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- Author or Editor: Maria del C. Libran x
Municipal solid waste compost (MSW) can be used as an effective substrate for ornamental plant production as an alternative to peat. In a previous study a mix with peat, perlite, and vermiculite (1:1:1 per volume) was used along MSW compost at 1:1 per volume ratio as a growing substrate for Catharanthus roseus, providing nitrogen (N) for adequate plant growth. This study will focus in determining if MSW provides adequate amounts of N and Phosphorous (P) for Anthurium pot plant production, reducing the use of fertilizers and nutrient loss to the environment. Plants were fertilized at 0, 100, 150, and 200 ppm N using a 20-10-20 soluble fertilizer. Chemical characterization of leachates collected from plants grown in substrates with or without MSW, to determine possible nutrient run off. Tissue analysis for N and P content was conducted to determine absorption. Our results shows an increase in NH4 -N, NO3 -N and soluble P in leachates as the fertilizer level increased. Higher NO3 -N content in leachates was observed in treatments with MSW. Higher P concentrations were observed in leachates from substrate without MSW. Weeks after, 62% of the plants grown in MSW were dead; the surviving plants had less biomass, but similar N content in leaf and root tissues than plants grown without MSW. Higher P content in tissues was observed in fertilized plants grown without MSW. The MSW was a nutrient source for the plants, but further studies should be conducted for optimum use of MSW as a component of growing substrate.
Peach cultivars are being evaluated for their adaptation to the conditions of the central region of Puerto Rico. The root weevil, Diaprepes abbreviatus (L.), a common insect pest in the area, is being previously reported on peach trees. With the purpose of evaluating the potential feeding damage that this insect might represent for future peach production, choice and no-choice tests were made with leaf discs (feeding) and leaf strips (oviposition) to determine adult feeding and oviposition behavior in comparison with `Navel' orange. Larval feeding behavior on the roots was studied on a peach rootstock and `Cleopatra' mandarin planted in 18.9-L containers. In the no-choice test, adults fed significantly more on `Navel' orange foliage than on peach foliage. In the choice test, adults preferred to feed on `Navel' orange leaf discs. Oviposition occurred on both peach cultivars tested, but more egg masses were laid on Navel orange leaf strips in the no-choice test. However, given the choice, adults preferred to oviposit on peach leaf strips while fed on `Navel' orange leaf strips. In some replications this behavior was reversed. At 90 days after infestation, larval feeding damage on the roots was severe on `Cleopatra' mandarin where most of the cortex tissue on the primary root was removed and growth of roots and foliage was reduced. Larvae bore also on peach trees, but there was no sign of growth reduction on foliage or the roots compared to the control. These preliminary results indicate that D. abbreviatus will not be a primary pest on peach.