Progress 04/15/21 to 04/14/22
Outputs
Target Audience:Small and Medium-sized farmers. Changes/Problems:Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic the study was not able to be completed as anticipated. Duplication of field trials; field demonstrations, outreach and other educational activities were severely hampered. Also, determination of other chemical content in other parts of the plant species and the determination of other health values such as anti-cancer property were not able to be carried out. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Students (graduate and undergraduate) on the project received hands-on training on setting up field research, collecting field data, use of laboratory equipment, sample analysis and data interpretation. The graduate student attend and also made presented research findings at conferences as part of the professional development. Student had the opportunity to network with other students and faculty in similar field and also with representatives from public and private sector entities Graduate student and Principal investigator attended several conferences and made presentation at the following conferences: Adaptability and agronomic characteristics of moringa (Moringa oleifera) grown in north Florida region, was presented at the Association of Research Directors Research Symposium, Jacksonville, Florida. March 2019 Adaptability and Agronomic Characteristics of Moringa (Moringa oleifera) Grown in North Florida Region, was presented (virtual) at the ASA, CSSA and SSSA International Annual Meetings held November 2020. Attended Southern Stainability Agriculture working group (SSAWG) in Little Rock Arkansas, January 2020 Graduate student Thesis entitled, Adaptability and agronomic characteristics of moringa seed origins grown in north Florida of united states of America, completed October 2020 How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The dissemination of information regarding medicinal plants selection, agronomical practices, and production to farmers occurred via extension and outreach activities A brochure containing information on each plant is being prepared and will be disseminated to communities of interest. Scientific article in regards to antioxidant analysis and results will be published in scientific journal. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?This is the end of the project. However, additional studies will be ongoing on the same plants along with the addition of other plant species. Anti-cancer properties of the plants will also be determined.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
To assess regional adaptation growth habit, development and economic yield among plant species selected for initial introduction and evaluation. Ten plant species were grown and assessed during the period 2021 - 2022. They are: Anise hyssop (Agastache Foeniculum);Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera); Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus); Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia);Guinea Hen Weed (Petiveria Alliaceae); Holy basil (Ocimum sanctum); Lavender (Lavandula); Leaf of Life (Bryophyllum pinnatum); Pineapple Sage Golden Delicious (Salvia elegans); and Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa). Each species was replicated three times in a randomized complete block design (RCBD); and were grown in a pH 6.0 sandy loam soil without the aid of fertilizer or pesticides. However, they were irrigated as needed. Highest rainfall recorded September 2021 with 9" and the lowest in November 2021 with 0.58" Most of the selected plant species were able to grow well in the north Florida Region and can be an economic and viable alternative crop for farmers. Bitter melon plant species was susceptible to cold temperature down to 39 degrees F. All the other plant species, except for Roselle which is an annual, were able to withstand temperatures as low as 38 °F (January) and as high as 97 °F (June), albeit some suffered frost damages, but came back during the spring. Determine sustainable agronomic practices required for the successful production of selected crop species. No special agronomic practices were carried out in this research, except for the bitter melon which require trellising. The plant beds were covered with black plastic to control weeds and retain soil moisture. Plant growth was robust and had no disease or pest infestation. Determine the economic production cost, identify market opportunities and develop marketing strategies for selected crops; A recent market research predicts that the market for medicinal plants will grow at an annual rate of 5.34 percent to a value of USD 426 billion by 2028 (https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202128403003). This aspect of the project investigated the economic potential of 7 medicinal plant species (Table 2) and their potential monetary benefits to limited resource farmers. Table 2. Yield, prices and potential earnings for select medicinal plant species A recent market research predicts that the market for medicinal plants will grow at an annual rate of 5.34 percent to a value of USD 426 billion by 2028 (Mirzoieva et al, 2021). Our research indicates that several of the medicinal plant species can be profitable to small scale farmers. Lavender shows huge profit potential compared to traditional crops. Market research on the saleable portions of lavender indicates gross profit potential of up to $120,000.00 per hectare for the dried stems of the plant and between $6,000/ha and $18,000/ha for essential oil. It is therefore not surprising that lavender is listed as one of the five most valuable crops you can grow in the US (GroCycle, 2022). Lemon grass indicates gross profit potentials between $17,500.00/ha and $50,000.00/ha for fresh stalks. Roselle for which demand continues to grow in the health foods and beverage industries, shows much promise in terms of potential revenue from the sale of dried calyces of up to $16,950/ha. However, its profit potential may be limited by its high reliance on labor, and processing facilities. Those crops for which the essential oils are the main selling component will require greater capital investments, particularly for oil extraction and product quality standards. Despite that, essential oils are among the hottest selling items in the fragrance and flavor markets. References Mirzoieva, T., Chupriak, A., Avramchuk, B., Heraimovych, V. and Ilkiv, L. (2021). Economic assessment of the production potential of medicinal plants in Ukraine. E3S Web of Conferences 284, 03003. https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202128403003 doi:10.1590/S1517-83822010000100012 Grocycle.com. (2022). Growing lavender for profit. [Internet] Obtained 04/30/2022 from: https://grocycle.com/growing-lavender-for-profit Carry out demonstration, training and outreach/education activities to inform the target group (SMSSDFRs), extension personnel and the general public including youth groups about medicinal plants as a crop enterprise; In the fall of 2021 small group demonstrations and outreach activities were conducted with more than 20 participants mainly from the SMSSDFRs community. Participants were provided with information on production and agronomical practices for growing the studied crops and also information on each species reported health benefits and their potential for establishment as niche crops into their farming system. Determine the Content, health value and mode of action of the active medicinal compound within selected crop species. Antioxidant actives of the plant leaves and calyx were determined using 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH) and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Potential (FRAP) Assays methods; and carried out on the leaves of anise hyssop, guinea hen weed, leaf-of-life, holy 'tulsi' basil, bitter melon and roselle; and the calyx of roselle. Studies have shown that these plant parts are of medicinal value. DPPH Radical-Scavenging Activity of the ethyl acetate (EA) extract (shown in table 3) of Holy 'Tulsi' Basil leaves showed highest antioxidant activity with value 90.65 ± 1.04 %. Butanol extract was highest is Guinea Hen leaves with 45.45 ± 0.31, followed by Roselle with 41.05 ± 0.62 %. Ethyl acetate (EA) and butanol extract for roselle calyx were 53.07 ± 0.89 % and 53.07 ± 0.89 % respectively. Table 3. Antioxidant Activity for Plant Leaves and Roselle Calyx Using DPPH Assay DPPH % Plant Species Methanol Ethyl Acetate Butanol Anise Hyssop 68.25 ± 3.42 82.25 ± 4.34 36.10 ± 4.59 Guinea Hen Weed 47.13 ± 0.82 53.56 ± 2.50 45.45 ± 0.31 Leaf-of-Life 92.33 ± 0.70 71.07 ± 0.26 34.42 ± 0.30 Holy 'Tulsi 'Basil 89.22 ± 0.99 90.65 ± 1.04 34.08 ± 4.56 Bitter Melon 45.20 ± 1.77 47.08 ± 2.30 33.28 ± 0.45 Roselle Leaves 62.31 ± 2.62 61.72 ± 0.30 41.05 ± 0.62 Roselle Calyx 49.06 ± 1.15 53.07 ± 0.89 0.75 FRAP activity (shown in table 4) of Anise Hyssop leaves ethyl acetate extract, exhibited potential antioxidant activity compared to Trolox as a positive control with value of 664.60 ± 16.80 µM TE/g DW. (Micro-molar Trolox equivalents per gram of sample dry weight). Guinea Hen Weed butanol extract was 631.27 ± 24.52 µM TE/g DW followed by Roselle leaves with 553.60 ± 9.71 µM TE/g DW. Roselle calyx ethyl acetate and butanol extract, exhibited potential antioxidant activity compared to Trolox as a positive control with value of 566.27 ± 4.20 µM TE/g DW and 550.27 ± 28.85 µM TE/g DW, respectively. Table 4. Antioxidant Activity for Plant Leaves and Roselle Calyx Using FRAP Assay FRAP(?M Trolox eq) Plant Species Methanol Ethyl Acetate Butanol Anise Hyssop 6331 ± 6.93 664.60 ± 16.80 304.40 ± 9.61 Guinea Hen Weed 592.80 ± 16.84 608.07 ± 1.10 631.27 ± 24.52 Leaf-of-Life 605.47 ± 12.43 630.27 ± 25.06 402.27 ± 9.21 Holy 'Tulsi' Basil 621.33 ± 24.27 566.00 ± 15.19 282.87 ± 8.45 Bitter Melon 528.27 ± 33.05 591.40 ± 26.85 364.13 ± 16.75 Roselle Leaves 616.80 ± 13.87 625.33 ± 6.44 553.60 ± 9.71 Roselle Calyx 579.87 ± 28.46 566.27 ± 4.20 550.27 ± 28.85 This study indicates that the leaves of the plants analyzed and the calyx of roselle can be used as a source of antioxidant and provides some scientific evidence for the use of these plants for their medicinal value.
Publications
- Type:
Theses/Dissertations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
ADAPTABILITY, AGRONOMIC AND BIOCHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF MORINGA SEED ORIGINS GROWN IN NORTH FLORIDA
|
Progress 04/15/18 to 04/14/22
Outputs
Target Audience:Small and Medium-sized farmers: Changes/Problems:Due to Covid-19 Pandemic the original course of action was severely hampered; such as duplication of field trials, more demonstrations and outreach and educational activities. Also, additional chemical analysis such as anti-cancer property was not able to be carried out. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Over All Graduate and undergraduate received hands-on training on setting up field research, collecting data, use of laboratory equipment, sample analysis and data interpretation. The graduate student attend and also presented research findings at conferences as part of the professional development. Student had the opportunity to network with other students and faculty in similar field and with representatives from public and private sector entities Meetings, Presentations and Thesis: Adaptability and agronomic characteristics of moringa (Moringa oleifera) grown in north Florida region, was presented at the Association of Research Directors Research Symposium, Jacksonville, Florida. March 2019 Adaptability and Agronomic Characteristics of Moringa (Moringa oleifera) Grown in North Florida Region, was presented (virtual) at the ASA, CSSA and SSSA International Annual Meetings held November 2020. Attended Southern Stainability Agriculture working group (SSAWG) in Little Rock Arkansas, January 2020 Graduate student Thesis: Adaptability and agronomic characteristics of moringa seed origins grown in north Florida of united states of America, October 2020 How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Field demonstration, extension and outreach activities. Brochure is being developed for clientele What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?This is the end of the project.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
To assess regional adaptation growth habit, development and economic yield among plant species selected for initial introduction and evaluation. Ten plant species were grown and assessed during the period 2021 - 2022. They are: Anise hyssop (Agastache Foeniculum);Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera); Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus); Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia);Guinea Hen Weed (Petiveria Alliaceae); Holy basil (Ocimum sanctum); Lavender (Lavandula); Leaf of Life (Bryophyllum pinnatum); Pineapple Sage Golden Delicious (Salvia elegans); and Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa). Each species was replicated three times in a randomized complete block design (RCBD); and were grown in a pH 6.0 sandy loam soil without the aid of fertilizer or pesticides. However, they were irrigated as needed. Highest rainfall recorded September 2021 with 9" and the lowest in November 2021 with 0.58" Most of the selected plant species were able to grow well in the north Florida Region and can be an economic and viable alternative crop for farmers. Bitter melon plant species was susceptible to cold temperature down to 39 degrees F. All the other plant species, except for Roselle which is an annual, were able to withstand temperatures as low as 38 °F (January) and as high as 97 °F (June), albeit some suffered frost damages, but came back during the spring. Determine sustainable agronomic practices required for the successful production of selected crop species. No special agronomic practices were carried out in this research, except for the bitter melon which require trellising. The plant beds were covered with black plastic to control weeds and retain soil moisture. Plant growth was robust and had no disease or pest infestation. Determine the economic production cost, identify market opportunities and develop marketing strategies for selected crops; A recent market research predicts that the market for medicinal plants will grow at an annual rate of 5.34 percent to a value of USD 426 billion by 2028 (https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202128403003). This aspect of the project investigated the economic potential of 7 medicinal plant species (Table 2) and their potential monetary benefits to limited resource farmers. Table 2. Yield, prices and potential earnings for select medicinal plant species A recent market research predicts that the market for medicinal plants will grow at an annual rate of 5.34 percent to a value of USD 426 billion by 2028 (Mirzoieva et al, 2021). Our research indicates that several of the medicinal plant species can be profitable to small scale farmers. Lavender shows huge profit potential compared to traditional crops. Market research on the saleable portions of lavender indicates gross profit potential of up to $120,000.00 per hectare for the dried stems of the plant and between $6,000/ha and $18,000/ha for essential oil. It is therefore not surprising that lavender is listed as one of the five most valuable crops you can grow in the US (GroCycle, 2022). Lemon grass indicates gross profit potentials between $17,500.00/ha and $50,000.00/ha for fresh stalks. Roselle for which demand continues to grow in the health foods and beverage industries, shows much promise in terms of potential revenue from the sale of dried calyces of up to $16,950/ha. However, its profit potential may be limited by its high reliance on labor, and processing facilities. Those crops for which the essential oils are the main selling component will require greater capital investments, particularly for oil extraction and product quality standards. Despite that, essential oils are among the hottest selling items in the fragrance and flavor markets. References Mirzoieva, T., Chupriak, A., Avramchuk, B., Heraimovych, V. and Ilkiv, L. (2021). Economic assessment of the production potential of medicinal plants in Ukraine. E3S Web of Conferences 284, 03003. https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202128403003 doi:10.1590/S1517-83822010000100012 Grocycle.com. (2022). Growing lavender for profit. [Internet] Obtained 04/30/2022 from: https://grocycle.com/growing-lavender-for-profit Carry out demonstration, training and outreach/education activities to inform the target group (SMSSDFRs), extension personnel and the general public including youth groups about medicinal plants as a crop enterprise; In the fall of 2021 small group demonstrations and outreach activities were conducted with more than 20 participants mainly from the SMSSDFRs community. Participants were provided with information on production and agronomical practices for growing the studied crops and also information on each species reported health benefits and their potential for establishment as niche crops into their farming system. Determine the Content, health value and mode of action of the active medicinal compound within selected crop species. Antioxidant actives of the plant leaves and calyx were determined using 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH) and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Potential (FRAP) Assays methods; and carried out on the leaves of anise hyssop, guinea hen weed, leaf-of-life, holy 'tulsi' basil, bitter melon and roselle; and the calyx of roselle. Studies have shown that these plant parts are of medicinal value. DPPH Radical-Scavenging Activity showed ethyl acetate (EA) extract percentages (%) for the following: Anise Hyssop 82.25 ± 4.34; Guinea Hen Weed 53.56 ± 2.50; Leaf-of-Life 71.07 ± 0.26; Holy Tulsi Basil 90.65 ± 1.04; Bitter Melon 47.08 ± 2.30; Roselle 61.72 ± 0.30 and Roselle Calyx 53.07 ± 0.89. Butanol extract percentages (%) as follows: Anise Hyssop 36.10 ± 4.59; Guinea Hen Weed 45.45 ± 0.31; Leaf-of-Life 34.42 ± 0.30; Holy Tulsi Basil 34.08 ± 4.56; Bitter Mellon 33.28 ± 0.45; Roselle 41.05 ± 0.62; and Roselle calyx 42.38 ± 0.75. FRAP activity of ethyl acetate extract, exhibited potential antioxidant activity compared to Trolox (?M Trolox eq) as a positive control with values for the following Anise Hyssop 664.60 ± 16.80; Guinea Hen Weed 608.07 ± 1.10; Leaf-of Life 630.27 ± 25.06; Holy Tulsi Basil 566.00 ± 15.19; Bitter Melon 591.40 ± 26.85; Roselle 625.33 ± 6.44 and Roselle Caylx 550.27 ± 28.85 µM TE/g DW. (Micro-molar Trolox equivalents per gram of sample dry weight). Butanol extract values showed the following: Anise Hyssop 304.40 ± 9.61; Guinea Hen Weed 631.27 ± 24.52; Leaf-of Life 402.27 ± 9.21; Holy Tulsi Basil 282.87 ± 8.45; Bitter Melon 364.13 ± 16.75; Roselle 553.60 ± 9.71 and Roselle Caylx 550.27 ± 28.85µM TE/g DW. (Micro-molar Trolox equivalents per gram of sample dry weight). This study indicates that the leaves of the plants analyzed and the calyx of roselle can be used as a source of antioxidant and provides some scientific evidence for the use of these plants for their medicinal value.
Publications
- Type:
Theses/Dissertations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Oluwaseunfunmi Samuel Olaborode. 2020. ADAPTABILITY AND AGRONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS OF MORINGA SEED ORIGINS GROWN IN NORTH FLORIDA OF UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
|
Progress 04/15/20 to 04/14/21
Outputs
Target Audience:Small and Medium-sized farmers: Changes/Problems:Several on-farm and outreach activities that were scheduled for last quarter of the reporting period (2019-2020...February - April 2020) were not able to be completed due to COVID-19 Pandemic. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? The graduate student received hands-on laboratory training in the areas of: sample preparation for chemical analysis and the use of various lab equipment. The student gained knowledge in the research, selection and use of appropriate methodology for various forms of plant tissue analysis. The graduate student also attended and presented research findings at conferences which provided networking opportunities and exposure to other student and faculty research and overall professional development and growth. Conference Attendance and Presentation Presented at the ASA, CSSA and SSSA International Annual Meetings (Virtual) held November 9 - 13, 2020. Title of presentation: Adaptability and Agronomic Characteristics of Moringa (Moringa oleifera) Grown in North Florida Region https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&as_sdt=0%2C44&q=oluwaseunfunmi+olaborode&btnG=) How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?
Nothing Reported
What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?1. Field studies on additional medicinal plants to: a. assess regional adaptation growth habit, development and economic yield among plant species selected for initial introduction andevaluation. b. determine sustainable agronomic practices required for successful production of selected crop species. 2. Antioxidant tissue analysis of other selected medicinal crop species 3. Determine the economic production cost, identify market opportunities and develop marketing strategies for selected crops; 4. Dissemination of information through onsite demonstration studies and extension personnel and other outreach activities if permissible given the pandemic
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
1. To assess regional adaptation growth habit, development and economic yield among plant species selected for initial introduction and evaluation? The assessment of regional adaptation of other crops were not able to be completed due to the COVID-19 Pandemic 2. Determine sustainable agronomic practices required for the successful production of selected crop species. Additional crops selected for this research were not able to be studied due to the COVID-19 Pandemic 3. Determine the economic production cost, identify market opportunities and develop marketing strategies for selected crops; Not Yet Available 4. Carry out demonstration, training and outreach/education activities to inform the target group (SMSSDFRs), extension personnel and the general public including youth groups about medicinal plants as a crop enterprise; The on-farm and outreach activities that were scheduled for this reporting period (2020 - 2021) were not able to be completed due to the COVID-19 Pandemic 5. Determine the Content, health value and mode of action of the active medicinal compound within selected crop species. Antioxidant Activity in Moringa Leaves: Sample Preparation for Extraction: Leaf samples were collected from the Florida A&M Research Farm. The leaves were dried, grounded and a total solution obtained using 70% methanol. From this total solution (methanol solution), the following extraction processes were carried out - n-hexane, chloroform and total extraction. N-hexane extraction: samples of the total (methanol) solution was extracted using n-hexane to pull out the chlorophyll. The n-hexane solution containing the chlorophyll was collected and left to dry. The dried extract was then washed with methanol, and placed in scintillation vials and left to dry for 24 hours. 1 gram of the dried sample was stored at 4 ºC until used for the assay analysis. Chloroform extraction: the total (methanol) solution collected after the n-hexane extraction was mixed with the required volume of chloroform to extract the fatty acids and sugars. The chloroform extract was left to dry, after which methanol was added to dissolve the extract. The dissolved extract was transferred to glass scintillation vials and left to dry for 24 hours. 1g of the dried extract was then stored at 4 ºC until used for the assay analysis. Total extraction (methanol): this was the portion of the total (methanol) solution left after the n-hexane and chloroform extractions. The total extract was left to dry then transferred to glass scintillation vials where they were then placed in a mechanical convection DKN 600 oven, at a temperature of 35ºC for 3 days. 1g of the extract was then stored at 4 ºC until used for the assay analysis. Assays: Two assay methods were used on the extracted samples to determine antioxidant activity in the moringa leaves. 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay: The DPPH radical scavenging assay was carried out using a reported protocol (Ivanov et al., 2014). The reaction mixture was placed in 96-well flat bottom plate and absorption measurements were read at 530 nm. A light pink color indicated high antioxidant capacity. Ferrous reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay: Ferrous reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay was determined using a method by Dudonne et al., (2009). The reaction mixture was placed in 96-well flat bottom plate and absorption measurements were read at 530 nm. A dark blue color indicated high antioxidant capacity Both assay results were as μM Trolox equivalents per gram sample (μM TE/g dry sample). Results and Discussion: There is significant difference in the extracts of moringa for both DPPH radical scavenging assay and FRAP assay. Antioxidant values with different letters in superscript are significantly different at P≤0.05 between means and standard error mean, n=3. The total extract (methanol) had the highest antioxidant activity when compared to the n-hexane and chloroform extracts. This may be due to the fact that the n-hexane and chloroform extracts had the presence of chlorophyll, and fatty acids and sugars respectively. Trolox was used as the positive control of antioxidant. ?DPPH Assay - Total Extract (Methanol): Nigeria Local (27.4894.690a μM TE/g dry sample) Jamaica (22.8352.870ab μM TE/g dry sample) and Impex PKM1 (19.9680.560bc μM TE/g dry sample) origins showed the highest antioxidant capacity when compared to Texas PKM1 (2.2730.090f μM TE/g dry sample), India EOA PKM1(4.5601.660f μM TE/g dry sample) and Haiti PKM1 (4.9780.940f μM TE/g dry sample) which had the lowest antioxidant capacity. FRAP Assay - Total Extract (Methanol): Jamaica (2224.10036.390a μM TE/g dry sample), Nigeria Local (2156.76727.360a μM TE/g dry sample) and Impex PKM1 (2073.76714.840b2073.76714.840b μM TE/g dry sample) origins showed the highest antioxidant capacity when compared to Texas PKM1 (998.76745.190h μM TE/g dry sample), Ghana (1477.76712.200g μM TE/g dry sample), and Peela Medu (1575.7674.100f μM TE/g dry sample) which had the lowest antioxidant capacity. Conclusion Antioxidant actives of moringa extracts with methanol, n-hexane and chloroform extracts were determined using DPPH and FRAP assay methods. Total (methanol) extracts showed the highest antioxidant activity both in DPPH free radical scavenging and FRAP assay. These findings and results provide scientific evidence for traditional people way in Asia and Africa who grow and uses the plant for its medicinal value, for example consuming the leaves as part of nutrition in their diet to prevent diseases. This study also indicated that M. oleifera leaves can be used as an antioxidant source.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
" Presented at the ASA, CSSA and SSSA International Annual Meetings (Virtual) held November 9 13, 2020. Title of presentation: Adaptability and Agronomic Characteristics of Moringa (Moringa oleifera) Grown in North Florida Region
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&as_sdt=0%2C44&q=oluwaseunfunmi+olaborode&btnG=)
|
Progress 04/15/19 to 04/14/20
Outputs
Target Audience:Small and Medium-sized farmers: Changes/Problems: Several on-farm and outreach activities that were scheduled for last quarter of the reporting period (2019-2020...February - April 2020) were not able to be completed due to COVID-19 Pandemic. Also,the field technician who was employed to the grant left, and a suitable replacement took a while to be in place. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The graduate and undergraduate students employed on the project were able to receive hands-on training regarding establishing scientific research projects, collection, handling and analysis of field samples. The students also had opportunities to attend conferences which provided networking opportunities and exposure to other student and faculty research and overall professional development and growth. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?
Nothing Reported
What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Field studies on additional medicinal plants will be carried out in te field and on-site demonstrations on small farmers plots to provide further data for analysis and relevant evaluations...if permitted due to the COVID -19 pandemic Antioxidant analysis of Moringa plant tissue Propagation tests of moringa plant Determine the economic production cost, identify market opportunities and develop marketing strategies for selected crops; Dissemination of information through onsite demonstration studies and extension personnel and other outreach activities if permissible given the pandemic
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
To assess regional adaptation growth habit, development and economic yield among plant species selected for initial introduction and evaluation. The initial plant species that was introduced and evaluated for the period 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 was Moringa oleifera. Moringa from eleven geographical regions were tested, namely: Ghana Texas PKM1 Haiti PKM1 Colombia Nigeria Jamaica Nigeria Local Impex PKM1 Peela Medu India EOA PKM1 Belton The Moringa seedlings were transplanted July 2018 at the FAMU Research Station located in Quincy, Florida. The seedlings were planted and replicated in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Of the eleven geographical origin of Moringa oleifera species transplanted in the field in 2018 ten (10) of the origins were able to withstand the cold temperatures which went as low as 30 degrees F. The Moringa origin Belton was not able to withstand the cold temperatures. Signs of regrowth after the dormant winter period were first evident in July 2019. Monthly measurements were taken up to the time of harvesting (November 2019) when the biomass was determined. Plant height for the period July to November 2019 ranged in average from approximately 49 inches (Nigeria Local) to a low of 21 inches (Nigeria). The Nigeria Local origin out performed the other origins based on plant height in 2018-19 and 2019-20 - it grew an additional 49 inches. For the 2019-20 reporting period the Nigeria origin grew the least - it grew an additional 21 inches. Stem measurements for the period up to November 2019 showed that the Columbia origin expanded the most in terms of diameter - 0.82 inches; and Nigeria origin diameter recorded the lowest - 20.93 inches. Both plant height and stem girth/diameter measurements were lower in comparison to the 2018-2019 period. This could be due to several factors such as rainfall which was less in the 2019-2020 reporting period and the fact that no additional nutrients/fertilizer were added to the soil. Biomass data for Moringa showed that Haiti PKM1 origin had the highest biomass by weight - 254.72 grams followed by Texas PKM1 with a weight of 184.1 gram. Peela Medu, Nigeria and India EOA EKM1 recorded the lowest biomass - 26.4 g, 23.63, and 22.65 respectively The data suggests that Moringa oleifera can adapt and grow well in the North Florida Region and can be an economic viable alternative crop for farmers. Other medicinal crops such as Marigold, bush basil, Persian basil, dark opal basil, cardinal basil, mint, saffron and lemon grass. All except the lemon grass became susceptible to the cold temperatures and died. This indicate that these plants would not be considered economical for year-round production. 2. Determine sustainable agronomic practices required for the successful production of selected crop species. Over the approximate one-and-a-half-year growth in the field we have established that moringa seedlings Can grow well on Loamy clay soil with a pH of 6; and Can survive field conditions in its initial years of establishment without the application of fertilizer, pesticide and irrigation in the North Florida Region. The Quincy region of North Florida gets an average annual rainfall of 56 inches. The US average is 38 inches of rain per year. Literature (https://www.strongharvest.org/growing-and-using-moringa/) states that ideal conditions for Moringa are: Soil type sandy loam Temperature 72 - 93 degrees F Rainfall: 27 - 35 inches Based on our findings and those in the literature it can be concluded that moringa is very tolerant of imperfect conditions (including drought) and once established is relatively easy to maintain. 3. Determine the economic production cost, identify market opportunities and develop marketing strategies for selected crops; Not Yet Available 4. Carry out demonstration, training and outreach/education activities to inform the target group (SMSSDFRs), extension personnel and the general public including youth groups about medicinal plants as a crop enterprise; Not Yet Available 5. Determine the Content, health value and mode of action of the active medicinal compound within selected crop species. Plant tissue mineral analysis: The leaf analysis results of the ten seed origins, show that Moringa is rich in essential minerals, mainly calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, sulfur, iron, manganese, copper and zinc. Texas PKM1 had the highest concentrations of Phosphorus (0.65%), Potassium 2.9%), Sulfur (1.09%) and zinc (31 ppm). Nigeria seed origin had the same concentration of potassium as the Texas PKM1 seed origin. The India EOA PKM1 seed origin, had the highest concentrations of Calcium (1.19%), Magnesium (0.58%) and Manganese (83 ppm). Haiti PKM1 seed origin had the highest concentration of Iron (98 ppm) and Nigeria Local seed origin had the highest concentration of Copper (26 ppm). The results also showed that the moringa leaves were rich in Nitrogen and Boron, with the India EOA PKM1 having the highest concentrations 4.29% and 48 ppm respectively. Compared with the results of existing studies, it shows that mineral composition in Mo leaves varies depending on the location where the plant is grown. Nitrogen is used to make amino acids in the human body which in turn produces proteins that are responsible for the repair of damaged tissues. Phosphorus is an important macronutrient which serves as the main regulator of energy metabolism in cells. Potassium is responsible for lowering blood pressure in the human body and helps maintain the water balance. Magnesium is extremely vital to the human wellness by stimulating gastric motility and intestinal function. Moringa leaves are good source of calcium which is useful for the development of bones and teeth. Sulfur has been discovered to have a high anti-bacterial effect against bacteria that causes skin infections like eczema.
Publications
|
Progress 04/15/18 to 04/14/19
Outputs
Target Audience:Small and Medium-sized farmers: The dissemination of information regarding medicinal herbs and plants to farmers occurs via extension and outreach workshops, and annual field days. Undergraduate and Graduate students Students partake in practicum experiences, and periodic laboratory instruction supervised by scientists of the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The graduate student engages in training sessions with relevant scientists to aid with the ongoing research. The student also partakes in annual conferences for professional exposure and growth. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?
Nothing Reported
What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Field studies will be continued in order to provide data for analysis and relevant evaluations. Extension and outreach workshops are being planned to increase awareness of the project and its products.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
To assess regional adaptation growth habit, development and economic yield among plant species selected for initial introduction and evaluation. Seedlings of Moringa oleifera from eleven geographical areas (sources) were grown in the greenhouse then planted in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) replicated field trial at Quincy FL in July 2018. These cold susceptible plants were subjected to air temperatures as low are being observed for regrowth to determine survival characteristics. Seedlings of other crop species also grown in the greenhouse, they were later field planted in July 2019. Determine sustainable agronomic practices required for the successful production of selected crop species. Not yet available Determine the economic production cost, identify market opportunities and develop marketing strategies for selected crops; Not yet available Carry out demonstration, training and outreach/education activities to inform the target group (SMSSDFRs), extension personnel andthe general public including youth groups about medicinal plants as a crop enterprise; Not yet done Determine the Content, health value and mode of action of the active medicinal compound within selected crop species. Not yet done
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Submitted
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Olaborode, O. (2019, March). Adaptability and agronomic characteristics of moringa (Moringa oleifera) grown in north Florida region. Paper presented at Association of Research Directors Research Symposium, Jacksonville, Florida.
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