Cloves #5

Hello everyone!

Today we will be talking about environmental conditions and agro-ecosystems. Firstly I will explain the climatic conditions in Indonesia, secondly rainfall distribution and how this affects clove production. Our second topic today is irrigation systems on clove plantations.

Climatic conditions in Indonesia

The climate in Indonesia is almost entirely tropical. The uniformly warm waters that surround the country make it that temperatures remain fairly constant ranging from 23 °C in higher mountain areas to 28 °C on the coastal plains.
The humidity in the country ranges between 70 to 90 % and wind is fairly moderate. The chances of storms and typhoons are however present in some areas. The different climates in Indonesia are: Tropical rainforests, tropical monsoons and tropical savanna. The areas were most cloves are grown (Spice islands, Moluccas) are part of the tropical rainforest climate. (wiki/Climate_of_Indonesia,2017)



Clove trees require a tropical climate and a warm humid climate having a temperature of around 20 to 30⁰C. Humid atmospheric conditions and annual rainfall of 150 to 250 cm are essential. It thrives well in all situations ranging from sea level up to an altitude of 1500 metres and also in places proximal to and away from sea. (IndiaAgro,2017)

Indonesia with its tropical climate, high humidity and high monthly rainfall matches all climatic criteria for good clove growing conditions.

Irrigation of clove plantations

Irrigation is only needed in the first 3 years of growing in areas were pronounced drought is experienced, simple pot watering is used normally in those situations. Furthermore there are irrigation techniques such as: placing a bamboo tube 20cm underground directly towards the roots and irrigate the tree like that for most efficient water use. Indonesia with its high monthly rainfall won’t need to irrigate much extra, except in long dry periods. Although the trees can survive without irrigation in these dry periods, it is advantageous to irrigate the trees for proper growth and yield. (IndiaAgro,2017)

Bibliography:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Climate_of_Indonesia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropical_rainforest_climate
https://www.indiaagronet.com/horticulture/CONTENTS/clove.htm

Cloves #4

Hello everyone! 

Today I will be talking about whether cloves are self-pollinating & cross-pollinating. And secondly I will discuss the use of transgenic plants in agriculture.

First of all, what is the difference between self-pollinating plants and cross-pollinating plants?

Self-pollination occurs when plants are able to pollinate themselves. These plants are usually genetically Homozygous. So this is either AA or bb. Self-pollinated plants are considered as “pure line variety” in reproduction while cross-pollinated plants are not a pure line. Cross pollination occurs when pollen of one plants fertilizes the ovule of another plant. (Watts, 2017)

Cloves are considered to be self-pollinating plants in Indonesia. However the clove tree has little flowers which are attractive to bees and other insects, these are responsible for the pollination. This makes cloves also a cross-pollinated plant. (Weiss, 2002) (Goebel, 1988)



The use of transgenic plants in agriculture.

I personally am of opinion that there is nothing wrong with the use of transgenic plants. Most people around the world are scared for the unknown, and the benefits of transgenic plants are unclear to most consumers. Cross-breeding has occurred many times in history and it is not something completely new to us humans. However next to the positive aspects of for instance: Better yields, disease tolerant crops and taste/looks. I understand the fear of losing biodiversity and variety.
Bibliography:

http://rfcarchives.org.au/Next/CaringForTrees/Pollination1-88.htm
https://hao.blackboard.nl/bbcswebdav/pid-775442-dt-content-rid-3511764_2/courses/hdb_v_IF2424_1718/Lecture%204%20Improving%20plants2015_16.pdf