Abstract.The exposure of plants to drought conditions increases production of toxic reactive oxygen species (ROS), and negatively affects photosynthesis and carbohydrate metabolism.
Organic fertilizers not only maintain soil fertility but enhance the biological activity of the soil, which improve the efficiency of nutrient use by the plants. Vermicompost, a nutrient-rich organic fertilizer made by composting earthworms can be used in the preparation of aqueous extracts known to increase crop yield and plant health. Vermicompost was produced through cultivation of red wriggler worms (Eisenia fetida), a common composting species and used in the preparation of aqueous fertilizing mixtures. Kale (Brassica oleracea var. sabellica), a leafy vegetable known for its high nutritional properties, was grown in an organic garden at St. Thomas University. Plants were fertilized with one of three vermicompost-based solutions containing different combinations of organic additives, such as fish emulsion, corn syrup and/or a seaweed blend. Mixtures were prepared weekly and applied, in 4 gal. doses to the plants in each study group twice a week over the course of 10 weeks. Upon harvest, the height, wet weight, and dry weight of the plants were measured. ANOVA and Tukey test analysis showed a significant positive effect on all vermicompost-treated plants compared to the control. Kale plants receiving the mixture T1 (a combination of vermicompost and fish emulsion) resulted in significantly greater height, and dry weight in comparison to the other treatments.
The Oyster plant (Tradescantia spathacea) is a fleshy or succulent perennial garden herb. It is utilized for ornamental purposes in many tropical and subtropical climates. Medicinally, the plant is used for colds, sore throat, whooping cough, nasal bleeding, and also as an anti-inflammatory. Oyster Plants were grown and harvested from the organic garden at St. Thomas University. The different parts of each plant -leaves, stems, roots and flowers -were separated, cleaned, and dried at 40°C. Specimens were then grinded and prepared as extracts using maceration and Soxhlet extraction. All the extracts were rotevapored and analyzed by thin layer chromatography (TLC) with different mixtures of polar and nonpolar solvents. The spots were developed and visualized with iodine and UV light. Root and leaf fractions contained the majority of organic compounds. The present work reports the best solvent for extraction and the most effective conditions for TLC separation. Preliminary experiments testing ethanolcontaining extracts for anticancer properties are also discussed.
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