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Friday, 04 November 2011 12:23

Tomato, watermelon prove most efficient at CO₂accumulation

Scientists compared carbon fixation by five plant species under conditions of salinity. Salt tolerance and its relationship with plant CO₂ fixation were analyzed. The net photosynthetic rate, g_S, and transpiration rate were measured at atmospheric CO₂ during the daytime and related to the total chlorophyll, carbon, and mineral contents of the crops. Tomato and watermelon proved to be more efficient in CO₂ fixation than the other crops tested.

Friday, 04 November 2011 12:18

Treated seedlings are healthier, more vigorous after transplanting

Researchers determined the effects of raising seedlings with different light spectra such as with blue, red, and blue + red light-emitting diode (LED) lights on seedling quality and yield of red leaf lettuce plants. Photosynthetic pigments, polyphenols, and antioxidant activity of lettuce seedlings treated with different light spectra were also tested. The study determined that raising seedlings under blue light is useful in promoting the growth of lettuce plants after transplanting.

Friday, 04 November 2011 12:15

Natural growth regulator found to increase or decrease growth, depending on application

Scientists investigated the growth regulatory effect of Tea Seed Powder, a waste product from tea seed oil production. The product was tested on Lemna growth and as a soil and spray application on beet, mustard, oat, and barley. Two treatments were also tested for effects on strawberry yield. Results showed that extracts from TSP have a pronounced and direct physiological effect on plants, which can both increase growth and decrease growth depending on the application.

Friday, 04 November 2011 12:11

Technique reduces cluster compactness, harvest season rot

Economically significant varieties of wine grapes in eastern North America can be susceptible to harvest season cluster rot. Researchers designed experiments to determine whether leaf removal or a temporary reduction in carbon assimilation at the beginning of bloom would reduce fruit set and cluster compactness. Vines subjected to removal of four or six basal leaves had an average fruit set reduction of 45% from the control. Cluster weight and berries per cluster were similarly reduced.