Mexican Sunflower Research Articles

Antifungal Effect of Leaf Extracts on the Groundnut Late Leaf Spot Pathogen Cercosporidium personatum

Late leaf spot of groundnut is caused by the fungal pathogen of Cercosporidium personatum. Efforts to prevent this disease generally use synthetic fungicides that can cause environmental pollution. This study aims to identify the fungal pathogen of groundnut late leaf spot and study the antifungal effect of leaf extract of some plants for leaf spot intensity suppression. Late leaf spot pathogen was identified based on morphological characteristics of hyphae and conidia. The leaf extracts of butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea), Mexican sunflower (Tithonia diversifolia), basil (Ocimum gratissimum), and sugar apple (Annona squamosa) at a concentration of 25% against C. personatum were evaluated in vitro based on growth inhibition. The growth and intensity of groundnut disease attacks were assessed for seven weeks by inoculating C. personatum and application of the leaf extracts. Results showed that the pathogen was identified as C. personatum with conidia characteristics of cylindrical to obclavate, short and slightly curved with four septa, and 35.75 × 7.11 µm in size. The percentage of inhibition of C. personatum in vitro reached 94.03% by leaf extract of C. ternatea, 88.56% by T. diversifolia, 87.20% by O. gratissimum, and 84.10% by A. squamosa. Treatment of C. ternatea increased plant height up to 12.85% and reduced the most optimal percentage of the infected leaves up to 61.53%. C. ternatea leaf extract was found to be the most effective extract to suppress C. personatum infection by 77.94%, while T. diversifolia, O. gratissimum, and A. squamosa reduced disease severity by 70.15%, 65.43%, and 57.76%, respectively.

Impact of Specific Leaf Extracts on Soil pH and Beta-Carotene in Amaranthus in Kiambu County, Kenya

Amaranthus (Amaranthus spp.) leaves are a good source of nutrients including vitamins antioxidants and dietary minerals including calcium, iron, and potassium. Soil pH is a very important chemical property of the soil, as it dictates the availability of plant nutrients. Acidic soils reduce availability of plant nutrients and hinder growth. This is corrected by adding lime which is expensive, does not add nutrients and requires re-application. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of leaf extracts from selected tree leaves on soil acidity and beta-carotene levels of amaranthus. Plant leaves that were tested were Turril (Vitex keniensis) Mexican sunflower (Tithonia diversifolia) and Indian nettle (Plectranthus barbatus). The experiment setup was in a 2 x 7 factorial arrangement in a randomized complete block design(RCBDreplicated three timesThe treatments were; the three leaves extracts, lime, farm yard manure, inorganic fertilizer and control.. Leaves were dried,ground and soaked in distilledwater for sixty days as pH was monitored and the resulting extract was added to soil for amanthus grown with plant extracts. Data on plant height, leaf area, number of leaves, fresh weight and dry weight and levels of beta carotene levels were collected. AOAC method was used for analysis of beta carotene. All data was subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) at 5% level of significance using SAS and least significant difference (LSD) for means separation. The results showed that leaf extracts significantly reduced soil acidity to above (6) while inorganic fertilizer increased the acidity (pH5.9) to (5.3) on all growing conditions while humus increased acidity during rainy and irrigation conditions. On beta carotene levels, Farmyard Manure had the highest levels(51.1µg) followed by the leaf extracts with extract 3-Plectras barbatus having higher levels. Control had the lowest levels of beta carotene followed by inorganic fertilizer and lime.These results suggest that farmers should be encouraged to grow vegetables using farmyard manure and leaf extracts to increase antioxidant levels and reduce soil acidity.They should also be encouraged to grow more of trees and shrubs studied to increase forest cover.

A scarab beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) causes tree mortality, delayed growth, and yield reduction in cacao with genotype-specific susceptibility to herbivory.

This study explored the impact of Leucothyreus femoratus, a previously unreported folivorous pest in cacao cultivation, on cacao tree survival, development, and yield. The study was conducted in an experimental cacao plot in the Colombian plains, it featured 20 cacao genotypes in an agroforestry system, with plantain and Mexican sunflower providing temporary shade, and yopo offering permanent shade. We found an infestation rate of 2.9 ± 0.3 adult beetles per cacao tree. L. femoratus larvae were discovered in association with the roots of all plants within the agroforestry arrangement; however, yopo and plantain exhibited the highest incidence of root-feeding larvae among these associated plants. Interestingly, male and female L. femoratus displayed distinct leaf consumption patterns in the laboratory, with females consuming more foliage relative to their body weight. Moreover, field observations highlighted the detrimental impact of L. femoratus herbivory on cacao tree survival and growth, leading to leaf skeletonization, reduced plant height, and stem diameter. Trees with over 50% leaf consumption suffered more than 20% mortality. Additionally, herbivory negatively affected cacao yield, correlating higher leaf surface damage with a decrease in harvested pods. The study also identified varying antixenotic resistance in different cacao genotypes, with some consistently displaying resistance while others showed variable levels during tree establishment and production stages. This research underscores the significant role of L. femoratus as a cacao pest, emphasizing its adverse effects on cacao tree survival, development, and yield. Consequently, implementing effective control measures is vital for ensuring sustainable cacao cultivation. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Potencial de Tithonia diversifolia para produção de forragem: seleção de acessos ocorrendo nos biomas Cerrado e Mata Atlântica no Brasil

ABSTRACT Tithonia diversifolia (Mexican sunflower) is an invasive shrub of tropical and subtropical regions of the world, however, it has characteristics favorable to its use as an alternative forage source. The species' potential for use in animal feeding motivates us to evaluate your characteristics and productivity of T. diversifolia accessions from regions in the Cerrado and Atlantic Forest for cultivation as forage. T. diversifolia accessions were cultivated in the field and evaluated throughout the year in four seasons/cuts. The accessions showed high daily forage accumulation and crude protein content between 13.2 and 18.3%, with fiber content without limitation to animal consumption and digestibility. The photosynthetic rate and the efficiency of water use showed no variation between genotypes of T. diversifolia. The MC, DIA, PM, NL, and SRS accessions are indicated for use as forage, as they have higher production, protein, growth, and good chemical-bromatological characteristics.

Evaluation of Mexican sunflower (Helianthus annus l) leaf meal as a feed ingredient in shaver brown pullets.

Abstract The use of alternative nutritional sources is an important topic for animal production such as poultry. This study examined the effect of replacing soybean meal with sunflower leaf meal in the diet of laying shaver brown pullets. A total of 30 laying birds were assigned to three treatments of 0% (as control group), 10% and 15% MSFLM inclusion. Four eggs per replicate were randomly taken for three consecutive days at two weeks interval for five times, and 18 weeks individuals were selected after 40 days of experimental time. External parameters of the eggs (egg weight, egg length, egg breadth and egg shape index, shell thickness), and body parameters (Final body weight, weight gain), feed intake and hen day production were measured. For egg length, egg breadth and shell thickness showed significant difference (p< 0.05) in from the control birds. Final body weight, weight gain, feed intake and hen day production showed comparable results with values from eggs of birds on control diet. The study revealed the ability of birds to easily utilize the nutrients in the protein sources. MSFLM utilization up to 15% in pullets’ diet revealed no detrimental effect on the performance of the laying birds and the external qualities of eggs produced.

Results of Survey and Evaluation of Invasive Plants in Ba Vi National Park, Vietnam

The biodiversity of Ba Vi National Park has been faced with some passive impacts, one of them is alien species, that habitats for the native species is narrowed by increasing of invasive population expanding, it is necessary to conducted a research on the impacts of the invasive plants there and then giving the basis for better management of the national park. After field surveys in recently years (2018-2022), 47 alliance species recorded at the National Park were evaluated according to guidance and data provided by Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG) and Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International (CABI) developed Invasive Species Compendium (ISC) and also Circular 35/2018/TT-BTNMT. Result showed that 29 species were invaders and especially 11 species of them are detailly evaluated in 10 habitats. 2 species as Mexican sunflower (Tithonia diversifolia) and Lantana (Lantana camara) are evaluated as High risk for both areas while 3 other ones are evaluated as High risk for buffer zone only, including Giant sensitive tree), Leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala) and Giant sensitive plant (Mimosa diplotricha). The other ones have been evaluated as Medium risk (at buffer zone) to Low risk (at core area) are Blackjack (Bidens pilosa), Siam weed (Chromolaena odorata), Bay Biscayne creeping-oxeye (Sphagneticola trilobata), Jamaica cherry (Muntingia calabura), Jamaica vervain (Stachytarpheta jamaicensis) and Coast morning glory (Ipomoea cairica). By this evaluation, Mexican sunflower (Tithonia diversifolia), Blackjack (Bidens pilosa), Jamaica cherry (Muntingia calabura), Jamaica vervain (Stachytarpheta jamaicensis) and Coast morning glory (Ipomoea cairica) are suggested to include to the list of invasive organisms of the nation. Besides that, it is necessary to strengthen control of Mexican sunflower (Tithonia diversifolia) inside the core area of the NP in particular and in Ba Vi district in general, especially at the tourist place where the festival of Mexican sunflower has been yearly organized.
 
 

A comparative study on bioactive extracts of endophytic fungi of the leaves and stems of Tithonia diversofolia

Natural products as potential sources for novel medications are one of the key goals of phytochemistry. Phytochemicals offer useful lead compounds that can be changed appropriately for subsequent medication development. The Mexican sunflower plant, Tithonia diversifolia, is being investigated in the current study. Sesquiterpenoids, diterpenoids, and flavonoids, among other secondary metabolites, have been identified from Tithonia sp. Endophytic fungi are an important source of phytomolecules, which are bioactive chemicals derived from plants. These substances, which are unique from those found in their host plants, are crucial for improving both the adaptation of endophytic fungus and the plants they live on. In the present study, leaves and stems were examined and endophytic fungi, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and Cladosporium sphaerospermum were isolated. Hexane and EtOAc extracts of these fungi were analyzed for their phytoconstituents. Flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids and alkaloids are the major class of compounds identified by using the HPTLC finger printing analysis. The extracts showed significantly high phenolic content. All the endophytic extracts showed cytotoxicity against human leukemic monocyte THP-1 cells and indicated possible anti-cancer activity potential.

Management of reniform nematode (Rotylenchulus spp.) on fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis) using leaf extract of Mexican sunflower (Tithonia diversifolia) under screenhouse conditions

Management of reniform nematode (Rotylenchulus spp.) on fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis) using leaf extract of Mexican sunflower (Tithonia diversifolia) under screenhouse conditions

Effect of storage temperature on quality parameters of liquid organic fertilizer prepared from Mexican sunflower (Tithonia diversifolia)

Objectives: To determine the effect of storage temperature on physical-chemical properties of tithonia liquid organic fertilizer. To determine the effect of storage temperature on microbial population in tithonia liquid organic fertilizer. To evaluate the effect of tithonia liquid organic fertilizer on kales crop. Problem Statement: Tithonia diversifolia has been used as green manure in soil fertilization and improvement of crop performance. Attempts have been made to extracts tithonia liquid organic fertilizer (LOF) to ease storage and transport. However, not much was known about quality parameters of liquid organic fertilizer (LOF) during storage. This study established the effect of storage temperature on the quality parameters of LOF from Tithonia diversifolia. Methodology: Tithonia LOF was prepared by fermenting 2 kg of tithonia leaves in 20litres of water for 2 weeks to maintain leaf water ratio of 1:10. The fermented extract was filtered using a clean cloth and transferred into 36 one litre specimen jars. Eighteen of the specimen jars were placed in the refrigerator at temperature of 00 C to 50 C while another batch of 18 in the specimen cabinet at room temperature at 230C. Specific laboratory analysis procedures were used to determine the nutritional chemical content of the sampled LOF. Total nitrogen(N) was analyzed by ISO 5315-trimetric method, phosphorus (P) by ultraviolet visible spectrophotometer at λ-420nm, and potassium (K) by AAS ISO17319:2015. Other chemical analysis done were Magnesium (Mg) using method EN 16197:2012 AAS, Calcium by ISO method 17025 AAS and total reducing sugars by normal- phase chromatography HPLC method. The pH of the LOF was analyzed by handheld pH meter. Microbial analysis used plate count agar for bacterial and potato dextrose agar (PDA) for fungus count. Kale plants were arranged in a randomized block design of 9 plots each with 9 potted plants. The treatment was replicated three times for samples stored in the refrigerator and three times for the room temperature storage repeatedly for six months. Plant parameters measured were; plant height, number of leaves and the plant girth. Key findings: The study established that there was a significant change in LOF pH during storage, however correlation was higher for room storage than fridge storage. The study also established that there was no significant change in chemical properties of LOF in both storage conditions however, the room stored LOF had negative correlation with storage time an indicating that plant nutrients in LOF reduced with increase in storage time. In regards to microbial properties, it was found that there was no significant change in microbial count in LOF in both storage temperature experiments. The study also established that treatment of kales with LOF stored at room temperature had higher growth variance than for the fridge stored and control treatment. Discussion There was a significant change in LOF pH during storage where p=0.012. Correlation was higher for room storage than fridge storage. Freshly prepared LOF was slightly acidic at pH 6.5 attaining pH 7.88 and 7.1 at room and fridge temperatures respectively. Change in chemical properties of LOF in both storage conditions was not significant whereas, the room stored LOF had negative correlation with storage time indicating how plant nutrients in LOF reduced with increase in storage time. The microbial count in LOF in both storage temperature experiments had no significant change. The relationship between microbial count and storage period was weak. Application: This study is useful to organic agriculture farmers, researchers and policy makers. Conclusion: The study established that the quality of LOF during storage deteriorated. LOF stored in room temperature reduced in quality faster than the refrigerated one. Therefore, the quality of the LOF is best when freshly prepared. Despite kales performing marginally better when treated with room stored LOF, there was no significant difference with fridge stored LOF. Investment in cold storage of LOF therefore does not make economic sense. Recommendation: The study recommends further research on effect of LOF concentration on crop growth to ensure optimum nutrients for production.

Mapping the spatial distribution of the invasive Mexican Sunflower Tithonia diversifolia (Asteraceae) in South East Asia

Invasive species and climate change act in tandem as a threat to local and regional biodiversity. Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A.Gray (Asteraceae) is a known invasive plant in South East Asia. However, there has been no exploration regarding the invasion potential of T. diversifolia in the aforementioned region. Here, we modeled the current potential habitat and also compared three general circulation models in the year 2050 and 2070 using MaxEnt modeling. Since there was a significant change in future potential habitat from current habitat with future potential ranges being in the Himalayas for GFDL-CM3 and Indonesia for HadGEM2-ES and MIROC5. Due to the resultant discrepancy in future habitat range, ensemble approach was used. While the future potential habitat decreases, current habitat covers 7.99% of the total study area concentrated in the biodiversity hotspot regions.

Antibacterial activity of mexican sunflower leaf Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A.Gray Aqueous extract against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

The research of antibacterial activity of Mexican sunflower leaf Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A.Gray aqueous extract against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was carried out. The research aimed to observe the antibacterial activity of Mexican sunflower leaves aqueous extract to inhibit the growth of MRSA with concentrations of 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50%. The extracts were obtained by the maceration method, and the antibacterial activity was tested using the agar well diffusion method. Characterization of Mexican sunflower leaves simplicia were obtained with water level 9%, water-soluble level 21,6%, ethanol-soluble level 10,3%, and total ash level 14,36%. Characterization of Mexican sunflower leaves aqueous extracts were obtained with water level 26,36%, water-soluble level 53,13%, ethanol-soluble level 26,36%, and total ash level 19,98%. Phytochemical screening revealed that aqueous extract of Mexican sunflower leaves contained secondary metabolites of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and saponins. The largest inhibitory zone was shown at a 50% extract concentration with a diameter of 12,40 mm. The aqueous extract of Mexican sunflower leaves was capable to form the inhibition zone on the MRSA growth.

Reduced egg hatch and increased juvenile mortality of potato cyst nematode (Globodera spp.) post in-vitro treatment with plant extracts

Abstract. In-vitro assays to determine the effect of plant extracts on egg viability and mortality of J2s of potato cyst nematode were evaluated. Methanol, ethyl acetate, hexane and water were used as solvents. Eggs and J2s were exposed to plant extracts for 24, 48 and 72 hrs. Treatments were arranged in a completely randomized design with three replications. Loss of egg viability and mortality of J2s significantly increased with an increase in the time of exposure to the extracts. Hexane extracts had a significantly higher loss of egg viability. Mexican sunflower extracts had a significantly higher loss of egg viability, having 93 and 89.2% non-viable eggs/cyst in experiments 1 and 2, respectively, compared to other plant extracts. This was followed by garlic, which had 89.5 % and 86.3%, and then ginger, 86.8% and 85.9% non-viable eggs/cyst in experiments 1 and 2, respectively. Garlic, Mexican sunflower and ginger after 72 hrs of treatment exposure had significantly (P<0.05) high juvenile mortalities of 64.5%, 64.9% and 70.2%. Mexican sunflower, ginger and garlic extracts were effective in inducing loss of egg viability and mortality of J2s of PCN.

Tithonia diversifolia (Mexican sunflower)

Tithonia diversifolia (Mexican sunflower)

Morphometric characteristics of sheep and goat fed silage comprising of cassava peel, gamba grass and Mexican sunflower

The constant demand for less expensive and more easily available alternative feed sources for animal production is on the increase. This is particularly true in the tropics, where feed availability varies according to the season. Based on this necessity, this study aims to evaluate the impact of feeding silage to sheep and goats on growth and development. A total of 22 animals comprising of 11 Yankassa breed and 11 West African Dwarf breed were used for the study. The animals were confined and allowed to acclimatize to the environment for about 14 to 21 days, followed by 5 weeks of study. The forage used for silage was Gamba grass (Andropogon gayanus) and Mexican sunflower (Tithonia diversifolia) mixed with equal amounts of cassava peel and molasses in different proportions for three different treatments. Body length, neck circumference, height at withers, heart girth, and body weight were significantly higher (p<0.05) in animals fed T3 diets compared to all other diets, while animals on the T2 diet had higher ear length than T3. Except for neck circumference, ear length, and bodyweight of animals raised on diet T1 and the control group were statistically similar, all the test groups were significantly better than the control group in terms of performance. The highest body weight of 16.74 kg was recorded in T3, followed by 15.97 kg in T2, 12.12 kg in T1, and the least value of 10.09 kg in the control group. No apparent adverse effects were noted in the feeding of silage to the animals as the animals were healthy throughout the duration of the study. More research on the use of silage in feeding indigenous goat and sheep breeds is needed to further understand the impact of silage on animal performance and morphometric traits.

The influence of organic and inorganic nutrient inputs on soil organic carbon functional groups content and maize yields

Locally available organic inputs to soil, solely or in combination with inorganic fertilizers, are used to reverse declining soil fertility and improve soil organic matter content (SOM) in smallholder farms of most Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) countries. Soil organic matter characterization can indicate soil organic input, carbon (C) sequestration potential, or even an authentication tool for soil C dynamics in C stocks accounting. This study determined the effects of the long-term application of selected integrated soil fertility management (ISFM) technologies on SOM functional group composition and maize yields. The study was carried out on an ongoing long-term soil fertility field experiment established in 2004 in Mbeere South sub-county, the drier part of upper Eastern Kenya. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design. The ISFM treatments were 60 kg ha−1 nitrogen (N) from goat manure (GM60); 30 kg ha−1 inorganic N fertilizer (IF30); 60 kg ha−1 inorganic N fertilizer (IF60); GM30+IF30; 90 kg ha−1 inorganic N fertilizer (IF90); 60 kg ha−1 N from lantana (Lantana camara) (LC60); LC30+IF30; 60 kg ha−1 N from mucuna beans (Mucuna pruriens) (MP60); MP30+IF30; 60 kg ha−1 N from Mexican sunflower (Tithonia diversifolia) (TD60); TD30+IF30, and a control with no inputs. The C compositions of ground soil samples and organic amendments were analyzed using 13C solid-state NMR. The GM60, GM30+IF30, LC60, and TD60 treatments had much higher Alkyl and O-Alkyl C SOM functional groups than the control and other treatments. The average soil C for the control was 7.47 mg kg−1 and ranged from 5.03 to 7.37, 9.57 to 18.77, and 7.03–14.50 mg kg−1 for inorganic fertilizers, organic fertilizers, and organic + inorganic fertilizers, respectively. The mean grain yield for the control was 0.56 Mg ha−1 and ranged from 1.51 to 1.99, 1.94 to 4.16, and 2.98–4.60 Mg ha−1 for inorganic fertilizers, organic fertilizers, and organic + inorganic fertilizers, respectively. The results showed that a long-term application of sole organic fertilizers or combined with inorganic fertilizers increases maize yield and soil C sequestration potential. The increase was attributed to high Alkyl and O-Alkyl C SOM functional groups. Hence, knowing the C fraction content of organic inputs is vital in determining the best-fit management technologies for ameliorating soil fertility and sustaining and/or improving crop yields.

Effects of catnip (Nepeta cataria L.) and Mexican sunflower (Tithonia diversifolia L.) density on growth, yield, and proximate composition of jute mallow (Corchorus olitorius L.)

Purpose. Jute mallow (Corchorus olitorius L.) is a mucilaginous vegetable and fiber crop cultivated in the tropics, where catnip (Nepeta cataria L.) and Mexican sunflower (Tithonia diversifolia L.) are common weeds. Hence, the study investigated the growth, yield, and nutrient level of jute mallow in weed-free, catnip, and Mexican sunflower environments. Methods. The study involved two screen-house experiments in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with six replications. The treatments were 0 (control), 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 weed plants per pot in both experiments. These are 0, 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 weed count per square meter equivalent, based on the surface area of the pots used. Mexican sunflower and catnip plants interacted with jute plants in the first and second experiments, respectively. Growth parameters of jute mallow were recorded weekly from 5 to 8 weeks after sowing (WAS), and harvesting was done at 8 WAS. The proximate composition of jute was evaluated using standard procedures outlined by AOAC. The data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA), and means were separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at P < 0.05. Results. Catnip and Mexican sunflower negatively impacted the morphological features of jute mallow from 100 plants per square meter upwards. Catnip and Mexican sunflower, at 300 and 100–500 plants per square meter, respectively, reduced the dry weight of jute mallow. The crude protein content of jute mallow was also lessened by Mexican sunflower at some point. Conclusions. The study recommends that the density of catnip and Mexican sunflower plants interacting with jute mallow should be maintained below 100 plants per square meter to prevent yield loss.

GEO- AND PHYTO-MONITORING OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF SMELTING INDUSTRY IN IKIRUN, NIGERIA

This research monitored the level of some heavy metals in soil and a plant species around iron smelting industry. The soil in different depths D1 (0 -10 cm), D2 (10 – 20 cm) and D3 (20 -30 cm) and plant (Tithonia diversifolia) known as Mexican sunflower were sampled in four soil sampling points (SSP) and plant sampling points (PSP) which are 50, 100, 150 and 200 m away from the industry. The concentrations of Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb and Zn in the soil and plant digest were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). Some physicochemical properties like pH, electrical conductivity and organic matter were also measured. The result of the analysis of the heavy metals in the soil was in the sequence Fe > Zn > Cu >Pb> Cr at SSP1 SSP2 and SSP4 while Fe > Zn > Cu > Cr > Pb at SSP3. In the plant, the result showed the presence of these heavy metals except Pb which was not present in any sampling points. The concentration of iron (Fe) in the plant decreased away from PSP1 to PSP4 around the industry. The physicochemical properties like pH which influenced the availability of metals in soil were found to increase away from SSP1 to SSP4 and consequently its effect on the concentration of these heavy metals in plants, particularly for Fe and Zn. Although, heavy metals monitored were within the permissible limit of WHO except Fe in soil, the trend of their presence in

Insecticidal potentials of dry powder and solvent extracts of Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A. Gray flower against rice meal moth, Corcyra cephalonica (Stainton)

Insecticidal potentials of dry powder and solvent extracts of Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A. Gray flower against rice meal moth, Corcyra cephalonica (Stainton)

Comparative effect of weed control methods on Mexican sunflower (Tithonia diversifolia) in maize

Mexican sunflower management in arable crops is becoming increasingly important due to its prevalent growth habit. The field experiments were conducted to compare weed suppressive abilities of two cover crops and two maize herbicides on Mexican sunflower. The treatments consist of the pre-emergence application of Primextra Gold (atrazine + metolachlor) at 4 l/ha, a post-emergence application of Aminoforce (2, 4-D) at 1.6 l/ha, two cover crops, Centrosema pubescens (Centro) at 2.5 kg/ha and Pueraria phaseoloides (Puero) at 2.0 kg/ha, hand weeding at 2 and 5 weeks after sowing (WAS) and no weeding. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design with four replications. Pre-emergence herbicide produced taller plants at 8 and 12 WAS and higher number of leaves at 12 WAS. Despite two hand weedings (at 2 and 5 WAS), the weed biomass of hand weeding treatment was not different from no weeding. Higher weed densities produced by hand weeding and no weeding at 12 WAS indicated that the two herbicides and the two cover crop treatments gave better weed control than both weed checks. Weed control was 4, 7 and 8 times better in pre-emergence, post-emergence and Centro; respectively, than no weeding at 8 WAS. Although Centro provided long term weed control, the herbicides were able to provide early protection for the maize plants. The highest maize yield of 2.21 t/ha obtained from Primextra Gold (atrazine + metolachlor) at 4l/ha was significantly higher than yields from the other treatments. Yield reduction of 24.5, 27.7, 34.4, 40.8 and 94.2% was obtained in 1.6 l/ha Aminoforce, Centro, hand weeding, Puero and no weeding, respectively, when compared to maize yield from Primextra Gold. Key words: Mexican sunflower, cover crops, herbicides, hand weeding, weed control.

Production and Quality of Katuk (Sauropus androgynous (L.) Merr) Plants on Various Composition of Urea Fertilizer and Mexican Sunflower Compost

Daun katuk tidak hanya dimanfaatkan untuk sayuran tetapi juga sebagai bahan baku biofarmaka, sehingga perlu diproduksi secara ramah lingkungan, menggunakan pupuk organik. Penelitian ini bertujuan mengetahui pengaruh komposisi pupuk urea dan kompos kipahit terhadap produksi dan kualitas berbagai aksesi katuk. Penelitian dilakukan dengan rancangan acak lengkap faktorial. Faktor pertama yaitu sepuluh aksesi katuk (Sarampad, Maleber1, Maleber2, Kadudampit1, Kadudampit2, Gegerbitung, Dramaga, Cinangneng1, Cinangneng2, Katulampa). Faktor kedua adalah enam komposisi pupuk urea dan kompos kipahit, terdiri atas 100% N-urea, 100% N-kipahit, 75% N-urea+25% N-kipahit, 50% N-urea+50% N-kipahit, 25% N-urea+75% N-kipahit, dan tanpa pupuk N. Dosis pupuk N yang digunakan adalah 250 kg N ha-1. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan katuk ‘Kadudampit1’ dan ‘Kadudampit2’ memiliki tinggi tanaman dan luas daun terbesar, ‘Sarampad’ dan ‘Maleber2’ menghasilkan jumlah tunas, panjang tunas total, bobot kering panen, dan kandungan klorofil total paling tinggi. Daun katuk ‘Katulampa’ memiliki kandungan padatan terlarut total (PTT) dan nitrat daun tertinggi. Pemberian berbagai kombinasi urea+kompos kipahit dapat menghasilkan jumlah tunas, panjang tunas total, bobot kering panen, kandungan klorofil total dan PTT setara dengan yang diberi urea, tetapi tinggi tanaman dan jumlah anak daun setara urea hanya terdapat pada tanaman yang diberi 50% N-urea+50% N-kipahit. Penggunaan kompos kipahit dapat menurunkan kandungan nitrat daun dan mengurangi penggunaan urea.
 Kata kunci: bobot kering panen, klorofil, nitrat, padatan terlarut total, Sauropus androgynous (L.) Merr