Booth Id:
PLNT043
Category:
Plant Sciences
Year:
2021
Finalist Names:
Stover, Nicole (School: Samuel W. Wolfson High School)
Abstract:
Chlorosis is a common problem in the commercial growth of arugula in Nutrient Film Technique (NFT)
systems and can be caused by nutrient or oxygen deficiencies. Building on conclusions from previous
years, this project seeks to determine the impact of DO on chlorophyll levels, crop yield, and
metabolic activity.
Group A was grown with DO concentration between 9-13mg/L. Group B was grown without added DO.
Forty rockwool plugs with seedlings were used in each group, distributed in 4 growth channels of the
hydroponic A-frame. Temperature, pH, DO, EC and chlorophyll were measured regularly throughout
both trials to maintain the nutrient concentration and oxygen levels. At the end of experimentation,
the mass of fresh foliage and dried roots were measured. At the end of Trial 2, neutral red, an ATP-dependent active transport stain, was used to evaluate the metabolic activity of the roots through
microscopy and colorimetry.
Plants in Group A grew more foliage, had a greater mass of roots and longer roots, higher chlorophyll
levels, less chlorosis, and greater metabolic activity in the roots. Root length, chlorophyll levels and
the metabolic activity evidenced by colorimetry were statistically significant. The growth of secondary
roots and increased metabolic activity in the roots allowed plants to absorb more nutrients, preventing
chlorosis and explaining the higher chlorophyll levels in Group A.
Augmentation of DO in commercial hydroponic systems should result in reduced plant stress and
susceptibility to pathogens, increased crop yield, overall profit for growers, and an increase in food
supply for the community.
Awards Won:
Fourth Award of $500