Biotransformation of the Banana Pseudostem Scutchers into the Vermicompost by Eisenia fetida

Vermicomposting is an ecofriendly technology to convert organic waste into organic fertilizer. An epigenic species Eisenia fetida was used for the biotransformation of the banana pseudostem scutchers and cow dung into the vermicompost. Three different combinations of the banana pseudostem scutcher and cow dung were evaluated in the vermicomposting process. The change in the physicochemical parameters were examined by the standard method at the end of the vermicomposting. The results showed that earthworms increased the EC and NPK content while total carbon, pH and C:N ratio was reduced significantly in vermicompost of banana pseudostem scutchers. The maximum significant change in NPK content and reduction of total carbon and C:N ratio was found in the mixture of (75% banana pseudostem scutcher + 25% cow dung). The highest growth and reproduction rate was also present in the T2 treatment. The seed germination test was performed to evaluate the maturity of the vermicompost. The prepared vermicompost shows the significant effect on the growth of the Vigna radiata. The germination of the Vigna radiata is comparatively higher in vermicompost of the T2 treatment. It is evident from the results that the banana pseudostem scutcher and cow dung are good substrates for the vermicomposting and Eisenia fetida able to convert this organic waste into the stable nutrient rich product. This nutrient rich vermicompost has no phytotoxicity and the ratio of carbon/nitrogen below 15 which indicates the acceptable maturity and it can be utilize as organic fertilizer.

Composting of food waste in passive aerated bioreactor with turning mode

Almost 45% of municipal solid waste in Malaysia consist of food waste. Composting is one of the sustainable ways to manage food waste compared to incineration and landfilling. This paper investigates the physicochemical and phytotoxicity characteristics during food waste composting in passive aerated bioreactor assisted with compost turning. The initial compost mixture consists of 124 kg of food waste mixed with 62 kg of dry leaves. The composting process was conducted for 40 days, and physicochemical characteristics i.e., temperature, moisture content, total organic carbon, pH and conductivity were monitored. Seed germination test was conducted with cabbage seeds (Brassica oleracea). The highest temperature and final moisture content obtained were 42 °C and 78%, respectively. The seed germination index value was 127%, indicating that the compost is suitable for plant growth.

Endophytes and Rhizosphere Fungi from Galam (Melaleuca cajuputi Powell.) which has the Potential to Produce Indole Acetic Acid (IAA)

Some types of fungi are known to have the ability to produce Indole Acetic Acid (IAA). Fungi can be isolated from the rhizosphere and tissues of various plants, including from the rhizosphere and the root "Galam" (Melaleuca cajuputi Powell.), which grow predominantly in peatlands. Therefore, the purposes of this study were: (a) to isolate and measure the potential of fungi from endophytic and rhizospheric of “Galam”(M. cajuputi) as a producer of IAA hormone, (b) determine the types of fungal interaction that occur and their potential to increase the total IAA hormone produced. This research begins with isolation, purification, isolate screening, analysis of IAA hormone production, data analysis, seed germination test and isolates identification. The result showed that the concentration of IAA produced by Penicillium sp. IRZ15 was 5.86 ± 0.47 μg.mL-1 to 8.46 ± 0.26 μg.mL-1 and Syncephalastrum sp. AG15 is 4.77 ± 0.44 μg.mL-1 to 8.77 ± 0.25 μg.mL-1. Meanwhile, the combination of rhizospheric fungi Penicillium sp. IRZ15 and endophytic fungi Syncephalastrum sp. AG15 does not produce significantly different IAA concentrations (6.42 ± 0.34 μg.mL-1 to 9.19 ± 0.50 μg.mL-1 ) compared to fungi used alone without combinations.

Feasibility of Vermicomposting of Spent Coffee Grounds and Silverskin from Coffee Industries: A Laboratory Study

In the coffee industry, several by-products are generated during the production and consumption of coffee and represent an important waste from an environmental viewpoint. For improving the knowledge about this issue, a laboratory vermicomposting study of coffee silverskin (CS) and spent coffee grounds (SCG) spiked with mature horse manure (HM) in different proportions and using earthworm Eisenia andrei was carried out. The 60-day study focused on biological parameters such as total biomass gain, growth rate, cocoon production, and mortality. This study also investigated whether the vermicompost obtained could be useful and lacked toxicity through a seed germination test using hybrid wheat seeds. Results showed a disparity depending on the type of residue and the mixture used. Best options were those treatments with a medium–low amount of residue; 25% for SCG and 25% or 50% for CS. In addition, lack of toxicity was confirmed in all treatments. In conclusion, it is possible to carry out a vermicomposting of SCG and CS with some specific features.

Development and Application of Seed Coating Agent for the Control of Major Soil-Borne Diseases Infecting Wheat

In order to reduce the usage amount of pesticide fertilizers and protect the natural environment, seed coating agents are receiving increased wide concern. In this study, the active constituent (pesticide) and inactive components (surfactants and film former) of the seed coating agents were screened and optimized by the wet sand processing superfine grinding method. The fungal inhibition test of pesticides showed that thifluzamide, fludioxonil, pyraclostrobin, and difenoconazole have an obvious fungal inhibitory effect on wheat sharp eyespot, take-all, and root rot. LAE-9 and polyacrylamide + carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is recommended for the safe surfactant and film former, respectively, based on the seed germination test. Moreover, 6% difenoconazole · fludioxonil flowable concentrate for seed coating (FSC) stimulates the seedling growth of wheat, advances the growth of root, and improves biomass in the field trial, meanwhile, the control efficiency reached above 80%. Thus, we suggested it can be used as an effective seed coating agent for the control of soil-borne diseases in wheat. The seed coating agent has the characteristics of disease prevention, increasing crop yield, and safety of environment, which is of significance in practical application.

Physiological potential of Physalis peruviana L. seeds under different temperatures and light wavelengths

Physalis peruviana L. is a plant that produces small sweet berries of great nutritional and medicinal importance. This plant is propagated mainly through seeds, which requires information on germination response to temperature and light changes. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the use of different temperatures and light wavelengths on the physiological potential of P. peruviana seed batches. The experiment was conducted with seeds from plants cultivated in 2015/15 and 2016/16. The treatments applied were the following: two germination temperatures (constant temperature of 25 °C and alternated between 20/30 °C), two seed batches (2015/15 and 2016/16), and four forms of light exposure during germination (blue, red, white, and dark). The data were analyzed by principal component analysis using the correlation matrix obtained through the standardized mean equal to zero and variance 1 of the parameters evaluated for each treatment. The eigenvalues and eigenvectors of the matrix were obtained using the SAS University Edition® statistical software. The analyzed variables were: Germination test performed on the 7th and 28th day considering root protrusion, normal seedlings, shoot length, root length, and total dry matter mass. The data showed that the seed germination test of Physalis peruviana L. should be performed under a constant temperature of 25 °C, in the presence of light (white, blue, or red). When the option is the application of the test in the dark, it is necessary to use a thermoperiod of 20–30 °C to provide the expression of maximum physiological potential.