http://hdl.handle.net/11189/1942 2026-08-12T10:52:48Z http://hdl.handle.net/11189/7923 Title: Biocommunication in plants: the effect of ‘Intent’ on the growth and yield of bean (Leguminaceae: Phaseolus vulgaris) grown in solution culture Authors: Weedon, Odette; Laubscher, Charles Petrus; Ndakidemi, Patrick Alois Abstract: Photographs of frozen crystalline structures taken by Emoto showed well structured and defined crystals formed in positively affirmed or clean water, and the deformed and indistinguishable crystals formed when the water was subjected to negative images and words or if the water was polluted. The significance or the effects that these well-defined or deformed crystals may have on plant growth and yield are not documented. This experiment connected a number of theories including biocommunication and primary perception between different biological life forms and the effect of ‘Intent’ on the structure of water and its effect on plant growth. Plants were grown in a controlled environment subject to different intentions and data on plant height, stem diameter, shoot and root weight and pod yield were recorded. The experiment found however, that a more controlled and isolated environment was necessary to fully understand the effects of ‘Intent’ on plant growth. The scope of this experiment is somewhat difficult to gauge due to science’s limited knowledge and explanation of consciousness, but this fact should further support and encourage investigations of this nature. 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/11189/7922 Title: Growth parameters of Pelargonium cucullatum: the influence of different concentrations of NUTRIFIED aided by mycorrhiza application Authors: Van der Burg, M.A.; Laubscher, Charles Petrus; Lewu, Francis B Abstract: The beneficial effect of mycorrhiza on plant growth has often been related to nutrient uptake; yet little published information is available about mycorrhiza associations in horticulture in South Africa. This study investigated how much nutrients is needed in the growth and yield of Pelargonium cucullatum aided by mycorrhiza application in a hydroponic system. Fifty plants were grown in a deep-water hydroponic culture for 8 weeks. Plants were inoculated with BIOCULT™ Mycorrhizae at two weeks into the experiment with a repeat inoculation after one month. NUTRIFEED® was added at concentrations of 25g, 50g, 100g and 200g, while the control received only mycorrhiza treatment. The same treatments were replaced after hydroponic systems were flushed. Parameters assessed were fresh and dry shoots weights, fresh and dry roots weights, total fresh and dry weights, shoot height, root length and number of leaves. The results of the indicated that a concentration of 50 g of NUTRIFEED® can produce significant growth in P. cucullatum for most parameters measured. The implication of mycorrhiza in association with NUTRIFEED® in the amelioration of yield and growth parameters of P. cucullatum is discussed. 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/11189/7921 Title: Hydroponic cultivation of Barleria obtusa: effects of B-Nine® WSG to improve its commercial value as a bedding plant Authors: Butt, S.; Laubscher, Charles Petrus; Koehorst, RR Abstract: Barleria obtusa is a fast growing, evergreen multi stemmed perennial covered with a mass of violet flowers in autumn that occur naturally in the Eastern and Northern provinces of South Africa. Because of their unique flowering time, and vigorous growth a test was conducted to determine if the growth of B. obtusa would be reduced and improve its commercial value as a bedding plant. Plants cultivated in a NFT hydroponic system, were treated with B-Nine® WSG foliar spray at concentrations of 2, 6, 10, 16 g/L (a.i.) per treatment on a weekly basis for 4 weeks, while the control remained untreated. Plant height as observed shows a significance difference between the control and treated plants with increasing the concentration applied. The control produced the most number of shoots as compared to treated plants however, the best results obtained at week 8 was treatment with 6 g/L. Compactness was measured using total surface area of the plants (a.i.) per pot and treatments with 2, 6, 10, 16 g/L were significantly different than the control. Total wet and dry weights of plants treated with the growth retardant were significantly affected than the control. With the results obtained, 6g/L showed significant results as to improve the commercial value of B. obtusa as a bedding plant. 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/11189/7920 Title: Effect of the growth retardant Cycocel® on the growth and flowering of Felicia aethiopica as a flowering potted plant Authors: Berry, D.A.; Laubscher, Charles Petrus; Mabela, H.T. Abstract: The Wild aster (Felicia aethiopica) was identified as a potential flowering potted plant due to its suitability to be grown in containers and its flowering period. However, the plant is naturally too tall for pot production. The plant growth retardant Cycocel® was selected as a possible means of controlling its growth habit. Plants were tested with five different concentrations (control, 800, 1 000, 1 250 and 1 500 ppm) applied as a foliar spray. Plants were cut back to 10 cm in height before the first application of Cycocel® was applied. The second application was applied 3 weeks later. After the first application, it was observed that all concentrations showed signs of leaf yellowing (chlorosis). The degree of yellowing increased with each concentration. The 800 ppm concentration produced shorter plants than the control. Although there were significant differences in plant width in week 8 and 10, Cycocel ® had no effect on reducing plant width in relation to the control. Cycocel® showed a positive effect on lateral branching and flower bud development towards the end of the experiment. The control was rated the most compact out of the 5 concentrations, but this is a result of the parameters set to measure each plant’s compactness. 2013-01-01T00:00:00Z