Application of Red and Blue LED Light on Cultivation and Postharvest of Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.).

Currently, light-emitting diode (LED) technology has produced a more energy-efficient and versatile technology as an artificial lighting system that can be applied in the agricultural sector. Artificial lighting technology has been proven to be effective in increasing the production of agricultural products, especially horticultural commodities. As one of the primary horticulture commodities, tomatoes are the most common crop produced in controlled environments with LED artificial lighting. The focus of this study is to describe the application of LED lights in tomato cultivation and postharvest. We provide an amalgamation of the recent research achievements on the impact of LED lighting on photosynthesis, vegetative growth, flowering, production, and postharvest of tomatoes. Red-blue (RB) lighting induces photosynthesis; increases the content of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoids in tomato leaves; regulates vegetative growth in tomatoes; and increases the production of tomatoes. In postharvest tomatoes, blue LED lighting treatment can slowly change the color of the tomato skin to red, maintain hardness, and increase shelf life. Future research may be carried out on the effect of LED artificial lighting on tomatoes' phytochemical, antioxidant and other crucial nutritional content. Different LED wavelengths can be explored to enhance various bioactive compounds and health-promoting components.

The Flow Rate of the Condenser Cooling Water in the Distillation Process Increases the Quality and Quantity of Patchouli Oil.

Indonesia is an important essential oil-exporting country globally, where 40 types of essential oils have been traded on the international market and are products of Indonesia. However, the quality and quantity of patchouli oil produced in Indonesia are still low. Most essential oil processing units use simple or traditional technology and generally have limited production capacity. This study aimed to obtain the optimum water flow rate in a condenser system for patchouli oil production in Maluku, Indonesia. Patchouli oil extraction from fresh patchouli leaves and twigs was carried out by increasing the condenser water discharge rate. Patchouli oil extraction with a condenser cooling water discharge treatment of 1.74 L/min and drying time for 5 days produced the highest patchouli oil yield of 1.4%. The greater the condenser water discharge rate, the better the yield and accumulation of patchouli oil recovery obtained. In addition, based on the results of the analysis of the composition of patchouli oil compounds with GCMS, it can be seen that 13 compounds can be detected in patchouli oil. The three main components of patchouli oil in all condenser cooling water treatments were alpha-guaiene, delta-guaiene, and patchouli alcohol. Considering the results of all parameters mentioned above, the treatment of the condenser cooling water discharge of 1.74 L/min and drying time for 5 days increases the quality and quantity of patchouli oil.

Increasing the Vase Life of Chrysanthemum Cut Flowers by Using Silver and Zinc Nanoparticles.

Cut flowers are horticultural products that have great potential to be developed. Efforts to maintain quality and extend the shelf life of cut flowers are very important to obtain a product that is accepted in the market. The main problems of chrysanthemum cut flowers are the leaves easily turning yellow, wilting, and failure to fully open flowers. This study aimed to obtain the best pulsing solution formulation that increases vase life and maintains the freshness of chrysanthemum cut flowers. Pulsing solution treatment was carried out on chrysanthemum cut flowers during the evaluation period. Pulsing solution treatment consisted of control, AgNO3, nano-Ag (NAg), ZnO, and nano-Zn (NZn). The results showed that NAg20 treatment increased the vase life of chrysanthemum cut flowers up to 23 days, which was 19 days longer than the control. Nano-Ag inhibits bacterial growth, flower wilting, color degradation, and carotenoids. In addition, nano-Ag increased the size of the bloom-flower diameter. Considering the results of all postharvest quality parameters mentioned above, NAg20 extends the vase life of chrysanthemum cut flowers.

Nutrient Composition of Indonesian Specialty Cereals: Rice, Corn, and Sorghum as Alternatives to Combat Malnutrition.

Stunted growth (stunting) caused by malnutrition is a growing concern in Indonesia. The nutritional composition of cereals is important information for improving people's nutrition. This research aimed to comparatively study the nutritional values of several Indonesian local cereal crops and provide a nutritional database for promoting local food with the aim of combating malnutrition. The cereals investigated included varieties of rice, corn, and sorghum. The nutritional analysis included ash, protein, fat, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. A purposive sampling method was performed by collecting five lots from each sampling area and forming composite samples by combining 1∼2 kg of each sample, then mixed before laboratory analysis. The results showed that colored rice, colored corn and sorghum, contain richer essential nutrients, dietary fiber, and essential amino acids compared to white rice and corn. The highest protein content was found in sorghum (13.26%), followed by corn (9.18%), and rice (8.0%). The highest energy value was also found in sorghum (380.5 kcal/100 g), followed by corn (379.9 kcal/100 g), and rice (362.1 kcal/100 g). The same sequence was seen for the mineral contents, where the zinc and iron contents were 1.57 and 2.39 mg/100 g, respectively for sorghum; 1.36 and 0.79 mg/100 g for corn; and 0.93 and 0.58 mg/100 g for rice. Accordingly, it can be concluded that sorghum has the highest nutritional value and therefore potential for combating malnutrition, while corn and rice are also highly nutritious and can be grown locally in order to combat malnutrition.