Weeks Of Planting Research Articles

Effect of Different Levels of Catalysts and Chemicals Primer on Content of Induced Callus Tissue of Cotyledon Leaves of Spilanthes Acmella Seedlings on Some Chemical Traits in Vitro

This experiment was conducted in the Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory, College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, University of Baghdad for the period from September/2018 to July 2019. The induced callus from the cotyledon leaves of seedlings of the Spilanthes acmella plant was used in order to know the effect of chemical catalysts and Starmedium was added to Glutamine (250, 300, 350) mgters on the chemical content. After 4 weeks of planting, the primary callus was planted at 150 mg in the nutrient medium supplemented with auxin,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D) 2.0 mg.L−1 and cytokinin Benzyl Adenine (BA) 0.5 mg.L−1 at constant concentrations in the first five medium, to which the catalyst was added salicylic acid at concentrations (25, 50, 75) μmol). The second medium was added to methyl jasmonate at concentrations (25, 50, 75 μmol) of the third medium was added to Casein hydrolysate at concentrations (25, 50, 75 μmol) of the fourth medium was added to Glutamine (250, 300, 350) mg. L−1. The results showed that the treatment of nutritional medium with high concentrations of stimulants and primer led to a significant increase in the content of plant tissues (the induced callus from the cotyledons) of total carbohydrates, the percentage of protein, the content of callus from the carotene pigment and content of proline, while the comparison treatment was the most effective in vegetable tissue contents of total carbohydrates and protein percentage and content of callus from the carotene pigment and proline, as well as this confirms that all treatments led to a positive and direct increase of chemical compounds content of plant tissues of chemical traits, especially in the treatment of Salicylic acid, methyl jasmonate, casein hydrolysate, glutamine, and phenylalanine (75 micromoles, 75 micromoles, 75 micromoles, 350 mg.L−1, 150 micromoles) respectively, were followed by the treatments of Salicylic acid, methyl jasmonate, casein hydrolysate, glutamine and phenylalanine (50 μmol, 50 μmol, 50 μmol, 300 mg.L−1, 100 μmol), respectively. The aim of this study is to know the effect of Salicylic acid, methyl jasmonate, casein hydrolysate, glutamine, and phenylalanine in the induction and differentiation of callus of cotyledon leaves cotyledon leaves of Spilanthes acmella seedlings on some chemical traits in vitro.

Mycorrhizal dependency and growth response of A. chinensis (Osbeck) Merrill and Pongamia pinnata (L.) pierre in soil media with low pH and high aluminium

Silica sand post mining has low nutrient soil, acidic soil pH (3.2), hight Al content (7.70 cmol/kg) which are the limiting factors of plant growth. Therefore, soil quality might be improved by the addition of soil ameliorant and fertilizer application. MycoSilvi is consortium of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal fungi and Mycorrhizal helper bacteria (MHBs). This study was aimed to analyze the dependence of plants against FMA contained in MycoSilvi. There are three variants of MycoSilvi, both single or in combination with soil ameliorant to enhance Albizia chinensis (Osbeck) Merrill and Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre growth. The research design was a factorial sheme with two factors, MycoSilvi (M) consists of four levels (M0=Without MycoSilvi, M1=MycoSilvi variant 1, M2 = MycoSilvi variant 2 and M3 = MycoSilvi variant 3) and Soil ameliorant (LC) consisting of four levels (L0C0 = Without soil ameliorant, L1C0 = Lime, L0C1 = Compost, L1C1 = Lime and Compost). Data were analysed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Dry weight of shoot and root, top root ratio, percentage of mycorrhizal colonization, growth response and the relative dependence of mycorrhiza were observed after 12 weeks of planting. The results showed that combination of MycoSilvi and soil ameliorant can made dry weight of a shoot, root and top root ratio better than all treatment. Whereas the best growth response and mycorrhiza dependency was shown in MycoSilvi variant 3 without lime and compost (M3L0C0). The results showed that A. chinensis and P. pinnata plants had a high degree of dependence on FMA for their life force.

Dry matter production and quality of Pennisetum purpureum cv. Taiwan applied different fertilizer

Pennisetum purpureum cv. Taiwan is a tropical forage developed and used as a ruminant feed source. This grass not only high in production and quality but also grow well with sufficient fertilizer. The objective of this study was to determine the best response of fertilization on the production and quality of Taiwan grass. The research was conducted on pasture for 2 months at the Faculty of Animal Science, Universitas Hasanuddin. The study was arranged to completely randomized design with 6 treatments and 3 replications i.e. T0 = without any fertilizer inputs; T1= 100% of urea; T2 = 100% of compost; T3 = 75% of urea and 25% of compost; T4 = 50% of urea and 50% of compost; and P5 = of 25% urea and 75% of compost, respectively. Taiwan grass is used in the form of 2 pools in each polybag. The compost was applied in 2 weeks before planting and urea fertilizer was applied after 2 weeks of planting. The result showed that input of urea and compost fertilizer have a significant effect (P<0.05) on the production and quality of Taiwan grass. Therefore, the application of a combination of 50% urea fertilizer and 50% of compost fertilizer provided a better response to dry matter production and quality compared with other treatments.

Growth response of shallot (Allium ascalonicum L.) seedlings cultured on MS solid and liquid medium supplemented with BAP, Thiamine and Adenine Sulphate

True Shallot Seeds (TSS) is the best choice of cultivation over bulb materials because it offers disease-free plants, produces larger size bulbs, and reduces cost production. In vitro propagation is an alternative method to overcome the TSS development problems. This research aimed to evaluate the growth response of shallot (Allium ascalonicum) cv Tuktuk seedlings, cultured on MS solid and liquid media with agitation supplemented with BAP, Thiamine and Adenine Sulphate. The solid MS medium was used to germinate TSS, followed by growth seedlings at control and treatment media. The experiments were carried out in a Completely Randomized Design with 4 replicates. Data were collected 8 weeks after planting. In vitro germination results showed that 5.96% of seeds started to germinate at the first week and reached 19.82% after four weeks of planting. After 8 weeks in the culture of TSS seedlings, shoots had better growth on solid medium compared to in liquid medium. The addition of BAP, Thiamine and Adenine did not significantly influence the growth of seedlings culture. Bulbs-like bodies were formed in all media. A higher concentration of plant growth regulators might be needed to enhance in vitro propagation of TSS seedlings.

Accumulation of total nutrients, dry matter and phytochrome content in Boesenbergia stenophylla R.M Smith as affected by different light conditions

A study was conducted to determine the best agronomic practices for the cultivation of jerangau merah as a new medicinal crop. Jerangau merah is scientifically known as Boesenbergia stenophylla is a ginger plants that is highly endemic to the Borneo Highland. This understorey herb grows in cluster and under the heavy shades of forest canopies and perceived only the sunflecks that pass through the forest canopies. Jerangau Merah has been consumed by the locals for its medicinal values since decades ago. Generally, B. stenophylla is well known for its function as antidote for alcohol. Moreover, the B. stenophylla is also beneficial for rheumatic pains, remedies for stomach ache and toothache and as antiseptic wash as well. This herb is not propagate by the locals due to its sensitivity to sunlight and lack of agronomic information for B. stenophylla. Harvesting it from their natural habitat, however, seen the decline it its population size hence cultivation is essential. This paper aimed to determine the total nutrients, dry matter yield and phytochrome content of Bosenbergia stenophylla R.M. Smith under different light regimes. A study for determining suitable planting media for B. stenophylla was conducted at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). The treatments are: i) (M1) with the ratio of 3:2:1 top soil: sand: organic matter, media ii) (M2) consists of soil mixture 3:2:1 placed in water-logged polyethylene bags and media iii) (M3) contained only leaf litters. The results showed that the herbs showed significantly higher number of shoots and leaves in the common soil mixture. But, better root development in media containing leaf litters. The study proceeded with field experiment at Ba’Kelalan to determine the effect of different shade levels and fertilizing regimes on growth. B. stenophylla was cultivated under two different levels of shade cloths: 70% and 90% level of shade and different fertilizing regimes (T1 as control, no fertilizer applied to the plants; T2, chicken dung; T3, NPKMg and T4, mixed of chicken dung and NPKMg). The study for determining the effects of different shade level and fertilizing regimes on seedling’s growth which conducted at Ba’Kelalan in factorial randomized completely blocked design (RCBD). The data collected for 9 weeks of planting which include nutrient content in soil, leaf, PAR and phytochrome content and growth parameters. Regarding the nutrient uptake, the results showed no interactions between fertilizing regimes and shade levels. There were no significant different in nutrient elements except for magnesium and potassium. Magnesium is essential for the formation of chlorophyll which ensure efficiency of photosynthesis when under higher light intensity. Among all the fertilizer treatment, it was showed that chicken dung amendment has higher nutrient uptake. Thus, it is recommended chicken dung should be added into the NPKMg for better nutrient uptake. Further study on suitable fertilizer rates apply to B. stenophylla should be taken into consideration. Moreover, plants cultivated under 70% have been higher and have higher dry matter yield than those plants cultivated under 90%. The result also revealed that there was significant different in chlorophyll content of B. stenophylla cultivated under 70% which treated either with chicken dung and NPKMG respectively. However, plants under 90% have higher chlorophyll content than those under 70%. Based on the results, plants under 70% shade was taller than those under 90% and there were significant difference in height among treatments under 70%. It was observed plant treated with NPKMg was taller. This study showed that shade and fertilizers significantly affected the dry matter yield of B. stenophylla. Moreover, adding NPKMg to the treatments yields more dry matter content of jerangau merah. As for phytochrome content, there was no significant effect of fertilizer on phytochrome content. However, there was significant difference among the shade levels. 90% shade showed higher phytochrome content than those under 70%. In overall, both shade and fertilizer is important in cultivation of Jerangau Merah. 70% shade was observed to have significant effects on growth of jerangau merah and also more economical compared to 90%. Moreover, combination of organic matter and NPKMg also promote the growth of jerangau merah enhance the nutrient uptake efficiency of jerangau merah. However, further investigation of suitable fertilizer and application rate are required to determine suitable fertilizer for jerangau merah and application rate for optimum growth of jerangau merah.

Immobilization Potential of Cow Manure for Heavy Metal Remediation from Refuse Dump Soil

Aims: The present study investigated the effect of cow manure amendment on fractionation and availability of some heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Cr, Mn, Pb and Zn) in refuse dump soil.&#x0D; Study Design: A greenhouse study experiment was conducted to determine the uptake of the metals by Ricinus communis in dump soil treated with 0%, 5%, 10% and 20% cow manure.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out at the Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria, between May and October 2018.&#x0D; Methodology: Experimental pots were filled with 2.0kg refuse dump soil in a green house and treated with 5%, 10% and 20% of Cow manure in three replicates per treatment. The seeds of Ricinus communis were planted in each pot and analysed after 12 weeks of planting for heavy metals using AAS. Sequential extraction was carried out on the treated soil after the harvest with each extract further analysed for heavy metals using AAS.&#x0D; Results: Application of cow manure significantly (p ˂ 0.05) affected the redistribution and the mobility of the heavy metals in the dump soil; as the concentration of the amendment increased, heavy metals in the mobile fractions reduced. 20% amendment had the best immobilization effect as the mobility factor decreased with increasing manure amendment. The mobility factors at 20% amendment were 18.34%, 15.82%, 5.23%, 15.86%, 25.56% and 12.81% for Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Pb and Zn respectively with the general trend of metal forms given as: residual &gt; bound to organic &gt; bound to Fe-Mn oxide &gt; bound to carbonate &gt; exchangeable.&#x0D; Conclusion: Cow manure amendment of the dump soil decreased the availability of heavy metals for plant uptake; and the metal uptake generally decreased as percentage amendment increased. Cow manure is therefore a good immobilizing agent for remediation of Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Pb and Zn in polluted soils.

The Response of Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni) Photosystem II Photochemistry to Fungi Symbiosis and Spermidine Application under Saline Water Irrigation

Since the medicinal plants mainly are cultivated in marginal areas, are exposed to environmental stresses such as salinity, more than other plants. Salt stress causes damage to photosynthetic process, carbohydrates assimilation and photosystem I and II. However, recently, the role of fungi coexistence and polyamines in plants tolerance to saline conditions are pronounced. Therefore, the present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of endophyte symbiosis and spraying of polyamine spermidine (Spd) on chlorophyll fluorescence parameters of stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni) medicinal plant under irrigation with saline water. Treatments included non-inoculation (Control) or co-inoculation of Piriformospora indica + Trichoderma virens (Pi + Trich), foliar application of Spd (0 and 0.75) and three salinity levels of Caspian sea water (0, 6 and 12 dS m–1). Seedlings of stevia were transplanted in field conditions and were sprayed with Spd solutions after 9 weeks of planting. Seven days later, the plants were irrigated with three saline treatments for two weeks. The results showed that the foliar application of Spd had a positive effect on Fm, Fv and Fv/Fm and negative effect on Y(NO). Irrigation of plants with saline water had an adverse effect on fluorescence parameters. However, fungi inoculation markedly increased Fm, Fv, Fv/Fm and Y(II) while decreased Fo, Y(NPQ) and Y(NO) in all levels of salt stress. Fungal inoculation and Spd application with 0.75 mM remarkably enhanced Fm. Generally, inoculation of endophytic fungi and Spd spraying improved the chlorophyll fluorescence parameters and adjusted adverse effects of salinity stress in stevia plants.

Regeneration of Adventitious Shoots from Induced Callus of Lantana Camara L. Plant by in Vitro Culture Technique

The results showed that the MS medium supplemented with a concentration of 1.4 mg L-1 of NAA and 0.1 mg L-1 BA resulted in the highest significant value in the percentage of response to callus induction of 96.67% compared with the other combinations of growth regulators. The results showed that a combination of 9.5 mg L-1 BA and 0.2 mg L-1 NAA which was added to the MS medium recorded the highest percentage of response to indirect adventitious shoot formation from callus of Lantana Camara, several shoots per 100 mg callus and shoot length reached 96.67%, 10 shoots per 100 mg callus and 3.00 cm, respectively, after 12 weeks of culturing. The adventitious shoots of indirect organogenesis of Lantana Camara were rooted when cultured on the MS medium supplemented with a concentration of 1.0 mg L-1 of NAA and 0.1 mg L-1 BA after 8 weeks of planting.

An in‐depth examination of maize yield response to fertilizer in Central Malawi reveals low profits and too many weeds

AbstractWe examine the productivity of fertilizer used on maize in Central Malawi using field‐level panel data from over 1,200 observations on more than 500 fields over 4 harvest years. There are several novel aspects of this analysis compared to other on‐farm fertilizer efficiency studies, including (a) precise and accurate yield measurement using crop cuts, (b) estimating the impact of timely weeding, (c) the use of data on multiple soil characteristics from a panel of soil samples, and (d) the ability to control for field‐level fixed effects by tracking the same land over time. We find critical ecological and management threshold effects on fertilizer effectiveness at 0.94% soil carbon content, 57–58% sandiness, and weeding within 4 weeks of planting. Overall, we estimate lower yield response to fertilizer than reported in earlier studies: 2.6 maize kg/N kg under ideal circumstances, and statistically nil under many other conditions. We discuss the implications of our findings for farmers, policymakers, and researchers.

Effect of harvesting time and water retting fiber processing methods on the physico-mechanical properties of kenaf fiber

Fiber processing is an important factor that affects the physical and mechanical properties of long kenaf fiber. The physical-mechanical properties, such as color, tensile strength, and moisture regain (MR), are the main characteristics that influence the processing and performance on the final products from kenaf fiber. The objective of this research was to evaluate the physical and mechanical properties of kenaf fiber at the week of planting, with different processing methods that were planted in a selected location in Malaysia. Kenaf fiber was separated by the water retting method, where the combination of water retting and mechanical retting was based on the available facilities and proficiency at the sites. The tensile strength and chemical composition of kenaf fiber showed large variability for every location collected and for each processing technique used. Visual observations and color testing indicated that kenaf fiber with extended water immersion exhibited higher lightness and smoother fiber. A slight reduction in moisture regains was observed with increased crystallinity index. The differences among properties of the kenaf fiber that were influenced by harvesting week and processing methods could give some references and overview for the planters, suppliers, industries, and researchers to identify the suitable fiber quality for their targeted final products.

INFLUENCE OF ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZAL FUNGI AND SOIL AMELIORANTS ON THE MYCORRHIZAL COLONIZATION, CHLOROPHYLL CONTENT, AND PERFORMANCE GROWTH OF TWO TROPICAL TREE SEEDLINGS GROWN IN SOIL MEDIA WITH HIGH ALUMINUM CONTENT

Aluminum is one of heavy metals and its availability is correlated with low soil pH, such as in acidic soil as well as post mining soil and become limiting factors for plant growth. MycoSilvi is a biofertilizer inoculant product containing arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi enriched with Mycorrhizal Helper Bacteria’s (MHBs) designed for improving plant growth on post-mining soil media with low pH and high aluminum content. This study was conducted to determine the potential use of three variants of MycoSilvi, both single or in combination with soil ameliorant to enhance Albizia chinensis (Osbeck) Merrill and Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre growth. This study was conducted by randomized complete design with factorial scheme in a greenhouse for 4 months. The first factor consisted of four different levels based on MycoSilvi (M) inoculation: control (M0); MycoSilvi variant 1 (M1), MycoSilvi variant 2 (M2) and MycoSilvi variant 3 (M3). The second factor consisted of four levels based on the addition of lime and compost to soil medium: control (L0C0), addition of lime (L1C0), addition of compost (L0C1) and addition of lime and compost (L1C1). Data was analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Total chlorophyll content as indicated by leaf greenness index, height, steam diameter, biomass, root colonization and P accumulation on both plant species were observed after 12 weeks of planting. The results showed that the MycoSilvi inoculation differently colonized the roots and increased P uptake, leaf greenness index and growth of both plants species. The addition of lime and compost increased the mycorrhizal roots colonization, P uptake, leaf greenness index and plant growth of both plants’ species. The best result was obtained from the combination treatment of MycoSilvi variant 3, lime and compost

Effect of seaweed extract and biofertilizer on organic production of common bean seeds (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

At the Experimental Farm, Agriculture Faculty, University of Ain Shams, Qaliobia Governorate, Egypt, in order to investigate the influence of biofertilizer ( Bio. ); Rhizobium ( R ), mycorrhiza ( MF ), R + MF and control, seaweed extract (SWE) concentration (zero, one, two and four gram per liter) and their interactions on vegetative growth, productivity and quality of seed common bean cv. Nebraska. Before planting, the seeds were soaked in MF (glomus sp.) and sown on the first of March 2016 and 2017 seasons respectively. The experimental plot area was seven m2 (four rows). The length of each row was 2.5 m and width of 0.7 m. The plant's distance was seven cm on one side, and an alley (one width m) was left as a border between the treatments. After two weeks of planting, young plant were inoculated with R phaseolus after the first irrigation. Plants were sprayed three times of SWE (30, 45 and 60 days) after sowing. A split plot design with four replicates was used; where the main plots are Bio treatments and the subplots are SWE treatments. The obtained results clearly indicated that different applied treatments increased measured growth characteristics (No. leaves/ plant, leaf area and total chlorophyll (SPDS)), the yield and components of yield (No. pods/plant, seed yield /plant and seed yield) and chemical constituents (total protein, carbohydrates, nitrogen and phosphorus) in seed after harvest. As well as, the best results were obtained by interactions between SWE (two and four gram per liter) and Bio. (R + MF) treatments in the two assigned seasons So adding combination between Bio. ( R + MF ) and SWE (two or four g) to improve vegetative growth, productivity and quality of common bean seed could be recommended under organic system ( conversion to organic agriculture ).

ESTIMATION OF MAIZE NITRATE CONCENTRATIONS USING EO-1 DATA AND A NON-LINEAR REGRESSION MODEL

Abstract. Nitrogen compounds such as nitrates are considered the most important limiting factor for crop productivity. Monitoring the status of this element in crops has moved from destructive to non-destructive approaches. Remote sensing with ever evolving technologies has taken the lead on different crops across the world. This study assessed the potential of EO-1 data (Hyperion) to estimate nitrate concentrations in maize (Zea mays) leaves. The image was captured over the study area after the 11th week of planting. The random forest algorithm was useful for band selection to reduce data redundancy in the imagery, and regression analysis for nitrate predictions. Maize nitrate concentrations were detectable with key contributing wavebands as 752, 1043, 681, 851, 1820, 762, 862, 640, 1850, 609, 589, 569 and 650nm. From this list, a subset corresponding to previously identified bands was used to develop vegetation spectral ratios. There was improvement in accuracy of predictions from using: all selected wavebands, all developed ratios, and selected ratios as independent variables for the model with 752–681 contributing the most to an R2 = 0.90; and RMSEP = 0.15. Therefore, selected bands of Hyperion to develop ratios could be used to monitor spatial variation of nitrate concentrations in maize from canopy level.

Low Tunnel and Cultivar Effects on Day-neutral Strawberry Yield and Characteristics in New Hampshire

Day-neutral strawberry (Fragaria ×ananassa) cultivars show promise for extending the fruiting season and increasing production in the northeastern United States, but published research on cultivar yield in the region is lacking. Furthermore, few studies have investigated the effects of low tunnels on yield, fruit, and plant characteristics. We evaluated eight day-neutral cultivars (Albion, Aromas, Cabrillo, Monterey, Portola, San Andreas, Seascape, and Sweet Ann) on open beds and under low tunnels in two separate experiments conducted in 2017 and 2018. Cultivars began producing ripe fruit within 10 weeks of planting in both years, and continued producing fruit without interruption for 20 weeks (2017) and 18 weeks (2018). Annual total yield ranged from 234.9 to 497.8 g/plant and marketable yield ranged 126.4 to 389.1 g/plant, depending on cultivar and year. Cultivar significantly affected the percent marketable yield, late season yield, fruit size, soluble solids content (SSC), runner emergence, and plant size. Except for the cultivar Sweet Ann, low tunnels did not increase season-long marketable or total yield, but did increase the percent marketable yield for all cultivars in 2017, and most cultivars in 2018. Furthermore, marketable yield was significantly greater under low tunnels than open beds during 6 late-season weeks in 2018. Fruit SSC was greater under low tunnels in 2018, and low tunnels reduced runner emergence for certain cultivars. Season-long average air temperatures were higher under low tunnels, but the greatest temperature differences occurred when low tunnels were closed. We demonstrate that day-neutral cultivars can produce high annual yields in New England, but that cultivar selection is paramount.

Lead (Pb) toxicity effect on physio-anatomy of bead-tree, jatropha, castor bean and Philippine-tung grown in water culture

Abstract. Hamim, Hanifatunisa, Hadisunarso, Setyaningsih L, Saprudin D. 2019. Lead (Pb) toxicity effect on physio-anatomy of bead-tree, jatropha, castor bean and Philippine-tung grown in water culture. Biodiversitas 20: 3690-3697. Heavy metal contamination in both land and water has been intensively studied because of their broad impact for the environment. Bead-tree (Melia azedarach), Jatropha (Jatropha curcas), castor bean (Ricinus communis) and Philippine tung (Reutealis trisperma) are kinds of non-edible oil-producing species, that are able to grow well on degraded lands and may have potential use for phytoremediation of heavy metals contaminated areas. This study aimed to analyze the response of bead-tree (Melia azedarach), jatropha (Jatropha curcas), castor bean (Ricinus communis) and Philippine-tung (Reutealis trisperma) to lead (Pb) contaminant in water culture experiment based on morphological, physiological and anatomical parameters. Two months old plants were transferred to the media containing Hoagland solution. After three weeks of planting, Pb (NO3)2 treatments with five concentrations, i.e. control (0 mM), 0.5 mM, 1 mM, 2 mM, and 3 mM were added together with Hoagland replacement and the plants were treated for three weeks. The growth, anatomical and physiological parameters were observed during the treatment until three weeks. The results showed that Pb treatment, especially with higher concentration, dramatically decreased plant growth, such as plant height, number of leaves, as well as shoot and root dry weight of all the species. Lead treatment triggered the emergence of free radicals and oxidative stress as indicated by a significant increase of malondialdehyde (MDA) content, while it decreased chlorophyll content of all the species. The higher concentration of Pb (NO3)2 caused the thickness of upper epidermis, lower epidermis, and spongy mesophyll tissue to decrease significantly which contributed to the decrease of leaves thickness. Among the species, Philippine-tung was the most tolerant of Pb toxicity. This species is potential to be used in phytoremediation program of lead-contaminated land such as gold mine area as well as heavy industrial areas.

Leaf Gas Exchange Attributes and Quality Performance of Kacip Fatimah (Labisia Pumila Blume) Under Different Sources of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers

An experiment was designed with Randomized Complete Block Designed to investigate the effects of organic and inorganic nitrogen fertilizer at 90 kg N/ha on growth and leaf gas exchange in two varieties of Labisia pumila at 15 weeks after transplanting (WAT). In this study total biomass and photosynthesis (A) were significantly (P≤0.05) different among all factor. The results indicated that chicken manure enhanced the net photosynthetic rate (11.10 µmol/m²/s), stomatal conductance (0.40 mmol/m/s) and transpiration rate (5.30 mmol/m²/s) of L.pumila significantly after 31 weeks of planting. Chicken manure and Gobi indicated higher accumulation on total phenolic and total flavonoid compared to NPK green and control. Organic fertilizers (chicken manure and Gobi) were positively influenced the leaf gas exchange and growth of L.pumila as compared to the NPK green and control. This study proved that organic fertilizer can produce a quality of L. pumila compared to NPK green. Based on the principle of organic fertilizer which is slowly release from organic fertilizer will limit the nutrient availability for plant growth and allocate more carbon to produce secondary metabolites.

Effects of Different Mulching Materials and Planting Distance on Selected Soil Properties of Organic Farms Planted with Orthosiphon stamineus

A field study was carried out to determine the impact of mulching and planting distance on the growth of <i>Orthosiphon stamineus</i>, soil properties and also to observe the changes in pH and EC of soil in response to mulching and planting distance. The experiment was carried out at Ladang 16, Faculty of Agriculture UPM. Factorial Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) was incorporated with four replicates for each of the four treatments. The four treatments consisted of mulching, non-mulching, planting distance of 30 cm × 30 cm and planting distance of 45 cm × 45 cm. After eight weeks of planting, the plants were harvested while soil pH and EC were measured on a weekly basis throughout the planting period. Results showed that application of biochar and usage of mulching materials and suitable planting distance does helps to maintain the soil pH and electrical conductivity (EC) at the suitable range for crop growth. The level of the acidity of the soil is in the range of 5.3 to 6.61 which is considered appropriate for <i>O. stamineus</i>. As for influence of planting distance, it is best to give longer time for <i>O. stamineus</i> grows. It is recommended that more planting distance and types of mulching materials to be used to grow <i>O. stamineus</i>.<div><br></div>

Use of some biostimulants to improve the growth and chemical constituents of sweet pepper

The experiment was conducted during two successive seasons 2016 and 2017 on sweet pepper plants to study the effect of foliar application of some natural extracts (fulvic acid at 2, 4 and 6% or algae at 1, 2 and 4 g.L-1) were applied three times along each season (after 2, 4 and 6 weeks of planting). The influence was evaluated through the response of vegetative growth, and some physical and chemical characteristics of sweet pepper fruits. The results obtained showed that the algae extract at 1 g.L-1 in most cases was better than the other spray treatments investigated to improve most fruit characteristics (length, diameter and yield of fruits), vegetative growth, and chemical properties followed by 6% fulvic acid. With regard to organic acids, malic and citric acids are the main organic acids found in sweet pepper. Malic, succinic and glutaric acids were higher in 1 g.L-1 algae extract treatment, but the concentration of citric acid was higher in 6% fulvic acid treatment. Therefore, algae extract and fulvic acid could be safely recommended as a natural biostimulants application for improving most desirable characteristics of sweet pepper grown under the same experimental condition.

A rapid in vitro protocol for callus production in Piper aduncum L. propagation of East Kalimantan supplemented with gradient sucrose solutions

Piper aduncum L. is a medicinal plant which contains important active compounds such as phenyl propanoids, lignoids and flavonoids. Furthermore, it is one of larvicidal agent against mosquitoes Aedes aegypti L. Alternative use of in vitro callus P. aduncum L. are as a substitute for medicinal raw materials and becomes one way to maintain the sustainability of germ plasm utility, which is related to its difficulties in conventional cultivation. An experiment based on saline formulation of Murashige and Skoog (MS) and Wood Plant Medium (WPM) combined with different 2,4-D and kinetin concentration was evaluated. Several conditions without plant growth regulator hormones with nodule segment explants produced good multiplication process. Inoculated micro-cutting segments of nodules were grown in media with an additional 2 mg/L of 2,4-D, 2 mg/L of kinetin and 30 g sugar produced multiplication of clear shoots and callus formation and were developed after 4 weeks of planting. Additional treatment of 60, 90, 120 g sugar showed slow growth as indicated by callus formation after 6-8 weeks of planting. Treatment of 30 g sugar showed better growth than other treatments, which triggered the survival of callus growth until 12 weeks after planting. The other treatments showed cell death after callus initiation due to browning process.

Herbivory regulates the establishment of a native species of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) in a tidal estuary of the USA

Herbivores are a diverse group of fauna that shape the distribution and composition of plant communities. In some cases, herbivory may prevent the re-establishment of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV), such as Vallisneria americana, into systems. The goal of this study was to investigate the role and nature of herbivory on V. americana transplants with camera and transect surveys of grazing intensity and with field and laboratory grazing experiments using a suspected herbivore, the blue crab, Callinectes sapidus. Camera surveys recorded C. sapidus clipping and consuming shoots of V. americana for the first time. Grazing intensity surveys in low-salinity regions of the lower Chesapeake Bay indicated that the majority of V. americana transplants (50–75%) were clipped off at their base within one week of planting. Field and laboratory experiments demonstrated that C. sapidus clips and consumes V. americana as well as other rapidly colonizing, non-native SAV. Analysis of the gut contents of C. sapidus caught in SAV beds in the Chesapeake Bay revealed that SAV comprised 16% of their stomach contents, suggesting low levels of C. sapidus herbivory occurred over a wide area. Callinectes sapidus is yet another animal documented to consume SAV for some portion of their diet. These results also suggest that herbivores or omnivores, including C. sapidus, can serve as bottlenecks to recovery of SAV, like V. americana, in some areas. Herbivores may not serve as bottlenecks in other environments or to other SAV with more rapid plant growth or higher recruitment levels that may overcome grazing pressure.