Pelita Perkebunan (a Coffee and Cocoa Research Journal)

Cocoa seedlings growth on marginal soil as affected by application of dry walnut leaf compost and arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 01:04:34 +0000

Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) is a plantation commodity that is widely cultivated in Indonesia, this commodity is very important in Indonesia because it has played a role in the Indonesian economy since 1930. The problem faced in cocoa cultivation is the lack of nutrient availability due to chemicals that cause residue in the soil, resulting in the growth of cocoa seedlings are not optimal, to optimize the growth of cocoa seedlings, provide a mixture of organic fertilizer in the planting medium and provide mycorrhiza. This research used the basic pattern of a factorial Completely Randomized Design (CRD) consisting of 2 factors and repeated 3 times. The first factor is the dose of dry leaf compost (K) which consists of 3 levels, namely: Without dry leaf compost treatment/control (K₀), dry leaf compost 60 g/polybag (K₁), Dry leaf compost dose 120 g/polybag (K₂) and the second factor is the arbuscular mycorrhizal dose (M) which consists of 3 levels, namely: Without arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus treatment/control (M₀), arbuscular mycorrhizal dose of 15 g/polybag (M₁), and arbuscular mycorrhizal dose of 30 g/polybag (M₂) So there are 27 experimental units. The results of the study showed that (1) there was a real interaction between the treatment of compost dose (K) and mycorrhizal dose (M) in safety. The combination of compost dose (K) 120 g/plant and mycorrhiza dose (M) 30 g/plant (K2M2) was the best treatment combination. (2) The treatment of giving a compost dose (K) had a significant effect on the variables of plant height, number of leaves, stem diameter, and plant dry weight. The best treatment was a compost dose of 120g/plant (K2). (3) The mycorrhizal dose (M) treatment had a very significant effect on the variables of plant height, number of leaves, stem diameter, and plant dry weight. The best treatment was a mycorrhizal dose of 30g/plant (M2).

Analysis of volatile compounds in roasted Liberica Coffee in the Philippines by gas chromatography mass spectrometry

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The study is aimed at evaluating volatile compounds of Liberica coffee (Coffea liberica) collected from Lipa Batangas. Sample analysis was performed using Static Headspace Gas Chromatography. The roasting process also generated furans, pyridines, aldehydes ,and pyrazines potent volatile compounds in Liberica beans including unique volatile compounds including Terpinene 4-acetate (0.65%) and trans-β-Ocimene (0.47%). Furthermore, the presence of the abovementioned compounds revealed the essential marker as Liberica coffee beans. This finding may help to add more information with regards to the volatile compounds of Liberica Coffee.

Cocoa Farmers and Agrochemical Safety Compliance: Empirical Insights from Ghana

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study addresses the lack of empirical insights into the adherence of cocoa farmers to safety protocols. Specifically focused on agrochemical safety compliance, the research employs a quantitative approach and collects data from 385 cocoa farmers in the Nzema East Municipal through a structured questionnaire. The analysis utilizes mean, standard deviation, frequency, percentages, and Tobit regression models. The study finds that cocoa farmers exhibit a high level of knowledge and preparedness in agrochemical handling practices, positive agrochemical usage practices, and proper agrochemical storage practices. Cocoa farmers employ integrated pest management strategies, using diverse fertilizers, insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides to address crop health and productivity challenges. Tobit regression results showed that the extent of use of agrochemicals was significantly influenced by marital status, household size, farming experience, cooperative membership, and access to spraying machines and personal protective equipment. The research highlights the importance of integrating safety considerations into agricultural policies and practices, emphasizing the role of knowledge and awareness in influencing farmers' practices. It suggests the need for targeted interventions and educational programs to enhance agrochemical safety compliance among cocoa farmers.