Kesan Mikoriza Arbuskul, Efluen Kilang Kelapa Sawit dan Baja Npk Terhadap Pertumbuhan Tanaman Cili dan Sifat Fizik-Kimia Tanah Pasir Bekas Lombong

Satu penyelidikan telah dijalankan di rumah kaca 11C-UPM untuk menilai keberkesanan Mikoriza Arbuskul (MA), Efluen Kilang Kelapa Sawit (POME), Baja NPK terhadap pertumbuhan dan hasil eili serta sitat fizik-kimia tanah pasir bekas lombong. Anak benih eili berusia 3 minggu di alihkan ke polibeg berisi 5 kg tanah pasir bekas 10m bong yang terdahulu digaul bersama 30 tan ha-1 POME (berdasarkan 5 kg tanah). Empat kadar kulat MA (0g, 30g. 60g dan 90g) dan empat kadar baja NPK (0 tan, 0.75 tan, 1.5 tan dan 3.0 tan ha-1) berfaktorial disusun menggunakan rekabentuk blok rawak penuh lengkap (ReBD) dengan 3 replikasi. Respon tumbesaran tanaman, bilangan spora, peratus jangkitan akar, kandungan nutrien dalam tisu dan hasil menunjukkan peningkatan yang tinggi dengan penambahan 909 MA berbanding tanpa MA pada pemberian baja NPK yang berbeza-beza. Terdapat kaitan linear yang bererti pada pemberian kadar 3.0 tan ha-1 baja NPK dengan peningkatan kadar kulat MA bagi berat basah buah (R2=0.76**) dan berat kering buah (R2=0.73**). Kadar optima kulat MA dan baja NPK tidak diperolehi, maka paras kulat MA dan baja NPK yang memberikan hasil tertinggi dalam julat kajian dikira sebagai kadar yang terbaik

Regulation of fruit colour development, quality and storage life of ‘Cripps Pink’ apple with deficit irrigation and plant bioregulators

Poor and erratic fruit colour development in ‘Cripps Pink’ apple causes serious economic losses to the growers and/or exporters of Western Australia and other parts of the world. Many internal and external factors such as genetic, light, temperature, irrigation, application of chemicals and also soil and tree factors affect the biosynthesis of anthocyanins consequently fruit colour. Some of the past approaches followed to improve fruit skin colour resulted in limited outcomes. The aim of my research was to evaluate the effects of water saving strategies and newly developed plant bioregulators in improving fruit colour development without adversely affecting fruit size and quality of ‘Cripps Pink’ apple at harvest, following cold and controlled atmosphere (CA) storage. I also investigated the individual polyphenolics profiles, their identification and confirmation in the skin of this apple cultivar. Nine polyphenolic compounds (cyanidin 3-O-galactoside, chlorogenic acid, phloridzin, quercetin 3-O-rutinoside, quercetin 3-O-galactoside, quercetin 3-O-glucoside, quercetin 3-O-xyloside, quercetin 3-O-arabinoside and quercetin 3-O-rhamnoside) in the fruit skin of ‘Cripps Pink’ apple were identified, quantified and re-confirmed using high performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS). Increased concentration of cyanidin 3-O-galactoside in ‘Cripps Pink’ apple skin coincided with the increase in total anthocyanins concentrations.Water saving strategies, regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) and withholding irrigation (WHI), have been carried out for two seasons (2005-06 and 2006-07, and 2006-07 and 2007-08, respectively) in a commercial apple orchard. The treatment (75% RDI applied for 72 days, commencing on 135 days after full bloom (DAFB) and WHI for 20 to 30 days, commencing on 135 and 145 DAFB) increased red skin colour, concentration of total anthocyanins and polyphenolic compounds such as cyanidin 3-O-galactoside and quercetin glycosides. These treatments also improved fruit firmness and soluble solids concentration (SSC) of ‘Cripps Pink’ apple at harvest without adversely affecting postharvest quality in cold and controlled atmosphere (CA) storage, and also saved the irrigation water. To the best of my knowledge, this may be the first report on the effects of water-deficit on accumulation of flavonoids and other phenolic compounds in red-skinned apple particularly ‘Cripps Pink’ cultivar and also its impact on postharvest storage performance in CA storage. Soil-plant water relations such as volumetric soil water content, stomatal conductance, leaf water potential and stem water potential was pronounced with the application of these water saving strategies applied in the middle of stage II of fruit development of ‘Cripps Pink’ apple. The sparse leaf abscission due to water-deficit has improved light penetration, consequently improved red skin colouration through increased accumulation of anthocyanins particularly cyanidin 3-O-galactoside. This highlighted the importance of water stress and light in regulating colour and biosynthesis of anthocyanins.Newly developed plant growth regulator, Prohexadione-calcium (ProCa) improved fruit colour development of this apple cultivar by manipulating the light interception into the tree canopy and onto the fruit through reduction of vegetative growth. The reduction of shoot length was pronounced with three spray applications of ProCa (500 mg∙L[superscript]-1) on 3, 33 and 63 DAFB or two sprays of ProCa (500 mg∙L[superscript]-1) on 2 and 32 DAFB in combination with summer pruning (SP). The above mentioned treatments increased concentration of anthocyanins, cyanidin 3-O-galactoside, and all individual quercetin glycosides (quercetin 3-O-rutinoside, quercetin 3-O-galactoside, quercetin 3-O-glucoside, quercetin 3-O-xyloside, quercetin 3-O-arabinoside and quercetin 3-O-rhamnoside) and also maintained other fruit quality attributes such as fruit firmness and SSC of this apple cultivar.Lysophophatidylethanolamine (LPE) spray, 125 mg∙L[superscript]-1 (at two and four weeks prior to anticipated commercial harvest) or 250 mg∙L[superscript]-1 (at four weeks before harvest) appeared to be promising in improving fruit colour development, accumulation of anthocyanins and polyphenolic compounds (cyanidin 3-O-galactoside, quercetin glycosides and also individual quercetin glycosides such as quercetin 3-O-xyloside, quercetin 3-O-arabinoside and quercetin 3-O-rhamnoside), and other fruit quality attributes of ‘Cripps Pink’ apple. However, the mode of action of LPE in improving red colour in apple skin is possibly associated with enhanced ethylene production.In conclusion, fruit colour development of ‘Cripps Pink’ apple can be improved by applications of water saving techniques in the middle of stage II of fruit development such as 75% RDI for 72 days commencing on 135 DAFB or WHI for 20 (135-155 DAFB) to 30 (145-175 DAFB) days, and also newly developed plant bioregulators such as ProCa (three spray applications of ProCa (500 mg∙L[superscript]-1) on 3, 33 and 63 DAFB or two sprays of ProCa (500 mg∙L[superscript]-1) on 2 and 32 DAFB in combination with SP) or LPE (two spray applications (125 mg∙L[superscript]-1) at two and four weeks prior to anticipated commercial harvest or single spray (250 mg∙L[superscript]-1) at four weeks before harvest) without adversely affecting other fruit quality attributes

Impact of Regulated Deficit Irrigation on Fruit Quality and Postharvest Storage Performance of ‘Cripps Pink’ Apple

This study aimed to develop an irrigation strategy for apples to improve fruit skin colour without adversely affecting postharvest life and quality. Regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) at different levels [(i) 100%, commercial irrigation (CI) (70 L•h-1); (ii) 25% RDI (50 L•h-1); (iii) 50% RDI (35 L•h-1); and (iv) 75% RDI (20 L•h-1)] was applied from 135 days after full bloom (DAFB) continuously for 72 days till harvest. RDI (75%) significantly reduced leaf water potential as compared to CI. RDI (75%) improved fruit skin colour via enhanced accumulation of anthocyanins, increased soluble solids concentration (SSC), fruit firmness and slightly decreased fruit diameter. The RDI fruit (75%) stored for 135 days at 0±0.1°C, 90±2% RH remained firmer and had higher SSC compared to CI fruit. Similarly, RDI fruit (75%) stored for 155 days in controlled atmosphere (CA) comprising of 2.7% O2 + 1.9% CO2 at 0°C had higher SSC and fruit firmness than in CI fruit. In conclusion, RDI (75%) imposed at the late fruit development stage improved the fruit quality of ‘Cripps Pink’ apple at harvest without adversely affecting postharvest quality in cold and CA storage, and also saved irrigation water

Effects of nitrogen gas fumigation on postharvest quality of minimally processed starfruit (Averrhoa carambola L.) stored at low temperature

Minimally processed (MP) fruit have a short post-cutting life due to the mechanical injury during processing which increase the browning incidence, tissue softening, as well as the nutrient loss and flavor. The browning incidence occurs due to the destructive of cellular compartmentation which allow the phenolic substrate to be assessable to Polyphenol Oxidase (PPO) that catalyze phenolic oxidation. Therefore, the appearance, organoleptical properties and nutritional quality are reduced in MP starfruit. In this study, the effect of six different volumes of nitrogen gas (N2) (0 mL, 5 mL, 10 mL, 15 mL, 20 mL and 25 mL) fumigation on postharvest quality of MP starfruit (Averrhoa carambola L.) stored at 5°C were investigated. Flesh colour, browning index, total phenolic content, soluble solids concentration (SSC), titratable acidity (TA), firmness and ascorbic acid concentration of MP starfruit were determined for 12 days period. No significant differences of various N2 fumigation treatments were recorded in all postharvest parameters except for percentage weight loss. However, N2 fumigation at higher volume, 25 mL was a promising value to reduce browning index as well as maintain MP fresh colour and total phenolic content. In conclusion, the application of 25ml N2 gas has a tendency to be the best volume in reducing browning incidence and maintaining other quality attributes of MP starfruit

The impact of different drying temperatures on black ginger slices in relation to different applications of growing media

Black ginger (Kaempferia parviflora Wall. Ex. Baker) or “halia hitam” in Malay has beentraditionally used as health-promoting herbs in relieving body pains, allergies, gastrointestinal disorders, and fungal infections. Recently, black ginger has increased attention from many researchers to identify its medicinal value to treat diseases. In line with that, the objective of the study is to determine the impact of drying temperatures of black ginger rhizomes slices on the different applications of growing media. The experiment was arranged in a complete randomized design with two factors viz. i) different growing media [cocopeat, cocopeat+rice husk biochar, cocopeat+palm kernel shell biochar, cocopeat+sugarcane bagasse biochar, and cocopeat+coconut shell biochar] and ii) two different drying temperature (50 °C & 75 °C) with three replications. The postharvest parameters were total phenolic compound (TPC), total antioxidant (TA), water activity (Aw), and mineral nutrients content. In conclusion, rhizomes planted in Cocopeat+600g biochar substrates such as sugarcane bagasse, rice husk, palm kernel shell, and coconut shell could be suggested as effective growing media for black ginger cultivation under fertigation system and continued with 75 °C drying temperatures without adversely affecting the postharvest quality of black ginger

The responses of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) to the application of plant growth regulators in developing seedless fruit and maintaining its quality

Seedless fruit is a fruit developed to possess no mature seeds. Today lifestyle, consumers and/or manufacturers prefer fruit without seeds as removing it is time-consuming and troublesome. Indeed, seedless fruits have better organoleptic attributes than seeded fruits. To produce seedless roselle and maintain its postharvest quality, various spray applications of synthetic and naturally occurring plant growth regulators were investigated. Roselle is perishable and non-climacteric fruit that is exposed to rapid postharvest physiological deterioration following harvest. Thus, producing seedless fruit may reduce time and labor costs during the removing seed process. The experimental treatments were arranged in randomized complete block design with different types of plant growth regulators and spray applications. The PGRs treatments at varying frequencies were sprayed on roselle flower buds at 35, 45, 55, and 65 days after transplanting (DAT). Among all PGRs treatments, the plant treated with 800 mg/L GA3 + seaweed extract (4 sprays) had developed seedless roselle fruit by exhibiting the smallest capsule diameter, capsule volume, and a low number of seeds. In a conclusion, the application of 800 mg/L GA3 + seaweed extract (4 sprays) was the effective concentration to produce seedless roselle fruit and maintain its postharvest quality

Evaluation of native stingless bee species (Heterotrigona itama and Geniotrigona thoracica) for pollination efficiency on Melon Manis Terengganu

Melon Manis Terengganu (MMT) is a newly developed melon cultivar that is exclusively planted in Terengganu and has monoecious flowers where female and male parts are in different flowers of the same plant. Current practise for MMT pollination mainly depends on humans by hand-cross pollination treatment. However, until now little study on the potential of stingless bees as pollinator for greenhouse MMT has been documented in Malaysia. In this study, two species of stingless bees, Heterotrigona itama and Geniotrigona thoracica were placed with the MMT in the greenhouse. This study is aimed to investigate and compare the quality of MMT produced by four different pollination treatments; (1) self-pollination, (2) hand-cross pollination, (3) H. itama pollination and (4) G. thoracica pollination. Two hives of each stingless bee species were placed into the greenhouse at least two days before the MMT flowers bloomed. MMT produced from pollination by both stingless bee species and hand-cross pollination were significantly heavier in fresh weight, larger in diameter, higher in total soluble solid (TSS), and greater number of seeds per fruit compared to those produced from self-pollination. Pollination by stingless bees reached fruits with higher sweetness than hand-cross pollination and self-pollination. Results revealed that the stingless bee pollination on MMT production was similar to the MMT produced from hand-cross pollination. This study provides essential information on the potential of native stingless bees, H.itama and G. thoracica which can be effective pollinators for the MMT grown in the greenhouse besides manual pollination

In vitro and in vivo characterisations of Centella asiatica extract against Vibrio alginolyticus infection in whiteleg shrimp, Penaeus vannamei

Methanolic leaf extracts of the medicinal herb Centella asiatica (Asiatic pennywort) were screened for in vitro and in vivo antimicrobial activities against Vibrio alginolyticus isolated from whiteleg shrimp, Penaeus vannamei. Phytochemical analyses were positive for tannins, saponins, steroids, and cardiac glycosides. Antioxidant test revealed antioxidant activity nearly as potent as that of 0.8 mg/mL ascorbic acid. Minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations against V. alginolyticus were determined to be 0.79 and 12.50 mg/mL respectively. Scanning electron microscopy demonstrated disruptions of treated bacterial cells. 30 mg/kg extract supplementation achieved 85% survival of juvenile shrimp in a feeding trial. Histopathology showed increasingly fewer alterations in hepatopancreas from 10, 20 to 30 mg/kg supplementation, where 30 mg/kg preserved the tissues most with relatively complete structure including the star-shaped tubule lumen and various cell types. The present findings suggest the potential of C. asiatica as an alternative antimicrobial agent against V. alginolyticus as well as other Vibrio spp. and gram-negative bacteria in aquaculture

Fruit Quality and Postharvest Performance of ‘Cripps Pink’ Apple in Relation to Withholding Irrigation

We investigated the effects of withholding irrigation (WHI) at various stages of apple fruit development in improving fruit quality at harvest, particularly fruit colour without adversely affecting storage life and quality. WHI treatments were applied during stage II and III of fruit development commencing from 135, 145 and 155 days after full bloom (DAFB). Treatments were (i) T1, commercial irrigation as a control, (ii) T2, WHI from 135 to 153 DAFB, (iii) T3, WHI from 145 to 175 DAFB, and (iv) T4, WHI from 155 to 200 DAFB. WHI applied in T3 significantly reduced leaf water potential, 10 days after the commencement of WHI. WHI treatments did not significantly affect the cumulative fruit drop on 195 DAFB than T1. WHI treatment (T3) enhanced red skin colour, concentration of total anthocyanins, soluble solids concentration and firmness at harvest as compared to T1. Fruit from T3 stored at 0±0.1°C, 90±2% RH for 70 and 140 days retained higher firmness (>68N) and SSC (>15°Brix) as compared to T1.However, prolonged cold storage periods decreased titratable acidity of the fruit from irrespective of WHI treatments. WHI fruit from T3 stored for 140 days showed increased levels of ascorbic acid and total antioxidants in the pulp as compared to other treatments. In conclusion, WHI applied 145 to 175 DAFB (middle of stage II) improved fruit colour and other major fruit quality parameters at harvest without adversely affecting postharvest quality and also reduced water use

EFFECT OF ORGANIC SUBSTRATES ON GINGER GROWTH, YIELD AND [6]-GINGEROL CONTENT CULTIVATED USING SOILLESS CULTURE SYSTEM

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) belongs to a tropical and sub-tropicalZingiberaceae family, which originated from Southeast Asia. Ginger is one of themost widely used herbs contains several interesting bioactive constituentsincluding [6]-gingerol that has potent antioxidant activity and health promotingproperties. Substrates plays an important role for plants to growth in the soillessculture system. Given the nature of the substrate may play a crucial role indetermining water and nutrient availability for the plant and hence may affect themetabolic pathways involved in the synthesis of specific biochemical compounds,this study was conducted to determine the effects of organic soilless substrates suchas coir dust and burnt paddy husks on ginger growth, yield and [6]-gingerol contentusing soilless culture system. The treatments were arranged in a randomizedcomplete block design (RCBD) with five levels of treatment with three replicates.The treatments include, T1 = 100% coir dust; T2 = 100% burnt paddy husks; T3 =70% coir dust and 30% burnt paddy husks; T4 = 30% coir dust and 70% burntpaddy husks; and T5 = 50% coir dust and 50% burnt paddy husks. Results showedthat plant in T1 gave rise to highest rhizomes yield (5480  325 gm) compare toother treatments. Media containing high amount of coir dust (70 – 100%) showedgood growth and increased the rhizome yield up to 36% compared to thosecontaining high amount of burnt paddy husks. There was no significant differencebetween all treatments in term of [6]-gingerol content in the fresh and dry gingerrhizomes. The studies suggested that the secondary metabolites like [6]-gingerolcontent and accumulation were not affected by the substrates. It can be concludedthat 100% coir dust are the best substrates for growing ginger in soilless culturesystem