Introduction To Plants

INTRODUCTION TO PLANTS
MEMBERS:
Ociel JR., Alberto O.
Carolino, Laika V.
Claveria, Myreen C.
Pelina, Carlos Jade L.
Sangco, Nicholas Andrei D.
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INTRODUCTION TO PLANT:
 ANATOMY
Plant anatomy is the study of the
shape, structure, and size of plants.
As a part of botany (the study of
plants), plant anatomy focuses on
the structural or body parts and
systems that make up a plant. A
typical plant body consists of three
major vegetative organs: the root,
the stem, and the leaf, as well as a
set of reproductive parts that include
flowers, fruits, and seeds.
 THE ROOT
A plant's roots, like the foundation of a
skyscraper, help it to stay upright. They
also absorb water and dissolved
minerals from the ground and give the
plant what it needs to make its own
food. Most roots grow underground
and move downward because of the
influence of gravity, although the roots
of some water plants float. Other root
systems, like that of the English ivy,
actually attach themselves to a vertical
surface and allow the plant to climb.
 THE STEM
Plant stems perform two functions.
They support the parts of the plant
aboveground (usually the buds, leaves,
and flowers), and they carry water and
food from place to place within the
plant itself. A stem is made up of an
outer layer, the epidermis; an inner
layer, the cortex; and a central zone
called the pith. The stem of a green
plant holds itself up by having
thousands of cells lined up next to and
on top of each other.
 THE LEAF
The leaf of a green plant manufactures

food for plant growth and repair. A leaf
is a highly specialized part of a plant
since it is the place.
 THE FLOWER
The reproductive part of a seed-producing

plant is called the flower. Flowers have male
and female cells that produce a seed when
they unite. The stamen is the male
reproductive organ in a flower and contains
the male cells (pollen) in its anther that grows
at the tip of its long, narrow stalk. The pistil is
the female reproductive organ and looks like
a long-necked bottle. It has a round base
containing the ovary, a slender tube or long
neck called the style, and a flattened, sticky
top called the stigma.
RELATED VIDEO:
LIFE CYCLES AND REPRODUCTIVE STRATEGIES OF PLANTS
The plant life cycle consists of four

stages; seed, sprout, small plant,
and adult plant.
 When the seed gets planted

into the soil with water and
sun, then it will start to grow
into a small sprout.
 When the sprout begins to grow a roots that go
deep into the ground and a stem that stretches
through the soil, then the plant will start to
grow leaves towards the sun.
 The sun helps the plant to produce food which

it will need when it becomes a small plant.
 When the plant becomes an adult, then you will

either see it bloom into beautiful flowers, fruits,
or vegetables and possibly attract some
pollinators, birds, or other creatures. Birds and
other animals can spread the seeds around
from the plant and start the process all over
again.
RELATED VIDEO:
REPRODUCTIVE STRATEGIES OF PLANTS
Because plants can’t move around freely, they depend on natural

forces like wind, water, insects, and other animals to help them
reproduce. Plants are equipped with special structures that help
aid in that process.

 Flowering plants have pollen that comes off very easily, either
rubbing off on animals or blowing in the wind. They also have a
stigma, a sticky female organ that catches pollen.
 The scents and colors of flowers attract certain pollinators.

Depending on their shape, they can also provide shelter for
small insects. These insects pick up pollen and transport it to
the next flower they come in contact with.
REPRODUCTIVE STRATEGIES OF PLANTS
 Plants also develop special adaptations to spread their seeds.
Some seeds are covered with spines, called burs, that hook
onto animals passing by and fall off in a new location to grow.
Pine cones hold seeds inside them, only opening during warm,
dry weather when it’s easier for the seeds to fertilize.
Dandelions have cottony seeds that blow away in the wind and
spread all over.
 Reproducing with another plant is called sexual reproduction,

and it improves genetic variation within a species. Some plants
are also capable of asexual reproduction, which doesn’t require
another plant, instead making new plants that are genetically
identical to their parent.
SPECIES PROFILES OF SOME SUITABLE AQUAPONIC CROPS
Aquaponics refers to the integrated production of aquatic animals and

plants, using the same water resources and nutrient inputs. In
modern times, aquaponics are practiced within recirculating systems.
Although it was probably already being practiced for centuries at the
time, the first written record of aquaponic methods was published by
Fan Lai in China in 500 BC. In the following centuries, the practice was
adopted in other parts of eastern and southern Asia, but aquaponics
may have arisen independently in a number of regions, since there
are historical records of this form of integrated plant and fish culture
from Japan, Peru, Egypt, Greece and Mexico.

Mayan and Aztec cultures developed aquaponic methods before 1000
AD. They created artificial planted rafts called chinampas in lakes and
ponds, with plant roots extending into the water below the surface.
The ancient Aztec capital Tenochtitlan was established in the middle
of a large, shallow lake, and by some estimates crops such as corn,
beans, squash, peppers and tomatoes grown on chinampas may have
provided one-half or more of the city’s food supplies.
HOW AQUAPONICS GARDENING WORKS?

Aquaponics works differently from this
method because an aquaponics system
works by creating a nitrogen cycle. In this
cycle, the three main elements, the fish,
plants, and bacteria, shared the water. In the
fish tank, fish produced high ammonia
wastes. The pump carries this waste into the
grow bed, where the bacteria convert these
wastes into nitrites and then into nitrates.

SUITABLE AQUAPONIC CROPS
 LETTUCE
Nutrient Requirement: Low

pH Requirement: between 6.0 to 6.2
Temperature: between 60° to 70° F

 Lettuce is one of the best plants for aquaponics because it is
one of the easiest to grow in any aquaponics method. They
require little maintenance and have low nutrient
requirements. With a short growing cycle and a high market
demand, lettuce is the most popular aquaponics plant.
Lettuce loves the sunlight, so position them to a spot where
they can get 5 hours of sun every day. If you have an indoor
set, ensure that they get enough light from the grow lights.

 BASIL

Basil is naturally tolerant of heat and moisture, making it one
of the best plants for aquaponics. This plant grows fast, can
germinate within five days, and can be harvested within 25
days. To ensure your basil keeps growing, do not remove more
than a third of the plant when harvesting. Basil loves warm
weather, so place them in a spot where they can enjoy 6 to 8
hours of sun every day.

 KALE

pH Requirement: between 6 to 7.5
Temperature: between
55 ° to 70° F

Kale is easy to grow and has low nutrient requirements,
making them one of the best plants for aquaponics. Kale
prefers a cooler temperature and can be harvested within 5 to
6 weeks. You can plant your kale directly to sunlight, but you
must provide partial shade when the climate gets too hot.
 CABBAGE
Nutrient Requirement: High

Cabbage is one of the easiest plants to grow in aquaponics. It
grows well in the pH range between 6.2 and 6.6 with a
temperature of 60 to 70 F. Cabbage needs very little
maintenance and loves the sun. So plant them in a location
where they can get at least 6 hours of sunlight every day.
.
 SWISS CHARD

Temperature: between 60° to 75°F

Swiss Chard is a frost-resistant plant, so it is an ideal
plant to grow during winter. It's a perfect starter
plant for aquaponics because it has low nutrient
requirements. Chard can be harvested fully or
partially after 4 to 5 weeks from seed.
 BOK CHOY
Temperature: between 30°F

Chinese cabbage that is an excellent
Bok choy is a popular
choice for the raft system. Although Bok choy is a little heavier,
it's still one of the best plants to grow in a raft system. Just be
sure that your rafts are sturdy and don't overload your raft
with too many bok choy plants. Grow time for Bok choy is 8 to
11 weeks from seed.
 MINT
Temperature: between 65 ° to 70° F

a dozen varieties to choose from, and all
Mint has more than
of them grow well in aquaponics. Mints like partial shading
from the sun. In planting mint, it is advisable to put 18 to 24
inches of space between each herb to ensure ease of access
and to avoid the roots from competing for water and light
nutrients.
 WATERCRESS

Watercress loves
water and grows very quickly,
making it one of the best plants for aquaponics. It is
a popular plant among aquaponics growers because,
aside from being nutrient-packed, it is also fast
growing.
 PARSLEY
pH Requirement: 6.0 to 7.0
Temperature: 60° to 80° F

Parsley is one of the best plants in aquaponics because it is not

a nutrient-demanding plant. Grow your parsley in a spot where
it catches at least 8 hours of sun daily, but parsley will require
partial shading when the climate is too hot. Parsley helps other
plants grow stronger, and it is best to plant parsley with
tomato and corn.

 TOMATO
Temperature: between 65°F to 85°F

Tomatoes are a popular choice for aquaponics growers, but
they are high nutrients plants, so they are better suited for
larger and established systems. There are many varieties of
tomatoes, and all of them have similar characteristics.
Tomatoes like lots of sunshine and can grow up to 6 feet, so
you need to support their structure to ensure they grow
upwards.
 GINGER
Temperature: between 75 to 79°F

Ginger grows well in media bed aquaponics systems
which can structurally support its roots as it grows.
Ginger thrives in a humid and warm environment
full sunlight to grow.
and doesn't need

 CHILLI
Nutrient Requirement: Medium to High

Chilli peppers are the most popular spice around the world
and one of the best plants for aquaponics. They are easy to
manage and require medium to high nutrient requirements.
Peppers grow best in warmer climates, so if you live in a mild
climate, you will need to grow them indoors to provide
artificial sunlight to keep them warm.

RELATED VIDEO:
PLANT HEALTH AND NUTRITION:
NUTRITIONAL REQUIREMENTS OF PLANTS PREVENTION RECOGNITION
Plants need 16 essential nutrients, or elements. These include the

carbon (C), oxygen (O) and hydrogen (H) they draw from water and
the air. The remaining elements are drawn from the soil. These
nutrients can be divided into three categories: primary
(macronutrients), secondary and minor (micronutrients).

Primary elements (macronutrients)
Plants need large quantities of these elements. That is why they are
called “primary” or “macronutrients.”

Element Role in plant growth
Nitrogen (N) Basic component of proteins and chlorophyll

(the pigment that gives plants their green
colour). Plays an essential role in plant growth.
Also feeds microorganisms in the soil.

Phosphorous (P) Plays an important role in root growth and
promotes the establishment of young plants,
flowering, fruiting and ripening,
photosynthesis, respiration and overall plant
growth.
Potassium (K) Moves through the plant. Promotes the

movement of sugars, turgor and stem rigidity.
Also increases the plant’s overall resistance to
cold, diseases, insect pests, etc. Promotes the
formation of flower buds, the hardening-off of
woody plants and fruiting.
Secondary elements
Less of these elements is required than of primary elements.
Calcium (Ca) Plays a vital role in plant structure, because it

is part of cell walls and holds them together.
Promotes the development of the root
system and the ripening of fruit and seeds.
in the growing parts of plants (apex
Found
and buds).
Magnesium (Mg) An important part of chlorophyll. Helps fruit

ripen and seeds germinate. Reinforces cell
walls and promotes the absorption of
phosphorous, nitrogen and sulphur by plants.
Sulphur (S) A component of several proteins, enzymes

and vitamins. Contributes to chlorophyll
production. Helps plants absorb potassium,
calcium and magnesium.
Minor elements (micronutrients)
Although only small quantities of these elements are required, they are essential to plant
growth.
Iron (Fe) Essential to chlorophyll production. Also
contributes to the formation of some enzymes
and amino acids.
Boron (B) Essential to overall plant health and tissue
growth. Promotes the formation of fruit and

the absorption of water.
Manganese (Mn) Promotes seed germination and speeds plant
maturity. Plays an important role in
photosynthesis by contributing to chlorophyll
production. Essential for nitrogen assimilation
and protein formation.
Molybdenum (Mo) Essential for nitrogen assimilation by plants and

nitrogen fixation by bacteria. This means that it
is needed for the production of nitrogen-based
proteins.
Chlorine (Cl) Stimulates photosynthesis.
Copper (Cu) Activates various enzymes. Also plays a role in
chlorophyll production.
Zinc (Zn) Plays an important role in the synthesis of
proteins, enzymes and growth hormones.
TREATMENT OF PLANT PARASITES AND PATHOGENS
 MEALYBUGS
Mealybugs are small, pale insects related to scales. They are
about ⅛ to ¼ inch long and move very sluggishly. The adult
females cover themselves and their eggs with a white, waxy
material, making them look cottony. Some have waxy filaments
that extend beyond their bodies.
TREATMENT:
Light infestations can be controlled by removing individual
mealybugs by hand or by wiping each insect with a cotton swab
dipped in rubbing alcohol. An insecticidal soap spray may also be
used. With a heavy infestation, it may be necessary to discard
the plant. For houseplants that are outdoors, spray with neem
oil extract, pyrethrins, acetamiprid, imidacloprid, cyfluthrin,
cyhalothrin to control mealybugs.
deltamethrin, or lambda
Imidacloprid granules put onto the soil will also control
mealybugs.
 SPIDER MITES
Mites are not insects but are more closely related to spiders.
Since they are extremely small, plant damage is typically the
first sign of their presence. A silky web is often seen with
heavier infestations.
TREATMENT:
Spray sturdy plants forcefully with water, including the
undersides of leaves, to dislodge mites and break up their
webs. Plants also can be sprayed with insecticidal soap. For
houseplants that are outdoors, spray with insecticidal soap,
neem oil extract, or an insecticide containing sulfur. It is often
necessary to spray once a week for several weeks to control
mites.
 WHITEFLIES
Whiteflies are not true flies but are more closely related to
scales, mealybugs, and aphids. They are very small, about 1/10–
to 1/16 -inch long. They have a powdery white appearance and
resemble tiny moths. When at rest, the wings are held at an
angle, roof-like over the body. The immature stage is scale-like
and does not move.

TREATMENT:
Wash the plant. Spray the plant thoroughly with insecticidal
soap, especially the lower leaf surfaces. Imidacloprid granules
put onto the soil will also control whiteflies. For houseplants that
are taken outdoors, spray with insecticidal soap, neem oil
extract, acetamiprid, imidacloprid, cyfluthrin, deltamethrin, or
lambda cyhalothrin to control whiteflies.
 SCALE
Scale insects can be divided into two groups: armored scales and soft
scales. An armored scale secretes a waxy covering that is not an
integral part of its body. The covering can be scraped off to locate the
insect living beneath it. In contrast, the waxy covering that a soft scale
secretes is an integral part of its body
TREATMENT:
Early infestations of scales can be removed by scraping with a
fingernail. Adult scales are relatively protected from insecticides by
their waxy covering. However, for houseplants outdoors, sprays with
products containing neem oil extract or canola oil help control adult
scale insects by smothering. Their crawlers are susceptible to many

insecticides, such as insecticidal soap, neem oil extract, canola oil,
pyrethrins, acetamiprid, imidacloprid, cyfluthrin, deltamethrin, or
lambda cyhalothrin.
 FUNGUS GNATS
Adult fungus gnats are delicate in appearance and about 1/8-inch long.
Often they can be seen running across or flying near the soil surface
under a houseplant. They are weak flyers and are attracted to light. The
adults do not feed on houseplants but can be a nuisance to people. In
severe infestations, they are often seen in large numbers on nearby
windows.
TREATMENT:
For plants that can tolerate it (i.e., most houseplants, especially during
winter), allow the soil to dry between watering. Dry conditions will kill
the larvae. Do not allow water to stand in the saucer beneath
houseplant containers, and invert saucers beneath plants outside to not
collect rainwater. Products that contain strains of the biological control
subspecies israelensis can be applied to the
agent Bacillus thuringiensis
soil of houseplants and watered into the soil for control.
 APHIDS Aphids are small, soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects about 1/16– to ⅛-
inch long. They are usually green but may be pink, brown, black, or
yellow. Some aphids have a woolly or powdery appearance because of
a waxy coat. Adults may or may not have wings
TREATMENT:
With minor infestations, handpicking, spraying with water, or wiping
the insects with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol may be
practical. Insecticidal soap spray may also be used. In most cases, the
treatment will have to be repeated multiple times. For houseplants
that are taken outdoors, spray with insecticidal soap, neem oil extract,
pyrethrins, imidacloprid, cyfluthrin, deltamethrin, or lambda
cyhalothrin to control aphids.
 AN OVERVIEW OF PRINCIPLE OF COMPANION PLANTING AND OF

AQUAPONICS SAFE NUTRIENTS AND PESTICIDES.

RELATED VIDEO:
PRINCIPLE OF COMPANION PLANTING
The practice of companion planting has been around for generations. We

see the principle working brilliantly when the three sisters – corn, beans,
and squash – are planted together. Each crop is doing its part to sustain the
other
“Companion planting is about marrying plants that work well together in
order to survive and grow strong and healthy. It’s a gardener’s and farmer’s
way of creating a botanical community where all plants benefit one another
and the garden as a living organism.”

Caring for companion plantings isn’t any different from how you normally
care for your garden. You still need to prepare the soil, plant at the proper
time, and water and fertilize as necessary.
Companion planting is the practice of planting two or more types of plants
close together for some kind of benefit, such as the control of pests,
increased health and vigour, resistance to disease, or higher yields. These
are termed “good companions”.

PRINCIPLE OF COMPANION PLANTING
BENEFITS OF COMPANION PLANTING

 Cuts out the need for chemicals
 Reduces labor in the garden
 Allows the plants to benefit each other by providing
shade and attracting pollinators
 Helps the plants work in harmony by building
nutrients in the soil

The biggest benefit of companion planting is adding
of your
diversity to your garden. Increasing the diversity
garden plantings is a natural and effective way to avoid
wiping out your vegetable garden when pests arrive.
This diversity will minimize pest and disease problems.
CROPS AND THEIR COMPANION PLANTS
 COMPANION PLANTS FOR TOMATOES:
 Beans supply nutrients to the soil around tomatoes. They also

improve yields.
 Borage will help suppress weeds and is a general health improver
for the plants around it.
 Chives are wonderful pollinators and are known to help prevent
disease.
 Nasturtium is a trap crop and aids with pollination.
 Oregano is a beneficial pollinator.
 Sage is shelter crop for tomatoes, protecting it from water
damage.
 Sunflower not only attracts pollinators; it also acts a support and
shelter crop.
Tomato should not be planted with dill, fennel, potatoes, kohlrabi or

corn
 COMPANION PLANTS FOR CUCUMBER AND SQUASH:
 Beans supply nutrients to the soil and also improve yields.

 Chamomile will improve the flavor and is a health improver
 Coriander is a beneficial plant attracting pollinator and deterring
pests
 Corn acts as a support and shelter crop
 Dill with its scented leaves, deters pests
 Nasturtium is a trap crop, deterring pests and aiding with
pollination.
 Oregano is a beneficial pollinator.
 Radishes, which can be grown as a catch crop and soil improver,
will mature much faster.
 Sunflower attracts pollinators
Cucumber and squash should not be planted with sage or potato

 COMPANION PLANTS FOR BEANS:
 Corn, which acts as a support and shelter crop.

 Cabbage will improve soil and yields.
 Carrots also improve the soil.
 Cucumbers help improve yields.
 Marigolds deter pests.
 Potatoes protect the bean against the Mexican
bean beetle.
 Tomato acts as a support plant.
Beans do not like fennel, garlic, leeks, onions or

shallots.
 COMPANIONS PLANTS FOR PEPPERS:
 Basil, which deters pests.

 Chives act as a pollinator; deter unwanted pests and prevent
disease.
 Chamomile improves flavor and health of the plant.
 Marigold improves plant health and soil health.
 Garlic’s pungent scent deters pests and prevents disease.
 Nasturtium is a terrific pollinator. It deters pests and acts as a trap
crop.
 Oregano deters pests and acts as a pollinator.
 Sunflower is a shelter crop, helping to pollinate and support
plants.
 Yarrow supplies nutrients to the soil, improves plant and soil
health.
 Peppers do not like: beans, fennel, and kohlrabi

RELATED VIDEO:
AQUAPONICS SAFE NUTRIENTS
It is useful to know which nutrients are most likely to be missing in

your aquaponics. It is worth noting that the type of fish you have and
the food you use will affect which nutrients are missing.

The basic principle is that the food they need will be supplied by the
fish. The most important ingredients in your Aquaponics system are
nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium sulfur, and magnesium.
Your plants will also need trace amounts of boron, copper, chloride,
zinc, molybdenum, iron and manganese.

AQUAPONICS SAFE NUTRIENTS
Most common deficiencies include:

 Iron – this is easy to spot by watching your new plants. If they have yellowish growth then
the system is low on iron. Click here to learn more about iron deficiency in aquaponics.
 Potassium – your plants will absorb this soluble element and use it to regulate the
processes going on inside the plant. It is also an essential element in the movement of
water throughout the plant. You may be surprised to learn that potassium is also
responsible for the process that allows gas to enter and leave the plant.
 Calcium – This essential mineral is part of the plant growth cycle. Without it, the structure
of the plant is likely to disintegrate as the water cannot be retained properly. Levels of
calcium can be affected by excess magnesium or potassium. When the humidity is high
and there is little ventilation your plants may also struggle with calcium even if there is
enough in the water. You’ll notice they are not losing water and very little is being taken
in by them.
 Phosphorus – A lack of this mineral will cause stunted growth in your plants; especially in
the early stages of plant development. The leaves may become darker and even taken on
a reddish or purple hue. More worrying is the fact that a phosphorus deficiency is likely to
prevent your plant from flowering or even growing fruit or vegetable.
ADDING NUTRIENTS TO AQUAPONICS
Potassium

There are two main ways in which to add potassium to your aquaponics system:

Spray
Use potassium chloride and spray it onto the plants. This is a process that you’ll need to repeat
at least weekly.

Food Additive
The alternative is to add potassium in the food through kelp meal concentrate. Other options
include potassium sulfate or potassium hydroxide.

Unfortunately, there is a complication with potassium. The potassium you add is not always
available to your plants. Potassium is known to interact with calcium and magnesium; reducing
the amount available to your plants. Therefore to ensure the potassium you supply is used
effectively you need to measure the calcium and magnesium levels in your system and ensure
they remain balanced.
ADDING NUTRIENTS TO AQUAPONICS
Calcium

The most effective way to treat calcium deficiency is via a spray. Simply get calcium chloride and mix it
with some water. A good starting ratio is 4 teaspoons per gallon of water. You can always increase the
dose if necessary.

Then simply spray once a week. You can also add some shellfish bones to your fish tank; this will also
increase the supply of calcium and phosphorous.

Iron

You need to add a form of iron that can be absorbed by the plant. This means using chelated iron; the
best one to choose is Fe-DTPA. This will be effective providing your pH is 7.5 or lower; which it should
be for healthy plants.

You need to aim for 2mg/liter. Simply calculate the size of your water tank and then add the
corresponding amount of iron every 3 -4 weeks.
Phosphorous

This is another essential mineral for healthy plant growth. Again you’ll need to add it in a form that your
plants can easily absorb; this will ensure the maximum benefit to your plants.
AQUAPONICS SAFE PESTICIDES

WHY WE CAN’T USE PESTICIDES IN AQUAPONICS?
Pesticides often contain chemicals that are not good for our health. Using pesticides
might be very effective in eradicating insects or pests, but they might also affect or
kill the fish in the system. Fish health is essential in aquaponics, so it is very
important to avoid adding chemicals that might hurt or kill them. Besides,
aquaponics aims to produce sustainable and organic food. So using chemicals to
control pests or even add fertilizer may have risks that might be transferred to the
fish, plants, and the food they produce.

AQUAPONICS PEST PREVENTION AND CONTROL
There are several ways of preventing pests from entering your aquaponics system
without using any harmful pesticides. These are:

Weed Mats
Prevent insects or pests from eating your plants by using physical barriers like installing a
weed mat on the ground around your grow bed. Weed mats keep the weeds away from the
side of your grow bed. If you have at least three to four feet of open space around your
grow bed, it will be difficult for pests to move from the weed mats to your plants.

Companion Planting
Another method of protecting your plants organically from pests is through companion
planting. This works by growing sacrificial plants to attract or symbiotic plants to keep away
insects through scent or taste.

Removal of Pests Manually
One of the easiest pest control methods is physically removing unwanted pests from the

plants using your hands or a toothbrush or paintbrush. This can be time-consuming because
many pests are well camouflaged and tiny.

Water Spray
In the wild, elements such as wind, rain, and temperature help control the insect
populations. Rain prevents winged insects from flying, and droplets knock them off
from the plants. You can use a spray bottle filled with aquaponics water to mimic
the rain or use a fan to replicate the wind and use heaters to control the
temperature of your aquaponics system.

Beneficial Insects
Using beneficial insects that prey on plant-damaging pests in your aquaponic
garden is one of the best organic pest prevention and control methods. Several
useful insect varieties can be used in aquaponics. You can naturally attract these
beneficial insects by creating a habitat for them in your aquaponic garden. These
beneficial insects can also be bought from garden or farming suppliers near you.
These are some beneficial insects excellent in naturally controlling pests in your
aquaponics garden.

1. Ladybugs/Beetles: Ladybugs are one of the most common beneficial insects in

any garden and farm. They are a natural predator of pests and eat aphids,
smaller beetles, caterpillars, and most insect eggs. Both adults and larvae of
ladybugs work wonders in destroying garden pests.
2. Green Lacewings: Lacewing larvae eat aphids, caterpillars, mealybugs, thrips,
leafhoppers, whitefly larvae, a wide variety of moth eggs, and just about any
other soft-bodied pest.
3. Tachinid Flies: The larvae of tachinid fly eat caterpillars, cutworms, squash bugs,
beetles, earwigs, and grasshoppers. These insects are also known as excellent
pollinators because they generally prefer nectar and pollen.
4. Spiders: Spiders are great at keeping pests under control. Even a young or smaller
spider can do an excellent job in eating up insects that destroy your plants
because of their web.

PLANT MANAGEMENT
CROP MANAGEMENT STRATEGY DESIGN; PROPAGATION, PLANTING, AND TRANSPLANTING
SEEDLINGS; PRUNING, HARVESTING AND SYSTEM BALANCE

Crop management is the set of agricultural practices performed to improve the growth,
development and yield of crops.
PROPAGATION:
Plant propagation is the process of creating new plants. There are two types of propagation:
sexual and asexual. Sexual reproduction is the union of the pollen and egg, drawing from
the genes of two parents to create a new, third individual. Sexual propagation involves the
floral parts of a plant. Asexual propagation involves taking a part of one parent plant and
causing it to regenerate itself into a new plant. The resulting new plant is genetically
identical its parent. Asexual propagation involves the vegetative parts of a plant: stems,
roots, or leaves.

PLANTING:

The meaning of PLANTING is an area where plants are grown for commercial or decorative
purposes; also : the plants grown in such an area.
The other way of establishment is not by
TRANSPLANTING SEEDLINGS
sowing seeds but by transplanting seedlings
that are grown in nurseries first. Transplanting
of rice seedlings into puddled fields is widely
practiced in Asia, primarily to better control
weeds.

Transplanting them into larger pots, helps
them develop healthier roots and grow faster.
By not restraining their growth indoors, you're
training them to grow big and strong when it's
time to put them in the garden.

PRUNING
The removal or reduction of parts of a plant, tree, or vine that are not
requisite to growth or production, are no longer visually pleasing, or
are injurious to the health or development of the plant.
The goal is to remove unwanted branches, improve the tree's
structure, and direct new, healthy growth.

HARVESTING
Harvesting is the process of gathering a ripe crop from the fields. The
operation of gathering the useful part or parts of the plant and is
carried out at the time when all the nutrients have developed and
the edible parts have reached the appropriate
degree of maturity.

REFERENCES:
https://www.agmrc.org/commodities-products/aquaculture/aquaponics
https://gogreenaquaponics.com/blogs/news/what-are-the-best-plants-for-aquaponics
https://espacepourlavie.ca/en/plants-nutrient-requirements#:~:text=Plants%20need%2016%20essential
%20nutrients,secondary%20and%20minor%20(micronutrients).
https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/common-houseplant-insects-related-pests/#:~:text=Control%3A%20S
pray%20sturdy%20plants%20forcefully,or%20an%20insecticide%20containing%20sulfur.
https://preparednessmama.com/companion-planting-basics/#:~:text=We%20see%20the%20principle%20
working,and%20grow%20strong%20and%20healthy.
https://deepgreenpermaculture.com/2009/08/17/companion-planting/#:~:text=Companion%20planting
%20is%20the%20practice,are%20termed%20%E2%80%9Cgood%20companions%E2%80%9D.
https://www.howtoaquaponic.com/designs/aquaponics-nutrients/
https://gogreenaquaponics.com/blogs/news/organic-pest-control-in-aquaponics
https://extension.umaine.edu/gardening/manual/propagation/plant-propagation/
http://www.knowledgebank.irri.org/ericeproduction/II.4_Transplanting.htm
https://youshouldgrow.com/when-to-repot-seedlings/
https://www.britannica.com/topic/pruning
https://blog.davey.com/2018/09/what-is-pruning-the-importance-benefits-and-methods-of-pruning/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harvest
https://vikaspedia.in/agriculture/post-harvest-technologies/technologies-for-agri-horti-crops/post-harves
t-management-of-pulses/harvesting

Introduction To Plants

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Introduction To Plants

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What are the main parts of a plant?

What are the main parts of a plant?

What are the functions of the root, stem and leaf?

What are the functions of the root, stem and leaf?

INTRODUCTION TO PLANTS

The leaf of a green plant manufactures

The reproductive part of a seed-producing

The plant life cycle consists of four

 When the seed gets planted

 The sun helps the plant to produce food which

 When the plant becomes an adult, then you will

Because plants can’t move around freely, they depend on natural

 The scents and colors of flowers attract certain pollinators.

 Reproducing with another plant is called sexual reproduction,

Aquaponics refers to the integrated production of aquatic animals and

Nutrient Requirement: Low

Nutrient Requirement: Low

Nutrient Requirement: Low

Plants need 16 essential nutrients, or elements. These include the

Nitrogen (N) Basic component of proteins and chlorophyll

Potassium (K) Moves through the plant. Promotes the

Calcium (Ca) Plays a vital role in plant structure, because it

Magnesium (Mg) An important part of chlorophyll. Helps fruit

Sulphur (S) A component of several proteins, enzymes

Molybdenum (Mo) Essential for nitrogen assimilation by plants and

 AN OVERVIEW OF PRINCIPLE OF COMPANION PLANTING AND OF

The practice of companion planting has been around for generations. We

BENEFITS OF COMPANION PLANTING

 Beans supply nutrients to the soil around tomatoes. They also

Tomato should not be planted with dill, fennel, potatoes, kohlrabi or

 Beans supply nutrients to the soil and also improve yields.

Cucumber and squash should not be planted with sage or potato

 Corn, which acts as a support and shelter crop.

Beans do not like fennel, garlic, leeks, onions or

 Basil, which deters pests.

It is useful to know which nutrients are most likely to be missing in

Most common deficiencies include:

1. Ladybugs/Beetles: Ladybugs are one of the most common beneficial insects in

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