological characteristics, but reduced incident light use efficiency (LUE), compared to a DLI of 7.5 mol m–2 d–1. At the second cut, irrespective of the DLI used, plants grown at the first cut with a DLI of 15 mol m–2 d–1 did not show significant differences in plant fresh biomass. In contrast, for plants grown at the first cut with a DLI of 7.5 mol m–2 d–1, the DLI of 15 mol m–2 d–1 used at the second cut improved yield and photosynthetic performance. Regardless of photoperiod, the cuts increased fresh biomass and DLI by 205.1% (on average), confirming how this pre-harvest factor can be used to achieve desired yield and quality from basil with potentials to enhance LUE and resource savings in the vertical cultivation.

Role of Phosphate Solubilizing Rhizobacteria in Growth and Productivity of Green Leafy Vegetables. A Review

Chemical based phosphate (PO4-3) fertilizers occupies significant place in agricultural domainand ought to be dangerous (e.g. cause chronic kidney disorders, eutrophication). Hence, world isyelling for an efficient substitute of PO4-3 fertilizer. This fertilizer is being used to escalate yieldof green leafy vegetables, which are loaded with health nutrients, consequently, world is fallingfor this Mediterranean mode of diet. Phosphate Solubilizing Rhizobacteria (PSB) could come tothe rescue and would be an economical and ecofriendly substitute of such fertilizer. This reviewdraws attention of researchers, to unveil the understudied aspects i.e. role and mechanisms ofPO4-3 solubilization, driven by PSB in association with green leafy veggies (viz, Cabbage,Spinach, Lettuce). As found that PSB application could give desirable results i.e. uplift theproductivity of green leafy vegetables and one if designed as biofertilizer, could ameliorateharmful effects of such fertilizer, caused upon human consumption

Effect of Light Intensity and Spectra on Inorganic Constituents in Vietnamese Coriander (Persicaria odorata (Lour.) Soják)

With the aim of optimizing resources in regional production of nutritive valuable leafy vegetables, this study was conducted to obtain more knowledge regarding the interdependencies between light conditions and accumulation of inorganic constituents. The test plant, P. odorata, was cultivated in a climate chamber with fluorescent tubes as the main light source and daylight integrals (DLI) varying between 4.68 and 9.06 mol·m−2·day−1. The average DLI in greenhouse experiments was 41.55 mol·m−2·day−1. Light conditions were modified using additional LEDs (443, 515, and 629 nm) or by covering the plants with photoselective plastic films, leading to a lower DLI and modified light spectrum, especially by reducing the green spectral range. Contents of nitrate, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and iron, biomass accumulation, and water content were analyzed. In terms of particular light modifications, additional green (515 nm) and red (629 nm) LEDs showed reducing effects on nitrate content at both cultivation locations. Other inorganic constituents were affected differently depending on cultivation location. However, the calculation of average partial correlation coefficients enabled a more general statement. Increasing DLI correlated positively with contents of magnesium, nitrate, and potassium but negatively with contents of calcium and iron. Additionally, nitrate content correlated positively with the spectral range of 651–700 nm but negatively with the R:FR ratio. Consequently, a general recommendation related to the light conditions is not possible, as inorganic constituents were affected differently. Nevertheless, as the nitrate content in leafy vegetables is of high concern and was reduced by higher shares of green or red light, this might be one way to regulate nitrate content in leafy vegetables.

Influence of biofertilizer produced using drumstick (Moringa oleifera L.) unused parts on the growth performance of two leafy vegetables

The non-edible parts of Moringa oleifera, such as stems, branches or leaf petioles, have often been discarded while the leaves are consumed as a vegetable or are used to produce organic fertilizer. This study aimed to determine the optimal conditions for producing Moringa organic fertilizer (MOF) from previously unused parts and to compare these fertilizers with cow manure and bio-organic fertilizer. Seventy kilograms of the unused Moringa parts were blended with fifty kilograms of manure, 0.2 kilogram of Trichoderma-based product and two kilograms of superphosphate. The mixture was incubated at different intervals, including 5, 7 or 9 weeks. Next, the effects of MOF on the growth, yield, ascorbic acid content and Brix of lettuce and mustard spinach were also determined and compared with other organic fertilizers (cow manure and bio-organic fertilizer). Results of the study revealed that 25 tons per ha of MOF were significantly superior to those treated with cow manure and bio-organic fertilizer in the case of vegetable yields. Further, 7 weeks of MOF incubation was found suitable to produce an optimal yield during the various incubation period. These results suggested that the Moringa non-edible parts can make organic fertilizer and enhance growth, yield, and leafy vegetable production.

Insectos asociados a trampas cromáticas en seis cultivares de lechuga (Lactuca sativa) con manejo orgánico en un huerto agrícola de la costa peruana

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is a vegetable that presents versatility in cultivation techniques. Currently, research related to the productive behavior of cultivars and the evaluation of pests and diseases is being conducted. To minimize the damage of phytophagous insects in the production of leafy vegetables, the use of sticky traps of different colors has been recommended. Therefore, the purpose of this work was to identify the insects associated with the lettuce (L. sativa) crop trapped based on the chromatic trap (yellow and blue), using Razecol 100® (agricultural adherent), during the period from September to October 2022, under the Vegetable Research and Social Projection Program of the Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina, Lima, Peru. 866 individuals were distributed in six orders (Diptera, Hemiptera, Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, Neuroptera, and Hymenoptera), and nine families were collected. The beneficial predatory fly of the genus Condylostylus (Diptera: Dolichopodidae), was dominant, with 314 specimens, and was also the most abundant in the vegetable production ecosystem. In four of the five temporary sampling units, specimens of the genus Agapostemon(Hymenoptera: Halictidae) and the blue color were preferred by this genus. The efficiency of yellow and blue traps in the control of pests associated with lettuce was demonstrated.