Water use efficiency, plant growth and vegetative traits of rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) seedlings grown using different growing media and water levels

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of soilless media and water levels on growth and physiological response of rubber plant. The four water levels were I50: 50%, I75: 75%, I100: 100% and I150: 150%) with three replications per water treatment and four soilless media. Water levels were determined as irrigation needed for the root zone in growing media to rise to field capacity I100:100%, at field capacity (FC). The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) in factorial arrangement 3 x 4 with three replications. Soilless medium contains proportion of vermiculite, perlite, coconut husk, empty fruit bunch (EFB) compose, Christmas Island Rock Phosphate (CIRP), peat moss, urea-N and burnt rice husk coded as M1. Vermiculite, perlite, coconut husk, EFB, CIRP, peat moss, urea-N, sugarcane bagasse coded as M2. M3 is a commercial soilless medium and 100% soil was designated as control. The M1 significantly influenced almost all plant growth traits, noticeable in biomass production. Growth of plants in M1 corresponded to higher water use efficiency WUEinstantaneous and WUEintrinsic, the M1 increased plant growth like LAR, biomass production and root morphological traits. Shoot dry weight of the plant was greater (14.66 g/plant) when 150% was applied and significantly different from M2 (10.36 g/plant), M3 (4.73 g/plant) and M4 6.22 g/plant. Lower water level 50%, applied in plant grown in M1 (31.94 g/plant) recorded highest total shoot fresh weight (SFW). The results showed suitability of the soilless medium M1 and the 50% water level for rubber nursery planting. Consequently, it is recommended for planting where management and control of irrigation water are considered necessary in rubber plantation

Influence of composition of soilless substrates monitored with Iot sensor nodes on the growth, nutrient and fruit quality of rockmelons (Cucumis melo Var. Cantalupensis)

Background: Coconut coir dust (CD) is commonly used for growing selected fruit and vegetables. It is a soilless medium with excellent drainage and high-water holding capacity; free from infestations of weeds and pathogens. However, plant growth is adversely affected due to its high salinity, potassium and low pH. Methods: A greenhouse experiment was conducted to investigate the influence of different soilless media on rock melon’s growth, nutrient and fruit quality. Five soilless media were prepared including CD as control. A customised portable IoT system was deployed to monitor and collect relevant real-time agronomic data. Result: Plant height, yield, leaf area, total fresh fruit weight and soluble solids content (sweetness) of rock melon were significantly affected by the growing medium. Among the five media used, the growth and quality characteristics were highest in M2 followed by M3. It was found that a combination of burnt rice husk (BRH) and perlite with CD remarkably improved the growth of fruit quality of rock melon

The effects of family dynamic to psychological aspects of transsexuals at Kuantan, Pahang in 2012

The purpose of this paper is to show the relationship of male transsexuals with their family structure as well as the level of depression, anxiety and stress. This paper will highlight that there are strong influence of their family relationships with their psychosocial problems. The general objective for this study is to determine the family values and psychological factors among transsexual community in Kuantan, Pahang. The specific objectives include describing their socio-demographic status, measuring the prevalence of their psychological factors in term of depression, anxiety and stress as well as to measure the family values of transsexuals in terms of total family value, togetherness and harmony, expression, relationships and family dynamic, conflict and centric and lastly religiosity and traditional practice. This study will also describe the association between family values and the psychological factors. The study employs three interview-filled forms which are sociodemographic form, Asian Family Characteristics Scale and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS 21). Among 40 respondents, 14 of them were depressed (35%), 18 were anxious (45%) and 14 were stressed (35%). For family relationship, 20 of them are having poor total family value (50%). On further analysis, result shows that those who are having poor total family value are 4 times more likely to develop depression and 7 times more likely to develop stress compare to those who are having normal total family value. In conclusion, this study reveals that family values have a significant effect on psychological aspects of the transsexuals