Evaluation of the Fertilizing and Nematicidal Effects of Lixiviate from Banana Rachis and Purpureocillium lilacinum for a Reduction of Fallow Frequency in Dessert Banana Monoculture

The practice of fallowing for one year represents a viable alternative to chemical control of Radopholus similis and Pratylenchus coffeae in dessert banana monoculture. Although necessary, fallowing has an economic disadvantage for farmers. The objective of this work is to evaluate the nematicidal and fertilizing effects of lixiviate from banana rachis and Purpureocillium lilacinum in order to reduce the frequency of fallowing. In this study, we performed a chemical analysis of the lixiviate and then compared the two types (plantain lixiviate and dessert lixiviate) at 25% concentration, Bioact (Purpureocillium lilacinum) at 106 spores/ml) and two mixed treatments (plantain lixiviate + Bioact and dessert lixiviate + Bioact) to an untreated control and a reference nematicide, fluopyram at 10% (Verango) during three cycles of cultivation of the dessert banana seedling Grande naine. At the end of each crop cycle, the evolution of the nematode population and the yield of banana plants were evaluated. Chemical analysis revealed a high potassium content in both products and a more remarkable amount of nitrogen in the plantain lixiviate. The results showed that Bioact did not show antagonistic effect against nematodes and impact on production. On the other hand, despite less nematicidal activity, the lixiviate significantly increased the yield compared to the chemical nematicide treatment. Therefore, only in the plots treated with lixiviate, it was possible to carry out several successive crop cycles. This result was more marked with the plantain lixiviate. The results presented in this work are encouraging for the development of biological control methods of banana nematodes by lixiviate.

Development of an Araucaria araucana Beer-like Beverage: Process and Product

The seed from the Araucaria araucana (in Spanish, piñon) tree, native to Chile and Argentina, is sold mainly as raw seed. Engineering a process to add value to piñon has the potential to positively impact local indigenous communities with very little ecological impact because it is routinely harvested in the wild. This study evaluated the feasibility of using 100% piñon, or as a blend with barley malt, to produce a beer-like beverage, while also evaluating consumer acceptance of the beverage’s piñon characteristics. Prototypes generated based on 93% piñon and 7% oat (enzymatic treatment of α-amylase, glucoamylase, protease and β-glucanase), as well as 50% piñon and 50% barley (no external enzymatic treatment), were evaluated. Overall acceptability by a consumer acceptance panel (21 consumers) rated the 100% piñon and the piñon–barley malt blend 5/9 and 7/9, respectively. The piñon–barley malt blend prototype stood out for its low level of carbohydrates, high potassium content and banana and clove aromas.

RESPONSE OF BEET TO DOSES OF POTASSIUM IN OXISOL WITH HIGH CONTENT OF THE NUTRIENT1

ABSTRACT Fertiliser recommendation tables for beet culture have been prepared based on the response to potassium (K) doses in soils with a low nutrient content. However, there is little research that evaluates potassium fertilisation for beet crops in soil with high K content, a condition commonly found, which allows a better understanding of the crop’s response to the nutrient. The objective was to evaluate the response of beet to doses of K in Oxisol with a high K content. The experiment was carried out in the field, with an experimental design in randomised blocks, in a 4 x 2 factor scheme with four replications. The doses of K were 0, 60, 120 and 180 kg ha-1 of K2O, and the cultivars were ‘Early Wonder’ and ‘Kestrel’. At 50 days after transplantation, the levels of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), K and boron (B) in the diagnostic leaf were evaluated. Beet yield and accumulation of these four nutrients were analysed at harvest. The doses of K positively influenced the leaf content of K; however, without an effect on beet yield. Therefore, in Oxisol with a high K content available, potassium fertilisation is not recommended. To maintain soil fertility at a high potassium content, fertilisation with 162 and 126 kg ha-1 of K2O is recommended for ‘Early Wonder’ and ‘Kestrel’, respectively; doses equivalent to the quantities exported by the beet root.

Stability, correlation and path coefficient analysis for yield and quality traits in betelvine (Piper betle L.) genotypes under three different sets of conditions

Betelvine (Piper betle L.) is commonly consumed as betel quid or paan with areca nut and/or tobacco; and also utilized in Indian medicine systems and in religious ceremonies. The betel production is highly erratic and so is the income of farmers due to natural climatic factors and spoilage during transport. It is therefore important to improve its productivity per vine and per unit area to meet the demand. Correlation, path coefficient and stability analysis was carried out in fifteen genotypes of betelvine including 3 checks under three protected structures, namely, Bareja (E1), Poly tunnel (E2) and Net tunnel (E3). Among the three structures, Net tunnel was found suitable for the cultivation of betelvine in Chhattisgarh. With respect to quality parameters, Meetha paan (2.65 g/100g) followed by Billori (2.23 g/100g) found to have high protein content. Meetha paan (5.89g/100g) followed by Meetha-cum-bangla (5.36g/100g) was also found to possess high starch content. However, low fiber content was recorded in Meetha pan (1.83g/100g), whereas high potassium content was found in Ramtake meetha (933mg/100g) followed by Bidhan pan (991mg/100g). The genotype, Karapaku possessed high potassium content (2.67mg/g). Hedonic five point scale for organolaptic test showed Meetha paan (2.3/5) followed by Bali paan (2.4/5) were less pungent among genotype studied. Highest shelf life was found in genotype Karapaku and Bhaichigudi (18days). The results indicated that number of leaves per vein were positively correlated with leaf width (0.802 and 0.819) followed by leaf area (0.790 and 0.808), leaf area index (0.782 and 0.800), leaf length (0.745 and 0.759), specific leaf weight (0.681 and 0.709), petiole length (0.658 and 0.705), diameter of internodes (0.484 and 0.559) and R-value (0.112 and 0.110) at both phenotypic and genotypic level, respectively. Path analysis identified leaf width (0.8772) and leaf length (0.4712) had direct effects on leaf yield at phenotypic level. Highest positive direct effect on leaf yield was exerted by leaf area (1.3544) followed by leaf width (0.8986) at genotypic level. These characters can be used as selection criterion in a breeding programme to develop varieties of betelvine with high leaf yield. The stability analysis under three different protected structures viz; E1, E2, E3 indicated that the genotypes, Karapaku, Bhaichigudi and Maghai pan are stable across the environment for leaf yield.

PENGARUH PENAMBAHAN EKSTRAK DAUN ALPUKAT (Persea americana, mill) TERHADAP MUTU ORGANOLEPTIK DAN KADAR KALIUM PUDING PISANG

Leaf avocado (Persea americana, mill) and Banana Mas (Moses sp) is a plant that has high potassium content and low levels of sodium. The purpose of this research is to analyze the effect of addition of avocado leaf extract to organoleptic quality and potassium banana pudding level. Type of research is true experimental with completely randomized design method. The data used was obtained directly from 25 semi trained panelists. Data analyzed by using ANOVA, if different real continued with Test Duncan. Addition of Leaf avocado and Banana Mas affect the levels of acceptance in terms of color, aroma and flavor but does not affect the texture. Addition of eggs also affects the level of potassium. Best assessment results obtained on treated banana with the addition of avocado leaf extract as much 250 ml ©. Potassium content of pudding with adding leaf avocado 0, 200ml dan 250ml respectively 0,0365 %, 0,0577 %, 0,0790 %

Dissolution of glass in cementitious solutions: An analogue study for vitrified waste disposal

The dissolution of a soda-lime silicate glass in two cement leachate compositions, Young Cement Water (YCW) and Ca(OH)2, was investigated, as an analogue for dissolution of vitrified nuclear waste in a cementitious geological disposal facility. Dissolution was performed at repository temperatures (50°C) and under CO2-exclusion. Dissolution rates were observed to be a factor of 20 times higher in YCW than in Ca(OH)2, as result of the high potassium content of YCW solutions. The precipitation of the zeolite phase, K-phillipsite (K(Si,Al)8O16·6H2O), is thought to be responsible for elevated dissolution rates. Conversely, in Ca(OH)2 solutions, the precipitation of calcium- and silica-containing phases, such as tobermorite (Ca5Si6O16(OH)·4H2O), acted to reduce rates of dissolution by forming a barrier to diffusion. These results show that dissolution of vitrified nuclear waste materials in a cementitous repository may be significant during the early stages of cement leaching in groundwater.

Defoliation height and potassium fertilization of Mulato II grass

A pot trial in greenhouse conditions was carried out to identify at which defoliation height Mulato II grass (Urochloa hibrida cv. Mulato II) should be managed and to determine whether potassium fertilization is necessary in soil with high potassium content. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse in a randomized block design with six treatments and five replications. Treatments consisted of a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement, with three defoliation heights (50, 65, and 80 cm) and with or without potassium maintenance fertilization. The production characteristics and chemical composition of the forage plant were evaluated. There was no interaction effect between defoliation height and fertilization with or without potassium on any of the analyzed variables, except for mineral content in Mulato II grass. The tillers and leaves number, shoot dry matter, leaf+sheath, root system, and residue were influenced by defoliation heights and potassium fertilization, except for the leaf blades and root dry matter, leaf blade/stem+sheath ratio, and leaves number, which were not influenced by potassium fertilization. Higher shoot dry matter was observed at the heights of 65 and 80 cm; however, comparing these two heights, leaf + sheath dry matter was lower at 65 cm. Regarding the grass’s chemical composition, there was an increase in neutral and acid detergent fiber and indigestible neutral detergent fiber contents as the defoliation height increased, which resulted in lower production of potentially digestible dry matter, which can compromise the potential use of the forage by animals. Among evaluated treatments, Mulato II grass defoliation is recommended for a maximum height of 65 cm. Potassium fertilization increases the yield and the potentially digestible dry matter content of Mulato II grass, even when cultivated in soil with high potassium content.

Defoliation height and potassium fertilization of Mulato II grass

A pot trial in greenhouse conditions was carried out to identify at which defoliation height Mulato II grass (Urochloa hibrida cv. Mulato II) should be managed and to determine whether potassium fertilization is necessary in soil with high potassium content. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse in a randomized block design with six treatments and five replications. Treatments consisted of a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement, with three defoliation heights (50, 65, and 80 cm) and with or without potassium maintenance fertilization. The production characteristics and chemical composition of the forage plant were evaluated. There was no interaction effect between defoliation height and fertilization with or without potassium on any of the analyzed variables, except for mineral content in Mulato II grass. The tillers and leaves number, shoot dry matter, leaf+sheath, root system, and residue were influenced by defoliation heights and potassium fertilization, except for the leaf blades and root dry matter, leaf blade/stem+sheath ratio, and leaves number, which were not influenced by potassium fertilization. Higher shoot dry matter was observed at the heights of 65 and 80 cm; however, comparing these two heights, leaf + sheath dry matter was lower at 65 cm. Regarding the grass’s chemical composition, there was an increase in neutral and acid detergent fiber and indigestible neutral detergent fiber contents as the defoliation height increased, which resulted in lower production of potentially digestible dry matter, which can compromise the potential use of the forage by animals. Among evaluated treatments, Mulato II grass defoliation is recommended for a maximum height of 65 cm. Potassium fertilization increases the yield and the potentially digestible dry matter content of Mulato II grass, even when cultivated in soil with high potassium content.