Germination and development of nasturtium, mustard greens and swiss chard in different substrates – Pilot Research I

Márcia Ribeiro1 and Michael James2

Introduction

The species studied are important as food, but also can be used to treat some diseases. Nasturtium is an excellent source of minerals and antioxidants and has been used in popular medicine due its antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and antitumor properties. Mustard greens are a nutrient-rich leafy plant with a zesty Dijon mustard flavor. According to folk medicine, it can be used to treat arthritis, foot ache, and rheumatism. Swiss chard is a green leafy vegetable with highly nutritious leaves, making it a popular component of healthy diets and also a source of phytochemical compounds, pigments and other phenolic compounds; its extract has significant biological activities.

Rockwool is a rock-based mineral that has been melted and spun into fibrous cubes, it provides roots with a good balance of water and oxygen. It can be used with flow systems, continuous drip or ebb and is suitable for plants of all sizes. The soil (Miracle-Gro Potting Mix®) is a mix of nutrients prepared to garden plants. Expanded clay pebbley is made by baking clay in a kiln, its tiny air pockets provide good drainage. Best used for ebb and flow systems or other systems that have frequent waterings. The objective was to observe the growth cycle, such as:

germination time, shoot length, number of roots and leaves, and signs of nutritional

deficiency.

Material and Methods

The experiment was carried out in the Natural Science Department of Hostos Community College, Bronx-NY. Seeds (Johnny’s Selected Seeds®) of nasturtium, mustard greens and swiss chard were established in trays with rockwool, soil (Miracle-Gro Potting Mix®), and expanded clay pebbley. After germination, the following variables were analyzed: NL – number of leaves, NR – number of roots, and SL – shoot length.

¹ Adjunct Assistant Professor, Natural Science Department, Biology Unit, Hostos Community

College.

² Student, Liberal Arts and Science Major, Hostos Community College.

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Results

Rockwool is considered the ideal substrate to propagate and produce crops specially in hydroponic; due to its structure, rockwool can hold water and retain air space to improve roots growth. The best results can be seen in the graphics bellow.

Graphic 1: Development of nasturtium in rockwool.

30 Germination and Development

Graphic 2: Development of mustard greens in rockwool.

Graphic 3: Development of swiss chard in rockwool.

Conclusion

Although the use of rockwool has already been established for a wide range of species in the hydroponic system, it was necessary to evaluate whether rockwool would also be the best substrate for non-hydroponic systems. The results showed that rockwool is the best in any system, but it is worth noting that this research is only a pilot and it would be better to repeat this experiment under an ideal environmental condition.

Acknowledgments

I would like to acknowledge the Natural Science Department, especially Prof. Francisco Fernandez, Prof. Julie Trachman, and Prof. Flor Henderson for supporting our research initiatives and for providing materials used in this pilot research.

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