Kale Production Research Articles

Produção e qualidade da couve folha hidropônica sob estresse salino e concentrações de KNO3

ABSTRACT Potassium is a nutrient with the potential to increase plant tolerance to salt stress. The aim of this study was to evaluate the production and quality of kale subjected to salt stress and potassium concentrations in a protected environment. The experimental design was in split plots, with plots composed of five nutrient solutions (control treatment, S1 - standard nutrient solution prepared in low-salinity water, 0.5 dS m-1 (500 mg L-1 of KNO3), and four nutrient solutions prepared in brackish waters (3.5 dS m-1) containing four concentrations of KNO3 (S2 - 500 mg L-1, S3 - 625 mg L-1, S4 - 750 mg L-1, S5 - 1,000 mg L-1), and subplots represented by two leaf kale cultivars (Manteiga and Manteiga da Geórgia). Leaf production variables and post-harvest physical and chemical qualities were evaluated. The saline nutrient solution with the addition of NaCl (S2) reduced production but did not reduce the post-harvest quality of kale. The extra addition of KNO3 at 25% (S3) was efficient in reducing the deleterious effects of salt stress on the variables leaf length, leaf area, leaf production, and number of bunches. The cv. Manteiga da Geórgia was more tolerant to salt stress than the cv. Manteiga.

SUSTAINABLE STRATEGIES FOR INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT OF BREVICORYNE BRASSICAE IN CABBAGE CULTURE: ECOLOGICAL APPROACHES AND IMPACT ON BIOLOGICAL CONTROL IN MOZAMBIQUE

Cabbage (Brassica oleracea) is a vegetable widely cultivated due to its nutritional and economic value, especially for small farmers. However, kale production faces significant challenges, mainly due to attacks by aphids (Brevicoryne brassicae), a pest that causes wilting and deformations in plants and acts as a virus vector. In regions such as Southern Africa, inadequate control of this pest has resulted in considerable losses in production, reaching 40% in Mozambique.The adult stage of Brevicoryne brassicae is the most damaging, especially affecting the cabbage crop during its vegetative phase, when the plants are most vulnerable. Effective management of this pest involves continuous monitoring and the use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices, which include cultural, biological and chemical methods. Applying these techniques in an integrated way, adapted to local conditions, can significantly reduce damage and improve agricultural productivity, promoting food security and sustainability for small Mozambican farmers.

Determining Eastern Red Cedar Biochar Soilless Media Supplementation Rates for Potted Ornamental Kale and Chrysanthemum Production

The increasing demand for soilless media, sustainability issues with peatmoss, and increasing cost of peatmoss have prompted studies of more environmentally friendly and less expensive substitutes. Biochar, a lightweight black carbon material produced by the pyrolysis of biomass, has gained popularity as a soilless media supplement. The objective of this study was to evaluate Eastern red cedar (ERC) biochar as a supplement to soilless media for the production of chrysanthemum and ornamental kale. Treatments included ERC biochar produced at three different temperature ranges of 300 to 350 °C, 400 to 450 °C, and 500 to 550 °C that were applied at 25%, 50%, and 75% v/v plus a control (100% v/v of standard commercial mix). Additionally, ERC bark was applied at the same rate as biochar. The 300 to 350 °C and 400 to 450 °C temperature ranges increased the bulk density of the media, whereas total porosity was greatest with just bark. Regarding the physical properties of the media, in general, the 75% v/v supplementation rate of ERC bark or biochar at any temperature increased air porosity but decreased the water holding capacity, except for the water holding capacity at 500 to 550 °C. As the biochar production temperature increased, so did the pH and electrical conductivity (EC), whereas volatile matter decreased. Plant height, width, shoot dry weight, root dry weight, number of flowers (chrysanthemum only), flower diameter, and water use efficiency were greatest with the 100% v/v soilless media for both species. In general, chrysanthemum plants grown with 25% v/v biochar supplementation or bark had similar height, width, and shoot dry weight at any temperature compared with those grown with the 100% v/v soilless media. For ornamental kale, the 25% v/v 400 to 450 °C biochar supplementation showed plant height and water use efficiency similar to those of the 100% v/v soilless media. In general, 25% ERC bark performed similar to 25% v/v and 50% v/v biochar at any temperature for plant width, shoot dry weight, root dry weight, water use efficiency, and root-to-shoot ratio. The media nutrient content and EC were greater with 100% v/v soilless media and a lower rate (25% v/v) of ERC bark and biochar than with higher rates. The higher levels of biochar were harmful and reduced the ornamental kale growth and quality. These results suggest that supplemented soilless media with lower rates (25% v/v) of ERC biochar could be recommended for chrysanthemum, but that less than 25% v/v may be necessary for ornamental kale.

Analysis of Kale Vegetable Production (Brassica oleracea var. sabellica) in Catfish Pond Water Media Using Floating Net Aquaponics Technology

Kale (Brassica oleracea var. sabellica) is a horticultural plant that looks like broccoli and cabbage, but its leaves are headless. This study aims to analyze the production of kale (Brassica oleracea var. sabellica) vegetables in catfish pond water media using floating net aquaponics technology, focusing on the impact of various doses of organic fertilizer on plant growth. The method used was the analysis of variance, and if a significant difference were found, Duncan's Multiple Range Test at the 5% level would be applied further. The results showed that various doses of organic fertilizer did not produce significant differences in plant height, although higher doses tended to increase. However, applying organic fertilizer significantly increased the number of kale plant leaves, with a dose of 100 ml/L producing the highest number of leaves compared to the control. This indicates that organic fertilizer effectively supports kale plants' vegetative growth. On the other hand, the treatment using AB Mix and catfish ponds as media did not show significant differences in the fresh weight of kale plants at various observation periods. Variations in plant wet weight were not statistically different enough to affect the study's conclusions. These findings indicate that although organic fertilizer significantly increased the number of leaves, aquaponic media with AB Mix and catfish ponds did not significantly affect plant wet weight.

Practical Guidelines for Farm Waste Utilization in Sustainable Kale Production

Natural amendments from agricultural waste to improve soil physicochemical properties continuously attract research interest in promoting eco-friendly plant production. The present study evaluated the proper use of sawdust, biochar, and compost made from farm waste for kale production from seedling propagation to field conditions. From the seedling propagation process, the results demonstrate that the most suitable growing medium for kale seedings was 0.5:1:1 v/v of sawdust + biochar + compost, which gave the fastest mean germination times (2.71 days) and the highest seed germination percentage (78.33%). In addition to investigating the selected growing media as the soil amendments at five different rates (0, 6.25, 12.50, 18.75, 25.00, and 31.25 t ha−1), the result reveals that the fresh weight of marketable leaves was significantly highest under the 31.25 t ha−1 treatment. The application rate that yielded the highest gross profit margins was eight times higher than the control. Moreover, in some harvesting periods, the kale leaf yields under the treatment of 31.25 t ha−1 showed higher total chlorophyll and carotenoid contents.

Occurrence and distribution of cyst nematodes, Heterodera spp. (Tylenchida: Heteroderidae) associated with black cabbage, Brassica oleracea var. acephala L. (Brassicales: Brassicaceae) in the Eastern Black Sea Region of Türkiye

This study was conducted during 2021-2022 to detect and determine distribution and population of cyst nematodes, Heterodera spp. (Tylenchida: Heteroderidae) in black cabbage Brassica oleracea var. acephala L. (Brassicales: Brassicaceae) production areas of the Eastern Black Sea Region of Türkiye. For it, a total of 77 samples were taken from 53 districts belonging to the Artvin, Giresun, Ordu, Rize, and Trabzon provinces in the region. Soil samples were taken from around the root of the kale plants. Nematodes were extracted by using the centrifugal flotation technique. The nematodes were identified using morphological features and molecular analysis based on Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) method. For molecular analysis, the ribosomal DNA region including the gene region of 28S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) (ITS1, 5.8S, ITS2) was amplified using primer sets TW81/AB28. Additionally, a species-specific primer set (Car-F/Car-R) covering the Cytochrome Oxidase I (cox1) region of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) was used. As a result of the analysis, cyst nematodes Heterodera cruciferae Franklin, 1945, Heterodera carotae Jones, 1950 and Heterodera fici Kirjanova, 1954 species were identified in the kale production areas in the region. Heterodera carotae is the first record of the cyst nematode species in Türkiye. Heterodera cruciferae, H. carotae, and H. fici were detected from the total collected soil samples at 16.9%, 3.9%, and 1.3% relative frequency, respectively. Among all, Giresun was the most infected province with 35.3% infection rate, followed by Trabzon with 26.3%, Ordu with 21.1% and Rize with 13.3%.

Ethno-knowledge of family farmers associated with the control of Plutella xylostella L. 1758 (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) in kale production

The species Brassica oleracea L. covers the varieties of kale, broccoli, and cabbage, being these crops mainly commercially exploited and cultivated by family farming in Brazil. Over the years, farmers adapt and better understand the problems related to pests and their life cycles, they gain knowledge from their daily work, which becomes important in the decision-making process regarding crops. Plutella xylostella L. is the main pest that attacks crucifers; when poorly controlled, it can compromise the entire production. The objective of this work was to evaluate the ethno-knowledge associated with the control of P. xylostella among family farmers who grow kale. 42 producers were selected by the snowball sampling technique, in the municipalities of Lucas do Rio Verde, Sorriso, and Sinop, Brazil, who answered a semi-structured questionnaire about their social profile, production and ethno-knowledge associated with the control of P. xylostella. It was found that there are several difficulties concerning the production of kale and pest recognition, the production techniques used, and access to information; in many of these factors, technical assistance has contributed to minimizing them through the dissemination of modern and effective techniques. Thus, knowing the role of ethno-knowledge of cabbage producers can contribute to the correct identification of damages in the crop and the pests that causes them, and can prevent the improper use of pesticides by farmers, leading to an efficient control. Furthermore, it can contribute to the valorization of dialogue, the exchange of knowledge and the resolution of problems.

Assessing baby leaf kale (Brassica oleracea) waste production mitigation in the transition to sustainable packaging with the application of silicon through an integrative model of quality

This research builds a mathematical modelling to assess food waste production when designing sustainable packaging solutions integrated with an agricultural intervention in kale production. The model utilizes experimental data obtained from simulated retail and distribution storage conditions to assess the probability of the product to be found out of technical specification and becoming waste. The packaging design was made using a system of differential equations describing the gas exchanges inside the packaging. The waste was estimated fitting linear mixed effect models to the postharvest experimental data, accounting for the variability between and within groups. A field experiment with kale treated with silicon during growth as a bio stimulant was used with the aim to make the product more resilient to packaging conditions. The Kale was then packaged in polylactic acid and oriented polypropylene for postharvest testing. Technological thresholds that indicate out-of-specification product were used to estimate the percentage of product that would likely end up as food waste. In total 7.2% of the product was found to be out of specification with the PLA film after 7 days. Silicon treatment was able to reduce this value to negligible, demonstrating the ability of agricultural interventions to facilitate sustainable packaging and reducing food waste in horticultural products.

Effect of Brown Seaweed in Powder and Extract Forms on Growth and Yield of Chinese Kale

Brown seaweed is generally found on the beach in Chanthaburi province. Brown seaweed can be used as a bio-stimulant for plant growth enabling the reduction cost of crop production. This experiment aimed to study the effect of seaweed in the forms of powder and extract on the growth and yield of Chinese Kale. Each experiment was conducted in three replicates and designed by CRD with 7 treatments, consisting of control, spraying of seaweed powder at 1%, 2%, and 3%, respectively, and spraying of seaweed extract at 1%, 2%, 3%, respectively. Total amino acid and plant nutrients (N, P, and K) of seaweed powder were analyzed prior to the experiment. Plant growth parameters were recorded at three intervals: 18, 25, and 32 days after transplanting (DAT). Fresh and dry weights of Chinese kale were measured after harvesting at 32 DAT. The results showed that brown seaweed at 2% either in in powder or extract forms can be used as a bio-stimulant for Chinese kale production without any significant difference.

Production of iron-enriched kale leaves (Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala) utilizing combinations of novel food processing technologies

Despite its rich content, iron bioavailability from leafy greens is low relative to protoporphyrin-bound (e.g. heme) iron, richest in red meat. We hypothesized that combinations of novel food processing techniques, i.e., vacuum impregnation (VI), water-bath (WB), overnight immersion (IM) in an iron sulfate solution, and moderate electric field (MEF) could improve kale leaf iron content and produce protoporphyrin-bound iron derivatives in situ. Combination MEF treatments increased leaf iron concentrations ∼160x greater than control. A ferroprotoporphyrin IX isomer was detected in MEF and IM-treated kale, providing up to 0.75 mg protoporphyrin-bound iron/100 g kale leaf fresh weight (FW). IM and MEF treatments also significantly increased leaf total chlorophyll concentrations ∼3x greater than the control. The novel food processing techniques employed herein produced kale with significantly higher concentrations of free + heme-bound iron, as well as total chlorophyll, relative to other plant-based sources. Future testing will determine if this “iron-enhanced” kale delivers more iron, as compared to other iron-rich food sources.

Relationships of Water Quality Parameters for Hydroponic Production of Kale (Brassica oleracea) with In-Ground Passive Cooling System

Greenhouses in Philippines are encountering high ambient air temperature problem. Along with this, the water quality directly affects the growth, development and yield of hydroponically grown plants. This study was conceptualized through the principle of cooling the nutrient solution that will effectively regulate plant’s growth and yield with relatively low investment and easier management. One of the essential elements of a functional hydroponics system is water quality monitoring, hence this study utilized a monitoring system for water quality parameters. Nutrient solution was closely monitored to maintain and ensure that nutrient levels are not too low to inhibit growth and not too high to be potentially toxic. The study was conducted to develop a monitoring system for environmental and water quality parameters of in-ground passive cooling system for hydroponic production of kale. Specifically, the study aimed to determine the relationships of water quality parameters such as pH, EC, TDS, and temperature for kale production, compare the performance of an in-ground passive cooling system (IGPCS) and without cooling system (Control) on hydroponically grown kale, and to evaluate the water productivity of the in-ground passive cooling system. This study utilized both in-ground passive cooling system (IGPCS) and control (without cooling system) to compare its performance based on the growth and yield of the kale, and to determine the water productivity of utilizing IGPCS. In addition, water quality parameter such as pH, EC, TDS, and temperature were closely monitored using the installed monitoring system, and relationships of these water quality parameters were established. The gathered data were analyzed using trend analysis in Microsoft Excel, Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was computed in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) and comparison among means were compared using Least Significant Difference (LSD) Test at 5% level. Results revealed that EC and TDS of nutrient solution are inversely proportional to pH and temperature of nutrient solution, moreover EC and TDS are directly proportional, also with pH and temperature of nutrient solution. The performance of the IGPCS and without cooling system is comparable with growth and yield of kale in terms of leaf length, leaf width, number of leaves, weight and yield at harvest, but are significantly affected by the location of growing pipes where crops received less and ample amount of sunlight. Since the temperature of IGPCS was reduced up to 3°C, kale plants with cooling system uptake less water compared to without cooling system and results to higher productivity. Therefore, regulating one of the water quality parameters directly affects other water quality parameters, so relationships of these water quality parameters were established through close monitoring of water quality parameters using the monitoring system. Utilization of IGPCS reduced the temperature of the nutrient solution up to 3°C which gave higher yield (44.01 g/plant) than without cooling system (41.18 g/plant). Kale production in tropical areas can have higher yield using the in-ground passive cooling system that reduced water consumption, resulting to higher productivity.

Pseudomonas fluorescens SP007S Formulations in Controlling Soft Rot Disease and Promoting Growth in Kale

Kale has gained popularity as a healthy food choice due to its rich nutrient profile. However, kale production systems are also affected by various pests and diseases, especially plant pathogenic bacteria, such as Pectobacterium carotovorum. The purpose of this research was to investigate the biocontrol activity of the Pseudomonas fluorescens strain SP007s and develop a formulation that provides stability, long shelf life, and disease control, as well as promoting growth in kale; we expect this formulation to have further commercial applications in the cultivation of kale. The results indicated that a unique mixture of paper sludge, sugar sludge, and glycerol at 40% relative humidity promoted SP007 survival for 6 months at room temperature (30 °C) with measures of 5.92 × 106 CFU/g. This treatment maintained the control efficacy of P. carotovorum in infected soil within 28 days of soil drenching. We evaluated the SP007s formula for controlling soft rot disease in greenhouse conditions, and our results revealed that it can reduce the disease in kale by 65.2% and promotes growth in terms of canopy width, shoot height, number of leaves per plant, fresh weight, and dry weight, which were superior to the control. In addition, the formula can induce the accumulation of endogenous salicylic acid and phenolic compounds, as well as a systemic acquired resistance pathway in the plant defense system. Therefore, the formula of SP007s can be a promising novel biocontrol formula for use in kale production, as it promotes plant growth and acts against P. carotovorum causal soft rot disease.

The Effect of Hydroponic Nutrient Sources and Planting Media Types on the Growth and Production of Chinese Kale (Brassica oleraceae L.)

Kale is prospective for cultivation because they have a good market. In order to get optimal plant output when growing kale in a hydroponic system, care must be taken to employ AB Mix nutrients and specific planting media types. This study aim at obtaining the right combination of AB Mix nutrients and types of growing media on the yield and growth of Kale plants, which were grown on substrates hydroponic. The study was organized in a Randomized Complete Block Design, with three replicates and factorial arrangement. The first factor was the source of nutrition AB Mix i.e. Infarm, Growrich, and Purie Garden. The second factor was the type of planting media, including husk charcoal, cocopeat, and a mixture of cocopeat and husk charcoal (1:1). Results revealed that the combination treatment of AB Mix nutrients and types of growing media was statistically different on the leaf area. The best combination was between charcoal and Infarm. The source of nutrition AB Mix significantly affected plant growth parameters such as plant height, leaf area, and dry weight of root with Infarm was found to the best nutrient. The type of growing media did not significantly influence all the parameters observed. Interaction between the type of nutrient AB Mix and type of growing media on the leaf area parameter showed with the best result M2A2 (husk charcoal + Infarm) of 700,96 cm2 , but not significantly different from the other treatment. Keywords: AB Mix nutrient, Cocopeat, Husk charcoal, Kale

Aplikasi Ekstrak Portulaca oleracea L. sebagai Biostimulan pada Pertumbuhan Kale (Brassica oleracea L. var acephala)

Biostimulants are organic compounds which in small amounts can have a positive effect on plant growth. Plant extracts are a source of biostimulants which contain compounds such as secondary metabolites and other organic compounds that can enhance plant growth. Portulaca is a wild plant that contains secondary metabolites, amino acids, macro and micro nutrients which have the potential as a source of biostimulants. Kale is a vegetable from the Brassicaceae family which is known as a super food because of its health benefits. Efforts to improve the quality of Kale production need to be increased in line with public demand. This study aims to analyze the effect of giving several concentrations of Portulaca extract and its compatibility on Kale growth. The method used in this study was an experimental method with a completely randomized design (CRD) with 5 treatments and 5 replications. Some concentrations of Portulaca extract are as a treatment consisting of: A (0%); B (1.5%); C (3%); D (4.5%); and E (6%). The application of Portulaca extract had a significantly different effect on chlorophyll and total chlorophyll of Kale plants with the highest content of 0.822 and 1.462, but did not have a different effect on other growth parameters. Based on proximate analysis, increasing the concentration of Portulaca extract can increase the highest percentage of protein content, namely at a concentration of 6% by 23.75%.

PARTISIPASI ANGGOTA KELOMPOK TANI CITRA DALAM MENINGKATKAN PRODUKSI KANGKUNG DARAT DI DESA AIMOLI KECAMATAN ALOR BARAT LAUT (ABAL)

Determination of Example Villages is done intentionally (Purposive Sampling), with the consideration that the Citra Group is a long-established farmer group and is now still active in carrying out activities of groundwater spinach farming. Determination of respondents is done by using saturated samples, a total sample of 25 people. The analysis showed that: (1) The participation of Citra farmer group members in increasing the production of groundwater spinach was classified as high with an average score of 83% in achieving the maximum score. This means that farmer group members have good participation (2) The average productivity of ground kale from Citra farmer group members from September to October 2021 is 787 bunches/are. Keywords: Participation, Spinach, Kale Kale Production.

PKM PENINGKATAN PRODUKSI OLAHAN KANGKUNG SEBAGAI JAJANAN SEHAT DI KECAMATAN BANGKINANG KABUPATEN KAMPAR

Kangkung land (Ipomea reptans Poir) is one of the horticultural plants that are very popular with the people of Indonesia because of its savory taste. This plant belongs to the group of seasonal crops and is short-lived and does not require large areas to cultivate it so that it is possible to cultivate it in cities where land is generally limited. In addition to the savory taste, the nutrients contained in kale vegetables are quite high. Kale production in Indonesia can reach 10?646.00 tons in 2021 (BPS 2021). The marketing opportunities for land kale are getting wider to supermarkets with the entry of kale vegetables to supermarkets will increase the selling price of this vegetable (Taufik, 2012). This water spinach plant (Ipomoea reptans) is only sold in the market and processed into vegetables, even though there are many processed products that can be used as healthy snacks from this kale raw material. Kangkung is one of the most popular vegetables in Indonesia. This plant comes from the tropics, especially Africa and Asia. Kangkung contains nutrients such as protein, fat, carbohydrates, calcium, phosphorus, iron, sodium, potassium, vitamin A, vitamin B, and vitamin C. (Priyowidodo, 2012). The purpose of this activity is to explore innovative ideas, increase creativity, instill an entrepreneurial spirit, train mentally and teach to work hard and be responsible. In addition, another goal is to reduce the waste generated by processing it into kale chips, kale sticks, and kale nuggets. There are several obstacles faced, namely (1) Limited capital. (2) Low motivation for entrepreneurs with kale as the main ingredient. (3) There is no diversity of processed kale products. (4) The absence of packaging and marketing of kale.
 Keywords:steak, nuggets, kangkong chips

Temporal Effects of the Combined Use of Cricket Frass and Eucalyptus Biochar on the Yield and Tissue Nitrate Content in Chinese Kale

A greenhouse experiment was conducted to estimate the influence of various application rates of eucalyptus-derived biochar combined with cricket frass on the soil properties and soil N transformation, and, in turn, affecting both shoot biomass yield and nitrate (NO3-) contents of Chinese kale (Brassica oleracea). Two consecutive kale crops were grown to investigate the temporal effect of the combined amendments of cricket frass and biochar. Six rates of biochar, 0%, 0.125%, 0.25%, 0.5%, 1%, and 2% w/w in combination with 0.55% w/w of cricket frass, were applied only once at the start of the experiment in sandy loam soil. Shoot biomass significantly increased under treatments of 0.125% to 0.5% w/w in the first kale crop and 0.125% to 0.25% w/w in the second crop compared to the cricket frass alone. However, the higher rates of 0.25% and 0.5% w/w within the first and second crops decreased shoot biomass relative to their lower rates in each crop. Tissue NO3- concentrations of the first kale crop significantly decreased under all biochar rates, whereas the opposite effect was observed in the second crop. These contrasting effects of biochar on tissue NO3- concentrations were attributed to nitrification inhibition in the first crop and nitrification stimulation in the second crop. The 0.125% w/w rate of eucalyptus-derived biochar was, therefore, recommended to be combined with cricket frass to improve yield and reduce tissue NO3- content in the production of Chinese kale.

GROWTH AND PRODUCTION OF WATER SPINACH ( Ipomea aquatica Forsk.) IN VARIOUS TYPES OF HYDROPONIC NUTRITION SYSTEM NFT (Nutrient Film Technique)

Efforts to increase the production of kale with a hydroponic cultivation system, the addition of nutrients is absolutely necessary for both macro and micronutrients. In addition to using AB mix nutrients, the use of other alternative fertilizers in hydroponic cultivation needs to be a big concern so that it can suppress the use of inorganic fertilizers. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of giving various types of nutrient compositions AB mix and cow urine on the growth and yield of water spinach plants with the Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) hydroponic system . The design used in this study was a single factor randomized block design (RAK) with 4 levels of treatment of various types of hydroponic nutrients consisting of N 1 (100% AB mix ), N 2 (75% AB mix + 25% Cow Urine), N 3 (50% AB mix + 50% Cow Urine), and N 4 (25% AB mix + 75% Cow Urine). The results of this study showed that the provision of various nutritional compositions significantly affected the growth and productivity of kale except for the variable number of books. Plant water spinach given nutritional composition N 4 (25% AB mix + 75% of cow urine) showed a markedly lower in all the observed variables, while the growth and productivity of water spinach best shown in the nutritional composition of 100% AB mix but not significantly different the nutritional composition treatment was 75% AB mix + 25% cow urine and 50% AB mix + 50% cow urine. The results of this study also show that the use of cow urine has not been able to replace the use of AB mix nutrition.

Effect of foliar and soil application of plant growth promoting bacteria on kale production and quality characteristics

Novel production strategies have been focusing more and more towards organic, sustainable, and environmentally friendly cultivation systems. Kale is becoming popular among consumers that are increasing constantly their demand; thus, kale cultivations are gaining a significant portion among other leafy crops. Plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) are increasingly applied in different cultivation species and cultivation systems, in order to increase plant productivity and improve the quality of the harvested product. A pot experiment was conducted in a greenhouse following a completely randomized design (CRD) with ten replications and two main factors. The first factor was the application method of PGPB (foliar or soil) and the second the use of PGPB (4 treatments and control). The aim of this study was to explore the influence of PGPB (Azotobacter chroococcum, Bacillus subtilis, Priestia megaterium and the mix Azotobacter chroococcum with Bacillus subtilis), as well as of the application method on plant growth, physiology, fresh weight, dry weight and quality of kale. According to the results, nearly all PGPB that were used, had positive effects on the fresh and dry weight, photosynthetic rate and plant height of the plants. Bacillus subtilis with soil application increased the fresh weight up to 33%, the dry weight up to 42% and the plant height up to 14.6%. Moreover, the photosynthetic rate of kale plants was increased by Bacillus subtilis with foliar application up to 89%. The use of P. megaterium and B. subtilis increased greenness (lower a-values) and yellowness (higher b-values) of kale leaves compared to all the other treatments.

Agroecological intensification: Can organic conversion improve the production efficiency? A perspective from smallholder kale production systems Kenya

The increasing resource and ecological challenges in agriculture necessitate agricultural intensification and resource optimization. This study focuses on agroecological intensification using organic practices. It compares the production efficiency of the organic and non-organic smallholder kale production systems in Kenya. Using survey data collected from Kenya, the study estimated production (cost and revenue) efficiency of the kale production system by conducting data envelopment and stochastic frontier analysis and subjected the efficiency measures to propensity score matching analysis. The results show no significant difference in cost efficiency between organic and non-organic kale producers. However, revenue efficiency and income per unit production cost are lower among organic than non-organic kale producers. The results also show that the efficiency and productivity of the organic smallholder kale production system are limited by a lack of inputs (especially manure) but not labor. This implies that improving the efficiency of the smallholder organic kale production system requires more use of organic manure as well as research and training on organic pesticides. The finding concurs with literature that reports organic input problems and lower productivity in organic than non-organic production systems in developing countries and Kenya, especially in vegetables. It also shows that the organic production system is more labor-intensive than the non-organic system. • Study compared production efficiency of organic and non-organic kale production system. • Estimated production efficiency using data envelopment and stochastic frontier analysis. • Compared production efficiency using propensity score matching. • Revenue efficiency and income per unit cost lower in organic than non-organic system. • Efficiency and productivity of organic production system limited by inputs but not labor.