Cremastra saprophytica (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae), a new leafless autonomously self-pollinating orchid species from Gifu Prefecture, Japan

A new species of Cremastra (Orchidaceae), C. saprophytica, is described from Gifu Prefecture, Japan. The new species is similar to C. aphylla in having a leafless and mycoheterotrophic habit. However, it is distinguishable from C. aphylla by its green stem, more closed perianth tube, smaller lateral lobes of lip, smaller callus of lip positioned at base of the midlobe and absence of a rostellum and viscidium. An illustration and ecological information on the new species are provided. A key to the Cremastra species is also provided.

A new endemic species of Acanthocereus (Cactaceae) from southern Jalisco, Mexico

A new species of Acanthocereus, endemic from southern Jalisco, is described and illustrated. Acanthocereus atropurpureus distinguishes by the diameter of mature stems, presence of low ribs with sinuate margins, dull green stem epidermis turning purple during dry season, and the occurrence of four small central spines. We discuss the morphological differences from other Acanthocereus species and we provide information about its habitat and conservation status.

Green STEM to Improve Mathematics Proficiency: ESA Mission Space Lab

The main goal of this study was to improve students’ outcomes and perception in Mathematics. For this, 12 out of 34 voluntary students were involved in an international contest: European Space Agency (ESA) Mission Space Lab. The experience was organized as STEM, under a guided PjBL. Students identified an environmental problem, executed a way to monitor it from the International Space Station (ISS) and interpreted the data received. Students’ final report was awarded by ESA. Additionally, participants increased their performance in their math final exams compared to the control group. Furthermore, the perception of students and their families about the usefulness of mathematics was very positive. The only drawback detected was the increase of workload. Thus, Green STEM, using direct instruction and guide in PjBL, may be a good tool to improve students’ grades and opinion about the importance of mathematics.

Fagopyrum longistylum (Polygonaceae), a new species from Sichuan, China

A new species of Fagopyrum (Polygonaceae), Fagopyrum longistylum, is described and illustrated from Huili County, Sichuan Province, China on the basis of morphological, caryological, and molecular data. F. longistylum is morphologically similar to F. gracilipes from which it differs in having green stem and short-styled flowers with long anther but it is self-compatible. In addition, F. longistylum is a diploid species with 2n=2x=16 while F. gracilipes is tetraploid with 4n=4x=32. Molecular data based on nucleotide sequence polymorphisms of internal transcribed spacers (ITSs) and the maturase K (matK) gene confirm the separation of the new species.

Karakterisasi dan Keragaan Pertumbuhan Tiga Klon Cabai Merah (Capsicum annuum L.) Lokal (Characterization and Growth Performance of Three Clone of Local Hot Pepper)

<p>Cabai merah merupakan komoditas sayuran utama yang memiliki nilai permintaan tinggi di masyarakat Indonesia sehingga ketersediaannya harus terus dilakukan termasuk upaya peningkatan produksi. Penggunaan varietas unggul spesifik lokasi memberi kontribusi cukup besar terhadap peningkatan produksi sayuran secara nasional. Penelitian bertujuan untuk mengetahui karakteristik dan keragaan pertumbuhan tiga varietas cabai merah lokal spesifik lokasi termasuk melihat keunggulannya dibandingkan dengan cabai merah varietas lainnya yang sudah beredar di pasar. Penelitian dilaksanakan di Kebun Percobaan Berastagi, Kecamatan Dolat Rayat, Kabupaten Karo, Provinsi Sumatera Utara, dengan ketinggian tempat 1.340 m dpl dan jenis tanah Andisol. Kegiatan dilakukan sejak bulan Juni 2015 sampai dengan Maret 2016. Rancangan yang digunakan adalah rancangan acak kelompok dengan lima kali ulangan. Kegiatan yang dilakukan meliputi karakterisasi dan keragaan pertumbuhan tanaman tiga cabai merah calon varietas lokal (Batang Ungu, Batang Ungu-Hijau, Batang Hijau) dan pembanding (Kencana dan Rampati). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa ketiga cabai merah varietas lokal memiliki perbedaan pada umur masa pertumbuhan. Pertumbuhan vegetatif cabai merah Batang Ungu dan Batang Ungu-Hijau berlangsung sampai umur 9 bulan setelah tanam, sedangkan cabai merah Batang Hijau hanya sampai umur 7 BST. Penampilan secara visual tanaman cabai merah Batang Ungu, Batang Ungu-Hijau, dan Rampati lebih tinggi, sedangkan cabai merah Batang Hijau lebih rendah namun diameter kanopi lebih lebar, sedangkan cabai merah Kencana lebih sempit. Waktu mulai berproduksi cabai merah Batang Ungu dan Batang Ungu-Hijau 1 bulan lebih lama dibandingkan cabai merah lainnya. Hasil per tanaman secara umum menunjukkan bahwa cabai merah Batang Ungu lebih tinggi dibandingkan dengan batang Ungu-Hijau, Batang Hijau, Rampati, dan Kencana, di mana total hasil per tanaman secara berurutan masing-masing adalah 1.183,15 g; 1.036,56 g; 700,55 g; 809,88 g ,dan 365,12 g. Hasil uji preferensi terhadap tanaman cabai merah di lapangan memperlihatkan bahwa cabai merah Batang Ungu dan Batang Ungu-Hijau memiliki tampilan keseluruhan dan bentuk/warna daun yang sangat bagus, sedangkan untuk kriteria tinggi tanaman, luas kanopi/tajuk, dan jumlah cabang tergolong bagus. Cabai merah Batang Hijau untuk setiap kriteria tergolong baik. Hasil uji preferensi terhadap buah cabai merah memperlihatkan bahwa cabai merah Batang Ungu, Batang Ungu-Hijau, Batang Hijau, dan varietas Kencana tergolong baik dilihat dari tampilan keseluruhan, yaitu ukuran, warna, bentuk, dan tekstur kulit buah.</p><p><strong>Keywords</strong></p><p><em>Capsicum annum</em> L.; Karakterisasi; Pertumbuhan; Hasil; Spesifik lokasi</p><p><strong>Abstract</strong></p><p>Hot pepper is the main vegetable crops that have the highest demand value in Indonesian society, so that their availability should be continue to be made, including efforts to increase production. Using the best varieties specific location is giving a substantial contribution to the improvement of the national vegetable production. The research aims to identify characterize and performance of the growth of three varieties of local hot pepper specific locations including recognition its superiority compared to other varieties of hot pepper that have been released and are available in the market. The research conducted at Berastagi experimental farm, District Dolat Rayat, Karo, North Sumatera, with a height of 1,340 m above sea level (asl.) and the type of soil is Andisol, the activities conducted in June 2015 until March 2016. The design used was a randomized block design, consist of six treatments with five replications. The activities conducted on characterization and growth performance of three hot pepper plant local varieties (Purple Stems, Purple-Green Stems, Green Stem) and plant comparison (Rampati and Kencana). The result showed that three hot pepper local varieties differ in the age of infancy. Hot pepper vegetative growth of Purple Stems and Purple-Green Stems lasted until 9 month after planting (MAP), while the hot pepper Green Stem, growth only until the age of 7 MAP. Visual performance of hot pepper with Purple Stem, Purple-Green Stems, and Rampati variety have higher growth, the hot pepper Green Stems lower but the canopy diameter is wider, while the Kencana variety is narrower. The hot pepper Stems Purple And Purple-Green Stems harvest beginning one month longer than another. Generally, yielding per plant of hot pepper Purple Stem higher than the Purple-Green Stems, Green Stem, Rampati, and Kencana, where the total yield of each was 1,183.15 g; 1,036.56 g; 700.55 g; 809.88 g; and 365.12 g. The result of the preference for hot pepper plants in the field shows that hot pepper Stems Purple and Purple-Green Stems have the all performance and shape/color of the leaves is very good, while the criteria for plant height, diameter canopy, and the number of branches is quite good. Hot pepper Green Stem for each criterion is quite good. The result of the preference for hot peppers shows that hot pepper Stem Purple, Purple-Green Stems, Green Stems, and Kencana varieties quite good views from the overall appearance, size, color, shape, and texture of the skin of the fruit.</p>