Characterizing the Phytotoxic Effects of Hydrogen Peroxide Root Dips on Hybrid Phalaenopsis Orchid Plants

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a well-known oxidizing agent often used as a remedy by consumers to treat algae and root decay from presumed root disease on interior plants, as well as to encourage root growth and health. To characterize the phytotoxic effects and define the safe concentration threshold for H2O2 use on ‘Vivaldi’ hybrid phalaenopsis orchid (hybrid Phalaenopsis), root systems were dipped for 3 minutes in 0%, 3%, 6%, or 12% H2O2 one time and observed in greenhouse conditions for the following 27 days. Root systems of each plant were assessed over time for percent visible root damage; ratings of root health on a scale of 1 to 5 points, with 5 points indicating “very healthy”; and final fresh and dry weights. To determine when symptoms manifested above the root zone, foliage and flower damage was evaluated over time by assessing percent visible foliage damage, ratings of foliage health, percent foliar wilt, flower/bud count, and final foliage and flower fresh and dry weights. Over the evaluation period, the root health rating of the ‘Vivaldi’ hybrid phalaenopsis orchids treated with 12% H2O2 decreased from 5 to 1.13, whereas those treated with 3% H2O2 only decreased from 5 to 4.13. H2O2 concentrations of 6% and 12% damaged root health permanently, whereas the 3% H2O2 concentration only caused minor damage to overall root health. However, algae were not killed at the 3% rate. Neither foliage nor flowers were seriously affected during the 3 weeks after application, but foliage wilt did result in the 6% and 12% treatments by week 4. As H2O2 concentration increased, fresh weights decreased in roots and leaves. Although a single 3% H2O2 root dip did not result in severe symptoms of phytotoxicity, the treatment’s long-term plant health effects are unknown. Because the 3% H2O2 root dip caused minor plant health setbacks and failed to subdue algae populations in the root zone, consumers should be wary of using H2O2 to improve orchid (Orchidaceae) root health and should instead focus on altering care and watering practices.

Soil health indicators for Central Washington orchards

Soil health assessment can be a critical soil testing tool that includes biological and physical indicators of soil function related to crop and environmental health. Soil health indicator minimum data sets should be regional and management goal specific. The objective of this study was to initiate the steps to develop a soil assessment tool for irrigated orchard soils in Central Washington, United States including defining objectives, gathering baseline data and selecting target indicators. This study measured twenty-one biological, physical and chemical properties of soils in irrigated Central Washington apple orchards including indicators of water availability, root health, fertility, and biological activity. Soil factors were related to fruit yield and quality. Principal components and nonlinear Bayesian modeling were used to explore the relationship between soil health indicators and yield. Soil indicators measurements in Washington state orchards varied widely but generally had lower organic matter, available water capacity, wet aggregate stability and higher percent sand than in other regions. Linear mixed effects models for available water capacity and percent sand showed significant effects on yield, and models for root health ratings and Pratylenchus nematodes had moderate effects. The minimum dataset of soil health indicators for Central Washington orchards should include measurements of water availability (available water capacity, percent sand) and of root health (bean root health rating, Pratylenchus nematodes) in addition to standard fertility indicators to meet stakeholder management goals.

Test Application Of Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch Compost And Dried Decanter Solid On The Growth And Results Of Spring Onion Plant (Allium fistulosum L.) Lubang Variety

Increased production of oil palm empty fruit bunches results in a large amount of waste that has not been utilized optimally. One of the wastes produced from palm oil mills is empty palm oil bunches (TKKS) and dried decanter solid. Oil palm empty fruit bunches can be made into compost. This type of waste can be used as organic fertilizer for oil palm plants. Organic fertilizers function to improve soil structure, soil texture, aeration and increase soil absorption of water. Organic fertilizers also function as stimulants to improve plant root health and provide food for microorganisms that can keep the soil in a healthy and balanced condition. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect and interaction of compost application of oil palm empty fruit bunches and dried decanter solid on the growth and yield of scallion (A. fistulosum L.) hole varieties. The research was carried out at the Experimental Garden of the Faculty of Agriculture, Widya Gama University, Mahakam Samarinda. The study was conducted for ± 6 months starting from January to July 2018. This study used a Randomized Block Design (RAK) with a 4 x 4 Factorial Experiment consisting of 3 replications. The first factor is the application of compost for oil palm empty fruit bunches (K), namely K0 (control), K1 (70 g/polybag), K2 (120 g/polybag), and K3 (170 g/polybag). The second factor is the application of dried decanter solid (S), namely S0 (control), S1 (65 g/polybag), S2 (115 g/polybag), and S3 (165 g/polybag). The results showed that the application of oil palm empty fruit bunches compost and dried decanter solid as well as the interaction of the treatment combinations had a very significant effect on the observed variables of plant height per clump (cm), fresh weight of plants per clump (g), and had no significant effect on the observed variable number. leaves per clump (leaf) and the number of tillers per clump (fruit).

Strategic Mulching of Trees in Forested Urban Parkland for Rooting Medium Amendment

Trees planted along city streets and in urban parks are subject to many adversities that affect growth and can often result in mortality. The application of organic mulch to the rooting medium of newly planted urban trees has the potential to improve the soil chemical and physical properties necessary for tree root health. This study examined the difference in soil nutrient supply rates (μg/10cm2/28 days) between three areal treatments of wood chips (0.75 m, 1.0m and 1.5 m radii) and before mulch application versus after mulch application using Analysis of Covariance. PRSTM-Probes were inserted into the soil over six 28-day periods to measure the supply rate of bioavailable nutrients (NO3-, NH4+, P, K, S, Ca, Mg, and Cu). Meteorological data and other soil chemical and physical factors were measured and included as covariates in the statistical model. Results indicate that mulching had a significant effect (p<0.05) on P supply rates; supply rates were lower in the reference plots compared to the treatment plots post-mulching. S, Ca, Mg, and Cu supply rates decreased after mulch application; however, the decrease was observed in all plots, which is likely due to temporal variations in plant demand rather than mulching. The wood chips also had a significant impact on buffering fluctuating soil temperatures and reducing soil moisture loss compared to non-mulched plots. The knowledge obtained from this research can be used to improve urban forest management strategies by providing a more in-depth understanding of the prescriptive use of organic mulch.

Strategic Mulching of Trees in Forested Urban Parkland for Rooting Medium Amendment

Trees planted along city streets and in urban parks are subject to many adversities that affect growth and can often result in mortality. The application of organic mulch to the rooting medium of newly planted urban trees has the potential to improve the soil chemical and physical properties necessary for tree root health. This study examined the difference in soil nutrient supply rates (μg/10cm2/28 days) between three areal treatments of wood chips (0.75 m, 1.0m and 1.5 m radii) and before mulch application versus after mulch application using Analysis of Covariance. PRSTM-Probes were inserted into the soil over six 28-day periods to measure the supply rate of bioavailable nutrients (NO3-, NH4+, P, K, S, Ca, Mg, and Cu). Meteorological data and other soil chemical and physical factors were measured and included as covariates in the statistical model. Results indicate that mulching had a significant effect (p<0.05) on P supply rates; supply rates were lower in the reference plots compared to the treatment plots post-mulching. S, Ca, Mg, and Cu supply rates decreased after mulch application; however, the decrease was observed in all plots, which is likely due to temporal variations in plant demand rather than mulching. The wood chips also had a significant impact on buffering fluctuating soil temperatures and reducing soil moisture loss compared to non-mulched plots. The knowledge obtained from this research can be used to improve urban forest management strategies by providing a more in-depth understanding of the prescriptive use of organic mulch.

Soil application of fungicides affects nutrient dynamics in ‘Blood Red’ sweet orange

Infected and damaged root system of sweet oranges (Citrus sinensis Osbeck L.) budded on rough lemon (Citrus jambheri Lush.) in Punjab-Pakistan has been suspected to affect nutrient uptake due to rootstock susceptibility to soil born fungal diseases. The experiment was performed on 12-15 years old ‘Blood Red’ sweet orange ‘Blood Red’) trees of uniform size and vigour at the Fruit Garden Sq. 9, Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan. This study was conducted for consecutive two years. The objective of the research was to introduce sweet oranges in the main streamline of the citrus industry by improving their root health through fungicides treatments ultimately enhancing mineral nutrient uptake from the soil. The experiment was laid out according to Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) replicated thrice, taking a single tree as a treatment unit. The fungicides used in the experiment were Metalaxyl Mencozeb (Ridomil Gold), Fosetyl-Al (Alliette) and copper sulphate (CuSO4), in different combinations. Nutritional status of tree leaf macronutrients (N, P and K) and micronutrients (Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn) during flowering and final fruit set was evaluated at fortnight intervals with respect to different treatments. The different treatments enhanced nutrient uptake through roots and improved health and vigour of trees. It was more evident from the improvement of fruit quality and yield of treated trees compared with control. Although fungal analysis could not be performed, the improvement in general health and vigour of trees lead to the conclusion that root health was improved substantially. It might be concluded from this study that best orchard management emphasizing improvement in the root health could enhance the yield and quality of sweet oranges.

Advances in understanding plant root behaviour and rootzone management in soilless culture systems

A healthy and vigorous root system is essential in soilless plant cultivation. The primary function of roots in soilless systems is water and nutrient uptake. Root nutrient uptake has three characteristics: (1) selective, (2) accumulative, and (3) genotype dependent. Many factors can affect root health and root water and nutrient uptake. To create and maintain a healthy and vigorous root system, it is important to take an integrated rootzone management approach, considering the above characteristics and all the environmental factors. This chapter is a review of our current understanding of root, rootzone, and rootzone management in soilless systems; and it also discusses future research directions in this area.

Limiting factors for snail’s pace success of immunization

Background: The practice of immunization dates back to hundreds of years. Buddhist monks drank snake venom to confer the immunity against snake bite. World Health Organization (WHO) covers broad scope of global activities in order make the globe free of vaccine preventable diseases. Many surveillance activities are going on, in order to fulfill the aim of disease free globe.Methods: Children admitted to the Pediatric ward of Belgavi Institute of Medical Sciences were enrolled and parents/ guardians were enquired about the vaccination the child received and their knowledge about immunization and interpretation was done to find out the reasons for snail’s pace of successful elimination of the vaccine preventable diseases.Results: Out of 630 participants, 364 had partial immunization and 12 (1.9%) were un- immunized. Poor knowledge being the first reason found in 247 (67.9%) children. No visit by the health worker was the 2nd reason found in 220 (60.4%) children and child illness was the third reason in 116 (31.9%) children.Conclusions: In order to increase the rates of immunization in the community, improving the knowledge of community, about the benefits of immunizing their children as well as empowering the grass root health workers in immunizing the children of their locality can help us achieve a nation free of vaccine preventable diseases.