Spider Plant Research Articles

Phenotypic variation in biomass and related traits among four generations advanced lines of Cleome (Gynandropsis gynandra L. (Briq.)).

Gynandropsis gynandra (spider plant) is an African traditional leafy vegetable rich in minerals, vitamins and health-promoting compounds with potential for health promotion, micronutrients supplementation and income generation for stakeholders, including pharmaceutical companies. However, information on biomass productivity is limited and consequently constrains breeders’ ability to select high-yielding genotypes and end-users to make decisions on suitable cultivation and production systems. This study aimed to assess the phenotypic variability in biomass and related traits in a collection of G. gynandra advanced lines to select elite genotypes for improved cultivar development. Seventy-one advanced lines selected from accessions originating from Asia, West Africa, East Africa and Southern Africa were evaluated over two years with two replicates in a greenhouse using a 9 x 8 alpha lattice design. Significant statistical differences were observed among lines and genotype origins for all fourteen biomass and related traits. The results revealed three clusters, with each cluster dominated by lines derived from accessions from Asia (Cluster 1), West Africa (Cluster 2), and East/Southern Africa (Cluster 3). The West African and East/Southern African groups were comparable in biomass productivity and superior to the Asian group. Specifically, the West African group had a low number of long primary branches, high dry matter content and flowered early. The East/Southern African group was characterized by broad leaves, late flowering, a high number of short primary branches and medium dry matter content and was a candidate for cultivar release. The maintenance of lines’ membership to their group of origin strengthens the hypothesis of geographical signature in cleome diversity and genetic driver of the observed variation. High genetic variance, broad-sense heritability and genetic gains showed the potential to improve biomass yield and related traits. Significant and positive correlations among biomass per plant, plant height, stem diameter and leaf size showed the potential of simultaneous and direct selection for farmers’ desired traits. The present results provide insights into the diversity of spider plant genotypes for biomass productivity and represent key resources for further improvement in the species.

Cleome gynandra: A wonder climate-smart plant for nutritional security for millions in semi-arid areas.

Spider plant (Cleome gynandra) is predominantly used as a traditional leafy vegetable throughout Africa and is considered a rich natural source of essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and proteins. With the increase in malnutrition, diet related non-communicable diseases and poverty across the continent of Africa, the spider plant is a bona fide alternative healthy food crop to alleviate these challenges. Spider plant is an erect annual herb that could grow up to 150 cm tall, strongly branched, with a long taproot and few secondary roots. It is commonly consumed in resource-poor communities especially during times of major food scarcity. It is a drought-tolerant and resilient annual vegetable crop capable of growing well in a wide range of climatic and edaphic conditions. Despite the potential benefits and wide adaptability, progressive attempts towards the development of C. gynandra as a crop have been impeded by issues like low investment in research and development resulting in poor seed quality, relatively low yields and susceptibility to pests and diseases. In this paper, we reviewed the research that has been done regarding its morphology, growing conditions, production and utilisation (i.e., nutrition). The current review highlighted the status of the science in advancing the domestication of C. gynandra as a potential power crop for several African countries. The review concluded that with the advancement of modern biotechnology techniques and genome sequencing, there is a compelling case for investment and development in C. gynandra as a candidate for managing micronutrient deficiencies during the post-pandemic era. Finally, the existing knowledge gaps (e.g., breeding) that necessitate explorations were identified and recommendations that could enhance its development and potential commercialisation were made.

Leaf elemental composition analysis in spider plant [Gynandropsis gynandra L. (Briq.)] differentiates three nutritional groups.

Understanding the genetic variability within a plant species is paramount in implementing a successful breeding program. Spider plant (Gynandropsis gynandra) is an orphan leafy vegetable and an extraordinary source of vitamins, secondary metabolites and minerals, representing an important resource for combatting malnutrition. However, an evaluation of the leaf elemental composition, using a worldwide germplasm collection to inform breeding programs and the species valorization in human nutrition is still lacking. The present study aimed to profile the leaf elemental composition of G. gynandra and depict any potential geographical signature using a collection of 70 advanced lines derived from accessions originating from Asia and Eastern, Southern and West Africa. The collection was grown in a greenhouse using a 9 × 8 alpha lattice design with two replications in 2020 and 2021. Inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectrometry was used to profile nine minerals contents. A significant difference (p < 0.05) was observed among the lines for all nine minerals. Microelements such as iron, zinc, copper and manganese contents ranged from 12.59–430.72, 16.98–166.58, 19.04–955.71, 5.39–25.10 mg kg−1 dry weight, respectively, while the concentrations of macroelements such as potassium, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium varied in the ranges of 9992.27–49854.23, 8252.80–33681.21, 3633.55–14216.16, 2068.03–12475.60 mg kg−1 dry weight, respectively. Significant and positive correlations were observed between iron and zinc and calcium and magnesium. Zinc, calcium, phosphorus, copper, magnesium, and manganese represented landmark elements in the genotypes. Eastern and Southern African genotypes were clustered together in group 1 with higher phosphorus, copper and zinc contents than Asian and West African lines, which clustered in group 2 and were characterized by higher calcium, magnesium and manganese contents. An additional outstanding group 3 of six genotypes was identified with high iron, zinc, magnesium, manganese and calcium contents and potential candidates for cultivar release. The genotype × year interaction variance was greater than the genotypic variance, which might translate to phenotypic plasticity in the species. Broad-sense heritability ranged from low to high and was element-specific. The present results reveal the leaf minerals diversity in spider plant and represent a baseline for implementing a minerals-based breeding program for human nutrition.

Major Production Constraints and Spider Plant [Gynandropsis gynandra (L.) Briq.] Traits Preferences Amongst Smallholder Farmers of Northern Namibia and Central Malawi

Spider plant (Gynandropsis gynandra (L.) Briq.) is among the most important African Leafy Vegetables (ALVs) as a source of essential nutrients with the potential of contributing significantly to household food and nutritional security and mitigation of hidden hunger. Nevertheless, the vegetable is considered an orphan crop and its production is challenged by inadequate research to identify and improve traits preferred by smallholder farmers. The research was conducted to identify the main challenges impacting the production of spider plants and identify traits preferred by smallholder farmers in northern Namibia and central Malawi for use in demand-led crop improvement. Semi-structured interviews involving a random selection of 197 farming households from five regions of northern Namibia and three districts of central Malawi were conducted. In addition, six key informant interviews and four focus group discussions were conducted to triangulate the findings. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 20. Fischer's exact test was used to test for independence in the ranking of production constraints and agronomic traits, while Kendall's Coefficient of Concordance (W) was used to measure agreement levels in the ranking across the countries. Farmers indicated lack of seed, poor soil fertility, poor seed germination and drought as the main production challenges across the two countries. Production constraints were ranked differently (p &amp;lt; 0.001) across the study sites suggesting the influence of biophysical and socio-economic factors associated with production. High yield and drought tolerance were considered the most important agronomic traits among the smallholder farmers in both countries. The findings of this study are useful for designing demand-driven pre-breeding trials that prioritize the needs of the end-users. Demand-led breeding has the potential to stimulate the production and utilization of spider plant, hence contributing to household food and nutritional security.

Suitability of select micro-green, ornamental and legume plants for use in green walls: a novel brewery wastewater treatment option

ABSTRACT Green walls are increasingly popular in urban settings with demonstrated beneficial use as vertical gardens, building envelops, and uniquely orientated green space to improve urban biodiversity and air quality. This research evaluated the suitability of green wall plants for the preliminary treatment of wastewater generated by food and beverage makers, quantifying suitability with plant growth metrics. Edible micro-green, ornamental, and legume plants were planted in perlite filled pots and irrigated continuously with untreated brewery wastewater or a control of Hoaglands solution. Plants receiving wastewater had less growth than the control. Stem growth for microgreen and legume plants that were started from seed was 798% and 253% less, respectively, when irrigated with 100% brewery wastewater. The stem growth of established ornamental plants was 26% less when irrigated with the wastewater. Wastewater irrigated plants with the highest rates of growth and survivability included the mustard plant (Brassica juncea), and ornamental plants Epipremnum aureum (Golden Pothos) and Chlorophytum comosum (Spider Plant). Growth metrics for wastewater irrigated legumes were higher for plants inoculated with rhizobia, than plants without the inoculation, which suggests low available nitrogen concentrations, rather than toxicity of the wastewater, limited plant growth. The results suggest that ornamental plants such as Epipremnum aureum and Chlorophytum comosum can be sustained, without the addition of supplemental nutrients, in a green wall utilized to treat brewery wastewater.

Modeling to Reduce the Indoor Air Pollution in Dhaka: An Evidence from Randomized Experiment of NASA Recommended Plants

Spider plant (Chlorophytum elatum), Snake plant (Dracaena trifasciata), Dracaena (Dracaena marginata) and Aloe vera (Aloe vera) are selected to conduct the experiment because which is the National Aeronautics Space Administration NASA recommended plants that are available in Bangladesh. In this study Indoor Air Quality Index (IAQI) is estimated by using seven parameters such that PM2.5, PM10, CO2/PPM, Formaldehyde, Volatile organic compounds, Temperature and Humidity. Dracaena has significantly impact to reduce PM2.5 after one month later 36.00 to 28.33. Also Dracaena and Aloe vera have significantly impact to reduce PM10 after one month later (46.00 to 36.33) and (21.33 to 44.33 to 32.67) respectively. Results showed that the more decreasing rate of CO2/PPM is recorded from Spider plant about 622 to 620 then 615. Another finding is that the highest rate of change of formaldehyde is planting Aloe vera (24%). The results of VOC obtained from Spider plant (0.290 to 0.204 to 0.178) gave positive results compared to other plants. Effects of different types of plants showed significant differences on room temperature. The highest rate of change of temperature (6%) is recorded from Snake plants and Aloe vera. The highest increasing rate of change of humidity (7.3%) is recorded from Snake plants. One month later after plantation, the sub indices of major four pollutants such that PM2.5, PM10, CO2/PPM and Formaldehyde are similar without CO2/PPM. Sub indices of PM2.5 are less than 50 and one is near to fifty. The lowest score of sub indices of HCHO (less than 40) is recorded from Spider plants (25) whereas the statistically followed is obtained from PM10. Aggregation of sub indices to get the overall IAQI by maximum operator method IAQI = Max (Isi1, Isi2, Isi3, Isi4) because a health based index cannot be combined or weighted. Finally results shows that IAQI of this study one month later after plantation for each type of plants are satisfactory but not good.

Must Have Been A Lie

Must Have Been A Lie

Investigation of indoor spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) affecting the carbon monoxide and carboxyhemoglobin reduction

Investigation of indoor spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) affecting the carbon monoxide and carboxyhemoglobin reduction

Review on the Importance and Breeding History of Spider Plant (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Gynandropsisgynandra (L.) Briq&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;.)

Climate change is the most dangerous and existing in every of the world including where whether suitable for live or not. Before, a century the headache of climate change impact is very low and focused on industrialization. As economy and civilization rising up, the population number double, tripled or dramatically increased in developing countries with less family planning technology. The fuel of climate change is over population, less improved conservation technology and less climate smart legacy. Several developed countries reached adaptation strategy than mitigation, while in developing countries challenging with mitigation, and even awareness creation about the climate change. Thus, orphan crops conservation and cultivation practices plays significant role in to overcome the challenge may happened due to climate change such as genetic erosion adaptation problems and technology development. Spider plant is very smart crop majorly found in different African countries of orphan species. It is used for several problems and exceptional characters. It is uses as sources of food, income, medicinal values, and more adapted at low moisture areas by escaping with methods of short life span and high water use efficiency. However, the improvements activities through breeding and agronomic practices still very on infant stage. Therefore, this review gives some importance of the crop, its history of improvements and future opportunity to improve the spider plant.

Serum ferritin levels are associated with frequent consumption of iron- and ascorbate-rich foods among women of childbearing age in Nandi County, Kenya.

Information on consumption patterns of iron- and ascorbate-rich foods and their influence on iron status among women of childbearing age (WCA) is scarce in Kenya despite iron deficiency being rampant. The present study investigated consumption patterns of iron- and ascorbate-rich foods on iron status among WCA in Kapsabet Ward, Kenya. The study adopted a cross-sectional analytical design. A sample of 160 respondents was systematically selected proportionately in the eight villages. Consumption patterns of iron- and ascorbate-rich foods were assessed using a modified 7-d Food Frequency Questionnaire. Venous blood (2 ml) was drawn from participants. Serum ferritin and C-reactive proteins were measured by enzyme immunoassay. Consumption patterns of iron- and ascorbate-rich foods were analysed using descriptive statistics. Multivariable regression was conducted to investigate the association between iron- and ascorbate-rich foods consumption and iron status. Confounding variables such as consumption of foods high phytate levels, milk and milk products, recent major blood losses and parasitic infections were controlled for during analysis. The prevalence of iron deficiency among the WCA was 45⋅0 %. Iron-rich foods were rarely (<2 times/week) consumed by the respondents with the majority reporting infrequent consumption: meat (61⋅3 %), sardines (61⋅9 %), oranges (54⋅4 %) and fortified breakfast cereals (94⋅4 %), except for kale and beans. Iron- (iron-fortified porridge, meat, sardines, beans, amaranth and spider plants) and ascorbate- (oranges and mangoes) rich foods positively predicted (AOR = 4⋅851, P = 0⋅021) the normal iron status of WCA. WCA should consume above 2 intakes per week of each iron- and ascorbate-rich food for better iron status outcomes.

Determinants of Household Consumption Frequency for Spider plant (Cleome gynandra) in Kiambu, Kenya: Implications for Marketers

Determinants of Household Consumption Frequency for Spider plant (Cleome gynandra) in Kiambu, Kenya: Implications for Marketers

Molecular Characterization of Spider Plant (Cleome gynandra) Accessions Using SSR Markers

Spider plant (Cleome gynandra L.) is an indigenous leafy vegetable that is a rich source of minerals, proteins, vitamins, flavonoids, antioxidants and many other compounds. Morphological characterization of the germplasm for optimal genetic exploitation is limited by environmental factors. The objective of this study was to determine the degree of genetic diversity between exotic and local spider plant accessions using molecular markers. The spider plant germplasm consisted of 18 local and exotic accessions. Seven polymorphic simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were used in the study. The SSR marker combinations revealed a total of 46 alleles at 7 loci, with an average of 6.57 alleles per locus. An average polymorphic information index of 0.69 was recorded. According to Nei’s genetic distance analysis, low population differentiation was observed between the local and exotic spider plant accessions, which was indicated by a low fixation index value of 0.024 and a high Nm (10.20). Analysis of molecular variance showed no significant (p &lt; 0.327) variation among and within the local and exotic accessions. Furthermore, low population differentiation was recorded when accessions were grouped based on their stem colour, with an Fst value of 0.007. In both the hierarchical clustering using an unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) and principal coordinate analysis (PCoA), the local accession ‘ML-3-KK’ was grouped alone, suggesting that this accession was different from the rest of the accessions and could be useful in selection programmes for spider plant genetic improvement. Both the UPGMA and PCoA were similar in clustering the eighteen spider plant accessions into four groups. The local spider plant accessions were more genetically diverse (with sixteen rare alleles) when compared to the exotic accessions (with only three rare alleles). The rare alleles provided useful information on the genetic variability in certain loci and identification of accessions that could be used as parental lines in spider plant breeding programmes.

Dietary Phytochemical Screening of Spider Plant (Gynandropsis gynandra (L.) Briq.) Accessions From Africa and Asia to Identify Genotypes for Use in Nutraceutical Breeding

Increased public awareness of healthy foods and healthy living, coupled with escalating medicinal costs and recent advances in research and technology, has sparked a paradigm shift to nutraceuticals, which guarantee human health and disease prevention. Spider plant (Gynandropsis gynandra) contains dietary phytochemicals with high nutritional and medicinal properties that can contribute to healthy living. A study was conducted to identify spider plant (Gynandropsis gynandra(L.) Briq.) accessions with superior levels of dietary phytochemicals and anti-oxidative activity for use in nutraceutical breeding. Thirty-three accessions of spider plant, representing a wide genetic diversity based on geographic areas of origin (Asia, East Africa, Southern Africa, and West Africa), were used. Total phenolic acids, tannins, and anthocyanins were extracted and quantified using the Folin-Ciocalteau colorimetric, spectrophotometric, and pH differential methods, respectively. Antioxidant activity was determined using phosphomolybdenum method. Results showed significant variation in levels of total phenolic compounds, tannins, anthocyanins, and antioxidant activity (P&amp;lt; 0.05) amongst the spider plant accessions and regions of origin; ODS-15-037 (464 mg TAE/g DW), ODS-15-053 (270 mg GAE/g DW), and BC-02A (127 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside/g DW) had the highest levels of total tannins, phenolic compounds, and anthocyanins, respectively. Antioxidant activity was high in ODS-15-053 (492.2 mg AAE/100 g DW), NAM 2232 (445.3 mg AAE/100 g DW), and NAM-6 (432.5 mg AAE/100 g DW). On average, West African accessions had significantly high tannin concentrations (239 mg TAE/g DW), while Southern Africa accessions contained significantly high anthocyanin content (58.9 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside/g DW). The superior accessions are potential candidates for use in nutraceutical breeding, while the regions of origin could be used as gene pools for specific phytochemicals for improving dietary supplements of nutraceuticals. The strong antioxidant activity exhibited by spider plant accessions suggests the presence of compounds responsible for scavenging free oxygen or nitrogen radicals. Further studies are recommended to identify the chromosomal regions that contain genes controlling the dietary nutraceuticals in the genetic materials and to determine their association with foliage yield and other phenotypes, which can be utilized in spider plant improvement.

Health-Related Benefits of Different Indoor Plant Species in a School Setting

Humans spend more than 80% of their lives indoors resulting in an increased demand for high indoor air quality (IAQ). At the same time, indoor air tends to be at least twice as polluted as outdoor air, and health threats caused by long-term exposure to indoor air pollution are rising. Few experiments under real-life conditions have demonstrated positive effects of indoor plants on parameters related to IAQ, resulting in improved humidity and temperature, reduced particulate matter concentration and CO2 levels. Indoor living walls allow the presence of many plants—without taking up valuable floor area. This article presents the results of conducted measurements on four do-it-yourself green walls planted with different plant species that are typically used for vertical indoor greenery (golden pothos, Boston fern, spider plant and a combination of plants) in a school setting. Besides the parameters of air humidity and temperature, CO2, mold spore and particulate matter levels, influences on room acoustics were investigated. Based on a custom-developed evaluation matrix, the plants were compared with each other and a reference without plants. The results show that no species led to deterioration of IAQ. Golden pothos had the most substantial effect and delivered improvements in all examined parameters.

In Vitro Bioaccessibility of the Vitamin B Series from Thermally Processed Leafy African Indigenous Vegetables

Thermal processing of leafy African indigenous vegetables (LAIVs), which are rich in nutrients, especially vitamin B series affects the levels and bioaccessibility of the vitamins. This study investigated the bioaccessibility of vitamin B series in fresh and thermally processed LAIVs. Five commonly consumed indigenous vegetables, Cleome gynadra, Vigna unguilata, Amaranthus viridis, Basella alba, and Cucurbita maxima, were processed by boiling and/or frying, treated to in vitro gastrointestinal digestion procedure, and levels of vitamin B series determined before and after treatment. The vitamin B series in fresh LAIVs ranged from 0.73 ± 0.01 mg/100 g (B9; spider plant) to 174.16 ± 3.50 mg/100 g (B2; vine spinach) and had both significant increase (ranging from +8.71% to +446.84%) and decrease (ranging from −0.44% to −100.00%) with thermal processing (p&lt;0.001). The in vitro digestion resulted in a significant increase (p&lt;0.001) of vitamins ranging from 5.18% (B5; boiled cowpeas) to 100% (B2, B3, and B6 in several processed vegetables). Where detected, the bioaccessible levels of vitamin B series in fresh, processed, and in vitro digested samples were sufficient to meet the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) of children and adults. These findings support the promotion of a nutritional approach to malnutrition resulting from vitamin B series deficiency.

Evaluation of Leaf Mineral, Flavonoid, and Total Phenolic Content in Spider Plant Germplasm

Spider plant (Cleome gynandra L.) is an important leafy vegetable that grows naturally in many parts of the world. The leaves are highly nutritious and are used mainly for human consumption. The mineral content and phenolic compounds of 17 genotypes (local and exotic) of spider plant and four standards (swiss chard, jute mallow, cowpea, and pumpkin) were investigated. Leaf samples were harvested from plants raised at Thohoyandou, South Africa. Exotic genotypes were superior to local genotypes for most of the minerals. Swiss chard possessed significantly high levels of some minerals such as iron and manganese in comparison with exotic spider plant genotypes. The calcium content in the local (‘MP-B-3-CG’) and exotic (‘GPS’) genotypes was >30.0% and >60.0% higher than in swiss chard, respectively. Total phenolics among spider plant genotypes ranged from 9.86 to 12.21 mg GAE/g DW and were superior to pumpkin. In addition, the spider plant genotypes varied significantly in the antioxidant capacity as estimated by the 2,2 diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl method and ferric-reducing antioxidant power. The main flavonoid in the leaves of spider plant genotypes was quercetin-3-rutinoside. Crotonoside (glycoside) was detected in all the spider plant genotypes and swiss chard. A positive correlation was observed between total phenolic content and each of the three flavonoids. The PCA biplot associated exotic genotypes (‘ML-SF-29′, ‘PS’, ‘TZ-1’, and ‘GPS’) and local genotypes (‘ML-3-KK’, ‘ML-13-SDM’, and ‘ML-12-TMP’) with high Al, Fe, Zn, N, and TPC. Cluster analysis indicated high “distant groups” between exotic and local genotypes of spider plant. These results indicated that some of the local germplasm of spider plant was largely inferior to the exotic germplasm in terms of their mineral composition but contained considerable quantities of quercetin-3-rutinoside, particularly in the local genotypes ‘MP-B-2-CG’ and ‘MP-B-1-CG’. There is a need for genetic improvement of the local germplasm in some of the minerals particularly to benefit the end-users.

LEAF COLOR SEGMENTATION AND POT VOLUME INFLUENCE ON THE CO2 ABSORPTION EFFICIENCY IN TWO COMMON GREEN-WALL PLANTS

ABSTRACT Green walls can improve indoor air-quality by reducing concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other air pollutants. Our study focused on the spider plant, Chlorophytum comosum, and devil’s ivy, Epipremnum aureum, both common green-wall plants that have been found to be efficient CO2 absorbers. Both species have multiple variants with varying degrees of leaf green-white segmentation. Since photosynthesis depends on the concentration of leaf chlorophylls, we hypothesized that green variants are more efficient carbon absorbers than green-white variants. In addition, we tested the hypothesis that the photosynthetic rate of plants is affected by pot volume, as suggested by previous studies. We used a portable gas exchange system to determine the rate of photosynthesis of the study plants. No evidence was found for better photosynthetic performance in the green vs. green-white variants of each species. In fact, our results suggest the opposite. It was observed that a spider plants assimilated carbon more efficiently when grown in a larger pot volume. In conclusion, our study shows that in terms of carbon assimilation, green-white variants of spider plants are the better choice for indoor green walls. Their efficiency can be improved dramatically by increasing pot volume.

Influence of cadmium-resistant Streptomycetes on plant growth and cadmium uptake by Chlorophytum comosum (Thunb.) Jacques.

This work aims to explore the role of cadmium-resistant actinomycetes on promoting plant growth and cadmium uptake in Chlorophytum comosum (Thunb.) Jacques, a spider plant. Actinomycetes isolated from the plant roots in peat swamp forests were screened for their cadmium resistance and the production of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and siderophores. The results found that K5PN1 and 11-10SHTh produced high levels of IAA and siderophores, respectively. K5PN1 and 11-10SHTh were identified to be Streptomyces rapamycinicus and Streptomyces cyaneus, respectively. Both strains were able to remove cadmium from aqueous solution and survive under cadmium stress in contaminated soil. The results of pot experiments found that the selected Streptomyces inoculation increased the root and shoot biomass and cadmium accumulation in the root and shoot of C. comosum planted in a cadmium-contaminated soil. The highest cadmium accumulation and translocation ability of cadmium from the root to shoot was found in C. comosum with S. rapamycinicus inoculation. In addition, plant with S. cyaneus inoculation had the highest phytoextraction coefficient and bioaccumulation factor. Our findings concluded that S. rapamycinicus and S. cyaneus stimulated the growth and cadmium uptake in C. comosum, suggesting a combined approach using the selected Streptomyces and C. comosum for phytoremediation of cadmium-polluted soil.

We'll Deal With That Later.

We'll Deal With That Later Lauren T. Southerland, Jennifer A. Frey, and Russell Williams The office was empty and all the plants were dead. And while it is not atypical to find plants struggling for life in my personal office, it is not normal to find them in everyone's offices. It was mid-April and we had been in quarantine for COVID-19 and working from home for over a month. Initially, I had been better about nipping into my office to get supplies and things I needed, but once I had permission to take my work desktop home, my bedroom became my primary research space. I hadn't realized until I walked back in that day in April that four weeks had passed of doing all our work from home and no one had been in to water the plants. Even the cactus was drooping and brown. My research team and I had been working on starting up an interventional study to try to reduce COVID-19 infections in healthcare workers, and we were meeting in person to put the final pieces in place. My research manager Jennifer Frey and I needed to process map every element of the study, from where we would meet with potential participants to where we would draw samples and swab nasal passages. Hopefully clinical research would be easier to resurrect than the wilted cacti and dried-up spider plants. On a whim I decided to take every plant I could find home with me to see what could be saved. For everyone in the world the pandemic has been difficult. For an emergency medicine physician who also does clinical research and just took on the leadership role of Director of Clinical Research for the Department, it was very difficult. Add in navigating remote schooling for 4 kids, including a 3 year old boy who is part-tornado, and work challenges were now work-life tournaments with both sides competing ferociously over every minute of time I had. The kids quickly adapted and developed shrewd attack plans: sneaking into the bedroom office to try to make crazy faces during work Zoom calls or nabbing my cell phone so I couldn't double-secure login to hospital websites. Even with my amazing husband at home full time, trying to sort through the 7 websites, (which means 21 different logins between the 3 school age kids) and figuring out how to upload things like "paragraph fluency readings" and kindergarten art projects, it was hard. I can't imagine how unmanageable it was for single parents. Who knows if they were learning anything. We'll worry about the gap in their education later. . . . When COVID hit, we had a team of paid undergrad students, clinical research assistants, research coordinators, and managers recruiting and running 11 different studies in the Emergency Department. In late March, all non-critical research was halted and employees were sent to work from home. We scrambled to find encrypted, HIPAA compliant laptops for everyone. We had several studies that required follow up phone calls to participants. The team figured out how to use the hospital operator service to mirror calls so patient participants only saw the hospital number and not their personal cell phones when they called from home. Jen ordered headsets for the team off Amazon. We'll figure out reimbursement later . . . Our studies ranged from the management of septic shock to identifying delirium in older patients to urine microbiomes. All those were halted as being non-critical and we quickly pivoted to starting up several COVID trials. We'll worry about the consequences to our other studies later . . . This was my first interventional drug trial. An interventional drug trial typically takes 12–18 months of work to ensure that all the appropriate regulations, permissions, and operating procedures are in place. We had to condense that down to 4–6 weeks. You could almost hear the echoing screech as the entire research mechanism at this large academic hospital switched gears to the all-COVID setting. The number of committee decisions, permissions, and signed contracts was amazing. It was lots of late nights, early mornings, and learning on the fly. The...

Performance of spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) in modular vertical green walls under various media and nutrients

An investigation was carried out to study the performance of various media and nutrients for spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) in modular vertical walls under vertical green walls in the Department of Horticulture, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar (Tamil Nadu) during 2018 to 2020. The experiment comprised of four media viz., coco peat, greenosil, perlite and vermiculite and their combinations and two nutrients viz., foliar nutrition (Grosure NPK 19:19:19 and @ 1% twice (30 and 90 days after planting)) and fertilizer stick (Greenstix sticks were inserted to the modular containers @ one per container at 30 and 90 days after planting). Results revealed that, among the media, plants grown under vermiculite showed better performance in exhibiting maximum values for plant height (24.9 cm), number of leaves (21.6), leaf length (23.8 cm), leaf width (2.43), leaf area (30.9 cm2), shoot weight (15.1 g plant-1), root weight (3.4 g plant-1), biomass (18.4 g plant-1), size index (24.7 cm), and visual quality (9.08). However, among the nutrients, plants inserted with fertilizer stick recorded highest values for plant height (20.9 cm), number of leaves (18.8), leaf length (20.9 cm), leaf width (2.21), leaf area (30.2 cm2), shoot weight (14.8 g plant-1), root weight (3.24 g plant-1), biomass (18.1 g plant-1), size index (22.5 cm), and visual quality (8.49). compared with foliar nutrition. The interaction between media and nutrients was significant and plants grown under vermiculite and containers inserted with fertilizer stick showed superior performance in exerting maximum values for all the characters than other treatment combinations.